Yours (COMPLETED)

chapter thirty-nine: your doctor

It had been two long months since Jungkook last stepped into Chaeyoung's home.

Even though they lived next door, his apartment had remained dark and untouched. He rarely came back after work, choosing instead to stay at a hotel near the project site to save time and sleep. The company project he was leading had consumed him entirely, and with the annual dinner looming, the pressure to deliver on time was relentless.

He had not even stepped foot in his own café. Jieun and his staff kept things running, but Chaeyoung could tell it missed its owner whose charm and energy only came from Jungkook.

Chaeyoung understood. She really did.

But, that did not make the quiet any easier. The messages and calls were not enough to fill up the time they spent together.

She missed him. Not just in the big, obvious ways but in the little ones too. The way he would knock twice before letting himself in. How he would always sneak a treat to Hank under the table. The way Haneul would light up the moment she heard his voice.

Now, her days felt a little too quiet. Her nights, a little too still.

Then, that night, just as she was about to settle in and scroll through her phone to distract herself, it lit up with his name.

She answered immediately, "Hey.."

"Baby, it's done.", he said, breathless as if he had just done a heavy workload.

There was a pause, like he wanted the words to sink in.

"The big project's done. We wrapped it up this evening. Final inspection passed. I can't wait to announce it at the annual dinner."

Chaeyoung sat up straighter on the couch, her heart skipping. "Really? That's good news."

"I know, right?", he laughed, and the sound was warm, a little tired, but undeniably happy. "I feel like I've been living on coffee and adrenaline for two months. But, it's over. I'm officially free again and I can't wait to see you."

She could hear the city in the background-cars, distant voices. Then, a yawn he did not bother to hide.

"Sorry.", he added sheepishly. "Didn't mean to call so late, but...I can't wait to tell you. You were the first person I thought of."

Chaeyoung felt her chest tighten in the best way.

"I'm glad you called.", she said softly. "Haneul's been asking about you. I've been...asking myself, too."

Jungkook chuckled, "Tell her I'll make it up to her with pancakes and hot chocolate."

"And me?", she teased.

"For you..baby, I'll show up tomorrow with the new menu you never tried before. I'm sure you're going to love it.", he said.

She was surprised, already anticipating what he would bring tomorrow.

"Okay..we'll be waiting.", she whispered.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow at home?", Jungkook asked.

Chaeyoung nodded, "Mhm, see you tomorrow, Jungkook."

"I love you...Chaeyoung.", his sleepy voice on the other line became obvious.

"I love you too.", she replied. "Sleep well, my love."

♡♡♡

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Chaeyoung sat on the rug, gently weaving Haneul's hair into braids. Hank lay lazily nearby, tail occasionally thumping against the floor, basking in the calm routine of the day.