Jungkook's POV
The next few weeks were a delicate dance between private bliss and public turmoil. Taehyung's confession to his parents had gone... better than expected. They were confused, and a little shocked, but their love for him was unwavering. They asked to meet Jungkook, a sign of cautious acceptance that felt like a monumental victory.
But the world outside their bubble was less understanding. The gossip at work was a low, persistent hum. The news of Taehyung's abrupt breakup with Jennie had spread like wildfire, and the whispered suspicions about his new "friend" had followed. Taehyung handled it with quiet dignity, refusing to engage in gossip, but Jungkook could see the exhaustion in his eyes.
He wanted to protect Taehyung, to shield him from the judgment. But he knew this was a battle they had to fight together. He reminded him of their honest conversation, of their promise to not hide, not anymore.
One evening, at a large corporate event where both of their agencies were present, Jungkook watched Taehyung from across the room. He was a vision in a sleek, dark suit, navigating the crowds with a professional charm that was both alluring and a little heartbreaking. The familiar tug of desire hit him, but it was laced with a protective urgency. He saw a few of Taehyung's colleagues glance at him, then at Jungkook, whispering. The scrutiny was palpable.
Just then, he saw Jennie walk in. She looked stunning in a deep emerald dress, her expression cool and composed. For a split second, their eyes met across the room, and Jungkook felt a fresh wave of guilt. He had to give her space, to respect her feelings, and he knew he owed her that much. But he also knew, with a fierce possessiveness, that Taehyung was his now, and he wasn't going to let him go.
He saw Taehyung freeze, his polite smile faltering as he saw Jennie. He watched as his hands clenched into fists at his side, the familiar anxiety from their early days of reconnecting returning. Jungkook didn't hesitate. He started walking towards Taehyung, a silent mission in his heart.
He reached Taehyung just as Jennie's gaze landed on them. He didn't say anything. He simply reached for Taehyung's hand, their fingers lacing together. It was a small gesture, but in the crowded, gossipy room, it was a thunderous declaration.
Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise, then a wave of profound relief washing over his face. He squeezed Jungkook's hand back, a silent thank you.
From across the room, Jennie saw the gesture. Her perfectly composed expression faltered for a moment, her eyes widening, a mix of hurt and... something else. Acceptance? The unspoken communication was clear. This wasn't just a secret fling. This was real.
A colleague approached Taehyung, a smug look on his face. "Well, well, Taehyung. Looks like you've found a new... business partner." The double entendre was sharp and cruel.
Taehyung's jaw tightened, but before he could reply, Jungkook squeezed his hand, a silent signal of reassurance. He stepped forward, his voice calm and steady, his gaze unwavering as he met the colleague's eyes. "We're more than business partners. We're in a relationship."
The man's smile dropped, replaced by a look of stunned shock. The silence in their small group was deafening. Jungkook saw Taehyung's eyes, wide with a mixture of fear and profound gratitude. He had just made their relationship public, unapologetically. He had just declared their truth for the world to hear.
And in that moment, for the first time, the "forbidden" no longer felt like a prison, but a hard-won freedom they would fight for, together.