Chapter 38: A Silent Pain

After dinner, one by one, everyone retired to their rooms. Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok left first, followed by Namjoon and Jin. Taehyung and Jungkook were the last to leave, walking side by side through the dimly lit corridors. But Taehyung could feel it—Jungkook was unusually quiet.

The conversation about their past, about Woosik and everything Jungkook had endured, must have unsettled him. Taehyung decided not to bring it up immediately. Instead, he waited until they entered their chamber.

Taehyung gently pushed Jungkook to sit on the bed, but before he could say anything, Jungkook wrapped his arms around him tightly. A deep sigh escaped Taehyung as he held his mate close, feeling the silent tremors running through his body.

He knew. He knew exactly why Jungkook was like this. He remembered everything again—the pain, the suffering, the loneliness. And Jungkook had carried all of it alone until now.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Taehyung smirked. "It seems my baby wants to go for a few more rounds today."

But instead of the reaction he expected, he felt Jungkook's grip tighten. Then, he heard it—soft, barely audible sobs against his shoulder. His heart clenched.

Without another word, he shifted, making Jungkook sit comfortably on his lap. One hand stroked through Jungkook's silky hair while the other rested protectively on his waist. He let him cry, pressing soft kisses into his hair, whispering nothing but quiet reassurance.

For fifteen minutes, Jungkook remained buried in his neck, his tears soaking Taehyung's skin. And yet, he still refused to let go, his bright purple eyes shimmering when he finally pulled back slightly.

"Seems like my princess missed me a lot," Taehyung teased, his voice calm yet playful.

Jungkook immediately scowled. "I am not a girl, don't call me princess or I will break your nose. And I did not miss you. My wolf missed his sweet alpha," he sniffled. "And I already told you that you are an asshole. Why would I even miss you?"

Taehyung chuckled, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Sure, sure. My princess didn't miss me."

A smack landed on his head. "Fuck you," Jungkook grumbled.

Taehyung winced dramatically but soon let a soft smile take over his lips. He held Jungkook in his arms, rubbing gentle circles on his back, whispering sweet words until Jungkook's breathing evened out.

Once he was asleep, Taehyung carefully placed him on the bed, tucking him under the covers. He leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss on his forehead.

A silent promise.

He would give Jungkook the life he deserved. He would love him, cherish him, and make up for every moment he had suffered alone.

With that vow, Taehyung climbed into bed and pulled Jungkook into his arms, holding his Luna close as they drifted into sleep together.

Jungkook was the first to wake up, his eyes fluttering open to the soft glow of morning light. He felt warmth surrounding him, and when he tilted his head slightly, he froze. Taehyung's strong arms were wrapped around his waist, his face nestled against Jungkook's shoulder.

A deep blush crept up Jungkook's cheeks. Their sleeping position was too intimate, too comfortable, and it made his heart race. Carefully, he tried to wiggle out of Taehyung's grip, hoping to leave without waking him.

But before he could escape, an arm tightened around him, pulling him back flush against Taehyung's chest. His breath hitched.

Jungkook cursed internally, remembering his breakdown from the night before. He hated showing weakness, hated how he had let his walls crumble so easily.

Just as he was about to try again, Taehyung shifted slightly. Jungkook quickly shut his eyes, pretending to still be asleep.

But Taehyung wasn't fooled.

A mischievous smirk tugged at his lips before he leaned down and kissed Jungkook hard, stealing the breath right out of him. Jungkook's eyes shot open in shock, his face heating up instantly.

Taehyung pulled away, amusement dancing in his golden eyes. "Morning, princess. I hope you slept well."

Jungkook turned red, both from anger and embarrassment. "You—!"

Taehyung burst into laughter, enjoying the way Jungkook fumed. But their moment was cut short by a knock on the door.

"Alpha, Luna," a servant called from outside. "We have guests arriving soon, and breakfast is ready."

Jungkook shot Taehyung a glare before shoving him away and rushing to get dressed, his mind still spinning from the morning's events. Taehyung simply chuckled to himself, knowing very well that his mate would never admit just how much he enjoyed waking up like that.