SWEETHEART

Chapter-30

HI

The late afternoon sun dipped behind the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and purple.

After carefully, balancing the decorated cake in his hands, Taehyung carried it to the bedroom, a simple Orange colored cake with clumsy yet heartfelt swirls of frosting.

Taehyung turned to the bed room, his timid heart racing as he lit candles around the room.

The soft glow illuminated the delicate decorations he had painstakingly arranged: paper garlands, a small bouquet of roses, and a handwritten card that read, "Happy 3 months Anniversary, hyung."

He hummed a melody to calm himself, though his hands trembled as he struck another match.

The bedroom door creaked open, and Jeongguk stepped in, his sharp features softening in surprise as he took in the sight before him.

"Sweetheart?" he called out, his voice laced with curiosity.

Taehyung peeked out from behind the doorway, his cheeks turning a shade deeper than the roses. "Welcome home, hyungie," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jeongguk took a moment to absorb the scene—the glowing candles, the carefully placed decorations, and the bashful boy standing before him. His heart swelled with affection. "What's all this?" he asked, stepping closer.

"I... I wanted to surprise you," taehyung stammered, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "It's been 3 months of our marriage."

Jeongguk's eyes softened. "You didn't have to go through so much trouble."

"It's not trouble," Taehyung insisted, his voice gaining a hint of resolve. "I even baked you a cake."

"A cake?" Jeongguk repeated, his lips twitching into a smile. "Well, I can't wait to try it."

Taehyung led him to the bed, where the cake sat proudly, albeit with slightly uneven frosting. Jeongguk cut a slice and took a bite.

The sweetness of carrot and caramel melted on his tongue, and he couldn't help but chuckle. Taehyung baked his favourite cake.

"It's perfect" he said earnestly.

Taehyung shoulders sagged in relief. "Really? I was so worried you wouldn't like it."

"Worried? Sweetheart, this is—" Jeongguk's words caught in his throat as his gaze landed on his hands. Red and blistered, they told the story of his dedication and pain.

"What happened to your hands?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

"It's nothing!" taehyung said quickly, hiding them behind his back. "Just a little accident with the oven."

"Sweetheart," he said, his voice stern but filled with concern. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to ruin the surprise," Taehyung murmured, looking down.

Jeongguk sighed, reaching out to gently hold his injured hands. "You're more important than any surprise. Please, don't ever do this again."

Taehyung looked up at him, his eyes shimmering with emotion. "I'm sorry, hyungie. I just... I wanted to make you happy."

"You already make me happy," The elder said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face.

To lighten the mood, he backed out and went out of the room only to come up with a small box. Taehyung's eyes widened as he opened it to reveal a tiny, wiggling puppy with floppy ears and a curious nose.

"A puppy?" Taehyung gasped, his voice rising in pitch.

"For you," Jeongguk said, his lips curving into a warm smile. "I thought you could use a little companion while I'm at work."