Jungkook was beginning to settle into his new role.

It had been a little over a week since he had moved into the outhouse, and things were starting to fall into a rhythm.

He woke up early, did his morning workout, and then checked the security system. He made his rounds, ensuring that the estate was safe. He ate breakfast when Taehyung offered—though at first, he had refused.

(But Taehyung had simply tilted his head, giving Jungkook one of those innocently stubborn looks, and Jungkook had lost. Now, he sat at the breakfast table every morning like it was normal.)

And, at some point in the day—he held Jiho.

It had started unintentionally.

Taehyung would hand him over for a moment, just to grab something. Then it became longer stretches—when Taehyung wanted to take a shower, or eat, or just breathe.

And Jungkook... never refused.

Jiho was so tiny. So helpless, so trusting.

Jungkook didn't know why, but the baby's warmth against his chest felt like something he didn't want to lose.

And so, when Taehyung walked into the living room that afternoon, only to find Jungkook holding Jiho like it was the most natural thing in the world, he merely smiled.

"You're getting good at that," Taehyung mused, sitting beside them.

Jungkook grunted. "It's not hard."

Taehyung raised a brow. "You panicked the first time I left you alone with him."

Jungkook scowled. "I didn't panic."

Taehyung grinned. "Mmhmm."

Jungkook ignored him.

Jiho was sleeping soundly against his chest, tiny fingers curled into his shirt.

Something about that made Jungkook's chest feel... full.

He didn't understand it.

Taehyung watched him for a moment before tilting his head.

"You're different from what I expected."

Jungkook frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Taehyung smiled. "I thought you'd be cold."

Jungkook stiffened.

"But..." Taehyung continued, "you're just quiet. And soft."

Jungkook glared. "I'm not soft."

Taehyung giggled. "You're holding my baby like he's the most precious thing in the world, Jungkook."

Jungkook had no response to that.

Because... Taehyung was right.

Jiho was precious.

And Jungkook had no idea why he cared so much.

He looked away, ears burning. "You talk too much."

Taehyung just laughed.

And Jungkook felt something in his chest stir.

—

Later That Night

Jungkook was in the outhouse, cleaning one of his knives when his phone vibrated.

He frowned. No one called him.

But when he checked, he saw a message from an unknown number.

UNKNOWN: You're the new bodyguard?

Jungkook's brows furrowed. Who the hell—

Another message popped up.

UNKNOWN: Stay out of things that aren't your business.

Jungkook's grip tightened.

Then—one final message.

A photo.

Taehyung.

Walking down the street.

Jiho in his arms.

Jungkook's blood ran cold.

Someone was watching them.

His jaw clenched, a deep rage bubbling in his chest.

Whoever they were—they had just made a mistake.

Jungkook was not someone to threaten.

And no one—**no one—**was going to touch Taehyung or Jiho.

Not on his watch.