Chapter 10

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Author's Point of View

17:20 | Sunshine's Café

Taehyung, Jimin, and Yoongi arrived at Sunshine's Café, walking towards the entrance. The soft chime of the doorbell rang as they stepped inside. The café had a warm and cozy atmosphere, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods lingering in the air.

At the same time, Jungkook and Hobi were sitting at a table, engaged in a lighthearted conversation. Meanwhile, little Aera was sitting beside her father, munching on her pastry, her big eyes curiously scanning the café.

Just then, her gaze landed on a familiar figure entering the café. Her eyes widened in surprise, but within seconds, a bright, joyful smile stretched across her face.

Forgetting all about her half-eaten pastry, she abruptly stood up from her chair, her tiny feet carrying her forward in excitement as she called out in her sweet voice—

"Handsome unkie!"

Jungkook and Hobi both turned their heads in confusion, only to see Aera running towards someone. Their eyes followed her little figure, and when Jungkook saw who she was running to, his expression softened.

Taehyung had just stepped inside, adjusting the cuffs of his suit, when he heard the familiar voice he had been longing to hear for the past three days.

His heart skipped a beat as his head snapped toward the source of the voice.

And there she was—Aera, running toward him with her arms wide open, her smile as bright as the sun.

A surprised yet warm smile stretched across Taehyung’s lips, his previous exhaustion fading in an instant. Without thinking twice, he quickened his steps, meeting the little angel halfway. As soon as she reached him, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms with ease.

Both of them grinned at each other, completely oblivious to the surprised and confused stares directed their way.

Jimin, Yoongi, and Hobi exchanged bewildered glances, trying to process what was happening, while Jungkook simply smiled at the scene before him.

Aera, still in Taehyung’s arms, placed her tiny hands on his cheeks before leaning in to kiss his left cheek.

"I missed you so much, unkie!" she pouted, her little nose scrunching up in fake annoyance.

Taehyung’s heart melted at her words, and he gently poked her nose.

"I missed you too, sweetheart. Too much."

"But you didn’t come to meet Aera," she huffed, crossing her arms.

Taehyung sighed dramatically and gave her a guilty look.

"I know, baby and I’m really, really sorry. Please forgive me?" he pleaded with big, apologetic eyes.

Aera stared at him for a moment before nodding, but not without a condition.

"Okay, but you have to promise you’ll come to meet Aera!"

Taehyung smiled and nodded immediately.

"Promise. I will."

Satisfied with his answer, Aera giggled and hugged him tightly, wrapping her little arms around his neck. Taehyung hugged her back, rubbing her back soothingly.

That’s when Taehyung’s gaze shifted to Hobi, who was still staring at them, mouth slightly open in shock. Jimin and Yoongi had similar expressions, eyes darting between Taehyung and Aera.

Taehyung chuckled at their reactions and then turned his attention to Jungkook, who was still watching them with a soft smile.

Stepping forward with Aera still in his arms, Taehyung greeted him.

"Hello, Jungkook."

Jungkook’s gaze lifted to meet Taehyung’s, and his lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Hello, Hyung."

Jimin, who was standing behind Taehyung, couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer and dramatically waved his hands in the air.

"Tae! Please explain! I’m dying to know what’s going on. Who is this little angel?!"

Hobi, snapping out of his shock, nodded eagerly.

"Me too! But first—hey, Jimin-ah, long time no see, bro!"

Jimin grinned.

"Hey, Hobi hyung!"

Taehyung chuckled at their impatience and adjusted Aera in his arms before beginning his explanation.

He told them about that rainy day when Jungkook and Aera had found him stranded and how they had helped him. He also recounted his first meeting with Aera and how she had captured his heart instantly.

Yoongi and Jimin listened intently, their expressions softening as they looked at the adorable child in Taehyung’s arms.

"She’s so small but so caring and sweet," Jimin whispered, enchanted by the little girl’s charm.

After the story was done, Hobi properly introduced Jungkook to Yoongi and Jimin, as he now realized that Taehyung and Jungkook already knew each other.

Aera, who had been listening quietly, suddenly tapped Taehyung’s shoulder.

"Unkie, put me down for a minute."

Taehyung nodded and gently placed her on the ground.

The little girl took a small step forward, faced Jimin and Yoongi, and bowed politely.

"Hello, unkies! My name is Jeon Aera! I am three—no, four years old!" she announced proudly, showing three fingers instead of four.

Jimin chuckled and turned to Jungkook.

"Jungkook-ah, she’s absolutely adorable."

Jungkook smiled fondly.

Jimin then crouched down to Aera’s level, his eyes twinkling.

"Hey, angel! My name is Jimin. You can call me Jimin unkie, okay? And he is Yoongi unkie!" he said, pointing at Yoongi.

Aera nodded excitedly.

Yoongi, who had been observing the little girl with fondness, suddenly picked her up in his arms.

"Hey, little one," he greeted, his usually serious expression softening.

Aera studied Yoongi for a moment before giggling and reaching out to poke his nose gently.

"Unkie, you look like a meow! Can I call you Meow unkie?" she asked, tilting her head cutely.

Yoongi, surprised, blinked before breaking into a rare, wide smile.

"You can call me whatever you want, little one."

Before he could hold her for long, Taehyung whined dramatically, reaching out for Aera.

"Hyung, give her back! I missed her so much!"

Yoongi rolled his eyes but handed Aera back to Taehyung, who happily hugged her again.

Everyone chuckled at Taehyung’s antics before finally settling down at their table.

Jimin and Jungkook hit it off instantly, chatting like they had known each other for years. Meanwhile, Yoongi admired Jungkook’s strength and resilience as a single parent, especially seeing how well-mannered and caring Aera was.

As for Aera, she had already warmed up to everyone, but she remained mostly in Taehyung’s lap, happily talking to him.

Taehyung felt a deep sense of peace, finally meeting Aera and Jungkook again after three days.

But his attention kept drifting toward Jungkook.

The younger man’s laughter, his bright eyes, the way he spoke—it all mesmerized him. Unknowingly, he kept stealing glances at him, a soft smile tugging at his lips every time their eyes met.

Jungkook, of course, noticed.

He felt the warmth of Taehyung’s gaze, making his heart race. He tried his best to focus on his conversation with Jimin, but he couldn't stop the light blush that crept up his neck.

And deep inside, he knew exactly why.

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Preview ~

Can I call you....