𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Twenty Six

The warm scent of shampoo and chemicals filled the salon, soft music playing in the background.

Taehyung sat in front of the mirror, his dark hair coated in bleach, strands slowly transforming under the stylist's skilled hands.

He tilted his head, watching his own reflection, wondering if changing his hair would change the way he felt inside.

Jimin, sitting next to him, had his arms crossed, sipping on an iced coffee. "So, are we gonna talk about it, or are you just gonna sit there pretending you're starring in a sad music video?"

Taehyung sighed. "Talk about what?"

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I don't know—maybe the fact that Jeongguk came to your room last night demanding answers?"

Taehyung's fingers tightened around the armrest. Of course, Jimin knew.

He exhaled slowly. "It was nothing. He's just... confused."

"Confused," Jimin echoed, unimpressed. "You mean he's remembering."

Taehyung didn't respond.

Because it was true. Jeongguk was remembering.

Jimin leaned forward, voice quieter now. "What did you say to him?"

Taehyung closed his eyes, and the memory came rushing back.

~~~

Flashback – The Night Before

The soft glow of the bedside lamp flickered against the walls as Taehyung ran a towel through his damp hair.

His loose shirt hung off one shoulder, the fabric barely clinging to his frame, exposing glimpses of warm skin as he moved. The night air was cool, but he felt warm—too warm.

He wasn't sure why he felt so uneasy.

Maybe it was because tomorrow was Jeongguk's birthday.

Maybe it was because Jeongguk would finally find out.

Or maybe it was because, deep down, he already knew.

Taehyung sighed, sitting on the edge of his bed, his fingers absentmindedly curling around the hem of his oversized shirt. He was about to turn off the lamp when—

A knock.

He already knew who it was.

Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut.

He shouldn't have opened the door. He knew he shouldn't.

But his feet moved before he could stop himself, and suddenly, Jeongguk was standing there, moonlight casting shadows across his face, his expression unreadable.

He stood in the doorway, his loose sweats hanging low on his hips, his white t-shirt rumpled like he hadn't been able to sleep.

His dark eyes flickered across Taehyung. That made the omega feel something different.

"Come in," Taehyung said, turning and walking inside. Jeongguk followed without a word, the door clicking shut behind him.

Taehyung turned to face him.

Then, Jeongguk spoke. "Tell me what happened that night."

Of course, this was bound to happen. Jeongguk was remembering. Taehyung inhaled sharply.

There it was. The question he had been dreading.

"What night?" Taehyung asked, even though he knew.

Jeongguk's jaw clenched. "Don't do that. Don't pretend like you don't know."