𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 [𝗄𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗏]

Chapter Forty two

~~~

A month had passed since the unsettling warning, and things had quieted down in the pack, though there was an undeniable sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

The calmness of the last few weeks felt almost false, as if the world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Yet, Jeongguk and Taehyung had found a new routine together. It wasn't perfect, but it was theirs. Their mornings, at least, were theirs to share in peace.

The light of the morning crept through the curtains, spilling across the bed where Jeongguk and Taehyung lay tangled in sheets.

Jeongguk was awake first, as always, his arm wrapped around Taehyung's waist, pulling him closer. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting the warmth of the moment wash over him. The world outside seemed so far away.

With a quiet sigh, he shifted slightly, careful not to wake Taehyung just yet. But it was useless—Taehyung stirred beside him, mumbling something incoherent as he shifted, snuggling closer to Jeongguk's chest.

Taehyung's eyes fluttered open, and when their gazes met, there was a playful glint in his eyes.

Jeongguk shook his head, smirking. "No more five-minute naps, Darling. It's already late."

Taehyung groaned, stretching lazily in Jeongguk's arms. "You're so responsible," he teased, shifting so that his body was pressed closer to Jeongguk's.

The warmth of his skin against Jeongguk's made the world feel small and safe. "It's one of your most annoying traits."

Jeongguk grinned, his lips brushing against Taehyung's forehead. "You love it."

"I do," Taehyung admitted with a smile, his fingers lightly tracing circles on Jeongguk's chest. "But don't let it go to your head."

"You're impossible," Jeongguk replied. He squeezed Taehyung a little tighter, savoring the quiet closeness between them.

Taehyung shifted again, his hand resting lightly on his chest. The playful smile was still there, but something flickered in his eyes—a small, fleeting moment of vulnerability.

"You okay?" Jeongguk asked quietly, his thumb gently brushing the back of Taehyung's hand. He had noticed how Taehyung had been a little quieter lately, though he tried to brush it off with humor.

Taehyung hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Just... tired."

Jeongguk studied him, trying to read his expression. It wasn't unusual for Taehyung to be tired; between the responsibilities of being Luna and the constant threats looming, it was understandable.

But today, there was something different about it. Something subtle.

"I can take care of things today," Jeongguk offered. "You don't have to push yourself."

Taehyung shook his head, a small, fond smile curving on his lips. "I'm fine. Just need to rest a little more, that's all."

Jeongguk didn't fully believe him, but he didn't push. He knew Taehyung would talk when he was ready.

"Alright, but I'm still spoiling you today," Jeongguk said, trying to lighten the mood. "You'll get whatever you want." And pecked his lips.

"Oh really?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow, the playful glint back in his eyes. "What are you going to do, feed me grapes and fan me with a palm leaf?"

Jeongguk grinned at the thought. "Maybe. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're well rested."

Taehyung chuckled softly, but there was a slight pause before he responded. "You know," he began, a little more seriously, "you don't always have to do everything for me."