CHAPTER 6

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The third trimester brought new challenges for Jungkook. His belly was larger now, making simple tasks like bending over or walking up stairs exhausting. He often found himself out of breath, leaning against the walls for support.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Jungkook tried to carry a basket of laundry to his room. Halfway up the staircase, his knees buckled, and the basket tumbled to the floor.

“Jungkook!” a sharp voice called out.

Jungkook turned to see Taehyung rushing toward him. His husband’s usual cold demeanor was replaced with genuine concern as he grabbed Jungkook’s arm to steady him.

“What were you thinking?” Taehyung scolded, his grip firm but not harsh.

“I-I just wanted to help,” Jungkook stammered, tears of frustration welling in his eyes. “I didn’t want to be useless.”

Taehyung’s expression softened for a moment. Without another word, he scooped Jungkook into his arms and carried him to their bedroom.

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Once Jungkook was settled on the bed, Taehyung crouched down beside him, his sharp eyes scanning Jungkook’s face.

“You’re not useless,” Taehyung said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “But you need to stop pushing yourself so hard. The baby needs you to be healthy.”

Jungkook blinked, surprised by the warmth in Taehyung’s words. “I just… I feel like I’m doing this alone.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t look away. “You’re not alone,” he said finally. “Even if I haven’t been around much… I’m here now.”

It wasn’t an apology, but it was the closest Taehyung had ever come to one.

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Preparing for the Baby

After that night, Taehyung began to change in small but noticeable ways. He insisted on accompanying Jungkook to every doctor’s appointment, even rearranging his busy schedule to make time.

During one visit, the doctor handed them an ultrasound image of the baby. Taehyung stared at the tiny, blurry figure on the screen, his expression unreadable.

“That’s him,” Jungkook said softly, watching Taehyung’s face. “Our son.”

Taehyung nodded, his hand tightening around the photo. “He looks… perfect.”

For the first time, Jungkook saw a flicker of pride in Taehyung’s eyes.

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One stormy night, Jungkook woke up with sharp pains in his back and stomach. Panicking, he tried to get out of bed, but the pain was too much.

“Taehyung!” he called out, his voice trembling.

Taehyung burst into the room seconds later, his hair disheveled and his expression frantic. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Jungkook gasped. “Something feels wrong.”

Taehyung didn’t hesitate. He lifted Jungkook into his arms and carried him to the car, barking orders to the driver to head to the hospital.

During the ride, Taehyung held Jungkook’s hand tightly, his usual calm facade cracking. “You’ll be fine,” he murmured, more to himself than to Jungkook. “You and the baby will be fine.”

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At the hospital, the doctor reassured them that the pain was just Braxton Hicks contractions—false labor. Jungkook was fine, but the experience left both of them shaken.

As they returned home that night, Taehyung didn’t let go of Jungkook’s hand until they were back in their bedroom.

“You scared me,” Taehyung admitted quietly, sitting beside Jungkook on the bed.

Jungkook looked at him in surprise. “You were scared?”

Taehyung nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. “I’ve been cold to you, Jungkook. I know that. But tonight… I realized I can’t lose you. I can’t lose either of you.”

It was the first time Taehyung had openly acknowledged his feelings, and it left Jungkook speechless.
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As Jungkook drifted off to sleep that night, he felt Taehyung’s hand resting protectively on his belly. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope—not just for their baby, but for their future as a family.

Taehyung’s walls were beginning to crumble, and Jungkook dared to believe that love might finally have a place in their marriage.

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