The private gym resounded with crude breaths as Jungkook and Taehyung stood across from each other with fists held in front of them. Droplets of perspiration trickled down their temples and marked paths along their spine, their muscles taut with focus. 

Without warning, Taehyung lunged forward, his fist aiming for Jungkook’s midsection. But Jungkook was quick, twisting to the side smoothly as he slapped Taehyung’s hand away. “Too stiff,” Jungkook commented, observing Taehyung’s slightly raised shoulders and shriveled stance. 

Taehyung shook out his shoulders, a determined look settling in his eyes as he absorbed Jungkook’s critique. “Yeah, yeah,” he mumbled, more to himself. He pushed his shoulders down, his posture loosening as he adjusted his footing. 

“How about this?” Taehyung feigned another lunge, testing Jungkook’s reaction. This time, when Jungkook moved to dodge, Taehyung pivoted sharply, swinging a low kick towards Jungkook’s legs. The move was fluid, a clear improvement from the previous strike, but Jungkook was still faster. With a rapid sidestep, he avoided the kick, Taehyung’s foot slicing through the air just inches from his thigh. 

“Too slow,” Jungkook teased through ragged breaths, wiggling his brow as a smirk curled on his lips. The challenge was clear in his eyes, and Taehyung couldn’t help but roll his own, huffing a laugh as they began to circle each other once more.

In a split-second decision, Taehyung launched a flurry of punches aimed at Jungkook’s chest and shoulders. Each strike was more controlled and faster than before, showing just how quickly he was adapting. But Jungkook was ready, moving instinctively to parry and counter every attack, barely breaking a sweat as he deflected the onslaught. 

At the next jab of Taehyung’s fist to his chest, Jungkook snatched his wrist, yanking him forward with a firm yet gentle pull. Taehyung stumbled into him, their bodies colliding as Jungkook’s arm wrapped around him in a tight embrace. He gazed at Taehyung’s startled expression with a soft smile, his cuteness melting Jungkook’s insides. “Too gorgeous.”

Taehyung blinked, taken aback by the unexpected compliment in a moment like this. The intensity of the sparring match melted away in that instant, replaced by a warmth that spread between them. The compliment combined with the tight contact of their bodies and the scarce space between their faces had Taehyung’s poor heart doing flip after flip within its confines. 

Taehyung felt heat rush to his cheeks, the kind only Jungkook could induce, and the sudden shift in atmosphere struck him with tingling timidity. “Fuck, my heart,” he muttered as he dropped his head to avoid Jungkook’s gaze, trying to steady the erratic beats that thudded in his chest. 

“Hmm, I can feel it,” Jungkook said in a suave tone, dipping his head to meet Taehyung’s eyes. Realizing Taehyung wouldn’t look at him, Jungkook smashed a kiss on the side of his neck, relishing the squeak that flew out of Taehyung a beat later. 

“Yah, I’m sweaty!” Taehyung whined, leaning his torso back in a half-hearted attempt to put some distance between them. “Don’t kiss me.” 

But Jungkook only chuckled, his hold on Taehyung tightening as he pulled him closer. “I love kissing your sweaty skin, though.” Before Taehyung could protest again, Jungkook pressed two more consecutive kisses on the other side of his neck. 

Dulcet giggles slipped out of Taehyung’s mouth as he threw his head back, eyes squeezing shut with joy, the edges crinkling in that familiar, endearing way. “You’re impossible,” he managed through the remnants of his laughter, his voice light and airy, leaving behind his signature boxy smile that never failed to make Jungkook’s heart leap. 

A flutter of warmth undulated across Jungkook’s chest at the angelic sound and his gorgeous smile. Despite the complications that still loomed between them, the uncertainties and unsaid words, this moment of pure, unguarded happiness filled Jungkook with overwhelming bliss. They might not be together like before, and the future remained uncertain, but seeing Taehyung so blissful, being able to make him smile, holding him close like this — it was more than enough for Jungkook right now.

Their eyes met and held, a tender gaze exchanged in the gentle stillness that followed. The scurry of their breathing mellowed in the warmth of the moment, the silence comforting. “Can I...” Jungkook whispered, words catching in his throat. He hesitated, then shook his head, forcing himself to swallow his desires. “No. I told you I’ll wait until you’re ready to kiss me. I won’t ask for it.”

Taehyung’s brows lifted with a glimmer of fondness, a contour of bashfulness framing his soft smile. “You want a kiss?”

“Even a peck would be more than enough.”

Taehyung sucked his bottom lip between his teeth, contemplating Jungkook’s request. What harm could a peck do? Taehyung craved to kiss him, anyway, and maybe taking small steps was what would help him overcome his fears. “I think... I can do a peck.”

Jungkook’s eyes bulged, eagerness and disbelief mixed sprinting through his insides. “Re—Really? And—And don’t worry, it won’t mean you forgive me.”

Taehyung snorted at his adorable reaction, a twinkle of adoration burning brightly in his eyes. “You’re cute.” 

Muted chuckles rang around them from both, taking a moment to really see each other, assimilate the tenderness of their gazes, admire the other’s stunning characteristics, savor the closeness of their bodies. 

Taehyung’s view plunged to Jungkook’s lips as he inched closer, quiet breaths mingling. Taehyung paused, anticipation building between them steadily as the realization of what he was about to do settled. He closed the gap, his lips brushing against Jungkook’s in the softest of kisses. It was a fleeting, mind-bending touch that felt like a promise, delicate yet filled with all the wild feelings they once shared and yearned to remember again. 

Jungkook inhaled a sharp, nasal breath at the oneiric caress of their mouths, relishing every moment. His heartbeat dove into overdrive just by that mild contact, his back contracting with goosebumps. He was left breathless as Taehyung pulled away, his guts clenching in need to feel more of him. The kiss had ended just as quickly as it began. It was just a peck, but to him, it was everything.

“Fuck, that was a disastrous idea,” Jungkook let out in a murmur. His breath merged with Taehyung’s again, their lips still close, as if the brief kiss had left them both starved for more.

Taehyung, equally affected, panted silently against Jungkook’s mouth, his chest waving at a brisk rhythm as though he had kissed him for minutes rather than a fleeting moment. “Why?”

“Because I want more now.”

Taehyung’s expression softened, a tinge of understanding and melancholy washing over his features. He drew a hand to Jungkook’s face, cupping his cheek as he tightened his hold around him. “There are so many things... I want to know. So many things I want to tell you. We spent five years apart, Jungkook. Five years... of pain.”

Jungkook leaned their foreheads together, his grip on his waist growing desperate. “Taehyung,” he breathed out, voice trembling. “You have no idea how sorry I am. You can ask me anything you want. You can tell me anything you want. And I promise. I will never lie to you again. I will never hide anything from you.”

“I know,” Taehyung uttered, his thumb tracing palliative circles on Jungkook’s cheek. “Whatever you did was because you wanted to protect me. I know you didn’t want to leave either. But it’s still five years we spent apart. I want to kiss you more and deeper, too. But I can’t if I don’t know who you are anymore. And if you don’t know who I am.”

Jungkook withdrew enough to have a clear view of Taehyung’s face, allowing a moment of silence to flow between them. “I haven’t changed, angel.” His gaze searched Taehyung’s face, his heart aching with the realization of how much they had both endured. 

“Maybe. But I don’t know how you lived for the past five years. I want to get to know you from the start. Fall in love with you all over again. Experience the thrill of making love for the first time again. And then we can remember all our memories and unite them with the present.”

A sense of amazement flickered in Jungkook’s eyes, his delicate smile resurfacing with the same intensity. “That sounds... so fucking sweet, Tae. I want that too. Although, I never stopped being in love with you.”

“Me neither,” Taehyung said, his own smile blooming with warmth. “But you know what I mean.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook said, his tone mild, full of understanding. “I know.” 

A grin cut across Taehyung’s face, accompanied by a sugary sound of elation. Without hesitation, he pitched forward, pressing another peck on Jungkook’s lips, as if it had already become a habit again. He swiftly assumed his poised fighting stance, mischief crackling in his eyes. “Come on. Ten more minutes.” 

The brief kiss left Jungkook reeling, the pounding of his heart echoing in his ears. A shaky exhalation escaped him, the surprise and coziness of the moment still lingering in his mind. He cracked a smile, snorting as he took in Taehyung’s playful gaze. “You’re such a tease when you want to,” he quipped, adjusting his stance to mirror Taehyung’s, the tension between them easing into something lighter, more familiar. 

Taehyung’s grin widened, the gleam of mischief in his gaze intensifying. “I know,” he said, his tone dripping with jaunty confidence. 

And with that, they fell back into their sparring. The tension and longing still simmered beneath the surface, an undercurrent of emotions that both felt but didn’t need to address just yet. For now, they were content to be in each other’s presence, training, sharing laughs and kisses. 

They didn’t need to rush into answers or force anything. They had time — time to rebuild, rediscover, fall in love all over again. This was enough. The rest would come in its own time, and when it did, they would face it together. 

🥀

The two spent their day at home with Jiyu like old times since it was Sunday, and only visited the park for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Sung Ryung had been absent all day, using work as her reason, but Taehyung knew better. She just didn’t want to worry Jiyu with her depressed mood. 

The revelations had shaken her, as it was expected, and she needed time to digest everything. Taehyung knew Jungkook was worried about her and that he had noticed something was off, so he decided to talk to him when they would be on their way to meet Minseok. 

As the deep night blanketed the city, they promised Jiyu they would be back soon and asked Minji to take care of her until Sung Ryung would return. They then headed to Jungkook’s sleek black Range Rover, which had finally been fully repaired and was ready for use again. 

Once they settled into their seats, Jungkook drove away with the radio’s smooth tunes flowing through the confined space lowly. “You know, if we keep training like this daily, you’ll be ready to work again in a week.”

Taehyung twisted his head, giving him a derisive look. “Daily? If we keep training like this daily, I’ll die.”

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t be so dramatic. We just sparred for thirty minutes and did a little workout.”

“A little workout?” Taehyung parroted in disbelief, then let out a sonorous, mocking laugh. “Three hours, Jungkook. We were working out for three hours. I haven’t worked out in years! My whole body already aches.”

The whiny voice Taehyung spoke with was the cutest melody for Jungkook, drawing a jumble of giggles from him. He tried to compose himself, striving to keep his focus on the road ahead so he wouldn’t crash into another car. “Alright, alright, maybe I pushed a bit too hard,” Jungkook admitted, casting him a soft glance. “But you did great, Tae. Seriously. Although you were complaining, you didn’t give up. I’m proud of you. And I’ve missed training with you, so thank you.”

A delicate look replaced any hint of mockery in Taehyung’s face, the tips of his lips forming a gentle smile. “I didn’t give up because I was working out with you. And I’ve missed it too.”

They exchanged a fond look as Taehyung smoothed his palm down Jungkook’s shoulder in a caress that concluded its journey to his hand, squeezing it gently. There was comfort in the gesture, a tenderness that came naturally. A mantle of hesitation carpeted his blithe expression as he withdrew his hand, considering how to approach the situation with Sung Ryung without upsetting Jungkook. 

As if Jungkook could sense the change in the air, he glanced at him to confirm that Taehyung’s smile had evaporated. And indeed, it was shrouded by something dark and worrisome. “What is it, Tae?”

Taehyung faltered, his gaze falling to his lap as he gathered his thoughts. “It’s about Sung Ryung,” he began, his voice quiet. “You didn’t talk, right?”

“About what?”

“So that’s a no,” Taehyung muttered with a sigh, the load of the conversation he needed to have about Sung Ryung weighing down on him harder. 

“I noticed she’s a little weird, to be honest,” Jungkook said, gazing at the road ahead. “I often caught her spaced out yesterday, looking sad. I asked her if something’s wrong before going to sleep, but she didn’t say anything.”

Taehyung stole a glance of him, then shifted slightly in his seat, anchoring his view on Jungkook. “I told her... everything. That Woosung killed my biological mother and about the video. Don’t be mad.”

A thick stretch of silence dangled between them, the radio’s tunes fading away from Taehyung’s senses. He braced himself for Jungkook’s anger, or at least a flash of annoyance, but instead, Jungkook just sighed, his shoulders slumping. 

“I’m not mad. Don’t worry. I wanted to tell her too, but... I didn’t know how,” Jungkook uttered, an undertone of concern making his voice small.

“I figured,” Taehyung said in the same subdued tone, sharing Jungkook’s melancholic worry. “She was so devastated. They were best friends. Sung Ryung said my mother was caring, outgoing, energetic. She sounded so lovely.”

A sorrowful smile barely pulled on the corners of Jungkook’s lips as he offered him a sympathetic glance. “It’s so sad that we didn’t get to meet her.”

Taehyung nodded, his eyes misty with a thin layer of tears. “It is,” he sighed. “Woosung lied to me, though. He said Jina was working as an escort without him knowing. When he found out, he lost it and that was why he killed her. But Sung Ryung said there was no way she would do that. So Woosung lied.”

Jungkook scoffed, his brows clumping together in a harsh frown. The idea that Woosung had manipulated the truth, had used it to justify something so horrific, filled him with an icy, boisterous rage. “Fucking trash, seriously,” Jungkook said through gritted teeth. “I can’t believe he has the audacity to twist the story to make himself look like the victim. He’s nothing more than a monster.”

Another sigh burst out of Taehyung as he reclined in his seat. “I know. That’s why I want to make him pay.”

“We’ll do it. Together,” Jungkook said, turning his head to aim a determined look at Taehyung.

The heavy sullenness clinging to Taehyung’s face mellowed with the little smile that popped out, his ponderous heart feeling lighter. The assuredness in Jungkook’s eyes and voice was like a snug blanket of reassurance to the uncertainty of the future, and Taehyung couldn’t help but feel the luckiest man alive for having Jungkook in his life again. 

“Together,” Taehyung echoed in a whisper — a silent promise to be there for each other, no matter what would happen from now on. 

In that quiet moment, surrounded by the soft music of the radio and the scarce lights flickering by, they knew even if their plan failed, they would overcome everything side by side.

The long drive through the winding, deserted roads finally came to an end as Jungkook eased his car to a stop in front of a medium-sized cabin, nestled deep within a shroud of greenery. The headlights turned off, plunging the area into darkness, with a single light glowing faintly above the entrance. 

They stepped out of the car, their footsteps crunching softly on the thin overlay of snow covering the ground as they approached the cabin. “It’s so peaceful here,” Taehyung uttered, his voice breaking the silence as his eyes traced the outlines of the time-worn structure.

“You mean creepy,” Jungkook shot back, his tone lighthearted. 

Taehyung chuckled mildly — a sound he suppressed, as if afraid to shatter the serenity of the scenery with loud noises. “It’s creepy because it’s dark. I like quiet places like this one.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Jungkook paused as they reached the door, gazing at Taehyung’s gorgeous face, that was illuminated by the gentle light above. The way the soft glow highlighted the lines of Taehyung’s features made him look even more ethereal, dragging Jungkook into colorful clouds of fond admiration. 

Taehyung’s eyes met his, the warmth in them clear despite the shadows cast by the night. “What?” he asked, his voice tender, a little smile blooming on his lips. 

“Nothing,” Jungkook said, shaking his head slightly. “You’re just... so beautiful.”

A muted giggle buzzed in Taehyung’s chest as he leaned against him, twining his arms around Jungkook in a brief hug. “You’re the sweetest,” he said, his tone rich with affection. 

Jungkook planted a sweet kiss on the top of Taehyung’s head, his lips lingering there for a few heavenly moments. As Taehyung withdrew, they locked eyes again — a tender merging of their gazes and hearts — which spoke louder than any word could ever. It was the language they knew better, where a simple glance could convey everything they felt.

Mutually, they closed the space between them, their faces drawing nearer until their lips met in a chaste peck, like they did every time they shared a moment of admiring each other in the past. It was brief but overflowed with the warmth and familiarity of love that hadn’t faded with time. They broke apart, stars still shimmering in their eyes, hearts bouncing over waves of affection for the other. 

Jungkook forced his focus on the door and reached for the handle, ignoring the irregular thudding of his heart. The door creaked open, revealing the cabin’s delicately lit interior, decorated with simple furniture. 

Minseok, seated on the couch with a glass of vodka in his hand, smiled at the sight of Jungkook. “My best man,” he said, a tinge of nostalgia slipping through the edges of his pitch. 

“Hey, Minseok-ssi,” greeted Jungkook with a similar smile as he perched on the couch across from him, with Taehyung joining him. “This is Taehyung.”

“I know.” Minseok nodded his head, scrutinizing the said man. “I know everything about him. I feel like I’ve already met him before.”

Faint creases budded between Taehyung’s brows as he held his gaze leveled at Minseok. “Why do you know everything about me?”

“Because you’re Woosung’s son, of course. And Woosung has been attacking my businesses for years now. I had to know his weaknesses,” Minseok said, lifting his brows in a taunting sort of challenge. 

“Then why haven’t you tried to hurt me until now?” Taehyung asked, confusion deepening the furrows on his forehead. 

“Because I had been doing business with Jaesuk. And you were his son’s boyfriend. I don’t attack my friends’ families.” Minseok sipped his drink, giving Taehyung the necessary time to absorb his words. He spectated as the confusion on Taehyung’s face dissolved into understanding, rolling the ice in his glass gently. “So, have you made up yet?”

A little snort leaped out of Jungkook — that man was too straightforward and didn’t hesitate to voice what was in his mind. It always amazed him. “Kind of,” Jungkook simply said. “Let’s talk about why we’re here first.”

“Okay.” Minseok leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, his gaze shifting to Taehyung. “Let’s hear this stupid plan you have.”

Taehyung clicked his tongue in mock annoyance, gently elbowing Jungkook’s side. “This is your fault. Your boss thinks my plan is stupid because of you!” he scolded in a whispering voice, his face shriveling in that adorable frown that always made Jungkook’s stomach flutter. 

Chuckling, Jungkook pinched his cheek, loving how fast Taehyung’s smile overtook his features. “You have a chance to convince him otherwise,” Jungkook said with a coltish shrug, as if disclaiming all responsibility. “Make it count.”

Taehyung nodded, his resolve hardening as he turned to meet Minseok’s gaze. “I want to destroy Woosung’s life and put him in jail.”

Minseok exhaled lightly, as if the statement was expected. “I know that much. But how do you plan to do it?” 

“We need you to attack his businesses. And his house.”

“What?” Jungkook asked, an edge of alarm vibrating in his voice as his brows drew together. “Tae. What about your mother?”

Taehyung’s expression remained resolute. “My mother has to make a choice. If she chooses to stay with a murderer, she deserves to lose everything, too.” 

A gleam of approval danced in Minseok’s eyes, a pleased smirk clinging to the corners of his lips. “You’re more cold-blooded than I thought,” Minseok observed, the hint of delight evident in his tone. “I like it.”

Jungkook confined the urge to roll his eyes at Minseok’s remark, instead opting for a stern glare before refocusing on Taehyung. “When will you talk to her?”

“Tomorrow. I want to meet her without Woosung knowing.”

“I hope you won’t reveal your plan to her,” Minseok said with a knowing look, cocking a brow. 

“How will she make a choice if I don’t tell her what I’m planning?”

“And what if she chooses her husband and tells him everything?” Minseok countered, his tone sharp. “We’ll lose the upper hand.” 

“Well, he has a point,” Jungkook joined in the conversation in a quiet voice that projected his concern. 

Taehyung’s chest deflated with the long sigh that cartwheeled from his mouth, a veil of gloom dragging his traits down. “If she doesn’t choose my side... I’ll keep her away from Woosung until all this is over. I’ll kidnap her if necessary.”

A chuckle erupted from Minseok, amusement coiling around the throaty sound. “I like you more and more.”

Jungkook couldn’t help himself this time; his eyes rolled sky high, muffled vexation braising in his gut. “Stop encouraging him, Minseok-ssi. I’m sure Jihyun doesn’t want to live with Woosung anymore. That’s why she left in the first place.”

Taehyung frowned, darting his gaze at Jungkook. “What do you mean she left?”

The realization hit Jungkook like a tide — he hadn’t informed Taehyung about his last phone call with Woosung. “Right. I had called Woosung the day after he had taken you. I wanted to know if he told you the whole truth. And he said that even Jihyun left. She realized something was wrong when he came home, and he was forced to tell her everything, too.”

As Taehyung nodded, silently processing the new information, Minseok swigged his drink and placed the empty glass on the coffee table. “Let’s talk business now,” Minseok said, attracting their attention as he propped his elbows on his thighs. “Do you want me to just trash his businesses or destroy them for good?”

“I want you to burn them to the ground,” Taehyung replied, determination flaring in his eyes. “I want him to be left with nothing.”

“His house too?”

“Yes. Everything.”

Minseok nodded, reclining in his seat. “Okay. I can do that.”

“I don’t want anyone to die, though,” Taehyung added quickly, a flicker of worry mellowing his hardened resolve. 

“To take control of his businesses, we have to beat his people and make them leave.”

“I can live with that. But no guns.”

“Fine,” Minseok agreed. “The attacks have to happen at the same time, so they won’t have time to inform Woosung.”

“Right. How soon can you gather about one hundred men?” 

“Why would we need one hundred men?” Jungkook questioned, bewilderment marking his expression. “That’s too many.”

“Jungkook’s right,” Minseok said. “We don’t need quantity but quality. We have five targets, right?” 

“Yes,” Taehyung said, swiftly going over the targets in his head. “Two casinos, the club, the company, and his house.” 

Minseok released a contemplative hum, his gaze wandering over the floor as he calculated. “Around ten men on each team are enough.” 

“So let’s say about sixty men to be safe?” Jungkook asked, glancing between the two, waiting for their agreement. 

Taehyung nodded, while Minseok affirmed, “Yes. We’ll gather all together tomorrow night.”

A mildly tense hush fell over them as each one pondered over their task and the severity of what they were about to do. No matter how dangerous it was — no matter if they would start a war or not, it was something they had to do so they could end Woosung forever. 

“Tae.” Jungkook’s voice, hushed yet deliberate, sliced through the silence like a gentle ripple. “What about the company? So many people will be left without jobs. Completely innocent people. Not like those who work at his casinos and his club.”

The solemnity carpeting Taehyung’s countenance eased with a subtle smile, his gaze regaining its tender twinkle. “You’re so kind, Kookie. But I’ve thought about that too. I’ll give them money to support themselves and their families until they find a new job. Sung Ryung can hire the bodyguards, right?”

Jungkook mirrored his smile absently, adoration piling up on his chest at how considerate Taehyung was. “I have to ask her, but I’m sure she’ll want to help however she can. But how will you pay the employees? You don’t have that much money.” Jungkook narrowed his view on the awkwardness that seeped into Taehyung’s expression and the hesitant glances he shot him. “Oh, you meant I will pay them.” 

Taehyung tittered, reaching out to interlock their hands. “Well, you’re filthy rich so...” 

Jungkook snorted at his playful innocence, squeezing his hand. “Right. Of course I’ll help.”

“We’ll steal all of Woosung’s money, though, right?” Minseok cut in, his gaze swinging between the two. 

“Yes,” Taehyung said. “We have to.”

“Then use his money to pay the employees. Don’t spend your own.” 

Taehyung and Jungkook locked eyes, staring at each other in a moment’s silent awakening. “He’s right,” Jungkook said, then they burst out laughing despite the grave situation and the danger that was lurking nearby, their suave chuckles overloading the room. 

“You’re really hopelessly in love and equally stupid,” Minseok teased, his comment only fueling their outburst. A scintilla of gentleness distorted the smirk on his face, his gaze softening as he watched how blissful Jungkook seemed to be with Taehyung and the opposite. 

Even through the storm they were about to unleash, there was a small haven of love and light between Jungkook and Taehyung, something no war could take away — no heartbreak could shatter. 

And they were ready. They were more than ready to give justice to the lives Woosung had taken, destroy him, and rebuild their connection entirely. 

───⭒───༺🖤༻───⭒───
I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, especially the first scene☺️

Five chapters left⏳🥲