Forced Vows,true Love ||top Tae

16

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The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through the palace windows as Jungkook entered the grand kitchen. The polished marble floors and counters gleamed under the light, but the moment he stepped inside, the bustling kitchen froze. Maids and cooks stopped in their tracks, staring at him with wide eyes, their hands clutching bowls, ladles, and trays mid-motion.

“Y-Your Highness,” one of the senior maids stammered, bowing so low her forehead nearly touched the counter. “You… you shouldn’t be here!”

Jungkook pulled his scarf tighter around his face, embarrassed by the sudden attention. “I’m not here to cause trouble,” he said softly, his voice like a gentle breeze. “I just want to make a small brunch… by myself.”

The room erupted into a quiet but frantic chaos.

“Your Highness, it’s improper for the royal consort to—”

“Please let us handle it, Your Highness!”

“Why not simply request the royal chefs?!”

Jungkook raised a hand, silencing them. Despite his gentle demeanor, there was an unmistakable authority in his gaze. “I appreciate your concern,” he said, offering a small smile to ease their worries. “But today, I want to cook something myself. I’ll let you know if I need help.”

The maids exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to proceed. One younger maid, braver than the rest, hesitantly asked, “May I ask… why, Your Highness?”

Jungkook paused, his fingers tracing the edge of the counter. “Because… it feels like everything in my life is decided for me. Cooking—” He looked up, his eyes reflecting both determination and vulnerability. “It’s something I can do for myself. A small act of freedom.”

The maids fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Slowly, they stepped back, giving him the space he needed.

Jungkook’s delicate hands began to work, unfamiliar but earnest. He selected fresh vegetables, carefully washed them, and clumsily chopped them with a knife that felt heavier than he expected. The scent of herbs and spices filled the air as he mixed ingredients for a simple porridge. His face scrunched in concentration as he tried to recall the recipe his mother had once shown him during their quiet moments together.

Occasionally, he fumbled, dropping a utensil or spilling a bit of broth, but he refused to ask for help. The maids watched discreetly from the corners, suppressing smiles at his adorable attempts.

Halfway through, his hand slipped, and a small cut appeared on his finger. A sharp sting made him wince, and the maids rushed forward, but Jungkook held up his hand. “I’m fine,” he said, shaking his head. He wrapped a piece of cloth around the cut and continued, a spark of determination lighting his features.

Taehyung had been passing by the kitchen when he heard the unusual clatter and hushed voices. Curious, he stepped inside, only to freeze at the sight before him.

There, in the middle of the grand royal kitchen, stood Jungkook, his hanfu sleeves tied back to his elbows, a faint smear of flour on his cheek. His scarf had slipped slightly, revealing the soft curve of his jawline and the focused furrow of his brows.

For a moment, Taehyung said nothing, his usual stoic mask slipping ever so slightly. The sight was… unexpected. Endearing.

“What are you doing?” Taehyung’s voice cut through the room like a blade, startling both Jungkook and the maids.

Jungkook looked up, his eyes wide like a child caught sneaking sweets. “Making brunch,” he said simply, though his tone held a hint of defiance.

Taehyung crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “Do you think this is your place?”

Jungkook turned back to the pot, stirring the porridge with deliberate care. “I think my place is wherever I choose it to be, Your Highness.”

The maids gasped softly, their eyes darting between the two royals.

For a moment, Taehyung didn’t respond. He watched Jungkook’s delicate movements, the way he carried himself with quiet grace, even in defiance. Then, almost imperceptibly, the corners of his lips twitched upward, though his voice remained neutral. “Let’s see if it’s edible, then.”

Jungkook glanced at him, surprised, but didn’t comment.

When the meal was finally ready, Jungkook served it in two modest bowls, placing one in front of Taehyung. The alpha took a bite, his expression giving nothing away.

“Well?” Jungkook asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Taehyung set the bowl down, meeting his gaze with an intensity that made Jungkook’s heart skip a beat. “Not bad,” he said, and for the first time, there was a flicker of warmth in his eyes.

Jungkook couldn’t help but smile, his heart feeling just a little lighter. For once, he had done something for himself, and it had mattered.

Cute 🤗