Chapter 36: 35.Kiss

As they reached the glass doors that led to the pool area, Jungkook unlocked them, sliding the door open to reveal a serene pool lit with soft underwater lights that shimmered against the dark evening sky.

Taehyung gasped, his jaw dropping slightly. “Whoa... This is stunning!”

Jungkook couldn’t help but smile at his reaction. “Told you it’s here.”

Taehyung stepped outside, taking in the tranquil beauty of the space. The poolside was surrounded by sleek lounge chairs, potted plants, and a peaceful ambiance under the soft glow of garden lights.

“Why would you ever keep this locked away? It’s amazing,” Taehyung muttered, still in awe.

Jungkook leaned against the doorframe, watching Taehyung with a faint smile. “Didn’t seem like the right time to use it until now.”

Taehyung turned to face him, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Well, it’s the perfect time now. ”

Taehyung and Jungkook sat back on the poolside chairs, the calm evening air enveloping them as they talked.

“You know, seeing Hoseok so happy nowadays makes all of us happy,” Jungkook said, leaning back. “For the longest time, we all had a chance to find our mates,  but he didn’t. We knew he felt sad about it, even if he never showed it. But now? He’s so happy with Amy.”

Taehyung chuckled softly. “Yeah, I can tell. Amy seems like a sweet girl. They make a perfect witch couple.”

Jungkook laughed at the description but quickly shifted  his gaze to Taehyung. His tone turned curious, but there was a trace of hesitancy.

“What about you? I know it’s rare for your kind to find mates, but... haven’t you ever tried?” The idea of Taehyung with someone else made his chest tighten, though he masked it well.

Taehyung leaned back, looking up at the stars. “I’ve tried,” he admitted. “But I’m almost 130. It feels... hopeless sometimes.”

Jungkook frowned slightly, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, I feel bad for you imagine waiting  for so long"

Taehyung laughed along but said nothing, a flicker of an unreadable emotion crossing his face. Then, to shift the focus, he asked,

“You’re a werewolf, right? Haven’t you found your mate yet? What type of mate are you looking for?”

Jungkook sighed, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass absentmindedly.

“As a werewolf, we crave our mates—it’s in our blood. But no, I haven’t found mine yet. Blame my true-blooded alpha status. We can only sense our mates on a full moon, not before.”

Taehyung frowned, intrigued. “Full moon? What happens then?”

Jungkook leaned back, explaining, “True-blooded alphas release a unique scent during the full moon. If our mate is nearby, they’ll catch it. But no one has responded to mine yet.” His voice held a tinge of disappointment.

Taehyung offered a small smile. “You’ll find them soon, I’m sure. But... what’s your type? What do you want in a mate?”

Jungkook hesitated before answering. “I don’t really have a ‘type.’ I don't  want a  mate either.I just want someone who’ll accept Jaybum as their own. That’s all that matters to me.” His eyes locked with Taehyung’s, the sincerity in his voice making Taehyung’s breath hitch.

Taehyung, sensing the atmosphere growing heavier, decided to tease. “Oh, they’ll accept

Jaybum in a heartbeat. I’m more worried about you.”

Jungkook tilted his head, confused. “Me? Why?”

Taehyung smirked, leaning back with playful ease. “Who’d want to deal with a grumpy alpha like you?”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, standing slowly from his seat. “Grumpy, huh?”

Seeing the mischievous glint in Jungkook’s eyes, Taehyung bolted from his chair. “Don’t even think about it, Jeon!” he shouted, already running around the poolside.

Jungkook chased after him with slow, calculated steps, a predator stalking his prey.

Taehyung dodged left and right, but soon found himself cornered at the edge of the pool. He turned, panicking slightly as Jungkook approached with a triumphant smirk.

“Nowhere to run, Kim,” Jungkook taunted, stepping closer.

But before Jungkook could grab him, Taehyung moved aside in a flash and shoved Jungkook into the pool.

The splash echoed loudly as Jungkook went under, leaving Taehyung doubled over in laughter. “That’s what you get for underestimating me!” he managed between giggles.

Jungkook emerged from the water, shaking his hair out of his face. “Taehyung!” he yelled, his voice a mix of shock and amusement.

But then his expression turned serious as he rubbed his eyes. “Wait, something’s in my eyes! Taehyung, help!” he exclaimed, sounding genuinely distressed.

Taehyung’s laughter stopped instantly, his eyes widening in concern. “Jungkook! Are you okay?” he asked, rushing to the pool’s edge.

As soon as Taehyung bent down to check on him, Jungkook’s lips curled into a smirk. With one swift motion, he grabbed Taehyung’s wrist and pulled him into the water.

Taehyung’s startled yelp was cut off by the splash as he landed in the pool. He resurfaced moments later, gasping and pushing his wet hair out of his eyes. “Jungkook!” he yelled, glaring at the now-laughing alpha.

“That’s payback,” Jungkook said smugly, leaning back in the water.

Taehyung wasn’t one to back down easily. Laughing breathlessly, he swam away as fast as he could, determined not to let Jungkook catch him. The cool water splashed around him, adding to the thrill of the chase.

“You can’t escape me, Taehyung!” Jungkook shouted from behind, his voice teasing but laced with determination.

Taehyung was almost at the other side of the pool, triumphant, when strong arms suddenly  wrapped around his waist. With one swift motion, Jungkook pulled him back against his chest, halting his escape.

Taehyung gasped, his back pressed flush against Jungkook’s chest. The warmth of Jungkook’s body contrasted sharply with the cool water surrounding them.

Their wet clothes clung to their skin, leaving no space between them.

“Got you,” Jungkook whispered, his deep voice sending a shiver down Taehyung’s spine.

Taehyung turned his head slightly, his breath hitching when his eyes met Jungkook’s dark gaze. Water dripped  from Jungkook’s soaked hair, tracing down his sharp jawline and onto his neck. His wet shirt clung tightly to his body, revealing every defined muscle beneath.

For the first time, Taehyung truly noticed just how built Jungkook was. He had always known Jungkook was strong —he was a true-blooded alpha, after all—but seeing him up close like this, with his chest rising and falling against Taehyung’s back, was an entirely different experience.

Jungkook held him close. Their breath mingling together.

The water around them shimmered under the moonlight as Jungkook held Taehyung close, their bodies practically merging in the inviting warmth of the pool.

Jungkook's playful teasing filled the air—a delightful tension that made Taehyung’s heart race.

“Grumpy alpha, huh?” Jungkook said, a teasing grin lighting up his face. The spark in his dark eyes made Taehyung’s pulse quicken.

“Mr. Jeon, I…” Taehyung stuttered, feeling heat flood his cheeks. Words failed him as he was mesmerized by Jungkook’s nearness, the intensity of his gaze making every coherent thought slip away.

“Didn't I tell you to call me Jungkook?” Jungkook leaned in even closer, their noses nearly touching, the warm air between them electric. Taehyung swallowed hard as he felt Jungkook breathe him in, each inhale igniting a flame within him.

Flustered, Taehyung turned his head slightly, trying to gather his thoughts. “I… Ummm…” His words faltered under Jungkook’s consuming stare.

“You know you look damn gorgeous when you’re flustered,” Jungkook murmured, his voice deep and raspy. Taehyung closed his eyes, overwhelmed as shivers shot down his spine, every nerve ending alive under Jungkook’s gaze.

Gathering his courage, Taehyung finally turned to Jungkook, desperate to voice the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside him. “I think I… should—” But before he could finish, Jungkook surged forward, capturing Taehyung’s lips in a fierce, hungry kiss.

The kiss was a wild blend of urgency and longing—messy, as their lips collided in heated desperation. Taehyung's initial shock quickly melted away, replaced by a throbbing need. He melted against Jungkook, feeling the solid warmth of his body pressing him against the cool tiles of the pool.

Water splashed around them, chaotic and exhilarating, but all Taehyung could feel was Jungkook—the way his touch consumed him, the way his taste spiraled into something intoxicating.

The kiss deepened, Jungkook's lips moving with an insatiable rhythm, his hands gripping Taehyung’s waist, pulling him closer as if trying to fuse their bodies into one. Taehyung lost himself in the sensation,

his hands tangling in Jungkook's hair, pulling him closer, needing more.

Jungkook shifted more assertively, tilting Taehyung's chin upward as he started kissing down his jaw, each kiss igniting a new wave of excitement. The cool water contrasted sharply with the heat they were generating, and Taehyung gasped at the intensity of it all. Jungkook trailed his lips down to Taehyung’s neck, his kisses fiery and demanding.

“Jungkook…” Taehyung moaned, arching his neck instinctively to allow Jungkook full access. Jungkook took full advantage of  the invitation, his mouth exploring with fervor. He pressed soft yet passionate kisses against Taehyung’s skin before finding that sweet spot just under his jaw.

With a sharp intake of breath, Taehyung felt Jungkook suck firmly, leaving a mark .

Taehyung’s body responded instinctively, pleasure shooting through him as he let out a trembling sigh.

The world around them faded away, their connection becoming their entire universe, filled with unquenchable desire.

Jungkook's grip on Taehyung’s neck tightened possessively, an unspoken promise anchored in every kiss. Each pull of Jungkook’s lips sent electric pulses coursing through Taehyung, drowning him deeper in raw, heady emotion.