GOLDEN HEADLINES

67: Cuddles and Shock

"WHAT'S HAPPENING"

At 7pm

Alessia was chopping vegetables, trying her best to focus as Jungkook stood beside her, peeling garlic. But his constant teasing was making it impossible.

"You know," he began, his voice low and teasing.

"If you hold that knife any tighter, you're going to look like you're practicing for... other intense activities."

Alessia froze mid-chop, the knife hovering in her hand as her cheeks burned. "Excuse me?" she asked, cautiously glancing at him.

He shrugged casually, pretending to inspect his nails. "I'm just saying, your grip is impressive. Almost like someone who's—"

"Jungkook!" she cut him off, turning to glare at him with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression the picture of innocence. "What? I didn't even finish my sentence."

Her face turned a deeper shade of red as she hissed, "I know where you were going with that!"

Leaning closer, his voice dropped to a playful whisper. "Do you? Or are you just thinking about things you shouldn't be?"

Alessia's jaw dropped, and without thinking, she grabbed the nearest dish towel and threw it at his face.

Jungkook caught the towel effortlessly, laughing as she fumbled to avoid his gaze. "What? I can't help it if you're cute when you're flustered. And honestly, if you think about it—"

"Don't say it!" she blurted, holding up a hand to stop him.

But he stepped closer, that signature smirk playing on his lips. "I was just going to say... you're really bad at hiding what you're thinking. Your face says it all, baby."

Alessia groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I hate you sometimes."

He laughed softly, reaching out to pull her hands away and tilting her chin up so their eyes met.

"No, you don't," he murmured.

As she resumed chopping, still flustered, Jungkook leaned against the counter, pouting like a child.

"Alessiaaaa," he whined, drawing out her name.

She sighed, not looking up. "What now?"

"I want cuddles," he said in a babyish voice, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

She paused, laughing softly despite herself. "No I'm busy."

"Come onn?" he mumbled, nuzzling into her neck. "Just one cuddle. Please? I'll be good."

Alessia rolled her eyes but leaned into his embrace, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "You're too much."

"Agreed!!???" he murmured, kissing her temple and holding her just a little tighter.

Alessia sighed, putting down the knife and turning slightly in his arms. "Fine, you win," she muttered, her lips twitching into a small smile.

Jungkook's face lit up like a kid getting his favorite candy. "Really?!"

"Yes, but just for a little while," she said, pointing a finger at him. "I still have to finish cooking, Jungkook."

He ignored her protests and scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her to the couch in the living room.

"Cooking can wait," he declared with a grin, plopping down with her in his lap.

"Jungkook! I can walk, you know," Alessia grumbled, but the way her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck betrayed her words.