Chapter 16: 15.Outing

That night, Namjoon returned to his apartment, his chest heavy with emotions and his mind spinning with thoughts. Taehyung's words echoed endlessly, each one poking holes in the walls he’d built around his feelings for Jin.

Without turning on the lights, Namjoon made his way to his bedroom, his movements slow and deliberate.

He opened one of the large drawers beside his bed, revealing a collection of bowls.....each one clean and carefully preserved. These weren’t just ordinary bowls; they were the ones Jin had sent over the years with meals, snacks, or desserts. No matter how much Namjoon told himself to throw them out, he never could.

Namjoon placed the freshly cleaned bowl from earlier into its spot, aligning it perfectly with the others. His eyes drifted to the corner of the drawer, where a photograph lay.

It was Jin, smiling brightly, his face frozen in a moment of pure joy. The photo had been there since their breakup, untouched and ignored.

This time, Namjoon didn’t look away. He picked up the picture and, for the first time in a long while, placed it on top of the drawer where it was visible. He stared at Jin’s face, memories flooding his mind—memories of laughter, quiet moments, and warmth he hadn’t felt since.

Taking a deep breath, Namjoon clenched his fists and made a silent vow. “I’ll figure this out,” he whispered, his voice firm.

“Whatever happened between us… I’ll get to the bottom of it, Jin.”

With that, Namjoon turned off the lights and lay in bed, his resolve strong but his heart heavy.

Timeskip ~

Time flew by, and slowly Taehyung found himself adjusting to Jaybum's daily routine and perhaps to Jungkook's as well.

Over time, Jungkook’s trust in Taehyung grew, though he remained cautious where his son was concerned. Yet, there was a sense of ease that settled over him whenever Jaybum was with Taehyung.

On weekends, Taehyung would take his well-deserved days off, but Jaybum always insisted on at least a video call with him. Taehyung never refused, indulging the little one with cheerful conversations no matter how tired he might be.

Despite the clear lines between employer and babysitter, Taehyung had seamlessly woven himself into their daily life.

With his sharp instincts, quick wit, and caring nature, he became a part of the father-son routine. Taehyung always prepared meals for Jaybum and Pheraps, for Jungkook as well. Every time, he’d claim he accidentally made extra food or that Jaybum had leftovers, though both of them knew the truth.

Still, Jungkook never questioned it and ate every bite, savoring the meals Taehyung cooked.

However, their growing familiarity didn’t mean the bickering stopped. They were each others sworn enemies.

If anything, their bickering turned into an almost daily ritual, especially over one topic: which was better—vampires or werewolves.

“I don’t see how vampires are better,” Jungkook scoffed one afternoon, sipping coffee as Taehyung set down Jaybum’s lunch. “What’s so impressive about sucking blood for survival?”

Taehyung turned, raising an eyebrow. “And sniffing everything like a dog is impressive?Oh wait you are a dog species.”

Jungkook leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. “At least we don’t turn into bats and hang upside down. Seems uncomfortable, *bat boy*.”

“I don’t hang upside down, *dog breath*,” Taehyung shot back, crossing his arms.

The playful argument escalated, with both throwing sarcastic jabs about each other’s species, completely forgetting Jaybum was sitting between them, eating.

Though neither admitted it, their clashes and shared moments had begun to feel oddly comforting.

Jaybum, however, seemed to notice everything, always giggling at how his dadda and TaeTae could never go a day without talking even if it was to argue.

It was a month later, on a quiet evening, when Jungkook returned home, exhausted from an intense day at work. Unlocking the door with his spare keys, he stepped inside only to be greeted by silence.

The house felt unusually still, a contrast to the usual lively atmosphere when Jaybum was awake.

As Jungkook walked into the living room, he found the source of the stillness: Jaybum and Taehyung fast asleep on the couch.

The television was still on, its soft glow illuminating the scene. Taehyung’s arms were wrapped protectively around Jaybum, and they both looked peaceful as if they’d drifted off in the middle of watching TV.

Jungkook approached quietly, turning off the television to keep the room dim. His gaze lingered on his son, who looked utterly content. He cupped Jaybum’s cheek gently, his heart swelling with warmth. It struck him how much healthier and happier Jaybum seemed lately he laughed more, ate better, and smiled brighter. And the reason was obvious.

His eyes shifted to Taehyung. The vampire was snoring softly, his features soft in sleep. Jungkook paused,realizing for the first time how delicate and beautiful Taehyung looked. Perhaps he had been too distracted with their constant bickering to notice.

Without thinking, Jungkook reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Taehyung’s face. His fingers lingered for a moment as he studied the peaceful expression.

The way Taehyung’s lashes rested on his cheeks, his slightly parted lips emitting soft snores, the faint rise and fall of his chest it all felt... oddly mesmerizing.

Jungkook didn’t even realize his hand had shifted to cup Taehyung’s cheek when, suddenly, Taehyung stirred awake. Startled, his reflexes kicked in as he swung his hand forward, accidentally hitting Jungkook square in the face.

"Who's there?!" Taehyung exclaimed, his voice sharp and defensive as he pulled Jaybum closer behind him. His instincts screamed that there was an intruder.

Jungkook stumbled back, holding his nose. “What the!why would you hit me like that?” he groaned, glaring.

Taehyung’s eyes adjusted to the dim light, and his posture relaxed when he realized it was just Jungkook. His panic quickly turned to mortification. “Oh my god, Mr. Jeon, I’m so sorry! I thought someone broke into the house!”

Jaybum stirred slightly at the commotion, but his deep slumber kept him from waking.

Jungkook frowned, still nursing his face. “You thought I was a thief? In my own house?”

“Well, how was I supposed to know it was you? You were *hovering* over me like some creep!” Taehyung retorted defensively.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened, but his face betrayed a hint of amusement. “You’re lucky Jaybum didn’t wake up, or I’d make you explain why you nearly broke my nose.”

Taehyung bowed his head, hands fidgeting nervously. “I really am sorry,” he mumbled.

Jungkook sighed, waving it off as he glanced at Jaybum. “Just... go back to sleep or something. And next time, don’t knock out your employer.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, his earlier embarrassment fading as he looked at Jungkook. “I’ll try to remember that.”

As Jungkook made his way upstairs, he couldn’t shake the odd warmth lingering in his chest, or the faint smile tugging at his lips.

That same night, as Taehyung slipped on his coat and prepared to leave after wrapping up his babysitting duties, Jungkook's voice called out from behind him.

"Taehyung!"

Taehyung turned, raising a curious eyebrow. "Yes, Mr. Jeon?"

Jungkook hesitated for a second, his hand brushing the back of his neck.

"I know it's the weekend tomorrow, but... Jaybum’s been insisting on going to the park nearby. He really wants you to come along. Is that okay with you?"

Taehyung blinked before a soft smile broke out on his face. "Of course. I could never say no to Jaybum," he replied warmly.

Jungkook nodded, relieved, though his tone remained casual. "Alright. I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon then?"

Taehyung quickly shook his head. "It’s alright, Mr. Jeon. I’ll be here on time."

Jungkook gave him a short nod, watching as Taehyung gave a small, polite bow before heading out the door.

As Taehyung walked into the crisp night air, he couldn’t help the small smile that lingered on his lips at the thought of spending more time with Jaybum—and perhaps with his stubborn, sharp-tongued father too.