Mate(Under Editing)

Chapter 27: ᵐᵃʸᵇᵉ Foreshadowing

Chapter 27: ᵐᵃʸᵇᵉ Foreshadowing

The air hung heavy with the lingering scent of their date as Jungkook reached for his wallet to settle the bill. Taehyung, ever the gentleman, insisted on paying, but Jungkook, with a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, refused. Even Yoongi, always the watchful and caring Hyung, had urged Taehyung to let Jungkook pay, knowing it was a matter of pride for the alpha.

“Jungkook, I'll just use the restroom for a moment,” Taehyung excused himself, feeling a little awkward standing there while Jungkook handled the finances.

“Okay, I'll wait for you in the car,” Jungkook responded, his gaze lingering on Taehyung for a moment before turning back to the cashier.

Taehyung hummed in agreement and headed towards the restrooms.  Jungkook, once the bill was paid, stepped out into the cool night air. He reached into his pocket for his car keys, pressing the button to unlock the vehicle. A moment later, a deafening roar erupted, shattering the peaceful evening. His car, engulfed in flames, became a fiery inferno. Engine parts, ripped from the vehicle by the force of the explosion, flew through the air, narrowly missing Jungkook.

Chaos erupted. People screamed, their faces etched with shock and horror.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung's voice, filled with terror, pierced the air as he rushed out of the restaurant, Yoongi close behind. Their hearts pounded in their chests, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them. Yoongi, ever the quick thinker, immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher from the restaurant, dousing the flames.

“Oh my gosh, Jungkook!” Taehyung cried out, his voice choked with relief as he reached Jungkook, who stood just a few feet away from the restaurant entrance. “I'm so glad you're fine,” he whispered, his voice trembling. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he bit his lip, desperately trying to hold them back.

“I'm sorry, did I make you worry?” Jungkook asked, his voice soft as he gently caressed Taehyung's hair. “I'm fine, nothing happened to me, so don't cry, okay?”

Taehyung, still shaken, clung to Jungkook, seeking solace in his embrace.

“Are you okay, Jungkook?” Yoongi asked, his voice laced with concern, once the flames were extinguished.

“Yeah, I'm fine,” Jungkook assured them, his voice steady despite the shock. “What was the cause of the fire?” he questioned, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“I don't know,” Yoongi replied, his voice tight. “I already contacted the fire department to make them check what happened. I'll tell you if they find out the cause.”

“Thank you, Hyung,” Jungkook said, his gaze never leaving Taehyung.

“For now, you two better go home just to be safe,” Yoongi suggested, his voice firm. “Your mate seemed to be frightened of what happened.”

Jungkook noticed the tremor in Taehyung's hands, the way his eyes darted around nervously. He hummed in agreement.

“Let's go home, shall we?” he said, his voice gentle, his hand reaching out to take Taehyung's.

Taehyung nodded, his fingers intertwining with Jungkook's as they walked away from the scene.

“Are you fine now? Would you like some treats?” Jungkook asked, his voice a soft murmur as they walked along the road.

“I'm fine...” Taehyung replied, his voice barely a whisper.

“Then why are your eyes on the ground? Don't you like seeing me?” Jungkook teased, his voice playful.

“O- of course not!” Taehyung exclaimed, his cheeks flushing crimson as he quickly looked up at Jungkook.

In that moment, Jungkook leaned in, his lips brushing against Taehyung's in a gentle, lingering kiss. It was a whisper of warmth, a silent promise of comfort and protection. The kiss lingered for a moment, a delicate dance of tenderness, before Jungkook pulled back, his forehead resting against Taehyung's.

“I would love it if your attention was focused on me,” Jungkook said, his voice a soft chuckle. “I easily get jealous, you know.”

The kiss, so unexpected, had left Taehyung speechless. He hiccuped, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Now, your eyes on me, this is what I like,” Jungkook chuckled, enjoying Taehyung's flustered reaction.

“I'm sorry,” Taehyung mumbled, his voice shy. “I won't do it again.”

“Tell me, are you still worried about what happened earlier?” Jungkook asked, his gaze searching for Taehyung's eyes.

“It's intentional, isn't it?” Taehyung said, his voice laced with worry. “The bombing earlier, it was meant to happen, to target you specifically, right?”

Taehyung's intuition was sharp, his mind piecing together the puzzle. Jungkook, knowing how much this would frighten Taehyung, chose to deflect the question.

“I don't know, I have no idea, to be honest,“ he lied, his voice carefully controlled. “Even if your suspicion was right, I don't think that's something you have to worry about. I'm used to that kind of threat.”

“Don't say something like that as if it's just a normal event for you,” Taehyung retorted, his voice laced with concern.

“Well, I'm not lying,” Jungkook admitted, his voice softening. “Sending threats was something normal to me because I'm the son of the richest and most powerful couple. I'm actually prepared if I happen to be in trouble.”

“But still, Jungkook, that's frightening,” Taehyung said, his voice trembling slightly. “That was bombing, you know. Aren't you scared of it?”

“Not really,” Jungkook replied, his voice a low murmur. “My life has always been in danger. I have nothing to protect.” His gaze softened, his eyes meeting Taehyung's. “But you know, I think I know how to be scared now. I'm afraid that if I die, I will leave you. I don't want that to happen. I want to stay by your side no matter what. Now, I find a reason to stay alive, to protect someone, and that's you, Taehyung. I don't want to lose you, so please, stay by my side.”

“Of course...” Taehyung said, his voice thick with emotion. “You wouldn't lose me, Jungkook. You're the one who was in danger earlier, not me. I'll stay by your side no matter what happens, Jungkook.”

“Thank you, Taehyung,” Jungkook said, his voice filled with gratitude. He leaned down, gently pecking Taehyung's forehead.

Taehyung, his heart overflowing with love and concern, hugged Jungkook tightly, whispering reassurances.

Everything will be fine... right?  They wouldn't be separated by any means... right?

But a flicker of doubt, a whisper of unease, lingered in the back of their minds.  The danger, though seemingly averted, was still very real.