🥀 68. No Touching!!

Enjoy 🌸

Next morning

The morning after the intense poison ritual was nothing but calm—at least, initially.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm glow. The chaos of the previous night had been erased, replaced by the gentle morning breeze and the chirping of birds.

Jungkook stirred first, her body heavy with exhaustion but her mind oddly at peace. Blinking against the sunlight, she was greeted by the sight of Taehyung. The male was sprawled on his side of the bed, one arm slung lazily over his head. She basked in the tranquillity, her gaze softening as she studied his sleeping form.

The moment didn't last.

"HAAH-CHOO!"

Jungkook flinched, startled by the loud sneeze that echoed through the room. Her head whipped around to see Taehyung sitting up slightly, a hand clamped over his face as his body shook with another sneeze.

"Huhh... hAAH-CHHHT!"

"Mr Kim!" Jungkook exclaimed, rushing to sit up as he groaned, sniffling miserably.

Jungkook's lips pressed into a thin line, concern flashing across her features. She leaned forward, her hand instinctively reaching for his forehead to check his temperature. But her hand stopped before it could touch Taehyung.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Kim," he assured, though his watery eyes and the flush on his cheeks said otherwise. "It's just annoying."

Another sneeze tore through him, and this time, Jungkook couldn't suppress a small giggle. Taehyung shot her a half-hearted glare, though it lacked any real heat.

"I'm glad my suffering amuses you," he grumbled, sniffling again as he reached for the tissue box on the nightstand.

"It's just..." Jungkook tried to stifle her laughter but failed, her shoulders shaking as she bit her lip. "You're so... loud."

"Well, excuse me for not sneezing like a delicate flower," he shot back, his voice laced with irritation.

Jungkook rolled her eyes playfully and slid off the bed, walking toward the adjoining bathroom. But she paused mid-step as Rosie's words from the night before came rushing back to her.

"The poison is expelled but there might be some side effects. Nothing severe—just fatigue or minor physical discomfort."

Her frown deepened as she turned back to look at Taehyung, who was now sitting at the edge of the bed, blowing his nose with a tissue. His hair was a mess, his shirt slightly wrinkled, and his face was pale despite the faint flush brought on by the sneezing.

"Minor physical discomfort, huh?" Jungkook thought, recalling the violent sneezes that had nearly shaken the walls of their room.

Jungkook picked up her phone and quickly dialed Rosie's number. It rang twice before Rosie picked up, her voice groggy from sleep.

"Jungkook? Is everything okay?"

"Good morning, Rosie," Jungkook greeted, glancing at Taehyung, who sneezed again, making her flinch. "I think we might be experiencing those aftereffects you mentioned."

"Aftereffects?" Rosie's voice sharpened, instantly alert. "What kind?"

"Well..." Jungkook hesitated, biting her lip as she turned away from Taehyung, lowering her voice. "He keeps sneezing. A lot. And loudly. It started the moment he woke up."

Rosie chuckled lightly on the other end of the line. "That's not surprising. The body is purifying any remnants of the toxin. Sneezing, coughing, or even feverish symptoms are completely normal. Keep him hydrated, and he should be fine by evening."

Jungkook nodded, though a small part of her was skeptical. "Are you sure there's nothing else I should do?"

"Just keep an eye on him. And Jungkook?"

"Yes?"

"Try not to let him roam around too much. Rest is essential for recovery."

Jungkook sighed as she hung up, turning back to see that Taehyung had completely ignored the "rest" part of Rosie's advice. He was already pacing the room, his large frame moving sluggishly, as if sitting still was a foreign concept to him.

"Mr. Kim!" she exclaimed, startling him mid-sneeze.

Taehyung turned to her, blinking in confusion. "What?" he mumbled, his voice muffled by another tissue.

"Rosie said you need to rest," she said, crossing her arms as she walked toward him.

"I am resting," he argued, gesturing vaguely around the room.

"Walking around counts," Jungkook shot back. "Sit down before you collapse or blow the roof off with another sneeze."

Taehyung smirked at her feistiness, though he didn't resist. "You're bossy when you're worried," he teased, his voice hoarse but warm.

"And you're careless when you're sick," Jungkook countered, her tone firm as she pointed him toward the bed.

"So sit, Mr. Kim. That's an order."

Taehyung let out a soft sigh but didn't argue, retreating to the bed with a begrudging nod.

Satisfied Jungkook gave a brisk nod in return before stepping away. She moved toward the small coffee table tucked in the corner of the room, her movements drawing Taehyung's gaze like a moth to a flame.

As Jungkook bent slightly to retrieve the kettle, her hair fell over her shoulder, the morning sunlight highlighting her face and the natural glow of her skin.

Taehyung's eyes followed her every move.

Jungkook didn't need extravagant dresses or makeup to captivate him—her simple beauty was more than enough. Her pillowy lips pursed in concentration as she filled the kettle with water, the slight furrow of her brows as she switched it on—as if every detail was designed to draw him in.

Leaning back against the headboard, Taehyung's gaze stayed, unabashed and unashamed. Even the random act of preparing hot water seemed mesmerizing when Jungkook did it.

While the kettle began to hum, Jungkook stood beside it, her arms crossing as she waited for the water to heat. Soon the water finished heating, she poured the steaming liquid into a cup.

Turning back to him, the wife caught his gaze, her brows furrowing slightly.

"What?" Jungkook asked, her tone curious, noticing the way his eyes hadn't left her.

Taehyung smirked slightly. "Nothing. Just admiring how utterly breathtaking my wife look in the morning."

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks warming as she quickly looked away, clutching the cup a little tighter in her hands.

"Shut up! And drink this," she said, her voice flustered but firm as she approached him.

Taehyung chuckled softly, his gaze never wavering from her as he reached for the cup.

"Whatever you say, Mrs. Kim,"

Taehyung took the cup, his fingers brushing the ceramic but his eyes lingered on his wife instead. Jungkook's gaze was cast downward, her cheeks faintly flushed as she avoided meeting his eyes.

"Rosie said it'll help with the aftereffects." Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed.

Taehyung brought the cup to his lips, taking a small sip. The hot liquid soothed the scratchiness in his throat. After a comfortable silence settled between them, Jungkook shifted slightly and looked at him, her nose scrunching slightly as if she were about to drop some serious wisdom.

"You know, Mr. Kim," Jungkook began with seriousness that piqued his curiosity.

Taehyung raised a brow, his attention now fully on her.

"Happiness," she continued, "is like that rare dessert you only get on special occasions. Like... those limited-edition strawberry pies they sell out in ten minutes."

"Limited-edition strawberry pies?"

"Yes!" Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Happiness is like those pies—sweet, rare, and gone before you know it."

Her nose scrunched again as Jungkook tilted her head in thought, her expression oddly serious for someone making a dessert metaphor. "Meanwhile, stress is like that nosy neighbor aunty who just has to pop by uninvited. Every. Single. Day."

"So stress is the nosy neighbor, and happiness is... dessert?"

"Precisely." Jungkook straightened, her eyes lighting up. "You're a smart man, Mr. Kim. I knew you'd understand."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he set the cup down on the bedside table. "I see. So, what do we do about this nosy neighbor aka stress, Mrs. Kim?"

Jungkook crossed her arms, her expression determined. "Simple. We don't answer the door. Pretend we're not home. And if they keep knocking..." She trailed off, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"What then?" Taehyung prompted, thoroughly entertained.

"We bribe them with cookies!" Jungkook declared. "But not the good ones. Those cheap ones, that are too hard to crumble easily. That'll teach them."

Taehyung shook his head. "So your grand life philosophy is... avoiding stress and bribing it with bad cookies?"

"Don't mock my wisdom!" Jungkook pouted. "It's a flawless strategy."

"And what about happiness?" Taehyung asked, his voice softer now, his gaze warm as he indulged her.

Jungkook sighed, her expression turning wistful.

"Happiness..." Jungkook repeated, her voice quieter now, as if tasting the word on her tongue. "Happiness isn't something you fight or bribe. It's rare, yes, but when you finally get one, you savor it. You enjoy every bite because you don't know when you'll have it again. Those life moments are small and... and tiny."

"Tiny?" Taehyung echoed, his lips curving into a fond smile.

Jungkook nodded earnestly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, tiny. But they're the ones who make life worth it. They're the stolen moments, the little things, like watching the sun rise or..."

Her voice faltered as jungkook looked away, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "Or tea with someone you... tolerate."

Taehyung laughed at her choice of words. "Tolerate, huh?"

Jungkook's lips twitched upward in a small smile. "Barely,"

Taehyung reached for the cup again, cradling it in his hands as he leaned back slightly against the headboard. "You have a unique way of looking at things, Mrs. Kim," he said, his voice laced with affection. "But I can't say I disagree with you."

"Well," Jungkook sassily flickered her hair, her tone filled with pride, "that's because I'm right."

Taehyung chuckled again, shaking his head as he took another sip of the now-warm water.

"You're right, Mrs. Kim," he said. "Happiness is tiny. And this moment... it's one of those tiny ones."

Jungkook blinked at him, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she simply nodded,  a soft blush blooming on her cheeks as she felt his gaze.

Taehyung moved his hand slowly and hovered it above Jungkook's hands. The moment his fingers brushed against Jungkook's small hand, an electric jolt shot through both of them.

Ouch...

Both of them gasped, their breaths catching in unison as they recoiled, their wide eyes locking in mutual astonishment.

Taehyung quickly pulled his hand back, flexing his fingers to shake off the strange sensation, while Jungkook clutched the edge of the blanket tightly, her knuckles pale against the soft fabric.

"What was that?" Taehyung muttered, his deep voice laced with confusion as he stared at his hand, his brows furrowed.

Jungkook blinked rapidly, her lips slightly parted in shock. "Did... did you just electrocute me?" she whispered, still cradling her hand as though it might spark again.

"Me?" Taehyung shot back, looking equally affronted. "You shocked me!"

Jungkook's eyes narrowed as she pointed a finger at him, albeit from a safe distance. "You're the one who touched me first, Mr. Kim!"

"I was trying to touch your hand!" Taehyung defended, gesturing vaguely at her. "How is that my fault?"

Jungkook pursed her lips, her brows drawing together.

"Maybe... maybe you've got some residual magic left over from the ritual!" she declared, clutching the blanket closer as if it could shield her from whatever mysterious force remained between them.

Taehyung gave her a pointed look, crossing his arms. "And you don't? We both went through the same ritual, Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook opened her mouth to retort but hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. A thoughtful frown crept onto her face.

"Wait... what if this is one of those aftereffects Rosie mentioned?"

Taehyung's posture softened slightly, though his skepticism lingered in his dark eyes. "You think it'll just... go away on its own?"

Jungkook tilted her head, her lips pressing into a small pout as she considered his words. "I mean, maybe. Or it could be a side effect we're stuck with forever."

"Let's not jump to forever just yet." He extended his hand toward her again. "Let's find out."

Jungkook froze, her wide eyes darting between his outstretched hand and his face. "What if it happens again?" she whispered, her voice tinged with unease.

"Then we'll know it wasn't a coincidence," he replied evenly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Jungkook's pout deepened, her lips pressing together as her eyes flicked between his hand and his face. She let out a small huff, her resolve hardening. Slowly, she extended her hand toward his, her fingers trembling slightly as she moved closer.

The moment their fingers brushed, it happened again—another sharp jolt of electricity snapped between them, stronger and more forceful this time.

Both yelped in unison, recoiling as though they'd been burned.

Taehyung flexed his hand, a low hiss escaping his lips. "That actually hurt,"

Jungkook shook her hand, her nose scrunching as she winced. "You're telling me! It felt like sticking my hand in a thunderstorm."

"It wasn't exactly pleasant for me either," Taehyung retorted, though his voice softened slightly when he noticed how Jungkook was clutching her hand.

Jungkook's fingers still tingled, the sensation lingering long after the spark had faded. Her brows furrowed deeply, and she bit her lip, an uneasy feeling blooming in her chest.

Taehyung's gaze darkened, his expression turning thoughtful as he flexed his fingers again. He hadn't anticipated this—whatever this was.

"Do you think..." Jungkook's voice broke the silence, "...do you think it's connected to the poison hue?"

Taehyung didn't need her to elaborate. His own thoughts had been circling the same conclusion, a thread of logic tying the strange jolts to the events of the ritual.

The poison hue, the curse they'd sought to break—it all seemed too interconnected to ignore.

"I think it might be," he murmured. His brows knitted together as he tried to piece the puzzle in his mind. "The ritual—it wasn't just about breaking the curse. It was about binding us. Permanently."

Jungkook's eyes widened, her lips parting as she tried to process his words. "Binding us?" she echoed softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Taehyung nodded, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Think about it. Everything about that ritual was designed to link our fates—to tie us together in a way that neither of us could unravel. But..." He trailed off, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I didn't expect this. The poison hue's effects—it's deeper than we thought."

Jungkook shifted uncomfortably, her hands still clutching the blanket around her shoulders. "But... it's over, isn't it? We completed the ritual. The curse was supposed to be gone."

"Yes," Taehyung said carefully, "but magic like that—it doesn't just vanish. It leaves traces. Residues."

"Like static electricity?" Jungkook asked with a weak attempt at humor, though her nervous chuckle quickly faded under Taehyung's serious expression.

"Not quite," he replied, his voice taking on a contemplative edge. "More like... a connection. Something unspoken. Something we can't see, but it's there, binding us in ways we're only beginning to understand."

Jungkook swallowed hard, her unease deepening as his words settled into her bones like an undeniable truth.

"We need to talk to Rosie," she said urgently, her voice trembling slightly. "She might know more. This—this isn't just an aftereffect. It feels like we've..." She trailed off, her thoughts tangling as she struggled to put the sensation into words.

"It feels like we've become part of something bigger," she finally said, her tone quieter but no less urgent.

"Something beyond us. Something we can't control."

Taehyung's jaw tightened, his gaze darkening. Without a word, he climbed down from the bed and moved toward the window, his tall frame cutting a sharp silhouette against the pale morning light filtering through the curtains. His fingers gripped the window sill tightly and stared out into the distance, though his thoughts were miles away.

The sensation of their touch still burned in his mind.

That spark felt purposeful, deliberate—like two forces colliding, two fates entwining in a way that couldn't be undone.

"It's like..." Taehyung murmured. "It's like we're magnets." He flexed his fingers unconsciously, the tingling sensation still lingering on his skin.

"Drawn together, but the moment we touch, it's too much. Like two same poles repelling each other."

Jungkook watched him from the bed, her hands gripping the edge of the blanket tightly. "But we're not opposites, are we?" she said, her voice trembling but insistent.

"We were supposed to be bound—unified. The ritual wasn't about separation; it was about togetherness."

Taehyung's head tilted slightly, his gaze still fixed on the world beyond the glass, as though seeking answers in the horizon.

"That's what makes this worse," he said. He turned back to her, his eyes dark and piercing. "If we're meant to be bound, then why does it feel like this? Why does it feel like something's pulling us apart every time we get too close?"

Jungkook's heart thudded loudly in her chest. She didn't have an answer, but his words struck a chord deep within her.

The spark between them was more than just physical.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Rosie's gaze caught the faint bruises forming on their hands. Her brows knitted together, and she reached out, gently grasping Jungkook's wrist to inspect it.

Her gaze lingered on the bluish marks that marred the otherwise smooth skin of Jungkook's palm. The faint discoloration was a reminder of something much more sinister, an aftereffect that they could neither ignore nor explain.

"When did this start?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

"This morning," Taehyung replied. "Every time we try to touch, there's this... spark. And it's not just uncomfortable—it hurts."

Jungkook nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "It's not just the sparks. Look," she said, lifting her hand to show the faint, bluish mark spreading along her palm.

Rosie's expression darkened. "And you both have this?"

Taehyung extended his hand, showing a matching bruise forming on his palm. "They appeared after the sparks started. The more we try to touch, the bigger they get."

Rosie took a step back, folding her arms as her lips pressed into a tight line. "This is worse than I thought," she murmured.

"What does it mean?" Jungkook asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Is this because of the Poison Hue?"

Rosie nodded slowly. "Yes but it's not just residual effects. The ritual you performed created a bond between you two—a powerful, magical connection. The marks are a sign that the bond isn't stabilizing as it should."

Taehyung frowned. "Why not?"

Rosie hesitated for a moment before answering. "Because the Poison Hue wasn't just any enchanted flower. It was cursed—designed to latch onto your bond and corrupt it. Even though we destroyed it, the curse left traces in your magic and your connection. It's like a scar that hasn't fully healed."

Jungkook stomped her foot lightly. "But yesterday you said there was no danger now!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with childish annoyance.

"You said we'd be fine, Rosie! Fine! And now you're saying there's a scar or... or whatever this is?" Jungkook waved her hand, inadvertently causing Taehyung to lean back in case she accidentally brushed him.

Rosie sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I thought there was no immediate danger. The ritual neutralized the Poison Hue, but it's clear now that the damage it caused was deeper than I anticipated."

Taehyung's brows furrowed, his sharp gaze flickering between Rosie and Jungkook. "What kind of damage are we talking about? Is this something permanent?"

Rosie hesitated, her silence making Jungkook's pout deepen. "I don't know yet," she admitted. "But those bruises—and the shocks—are signs that the bond isn't settling properly. It's like your connection is rejecting something... or trying to protect itself."

Jungkook groaned dramatically. "This is just great. We can't even hold hands without getting zapped like we're living in some cheesy magic drama. What's next? Sparks flying out of our eyes every time we argue?"

"Mrs. Kim," Taehyung called her name with done expression. He turned back to Rosie, his expression hardening. "What do we do now? There has to be a way to fix this."

Rosie nodded, though her uncertainty was evident. "We need to stabilize the bond. It's like two mismatched currents trying to merge but clashing instead. For now, the best thing you can do is avoid physical contact entirely until I can research this further. The more you touch, the worse it could get."

Jungkook's heart sank, her gaze darting to Taehyung, who stood as still as a statue. "How long?" she asked softly, her voice laced with unease.

"A few days, maybe a week," Rosie replied. "It depends on how quickly your bond rebalances itself."

Taehyung's jaw clenched, his dark eyes narrowing. "That's it? We just... wait?"

Rosie sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. There's no ritual or remedy that can speed up the process. The curse is gone but its aftermath needs time to fade naturally. For now, keeping your distance is the best way to avoid aggravating the connection."

Jungkook bit her lip. "But we're married," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "How are we supposed to avoid each other?"

Rosie met Jungkook's gaze, her eyes softening with understanding. "I know it's difficult, but for now, you'll need to focus on creating space. Emotionally and physically. The more time you spend apart, the quicker the bond will stabilize. It's not about ignoring each other—it's about giving your magic the time it needs to find balance."

Taehyung's hand flexed at his side.

Jungkook felt his gaze, her heart tightening. The thought of being apart from him, of not sharing the small moments that had begun to mean so much to her, felt suffocating.

"But this... this isn't fair. We've already been through so much together. Why does this have to come between us now?"

Rosie's face was etched with sympathy. "It's not fair, I agree. But this bond you share is unlike anything either of you have ever experienced before. Right now, it's trying to settle, to adjust. And if you're not careful, it could end up damaging you both."

Taehyung exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. He moved to stand closer to Jungkook, but this time, he didn't reach for her hand, though the temptation was obvious in his posture.

"We'll follow your advice," The male nodded and tore his gaze away from Rosie. 

Taehyung's gaze softened as he looked at Jungkook. "It's just a few days."

Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms. "Easy for you to say, Mr. Kim. You're not the one who gets sparks flying every time I accidentally brush against you."

Taehyung's lips twitched into a smile, though he kept his distance, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Well, it's not exactly pleasant for me either, Mrs. Kim," he teased. "If anything, I should be the one complaining. I don't even get to hold my wife's hand without feeling like I'm touching an electrical wire."

"Oh, so now you're the victim?" Jungkook glared at him, her cheeks flushing.

Taehyung gave her a teasing look, stepping back a bit, maintaining that playful air.

"Maybe I should just zap you next time, Mr. Kim. You'll see how much of a 'victim' you really are." she muttered, taking a step forward before remembering Rosie's warning. She froze, gritting her teeth in frustration.

Taehyung's brow arched, his gaze curious and amused by her halted movement. "What's the matter, Mrs. Kim? Afraid of shocking me?"

Jungkook clenched her fists. "I swear, Mr. Kim, if I didn't risk getting zapped, I'd—"

"Do what?" Taehyung challenged, his smirk widening. "You can't even touch me."

Jungkook's glare could've cut through steel.

"Exactly! I can't touch you! I can't shove you, smack you, or even grab you by that collar to wipe that grin off your face!"

"And here I thought you married me for my charm."

Jungkook shot him a sharp look, her face burning. "I married you to live with you, not to play some ridiculous game of 'don't touch the spouse or get electrocuted.'"

"Look on the bright side," Taehyung quipped, shrugging.

Rosie blinked, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. "You two might be the first couple to turn a magical aftereffect into a comedy routine."

Jungkook turned back to Taehyung, narrowing her eyes. "Laugh it up, Mr. Kim. When this is over, you're getting an earful."

Taehyung grinned, tilting his head. "Looking forward to it, Mrs. Kim."

Rosie rolled her eyes, stepping back from the tension between them. "I'll leave you two to figure this out," she said, already walking toward her potion shelves. "But no touching. I mean it."

As Rosie busied herself, Jungkook and Taehyung stood in silence for a moment, the situation settling in.

Finally, Jungkook sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Fine," she muttered. "But if this lasts more than a week, I'm holding you responsible."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Me? How is this my fault?"

Jungkook shot him a look. "You're my husband. Isn't it your job to fix things?"

"I'm pretty sure my job is to stand by your side, not fix magical bruises."

Taehyung's smirk deepened, and though the situation was far from ideal, the banter between them made it feel a little more bearable.

They would get through this, bruises and sparks and all—together, even if they had to stay apart for now.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The car was silent as Taehyung drove, eyes focused on the road ahead. Jungkook sat next to him, her arms crossed tightly, pouting slightly as she gazed out the window.

Taehyung glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his lips twitching at the sight of her clearly upset. He sighed softly and slowed the car at a stop sign before glancing her way.

"What happened?" he asked, his tone casual, but with concern beneath it.

Jungkook squinted at him, narrowing her eyes as if she were trying to read him.

"What do you mean, 'What happened?'" she replied, her voice a little sharper than usual. "You know exactly what happened, Mr. Kim."

He raised an eyebrow, giving her a nonchalant look. "Oh? What happened, then?" His hands remained firmly on the wheel, his voice as smooth as ever, but his eyes flicked to her for a brief moment.

Jungkook huffed, turning her head back to the window, though she could feel her cheeks heating with irritation.

"It's just... we've been through so much already. The flower thing, the curse, and now... now we're in a 'no touching' zone. I feel like we're in a long-distance relationship instead of actually married!"

Taehyung chuckled under his breath. "A long-distance relationship? Mrs. Kim, we're literally in the same car."

Jungkook snapped her head toward him, her pout deepening. "You know what I mean! I can't hold your hand, I can't... poke you when you're being annoying, and I definitely can't kiss you. What kind of marriage is this?"

Taehyung smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "Sounds peaceful to me."

"Peaceful?" Jungkook repeated, her voice rising in disbelief. "Peaceful?! You're so bad, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung's lips twitched. "Come on, it's only temporary. Think of it as... building up anticipation."

Jungkook groaned, slumping back in her seat. "I don't want anticipation. I want my husband back."

Taehyung's smirk softened into something warmer and he glanced her way briefly at the next red light. "I'm still here. Even if I can't hold you right now, I'm still with you. That doesn't change."

His words made her pause, her annoyance faltering. She looked down at her hands in her lap, her fingers fiddling with the tassels of her dress.

"I know," she said quietly. "But it's still hard."

Taehyung reached out instinctively but froze, withdrawing his hand before he could touch her. His knuckles brushed against the gear instead as he smiled softly. "Hard for me too, Mrs. Kim."

Her pout returned, though it was less pronounced now. "You don't look like you're suffering."

"Oh, trust me, Mrs. Kim. I'm suffering in silence. You're just too caught up in your own misery to notice."

Jungkook's eyes widened, and she turned to glare at him. "Misery? Excuse me, Mr. Kim, but if anyone is suffering, it's me. You're perfectly fine lounging around, smirking and teasing me, while I'm practically combusting every time I look at you!"

Taehyung's gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Combusting, huh? That's a way big word choice, even for you."

"It's not a way big," she huffed, crossing her arms. "Do you know how hard it is to resist just... pulling you close and..." Jungkook trailed off, her cheeks burning as her words caught up with her.

Taehyung's smirk widened, his eyes briefly flicking to her again. "And what, Mrs. Kim? Don't leave me hanging."

Jungkook whined, slapping a hand over her face to hide her growing embarrassment. "Nothing! Forget I said anything," she mumbled through her fingers, her voice muffled.

"Mrs. Kim. Don't leave it unfinished. Resist pulling me close and what?"

"I said forget it!" Jungkook snapped, turning to glare at him with wide, flustered eyes.

But Taehyung wasn't about to let it go. His smirk softened into a playful grin, his voice dropping an octave. "Pull me close and... kiss me? Hug me? Or maybe something else entirely?"

Jungkook's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. She pointed a finger at him accusingly.

"Shut Up!"

The car fell into a comfortable silence, the tension easing as the corners of Jungkook's lips remained faintly curved. Taehyung glanced at her one last time before focusing back on the road, his smirk softening into a knowing smile.

The car came to an abrupt stop at the side of the road, jolting Jungkook slightly in her seat. She frowned, turning to Taehyung, who was already unbuckling his seatbelt.

"Wait—where are you going?" she asked, confusion lacing her tone.

Taehyung didn't answer. He simply opened the door, stepped out, and shut it behind him without a word. Jungkook's jaw dropped as she watched him walk away, his tall figure disappearing toward a small corner store.

"What in the world...?" Jungkook muttered, craning her neck to follow him. She leaned closer to the window, her brows furrowed in both annoyance and curiosity.

Moments later, Taehyung reappeared, striding back toward the car. Jungkook sat back quickly, pretending she hadn't just been watching him like a hawk. Her arms crossed as she tried to look nonchalant but her curiosity burned brightly.

When Taehyung got in, he held something in his hand—a small cone of vanilla ice cream, its creamy swirl glistening in the sunlight. Without a word, he handed it to her.

Jungkook blinked at it, completely taken aback. "What's this for?"

Taehyung smirked as he adjusted his seatbelt. "For you to cool down, Mrs. Kim. You're heating up the car with all that fuming."

Her mouth fell open as she stared at him, then at the ice cream. "Are you serious right now?"

"Completely," he replied smoothly, his eyes fixed on the road as if he hadn't just pulled off the most unexpected move. "I figured something sweet might help with your... combusting problem."

Jungkook narrowed her eyes at him, her pout returning in full force. She huffed but reluctantly accepted the ice cream, muttering under her breath as she took an annoyed lick. The sweet, creamy flavor did soothe her nerves a little, but she wasn't about to let him have the satisfaction of knowing that.

"You're lucky I like ice cream," Jungkook grumbled, refusing to look at him.

Taehyung chuckled softly, pulling the car back onto the road. "Lucky, huh? I'd say I'm just good at knowing my wife."

Jungkook didn't reply, focusing on the ice cream in her hand instead. Despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips, hidden behind the cone. For all his teasing, Taehyung had a way of knowing exactly how to make her heart flutter—and she hated how much she loved it.

Though they couldn't touch, couldn't hold hands or share an embrace, the connection between them was unmistakable. Their bond remained unshaken, stronger than any curse or spark that tried to come between them.

Jungkook leaned her head against the window, her heart settling as she let out a quiet sigh. Taehyung's presence beside her, his teasing words and his gaze were more than enough to remind her of one simple truth:

No matter the challenge, they'd always find their way back to each other—no sparks needed.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

| 2 Days Later |

The Kim Manor was as lively as ever, but for Taehyung, time felt like it was crawling. Two days of being so close to Jungkook, yet unable to touch her, had tested every ounce of self-control he possessed.

For Taehyung, the world outside blurred into insignificance. All his focus, his attention, his everything was locked onto one person—his wife, who was determined to drive him insane.

The last two days had been pure torture.

Jungkook, his Jungkook, had been around him constantly, her soft giggles echoing in his ears, her floral scent filling every corner of the house, her delicate figure always just within arm's reach—but untouchable.

Every time he caught sight of her, his chest tightened, his hands instinctively flexing with the ache of wanting to pull her close, to feel her warmth against him.

But he couldn't.

It wasn't just her presence that tortured him, though that alone was enough to push him to his limits. It was her deliberate actions, her calculated moves and that maddening smile she wore when she caught him watching her.

And Jungkook? Oh, she was enjoying every second of his restraint.

Jungkook knew his weaknesses. She knew the way his eyes lingered on her waist, how the curve of her pale neck always stole his breath, and how just a single look from her could unravel him.

And now, armed with that knowledge, Jungkook was using it against him.

It was one fine morning.

Jungkook was dressed in a fitted ivory wrap-top that left one shoulder bare and cinched delicately at her slim waist, paired it with a soft flowy skirt that flirted with her knees every time she moved. Her hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, the silky strands swaying gently with gentle breeze.

Jungkook wasn't doing anything overtly scandalous, just leaning against the window as she read a book. The sunlight spilling through the lace curtains illuminated her skin, giving her an ethereal glow.

One hand toyed absently with the bracelet on her wrist, the subtle movement drawing Taehyung's eyes like a magnet.

Seated on the couch with a document in hand, Taehyung appeared calm. His legs were crossed, his posture relaxed, and his gaze fixed on the pages before him. But in reality, he wasn't reading a single word. His eyes kept darting toward her, his mind was a battlefield of frustration and desire.

He clenched his jaw, forcing his gaze back to the printed paper but the effort was futile. Every small movement Jungkook made—flipping a page, brushing her hair back, stretching slightly—felt like a calculated attack.

From across the room, Jungkook smirked to herself. She didn't need to look at him to know he was watching. She could feel his gaze, the way it burned into her even when he tried to hide it.

She knew she was driving him crazy, and she reveled in it.

A soft hum escaped her lips as she closed the book and stretched languidly, her arms reaching above her head. The bracelet on her wrist chimed faintly as she sighed. The action lifted her blouse slightly, revealing a tantalizing view her waist. She turned her head just enough to catch a glimpse of Taehyung out of the corner of her eye.

His reaction was subtle, but she caught it—the faint tightening of his grip on the magazine, the way his shoulders tensed for just a moment before he schooled his features back into neutrality. 

Jungkook turned toward him and sauntered toward the couch.

"Mr. Kim," Jungkook called softly, her voice like honey. "Are you busy?"

He looked up, his expression calm, though his dark eyes betrayed the storm brewing within. "No," he replied evenly. "What is it?"

"I want to ask something," Jungkook asked, tilting her head slightly so her earrings caught the light. She absently ran her fingers along the edge of the table.

"You've been awfully quiet these past two days. Almost like you're avoiding me."

Taehyung's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Avoiding you?"

"Mm-hmm," Jungkook hummed, leaning forward just a bit. The distance between them wasn't much, but it felt vast and unbearable. She glanced at him through her lashes, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her lips curved into a teasing smile.

Taehyung's jaw clenched, all he wanted to do was pull Jungkook closer and remind her of exactly who she was teasing. But he couldn't—because of the damned electric shock.

"You don't have to, you know. I don't bite."

"Funny," he said, his voice calm but strained. "I recall someone biting me last week."

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, a blush spreading across her cheeks as her mind instantly brought up the snippets of that night. She quickly recovered, her teasing smile returning. "That's different," she countered, waving him off. "Besides, it's not my fault you looked so biteable."

Taehyung exhaled slowly, his gaze flicking briefly to her exposed neck before he forced himself to look away.

But Jungkook wasn't done. She moved to the table, standing directly across from him as she picked up a stray pen. She twirled it idly between her fingers gracefully.

Taehyung's grip on the document tightened briefly before he forced himself to relax. He stood, his tall frame towering over her as he took a step closer. He didn't touch her—he couldn't—but his presence alone was enough to make her heart race.

"You've been enjoying this, haven't you?" he murmured, his voice a velvet caress. "Testing me. Seeing how far I can go without breaking."

Jungkook swallowed hard, her breath hitching. She hadn't expected him to call her out so directly, and the way he looked at her now made her knees feel weak.

Nevertheless, Jungkook took a step back, feigning nonchalance as she played with the delicate chain around her neck.

"I mean, look at you," she teased, her tone laced with mischief. "All this effort to stay in control, and yet..." Her gaze swept over him, lingering on his hands that had curled into loose fists at his sides. "You're cracking, Mr Kim. I can see it."

His lips twitched into the faint smirk and he took another step forward, closing the distance she'd just created.

"Careful, dear wife," he warned softly, his tone low and almost hypnotic. "You're playing with fire."

Taehyung's gaze lingered on Jungkook for a moment longer, his dark eyes tracing the delicate curve of her collarbone where the thin gold chain rested, glinting in the soft light. The dainty piece mocked him, drawing his attention to the expanse of pale skin he couldn't touch.

"Maybe," Jungkook admitted with a shrug, though her heartbeat quickened. "But I think I'm safe. After all..." She tilted her head, exposing the elegant curve of her neck, knowing exactly how it would affect him.

"You can't touch me."

Taehyung's eyes flickered to her neck, then back to her face, his control like a taut string ready to snap. "You're right," he said, his voice quieter now, dangerously controlled. "I can't touch you."

He took a slow step forward, forcing her back until Jungkook bumped against the table. She froze, her hands gripping the edge for balance as he leaned in, his face mere inches from hers.

"But don't forget, Mrs Kim," he continued, his tone dark and teasing, "when this is over..." his voice dropping to a whisper, "You'll be the one begging me to lose it."

Taehyung's lips curved into a smirk. "Remember it," he murmured, his voice deep and laced with promise. His gaze dropped to her lips for a fleeting second before he straightened, pulling back just enough to make her ache for the closeness again.

Jungkook's breath hitched, her confidence faltering due to his words, her fingers still gripping the table's edge as she stared up at him. Her heart raced, her resolve teetering on the edge of breaking.

"A few more days," Taehyung spoke.

Then, with a sharp turn, he walked away, his steps unhurried and posture composed, as if he hadn't just unraveled every last shred of her composure.

Jungkook stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart pounding against her ribs like a drumbeat she couldn't silence. Her lips parted slightly as she exhaled, a soft, shaky sound escaping her.

Her eyes followed his retreating figure, the broad line of his shoulders and the way his hands stayed calmly at his sides.

Jungkook reached up, fingers brushing her neck where his gaze had lingered moments before. Her skin was cool against the faint heat that had risen there, a flush that crept up her cheeks and down her collarbone like a blossoming rose.

A slow smile curled her lips, soft yet brimming with mischief. She tilted her head slightly, the light catching the faint sheen of her glowing skin, making her look radiant and unbothered despite the turmoil he had ignited within her.

Jungkook straightened, smoothing the lines of her dress with graceful fingers.

"A few more days," Jungkook whispered, "Let's see who really breaks first, Mr. Kim."

The game was still on, and neither of them was backing down.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───