The sun was still sheltered behind gray, plump clouds as Jungkook drove through familiar streets with Taehyung beside him. No words were needed during the tranquil ride with no destination; the only sound in the limited space of the car was the radio playing lowly in the background.

Both cherished the moment of serenity, of freedom, brought by each other’s presence to the fullest. Every turn and corner dredged up memories as usual, but they weren’t bitter or hurtful anymore. The disclosure of the wrenching secrets, although it didn’t salve every shred of sorrow they lasted through when separated, turned their memories into a loving blanket of warmth.

Taehyung’s eyes caught sight of a pastry shop along their way, and he stared at it until the very moment they drove past it. “Cake,” he muttered, as if absent-minded.

The sweet relaxation hanging over Jungkook’s traits distorted with a scintilla of mystification at the muffled whisper. “Hmm? What was that?”

“Didn’t you want chocolate cake?”

Jungkook’s fond smile returned at once as he glimpsed at Taehyung’s adorable doe eyes that stared at him. “Yes, but you have to eat food first, so... jjajangmyeon?”

Adoration bloomed on Taehyung’s chest like a flower, swelling it until he felt like it would burst. It was still so heart-warming how much Jungkook cared about him. “Do you want jjajangmyeon?”

“I want whatever you want.”

“Okay then,” Taehyung uttered, his soft gaze resting on Jungkook’s profile. “Jjajangmyeon.”

A bubble of excitement coiled in Jungkook’s stomach that intensified his smile. After so long, so many harrowing days of emptiness and pain, they would finally sit and enjoy a meal together like old times. Not because they had to be together because Jungkook was protecting him, or for whatever reason, but because both wanted to be together.

Jungkook carried on driving and spotted a restaurant just minutes later. He pulled over and turned off the engine, turning to look at Taehyung. “I won’t take long,” he said, offering a reassuring smile.

Taehyung nodded cutely. “Don’t forget—”

“Extra sauce,” Jungkook cut him off with a chuckle. “I remember.”

Adoration kept piling and piling up on Taehyung’s chest like snow, feeling as if it would crush it. Of course Jungkook would remember. Even after all the years apart, the small, intimate details of their relationship had stayed with him, just like they had stayed with Taehyung.

“Yeah,” Taehyung uttered. “Thank you.” He watched Jungkook get out of the car and walk towards the restaurant, his heart fluttering at the aftermath of the sweet realization.

In the restaurant, Jungkook placed the order quickly, his mind barely registering the exchange with the cashier as he couldn’t wait to return to Taehyung. As he waited for the takeout, he raked his brain for nearby places they could go, and an enormous park with a lake leaped into focus. They had visited the place a couple of times, and he remembered how peaceful Taehyung seemed every time while gazing at the lake, nestled in his embrace.

With the takeout bag in hand, Jungkook hurried back to the car, his steps light and urgent. As he opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat, he caught Taehyung’s eye and individuated a sparkle of something hopeful and fond glimmering in his gaze.

Jungkook smiled, placing the bag on the backseat and turned on the engine. “Remember the park nearby?”

“With the lake?” Taehyung asked, his eyes growing a notch wider with eagerness.

“Hmm. Wanna go there?”

“Yes.”

Sharing a loving smile, Jungkook drove off towards the park, an easy, short route that brought back memories as usual. He soon parked the car and got outside, hurrying around to the passenger side.

Taehyung straightened his posture after reaching for the takeout bag and found Jungkook opening the door for him, offering his hand. Taehyung took it without hesitation, a timid, fond smile pulling on the corners of his lips as he stepped outside.

Their hands remained interlocked as they sauntered towards a secluded bench near the water’s edge, the brooding sky gleaming on the lake’s surface. Their shared moments hung between them like the slight mist over the lake, filling both with a sweet sense of nostalgia.

They settled down on the bench, and Jungkook unpacked the food, the sight of the rich, dark noodles stirring memories of countless shared meals. “I can’t believe we’re about to eat jjajangmyeon together after five years.”

Taehyung snorted faintly, sharing the same disbelief with him. “I know. It doesn’t feel real.” As he handed Jungkook a pair of chopsticks, their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt through both of them. They exchanged a shy look and smile, as if they were two teenagers on their first date.

It was insane. They had spent their whole life together. How could they still feel nervous with accidental touches? And especially since they had just held hands?

They started eating, savoring the delicious noodles they had missed so much and the comfort of each other’s presence they had missed even more. They blocked out the surrounding chatter from passersby, focusing solely on that moment of serenity they both needed.

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, who had his attention on his food, and felt a surge of affection come his way with such vehemence it melted his insides. The way Taehyung’s doe eyes stared at the lake as he chewed, the way his lips curved when he savored a bite — it was all so adorable and familiar.

“Do you remember when you tried to cook jjajangmyeon for me?” Jungkook asked, mischief cloaking the gleam of fondness in his gaze.

Taehyung looked up, his cheeks puffed with noodles, and laughed silently. “Oh, trust me”—he swallowed—“I remember. I ended up with more sauce on the counter than in the bowl.”

Jungkook chuckled, the memory of the messy kitchen he had walked into bringing a teasing grin to his face. “Yeah, you’re just not made for the kitchen. But it was so sweet of you to try.”

“That’s why you always cooked when we didn’t want to eat the food Minji made, and I just admired you.”

Soft chuckles flooded the air from both as they reminisced about those moments. It felt natural, the way they reverted to their old rhythms of comfortable banter, like they had never been apart.

They continued eating in silence, a homelike sort of quietness that cocooned them securely.

But even though Taehyung’s mind was brimmed with their loving memories, he couldn’t erase yesterday’s revelations. Bits and pieces of the wrenching truth slammed into his head, dimming the light in his eyes and casting a shadow of gloomy solemnity over his traits.

His gaze, now darkened and melancholic, wandered over Jungkook’s form. He perceived Jungkook just placed his empty bowl beside him and mirrored his movements, despite that he still had a few bites left.

Jungkook’s brows twitched downwards as he observed Taehyung’s half-unfinished bowl. “Why did you stop? Are you full?” His subtle frown deepened upon noticing the brooding cloud that veiled Taehyung’s features, and his heart lurched in worry. “Tae. What’s wrong?”

Taehyung swallowed, holding his hands together. He lifted his gaze and let it rest on Jungkook, easily recognizing the increasing alarm on his face. “I want... I need my father to pay for what he did.”

“Tae...” Jungkook murmured, a new type of unease seizing his existence. “It’s over. Don’t go against him.”

“It’s not over. I can’t keep living in the same house with him after what he did to your father and my biological mother. I can’t stand even the thought of seeing him again.”

A spasmodic sigh stuttered out of Jungkook, feeling his heart clench unbearably at the pure pain he detected in Taehyung’s voice. “That was the deal from the start, Tae,” he said in the softest way possible, his eyes fixed on Taehyung’s shoulder, burning with a need to place a comforting hand there but holding back. “He would keep his life as it is in order to tell you the truth. And I would get to be with you again.”

“And he tried to kill you too,” Taehyung shot back with an edge of anxiousness, his forehead puckering. “Don’t you see he’s dangerous?”

“He tried to kill me because he didn’t want to tell you the truth. But now he did. It’s over.”

“No.” Taehyung shook his head, his expression adamant and eyes glinting with a spark of hardness. “It’s not. If you want to begin fixing us, if you want us to be something again, my father has to go to jail first.”

Jungkook felt Taehyung’s determination to his bones, knowing how hard it would be to change his mind, if not impossible. He drew a hand closer, unable to contain himself any longer, and set his palm on Taehyung’s shoulder. “I made a deal with him, Tae.”

“Break it,” Taehyung said, desperation leaking through the crevices of his pitch and pouring out of his eyes. “Why can’t you just betray him like he betrayed you?”

“Because he’s dangerous,” Jungkook responded with a sudden strictness he couldn’t fence in. He retracted his hand, but Taehyung caught it, cupping it in a gentle hold. Jungkook stared at their united hands that rested on Taehyung’s thigh, the mild harshness in his countenance fizzling into sullenness. “You said it yourself, Tae. He’s dangerous. What if he hurts my family? He didn’t want to kidnap you yesterday, and you know it. He wanted Jiyu. I can’t be the one who’ll put him in jail.”

Taehyung released a long sigh as he lowered his head, the heaviness of his worry for Jungkook and his family boring down on his shoulders, making them slump. The said worry preponderated any trace of fury and stubbornness, filling him with understanding. “You’re right,” he whispered, drawing delicate caresses over the back of Jungkook’s hand with his thumb. “I should be the one to put him in jail. Give me the USB.”

Jungkook shook his head slowly, a tinge of disappointment seeping through the veil of sullenness on his face. “There’s no point. The statute of limitations has expired. They can’t charge him for the murder of your mother. And there’s no evidence of my father’s murder. It’s your word against his. He has to confess. And he will never do it.”

A profound feeling of hopelessness struck Taehyung, its intensity bristling through him like a cold, relentless storm. It perfused his flesh and sunk deep into his bones, wrapping around him like a sizzling strap of metal. The despair was so overwhelming it left him feeling utterly defeated, as though every ounce of his resolve had been drained away.

Jungkook could only watch Taehyung’s internal suffering, his heart getting heavier and heavier with sadness. No matter how much he craved to make Woosung pay for all the atrocious things he had done, there was no way to achieve that. With no evidence, they could do nothing.

Through the aching chaos blustering in Taehyung’s existence, a sudden remembrance crashed down on him, illuminating the darkness within with a ray of hope. “The CCTV,” he muttered, round eyes gazing blindly at a vacant spot in the air.

Jungkook’s face crumpled with bemusement. “What?”

“That’s how I found out. I asked Jimin to track Jaesuk from the traffic cameras that day. He went to Woosung’s office. But someone else drove his car and took it to a vehicle recycling center.”

Jungkook stayed silent, processing the new information. “This will raise suspicions. But it doesn’t prove he killed him.”

“I have to find a way.”

“Tae...” Jungkook sighed as he squeezed his hand. “Just stay with Jimin for a few days to avoid Woosung. And please don’t do something that will put you in danger.”

Taehyung nodded, even though he knew he couldn’t just let Woosung keep his perfect life as if he hadn’t destroyed theirs. He glanced up at Jungkook, the tips of his lips still drooping with the boulder of melancholy sitting heavy on his chest. “I just want... your father and my mother to find the justice they deserve.”

“I know, angel,” Jungkook said, voice unbelievably suave and gentle, as he gazed at him with the usual glimmer of fondness only Taehyung could trigger. “And thank you. But can we forget about all that for now? And just... relax and savor our time together?”

A little smile shrouded the last vestiges of sorrow on Taehyung’s traits. “Okay. I want that too.”

Jungkook hummed a sugary sound of elation, his smile stretching wider. “You wanna buy a chocolate cake and go home? Jiyu will be thrilled to see you. She said to tell you she’ll give you lots of hugs and kisses so you won’t be sad anymore.”

Taehyung’s face wrung in a frown of intense adoration at the mention of the endearing girl, his lips pursed in a pronounced pout. “God, she’s adorable. Yeah, let’s go.”

Jungkook chuckled, warm and affectionate, cooing hard over Taehyung’s cute reaction. “You are adorable.”

A shy giggle popped out of Taehyung as he dropped his head, any vile emotion he previously felt now forgotten in the warmth of the moment. “You still make me blush.”

“And I still love it,” Jungkook said, his tone rich in bone-deep affection.

Taehyung met his eyes with a tenderness that matched Jungkook’s, heart fluttering and stomach shriveling with the tingles dancing all around his back. They remained unmoving and mute, their hands still intertwined as they pored over each other, lost in overwhelming fondness.

Usually, during the heart-melting eye contact, they would say I love you and seal their confessions with a myriad of kisses. But in that moment, with how things were and all the unsaid things between them, just gazing at each other in silence with such softness was a huge step — it was more than they could ask for.

Mutually, they picked up their trash, stuffing them into the bag, and headed off to the car. Jungkook opened the door for him, his eyes twinkling with a perpetual gleam of tenderness as he waited for Taehyung to get inside. Taehyung’s dulcet thank you rang in his ears, warming his insides, and he closed the door before he entered the car as well.

As planned, they stopped at a pastry shop to buy a whole chocolate cake, knowing Jiyu would want a piece or two as well, and they soon arrived at Jungkook’s house.

They entered and found Jiyu in the living room with Minji, watching cartoons, as they could tell from the goofy sounds. Jiyu’s eyes swelled as they landed on Taehyung, and she exploded out of her seat, running towards him with a beam brighter than the sun.

“Oppa!” Jiyu screeched as she launched herself into Taehyung’s waiting arms.

Taehyung had already crouched down, arms open wide, ready to catch her. “Baby girl,” he uttered, clutching her in his embrace.

Jungkook smiled softly at the sight, warmth nestling against his heart, as he watched how tightly they held each other. He redirected his attention to Minji and bowed his head in a greeting. “Hello, Minji-ssi. Is mom at work?”

“Hello,” Minji responded with a gentle smile. “Yes, she is. Should I take this, Jungkook-ssi?” she asked, pointing at the bag he was holding.

“Yes, please.” Jungkook passed her the bag, appreciating her readiness to help. He then turned to look at Taehyung and Jiyu, who were still latched onto each other in the same position. A mild snort flowed out of him as he approached the two. “At least sit on the couch to be more comfortable. Taehyungie’s knees are hurting.”

“Oh, no,” Jiyu murmured, pulling back slightly. “Sorry, oppa.”

“No, no, sweetie,” Taehyung rushed to say. “Nothing hurts when I’m with you. But Jungkookie is right. We’ll be more comfortable on the couch.”

Jiyu released a cute sound of agreement as she nodded. She wrapped her legs around him, and Taehyung rose to his feet, carrying her to the couch. He sat down with Jiyu on his lap, arms laced around each other, refusing to dislodge.

“You have never hugged me this tightly,” Jungkook said, a hint of playful complaint in his voice, as he plopped down next to them.

“Who?” Jiyu asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Me?”

“Both of you,” Jungkook teased as he poked their sides, eliciting heaps of laughter from both, equally squeaky and melodious. He admired the spectacle and sound, the warmth in his heart upsurging. They were such babies. His babies.

Their joyous outburst dwindled as Jungkook ceased his impish actions, and they straightened their curved posture, quick breaths leaving their smiling lips. “We have, and you know it,” Taehyung said.

“Yeah, I know.”

Taehyung’s twinkling eyes lingered on Jungkook for a few more seconds before he shifted his view to Jiyu. He cupped her adorable face, smoothing his thumbs across her cheeks. “How are you, baby girl?”

“Now that you’re here, I’m great!” Jiyu said with the usual spirited lilt in her voice. “I’m so glad you’re okay, oppa.”

“I’m glad you’re okay too. You were so brave.”

The brilliance adorning Jiyu’s face got eclipsed by a cloud of sullenness that tugged at her features. “No, I wasn’t,” she murmured. “I ran away.”

Taehyung didn’t lose his loving smile; he gently elevated her head, making her look at him. “That’s exactly why you were so brave, baby. You listened to me and ran as fast as you could and got home safely.”

Lips hanging in a deep pout, Jiyu stared at Taehyung with big doe eyes that glimmered with beads of tears. “I did well?”

“You did amazing, angel,” Taehyung uttered, grinning at her, as he lightly bumped their foreheads together. Seeing Jiyu’s smile overtake her small face in seconds flooded Taehyung with renewed relief and elation. “That’s it. You should always smile. Forget about all the bad things that happened.”

“I know Jungkookie oppa will keep us safe, so I’ve already forgotten about it!”

Taehyung giggled as he turned to look at Jungkook, catching him gazing at the two through utterly fond eyes and a sweet smile on his face. “That’s right. Isn’t Jungkookie the best?”

“He is!” Jiyu exclaimed gleefully as she threw her arm to the side in a silent invitation for Jungkook to join the hug.

Chuckling, Jungkook scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Jiyu’s petite frame, unsure if he should hug Taehyung too. He sensed another hand on his back seconds later, a tender hold pulling him a notch closer, which he could recognize in a heartbeat.

A deluge of cozy feelings cartwheeled down Jungkook’s limbs as he looped his other arm around Taehyung, cocooning both in his embrace. “You are the best, Jiyu-yah. I’m so proud of you for listening to Taehyungie so well.” Jungkook let out the softest sigh of bliss as he felt himself gravitate towards their warmth. “And of course I’ll keep you both safe. Forever.”

Jiyu snuggled closer, her hand clutching at Taehyung’s shirt while her head rested against Jungkook’s shoulder. “I love you, oppas.”

“We love you too, Jiyu-yah,” Taehyung said, his whispering voice tender, full of affection.

Jungkook nodded, his cheek brushing against Taehyung’s hair. “We love you.”

They remained tangled up for a while, savoring the serenity and security of their touch. In that moment, every fragment of pain, distress, or worry was erased, replaced by the simple joy of being all together.

Jungkook shifted enough to look at them with a smile as soft as the first ray of dawn. “How about we eat some chocolate cake now?”

Jiyu’s eyes grew double their size with enthusiasm. “Yay!”

Jungkook smashed a long kiss on her rosy cheek, chuckling fondly. He rubbed a string of loving caresses on Taehyung’s back, his eyes wandering over his smiley face. “Tae?”

Taehyung gave two eager nods. “I can’t wait to eat chocolate cake again.”

“Same,” Jungkook said, holding back an urge to kiss his cheek too. “Let’s go.”

And they did. They relocated to the kitchen with a blithe atmosphere surrounding them. Jungkook kindly refused Minji’s help with the cake and cut it in pieces himself, not forgetting to cut a piece for her as well.

Every bite for Jungkook and Taehyung was a journey back in time when their relationship was whole, unblemished by heartache. But they knew, as they exchanged fond gazes and smiles throughout their time together. Their love was capable of mending the deepest of scars and overpowering any gruesome type of heartbreak because it was that strong, that deep, that unbounded.

It was a love that had never truly died. And they would do anything in their power to salvage it.

───⭒───༺🖤༻───⭒───
There are only seven chapters left in their journey! You didn't think Woosung would just keep his life as it is, right? No, no, he has to pay😌

Thank you for reading and for your support. It means a lot to me💜