Chapter 19: 18.Fever

The rain outside had finally slowed, leaving the world quiet and calm. Inside the Jeon mansion, the three were equally soaked, from head to toe, after their playful time outside.

Taehyung stood behind the father and son duo, watching as Jaybum tugged off his wet shoes, his small face lighting up with excitement.

“Dadda, today was so much fun!” Jaybum exclaimed, his voice sleepy but cheerful.

Jungkook chuckled, ruffling his son’s damp hair. “Yeah, it was. But now we need to get changed before we catch a cold. Let’s go!” he said, scooping Jaybum up in his arms.

Taehyung smiled softly at the sight, his heart warm. Jungkook turned back to him, noticing the way Taehyung lingered near the door.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook began, “you can use the guest room shower to freshen up. I’ll take care of Jaybum.” He started  walking toward his room but paused briefly to add, “Oh, and just grab one of my clothes to change into. They might be big, but they'll work.”

Taehyung opened his mouth to protest, but Jungkook didn’t wait for his response, disappearing into his room with Jaybum, who was already dozing off in his arms. The vampire sighed, knowing Jungkook wouldn’t take no for an answer.

He made his way to the guest room, finding a neatly folded set of Jungkook’s clothes left for him. The scent of the fabric was warm and uniquely Jungkook comforting in a way Taehyung couldn’t explain. After a quick shower, he slipped into the oversized clothing, the loose fabric hanging off his lean frame.

It wasn’t perfect, but the scent and warmth of it made him feel unexpectedly at ease.

Meanwhile, Jungkook and Jaybum took longer in their shower, the sound of laughter and splashing audible even through the walls.

Another water fight, it seemed. When they finally emerged, Jaybum was nearly asleep in Jungkook’s arms, his head resting on his father’s shoulder.

Jungkook walked into the living room, his eyes landing on Taehyung, who stood near the door, waiting to leave.

The sight of Taehyung in his clothes made something stir deep in his chest. The shirt hung loosely, the sleeves too long, yet it somehow suited him. Jungkook’s heart thudded unexpectedly, his thoughts momentarily clouded by a sense of greed he couldn’t quite place.

Taehyung glanced over, catching Jungkook’s gaze for a fleeting second before looking away. The air between them felt charged, though neither said a word.

“I’ll be heading out now, Mr. Jeon,” Taehyung finally broke the silence, his tone gentle but firm as he nodded toward the door.

Jungkook hesitated. “Should I drop you off?” he offered, his voice quieter now.

“No, it’s alright,” Taehyung replied, shaking his head with a small smile. “You should put Jaybum to bed. I’ll manage.”

Jungkook nodded slowly, glancing down at his son, who was now fully asleep in his arms. But as Taehyung reached the door, Jungkook’s voice stopped him.

“Tae,” Jungkook called softly, his tone laced with something vulnerable. Taehyung turned back, eyebrows raised in question.

Jungkook hesitated, his grip tightening on Jaybum. “We... we had a great time today. Thank you for joining us.”

Taehyung’s lips curved into a soft smile, something unspoken passing between them in the silence that followed. He nodded, his eyes lingering on Jungkook for just a moment longer than usual before stepping out into the night.

As Jungkook carried Jaybum to bed, his mind replayed every moment of the day—the laughter, the playful bickering, the way Taehyung smiled under the rain. It lingered in his thoughts, warming his chest in a way he wasn’t ready to confront.

Taehyung, meanwhile, drove home, the faint scent of Jungkook still clinging to the borrowed clothes. His gaze flickered briefly to the flower ring sitting carefully atop his bag.

A small, almost shy smile tugged at his lips as he reached out to gently touch it.

The memory of the day was etched in his heart, leaving him to wonder when he’d feel such warmth again.

The next morning, last day of the holiday.Taehyung busied himself tending to the small garden outside his house.

As much as he loved gardening, the absence of Jaybum’s bright giggles and even Jungkook’s constant teasing left a strange emptiness in his day. To make matters worse, Yoongi, had left town for a few days to deal with a music project.

Taehyung sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, leaning back against the porch railing, the flower pot in his hands momentarily forgotten. His mind wandered, and before he realized it, he  was debating whether he should video call Jaybum. The thought of seeing the boy’s bubbly face lifted his spirits just a little.

However, just as he picked up his phone, it buzzed in his hand. The caller ID flashed **"Mr. Jeon 🐰."** Taehyung’s lips tugged into a small smile as he answered without hesitation.

“Hello, Mr. Jeon....” Taehyung’s greeting was abruptly cut off by the sound of Jungkook’s panicked voice.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook rasped, his tone trembling and urgent. “Can you... can you please come over? Jaybum has a fever.”

Taehyung froze, his smile vanishing as worry surged in his chest. “What? Fever? How bad is it? Did you call the doctor?”

“I— I tried, but his temperature keeps fluctuating. And I’m—” Jungkook cut himself off, his  breathing unsteady. “I’m not feeling well either. Please, Taehyung... I don’t know what else to do.”

Without wasting another second, Taehyung grabbed his bag, not even bothering to change out of his casual clothes, and rushed to his car. The drive to the Jeon mansion felt agonizingly long, his mind racing with thoughts of Jaybum and Jungkook.

When he finally arrived, he hurriedly rang the bell. The door swung open almost immediately, and there stood Jungkook, cradling a feverish Jaybum in his arms.