Jungkook stayed close.

Closer than ever.

He moved through the house like a shadow—always near, always watching. He checked every door, every window, every corner. He barely left Taehyung's side, not even when the man gave him confused glances or tried to gently protest.

"Jungkook, you don't have to follow me to the kitchen," Taehyung murmured one afternoon, looking over his shoulder as he cradled Jiho. "I'm just warming his milk."

Jungkook didn't move from his spot by the doorway.

His gaze flickered toward the windows, scanning the backyard. "I'm just making sure."

Taehyung sighed, shifting Jiho in his arms. "Did something else happen?"

Jungkook hesitated.

No. Nothing had happened.

But that was the problem.

Jisoo was gone, but Jungkook knew better than to think that was the end of it. His old boss was watching now. Waiting.

And Jungkook couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming.

Taehyung's voice was softer this time. "Jungkook."

Jungkook met his gaze.

Taehyung looked at him—really looked at him. His brows furrowed slightly, as if he was trying to read what Jungkook wasn't saying.

Then, slowly, Taehyung stepped closer.

Jungkook froze.

Taehyung tilted his head, voice careful. "Are you okay?"

Jungkook's chest tightened.

He hadn't been okay for a long time.

But Taehyung was looking at him like he cared. Like the answer mattered.

Jungkook forced himself to nod. "Yeah."

Taehyung didn't look convinced.

But he didn't push.

Instead, he smiled—small, warm, like he was offering a little bit of peace.

And for the first time in days, Jungkook let himself breathe.

—

Later That Night

Taehyung was exhausted.

Jiho had been fussy all evening, crying more than usual, refusing to settle no matter how many times Taehyung rocked him or whispered soft lullabies.

Now, finally, Jiho had drifted off, nestled against Taehyung's chest.

Taehyung sighed, shifting slightly on the couch. His loose robe slipped lower over his shoulder, but he was too tired to adjust it.

He barely noticed when Jungkook entered the room.

Jungkook, however, noticed everything.

The soft rise and fall of Taehyung's chest. The way his eyelashes fluttered as he blinked sleepily. The smooth skin of his shoulder, half-exposed beneath the dim light.

Jungkook swallowed.

His jaw clenched as he forced his gaze away.

"Everything okay?" he asked, voice rougher than usual.

Taehyung hummed tiredly. "He just fell asleep."

Jungkook nodded, stepping closer. "You should get some rest too."

Taehyung exhaled a small laugh. "I wish."

Jungkook hesitated.

Then, before he could stop himself, he muttered, "I can hold him for a while."

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly.

Jungkook shifted uncomfortably. "If you need to sleep."

For a moment, Taehyung just stared at him.

Then, slowly, something soft bloomed in his expression.

"You'd do that?"

Jungkook blinked. "Yeah."

Taehyung bit his lip, looking down at Jiho.

Then, carefully, he moved—gently placing Jiho in Jungkook's arms.

Jungkook tensed.

Jiho was so small. Warm. His tiny hands curled into fists, his little breaths soft against Jungkook's chest.

Something unfamiliar twisted in Jungkook's chest.

Something he didn't have a name for.

When Jungkook looked up, Taehyung was smiling.

Soft. Sleepy. Trusting.

"Wake me if he cries," Taehyung mumbled, curling up on the couch, finally allowing himself to rest.

Jungkook just stood there, staring down at the tiny, sleeping baby in his arms.

And for the first time in a long, long time—

He didn't feel like a stray dog anymore.

He felt like he belonged.