Chapter 21

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Author's Point of View

13:40 | Sunshine Café

Taehyung and Jungkook walked into the café, hand in hand. Their newly confessed feelings still felt surreal, but the warmth of their intertwined fingers was enough to ground them in the moment.

As soon as they entered, they noticed everyone sitting in silence, their faces serious. The weight of the atmosphere pressed down on them, but they chose to stand tall, moving forward until they were near the table where their friends and family sat.

They exchanged a glance, silently drawing strength from each other before shifting their attention to Namjoon and Jin, Taehyung's parents.

"Eomma… Appa…" Taehyung called softly, his voice holding a hint of hesitation.

Jin's eyes flickered down to their joined hands, his expression unreadable. Instead of acknowledging Taehyung's call, he stood up from his seat and walked toward them.

But he didn't stop in front of Taehyung.

He stopped in front of Jungkook.

Jungkook straightened, unsure of what was about to happen.

"Jungkook," Jin said in a calm yet firm voice. "I'm inviting you for lunch tomorrow. We will talk further then." His gaze then flickered toward Taehyung. "Taehyung will pick you up."

Jungkook swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. Was this an acceptance? Or a test?

Jin turned to Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok. "You all too. Be on time."

Then, shifting his gaze back to Taehyung, he added, "Taehyung, come back home by 8."

Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok nodded almost immediately, sensing the underlying weight in Jin’s words.

Taehyung nodded as well. "Okay, Eomma."

Jungkook, sensing Jin's expectant gaze on him, quickly nodded. "Okay, Mr. Kim."

Jin held Taehyung's gaze for a moment before turning and walking toward the exit. Namjoon, who had been watching silently, stood up as well. But before leaving, he gave Taehyung a small, knowing smile and ruffled his hair.

"See you, cub."

And with that, the couple's parents left, leaving behind an air of uncertainty.

The moment they were gone, Jimin and Hoseok rushed to Taehyung and Jungkook.

"Are you both?" Jimin pointed at their intertwined hands, eyes wide with excitement.

Jungkook looked down, his cheeks dusting pink.

Taehyung, seeing Jungkook's reaction, let out a small smile before nodding at Jimin.

"Really?!" Jimin asked again, still in disbelief.

Taehyung nodded once more.

"Oh my god!" Jimin gasped before suddenly narrowing his eyes. "Wait a second. You CORN NUTS! You both didn't bother to tell me anything?! You Coconut Heads! I will take my revenge for this!" He huffed dramatically. "But for now, I’ll let it slide since I want to celebrate."

"YES! Let's go!" Hoseok chimed in enthusiastically.

But before they could move, Jungkook quickly stopped them, worry evident in his voice.

"No, Hyung," Jungkook said softly.

Jimin frowned. "Why, Kookie?"

Jungkook hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Mr. and Mr. Kim left without saying anything… I—I don't think they like me."

A heavy silence filled the air.

Taehyung immediately tightened his grip around Jungkook's hand and, with his free hand, gently lifted Jungkook’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze.

"You're overthinking," Taehyung reassured, his voice firm yet gentle. "It's not like that, Kook. Don’t worry. And if they didn’t like you, why would they invite you for lunch?"

Jungkook looked into Taehyung's warm, confident eyes, finding comfort in them. He nodded slowly.

Jimin clapped his hands. "Alright, enough of this serious talk! Now sit down and tell us everything—how did this happen? When? Where?"

Everyone took their seats, the atmosphere lightening again.

Hoseok let out an exaggerated sigh. "I can't believe it. Now I'm the only single one left."

Jimin smirked. "Don't worry, Hyung. I wish you'll find someone soon."

Jungkook nodded, offering Hoseok a small but shy smile.

"And now, you two—spill the tea!" Jimin demanded, pointing at Taekook.

"Yes! How long have you had a crush on Jungkook, Taehyung?" Hoseok added with a teasing smirk.

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, as if thinking, but then answered honestly, "Since the first day I saw him."

Jungkook immediately looked down, his face burning.

Jimin gasped dramatically. "Oh my god! And what about you, Kook?"

Jungkook buried his face in his hands, shaking his head.

"Oh, look at this shy bunny," Jimin cooed, nudging Hoseok and Yoongi. "He's blushing so much!"

The three of them laughed while Jungkook whined, "Hyung, Please"

And just like that, the teasing continued, filling the café with laughter.

—

Jungkook checked the time on his phone and suddenly stood up.

"It's 2:15! I need to pick up Aera from kindergarten. I'll be back soon," he said hurriedly.

But before he could take a step, he felt a hand wrap around his wrist.

He turned to see Taehyung holding him back.

"I'll come with you," Taehyung said with a small smile. "She'll be happy."

Jungkook hesitated, but the soft look in Taehyung's eyes made him nod. "O-Okay."

"Go and bring her fast! I'm missing my angel!" Jimin called out behind them.

Taehyung's car was parked right outside. Being the gentleman he was, Taehyung hurried to open the passenger door for Jungkook.

Jungkook hesitated for a second before shyly slipping inside, mumbling, "Thank you."

Taehyung closed the door with a small smile, shaking his head at how adorably shy Jungkook was. He then got into the driver's seat and started the car, navigating toward Aera’s kindergarten.

For a few moments, there was silence in the car, but Taehyung noticed Jungkook staring out the window, lost in deep thought.

"Kook?" Taehyung called softly.

Jungkook flinched slightly and turned to him. "Umm— It's about Aera."

Taehyung hummed, waiting for him to continue.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kim— They don't know about her yet."

"I know," Taehyung said casually.

Jungkook blinked. "Then— are you not worried? What if they—"

"I'll tell them," Taehyung interrupted, his tone unwavering. "And don't worry, Kook. I'm sure they'll be happy to know about my sweetheart."

Jungkook wanted to believe him, but a lingering fear remained. Still, he nodded, hoping for the best.

When they reached the kindergarten, Aera was playing with her friends. But the moment she saw them, her eyes widened in joy.

"Mumma! Dada!" she squealed, running toward them with her tiny legs.

Jungkook and Taehyung smiled at her cuteness.

The little girl jumped into Taehyung's arms, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

"Dada! You came too!"

"Of course," Taehyung chuckled. "I thought my baby must be missing me."

"Yes, Dada! I missed you so much!"

Jungkook pouted playfully. "And what about me? No one missed me?"

Aera gasped and quickly shook her head. "No, no, Mumma! I missed you too!"

Jungkook melted at her innocence, pulling her close. "Aww, I missed you too, Bubba."

And just like that, their little family reunited once again.

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