Chapter 7

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Author's Point of View

The rain outside poured relentlessly, drumming against the windows and filling the cozy house with a gentle rhythm. The dim golden lights of the living room cast a warm glow, making the atmosphere feel even more comforting.

Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom, fresh and clean, his damp hair slightly tousled. His eyes fell on the neatly folded clothes placed on the bed, and a small smile tugged at his lips. He quickly put them on before making his way downstairs.

And that's when he saw the most heartwarming sight.

Jungkook sat on the couch, his body relaxed, watching TV. On his lap, facing him, was little Aera, playing with the strings of his hoodie. She giggled as she tugged at them playfully, and Jungkook let her do whatever she wanted, his expression soft and content.

For a moment, Taehyung simply stood there, taking in the scene. There was something so pure, so beautiful about their bond. A mother and daughter, lost in their own little world. Without realizing it, a gentle smile formed on his face.

Jungkook suddenly felt a gaze on him. He turned his head, only to find Taehyung standing nearby, watching them with a tender look in his eyes.

"Oh, Mr. Kim, you're here. Have a seat," Jungkook said, shifting slightly to make space.

Taehyung walked forward and sat on the couch, but before he could even get comfortable, Aera's eyes widened with excitement. Hearing his name, she immediately turned around and ran toward him.

"Unkie! Show me your hand!" she said eagerly, holding out her own tiny hands expectantly.

Taehyung blinked in confusion but still obeyed, stretching his injured hand toward her.

Jungkook, too, was puzzled by her sudden request.

Aera gently took Taehyung's hand and inspected his injured finger. Her brows furrowed slightly in concentration before she looked up at him with big, curious eyes.

"I think it's healed now! Does it still hurt, Unkie?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Taehyung's heart melted at her thoughtfulness.

"No, sweetheart," he said softly, "because of your bandaid, it's all better now." His eyes shone with admiration.

Jungkook watched the interaction with a proud smile. His daughter was always caring, but this—this was different. Aera was more attached to Taehyung than he had expected.

Aera beamed at Taehyung's words and, without warning, threw her small arms around him in a tight hug.

Taehyung chuckled at her enthusiasm and hugged her back, pulling her onto his lap.

"Unkie, I'm so happy I met you again!" Aera said, her voice filled with pure joy.

"Me too, sweetheart. I'm happy I met you again," Taehyung replied, his tone just as warm.

Jungkook sat quietly, watching them with slight surprise. Aera wasn't usually this open with strangers. Sure, she was friendly, but getting this attached after meeting someone only twice? That was rare for her.

Taehyung noticed Jungkook's thoughtful expression and tilted his head. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," Jungkook answered with a small chuckle. "It's just… Aera doesn't socialize easily, but she seems really happy with you."

Taehyung smiled. "Oh? Isn't that a good thing?" he asked, gently patting Aera's head.

Jungkook nodded. "It is."

He then stood up and headed toward the kitchen, soon returning with a tray in his hands. On it were two cups and a small plate of cookies.

"I didn't know if you preferred tea or coffee, so I made coffee. I hope that's okay," Jungkook said, placing a cup in front of Taehyung.

Taehyung picked up the cup, feeling the warmth seep into his hands. He took a small sip and then smiled.

"Luckily, I like coffee," he said, looking at Jungkook. "Especially when it's made by you. I actually had it once at Hobi hyung’s café."

Jungkook wasn't expecting the compliment, and immediately, his cheeks turned pink. He quickly turned his face away, hoping Taehyung wouldn’t notice—but he did. Taehyung smirked slightly, choosing not to comment on it.

Jungkook cleared his throat and turned to Aera, handing her a small cup.

"Bubba, here's your milkshake."

"Thank you, Mumma!" Aera chirped happily, taking the cup with both hands.

Jungkook also placed some cookies on the table for them before sitting down.

As they drank, Aera, who had been quiet for only a few minutes, suddenly started talking again. She told Taehyung about her favorite cartoons, her kindergarten, the games she played, and the things she liked. Every now and then, she would ask Taehyung random questions, and he, being the good listener that he was, answered each one with patience and genuine interest.

Jungkook listened to their conversation from the side, smiling softly. He didn’t feel the need to interrupt. Taehyung wasn’t annoyed or bored by Aera’s endless chatter—in fact, he seemed to enjoy it.

Just then, Taehyung glanced at the window, watching the heavy downpour outside.

"Looks like this rain isn't stopping anytime soon," he muttered.

"Seems so," Jungkook agreed, looking outside as well.

Taehyung sighed. "My Eomma is probably worried," he said, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you call and inform them?"

"My phone is out of charge," Taehyung admitted.

Without hesitation, Jungkook picked up his phone from the table and handed it to Taehyung. "Use mine."

Taehyung looked at him in surprise before taking the phone. "Thank you, Jungkook."

Jungkook just smiled and nodded.

After making the call and assuring his father that he was safe, Taehyung relaxed. Meanwhile, Jungkook got up and made his way to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.

"Mr. Kim, what would you like for dinner?" Jungkook called out.

Taehyung blinked in surprise and turned toward him. "Aren't I a stranger to you?" he asked, curious.

Jungkook chuckled. "Actually, no. Thanks to Hobi hyung, I already know quite a bit about you. I didn’t get a chance to meet you earlier, but I’ve heard a lot."

Taehyung grinned. "Then… are we friends?"

Jungkook hesitated for a second before nodding with a small smile. "Yes, if you want us to be."

"Of course! We're friends now," Taehyung said excitedly. "And about dinner—whatever you make, I'll like it. Just make it a little less spicy, please."

Jungkook smiled. "Okay."

He turned to leave when Taehyung suddenly called his name.

"Jungkook"

Jungkook turned back. "Yes?"

Taehyung’s expression was warm. "Since we're friends now, call me anything but Mr. Kim."

Jungkook chuckled and nodded. "Alright."

He then walked into the kitchen to start cooking, while Taehyung stayed behind with Aera.

As Jungkook chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, he could hear laughter coming from the living room. Taehyung and Aera were playing together, their joyful giggles filling the air.

Jungkook paused for a moment, listening.

A soft smile graced his lips.

For the first time in a long while… his home didn't feel lonely.

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Preview ~

To be continued....