The morning sun spilled into the living room, casting a soft glow over the polished floors and elegant furniture. Taehyung lay curled up like a kitten on Jungkook’s lap, his chest rising and falling steadily as he slept. Jungkook’s hand rested protectively on Taehyung’s back, his fingers absently brushing through his soft hair. His gaze was fixed on the conversation at hand, though his touch on Taehyung remained gentle, as if ensuring his comfort even in sleep.

Heejin sat across from them on a sleek armchair, her legs crossed elegantly, a determined look on her face. Hoseok leaned casually against the edge of the sofa, his arms folded, his expression thoughtful but alert. The air was filled with a sense of purpose as they discussed Taehyung’s future, their voices hushed so as not to disturb him.

“We need to enroll him in a college here in Seoul,” Heejin said, her tone firm. “It’s not just about continuing his education, it’s about giving him a sense of normalcy and a way to integrate safely into society while he’s here. But…” She hesitated, her eyes flickering to Jungkook. “We’ll need to ensure his safety at all times.”

Jungkook’s gaze darkened slightly at the mention of safety. His protective instincts flared, and he tightened his hold on Taehyung ever so slightly. “I don’t want him exposed to any unnecessary risks,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “The rival gangs might have eyes everywhere. If they find out who he is…” His words trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Heejin nodded, understanding his concern. “That’s why we should assign someone to stay with him,” she said. “Not as a bodyguard, that would draw too much attention, but as a friend, someone who can watch over him discreetly.”

Hoseok chimed in, his voice calm but thoughtful. “It has to be someone who can blend in, someone trustworthy. We can’t send just anyone. They need to be able to handle any situation that might come up without exposing their real purpose.”

Jungkook nodded in agreement, his jaw set as he considered the options. “It also needs to be someone Taehyung is comfortable with,” he said. “He’s already been through enough. I won’t have him feeling like he’s being babysat.”

Heejin tilted her head, her sharp mind already working through the possibilities. “What about someone from your inner circle? Someone who understands the risks and can handle them without drawing attention?”

Jungkook’s eyes flickered to Hoseok. “Hobi hyung, do you think Jimin could do it? He’s got the personality to blend in easily, and he’s capable if things go south.”

Hoseok considered it for a moment before nodding. “Jimin’s a good choice. He’s adaptable, sharp, and knows how to keep things discreet. Plus, his friendly demeanor will make it easy for him to get close to Taehyung without raising suspicion.”

Heejin smiled slightly. “And Taehyung is likely to warm up to him quickly. He has that effect on people.”

Jungkook glanced down at Taehyung, who shifted slightly in his sleep, his delicate features relaxed and peaceful. Jungkook’s expression softened, a rare tenderness overtaking his usual cold demeanor. “Taehyung’s happiness comes first,” he said quietly. “If Jimin can give him a sense of normalcy and protect him at the same time, then I’ll trust him with this.”

Heejin leaned forward, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “We also need to ensure the college we choose is secure. No unnecessary risks, no loose ends. I’ll handle the logistics and vet the institution thoroughly. Babe, can you work on briefing Jimin?”

“Already on it,” Hoseok replied with a slight grin. “I’ll make sure he understands what’s at stake and what’s expected.”

As they continued planning, Taehyung stirred slightly, his eyelashes fluttering as he began to wake. His soft, sleepy voice broke through the conversation. “What are you all talking about?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he sat up slowly, still nestled in Jungkook’s arms.

Jungkook smiled down at him, his hand gently brushing back Taehyung’s hair. “Just making some plans for your future, baby,” he said, his tone warm and reassuring.

Taehyung blinked up at him, his eyes wide and trusting. “Plans? What kind of plans?”

Heejin leaned forward, her expression kind but determined. “We’re thinking about enrolling you in a college here in Seoul,” she explained. “It’ll be a good way for you to continue your studies and adjust to life here. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure everything is safe and comfortable for you.”

Taehyung looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded slowly. “That sounds… nice,” he said, his voice soft. “I’d like to study again.”

Jungkook pressed a kiss to the top of Taehyung’s head. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” he said firmly. “You’ll get to study, make friends, and live a normal life. And I’ll make sure nothing ever threatens that.”

Taehyung smiled shyly, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Thank you, Ggukkie,” he whispered, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Jungkook’s heart swelled at the sight of Taehyung’s smile, and he tightened his hold on him slightly, vowing silently to protect that happiness no matter what. As the conversation continued, the atmosphere in the room remained warm and supportive, the bond between them growing even stronger as they worked together to ensure Taehyung’s safety and future.

______________________________________

The afternoon sun streamed into the grand conference room of Jeon Mansion, where Jungkook's inner circle had gathered. The air was thick with tension and the hum of purposeful discussion. Jungkook sat at the head of the long mahogany table, exuding authority, his cold demeanor set firmly in place as his sharp eyes scanned the room. Hoseok, Heejin, Yoongi, Namjoon, Jin, and Jimin were seated around him, while Taehyung, the only soft presence in the room, sat next to Jungkook, nibbling on cookies Hoseok had lovingly baked for him earlier.

Taehyung looked adorably out of place among the towering, broad-shouldered men and Heejin, who radiated her own aura of sharp intelligence. His petite frame and shy demeanor made him the quiet centerpiece of attention whenever someone glanced his way. The cookies crumbled lightly in his small hands as he chewed, his doe eyes darting around to follow the conversation. Jungkook’s gaze softened momentarily every time it flickered to Taehyung, though his tone remained firm and commanding.

“We’ve got a new shipment coming in,” Jungkook announced, his deep voice cutting through the room like a blade. “It’s important we keep this low-profile. The rival gangs are on high alert, and I don’t want any slip-ups.”

Namjoon nodded, scribbling notes into his sleek notebook. “Security measures are already in place. We’ve doubled the guards around the warehouse and increased surveillance. There won’t be any surprises.”

Jungkook leaned back, fingers tapping on the table. “Good. Yoongi, you’ll handle the distribution. Jin, you oversee logistics. Hoseok and Heejin, you’ll work together to monitor external threats. Now...” His gaze shifted to Jimin, his expression calculating. “Jimin, I have another task for you.”

Jimin, lounging casually in his chair, raised a brow. “What’s that, boss?”

Jungkook’s tone softened slightly. “Taehyung will be enrolling at Seoul National University. You’ll accompany him as a friend and protector. Your job is to stay by his side, but blend in. No one can know who he is.”

Jimin’s eyes flickered to Taehyung, who was still munching on a cookie, oblivious to the weight of the discussion. A small smile played on Jimin’s lips. “Understood. I’ll make sure he’s safe and comfortable.”

“Good.” Jungkook’s gaze lingered on Taehyung, and he couldn’t help the faint tug of a smile at the sight of his love’s cheeks puffed adorably as he savored the cookie.

The atmosphere was broken abruptly as the double doors of the conference room swung open. Aisha, who had been gone for a missiom after the encounter with Taehyung and Heejin that day, stormed in without knocking. Her high heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she strutted toward the table, her fiery red lips pursed in irritation.

The room fell silent, every pair of eyes locking onto her with varying degrees of confusion and annoyance. Jungkook’s jaw clenched, and his cold glare sharpened.

“What do you think you’re doing, Aisha?” Jungkook’s voice was icy, cutting through the tension like a whip.

Aisha flipped her hair over her shoulder, unbothered by his tone. “I have every right to be here. This is a meeting about business, isn’t it?”

Hoseok leaned back in his chair, arms folded, his lips quirking in mild amusement. “It was a meeting about business. You’re interrupting.”

Aisha’s eyes narrowed before landing on Taehyung, who had gone still, his hands gripping the edge of his plate of cookies. Her gaze turned sharp and disdainful as she sneered. “And what is he doing here? This is a mafia meeting, not some tea party. He doesn’t belong here.”

Jungkook’s body tensed, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the armrests of his chair. Taehyung flinched slightly at the hostility directed at him but remained silent, his eyes lowering to his plate.

Heejin was the first to speak, her voice cold and cutting. “Watch your mouth, Aisha. You’re out of line.”

Aisha let out a mocking laugh, ignoring Heejin entirely as she continued. “Why is he even here? He’s just a weak little thing, what use does he have? He’s a liability, dragging everyone down with his innocence and weakness. This is a dangerous world, and he--”

“Enough.” Jungkook’s voice was dangerously low, the calm before a storm. His eyes blazed with fury as he rose from his seat, the full force of his authority crashing down on Aisha. The room seemed to hold its breath as his cold anger filled the air.

Aisha faltered but quickly recovered, her arrogance still intact. “I’m just stating facts. Look at him—”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Jungkook warned, his voice like steel. He stepped forward, placing himself protectively in front of Taehyung, who looked up at him with wide eyes.

Hoseok smirked, breaking the silence. “Aisha, you must have a death wish if you’re going to insult him in front of Jungkook, your boss.”

Jin, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, leaned forward, his voice dripping with mockery. “You do know who he is, don’t you? Or are you just that stupid?”

Aisha opened her mouth to retort, but Jungkook cut her off, his tone deadly. “Leave. Now.”

Aisha hesitated, her arrogance faltering under the weight of Jungkook’s rage. Finally, with a huff, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The tension in the room lingered for a moment before Hoseok let out a low whistle. “Well, that was... eventful.”

Jungkook turned back to Taehyung, his expression softening instantly. He crouched down in front of him, his hands resting gently on Taehyung’s knees. “Are you okay, Tae?”

Taehyung nodded slowly, his voice soft but steady. “I’m fine, hyung.”

Jungkook’s lips pressed into a thin line as he cupped Taehyung’s face, his thumbs brushing against his cheeks. “No one talks to you like that. No one. Do you understand me?”

Taehyung gave him a small smile, his hand reaching up to cover Jungkook’s. “I know. Thank you.”

Jungkook pulled him into a tight embrace, his anger melting away as he held the love of his life close. “You’re mine, Taehyung. I’ll protect you from everything. Always.”

The room remained silent, the inner circle watching the rare display of vulnerability from their cold, ruthless leader. It was a reminder of just how much Taehyung meant to him, a gentle soul cherished by a man feared by all.

______________________________________

The dining room on the ground floor buzzed with an unfamiliar energy as the staff hurried to prepare an elaborate spread. Tonight was special, not because of any grand occasion, but because Jungkook, the mafia's notoriously cold and aloof leader, had been coerced into attending dinner with the inner circle. The coaxing, of course, had come in the form of a well-placed smack to his head from Heejin, who had no patience for his brooding solitude.

The long dining table, usually set for practical, business-like meals, was now adorned with a variety of dishes, each one carefully chosen to cater to Taehyung’s tastes. The old maids who had known Taehyung since he was an infant fluttered around the kitchen and dining area, their faces alight with excitement.

“This was always his favorite,” one of them said, arranging a plate of strawberry tarts with meticulous care.

“And don’t forget the honey-glazed buns! He used to eat three at a time when he was little,” another added, her voice filled with fond nostalgia.

Despite their bustling efficiency, the maids couldn’t help but pause now and then, stealing glances at Taehyung, who sat at the head of the table beside Jungkook. The contrast between the two was striking, Taehyung, with his soft features and shy demeanor, looked as delicate as a porcelain doll beside Jungkook’s imposing frame and steely presence.

But tonight, Jungkook was different. His usually impenetrable expression had softened, especially as he glanced toward Taehyung, who was beaming at the sight of the dishes being brought out. The older maids cooed over him as if he were still the little boy they remembered, their voices full of adoration.

“Taehyung-ah, do you remember this soup? You used to pout if it wasn’t on the table,” one said, placing a steaming bowl in front of him.

Taehyung giggled, his cheeks tinged pink. “I wasn’t that bad, was I?”

“Oh, you were,” another maid chimed in, laughing. “But it was adorable.”

Jungkook’s lips curved into a faint smile as he watched Taehyung’s shy laughter ripple through the room. The sight of his love being doted on filled him with a quiet warmth, though he didn’t miss the way some of the inner circle smirked at his uncharacteristic gentleness.

Jin leaned back in his chair, a playful grin on his face. “Who knew our fierce leader could be so domesticated? All it took was a certain someone’s favorite cookies.”

Namjoon chuckled, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. “It’s not every day we see the Jeon Jungkook sitting at the common dinner table. Mark your calendars.”

Jungkook shot them a warning look, though it lacked its usual venom. “Do you want to eat, or do you want to talk?”

“Both,” Yoongi drawled lazily, popping a piece of bread into his mouth. “Though watching you two is entertaining enough.”

As the banter continued, Taehyung’s attention was entirely on the food. His hands flitted over the dishes, his eyes wide with excitement. “Oh! They made ddeokbokki! And strawberry milk?” His voice was filled with childlike joy, and the maids practically glowed with pride.

“We remembered everything you loved, Taehyung-ah,” one of them said. “It’s so nice to see you back.”

Taehyung turned to Jungkook, his eyes sparkling. “Hyung, hyung, try this! It’s really good.” He picked up a small piece of ddeokbokki with his chopsticks and held it up for Jungkook, who leaned forward without hesitation, letting Taehyung feed him.

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone watching the intimate exchange. Jin, always the one to break the tension, cleared his throat dramatically. “Well, isn’t that sweet? Should we leave you two alone?”

Taehyung flushed a deep red, lowering his chopsticks quickly. “N-No, it’s not like that--”

“It is,” Jungkook interrupted smoothly, his hand slipping under the table to rest on Taehyung’s thigh. The gesture was subtle but possessive, a clear signal to anyone paying attention.

Hoseok burst out laughing, while Jimin reached over to ruffle Taehyung’s hair. “Don’t worry, Tae. We’re just teasing. You’re the baby of the group, you get special treatment.”

“Exactly,” Heejin added with a smirk. “And don’t forget, I’m the reason Jungkook’s even here. He should be thanking me.”

Jungkook groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Let’s not talk about that.”

But Heejin wasn’t done. “Oh, no. Everyone deserves to know how I knocked some sense into you. Isn’t that right, Taebear?”

Taehyung giggled, covering his mouth with his hand. “Maybe just a little.”

The lighthearted atmosphere continued as the meal progressed, the inner circle enjoying the rare opportunity to relax together. Taehyung remained the center of attention, his cuteness and warmth melting even Yoongi’s stoic exterior.

By the time dessert was served, Taehyung’s beloved strawberry tarts, the maids had practically adopted him all over again, fussing over his every bite. Jungkook watched it all with a content expression, his hand never straying far from Taehyung’s.

As the evening wound down, Hoseok leaned over to Jungkook, his voice low but teasing. “You know, you’re not as scary as you think you are when he’s around.”

Jungkook shot him a sideways glance but didn’t deny it. Instead, he tightened his hold on Taehyung, who had leaned against his shoulder, drowsy from the warmth and the food.

“I don’t care how I look hyung,” Jungkook murmured, his voice low and possessive. “As long as he’s happy.”

The warmth of the dinner lingered in the air as the inner circle dispersed. Laughter and the faint clinking of dishes being cleared by the staff filled the background. Taehyung, still leaning against Jungkook's shoulder, had begun to drift off, lulled by the soothing hum of conversation and the steady beat of Jungkook’s heart.

But then it happened.

A faint, acrid scent wafted into the room. Smoke. Somewhere probably in the kitchen, something was burning.

Taehyung froze, his small frame tensing immediately. His breathing quickened, sharp and uneven, as the scent triggered something deep within him, something dark and buried. His hand clutched Jungkook’s sleeve tightly, his knuckles turning white. The soft, drowsy glow in his eyes vanished, replaced by wide, unblinking terror.

Jungkook noticed the change instantly. “Tae?” he asked, his voice low and soothing, but it was too late. The panic had taken hold.

Taehyung’s chest heaved as he struggled to breathe. He pressed his hands against his ears, his mind spiraling into chaos. The scent dragged him back to that night—the brutal incident that had left him scarred, both physically and emotionally. The crackle of flames, the suffocating heat, the screams… it was all coming back.

“E-eomma…” Taehyung whispered shakily, his voice trembling. “No… no…”

The others in the room stopped their conversations, their attention snapping to Taehyung. Confusion painted their faces, but it was Heejin who acted first. She shot up from her seat and rushed to Taehyung’s side, her usually composed demeanor replaced with urgency.

“Jungkook, get him out of here,” Heejin commanded, her voice firm yet gentle.

Jungkook didn’t hesitate. He scooped Taehyung into his arms effortlessly, holding him close as the younger man’s trembling worsened. “I’ve got you, Tae. I’ve got you,” he murmured, his tone soft but resolute.

“Namjoon, Yoongi, handle the smoke,” Heejin barked over her shoulder as she followed Jungkook and Taehyung out of the dining room. Hoseok was already on their heels, his face grim with understanding.

Jungkook carried Taehyung to the private library, a place he knew would feel safe. The moment they entered, he set Taehyung down on the plush couch and knelt in front of him, his large hands cupping Taehyung’s trembling face.

“Look at me, baby,” Jungkook said softly, his voice a gentle anchor. “It’s me. You’re safe. Nothing’s going to hurt you.”

Taehyung’s eyes darted around wildly, tears streaming down his cheeks. His breathing was shallow and erratic, his hands clawing at his chest as if trying to tear away the invisible weight pressing on him.

Hoseok appeared with a glass of water and placed it on the table, his expression tight with concern. “He’s triggered, Kook. The smell--”

“I know,” Jungkook cut him off, his focus entirely on Taehyung. “Tae, listen to me. Just breathe, okay? In through your nose, out through your mouth. Follow me.”

Jungkook began breathing slowly and deliberately, exaggerating the movements to guide Taehyung. He placed one of Taehyung’s trembling hands on his chest, letting him feel the steady rise and fall. “Match my breathing, Tae. You can do it.”

Taehyung hiccupped, his breaths faltering as he tried to follow Jungkook’s rhythm. He clung to Jungkook’s shirt, his fingers clutching the fabric desperately. “It’s… the f-fire…” he stammered, his voice barely audible. “I-I can smell it…”

Heejin knelt beside them, her usually sharp eyes softened with worry. She reached out and placed a hand on Taehyung’s knee. “Tae, it’s not real. You’re not there anymore. You’re here with us, with Jungkook. You’re safe.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened as he held Taehyung’s gaze. He hated seeing him like this-- so small, so fragile, so haunted. It made his blood boil to think of the people who had caused this, but right now, Taehyung needed comfort, not vengeance.

“It’s just smoke from the kitchen, Tae,” Hoseok added gently, crouching down on Taehyung’s other side. “They were probably lighting the stove for something. Nothing’s burning, I promise.”

Gradually, Taehyung’s breathing began to even out. His grip on Jungkook’s shirt loosened, though his hands still trembled. Jungkook brushed the tears from Taehyung’s cheeks with his thumbs, his touch tender.

“That’s it, baby. You’re doing so well,” Jungkook praised, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Taehyung blinked up at him, his teary eyes searching Jungkook’s face. “I-- I’m sorry,” he croaked, his voice hoarse.

“Don’t you dare apologize,” Jungkook said firmly, pressing a kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

Heejin and Hoseok exchanged a glance, their faces reflecting the same unspoken determination. They had always known how deeply Taehyung’s past affected him, but moments like this served as a painful reminder of why they had gone to such lengths to protect him.

“You’re stronger than you think, Taehyung,” Heejin said softly, squeezing his knee reassuringly. “And we’re here for you, always.”

Taehyung nodded weakly, his head resting against Jungkook’s chest as exhaustion overtook him. Jungkook wrapped his arms around him protectively, glaring at the world beyond the library door as if daring it to challenge his claim over Taehyung’s safety.

“I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt him again,” Jungkook growled under his breath, his voice low and menacing.

“We know,” Hoseok replied quietly, his tone carrying the weight of shared conviction.

For now, the library was a haven, and within Jungkook’s arms, Taehyung found solace. The nightmares might return, but as long as Jungkook, Heejin, and Hoseok were by his side, Taehyung would never face them alone.

______________________________________

The night had settled into a heavy silence after the tension had finally broken, but the unease remained in the air, lingering like a shadow. The inner circle, Namjoon, Jin, Yoongi, and Jimin, were gathered in the lounge. It had been a long, exhausting day, and while the dinner was over, there was something weighing on all of them. The events from earlier were still fresh in their minds.

None of them had expected Taehyung to react like that. The soft, trembling boy, so innocent and trusting in Jungkook’s arms, had shown a side none of them had anticipated.

The fact that he’d been triggered by something so seemingly minor, a smell of smoke, left them all confused. They’d seen Taehyung smile and talk with Heejin, Hoseok, and even Jungkook, but tonight was different. The panic in his eyes had been unmistakable. And the way Jungkook had held him, like the world was collapsing, had only raised more questions.

Jin, usually the one to keep things light, broke the silence first. “What the hell happened to him?” he asked, his voice tight, though not unkind.

Namjoon leaned forward, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know, but there’s something more going on with him. Jungkook... Heejin... and Hoseok, they’re all acting like they're protecting him from something big. It’s like there’s a story no one’s telling.”

Yoongi’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his brow furrowed. “It’s been obvious for a while now, but it hit harder tonight. The way Taehyung reacted… whatever it is, it’s not just a normal fear. That panic was real. But why is Jungkook so involved? I get it he's Jungkook’s lover. But Why is he so protective of him?”

Jimin, ever the observant one, had remained silent up until now. He shifted in his seat, glancing around at the others. “I’ve noticed it too. I’ve never seen Jungkook so... shaken. We all know he’s cold, even when it comes to people he cares about, but with Taehyung? It’s different. He acts like he’s terrified to lose him.”

Namjoon nodded in agreement. “It’s more than just a mafia relationship. I’ve seen the way he looks at him, like Taehyung is the only thing that matters. And tonight, with the way he reacted... It was like his whole world came undone.”

Jin sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to erase the image of Taehyung’s fearful eyes from his mind. “But what happened to him? He’s so small, so fragile compared to the rest of us. How does a person like him get so affected by something like... smoke?”

Jimin's expression darkened. “I think there’s more to him than we realize. Taehyung’s not just some sweet kid in need of protection. I don’t think we’re seeing the full picture.”

Yoongi was quiet for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. “It’s obvious that whatever happened to him, it’s not just physical trauma. There’s something psychological. We’ve seen him in all kinds of situations, he's always so shy, so timid, but this... this is different. He’s haunted by something.”

Namjoon exhaled slowly, frustration etched in his features. “But we don’t know what that something is. And Jungkook... He’s not the type to let personal things get in the way of business. There’s something deeper here. We can’t keep ignoring it.”

“I think Heejin and Hoseok know more than they’re letting on,” Jimin muttered. “They’ve been hovering around him, like they’re on high alert. And then there’s Jungkook... He’s been acting strange too. Almost like he’s afraid to let anyone near Taehyung.”

Jin sat back in his chair, his face pensive. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that we all have our demons. Taehyung’s are just harder to see. But I can’t shake the feeling that whatever happened to him, it’s shaped him in a way we’re not fully understanding.”

There was a long pause, each man lost in his own thoughts.

“I think we need to be careful,” Yoongi said softly. “We’re in the middle of a mission, and there’s no room for distractions. But whatever is going on with Taehyung... it’s clearly affecting all of us. And it’s not just Jungkook who’s attached to him. Heejin and Hoseok too. Something’s off. They’re all tied into it, and we don’t know how.”

Namjoon nodded. “They're family Yoongs, they were together since childhood. But We need to find out more. It’s not just for Taehyung’s sake. It’s for Jungkook, Heejin, and Hoseok too. If we don’t know what’s going on, we can’t protect them.”

Jin rubbed his hands over his face. “This whole thing is more complicated than I thought. I mean, we’re used to dealing with a lot of shit in the mafia, but this... it feels personal. We’re supposed to be the most feared, the most untouchable. But I don’t know, guys. I feel a little... softer toward him. Taehyung, I mean.”

“I agree,” Yoongi said, his voice low. “I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about him that makes it hard not to feel protective. He’s so much younger than all of us, and it’s like... he doesn’t belong here. Not in the same way we do.”

Jimin sighed, leaning back into the couch. “I think we all have a soft spot for him. Hell, even I’m starting to care. But that doesn’t mean we can’t stay focused. We’ve got to get to the bottom of this.”

Namjoon nodded again, his jaw set. “Tomorrow. We talk to Jungkook. He’ll tell us more. We need to understand what we’re dealing with if we’re going to help him, and protect him.”

As the conversation died down, the men fell into an uncomfortable silence. They could hear the muffled sounds of the house settling around them, the faint creak of old floorboards beneath their feet.

Taehyung’s vulnerability, his fear, it had shaken them. They were used to chaos, to violence, to blood and betrayal—but this? This was something they couldn’t fight with their usual methods. Something told them that Taehyung’s past was a ticking bomb, one they couldn’t defuse until they knew what it was.

The men knew they had to be patient, but it wasn’t easy. The thought of Taehyung, so small, so fragile, yet so important to Jungkook, lingered in their minds long after the last word was spoken. And so, as they each went to their rooms, their hearts were heavy, the unspoken bond between them and Taehyung growing stronger with each passing moment.

Later that night, as they settled into their beds, each man’s mind drifted back to the boy who had quietly won them over without even trying. Taehyung, in his innocent, gentle way, had become the center of their concern. For the first time, they weren’t thinking of themselves or the next mission. They were thinking of Taehyung, and the mystery that surrounded him.

_____________________________________

Later that night, as the mansion fell quiet, Jungkook was the last to leave Taehyung’s room. He had stayed by his side the entire time, just as he had promised, not once leaving his side. Taehyung had drifted off into a restless sleep, his body curled up on the bed, his breathing finally even.

Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze soft but guarded. The others may not know the truth, but he did. Heejin and Hoseok did. They knew what haunted Taehyung, even if they couldn’t say it out loud. They knew the darkness that Taehyung carried with him.

And Jungkook vowed, once again, that he would do whatever it took to protect him from it.

He stood, brushing a stray lock of hair from Taehyung’s forehead before quietly stepping into the hallway. Jungkook thought of the inner circle, what they might think of this situation. They didn’t know yet, but Jungkook hoped, in time, they would come to understand why Taehyung was worth the fight.

As he closed the door softly behind him, he looked down the hallway where Hoseok and Heejin waited, their eyes mirroring his resolve. The three of them had more than enough to protect Taehyung from the world. But tonight, it seemed, the world might have to be the one to fear them.

After receiving Jungkook's affirmation, Heejin and Hoseok retired to their room. Meanwhile, Jungkook entered Taehyung's room and gently laid beside him, pulling his fragile rose into his arms and holding him close, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath as he wrapped Taehyung in a protective embrace.

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung's rosy lips, his voice a low murmur against his skin. "You're safe with me," he whispered, his words a promise, as he held him even tighter.

So, with heavy hearts and minds weighed down by uncertainty, everyone went to bed, haunted by the past of the one they had come to care for, whether they realized it or not. And deep in the quiet of the mansion, Taehyung slept soundly, unaware of the storm of concern he had unknowingly stirred in the hearts of the people around him.

______________________________________

Hi Berries!

How are you all doing? I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! This is officially the longest chapter I’ve written so far, with a total of 5280 words! 🎉 I managed to get a little break from my exams and wrote this during that time. It feels great to get back into writing!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, so please leave a comment below. Your feedback really means a lot to me!

If you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to vote and share your thoughts! Your support keeps me motivated to keep going.

Pics I used are not mine, credit goes to the real owners. And this is just a Fanfiction guys. This is not affiliated with real life events.

Also here's what our babybear loves;

Strawberry Tart

Honey Buns

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

ddeokbokki

Strawberry Milk

Thank you so much for reading, and I can’t wait to see what you think of the next chapter! Stay tuned and safe! ✨

✍️Adona 🍂🖤