Jungkook didn't sleep that night.

He stayed in the outhouse, staring at his phone, waiting.

For another call. For a sign that the past wasn't just knocking—it was breaking down the door.

But the phone stayed silent.

And somehow, that made it worse.

—

Morning Tension

By the time the sun rose, Jungkook had convinced himself that he was overreacting.

That maybe the call was just a warning, nothing more.

But his instincts wouldn't let him relax.

So he did what he always did—he stayed close.

He positioned himself near Taehyung's side the entire morning, watching, listening, making sure nothing felt off.

Taehyung noticed.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked, tilting his head as he adjusted Jiho in his arms.

Jungkook forced a small nod.

"I'm fine."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes.

He didn't believe him.

But before he could push, the housekeeper walked in with Taehyung's mail.

And that's when Jungkook saw it.

A small black envelope.

Among the regular bills and letters.

His stomach dropped.

"Taehyung—"

But Taehyung had already grabbed it.

He flipped it open—and froze.

His face paled.

Jungkook immediately stepped forward, snatching the letter from his hands before he could say anything.

And when he read the words—

His blood ran cold.

You're being watched.

—

The Aftermath

Jungkook was angry.

No—furious.

Not at Taehyung.

At himself.

For not stopping this before it even started.

For letting someone get too close.

Taehyung's hands were shaking.

"Jungkook," he breathed, voice barely above a whisper. "What is this?"

Jungkook clenched his jaw, fingers crushing the paper as he turned away.

"...I don't know."

Lying.

He knew exactly what this was.

And it wasn't about Taehyung.

It was about him.

Someone was using Taehyung to get to him.

And Jungkook had sworn—he would never let his past touch the people he cared about.

But it was too late.

It was already happening.

—

A Confession at Sunset

Taehyung found him later that evening, standing by the large window, hands gripping the railing so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

"...You're not telling me something," Taehyung said quietly.

Jungkook didn't turn.

Silence stretched between them.

Then—Taehyung stepped closer.

"Jungkook."

Jungkook exhaled sharply.

"I can handle this," he muttered.

Taehyung frowned. "You shouldn't have to."

Jungkook's breath hitched.

That was the problem.

He should.

Because this was his mess.

His past.

His mistakes.

"...Just trust me," Jungkook finally said, voice low.

Taehyung studied him.

Then—he sighed.

"I do."

Jungkook's heart stopped.

He turned fully at that, eyes locking onto Taehyung's.

And Taehyung?

He wasn't smiling.

He was serious.

Raw.

Unshaken.

"I trust you," Taehyung repeated softly.

And Jungkook wished he didn't.

Because if Taehyung ever found out the truth—

He wouldn't be looking at him like this.

Like Jungkook was someone worthy of it.