SWEETHEART

Chapter-42

HI

As soon as Jaehwan left, the suffocating tension in the office dissipated.

But Jeongguk could still feel the faint stiffness in Taehyung’s posture, the way his fingers curled slightly, a remnant of the nerves Jaehwan’s presence had triggered.

Jeongguk hated it. Hated that even now, after all this time, that man still had some lingering effect on Taehyung.

With a soft sigh, he reached out and took the tiffin from Taehyung’s hands, placing it on the desk before wrapping his arms around Taehyung’s waist.

He pulled him close, burying his face in the crook of Taehyung’s neck, breathing him in.

“Forget him,” Jeongguk murmured against his skin. “He doesn’t exist in your world. Not anymore.”

Taehyung’s hands came up, resting on Jeongguk’s shoulders as he leaned into his warmth. “I know. It’s just… seeing him after so long still makes me uneasy.”

Jeongguk pulled back slightly, his dark eyes locking onto Taehyung’s. His hand came up to gently cup Taehyung’s face, thumb stroking over his cheek with an unbearable softness that contrasted sharply with the cold man he was to the rest of the world.

“But you weren’t scared,” Jeongguk said quietly, voice laced with pride. “You didn’t shrink away. You didn’t let him take anything from you.”

Taehyung’s lips parted slightly, caught in the intensity of Jeongguk’s gaze. He hadn’t realized it, but Jeongguk was right. He had been nervous but he had stood his ground. He had stayed close to Jeongguk, letting himself be held, protected. Loved.

Jeongguk’s gaze softened further. “You’re so strong, baby.”

Taehyung let out a breath, his fingers unconsciously tightening against Jeongguk’s shoulders. “I only feel strong when I’m with you.”

Jeongguk let out a low hum, pleased. His grip on Taehyung’s waist tightened as he leaned in, lips brushing against his forehead.
“That’s because you are mine.” He kissed the corner of Taehyung’s lips next, teasingly slow.

“And I always take care of what’s mine.”

A soft blush crept up Taehyung’s cheeks, his lashes fluttering.

Jeongguk never needed grand words—his actions, his unwavering presence, his fierce devotion all spoke louder than any declaration.

Jeongguk tilted Taehyung’s chin up, his lips hovering just above his. “Kiss me, baby.”

Taehyung hesitated for only a second before closing the distance, pressing his lips against Jeongguk’s.

The kiss was slow, sweet, and unhurried—filled with warmth and a deep sense of belonging.

Jeongguk took his time, tasting him, savoring the moment, as if grounding Taehyung back into his arms, back into safety. His hands moved up, threading through Taehyung’s soft hair, pulling him impossibly closer.

Taehyung's hands started moving towards the button of Jeongguk’s pants. The younger was eager to taste his husband. He wanted nothing more than to feel his husband inside of him.

But before he could unbuckle the pants, Jeongguk stopped him and moved away.

Taehyung whimpered softly as Jeongguk pulled away, his small hands clutching at Jeongguk's shirt desperately.

His cheeks were flushed, lips swollen, and his doe eyes were glazed with need.

"Hyung..." Taehyung's voice was breathless, pleading. His fingers curled against Jeongguk's chest, trying to pull him back in.