Third person's pov

As Jungkook saw Taehyung, memories of their accidental kiss from yesterday flooded his mind, making him feel awkward and he could feel his cheeks getting red. He instinctively took a step backward, trying to put some distance between them.

"Jungkook," Taehyung called out softly, once again.

Jungkook avoided his gaze, mumbling, "I should get going now." The awkwardness of the previous day's events and the warnings from Hyunjae and Sujae loomed over him like a cloud.

As he turned to leave, Taehyung grabbed his wrist gently but firmly. "Are you mad at me? Are you avoiding me?"

Jungkook's eyes flickered with a mix of nervousness and guilt as he looked back at Taehyung. "Why would I avoid you? In fact, I should thank you for saving me yesterday."

Taehyung's eyes searched his face, not believing his words. "You're nervous when you lie, Jungkook."

"It's not that," Jungkook protested.

"Now you're getting mad," Taehyung noted, his voice calm yet probing.

"I am not getting mad!" Jungkook insisted, his voice rising slightly.

"Look me in the eyes and say that," Taehyung challenged, stepping closer and looking directly into Jungkook's eyes.

Jungkook yanked his hand away, frustration bubbling up. "Are we that close for you to say that?"

Taehyung blinked, taken aback. "Uh..."

Jungkook pressed on, "We aren't that close for me to avoid and ignore you."

The words cut deep, and Taehyung's expression shifted to one of genuine hurt. "Really?"

Jungkook nodded firmly, though his heart ached. "Really."

Taehyung drew back, "Alright then. I am sorry, Mrs. Park, for touching and speaking to you without your permission." He bowed slightly before turning on his heel and walking away.

Jungkook watched him go, his heart in pain.

"Did I upset him?"

"I didn't mean that!"

He muttered to himself, guilt gnawing at him. He took a step to follow but stopped himself. "But it's true, we aren’t that close, and these feelings... they're just one-sided anyway." With a heavy heart, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.

At Taehyung's Workshop.......

Taehyung stormed into his workshop, slamming the door behind him. He paced back and forth, his mind replaying the conversation.

"What does he think he is? 'We aren't that close'? WE AREN'T THAT CLOSE! We kissed yesterday, I saved him, I hugged him... do these mean nothing to him?" He fumed, his emotions a whirlwind of hurt and frustration.

He walked over to the table where he had placed the shoes he prepared for Jungkook. With a sigh, he took them and placed them inside a cabnit and closer the door with a decisive click.

"I love him, but I am hurt," he whispered to himself, a pout forming on his lips. He unsent the message he had sent to Jungkook earlier.

With Jungkook...........

Jungkook was lost in thought, replaying the morning's events in his mind. His pouting lips and furrowed brows showed his clear feelings. Just then, Sujae approached him.

"Eomma, is something wrong?" Sujae asked, his young face full of concern.

Jungkook quickly shook his head, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, baby."

Hyunjae also came into the room while using his phone. "Something must be wrong," he said, placing the phone on the table and scrutinizing Jungkook's expression.

Jungkook turned to Hyunjae, "Hyunjae, why are you up? Go back to bed; you need rest."

Hyunjae crossed his arms, "I’m fine, and besides, I have to go to England for an important meeting."

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise. "Why so suddenly? And when?"

"It's because of Mr. Rushworth," Hyunjae explained. "He informed me this morning that he has some urgent business, so the meeting that was supposed to be held here in Korea now has to be in England. I have a flight in two hours, but I’ll be back tomorrow."

Jungkook stood up, a mix of worry and frustration in his voice. "But baby, you're not even fully recovered."

Hyunjae took Jungkook's hands, his grip reassuring. "Eomma, I’ll be fine."

With a reluctant sigh, Jungkook nodded and hugged Hyunjae tightly. "Please be careful," he whispered.

Taehyung's Home..........

Two hours later, Taehyung was at home, busy preparing ramen for dinner. The kids were out for the night: Soohyun had a night shift, Taewon was working as a cashier on his night shift, and Heejin was dining out with friends.

Taehyung tasted the broth with a spoon and immediately groaned in satisfaction. "So good," he muttered to himself. The taste reminded him of the time he and Jungkook had shared a bowl of ramen together, and a soft smile crossed his lips.

His thoughts shifted towards his phone, hoping for a message from Jungkook. But there was none.

He sat down at the table, a pout forming on his lips. "He should message me now," he said aloud to himself.

Although he was hurt by Jungkook's words, he still wanted Jungkook to message him.

Jungkook's home.........

After seeing off Hyunjae, Sujae had gone to a friend's house to complete a project, leaving Jungkook alone in the living room. He felt a sense of boredom and loneliness creeping in.

He was tapping his one foot on the floor while trying to distract himself by watching TV.

Just then, the maid entered the room, breaking his thoughts.

"Sir, I have set up the table for dinner. Can I leave now?" she asked politely.

Jungkook nodded, his mind still elsewhere. "Hmm, you can go."

He made his way to the dining table, which was laden with various dishes. Despite the array of food, Jungkook found he had no appetite. He took only three bites before pushing the plate away. His appetite had vanished.

With a sigh, Jungkook placed the leftover food in the fridge and returned to the living room, muttering to himself, "What should I do now?"

Taehyung's hurt face flashed in his mind, never leaving his thoughts for a moment. Finally, unable to bear the guilt any longer, he picked up his phone and decided to message Taehyung.

"Hey Taehyung, I am so sorry about this morning," he typed, hitting send. He stared at the screen, waiting for a reply. Minutes passed, but there was no response.

After 10 minutes...........

Jungkook paced his living room, frustration gnawing at him. Taehyung's lack of response to his message was driving him mad.

He glanced at his phone for the nineteenth time, but there were no new notifications.

"I can't just sit here," Jungkook muttered to himself. He grabbed his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and decided to go to Taehyung's house. He had been there once before and remembered the way.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was at home, finishing his bowl of ramen. The house was unusually quiet without the kids around, and he found himself lost in thought. Just as he was about to take another bite, the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be?" Taehyung wondered aloud. He assumed it was one of the kids and went to open the door. To his surprise, it was Jungkook standing there.

"Jungkook, you're here?" Taehyung's eyes widened in shock.

Jungkook bit his lip nervously. "I came here to apologize," he said in a super low voice, barely audible.

"What?" Taehyung asked, unable to hear him.

Jungkook took a deep breath and repeated louder, "I came here to apologize." He said it in one breath.

Taehyung's expression softened but still decided to play a bit hard. "Mrs. Park, why are you apologizing to me?"

Jungkook frowned, clearly hurt. "Taehyung, stop it."

Taehyung's heart ached hearing Jungkook's frustration, but he kept up the facade. "I don't think we are that close for you to call me by my name."

Just as Taehyung was about to close the door, Jungkook acted on impulse. He hugged Taehyung from behind, his arms wrapping tightly around his waist. "I'm sorry," Jungkook whispered, his voice trembling.

Taehyung's heartbeat quickened. He couldn't believe Jungkook was hugging him. He gently placed his hands over Jungkook's, which were clasped tightly on his chest. Turning around slowly, he faced Jungkook, who immediately stepped back, tears brimming in his eyes.

"I a-am so sorry," Jungkook said, his voice choked with emotion. "I di-idn't mean to be rude."

Seeing Jungkook's tears broke Taehyung's heart. He cursed himself inwardly for causing such pain. Cupping Jungkook's face tenderly, he spoke softly, "No, no, Jungkook. I am sorry. Don't cry. Please, don't cry."

Jungkook sniffled, trying to hold back his tears. "I just... I didn't want to hurt you."

Taehyung immediately wiped Jungkook's tears, his hands gentle but firm. "I'm so sorry," he repeated, his voice full of regret.

Jungkook sniffed and looked up at Taehyung with wide, innocent eyes that made Taehyung's heart clench. He led Jungkook inside, handing him a tissue. Jungkook wiped his eyes and nose, then Taehyung offered him a glass of water.

"Thank you," Jungkook said, taking the glass with trembling hands.

Taehyung's resolve strengthened. He could have destroyed the world to protect the person in front of him. "I am really sorry," Taehyung reiterated.

"Why are you sorry? I should be the one apologizing for my behavior," Jungkook responded.

"Ac-ctually, my kids don't want me to meet you." Jungkook said After a few seconds of silence.

Taehyung sighed, nodding. "My kids too. They don't understand me."

"They're only seeing their feelings and not mine," Jungkook lamented.

Taehyung nodded. "I don't know why they are doing it. "

After a few minutes.....

"I have an idea."

"What ?"

"Can we meet secretly?"

"Secretly?" Jungkook asked, surprised.

Taehyung nodded eagerly. "We can't give up on our likes. We may be older, but we still have a heart!"

"Right. We are friends, so it will be okay for us to meet. Nothing harmful," Jungkook agreed still a bit hesitant.

Taehyung suddenly shouted, "Why do you have to mention friends and friends over again?"

Jungkook stammered, "W-what? Aren't we friends?"

Taehyung quickly corrected himself. "Oh, I mean, we are friends, but you don't have to mention it again and again."

"Oh. Sorry," Jungkook said, looking down.

Taehyung was about to speak when suddenly the doorbell rang. Both of their eyes widened. "It must be one of my kids. Immediately go and hide in my bedroom," Taehyung said urgently.

Jungkook nodded, standing up quickly. "Where is your bedroom?"

Taehyung grabbed Jungkook's hand and led him to his room. "Hide in the bathroom."

Jungkook nodded and slipped into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind him. Taehyung took a deep breath, calming his nerves before answering the door.

It was Taewon. "Appa, what took you so long to open the door?" He said, stepping inside and taking his shoes off.

Taehyung tried to sound casual. "I was sleeping."

With jungkook, he was trying to hear the conversation when his phone rung, he immediately picked it up and said in a silent voice, " Hello ?"

"Hello, it is Seoul's International hospital. "

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So that was all for today's chapter, I hope you enjoyed reading it.

So what are your views on it ?

Soo feelings are rising.....

What do you think about the last call ?

Borahae,
Byee.

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