🥀83.  A Day Spent Well!

Enjoy 🌸

Jungkook's fingers were tapping against her lap. She sat beside Taehyung, her gaze flickering between the passing scenery and the man behind the wheel.

"Where are you taking me?" Jungkook finally asked, her voice filled with curiosity and impatience. She turned slightly in her seat, her arms folding over her chest as she squinted at him.

He glanced at her, a sly smile forming as he focused on the road ahead. "You'll see," he said, his tone teasing.

Jungkook huffed softly, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. "You're always so cryptic, Mr. Kim. I don't like surprises, you know."

"That's a lie," Taehyung quipped smoothly, his grin widening. "You love surprises—when they're done right."

She narrowed her eyes at him, though the delight in her gaze gave her away. "And what makes you think this one will be 'done right'?"

Taehyung chuckled under his breath "Because I'm the one planning it," he replied, casting her a confident glance.

Jungkook shook her head, her lips curving despite herself. "You're so full of yourself."

The road stretched ahead, dappled with sunlight streaming through the canopy of tall trees lining either side. Jungkook's eyes wandered to the scenery outside her window, feeling déjà vu.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she tilted her head, watching the path curve. The forest thinned ahead, revealing a clearing she recognized. Her breath hitched for a moment as a thought formed in her mind, but she kept quiet, biting her lip as her eyes darted to Taehyung.

His expression was calm, focused on the road, though there was a glint of something—anticipation, perhaps—in his eyes. Jungkook's fingers tightened slightly on the edge of her seat, her heart skipping a beat as the car passed the clearing.

Her suspicion grew, but still, she waited, her chest tightening with each turn of the wheel. And then, just as her thoughts aligned with reality, Taehyung slowed the car and pulled to a stop.

The gate stood in front of them, just as she remembered it—worn but sturdy, with ivy creeping along its edges. Beyond it lay the orphanage, the place where she had spent countless hours volunteering before their marriage.

Taehyung stepped out of the car, his polished shoes tapping against the gravel. He moved around to Jungkook's side. Reaching for the handle, he opened the door, his other hand instinctively extending toward her.

Jungkook placed her hand in his, letting him help her out of the car. She adjusted the folds of her dress before glancing up at him.

Without a word, Taehyung began leading her toward the gate, their steps in sync as they crossed the short stretch of gravel road. Jungkook's eyes lingered on the gate, memories pulling at her heartstrings. She remembered the last time she was here—months ago, before her marriage.

The orphanage had been in desperate need of repairs, and the Kims had stepped in to fund the project.

The thought made her pause just as they reached the gate, her gaze flickering to Taehyung.

"Mr Kim..." she began, her voice soft but curious, "the last time I came here, this place was under rennovation. Your family was handling it, weren't they?"

Taehyung stopped, his hand still resting lightly on the gate as he turned to look at her. His expression was unreadable for a moment, his dark eyes searching hers.

Then he gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"It was," he admitted, his voice low and steady. "The orphanage was struggling, and it wasn't just about funding. They needed someone to oversee everything—to make sure it was done right."

Jungkook tilted her head, her brows knitting slightly. "And you... were you involved?" she asked hesitantly, unsure if she was stepping into something deeper.

He chuckled softly, his thumb brushing over the edge of the gate. "You could say that," he replied. "I didn't want to just hand over the funds and walk away. I wanted to make sure it was done the way it deserved to be."

Without another word, Taehyung pushed the gate open, and they stepped inside together, the laughter of children welcoming them.

The air carried a nostalgic comfort, and Jungkook's fingers tighten slightly around Taehyung's, her heart feeling lighter with every step.

Taehyung glanced down at her, his expression thoughtful. His grip on her hand remained steady as if grounding himself for what he was about to say.

"Jungkook," he began, his voice quiet but carrying an unusual weight.

She looked up at him, noticing the faint seriousness in his tone. "What is it?" she asked softly, her curiosity piqued by the shift in his demeanor.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning the playground where children played and the well-kept building standing proudly in the center of the property. Then, with a slow exhale, he turned his gaze back to her.

"There's something you should know about this place," he said, his voice steady but laced with something deeper.

Jungkook tilted her head, confusion flickering across her features. "About the orphanage?" she asked.

Taehyung nodded, his thumb absently brushing over her knuckles as he continued walking. "Yes. You see, this orphanage... it doesn't just belong to the Kims," he started, his tone deliberate.

"And do you remember the hospital site where we went before getting lost in the mystic forest?" Taehyung asked.

Jungkook nodded as the memory became clear.

"These lands originally belonged to the Jeons."

Jungkook stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she processed his words. "The Jeons?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung turned to face her fully, his hand still holding hers. "When I discovered my father's fraud—how he had taken over properties and businesses that rightfully belonged to Jeons—I couldn't ignore it. One of those properties was this orphanage. It was built and run by your parents before he took it away."

Her breath hitched, her free hand instinctively covering her mouth as emotions surged within her. The words settled heavily, stirring memories she didn't even know she had.

"This... this was theirs?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Taehyung nodded. "Yes. When I found out, I couldn't bear to see it remain under the Kims' name. I worked quietly to restore it—transferring ownership back to where it belonged. To the Jeons."

Jungkook stared at him, her chest tightening with a swirl of disbelief, gratitude, and a thousand unspoken emotions.

"It's in your name now," Taehyung confirmed, his voice gentle.

"I made sure of it. Everything this place earns, every grain it produces, every joy it brings—it's yours, the rightful heir of the Jeons. I never touched a single profit from it, Jungkook. I wanted it to remain untouched, untainted, and entirely yours."

Jungkook's tears spilled over, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She stepped closer, resting her forehead against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her protectively.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice muffled against him. "Thank you for everything."

Taehyung pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "You don't need to thank me. This was always meant to be yours. I'm just glad I could bring it back to you."

Jungkook felt a feeling of completeness—a piece of her past restored, a future filled with hope, and a husband who was her greatest strength.

Jungkook looked around the orphanage grounds, her heart swelling with emotion. She could feel the weight of the years, of her family's legacy—her parents' sacrifices, her own volunteer work here—and now, with Taehyung by her side, the full circle of it all.

The very land she had worked on, where she had given her time and love, was now hers in a way she had never expected.

She took a deep breath, the breeze carrying a sense of new beginnings. The children's laughter echoed in the distance, the caretaker still looking on with a warm smile, but Jungkook's gaze shifted to the place where it all began, now reborn in a way she had only dreamed of.

"This place..." she whispered, her fingers trailing across the gate as though touching the history of her own life.

Taehyung stood beside her. "You've always known its worth. I just helped give it back the name it deserved."

Jungkook's heart fluttered with the depth of his words. He wasn't just her husband—he was her partner, her ally, the person who saw her past and worked tirelessly to ensure her future would be different, would be better.

With him, everything felt possible.

"I can't believe it's really mine," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

"Yours, just like everything else," Taehyung replied, his eyes darkening with something deeper than simple affection. There was a promise in his tone, a security she had never imagined before.

"This land, these children, this future... all of it."

Jungkook's eyes softened as she turned to look at him. She smiled up at him, her eyes wet with unshed tears.

"I never thought I would find my way back here, let alone with you by my side. Thank you for everything."

Taehyung's gaze softened, his hand lifting to wipe away a single tear that had fallen down her cheek. "I'll always be here, Jungkook. Always. And I promise, we'll make this place everything you dreamed of."

Jungkook nodded, her heart light for the first time in years. "Then let's make it the best place it can be," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.

"We'll build it up, together."

"Your wish is my command, Your Highness," he teased, but there was warmth in his words, affection that matched the sincerity of his gaze.

With a small laugh, Jungkook wiped her tears and looked back at the grounds once more, feeling peace and excitement bubble within her.

This was her home.

Her parents' legacy.

And now, it was Taehyung's and hers, their future entwined.

Together, they stepped forward, ready to build the future she had longed for.

They walked toward the orphanage's main building. A middle-aged woman stepped out, her face lighting up the moment her eyes landed on them. Her warm smile spread like sunshine and she clasped her hands together in delight.

"Mr. Kim, Mrs. Kim," she greeted warmly. "What a surprise to see you both here."

Jungkook's brows furrowed for a moment at the title, but the woman quickly clarified, turning her kind gaze toward her. "Though to me, you'll always be the young caretaker who used to play with the kids and bandage their scraped knees, Jungkook."

Jungkook felt a soft flush of embarrassment and nostalgia creep into her cheeks. "Miss Harper..." she said softly, her voice tinged with fondness. "You still remember?"

"Of course I do," Miss Harper replied with a gentle laugh, her sharp eyes twinkling. "You left quite an impression on us—and the children. They still talk about you sometimes, you know. I suppose it makes sense, considering you're married to him now."

She tilted her head slightly toward Taehyung with a knowing smile.

Jungkook blinked, her gaze darting between Miss Harper and Taehyung, who had a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"You knew Mr Kim... even back then?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I knew Mr. Kim as the CEO and the one funding the reconstruction," Miss Harper explained. "But the children knew him as the man who would quietly visit, watching from a distance with that thoughtful expression of his. And he never left without dropping off something for the kids—books, toys, supplies."

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to Taehyung, who merely shrugged, his expression casual. "I just wanted to help," he said simply, his hand tightening slightly around hers.

"Well, you're both here now," she said warmly. "Why don't you come inside? The children will be thrilled to see you."

Jungkook nodded, her hand still tightly clasped in Taehyung's as they followed Miss Harper inside. Taehyung glanced down at her, his eyes softening as he noticed the small smile playing on her lips.

As soon as Jungkook stepped into the warm, lively space of the orphanage, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She barely had a chance to take it all in before the delighted cries of children filled the air.

"Kookie!" one of the older boys called out, his eyes lighting up as he recognized her.

"Jungkook's here!" a little girl squealed, dropping her crayons and running toward her.

"Doll,"

"Angel,"

Jungkook barely had time to react before she was surrounded. Small arms wrapped around her legs, hands tugged at her sleeves, and countless voices clamored for her attention.

"You came back!"
"Did you bring the cookies you used to bake?"
"Are you staying this time?"

"I Mwiss you,"

Her heart melted as she crouched down, pulling the closest children into a warm hug.

"I missed you all," she said sincerely. "You've all grown so much since the last time I saw you!"

Taehyung stood a few steps back, his arms crossed, watching the scene with tender expression.

One of the older boys glanced at Taehyung curiously. "Is that your husband, Koo?" he asked, pointing at him boldly.

Jungkook glanced back, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yes, that's Mr. Kim," she said, her tone affectionate as her gaze met Taehyung's.

The children turned their attention to Taehyung now, their eyes wide with curiosity. One of the younger boys tugged on his coat sleeve.

"Do you know how to play soccer?" he asked, tilting his head.

Another chimed in, "Are you nice, or are you scary like those people on TV?"

Taehyung let out a soft laugh, crouching down to their level. "I'd like to think I'm nice," he said, his deep voice soothing as he ruffled the boy's hair. "But you'll have to tell me after we play soccer."

The children cheered, already making plans to pull him outside to the field. Jungkook smiled softly at the sight of him surrounded by the kids, fitting into their world so effortlessly.

"Seems like mr Kim is quite popular," the wife teased as he stood, brushing off imaginary dirt.

"I guess I'm learning from the best," Taehyung replied, his voice warm as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

Miss Harper watched the interaction from the corner of the room, a knowing smile on her face. "It's nice to see them so happy," she said quietly to one of the other caretakers. "Both the children and Mrs. Kim."

The children wasted no time dragging both Taehyung and Jungkook outside to the open field behind the orphanage. The sun was high, casting a warm golden glow over the grass, and the air droned with the sound of their laughter and excitement.

Taehyung found himself with a soccer ball in his hands, a group of children already forming teams around him. "Mr. Kim, you're on my team!" one of the boys declared confidently, grabbing his arm.

"No way! He's on ours!" a little girl shot back, crossing her arms with an indignant pout.

Jungkook laughed at the scene as she sat on a bench near the edge of the field, her eyes sparkling as she watched Taehyung handle the situation.

"Looks like you're in demand," she called out playfully.

"Who can blame them?" Taehyung replied with a smirk, tossing the ball into the air and catching it with ease.

Jungkook didn't have long to enjoy her position as an observer, though, because soon enough, the children turned their attention to her.

"Pretty angel, you can't just sit there!" one of the younger girls exclaimed, grabbing her hand and trying to pull her off the bench.

"Yeah, you have to play too!" another boy chimed in, his eyes wide with anticipation.

With a resigned laugh, Jungkook stood, brushing off her dress.

"Alright, alright!" she said, letting herself be guided onto the field.

The children had split themselves into teams and they were very clear about their choice:

Mr. Kim versus Mrs. Kim.

Taehyung and Jungkook watched the chaos with amused smiles, trying to suppress their laughter.

"Mr. Kim's team is going to lose!" shouted one little girl, shaking her finger at the other group, her face scrunched in competitive determination.

"No way! We're going to win because we have Mr. Kim!" another boy retorted, puffing out his chest proudly as he pointed to Taehyung.

"We'll see about that!" Jungkook's voice rang out in challenge, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she looked over at her team of little warriors.

"Let's show them who's boss!"

Taehyung rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows and smirked at Jungkook from across the field. "You sure you can handle this, Mrs. Kim?" he called out, his tone teasing as he adjusted his stance.

Jungkook narrowed her eyes at him. She stood beside the smaller children, arms crossed with a teasing grin.

"Be careful, Mr. Kim. These kids are ruthless on the field," she warned, laughter dancing in her eyes.

One of the boys puffed out his chest. "Yeah! Kookie taught us how to play!"

Taehyung raised a brow, looking at Jungkook with mock surprise. "Oh? And here I thought you only knew how to run meetings," he teased.

Jungkook scoffed, stepping onto the field. "You underestimate me, Kim Taehyung. Let me remind you who you're dealing with."

Her team of kids erupted into cheers, their confidence in her making her laugh.

The game began with a chaotic energy only children could bring, everyone running and shouting as the ball was kicked back and forth. Taehyung was quick to dominate the field, his polished shoes barely hindering him as he maneuvered past the kids.

"Pass it here!" Taehyung shouted, effortlessly stealing the ball from one of Jungkook's teammates and dribbling it toward her goal.

"Not so fast!" Jungkook called out, darting forward to intercept him. She blocked his path, her arms stretched wide to defend.

Taehyung slowed his pace, the ball now trapped between his foot and the ground. His dark eyes glinted mischievously as he stepped closer, leaning down just enough to lower his voice so only she could hear.

"You look pretty when you're all serious like this," he murmured, his words sending a shiver down her spine.

"Mr Kim!" Jungkook hissed, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "Focus on the game!"

"Oh, I am," he replied smoothly, nudging the ball just out of her reach before moving past her with a sly grin.

Jungkook groaned, turning to chase after him, her team of kids yelling encouragement behind her. She managed to corner him again a few minutes later, standing between him and the goal.

"This time, you're not getting past me," she declared, her chin held high.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Oh? We'll see about that," he said, his voice dripping with pleasure.

"Not so fast!" Jungkook snapped, rushing to block him. She planted herself in front of him, arms spread wide, chest rising and falling rapidly from the exertion.

Taehyung skidded to a halt, trapping the ball under his foot. Instead of trying to pass her immediately, he leaned in just slightly, his dark eyes flickering with something dangerously unreadable.

And then, he moved—not for the ball, but for her.

The moment Jungkook stepped to block him again, his body shifted with predatory ease, bringing them impossibly close. His fingertips brushed over the curve of her waist.

Jungkook sucked in a sharp breath. It was so subtle, so damn sneaky that to any outsider, it looked like an accidental brush in the heat of the game. But she knew better. That touch had purpose.

"You—" she stuttered, momentarily paralyzed.

Taehyung grinned, taking full advantage of her stunned reaction. With one smooth movement, he nudged the ball past her legs, slipping through the gap she unknowingly left open.

"Oops," he mused, his breath warm against her ear before he pulled away, dribbling toward the goal.

Jungkook whirled around, her pulse hammering in her throat.

"Kim Taehyung, you're cheating !" she shrieked, her voice carrying over the field.

"All's fair in love and war, Mrs. Kim."

Before she could respond, he kicked the ball past her, making a break for the goal. The kids on his team erupted into cheers as he scored, while Jungkook stood frozen, her face still flushed from his teasing.

"Nice try," he teased, jogging back to her, that smug smirk widening like he had just won the World Cup instead of a silly game with kids.

Jungkook glared at him, his chest heaving slightly from the excitement of his victory. She scoffed, crossing her arms as she tilted her chin up, refusing to let him see how flustered she had been.

"Oh, congratulations, Mr. Kim," she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What a proud moment in history—cheating against your wife in a game of soccer with children. Shall I arrange for a trophy? Or maybe a gold medal?"

Taehyung chuckled, clearly amused. "I'll take a kiss instead," he shot back smoothly.

Jungkook gasped, but she recovered quickly, stepping forward to jab a finger against his chest.

"How about I frame your cheating face on a 'WANTED' poster instead?
Criminal: Kim Taehyung.
Offense: Fraudulent soccer plays and shameless flirting."

Taehyung bit his lip, trying to hold back his laughter. "Damn, Mrs. Kim, if this is how you handle a loss, I can't wait to see how you act when I win something bigger."

Jungkook scoffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder dramatically. "Please. Keep dreaming, lover boy. The next round? I'm wiping that smirk off your face."

Taehyung grinned, leaning in slightly, his voice a sultry whisper. "I'd like to see you try."

Jungkook clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes as she turned away. Taehyung watched her walk away, her confidence making his smirk deepen.

Oh, he was looking forward to it.

After a brief water break, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, along with their tiny armies on each side, took their positions once again.

Taehyung peeled off his suit jacket, then his waistcoat, and finally loosened his tie before tossing it aside. He rolled up the sleeves of his deep blue shirt, revealing the strong lines of his forearms, the fabric hugging his frame just right.

His team of kids gawked in awe, one even whispering, "Whoa, now he looks serious."

Jungkook simply shrugged off her soft cardigan and tied it around her waist, her sleeveless top now leaving her arms bare. The movement was casual but Taehyung's eyes still flickered down, his smirk faltering for a fraction of a second.

She caught it.

"Intimidated, Mr. Kim?" she teased, stretching her arms above her head, knowing full well she was giving him an eyeful.

"Not in the slightest, Mrs. Kim. But I do appreciate the effort."

Jungkook grinned, tapping the tip of her sandal against the ball. "Oh, you will be."

With that, she kicked off the next round, the kids shouting excitedly as the game restarted. This time, neither Taehyung nor Jungkook held back.

If the first half had been playful, this was pure battle.

And neither was willing to lose.

As soon as the ball rolled into play, chaos erupted once more. The kids darted across the field, their laughter and shouts filling the air. But at the center of it all, there was only one real battle—Kim Taehyung versus Kim Jungkook.

Jungkook's eyes sharpened the second she saw Taehyung charging toward her side. His rolled-up sleeves made him look effortlessly handsome but Jungkook wasn't about to let that distract her.

Not after the way he had been teasing her.

She lunged forward the moment he got close, her foot colliding with the ball before he could take it. With a sharp twist, she spun around him, dribbling fast and low, completely bypassing him.

"Oh?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow, turning on his heel to chase after her. "That was impressive."

Jungkook smirked, her voice dripping with challenge. "Told you, you'd be intimidated."

Her words were met with a sharp laugh as Taehyung quickened his pace, closing the distance between them within seconds. He was too damn fast. Jungkook barely had time to react before he was right beside her, matching her stride.

Just as she was about to kick the ball toward her teammate, Taehyung swooped in—his body brushing against hers, his breath ghosting against her cheek.

And then he did it again.

Not fair.

Not fair at all.

Jungkook gritted her teeth as his fingers lightly grazed the exposed skin of her arm. It wasn't enough to be inappropriate, but it was enough to throw her off. Enough to make her mind stutter.

Jungkook spun to block him, her glare sharp. "Did you just—"

"What?" he hummed, bouncing the ball between his feet effortlessly, tilting his head in faux innocence. "I thought we were playing fair, Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Oh, so we're playing dirty now?"

Taehyung smirked, stepping closer. "You tell me."

The kids surrounding them groaned in frustration, utterly oblivious to the tension crackling between the two adults. "Play properly!" one of the boys whined.

Jungkook huffed, blowing a stray strand of hair from her face.

If Mr. Kim wanted to play dirty, she would make sure he tasted his own medicine.

She turned on her heel, strolling toward the ball. Her cardigan was still tied around her waist, but as she reached her position, she untied it, letting it slip from her fingers and fall onto the grass.

Taehyung's gaze flickered down—just for a second.

That second was all she needed.

Jungkook bent slightly. She dragged her fingers down her arms as if wiping off nonexistent sweat, her nails grazing over the exposed skin of her forearms.

Taehyung blinked.

Her fingers trailed down to the hem of her top, fanning herself lightly, the movement making her toned stomach peek out for the briefest moment before she straightened again.

Taehyung glitched.

His tongue darted out to wet his lips, his Adam's apple bobbing as he tore his eyes away.

Jungkook smirked. Gotcha.

She positioned the ball, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him. "Are you ready, Mr. Kim?" she purred, her voice dripping with honey.

Taehyung inhaled deeply, standing in front of the goal, visibly shaking off whatever thoughts had momentarily hijacked his brain. He exhaled through his nose. "I was born ready, Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook hummed in response, placing her foot on the ball. Then, just as Taehyung squared his shoulders in preparation, she stretched.

A long, luxurious stretch—arms raised above her head, back arching slightly, her shirt riding up just enough to show the soft curve of her waist.

Taehyung glitched again.

His fingers flexed at his sides, his eyes darkening ever so slightly before he forcefully looked away.

Jungkook bit back a grin. Oh, this was fun.

She dropped her arms, rolling her shoulders before meeting his eyes head-on. "Alright, time to play fair."

Before he could even react, she kicked the ball.

It shot forward with precision, straight toward the goal. Taehyung, still distracted, moved a second too late.

The ball hit the net.

The kids on Jungkook's team exploded into cheers, rushing toward her with excited shouts. "Mrs. Kim scored! She won!"

Jungkook stood there, hands on her hips, beaming as she watched Taehyung process what had just happened. His arms were still frozen mid-reaction, as if he hadn't even tried to block her shot properly.

"What's wrong, Mr. Kim? Got a little... distracted?"

Taehyung narrowed his eyes, lips parting as if to argue—before he sighed in defeat, dragging a hand down his face.

Jungkook grinned. Victory had never felt sweeter.

Taehyung ran his tongue over his teeth, his jaw clenching before he muttered, "That was evil."

Jungkook tilted her head innocently. "What was?"

Taehyung stalked toward her, dropping his voice so only she could hear. "You know what."

Jungkook merely shrugged, stepping closer as well, a wicked glint in her eyes. "I told you if you played dirty, I'd do it better."

The kids were still celebrating behind her, but she had her eyes set on one thing—his bruised ego.

She placed a delicate hand over her heart, feigning innocence. "Oh, don't look so upset, Mr. Kim." She leaned in just slightly, voice dipping into a slow, teasing drawl.

"All's fair in love and war, remember?"

Taehyung inhaled sharply, but before he could do anything, the kids swarmed around Jungkook, jumping up and down, chanting, "Mrs. Kim wins! Mrs. Kim wins!"

Taehyung groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. "Unbelievable."

Jungkook grinned, absolutely reveling in his suffering. "Don't be such a sore loser, Mr. Kim," she cooed.

Taehyung let out a small chuckle, though his eyes darkened slightly as he stepped toward her. "Oh, don't worry," he murmured, just low enough for only her to hear. "I'll remember this."

Jungkook tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Remember what? That your wife is just better than you?"

Taehyung let out a small hum, his smirk slow and knowing. "You'll see."

"Oh, I'm sure," she replied, the playful defiance in her voice making it clear that she was ready for anything.

She stepped back, giving him a salute.

"But for now, I'll just enjoy my victory," she added, spinning around and walking toward her team of kids, her back straight and her head held high, all while the victorious gleam in her eyes never once dimmed.

Taehyung watched her for a moment, admiring as she made her way back to her team, a proud smile tugging at his lips. His eyes, however, never strayed far from her.

Jungkook stood, basking in the sweet triumph of her victory, the kids quickly swarmed around her, their laughter filling the air like the sound of music.

"You were amazing!" one of the boys exclaimed, tugging on her sleeve.

"Yeah! You kicked the ball so high!" another girl added, her eyes wide in awe.

Jungkook chuckled, kneeling down to meet their eager faces. "Thanks, my little champs! You all did great, too. Next time, we'll team up and beat Mr. Kim again."

The children cheered at the idea, clapping their hands in excitement. But Taehyung, standing just behind them, couldn't help but roll his eyes with a smirk.

"Don't get too cocky, Mrs. Kim," he said. "I'm not done yet."

Jungkook threw him a teasing glance over her shoulder. "Oh, I'm sure you'll try, Mr. Kim. But the kids and I are unbeatable."

"Is that so?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow, the competitive glint in his eyes flickering.

"Well, well, looks like the Mrs. has found her little fan club," he remarked crossing his arms and giving the kids a scowl.

One of the children looked up at Taehyung with innocent curiosity, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mr. Kim, are you mad?" he asked with an innocent giggle.

Jungkook laughed, her hand gently patting the kid's head. "Don't worry about him," she said with a wink. "He's just a little jealous."

Taehyung leaned forward, his smile never leaving his face, but there was a possessive gleam in his eyes as he looked at Jungkook. "Jealous? Me? Never," he said smoothly, though his tone was teasing, his gaze never leaving his wife.

The kids, now getting more comfortable with the playful tension between them, surrounded the couple even more. "We should play again tomorrow!" a girl exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah, let's team up next time!" another boy chimed in, his energy contagious.

"Alright, alright, let's all get some snacks!" Jungkook called out, ushering the kids towards the garden as she stood up, Taehyung following close behind.

The kids skipped ahead, full of joy, leaving Taehyung and Jungkook trailing behind.

_____________

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the orphanage courtyard as everyone gathered for the much-anticipated distribution of gifts. Taehyung stood off to the side, hands in his pockets, watching Jungkook with contented smile.

Boxes of cakes, freshly ordered from one of the best bakeries in the city, sat neatly on a table alongside colorful flowers. Each child's face lit up with excitement as their turn came, their eager hands clutching at the little cakes wrapped delicately in ribbon.

Jungkook was crouched down to their level with her radiant smile. She handed each child a small cake, her fingers brushing against theirs in a gentle exchange, before leaning in to press a soft kiss to their cheek.

"Here you go, sweetie," she murmured to a little girl with pigtails who was clutching a doll. "This one's for you."

The girl giggled shyly as Jungkook kissed her cheek, her eyes sparkling with pure happiness.

"Thank you, Koo!" the girl said, her voice high and cheerful as she scurried away to join her friends.

Taehyung's gaze softened further, his heart swelling as he watched Jungkook move from one child to the next. The way she interacted with them—with such tenderness and care—reminded him of why he'd fallen for her in the first place.

As one boy with an unruly mop of hair approached, he hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Jungkook and the table of cakes.

"Don't be shy," Jungkook coaxed gently, holding out a cake wrapped in a bright red ribbon.

The boy stepped forward, taking it from her hands with a shy smile. When she kissed his cheek, his face turned bright red, and he stumbled back a little, muttering a bashful, "Thank you."

She continued distributing the cakes, planting kisses on each cheek with unwavering affection.

Meanwhile, Taehyung took over the task of handing flowers to the staff members, making sure each one was thanked personally for their dedication. He exchanged a few polite words with the head caretaker, who beamed at his thoughtfulness.

"Your wife is amazing," the caretaker said, watching Jungkook as she knelt to help tie the ribbon on a child's cake box.

Taehyung smiled proudly. "She is," he agreed.

By the time they reached the last child, Jungkook was still smiling despite the faint flush on her cheeks and the strands of hair sticking to her face from the warm day. She handed the final cake to a tiny boy who looked up at her with wide, adoring eyes.

"Thank you!" he said, throwing his arms around her neck in an unexpected hug.

"Oh!" Jungkook exclaimed, laughing as she hugged him back, patting his back gently. "You're welcome."

As the last kid skipped away, clutching their treat with a wide smile, Jungkook turned around, expecting to gather the empty boxes and wrap up the distribution. But instead, she came face-to-face with Taehyung.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here?" she asked, blinking rapidly.

Taehyung crossed his arms, leaning slightly forward with a mischievous smirk. "Receiving my treat," he said nonchalantly, nodding toward the table where the cakes and flowers had been stacked.

Jungkook laughed, rolling her eyes at his audacity. "You're not a child, Mr. Kim," she teased, shaking her head as she reached for a cake and one of the remaining flowers.

Still smirking, Taehyung accepted them gracefully, bowing in an exaggerated fashion as if he were truly one of the kids.

"Thank you, Mrs. Kim," he said, his voice carrying a playful lilt. Then, he straightened up and pointed to his cheek, tapping it lightly. "I believe you forgot something."

Jungkook blinked, taken aback. "What?" she asked cautiously, though she had a pretty good idea of what he meant.

Taehyung tilted his head, giving her a look of pure mischief. "The kiss," he clarified, his voice low and teasing. "You gave one to every kid here, didn't you? Seems unfair if I don't get the same treatment."

Jungkook flushed instantly, her face heating up at his words. "In case you forget," she said. "You're not a child but a big man. "

"Age is just a number, darling" Taehyung countered smoothly, his grin growing wider as he leaned a little closer, still gesturing to his cheek.

For a moment, Jungkook was utterly flustered, her mind racing for a witty comeback. Then, suddenly, she stood up straight, crossing her arms and quirking an eyebrow at him.

With a sly, sassy smile, she delivered her retort: "And jail is just a room, Mister."

Taehyung froze, staring at her for a moment before a bark of laughter escaped him, loud and rich.

"Touché, Mrs. Kim," he admitted, his eyes sparkling as he straightened up and lowered his hand. "And what, may I ask, is my offense?"

Jungkook lifted her chin, eyes gleaming with mischief as she crossed her arms.

"Flirting with an already married beauty in broad sunlight," The wife declared.

Taehyung hummed, nodding as if seriously contemplating his fate. "That does sound like a severe crime," he admitted. "But I must ask... where is your husband? Perhaps we can negotiate my punishment."

Jungkook arched a brow, playing along. "Oh, my husband is very intimidating," she warned, feigning concern. "If he finds out, you're doomed."

"Doomed?" he repeated, before breaking into a smirk. "I see, I see. But tell me, Mrs. Kim, what does this 'intimidating' husband of yours look like?"

Jungkook tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm... he's tall, broad-shouldered, has this serious, no-nonsense air about him. He doesn't flirt or joke around—very stoic."

"Sounds like a very boring man," he teased, leaning in slightly. "Are you sure you don't have a more charming, flirtatious alternative?"

Jungkook narrowed her eyes. "Nope, just the one husband."

Taehyung sighed as if heartbroken, then suddenly, with a mischievous glint, he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.

"Then, Mrs. Kim," he murmured, lips brushing just near her ear, " it seems I must teach you a lesson about your own husband," he said smoothly, his lips curling into a smirk.

Jungkook's eyes widened as he pulled her flush against him. Her heart skipped a beat at the sudden closeness.

"You see," Taehyung whispered, his voice deep and teasing, "your husband is very much capable of flirting—when it's with his own wife."

Jungkook's breath hitched, her mind racing for a witty response, but all she could focus on his touch and the way his dark eyes sparkled with mischief.

"You really don't give up, do you?" she teased.

"Never," he replied confidently, stepping closer to her. "But I'll settle for this."

And with that, he leaned in and pressed a quick, feather-light kiss to her cheek, his hand brushing against her.

Jungkook sighed, shaking her head but unable to hide the small smile that tugged at her lips.

One of the younger boys, no older than six, approached Jungkook with shy steps, his hands wringing nervously in front of him. He had been watching her all day, his gaze lingering on her every time she smiled at the other children.

Jungkook noticed the boy hesitating, his eyes darting between her and the ground, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"What is it, baby?" Jungkook asked softly, kneeling down to his level.

The boy looked up at her, his eyes wide and earnest. "Thank you... for the cake and flowers," he mumbled shyly.

Jungkook smiled warmly. "You're welcome, little one. I'm glad you liked them."

Before she could straighten up, the boy took a bold step forward, cupped her face gently in his small hands, and placed a quick, innocent kiss on her cheek.

"I like you, pretty angel," he said, his voice full of sweetness as he backed away shyly, his cheeks now bright red.

Jungkook froze for a moment, surprised by the boy's sudden affection. She giggled softly, her hand rising to touch the spot where his lips had just been.

"You're a sweet little one," she said, her tone filled with affection.

But Taehyung—who had been watching from a distance, his gaze fixed on his wife—wasn't quite as amused. His eyes narrowed slightly and his lips pressed into a thin line. He had noticed the small boy's actions, and for reasons he couldn't quite explain, a possessive tug in his chest stirred.

The boy took a deep breath, puffing out his chest as though preparing for something important.

"Pretty Koo," he began earnestly, his small voice cracking slightly with his words, "I think you're prettiest in the whole world. And... I want you to be my wife."

Jungkook blinked in surprise, her smile faltering for a moment as she processed the innocent proposal. The boy looked up at her with the sincerity only a child could have. His hands now rested on his hips, as if he had just accomplished something monumental.

"I... want to marry you when I grow up," he added proudly, his small chest puffed out even further as he waited for her reaction.

Jungkook couldn't help but laugh softly, her heart melting at the boy's sincerity. She leaned down, brushing his hair gently out of his eyes.

Before she could even reply, Taehyung, who had been observing from the side, couldn't help but interject with a mischievous smirk.

Clearing his throat, Taehyung stepped forward, hands casually tucked into his pockets, but his gaze held a playful glint. "I'm afraid that's not possible, little man."

The boy frowned, looking up at him with wide, determined eyes. "Why not?"

Taehyung crouched down to his level, resting an arm over his knee as he met the child's gaze. "Because," he drawled, throwing Jungkook a sideways glance, "she's already my wife."

The little boy's frown deepened as he looked between Jungkook and Taehyung. His tiny hands curled into fists as he stomped his foot. "But I love her!" he protested, his voice high with frustration.

Jungkook bit back a laugh, watching the exchange with amusement. She reached out, ruffling the boy's hair. "And I adore you baby," she assured him, "but this Mister here got to me first."

"Really?" the boy asked, looking between Taehyung and Jungkook. He puffed out his chest even further, clearly not backing down from the challenge.

"I'll grow up strong, and then... I'll marry her!" he declared, his small fists clenched at his sides.

Taehyung's expression turned more serious, though the sass in his voice remained.

"Well, I hate to break it to you, kid," he said, leaning in closer, his tone now full of playful warning. "But I've got a lifetime contract."

The little boy's eyes widened in confusion, but his determination didn't falter. "But... I'll be strong! I'll wait!" he insisted, standing even taller as he faced Taehyung.

Taehyung leaned down to the boy's level. His gaze was both playful and possessive. "Listen, kid," he said, his voice a little lower now, laced with authority.

"This job isn't just open to anyone. You've gotta be really special to get to marry her. And let me tell you, you're gonna have to work hard to even come close to what I've got with her."

Jungkook shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips as she watched her husband spar with the boy.

"Mr kim..." she said softly, amused but also touched by his protective nature.

The boy puffed out his chest one more time and looked up at Jungkook.

"I said I'll still wait!" he repeated, his small voice full of conviction.

The boy's small hands still firmly planted on his hips, puffing out his chest as though he were ready for battle.

Jungkook placed a gentle hand on Taehyung's arm and looked back at the boy with a sweet smile.

"You're a lovely boy," she said kindly, brushing a lock of his hair behind his ear. "But it looks like I'm already taken. You'll find someone just as special when you grow up, I'm sure of it."

The boy's face twisted in frustration. He huffed, crossing his little arms as his brows furrowed. "I will marry pretty Koo!" he yelled defiantly, stomping his foot on the ground as though to make his point clear.

Before anyone could react, the boy turned and stomped his little feet directly on Taehyung's shoe, making him yelp in surprise.

"Ow!" Taehyung winced. "That's it, kid! You're asking for it!"

Taehyung took a quick step forward, ready to chase the boy down and give him a playful piece of his mind.

But just as Taehyung began to take off after the boy, Jungkook reached out, her hand gripping his arm firmly, holding him back.

"Mr Kim, wait!" she said, though the laugh in her voice made it clear she was enjoying the scene more than she was letting on.

"I'm going to teach him a lesson!" Taehyung complained, "He can't just stomp on my foot and get away with it!"

But Jungkook shook her head, suppressing a grin. "You're the one who's jealous of a little boy? Seriously?"

"Yes!" Taehyung huffed, his arms flailing as he continued. "He wants my wife! Can you blame me? He was bold, he was confident, and he dared to think he could take you from me!" He pointed in the direction the boy had run off.

"And don't think I didn't notice that cheeky little smile he had when he said he'd marry you!"

Jungkook couldn't contain her laughter anymore. "You're unbelievable! He's just a kid!"

"I know, I know, but he's a threat!" Taehyung complained, looking down at her with a scowl. "I can't let this go. I'm your husband! Your one and only husband!"

"Mr. Kimmmmm," Jungkook said, holding back her laughter, "he's five years old. You're being dramatic."

"I'm not being dramatic!" Taehyung huffed, his arms crossed stubbornly. "You're mine, and I'm not sharing! What if he comes back with flowers and chocolate when he's grown up?"

Jungkook's smile softened as she cupped his face, her thumb brushing over his cheek. "You're so cute when you're jealous, but you don't have to worry. No one can take me from you, especially not some little boy."

Taehyung muttered under his breath, though the possessive glint in his eyes never quite disappeared. "I'm just making sure the competition knows I'm the only one who gets to marry you."

"So are you going to scare off every boy that comes near me?"

Taehyung's smirk widened as he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Without a second thought," he said, his tone low and affectionate. "I need to make sure they know who they're dealing with."

Jungkook's lips curved into a smile as she leaned into him.

"And one more thing, don't let random kids kiss you on the cheek, Mrs. Kim," he said, his voice laced with jealousy.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "What? It was just a kiss on the cheek. He's just a little boy. What's the big deal?"

Taehyung's gaze didn't soften. He took a step closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "The big deal is that you're my wife," he said in a low, almost possessive tone. "No one gets to kiss you except me."

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"You're cute when you're jealous," she teased, poking his chest playfully.

————

The day was filled with laughter and joy as Taehyung and Jungkook spent time with the children at the orphanage.

Jungkook found herself momentarily distracted from her conversation with the caretakers. Her eyes drifted toward a quiet corner of the courtyard, where Taehyung sat cross-legged on the floor, a tiny girl perched on his lap.

The little girl had her chubby arms stretched out, eagerly flipping through a stack of crayon drawings. Her tiny fingers struggled to separate the pages and each time she managed to turn one, she would look up at Taehyung with expectant eyes.

Jungkook's heart melted.

Taehyung was fully engrossed in her little art show, his expression soft with admiration. "Whoa," he gasped dramatically as the girl held up a new drawing. "You drew this?"

The child giggled, nodding rapidly. "Yesh!"

"This is amazing," Taehyung praised, pointing to the messy but colorful scribbles. "Is this... a rainbow?"

The little girl's lips formed a pout as she huffed. "Noooo, it's a cat!"

"A cat?" Taehyung blinked in exaggerated surprise. "Of course! How could I not see it? Look at those fierce whiskers!"

The girl beamed, clearly pleased with his response. She wriggled in excitement, holding up another drawing.

Jungkook watched in awe as Taehyung continued, giving each artwork his full attention, his deep voice full of genuine wonder. He nodded seriously as the little girl explained her "stories," pointing out what each color meant and which animal was "her friend."

Jungkook's fingers clutched the fabric of her cardigan around her waist. Something in her chest clenched—not in pain, but in something softer, something warm.

A quiet thought whispered in her mind.

He's going to be the best father someday.

The realization struck her all at once, leaving her breathless. Jungkook barely noticed the way her lips parted slightly, how her head tilted just the tiniest bit, drinking in the sight before her. Taehyung's deep blue shirt was slightly wrinkled now from sitting on the floor for so long, his hair a little disheveled from where the girl had tugged at it earlier.

But none of that mattered.

All Jungkook could see was the gentle warmth in his eyes as he listened to the little girl, him leaning in whenever she whispered something, as if she were telling him the most important secret in the world.

The little girl suddenly grew shy, hesitating before holding up her last drawing. It was messier than the others, mostly just scribbles of brown and pink, but she looked up at Taehyung with hopeful eyes.

Taehyung took the drawing carefully, studied it for a moment, and then smiled—the kind of smile that reached his eyes, soft and full of affection.

"Is this me?" he asked gently.

The girl nodded hesitantly. "It's you and... and pretty Koo," she whispered, glancing shyly toward Jungkook.

Jungkook's breath hitched.

Taehyung looked at the drawing again. He reached out, gently tapping the girl's nose. "This," he said, voice quieter now, "is my new favorite drawing."

The little girl giggled, clapping her hands. "Really?!"

"Really," Taehyung confirmed. "Can I keep it?"

The girl gasped, nodding eagerly. "Yesh!"

Jungkook had to look away, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her heart was no longer just swelling. It was aching—with love, with admiration, with the kind of affection so profound it made her feel lightheaded.

Before she could regain control of herself, Taehyung suddenly looked up—straight at her.

Their eyes met.

And for a moment, everything else faded. Taehyung's smile softened, his expression turning knowing, teasing, fond. He had caught her staring.

Jungkook quickly looked away, heat creeping up her neck. But before she could turn completely, she caught the way his lips curved—just slightly—as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Jungkook quickly turned her attention back to the caretakers but she wasn't really listening anymore. Her heart was still caught in that moment—Taehyung's soft smile, the warmth in his eyes, the way he held the little girl's drawing like it was the most precious thing in the world.

She clenched the fabric of her cardigan tighter, forcing herself to focus. But no matter how hard she tried, her eyes kept drifting back to him.

Taehyung was still sitting with the little girl, his fingers carefully folding the drawing as if it were made of glass. He slipped it into his pocket with a soft chuckle, before ruffling the girl's hair.

"You're an amazing artist, you know that?" he said, his voice low but full of admiration.

The girl grinned, showing off her tiny baby teeth. "You promise you'll keep it forever?"

Taehyung placed a hand over his heart. "Cross my heart," he swore, his eyes twinkling with sincerity.

The girl giggled, clearly pleased with his answer, before suddenly turning to Jungkook.

"Pretty Koo! Come here!"

Jungkook blinked, startled out of her thoughts. All the caretakers turned to look at her, their expressions amused. She hesitated for a moment before sighing, realizing there was no escape. She walked toward them but her heart was pounding a little too fast.

As soon as she reached them, the little girl reached out, grabbing Jungkook's hand with her tiny fingers and pulling her closer. "Look! I drew you too!"

Jungkook looked down, and sure enough, there was a crayon drawing of her right beside Taehyung's figure—her hair scribbled in soft brown, her dress in pink, and a little heart floating above both their heads.

Jungkook bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "This is adorable," she said, her voice softer than she intended.

The little girl beamed. "You like it?"

"I love it," Jungkook assured her, glancing at Taehyung.

He was already looking at her. His expression was unreadable now—half amused, half something else. Something deeper. Something that made her feel warm all over.

The little girl suddenly clapped her hands together excitedly. "Yo shold give her a kissy now, Mr. Kwim!"

Jungkook choked on air.

Taehyung, the absolute menace, didn't even flinch. He simply smirked. "Oh?" he mused, his voice full of mischief. "You think so?"

The girl nodded vigorously. "Yesh! Because in stories, when the prince and princess love each other, they always kiss!"

Jungkook wanted to disappear.

"Ah," Taehyung said, turning his full attention to Jungkook. His smirk deepened. "You heard her, Mrs. Kim. It's in the rules."

Jungkook shot him a glare. "Don't you dare—"

But it was too late. Before she could move away, Taehyung leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

The little girl squealed in delight, clapping excitedly.

Jungkook's entire face heated up. "Mr Kim," she hissed under her breath, but he just chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself.

"What?" he teased. "I'm just following the script."

Jungkook groaned, covering her face with her hands. The caretakers in the background giggled softly, clearly entertained by the entire exchange.

The girl grinned proudly before suddenly yawning, her tiny body swaying slightly. Taehyung immediately caught her before she could fall, effortlessly scooping her up into his arms.

"Looks like someone's sleepy," he murmured.

The little girl nuzzled into his chest, her small arms wrapping around his neck. "You smell nice, Mr. Kim," she mumbled sleepily.

Jungkook watched, her heart doing too many things at once. Taehyung holding a sleepy toddler against his chest, his voice soft, his hands gentle—it was too much. Too much.

Taehyung looked down at her and smirked. "What's that look for?"

Jungkook rolled her eyes. "Nothing."

He raised an eyebrow, shifting the child's weight in his arms. "You sure? Because you've been staring at me like you want to have my babies."

Jungkook choked, smacking his arm. "Shut up!"

He only laughed, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "What? Am I wrong?"

Jungkook turned away before he could see the truth written all over her face.

Because no, he wasn't wrong.

The little girl snuggled deeper into Taehyung's chest, Jungkook found herself watching him—really watching him. The way he held her so naturally, the way he swayed slightly as if to lull her into a deeper sleep, the way his big hands rested protectively against her tiny back.

It made something in her chest tighten.

Taehyung caught her staring and smirked. "You're looking at me like I just hung the stars for you."

Jungkook scoffed, crossing her arms. "Please, don't flatter yourself."

"Too late," he mused, adjusting his hold on the child. His voice softened. "You've been staring for a while, Mrs. Kim. If you've got something on your mind, spill."

Jungkook bit her lip, debating whether to say it or not. But looking at him, so soft with the little girl, so effortlessly good at this—she found herself whispering before she could stop herself.

"You'd make a great dad."

Taehyung froze for a fraction of a second. Then, something changed in his eyes—something warm, something deep.

A slow, breathtaking smile spread across his lips. "You think so?"

Jungkook nodded, suddenly feeling shy. "Yeah... I do."

For a moment, there was silence. Just the soft sound of the orphanage in the background, the gentle rise and fall of the child's breathing, the unspoken words lingering between them.

Then, Taehyung shifted closer, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. "What about you?"

Jungkook blinked. "What about me?"

His voice was gentle when he asked, "Do you think you'd be a good mother?"

Jungkook hesitated. It wasn't that she'd never thought about it before—she had. But it was a different thing entirely to say it out loud.

She swallowed. "I... don't know. I think I'd try my best."

Taehyung hummed thoughtfully. "I think you'd be amazing."

Jungkook's breath caught. "You do?"

He nodded, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. I've seen you with kids. You're patient, you listen, you care. You'd be the kind of mom kiss scraped knees and make every day feel like an adventure."

Jungkook's heart clenched. The way he said it—so sure, so certain—it made her wonder if he had imagined this before.

If he had imagined them like this before.

She swallowed hard. "And what kind of dad would you be?"

Taehyung grinned. "Oh, I'd be the coolest dad. Obviously."

He laughed, but then his voice dropped to something softer. Something more serious.

"I'd want to be the kind of dad who's always there," he admitted. "The kind who never misses a bedtime story or a school play. The kind who teaches them how to ride a bike but also how to stand up for themselves. Someone who makes them feel safe. Always."

Jungkook's throat tightened. She reached out before she could stop herself, her fingers grazing over the hand he had resting on the child's back.

"You will be," she whispered. "One day."

Taehyung's eyes locked onto hers. Then, he squeezed her hand lightly. "One day," he echoed.

And in that moment, Jungkook could see it so clearly—the future they had yet to build. The home filled with laughter, the tiny feet running through hallways, the sleepy cuddles on lazy Sunday mornings.

A family.

Their family.

Jungkook felt her cheeks heat up at Taehyung's words. Feeling overwhelmed, she let out a tiny huff and nuzzled into his chest, her movements were careful mindful of the baby between them.

Taehyung chuckled, his free hand coming up to stroke her hair gently. "Shy, are we?" he teased.

"Shut up," Jungkook muttered against his shirt, hiding her burning face.

Taehyung grinned but didn't push her further. Instead, he held her closer, his large palm running soothingly down her back. The moment was so peaceful—just the soft chirping of birds, the rustling of the trees, and the faint scent of spring blossoms in the air.

Just then, a gust of wind blew past them, shaking the old tree above and delicate pink and white petals began to drift down like tiny fragments of a dream.

Jungkook lifted her head slightly, watching in awe as the petals swayed in the air, some landing in Taehyung's hair, some sticking to the baby's chubby cheeks.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, mesmerized.

Taehyung hummed in agreement, tilting his head slightly toward her. "Yeah," he said, his gaze locked onto hers. "It really is."

Jungkook swallowed hard, realizing he wasn't looking at the petals at all—he was looking at her.

The petals continued to fall around them, the world moving gently in the background, but all she could focus on was him. And she rested her forehead against his shoulder, letting the warmth of his embrace seep into her.

__________

By the time the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, the children were tired but happy. They all gathered together for a quiet moment, their faces full of joy as they clung to their stuffed animals and snacks.

Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged a glance, their hearts full as they looked around at the smiling faces of the children they had spent the day with. It had been a simple, fun day, but it was one that neither of them would forget anytime soon.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim stood by the gate, ready to leave, though their hearts felt heavier than they expected.

Taehyung turned to face the children who had gathered around them. Their bright eyes sparkled with innocence, and their small hands waved eagerly, reluctant to let them go.

Jungkook crouched down to their level, her eyes soft with warmth as she reached out to ruffle the hair of a little girl who had attached herself to her side. "Take care, sweethearts," she said with a gentle smile. "Be good, alright?"

The little girl nodded, her big brown eyes wide with admiration. "We'll miss you," she said in a small voice, her hands clutching the hem of Jungkook's dress. "Promise you'll come back?"

Jungkook's heart tightened at the request, but she nodded. "I promise," she assured, her voice normal despite the lump in her throat. She placed a soft kiss on the child's forehead before standing up again.

Taehyung, too, bent down to say his farewells. He placed a hand on the shoulders of one of the older boys.

"Take care of each other," he said, his voice low but full of meaning. "We'll always be here if you need anything."

The boy nodded, his expression serious but there was gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Kim," he said. "You're a good man."

Jungkook smiled softly, and Taehyung glanced over at her, his eyes momentarily softening.

As they turned to leave, the caretaker approached them. She had been standing quietly by the side, watching as the couple interacted with the children.

"Thank you both," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "The kids had the time of their lives. They'll never forget today."

Jungkook nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "It was our pleasure," she said before she looked back at the children once more. "We'll make sure to come by again soon."

Taehyung reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. He handed it to the caretaker with a quiet smile.

"For the children," he said simply. "To keep things running smoothly."

The caretaker's eyes widened in surprise, and she bowed deeply. "You didn't have to, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Taehyung smiled, his voice warm but firm. "It's nothing. Just a small token of love for the future."

The caretaker nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't thank you enough. Your kindness will never be forgotten."

With that, Mr. and Mrs. Kim made their way to the gate, the children waving after them until they were just dots in the distance. The sounds of the orphanage—laughter, chatter, and the soft rustle of trees—remained behind them, a reminder of a day well spent.

Jungkook glanced up at Taehyung, her heart full as she took in his relaxed expression. "Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice just loud enough for him to hear.

He looked down at her, his gaze warm and steady. "For what?"

"For bringing me back here," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "For giving me this."

Taehyung leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Anything for you, Mrs. Kim."

It was a small moment, a single day in their lives, but it had touched them both deeply. They had given what they could, and in return, they had received something even more precious: the warmth of those who needed them most.

"There's one more place we need to visit."

Jungkook turned her head into his direction and studied his expression—calm, yet carrying an intensity that sent her heart into a nervous flutter.

"Where?"

Taehyung didn't answer immediately. He simply looked at her for a second, something deep and unspoken swirling in his gaze. Then, turning back to the road, he shifted gears.

"The foundation of our life."

————-