Chapter 38

Thank you for your patience! ❤

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Author's Point of View

The night had stretched long, filled with laughter, love, and emotions that still lingered in the air like an unspoken melody. The wedding had been beautiful, the reception warm and joyous, but now exhaustion weighed heavily on everyone.

Taehyung sat comfortably in the car with Aera cradled in his arms. The little girl had fallen into a deep slumber, her tiny hands clutching onto his shirt as if afraid he might disappear. He gently stroked her soft curls, his heart swelling with love for his daughter. Beside him, Jungkook leaned against the seat, eyes half-lidded, his body drained from the day’s overwhelming events.

Yoonmin was with them in the car, but no one spoke much. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable—it was peaceful, the kind that settles after a long yet fulfilling day.

Meanwhile, in another car, Grandma, Namjoon, Jin, Hobi, and Jack were in quiet conversation, their voices soft but filled with warmth as they reflected on the day.

The journey back home was smooth, and when they finally arrived, the house welcomed them with its familiar, comforting presence.

As soon as they stepped inside, everyone gathered briefly in the living room, exchanging tired but content smiles.

“Good night, everyone,” Jin said warmly before turning toward Namjoon. “Come on, let’s take Eomma to her room.”

Yoongi and Jack also excused themselves, heading toward their room, while Hobi stretched his arms, a yawn escaping his lips. He turned toward Taehyung, who was still holding a sleeping Aera.

“Taehyung, let me take Aera to my room for tonight?” Hobi suggested, his voice casual but kind.

Taehyung looked at him in mild confusion before shaking his head with a small smile. “There’s no need for that Hyung. She will sleep with us.” His voice was gentle but firm.

Hobi opened his mouth to insist but stopped when he saw the way Taehyung held Aera—as if she was his whole world. He sighed in defeat, stepping back.

Jimin, unaware that Hobi had already tried, walked up with the same offer. “Tae, You both must be tried let me take her to—”

Taehyung didn’t even let him finish. “Jimin?” he said.

Jimin pursed his lips, giving a nod hesitatingly. “Okay, okay— Fine”

Taehyung and Jungkook started walking toward their room, following Jin’s earlier instructions on where they would be staying.

Jimin, however, stayed back, his face twisting in worry. The second the couple disappeared upstairs, he groaned and face-palmed himself. “Oh god!”

Hobi, watching the whole thing unfold, patted his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. “You really messed up, huh?”

Jimin sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that.”

Hobi chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, it’s too late now. Let’s just hope Taehyung don’t kill you in the morning.”

With that, they both headed to their rooms, knowing that nothing could be changed now.

—

Jungkook walked ahead, leading the way toward the bedroom, while Taehyung followed closely behind, still holding Aera. Both were quiet, not from discomfort but from the weight of emotions settling between them.

When Jungkook reached the door, he twisted the doorknob and opened the door. But the moment he stepped inside, his body stiffened. His wide doe eyes scanned the room, and in an instant, his face turned a deep shade of red.

The room was breathtaking.

Soft candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the walls. The air was filled with the faint, sweet scent of roses, petals scattered elegantly across the bed and floor. Everything screamed romance.

Jungkook swallowed thickly, suddenly feeling very warm. His heartbeat quickened, his palms turning clammy.

Oh no.

He turned abruptly, only to freeze when he saw Taehyung walking in behind him.

Taehyung, unaware, kept his eyes on Aera until he noticed Jungkook’s strange behavior. His brows furrowed slightly, but when he lifted his gaze to take in their surroundings, realization hit him like a wave.

Jimin! You fool

His own cheeks flushed.

For a long moment, neither of them moved, both standing awkwardly, looking everywhere except at each other.

They weren’t naive. They knew why the room was decorated like this. They had shared kisses and touches like any other couple, but they also knew this wasn’t something they should rush. Their love was built on understanding and patience, and they respected each other’s emotions too much to let external expectations dictate their pace.

After several moments of tense silence, Taehyung cleared his throat and finally spoke, “Umm— Kook, you must be tired. Go freshen up.”

His voice was softer than usual, and Jungkook, feeling just as nervous, nodded quickly. “Y-Yeah— okay.”

Without wasting a second, he grabbed the first set of comfortable clothes from the wardrobe and all but ran into the washroom.

Taehyung chuckled under his breath before shaking his head. He carefully laid Aera down on the bed, tucking her in with gentle hands. As he smoothed her hair back, his heart softened at how peaceful she looked in her sleep.

By the time Jungkook came out, his hair damp, Taehyung had cleaned up most of the decorations.

Jungkook noticed and sighed in relief. He was grateful for Taehyung’s thoughtfulness.

Taehyung, seeing Jungkook standing there, gave him a small smile before grabbing his own clothes. “I’ll take a shower now,” he said.

Jungkook hummed in response, watching as Taehyung disappeared into the washroom.

A sudden thought hit him.

He left the room quietly, heading toward the kitchen.

When Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom, he noticed Jungkook wasn’t in the room anymore. His brows knitted together slightly, but before he could let his thoughts wander, his phone rang.

Not wanting to wake Aera, he walked toward the window and answered the call.

A minute later, he heard the door open. Turning around, he saw Jungkook entering the room with a small glass in his hand.

Jungkook walked toward him, looking shy but determined.

“Umm Hyung, you didn’t eat much earlier. So I brought you some warm milk,” Jungkook said, holding out the glass. His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

Taehyung’s lips curled into a warm smile as he took the glass. “Thank you, baby,” he murmured before drinking it.

Once he was done, he noticed Jungkook standing by the window, lost in thought.

“Kook, what’s wrong?” Taehyung asked gently.

Jungkook snapped out of his thoughts, looking at him with wide eyes. “Huh? Oh— nothing, Hyung.” He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

Taehyung didn’t buy it. Instead of asking further, he reached forward and pulled Jungkook into his arms.

Jungkook tensed for a moment before relaxing against Taehyung’s chest, closing his eyes.

“Finally, no more living in the guest house,” Taehyung sighed, making Jungkook chuckle softly.

They stayed in each other’s embrace for a while before Taehyung pulled back. “Let’s sleep, Bun. It’s late.”

Jungkook nodded but stopped Taehyung just before he turned.

He tiptoed shyly and placed a quick peck on Taehyung’s cheek. “Good night, Hyungie,” he whispered.

Taehyung chuckled before pressing a soft kiss on Jungkook’s forehead. “Good night, baby.”

Hand in hand, they walked toward the bed where Aera was peacefully sleeping between them.

—

The house was quiet, wrapped in the deep stillness of the night. A soft breeze rustled the curtains as the moonlight streamed through the windows, casting faint shadows on the walls.

In Namjin’s room, Namjoon was fast asleep, his soft breathing the only sound breaking the silence. But Jin was wide awake, his eyes fixed on the piece of paper in front of him. His fingers moved carefully, writing each word with deep thought. His heart felt a little heavy, but he knew he had to do this.

When he was done, he glanced at Namjoon. His husband’s face was relaxed in sleep, unaware of what Jin was about to do. A small, affectionate smile formed on Jin’s lips.

“I’ll explain everything later, Joonie” he whispered softly, placing the note on the nightstand and securing it with a paperweight.

Moving as quietly as possible, Jin slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Namjoon. He opened the door soundlessly and stepped into the hallway, his heart pounding slightly at the secrecy of his actions.

Just as he turned the corner, he spotted Jimin and Jack approaching him. Jimin gave him a mischievous grin, while Jack simply raised an eyebrow, silently asking if he was ready.

Jin nodded.

Without a word, the three of them exchanged thumbs-ups, confirming their plan.

They tiptoed down the hallway, careful not to make any noise that could wake the others. The house remained silent as they exited through the front door.

Outside, the night air was crisp and cool. Their car was parked at the edge of the driveway, waiting.

Jack slid into the driver’s seat, while Jin and Jimin settled inside, closing the doors quietly. Jack started the car, the soft hum of the engine breaking the silence for the first time.

With one last glance at the house they were leaving behind, Jack pressed the accelerator, and the car disappeared into the night.

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Preview ~

To be continued