Secrets Of The Shadows | On Hold

Ch•3

In the dim light of the living room, an enigmatic figure lounged on the couch, cloaked in the same hood that had piqued her interest earlier. A swirl of confusion and curiosity propelled Taeyong forward, her steps tentative yet determined as she approached the stranger. This time, however, his face was no longer shrouded in shadow.

Taeyong took a moment to study him. His dark brown hair fell softly around his face, framing skin that was pale and smooth, while his lips held a gentle pink hue. He didn’t seem threatening at all. Could he truly be the same person she had encountered at the library? Perhaps the hood was merely a coincidence. Lost in her thoughts, Taeyong failed to notice as the young man lifted his gaze and began to stride toward her.

Her heart raced, and her eyes widened in surprise as he drew closer. Just as she prepared to respond, her mother appeared from behind, breaking the spell of their silent exchange.

“Oh! Tae, you’re back! This is Jungkook, your uncle’s stepson. He’ll be staying with us for a bit while their house is being renovated. Jungkook, meet my daughter Taeyong. Why don’t you two sit and chat while I get lunch ready?” Taeyong’s mother suggested, prompting Taeyong to scratch the back of her neck, a gesture of both nervousness and uncertainty.

Taeyong glanced back at her mother, a hint of urgency in her voice. "I’ll just take a quick shower and be right back, Mom. Oh, and welcome to our family, Ju—wait, what was your name again?" She faltered, realizing she hadn’t quite caught it.

Jungkook, however, felt a surge of warmth at Taeyong’s welcome. "It’s Jungkook!" he replied, his smile bright and infectious.

With a nod of understanding, Taeyong ascended the staircase. Once inside her room, she set her bag down beside the study table and made her way to the washroom, clutching a towel and a fresh dress. After a refreshing shower, she slipped into a silk black nightgown that hugged her figure, the hem brushing mid-thigh and revealing a hint of her neckline. Her damp hair cascaded down her back, droplets glistening as they fell.

Lost in her thoughts, Taeyong didn’t notice where she was going and collided with a solid chest, stumbling back slightly before regaining her balance. It was Jungkook, who had come to call her downstairs.

For a moment, he was rendered speechless, captivated by the sight of her. The combination of her wet hair and flushed cheeks made her appear even more enchanting and alluring.

Feeling the heat of his gaze, Taeyong’s cheeks deepened in color, and she became increasingly flustered as Jungkook cleared his throat. He stepped closer, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "You should hurry downstairs; your mom and I are waiting for you." Taeyong nodded vigorously, her heart racing.

As Jungkook departed, a playful smirk danced on his lips, leaving Taeyong feeling flustered and breathless. After drying her hair, she made her way downstairs, where her mother and Jungkook were already seated at the dining table.

"Taeyong, I have an important meeting today, so I’ll be home late. You two can manage, right? Just don’t stay up too late and try to get to bed early," her mother instructed before quickly finishing her lunch and bidding them farewell.

Taeyong coughed to break the lingering awkwardness, her gaze falling on Jungkook’s untouched plate. She opened her mouth to ask if he didn’t like the food but thought better of it, recalling the earlier encounter that had left her heart racing.

The moment felt trivial to Jungkook, a mere flicker in the vast tapestry of his day. Yet for Taeyong, it was a source of mounting frustration. The oppressive silence hung heavily between them, stretching into an uncomfortable void. Without warning, Jungkook rose to his feet, sending a ripple of anxiety through Taeyong, who could only watch, heart racing.