#taekookau where Divorced CEO Alpha Taehyung is fighting for his...
Miireux@mii_reux
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Nov 13, 2026
~115 min read
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#taekookau where
Divorced CEO Alpha Taehyung is fighting for his daughter's custody but when his daughter chooses her teacher instead of her parents, he ends up asking the omega teacher to marry him to have his daughter.
Divorced CEO Alpha Taehyung is fighting for his daughter's custody but when his daughter chooses her teacher instead of her parents, he ends up asking the omega teacher to marry him to have his daughter.
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Tags:-
- contract marriage
- infedility (not between Taekook)
- soc med + written
- hurt/comfort
- angst
- trauma
- fluff
- a/b/o
- scenting
- bickering
- nesting
- midium/long fic
- this is FICTION so some things about laws and court might be changed to fit the plot (🥲)
- contract marriage
- infedility (not between Taekook)
- soc med + written
- hurt/comfort
- angst
- trauma
- fluff
- a/b/o
- scenting
- bickering
- nesting
- midium/long fic
- this is FICTION so some things about laws and court might be changed to fit the plot (🥲)
3
Jeongguk is reviewing his notes that he will teach in today's class as a sweet voice greets him.
"Good morning, kookie" Jeongguk beams at the little kid.
"Good morning Daeunie" Jeongguk gets out of his seat, letting Daeun sit on the seat he previously occupied.
"Good morning, kookie" Jeongguk beams at the little kid.
"Good morning Daeunie" Jeongguk gets out of his seat, letting Daeun sit on the seat he previously occupied.
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He takes out a comb from his bag before undoing the two uneven pony tails on either side of Daeun's head and then continues to brush them and make them into two pony tails which are more clean and presentable.
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Daeun- a six year old alpha kid and daughter of a young and rich CEO Kim Taehyung.
Daeun comes to school half an hour earlier than everyone as Taehyung always gets to his office early and drops her off on the way.
Daeun comes to school half an hour earlier than everyone as Taehyung always gets to his office early and drops her off on the way.
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This was one of his requests- to have a teacher look after her for that extra half an hour- when he got his daughter admitted in this school. It's been 6 months and Jeongguk has come to adore the kid and he didn't mind looking after her when the principal asked him.
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Jeongguk has come to know that Taehyung is divorced and is a single parent which kinda explains Daeun's not so perfectly done hair everyday.
Maybe Taehyung is really bad at doing her long hair but he is trying and he has gotten better than before but not too much.
Maybe Taehyung is really bad at doing her long hair but he is trying and he has gotten better than before but not too much.
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Jeongguk has seen other kids ask Daeun about her imperfect hair on the first day and the way Daeun looks at other kids with envy as their hair is neatly done into pony tails or French braids.
So he has taken it upon himself to do the little one's hair everyday before classes.
So he has taken it upon himself to do the little one's hair everyday before classes.
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"there you go, little one" Jeongguk says, dropping a kiss on her head.
"Thank you, kookie!" Daeun gets out of the seat for Jeongguk.
He takes out a small box from his bag before handing it to the kid.
"I made some chocolate chip cookies for you. I know you really love them"
"Thank you, kookie!" Daeun gets out of the seat for Jeongguk.
He takes out a small box from his bag before handing it to the kid.
"I made some chocolate chip cookies for you. I know you really love them"
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"thank you!" The girl's eyes literally shine with joy as she takes the box.
"Don't forget to share with your friends, okay?" The girl hums in response and nods her head with a smile before going to her seat as other students start filling the class.
"Don't forget to share with your friends, okay?" The girl hums in response and nods her head with a smile before going to her seat as other students start filling the class.
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♡♡♡
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It's Jeongguk's last class for the day when his phone pings with a notification.
It's a text from Taehyung.
The other has taken his number after coming to know that he will be the one looking after his daughter for the extra time she will be at the school
It's a text from Taehyung.
The other has taken his number after coming to know that he will be the one looking after his daughter for the extra time she will be at the school
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And to let him know beforehand whenever she is absent or if there is a delay in picking her up after school.
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It's not that often when there is a delay at picking up Daeun so Jeongguk doesn't mind staying back a little longer.
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♡♡♡
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Daeun is telling him about her new favourite cartoon when a black Maserati enters the school campus.
Jeongguk stands up and moves towards the car holding Daeun's hand.
It's a little surprising when it's Taehyung who steps out of the car.
Jeongguk stands up and moves towards the car holding Daeun's hand.
It's a little surprising when it's Taehyung who steps out of the car.
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It's not often that the elder comes to pick up his daughter. It's usually her uncles and Jeongguk understands that the other is a busy person and cannot always make it on time to pick up the kid.
Daeun leaves his hand and springs to her dad as soon as she sees him.
Daeun leaves his hand and springs to her dad as soon as she sees him.
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Jeongguk stands a little away and watches the father bend down to pick up the girl and ask her about her day with a huge smile on his face.
Jeongguk thinks he is a good father if the way Daeun is always beaming whenever she is talking about her father or what they did on the
Jeongguk thinks he is a good father if the way Daeun is always beaming whenever she is talking about her father or what they did on the
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weekends together.
He is happy to know that the other always makes time for his daughter even after a hectic week of work.
"Mr. Jeon" Jeongguk comes out of his thoughts when the deep voice greets him.
"Thank you for looking after her and sorry for the inconvenience"
He is happy to know that the other always makes time for his daughter even after a hectic week of work.
"Mr. Jeon" Jeongguk comes out of his thoughts when the deep voice greets him.
"Thank you for looking after her and sorry for the inconvenience"
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"her uncles were out of town and the meeting went on longer than expected" Taehyung looks tired, his eyebags more prominent
Jeongguk just waves it off with a small smile.
Taehyung offers him a ride home but Jeongguk politely declines saying his apartment is nearby
Jeongguk just waves it off with a small smile.
Taehyung offers him a ride home but Jeongguk politely declines saying his apartment is nearby
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+ and he likes to walk.
As Taehyung turns away to sit in the car, he stops and looks at Jeongguk with a glint in his eyes
"You are better at doing her hair than I ever could" there is a teasing smile on his face and Jeongguk blushes. He didn't really think Taehyung would notice.
As Taehyung turns away to sit in the car, he stops and looks at Jeongguk with a glint in his eyes
"You are better at doing her hair than I ever could" there is a teasing smile on his face and Jeongguk blushes. He didn't really think Taehyung would notice.
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"I -" the apology is on the top of his tongue, thinking he might have crossed a line he didn't know was there but Taehyung beats it to him
"Thank you" it comes as a surprise but there is a small genuine smile on Taehyung's face
"Thank you" it comes as a surprise but there is a small genuine smile on Taehyung's face
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And Jeongguk is reminded again that how beautiful the man in front of him really is even with the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, suit discarded probably somewhere in the back of the car, with his loose tie and unruly hair.
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A complete contrast to how put together Taehyung always looked all those times he met the elder.
"Have a good evening, Mr. Jeon" Jeongguk comes out of his trance
"You too"
"Have a good evening, Mr. Jeon" Jeongguk comes out of his trance
"You too"
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The next day passes in a lull for Jeongguk without the little one.
He didn't know that the kid would become such an important part of his day that it would feel so out of place without her.
He doesn't know the reason for her absence
He didn't know that the kid would become such an important part of his day that it would feel so out of place without her.
He doesn't know the reason for her absence
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But he reassures himself that at least she is not sick. So she will probably be back tomorrow.
But apparently that's not the case.
Daeun doesn't come to school even the day after and nor did Taehyung inform him anything about her being absent the next day too.
But apparently that's not the case.
Daeun doesn't come to school even the day after and nor did Taehyung inform him anything about her being absent the next day too.
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It worries him a little.
He texts Taehyung asking about her absence but the elder doesn't reply, nor did he see his text.
Jeongguk doesn't have any other means to know if everything is okay other than just hoping that it isn't anything serious.
He texts Taehyung asking about her absence but the elder doesn't reply, nor did he see his text.
Jeongguk doesn't have any other means to know if everything is okay other than just hoping that it isn't anything serious.
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Jeongguk sees Daeun the next day and he feels a knot he didn't know was there in his heart loosen a bit.
"Good morning, little one" Jeongguk pats her head but he doesn't receive the usual enthusiastic smile or the shining eyes.
"Morning" Jeongguk frowns at the dull response
"Good morning, little one" Jeongguk pats her head but he doesn't receive the usual enthusiastic smile or the shining eyes.
"Morning" Jeongguk frowns at the dull response
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He makes her sir on his chair and continues to take out the comb and do her hair.
"What's wrong?" He asks in a soft voice but Daeun just shakes her head, not willing to answer so Jeongguk doesn't push, deciding to give her time and continues to braid her long hair.
"What's wrong?" He asks in a soft voice but Daeun just shakes her head, not willing to answer so Jeongguk doesn't push, deciding to give her time and continues to braid her long hair.
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After a few minutes, he hears small sniffles. His hands freeze.
He moves forward and kneels in front of her, coaxing her to look at him with a finger under her chin.
"Baby, what's wrong?" His voice worried. Before he could say anything further, Daeun throws herself in his arms.
He moves forward and kneels in front of her, coaxing her to look at him with a finger under her chin.
"Baby, what's wrong?" His voice worried. Before he could say anything further, Daeun throws herself in his arms.
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His hands wrapping around her on instinct.
"Daeunie? What's wrong?" But she doesn't answer and continues to cry in the crook of his neck, her sobs rattling through her small frame and it breaks his heart but he doesn't push.
"Daeunie? What's wrong?" But she doesn't answer and continues to cry in the crook of his neck, her sobs rattling through her small frame and it breaks his heart but he doesn't push.
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Instead he rubs her back trying to calm her down.
"I-" another sob gets caught in her throat.
"I don't wa-wanna go to boarding school, ko-kookie" she says between her hiccups.
Jeongguk's heart stops.
"Baby, what? Who told you that?"
"I-" another sob gets caught in her throat.
"I don't wa-wanna go to boarding school, ko-kookie" she says between her hiccups.
Jeongguk's heart stops.
"Baby, what? Who told you that?"
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He tries to gently pull her away from where her face is hurried in his crook.
But she tightens her hold on him and shakes her head in denial.
She doesn't say anything after that even when Jeongguk tries to ask her. So he tries to calm her down, whispering sweet nothings to her.
But she tightens her hold on him and shakes her head in denial.
She doesn't say anything after that even when Jeongguk tries to ask her. So he tries to calm her down, whispering sweet nothings to her.
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After sometime she calms down and comes out from where she was hiding.
"Nobody will send you to boarding school if you don't want to go, okay?"
Jeongguk gently tells her while wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumb.
Daeun nods her head while rubbing her eyes.
"Nobody will send you to boarding school if you don't want to go, okay?"
Jeongguk gently tells her while wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumb.
Daeun nods her head while rubbing her eyes.
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It breaks Jeongguk's heart. She is too small for all this.
It also makes him angry at Taehyung.
How could he even think about sending a six year old kid to a boarding school?
He decides that he will talk to the elder when he comes to pick her up.
It also makes him angry at Taehyung.
How could he even think about sending a six year old kid to a boarding school?
He decides that he will talk to the elder when he comes to pick her up.
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"you know Daeunie, kookie had made your favourite strawberry tart but you weren't here yesterday" Jeongguk tells her, trying to distract her with something else.
"Really?" He almost giggles at how fast the kid's eyes go back to their usual big and round eyes.
"Really?" He almost giggles at how fast the kid's eyes go back to their usual big and round eyes.
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"Hmm. But it's ok, I brought your favourite fruit salad today" he fishes through his bag and hands her a box full of different fruits. He knows how much she likes fruits.
He is happy when he sees her smiling again. The shine back in her eyes.
He is happy when he sees her smiling again. The shine back in her eyes.
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♡♡♡
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To Jeongguk's utter dismay, is Daeun's uncle, Jimin who picks her up after school instead of Taehyung.
And he doesn't know if he should talk about it with her uncle.
Finally deciding against it, he thinks about texting Taehyung again later or he will talk to him at the PTM
And he doesn't know if he should talk about it with her uncle.
Finally deciding against it, he thinks about texting Taehyung again later or he will talk to him at the PTM
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+ which is a few days later.
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As he expected, Taehyung doesn't see his texts and it makes Jeongguk more angry.
How can he not check his daughter's teacher's texts? What if it was something important?
How can he be so careless?
It's as if he doesn't know this Taehyung at all.
How can he not check his daughter's teacher's texts? What if it was something important?
How can he be so careless?
It's as if he doesn't know this Taehyung at all.
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The Taehyung he knew, cared for his daughter deeply, always asking Jeongguk about how she is doing in school, if she is having any problems with any subjects and always trying to attend most of the PTM.
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So he decides to wait till the PTM and even informs the principal to tell him if Taehyung comes to meet him, thinking if Taehyung really decides to put Daeun in a boarding school then he will have to meet the principal.
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♡♡♡
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It's the week later, the end of the month when the PTM is being held.
Jeongguk is ready to talk to Taehyung about what Daeun told him. He greets and meets all the other parents who come in with their children to collect the monthly report card of the kid and talk to him.
Jeongguk is ready to talk to Taehyung about what Daeun told him. He greets and meets all the other parents who come in with their children to collect the monthly report card of the kid and talk to him.
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As the day further melts into evening, Jeongguk feels his patience run thin, waiting for Taehyung and Daeun but they don't show up at all.
It causes Jeongguk to panic. What if Taehyung really decided to put Daeun in a boarding school? What if he has already met the principal?
It causes Jeongguk to panic. What if Taehyung really decided to put Daeun in a boarding school? What if he has already met the principal?
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What if the principal didn't get to tell him because of how busy he was?
What if Daeun doesn't show up tomorrow?
There are so many what ifs that create a storm inside Jeongguk and he could feel a knot tighten in his chest.
What if Daeun doesn't show up tomorrow?
There are so many what ifs that create a storm inside Jeongguk and he could feel a knot tighten in his chest.
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He probably should have talked to Daeun's uncle.
Jimin was a nice man, who always greeted Jeongguk and gave him a kind smile and asked him how he was doing and even asked about Daeun.
Jeongguk could tell he cares deeply about Daeun and even the kid liked him.
Jimin was a nice man, who always greeted Jeongguk and gave him a kind smile and asked him how he was doing and even asked about Daeun.
Jeongguk could tell he cares deeply about Daeun and even the kid liked him.
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Jimin would have definitely known what was up with the whole boarding school thing.
But it's too late now and Jeongguk doesn't know what to do. He did tell Daeun that it won't happen because back then he was sure he would talk Taehyung into dropping the plan
But it's too late now and Jeongguk doesn't know what to do. He did tell Daeun that it won't happen because back then he was sure he would talk Taehyung into dropping the plan
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But now he wasn't sure about anything anymore.
All he could do now was just wait and hope that he will see Daeun tomorrow.
All he could do now was just wait and hope that he will see Daeun tomorrow.
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It was later in the evening when he received a text from Taehyung and his heart jumped into his throat.
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♡♡♡
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Jeongguk is jittery and anxious the whole day. A thousand thoughts about the outcome of the meeting with Taehyung running through his head.
The thought about him not being able to convince Taehyung to rethink his decision just adds the cherry on top.
The thought about him not being able to convince Taehyung to rethink his decision just adds the cherry on top.
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But he has promised Daeun and he will at least try his best.
When the evening rolls on, he is waiting for the elder with his daughter. When he sees two black cars enter the school campus which causes him to frown a little in confusion.
When the evening rolls on, he is waiting for the elder with his daughter. When he sees two black cars enter the school campus which causes him to frown a little in confusion.
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He can tell one is Taehyung's and another is Jimin's.
He stands there until the two men are out of their cars and as Daeun runs off to her father who picks her up and tells her something
He stands there until the two men are out of their cars and as Daeun runs off to her father who picks her up and tells her something
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+ which Jeongguk can't hear before Daeun is being passed to Jimin who places her in his car and takes off.
It makes Jeongguk's heart beat a little faster because he doesn't know why they took Daeun away when it's about Daeun they are gonna talk about.
It makes Jeongguk's heart beat a little faster because he doesn't know why they took Daeun away when it's about Daeun they are gonna talk about.
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"Jeongguk~ssi" the deep voice brings him back to the present as he looks at the elder.
"Shall we?" Taehyung lightly motions towards his car and Jeongguk nods before following him and sitting in the passenger seat. The ride to wherever Taehyung is taking him is silent
"Shall we?" Taehyung lightly motions towards his car and Jeongguk nods before following him and sitting in the passenger seat. The ride to wherever Taehyung is taking him is silent
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+ before Jeongguk decides to break it.
"Why did Jimin-ssi take Daeun away?"
"Well, I think this is something only we should talk about first before coming to a final decision, which of course depends on you"
Jeongguk doesn't understand
"Why did Jimin-ssi take Daeun away?"
"Well, I think this is something only we should talk about first before coming to a final decision, which of course depends on you"
Jeongguk doesn't understand
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How does Daeun being sent to a boarding school depend on him?
And before Jeongguk to ask anything further, they enter in the parking lot of a tall building before taking up the elevator to the top floor and then he is being led into a room which looks like an office.
And before Jeongguk to ask anything further, they enter in the parking lot of a tall building before taking up the elevator to the top floor and then he is being led into a room which looks like an office.
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Taehyung asks him to take the seat in front of him before settling down on the other side of the table.
Yoongi, Taehyung's brother and Jimin's husband who too comes often to pick up Daeun is sitting on a couch pushed to the right side of the wall from where Jeongguk is sitting.
Yoongi, Taehyung's brother and Jimin's husband who too comes often to pick up Daeun is sitting on a couch pushed to the right side of the wall from where Jeongguk is sitting.
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He is dressed in a crisp three piece black suit with stripes, sitting with his one leg crossed over the other with his hand resting on the couch's handrest. His whole auro screams power - well suited for the country's best attorney. The man is intimidating to look at
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So Jeongguk looks away to face Taehyung.
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♡♡♡
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Taehyung is a little nervous. Scratch that. He hasn't been this nervous in his entire life, not even when he was giving a presentation for the first time infront of all the board of directors before he became the CEO.
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He doesn't know how to bring this up because he knows that this might sound a little crazy but he doesn't have any other way around this mess he has been dragged into.
So he takes a deep breath and takes the dive, head first.
So he takes a deep breath and takes the dive, head first.
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"Jeongguk-ssi, I want you to marry me"
Jeongguk's eyes widen and he opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out. He purses his lips as a frown appears between his eyebrows.
"Excuse me, WHAT?"
ok, maybe Taehyung should have eased him into this
Jeongguk's eyes widen and he opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out. He purses his lips as a frown appears between his eyebrows.
"Excuse me, WHAT?"
ok, maybe Taehyung should have eased him into this
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+ but he doesn't believe in beating around the bush.
"I am sorry, I know this might appear crazy to you. But please, let me explain it to you" Taehyung leans forward, placing his interlaced hands on the table.
He then looks at Yoongi who gives him a small nod in return.
"I am sorry, I know this might appear crazy to you. But please, let me explain it to you" Taehyung leans forward, placing his interlaced hands on the table.
He then looks at Yoongi who gives him a small nod in return.
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"This is about Daeun"
At the mention of the girl, Jeongguk becomes a little alert.
"As you know, I am divorced and a single parent and I have been for a while" Jeongguk nods for the other to continue.
"But now Booyoung, Daeun's mother has filled a case for her custody"
At the mention of the girl, Jeongguk becomes a little alert.
"As you know, I am divorced and a single parent and I have been for a while" Jeongguk nods for the other to continue.
"But now Booyoung, Daeun's mother has filled a case for her custody"
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"and the first hearing was on the day of the PTM which was yesterday and that's the reason, we couldn't make it"
"Oh"
"Yeah, and well, things didn't go as planned and Daeun became overwhelmed in the court room when she was asked to choose between me and her mother"
"Oh"
"Yeah, and well, things didn't go as planned and Daeun became overwhelmed in the court room when she was asked to choose between me and her mother"
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"so instead she said that she wants to be with you"
"What?" It takes Jeongguk by surprise. And maybe this shouldn't make him a little happy that Daeun chose him but sue him, he adores the kid and knowing that she likes him too makes his heart squeeze in his chest.
"What?" It takes Jeongguk by surprise. And maybe this shouldn't make him a little happy that Daeun chose him but sue him, he adores the kid and knowing that she likes him too makes his heart squeeze in his chest.
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"yeah, it was a surprise to us too. But now that's the problem"
"Huh?"
"You are not a relative nor are you her guardian and in case you don't agree, the custody will be in Booyoung's favour as she is the mother. But, I love my daughter too much to give up on her"
"Huh?"
"You are not a relative nor are you her guardian and in case you don't agree, the custody will be in Booyoung's favour as she is the mother. But, I love my daughter too much to give up on her"
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"ok, but how can I help with this?"
"By marrying Taehyung" Yoongi who has been quiet this whole time, finally speaks.
He stands up and slowly walks up to their table and leans against it, a hand on the table and the other in his pocket as he looks at Jeongguk.
"By marrying Taehyung" Yoongi who has been quiet this whole time, finally speaks.
He stands up and slowly walks up to their table and leans against it, a hand on the table and the other in his pocket as he looks at Jeongguk.
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"you will be married to Taehyung for a year, we will show in the court and the media that you guys have been dating for a while in private and decided to get married. And after that, you will automatically become Daeun's step father and guardian and we can easily win her custody"
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"you both can then get divorced after a year, to avoid any suspicion. It's the easy way out. And you will be given 10 million won in return for your help"
It's a lot for Jeongguk to take in at once. It almost doesn't feel real.
"I- is there no other way out?" He asks instead
It's a lot for Jeongguk to take in at once. It almost doesn't feel real.
"I- is there no other way out?" He asks instead
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"sure, we can try. But Booyoung is too cunning and I am sure she will play some sick game to turn the case in her favour, now that she has her rich boyfriend's support" Yoongi scowls.
"And it's Daeun at stake. So we can't really take any chances" Taehyung explains further.
"And it's Daeun at stake. So we can't really take any chances" Taehyung explains further.
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Jeongguk zones out for a second, his mind blank as he sits there and lets the words settle.
"I- but you are planning on sending Daeun to a boarding school" Jeongguk fixes Taehyung with a stern gaze.
"I am not. I would never do such a thing. It was Booyoung"
"I- but you are planning on sending Daeun to a boarding school" Jeongguk fixes Taehyung with a stern gaze.
"I am not. I would never do such a thing. It was Booyoung"
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When Jeongguk lifts his right eyebrow in question, Taehyung explains further.
"When Daeun was absent for 2 days, this past week, it was because she was with Booyoung and apparently Daeun heard her talking to her boyfriend about how she will send Daeun to boarding school +
"When Daeun was absent for 2 days, this past week, it was because she was with Booyoung and apparently Daeun heard her talking to her boyfriend about how she will send Daeun to boarding school +
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"+ if she wins the custody. Ofcourse, I brought her back home as soon as she called me crying"
"Oh" It makes sense now.
But this isn't something Jeongguk can say yes to, on the spot, he needs time to think this through so he tells them just that.
"Oh" It makes sense now.
But this isn't something Jeongguk can say yes to, on the spot, he needs time to think this through so he tells them just that.
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"ofcourse, you can take your time. But please keep in mind that we don't have much time on hand as the next hearing is next month"
Jeongguk nods his head. He needs to get out of here, everything is too much for him at the moment.
"Let me drop you home, Jeongguk-ssi"
Jeongguk nods his head. He needs to get out of here, everything is too much for him at the moment.
"Let me drop you home, Jeongguk-ssi"
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Taehyung offers, getting up from his seat.
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♡♡♡
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Jeongguk stares at the ceiling of his bedroom, his brain too occupied to find sleep.
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"𝑫𝒂𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒈𝒐" 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒎.
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"𝑴𝒐𝒎" 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒕, 𝒕𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕.
"𝑴𝒐𝒎, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚"
"𝑴𝒐𝒎, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚"
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𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒇 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎.
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Jeongguk blinks his blurred vision away before grabbing his phone and clicking on the familiar contact.
90
♡♡♡
91
There both are sitting in a private booth at a 5 star restaurant with a copy contract in their hands as Jeongguk skims through the contract.
Which contains a few points about no infidelity, having to attend public events together, no disclosure, living together
Which contains a few points about no infidelity, having to attend public events together, no disclosure, living together
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and a few other general points along with the point of 10 million won in return.
Jeongguk puts down the contract,
"I won't take the money"
Taehyung's eyebrows forrow as he looks at the other in confusion.
"Oh, do you want something else then? I think that could be arranged"
Jeongguk puts down the contract,
"I won't take the money"
Taehyung's eyebrows forrow as he looks at the other in confusion.
"Oh, do you want something else then? I think that could be arranged"
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"No"
As Taehyung tilts his head a little, Jeongguk explains further.
"I don't want anything in return. Just- just think of this as something I am doing for Daeun out of love and concern"
Taehyung's eyes widen a little and then there is apprehension in his gaze.
As Taehyung tilts his head a little, Jeongguk explains further.
"I don't want anything in return. Just- just think of this as something I am doing for Daeun out of love and concern"
Taehyung's eyes widen a little and then there is apprehension in his gaze.
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"I know this might sound crazy to you but- but this is also something I want to do for myself. It- it might not be something beneficial in a way you view profit as but it's just more of a personal and emotional matter"
Jeongguk looks anxious, trying his best to convey his +
Jeongguk looks anxious, trying his best to convey his +
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+ intentions, that he just means well.
Taehyung looks at him for a second before nodding his head.
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Is living together necessary?"
"Yes. It is. To avoid any suspicion in case some media tries to dig in deeper to find something to use against us"
Taehyung looks at him for a second before nodding his head.
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Is living together necessary?"
"Yes. It is. To avoid any suspicion in case some media tries to dig in deeper to find something to use against us"
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"ok" Jeongguk nods his head because it makes sense.
"So I will be moving in with you?"
"Yes, everything will be arranged according to your needs. You don't have to worry about it. You will still have your personal space"
"What about Daeun?" Jeongguk voices out his concern+
"So I will be moving in with you?"
"Yes, everything will be arranged according to your needs. You don't have to worry about it. You will still have your personal space"
"What about Daeun?" Jeongguk voices out his concern+
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+ which has been in the back of his mind ever since he agreed to this.
Taehyung's lips twitch at the corner into a small smile,
"I have talked to her and she is quite taken by you and is excited at the thought of you living with us. You have quite the charms Jeongguk-ssi"
Taehyung's lips twitch at the corner into a small smile,
"I have talked to her and she is quite taken by you and is excited at the thought of you living with us. You have quite the charms Jeongguk-ssi"
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Jeongguk feels his ears heat up and immediately covers them when he sees Taehyung's eyes flicker to them with a glint of amusement in them.
But in no time, Jeongguk knows his face is no better.
'𝘊𝘶𝘵𝘦'
Taehyung thinks but catches himself before letting his thoughts derail+
But in no time, Jeongguk knows his face is no better.
'𝘊𝘶𝘵𝘦'
Taehyung thinks but catches himself before letting his thoughts derail+
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+ to an unknown track.
Taehyung isn't blind to Jeongguk's beauty. He knows the omega is heavenly beautiful, plus his ear piercings and tattoos contradict his innocent doe eyes and bunny smile.
And the mole under lips-
'Get a hold on yourself, Taehyung'
Taehyung mentally scolds+
Taehyung isn't blind to Jeongguk's beauty. He knows the omega is heavenly beautiful, plus his ear piercings and tattoos contradict his innocent doe eyes and bunny smile.
And the mole under lips-
'Get a hold on yourself, Taehyung'
Taehyung mentally scolds+
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+ himself.
"So that's it?"
"Oh, I will have to tell about this to my hyung tho. I can't really hide this from him but he will be the only one and we can trust him"
Taehyung nods, "sure"
"So that's it?"
"Oh, I will have to tell about this to my hyung tho. I can't really hide this from him but he will be the only one and we can trust him"
Taehyung nods, "sure"
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"we will have to get married by this weekend, as the next hearing is just two weeks away"
Jeongguk nods his head. He knew everything will be fast paced but it still feels surreal even after hearing it from Taehyung.
Jeongguk nods his head. He knew everything will be fast paced but it still feels surreal even after hearing it from Taehyung.
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♡♡♡
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"kook, you know what you are doing right?"
"Yes, hobi hyung. I am not a kid" Jeongguk says with more temperament than he intended for being asked the same question the third time.
But immediately feels the pang of guilt at the way Hobi's shoulder slumps.
"Yes, hobi hyung. I am not a kid" Jeongguk says with more temperament than he intended for being asked the same question the third time.
But immediately feels the pang of guilt at the way Hobi's shoulder slumps.
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"I know. I just- I am just worried about you. I know that you are doing it for the kid but-" Hoseok pauses, trying to find the right words to phrase his next sentence.
"But I also know that you are doing it in the hope of saving yourself"
"But I also know that you are doing it in the hope of saving yourself"
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Jeongguk pauses from where he is standing behind the kitchen counter, cleaning dishes before resuming to wash the plate and put it in the rack beside the basin.
"I don't know, Hyung" he mumbles quietly, but he knows that Hoseok knows him better than himself.
"I don't know, Hyung" he mumbles quietly, but he knows that Hoseok knows him better than himself.
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The latter stares at him for a second before changing the topic.
"Anyways, I can't believe my little brother is getting married" Jeongguk is grateful for the change in subject even if it entails him getting teased for the next few minutes.
"Anyways, I can't believe my little brother is getting married" Jeongguk is grateful for the change in subject even if it entails him getting teased for the next few minutes.
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But then Hobi suddenly becomes sober, a serious look taking over his face.
"What about your parents? Will you tell them?"
Jeongguk purses his lips. He doesn't remember the last time he normally talked to his parents which didn't end up with him in tears.
"What about your parents? Will you tell them?"
Jeongguk purses his lips. He doesn't remember the last time he normally talked to his parents which didn't end up with him in tears.
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He doesn't wanna ruin his special day even if it's fake and having to deal with his parents.
They barely talk, only when Jeongguk forgets to send them their monthly allowance at time. They might not like him but he is a responsible son who won't discard his parents.
They barely talk, only when Jeongguk forgets to send them their monthly allowance at time. They might not like him but he is a responsible son who won't discard his parents.
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"I- I don't think so" Hobi nods his head, understanding where he is coming from before going to where Jeongguk is still standing against the kitchen counter and pulls him in a hug.
"You know I will always be here, right?" Jeongguk rests his head on his shoulder and nods.
"You know I will always be here, right?" Jeongguk rests his head on his shoulder and nods.
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He will forever be grateful for his cousin who loves him as his own sibling.
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♡♡♡
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Jeongguk receives a text from Taehyung later that day, asking him to accompany him for buying their wedding rings.
And that's how he finds himself at a jewellery shop with various diamond rings displayed ahead of him.
"You could have chosen it yourself"
And that's how he finds himself at a jewellery shop with various diamond rings displayed ahead of him.
"You could have chosen it yourself"
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Jeongguk's eyes flicked to Taehyung from where he was looking at the rings.
"Yes but I wanted you to have this ring of your choice. It's the least I could do for what you are doing for Daeunie and me. I don't know if you will like to remember this time later in your life+
"Yes but I wanted you to have this ring of your choice. It's the least I could do for what you are doing for Daeunie and me. I don't know if you will like to remember this time later in your life+
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+but if you do, then I wanted you to have a fond memory of it to look back at" Taehyung answers sincerely.
Jeongguk looks at him for a second before a small smile takes over his face.
"Is it so hard to live with you that you are implying that the diamond ring+
Jeongguk looks at him for a second before a small smile takes over his face.
"Is it so hard to live with you that you are implying that the diamond ring+
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+ will be the only fond memory for me?"
Taehyung's eyes widen, "No! That's not- that's not what I meant!"
But then he rolls his eyes when Jeongguk's shoulder shakes with his silent laughter.
Taehyung's eyes widen, "No! That's not- that's not what I meant!"
But then he rolls his eyes when Jeongguk's shoulder shakes with his silent laughter.
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"but I meant it though. I know I am asking a lot from you so it's only fair if you at least get a few things your way in whatever way possible"
Jeongguk looks at him with something soft in gaze
"Thank you" but Taehyung waves it off
Jeongguk looks at him with something soft in gaze
"Thank you" but Taehyung waves it off
117
Before their attention is taken by the assistant who comes in with a few trays with rings.
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♡♡♡
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To say Jeongguk is nervous would be an understatement. They are making their appearance together for the first time at a gala tonight.
Yoongi having said that it would be a nice move to capture the media's attention.
Taehyung has sent over some designer clothes
Yoongi having said that it would be a nice move to capture the media's attention.
Taehyung has sent over some designer clothes
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Along with a few accessories to pair with.
Jeongguk is in his bathroom from the past fifteen minutes trying to convince himself that he can indeed do this but it does nothing to evaporate the nerves in him.
"Gguk!!" There is a knock on the bathroom door.
Jeongguk is in his bathroom from the past fifteen minutes trying to convince himself that he can indeed do this but it does nothing to evaporate the nerves in him.
"Gguk!!" There is a knock on the bathroom door.
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"Dude, are you really planning on spending the rest of the day holed up in your bathroom or what? Get your ass out right now!"
Hobi might as well break the door with the way he is knocking relentlessly.
So Jeongguk mans up and opens the door.
Hobi might as well break the door with the way he is knocking relentlessly.
So Jeongguk mans up and opens the door.
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He gets dressed and lets Hobi put on a light makeup on him to highlight his features.
When he is done and looking at himself in the mirror, trying to lose the tension in his shoulders, his phone pings with a text from Taehyung, telling him that he is in the parking lot+
When he is done and looking at himself in the mirror, trying to lose the tension in his shoulders, his phone pings with a text from Taehyung, telling him that he is in the parking lot+
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+ of his apartment building.
Jeongguk takes one last look in the mirror.
He can totally do this. Yes.
Jeongguk takes one last look in the mirror.
He can totally do this. Yes.
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♡♡♡
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Taehyung was leaning against his car while typing away something in his phone while he heard the light click of boots.
And he is suddenly hit with a floral scent.
French peonies.
The scent is vivacious with a hint of cedarwood and lavender.
And he is suddenly hit with a floral scent.
French peonies.
The scent is vivacious with a hint of cedarwood and lavender.
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Before he could stop himself, he fills his lungs with the scent subtly.
This is the first time they will know eachother's scent, as they have been wearing scent blockers at work or after work whenever they met.
This is the first time they will know eachother's scent, as they have been wearing scent blockers at work or after work whenever they met.
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The omega looks beautiful, with the grey coat hanging around his shoulder and the shoulder and all the pearl and silver jewellery hanging down his deep neck top.
Taehyung had known the moment he had laid his eyes on this outfit that the omega would look stunning in this.
Taehyung had known the moment he had laid his eyes on this outfit that the omega would look stunning in this.
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He opens the car door for Jeongguk and rounds the car to his seat behind the wheel and takes off on the main road.
There is an awkward silence between them as from the corner of his eyes, Taehyung catches Jeongguk's lightly bouncing leg due to anxiety.
There is an awkward silence between them as from the corner of his eyes, Taehyung catches Jeongguk's lightly bouncing leg due to anxiety.
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After a few seconds, Jeongguk could feel his nerves calm down as it hits him that the alpha is releasing calming pheromones.
"Everything will be fine" Taehyung didn't know if his calming pheromones will help the other but he remembers how it always calms down Daeun+
"Everything will be fine" Taehyung didn't know if his calming pheromones will help the other but he remembers how it always calms down Daeun+
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+when she is having a mental breakdown. So he just gives it a shot in hopes that it will work and to his pleasant surprise, it does.
Jeongguk nods his head.
"Would you like to once again go through the things we have to do once we are there?"
Jeongguk nods his head.
"Would you like to once again go through the things we have to do once we are there?"
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"yes, please" Jeongguk worried about forgetting something important or making a mistake which might affect their plan, so he was trying to recall everything in his head but it just made him more anxious doing it on his own, so he is grateful that Taehyung asked.
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"we would call each other with affectionate names. No honorifics whatsoever"
"We will have to be a little touchy like people in love. Nothing major, just hand holding or waist holding or kisses on cheek. You are still ok with that, right? You can tell me when you are not"
"We will have to be a little touchy like people in love. Nothing major, just hand holding or waist holding or kisses on cheek. You are still ok with that, right? You can tell me when you are not"
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Taehyung glances at Jeongguk for a second and sees him nod in agreement, "yes, I am ok with that"
"And you remember what to answer when they ask about our relationship, right?"
"Yes" they have practiced some questions when they met last time in the restaurant.
"And you remember what to answer when they ask about our relationship, right?"
"Yes" they have practiced some questions when they met last time in the restaurant.
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Taehyung steers the vehicle into the underground parking lot and parks his car at an empty spot.
"And one more thing" Taehyung looks at Jeongguk and his eyes falls on his neck for a quick second before fixing his gaze on his face.
"We need to smell like each other"
"And one more thing" Taehyung looks at Jeongguk and his eyes falls on his neck for a quick second before fixing his gaze on his face.
"We need to smell like each other"
135
Jeongguk gulps but nods anyway. They had discussed this already beforehand because it's an important part for not letting others get suspicious.
Taehyung carefully holds his wrist and brings it to his face before rubbing his nose on the inner side.
Taehyung carefully holds his wrist and brings it to his face before rubbing his nose on the inner side.
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He glides his nose along the thin skin before doing the same on the other wrist.
He then gives a curt nod to the other to lean in as he does the same before gently holding the omega by his neck.
He sees the way Jeongguk's neck and ears turns pink
He then gives a curt nod to the other to lean in as he does the same before gently holding the omega by his neck.
He sees the way Jeongguk's neck and ears turns pink
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and for a second he wonders if Jeongguk's whole body flushes when he is flustered.
Taehyung then lightly blows below his other and feels the way the other's shoulder slightly bunch up before relaxing again.
Taehyung is too concentrated on the little changes in Jeongguk's body.
Taehyung then lightly blows below his other and feels the way the other's shoulder slightly bunch up before relaxing again.
Taehyung is too concentrated on the little changes in Jeongguk's body.
138
The way his breath hitches whenever Taehyung's nose touches the side of his neck, the way a shiver runs down his spine whenever Taehyung lightly presses his lips against the warm skin.
139
The way Jeongguk's hand presses into Taehyung's flesh from where it is resting on Taehyung's thigh whenever Taehyung drags his nose along the column of his neck.
Taehyung gets the hint of Jeongguk's senses being clouded with the way he grows more pliant in his hands.
Taehyung gets the hint of Jeongguk's senses being clouded with the way he grows more pliant in his hands.
140
The omega's body growing heavy in his hold.
141
♡♡♡
142
Jeongguk's senses are filled with the musky scent of the alpha. His head feels fuzzy, like cotton candy and his eyes start to flutter as he grows dizzy.
143
Taehyung pulls back when he deems it enough and gently rests Jeongguk back on his seat.
The hand on his neck slides down to hold Jeongguk's hand and he lightly squeezes his hand.
"You okay?" Jeongguk slightly nods his head but he still looks so out of it.
The hand on his neck slides down to hold Jeongguk's hand and he lightly squeezes his hand.
"You okay?" Jeongguk slightly nods his head but he still looks so out of it.
144
Taehyung continues to draw soothing circles on the inner side of his wrist and waits for Jeongguk to gain his composure. He knows how heady omegas get after scenting.
"Can you feel my touch on your wrist?" Taehyung asks after sometime.
"Can you feel my touch on your wrist?" Taehyung asks after sometime.
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Jeongguk nods more firmly this time, his senses slowly being cleared of the fog.
Taehyung squeezes his hand again,
"Better?" He softly asks.
Jeongguk nods again.
"Can you use your words?"
"Yes. Better" Jeongguk answers.
Taehyung squeezes his hand again,
"Better?" He softly asks.
Jeongguk nods again.
"Can you use your words?"
"Yes. Better" Jeongguk answers.
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"are you ready to go now? We can wait if you want a few more minutes"
"No, I am ready"
Taehyung nods and squeezes his hand one last time before getting out of his car and then opening the door for Jeongguk before taking his hand in his and walking towards the elevator.
"No, I am ready"
Taehyung nods and squeezes his hand one last time before getting out of his car and then opening the door for Jeongguk before taking his hand in his and walking towards the elevator.
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They reach the top floor where the gala is being held.
They stop for the photographers as Taehyung circles his hand around Jeongguk's waist and pulls him closer until their sides are flushed together.
They stop for the photographers as Taehyung circles his hand around Jeongguk's waist and pulls him closer until their sides are flushed together.
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Taehyung leans in to whisper his ears, "now look at me and smile as if you are in love"
Jeongguk looks at him and does as told. The cameras lights goes off with whispers around them. They know everyone is talking about them.
But Jeongguk can't bring himself to hear them
Jeongguk looks at him and does as told. The cameras lights goes off with whispers around them. They know everyone is talking about them.
But Jeongguk can't bring himself to hear them
149
Not when Taehyung's face is so close to his. He could see the moles on his face as he traces them with his eyes.
He sees the way Taehyung's eyes soften at the corner and there is a hint of a smile on his face.
Taehyung really is a good actor.
He sees the way Taehyung's eyes soften at the corner and there is a hint of a smile on his face.
Taehyung really is a good actor.
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After a few seconds, Taehyung guides him to the main hall with a hand on the small of his back.
Several important people come by to greet them. Jeongguk could see the way people look at him, some with envy, some with a bitter look in their eyes but with an ever so present smile.
Several important people come by to greet them. Jeongguk could see the way people look at him, some with envy, some with a bitter look in their eyes but with an ever so present smile.
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But there are also some who seem genuinely excited to see him and with the way Taehyung laughs with them more freely than others, he can guess that Taehyung likes those people.
And ofcourse, everyone asks about him.
"Oh my my, who is this beautiful gentleman with you,Taehyung?"
And ofcourse, everyone asks about him.
"Oh my my, who is this beautiful gentleman with you,Taehyung?"
152
A young lady asks, she is dressed in a wine red dress, the colour compliments her skin tone and her voice sweet, without any malice, just pure curiosity and is welcoming.
"Ah, this is my boyfriend, Jeongguk" Taehyung introduces him with a big smile.
"Ah, this is my boyfriend, Jeongguk" Taehyung introduces him with a big smile.
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His hand never leaving Jeongguk's waist.
Jeongguk smiles and greets in return.
"Where did you guys meet? Taehyung here never let us in on the secret" she playfully glares at the latter.
"Sorry, Noona. You know how the media gets" Taehyung says with an apologetic smile.
Jeongguk smiles and greets in return.
"Where did you guys meet? Taehyung here never let us in on the secret" she playfully glares at the latter.
"Sorry, Noona. You know how the media gets" Taehyung says with an apologetic smile.
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Taehyung does have a way to charm others into believing their lies.
Yuna, as she introduced herself earlier waves it off before concentrating back on Jeongguk, waiting for an answer.
Yuna, as she introduced herself earlier waves it off before concentrating back on Jeongguk, waiting for an answer.
155
"𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚. 𝑺𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒑" Taehyung's words plays in his head.
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"oh, we first met when Taehyung had come to get his daughter admitted in the school I work at. And then everything just flowed after that, you know" Jeongguk shrugs and then looks at Taehyung with a smile and he can feel the way Taehyung squeezes his waist in approval.
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"oh" there is a bright smile on Yuna's face.
"How long have you two been together?"
"How long have you two been together?"
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"𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒗𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔"
159
"it's been quite some time actually"
Jeongguk answers.
Before Yuna could question any further, Taehyung intervened.
"Now if you could excuse us, Noona. My darling here is quite tired from all the attention being aimed at him tonight"
"Oh, ofcourse! See you guys later"
Jeongguk answers.
Before Yuna could question any further, Taehyung intervened.
"Now if you could excuse us, Noona. My darling here is quite tired from all the attention being aimed at him tonight"
"Oh, ofcourse! See you guys later"
160
Taehyung then steers them away towards the bar, away from the crowd.
Jeongguk takes a seat on one of the stools as Taehyung hands him a glass of wine and takes one for himself.
"Thank you, I really needed this break"
Taehyung chuckles at that.
Jeongguk takes a seat on one of the stools as Taehyung hands him a glass of wine and takes one for himself.
"Thank you, I really needed this break"
Taehyung chuckles at that.
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"yeah, these events can be quite draining. You holding up alright?" Taehyung asks.
"Yeah, I am fine"
Jeongguk answers before drinking a sip from his glass as he feels his throat dry.
"I will be back from the washroom. Wait for me here"
"Yeah, I am fine"
Jeongguk answers before drinking a sip from his glass as he feels his throat dry.
"I will be back from the washroom. Wait for me here"
162
Taehyung says before resting his glass on the bar counter and leaves after Jeongguk nods at him.
Jeongguk relaxes more into his seat, as he looks at the crowd in the hall, people mingling and faking their laughs to impress other rich snobs.
He snorts before taking another sip.
Jeongguk relaxes more into his seat, as he looks at the crowd in the hall, people mingling and faking their laughs to impress other rich snobs.
He snorts before taking another sip.
163
He will never understand rich people licking each others shoes.
"Oh my, look who we have here"
Jeongguk snaps his head in the direction of the familiar voice and a sudden dread runs through his veins.
"If it isn't our little Jeonggukie"
"Oh my, look who we have here"
Jeongguk snaps his head in the direction of the familiar voice and a sudden dread runs through his veins.
"If it isn't our little Jeonggukie"
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The smirk on other person's face is unsettling.
Jeongguk's face hardens, his jaw set, as he stands up from his seat.
"What are you doing here, Jisung" Jeongguk grits out.
"Aww, don't look so disappointed, Jeonggukie. It's been so long since we last saw each other"
Jeongguk's face hardens, his jaw set, as he stands up from his seat.
"What are you doing here, Jisung" Jeongguk grits out.
"Aww, don't look so disappointed, Jeonggukie. It's been so long since we last saw each other"
165
Jisung takes a step forward as Jeongguk takes a step back, trying to put distance between them.
"Oh, I see you have already met Jisung here" Taehyung says with a smile as comes beside Jeongguk and places a hand at the small of his back.
"Oh, I see you have already met Jisung here" Taehyung says with a smile as comes beside Jeongguk and places a hand at the small of his back.
166
"oh, I was just talking to your boyfriend here for a bit. He is quite refreshing to talk to. You know, a new face among the crowd" Jisung flashes a smile at Taehyung.
"I hope Jeongguk-ssi enjoyed my company just as much" Jisung looks at Jeongguk with a glint in his eyes.
"I hope Jeongguk-ssi enjoyed my company just as much" Jisung looks at Jeongguk with a glint in his eyes.
167
"oh, I am sure, he did" Taehyung answers with a smile.
"Well, it was nice meeting you both" Jisung slaps Taehyung's arm in acknowledgement and walks away.
"Well, it was nice meeting you both" Jisung slaps Taehyung's arm in acknowledgement and walks away.
168
Taehyung then turns towards Jeongguk, "ok, what's wrong?" He had noticed the omega's slightly sour scent as soon as he was beside him.
Jeongguk clears his throat before answering, "nothing, just a bit overwhelmed" he gives a small smile and hopes that it is convincing enough.
Jeongguk clears his throat before answering, "nothing, just a bit overwhelmed" he gives a small smile and hopes that it is convincing enough.
169
To his luck, Taehyung doesn't question him further even though he doesn't look quite as convinced with his answer.
170
♡♡♡
171
"Taehyung-ah" an excited voice takes their attention away from the awkward silence between them.
"Jin Hyung" Taehyung engulfs the other with a huge smile on his face before moving to hug another person beside him.
"Jin Hyung" Taehyung engulfs the other with a huge smile on his face before moving to hug another person beside him.
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"Jeongguk, this is Jin Hyung, my cousin and this is his husband Namjoon"
"Jin Hyung is your cousin?" Jeongguk asks with a surprised look before moving forward to shake their hand in greeting but Jin pulls him in a hug.
"It's been so long since we last met, Jeongguk-ah"
"Jin Hyung is your cousin?" Jeongguk asks with a surprised look before moving forward to shake their hand in greeting but Jin pulls him in a hug.
"It's been so long since we last met, Jeongguk-ah"
173
Taehyung and Namjoon sport an equally confused look.
"You both know each other?" Taehyung is the one to ask the question.
"Jin Hyung was my senior at SNU, he was also my mentor for an assignment, so we grew close back then" Jeongguk explains.
"You both know each other?" Taehyung is the one to ask the question.
"Jin Hyung was my senior at SNU, he was also my mentor for an assignment, so we grew close back then" Jeongguk explains.
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"you are still just as handsome, gguk. But not more than me, ofcourse"
Everyone laughs.
The earlier jittery leaving Jeongguk's body as they fall into a comfortable flow of conversation and laughs.
Everyone laughs.
The earlier jittery leaving Jeongguk's body as they fall into a comfortable flow of conversation and laughs.
175
♡♡♡
176
Taehyung stops his car infront of Jeongguk's apartment.
They both stand infront of his car, not knowing what to say now that they are not surrounded by cameras and people.
"So, I will get going then" Jeongguk says, swaying on the balls of his heels.
Taehyung hums in agreement.
They both stand infront of his car, not knowing what to say now that they are not surrounded by cameras and people.
"So, I will get going then" Jeongguk says, swaying on the balls of his heels.
Taehyung hums in agreement.
177
Jeongguk waits for a moment, maybe for Taehyung to say something, he doesn't know. So he turns on his heels to leave when Taehyung's voice stops him.
"Wait!"
Jeongguk looks back at Taehyung, waiting for the other to say whatever he stopped him for.
"Wait!"
Jeongguk looks back at Taehyung, waiting for the other to say whatever he stopped him for.
178
He can see the elder gulp and clear his throat, as if trying to get the words out.
"You-" Taehyung takes a deep breath.
'This shouldn't be this hard. What the fuck Taehyung?' Taehyung mentally scolds himself.
"You looked really pretty today" he gets the words out and waits.
"You-" Taehyung takes a deep breath.
'This shouldn't be this hard. What the fuck Taehyung?' Taehyung mentally scolds himself.
"You looked really pretty today" he gets the words out and waits.
179
There it is again. The pink blooming on the omega's face. It makes the other look extra pretty but he doesn't say that out loud.
"I wanted to say that earlier but- I, yeah" he doesn't know why he didn't say that earlier when he picked Jeongguk up.
"I wanted to say that earlier but- I, yeah" he doesn't know why he didn't say that earlier when he picked Jeongguk up.
180
But he wants the omega to know that he really looked great tonight. Maybe he did know that with all the attention he received tonight but Taehyung wanted him to know that he thought the same too.
Not that it matters. He doesn't even know why he is telling the other this now.
Not that it matters. He doesn't even know why he is telling the other this now.
181
But the omega is smiling at him and Taehyung doesn't know if he is imagining it but the younger's eyes shine a little and it somehow makes everything worth it.
"Thank you. You didn't look too bad yourself" Jeongguk teases.
"C'mon, I looked great"Taehyung feigns being offended
"Thank you. You didn't look too bad yourself" Jeongguk teases.
"C'mon, I looked great"Taehyung feigns being offended
182
Which makes the other laugh as he shakes his head before turning to walk up to his apartment elevator.
Taehyung leaves after he sees Jeongguk entering his apartment elevator. The smile is ever so present on his face all the way back home.
Taehyung leaves after he sees Jeongguk entering his apartment elevator. The smile is ever so present on his face all the way back home.
183
♡♡♡
184
As they anticipated, the news of them being together is all over the news. There are articles about how good they look together and there are also other articles doubting the sudden existence of their relationship. But it mostly has the impact they wanted.
185
The whole internet is talking about them, knowing it's serious enough if Taehyung has decided to show up with his boyfriend at the gala.
The news of their wedding will be out by Wednesday and they will be married by the weekend.
The next hearing just being three weeks away.
The news of their wedding will be out by Wednesday and they will be married by the weekend.
The next hearing just being three weeks away.
186
Cutting them short on time for everything.
They have decided on a small intimate wedding with just their close family and friends. Throwing a big party with the next court hearing just around the corner may raise questions of this just being a publicity stunt+
They have decided on a small intimate wedding with just their close family and friends. Throwing a big party with the next court hearing just around the corner may raise questions of this just being a publicity stunt+
187
+ for the media attention.
188
♡♡♡
189
The day of the wedding rolls by more quickly than anticipated.
They both are standing on the aisle, exchanging rings as the priest announces him as married. Taehyung kisses Jeongguk's forehead when they are asked to kiss. They have discussed this before. Like always.
They both are standing on the aisle, exchanging rings as the priest announces him as married. Taehyung kisses Jeongguk's forehead when they are asked to kiss. They have discussed this before. Like always.
190
Everything planned.
And the absence of the media makes it easier to breathe.
They meet and greet all the guests.
It's only his family and a few of Jeongguk's close friends from his side.
His parents had called him after hearing the news of his boyfriend and were happy about it.
And the absence of the media makes it easier to breathe.
They meet and greet all the guests.
It's only his family and a few of Jeongguk's close friends from his side.
His parents had called him after hearing the news of his boyfriend and were happy about it.
191
Ofcourse they would be, Taehyung is rich and handsome and young and successful. At least he would be let off the hook from his mother trying to set him up with different alphas he didn't like.
But then there was the news of their wedding. And Jeongguk didn't want to invite them.
But then there was the news of their wedding. And Jeongguk didn't want to invite them.
192
He really didn't, but the voice in the back of his mind told him that they are his parents, he can't do that to them.
That's the reason they are present here, sitting in the front row, beaming at him and he doesn't remember the last time his parents were ever this happy
That's the reason they are present here, sitting in the front row, beaming at him and he doesn't remember the last time his parents were ever this happy
193
especially because of him. But they have something akin to pride in their eyes and Jeongguk's eyes sting.
All he ever wanted to do was make his parents proud but he never thought marrying Taehyung would be the cause of it. It makes bile rise to his mouth and he wants to throw up
All he ever wanted to do was make his parents proud but he never thought marrying Taehyung would be the cause of it. It makes bile rise to his mouth and he wants to throw up
194
But he bites his tongue instead and smiles at the guests who greet them.
He is glad he is wearing scent blockers because he doesn't know how he would have explained Taehyung the reason for his bitterness.
He is glad he is wearing scent blockers because he doesn't know how he would have explained Taehyung the reason for his bitterness.
195
Daeun is present in the crowd too, sitting with Taehyung's parents and is beaming at them all the time. Jeongguk concentrates on that and the way that radiant joy wraps around him.
He picks up Daeun when she comes up to them along with her grandparents.
He picks up Daeun when she comes up to them along with her grandparents.
196
"Thank you, Jeongguk. For doing this" Taehyung's mother cups his face while his father pats his shoulder.
"Anything for Daeunie" he says and he receives a kiss on his cheek from Daeun.
"You look so pretty, ggukie" she lightly touches his dangling earrings,
"Anything for Daeunie" he says and he receives a kiss on his cheek from Daeun.
"You look so pretty, ggukie" she lightly touches his dangling earrings,
197
looks at them in awe when they shine.
"Isn't it, appa?" She asks her father.
"Ofcourse, princess" Taehyung agrees because Jeongguk infact looked pretty like always but there was this glow to him today which seemed to draw in other people towards him.
"Isn't it, appa?" She asks her father.
"Ofcourse, princess" Taehyung agrees because Jeongguk infact looked pretty like always but there was this glow to him today which seemed to draw in other people towards him.
198
"Thank you, but not more than you, baby" Daeun giggles when Jeongguk lightly bites her cheek before kissing it.
The three of them then proceed to take a few "family" pictures together with Daeun in between them while they both kiss her cheeks as per Daeun's request.
The three of them then proceed to take a few "family" pictures together with Daeun in between them while they both kiss her cheeks as per Daeun's request.
199
Jeongguk already knows that it is gonna hurt when this ends and it will also break Daeun's heart but he doesn't wanna dwell on it for now.
They will figure those things out when the time comes. He lets himself enjoy this moment, where Taehyung pulls him closer by his waist
They will figure those things out when the time comes. He lets himself enjoy this moment, where Taehyung pulls him closer by his waist
200
where Daeun holds his hand and asks him to smile for the picture.
He knows he will cherish this picture forever.
He knows he will cherish this picture forever.
201
♡♡♡
202
By the time the three of them reach Taehyung's apartment, it's already past midnight, Daeun fast asleep on Jeongguk's shoulder while Taehyung opens the apartment door.
As soon as they are inside, Taehyung takes Daeun and carries her to her room followed by Jeongguk.
As soon as they are inside, Taehyung takes Daeun and carries her to her room followed by Jeongguk.
203
Jeongguk stands at the door, not knowing if he is allowed to step inside.
He watches the way Taehyung struggles to hold her up while removing her shoes and before he could think about it, Jeongguk's feet move to help him.
He holds Daeun while Taehyung takes off her shoes.
He watches the way Taehyung struggles to hold her up while removing her shoes and before he could think about it, Jeongguk's feet move to help him.
He holds Daeun while Taehyung takes off her shoes.
204
And goes inside the walk in closet and comes back with a pair of pajama shorts and a matching shirt.
He places the clothes on the bed and proceeds to remove her hair accessories and pins.
He winces when she makes a pained noise at her hair mistakenly being pulled along with the+
He places the clothes on the bed and proceeds to remove her hair accessories and pins.
He winces when she makes a pained noise at her hair mistakenly being pulled along with the+
205
+ pin but Jeongguk sways her in his arms and pats her back to coax her back to sleep.
Taehyung signs in relief because he doesn't think he has the energy in him to handle a crying Daeun after a tiring day.
He whispers at Jeongguk to place her on the bed
Taehyung signs in relief because he doesn't think he has the energy in him to handle a crying Daeun after a tiring day.
He whispers at Jeongguk to place her on the bed
206
so that he can pull off her dress and dress her up in the pajama set.
After he is done, he moves her to the middle of the bed and secures the end of the beds by placing pillows on her side so that she won't fall from her bed in sleep.
After he is done, he moves her to the middle of the bed and secures the end of the beds by placing pillows on her side so that she won't fall from her bed in sleep.
207
Jeongguk observes the way Taehyung is ever so patient with his daughter, and the way he gently tucks her into bed before kissing her forehead.
There is something soft which moves under Jeongguk's skin.
Taehyung nods at him to follow him outside.
There is something soft which moves under Jeongguk's skin.
Taehyung nods at him to follow him outside.
208
"Thank you. For helping me with Daeun. It's always a hassle after such events" Taehyung rubs at his nape.
Jeongguk waves off his apology as Taehyung walks him to his room.
"My room is just the one beside yours. All your things will be delivered tomorrow" Taehyung explains.
Jeongguk waves off his apology as Taehyung walks him to his room.
"My room is just the one beside yours. All your things will be delivered tomorrow" Taehyung explains.
209
"and please feel free to ask me anything you want. And ofcourse you can use anything in this house, you don't need to ask because now it's yours as much as it's mine. So yeah"
Jeongguk nods, "thank you"
Jeongguk nods, "thank you"
210
It's Sunday tomorrow and Jeongguk plans on sleeping in because he could feel the exhaustion in his bones. He doesn't know how he is still standing here.
"That's all I guess. Goodnight, Jeongguk" Jeongguk wishes him back and moves into his room.
"That's all I guess. Goodnight, Jeongguk" Jeongguk wishes him back and moves into his room.
211
He falls on the bed face first as soon as he is out of his clothes and accessories.
212
♡♡♡
213
Jeongguk groans as the shrill noise of an incoming call drills through his ear drums.
He should change his phone's ringtone.
He picks up the call, his brain still fogged with melatonin.
"Hello?" He says or at least he thinks he does.
He should change his phone's ringtone.
He picks up the call, his brain still fogged with melatonin.
"Hello?" He says or at least he thinks he does.
214
"Jeongguk?" His mom's voice creates a sense of unknown alarm in his body, making him sit up on his bed, mind clear of any remnant of sleep.
"Were you still asleep?"
"Uhm, yeah. What- is everything alright?" He asks next.
"Ofcourse, why wouldn't it be? I was just checking in"
"Were you still asleep?"
"Uhm, yeah. What- is everything alright?" He asks next.
"Ofcourse, why wouldn't it be? I was just checking in"
215
Jeongguk frowns in confusion, his mother has never called him to just check in.
"Uh- yeah" he checks the bed side alarm. It's too early in the morning.
"So, how was your night?"
He sighs, it really is too early in the morning to deal with this.
"Uh- yeah" he checks the bed side alarm. It's too early in the morning.
"So, how was your night?"
He sighs, it really is too early in the morning to deal with this.
216
"Mom, if you are talking about what I think you are talking about, then please, drop it"
"What? I am just worried about you!"
"And what exactly is there to worry about?" He snaps. He can already feel his head hurt.
"He has a daughter gguk!You should have a pup of your own, so-
"What? I am just worried about you!"
"And what exactly is there to worry about?" He snaps. He can already feel his head hurt.
"He has a daughter gguk!You should have a pup of your own, so-
217
"Mom! It's not your place to tell me what to do!" His voice is louder than he would like, but he is too angry to be thinking about it.
"But, you-" he cuts the call. He drops down back on his bed. It's too early, his head has started to hurt. He tries to sleep again+
"But, you-" he cuts the call. He drops down back on his bed. It's too early, his head has started to hurt. He tries to sleep again+
218
+ but gives up after 20 minutes. His mood is already ruined.
He gets out of bed and does his morning routine before making his way to the kitchen.
The house is quiet, the other two people in the house are still probably asleep.
It takes him quite some time to+
He gets out of bed and does his morning routine before making his way to the kitchen.
The house is quiet, the other two people in the house are still probably asleep.
It takes him quite some time to+
219
+ figure out where everything is kept in the kitchen. And it kinda makes him nervous how unfamiliar everything here is. It takes him a couple times to open the right cabinet for an ingredient he needs and which he saw earlier while trying to take something else.
220
He decides on making pancakes. The only thing which could make his already ruined morning a bit better. He adds a cup of flour to the bowl, pauses and adds another two cups of flour, realising how he isn't alone anymore. He knows for a fact that Daeun likes pancakes.
221
He isn't sure if Taehyung would like these or if it's too sweet for him or if he would like Daeun to have a not so healthy breakfast.
He is suddenly too unsure, which further makes him too uneasy.
"You are up early" a raspy voice startles him.
He is suddenly too unsure, which further makes him too uneasy.
"You are up early" a raspy voice startles him.
222
He almost knocks off the big bowl from the kitchen counter.
Taehyung winces.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you" Taehyung rubs the back of his nape.
"It's ok. I just couldn't sleep, maybe because of the new place" Jeongguk lies.
Taehyung nods his head,
Taehyung winces.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you" Taehyung rubs the back of his nape.
"It's ok. I just couldn't sleep, maybe because of the new place" Jeongguk lies.
Taehyung nods his head,
223
"but you still look tired"
"Yeah, I will probably take a nap later" Jeongguk shrugs.
"What are you making?" Taehyung asks, looking at all the ingredients spread on the kitchen counter.
"Yeah, I will probably take a nap later" Jeongguk shrugs.
"What are you making?" Taehyung asks, looking at all the ingredients spread on the kitchen counter.
224
"Pancakes. But, I just wasn't sure if you would like to have those or allow Daeun to have it. Considering it's not so healthy" Jeongguk's voice becomes small by the end.
"Oh. I- you don't have to cook for us"
"Oh. I'm- I am sorry. I wasn't trying to impose"
"Oh. I- you don't have to cook for us"
"Oh. I'm- I am sorry. I wasn't trying to impose"
225
"No! No. That's not what I meant. I just meant it like, you don't have to do it just because you think you have to" Taehyung rushes to clarify at the other's dejected tone.
"Oh" Jeongguk smiles a little at that.
"No, I am just doing it because I want to"
"Oh" Jeongguk smiles a little at that.
"No, I am just doing it because I want to"
226
"Plus, it's easier if we cook for all of us together instead of making separate meals" Jeongguk shrugs.
"Ok. And to answer your question, I and Daeunie would love pancakes. It's been so long since we last had them because I always mess up the batter one way or the other"
"Ok. And to answer your question, I and Daeunie would love pancakes. It's been so long since we last had them because I always mess up the batter one way or the other"
227
Jeongguk laughs at that. He senses his nerves calm down a bit.
"Do you need help?" Taehyung asks, already coming to stand beside him.
"Sure"
"Can you please milk and butter to it?" Jeongguk asks, taking out eggs from the refrigerator.
"Oh, I didn't know they were necessary"
"Do you need help?" Taehyung asks, already coming to stand beside him.
"Sure"
"Can you please milk and butter to it?" Jeongguk asks, taking out eggs from the refrigerator.
"Oh, I didn't know they were necessary"
228
"They are. It adds moisture and richness to the batter!"
"Oh, that's why mine weren't as perfect. Hmm, got it" Taehyung notes down these things in the back of his mind, to remember it the next time he makes pancakes.
"Appa?" They both look in the direction of the small voice
"Oh, that's why mine weren't as perfect. Hmm, got it" Taehyung notes down these things in the back of his mind, to remember it the next time he makes pancakes.
"Appa?" They both look in the direction of the small voice
229
They see the little being with bed hair, waddle towards them while rubbing her eyes. The sight is too cute for Jeongguk's poor heart.
"Good morning, princess" Taehyung kisses her cheek as he lifts her up.
"Good morning, appa" she then looks at Jeongguk and her whole face+
"Good morning, princess" Taehyung kisses her cheek as he lifts her up.
"Good morning, appa" she then looks at Jeongguk and her whole face+
230
+ lights up.
"Good morning, ggukie!"
"Good morning, Daeunie" Jeongguk smiles back, already forgetting how bad his morning started.
"Let's get you ready, ok?" Taehyung says and turns to look at Jeongguk who nods in return.
Jeongguk is already at his second batch of pancakes
"Good morning, ggukie!"
"Good morning, Daeunie" Jeongguk smiles back, already forgetting how bad his morning started.
"Let's get you ready, ok?" Taehyung says and turns to look at Jeongguk who nods in return.
Jeongguk is already at his second batch of pancakes
231
when Taehyung and Daeun came back, Daeun freshly bathed and her hair brushed into two uneven pony tails.
Jeongguk smiles at that.
Taehyung moves to take out plates for them and sets the table.
Jeongguk smiles at that.
Taehyung moves to take out plates for them and sets the table.
232
♡♡♡
233
"these are so much better than the ones appa makes!" Daeun suddenly says with her mouth stuffed.
"These pancakes are so good that I can't even get offended by her comment" Taehyung nods with a serious expression which makes Jeongguk laugh
"It's ok, you can try making them next+
"These pancakes are so good that I can't even get offended by her comment" Taehyung nods with a serious expression which makes Jeongguk laugh
"It's ok, you can try making them next+
234
+time!"
Taehyung takes all the dishes to wash once they are all done eating when the bell rings.
Jeongguk opens the door to the delivery service of boxes with all his stuff which are then placed in his room.
Jeongguk groans while eyeing all the boxes in his room
Taehyung takes all the dishes to wash once they are all done eating when the bell rings.
Jeongguk opens the door to the delivery service of boxes with all his stuff which are then placed in his room.
Jeongguk groans while eyeing all the boxes in his room
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He really isn't in the mood to set up his room but he also cannot take a nap in a room full of boxes.
He groans when Taehyung knocks on his door.
"Do you need help?" Taehyung vaguely gestures to all the boxes in his room.
"Yes, please. I will forever be indebted to you"
He groans when Taehyung knocks on his door.
"Do you need help?" Taehyung vaguely gestures to all the boxes in his room.
"Yes, please. I will forever be indebted to you"
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Taehyung smiles at his antics before shaking his head in amusement and entering the room to help him arrange his things.
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Most of the things in the boxes are just Jeongguk's clothes and accessories. Jeongguk loves accessories, and loves the way they make him feel extra pretty. Most of them are earrings, rings and bracelets and a few chains.
Taehyung helps him arrange his clothes on the hangers.
Taehyung helps him arrange his clothes on the hangers.
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And holds them for Jeongguk as he arranged them in a particular colour coded order.
He understands how particular Jeongguk is with the way he arranges his things.
Taehyung's eyes linger a little longer at the pretty accessories and wonders for a second how pretty the omega+
He understands how particular Jeongguk is with the way he arranges his things.
Taehyung's eyes linger a little longer at the pretty accessories and wonders for a second how pretty the omega+
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+ would look in them.
He then flattens all the boxes and places them outside his room for the cleaning staff to remove them tomorrow.
He then holds up the stool as Jeongguk adds some fairy lights above the curtains. Something about them having a soothing effect on him.
He then flattens all the boxes and places them outside his room for the cleaning staff to remove them tomorrow.
He then holds up the stool as Jeongguk adds some fairy lights above the curtains. Something about them having a soothing effect on him.
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"thank you so much" Jeongguk says as he now stands in his room rid of all the boxes.
"Anytime" Taehyung twists his body to get rid of the light soreness in the muscles.
"You should take a shower and rest." Taehyung says next to which Jeongguk nods, "you too"
"Anytime" Taehyung twists his body to get rid of the light soreness in the muscles.
"You should take a shower and rest." Taehyung says next to which Jeongguk nods, "you too"
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♡♡♡
242
By the time Jeongguk wakes up from the nap, the sun has already set but he still feels like he can fall asleep again if his head hits the bed.
The voices from the living room reach him. A complete contrast to how silent his previous apartment felt.
The voices from the living room reach him. A complete contrast to how silent his previous apartment felt.
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He reaches the living room and sees Daeun trying to break free from Taehyung's hold on the couch who is tickling her.
"Appa, stop!"
"Give me the TV remote then!"
Jeongguk hesitates standing in the hallway, contemplating if he should go back to his room.
"Appa, stop!"
"Give me the TV remote then!"
Jeongguk hesitates standing in the hallway, contemplating if he should go back to his room.
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He feels like an intruder and so out of place. He wonders if he will feel like this the whole time he will be staying here.
He doesn't wanna disturb the father daughter duo who seem too happy inside their own little bubble to notice Jeongguk.
He doesn't wanna disturb the father daughter duo who seem too happy inside their own little bubble to notice Jeongguk.
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Jeongguk turns around to quietly slip back into his room when Daeun calls his name.
"Ggukie!" He turns around and shuffles on his feet when Taehyung's eyes snap at him. He doesn't know what to do with his hands awkwardly resting by his side so he shoves them inside his pockets.
"Ggukie!" He turns around and shuffles on his feet when Taehyung's eyes snap at him. He doesn't know what to do with his hands awkwardly resting by his side so he shoves them inside his pockets.
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"Jeongguk-ssi" Taehyung's earlier smiling face is back to being positive neutral.
"I was just about to come find you to ask what you would like for dinner. We are ordering take out"
"Oh" Jeongguk's voice is dry from the lack of use, so he clears his throat before speaking again
"I was just about to come find you to ask what you would like for dinner. We are ordering take out"
"Oh" Jeongguk's voice is dry from the lack of use, so he clears his throat before speaking again
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"Anything is fine with me. I don't have much appetite for now" Jeongguk doesn't do well in new places. It makes him too conscious about himself and the anxiety sits like a heavy knot in his stomach, making it hard to eat anything.
Taehyung nods his head before taking his phone.
Taehyung nods his head before taking his phone.
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Daeun comes to him and takes him to the couch by his hand and makes him sit beside her with Tae on the other side.
Rapunzel is playing on the TV. They all sit in silence watching as the witch locks Rapunzel in the tower. She gasps even though she is watching it for the nth time.
Rapunzel is playing on the TV. They all sit in silence watching as the witch locks Rapunzel in the tower. She gasps even though she is watching it for the nth time.
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Taehyung is too concentrated on the show for someone who was trying to convince her just a few minutes back to watch something else, saying he is bored of watching it again and again.
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♡♡♡
251
It takes a few minutes for Jeongguk to find the plates for dinner as they were not in the same cabinet when he saw them this morning, while Taehyung takes out the dinner in bowls and plates before bringing them to the dining table.
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Jeongguk sits on the opposite side of Taehyung and Daeun.
It feels weird, having others sit at the same table as him.
He never really had friends in school and Jin was the only one who rarely used to join him at lunch during college.
So he doesn't know how to feel about this.
It feels weird, having others sit at the same table as him.
He never really had friends in school and Jin was the only one who rarely used to join him at lunch during college.
So he doesn't know how to feel about this.
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"are you guys ok with my driver dropping you both to school tomorrow or would you guys like me to drop you off? As you already know, I leave home for the office 45 minutes before the school starts" Taehyung asks, before taking another bite of jjajangmyeon.
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"oh, I think we will be fine if the driver drops us. Or else it would just be extra work for you"
Taehyung nods his head.
"Also, I will make her breakfast and lunch along with mine, so don't worry about it before you leave" Jeongguk adds, now playing with the food on his plate+
Taehyung nods his head.
"Also, I will make her breakfast and lunch along with mine, so don't worry about it before you leave" Jeongguk adds, now playing with the food on his plate+
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Before he catches himself and mentally scolds for his bad habit.
"Are you sure? Isn't it too much work for you?" Taehyung asks with a frown as holds Daeun's wrist who was trying to put the vegetables from her plate to his and gently makes her take them back.
"Are you sure? Isn't it too much work for you?" Taehyung asks with a frown as holds Daeun's wrist who was trying to put the vegetables from her plate to his and gently makes her take them back.
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She scrunches her nose at being caught and Jeongguk tries to hide his smile around another bite of his food.
"I would have to cook for myself anyway, so it's not a bother"
"Ggukie cooks better than appa!" Daeun suddenly says around a mouthful of food.
"I would have to cook for myself anyway, so it's not a bother"
"Ggukie cooks better than appa!" Daeun suddenly says around a mouthful of food.
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"wow, look at her already picking a favourite. You are so ungrateful for all these years of me feeding you, you brat!" Taehyung says with a hand on his heart.
Daeun and Jeongguk giggle at his dramatics.
"It's just the truth, appa!" Taehyung sighs.
"I can't even deny it"
Daeun and Jeongguk giggle at his dramatics.
"It's just the truth, appa!" Taehyung sighs.
"I can't even deny it"
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♡♡♡
259
Jeongguk is woken up by the soft knocks on his door.
He rubs at his eyes as a small head peaks inside.
"Good morning, ggukie!"
Jeongguk smiles and gestures to come inside.
"Good morning, baby.Did your appa already leave for his office?" He asks, getting up from his bed.
"Yes"
He rubs at his eyes as a small head peaks inside.
"Good morning, ggukie!"
Jeongguk smiles and gestures to come inside.
"Good morning, baby.Did your appa already leave for his office?" He asks, getting up from his bed.
"Yes"
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She stands by the foot of the bed while he makes his bed.
"Are you hungry? Just give me a few minutes! We will then head to the kitchen together!" He says, checking the time on the clock by his bed.
Daeun is already ready for school, except for her open hair.
"Are you hungry? Just give me a few minutes! We will then head to the kitchen together!" He says, checking the time on the clock by his bed.
Daeun is already ready for school, except for her open hair.
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She sits on his bed while he does a quick work of getting ready.
When they reach the kitchen, he makes Daeun sit on the kitchen counter as he struggles a bit to find the materials for breakfast again.
Most of the things are again placed in the different cabinets than yesterday.
When they reach the kitchen, he makes Daeun sit on the kitchen counter as he struggles a bit to find the materials for breakfast again.
Most of the things are again placed in the different cabinets than yesterday.
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He serves her a sandwich and an omelette along with a few fruits such as kiwi and banana cut in small pieces and different shapes of circle, square and stars and a glass of milk.
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She needs all the good nutrition and he makes sure of that. He bites on his own sandwich as he continues to pack their lunch boxes.
He then sits Daeun down on a chair and begins to comb her hair.
Her hair is quite long, already reaching her waist.
He then sits Daeun down on a chair and begins to comb her hair.
Her hair is quite long, already reaching her waist.
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Her hair colour doesn't match Taehyung's brunette hair but rather has thick raven hair. He wonders if she got it from her mother. And they are smooth to touch and well maintained.He can tell that Taehyung takes good care of her hair.
"Do you like your long hair Daeunie?" He asks
"Do you like your long hair Daeunie?" He asks
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"yes! I wanna grow them as long as Rapunzel!" She says with excitement and Jeongguk smiles at that.
"And her hair is so strong and beautiful!" She goes on a long rant about Rapunzel's hair while Jeongguk braids her hair and adds cute bow clips on the side.
"And her hair is so strong and beautiful!" She goes on a long rant about Rapunzel's hair while Jeongguk braids her hair and adds cute bow clips on the side.
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Jeongguk loves her hair. He remembers how he liked long hair on himself too as a kid but then they got cut off. He purses his lips at the memory.
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♡♡♡
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Everyone in the school congratulates him on getting married, even when he knows some of them are not genuine.
He hears a few teachers quietly gossip about him during lunch, sitting a few tables away from him, thinking he can't hear them. But he is used to it by now.
He hears a few teachers quietly gossip about him during lunch, sitting a few tables away from him, thinking he can't hear them. But he is used to it by now.
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So he does the thing he has mastered ever since becoming a teacher.
He ignores them and concentrates on his food.
"Congratulations, buddy!" A voice greets him as they take a seat opposite him on the table.
Jeongguk smiles at Mingyu, an alpha and his only genuine friend at work.
He ignores them and concentrates on his food.
"Congratulations, buddy!" A voice greets him as they take a seat opposite him on the table.
Jeongguk smiles at Mingyu, an alpha and his only genuine friend at work.
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Mingyu was present at his wedding and he is glad to have found a good friend at his workplace. It makes it easier to breathe even with all those fake ass people around him.
"So, how was your wedding night?" Mingyu wiggles his eyebrows which looks silly on him.
"Shut up"
"So, how was your wedding night?" Mingyu wiggles his eyebrows which looks silly on him.
"Shut up"
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Jeongguk laughs as he shakes his head. Nobody knows about the contract other than Hoseok.
And he feels a small pang of guilt for deceiving Mingyu and his closed ones. But he is doing it for Daeun and he knew what he was getting himself into with this.
And he feels a small pang of guilt for deceiving Mingyu and his closed ones. But he is doing it for Daeun and he knew what he was getting himself into with this.
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♡♡♡
273
Jeongguk is checking the expiry date of a product while cooking when he hears the front door click open and the sound of socked feet against the floor.
He can see Taehyung come into the living room from where he is standing in the open kitchen.
He can see Taehyung come into the living room from where he is standing in the open kitchen.
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He sees the way the elder drops his suit jacket and necktie on the armrest of the couch before catching and lifting Daeun who runs to him, from where she was previously doing her homework, sitting on the floor with her book on the coffee table.
"How was your day, princess?"
"How was your day, princess?"
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Taehyung asks after dropping a kiss on her cheek.
"It was so good, appa! All of my classmates think that it's so cool that ggukie now lives with us!"Jeongguk's face flushes from where he is still pretending to read the expiry date as he feels the elder's eyes on him for a second
"It was so good, appa! All of my classmates think that it's so cool that ggukie now lives with us!"Jeongguk's face flushes from where he is still pretending to read the expiry date as he feels the elder's eyes on him for a second
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"is that so? That's nice, baby. Appa will now go and get freshened up real quick, ok? We can have dinner together after that"
By the time Taehyung is back, Jeongguk is almost done with the dinner.
Taehyung sets up the table as Jeongguk joins them.
By the time Taehyung is back, Jeongguk is almost done with the dinner.
Taehyung sets up the table as Jeongguk joins them.
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Jeongguk has his dinner in silence for the most part,listening to Daeun throwing a tantrum about how she doesn't like vegetables and Taehyung gently coaxing her by telling her how it's important to eat her vegetables if she wanna participate in that sports day event at school+
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+ which is being held next month.
Jeongguk too adds his point of how eating her vegetables will help her run faster than her other classmates and make her stronger which indeed makes Daeun eat her vegetables even when she puts on a face of disgust while chewing them.
Jeongguk too adds his point of how eating her vegetables will help her run faster than her other classmates and make her stronger which indeed makes Daeun eat her vegetables even when she puts on a face of disgust while chewing them.
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Jeongguk thinks having someone to sit with at the dining table and having a not so quiet house may not be so bad after all.
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Later Jeongguk picks up Taehyung's suit jacket and necktie from the arm rest and puts them in the laundry basket in the laundry room while Taehyung is busy doing the dishes.
By the concentrated look on Taehyung's face, Jeongguk can tell that doing dishes is serious business+
By the concentrated look on Taehyung's face, Jeongguk can tell that doing dishes is serious business+
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+ for him.
♡♡♡
That's how most of the days for the next week goes for them. With Jeongguk still struggling to find the dishes and ingredients every morning which Taehyung always seems to misplace after making breakfast for himself in the morning before them.
♡♡♡
That's how most of the days for the next week goes for them. With Jeongguk still struggling to find the dishes and ingredients every morning which Taehyung always seems to misplace after making breakfast for himself in the morning before them.
282
And then coming home to having dinner together while listening to Daeun talk about her day at school and her friends and complaining about the amount of homework she gets. And later picking up Taehyung's clothes messily scattered across the living room while he cleans the dishes.
283
Jeongguk becomes more comfortable around Taehyung even though most of their talks involve Daeun and about what to make for dinner and a few occasional teasing quips here and there.
Jeongguk thinks this arrangement might not be so bad after all.
Jeongguk thinks this arrangement might not be so bad after all.
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♡♡♡
285
It's past midnight, but Jeongguk is still sitting on the dining table with his head rested between his folded arms on the table.
Taehyung isn't home yet. He didn't inform Jeongguk beforehand that he would be late tonight and nor did he answer Jeongguk's texts or calls.
Taehyung isn't home yet. He didn't inform Jeongguk beforehand that he would be late tonight and nor did he answer Jeongguk's texts or calls.
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He has made Daeun have her dinner on time and put her to sleep at her usual time when even though she wanted to wait for Taehyung. But she has school tomorrow and he doesn't know when Taehyung will be back yet.
But he didn't expect Taehyung to be this late.
But he didn't expect Taehyung to be this late.
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It starts to worry him a little.
The dinner was still sitting on the table, having long gone cold. He didn't have his dinner too, having thought of waiting for Taehyung thinking he might just be a little late than usual.
He picks up his phone and calls Jin.
The dinner was still sitting on the table, having long gone cold. He didn't have his dinner too, having thought of waiting for Taehyung thinking he might just be a little late than usual.
He picks up his phone and calls Jin.
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The other picks up his call at the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Hi, hyung"
"Jeongguk-ah? Is everything alright? It's already midnight, why aren't you asleep yet?"
"Ah, yeah, that-" Jeongguk is suddenly unsure about asking about Taehyung. What if it comes off as weird?
"Hello?"
"Hi, hyung"
"Jeongguk-ah? Is everything alright? It's already midnight, why aren't you asleep yet?"
"Ah, yeah, that-" Jeongguk is suddenly unsure about asking about Taehyung. What if it comes off as weird?
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"Jeongguk? You there?" Jin's voice brings him out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, just wanted to ask if you know when Taehyung will be home" the words slip out of his mouth before he can think it through again.
"What? Taehyung? He didn't tell you?"
"Yeah, just wanted to ask if you know when Taehyung will be home" the words slip out of his mouth before he can think it through again.
"What? Taehyung? He didn't tell you?"
290
Jeongguk can clearly imagine a frown on the other's forehead.
"No? Did something come up last minute?"
"No, he had gone out for dinner with the new investors and board members to celebrate the success of their new spring collection"
"Oh"
"No? Did something come up last minute?"
"No, he had gone out for dinner with the new investors and board members to celebrate the success of their new spring collection"
"Oh"
291
Jeongguk suddenly feels his chest get filled with disappointment.
Jin must have sensed it because his next words come out as concerned.
"Gguk-"
"I will call you later, hyung. I think Taehyung is home" Jeongguk cuts the call when he hears the front door click open.
Jin must have sensed it because his next words come out as concerned.
"Gguk-"
"I will call you later, hyung. I think Taehyung is home" Jeongguk cuts the call when he hears the front door click open.
292
Taehyung walks in on Jeongguk still standing near the dinner table.
"You are still awake?" Taehyung asks as he drops his jacket and necktie on the couch in the living room as always.
"You could have informed me" Jeongguk's words come off as more accusatory than he intended.
"You are still awake?" Taehyung asks as he drops his jacket and necktie on the couch in the living room as always.
"You could have informed me" Jeongguk's words come off as more accusatory than he intended.
293
"huh?" Taehyung frowns in confusion.
"You could have informed me that you would be late and that you won't be having dinner at home tonight. You didn't even send me a simple text nor did you pick up my calls" Jeongguk feels more frustrated by the end of his sentence.
"You could have informed me that you would be late and that you won't be having dinner at home tonight. You didn't even send me a simple text nor did you pick up my calls" Jeongguk feels more frustrated by the end of his sentence.
294
"oh, sorry, my phone was on silent and I didn't think it was important for me to inform you about my whereabouts" Taehyung tilts his head in confusion a little.
Jeongguk feels like a bucket of ice cold water has been thrown at him.
Jeongguk feels like a bucket of ice cold water has been thrown at him.
295
Jeongguk suddenly feels his eyes burn.
"Right" he doesn't look at Taehyung and instead starts picking up all the plates and dinner utensils, clearing the table and bringing them back to the kitchen to store them in the fridge.
He can feel Taehyung's eyes on him from behind.
"Right" he doesn't look at Taehyung and instead starts picking up all the plates and dinner utensils, clearing the table and bringing them back to the kitchen to store them in the fridge.
He can feel Taehyung's eyes on him from behind.
296
But he doesn't look at him. His chest suddenly feels heavy and he knows he will start crying if he even utters a word.
It's like something clicks in Taehyung's head, so he asks, "did you have dinner?"
Jeongguk picks up a bottle of water from the fridge+
It's like something clicks in Taehyung's head, so he asks, "did you have dinner?"
Jeongguk picks up a bottle of water from the fridge+
297
+ before he starts walking towards his room.
"Doesn't matter" he says as he walks past Taehyung.
Taehyung frowns at that, it's clear by now that Jeongguk was waiting for him but he doesn't understand why.
"Jeongguk, wait-" he calls but he hears his bedroom door click close.
"Doesn't matter" he says as he walks past Taehyung.
Taehyung frowns at that, it's clear by now that Jeongguk was waiting for him but he doesn't understand why.
"Jeongguk, wait-" he calls but he hears his bedroom door click close.
298
Jeongguk feels so stupid for being upset. Because they are not real husbands and Taehyung isn't supposed to tell him about his whereabouts or at what time he will be home.
He doesn't even know why he waited to have dinner with Taehyung.
He doesn't even know why he waited to have dinner with Taehyung.
299
Maybe these past weeks he became too used to not having dinner alone anymore. Maybe he thought that this will be an everyday thing now, them having dinner together.
He has no right to be so upset on Taehyung for not informing him beforehand.
He has no right to be so upset on Taehyung for not informing him beforehand.
300
Maybe Taehyung doesn't think anything about them having dinner together. Jeongguk is just an extra addition in his house, that's it.
But Jeongguk can't help the tears nor the hurt in his chest. He suddenly feels like a kid again, who is not important enough for anyone.
But Jeongguk can't help the tears nor the hurt in his chest. He suddenly feels like a kid again, who is not important enough for anyone.
301
♡♡♡
302
The next day when Taehyung was home, Jeongguk was still in the kitchen cooking something as usual.
He throws his jacket and necktie over the couch and goes to his room to freshen up after talking to Daeun a bit.
By the time he is back, dinner is served on the table.
He throws his jacket and necktie over the couch and goes to his room to freshen up after talking to Daeun a bit.
By the time he is back, dinner is served on the table.
303
He sits beside Daeun and gets a bit confused when she starts eating. Daeun always waited for Jeongguk before starting to eat.
"Aren't you gonna wait for your ggukie today?" He asks.
"Ggukie said that he has some work so he will have his food later"
"Oh" Taehyung frowns a bit.
"Aren't you gonna wait for your ggukie today?" He asks.
"Ggukie said that he has some work so he will have his food later"
"Oh" Taehyung frowns a bit.
304
♡♡♡
305
The next day, Taehyung realises how his jacket and necktie are still on the couch.
Did the cleaning staff forget to put his clothes in the laundry this morning? Even tho they have been doing it for the past few weeks.
Did the cleaning staff forget to put his clothes in the laundry this morning? Even tho they have been doing it for the past few weeks.
306
He picks them up and puts them in the laundry basket before making breakfast for himself and getting Daeun ready for school, except her hair.
He really should learn how to do her hair but her hair is so long that he always ends up tangling them while braiding.
He really should learn how to do her hair but her hair is so long that he always ends up tangling them while braiding.
307
And he can't make two even ponies for god's sake.
308
♡♡♡
309
It's on the third night of them not having Jeongguk on the table when Taehyung finds him sitting on the table late at night with a bowl of food in front of him.
It's clear to Taehyung by now that Jeongguk is purposefully not sitting with them for dinner.
It's clear to Taehyung by now that Jeongguk is purposefully not sitting with them for dinner.
310
He doesn't know if he should go back to his room or confront Jeongguk about it.
He sees the way Jeongguk plays with his food for a bit before getting up and throwing the rest of the half of the plate food in the bin and washing the dishes.
He sees the way Jeongguk plays with his food for a bit before getting up and throwing the rest of the half of the plate food in the bin and washing the dishes.
311
Taehyung doesn't confront him that night. He doesn't know why but he just couldn't bring himself to ask.
312
♡♡♡
313
"Daeunie, you should complete your bowl of fruits!" Jeongguk sees a very tired Taehyung run behind Daeun through the house who is refusing to have her bowl of fruits.
Jeongguk frowns. Daeun always finishes her bowl of fruits when he gives them to her everyday.
Jeongguk frowns. Daeun always finishes her bowl of fruits when he gives them to her everyday.
314
He then looks at the fruits in the bowl Taehyung is holding and it's like something clicks in his brain.
He moves towards Taehyung and presents his hand and nods towards the bowl which he is holding.
A very confused Taehyung follows Jeongguk to the kitchen after handing him the+
He moves towards Taehyung and presents his hand and nods towards the bowl which he is holding.
A very confused Taehyung follows Jeongguk to the kitchen after handing him the+
315
+bowl.Jeongguk takes out all the big sized fruits on the cutting board and starts to cut them into small circles,cubes and stars
"It's easier to make kids eat something if the thing looks interesting and is in small bites"
"I know that. I was just too tired to cut it like that"
"It's easier to make kids eat something if the thing looks interesting and is in small bites"
"I know that. I was just too tired to cut it like that"
316
Taehyung says while rubbing his nape, kinda embarrassed.
"You could have asked me to do it and also, I was just coming out to make her the fruit bowl anyway"
"Well, it's not like you are talking to me for me to ask for help from you" the words stumble out before Taehyung could+
"You could have asked me to do it and also, I was just coming out to make her the fruit bowl anyway"
"Well, it's not like you are talking to me for me to ask for help from you" the words stumble out before Taehyung could+
317
+even stop them.
Jeongguk pauses for a second and before he could say anything, Daeun comes barreling into his legs, trying to take a look at the star shaped dragon fruit piece.
Taehyung kinda fucked up again. It looks like that's the only thing he does these days.
Jeongguk pauses for a second and before he could say anything, Daeun comes barreling into his legs, trying to take a look at the star shaped dragon fruit piece.
Taehyung kinda fucked up again. It looks like that's the only thing he does these days.
318
He really needs to talk to Jeongguk.
♡♡♡
"So you are telling me that now he is avoiding you after you said that you didn't think it was important for you to let him know at what time you would be home AND he was waiting for you?"
"Yes"
♡♡♡
"So you are telling me that now he is avoiding you after you said that you didn't think it was important for you to let him know at what time you would be home AND he was waiting for you?"
"Yes"
319
The next thing Taehyung knows is that a cushion is on his face.
"Are you fucking dumb?" Jimin moves his arms in a rather dramatic way according to Taehyung. He can only imagine how dramatic Jimin would get whenever he has a fight with Yoongi.
"I know I fucked up, okay?""
"Are you fucking dumb?" Jimin moves his arms in a rather dramatic way according to Taehyung. He can only imagine how dramatic Jimin would get whenever he has a fight with Yoongi.
"I know I fucked up, okay?""
320
"I shouldn't have said that but I didn't think it was a big deal back then but he is clearly upset about it"
"Then are you waiting for the full moon to apologise to him?"
Taehyung looks over at Jin who is sitting on Taehyung's office couch with a face palm.
"Then are you waiting for the full moon to apologise to him?"
Taehyung looks over at Jin who is sitting on Taehyung's office couch with a face palm.
321
"Taehyung-ah" Jin finally speaks.
"I-" he hesitates.
"I don't know if I should be telling you this but- just" Jin runs a hand over his face.
"Jeongguk faced a lot of bullying in college and he often used to sit alone at lunch except for the few times+
"I-" he hesitates.
"I don't know if I should be telling you this but- just" Jin runs a hand over his face.
"Jeongguk faced a lot of bullying in college and he often used to sit alone at lunch except for the few times+
322
+ I could sit with him whenever I could. So you guys having dinner together might have been a big deal to him even though it wasn't as deep for you"
It's like something clicks in Taehyung's brain.
"Oh, shit" he kinda feels guilty about it now.
It's like something clicks in Taehyung's brain.
"Oh, shit" he kinda feels guilty about it now.
323
Maybe his feelings surfaced on his face because Jin is quick to speak.
"It's not your fault, Taehyung. You didn't know but it's not his fault either. You guys just need more understanding and for that, you guys need to talk"
Taehyung nods with a new determination.
"It's not your fault, Taehyung. You didn't know but it's not his fault either. You guys just need more understanding and for that, you guys need to talk"
Taehyung nods with a new determination.
324
He will talk to Jeongguk today and apologise.
"Jiminie, can you take Daeunie to your house for a few hours, please?"
"Of course, I miss my baby anyway"
"Jiminie, can you take Daeunie to your house for a few hours, please?"
"Of course, I miss my baby anyway"
325
♡♡♡
326
Jeongguk had a very long day at work. More than three kids had a mental breakdown in class. Two of them at the same time because they fought over an eraser.
Trying to comfort them both at the same time was exhausting.
Trying to comfort them both at the same time was exhausting.
327
And then he was asked to submit the question paper today instead of tomorrow. He skipped his lunch to complete it. By the time school ends, he is hungry and tired and he just wants to cry.
He is glad when it's Jimin who comes to pick them up as Daeun is busy talking to him.
He is glad when it's Jimin who comes to pick them up as Daeun is busy talking to him.
328
He didn't think he would have the energy to listen to Daeun talk about her day today.
Don't get him wrong.
He loves his baby but he is already on the verge of a mental breakdown and he doesn't want to hurt Daeun unintentionally.
Don't get him wrong.
He loves his baby but he is already on the verge of a mental breakdown and he doesn't want to hurt Daeun unintentionally.
329
He doesn't think anything when Jimin says he is taking Daeun home today as he has missed her dearly these past few weeks.
But Jeongguk knows something is up when he enters their apartment and sees Taehyung in the kitchen cooking something.
But Jeongguk knows something is up when he enters their apartment and sees Taehyung in the kitchen cooking something.
330
He lingers in the hallway, suddenly too self conscious when Taehyung looks up and smiles at him.
"Oh, you are home. Freshen up and come down to dinner!"
Jeongguk is dumbfounded. It's been a week since they didn't have dinner together.
"Oh, you are home. Freshen up and come down to dinner!"
Jeongguk is dumbfounded. It's been a week since they didn't have dinner together.
331
When Jeongguk comes down, Taehyung is still in the kitchen.
Jeongguk doesn't know what else to do, so he goes and stands beside him, trying to see what he is cooking.
Taehyung pats the empty countertop and tells him to sit there.
Jeongguk doesn't know what is happening
Jeongguk doesn't know what else to do, so he goes and stands beside him, trying to see what he is cooking.
Taehyung pats the empty countertop and tells him to sit there.
Jeongguk doesn't know what is happening
332
So he just does as told.
Taehyung suddenly hands him a plate.
"Eat this, you might be hungry and there is still sometime until dinner is ready"
Jeongguk looks at the nurungji on his plate. They seem nicely done.
Taehyung suddenly hands him a plate.
"Eat this, you might be hungry and there is still sometime until dinner is ready"
Jeongguk looks at the nurungji on his plate. They seem nicely done.
333
He takes a bite and starts chewing slowly.
There is suddenly a lump in his throat and before he knows it, there are tears running down his cheek.
"What? What's wrong? Are they that bad?" He hears Taehyung's concerned voice before he is coming to stand in front of him.
There is suddenly a lump in his throat and before he knows it, there are tears running down his cheek.
"What? What's wrong? Are they that bad?" He hears Taehyung's concerned voice before he is coming to stand in front of him.
334
Jeongguk chokes around a sob which sends him in a coughing fit. His vision is blurry and before he knows it, Taehyung is already handing him a glass of water and rubbing his back, trying to calm him down.
"Are you okay?"
That only makes Jeongguk cry harder.
"Are you okay?"
That only makes Jeongguk cry harder.
335
"I am- I am just" Jeongguk tries to gulp around the lump in his throat.
"I am so hungry and so tired and just-" Taehyung is more than concerned when Jeongguk starts taking small and fast intake of breaths. He is clearly distressed and his scent has turned gloomy.
"I am so hungry and so tired and just-" Taehyung is more than concerned when Jeongguk starts taking small and fast intake of breaths. He is clearly distressed and his scent has turned gloomy.
336
Taehyung moves the plate away from his hand and places it on the countertop beside him before taking Jeongguk's hand in his.
He starts rubbing soothing circles on the top of his thumb and the other hand rubbing on the inner side of the wrist, right on top of his scent gland there
He starts rubbing soothing circles on the top of his thumb and the other hand rubbing on the inner side of the wrist, right on top of his scent gland there
337
Taehyung starts releasing calming pheromones remembering how it helped the last time in the car.
"It's just- it's been so long since some- someone cooked for me" Jeongguk says in between his sobs.
It breaks Taehyung's heart to see the omega like this.
"It's just- it's been so long since some- someone cooked for me" Jeongguk says in between his sobs.
It breaks Taehyung's heart to see the omega like this.
338
Jeongguk doesn't know why he is crying over a plate of nurungji.
He is just so tired. Of everything.
He just needed someone to take care of him.
He is just so tired. Of everything.
He just needed someone to take care of him.
339
And Taehyung is here, cooking him good food, holding his hands and calming him down and seeing him cry in his kitchen.
How odd. But the way Taehyung's calming musk scent surrounds him in a cocoon is all that he can focus on for now.
How odd. But the way Taehyung's calming musk scent surrounds him in a cocoon is all that he can focus on for now.
340
Taehyung parts his legs a little more to stand between them and be a little closer to him.
There are suddenly warm hands on Jeongguk's face, and thumbs rubbing under his eyes.
But Jeongguk can't stop crying. But Taehyung doesn't say anything.
There are suddenly warm hands on Jeongguk's face, and thumbs rubbing under his eyes.
But Jeongguk can't stop crying. But Taehyung doesn't say anything.
341
He just stands there, holding his hands and rubbing on the inner side of his wrists and occasionally tapping on his pulse point.
"When I was a kid, my mother used to make this for me whenever I was sad or had a long day at school" Taehyung begins.
"When I was a kid, my mother used to make this for me whenever I was sad or had a long day at school" Taehyung begins.
342
Jeongguk looks at him now, with his teary eyes, sniffling.
"They work like magic, you know? No matter how sad I was, they always make it a lot better" Taehyung says as he picks up a piece and brings it to Jeongguk's mouth and nods at him to open up.
Jeongguk does.
"They work like magic, you know? No matter how sad I was, they always make it a lot better" Taehyung says as he picks up a piece and brings it to Jeongguk's mouth and nods at him to open up.
Jeongguk does.
343
"are they good?" Taehyung smiles little, looking at Jeongguk's puffed up cheeks and his red nose.
Jeongguk nods, his mouth busy chewing.
He isn't crying anymore and his breathing is back to normal.
Jeongguk nods, his mouth busy chewing.
He isn't crying anymore and his breathing is back to normal.
344
Taehyung picks up a tissue and dabs his tears away from his cheek and cleans his snot.
Which might be gross but Taehyung doesn't care. He just focuses on the omega in front of him.
Something in him urging him to take care of the other.
Which might be gross but Taehyung doesn't care. He just focuses on the omega in front of him.
Something in him urging him to take care of the other.
345
"are you feeling better now?" Taehyung asks.
"Yes, thank you" Jeongguk suddenly looks down at their still joined hands in his lap and feels a blush creep up his neck and face.
Taehyung smiles looking at his red ears.
"Yes, thank you" Jeongguk suddenly looks down at their still joined hands in his lap and feels a blush creep up his neck and face.
Taehyung smiles looking at his red ears.
346
"then eat these up! I will be done with dinner in a few minutes!"
Jeongguk sits there eating the little snack and watching Taehyung move around in the kitchen.
"Taehyung-ssi" Taehyung turns to him and is slightly taken aback when a piece of that snack is presented in front+
Jeongguk sits there eating the little snack and watching Taehyung move around in the kitchen.
"Taehyung-ssi" Taehyung turns to him and is slightly taken aback when a piece of that snack is presented in front+
347
+ of his mouth.
But he opens his mouth around Jeongguk's fingers and accepts it anyway.
"These aren't even 30% as good as the ones my mother makes" Taehyung scrunches his nose.
"What do you mean? These are so good that these are my favourite nurungji from now on!"
But he opens his mouth around Jeongguk's fingers and accepts it anyway.
"These aren't even 30% as good as the ones my mother makes" Taehyung scrunches his nose.
"What do you mean? These are so good that these are my favourite nurungji from now on!"
348
Taehyung laughs while shaking his head.
"Let's see if you say the same when you eat the ones my mother makes!"
Jeongguk just now notices the pink apron around Taehyung's torso which has a huge print of Rapunzel holding a frying pan in the middle.
"Let's see if you say the same when you eat the ones my mother makes!"
Jeongguk just now notices the pink apron around Taehyung's torso which has a huge print of Rapunzel holding a frying pan in the middle.
349
"Taehyung-ssi, nice apron by the way" Taehyung sees the way Jeongguk's shoulder shakes with silent laughter.
"Shut up" Taehyung rolls his eyes.
"It was Daeun's choice"
"I could tell. But you look so cute in it, Taehyung-ssi" Jeongguk covers his mouth to hide his laughter.
"Shut up" Taehyung rolls his eyes.
"It was Daeun's choice"
"I could tell. But you look so cute in it, Taehyung-ssi" Jeongguk covers his mouth to hide his laughter.
350
"Brat. And stop calling me Taehyung-ssi. You can call me Taehyung or hyung"
"Oh, do you not like it when I call you Taehyung-ssi" Jeongguk wiggles his eyebrows in a funny way, a teasing smile present on his face.
Taehyung rolls his eyes and turns back to cooking.
"Oh, do you not like it when I call you Taehyung-ssi" Jeongguk wiggles his eyebrows in a funny way, a teasing smile present on his face.
Taehyung rolls his eyes and turns back to cooking.
351
"I just think we are way past the stage of honorifics"
"Yes yes. Also, I don't think I can use honorifics without laughing while seeing you in 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 apron"
"You are never gonna let me live this one down, are you?"
"Yes yes. Also, I don't think I can use honorifics without laughing while seeing you in 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 apron"
"You are never gonna let me live this one down, are you?"
352
"I mean, who would have thought, the great CEO wears 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 apron at home while cooking"
"My god, stop making it sound like I am wearing an apron with a naked person on it!"
Jeongguk cackles like the piece of shit that he is.
But a very cute piece of shit. Taehyung thinks.
"My god, stop making it sound like I am wearing an apron with a naked person on it!"
Jeongguk cackles like the piece of shit that he is.
But a very cute piece of shit. Taehyung thinks.
353
They talk about their day and some common interests while they set up the table together and start having dinner, teasing each other here and there.
Jeongguk is laughing about something that Taehyung said.
Taehyung realises how he has never seen the omega this happy before.
Jeongguk is laughing about something that Taehyung said.
Taehyung realises how he has never seen the omega this happy before.
354
He notices how the shine in his eyes is back, the way his cheek bunch up and his eyes crinkle at the corner like leaves.
His scent has turned sweet and delightful.
"I missed us eating together" Taehyung suddenly says.
His scent has turned sweet and delightful.
"I missed us eating together" Taehyung suddenly says.
355
Because he needs the omega to know that he likes to sit with him and enjoys their time together talking just as much.
Jeongguk bites his lower lip while looking at him.
"Yeah?" He asks, a bit uncertain.
"I enjoy us being together like this over the dining table. I missed this"
Jeongguk bites his lower lip while looking at him.
"Yeah?" He asks, a bit uncertain.
"I enjoy us being together like this over the dining table. I missed this"
356
Jeongguk feels like he is gonna cry again but he is happy. So happy after such a long time.
"Thank you" he whispers because he feels like he is gonna cry again if he talks any louder.
"Thank you" he whispers because he feels like he is gonna cry again if he talks any louder.
357
"and I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you that day. I should have informed you about my late arrival. I will make sure that it doesn't happen again!"
Taehyung looks apologetic.
"It's ok and thank you"
Jeongguk is really happy.
Taehyung looks apologetic.
"It's ok and thank you"
Jeongguk is really happy.
358
♡♡♡
359
The next morning when Taehyung passes the living room to enter the kitchen, his blazer and necktie from yesterday night are gone.
He smiles a little fondly to himself while shaking his head when he realises it.
He smiles a little fondly to himself while shaking his head when he realises it.
360
♡♡♡
361
When Jeongguk enters the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch for himself and Daeun, he sees a sticky note on top of the refrigerator.
362
"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎!"
When Jeongguk opens the fridge to take them out, he doesn't expect to see two boxes, the slightly bigger one with a note
"𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 ;)"
When Jeongguk opens the fridge to take them out, he doesn't expect to see two boxes, the slightly bigger one with a note
"𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 ;)"
363
Jeongguk pauses. He knows that the box is meant for him.
He opens the box and sees fruits cut in different sizes and shapes like he usually does for Daeun and he remembers telling Taehyung how it makes them look more appealing.
He opens the box and sees fruits cut in different sizes and shapes like he usually does for Daeun and he remembers telling Taehyung how it makes them look more appealing.
364
He bites his lower lip to stop himself from tearing up. He can't cry now, not so early in the morning when he has other things to get done.
Daeun's hair is still not done yet and he also needs to prepare her milk and avocado toast.
Daeun's hair is still not done yet and he also needs to prepare her milk and avocado toast.
365
But there is a soft itch that presses against his ribs like a feather slithering across under his skin.
He then feels a heat rush up his neck as he covers his lower face with his hand when he feels his lips stretch and his cheeks bunch up.
He then feels a heat rush up his neck as he covers his lower face with his hand when he feels his lips stretch and his cheeks bunch up.
366
♡♡♡
367
"someone looks a little too happy today" Mingyu teases as he sits in front of Jeongguk during break.
He has seen how the omega has been more radiant today, how he has been smiling more and is overall more bubbly and happy.
It's been too long since he saw Jeongguk like that.
He has seen how the omega has been more radiant today, how he has been smiling more and is overall more bubbly and happy.
It's been too long since he saw Jeongguk like that.
368
"it's nothing" Jeongguk says as he opens his little fruit box. Seeing the fruits cut in cute shapes, Mingyu asks, "did your fruit box get swapped with Daeun's by chance?"
Jeongguk feels his ears burn and quickly covers them with his hands.
"N-no, it's for me"
Jeongguk feels his ears burn and quickly covers them with his hands.
"N-no, it's for me"
369
And like a switch, something clicks in Mingyu's head.
"For you? Did your dear husband make this for you?" He wiggles his eyebrows teasingly.
"Aww, how romantic"
"Shut up" Jeongguk mumbles as he moves his hands to cover his already red cheeks.
"For you? Did your dear husband make this for you?" He wiggles his eyebrows teasingly.
"Aww, how romantic"
"Shut up" Jeongguk mumbles as he moves his hands to cover his already red cheeks.
370
♡♡♡
371
Jeongguk is in the making a new class schedule when his phone rings.
He picks it up without looking.
/"Jeongguk-ah"/ he pauses when his mother's voice greets him.
/"How are you?"/ His mother's voice is soft like all those times when she called him. Her voice is always soft.
He picks it up without looking.
/"Jeongguk-ah"/ he pauses when his mother's voice greets him.
/"How are you?"/ His mother's voice is soft like all those times when she called him. Her voice is always soft.
372
He feels his eyes start to strain as he keeps looking at the computer screen in front of him. He has been on this for the past hour.
/"I am fine, mom. How are you?"/
/"I am fine, too. Gguk"/ there is a pause on the other side when he contemplates asking about his father.
/"I am fine, mom. How are you?"/
/"I am fine, too. Gguk"/ there is a pause on the other side when he contemplates asking about his father.
373
They don't talk much. Hardly a few words were exchanged between them even when he used to visit home for a few days from boarding school during the holidays.
His dad never even came to pick him up from school or at the station when he grew older. It was always his mom.
His dad never even came to pick him up from school or at the station when he grew older. It was always his mom.
374
He thinks his mom cares about him. At least a little. At least more than his father. His mother would try to speak to him on the way back home and he would go back to being quiet after answering because he never knew what to talk to her about.
375
"𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍?"
"𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆"
"𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔?"
"𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔"
"𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔?"
"𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝑰 𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒔"
"𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆"
"𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔?"
"𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔"
"𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔?"
"𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝑰 𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒔"
376
𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?
They both would go quiet after that.
They didn't know each other enough.
They both would go quiet after that.
They didn't know each other enough.
377
He doesn't think they know each other enough now either.
And he doesn't remember the name of that classmate anymore, nor does he remember how he looked back then.
And he doesn't remember the name of that classmate anymore, nor does he remember how he looked back then.
378
He hardly saw his father at home, always hidden away in his room or lingering in the kitchen in the afternoon while his mother would prepare lunch for them while humming a song.
He only saw his father at the dining table at night but they wouldn't speak much
He only saw his father at the dining table at night but they wouldn't speak much
379
+ other than his father asking him how he was.
For a second he wonders if he even remembers how his father's voice sounds.
But he remembers being always hungry, even when there was always so much food on the table.
For a second he wonders if he even remembers how his father's voice sounds.
But he remembers being always hungry, even when there was always so much food on the table.
380
At night, after dinner, his mother would come to his room to give him a bowl of rice cakes and would leave without saying anything. He loved rice cakes, especially the ones his mother used to make. They won't be on the table during dinner because his father dislikes them.
381
His hunger would be a little appeased after eating the rice cakes but they would never be enough. He doesn't think he will ever stop being hungry.
Even now, sitting on his desk, in front of his computer screen, he feels a muted hunger inside him.
Even now, sitting on his desk, in front of his computer screen, he feels a muted hunger inside him.
382
/"hello?"/ He asks when the line is silent for a second too long.
/"Your father- he wants to have you and Taehyung over for dinner next week. Whenever Taehyung is free"/
He could hear the hesitation in his mother's voice.
/"Your father- he wants to have you and Taehyung over for dinner next week. Whenever Taehyung is free"/
He could hear the hesitation in his mother's voice.
383
His blinks his eyes when the screen infront of him starts seeming blurry from all the strain. He takes off his glasses and closes his eyes as he rubs at the nose bridge between them.
/"I will have to ask, Taehyung"/
/"Yeah, ofcourse"/
/"I will have to ask, Taehyung"/
/"Yeah, ofcourse"/
384
There is another pause before she speaks again.
/"You are doing well, right?"/ Her voice comes out as a whisper and Jeongguk would have missed it if he wasn't sitting in his otherwise silent office.
That makes him freeze, he feels a small lump in his chest.
/"Yeah"/
/"You are doing well, right?"/ Her voice comes out as a whisper and Jeongguk would have missed it if he wasn't sitting in his otherwise silent office.
That makes him freeze, he feels a small lump in his chest.
/"Yeah"/
385
He whispers back.
He wonders if his mother is nodding her head on the other side but again, he wasn't around much to know her mannerisms or habits.
He wonders if his mother is nodding her head on the other side but again, he wasn't around much to know her mannerisms or habits.
386
♡♡♡
387
When Jeongguk steps out of the school with Daeun holding his little finger, he finds Taehyung leaning against his car door with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
It confuses him a little but then he hears a faint stutter of the camera on his side.
Oh, the paparazzi is here.
It confuses him a little but then he hears a faint stutter of the camera on his side.
Oh, the paparazzi is here.
388
He slows down, mentally preparing himself but he sees Daeun leaving his hand and running towards her dad and it makes him smile when he sees the way Taehyung picks her up, trying to balance her on the hand he isn't holding the flowers with.
389
His eyes meet Taehyung's and there is a gentle smile on Taehyung's face which Jeongguk reflects without a second thought.
"For you" Taehyung gives him the bouquet of white lilies. His favourite.
His smile grows as Taehyung snakes his arm around his waist.
"For you" Taehyung gives him the bouquet of white lilies. His favourite.
His smile grows as Taehyung snakes his arm around his waist.
390
Taehyung leans in closer before whispering in his ear, "there is paparazzi on your right. I am going to kiss your cheek. Is that ok?"
Jeongguk subtly nods and he sees Taehyung smiling as he slowly leans in and kisses his cheek.
Jeongguk feels his stomach tingle
Jeongguk subtly nods and he sees Taehyung smiling as he slowly leans in and kisses his cheek.
Jeongguk feels his stomach tingle
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As people say, "butterflies in stomach"
And his heart feels a little funny.
He feels ridiculous when his cheeks heat up.
All of this over a simple cheek kiss?
What is wrong with you Jeongguk?
And his heart feels a little funny.
He feels ridiculous when his cheeks heat up.
All of this over a simple cheek kiss?
What is wrong with you Jeongguk?
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He knows his face is red when he sees Taehyung looking at him with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Don't" Jeongguk whispers.
"It's not nice to point out things"
"Ggukie, your face is red. Are you ok?" Daeun voices out.
"Don't" Jeongguk whispers.
"It's not nice to point out things"
"Ggukie, your face is red. Are you ok?" Daeun voices out.
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He purses his lips when he sees the way Taehyung's shoulder shake in silent laughter.
"Yeah, are you ok, Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks, feigning concern which is immediately met with a glare from Jeongguk.
"Ofcourse, baby" Jeongguk answers Daeun, turning away from Taehyung.
"Yeah, are you ok, Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks, feigning concern which is immediately met with a glare from Jeongguk.
"Ofcourse, baby" Jeongguk answers Daeun, turning away from Taehyung.
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He stubbornly doesn't look at Taehyung, even when Taehyung squeezes his waist a little to gain his attention back.
He is focused on Daeun who is telling him about how she is craving an ice cream from a specific shop.
He is focused on Daeun who is telling him about how she is craving an ice cream from a specific shop.
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He suddenly feels Taehyung's lips press against his cheek, "sorry but you look cute when you are flustered" he feels the way Taehyung smiles against his skin.
He stops breathing and could hear his heart beat faster. Tingles wrap around his ribs when Taehyung squeezes his waist.
He stops breathing and could hear his heart beat faster. Tingles wrap around his ribs when Taehyung squeezes his waist.
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He hears the camera stutter again which brings him back to his senses.
All of this is a pretense.
Just a pretense to put on a show for the world.
Nothing more.
He repeats that in his head like a broken record.
All of this is a pretense.
Just a pretense to put on a show for the world.
Nothing more.
He repeats that in his head like a broken record.
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♡♡♡
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They stop by Daeun's favourite ice cream shop to get her ice cream which is all she is talking about since they entered the car.
"Which one do you want, princess?"
Taehyung asks as Daeun presses herself against the glass to look at all the flavours.
"Which one do you want, princess?"
Taehyung asks as Daeun presses herself against the glass to look at all the flavours.
399
"I will have lotus Bis- bis"
"It's pronounced as Bischoff, baby" Jeongguk gently let's her know.
"Yes! Bis-bisch-off"
"That's right"Jeongguk lifts her up before pressing a kiss against her cheek.
"It's pronounced as Bischoff, baby" Jeongguk gently let's her know.
"Yes! Bis-bisch-off"
"That's right"Jeongguk lifts her up before pressing a kiss against her cheek.
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"and what about you, Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks him next.
"I will have mint choco"
"You like toothpaste?"Taehyung scrunches his nose.
"Hey!It tastes really good ok? And stop judging"
"I am not a judgemental person but it's kinda hard to not be judgemental when you like mint choco"
"I will have mint choco"
"You like toothpaste?"Taehyung scrunches his nose.
"Hey!It tastes really good ok? And stop judging"
"I am not a judgemental person but it's kinda hard to not be judgemental when you like mint choco"
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"shut up" Jeongguk rolls his eyes.
Jeongguk goes to sit at one of the tables with Daeun while Taehyung orders.
Jeongguk goes to sit at one of the tables with Daeun while Taehyung orders.
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"you like strawberry? Really?" Jeongguk says eyeing Taehyung's ice cream.
"Someone with such a basic choice shouldn't be judging mint choco"
"Strawberry flavour is nice, ok? And you can never go wrong with it" Taehyung defends his choice.
"Someone with such a basic choice shouldn't be judging mint choco"
"Strawberry flavour is nice, ok? And you can never go wrong with it" Taehyung defends his choice.
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"and it's better than toothpaste"
"Still basic" Jeongguk tuts his chin as if his point makes better sense.
"Appa, ggukie, look! Firecrackers!"
Daeun pulls their attention while pointing towards the sky.
"Still basic" Jeongguk tuts his chin as if his point makes better sense.
"Appa, ggukie, look! Firecrackers!"
Daeun pulls their attention while pointing towards the sky.
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♡♡♡
405
They are watching the firecrackers while having their ice cream when Jeongguk remembers his call with his mother.
"Taehyung" Taehyung looks at him at the call of his name.
"My mother called me earlier. My father has invited us for dinner next week"
"Taehyung" Taehyung looks at him at the call of his name.
"My mother called me earlier. My father has invited us for dinner next week"
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"she wants to know if you would be free to visit"
"Oh, sure. I will let you know when I can clear my schedule for the evening"
Jeongguk nods his head, "thank you"
"Oh, sure. I will let you know when I can clear my schedule for the evening"
Jeongguk nods his head, "thank you"
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"how did you know that I liked white lilies?" Jeongguk looks at him then.
"Well, you requested those flowers for our wedding, so I figured they would be your favourite. Am I wrong?" Taehyung's brows forrow a little.
"Well, you requested those flowers for our wedding, so I figured they would be your favourite. Am I wrong?" Taehyung's brows forrow a little.
408
Jeongguk smiles a little while shaking his head. "No, you are not wrong"
"Ggukie! Can you please pick me up? I can't see the fireworks properly!" Daeun whines.
Jeongguk stands up to do as asked.
"Ggukie! Can you please pick me up? I can't see the fireworks properly!" Daeun whines.
Jeongguk stands up to do as asked.
409
Taehyung sees the way the light from the fireworks makes Jeongguk's eyes shine brighter and the way it softly reflects on his skin.
He sees the way Daeun is laughing at something Jeongguk said.
They both look happy together.
He takes out his phone and quickly captures the moment
He sees the way Daeun is laughing at something Jeongguk said.
They both look happy together.
He takes out his phone and quickly captures the moment
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411
412
♡♡♡
413
"Jeongguk-ah, wait!" Jeongguk turns around to see Mingyu running up to him.
The school has ended and he is walking up to the car waiting for him and Daeun while holding her hand as she talks about all the things she did at school today.
The school has ended and he is walking up to the car waiting for him and Daeun while holding her hand as she talks about all the things she did at school today.
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He wonders if he should take her on metro someday.He was baffled when he learnt that Taehyung and Daeun have never taken a metro in their life.
'just rich people things, I guess'
Jeongguk had said back then and Taehyung had laughed while shaking his head, looking ever so charming
'just rich people things, I guess'
Jeongguk had said back then and Taehyung had laughed while shaking his head, looking ever so charming
415
+ in that ridiculous yet adorable Rapunzel apron while they both were making dinner together while Daeun- sitting on the counter- was telling him how excited she was to ride a metro as she has seen them in those cartoon shows she watches.
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He turns around to see Mingyu stopping in front of him.
"Can you please open the office for a second, I forgot my attendance report in there and I need to update it tonight for the start of the new month next week"
"Can you please open the office for a second, I forgot my attendance report in there and I need to update it tonight for the start of the new month next week"
417
The shadow standing a little away from them, clearly observing the convo between them and smirks a little when Jeongguk seemingly agrees to whatever the other person has asked and is probably telling Daeun to wait for him as he sits her in the car and walks back
418
inside the building.
This is their opportunity and they can't miss it.
This is their opportunity and they can't miss it.
419
♡♡♡
420
When Jeongguk comes back, he sees a woman in a black bodycon dress bending in front of the car door, and from the looks of it, she is talking to Daeun.
Panic sets in his chest at the thought of a stranger being so close to Daeun and the hell is the driver doing, allowing a+
Panic sets in his chest at the thought of a stranger being so close to Daeun and the hell is the driver doing, allowing a+
421
stranger to be so close to Daeun, let alone talk to her. He runs towards them as his feet and hands grow cold.
As he reaches closer, recognition dawns on him.
It's Bo-young, Daeun's mother.
She looks at him when he stops beside her.
She looks at him and smiles
As he reaches closer, recognition dawns on him.
It's Bo-young, Daeun's mother.
She looks at him when he stops beside her.
She looks at him and smiles
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But it doesn't reach her eyes.
She has been to school events and meetings a few times with Taehyung.
She turns back to Daeun who doesn't meet her eyes.
"See you later, sweetie. Love you"
She pulls down her goggles and walks away to her car where a man is leaning against it+
She has been to school events and meetings a few times with Taehyung.
She turns back to Daeun who doesn't meet her eyes.
"See you later, sweetie. Love you"
She pulls down her goggles and walks away to her car where a man is leaning against it+
423
+ who Jeongguk doesn't recognise.
Jeongguk looks back at Daeun and cups her cheeks to make her cheeks.
"Are you okay, baby?" He asks in a gentle voice to which Daeun nods but she isn't looking at him.
She realises that she needs time and doesn't push
Jeongguk looks back at Daeun and cups her cheeks to make her cheeks.
"Are you okay, baby?" He asks in a gentle voice to which Daeun nods but she isn't looking at him.
She realises that she needs time and doesn't push
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and instead kisses her forehead.
The ride back home is silent with Daeun leaning against him while looking outside, at the moving buildings.
Jeongguk just wraps his arm around her, trying to comfort her any way possible.
The ride back home is silent with Daeun leaning against him while looking outside, at the moving buildings.
Jeongguk just wraps his arm around her, trying to comfort her any way possible.
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♡♡♡
426
Daeun is sitting at the kitchen counter, colouring in her book with her crayons scattered around it.
"Would you like to try my special comfort sandwich?"
"Comfort sandwich?" Daeun looks at him with her big round eyes and tilts her head at him in a cute way.
"Would you like to try my special comfort sandwich?"
"Comfort sandwich?" Daeun looks at him with her big round eyes and tilts her head at him in a cute way.
427
Jeongguk hums as he tries to search for the pan through various cabinets.
He really needs to tell Taehyung to not misplace the items after he uses them.
"I used to make it whenever I was sad and it instantly made me happy"
He really needs to tell Taehyung to not misplace the items after he uses them.
"I used to make it whenever I was sad and it instantly made me happy"
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He used to live on that whenever he couldn't bring himself to make proper food because of how sad he was but Daeun doesn't need to know that.
"Really?" She asks, her colouring long forgotten.
Jeongguk hums as he places the pan on the stove and takes out slices of bread
"Really?" She asks, her colouring long forgotten.
Jeongguk hums as he places the pan on the stove and takes out slices of bread
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And other ingredients from the refrigerator.
"Would you like to try it?" Daeun nods her head enthusiastically as she sees Jeongguk apply butter to the bread and heat it on the pan.
He places a slice of cheese on it and then adds boiled sweet corn and covers it +
"Would you like to try it?" Daeun nods her head enthusiastically as she sees Jeongguk apply butter to the bread and heat it on the pan.
He places a slice of cheese on it and then adds boiled sweet corn and covers it +
430
+ with another slice of bread and let it hear for a little until the cheese melts.
He then moves it on a plate and slices it into two.
He moves to stand in front of Daeun and takes a slice of sandwich and blows it to cool it down before bringing it to Daeun's mouth
He then moves it on a plate and slices it into two.
He moves to stand in front of Daeun and takes a slice of sandwich and blows it to cool it down before bringing it to Daeun's mouth
431
to take a bite.
He sees the way Daeun's cheek puff out as she chews on it slowly and then her eyes turn round and sparkle as the mild flavours blast on her tongue.
"This is sho gwued" she says with her mouth full.
"Uh huh. Don't speak while eating"
He sees the way Daeun's cheek puff out as she chews on it slowly and then her eyes turn round and sparkle as the mild flavours blast on her tongue.
"This is sho gwued" she says with her mouth full.
"Uh huh. Don't speak while eating"
432
Jeongguk gently reprimands but smiles knowing that she liked it.
He cleans the kitchen counter and the pan while Daeun finishes her snack.
"Ggukie" Daeun speaks slowly which prompts Jeongguk to look at her.
"Mom talked to me today" she fiddles with the sleeve of her dress.
He cleans the kitchen counter and the pan while Daeun finishes her snack.
"Ggukie" Daeun speaks slowly which prompts Jeongguk to look at her.
"Mom talked to me today" she fiddles with the sleeve of her dress.
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Jeongguk then moves to stand in front of her, giving her his undivided attention now that she is ready to speak about it.
"Do you wanna tell me what she said?"Jeongguk doesn't know if he is allowed to ask her this but he can't help it now that Daeun wants to talk to him about it
"Do you wanna tell me what she said?"Jeongguk doesn't know if he is allowed to ask her this but he can't help it now that Daeun wants to talk to him about it
434
"𝒉𝒊, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆" 𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.
"𝒎𝒂'𝒂𝒎, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐-"
"𝒎𝒂'𝒂𝒎, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐-"
435
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆, 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒂𝒆𝒉𝒚𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏, 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝑱𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌
436
𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒆.
"𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓! 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐! 𝑩𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆"
"𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓! 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐! 𝑩𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆"
437
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔. 𝑻𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.
𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆.
𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆.
438
"𝒂𝒘𝒘, 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝑰 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚? 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚" 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
439
𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒚𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕.
"𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌𝒊𝒆" 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
"𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌𝒊𝒆" 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
440
𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓'𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑱𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌'𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓.
441
"𝒐𝒉, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆. 𝑴𝒐𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑯𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍"
442
"𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?" 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔
443
𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
"𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚? 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚?"
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
"𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚? 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚?"
444
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝.
"𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?" 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚.
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔
"𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?" 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚.
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔
445
"𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂?" 𝑩𝒐-𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.
446
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏, 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒅.
447
"𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐?" 𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅.
448
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝑱𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓.
"𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑹𝒂𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒛𝒆𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒆?'
"𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑹𝒂𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒛𝒆𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒆?'
449
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕. "𝒀𝒆𝒔!"
𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔. 𝑶𝒇𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.
𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔. 𝑶𝒇𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.
450
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒔, "𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂'𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓"
451
"𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒂 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝒔𝒐 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕?"
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
452
"𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍- 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑯𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐?"
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆.
453
𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑱𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒈𝒖𝒌 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒏.
454
***
455
To say Jeongguk is angry is an understatement.
How could a mother try to abuse her own daughter's trust like this?
Daeun is a child and she doesn't deserve any of this.
He needs to talk to Taehyung and let him know about this.
How could a mother try to abuse her own daughter's trust like this?
Daeun is a child and she doesn't deserve any of this.
He needs to talk to Taehyung and let him know about this.
456
"ggukie?" Daeun is looking at him, probably confused at his prolonged silence.
He pulls her into his warm embrace and kisses the top of her head.
"Thank you for telling me, Daeun-ah. And there is nothing to worry about, okay?"
He pulls her into his warm embrace and kisses the top of her head.
"Thank you for telling me, Daeun-ah. And there is nothing to worry about, okay?"
457
458
(a/n: the recipe of that sandwich mentioned is my personal fav XDD
You guys can try it!
It's really simple to make too🫣)
You guys can try it!
It's really simple to make too🫣)
459
♡♡♡
460
Taehyung leaves his office as soon as he sees the text from Jeongguk. The panic in his chest rising with every second that passes.
He only breathes a sign of relief when he reaches home to see Jeongguk helping Daeun with her homework sitting on the floor in their living room.
He only breathes a sign of relief when he reaches home to see Jeongguk helping Daeun with her homework sitting on the floor in their living room.
461
Jeongguk looks up at him as soon as Taehyung comes to sit beside him and pulls Daeun in an embrace.
Daeun sounds normally excited seeing him and tells him how much she missed him and what all happened at school and also that her mother visited but doesn't go in details.
Daeun sounds normally excited seeing him and tells him how much she missed him and what all happened at school and also that her mother visited but doesn't go in details.
462
Jeongguk lifts his arm to place it on Taehyung's thighs but hesitates and instead lightly places it on his arm, unsure if Taehyung would pull away.
463
Taehyung looks at him then and there is a hint of fear in them but he doesn't pull away nor does his face indicate any sort of discomfort.
Jeongguk relaxes, a bit more confident when he lightly squeezes Taehyung's arm.
"She is okay" he whispers, to which Taehyung nods
Jeongguk relaxes, a bit more confident when he lightly squeezes Taehyung's arm.
"She is okay" he whispers, to which Taehyung nods
464
And kisses the side of Daeun's head.
465
A/n:- guys wait for me
My crush texted me and I am a loser who responded to the text within a second and now I need to talk to him🧍
(Someone bury me please)
My crush texted me and I am a loser who responded to the text within a second and now I need to talk to him🧍
(Someone bury me please)
466
(me and my crush are discussing about pigeons😃😃😃)
467
(I am back, sorry for keeping you guys waiting 🥹)
468
Jeongguk tells Taehyung everything that happened with Bo-young in detail as they both cook dinner together while Daeun is still sitting on the living room floor, completing her homework.
"I am sorry, I shouldn't have left Daeun alone to wait in the car"
"I am sorry, I shouldn't have left Daeun alone to wait in the car"
469
Jeongguk bites his lower lip and avoids looking at Taehyung as he cuts onion roots.
Taehyung lessens the stove heat and moves to stand beside Jeongguk and gently takes the knife away from his hand.
"It's not your fault" but Jeongguk fists his hand
Taehyung lessens the stove heat and moves to stand beside Jeongguk and gently takes the knife away from his hand.
"It's not your fault" but Jeongguk fists his hand
470
on the counter and refuses to look at Taehyung.
"Jeongguk-ah" Taehyung places his hand on his fisted on, covering them entirely.
The word rolls off the others lips so softly and an equally soft touch on his hand urges him to look at Taehyung.
"Jeongguk-ah" Taehyung places his hand on his fisted on, covering them entirely.
The word rolls off the others lips so softly and an equally soft touch on his hand urges him to look at Taehyung.
471
"it's not your fault, okay? And I am not blaming you. In fact, thank you for being there because I doubt that she would have not left until she was sure that Daeun is on her side" Taehyung gives a reassuring squeeze to his hand at which Jeongguk nods.
472
Taehyung can clearly see the way the other is biting his lower lip- which highlights the mole under it- and the way the omega is looking at him. He can tell the younger wants to say something but is clearly hesitating.
"What is it?" He asks gently.
"What is it?" He asks gently.
473
"I- just, I am sorry if this is too invasive and you can clearly choose not to answer me but what happened between you both? And why is she trying to take Daeun away from you? Because it's clear that she doesn't really care about Daeun" Jeongguk frowns a little and tilts his head
474
For a split second Taehyung's brain focuses on how cute the omega looks but before he could answer him, Daeun comes into the kitchen.
"I am hungry" she pouts as she tries to tiptoe against the counter to try and see what's for dinner, but clearly fails. She is still too small.
"I am hungry" she pouts as she tries to tiptoe against the counter to try and see what's for dinner, but clearly fails. She is still too small.
475
And that thought alone makes Jeongguk coo internally.
"Just a few more minutes, baby. Till that time, can you keep these plates on the dining table?" Taehyung answers while handing her the plates.
Once she is out of their eyesight, Taehyung looks back at Jeongguk.
"Just a few more minutes, baby. Till that time, can you keep these plates on the dining table?" Taehyung answers while handing her the plates.
Once she is out of their eyesight, Taehyung looks back at Jeongguk.
476
"can we talk about this after I put Daeun to sleep?" Jeongguk nods his head as he moves to take bowls from the cabinet.
477
♡♡♡
478
"appa, mumma asked me to come to her house to play with the new Rapunzel merch she bought for me" Daeun says from where she is tucked against Taehyung's chest.
Taehyung stills for a second. He knew Daeun would bring this up. So he takes a deep breath before answering.
Taehyung stills for a second. He knew Daeun would bring this up. So he takes a deep breath before answering.
479
"Hmm, do you want to go?" It's not like Taehyung is entertaining that idea but he can't dismiss it right away without talking about it to Daeun.
Daeun is a child and he doesn't want to hurt her by making her feel like he is dismissing her like he doesn't care.
Daeun is a child and he doesn't want to hurt her by making her feel like he is dismissing her like he doesn't care.
480
Daeun's fingers twist the fabric of her father's T-shirt between them.
"I don't know" she answers timidly.
"I don't want to see Uncle Hwan again. He will send me to boarding school" she buries her face in his chest and tightens her hold around him as if she will be ripped apart
"I don't know" she answers timidly.
"I don't want to see Uncle Hwan again. He will send me to boarding school" she buries her face in his chest and tightens her hold around him as if she will be ripped apart
481
from her father if she doesn't hold onto him.
It breaks Taehyung's heart and also makes him angry at the same time.
"Nobody will put you in boarding school, Daeunie. Not when Appa is here to protect you. You trust appa right?" Daeun looks at him and nods her head.
It breaks Taehyung's heart and also makes him angry at the same time.
"Nobody will put you in boarding school, Daeunie. Not when Appa is here to protect you. You trust appa right?" Daeun looks at him and nods her head.
482
Taehyung smiles before kissing her forehead and gently carding his fingers through her silky hair.
"If you ever feel unsafe or don't want to talk to your mother if she tries again when I am not around, then go to ggukie, okay? He will protect you"
"Ggukie is strong like appa?"
"If you ever feel unsafe or don't want to talk to your mother if she tries again when I am not around, then go to ggukie, okay? He will protect you"
"Ggukie is strong like appa?"
483
She looks up at him and tilts her head which shortly reminds him of Jeongguk. He smiles thinking about how she is picking up his mannerisms and habits.
"Yes, ggukie is strong like appa"
"Yes, ggukie is strong like appa"
484
♡♡♡
485
When Jeongguk quietly enters Daeun's bedroom after cleaning the dishes, he sees Taehyung placing pillows around her gently to not wake her up.
He stands by the door and waits for Taehyung to be done.
He stands by the door and waits for Taehyung to be done.
486
♡♡♡
487
Jeongguk follows Taehyung back into the kitchen and watches as Taehyung pulls out two wine glasses.
"Red wine or white wine?" Taehyung asks as he takes out both the bottles and keeps the red wine back after Jeongguk answers white.
"Red wine or white wine?" Taehyung asks as he takes out both the bottles and keeps the red wine back after Jeongguk answers white.
488
♡♡♡
489
They both settle at the two corners of the couch, facing each other.
Jeongguk pulls his legs against his chest and wraps his arms around it, still holding his glass in one hand while Taehyung has one leg folded on the couch, while his other foot touching the floor.
Jeongguk pulls his legs against his chest and wraps his arms around it, still holding his glass in one hand while Taehyung has one leg folded on the couch, while his other foot touching the floor.
490
"Bo-young and I got married eight years ago" Taehyung starts after taking a sip from his glass.
"It was an arranged marriage, like any other business class marriages done for companies profit"
"But me and Bo-young fell in love along the way and had Daeun after two years"
"It was an arranged marriage, like any other business class marriages done for companies profit"
"But me and Bo-young fell in love along the way and had Daeun after two years"
491
Jeongguk listens with his undivided attention, as if every word leaving Taehyung's mouth is important.
"But after a few years, I found out that Bo-young was cheating on me with Hwan. He used to be a family friend. His father owned 20% of our company shares"
"But after a few years, I found out that Bo-young was cheating on me with Hwan. He used to be a family friend. His father owned 20% of our company shares"
492
"and all of this caused a huge mess and drift between our families. His father was ashamed and came to apologise to me and wanted to give up his shares but he had already passed it down to Hwan by then. And Hwan is greedy enough to not give up his profitable shares"
493
"me and Bo-young then had a messy divorce, deciding to co-parent Daeun"
Jeongguk remembers how big of a news their divorce was nationwide but the reasons were disclosed. Most probably for privacy reasons or maybe to maintain their image, Jeongguk guesses but doesn't say anything
Jeongguk remembers how big of a news their divorce was nationwide but the reasons were disclosed. Most probably for privacy reasons or maybe to maintain their image, Jeongguk guesses but doesn't say anything
494
"but I don't know why, but after almost two years, Bo-young has filed a case for Daeun's custody. Me and Yoongi think that Hwan is somehow behind all of this but we don't have any proof" Jeongguk spreads his legs in front of him before bending them to tuck them beneath him
495
Crossing his feet to make it cushion like to sit on and leans sideways against the backrest of the couch and rests his head against it.
"I did see a man leaning against Bo-young's car but not sure if it was Hwan" Jeongguk says and a yawn follows his words right after.
"I did see a man leaning against Bo-young's car but not sure if it was Hwan" Jeongguk says and a yawn follows his words right after.
496
Taehyung hums. "I will need to inform Yoongi about this tomorrow"
Jeongguk nods.
"What?" Taehyung asks after a while because of how Jeongguk has been looking at him in silence.
"Was it hard? To manage everything by yourself while also taking care of Daeun?"
Jeongguk nods.
"What?" Taehyung asks after a while because of how Jeongguk has been looking at him in silence.
"Was it hard? To manage everything by yourself while also taking care of Daeun?"
497
Jeongguk asks in a low voice as the dim warm lights of the living room wraps them in a soft cocoon.
"Yeah but there isn't anything that I won't be willing to do to keep Daeun safe and give her all the love that she deserves" Taehyung answers back in an equally low voice.
"Yeah but there isn't anything that I won't be willing to do to keep Daeun safe and give her all the love that she deserves" Taehyung answers back in an equally low voice.
498
Jeongguk takes out his feet from beneath himself when he feels them grow tingly and numb.
He moves around till his upper body is facing the backrest of the couch and rests his head against his folded arms on top of the backrest, his legs bent beside him
He moves around till his upper body is facing the backrest of the couch and rests his head against his folded arms on top of the backrest, his legs bent beside him
499
with his feet hanging down the couch.
Taehyung sees the way the younger's face is flushed red, probably due to the wine and how his hooded eyes are trained on him.
There is a hint of smile on the omega's face or maybe Taehyung is imagining it because he is tipsy too.
Taehyung sees the way the younger's face is flushed red, probably due to the wine and how his hooded eyes are trained on him.
There is a hint of smile on the omega's face or maybe Taehyung is imagining it because he is tipsy too.
500
Taehyung's eyes flick to the younger's wiggling feet hanging down the couch. Maybe they have gone numb, Taehyung guesses.
When he looks back at the younger, there is a warm look on his face and something so soft in his eyes.
When he looks back at the younger, there is a warm look on his face and something so soft in his eyes.
501
He sees the way Jeongguk's lips spread into an adorable smile with his bunny teeth slightly peeking out.
They both are just a feet apart from each other now.
Taehyung doesn't know when they both moved closer to each other
They both are just a feet apart from each other now.
Taehyung doesn't know when they both moved closer to each other
502
because he too is a bit further from the corner of the couch he initially occupied.
And Taehyung blames it on him being tipsy when his hand wraps around the omega's feet and he starts gently massaging them and pressing his fingers into the skin to relieve them from the numbness.
And Taehyung blames it on him being tipsy when his hand wraps around the omega's feet and he starts gently massaging them and pressing his fingers into the skin to relieve them from the numbness.
503
Jeongguk visibly sinks further against the couch at the feeling of soft fingers then wrapping around his ankles and a thumb gliding across the skin there.
"You are really a good father, Taehyung" he mumbles
"You are really a good father, Taehyung" he mumbles
504
and he has no idea about the adoration his eyes hold when he looks at the alpha and nor does he know the impact it has on the older's heart.
505
(a rough sketch of their position if it's hard for u to imagine!
I drew this on my phone using my fingers so it's messy but I promise that I am NOT this terrible at sketching in real life🥲)
(Also, ignore my messy handwriting 🥲)
I drew this on my phone using my fingers so it's messy but I promise that I am NOT this terrible at sketching in real life🥲)
(Also, ignore my messy handwriting 🥲)
506
♡♡♡
507
Taehyung sits on the edge of his bed, the phone pressed against his ear as his eyes darts towards the clock hanging on the opposite wall, above the door.
It's 2am, he distractedly notices as the phone call starts ringing.
He waits.
It's 2am, he distractedly notices as the phone call starts ringing.
He waits.
508
It's at the 6th ring that a groggy voice greets him.
"It better be something important if you are calling me at ass o'clock"
"Bo-young came to Daeun's school and talked to her" he answers.
He bites his lip as he hears some shuffling on the other side
"It better be something important if you are calling me at ass o'clock"
"Bo-young came to Daeun's school and talked to her" he answers.
He bites his lip as he hears some shuffling on the other side
509
The other person most probably sitting up.
"Who is it?" He hears the faint voice of Jimin in the background.
"Taehyung" Yoongi answers before answering back to Taehyung.
"Why was she there?" The call is most probably on speaker from the way Yoongi's voice sounds different.
"Who is it?" He hears the faint voice of Jimin in the background.
"Taehyung" Yoongi answers before answering back to Taehyung.
"Why was she there?" The call is most probably on speaker from the way Yoongi's voice sounds different.
510
"to meet Daeun. From what Jeongguk told me, she was trying to emotionally manipulate Daeun into choosing her"
"That bitch- why didn't Jeongguk stop her?" The frown can clearly be heard in Yoongi's voice.
"Daeun was in the car and Jeongguk had gone back to class for some work"
"That bitch- why didn't Jeongguk stop her?" The frown can clearly be heard in Yoongi's voice.
"Daeun was in the car and Jeongguk had gone back to class for some work"
511
"how can he leave her alone?" Taehyung hears the sound of light smacking on the other end.
"It's not his fault, Hyung! And he came back in time before she could say something more to Daeun"
He hears the other sigh.
"How is Daeun?" Taehyung falls back on the bed
"It's not his fault, Hyung! And he came back in time before she could say something more to Daeun"
He hears the other sigh.
"How is Daeun?" Taehyung falls back on the bed
512
Staring at the ceiling as his other hand comes up to massage between his eyes. There is a heavy feeling in his chest.
"She is fine but a little scared that she will have to go back to Bo-young and meet Hwan again. But I have put her to sleep earlier"
"She is fine but a little scared that she will have to go back to Bo-young and meet Hwan again. But I have put her to sleep earlier"
513
The other hums, "I will come home tomorrow for some paperwork and will meet Daeun then"
"Ok, I will come back early tomorrow"
There is a beat of silence before the other speaks, "Daeun will always be yours, Taehyung-ah. And I will make sure that it always stays that way"
"Ok, I will come back early tomorrow"
There is a beat of silence before the other speaks, "Daeun will always be yours, Taehyung-ah. And I will make sure that it always stays that way"
514
Taehyung didn't know he needed to hear those words.
There is suddenly a lump in his throat as he nods, even though the other can't see him.
"You should get some sleep, Tae. We will come by tomorrow" It's Jimin's voice.
"Yeah" Taehyung swallows around his lump.
There is suddenly a lump in his throat as he nods, even though the other can't see him.
"You should get some sleep, Tae. We will come by tomorrow" It's Jimin's voice.
"Yeah" Taehyung swallows around his lump.
515
There is silence for a few seconds and before the other could hang up, Taehyung speaks up again.
"Hyung"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you" Taehyung presses a hand against his mouth.
"Sleep, kid" but Taehyung can hear the smile in his voice and he feels like a kid again,
"Hyung"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you" Taehyung presses a hand against his mouth.
"Sleep, kid" but Taehyung can hear the smile in his voice and he feels like a kid again,
516
hiding behind Yoongi, whenever he got himself in trouble. Yoongi was always there for him.
517
♡♡♡
518
Taehyung is late. He slept through his alarm. He rushes to Daeun's room to get her ready for school after he is ready himself.
But he pauses in the doorway when he sees Jeongguk dressing Daeun into her favourite white dress which ends just above her knees.
But he pauses in the doorway when he sees Jeongguk dressing Daeun into her favourite white dress which ends just above her knees.
519
He smiles as he sees Daeun giggling when Jeongguk kisses her nose.
Something soft grows in his chest at the sight.
Maybe being late to his office once in a while might not be so bad, he thinks as he moves to the kitchen.
Something soft grows in his chest at the sight.
Maybe being late to his office once in a while might not be so bad, he thinks as he moves to the kitchen.
520
When Jeongguk enters the open kitchen with Daeun, he sees Taehyung setting up plates on the table.
"Aren't you late?"Jeongguk asks as he helps Daeun sit on the chair and goes in the kitchen to get a glass of milk for Daeun.
"Yes but it's fine to be late once in a while I guess"
"Aren't you late?"Jeongguk asks as he helps Daeun sit on the chair and goes in the kitchen to get a glass of milk for Daeun.
"Yes but it's fine to be late once in a while I guess"
521
"what are they gonna do? Fire the CEO?" Taehyung smiles mischievously as Jeongguk takes a seat in front of him
"Look at you misusing your power" Jeongguk squints his eyes at him which makes Taehyung laugh.
Jeongguk smiles at the sight of Taehyung's eyes crinkling at the corners
"Look at you misusing your power" Jeongguk squints his eyes at him which makes Taehyung laugh.
Jeongguk smiles at the sight of Taehyung's eyes crinkling at the corners
522
"Daeunie's french braid looks nice. You should really teach me how to do that" Taehyung says, lightly touching Daeun's hair at which Daeun beams in response.
"We should start with getting two even ponies first" Jeongguk bites his lips to stop himself from smiling.
"We should start with getting two even ponies first" Jeongguk bites his lips to stop himself from smiling.
523
But Taehyung can see the teasing glint in his eyes. His eyes are always so expressive that Taehyung hardly misses anything.
"Ok, wow. The attack was uncalled for" Jeongguk presses a hand against his mouth as a laugh spills out of his lips.
"Ok, wow. The attack was uncalled for" Jeongguk presses a hand against his mouth as a laugh spills out of his lips.
524
"by the way, Yoongi and Jimin will be stopping by in the evening for some paperwork. So I will be home early today"
"Oh, okay!"
"Oh, okay!"
525
♡♡♡
526
They are all sitting in the living room, Taehyung and Jeongguk sitting beside each other, occupying the sofa while Daeun is sitting in Yoongi lap on the arm chair he has occupied, with Jimin in the arm chair beside him while Daeun tells Yoongi everything Bo-young told her.
527
"-and then Mumma went away after Ggukie came" everyone can see that Yoongi is angry after hearing everything.
"Well, Jeongguk should have not left her alone in the first place" Yoongi's hard gaze settles on Jeongguk on the opposite side.
"Yoongi-" Jimin tries to warn him.
"Well, Jeongguk should have not left her alone in the first place" Yoongi's hard gaze settles on Jeongguk on the opposite side.
"Yoongi-" Jimin tries to warn him.
528
"I am really sorry. I didn't think-" Jeongguk's voice is small as he shrinks on himself.
"Well, you should have thought about it then!" Yoongi spits. His voice is too harsh.
"Watch your tone, Hyung" Taehyung's jaw is set as his hand comes to rest on Jeongguk's thigh.
"Well, you should have thought about it then!" Yoongi spits. His voice is too harsh.
"Watch your tone, Hyung" Taehyung's jaw is set as his hand comes to rest on Jeongguk's thigh.
529
"Taehyung-" Jeongguk holds the wrist of his hand which is resting on his thigh. He doesn't want them to argue because of him but Taehyung cuts him off.
"It's not his fault, Hyung! None of us could have known that Bo-young would do something like this!" Taehyung's eyes are hard
"It's not his fault, Hyung! None of us could have known that Bo-young would do something like this!" Taehyung's eyes are hard
530
and his voice firm. He will not let anyone blame Jeongguk when he isn't even at fault.
Yoongi looks at him before looking away. His jaw ticks before relaxing.
"Taehyung, it's fine-" Jeongguk tries again but is cut off by Yoongi.
Yoongi looks at him before looking away. His jaw ticks before relaxing.
"Taehyung, it's fine-" Jeongguk tries again but is cut off by Yoongi.
531
"sorry, I am just angry" but Yoongi is still looking away.
"Yes, but that doesn't mean that you can take it out on Jeongguk. We should be thankful that he came just in time. We don't know what else she would have told Daeun if not"
Yoongi nods his head, "yeah, sorry"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean that you can take it out on Jeongguk. We should be thankful that he came just in time. We don't know what else she would have told Daeun if not"
Yoongi nods his head, "yeah, sorry"
532
This time he looks at Jeongguk, the apology looks more genuine.
Jimin squeezes his shoulder in comfort.
Yoongi takes out some papers and takes Daeun's thumbprints on them as she is too small to sign them.
Jimin squeezes his shoulder in comfort.
Yoongi takes out some papers and takes Daeun's thumbprints on them as she is too small to sign them.
533
Taehyung leans towards Jeongguk and squeezes his thigh to gain his attention.
"You okay?" He whispers when Jeongguk looks at him, his hand still wrapped around Taehyung's wrist.
"Yeah, thank you" Jeongguk smiles and lightly presses his fingers on Taehyung's inner wrist.
"You okay?" He whispers when Jeongguk looks at him, his hand still wrapped around Taehyung's wrist.
"Yeah, thank you" Jeongguk smiles and lightly presses his fingers on Taehyung's inner wrist.
534
Taehyung moves his hand from his thigh and takes Jeongguk's hand in his and intervenes their fingers, giving his hand a comforting squeeze before turning back and concentrating on Yoongi.
535
Jimin hides his smile behind his hand when he sees Taehyung resting their joined hands on Jeongguk's thigh instead of letting go.
536
♡♡♡
537
Yoongi looks at their still joined hands as they walk him and Jimin to the front door an hour later.
"You guys should really stay over for dinner!" Jeongguk says as his other hand unconsciously moves to hold onto Taehyung's arm.
"You guys should really stay over for dinner!" Jeongguk says as his other hand unconsciously moves to hold onto Taehyung's arm.
538
Taehyung doesn't make any move to remove his hand either.
Yoongi and Jimin take a quick look at each other before turning back to them.
"Some other time for sure. We already have dinner reservations tonight" Jimin says, looping his hand around Yoongi's arm who is holding Daeun
Yoongi and Jimin take a quick look at each other before turning back to them.
"Some other time for sure. We already have dinner reservations tonight" Jimin says, looping his hand around Yoongi's arm who is holding Daeun
539
"see you later then, princess" Yoongi says, pecking Daeun's cheek who scrunches up her nose cutely before kissing his and Jimin's cheek in return.
Jeongguk only moves his hand away from Taehyung to take Daeun from Yoongi when she makes grabby hands at him.
Jeongguk only moves his hand away from Taehyung to take Daeun from Yoongi when she makes grabby hands at him.
540
♡♡♡
541
"You saw that too right?" Yoongi asks after they both are in their car after saying their goodbyes.
"Holy shit. I have never seen Taehyung this close with anyone after his divorce"
"Exactly. Wanna bet who is gonna fall first?" Yoongi Wiggles his eyebrows.
"Holy shit. I have never seen Taehyung this close with anyone after his divorce"
"Exactly. Wanna bet who is gonna fall first?" Yoongi Wiggles his eyebrows.
542
"Definately Taehyung" Jimin says
"Nah, have you looked at that Jeongguk kid? The way he smiled at Taehyung? It's definitely him who will fall first" Yoongi says as he pulls his car out of the parking lot and on the main road.
"Nah, have you looked at that Jeongguk kid? The way he smiled at Taehyung? It's definitely him who will fall first" Yoongi says as he pulls his car out of the parking lot and on the main road.
543
"ok, but if you lose, you will have to buy me that diamond bracelet I wanted" Jimin states.
"Sure. And if you lose then you will take me on a week long vacation after we are done with this case. I really need one" Yoongi sighs as if trying to show how exhausted he is.
"Sure. And if you lose then you will take me on a week long vacation after we are done with this case. I really need one" Yoongi sighs as if trying to show how exhausted he is.
544
♡♡♡
545
546
"are we not going to wait for appa?" Daeun asks as she sets the plates on the dining table which Jeongguk had handed her.
"Appa is busy tonight, baby. He will be late but you have school tomorrow so you can't stay up late. You will see appa tomorrow morning, yeah?"
"Appa is busy tonight, baby. He will be late but you have school tomorrow so you can't stay up late. You will see appa tomorrow morning, yeah?"
547
"okay"
548
Daeun does see her father the next morning but only until he gets her ready for school, Taehyung already has left for office by the time Jeongguk wakes up but there are still two boxes of freshly cut fruits stored in the fridge.
549
♡♡♡
550
Jeongguk is in the kitchen, thinking about what he could make for dinner. He hears Daeun's laugh in the background along with the faint humming of television.
"Daeunie, did you complete your homework?" He asks, opening the refrigerator to take out the eggs.
"Daeunie, did you complete your homework?" He asks, opening the refrigerator to take out the eggs.
551
"I will do it after this episode, I promise!" She giggles again at something.
Before Jeongguk could answer, his phone pings with a notification.
Before Jeongguk could answer, his phone pings with a notification.
552
553
"oh" Jeongguk's mood dampens a bit, at the thought of not seeing Taehyung for dinner. He didn't see him in the morning either.
But he knows that Taehyung is busy with the case, as the next date is in two weeks.
So he pushes his thoughts aside to concentrate on his cooking.
But he knows that Taehyung is busy with the case, as the next date is in two weeks.
So he pushes his thoughts aside to concentrate on his cooking.
554
(next day)
555
(the day after)
556
♡♡♡
557
"stop frowning"
"I am not frowning" Mingyu taps his two fingers between Jeongguk's eyebrows which causes him to relax his muscles as a reflex.
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night" Jeongguk purses his lips and swats away his hand.
"I am not frowning" Mingyu taps his two fingers between Jeongguk's eyebrows which causes him to relax his muscles as a reflex.
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night" Jeongguk purses his lips and swats away his hand.
558
"is everything alright at home?"
"Yes, why do you ask?" Jeongguk goes back to reviewing the score sheets of students on his computer.
"Hmm, it's just that Daeunie hasn't been doing her homework for the past few days and you aren't in a good mood either"
"Yes, why do you ask?" Jeongguk goes back to reviewing the score sheets of students on his computer.
"Hmm, it's just that Daeunie hasn't been doing her homework for the past few days and you aren't in a good mood either"
559
"I am usually how I am and what do you mean Daeunie hasn't been doing her homework?" Jeongguk frowns.
"I mean exactly what I said. She hasn't submitted the last two homework and since when do you frown and be grumpy all day?"
Jeongguk rubs a hand down his face.
"I mean exactly what I said. She hasn't submitted the last two homework and since when do you frown and be grumpy all day?"
Jeongguk rubs a hand down his face.
560
He hasn't been paying attention to Daeun these past few days, too caught up with all the extra work at both school and home.
There is a parent teacher meeting coming up next week and he has to get all the report cards ready in the next two days so they can be printed out.
There is a parent teacher meeting coming up next week and he has to get all the report cards ready in the next two days so they can be printed out.
561
His head falls on the table as he muffles his groan into his hands.
"I should have paid more attention" he sits up straight again and looks at Mingyu.
"I am sorry, I will talk to her about it tonight" Mingyu nods.
"Are you okay? Did you have a fight with your husband dearest?"
"I should have paid more attention" he sits up straight again and looks at Mingyu.
"I am sorry, I will talk to her about it tonight" Mingyu nods.
"Are you okay? Did you have a fight with your husband dearest?"
562
Mingyu wiggles his eyebrows in a teasing manner but yelps when he receives a slap on his arms.
"Shut up" Jeongguk rolls his eyes.
"He is busy with his office work and also the upcoming custody case. So I haven't seen him in like 4 days now"
"Shut up" Jeongguk rolls his eyes.
"He is busy with his office work and also the upcoming custody case. So I haven't seen him in like 4 days now"
563
There is a visible pout on his lips as he mindlessly plays with the tictac pen in his hand.
"Ohhh, now I get it" Jeongguk looks up at the teasing note in his voice.
"What did you get?" He raises his right eyebrow in question.
"Our Jeonggukie here is missing his husband"
"Ohhh, now I get it" Jeongguk looks up at the teasing note in his voice.
"What did you get?" He raises his right eyebrow in question.
"Our Jeonggukie here is missing his husband"
564
Jeongguk splutters, "WHAT!?" He doesn't realise how loud his voice is until he feels everyone else's eyes on him.
"Sorry" he apologizes to everyone before ducking lower in his seat and looking back at Mingyu.
"What? It's nothing like that!" He whisper yells.
"Sorry" he apologizes to everyone before ducking lower in his seat and looking back at Mingyu.
"What? It's nothing like that!" He whisper yells.
565
"sure. You are definitely not pouting and frowning all day because your husband isn't giving you enough attention"
"I don't want his attention and I am not pouting!" Jeongguk purses his lips.
"As I said, whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart"
"I don't want his attention and I am not pouting!" Jeongguk purses his lips.
"As I said, whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart"
566
"shut up" Jeongguk glares at him.
"Yup, definitely not pouting" that earns him another slap on his arm.
"And if you so want to see your husband, then why don't you visit him at work"
"I am not doing any such thing!" Jeongguk frowns and goes to reviewing the scorecards.
"Yup, definitely not pouting" that earns him another slap on his arm.
"And if you so want to see your husband, then why don't you visit him at work"
"I am not doing any such thing!" Jeongguk frowns and goes to reviewing the scorecards.
567
♡♡♡
568
Jeongguk looks over at Daeun watching another cartoon from the open kitchen.
He still doesn't know why Daeun is not doing her homework. She is usually a well behaved kid who always submits her work on time.
So it's odd for her to be behaving like this.
He still doesn't know why Daeun is not doing her homework. She is usually a well behaved kid who always submits her work on time.
So it's odd for her to be behaving like this.
569
"Daeunie, did you do your homework?" He asks from where he is chopping some carrots.
"I will do it later!" Jeongguk purses his lips at the answer. He has been getting the same answer from the past few days but she is not following through with her promise.
"I will do it later!" Jeongguk purses his lips at the answer. He has been getting the same answer from the past few days but she is not following through with her promise.
570
"baby, can you turn off the TV and do your homework now? I will let you watch the TV for a bit after dinner" Jeongguk stops his work and waits for a response.
"No! I will do it later, I promise!" Jeongguk closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
"No! I will do it later, I promise!" Jeongguk closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
571
He is exhausted but he needs to talk to Daeun because he needs to know why she is behaving like this.
He walks into the living room and stops in front of Daeun.
"Ggukie, move! I can't see the TV!"
She weakly pulls at his trousers to make him move but Jeongguk doesn't budge.
He walks into the living room and stops in front of Daeun.
"Ggukie, move! I can't see the TV!"
She weakly pulls at his trousers to make him move but Jeongguk doesn't budge.
572
"but I want you to do your homework now. I promised you that I will let you watch it after you are done, didn't I?"
"No!" Daeun screams and throws the remote on the other side of the sofa.
Jeongguk closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He needs to be calm with her.
"No!" Daeun screams and throws the remote on the other side of the sofa.
Jeongguk closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He needs to be calm with her.
573
He makes a move to sit on the floor in front of her
"I met your math teacher today. He told me that you didn't do your last two homework"
"I don't want to do it!" Daeun's lower lip wobbles but she doesn't back down
Jeongguk's hands cups her knees and rubs soft circles on them
"I met your math teacher today. He told me that you didn't do your last two homework"
"I don't want to do it!" Daeun's lower lip wobbles but she doesn't back down
Jeongguk's hands cups her knees and rubs soft circles on them
574
He knows she is on the verge of having a mental breakdown and it makes him feel guilty for not paying enough attention to her.
"And why is that, baby?" His voice is gentle and said out slow to not overwhelm her.
"I just don't want to do it!"
"And why is that, baby?" His voice is gentle and said out slow to not overwhelm her.
"I just don't want to do it!"
575
The tears start running down her face in no time and she starts having a full blown break down, hitting weak punches on the sofa.
Her citrus scent turns sour and gloomy and hits Jeongguk's nostrils in a strong wave due to her strong emotions.
Her citrus scent turns sour and gloomy and hits Jeongguk's nostrils in a strong wave due to her strong emotions.
576
Jeongguk pulls her into his lap which she doesn't protest and starts rubbing her back to sooth her down.
"Oh, sweetheart" he kisses the top of her head and sways them side by side as she hides her face in his neck.
"Oh, sweetheart" he kisses the top of her head and sways them side by side as she hides her face in his neck.
577
He could feel her frame shake from her sobbing and hiccups.
He realises his soothing pheromones and continues to rub her back in soothing to and fro motions.
"It's ok, I am here. I am not mad at you, okay? You trust me right?"
He plants another kiss on her head when he feels+
He realises his soothing pheromones and continues to rub her back in soothing to and fro motions.
"It's ok, I am here. I am not mad at you, okay? You trust me right?"
He plants another kiss on her head when he feels+
578
+ her nod her head in the crook of his neck.
He feels more guilty for letting this reach to this point. He should have known better.
He waits and sways them in silence while rubbing her back and occasionally running his fingers through her hair and scratching at her scalp.
He feels more guilty for letting this reach to this point. He should have known better.
He waits and sways them in silence while rubbing her back and occasionally running his fingers through her hair and scratching at her scalp.
579
He waits till she has calmed down and her frame isn't shaking due to her sobs and hiccups.
He tries to stand up- still carrying her but stops when she makes a voice of complaint at the back of her throat.
"I am not going anywhere, baby. I will just take us to the kitchen, ok?"
He tries to stand up- still carrying her but stops when she makes a voice of complaint at the back of her throat.
"I am not going anywhere, baby. I will just take us to the kitchen, ok?"
580
This time she doesn't protest when he lifts her up and walks towards the kitchen and sits her on the kitchen counter.
He then hands her a glass of water and rubs her tear stricken cheeks and under her eyes which have swollen red from crying. The sight breaks his heart.
He then hands her a glass of water and rubs her tear stricken cheeks and under her eyes which have swollen red from crying. The sight breaks his heart.
581
"you okay, now?" He asks holding her hand after setting the empty glass aside.
He kisses her forehead when she nods her head.
"Did you cry because I asked about the homework?" She nods her head but doesn't meet his eyes.
"Do you want to tell me why you didn't do your homework?"
He kisses her forehead when she nods her head.
"Did you cry because I asked about the homework?" She nods her head but doesn't meet his eyes.
"Do you want to tell me why you didn't do your homework?"
582
"I promise I won't be mad" he kisses one of her hands to assure her.
"Appa always helps me with math homework but appa not home. I miss appa" her voice is small, barely above a whisper.
Oh.
"Oh, darling" Jeongguk gently cradles her against his chest.
"Appa always helps me with math homework but appa not home. I miss appa" her voice is small, barely above a whisper.
Oh.
"Oh, darling" Jeongguk gently cradles her against his chest.
583
Jeongguk should have known. He should have paid more attention when she started watching cartoons more than usual, when she always asked about Taehyung and insisted on staying awake to meet him no matter how sleepy she was.
Jeongguk should have known better.
Jeongguk should have known better.
584
"I am sorry I didn't pay enough attention to you. And appa is busy, little one but I promise you that he will be there for dinner tomorrow, okay?"
Daeun looks up at him from where she is tucked against his chest, "promise?"
Daeun looks up at him from where she is tucked against his chest, "promise?"
585
"promise" Jeongguk seals the promise with a kiss to her nose.
"Thank you!" She beams at him and Jeongguk thinks he can bring her the world if she asks.
"Thank you!" She beams at him and Jeongguk thinks he can bring her the world if she asks.
586
♡♡♡
587
The next day, Jeongguk is on a mission. To make sure that Taehyung is home for tonight's dinner.
So he takes a leave for the rest of his day after his morning class and gets home to pack freshly made lunch for Taehyung and visit his office.
So he takes a leave for the rest of his day after his morning class and gets home to pack freshly made lunch for Taehyung and visit his office.
588
By the time he is done preparing lunch, it's already 1 PM and from when he asked Jimin earlier, the lunch break starts at 1:30 PM, so he quickly packs the lunch and asks the driver to drop him at Taehyung's office.
589
♡♡♡
590
When he enters the building, he realises he has no idea on what floor is Taehyung's office so he walks up to the receptionist at the front desk.
"Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you?"
"Uh, good afternoon. I wanted to know on what floor is Ta- uh- Mr. Kim's office"
"Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you?"
"Uh, good afternoon. I wanted to know on what floor is Ta- uh- Mr. Kim's office"
591
"do you have an appointment, sir?"
"Uhm, no. I am just here to-"
"I am sorry, sir. But we can't let you in without an appointment"
"But, I am his-" Jeongguk hesitates, unsure if he is allowed to address himself as Taehyung's husband.
"Uhm, no. I am just here to-"
"I am sorry, sir. But we can't let you in without an appointment"
"But, I am his-" Jeongguk hesitates, unsure if he is allowed to address himself as Taehyung's husband.
592
Now he is unsure if he is even allowed to be here. Because what was he thinking? Crashing at Taehyung's work place with lunch without asking him prior hand.
What if Taehyung gets angry at him.
Fuck, he messed up. Maybe he can just return and text Taehyung to convey the message
What if Taehyung gets angry at him.
Fuck, he messed up. Maybe he can just return and text Taehyung to convey the message
593
"I am sorry, sir. But I will have to ask you to leave" the receptionist's voice snaps him out of his thoughts.
"Uh, yeah. Sorry" he is about to turn around and leave when a voice stops him.
"Jeongguk?"
"Jimin-ssi"
"What are you doing here?"
"Uh, yeah. Sorry" he is about to turn around and leave when a voice stops him.
"Jeongguk?"
"Jimin-ssi"
"What are you doing here?"
594
"uhm, uh-I was just-"
"And why did you stop him here?" Jimin asks, turning towards the receptionist
"I am sorry, sir but he didn't have an appointment"
"He is Taehyung's husband. He doesn't need an appointment. He will come and go as he pleases" Jimin pins her with a hard look
"And why did you stop him here?" Jimin asks, turning towards the receptionist
"I am sorry, sir but he didn't have an appointment"
"He is Taehyung's husband. He doesn't need an appointment. He will come and go as he pleases" Jimin pins her with a hard look
595
She stutters, hurrying to bow down in apology.
"I am sorry, Mr. Kim. I wasn't aware. We will make sure such things don't repeat again. Sorry Mr. Min"
Jimin dismisses her and looks back at Jeongguk with a blinding smile.
"So what brought you here?"
"I am sorry, Mr. Kim. I wasn't aware. We will make sure such things don't repeat again. Sorry Mr. Min"
Jimin dismisses her and looks back at Jeongguk with a blinding smile.
"So what brought you here?"
596
Before Jeongguk could reply, he links their arms together and starts walking towards an elevator.
"Uh - just" Jimin looks at the lunch box in his other hand and wiggles his eyebrows teasingly.
"Oh, you brought lunch for your darling husband. Ah, young love"
"Uh - just" Jimin looks at the lunch box in his other hand and wiggles his eyebrows teasingly.
"Oh, you brought lunch for your darling husband. Ah, young love"
597
Jaihok splutters at the word "love"
"WHAT!? No! That's - it's not like that!"
"Uh-huh" Once inside the elevator, Jimin presses the button to 57th floor
"It's really nothing like that!"
"Sure, koo" Jeongguk purses his lips but Jimin thinks he rather looks like an angry kitten
"WHAT!? No! That's - it's not like that!"
"Uh-huh" Once inside the elevator, Jimin presses the button to 57th floor
"It's really nothing like that!"
"Sure, koo" Jeongguk purses his lips but Jimin thinks he rather looks like an angry kitten
598
"I am just here to tell him to come home for dinner because Daeunie is missing him. Nothing else"
"Uh huh. So only Daeunie is missing him?" Jimin playfully nudges his side.
"Yes"
"Uh huh. So only Daeunie is missing him?" Jimin playfully nudges his side.
"Yes"
599
"So there is no other reason for you to come this far with lunch for him for a thing that you could have texted him. Hmm, sounds pretty convincing" Jimin says feigning seriousness while nodding his head.
Before he could tease Jeongguk any further, the elevator door opens+
Before he could tease Jeongguk any further, the elevator door opens+
600
+ and Jeongguk dashes out leaving Jimin behind.
"His office is on the left!" Jimin cackles seeing Jeongguk turn back and ducking his red face in embarrassment.
"His office is on the left!" Jimin cackles seeing Jeongguk turn back and ducking his red face in embarrassment.
601
There is a knock on the door.
"Come in" Jeongguk slowly opens the door and stands in the doorway when he sees Taehyung and Yoongi discussing something with the table full of papers.
"Jeongguk?" Yoongi turns back to actually see Jeongguk standing at the door with a lunch box+
"Come in" Jeongguk slowly opens the door and stands in the doorway when he sees Taehyung and Yoongi discussing something with the table full of papers.
"Jeongguk?" Yoongi turns back to actually see Jeongguk standing at the door with a lunch box+
