Little (Under Editing)

Chapter 20: A Calculated Distraction

Chapter 20:  A Calculated Distraction

The adrenaline’s sharp edge dulled, leaving behind a simmering rage that pulsed beneath Jungkook’s controlled exterior. He leaned against the doorframe, the faint, almost imperceptible scent of the man’s cologne a lingering irritant. This wasn't fear; it was cold, calculating anger. He wasn't shaken; he was assessing, planning, and preparing.

He entered the house, the quiet almost oppressive after the man's furious outburst. Taehyung was still asleep, thankfully oblivious to the drama that had unfolded on their doorstep. Jungkook felt no guilt; his priority was Taehyung's safety, and that instinct had overridden all other considerations. He would deal with the fallout later; right now, Taehyung's peace of mind was paramount.

He went to the kitchen, the morning sun unable to penetrate the chill that clung to him. He poured himself a cup of strong black coffee, the bitterness a stark contrast to the sweetness of the morning he’d shared with Taehyung. The image of the man’s face, his desperate, almost pathetic attempt to intrude, replayed in his mind, fueling his simmering anger. It wasn't just anger; it was a cold, hard resolve. This wouldn't stand.

The door opened, and Namjoon entered, his expression serious, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a quiet intensity. He hadn't needed a phone call; his keen observation skills had picked up on the shift in the atmosphere, the lingering tension that clung to Jungkook like a second skin.

"What happened?" Namjoon asked, his voice low, his gaze sharp, assessing Jungkook's rigid posture, the barely controlled tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw was clenched tight.

Jungkook deflected the question with a careless shrug, attempting to maintain his composure.  "Nothing. Just some… overly persistent salesman that I wish I could destroy. Annoying, but nothing to worry about."

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. He knew Jungkook too well to be fooled by such a blatant lie.  "Jungkook, that's a lie. I know you. You wouldn't be this tense over a salesman."

Jungkook sighed, the controlled façade crumbling slightly. The effort to maintain his composure was beginning to wear him down.  "Fine. It was him. The man Jin mentioned."

Namjoon's expression hardened, the implications hitting him with full force.  "The… the man who assaulted Taehyung and Jin? What the hell was he doing here?"  His voice was low and controlled, but the underlying concern was palpable.

Jungkook shrugged again, his voice tight with barely suppressed fury. "I have no idea. Maybe he thinks he has some kind of right to be here. To be part of the family. Not in a good way, obviously. He probably just wanted to torment them, knowing Jin and Taehyung’s weaknesses. Knowing who he is to them." He paused, his gaze hardening.  "The audacity of that man."

"It seemed like he had plans ahead. That's why he had the guts to even come here.”

He considered the next step, his mind already formulating a plan. "Should we tell Jin? He is their target, and there's a higher possibility he would do something to them again to get them back. That man was insane enough to do the worst thing to his own kids; it wouldn't be a surprise what else he can do."

Namjoon shook his head, his gaze thoughtful. "No. Not yet. He's still shaken. Knowing that man is free… it's too much for him right now. Let him have this fragile peace."

Jungkook didn’t entirely agree; he felt a surge of protective anger, a desire to confront the man and ensure he never came near them again. But he knew Namjoon understood Jin better than he did. He nodded, his jaw tight, his silence a calculated decision.

As they discussed the situation, the weight of the unspoken threat hanging heavy between them, Taehyung emerged from his room, his eyes still heavy with sleep, his hair tousled. He stretched, yawning widely, his voice sleepy and slightly muffled. "What are you guys talking about? You both seem… tense."

Jungkook immediately shifted gears, his expression softening, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. He couldn't risk Taehyung learning about the man's visit, not yet. The memory of the assault was still too raw, too painful. He needed to protect him from that additional trauma. But he also saw an opportunity.

"Nothing important, love," Jungkook said, his voice gentle, his tone reassuring. He stepped closer, his hand gently cupping Taehyung’s cheek, his touch tender and possessive. "Just discussing… business matters. Boring stuff." He leaned in, pressing a light, almost playful kiss to the tip of Taehyung’s nose. "You sleepyhead."

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, his initial concern melting away as Jungkook’s lowkey flirtation distracted him. He giggled, his face flushing a delicate pink. "Yah!  Don't do that!" he mumbled, pushing Jungkook's hand away playfully, but a smile played on his lips.

Jungkook chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Why not? You're adorable when you're flustered." He showered Taehyung's face with quick, light kisses, avoiding his lips but hitting his cheeks, forehead, and chin. "So gorgeous, so cute… my adorable little bunny."

Taehyung giggled again, trying to squirm away but failing to escape Jungkook's affectionate onslaught. His attempts at resistance only seemed to encourage Jungkook. "Yah!  Stop it!" he protested, but his voice was laced with laughter. He was completely captivated, his earlier concern forgotten.

Namjoon cleared his throat loudly, reminding them of his presence in the room. "Ahem. While I appreciate the… display of affection, perhaps we could return to the rather serious matter at hand?"

Jungkook, still smiling, offered a mock apology. "My apologies, Namjoon-hyung.  We got a little… distracted." He winked at Taehyung, who was now blushing furiously, completely captivated by Jungkook's attention.

Namjoon simply rolled his eyes, a fond smile playing on his lips despite his exasperation. He picked up the pillows from the couch and playfully threw them at Jungkook, who caught them with a laugh. Taehyung, completely charmed and distracted, was oblivious to the gravity of the situation they'd been discussing moments before, his focus entirely on the playful banter between Jungkook and Namjoon, his earlier concerns completely forgotten in the warmth of Jungkook’s attention.