Now, with Jaybum's birthday just a day away, the mansion was abuzz with preparations.
Taehyung and Jungkook sat across from each other in the living room, surrounded by notepads, lists, and swatches of decorations. Their conversation was focused, though Taehyung couldn't resist a few playful jabs about Jungkook's "serious alpha demeanor."
Jaybum, meanwhile, had gone out with Hoseok for a final fitting for his birthday outfit. The boy had been adamant about looking as fashionable as his uncle Hobi, whose sense of style he admired to no end. "I have to be as handsome as Uncle Hobi tomorrow," Jaybum had declared that morning, making everyone in the room laugh.
"Okay, so the cake will arrive tomorrow morning," Taehyung said, flipping through his notes. "And the decorations should be done by tonight. The banner is being delivered this evening. What about the music? Did you finalize the playlist, Mr. Jeon?"
Jungkook glanced up from his notes with a smirk. "Of course I did. You doubted me, Tae?"
Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Considering you thought it was okay to include a ten-minute alpha chant in a five-year-old's birthday playlist, yes, I doubted you."
Jungkook scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "That was one mistake. You'll see it's perfect now."
Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "If you say so.
Just remember, tomorrow is about Jaybum, not your alpha pride."
Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, sometimes I wonder how Jaybum puts up with you."
Taehyung feigned offense. "Excuse me, Mr. Jeon, your son adores me. I'm the fun one in this house."
Jungkook leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You're also the one who taught him to prank me with fake spiders, so forgive me if I disagree."
Taehyung laughed, the sound light and carefree. "That was payback for the time you called me a 'bloodsucker' infront of him."
The two shared a rare moment of laughter, the tension that had once existed between them feeling like a distant memory. As they returned to their planning, Jungkook found himself glancing at Taehyung now and then, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"But, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung added, flipping through his notes, "I still need to know where you want the lights and decorations. Should they go in front of the kitchen, the backyard, or the living room?"
Jungkook frowned in thought before standing abruptly. "No, no-it has to be in the living room. Come on, I'll show you."
Jungkook strode into the spacious living room, his steps purposeful, as Taehyung followed closely behind, notebook in hand.
"The main decorations will go here," Jungkook said, pointing toward the wide wall behind the sofa. "I want it filled with balloons and streamers-nothing too overwhelming, but festive enough for Jaybum to love it."
Taehyung nodded, jotting everything down. "Got it. And what about the banner?"
The living room, once abuzz with talk of decorations, fell silent as Jungkook pointed to the spot in front of him.
"And put the banner right here," he said, his voice steady and confident. Yet, when he didn't hear Taehyung's usual steps behind him, he turned around to find a troubling sight.
Taehyung stood there, gripping the couch tightly, his other hand clutching his head as though he was in immense pain. His pale face looked even weaker under the warm light, and Jungkook's heart dropped. Without a second thought, he hurried to his side.
"Tae! Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, helping him sit down on the couch. Taehyung's breaths were shallow, and his usually bright eyes were dim.
"I'm alright, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung mumbled, though his frail state said otherwise.
"You don't look well. Stay here, I'll call the doctor," Jungkook said firmly, turning to grab his phone, but Taehyung reached out and grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
"No, Mr. Jeon, you don't have to..." Taehyung's voice wavered, his words barely audible. "I'll just go home." He attempted to stand, but his legs gave out almost instantly.
Jungkook caught him before he could fall. "Sit down, Taehyung! You're not going anywhere like this," he said, his tone sharp with worry.
Taehyung shook his head weakly. "Mr. Jeon, you don't understand... I..." He hesitated, his voice dropping into an almost inaudible whisper. "I need blood. I have to go home."
Jungkook froze, his sharp eyes now catching the details he'd missed before-the faint red hue flickering in Taehyung's eyes, the way his fangs threatened to emerge. Understanding dawned on him.
"You can't even walk properly," Jungkook said, his voice rising slightly in frustration. "How do you plan on getting home like this?"
"I'll manage," Taehyung said weakly, forcing himself to his feet despite the tremble in his legs. He was determined to leave, but his body betrayed him again. Jungkook caught him once more and steadied him.
Then, without hesitation, Jungkook made a decision. He gripped Taehyung's arm and pulled him against his chest. Taehyung's wide eyes met Jungkook's as he felt himself being drawn closer. Before he could protest, Jungkook opened the top buttons of his shirt, exposing his neck.
"Drink," Jungkook commanded, his voice low and steady.
Taehyung froze, his mind racing. "No, Mr. Jeon. I'll go home. I can manage," he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation.
"Taehyung," Jungkook said sternly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You're too weak. Do as I say."
"But... you'll get weak from it," Taehyung said, his voice trembling. He couldn't bear the thought of causing harm to Jungkook.
Jungkook locked eyes with him, his expression calm but firm. "I'm a trueblooded alpha. It'll take mere seconds for me to recover. Now, stop being stubborn."
Taehyung still hesitated, his lips parting in protest, but Jungkook saw the conflict in his eyes.
With a gentle but firm motion, Jungkook placed his hand at the back of Taehyung's head, guiding him closer to his neck.
"Drink, Taehyung," Jungkook whispered, his breath warm against Taehyung's ear.
Taehyung closed his eyes, trembling slightly. He whispered, "It'll hurt a little," before brushing his lips against the side of Jungkook's neck. Slowly, hesitantly, he buried his fangs into Jungkook's skin.
The taste of Jungkook's blood was unlike anything Taehyung had ever experienced .....sweet, rich, and intoxicating. His hands trembled as he gripped Jungkook's arm for support, his senses overwhelmed.
Jungkook, on the other hand, barely flinched when Taehyung's fangs pierced his neck. The sting was fleeting, and he held his composure. He closed his eyes, feeling the pull of his blood being drawn, and to his surprise, it was... oddly satisfying.
His arms instinctively wrapped around Taehyung......one hand resting on the nape of his neck,the other lightly gripping his waist, holding him close. He didn't want the moment to end.
When Taehyung was done, he withdrew his fangs carefully, his breath shaky. He glanced at the spot he had bitten, watching as the faint punctures began to heal rapidly. "Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice softer now, still holding Taehyung steady.
Taehyung nodded, though he avoided Jungkook's gaze. "Mr. Jeon, I'm sorry... I-"
"You don't have to apologize," Jungkook interrupted. "Just... take care of yourself."
A brief silence fell between them before Jungkook broke it. "Why did you get weak all of a sudden, though?"
Taehyung hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I go hunting every week or two. But I was busy with Jaybum's birthday preparations... and I forgot."
Jungkook's brows furrowed, his grip tightening on Taehyung's arms, though not enough to hurt him. "Are you crazy, Taehyung? Why don't you take care of yourself? You could've just told me it was too much work!"
"You were already busy with your office... so I thought..."
Taehyung's voice trailed off, his gaze fixed on the floor.
Jungkook's jaw clenched as frustration boiled over. Without thinking, he grabbed Taehyung's arms a little tighter. "You thought what, Taehyung? What if something happened to you? What would I do without you?"
Taehyung's breath hitched, his heart skipping a beat at Jungkook's words. The air between them grew tense, the weight of Jungkook's concern hanging heavily.
Realizing what he had just said, Jungkook quickly let go and cleared his throat, averting his gaze. "I mean... have you thought about Jaybum? Who'd take care of him if you got sick?" His voice lacked its earlier sharpness, as if trying to cover up his slip.
Taehyung blinked, still processing Jungkook's words, before nodding earnestly. "I'll take care of myself from
now on, Mr. Jeon. I promise."
Jungkook nodded, his gaze shifted. Then, as if to lighten the mood, he asked, "What type of blood do you usually consume?"
Taehyung looked at him, confused by the sudden change in topic. "Uh... animal blood. Bears, deer, that kind of thing," he replied cautiously. "Why?"
Jungkook didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone and began typing something. "I'll stock up some for you in the freezer."
"What? No, Mr. Jeon! Stocked blood is expensive!" Taehyung exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock .
"And I'm rich," Jungkook said flatly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. He didn't even glance up as he dialed a number and began speaking.
"Yeah, Choi. I need a supply of vampire-suitable blood delivered every week... Yes, starting tomorrow."
Taehyung stood there, utterly speechless as he processed Jungkook's words and actions.
Everything felt surreal. This man, who once distrusted and looked down on vampires, was now ensuring he'd never go hungry again.
Taehyung could only stare, his heart swelling with emotions he couldn't quite name.