MY WIFE

CHAPTER: 35

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The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the apartment. Taehyung sat on the couch, watching Jungkook sip his coffee quietly at the dining table. It had been days since Taehyung learned the truth—since the weight of his mistakes finally settled deep in his chest, refusing to let go. And ever since that day, he had been different.

He was careful now—too careful.

Every time he looked at Jungkook, his heart ached with regret. He wanted to do everything right this time. He wanted to protect Jungkook, to care for him, to give him all the love he should have given before. But he didn’t know how.

So, he did the only thing he could. He became gentle. He made sure Jungkook never felt uncomfortable around him. He never pushed, never teased, never let himself get too close.

But something felt… off.

Jungkook noticed it too.

At first, it had been comforting—Taehyung’s kindness, his gentleness. But now, it almost felt like Taehyung was keeping his distance, like he was treating him as if he were made of glass. He didn’t understand why, but he knew one thing for sure—this wasn’t the same Taehyung from before.

And today, he wanted to know why.

Jungkook put his coffee down and glanced at Taehyung, who was busy staring at nothing in particular.

"Taehyung," Jungkook called softly.

Taehyung blinked and turned to him, a small smile forming on his lips. "Hmm?"

Jungkook hesitated, then shook his head. "Never mind."

Taehyung didn’t press further. That was another thing—he never asked Jungkook too many questions now. He never teased him, never made sarcastic remarks. It was… strange.

So, Jungkook decided to test something.

Later that day, when they were watching a movie together, Jungkook playfully nudged Taehyung with his shoulder. "Taehyung, I think I’m stronger than you now," he joked, flexing his arms dramatically.

Taehyung chuckled but said nothing, only looking at him with that same unreadable gaze.

Jungkook frowned. "You’re supposed to say, ‘In your dreams, Bun,’ and then challenge me to an arm-wrestling match," he complained.

Taehyung’s smile faltered, and he looked down. "I…" he started but didn’t finish.

Jungkook tilted his head. "Hey… why are you acting so different?"

Taehyung tensed. He knew this was coming.

"I just… I want to do things right this time," Taehyung said after a pause.

Jungkook furrowed his brows. "What do you mean? You’re acting so careful, like I might break if you say the wrong thing."

Taehyung exhaled. His fingers curled into fists on his lap. "Because I don’t want to hurt you again."

Jungkook blinked. "Again?"

Taehyung looked away. "Nothing," he muttered.

Jungkook didn’t push, but the uneasy feeling in his chest only grew stronger.
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A few days later, Jungkook had had enough.

“Taehyung, let’s go out.”

Taehyung looked up from his book, surprised. “Huh?”

“Out. Like a walk. I haven’t gone anywhere in days.”