Chapter 12: 11.Extra Food

Despite their rivalry, Taehyung and Jungkook were not heartless individuals.

They both understood the quiet language of kindness, even if they would never openly admit it to each other. There was something unspoken between them already. A quiet understanding that the gestures they exchanged, no matter how small, held more meaning than they were willing to acknowledge.

That morning, Taehyung had intentionally made extra soup, recalling what Jaybum had mentioned about his father not liking the bland food the maid often prepared. Taehyung, hearing that Jungkook was not a great cook but still tried his best, couldn’t help but feel a little sympathy.

He had no idea why Jungkook disliked the food, but he could sense that it wasn’t about the quality ...it was something deeper, perhaps a feeling of helplessness, or maybe the burden of his busy life that kept him from truly enjoying a meal.

Whatever the reason, Taehyung thought it was worth offering,especially when he saw how much Jaybum wanted to make his father proud with a meal they had created together.

Meanwhile, Jungkook, though not outwardly showing any signs of concern, had instructed his staff to make sure Taehyung ate.

It was a subtle act,one that could easily be dismissed as a simple instruction—but to Taehyung, it spoke volumes. Jungkook hadn’t directly  told him to eat, nor had he mentioned it aloud. Yet, in the quiet moments of his departure and the reminder to take care of himself,

Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder if there was more behind the alpha’s words than mere courtesy.

Their rivalry, though still present, seemed a little less sharp, the edges softened by the unexpected kindness they each had shown.

It was a strange feeling, one neither of them was used to. They had always been on the edge, always driven by the need to one-up each other, but in the quiet moments, when the world wasn’t watching, there was something else. Something that made both of them pause and reflect.

As Taehyung continued his work, playing  with Jaybum and ensuring the little boy had a good start to his day, he couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, their rivalry wasn’t as deep as they had once believed. .

Jungkook, too, found himself lingering on the thought of the extra soup Taehyung had offered him. He hadn’t asked for it, hadn’t even expected it, but there was something about the gesture that made him feel a little more at ease. Perhaps, just for a moment, they were not the enemies they had always portrayed themselves to be.

Perhaps they were simply two people who understood that, despite their differences, kindness could exist between them, even in the most unexpected ways.

And so, as the day wore on, their rivalry remained intact, but there was an undercurrent of something new between them an unspoken truce, if only for a moment, built on small acts of care and understanding.

Maybe...just maybe it was a starter of something new?

The clock ticked 6 :30 as Jungkook entered the house, unlocking the door with his spare keys.

The first thing he heard was the sound of laughter echoing through the living room. His eyes landed on Taehyung and Jaybum seated on the couch, both giggling over something.

The sight was oddly warm, stirring something unspoken in Jungkook.

Before he could linger on the thought, Jaybum’s sharp eyes spotted him. "Dadda! You're home!" Jaybum squealed, hopping off the couch and running to Jungkook.

Jungkook instinctively bent down, scooping

the little boy into his arms. He pressed a flurry of kisses onto Jaybum's cheeks, eliciting giggles that melted away the exhaustion of his day. "Yes, baby, I'm home," Jungkook said softly.

Taehyung, standing by the couch, watched the moment quietly, a faint smile tugging at  his lips.

After a few moments, Jungkook gently placed Jaybum back on the ground. The child darted away, likely to grab one of his toys. Jungkook straightened up, his usual firm demeanor returning as he turned toward Taehyung.

"Mr. Kim, you can leave now. I'll manage the rest," Jungkook said, his tone brisk but not unkind.

Taehyung nodded ,he was about to go but not before,

Taehyung hesitated, shifting on his feet. "Mr. Jeon, I was thinking..."

Jungkook raised a questioning brow, waiting for him to continue.

Taehyung cleared his throat, forcing himself to meet Jungkook's gaze.

"I was thinking if I could make food for Jaybum regularly. He seems to enjoy the meals I prepare, and it might help with his eating habits." Taehyung hesitately offered as he knew Jungkook didn't trust him Jungkook tilted his head slightly, studying Taehyung's expression.

"You don’t have to take on more work. I can adjust your salary if you do."

"No, sir, that’s not necessary," Taehyung replied quickly. "The current pay is more than sufficient. Besides, I enjoy cooking. It’s no trouble for me."

Jungkook considered this for a moment before nodding curtly. "Alright. If it works for Jaybum, then I have no objections."

Taehyung took that as his cue to leave and made his way to say goodbye to Jaybum. The little boy was crouched on the floor, playing with his toys.

"Bun," Taehyung said softly, kneeling to Jaybum's level. "I'll be heading home now."

The news made Jaybum freeze mid-play. His lips wobbled, and tears instantly welled up in his big, round eyes. "Why, TaeTae? Don’t go!"

Taehyung’s heart squeezed at the sight. He gently cupped Jaybum’s cheeks, his thumbs brushing away the tears. "Bun, don’t cry. I promise I’ll come back tomorrow, and we’ll play again, okay?"

Jaybum sniffled, still holding onto Taehyung’s shirt. "Really?"

"Really," Taehyung reassured him with a warm smile. " you know, I have another vampire at home. I need to go feed him too."

Jaybum blinked, curiosity momentarily replacing his sadness. "Another vampire?"

Taehyung nodded playfully. "Yup, and if I don’t feed him, he might get cranky."

Jaybum giggled at the thought. "Okay, TaeTae. Come back tomorrow!"

"I will, bun," Taehyung promised, standing up.

Jungkook, leaning against the doorway and observing the exchange, frowned slightly at the mention of "another vampire."

He brushed it off, thinking it wasn't his business.

As Taehyung made his way toward the door, he bowed lightly to Jungkook. "I’ll be heading out now, Mr. Jeon."

"I...i accidentally cooked  some extra food this evening ,I left in the kitchen... in case you're hungry," he added hesitantly, trying to keep his tone casual.

Jungkook's gaze flicked to Taehyung, something unreadable in his eyes. He gave a brief nod but didn’t comment.

Jungkook hesitated briefly. "Should I have my driver drop you off?" Taehyung blinked, surprised by the offer. "Uh, no, thank you. I brought my own car."

Jungkook nodded, stepping aside to let him leave.

As the door clicked shut behind Taehyung, Jungkook found himself glancing toward the kitchen.

For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, the thought of trying the food Taehyung left behind didn’t seem like such a bad idea.

The house was quiet and cozy as Taehyung pushed the door open using his spare key. The faint aroma of spices filled the air, and he spotted Yoongi in the kitchen, casually stirring something in a pan.

Yoongi glanced over his shoulder as the door creaked open, his sharp eyes softening at the sight of his younger brother. “Tae, you’re back. Go freshen up; dinner’s ready,” he said in his usual calm tone, returning his focus to the pan.

Taehyung smiled and nodded, setting his bag down before heading to his room. After a quick change into more comfortable clothes, he joined Yoongi at the small dining table where two steaming plates of food were already waiting.

Taehyung took a seat, his appetite kicking in as he picked up his fork. Yoongi sat across from him, his gaze curious. “So?” he asked,taking a bite of his meal. “How was your first day?”

Taehyung chewed thoughtfully before replying, “It was good. Jaybum is a sweet kid.” His lips curved into a small smile at the thought of the cheerful little boy who had already wormed his way into Taehyung’s heart.

“And your boss?” Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow as he leaned back in his chair. “Is he treating you okay?”

At the mention of Jungkook, Taehyung hesitated, his fork pausing mid-air. Memories of Jungkook’s piercing gaze and guarded demeanor flashed through his mind.

“Hmm… he’s fine,” Taehyung said carefully. “Our first interaction wasn’t exactly great, but... I don’t think he’s a bad person. He’s just... complicated.”

Yoongi hummed, his interest piqued. “Complicated how?”

Taehyung shrugged lightly. “For some reason,he seems to really hate vampires. I don’t know why. He didn’t say anything outright, but I could sense it.”

Yoongi’s expression darkened slightly, protective instincts kicking in. “If he’s giving you a hard time, just let me know,” he said,a teasing edge creeping into his voice as he added, “I’ll pay him a visit and drain every last drop of his blood. That should sort him out.”

Taehyung burst into laughter, shaking his head at his brother’s dramatics. “Hyung, relax. I can handle him just fine. Besides, I don’t think he’s that unreasonable. He’s just… cautious.”

Yoongi smirked, his playful threat replaced by a fond glance at Taehyung. “Alright, but you know I’ve got your back. Always.”

Taehyung smiled warmly. “I know. Thanks, hyung.”