Ⅴ
Jungkook's pov
Sunlight barged into my room, rudely ending my beauty sleep. Taehyung was up and about before me, leaving me to wake up solo. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and headed toward the door when...
Boom! The door swung open, and in sauntered Taehyung, crashing into me like a clumsily choreographed dance move. I stumbled, on the brink of a nosedive, until a strong arm snaked around my waist, saving me from a floor meeting.
Next thing I knew, I was in Taehyung 's embrace, and up close, he looked like some kind of magnetic masterpiece. Then, out of nowhere, his eyes sparkled differently. Before I could ponder that, he coughed, stepped back, and his hand vanished like it had never been there.
"Careful, don't take a tumble," he remarked, his voice now chilled like a forgotten smoothie.
I nodded in silent agreement, my gaze fixated on him, my eyes widening involuntarily. There was something inexplicably intense about his demeanour, a subtle shift that felt like a seismic tremor in the air between us. His deep, resonant voice reached me, setting off a cascade of shivers that raced down my spine, each one leaving a distinct trail of goosebumps on my skin.
In that suspended moment, my senses were heightened. The way his eyes held mine—there was a story within them, a silent narrative I couldn't decipher. The closeness, his unexpected touch, and the sudden withdrawal lingered in the charged atmosphere.
As he stepped back, the absence of his warmth left an indelible impression. It was as if the air had been charged with an electric current, leaving me both exhilarated and slightly unnerved. The racing rhythm of my heart felt almost deafening in the quiet aftermath, thudding like a drumbeat against my chest, a rhythm that I could swear he could hear to
( guys, imagine Taekook in this position. Please Ignore the marks on the neck and the vampire teeth and all in the fanart. just consider the position and its intimacy)
As I made my way toward the bedroom door, Taehyung's voice halted my departure.
"Jungkook, hold on a sec. There are a few ground rules I forgot to mention about this house."
I paused and turned back, taking a seat across from him on the bed, eager to grasp the essence of these rules.
He began, his tone carrying a mix of apology and seriousness. "My family, they're pretty traditional and stick to their old ways. It's essential not to do anything that might ruffle their feathers. They have firm opinions. If you disagree with something, that's okay. Just, um, run it by me first before engaging in any debates with them. We're aiming for a peaceful vibe here, but, uh, my family can be... a bit overbearing."
I nodded, absorbing his words, ready for the rundown of rules.
Deep down, I yearned for acceptance and warmth from Taehyung's family. Adhering to their traditions and respecting their beliefs seemed like a necessary step in building that bridge, fostering an environment where understanding and acceptance could flourish.
Taehyung continued, outlining the rule. "The first rule is about meals. We're on our own for lunch at work, but breakfast and dinner are sacred family times. We gather together every day for those meals. No exceptions for dinner, except for special cases—pregnancy, injury, or illness. Oh, and only some crucial work might excuse someone, but we can't just use work as an excuse to skip dinner. We have to explain what it is, and then the family decides if it's acceptable to skip or eat later."
His explanation left me puzzled, my brow furrowing slightly as I tried to wrap my head around the intricacies of their family traditions. It all felt a bit unconventional to me, yet there was a charm in their dedication to communal meals.
Considering his words for a beat, I responded, "I can manage that."
Nodding in acknowledgement, I found myself nodding, feeling a mix of curiosity and a hint of amusement at these rules. They were odd, yet intriguing, and I couldn't help but respect the strong family bond they seemed to uphold.
"And the second rule," Taehyung added, his tone weighted with significance, "is a big one. No matter how serious or heated a conversation gets, no one, absolutely no one, is allowed to disrespect anyone in this house. It doesn't matter—job, age, experience, opinions, nothing gives a free pass for disrespect. Elders cannot disrespect the younger ones, and vice versa. you are to treat even the maids and house help with respect"
His words echoed with an unspoken gravity, emphasizing the sanctity of respect within their family. As I absorbed the rule, it struck a chord. It was a principle that transcended cultural boundaries and felt like a universal truth.
Nodding in solemn agreement, I found a sense of admiration for the principle, realizing its significance in fostering an environment of mutual understanding and harmony.
Taehyung's smile softened the seriousness of the moment. "If you follow these rules, they'll absolutely love you," he reassured, his eyes holding a glimmer of hope.
Squirming slightly in my seat, I admitted with a nervous twinge, "Taehyung... I'm not sure I know how this family dynamic thing works."
His expression shifted to a concerned frown. "What do you mean?" he asked, his curiosity evident.
I took a deep breath, trying to articulate my upbringing. "I don't have a clue about families. Let me give you a peek into mine. The last time we had a meal together was like stepping back into ancient history—about 15 years ago. In my house, it's all about power. If you're in charge, you get to call the shots. Orders fly around like confetti, and only my dad's opinions matter. So... I'm clueless about the whole 'family' deal. I'm terrified I might accidentally step on some toes or say something wrong. That's the last thing I want to do."
Taehyung moved closer, his hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "Hey, don't worry. Just be yourself. They'll adore your bubbly personality and unique ideas, trust me. They're not monsters. They're lovely people, just really strict about disrespect. Alright?"
I nodded, taking in his comforting words.
"Now, go freshen up. Breakfast is waiting downstairs, and everyone must be eager to meet you," Taehyung urged with a gentle smile.
Returning the smile, I made my way to the shower, gathering my essentials, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement about meeting Taehyung's family, hoping to make a good impression.
The shower's cascade masked the drumming thoughts in my head. With each droplet, I tried to wash away the ingrained rules of my own home and replace them with a new set for this unfamiliar environment.
Under the steady stream, I closed my eyes, letting the water wash over me, and drew in a deep breath. I mentally reiterated the self-imposed guidelines:
Mind Your Language: This isn't your father's turf. No cursing. You're not him.Respectful Gestures: Bow respectfully to each family member upon greeting them—morning or otherwise.Offer a Helping Hand: Always lend assistance without being asked. This isn't your father's home.Engage and Connect: Communicate openly. Discuss their interests, whatever they may be.Unwavering Politeness: Be polite at all times. No exceptions.
The repetition of these self-imposed regulations was a mantra, an attempt to ingrain them into my subconscious.
The repetition of these self-imposed regulations was a mantra, an attempt to ingrain them into my subconscious.
Emerging from the shower, I towelled off, opting for comfort in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. As I dried my hair, I found Taehyung patiently waiting in the bedroom, a quiet reassurance in his presence.
MEANWHILE
Taehyung's pov
My eyes fluttered open at my usual time, only to find Jungkook's arms wrapped around me in an unexpected embrace, leaving me practically suffocated. Despite the confined space, a chuckle escaped me as I gently freed myself from his hold, careful not to disturb his sleep.
Stepping away, I intended to head to the bathroom, but a sudden glance back at Jungkook stopped me in my tracks. The morning light kissed his face, casting a serene glow upon him. I couldn't help but pause and admire him for a few moments. He looked ethereal, peaceful in his slumber.
From the moment I first laid eyes on him, even before our arranged marriage was formalized, I knew there was something special about him. Despite the strangeness of the situation and the promise of a union with a stranger, I vowed to love him unconditionally. It was a commitment I made to myself, a pledge to honour him as my partner and hold him in the highest regard.
Our marriage might have been arranged, but my determination to shower him with unwavering love and respect remained unwavering. Regardless of appearances or personalities, I chose to make him the ruler of my heart. To cherish, love, and remain loyal to him, until my last breath.
From the moment Jungkook walked down that aisle, his gaze avoiding mine, I knew in my heart that fulfilling the promises I'd made to myself wouldn't require any effort. Loving and cherishing him would be as natural as drawing breath. There was an inherent gentleness about him, a fragility that compelled me to shield him from the harshness of the world.
The night before, seeing him prepared for a physical intimacy he hadn't consented to shattered something within me. It pained me deeply to witness how societal expectations had coerced him into such beliefs. What I desired most from him wasn't his body, but his trust and his mind. So, I approached him, explaining that no one, not even myself, had the right to touch him without his explicit consent. That was a boundary I intended to uphold, honouring his autonomy and agency for as long as I lived.
His physical beauty transcended words. "Beautiful" seemed an insufficient descriptor for him. He was beyond that—ethereal, mesmerizing, and bewitching. My vocabulary paled in comparison to the sheer magnificence of his presence.
Our conversation last night was a revelation, a journey into each other's worlds that left me spellbound. The more we spoke, the more I found myself drawn to him, captivated by the intricacies of his unique personality.
Discovering that Jungkook was a romance writer proved to be a profound insight into his character. It was more than just a profession; it was a reflection of his boldness and passion. The choice to immerse oneself in the world of romance, crafting tales of love, desire, and emotion, spoke volumes about his depth as a person.
His profession went beyond merely spinning stories; it revealed an inner realm of imagination and sentimentality, a willingness to explore the depths of human emotions. It hinted at his ability to understand the complexities of love, to navigate the intricacies of relationships, and to express the tender aspects of the heart through words.
In knowing this about him, I gained a newfound appreciation for his spirit—a spirit that embraced vulnerability, yearned for connections, and celebrated the beauty of love in its myriad forms. His profession wasn't just a job; it was an extension of his soul, an invitation to explore the depths of his thoughts and feelings.
Under the soothing cascade of warm water, I mentally rehearsed the essential tasks for the day. Firstly, I needed to acquaint Jungkook with the workings of this household, ensuring he understood the dynamics. Secondly, fostering his comfort and ease within our family and this residence was paramount. Thirdly, I must confirm with Yeonjun, my assistant, that despite my week-long holiday, there were no pressing matters on the schedule. Additionally, understanding Jungkook's preferences, likes, and dislikes was on my agenda for today.
After drying off and dressing, I emerged from the bathroom, noticing that Jungkook was still fast asleep. A fond chuckle escaped me as I observed his sprawled form on the bed, resembling a starfish. His dishevelled hair cascaded over his eyes, and his rhythmic breathing was evident as his chest rose and fell. his mouth was hanging open, revealing his bunny teeth. A small laugh escaped me at his endearing state before I quietly exited the room and made my way downstairs to the living room.
In the living room, my family was going about their morning routine—my dad engrossed in the newspaper, my grandmother absorbed in a book, and my mother along with my uncle bustling in the kitchen. However, my aunt was nowhere in sight.
Greeting everyone with a cheerful "good morning," my grandmother, always the inquisitive one, inquired, "Where's Jungkook?"
"He's still asleep," I replied, meeting her gaze.
She nodded in understanding, returning her focus to her book. After a while, I decided to check on Jungkook, heading back upstairs. Just as I reached the door to our room, it suddenly swung open, and Jungkook stumbled forward, losing his balance.
Instinctively, I moved forward, catching him just in time, pulling him into a protective embrace to prevent him from falling. The closeness caught me off guard, leaving our faces mere inches apart. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to slow down, and an unexpected rush of emotions flooded through me, igniting a flutter in my heart.
Caught in the unexpected closeness, my gaze involuntarily traced the contours of Jungkook's face. His eyes, wide and captivating like a doe's, held a certain depth that was mesmerizing. My attention shifted to his adorable button nose, and the shape and curve of his lips, which were enticingly heart-shaped. It was then that I noticed a subtle mole nestled just below those tempting lips—a small detail that strangely added to his allure and stirred an inexplicable desire within me.
My scrutiny deepened as I observed more about him—the faint scar gracing his left cheek, a testament to past tales, and the delicate mole positioned at the base of his neck, just above the collarbone. Each detail seemed to paint a portrait of his uniqueness and ethereal beauty.
Suddenly jolted back to reality by the intimacy of our position, I cleared my throat and carefully withdrew, mindful not to make Jungkook feel uncomfortable in our proximity.
As Jungkook stood flustered by our close proximity, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, I noticed his discomfort and decided to address the matter. Urging him to sit, I gently explained the various rules and customs upheld by my family. Surprisingly, he agreed without the slightest objection. His honesty about feeling insecure in family settings, owing to his upbringing where family bonding was alien, tugged at my heart. I vowed silently to ensure he felt cherished and embraced by our family.
Giving him space to freshen up, I seized the moment and descended to the dining area where my family was gathered, Jungkook's absence conspicuous.
"Is Jungkook not joining us?" My mother inquired.
"He'll be here shortly. However, I wanted to discuss something before he arrives," I addressed them, catching their attention.
My father gestured for me to continue.
"Jungkook's family dynamics differ from ours. They don't really... embrace family moments. He shared how he's unfamiliar with spending time together as a family. He's anxious about your opinions if he makes mistakes. I know there might be slip-ups, but I'm asking for your understanding and patience, to let it slide..."
I observed the reactions of my family members.
To my surprise, my grandmother chimed in with a laugh, "Oh, bear! I was about to say the same thing. Especially to you. He's new here and unfamiliar with our ways. We should teach him, be forgiving of his missteps, and make him feel embraced and valued."
Grateful for their understanding, I smiled at everyone before excusing myself and heading back upstairs. Upon reaching our room, I spotted Jungkook emerging from the bathroom, clad in comfortable attire—sweatshirt, sweatpants, with damp hair.
We both went down together and joined everyone at the dining table.
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