lingering doubts
Taehyung stared into nothingness. He felt suffocated in his own skin.
Kim Taehyung
'Have I wronged him? Is he really that naive?'
Kim Taehyung
'it's not an act he put on? Or Is it?'
He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. The strands clung to his fingers, damp with unease.
Kim Taehyung
"But gguk won't lie to me. I know gguk since childhood and Jungkook..he-"
Taehyung sighed in frustration finding himself unable to complete the sentence. He lacked words to name what he felt at the moment.
The words died on his tongue, unfinished and bitter. Frustration flared hot in his chest, and he shoved himself to his feet, pacing restlessly.
Kim Taehyung
“Damn it” he hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose. The guilt gnawed at him, relentless and nauseating.
He needed a distraction. A reason to believe this was all a trick—some elaborate scheme for sympathy, for money, for something. Anything to justify the coldness tightening around his heart.
Kim Taehyung
His eyes flickered to the intercom, resolve hardening. He pressed the button, voice curt.
Kim Taehyung
“Call Butler Choi to my office,” he ordered, tone brooking no argument. Getting started with his work afterwards.
Butler Choi
“You called for me, sir?” Butler Choi’s voice was even, hands clasped neatly in front of him.
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung didn’t bother with pleasantries. He turned, gaze cold and sharp.
“I want the security cameras replaced,” he commanded. “Clearer picture quality—add audio too.”
Butler Choi
The butler’s eyes flickered, surprise momentarily breaking through his stoic mask.
“Audio, sir?” he repeated cautiously.
Kim Taehyung
“You heard me.” Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. “And keep an eye on Jungkook. Report anything suspicious directly to me.”
Butler Choi
Butler Choi hesitated, lips pressing thin. “Understood, sir.”
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Taehyung alone in the suffocating silence. He sank back into his chair, exhaling shakily, fingers trembling faintly around his phone.
the guilt still twisted, raw and unrelenting. With a frustrated sigh, he tapped open his chat with Jeongguk, thumbs flying over the keyboard.
{ now will be the chat between taehyung and gguk }
Kim Taehyung
Hey, Gguk. I saw something weird on the security footage…
Kim Taehyung
I don't know. Maybe I'm just overthinking, but Jungkook—he looked… I mean, he was eating leftovers off the floor, like he was scared someone might see him.
He hesitated, biting the inside of his cheek. It felt absurd to even type out, but the image gnawed at him, refusing to be buried.
A reply came almost instantly.
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
Hah? Seriously?
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
Come on, hyung you're too soft. That's obviously an act. That little beggar must've figured out you were watching.
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
He's just trying to look pitiful so you'll fall for it. He’s probably laughing behind your back right now.
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed at the screen, lips pressing into a thin line.
Kim Taehyung
You think so?
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
I know so. You can’t seriously be doubting me, right? I’ve known you since we were kids, hyung. I wouldn’t lie to you.
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
He's taking advantage of your kindness. Don’t fall for it.
Taehyung's fingers tightened around his phone, frustration simmering beneath the surface. His eyes flickered back to the dark screen of his laptop—the paused footage still glaring back at him.
Kim Taehyung
He forced a scoff, as if that would drown out the bitter taste rising in his throat.
Kim Taehyung
"Right. Of course." His voice was rough, defensive. "I’m not falling for anything."
Kim Taehyung
But something in his chest twisted uncomfortably. He forced it down, clinging to Jeongguk’s words with a desperation that bordered on frantic.
Kim Taehyung
'You’ve known Gguk since forever' he whispered harshly. 'He wouldn’t lie to you.'
His fingers moved almost instinctively, opening another chat.
Kim Taehyung
You're probably right. I was just being stupid.
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
Exactly. Don't waste your time thinking about it, hyung. Just keep an eye on him. You'll see soon enough.
Jeon Jeongguk/Blessed twin
Trust me. 😉
The reply came with a winking emoji, but the reassurance was hollow—sharp edges hidden beneath sweet words.
Taehyung scoffed, tossing his phone onto the desk with more force than necessary.
Kim Taehyung
“Damn it,” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. “This is ridiculous.”
But the guilt dulled beneath Jeongguk’s certainty, smothered by the weight of trust built over years. Taehyung leaned back, exhaling shakily. He just needed proof. A reason to erase the doubt curling uncomfortably in his gut.
Taehyung let out a quiet sigh as he stepped into the mansion, the evening air still clinging to his suit. The lights in the hallway were dim, casting long shadows along the walls. He paused briefly, eyes sweeping over the empty corridor, but there was no sign of Jungkook.
He loosened his tie with a sigh, heading straight to the bedroom to change. The silence was comforting, and he took his time freshening up before making his way downstairs. As he approached the dining hall, the faint murmur of voices grew louder—his family’s voices.
Kim Hayun/Mrs. Kim
"Honestly" his mother’s voice carried, disdain dripping from every word, "why do we even keep that boy here? He’s a disgrace to the Jeons. That cursed child should've been left where he belonged."
Kim Jimin/Taehyung's younger brother
"Can’t even look us in the eyes properly" scoffed. "It's pathetic, really. He just stares at his feet like a kicked dog."
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent, sliding into his seat at the long dining table. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the room—ones he knew Jungkook had likely spent hours cooking.
Kim Seokjin/Namjoon's spouse
"Ah, speak of the devil," a mocking voice sneered as Jungkook entered the dining room quietly, head bowed and hands clasped nervously.
Jungkook's steps faltered slightly at the words, but he quickly moved to the side, standing silently by the wall, eyes fixed on the floor. Taehyung caught the way his fingers trembled slightly, twisting the hem of his sleeves.
Kim Takyun/Mr. Kim
"Shouldn't he be grateful we even let him stay here?" said while swirling wine in his glass. "A cursed lad like him would’ve been thrown out by any other family. It’s out of pity alone that we let him breathe under this roof."
They all made many such comments. But Jungkook?
Jungkook didn't even mind. He was too used to this. He was content. He never seeked luxuries, Didn't expect to be treated like a queen. He wasn't getting beaten and that was enough.
He was happy with the fact that he has someone now. He has taehyung. He just needed taehyung.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
'He looks tired'
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
'so handsome'
Just then taehyung and Jungkook made eye contact. Though it was for a brief second.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
Jungkook froze on the spot, felt his cheeks heating up. Feeling overwhelmed he bit the inside of his cheek until it stung.
While Taehyung was lost in thoughts himself.
Kim Taehyung
'I don't know who he's to me exactly but I.. Can't get myself to hate him..I just can't'
Taehyung remained silent, eyes fixed on his plate. He wasn’t blind—he noticed the way Jungkook’s eyes flickered to him now and then, seeking something, anything. But he kept his gaze cold and indifferent. He’d already decided not to get involved. Not when Jeongguk’s words still echoed in his mind—
"He’s just pretending, Tae. Trying to make you pity him so he can take advantage."
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
Dinner was tense and suffocating, the insults never ceasing. Jungkook simply stood by the wall, enduring each one silently. He didn’t flinch, didn’t argue—only his fingers tightened imperceptibly around the fabric of his sleeves. He was so happy to be able to steal glances at tae even from afar his heart felt warm.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
'For him..I can endure anything. he's the ray of light I have awaited for so long.'
When the meal was finally over, Jungkook moved quickly to clear the plates, carrying them back to the kitchen. His hands were quick but careful, movements practiced and quiet. Once everything was spotless, he hesitated, glancing around the empty kitchen. His stomach growled softly, a painful reminder that he hadn’t eaten.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
eyes brightened at the sight of leftover rice and stew, the faint steam curling from half-empty bowls.
With a quick glance to ensure no one was watching, Jungkook darted forward, gathering the scraps with careful hands. He sank to the floor beside the kitchen counter, knees pulled up, and shoveled the lukewarm rice into his mouth with a breathless, relieved smile. The warmth spread slowly, filling the hollow ache in his belly with something comforting, something real.
He wasn’t being yelled at. He wasn’t being slapped away from the table, wasn’t being glared at for reaching out. His hands trembled slightly around the bowl, eyes misting with something bitter and aching.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
"Thank you for the food," he softly whispered to none.
Savoring every bite as if it were a feast. To him, it was.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
'everything is worth it if it means I can stay by taehyung's side a little longer.'
After finishing, he quickly washed the plates and headed upstairs, hesitating briefly before pushing open the bedroom door. The sight inside made him pause—Taehyung was seated on the bed, a file in hand, brows furrowed with concentration. But what caught Jungkook's eye was the way Taehyung’s fingers pressed to his temple, massaging slowly, eyes squeezed shut for a moment.
Without thinking, Jungkook turned back, nearly tripping over his own feet in his hurry. The kitchen was dark and cold, but he moved quickly, hands working on autopilot as he brewed a cup of herbal tea—one he used to make for his mother and father to ease headaches and stress. He added a touch of honey, hoping it was to Taehyung’s taste, and hurried back upstairs, the cup warm between his palms.
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung looked up, startled, as the door creaked open. His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of Jungkook hesitating by the door, cup in hand.
Kim Taehyung
'what are you upto now Jungkook.'
Kim Taehyung
"What…?" Taehyung started, but the words died on his tongue as Jungkook approached cautiously, eyes wide and earnest.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
"Um, I made this for you," Jungkook said softly, head lowering avoiding eye contact. "I-It helps with stress… if you—if you want."
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung stared at him for a moment, eyes flickering between Jungkook’s anxious expression and the cup being offered. For a heartbeat, he said nothing—just watched the way Jungkook’s fingers trembled faintly, the way his teeth worried at his bottom lip.
Kim Taehyung
With a sigh, Taehyung took the cup, if only to stop the fidgeting. The warmth seeped into his hands, the aroma light and soothing. He took a reluctant sip, blinking slightly at the taste. It was… unexpectedly good. The tension in his shoulders eased a fraction.
Kim Taehyung
"Thank you," he muttered, the words stiff and awkward. "It's… not bad."
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
Jungkook’s eyes widened, lips parting in a soft, breathless smile. The pure, unfiltered delight in his gaze was almost blinding—
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung had to look away, clearing his throat.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
"Ah, I-I’m glad!" Jungkook’s voice was soft but brimming with relief. "I-I just thought… you seemed tired, and—"
Kim Taehyung
"It's fine," Taehyung cut him off, the gruffness returning. He hesitated, fingers tightening around the cup before he forced the words out, stiff and unnatural. "And… sorry. For… this morning."
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
Jungkook blinked, eyes round and startled. For a moment, he could only stare, mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Then, as if realizing he’d been staring too long, he ducked his head quickly, hands twisting nervously.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
"N-No, it’s okay!" Jungkook blurted out, voice shaky but sincere. "Really, I-I didn’t mind! I’m just… I’m happy you’re not mad anymore…"
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung grunted noncommittally, taking another sip of tea to hide the unease coiling in his gut. It was too much. The wide eyes, the hopeful stare—like some stray expecting to be kicked but grateful for a pat instead. It made something uncomfortable stir in him.
Kim Taehyung
'he's too naive.'
Kim Taehyung
"You… should sleep," Taehyung muttered, turning away. "It's late."
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
"Okay" Jungkook whispered, voice soft. "Good night, Taehyung-ssi."
Jungkook hesitated briefly before moving away and making his way to the sofa.
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung exhaled slowly, eyes falling to the half-empty cup in his hands. The guilt was still there, clawing and raw, but he forced it down.
Jeongguk’s words echoed again, chilling and certain.
"He’s just pretending, Tae."
Kim Taehyung
And so, Taehyung chose to believe it.
Jungkook settled cautiously on the sofa across the room, fingers curling into the fabric as if to anchor himself. The soft rustle of Taehyung flipping through papers was the only sound, but the silence felt warm instead of suffocating. Jungkook’s eyes drifted to Taehyung, a timid smile ghosting his lips. He pulled the thin blanket tighter, heart fluttering with a strange, tender ache. Being allowed to stay—being near Taehyung without harsh words or cold glares—felt like a luxury. His eyelids grew heavy, but he fought sleep, too afraid to let go of this fleeting warmth.
Taehyung's small gesture had yet again sent ripples through little bunny's heart.
Noticing taehyung putting files aside and slipping into the sheets with a soft sigh. Jungkook too followed and slept in delight.
Jeon Jungkook/Cursed twin
'I hope I don't mess up.'
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