#taekookau where model Kim Taehyung hires a bodyguard after...
shee ⁷☆@gukief4iry
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Sep 10, 2026
~22 min read
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#taekookau where model Kim Taehyung hires a bodyguard after receiving death threats, only to discover his new protector is Jeon Jungkook the same man he once confessed his love to and was rejected by. Five years later, Jungkook is still cold enough to pretend nothing happened.
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tags 🏷️
• Forced proximity
• Unrequited love ?
• Cold Jungkook
• Soft Taehyung
• Protective bodyguard
• Slow burn, jealousy, angst and fluff
• Happy ending
(pls pls interact with the story it really motivates me 🤍)
• Forced proximity
• Unrequited love ?
• Cold Jungkook
• Soft Taehyung
• Protective bodyguard
• Slow burn, jealousy, angst and fluff
• Happy ending
(pls pls interact with the story it really motivates me 🤍)
3
Taehyung hated being followed. He hated the distinct heavy footsteps trailing behind him in quiet hallways, and he hated the dark-tinted cars outside every venue and most of all, he hated the fact that his manager had started looking at him as if he were made of fragile glass.
4
“I'm telling you, Tae, this isn't something we can ignore anymore” Jin said.
Taehyung sat curled up on the velvet sofa in the dressing room, long legs tucked beneath his knees, staring blankly at Jin.
“I know” Taehyung murmured.
Taehyung sat curled up on the velvet sofa in the dressing room, long legs tucked beneath his knees, staring blankly at Jin.
“I know” Taehyung murmured.
5
"Do you?" Jimin cut in from his spot beside the vanity mirror. His arms were folded, his expression unusually serious “You received three threatening letters in two weeks, Tae. And yesterday someone actually bypassed the security at your apartment building.”
6
Taehyung's long fingers tightened around the sleeve of his oversized knitted sweater “I didn't even see them.”
“Exactly” Jimin stressed. Jin let out a heavy sigh and crouched directly in front of him, forcing eye contact “You're getting a bodyguard.”
“Exactly” Jimin stressed. Jin let out a heavy sigh and crouched directly in front of him, forcing eye contact “You're getting a bodyguard.”
7
Taehyung’s brow immediately furrowed “No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Tae—”
“I don't need someone shadowing me every second.”
“You absolutely do!”
Taehyung parted his lips to protest further, but Jimin raised an index finger “Don't even try it.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Tae—”
“I don't need someone shadowing me every second.”
“You absolutely do!”
Taehyung parted his lips to protest further, but Jimin raised an index finger “Don't even try it.”
8
Closing his mouth with a defeated sigh, Taehyung slumped back. Jin smiled in quiet victory, leaning back up “Your new bodyguard starts tomorrow.”
Taehyung groaned aloud, dropping his head against the top of the sofa backrest “I hate my life.”
Taehyung groaned aloud, dropping his head against the top of the sofa backrest “I hate my life.”
9
“I'm going to look ridiculous.”
“You already look ridiculous” Jimin replied smoothly. Taehyung gasped offended “Jimin!”
Before Jimin could reply, the heavy dressing-room door swung open. Their lead manager stepped into the room, his appearance tense.
“You already look ridiculous” Jimin replied smoothly. Taehyung gasped offended “Jimin!”
Before Jimin could reply, the heavy dressing-room door swung open. Their lead manager stepped into the room, his appearance tense.
10
“Taehyung” the manager called and he glanced up “What's up?”
“Your bodyguard is here.”
Taehyung's frown melted into genuine irritation “Already? You just said tomorrow.”
“He will be taking over effective immediately starting today.”
“Today?”
“Your bodyguard is here.”
Taehyung's frown melted into genuine irritation “Already? You just said tomorrow.”
“He will be taking over effective immediately starting today.”
“Today?”
11
“Yes.” The manager motioned “Come out and meet him.”
Reluctantly, Taehyung pushed himself up off the sofa. He tugged down the hem of his sweater, smoothed a stray strand of hair behind his ear, and followed his manager into the hallway.
Reluctantly, Taehyung pushed himself up off the sofa. He tugged down the hem of his sweater, smoothed a stray strand of hair behind his ear, and followed his manager into the hallway.
12
Behind him, Jin and Jimin exchanged a quick, silent glance something about the manager’s tone had made them both wary.
Taehyung stepped into the wide corridor and completely froze.
Taehyung stepped into the wide corridor and completely froze.
13
A man was standing by the window at the end of the hall. Tall, broad-shouldered and clad in a tailored black suit over a black dress shirt, his hands formally clasped behind his lower back. His profile was carved in sharp lines, his posture rigid and absolute.
14
His hair was slightly longer than Taehyung remembered, but there were details that time could never erase from Taehyung’s memory, like the shape of those round dark eyes, the faint scar in his cheek and the voice that had once whispered his name when they were younger.
15
Taehyung forgot to breathe.
“Taehyung,”the manager said, oblivious to the suffocating atmosphere. “This is Jeon Jungkook.”
Jungkook turned his head. Their eyes locked and for a single second, a mere heartbeat something sharp and unreadable flickered across Jungkook's features.
“Taehyung,”the manager said, oblivious to the suffocating atmosphere. “This is Jeon Jungkook.”
Jungkook turned his head. Their eyes locked and for a single second, a mere heartbeat something sharp and unreadable flickered across Jungkook's features.
16
Then, as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished. His face smoothed into a mask of pure ice. Professional, distant and indifferent.
“Mr. Kim,” Jungkook acknowledged, his voice deep and entirely flat.
Taehyung’s lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.
“Mr. Kim,” Jungkook acknowledged, his voice deep and entirely flat.
Taehyung’s lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.
17
Five years.
It had been five long years since he had stood in front of this exact man with trembling hands and a terrified, hopeful heart, confessing that he loved him.
Five years since Jungkook had stared back unblinking eyes and coldly replied ‘I don't feel the same way.’
It had been five long years since he had stood in front of this exact man with trembling hands and a terrified, hopeful heart, confessing that he loved him.
Five years since Jungkook had stared back unblinking eyes and coldly replied ‘I don't feel the same way.’
18
Five years since Taehyung had forced a smile through the crushing humiliation, swallowed his pride, and pretended it didn't tear him apart.
And now, that very same man stood three feet away from him. Assigned as his personal protector.
And now, that very same man stood three feet away from him. Assigned as his personal protector.
19
Jungkook broke the silence, shifting his gaze toward the manager. “I have reviewed Mr. Kim's complete schedule and updated security arrangements.”
Taehyung finally managed speak “You knew?” The manager blinked between them, confused “Knew what?”
Taehyung finally managed speak “You knew?” The manager blinked between them, confused “Knew what?”
20
Taehyung kept his gaze on Jungkook, refusing to look away “You knew I was the client?”
Jungkook’s jaw flexed “I was fully informed of your identity before I accepted the contract.”
Taehyung swallowed past a sudden lump in his throat “Then why did you take it?”
Jungkook’s jaw flexed “I was fully informed of your identity before I accepted the contract.”
Taehyung swallowed past a sudden lump in his throat “Then why did you take it?”
21
Silence stretched between them. Jungkook looked back at him, eyes devoid of warmth “Because it's my job.”
Four words, nothing more yet something fragile inside Taehyung broke all over again. He forced a polite, practiced smile onto his face. “Right. Of course.”
Four words, nothing more yet something fragile inside Taehyung broke all over again. He forced a polite, practiced smile onto his face. “Right. Of course.”
22
By now, Jimin and Jin had stepped out into the corridor behind him. Jimin's eyes widened the second he recognized the man in the suit. Jin’s face went entirely blank. Neither of them had anticipated this twist.
23
Jungkook offered the two men a brief, formal nod before turning back to the task. “Kim Taehyung will remain under my direct supervision twenty-four hours a day.”
Taehyung blinked “Twenty-four hours?”
“Yes.”
“You're going to follow me everywhere?”
“Yes.”
“Even while I'm sleeping?”
Taehyung blinked “Twenty-four hours?”
“Yes.”
“You're going to follow me everywhere?”
“Yes.”
“Even while I'm sleeping?”
24
Jungkook paused for a split second “I will remain positioned directly outside your door.”
“Great,” Taehyung muttered under his breath, crossing his arms over his chest.
Jungkook’s dark eyes locked back onto his “Do you have a problem with that protocol?”
“Great,” Taehyung muttered under his breath, crossing his arms over his chest.
Jungkook’s dark eyes locked back onto his “Do you have a problem with that protocol?”
25
Taehyung flashed a sweet, sharp smile “Not at all" His voice dropped and softening into something far more dangerous “I have already survived five years of you ignoring my existence I think I can manage having you in the room.”
Jungkook froze and the surrounding went dead silent.
Jungkook froze and the surrounding went dead silent.
26
Behind Taehyung, Jimin gasped softly, his eyes expanding further, while Jin silently mouthed, ‘Tae, don't.’
The words had left Taehyung's mouth before he could stop them, and regretted it immediately. But Jungkook merely pulled his gaze away, entirely unbothered.
The words had left Taehyung's mouth before he could stop them, and regretted it immediately. But Jungkook merely pulled his gaze away, entirely unbothered.
27
“Your vehicle is waiting downstairs” Jungkook said “We should move.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and began walking down the corridor. As soon as Jungkook was out of sight, Taehyung's smile melted completely.
Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and began walking down the corridor. As soon as Jungkook was out of sight, Taehyung's smile melted completely.
28
Jimin stepped closer, placing a cautious hand on his arm “Tae...”
“I'm fine” Taehyung said quickly, staring at the empty floor.
“You really don't look fine.”
“I said I'm fine, Jimin.”
Jin touched his shoulder with gentle weight “You don't have to put up a front with us, Tae.”
“I'm fine” Taehyung said quickly, staring at the empty floor.
“You really don't look fine.”
“I said I'm fine, Jimin.”
Jin touched his shoulder with gentle weight “You don't have to put up a front with us, Tae.”
29
Taehyung dropped his chin, staring at the polished marble floor. For five years, he had convinced himself that he was over Jeon Jungkook. He had buried it deep, moved on with his career, built a life. Maybe he had healed…maybe he hadn't.
30
But standing face to face with him again had made one agonizing reality painfully clear…some wounds never truly heal, they simply learn how to bleed quietly.
31
The ride back to the residence was suffocatingly quiet.
Taehyung sat alone in the spacious back seat while Jungkook occupied the front passenger seat next to the company driver with rigid posture, eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead. Not once did he turn around to check.
Taehyung sat alone in the spacious back seat while Jungkook occupied the front passenger seat next to the company driver with rigid posture, eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead. Not once did he turn around to check.
32
Taehyung leaned his head against the window, watching the silhouette of Jungkook's side profile reflected in the dark tint.
He looked so different now. Older and broader, there was an intimidating presence to him that felt entirely different.
He looked so different now. Older and broader, there was an intimidating presence to him that felt entirely different.
33
Taehyung stared at the back of his dark head until the silence became unbearable. “Jungkook.”
Silence.
“Jungkook.”
Slowly, the man's head turned slightly toward the rearview mirror “Yes?”
Silence.
“Jungkook.”
Slowly, the man's head turned slightly toward the rearview mirror “Yes?”
34
Taehyung opened his mouth, then hesitated. A bitter feeling washed over him. Once upon a time, just saying the name ‘Jungkook’ had made his heart race. Now, the sound of it left a hollow ache in his chest.
“Never mind,” Taehyung murmured “Nothing.”
“Never mind,” Taehyung murmured “Nothing.”
35
Half hour later, when tiredness finally caught up to Taehyung and his head slumped heavily against the window in sleep, Jungkook silently shifted in his seat. He glanced through the mirror, then turned around completely to look at the back seat.
36
The cold, unyielding mask melted away. For a moment, his face softened into something tender and painfully heavy. His eyes lingered on Taehyung’s peaceful, sleeping face, tracing his nose and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.
37
Quietly, without making a sound Jungkook unbuckled his seatbelt, reached over the center console, and pulled the plush spare blanket from the empty seat beside Taehyung. Moving with gentleness, he draped it carefully over Taehyung's shoulders and tucked it around his chin.
38
The second Taehyung stirred faintly in his sleep, Jungkook drew his hand as if burned and snapped himself back around into the front seat.
The mask was instantly back as if his heart hadn't hammered violently against his ribs…as if five years ago had never happened at all.
The mask was instantly back as if his heart hadn't hammered violently against his ribs…as if five years ago had never happened at all.
39
Taehyung woke up to the sound of rain. For a few seconds he blinked, shifting slightly, only to freeze when he felt the weight of a heavy blanket wrapped securely around his shoulders. He frowned into the dim light. He hadn't brought a blanket into the car.
40
Sinking back into the leather seat, his eyes moved toward the front.
Jungkook, of course.
Taehyung stared at the back of his head, five years ago, those hands had pushed a warm cup of coffee while they sat together in a cramped, quiet cafe near the university campus.
Jungkook, of course.
Taehyung stared at the back of his head, five years ago, those hands had pushed a warm cup of coffee while they sat together in a cramped, quiet cafe near the university campus.
41
‘You look tired.’
‘I'm tired.’
‘Then sleep.’
‘I can't. I have to finish this.’
‘You're stubborn.’
‘You like that about me.’
Jungkook had smiled then..a small, rare thing that had made the quiet room feel entirely too warm.
‘I'm tired.’
‘Then sleep.’
‘I can't. I have to finish this.’
‘You're stubborn.’
‘You like that about me.’
Jungkook had smiled then..a small, rare thing that had made the quiet room feel entirely too warm.
42
Back then, Taehyung had naively believed that smile meant everything. He had been wrong.
The car came to a stop outside his apartment building. Before Taehyung could even reach for his door, Jungkook was already out, rounding the car, and pulling the handle open.
The car came to a stop outside his apartment building. Before Taehyung could even reach for his door, Jungkook was already out, rounding the car, and pulling the handle open.
43
“Careful,” Jungkook said softly.
Taehyung looked down at the extended hand offered to him, then raised his gaze to meet the bodyguard's eyes “I'm capable of getting out of a car.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you helping me?”
“Because it's my job.”
There it was again, that sentence.
Taehyung looked down at the extended hand offered to him, then raised his gaze to meet the bodyguard's eyes “I'm capable of getting out of a car.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you helping me?”
“Because it's my job.”
There it was again, that sentence.
44
Taehyung let out a faint, bitter smile. “You really like saying that.”
Jungkook didn't respond.
Stepping out onto the pavement, Taehyung felt rain get heavier, but before he could open his umbrella, Jungkook was already holding one over him.
Jungkook didn't respond.
Stepping out onto the pavement, Taehyung felt rain get heavier, but before he could open his umbrella, Jungkook was already holding one over him.
45
Taehyung looked up at the umbrella, then at the water soaking into Jungkook's suit. “You'll get wet.”
“I'm fine.”
“You'll catch a cold.”
“I'm fine.”
Taehyung let out a quiet, defeated sigh. "
“You haven't changed.”
“I'm fine.”
“You'll catch a cold.”
“I'm fine.”
Taehyung let out a quiet, defeated sigh. "
“You haven't changed.”
46
Jungkook looked down at him “Neither have you.”
Something in the weight of those words caused Taehyung’s chest to tighten but before he could ask what he meant, Jungkook turned and walked ahead.
Inside the apartment, Jimin was already waiting.
Something in the weight of those words caused Taehyung’s chest to tighten but before he could ask what he meant, Jungkook turned and walked ahead.
Inside the apartment, Jimin was already waiting.
47
The moment his eyes landed on Jungkook, his expression changed “Oh.”
Jungkook spoke “Park Jimin.”
Jimin crossed his arms over his chest, “You remember me?”
“I remember everyone who used to be around Taehyung.”
Jimin's eyebrows rose at the emphasis ‘Used to.’
Jungkook spoke “Park Jimin.”
Jimin crossed his arms over his chest, “You remember me?”
“I remember everyone who used to be around Taehyung.”
Jimin's eyebrows rose at the emphasis ‘Used to.’
48
Later that evening, Taehyung was getting ready for dinner. As he reached into his closet, he noticed Jungkook standing in the doorway, watching the hallway, positioned just outside his bedroom.
“You don't have to stand there,” Taehyung said, pulling a hanger down.
“You don't have to stand there,” Taehyung said, pulling a hanger down.
49
“I do.”
“Why?”
“Security.”
Taehyung sighed “I'm literally putting on a shirt.”
“I'm aware.”
“Then turn around.”
Jungkook looked at him, his gaze steady “Why?”
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. “Because I'm changing?”
“I've seen people change before.”
“Why?”
“Security.”
Taehyung sighed “I'm literally putting on a shirt.”
“I'm aware.”
“Then turn around.”
Jungkook looked at him, his gaze steady “Why?”
Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. “Because I'm changing?”
“I've seen people change before.”
50
Jungkook finally turned his back. A small, smile tugged at the corner of Taehyung's lips despite himself. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome.”
A heavy silence stretched between them.
Taehyung paused, holding the fabric of his shirt. He said softly, “Jungkook.”
"Yes?"
“You're welcome.”
A heavy silence stretched between them.
Taehyung paused, holding the fabric of his shirt. He said softly, “Jungkook.”
"Yes?"
51
"Why did you come back?"
He saw Jungkook's shoulders stiffen instantly. Taehyung's voice softened further. “I'm not asking why you took the job.” He swallowed down the lump forming in his throat. “I'm asking why you came back into my life.”
Jungkook didn't answer.
He saw Jungkook's shoulders stiffen instantly. Taehyung's voice softened further. “I'm not asking why you took the job.” He swallowed down the lump forming in his throat. “I'm asking why you came back into my life.”
Jungkook didn't answer.
52
“Five years ago...” Taehyung paused “Five years ago, you couldn't even look at me.”
Slowly, Jungkook turned around. His face was unreadable. “I don't think we should talk about that.”
“Why?”
“Because it doesn't matter anymore.”
Taehyung laughed quietly. “It mattered to me.”
Slowly, Jungkook turned around. His face was unreadable. “I don't think we should talk about that.”
“Why?”
“Because it doesn't matter anymore.”
Taehyung laughed quietly. “It mattered to me.”
53
Jungkook said nothing.
“I loved you.”
“I know.”
Taehyung's eyes flickered clearly hurt. “You knew?”
“Yes.”
“And you still rejected me.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Jungkook's jaw tightened so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek. “Because I couldn't give you what you wanted.”
“I loved you.”
“I know.”
Taehyung's eyes flickered clearly hurt. “You knew?”
“Yes.”
“And you still rejected me.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Jungkook's jaw tightened so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek. “Because I couldn't give you what you wanted.”
54
Taehyung looked down at the wooden floor. “I didn't ask for anything.”
“You wanted me.”
Taehyung's eyes stung with unshed tears. “I wanted you to love me.”
Silence settled over the room. Jungkook looked away, staring at the empty wall. “I couldn't.”
“You wanted me.”
Taehyung's eyes stung with unshed tears. “I wanted you to love me.”
Silence settled over the room. Jungkook looked away, staring at the empty wall. “I couldn't.”
55
The words hurt more than he had anticipated. Even after five long years. He nodded slowly, swallowing the pain.
“Right” He forced a fragile smile. “Nothing's changed, then.”
Jungkook looked back at him, Taehyung turned away, unable to bear the sight of him any longer “Goodnight”
“Right” He forced a fragile smile. “Nothing's changed, then.”
Jungkook looked back at him, Taehyung turned away, unable to bear the sight of him any longer “Goodnight”
56
Taehyung pulled the bedroom door shut and leaned his back against the wood, sliding down slightly as his eyes burned. He pressed his lips together in a tight line, fighting the ache in his throat. He wasn't going to cry. Not over Jeon Jungkook, not again.
57
On the other side of the door, Jungkook stood completely still. His hand slowly curled into a tight fist. Through the thin wood, he heard Taehyung's uneven breathing. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the wall.
58
The truth was something Taehyung didn't know. A truth Jungkook had spent five painful years trying to bury deep beneath his stern exterior. He hadn't rejected Taehyung because he didn't love him. He had rejected him because he loved him too much.
59
Later that night Jungkook sat alone on the sofa in the dark living room, his phone buzzing softly in his palm. He answered, bringing it to his ear.
“You got the assignment?” Namjoon's voice echoed through the speaker.
“Yes.”
“And?”
“You got the assignment?” Namjoon's voice echoed through the speaker.
“Yes.”
“And?”
60
Jungkook remained silent, his gaze fixed on the dark hallway.
Yoongi's voice chimed in from the background. “He's still pretty?”
Jungkook frowned into the darkness. "
“Don't start.”
Hobi laughed softly. “So he is.”
Yoongi's voice chimed in from the background. “He's still pretty?”
Jungkook frowned into the darkness. "
“Don't start.”
Hobi laughed softly. “So he is.”
61
Jungkook pinched the bridge of his nose, “He's exactly the same.”
Namjoon was quiet for a long moment before asking softly, “Does he know?”
“No.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“No.”
“Jungkook.”
“I said no.”
Hobi's voice softened with genuine concern. “You could've stayed away.”
Namjoon was quiet for a long moment before asking softly, “Does he know?”
“No.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“No.”
“Jungkook.”
“I said no.”
Hobi's voice softened with genuine concern. “You could've stayed away.”
62
“I couldn't.”
“Why?”
Jungkook looked toward the darkened hallway, his eyes lingering on Taehyung's bedroom door. His voice dropped low, “Because someone is threatening him.”
“And?”
Jungkook's fingers tightened around his phone “And I need to make sure he's safe.”
“Why?”
Jungkook looked toward the darkened hallway, his eyes lingering on Taehyung's bedroom door. His voice dropped low, “Because someone is threatening him.”
“And?”
Jungkook's fingers tightened around his phone “And I need to make sure he's safe.”
63
Namjoon sighed. “That's not the only reason.”
Jungkook remained silent because they were right. He had accepted hundreds of security assignments over the years. He had protected politicians, high-profile actors, CEOs, and global celebrities without a second thought.
Jungkook remained silent because they were right. He had accepted hundreds of security assignments over the years. He had protected politicians, high-profile actors, CEOs, and global celebrities without a second thought.
64
But when he had heard Taehyung's name... he hadn't even asked about the money. He had simply said yes.
Because five years ago, he had promised himself that loving Taehyung meant staying away from him.
Because five years ago, he had promised himself that loving Taehyung meant staying away from him.
65
But maybe protecting him was the only way Jungkook knew how to love him without destroying everything.
At 2:17 a.m Jungkook heard a noise. His eyes snapped open instantly. He was on his feet in a second, moving silently towards the hallway.
At 2:17 a.m Jungkook heard a noise. His eyes snapped open instantly. He was on his feet in a second, moving silently towards the hallway.
66
Then, a faint, repeated chime. Taehyung.
Jungkook's hand instinctively slid beneath his jacket, resting on the grip of the weapon secured against his ribcage. He reached the door “Taehyung.”
No answer.
He turned the handle and opened it quietly.
Jungkook's hand instinctively slid beneath his jacket, resting on the grip of the weapon secured against his ribcage. He reached the door “Taehyung.”
No answer.
He turned the handle and opened it quietly.
67
Taehyung was sound asleep, curled small beneath the blankets. His phone lay on the floor. The noise had come from its glowing screen.
Jungkook exhaled slowly then his eyes caught the light of the screen.
*One new message.*
*UNKNOWN NUMBER*
Jungkook exhaled slowly then his eyes caught the light of the screen.
*One new message.*
*UNKNOWN NUMBER*
68
Jungkook picked up the phone. His expression changed. The message contained only a photograph.
A photograph of Taehyung leaving the studio earlier that day and underneath it were six words.
YOU CAN’T PROTECT HIM FOREVER.
A photograph of Taehyung leaving the studio earlier that day and underneath it were six words.
YOU CAN’T PROTECT HIM FOREVER.
69
Jungkook’s entire body went still. He looked at Taehyung and the coldness disappeared completely and his grip tightened around the phone.
“Whoever you are…” His voice was barely a whisper “You picked the wrong person.”
“Whoever you are…” His voice was barely a whisper “You picked the wrong person.”
70
Taehyung stirred beneath the blankets, letting out a soft sigh in his sleep.
Jungkook immediately stepped closer and reached down and gently pulled the blanket over Taehyung's bare shoulder, tucked him in, and then quietly took a seat in the armchair beside the bed.
Jungkook immediately stepped closer and reached down and gently pulled the blanket over Taehyung's bare shoulder, tucked him in, and then quietly took a seat in the armchair beside the bed.
71
He stayed there until the morning broke, watching, protecting and pretending that his heart wasn't breaking all over again.
72
Taehyung woke up with a strange feeling.
Someone was watching him and so he slowly opened his eyes. Beside his bed, sitting back in the armchair, was Jungkook. His arms were crossed over his chest, his chin resting near his collarbone, eyes fully closed in deep, quiet sleep.
Someone was watching him and so he slowly opened his eyes. Beside his bed, sitting back in the armchair, was Jungkook. His arms were crossed over his chest, his chin resting near his collarbone, eyes fully closed in deep, quiet sleep.
73
Taehyung blinked and stared at him for a few seconds then frowned.
Why was he here? He remembered falling asleep, he didn’t remember Jungkook being in the room.
Taehyung carefully sat up but the movement made Jungkook’s eyes open immediately.
Why was he here? He remembered falling asleep, he didn’t remember Jungkook being in the room.
Taehyung carefully sat up but the movement made Jungkook’s eyes open immediately.
74
“What happened?" Taehyung jumped, startled by the sudden intensity "Nothing."
Jungkook immediately straightened his back. "You moved suddenly."
"I was waking up."
He pushed himself out of the chair, smoothing down his dark suit jacket. "Get dressed. We leave in forty minutes."
Jungkook immediately straightened his back. "You moved suddenly."
"I was waking up."
He pushed himself out of the chair, smoothing down his dark suit jacket. "Get dressed. We leave in forty minutes."
75
Taehyung stared at his back, amused. "Good morning to you, too."
Jungkook paused at the door frame, his jaw flexing slightly. "Good morning."
Taehyung smiled. "See? That wasn't so hard."
Jungkook paused at the door frame, his jaw flexing slightly. "Good morning."
Taehyung smiled. "See? That wasn't so hard."
76
Without another word, Jungkook walked out. Taehyung collapsed back onto his pillows for a brief second, unable to stop the faint curve of his lips. Maybe, just maybe this assignment wouldn't be as unbearable as he had feared.
Breakfast, however, was an absolute disaster.
Breakfast, however, was an absolute disaster.
77
Jungkook insisted on standing rigid behind Taehyung's chair like a shadow.
Taehyung slowly twisted around in his seat, looking up at him. "Are you going to eat?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I'm on duty."
"You're standing."
"Yes."
"That's not working, that's just lurking."
Taehyung slowly twisted around in his seat, looking up at him. "Are you going to eat?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I'm on duty."
"You're standing."
"Yes."
"That's not working, that's just lurking."
78
Taehyung sighed dramatically. “You’re impossible.”
The first shoot of the day was for a luxury fashion brand. Taehyung stepped out of the car wearing a cream-colored suit, his hair styled softly around his face.
Jungkook looked at him and then immediately looked away.
The first shoot of the day was for a luxury fashion brand. Taehyung stepped out of the car wearing a cream-colored suit, his hair styled softly around his face.
Jungkook looked at him and then immediately looked away.
79
"Too many people outside," Jungkook muttered.
Taehyung blinked. "What?"
"Stay close to me."
"I'm literally two inches away from you."
"Closer."
Taehyung smirked softly, stepping into his space. "Are you worried about me, Jungkook?"
"I'm doing my job."
Taehyung blinked. "What?"
"Stay close to me."
"I'm literally two inches away from you."
"Closer."
Taehyung smirked softly, stepping into his space. "Are you worried about me, Jungkook?"
"I'm doing my job."
80
Taehyung rolled his eyes. "There it is again. Your absolute favorite sentence."
Jungkook let out a low breath. "Just stay behind me."
"Yes, sir," Taehyung said with mild teasing. Jungkook's gaze flicked back toward him, Taehyung offered a sweet, innocent smile. "What?"
Jungkook let out a low breath. "Just stay behind me."
"Yes, sir," Taehyung said with mild teasing. Jungkook's gaze flicked back toward him, Taehyung offered a sweet, innocent smile. "What?"
81
"Nothing," Jungkook grunted. But as he turned to lead the way into the studio, Taehyung didn't miss the faint pink that had crept onto the tips of his bodyguard's ears.
The photo shoot proceeded without problem until a male model from a separate campaign noticed Taehyung resting.
The photo shoot proceeded without problem until a male model from a separate campaign noticed Taehyung resting.
82
"Kim Taehyung?" Taehyung looked up, offering a warm smile to the tall, handsome man approaching him. "Yes?"
"I'm Minhyuk," the model said, extending a hand. "I've been wanting to meet you for a while now."
"Oh, really?"
"I'm Minhyuk," the model said, extending a hand. "I've been wanting to meet you for a while now."
"Oh, really?"
83
Minhyuk smiled, leaning in just a bit closer. "You're even prettier in person."
Taehyung let out a soft, awkward laugh, shifting slightly. "Thank you, that's very kind of—"
"He's not available."
Both men froze as a dark shadow fell over them.
Taehyung let out a soft, awkward laugh, shifting slightly. "Thank you, that's very kind of—"
"He's not available."
Both men froze as a dark shadow fell over them.
84
Jungkook stepped directly into the space beside Taehyung, his broad shoulders blocking half the lighting. His expression was serious, his eyes dangerously cold as he locked onto Minhyuk.
Minhyuk blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
Minhyuk blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
85
"He has scheduling conflicts," Jungkook said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Taehyung blinked. "I do?"
Jungkook didn't break eye contact with Minhyuk. "Yes."
"What plans?" Taehyung pressed.
"Security protocol."
Taehyung stared at him. "That is literally not a plan."
Taehyung blinked. "I do?"
Jungkook didn't break eye contact with Minhyuk. "Yes."
"What plans?" Taehyung pressed.
"Security protocol."
Taehyung stared at him. "That is literally not a plan."
86
"It is now."
Minhyuk looked between the bodyguard and the visibly confused model, holding up his hands in immediate retreat. "Oh. I see." He offered a tight, awkward smile. "Well... maybe another time, Taehyung."
Minhyuk looked between the bodyguard and the visibly confused model, holding up his hands in immediate retreat. "Oh. I see." He offered a tight, awkward smile. "Well... maybe another time, Taehyung."
87
Taehyung watched Minhyuk run toward the changing rooms before turning sharply toward Jungkook. "What on earth was that?"
"What?"
"You completely terrified him!"
"He was distracting you from your schedule."
"He was having a normal conversation with me!"
"It was unnecessary."
"What?"
"You completely terrified him!"
"He was distracting you from your schedule."
"He was having a normal conversation with me!"
"It was unnecessary."
88
Taehyung's eyebrows shot up as a realization struck him. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "You were jealous."
Jungkook's jaw tightened instantly, his eyes narrowing. "No."
"You were."
"I don't get jealous, Mr. Kim."
Taehyung chuckled softly. "Sure."
Jungkook's jaw tightened instantly, his eyes narrowing. "No."
"You were."
"I don't get jealous, Mr. Kim."
Taehyung chuckled softly. "Sure."
89
Before Taehyung could turn away, Jungkook took a single step forward, crowding into Taehyung.
"Don't misunderstand," Jungkook whispered, his voice low, rough, and cold.
Taehyung’s playful smile faded, his pulse skipping a beat. "Misunderstand what?"
"Don't misunderstand," Jungkook whispered, his voice low, rough, and cold.
Taehyung’s playful smile faded, his pulse skipping a beat. "Misunderstand what?"
90
"This," Jungkook said, gesturing faintly between them. "Whatever you think is happening here."
Taehyung swallowed. "I don't think anything is happening."
"Good." The response came without a second of hesitation. Cold and final.
Taehyung swallowed. "I don't think anything is happening."
"Good." The response came without a second of hesitation. Cold and final.
91
Taehyung offered a nod and walked straight back toward the dressing room.
Jungkook watched him his fists clenching so hard that his knuckles turned white. He had done it again. He had pushed him away, instinctively putting up the same wall that had destroyed them five years ago.
Jungkook watched him his fists clenching so hard that his knuckles turned white. He had done it again. He had pushed him away, instinctively putting up the same wall that had destroyed them five years ago.
92
That evening, the ride home was marked by absolute silence.
Taehyung barely spoke a word to anyone. He sat huddled against the door frame, staring out. Jungkook noticed, of course he did.
Taehyung barely spoke a word to anyone. He sat huddled against the door frame, staring out. Jungkook noticed, of course he did.
93
He noticed everything about Taehyung.
The way his fingers played with his sleeves when nervous, the way he hummed when happy, the tiny wrinkle between his eyebrows when something upset him. Things Jungkook had memorized years ago. Things he had never forgotten.
The way his fingers played with his sleeves when nervous, the way he hummed when happy, the tiny wrinkle between his eyebrows when something upset him. Things Jungkook had memorized years ago. Things he had never forgotten.
94
The car stopped and Taehyung immediately opened the door but Jungkook caught his wrist.“Wait.”
Taehyung looked down at his hand then back at Jungkook.“What?”
“Stay here.”
“Why?”
Jungkook looked outside. A man was standing near the entrance, watching them.
Taehyung looked down at his hand then back at Jungkook.“What?”
“Stay here.”
“Why?”
Jungkook looked outside. A man was standing near the entrance, watching them.
95
Jungkook’s expression changed. “Stay in the car.”
Taehyung’s heart began beating faster.“Is something wrong?”
“Stay.” Jungkook got out.
Taehyung watched through the window as Jungkook approached the man. They exchanged a few words and then stranger walked away.
Taehyung’s heart began beating faster.“Is something wrong?”
“Stay.” Jungkook got out.
Taehyung watched through the window as Jungkook approached the man. They exchanged a few words and then stranger walked away.
96
Jungkook returned and opened Taehyung’s door. “Come.”
Taehyung didn't move, his knees feeling weak. "What happened?"
"Nothing."
"You're lying to me."
Jungkook’s expression softened slightly. “Someone was taking pictures.”
Taehyung went pale.“Of me? Was it—”
“I handled it.”
Taehyung didn't move, his knees feeling weak. "What happened?"
"Nothing."
"You're lying to me."
Jungkook’s expression softened slightly. “Someone was taking pictures.”
Taehyung went pale.“Of me? Was it—”
“I handled it.”
97
Taehyung stared at him.“You handled it?”
Taehyung’s eyes filled with fear and Jungkook noticed immediately.
He crouched slightly so they were eye level. “Taehyung.”
Taehyung looked at him. “You’re safe.”
His voice was soft.
“You understand?” Taehyung nodded.“You’re safe.”
Taehyung’s eyes filled with fear and Jungkook noticed immediately.
He crouched slightly so they were eye level. “Taehyung.”
Taehyung looked at him. “You’re safe.”
His voice was soft.
“You understand?” Taehyung nodded.“You’re safe.”
98
Jungkook repeated it.“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Taehyung stared at him and for one moment, he forgot everything. The rejection, five years all he heard was Jungkook’s voice.
‘I won’t let anything happen to you.’
Taehyung whispered “Why?”
Jungkook froze.“Why what?”
Taehyung stared at him and for one moment, he forgot everything. The rejection, five years all he heard was Jungkook’s voice.
‘I won’t let anything happen to you.’
Taehyung whispered “Why?”
Jungkook froze.“Why what?”
99
“Why do you care so much?”
Jungkook looked away.“Because it’s my job.”
Taehyung smiled sadly.“Right.”
He got out of the car. Jungkook watched him walk inside. His hands slowly clenched. He hated that sentence, hated saying it but it was easier than telling Taehyung the truth.
Jungkook looked away.“Because it’s my job.”
Taehyung smiled sadly.“Right.”
He got out of the car. Jungkook watched him walk inside. His hands slowly clenched. He hated that sentence, hated saying it but it was easier than telling Taehyung the truth.
100
That night, Taehyung sat on his balcony.
Jimin had come over and so he and handed him a cup of tea.“You okay?”
Taehyung nodded.“I’m fine.”
“You’re lying.”
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
Jimin sat beside him.“Do you still love him?” Taehyung went silent. The question hurt.
Jimin had come over and so he and handed him a cup of tea.“You okay?”
Taehyung nodded.“I’m fine.”
“You’re lying.”
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
Jimin sat beside him.“Do you still love him?” Taehyung went silent. The question hurt.
101
After a while, he whispered,“I don’t know.”
Jimin looked at him“That’s not a no.”
Taehyung stared at the city lights.“I spent five years trying not to.”
“And?”
“I think…”He swallowed. “I think some part of me was waiting for him to come back.”
Jimin’s expression softened “Tae.”
Jimin looked at him“That’s not a no.”
Taehyung stared at the city lights.“I spent five years trying not to.”
“And?”
“I think…”He swallowed. “I think some part of me was waiting for him to come back.”
Jimin’s expression softened “Tae.”
102
“But he didn’t.” Taehyung laughed quietly.“And now he’s here.”
He looked down at his tea.“And he still doesn’t want me.”
Behind the balcony door, unseen by either of them Jungkook stood frozen.
He had heard every word. His chest tightened. He was waiting for me.
He looked down at his tea.“And he still doesn’t want me.”
Behind the balcony door, unseen by either of them Jungkook stood frozen.
He had heard every word. His chest tightened. He was waiting for me.
103
Jungkook closed his eyes. He wanted to tell Taehyung everything. He had never stopped thinking about him, he had kept the photograph Taehyung had given him five years ago and rejected him because his father had threatened to destroy Taehyung’s career if Jungkook pursued him.
104
That he had disappeared because he believed distance would keep Taehyung safe.He had loved him every single day since. But he couldn’t say any of it.
Not yet because the threats were back and this time Jungkook wasn’t going to run.
Not yet because the threats were back and this time Jungkook wasn’t going to run.
105
He stepped away from the door. His phone vibrated.
An unknown number, another message.
YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT HIM ALONE.
Jungkook’s eyes hardened. A second message appeared.
FIVE YEARS AGO YOU LET HIM GO.
An unknown number, another message.
YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT HIM ALONE.
Jungkook’s eyes hardened. A second message appeared.
FIVE YEARS AGO YOU LET HIM GO.
106
His breathing stopped then the final message arrived.
THIS TIME, HE’LL BE THE ONE WHO LEAVES YOU.
Jungkook stared at the screen. For the first time in five years he felt afraid. Not for himself but for Taehyung.
THIS TIME, HE’LL BE THE ONE WHO LEAVES YOU.
Jungkook stared at the screen. For the first time in five years he felt afraid. Not for himself but for Taehyung.
107
And for the first time, Jungkook realized something terrifying. Protecting Taehyung might not be enough because whoever was behind this knew about them.
They knew about five years ago, about the rejection and they knew exactly where to hurt them.
They knew about five years ago, about the rejection and they knew exactly where to hurt them.
108
And Jungkook had a horrible feeling this wasn’t just about threatening Taehyung anymore, it was personal.
109
(so that’s it for today i hope yall are liking the update so far see you all in the next update 🤍)
