The pain in Taehyung’s wrist lingered the next morning, but his heart ached far more.

After Jungkook carried him to his chamber yesterday and tended to his injury, he had grown noticeably distant. The Duke refused to meet his gaze or even stay near him for long. When Taehyung tried to thank him, Jungkook had only grumbled an excuse and left the room hurriedly — as if afraid of what he might do if he stayed any longer.

And now, Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder.

Why does he keep pushing me away… even after I told him I wasn’t afraid of him?

With his injured wrist delicately wrapped, Taehyung stepped into the kitchen. The cook immediately gasped.

“Master Taehyung! You shouldn’t be working with that wrist—”

“I’m fine,” Taehyung smiled gently. “I can still use my other hand.”

“But the Duke specifically ordered us to make sure you rest—”

Taehyung blinked. “He… did?”

The maid nodded. “Yes. He was very firm about it.”

Something warm bloomed in Taehyung’s chest. So he does care…

⸻

By afternoon, Taehyung found himself wandering toward the Duke’s study again. His heart longed to see Jungkook — to speak to him, even if briefly. Maybe… just maybe, he could make the Duke smile, if only for a moment.

He approached the door and knocked gently. “Your Grace?”

Silence.

Taehyung hesitated, then slowly opened the door. Inside, Jungkook sat slumped in his chair, his large figure hunched, his hands gripping his temples as though he were in agony. His massive round belly rested heavily against his thighs, and his scarred face looked more exhausted than ever.

“Your Grace…”

Jungkook startled, his head snapping up. His bloodshot eyes widened. “T-Taehyung?”

Taehyung smiled softly. “I brought you tea.”

Jungkook immediately shot up from his seat. “No—! You shouldn’t be working with your wrist like that!” He hurried toward him, his large, heavy body moving faster than expected. “Didn’t I tell the maids—”

“I wanted to,” Taehyung cut him off gently.

Jungkook froze.

Taehyung smiled, setting the tray down. “You’ve been working all day, haven’t you? I thought a cup of warm tea might help.”

Jungkook’s throat worked painfully. “You didn’t have to… I don’t deserve—”

“Stop saying that,” Taehyung whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Why do you keep thinking you’re unworthy of kindness?”

Jungkook flinched, his entire body tensing. His massive form seemed to shrink under Taehyung’s gaze. “Because it’s true.”

“It’s not.”

“Yes, it is!” Jungkook’s voice cracked, his face twisting with raw agony. “Look at me, Taehyung. I am nothing but a hideous, monstrous man. I am scarred, fat, and revolting to the eyes. No one could ever look at me and—”

“I do,” Taehyung whispered.

Jungkook froze.

Taehyung’s voice trembled as he stepped forward. “I look at you. Every day. And I don’t see a monster.”

“Don’t—” Jungkook choked.

“I see a man who has suffered alone for far too long,” Taehyung continued. His hand, despite the injured wrist, reached out and gently touched Jungkook’s large, rough hand. “A man who deserves kindness. Affection. Love.”

“Stop—” Jungkook’s voice cracked painfully.

“Why are you so afraid of me being close to you?” Taehyung whispered. “Why do you keep pushing me away?”

Jungkook’s entire body trembled. His large belly rose and fell with uneven breaths. “Because I’m afraid.”

Taehyung’s heart cracked. “Afraid of what?”

“Afraid that if you get too close,” Jungkook’s voice rasped, “you’ll realize how monstrous I am. And you’ll leave.” His voice broke. “Like everyone else.”

Tears pricked Taehyung’s eyes.

“You think I’d leave?” Taehyung whispered painfully.

Jungkook let out a bitter, heartbroken laugh. “Why wouldn’t you? I’m ugly. Fat. Scarred. What man in his right mind would stay?”

Taehyung’s heart twisted painfully. Without thinking, he cupped Jungkook’s scarred face — soft and firm — forcing him to look him in the eye.

“Then you don’t know me at all,” Taehyung choked. “Because I am not leaving you.”

Jungkook froze, his wide eyes searching Taehyung’s face.

“Why…?” the Duke whispered brokenly. “Why would you choose to stay… with someone like me?”

Tears slipped down Taehyung’s cheeks. His voice trembled, but his heart spoke the truth.

“Because I think you’re beautiful, Your Grace.”

A painful silence filled the room.

Jungkook’s massive body trembled — as though Taehyung’s words physically hurt him. His throat worked, his eyes glazed over, and his large hands balled into fists to keep from breaking down.

“Don’t lie to me,” he choked.

“I’m not,” Taehyung sobbed.

Jungkook shook his head violently. “Stop… stop saying that—”

“Why can’t you believe that someone can love you?” Taehyung cried. “Why do you think you’re so undeserving of love?”

Jungkook staggered back, his large frame heaving with suppressed sobs. “Because no one ever has…”

Taehyung broke. Without thinking, he surged forward — wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s large, round belly and burying his face in his chest.

Jungkook froze, his entire body rigid.

“Then let me,” Taehyung whispered against his chest. “Let me love you, Your Grace.”

Jungkook gasped — a raw, broken sound — and his entire body crumbled. Without thinking, his large, trembling arms wrapped around Taehyung’s delicate figure, clutching him like a lifeline.

“Taehyung…” he choked, his voice breaking.

Taehyung held him tighter, his small body pressed against Jungkook’s large, round one. “I’m not leaving you. Not now. Not ever.”

And for the first time in his life — the Duke allowed himself to sob in someone’s arms.