Ep:5

...UNDERNEATH IT ALL...

The days following Jungkook’s unexpected visit felt like they were dragging on forever. Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that something in his life had shifted, that the fragile balance he had so carefully constructed was beginning to crumble. Every moment spent alone in his studio felt like he was on the edge of a precipice, looking down into a dark abyss he couldn’t afford to fall into.

Taehyung wasn’t sure what scared him more: the fact that Jungkook was relentlessly persistent or the undeniable pull that seemed to draw him closer with every encounter. The words Jungkook had whispered in his ear during their last meeting—"I want you. I’ve always wanted you."—replayed in his mind over and over again, gnawing at his resolve like a slow poison.

But he couldn’t afford to give in. Not again. Not after everything that had happened with Jihoon.

No one will break me like that again.

Despite this, Taehyung found himself unable to completely block out the thoughts of Jungkook. He couldn’t ignore the effect Jungkook had on him—the way he made him feel both alive and terrified at the same time. Jungkook’s eyes, his confidence, the way his words seemed to pierce straight through the walls Taehyung had spent years building... it all made Taehyung’s chest tighten, a raw, painful sensation he couldn’t explain.

He was supposed to be a survivor, wasn’t he? A man who had fought through the wreckage of his past, who’d rebuilt his life piece by piece. And yet, here he was—shaken by a single encounter with a man who didn’t even have to try to undo everything Taehyung had worked so hard for.

It was late when the knock came at the door.

Taehyung wasn’t surprised, though his pulse quickened at the sound. It was a familiar knock—one that he had been expecting, even if he didn’t want to admit it. He had known Jungkook wouldn’t let him be.

With a deep breath, Taehyung rose from his seat at the easel, wiped his hands on his paint-stained jeans, and made his way toward the door. His mind was a blur of conflicting thoughts, his heart pounding as he gripped the doorknob and swung it open.

And there he was—Jeon Jungkook, standing in the doorway as if he owned the world.

“Let me in,” Jungkook said, his voice low, commanding. It was a statement, not a question.

For a moment, Taehyung hesitated. He wanted to close the door, to tell him to leave, but he knew it wouldn’t matter. Jungkook wasn’t the kind of man who took no for an answer.

Reluctantly, Taehyung stepped aside, allowing Jungkook to enter. The space between them felt thick with unspoken words.

Jungkook didn’t waste any time, walking straight into the middle of the studio and surveying the paintings on the walls, his sharp eyes lingering on each one. There was a sense of ownership in the way he moved, like he was taking in every detail of Taehyung, not just his art but him.

“What’s the deal with you, Taehyung?” Jungkook’s voice broke the silence, sharp and cutting. “You act like you don’t want anything to do with me, but you can’t stay away. Every time I turn around, there you are, standing right in front of me, letting me look at you.”

Taehyung’s heart rate spiked. He clenched his fists, angry at himself for the way Jungkook made him feel. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not interested.”

Jungkook smirked, the look in his eyes dark and calculating. “I don’t think you’re in a position to say that. You’re scared of me. That’s the truth, isn’t it?”

“Don’t pretend like you know anything about me,” Taehyung shot back, his voice cold.

“Oh, I know enough,” Jungkook said, turning slowly to face him, his gaze unwavering. “You’re running from something. You think if you keep pushing people away, you won’t get hurt again. But I can see right through that act. I see the fear. The brokenness.”

Taehyung felt his chest tighten, his breath hitching. Jungkook’s words hit too close to home. He had been broken. His past had left scars on him that would never fade. And Jungkook—damn it—he could see all of it, as though Taehyung were naked before him.

“You don’t know what I’ve been through,” Taehyung said, his voice strained. “You don’t know the things I’ve seen. I don’t want to get hurt again. I’m not stupid enough to—”

“You’re already hurting,” Jungkook interrupted, his voice steady but firm. “And I’m not here to add to that. I’m here to fix you.”

Taehyung froze, staring at him in disbelief. “Fix me?” He repeated the words as if they were foreign, like they didn’t belong to him.

Jungkook stepped closer, closing the distance between them until there was no space left. The air between them crackled with tension, a feeling so thick Taehyung could almost taste it.

“I can see everything inside you, Taehyung,” Jungkook murmured, his voice low and possessive. “The parts you hide. The parts you’re terrified to face. And you know what? I don’t care. I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to take what’s mine.”

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist with a strength that left no room for resistance.

Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat, a flicker of panic rising in his chest. “What the hell are you—”

“I told you I wanted you,” Jungkook growled, pulling Taehyung closer until their bodies were almost flush together. “And I’m not leaving without you.”

Taehyung’s heart pounded in his ears, his pulse racing. He could feel the heat of Jungkook’s body against his own, the unrelenting pressure of the man’s grip on his wrist.

“You can’t do this,” Taehyung whispered, his voice trembling, though he fought to keep his composure. “You can’t just force me into this.”

“I’m not forcing anything,” Jungkook responded, his breath warm against Taehyung’s skin. “I’m giving you what you’ve always wanted, even if you don’t realize it yet.”

Taehyung felt his resolve crack. No, I can’t let him in. Not again. Not like this.

But Jungkook wasn’t done. With a swift motion, he pulled Taehyung into him, crushing their lips together in a kiss that was nothing short of savage. Taehyung froze, his mind going blank for a fraction of a second, overwhelmed by the force of it, by the intensity of the man pressing against him.

And just as quickly, Taehyung pulled back, his hands pushing against Jungkook’s chest, his breath ragged and uneven.

“Don’t ever do that again,” Taehyung said, his voice hoarse, a mix of fury and desire swirling in his chest.

Jungkook didn’t look sorry. If anything, his smirk deepened. “You’ll get used to it.”

Taehyung shook his head, the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “I’m not like you. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone.”

“Lie to yourself all you want,” Jungkook replied, his gaze never leaving Taehyung’s face. “But I’m not going anywhere, Taehyung. I’ll wait until you realize you need me just as much as I need you.”

...To be continued...💜...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***