Unbinding Tradition

65. Revelation 😟

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The early rays of the sun filtered into the room as Jungkook stood by the mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt. His movements were deliberate and precise, his reflection composed yet distant, as if his mind was elsewhere.

The faint sound of footsteps broke the silence, and Tae hesitantly entered the room. Her soft presence seemed to make the air heavier. Jungkook caught her reflection in the mirror but continued with his task, giving her only a brief glance.

Tae lingered near the door for a moment, clutching the end of her dupatta nervously before gathering the courage to approach him. She stopped a few steps behind him, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tae- H.. How's your headache now? (she asked, her tone filled with genuine concern)

Jungkook didn't look at her, his eyes fixed on his shirt as he finished buttoning it. His response was brief.

Jk- Fine.

The silence followed. Tae shifted on her feet, her hands trembling slightly as she struggled to find the right words. Finally, after a long pause, she spoke, her voice soft but filled with guilt.

Tae- I'm sorry for yesterday.. (she began, looking at the floor) I should have thought before saying those things to you. I didn't mean to-

Jungkook sighed deeply, cutting her off. He turned around, facing her fully. His dark eyes met hers, and Tae immediately lowered her gaze. His expression was stern but calm, though a shadow of frustration lingered.

He reached out and gently held her hand, his touch firm yet restrained.

Jk- Look, Taehyung.. (he said, his voice steady but laced with authority) I know everyone in this house is pressuring you. It's not just you-it's me too. This isn't new; it's been like this for years, and it won't stop anytime soon. That's just how things are here.

Tae nodded slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Jungkook continued, his voice softening just a fraction.

Jk- But that doesn't mean you should give in to every single demand they make. We'll have children, Tae, but only when we're ready. Not when they decide for us.

Tae blinked rapidly, feeling the weight of his words. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn't find the right words, so she simply nodded again, her gaze still fixed on the floor.

Jungkook exhaled and tilted her chin up with his fingers, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. His voice grew colder, more serious.

Jk- And one more thing.. (he said firmly) What you said yesterday-you should never say that again.

Tae's breath hitched as memories of the previous morning flashed in her mind. Her impulsive words, spoken in anger and frustration, now seemed foolish.

Jungkook's jaw clenched as he stared into her eyes, his dark orbs cold and unyielding.

Jk- If you truly believe I'm using you for my pleasure, then I'll keep my distance from you. I don't want to hear those words from you ever again. (he said sternly; his hold tightening on her hand)

Tae's eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head, panic evident in her voice.

Tae- No, Sa, please.. (she pleaded) I didn't mean it like that. I said it in the heat of the moment. I was frustrated, and I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry-please forgive me.

Jungkook's expression didn't soften. Instead, his gaze turned blank, almost unreadable, though his jaw tightened further.

Jk- That was the first and the last time, Tae. (he said coldly) Don't test my temper again. I controlled myself because it was you, otherwise...