𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗚 || ᴛᴀᴇᴋᴏᴏᴋ

• C H A P T E R 29 •

The grand Kim mansion was unusually silent that night, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.

In Taehyung's dimly lit bedroom, Jungkook lay sound asleep on the large bed, curled up in the soft folds of one of Taehyung's oversized sweatshirts. His face was flushed, strands of his dark hair stuck to his forehead with sweat, and he mumbled incoherently in his sleep, shifting slightly every few minutes. Despite his peaceful appearance, the atmosphere around him was anything but calm.

Standing near the bed were Mr. and Mrs. Kim, elegant, poised, and visibly bewildered. Mrs. Kim's arms were folded, her brows drawn together in deep concern, while Mr. Kim stood quietly, casting side glances between the boys.

Taehyung stood by the window, arms crossed tightly, his jaw clenched, and his entire body radiating stormy fury. His knuckles were white from how hard he was gripping his own arms.

Jimin was seated at the foot of the bed, wringing his hands in his lap and looking like a guilty puppy. "I—I didn't mean for this to happen," he murmured. "I just wanted him to have fun. I didn't think— I didn't know he'd get so drunk or that we'd get separated—"

"You lied to Jin-hyung," Taehyung snapped coldly, his voice laced with venom.

"You said you were taking him to your place. You let him wear that short dress. You let him drink when he's never touched alcohol before. And you lost him in a goddamn club, Jimin."

Taehyung wasn't in his mind. He was hella furious making everyone shiver. Jimin was feeling really guilty as he took Jungkook with him on his responsibility but....

"what do you expect from me....i just want to see you both together rather than ignoring buf you both being stubborn not ready to face each other....i just wanted to have a perfect time together" Jimin look down with teary eyes.

Yoongi stood leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, looking like he wanted to melt into the floor. "Okay, everyone breathe," he muttered, trying to keep some semblance of calm. "He's safe now. He's in bed. Let's not kill each other in front of the unconscious boy."

Mrs. Kim cleared her throat delicately. "Taehyung-ah... who exactly is this boy? Why was he drinking? And why... is he in your clothes?"

"He's..." Taehyung hesitated, glancing toward the sleeping Jungkook. The anger in his face softened just for a second. "He's someone I care about."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Kim sighed deeply, adjusting his glasses. "This... is going to be a long night."

Jimin looked like he wanted to disappear. "I'm sorry," he whispered again, eyes on Jungkook.

Taehyung let out a frustrated breath and finally walked toward the bed. He gently tugged the blanket up to cover Jungkook's shoulders and brushed his hair back carefully.

Then, without looking at anyone else, he said lowly, "Just... let him sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

And the room fell silent again, save for Jungkook's soft, steady breathing the center of a storm he didn't even know he caused.

Mrs. Kim shared a quick glance with her husband before silently tugging at his arm. Understanding her unspoken cue, Mr. Kim nodded and the two quietly stepped out of the room, giving their sons some space. The door clicked shut softly behind them.

Taehyung remained by the bedside, crouched down now, elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together as he stared at Jungkook. The tension in his shoulders hadn't faded, but the fire in his eyes was dimmer replaced by something quieter, heavier... guilt.

Jimin stood up from the foot of the bed, walking slowly toward Yoongi, who still hadn't moved from the doorway.

"He was scared," Jimin said quietly, not looking at anyone. "When that guy touched him... he was trembling. I—I should've been there. I was supposed to watch over him."

Yoongi sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "You can't blame yourself for everything, Jimin. It was a mistake, yeah a stupid one but no one got hurt. He's here. Safe."

"But he could've been," Taehyung said suddenly, voice low but sharp. "He could've been hurt because I let him out of my sight for one second. Because I thought avoiding him would keep him safe from me."

Yoongi raised a brow. "That's not on you, Tae."

Taehyung finally looked up at them, his eyes glassy but firm. "I love him."

Jimin blinked, stunned.

"I do," Taehyung repeated. "I thought staying away would help him move on. I thought I wasn't good for him. I mean... I used to make him cry. I was a dick. But I love him. And tonight, when I saw that guy touching him..." his voice cracked slightly, "I swear I could've killed someone."

Yoongi pushed off the wall and walked over, placing a firm hand on Taehyung's shoulder. "Then maybe it's time to stop running."

Jimin gave a small nod. "He likes you, hyung. He really does. He just doesn't know how to deal with it."

Taehyung looked back at Jungkook his face relaxed in sleep, lips parted softly, arms hugging the blanket like it was a lifeline.

"I don't want to scare him anymore," Taehyung whispered. "I want to be someone he can trust."

Jimin smiled faintly. "Then be that. Tomorrow. When he wakes up."

Yoongi gave Taehyung's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We've got your back."

And for the first time that night, Taehyung let out a long, shaky breath... like maybe just maybe everything wasn't ruined after all.

The room stayed quiet after that, the only sound being the occasional turn of Jungkook's breath as he slept peacefully, wrapped in Taehyung's scent, unknowingly holding the heart of the boy sitting beside him.

TO BE CONTINUE