The Wolf's Heart

36

As the days went by, Taehyung found it harder to contain his irritation. Seojun’s presence in the palace was like a thorn in his side. Everywhere Taehyung went, it seemed Seojun and Jungkook were together—laughing, talking, and reminiscing about their childhood.

One evening, as Taehyung walked into the garden to clear his head, he found Jungkook and Seojun sitting by the lotus pond, their laughter carrying through the air. Jungkook’s eyes sparkled in a way Taehyung had rarely seen, and his smile was so radiant it made Taehyung’s chest ache.

Taehyung’s POV
"Why does he smile at him like that? Why does he laugh so freely with him? Is it because I’ve been distant? Or is it because Seojun knows a part of him that I’ll never be able to reach?"

Seojun leaned closer to Jungkook, whispering something that made him burst into laughter. Taehyung’s hands clenched into fists.

He didn’t want to admit it, but he was jealous. Not just of their closeness, but of how Seojun seemed to bring out a version of Jungkook that Taehyung had never truly seen.

That night, Taehyung sat alone in his study, staring at the royal pin on his desk. The weight of his own insecurities pressed heavily on him.

The next day, during breakfast, Seojun casually mentioned his plans to stay longer.

“I’ve missed Jungkook so much,” Seojun said with a bright smile. “I think I’ll stay for a while longer, if that’s alright with Your Majesty.”

Taehyung’s eyes flicked to Jungkook, who was looking at Seojun with gratitude.

“Of course,” Jungkook said softly.

Taehyung forced a polite nod, but inside, his frustration was boiling over. He stood abruptly, excusing himself from the table.

Later that evening, Jungkook found Taehyung pacing in their chambers.

“Is something wrong?” Jungkook asked hesitantly.

Taehyung stopped and looked at him, his emotions barely contained. “Do you really not see it, Jungkook?”

“See what?”

“Seojun,” Taehyung said, his voice sharp. “The way he hovers around you. The way he looks at you. He’s not just here for a casual visit.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened in shock. “Seojun is my cousin! He’s family, Taehyung. How can you even think that?”

“Because I see the way he looks at you,” Taehyung snapped. “And I see the way you light up around him. It’s like I don’t exist when he’s here.”

Jungkook’s expression hardened. “That’s not fair. Seojun is one of the few people who truly understands me. Of course, I’m happy to see him. But that doesn’t mean I care for you any less.”

“Then why does it feel like I’m on the outside, looking in?” Taehyung’s voice cracked, his vulnerability slipping through.

Jungkook stepped closer, his tone softening. “You’re the one who keeps yourself on the outside, Taehyung. You’re the one who built these walls.”

The words hit Taehyung like a punch to the chest.

The next day, Taehyung decided to follow his instincts. He had his guards discreetly watch Seojun, determined to uncover the truth.

What he discovered made his blood run cold. Seojun wasn’t just visiting to see Jungkook—he was meeting with someone in secret. A suspicious figure who seemed far too interested in palace affairs.

That evening, Taehyung confronted Seojun directly.

“What are you hiding?” Taehyung demanded, his voice icy.

Seojun feigned innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Your Majesty.”

But Taehyung’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. “You forget, Seojun, that this is my palace. My territory. You don’t think I know when someone is scheming under my roof?”

Seojun’s confident facade faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “I’m here for Jungkook. Nothing more.”

Taehyung’s voice dropped dangerously low. “If I find out you’re lying, there will be consequences.”

Later that night, Jungkook found out about the confrontation.

“Why did you accuse Seojun?” Jungkook demanded, his voice trembling with anger. “He’s my family, Taehyung.”

“I’m protecting you,” Taehyung replied. “You might not see it, but Seojun isn’t as innocent as he seems.”

“You don’t trust him. You don’t trust me,” Jungkook said bitterly. “Why can’t you just let me have this one piece of happiness?”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “Because your happiness shouldn’t come at the cost of your safety.”

Jungkook turned away, tears brimming in his eyes. “Sometimes I wonder if you care about me at all—or if this is just about control.”

Taehyung’s heart twisted, but he couldn’t find the words to reassure Jungkook. As Jungkook left the room, Taehyung was left alone with his growing doubts and fears.

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To Be Continued...

Seojun’s presence is causing more cracks in Taehyung and Jungkook’s already fragile relationship. But is Seojun truly a threat, or is Taehyung’s jealousy clouding his judgment? And how will Jungkook navigate the growing tension between his husband and his beloved cousin?