30

Taehyung

Jungkook's gaze was fixated on the beauty in front of him, while all I could see was him. The small yet sweet smile that stretched across his lips had lightened up his whole face.

His vivid brown eyes were glistening with excitement and pure happiness. His cheeks were slightly flushed and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

All I could think was how beautiful he looked at that moment.

Jungkook tilted his head up at the sky and closed his eyes. I took a step closer and then stopped.

Swallowing hard against the ball of emotions in my throat, I turned my gaze away from him and stared straight ahead.

We were both silent for some time.

For some reason, I felt nervous.

This place was sacred.

After my mother's death, I would come here almost every day, desperately trying to clear my mind.

It felt like I had given him everything that I had.

Everything that I held close to my heart, it was his now.

I didn't know how to feel about that.

I was confused.

The way my heart stuttered when I looked at him.

The way I always found myself lost in him.

I didn't understand those emotions, I wish I knew how to deal with them.

They only got me frustrated.

Taking a deep breath, I looked down and then cleared my throat.

"We should go back. It's almost lunchtime," I said softly.

I felt Jungkook shift beside me and I looked up just in time to see him turning toward me. He seemed disappointed, losing his smile.

"We can come back tomorrow," I said.

And there it was, that beautiful smile again, he nodded and then looked back at the stream.

"C'mon," I urged, taking a step away from him and turning back around toward the path that led to the creek.

I came to a sudden stop when I felt a tug on the back of my suit.

Frowning, I glanced back to see Jungkook looking at me with panic in his eyes.

Turning around, Jungkook slowly let go of my jacket. He brought his hand up and placed it over his chest. I could see him breathing harder than before, his face filled with uncertainty and nervousness.

"Jungkook?" I questioned, worried.

He took a deep breath and then stepped closer. My eyes widened at his movement and I sucked in a shocked breath. Jungkook looked down and I waited, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

His next words were my undoing.

"Can you please hold me?" he asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.

I never expected him to utter those words. When I brought Jungkook here, all I wanted was to give him this small peace. I never expected anything in return.

I didn't realize how badly I wanted to hold him in my arms - not until he said those words.

With my heart in my throat, I took a step toward Jungkook, until we were only an inch apart. We were so close, I could feel his warmth. He was still looking down, purposely avoiding my gaze.

But I wanted those beautiful doe eyes on me.

Bringing my hand up, I placed a finger under his chin and tilted his head up until his warm eyes met mine.

"Are you sure?" I asked, wanting his confirmation.

I was scared.

Scared that he would take it back, leaving me hopeless again.

But then he nodded.

Without wasting any time, I wrapped my arms around Jungkook's tiny waist, gently pulling him until I had him firmly enveloped in my arms.

Jungkook felt so small against me, so fragile, I felt intensely protective. My arms slightly tightened around him as he rested his head on my chest, right over my racing heart. Jungkook placed a hand over my chest and he curled into my body, making himself comfortable.

I closed my eyes, letting his warmth and the sweet smell filled my senses.

When was the last time I held someone in my arms?

Never.

When was the last time I felt like this - So peaceful.

And lively.

It was as if Jungkook had breathed life into me.

With him wrapped in my arms, I didn't want to move, I didn't want this moment to end.

I didn't know how long we stayed like that, lost in each other. Lost in this perfect moment. But I knew it had to end.

Slowly pulling away, I looked down at Jungkook. His fingers were still wrapped around my suit, refusing to let go. He tilted his head back, staring up at me. I blinked down, completely mesmerized.

Every time I tried to get myself under control, he made me lose it. Jungkook didn't even have to do anything. One look and I was completely lost for him.

Without thinking, I brought a hand up and ran a finger down his soft cheek, my touch almost feather-light. He sighed in contentment and a small smile played across his face, bringing my attention to his lips.

I could feel myself losing the small control I had left. Palming his cheeks gently, I bent my head toward until our lips were only inches apart but I stopped. Jungkook moved closer to me until our bodies were plastered together.

My heart fluttered but still, I didn't touch my lips to his. I looked into his eyes and waited.

And this moment, I wanted it to be his choice. I waited until I had his permission, I wanted his acceptance.

Jungkook's gaze softened and he gave me a small nod. I didn't give him a chance for second thoughts, instead, as soon as I saw him nod, my head was already descending until my lips were pressed gently on his.

I waited for Jungkook to pull away when he sighed against my lips and melted in my arms, my heart fluttered at his reaction. I held him gently, my lips explored him at a slow pace. I kissed him as if we had all the time in the world.

When I put the slightest pressure, deepening the kiss just a little bit, I felt his fingers tighten around the fabric of my suit.

I didn't push for more.

It was just a kiss.

A small, sweet kiss.

That was it.

Nothing more.

Yet it felt more.

When Jungkook let another sigh, I pulled away.

We were both breathing hard, I could feel how fast his heart was beating.

It matched the same rhythm as mine.

Jungkook's cheeks were flushed, his lips a little swollen and red from my kiss.

He blinked up at me, the look in his eyes… it took my breath away.

Jungkook's eyes were warm and soft.

The look of pure adoration there took my breath away.

At that moment, I realized that was the first time I had kissed him.

We kissed before, twice to be exact but those kisses… I took them without consideration. But this kiss… I gave it to him, wholeheartedly. With the look in his eyes, I gave this to him.

His eyes were filled with awe as he brought his hand up and placed a finger on his lips. At his reaction, I felt myself softening even further.

For years, I had lived in the darkness with no emotions, I had remained unfeeling.

Yet, with one look from Jungkook, I felt everything.

And that scared me.

Whenever I felt something for Jungkook, Jung-ho's voice resonated in my head. I would never forget the words he said to my mother.

'The best way to bring a man down is by his weakness.'

What I said to Jimin was the truth.

This was not about me, it was about Jungkook and what was right for him.

I let him go, he blinked in surprise when I took a step back, forcing him to let go of me.

"We need to get back," I said, turning around, refusing to look at his confused expression.

"Okay," he whispered, his small voice hinting at his sadness.

Both of us were silent on our way back to the mansion. As we got closer, the sound of the rushing water started to fade until we didn't hear it anymore. Breaking away from the forest, I took a deep breath as we walked into the back garden.

Jungkook was right behind me, his steps so close he almost tripped himself over my feet. When we walked inside, I slowed down and turned toward him.

He stopped and grabbed onto the hem of his sweater, "I'll see you later," I muttered.

Jungkook nodded and then walked away without saying anything.

I felt my eyebrows furrowed in confusion when I saw him walking toward the kitchen. Quickly moving forward, I grabbed his elbow, halting his movement. He gasped in shock and swivelled around, facing me with wide eyes.

"Where are you going?" I demanded, letting go of his arm.

"To the kitchen," Jungkook replied.

Crossing my arms across my chest, I levelled him with a stare. "Why?"

He cocked his head to the side as if debating what to tell me. "To help Jimin and Hae-sook."

"You are supposed to be resting, Jungkook. No work for you."

"B-But... I have been resting for three days now. I can work. I feel okay."

"No," I said.

"But it's boring. I want to help."

"No, Jungkook. You are going upstairs to rest."

"But—"

"No. Stop arguing."

His mouth snapped shut and he cowered. The beautiful smile disappeared. I didn't like his sad expression.

Frustrated, I ran my fingers through my hair and looked away.

Fvck.

"Fine. You can go. Just don't overwork yourself. You don't want to tear those stitches," I said.

But it was worth it when I turned around to see him staring at me with twinkling eyes, a breathtaking smile spread across his lips, revealing those adorable bunny teeth.

"Thank you," he said before turning around and quickly walking away.

I stayed frozen, my eyes glued on his retreating form.

Fvck.

I was losing it.

***

The rest of the day was spent avoiding Jungkook. I stayed locked in my office and then went to the gym to vent my frustration on the punching bag.

Leaning against the wall, I tried to catch my breath.

"You are going to kill us one day," Seokjin said.

"You are too stubborn to die," I told him, breathless.

"Well, I have to agree with that." He shrugged.

I pushed away from the wall and walked to the bench, grabbing a towel. "Are Namjoon and Hobi coming back tomorrow?" I asked, rubbing the towel over my face.

"They are supposed to report back. We are going to Namjoon's tomorrow," Yoongi replied from his position at the door.

"Any news about the clubs?" I asked.

Yoongi shook his head. "No. Namjoon said he will give us the details when we meet."

Since I took over Ganpeh, other enemies had made it their mission to take over my clubs. So far, they had been unsuccessful, but everyone was taking extra precautions. Namjoon was one of my top managers, handling over ten clubs, brothels, and underground rings.

Nodding toward Yoongi and Seokjin, I left the gym. It was late at night, and most of the lights were off.

After Jungkook had played the piano and gone to his room, I couldn't go to sleep. I stayed seated for some time, staring at nothingness and feeling frustrated at myself. When I couldn't take it anymore, I went downstairs and spent more time in the gym.

When I went back up again, I stopped in front of my bedroom. Instead of going in, I turned to the left and stared at Jungkook's door.

I knew it was late and that he'd be sleeping, but I still couldn't stop myself. I took several steps forward, walking past the piano room until I was in front of his door. Placing my hand over the knob, I quietly;y twisted it and opened the door.

The room was dark. Only the small lamp beside his bed was on, barely illuminating the room.

Walking deeper inside, I came to a stop beside Jungkook. He was on his side, curled into a ball with the comforter up to his waist. His eyes were closed, his breathing even as she slept soundly.

The lamp cast a soft glow on his face, making him look so peaceful.

Leaning forward, I lightly brushed a finger over his soft cheek, moving the few strands of hair away. At my touch, he moaned sleepily and shifted a little.

I froze, waiting for him to wake up, but instead, he kept sleeping.

Sighing in relief, I felt my lips twitch in a small smile as I stared at his sleeping form. My eyes moved from his face, down to his shoulders, and then his chest.

He was holding my suit jacket against his chest, his fingers wrapped tightly around the fabric.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

So, it was true.

I remember seeing Sun-Young coming out, looking affronted, I stopped in my tracks. She seemed surprised to see me, but then bent her head down in respect before walking past me without saying a word.

"What the fvck was that?" I muttered to myself, before resuming my walk to Jungkook's room.

Stopping by his door, I was about to open it when I heard Jimin's voice.

"Jungkook, what were you doing with Taehyung's jacket?"

At his words, I froze, my eyes widening in shock.

What the fvck?

Leaning forward, I placed my ear against the door, hoping nobody was roaming the hallway.

I waited for an answer but instead all I heard was silence.

"You don't have to… " Jimin said.

"I sleep with it."

"What?" Jimin sputtered. I had the same reaction.

"I sleep with it," Jungkook repeated, making my heart flip again.

And then his next words were enough to bring me to my knees. My hands tightened in fists against the door and I closed my eyes.

"It keeps the nightmares away," he admitted, his voice so soft that I barely even heard it.

But I did.

I heard it as if he'd whispered it in my ear.

Rubbing a hand over my face, I paced the hall outside the door, trying to come to grips with what I had just heard.

My eyes widened when I heard Jimin at the door, telling Jungkook that he would come back soon.

I quickly rushed into the piano room and closed the door behind me. Leaning against the door, I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, feeling uncertain about whether I should act on this new revelation.

When I felt Jungkook shift under my hand, I snapped out of my thoughts. I knew one thing for certain.

If my jacket kept Jungkook's nightmares away, that was all that mattered.

I rubbed my thumb over his cheek one last time before stepping away. Jungkook sighed in his sleep, a small smile playing across his lips.

"Sweet dreams," I whispered.

Giving him a final glance, I turned around and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind me.

***

I stared at the beige walls, toys were spread out over the carpet. Namjoon's house was homey. He was a widower and was left with his son, Haru.

"So far, no move toward the clubs I'm taking care of," Namjoon said. My attention returned to him as he leaned back against his sofa. "I'm surprised. They are the most popular places. If they wanted to go big, those would have been his first targets."

My enemies had some kind of plan, but every lead my men followed brought them to a dead end.

Every time we made a move, they were ready for them. Whoever the insider was, he'd been getting the information back to them quickly, barely giving us time to put our plans in actions.

"What are you going to do?" Namjoon asked.

I scoffed. "The question should be, what am I not going to do?"

He raised an eyebrow and then chuckled. "Well, you have something planned."

"Always. I want you to keep a close eye on all the clubs. Every single one of them. If you can't do it alone, I will send one to help," I said, my voice hard.

"I can handle it, but I think it would be better if you send another man. This way, we can keep a better watch."

Nodding, I sat back against the couch. Just then, a small boy came running into the living room, a bright smile on his face. He was wearing a purple jumper, his short black hair hanging loose on his neck, he smiled up at us.

"Haru," Namjoon admonished softly. "You aren't supposed to come in here."

But the little boy paid no attention to his father. He was only two years old. All his attention was

fixated on Yoongi, who stood stoically beside me.

Haru took a step closer toward him and stopped right in front of him. I looked up to see his jaw

twitch at how hard he was grinding his teeth.

He moved his eyes down to the small boy in front of him and I saw him swallow hard. Haru raised his arms and said, "Up."

When Yoongi didn't move, Haru lost his smile and he demanded again, "Up. Up."

Namjoon rose to his feet. "I'm sorry, Boss." He looked embarrassed. But just when he was about to move toward Haru, Yoongi bent down and pulled the boy into his arms.

"What the fv-?" Seokjin muttered beside me, voicing what I'd been thinking.

Haru giggled. "Hi," he said.

Yoongi didn't answer, instead, he glowered at the boy in his arms. But Haru didn't seem affected by his glare.

Instead, he turned his attention to his face, and his hand moved to cup his cheek, his tiny palm caressing a tiny cut.

"Shit," Namjoon muttered.

But instead of Yoongi erupting in anger at the boy's touch, he stayed still, tense, and completely silent.

"Boo… hurts?" Haru asked.

I heard a gasp and turned to see Namjoon's babysitter, Hwasa, standing at the doorway, her eyes wide. I quickly turned my attention back to Yoongi and Haru. When he didn't answer, Haru repeated his question.

"He is asking if it hurts," Hwasa translated.

Yoongi swallowed hard and then he shook his head. "No. Not anymore," he said.

"Good. No hurt," he replied with a smile, then started to twist around in his arms, clearly wanting to be let down.

Yoongi set him down and then he was running to his sitter, who gave us a sheepish look. "I'm sorry. I was busy and he ran before I could stop."

"It's okay," I said. I got up and Seokjin followed. "I will see you next month," I told Namjoon.

"Sure, Boss. I will keep you updated."

Yoongi was still visibly shaken by what had just happened.

Fvck, even I was.

That took us all by surprise.

We were almost out of the door when something caught my attention.

Stopping, I glanced at it.

Flowers.

They were different from what Jimin had given Jungkook but they still reminded me of Jungkook.

"Nice flowers," I said dryly, trying to appear disinterested.

Hwasa smiled. "Thank you. Namjoon gave them to Haru. That boy loves flowers just like his father."

Nodding, I looked away from the flowers and walked out, followed by Seokjin and Yoongi. As Seokjin drove us back to the estate, all I could think about was the flowers. And the beautiful smile on Jungkook's face when he was looking at them.

Flowers. Jungkook's smile. And Jimin's words.

Sighing, I asked out loud, "Where do you get flowers?"

"What?" Seokjin asked, confused.

"Where do you buy flowers?" I asked again.

"Flowers? What the fvck do you want to do with flowers?" He glanced back at me in the rearview mirror before moving his gaze back to the road.

"Yoongi," I said, my voice hard.

"Yes, Boss." He nodded and took out his phone. I saw him typing something and after a few minutes, he passed me the phone.

"I already dialled the number," he said.

Placing the phone to my ear, I waited for someone to pick it up.

"Hello, Purple Design. How can I help you?" a woman said.

"I want flowers," I said abruptly. I heard Seokjin chuckle from the front seat and I glared at the back of his head.

"Okay?" I waited, but she didn't say anything else.

"I said, I want flowers."

"Yes. I heard you, sir. But what type of flowers?"

"Any flowers," I muttered impatiently.

"Any flowers? But, sir—"

"Just give me the best flowers you have," I snapped.

"Okay. How many?"

Pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration, I leaned my head against the back of the seat. Why the fvck was ordering flowers so damn complicated?

"Twenty, thirty… " I growled into the phone.

"I need an exact number, sir." The woman sounded impatient. That was an understatement of what I was feeling.

"Damn it, just give me thirty."

"Okay. When do you want them del—"

"In an hour."

"An hour? Sir, we can't do it in an hour—"

"I said, I want it in an hour."

"Just give me a minute." I heard him talking in the background and then she was back. "Okay, sir. Give me your address." I quickly rattled off the address and then hung up, throwing the phone on the seat next to me.

"So, flowers?" Seokjin asked.

"Not now!" I growled in warning before closing my eyes.

When the car lurched to a complete stop, there was a van outside the gate. The words Purple Design were written boldly across the side of the van.

"Nice timing," I said when the driver stepped out of the van. He had a large bouquet of purple and white flowers in his hands.

Walking toward him, he nodded in greetings. "Sir, were you the one who ordered the flowers?"

"Yes," I replied sharply.

"Here you go. You need to sign here." He pushed a paper in my hand. After signing, he handed me the bouquet.

The very big bouquet.

I looked down at it curiously. "Did I order this much?"

I heard Seokjin couch beside me, "If I remember correctly, you ordered thirty. That looks like

thirty to me." Glaring at him, I realized that I asked that question out loud.

I flipped him the finger and nodded at the guard to open the gates.

I didn't care if it was five or thirty, as long as Jungkook loved them.

That was all that mattered.