MY WIFE

CHAPTER: 36

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As Namjoon pulled up in front of Jimin’s place, the car came to a smooth halt. Jungkook unbuckled his seatbelt, ready to step out, but before he could, Taehyung also reached for the door handle, about to follow him.

Namjoon, who was still gripping the steering wheel, let out a sigh. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice holding a knowing tone.

Taehyung turned to him, one brow raised in question, clearly not understanding the problem.

Namjoon sighed again, this time rubbing his temples as if preparing for an argument. "Taehyung, you have to come today. You can’t avoid work forever."

From the backseat, Jin chimed in, his voice firm yet gentle. "Come on, Taehyung. I told you, I can handle Mr. Seok, but he keeps demanding to meet you. He won’t stop asking until you show up."

Taehyung’s fingers curled slightly, his jaw tightening. "Jungkook will be alone at home," he stated simply, as if that was reason enough for him to stay.

Jin turned his head to Jungkook, offering him a small, reassuring smile before looking back at Taehyung. "I understand that you’re worried, but you need to come today. It’s important." Then, turning back to Jungkook, he asked softly, "And for today, you can take care of yourself, can’t you, Kookie?"

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, glancing at Taehyung before nodding slowly. "Yeah… I think so." His voice wasn’t as confident as he wanted it to be.

Taehyung let out a deep sigh, clearly torn between his responsibility and his worry for Jungkook. But seeing the expectant looks from Namjoon and Jin, he finally gave in. "Fine," he muttered, reluctant but agreeing nonetheless.

Before Jungkook could turn to leave, Taehyung suddenly stepped out of the car, taking Jungkook off guard. Before he could even question it, Taehyung pulled him into a firm embrace.

Jungkook froze, his breath hitching at the unexpected warmth. His body stiffened for a moment before slowly relaxing against Taehyung’s. He could feel the steady beat of Taehyung’s heart against his own, the comforting weight of his arms around him.

"Take care of yourself," Taehyung murmured against his hair before pulling away. His gaze lingered on Jungkook for a moment longer, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he finally stepped back.

Jungkook swallowed, feeling his face heat up for no reason. "Y-Yeah… You too."

Taehyung gave a small nod before heading back to the car. As Jungkook stood at the doorstep, watching them drive away, he couldn’t shake the strange feeling settling in his chest.

It wasn’t just that he was going to be alone.

It was that Taehyung wouldn’t be there.

Jungkook sat at the dining table, pushing the last bits of his food around with his spoon. Eating alone felt strange after getting used to Taehyung’s presence. Still, he finished his meal, stood up, and started washing the dishes.

As he was drying his hands, his phone buzzed with a message from Jimin.

JIMINIE HYUNG:
Did you have lunch yet?

Jungkook quickly typed back.

'Yeah, just finished.

A few seconds later, another text arrived.

JIMINIE HYUNG:
Good. I’ll try to come back soon. Do you want me to bring anything for dinner?

Jungkook thought for a moment before replying.

'Anything will do.

JIMINIE HYUNG:
Alright, see you later.

With that, their conversation ended.