31

Duri stood in front of you, her beauty almost intimidating. She had long, sleek dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders effortlessly, framing her delicate features. Her skin was flawless, glowing even in the soft morning light. She had striking, almond-shaped eyes lined with just enough makeup to enhance them, full lips that seemed naturally rosy, and a sharp jawline that gave her an air of elegance.

She was dressed in a fitted blazer and jeans, simple yet stylish, with an expensive-looking bag slung over her shoulder. Everything about her—from the way she carried herself to the way her perfume subtly lingered in the air—screamed confidence.

Her smile faltered slightly as she looked between you and the house behind you, her brows knitting together in hesitation. "I—Is this the right house?" she asked, her voice unsure, as if she was now second-guessing everything.

And just as you were about to answer, you felt Jungkook step up behind you. His presence was instantly noticeable, his warmth radiating against your back as he peered over your shoulder.

"Duri?" Jungkook's voice was laced with surprise, but also familiarity.

That was all it took for your stomach to sink.

"Kookie!" she beamed, her voice dripping with familiarity as she stepped forward, arms wide open.

You moved past them at just the right moment, avoiding being caught between their embrace, but the sight of her wrapping her arms around him sent an uncomfortable pang through your chest. You suddenly felt a little out of place, like a bystander in your own home.

Jungkook hesitated for half a second before hugging her back, his hand patting her back briefly before he pulled away. "Why are you here so early?" he asked, tilting his head.

Duri pulled back with a sheepish smile. "My flight landed sooner than expected, so I figured I'd just head straight here. I hope that's okay!"

Jungkook quickly let go of Duri, his hand instinctively reaching for yours as he pulled you close. "Uh, Duri, this is Y/n," he said, his voice a little firmer now. "My—" He paused for half a second, his grip tightening around your waist. "My fiancée."

Duri's eyes flickered with something unreadable before she smiled, recovering quickly. "Oh! Wow, I had no idea—congratulations!" She let out a small laugh. "Jungkook, you didn't tell me you were engaged."

You raised a brow slightly, glancing up at Jungkook, who cleared his throat. "Yeah, well... things have been busy."

Duri nodded, her gaze briefly shifting to your stomach before she looked back up. "I can see that," she said lightly, then turned to you. "It's really nice to meet you, Y/n. Jungkook's talked about me, right?"

You parted your lips slightly, but before you could respond, Jungkook cut in, his voice a little rushed. "She's pregnant, so don't mind her mood swings."

You shot him a glare. Mood swings or not, you weren't stupid.

You blinked at Jungkook, your expression blank as you processed what he just said. Fiancée? Since when?

Your eyes slowly shifted to him, but he wasn't looking at you—he was too busy rubbing the back of his neck, avoiding your gaze like he hadn't just blurted out something wildly out of pocket.

Duri, meanwhile, had started glancing around the house, nodding in approval. "Wow, this place is beautiful," she said, walking in a little further. Then, as if the realization suddenly hit her, she turned back to Jungkook. "Wait—you said fiancée? I thought she was your girlfriend?"

You crossed your arms, tilting your head at Jungkook. "Yeah, Kookie," you emphasised deceptively making fun of her, making his eye twitch. "What was that about?"

Jungkook let out a sharp breath, finally looking at you. "I just... it just came out."

You raised a brow. "Fiancée just came out?"

Duri laughed lightly. "Well, either way, I think it's cute. You guys clearly have a good thing going." She then smiled at you. "I didn't mean to make things weird—I was just surprised."

You nodded slowly, still side-eyeing Jungkook. You didn't hate the sound of it... but you also weren't about to let that slip go unnoticed.

Jungkook sighed, leaning in to kiss your temple, but you turned away at the last second, making him kiss the air. He groaned. "Babe, come on—"

You smirked. "Nope. Fiancées don't get mood swings, right?"

Duri stifled a laugh while Jungkook sighed in defeat. Yeah, he was so not living this one down.

Jungkook led Duri upstairs to the guest bedroom while you made your way to the living room, dropping onto the couch with a sigh. You grabbed a pillow, hugging it to your chest as you stared at the ceiling, still processing everything.

Fiancée? The word played over and over in your head. It wasn't that you minded it—you actually liked the sound of it—but the fact that Jungkook just said it without even discussing it with you first? Yeah, that was throwing you off.

You heard his footsteps coming back down the stairs, and soon enough, he appeared in the doorway. He took one look at you—arms crossed, staring at him expectantly—and groaned.

"Alright, let me have it," he said, walking toward you.

You raised an eyebrow. "Let you have what, fiancé?"

Jungkook rolled his eyes, plopping down beside you. "Look, I don't know why I said it, it just slipped. But..." He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Would it be so bad if it was true?"

Your eyes widened slightly. "Jungkook..."

"I mean, I already know I want to marry you," he continued, turning to face you fully. "And we're having a baby. You're literally everything to me."

Your heart softened at his words, but you didn't let him off that easy. "You can't just drop that in front of people like that, though! You have to actually ask—"

Jungkook suddenly smirked. "So if I ask, you'll say yes?"

Your mouth opened, then shut as you realized what you just walked into. "That's not—"

"Mmhmm," he hummed, leaning in. "Gotcha."

You shoved his face away with a huff, but the warmth in your chest didn't go unnoticed. Jungkook laughed, wrapping an arm around you and pulling you close.

"Just think about it," he murmured against your hair, pressing a soft kiss there. "No pressure. But I meant what I said—I want you forever."

You sighed, melting into him. "You're lucky I love you, Jeon."

Jungkook grinned. "Oh, I know I'm lucky."

Duri's sudden cough broke the moment between you and Jungkook, making you both pull away as she walked into the room.

"Jungkook, can you help me with my suitcase? It's a little heavy," she asked sweetly, pushing a strand of her perfectly styled hair behind her ear.

Jungkook gave you a quick squeeze before standing up. "Yeah, of course."

As she turned to lead him back upstairs, you felt it—her gaze lingering on you for a second too long. Not a friendly glance, not an innocent one, but something else. Something... off.

Your fingers subconsciously gripped the pillow in your lap as you watched her disappear up the stairs, Jungkook following behind.

Maybe you were just reading too much into it. Maybe it was nothing.

But the way she looked at you? It didn't sit right.

You shake your head, exhaling slowly. Maybe I'm just overthinking it.

Duri seemed nice enough. Jungkook was excited to see her, and it's not like she had done anything wrong. Maybe the pregnancy hormones were just making you extra sensitive.

With a small shrug, you lean back against the couch, deciding to brush off the strange feeling. You weren't about to start acting paranoid over nothing.

Besides, she was just here for a business trip. A few days, and she'd be gone. Nothing to stress about... right?

You sat there, sipping your tea, completely zoned out as Jungkook and Duri continued their conversation. Bla, bla, bla.

They reminisced about old memories, laughing about inside jokes you weren't a part of. Then the conversation shifted to their current lives—work, travels, mutual friends. You nodded every now and then, pretending to listen, but in reality, you were just watching the clock.

Jungkook looked so engaged, his eyes lit up as he talked to her. You weren't jealous—okay, maybe slightly—but mostly, you were just bored. This wasn't how you planned to spend your morning.

You sighed, shifting in your seat. How long is this going to last?

Jungkook smiled at her question, leaning back into the couch. "They're doing great. We just had dinner with them the other night."

Duri's face lit up. "Ahh, I miss them so much. Your mom used to take such good care of me back then." She sighed dramatically, resting her chin on her hand. "She always said I was like a daughter to her."

You raised a brow at that, glancing at Jungkook, who just chuckled.

"Yeah, she always loved having you around," he admitted, smiling.

You took a slow sip of your tea, swallowing down the urge to roll your eyes. Daughter? Interesting.

Jungkook nodded along as Duri went on about her work, something about journaling and reports—you had tuned out the moment she started rambling.

You absentmindedly rubbed your belly, feeling the baby shift slightly. Your thoughts drifted to what you wanted for lunch, what drama you'd left off on last night, and how Jungkook still hadn't properly explained why he introduced you as his fiancée.

"...and that's why they sent me here for a few days," Duri finished, looking at Jungkook expectantly.

"Oh, that sounds cool," he replied, nodding.

You hummed in agreement, having no clue what you were agreeing to.

You watched as Duri leaned forward with a wide smile, her fingers gently grazing over Jungkook's tattooed arms. "Wow, your tattoos are even more colorful now," she said, almost in awe as she traced the intricate designs on his skin.

Jungkook, clearly a bit taken aback by the sudden contact, smiled awkwardly and shrugged, showing off his arms with a chuckle. "Yeah, got a few more recently." He glanced at you briefly, as if checking your reaction, but you just kept quiet, watching the scene unfold.

Duri's fingers lingered a little too long on his skin, and you felt a slight discomfort in your stomach. It was the way she was looking at him—her eyes seemed to linger on him more than just casually admiring his tattoos.

You crossed your arms over your chest, shifting in your seat. Is it just me, or is she acting a little too familiar? You tried to shake the thought off, but it lingered.

You cleared your throat, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over you. Wanting to break the tension, you decided to ask Duri directly, "So, how long have you known Jungkook?"

Duri looked up, her fingers still lingering on his arm for a moment longer before she pulled them away, a soft smile forming on her face. "Oh, we've known each other for years now. We met back in college, actually. We've always kept in touch, even with my traveling and all."

You nodded, forcing a smile. "That's great. Must be nice to have such a long friendship."

Jungkook gave you a side glance, but he didn't say anything. You could feel the slight shift in the room, and you knew he had noticed the tension building, but it didn't seem like he was willing to address it just yet.

Duri leaned back, a faint sparkle in her eyes as she continued talking about their history, but you tuned her out again, your mind racing with thoughts. Just a friend, right? You tried to reassure yourself, but a part of you wasn't so sure.

You listened to Duri's stories about college life, her voice a constant hum in the background, but your mind kept drifting back to something you remembered. Jungkook had a girlfriend during that time. It wasn't a secret, but the thought had slipped your mind until now.

Curiosity got the best of you, and you decided to ask, "So, how was she with her? Jungkook's girlfriend back then, I mean." You tried to sound casual, but there was a hint of tension in your voice that you couldn't hide.

Duri's eyes flickered, but her smile remained unchanged. "Oh, she was sweet. Really nice, actually. They seemed happy together back then." She paused, perhaps sensing the shift in the conversation. "But, you know, things change, right?"

You nodded, trying to gauge her tone. "Yeah, I guess they do."

There was a small silence that lingered, and you couldn't help but wonder if she knew more about their past than she was letting on. Jungkook, still engrossed in whatever he was saying, didn't seem to notice the change in the air, but you did. It was almost as if Duri was avoiding something, or perhaps hiding something.

Duri's eyes glimmered with excitement as she turned to Jungkook. "Since I'm back for a few days, do you want to show me around? It's been forever since we've hung out!"

Jungkook's face lit up almost instantly. "Of course! I'd love to catch up with you," he said, already eager at the thought of spending time with her.

Then, Duri turned to you with a smile. "What about you? Are you coming too? It could be fun."

You hesitated for a moment. You didn't want to feel like the third wheel, especially since they hadn't seen each other for so long. You felt a little bad for even thinking it, but you also didn't want to ruin their reunion. So, with a soft smile, you kindly declined. "I think you two should catch up without me. I don't mind staying back for a bit. You haven't seen each other in so long, and I don't want to intrude."

Duri smiled warmly. "That's sweet of you, but we'd love to have you along if you change your mind."

Jungkook also nodded, seeming a little too eager for your approval. "Yeah, if you want to join, just say the word."

You shook your head gently. "It's fine, really. You two go ahead."

They both looked at you with understanding, but you could tell Jungkook was already thinking about the plans he had with Duri. It wasn't that you didn't trust them; it was more about giving them space to reconnect. You tried to shake off the small knot of unease forming in your stomach.

You couldn't shake the feeling of unease when you saw Duri's relieved expression. It was subtle, but it was there. As if she was secretly happy that you'd decided to stay behind. You tried to brush it off, convincing yourself you were just overthinking, but the nagging feeling wouldn't go away.

Duri gave you another smile, a little too sweet, before she turned to Jungkook. "Alright then, Kookie. We'll go out and catch up. You don't mind, right?"

Jungkook, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, nodded quickly. "No, not at all. I'm looking forward to it."

You smiled, trying to hide how you felt. "Go have fun. I'll be fine here."

As Jungkook and Duri gathered their things and prepared to head out, you couldn't help but watch them interact, the way she laughed a little too freely at his jokes, the way she lingered just a bit too long when she touched his arm. It wasn't like you didn't trust Jungkook, but there was something about Duri's presence that made you feel... off.

You tried to push the feeling away, telling yourself it was nothing. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones making you more sensitive than usual. Still, the discomfort didn't entirely leave, and you couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on between them during their time apart.

Jungkook cupped your face gently, his lips brushing against yours in a soft kiss. "If anything happens, call me immediately. I'll be right there," he said, his voice low and sincere. His gaze lingered on you for a moment, a silent promise that no matter what, he'd be there for you.

You nodded, your heart swelling with his care. "I will," you whispered back, trying to smile through the discomfort you still felt.

He leaned in and kissed you once more, a little more lingering this time, his lips warm against yours. You couldn't help but hope that Duri was watching, feeling a strange sense of reassurance as Jungkook's kiss reminded you that he was, and always would be, yours.

You let out a deep breath, feeling the tension finally start to ease as you dialed Mina's number. You needed to talk to her, vent about the weird encounter with Duri, and just get it all off your chest.

The phone rang a few times before Mina picked up, her voice bright and cheerful. "Hey, Y/n! What's up?"

You sank into the couch, getting comfortable to share everything. "Mina, you won't believe what happened. One of Jungkook's friends in town Duri, and I met her today. Let's just say... I feel some type of way about it."

Mina immediately perked up, sensing the drama in your voice. "Ooooh, tell me everything! What happened? Did she try to steal your man?"

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help but laugh a little at Mina's teasing. "Well, it was weird. She just kept getting way too close to Jungkook, and the way she looked at him... it was like she wanted something more. Plus, she kept asking about his tattoos and even touched his arm in front of me."

Mina gasped, clearly enjoying the drama. "Girl, if that girl touches your man again, I swear I'll punch her. Like, who does she think she is?"

You couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a little lighter despite the lingering unease. "I know, right? I'm trying to stay calm, but there was definitely some weird energy. And then she asked Jungkook to show her around, like she's been gone forever and needs to catch up with him... It just feels off."

Mina's teasing voice came through again, a playful tone. "You're jealous, aren't you? Admit it, you want to keep that girl away from your man."

You laughed, shaking your head. "I mean, maybe a little. But she's just so forward, and it's not like we've spent a ton of time with her, you know? It's just... weird."

Mina paused for a second before replying. "Honestly, I get why you're feeling that way. But listen, Jungkook's your man. He's not going anywhere. If she tries anything, you know I've got your back. But for now, just chill. Don't let her get to you too much."

You smiled, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Mina. I'm trying to just focus on me and Jungkook, but it's hard when someone like her shows up out of nowhere."

"I totally get it. But if she even thinks about making a move, I'm coming for her," Mina teased, making you laugh. "Seriously, though, you've got this. Trust in your man and trust in yourself."

You felt a little better after talking to Mina. She always knew how to make you laugh, even in moments of doubt. "Thanks, Mina. I'll try not to let it get to me."

"Anytime, girl. Just don't let her take any more of your man's attention than she already has."

You laughed again, nodding to yourself. "I won't. Thanks for the pep talk."

"Anytime! Let me know if you need anything else. I'm always here."

After hanging up, you felt a little lighter, knowing you had your best friend's support. You had a feeling that Duri's stay wouldn't be as easy as it seemed, but with Jungkook by your side and your own confidence, you were ready to handle whatever came your way.

You couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort deep down. You weren't usually the jealous type, and you'd always been confident in your relationship with Jungkook. But this time... it was different.

Duri's presence, the way she clung onto him like she was trying to stake a claim, rubbed you the wrong way. It wasn't even just the physical closeness—it was the way she seemed to completely disregard your space. She was too comfortable, too familiar, like she had a right to be there. And Jungkook, while he didn't do anything wrong, hadn't exactly been quick to draw boundaries either.

You exhaled slowly, leaning back against the couch. You hated how unsettled you felt. It was just Duri, right? He was your boyfriend, not hers. And you trusted him. But still... a little voice kept nagging at you. Why did she need to be so touchy-feely?

Maybe it was just the pregnancy hormones, making everything feel more intense, or maybe it was because you had such little time with Jungkook lately. You missed him, and this constant presence of someone from his past didn't sit well with you.

"Ugh, get a grip," you muttered to yourself. You had nothing to worry about. Jungkook loved you, and you knew that. This weird feeling would pass.

But you couldn't shake the thought that maybe you did have every right to be a little jealous, at least this time.

You walked into the kitchen, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in your chest. The thought of her voice still echoed in your head, calling out to Jungkook like she owned him. The mere sound of it made your stomach turn, but you were determined not to let it ruin your day.

Your eyes landed on the stash of treats you'd been saving for moments like these. Maybe a little indulgence would help you feel better.

You grabbed a small plate, piling on a couple of cupcakes, some chocolate, and a few cookies. You deserved it, after all. You'd put up with too much today, and it was only fair you treated yourself. You weren't sure if it was the pregnancy cravings or just your need to feel comforted, but you couldn't resist.

As you sat down with your plate, you scooped a forkful of chocolate cake into your mouth, sighing in satisfaction. The sweetness spread through your taste buds, offering a temporary escape from your swirling thoughts.

You glanced at your phone, your fingers itching to text Jungkook about how you were feeling, but you stopped yourself. No need to burden him with this now. You knew he had a lot on his plate already with Duri being here. For now, you'd just focus on getting through the next few days.

As the minutes dragged on, you found yourself scrolling aimlessly through your phone, trying to distract yourself from the growing frustration that bubbled up inside you. You kept checking the time, the hours ticking by without any word from Jungkook or Duri. The sun began to set, casting a soft orange glow through the windows, but all you could feel was impatience.

Finally, deciding you'd had enough of waiting, you slipped off the couch and headed upstairs to take a shower. The hot water was soothing against your skin, and it helped clear your mind, washing away some of the tension.

Once you were done, you changed into your comfy yellow matching shorts and top pajamas, feeling the soft fabric against your skin. The familiar comfort of your cozy PJs calmed you down a bit, but the restlessness lingered.

You glanced at the clock again. Where are they? The thoughts raced through your mind as you dried your hair and got into bed, pulling the covers over you and trying to settle in. You could still hear the faint sound of the wind rustling outside, but the quiet in the house felt unsettling without Jungkook by your side. All you could do now was wait.

You lay in bed, the quiet of the house amplifying the distant sounds of voices from downstairs. The front door creaked open, and the soft murmur of conversation drifted up to you. You could hear Jungkook's voice, and Duri's too, but you couldn't make out what they were saying.

Part of you wanted to go down and confront him, but another part just wanted to wait for him to come up to you. You rolled onto your side, gripping the edge of the blanket as you tried to calm your nerves.

The wait felt endless, the minutes ticking by painfully slow. Your heart beat a little faster, wondering what the two of them were talking about, hoping that Duri wasn't lingering too much in his personal space. You tried to push the thoughts away, telling yourself it was silly to worry.

Eventually, you heard footsteps on the stairs, and you could tell it was Jungkook. He walked in, his figure filling the doorway. He smiled, but there was something in his eyes—something that made your heart race again.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice warm but slightly hesitant. "Sorry I took so long... we lost track of time."

You nodded, trying to act casual as you looked at him. "It's fine."

He stepped closer, his expression unreadable for a moment, before he sat beside you on the bed. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly tired from the day.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice more tender now. "I know it's been a long day."

You bit your lip, unsure whether to ask him about his time with Duri or let it go.

You stayed quiet for a moment, letting Jungkook settle on the bed next to you. He looked tired but still had that familiar, soft smile on his face. You gave him a small smile back, trying to push away the lingering feelings of jealousy.

"How was your day?" you asked, keeping your tone casual as you sat up a little straighter.

Jungkook leaned back against the headboard, stretching out his arms. "It was alright," he replied, glancing over at you. "Duri and I just caught up on a few things. It was good to see her after all this time. We talked about work, old memories, and stuff like that."

You nodded, but a small knot formed in your stomach. It wasn't about what he was saying, but the way Duri had acted around him. You pushed that thought aside. "That's nice. Was she... okay? She seemed a little... extra when she first got here."

Jungkook looked at you with a slightly confused look but then chuckled, running his hand through his hair. "Yeah, she's just like that sometimes. She's always been a little more... affectionate than most people. She doesn't mean anything by it. But I get it, I should've kept an eye on her."

You nodded again, feeling a bit relieved by his response. "I know you didn't mean anything by it either, but... I don't know. It just made me feel a little off."

Jungkook turned to face you more, his expression softening. "I'm sorry. I should've noticed. You're the one I'm with, and I know that can be a little uncomfortable sometimes."

You smiled faintly. "It's not about trust. I know it's just how she is. I just didn't like how she was all over you. It made me feel... I don't know, weird."

He leaned forward, taking your hand gently. "I get it. I'm sorry for making you feel that way. But, you're the one who's always been there for me. Nothing's gonna change that."

You squeezed his hand, finally feeling the tension release. "I know. I just didn't want to feel left out, that's all."

Jungkook gave you a soft kiss on the cheek. "You're never left out, I promise."

With that, you both settled into a comfortable silence, the little doubts fading away as you were reminded of how much you meant to each other.

You felt your heart drop as you heard the knock on the door, followed by Duri's voice from the other side. "Do you want to do what we always did back in college before bed?"

The question sent a chill through you. You couldn't help but wonder what exactly they used to do, especially when Jungkook's response was a little too quick.

Jungkook's voice broke your thoughts as he said, "Sure, but do you want to join?" His tone was light, casual, as if nothing was unusual about it.

You quickly forced a smile, not wanting to seem insecure. "No, I'll stay here," you replied, hoping your voice didn't betray your unease. The last thing you wanted was to seem possessive, but this whole situation had your stomach in knots.

Duri's voice came back through the door, sweet and light. "Okay, just wanted to check."

You heard her footsteps retreat, and Jungkook sat back on the bed beside you, his hand resting on your back. He glanced at you, sensing something had shifted in your mood.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice softer now, his usual playful demeanor gone.

You looked at him, trying to gather your thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine," you said, but the unease in your chest wasn't something you could just brush away. "I just... don't like the idea of you two doing things together from the past, you know?"

He furrowed his brows, looking a bit confused. "It's just some stuff we used to do, nothing more. It's nothing that should make you uncomfortable."

You nodded, but in your gut, it didn't feel right. Jungkook was so close to Duri, and it made your thoughts race.

"I get it," you said, forcing yourself to relax. "It's just... a little strange, that's all."

Jungkook pulled you into a hug, rubbing your back gently. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm with you, always. Don't let her or anyone make you feel otherwise."

You nodded into his chest, the moment a little more comforting, but still lingering with uncertainty.

Jungkook leaned in, pressing a soft peck to your lips, his hand briefly brushing your cheek as he pulled away. His eyes met yours for a moment, filled with reassurance, but there was something in the air that left you with a knot in your stomach.

"I'll be right back," he said softly, his voice quiet but warm. Then, without waiting for a response, he stood up and walked toward the door.

As he opened it, you couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease creeping back in. The moment Duri's name was mentioned, the walls seemed to come up between you and Jungkook, even if he didn't realize it.

He glanced back at you one more time before he stepped out, leaving you in the room, the door closing softly behind him. The silence felt louder than before, and the only thing you could hear was the faint sound of footsteps heading downstairs.

You sat there, staring at the door, your thoughts a swirling mess. Was it all in your head, or was there something more to the way Duri was clinging onto Jungkook?

You lay in bed, eyes shut but mind racing. No matter how much you tried to shake it off, the whole situation gnawed at you. Maybe you were overthinking, maybe it was nothing—but the way she clung to him, the way she looked relieved when you declined to tag along, it all just felt... off.

You kept your breaths steady, pretending to be asleep when you heard the door open. Jungkook moved quietly, the bed dipping slightly as he climbed in beside you. A moment later, you felt the soft press of his lips against your forehead, lingering there for just a second before he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close.

His warmth surrounded you, his slow, steady breathing tickling your skin. It should have been comforting—it usually was—but tonight, it didn't erase the uneasy feeling in your chest.

As Jungkook dozed off peacefully beside you, you stayed wide awake, trapped in your own thoughts.

You rubbed the sleep from your eyes, still adjusting to the bright morning light as you walked into the kitchen. The smell of pancakes filled the air, but so did the sound of laughter—Jungkook's deep chuckles mixing with Duri's giggles.

Your eyes landed on the messy countertop, flour dusting the surface, a carton of milk half-spilled, and dishes stacked up in the sink. They must've had fun making breakfast... maybe a little too much fun.

Shaking off any lingering irritation, you smiled, pushing past your thoughts. "Good morning."

Jungkook turned to you immediately, his face lighting up. "Morning, baby." He stood from his chair, walking over to you with that soft look in his eyes. "You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't wanna wake you." His hand cupped your cheek before he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, his other hand instinctively caressing your growing stomach.

You let out a small hum, enjoying the warmth of his touch.

Duri, still seated, glanced at you both before smiling. "Good morning, Y/n. We made pancakes—well, Jungkook made them, I just supervised." She laughed, nudging him playfully.

You nodded, forcing a smile as you looked at the mess again. "I can see that."

Jungkook's gaze softened as he held your cheeks, his thumbs gently caressing your skin. His eyes scanned your face, noticing the dark circles beneath your eyes. "Baby... are you okay?" His voice was laced with concern.

You forced a small smile, nodding. "Yeah, just overslept."

Jungkook didn't look convinced, but before he could push further, Duri's voice cut in. "Oh... we totally forgot to make you some breakfast," she said, pouting slightly. "I'm so sorry, Y/n."

You glanced at the table, seeing the empty plates and syrup-stained forks. Your stomach growled softly, betraying you.

Jungkook tsked, shooting Duri a look before turning back to you. "You should've been the first one fed," he mumbled, pressing another kiss to your forehead. "I'll make you something now."

You shook your head, waving him off. "It's fine, I can do it."

But he was already walking toward the stove, determined. "Nope. Sit down, I got it."

Duri chuckled, watching the scene unfold. "He hasn't changed one bit," she mused, stirring her coffee.

You sat down, placing a hand on your belly as you watched Jungkook move around the kitchen. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or maybe it was the way Duri seemed a little too comfortable in your home, but something about her words made you uneasy.

You felt her eyes on you before you even looked up. Duri was staring, her expression unreadable, but the way she lingered made something in your chest tighten.

Before you could say anything, she turned to Jungkook, her voice light and sweet. "Kookie, hurry up, we have plans, remember?"

Jungkook, focused on making your breakfast, barely glanced at her. "Yeah, yeah, just a second."

You shifted in your seat, rubbing slow circles on your belly. "Plans?" you asked casually, though the word tasted bitter on your tongue.

Duri smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, yeah. I figured since I'm only here for a short time, Jungkook could take me to see his family, y'know? To see them again."

Jungkook finally turned, setting a plate in front of you. "Yeah, I was gonna tell you—" He paused when he saw your face, reading you like a book. "Baby, it's just for a few hours."

You forced a small smile, picking at your food. "Right... of course."

Duri's gaze flickered between you both before she took a sip of her coffee, lips curving into a knowing smirk.

Duri stretched with a satisfied sigh, patting her stomach. "Ugh, those pancakes were amazing. So sweet and fluffy."

Jungkook chuckled, agreeing. "Yeah, they were good," he said, standing behind you. His arms found their way around your waist, his hands resting gently on your baby bump. He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, his warmth settling over you like a blanket.

You absentmindedly played with his fingers, your mood slightly lifted by his affection. But Duri's presence still lingered in the air, like an unshakable feeling in the back of your mind.

She watched the two of you, something unreadable flashing in her eyes before she smiled again. "Well, Kookie, you better hurry up. We've got a whole day ahead of us," she chirped, stretching again.

Jungkook sighed, squeezing your waist before reluctantly pulling away. "I'll get ready. You sure you don't wanna come, baby?"

You shook your head with a small smile. "No, I'll be fine."

Duri's smirk widened just a little before she stood up, grabbing her bag. "Alright then, let's go."

As you heard the door close, signaling their departure, you let out a deep groan, turning to look at the absolute mess they had left behind. Flour dusted the countertops, sticky syrup trailed along the table, and a mountain of dirty dishes sat in the sink. Great.

You sighed, rubbing your temples. Jungkook was usually so particular about his diet, rarely indulging in anything too sugary, especially when he wasn't training. So why did he eat pancakes?

Then it clicked.

Duri.

She probably whined, pouted, and begged until he caved in, just like she had been doing since she arrived. You could already picture it—her batting her lashes, making that annoying little face, and Jungkook sighing but ultimately giving in because he was too soft sometimes.

You groaned again, crossing your arms over your chest. Since when does Jungkook break his own diet for anyone?

You scoffed, shaking your head as you started wiping down the counter.

How many times had you tried to get Jungkook to eat sweets with you? Too many to count. Whether it was sneaking bites of cake, offering him just a spoonful of ice cream, or even pouting to convince him—he always refused.

"I can't, baby. Diet."

"One bite won't kill you."

"That's what you said last time, and suddenly, I was eating half your dessert."

But now, suddenly, Duri shows up, and he's stuffing his face with pancakes like his diet never existed?

You tossed the cloth into the sink, annoyed. What was so special about her that he could break his own rules? You swallowed hard, trying to push the thought away, but it lingered like an annoying itch you couldn't scratch.

That look.

The same one she gave you every time Jungkook wrapped his arms around you. Every time he kissed your forehead. Every time he rested a hand on your baby bump like it was the most precious thing in the world.

It wasn't just curiosity. It wasn't just friendliness. It was something deeper, something that made your skin prickle with unease.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. Maybe you were overthinking. Maybe you were just exhausted.

But deep down, you knew—Duri's gaze wasn't one of admiration. It was something else entirely.

As you loaded the laundry, you couldn't help but scoff, shaking your head.

Jungkook was usually so particular about cleanliness, always making sure things were in order. But this time? This time, he had turned the kitchen into a complete disaster with Duri, and you were the one stuck cleaning it up.

You sighed, throwing one of his shirts into the washer with a little extra force. Must be nice to just leave a mess and go have fun.

Maybe you were being petty. Maybe it was the hormones. Maybe it was the fact that Duri was starting to irritate you more than you wanted to admit.

Either way, you had a long day ahead of you—one spent at home, alone, while Jungkook was out making memories with his oh-so-dear friend.

You sat on the couch, phone in hand, talking to Yoongi and Mina. The conversation was tense, but there was a bit of lightheartedness from your friends as they gave their opinions.

Yoongi was the first to speak, his voice teasing yet laced with concern. "Hold on, wait a minute. That girl, Duri? You really think she's going for your man?" He chuckled, but you could tell he was a bit shocked. "I mean, it's pretty obvious, right? She's practically throwing herself at him. Damn, Y/n, I thought you'd have a little more competition, but this girl's got no shame."

Mina was already fired up, her voice sharp as she appeared on the screen. She had her arms crossed, her brows furrowed in irritation. "Oh, please. Dairy? I can't even say her name without getting mad. What a piece of work. She's definitely acting like she's the only one who can be close to Jungkook. Kookie this, Kookie that—puh-lease!" She rolled her eyes dramatically. "That girl needs to get in her lane. I'm not playing around with her."

You could only listen to Mina rant, but you couldn't help the knot in your stomach as Yoongi chuckled on the other end. "You're not being dramatic at all, Y/n. Duri's definitely trying to play her cards, and it's all a little too obvious. But Mina's right—this girl has some nerve. I get why you're upset."

Mina leaned into the camera, her face more serious now. "Listen, Y/n, you have every right to be mad. No one should act like that, especially when you're with someone like Jungkook. That girl needs to learn boundaries. If she thinks she can keep acting like that, she's gonna have a problem with me."

You couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Mina's over-the-top promise, but the situation was still heavy in your mind. "I don't want to seem crazy, but yeah, it's been getting to me. Every time I see her around Jungkook, she's just way too comfortable. And the way she looks at him—ugh."

Yoongi sighed dramatically, putting his hand to his forehead like he was thinking deeply. "Y/n, you need to talk to him. You need to let him know how you feel. That girl isn't even trying to hide it anymore, and he should know what's going on."

Mina crossed her arms tighter, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah, you definitely need to tell him. You can't just sit back and let her pull that stuff with your man. If she doesn't get the hint, well, that's her problem."

You nodded, biting your lip as you thought about the conversation. "I know. I just... I don't know how to bring it up without making it seem like I'm being unreasonable."

Mina shook her head, giving you a stern look. "No, you're not being unreasonable. She's the one crossing the line here, not you."

Yoongi chimed in with a smile in his voice. "Exactly. And don't worry, Y/n, we've got your back. Just let us know if she gets any closer to causing trouble."

The warmth of their support made you feel a little more confident. "Thanks, guys. I'll talk to him, and we'll see how it goes."

You leaned back against the couch, your thoughts swirling. Jungkook had to understand. You hoped that when you told him how you felt, he'd see it the way you did, and you'd finally get some peace of mind.

As the call with Yoongi and Mina continued, Yoongi's voice turned serious, but there was still a playful edge to it. "You know what, Y/n, we need to come over. Mina and I are both curious to see how this girl behaves around you and Jungkook. You're not overreacting, and we're gonna make sure she knows her place."

Mina quickly agreed, her tone just as determined. "Yeah, we'll come over tomorrow, hang out, see what happens. I'm not just gonna sit here while that girl keeps getting all comfy with your man. She needs to know that she can't just walk into your relationship like that."

You raised an eyebrow at the suggestion, slightly taken aback by how quickly they were jumping into action. "Wait, you guys actually want to come over and see her for yourselves?"

Yoongi laughed softly. "Yeah, why not? We're not just gonna sit here and let you deal with this by yourself. We'll come by tomorrow, hang out, and just see what she's all about. If she tries anything, we'll make sure she knows who's boss."

Mina smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yeah, and if she pulls anything funny, we'll shut it down real quick. No one messes with our girl, especially not someone like her."

You couldn't help but chuckle at how fiercely they had your back. You felt comforted by the thought of having them over, but you also weren't sure what the outcome might be. "Alright, I guess that could be helpful. But let's just see what happens. If she's cool, then great. But if not, well..." You trailed off, leaving the last part unsaid.

Yoongi's voice was calm yet firm. "No matter what, we've got your back. We'll make sure it's clear where everyone stands."

Mina added, her tone lightening with a grin, "And we'll make sure to cause a little chaos just to throw her off."

You laughed, feeling a bit of the tension lift from your shoulders. "Alright, fine. Come over tomorrow, then. I appreciate it, guys."

The plan was set. You were a little nervous about how things would go, but you trusted Mina and Yoongi to handle things. After all, they'd always been the type to step in when needed, and you weren't about to let Duri get away with overstepping boundaries.

As the call ended, you leaned back, taking a deep breath. Tomorrow would definitely be interesting.

You were sitting on the couch, scrolling through your phone when you heard the familiar sound of the front door opening. A light, casual laughter followed, and you knew immediately who it was. Jungkook and Duri.

You could feel your stomach tighten slightly as they entered the house, their voices growing louder as they approached. You tried to shake off the unease that had been creeping up on you all day.

Jungkook was laughing at something Duri had said, his smile bright and carefree, and Duri's voice was almost too high-pitched with excitement. The two of them sounded like they were picking up where they left off from earlier in the day.

As they walked into the living room, Jungkook noticed you first and smiled. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, his expression softening when he saw you sitting there.

Duri, on the other hand, glanced at you for a moment before smiling a little too brightly, her eyes lingering on you for a second too long. "Hey, Y/n! How's it going?" she asked, her tone sweet but laced with an undercurrent you couldn't quite place.

You offered a tight smile and nodded, trying to keep your composure. "Hey, I'm good, just relaxing." Your eyes flicked to Jungkook as he stood beside you, still looking at you with a soft expression.

He reached out, gently rubbing your back. "We were just catching up, talking about old times. You didn't miss anything too crazy."

You wanted to believe him, but the way Duri was looking at him—too familiar, too comfortable—left a bad taste in your mouth.

Duri, still standing near the door, looked between you two before casually asking, "So, are you guys just gonna chill tonight or...?"

You glanced at Jungkook, trying to keep your tone even. "Yeah, I think we'll just relax tonight."

Jungkook nodded in agreement, not noticing how Duri's gaze lingered a little too long on him as she smiled knowingly, almost smugly.

The room felt tense in a way you couldn't quite explain, but you tried to push the feeling aside. You had to get through this night, and tomorrow would be a fresh start—hopefully with Mina and Yoongi's help.

As Duri shifted her weight and started talking about some random thing, you couldn't help but feel like there was something off. You just weren't sure what yet.

Duri's voice broke through your thoughts as she called out to Jungkook, her tone sweet but unmistakably playful. "Kookie, do you have any alcohol? I'm really in the mood to drink tonight. We could have a little fun, right?" she pleaded, her voice full of that whiny tone that made your stomach twist.

You clenched your jaw, trying to keep your composure as you watched her from the corner of your eye. She leaned in a little closer to Jungkook, batting her lashes as if she were trying to win him over with just a smile. It made your skin crawl.

Jungkook looked over at her, a little hesitant at first. "I don't know, I mean, you know I don't usually keep a lot of alcohol around."

But she didn't give up. Her voice grew more convincing, almost pleading. "Oh, come on, just a few drinks won't hurt. It'll be fun, just like the old times. Please?"

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, but then he sighed, giving in to her persistence. "Alright, alright. I'll get something. Don't make it sound like you'll die without it." He shot her a playful smirk, though you could tell he was starting to indulge her a bit too much.

You sat there, your stomach turning as you watched the exchange. You tried not to let it get to you, but the way Duri was practically hanging off him, convincing him with that overly sweet tone, made your jealousy bubble to the surface in a way that was hard to control.

As Jungkook moved to get up, you couldn't help but mutter under your breath, "Of course, you're gonna give in. It's what she does best." You regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth, but the bitterness you felt couldn't be erased.

Jungkook glanced back at you, his expression slightly confused but mostly concerned. "What's wrong? You alright?"

Duri looked at you then, her eyes narrowing just a bit, almost as if she were waiting for a reaction, the same way she had when she noticed you earlier.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm your racing thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine," you said with a forced smile, not wanting to cause a scene.

But inside, you couldn't help but feel like something was off. You just couldn't put your finger on what.

The silence hung between you and Duri like a thick fog, only broken by the sound of her shifting in her seat. You could feel her eyes on you, but you didn't want to acknowledge it. Instead, you focused on the sound of Jungkook's footsteps fading as he went into the kitchen to grab whiskey.

Then, she spoke up, her voice too sweet, too innocent. "I'm really thankful you let me stay here for a while," she said, as if she were just making small talk. But there was something in her tone that set your nerves on edge.

You nodded stiffly, forcing a polite smile. "It's okay." Your voice was tight, not knowing how to respond to the underlying tension in the air.

Then, without missing a beat, she dropped another bombshell. "You're lucky, you know? Getting to claim Jungkook."

Your heart stopped for a split second. "Excuse me?" you asked, your tone coming out sharper than you intended, but it was too late. You could feel the heat rising in your cheeks.

She smiled at you, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she found this whole interaction amusing. "Don't worry, Jungkook and I are best friends. I would never get in the way of anything between you two unless..."

The way she said it, so casual, yet layered with something else you couldn't quite place, made your blood boil. You opened your mouth, ready to snap back, when the sound of the door opening broke through the tension.

Jungkook stepped back into the room, carrying a bottle of whiskey in his hand. "Here we go, some whiskey for us to relax with." He smiled at both of you, completely unaware of the unspoken words hanging in the air.

You quickly shut your mouth, not wanting to cause a scene. But inside, you could feel the frustration bubbling up again. It was hard to stay calm when everything in your gut told you that something was off about this whole situation.

As Jungkook uncorked the bottle, the scent of whiskey filled the room, and it hit you like a ton of bricks. It was strange, watching them share the bottle, laughing and talking like it was just another normal evening. You hated that you felt so out of place, especially because you couldn't even join in with them, and it only made you more frustrated.

You swallowed down the frustration and forced a smile, turning to Jungkook as you stood up from the couch. "The smell of the whiskey is intoxicating," you said, trying your best to keep your tone neutral, though you could feel the irritation rising. "I think I'm going to leave the room for a bit."

Jungkook looked up at you, his eyes softening immediately when he saw your expression. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

You nodded, though your eyes didn't meet his. "Yeah, just... I don't feel like being around it right now." You didn't want to go into detail, not wanting to make this moment more uncomfortable than it already was.

Duri, who had been sipping from her glass, glanced between the two of you, a small, almost too-sweet smile on her face. "I understand, no worries. We'll be fine here."

You shot her a brief, tight-lipped smile and turned away, needing to escape. Without another word, you made your way to the bedroom, hoping the distance would cool the heat simmering under your skin. You couldn't help but feel suffocated, caught between your own jealousy and the overwhelming frustration of the situation.

The door clicked shut behind you, and for a moment, you just stood there in silence, trying to calm your racing thoughts.

Duri's voice broke through the silence as she looked at Jungkook with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Is she okay?" Her question was laced with a mix of curiosity and something else you couldn't quite pinpoint.

Jungkook's gaze lingered on the door you had just closed, his eyes softening in concern. "I hope so," he muttered, his tone low. He didn't look directly at Duri, his thoughts clearly elsewhere as he processed what just happened.

Duri tilted her head slightly, her voice quieter as she continued. "Maybe she's just tired or something. She's probably not used to the smell of alcohol."

Jungkook nodded absentmindedly, still watching the door, as if hoping you'd come back out soon. "Yeah, maybe. I'll go check on her later..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the worry was evident on his face.

Duri gave a soft shrug, taking another sip from her glass as she leaned back into the couch, not pushing any further. But you could tell by the way she subtly glanced at Jungkook every now and then that her mind was still active with thoughts you couldn't quite understand.

Duri's voice softened, almost sorrowful, as she lowered her head, pretending to look troubled. "I don't know if I should even mention this to you..." she trailed off, her eyes darting between Jungkook and the empty space in front of her, clearly trying to create a sense of unease.

Jungkook furrowed his brow, clearly worried. He leaned forward, his hand on his knee as he tried to understand what she meant. "What do you mean? What's going on?" He was genuinely concerned, the last thing he wanted was for there to be any tension between you and Duri.

Duri sighed, shaking her head lightly as if to suggest that she was reluctant to burden him with her concerns. "Well, it's just... when you left the room, Y/n said some things that were kind of weird. I didn't want to bring it up, but I think it's better if you know."

Jungkook's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and concern washing over his face. "What kind of things?" His voice was steady, but his expression told you he was starting to worry that something was wrong with you.

With a quick glance at Duri, he tried to mask his anxiety. "I'm sure it's nothing," he added quickly, making up a lie to ease his own thoughts. "She was just in a weird mood. Maybe she was just tired or something... but, you know how she gets sometimes." He chuckled lightly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Duri's lips curled into a small, almost too understanding smile as she nodded, playing along with his lie. "Yeah, maybe. It just felt off, though. I don't know..." She leaned back into the couch again, trying to appear more casual, but her eyes kept flicking over to him as if waiting for his reaction.

Jungkook didn't pick up on her subtle game, still processing what had just happened. "I'll check on her in a bit," he mumbled, standing up and walking toward the door.

Duri's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she quickly looked away, a hint of something unreadable in her gaze.

You paced around your room, trying to collect your thoughts and calm yourself down. The entire situation felt suffocating. Duri's subtle manipulation, the way she clung to Jungkook, the way she tried to drive a wedge between you two—it all felt wrong. You felt a knot tighten in your stomach as you replayed every moment, every glance, every little thing she'd said.

You tried to push the thoughts aside, but they kept creeping back, making your anxiety spike. Why did it bother you so much? You trusted Jungkook, or at least, you wanted to. But the way Duri kept acting—it didn't sit right with you. Was it just your pregnancy hormones? You tried to convince yourself, but deep down, you knew something didn't feel quite right.

Sighing, you stopped pacing and leaned against the window, staring outside but not really seeing anything. The weight of everything pressed down on you. You needed to talk to Jungkook, but how? He was so caught up in his friendship with Duri, and you didn't want to come off as overdramatic or controlling.

You rubbed your face with your hands, trying to steady your breathing. Focus, you told yourself. Don't let this ruin what you have with him. You loved Jungkook, and you knew he cared for you deeply. But this situation was starting to chip away at your confidence, and you hated it.

Suddenly, you heard the soft creak of the door opening. You tensed, wondering if it was Jungkook coming to check on you.

And it was, in fact, him. Jungkook stepped inside, his eyes immediately scanning your face as he sighed.

"You okay?" His voice was soft, laced with concern as he approached you.

You wanted to tell him, to spill everything about Duri, about how weird she was acting, about how uneasy she made you feel. But something stopped you. Maybe it was the exhaustion, or maybe you just didn't want to start an argument. Instead, you forced a small smile.

"Yeah... everything's fine."

Jungkook studied you for a moment, his brows slightly furrowing as if he didn't quite believe you. But then, instead of pushing, he just nodded, stepping closer to wrap his arms around you.

"You sure?" he murmured against your hair, holding you securely.

You hesitated before nodding again. "Mhm."

He sighed, pulling back just enough to press a kiss to your forehead. "Alright. But if something's bothering you, you know you can tell me, right?"

His sincerity made your heart ache a little. You knew you should tell him, but you just couldn't bring yourself to. Not yet. So instead, you just hugged him tighter, burying your face into his chest.

"I know," you whispered.

Jungkook didn't push further. He just held you, rubbing slow circles on your back as if trying to ease whatever was weighing on you. And for now, you let yourself sink into his warmth, ignoring the nagging feeling in the back of your mind.

Jungkook had every intention of asking you about what Duri had said. The way she had hesitated, acting all unsure before finally telling him that you had apparently said some weird stuff—it didn't sit right with him.

But as he held you in his arms, feeling how small you felt against him, the rise and fall of your breath, he hesitated.

You were pregnant. Stressing you out over something that might not even be a big deal? That wasn't something he wanted to do. He had seen how easily your moods could shift these days, how sometimes even the smallest things made you emotional. What if Duri had just misunderstood you? What if she was exaggerating?

He exhaled quietly, tightening his grip around you. He couldn't just come at you without hearing your side first. That wouldn't be fair.

So instead, he pressed another kiss to your forehead and let the moment linger, deciding to push his thoughts aside. He'd watch, he'd wait, and if something really felt off... then he'd ask.But for now, he just wanted to hold you.

The rest of the day felt eerily silent. Jungkook stayed close but wasn't as talkative as usual, and you couldn't help but feel like maybe... just maybe, you were the reason.

You sighed, rubbing your stomach absentmindedly as you sat on the couch, your mind running through every interaction from earlier. Was it really that deep? Were you overreacting? Jungkook seemed happy catching up with Duri, and instead of just going with the flow, you had spent the entire time feeling uneasy.

Maybe I'm ruining this for him...

You frowned at the thought, biting your lip. The last thing you wanted was to make him feel like he had to choose between you and an old friend. And yet, something about her just didn't sit right with you.

Still, you knew Jungkook. If he sensed you were upset, he wouldn't let it go. And the last thing you wanted was for him to worry.

So, pushing your doubts aside, you decided you'd try to let it go—at least for tonight.

Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, watching you with a quiet expression. Your breathing was steady, your face peaceful in sleep, but he could tell something was on your mind earlier.

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He didn't know what to think. Duri's words kept replaying in his head, but so did the way you looked at him today—the forced smile, the silence, the way you left the room when they started drinking. He hated seeing you like that.He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face, his fingers barely grazing your skin. What's going on in that head of yours, baby hm?Jungkook knew you weren't the jealous type, at least not in a way that would make you act out. But something was clearly bothering you. And if it was about Duri...

He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. He didn't want to assume anything. Not without hearing it from you first.

Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead before climbing into bed beside you. He'd ask in the morning. For now, he just wanted to hold you close.