Third person's pov

As Jungkook hid in the bathroom, his heart pounded so loudly he was sure anyone outside could hear it. He glanced around, eyes flicking from the tiles to the mirror, trying to ground himself.

His phone vibrated, and he fumbled to answer it, the small device feeling slippery in his sweaty hand.

"Hello?" he whispered,

"Hello, this is Seoul International Hospital. We have to inform you something important," a nurse's voice came through the line,

Jungkook's pulse quickened, his free hand gripping the edge of the sink. "What's wrong?" he asked, fear threading through his voice.

"Your daughter has been in a terrible car accident," the nurse said.

Jungkook's eyes widened in shock, his entire body freezing for a moment before panic set in. He bolted from the bathroom, his footsteps echoing through the hallway. He flung open the door and ran towards the main entrance,

Heejin, who had been talking to Taehyung, saw him first. "Appa, what is he doing here?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise and confusion and pointing towards Jungkook.

Taehyung turned just in time to see Jungkook's tear-streaked and panicked face.

Ignoring Heejin's question, he rushed to Jungkook, his hands reaching out to steady him. "What's wrong?" he asked, holding onto Jungkook's shoulders.

Jungkook looked blank for a second, his mind still reeling. "My daughter- Wait... I don't have a daughter," he said, his voice faltering.

Suddenly, his phone rang again. It was the same nurse. "I am so, so sorry, sir. There was a misunderstanding. We dialed the wrong number," she apologized profusely.

Jungkook let out a shaky sigh, relief flooding through him. He ended the call without a word, his hand falling limply to his side. Taehyung, still holding his arm, looked at him intently, waiting for an explanation.

Heejin, louder this time, demanded, "Appa, what's going on?!"

After a few moments, Jungkook managed to tell Taehyung what had happened. Then Taehyung had to swear a hundred times that there is no romance between him and Jungkook as Heejin had asked.

They all moved to the living room. Jungkook sat on the edge of the couch, his hands clasped tightly together, while Taehyung and Heejin took seats across from him.

Heejin crossed her arms, her foot tapping impatiently on the floor. "So now...?" she prompted,

Taehyung quickly interjected, "Heejin, don't tell anything to the others!"

"Why?" Heejin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because your father said so," Jungkook added, trying to support Taehyung.

Heejin considered this for a moment before replying, "Alright, if I do that, what will I get in return?"

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What do you want?"

"Um... 50,000 won."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "What are you going to do with that money?"

"I want to buy a dress, and my salary hasn't come in yet," she explained, shrugging nonchalantly.

Taehyung relented, "Fine, I'll give it to you tomorrow. But you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially Soohyun."

Heejin nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Remember, only friendship," she said before standing up and heading upstairs.

Jungkook let out a long sigh, feeling the tension ease slightly. "I should get going before the others come," he said, standing up.

Taehyung also rose to his feet. "I have something for you. It's in my workshop. I can give it to you tomorrow, if you're free."

Jungkook smiled and nodded. "I am free."

"And," Taehyung added nervously.

"And what ?"

"Can I walk you home- of course, if you don't mind!" Taehyung said it all in a go.

Jungkook thought for sometime before nodding with a smile.

As they walked to Jungkook's home Jungkook led the way, his hand occasionally brushing against Taehyung's arm as they walked side by side.

Suddenly Taehyung saw that Jungkook's shoe laces were undone, and he knelt down to tie them. Jungkook's heart thumped loudly in his chest, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for Taehyung all over again.

Taehyung stood up and smiled, his eyes soft and warm. "There, all set," he said, patting Jungkook's shoulder gently.

"Thank you, " Jungkook replied, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's face.

They continued walking towards Jungkook's home. As they approached, Jungkook saw Sujae standing on the doorstep, looking worried. His heart skipped a beat.

He quickly turned to Taehyung, his voice urgent. "You need to go, my son is standing on the doorstep."

Taehyung nodded,"Take care, Jungkook," he said softly before turning to leave.

Jungkook watched Taehyung walk away, a mixture of emotions swirling inside him. He then approached Sujae, putting on a calm facade. "Hey baby, when did you get home?"

"A few minutes ago, by the way where were you huh?" Sujae said, placing an arm around Jungkook's shoulders and following him inside.

"Just for a walk."

The next morning..........

It was a typical morning in the Park household except Hyunjae wasn't present.

"Eomma, why don't you drop me off at college today?" Sujae asked, looking at jungkook while taking a bite of his breakfast.

Jungkook turned and smiled warmly at his son. "If my baby wants it, then I will do it," he replied.

After a hearty breakfast, Jungkook grabbed his car keys. He drove Sujae to college, chatting casually about Sujae's classes and friends. After dropping him off, Jungkook checked his phone and saw a message from Hyunjae.

"I'll be returning late at night," Hyunjae had texted.

Jungkook quickly typed back, "Okay baby, take care.❤"

With time on his hands and thoughts of yesterday still fresh in his mind, Jungkook decided to visit Taehyung's shop. He walked through the familiar streets, the morning sun warming his face. As he entered the shop, he noticed it was quiet and Taehyung was nowhere in sight.

"Taehyung?" Jungkook called out, putting his bag down on the couch.

Suddenly, Taehyung popped out from behind a display, scaring Jungkook.

"Yah!" Jungkook exclaimed, hitting Taehyung's arm in surprise.

Taehyung laughed heartily. "Sorry, sorry!"

Jungkook, feigning annoyance, huffed, "I am not going to talk to you!" He picked up his bag and started towards the door.

Taehyung quickly grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry. Forgive me?" he pleaded.

Jungkook turned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll decide that after seeing the surprise you have prepared for me."

Taehyung chuckled and nodded. "Fine. Sit down."

Jungkook took a seat as Taehyung retrieved a box from a cabinet. He handed it to Jungkook, who opened it with childlike excitement. Inside was a pair of beautifully crafted red shoes.

"Wahhh, it's so beautiful," Jungkook exclaimed, examining the shoes closely.

Taehyung took the shoes from Jungkook's hands and gently placed them on his feet. "I added soft materials so your feet won't hurt at long events," he explained.

Jungkook stood up and twirled, his face flushing with happiness. "Thank you, friend," he said, repeatedly, which visibly annoyed Taehyung.

He was constantly using 'friend' to try to assure and convince himself that he does not love Taehyung.

"Thank you, friend—"

Jungkook couldn't finish his sentence because Taehyung suddenly pinned him against the wall, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Don't mention friends again," Taehyung growled looking straight into his eyes.

Jungkook's heart raced as he looked into Taehyung's eyes. "Wh-hy?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"Because I fucking love you," Taehyung confessed. "And whenever you mention friends, I burn inside."

Jungkook's breath caught in his throat. "Yo-ou lo-ove me?" he whispered, almost disbelieving.

"I fucking do," Taehyung repeated, this time louder.

Jungkook felt his mind scream, "I LOVE YOU TAEHYUNG, I DO!" But instead, he pushed Taehyung away and said, "I don't love you."

Taehyung's face fell, his eyes searching Jungkook's for the truth. "You do."

Jungkook shook his head, tears welling up. "I don't," he said more firmly. Then, without another word, he rushed out of the store, leaving behind his other shoes, phone, and bag.

Jungkook ran down the street, his heart pounding in his chest. He could still feel the warmth of Taehyung's hands on his skin and the intensity of his gaze. His mind was a mess.

How could he have said he didn't love Taehyung when every fiber of his being screamed otherwise?

As he reached a quiet park, he slowed down and sat on a bench, trying to catch his breath. Tears streamed down his face as he replayed the scene in his head.

Back at the shop, Taehyung stood frozen for a moment, staring at the door Jungkook had just rushed out of. He couldn't believe that Jungkook didn't love him. It didn't make sense. All these moments were nothing!

He never thought to confess like this but anger got the best of him.

Taehyung walked over to where Jungkook's belongings were left behind. He picked up the shoes, phone, and bag, clutching them tightly. He sat down on a stool, his head in his hands, trying to make sense of everything.

"He loves me," he whispered to himself. "I know he does."

With jungkook.........

"Be for real, Jungkook," he muttered to himself, trying to rein in his emotions. "I can't be with him."

He sighed deeply, tears starting to form in his eyes. "I have two kids. He has three kids. They hate each other, and I can't be so selfish to Hyunjae and Sujae." His voice cracked as he said their names,

Jungkook started crying, the tears flowing freely down his cheeks. He loved Taehyung, but his responsibilities as a father weighed heavily on him.

"How can I do this to them?" he sobbed, the tears soaking his palms.

He felt the familiar ache of parental duty, the one that had guided him for years. His children had always been his priority, and he couldn't imagine doing anything that would hurt them.

After a while, Jungkook managed to calm himself down. He wiped his tears away and reached for his phone in his pocket, intending to call Taehyung and explain. But his heart sank as he realized he had left his phone in Taehyung's shop.

"Damn it," Jungkook cursed. He didn't want to face Taehyung now, especially after rejecting his confession. "I'll just run in, grab my things, and run back out. Yes exactly!"

Determined to retrieve his phone and leave quickly, Jungkook made his way back to Taehyung's shop. However, as he approached the familiar storefront, his steps faltered. A thick plume of smoke rose into the sky, and flames licked hungrily at the building.

The shop was on fire!

"No," Jungkook gasped, horror seizing his heart. He broke into a sprint towards the shop, ignoring the heat and chaos around him. There were a lot were people already present.

"Taehyung!" Jungkook shouted, scanning the area frantically for any sign of him.

●○●○●○●○●○●○●○

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

What are your views on it ?

What will happen now ?

What do you think about Taehyung's confession and jungkook's rejection?

Borahae,
Byee.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜