34

Every minute that passed felt like an eternity to Jungkook as he sat anxiously outside the hospital room, pacing back and forth. The sterile, bright lights of the hospital did nothing to calm the storm raging inside him. His mind was a chaotic mess—thoughts spinning, guilt gnawing at him, and a relentless worry that had settled in the pit of his stomach.

He couldn't focus on anything, his eyes flickering to the door every few seconds, as if willing someone to come out with good news. Every sound seemed amplified in the quiet of the hospital, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. He could still hear the sharp crack of your fall, the panic in your voice as you clutched your stomach, and the way you looked at him—hurt and frightened. He hadn't been able to protect you when you needed him most, and that feeling of helplessness gnawed at him relentlessly.

He ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing back to Duri and her actions. The way she had pushed you, the way she had manipulated him—it made his blood boil, but none of that mattered right now. All that mattered was you.

Jungkook pressed his hands to his face, trying to shake the thoughts from his mind. He couldn't lose you. He wouldn't survive if something happened to you or the baby.

His thoughts were interrupted when the doctor finally emerged from the room, and his heart jumped into his throat.

"Is she okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice rough, barely able to hide the anxiety that had built up inside him.

The doctor gave him a calm, reassuring look. "She's stable, Jungkook. The baby is fine. We did some tests, and it looks like it was just a result of stress and the fall. She's going to be okay, but we're going to keep her here for a bit to monitor her."

Jungkook let out a shaky breath, his legs feeling like they were going to give way under him. He nodded, grateful, but his mind was still reeling with everything that had just happened. He had to be strong, but for the first time in a long while, he felt utterly defeated.

"Can I see her?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded. "She's awake, but she's still a bit shaken. Take it slow."

Jungkook quickly stood up, his heart racing again. He walked into the room slowly, his eyes searching for you. Seeing you lying there, weak but safe, made his heart ache. He crossed the room in two strides, sitting next to the bed and taking your hand in his.

"I'm so sorry, Y/n," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I should've been there. I should've protected you..."

You squeezed his hand, your eyes tired but still holding that same warmth, the warmth that made him feel like everything was going to be okay, even when he didn't believe it himself.

"Jungkook, I'm okay," you whispered back, trying to give him a reassuring smile, though your exhaustion was obvious. "We're okay."

He leaned down, pressing his forehead gently against yours. "I love you so much," he murmured, unable to say it enough. "I'll make sure nothing like this happens again."

You carefully studied Jungkook's face, the way his eyes were puffy and his cheeks flushed. It wasn't like him to show this much emotion, especially not in front of others, but right now, there was no hiding it. You gently wiped a stray tear from his cheek, your heart aching as you looked at him.

"Jungkook... did you cry?" you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper. His vulnerability in this moment caught you off guard, and you could feel your own emotions swell up in your chest. He usually wore his strength like armor, but now, that same strength seemed to be cracking.

Jungkook didn't respond at first. Instead, he buried his face into the crook of your neck, his breath coming in shaky bursts. You could feel his tears soak through your shirt, his body trembling against yours.

"I didn't want to leave you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't know what would happen... I thought I might lose you, and I couldn't handle it." He clung to you as though you were the only thing keeping him tethered to the world.

This was the first time you had ever seen him so vulnerable, so raw. The strong, confident Jungkook you knew had always been the one to comfort others, to be the pillar people leaned on. But now, in this moment, it was him who needed someone to lean on, and you felt an overwhelming wave of love for him.

You gently stroked his hair, your fingers trembling slightly as you held him close. "You won't lose me, Jungkook. I'm here," you whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "I'm not going anywhere."

Jungkook stayed there for a while, clinging to you, letting his tears fall freely. It was a side of him you had never seen before—the side that was scared, that felt as fragile as anyone else. It hurt you to see him like this, but at the same time, it made you realize how deeply he cared for you.You didn't need to say anything more; your presence was all he needed.

Jungkook sat in the chair beside your bed, his hand gently clasped around yours. His gaze never strayed far from you, watching over you as if he could will you to wake up just by focusing all his energy on you. The hours had stretched on, each minute feeling like a lifetime, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to rest. His thoughts swirled with regret, guilt, and a gnawing fear that maybe, just maybe, he had failed you in ways he couldn't fix. The events of the night played on repeat in his mind, every second feeling like a painful reminder of how close he came to losing you.

His hand gripped yours tighter, his thumb gently brushing over your knuckles as he tried to push the fear away. He couldn't shake the feeling that if he had been there for you earlier, if he had seen what Duri was trying to do... maybe things would have been different.

But now, all he could do was stay by your side, silently wishing for you to wake up, to tell him everything was okay, that nothing had changed. The room was quiet except for the soft sound of his breathing and the faint hum of hospital equipment.

As the first rays of the sun started to filter through the window, Jungkook's eyes grew heavy. But he fought it, unable to tear himself away from you. He hadn't let go of your hand, not even when sleep began to creep in.

"I'm sorry, Y/n," he whispered softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I should've protected you. I should've seen it. Please wake up... please be okay."

His words faded into the quiet room as the sunlight grew stronger, and he held onto you, hoping with every fiber of his being that you'd be alright.

Your eyes fluttered open, the light from the window gently streaming into the room, and you slowly became aware of the warm hand holding yours. The moment you shifted slightly, Jungkook's gaze snapped to yours, his tired eyes immediately softening as he sat up straighter in his chair.

"Y/n?" His voice was gentle, but the concern in it was unmistakable. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if he was afraid you might slip back into unconsciousness. "Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

He watched you carefully, his eyes scanning your face, then quickly dropped to your stomach, worry still evident in every line of his expression. "Are you hungry? I... I can get you something to eat if you want."

Jungkook's tone was tired, but there was a tenderness in his words that made you realize just how much he had been stressing over you. He looked worn out, and despite the exhaustion, he kept his hand gently over your stomach, a small attempt to soothe both of you in the midst of everything that had happened.

The way he looked at you now was different—softer, almost desperate for reassurance that everything was going to be okay. It was as if he was trying to make up for everything, for all the pain and worry he hadn't been able to fix.

"I'm sorry... for everything," he added quietly, his voice cracking slightly. "Please, let me take care of you."

You nod, feeling a small wave of comfort as Jungkook quickly leaves the room. You take the moment of solitude to pull out your phone and search for your mother's contact. After a few moments, you find her name and start typing a message. You write how you're doing okay, and that everything's fine. You hesitate for a second before sending it, unsure if you should say more or leave it simple.

As you're about to hit send, you hear the soft sound of footsteps approaching, and Jungkook reappears with a tray of food in his hands. His tired eyes meet yours, and he offers a gentle smile, though his concern is evident. "Here, I brought you something. I hope it's okay," he says, his voice still a little hoarse.

You look at the tray, noticing the care he put into picking the food. It's comforting, and you can feel the warmth of his efforts. You give him a soft smile in return, appreciating it. "Thank you," you say quietly, feeling your stomach settle with a little relief.

Jungkook sits beside you, and for a moment, everything feels calm.

Jungkook watches you carefully as you eat, his eyes soft with concern. He makes sure the food is at a comfortable temperature before letting you eat, as if trying to ensure you're okay in every little way. He doesn't say much, but you can feel his gaze on you, his attention solely focused on you. There's something about the way he watches over you, the quiet care in his actions, that makes you feel safe, even amidst everything that's happened.

"You good?" he asks, his voice gentle as he watches you take another bite. "Let me know if you need anything else." His eyes are still a little red from earlier, but there's a sense of calm in his presence now, a steady reassurance that he's there with you, no matter what.

The doctor enters, offering a warm smile as he greets you both. You and Jungkook bow slightly in respect, and he returns the gesture before turning his attention to you. He begins by checking your vitals, gently pressing his fingers to your wrist to check your pulse, then listening to your heartbeat with the stethoscope. He checks your blood pressure and listens to the baby's heartbeat, nodding with approval.

"Everything seems fine," he says, glancing at the readings and then at you. "Your vitals are stable, and the baby seems healthy. There's no need for concern, but I would advise you to take it easy for the next few days, especially considering the fall." He pauses, giving both of you a reassuring smile. "You can go home now, but just be cautious. Any signs of discomfort or pain, get checked out right away. And make sure you're resting enough."

You nod, feeling some relief at his words. Jungkook stands beside you, looking at the doctor with gratitude. "Thank you," he says quietly, clearly relieved.

The doctor pats Jungkook's shoulder. "Of course, take care of her. And remember, stress can affect both of you, so try to keep her calm and relaxed."

With that, the doctor leaves, and you take a deep breath, feeling a little better knowing everything's alright, but still feeling the weight of everything that's happened. Jungkook's gaze softens as he watches you, and he helps you gather your things to head home.

Reaching home felt like a long journey, even though it was just a short drive. Jungkook helped you with your things, his presence offering some comfort, but you couldn't shake the feeling of guilt weighing you down. As he helped you inside, you felt bad for him, knowing he was doing so much for you, especially after everything that had happened with Duri.

"Jungkook, you don't have to do all of this," you mutter quietly, looking down as you walk slowly inside. "I can handle it."

He looks at you, his brow furrowed, but his voice is soft. "It's not a problem, Y/n. I want to take care of you."

You can tell by the sincerity in his eyes that he means it, but the guilt doesn't quite fade. You don't want him to be burdened with everything, especially when it was all starting to take a toll on both of you.

He notices your discomfort and gently places a hand on your shoulder, his thumb brushing your skin soothingly. "Hey, don't stress about it. I want to do this. You need to rest."

You nod, trying to push the guilt aside, but it lingers in the back of your mind. He helps you sit down on the couch, and for a moment, everything feels like it might just be okay.

Jungkook helps you in ways you hadn't expected, gently taking charge as he helps you with the simplest of tasks. He guides you to the shower, making sure the water's not too hot or cold, holding you steady while you wash off the exhaustion from the day. His hands are gentle, and there's a tenderness in his touch that reassures you that he's not doing it out of obligation, but because he truly cares.

After the shower, he wraps you in a soft towel, guiding you as you dry off and brush your teeth. His movements are careful, almost like he's afraid to hurt you, and it makes your heart swell with affection. He helps you change into something comfortable, making sure you're cozy before lifting you gently onto the bed.

You lie back, sinking into the softness of the sheets as he pulls the blanket up around you, tucking you in like he's done this a thousand times before. His eyes linger on you for a moment, searching your face, as if making sure you're alright.

"Are you comfortable?" he asks softly, his voice still carrying the exhaustion of the long day but also filled with concern for you.

You nod, a small smile tugging at your lips. "Thank you, Jungkook. I didn't expect you to do all this for me."

He brushes a strand of hair away from your face, his hand lingering on your cheek for a second longer than necessary. "It's nothing. I just want you to be okay," he says, his voice steady, but you can hear the softness beneath it.

You close your eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of his presence beside you. It feels like a small, perfect moment—just the two of you, everything else fading into the background.

You lie there, the soft blankets pulled up to your chest, watching Jungkook as he moves around the room. You can see the exhaustion etched on his face, his hair messy and his clothes slightly wrinkled from everything that's happened. A wave of guilt washes over you, and you decide it's time for him to take care of himself.

"Jungkook," you call softly, and he turns toward you, pausing in his movements. "You should get dressed and take care of yourself, too. You've been busy with me, but you need to rest, too."

He looks at you, a little surprised, but there's a gentle smile that tugs at the corners of his lips. "I'm fine. I'm not going anywhere."

"I know, but still," you say, sitting up a little, though it feels like you don't have the strength to get out of bed just yet. "You need to take care of yourself. I'll be fine here for a bit."

Jungkook hesitates, still looking at you like he's not sure, but then nods slowly. "Alright. I'll be quick." He makes his way to the closet, pulling out something more comfortable to wear.

You watch him for a moment, feeling a pang of appreciation for everything he's done, but you know he needs to look after himself, too.

As Jungkook leaves to get dressed, you're left in the quiet of the room, alone with your thoughts. The night before weighs heavily on your mind. The kiss from Duri and the argument that followed—it feels like a blur, but the sting of it all is still there. You remember how Duri leaned in, her lips on Jungkook's, and how everything in that moment stopped. Why did she do that? you ask yourself. The memory of the push that followed, the way she shoved you, makes your chest tighten. You hadn't expected that kind of aggression, and the pain it caused was more than physical.

Jungkook's face had been conflicted, unsure of what to do, and then the moment you fell, the panic in his eyes was clear. He rushed to you, not thinking about anything else except your well-being. You felt safe with him in that moment, even though the situation was chaotic. But Duri's words still echo in your mind—"Jungkook loves me, not you"—and it makes you feel uneasy, unsure of what she was trying to do.

The argument was raw, and you knew it wasn't just about the kiss or Duri's actions. There was so much more going on between the three of you, and it felt like it all collided in that moment. You'd been trying to be calm, but there was a limit to how much you could handle. You'd tried to push the thoughts away, but now, sitting here alone, it was impossible not to think about everything.

And Jungkook—where does he stand? You replay the way he looked at you afterward, how he held you, telling you everything would be okay. He'd been so gentle with you, reassuring you that he was there, that you didn't need to worry about Duri. But the doubt that crept into your mind after seeing the kiss, after everything that happened—it wasn't something you could shake off easily.

You take a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. We need to talk, you think. This mess between Duri, you, and Jungkook can't be left unresolved. You know it will take time, but you need clarity. And maybe, just maybe, this is the time to confront it all. You don't want to let the insecurity or the tension eat away at what you and Jungkook have.

As Jungkook steps back into the room, your eyes are immediately drawn to him. A towel hangs loosely around his hips, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, glistening under the soft bedroom light. His toned abs, defined and sculpted, flex slightly as he runs a hand through his damp hair, pushing it back. His arm tattoos stand out even more against his dewy skin, the intricate designs almost mesmerizing.

You sit there, momentarily frozen, practically drooling as you take him in. Your earlier thoughts of Duri and last night's drama momentarily fade into the background. It's unfair how effortlessly good he looks, how he can make your heart race just by existing.

Jungkook catches your stare, the corner of his lips twitching into a knowing smirk. "Like what you see?" he teases, his voice deep and amused.

You blink rapidly, snapping out of it, clearing your throat in an attempt to play it cool. "I was just... thinking," you mumble, looking away, but you know you've been caught.

Jungkook chuckles, walking closer, making sure you see every ripple of muscle as he moves. "Mmm, sure. Thinking about what, exactly?" His voice is teasing, but there's something in his gaze—a flicker of warmth, of reassurance.

You roll your eyes, but the heat rising to your cheeks betrays you. "Nothing important," you say, but Jungkook isn't buying it. He leans down, placing a soft kiss on your forehead before whispering, "Whatever it is, I'm here, okay?"

And just like that, the tension from the night before eases—if only for a moment.

As Jungkook disappears into the walk-in closet, the door clicking shut behind him, you let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. The momentary distraction of his half-naked presence fades, and your mind drifts back to what had been weighing on you since last night.

Duri. The kiss. The argument. The push.

Your fingers absentmindedly trace over your stomach, a dull ache reminding you of how close things had come to something far worse. The memory of Jungkook's panicked face, his arms holding you as he rushed you to the hospital, flashes through your mind. He had been so scared—more scared than you had ever seen him.

And yet... part of you still felt unsettled.

You knew Jungkook loved you. He had shown it in every way possible, but last night had exposed something ugly, something you weren't sure how to shake off. Duri's words, the way she had clung to him, the fact that he hadn't immediately pushed her away... It all replayed in your head like a broken record.

You wanted to believe that it didn't matter, that his actions now—taking care of you, staying by your side—were proof of where his heart truly was. But the insecurity still lingered, gnawing at the edges of your thoughts.

The sound of drawers opening and closing in the closet brings you back to reality. You sigh, running a hand over your face. You didn't want this to consume you, not when you had more important things to focus on—your health, your baby, your relationship.

You take a deep breath, steeling yourself. You needed to talk to Jungkook, to be honest about how you felt. Holding it in would only make it worse.

The closet door swings open, and Jungkook steps out, now fully dressed, running a hand through his still-damp hair. He looks at you, tilting his head slightly as he takes in your expression.

"What's on your mind?" he asks, his voice gentle but knowing.

You swallow, meeting his gaze.

"We need to talk."

Jungkook nods, his expression serious yet gentle. "I wanted to talk about it, but only when you were feeling better," he says softly.

You hesitate for a moment before asking the question that's been haunting you. "Why did you kiss Duri?" Your voice is quiet, but there's a sharp edge to it.

Jungkook's face hardens, and he quickly shakes his head. "I didn't kiss her, Y/n. She kissed me."

You bite the inside of your cheek, looking away. "But you didn't pull away right away," you murmur, the memory playing over in your mind.

He exhales, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Because I was drunk, and for a second, I didn't even process what was happening," he admits. "It was like... my brain wasn't catching up. But the second I realized, I pulled away. I told her no."

You finally meet his gaze, searching for any sign of dishonesty, but all you see is regret. "Then why was she so confident? Why did she think she had a chance?"

Jungkook clenches his jaw, guilt flickering across his face. "Because I was too blind. I let her stay in my life for too long, thinking we were just friends. I ignored the signs that she wanted something more." His grip on your hand tightens slightly. "That was my mistake. And I hate that it hurt you."

Your heart clenches. You want to believe him, but it still stings. "She said you loved her."

Jungkook lets out a humorless chuckle, his eyes filled with frustration. "She was wrong. I never loved her like that. I don't even know where she got that idea." His hands cup yours, his touch firm yet reassuring. "Y/n, you are the only one I love. The only one I want."

You look down at your intertwined hands, your thumb brushing over his knuckles. "I want to trust you, Jungkook. I do. But it's hard when she made it seem like there was something more."

Jungkook shifts closer, his free hand reaching up to cup your cheek, tilting your face up to meet his gaze. "Then let me prove it to you. However long it takes, I'll do it. I just need you to believe me when I say I love you, and only you."

The vulnerability in his voice makes your chest tighten. You don't respond right away, just searching his eyes, weighing his words against the feelings in your heart.

After a moment, you nod slowly. "Okay," you whisper. "But Jungkook... she can't come near us again."

His lips press into a firm line as he nods. "She won't." His voice is steady, resolute. "I'll make sure of it."

And for the first time since last night, you feel like maybe, just maybe, you can start to breathe again.

After the talk, Jungkook finds himself holding you tightly, his arms wrapped securely around you as if you might disappear at any moment. His grip is firm yet gentle, his warmth seeping into your skin as he buries his face in the crook of your neck. He exhales deeply, his breath tickling your skin, and you feel the way his hand instinctively moves to your stomach, rubbing slow, soothing circles.

You sigh, placing your hand over his. "Jungkook," you murmur softly, "at least get some sleep. You look exhausted."

He shakes his head slightly, his grip on you tightening for a moment before loosening just a bit. "I just... I don't want to let go yet," he admits, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Not after everything."

Your heart aches at his words, at the guilt and love mixed in them. You turn slightly in his embrace, lifting a hand to run through his dark hair. "I'm not going anywhere," you whisper, reassuring him. "I'm right here."

Jungkook hums sleepily at your words, his body finally relaxing against yours. His hand continues rubbing over your stomach, slow and rhythmic, as his breathing evens out. You know he's fighting to stay awake, but the exhaustion is winning.

"Sleep," you whisper again, brushing a soft kiss against his forehead.

And finally, he does. You watch as the slow, rhythmic motion of Jungkook's hand over your stomach comes to a gradual stop. His breathing evens out, deep and steady, his body fully relaxing against yours. His grip on you is still secure, but there's no longer tension—just warmth, comfort, and the quiet reassurance that he's finally resting.

A small smile tugs at your lips as you take in the sight of him. After everything that happened, seeing him like this—peaceful, vulnerable, and completely wrapped around you—makes your heart ache in the best way.

Carefully, you lift your hand to brush his hair back from his face, your fingers barely grazing his skin. "Finally," you whisper to yourself, watching his sleeping form. He needed this rest, and truthfully, so did you.

With one last glance at him, you close your eyes, letting the warmth of his embrace lull you into rest as well.

That day was spent doing nothing but resting. You and Jungkook barely moved from the bed, exhaustion weighing down on both of you. Every time you stirred, you found him still there—wrapped around you, holding you close, as if afraid to let go.

Neither of you spoke much, but words weren't needed. The warmth of his body against yours, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, and the occasional sleepy murmurs were enough. Every so often, he would shift, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead or rubbing slow circles on your back, his way of making sure you were okay.

Jungkook didn't complain once about spending the entire day in bed. If anything, he welcomed it. After the stress, the arguments, and the scare from last night, this quiet, peaceful moment was exactly what you both needed.

The next day, you woke up to an empty space beside you. Jungkook wasn't in bed, but that didn't worry you. After everything, you knew he wouldn't go far.

Slipping on your slippers, you stretched slightly before making your way downstairs, hoping to find him. The house was quiet, the soft morning light filtering through the windows as you walked through the halls. You could hear faint noises from the kitchen—movement, the sound of dishes clinking, and the low hum of what you assumed was Jungkook's voice.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you followed the sounds, already guessing what he was up to.

As if on cue, Jungkook turned to see you standing there. A soft smile spread across his face as he put the dish down and made his way over to you. Without hesitation, he cupped your face and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice still laced with sleep. His eyes scanned your face, filled with warmth and something deeper—something protective. "How did you sleep?" he asked, his hands resting on your waist as if making sure you were still there, still okay

You smile and nod, reassuring him, but Jungkook's eyes flicker down to your stomach before meeting yours again. It's clear he wants to ask, his concern evident in the way his brows pinch together slightly.

"I'm fine, really," you say before he can even get the words out, placing your hand over his.

But Jungkook still doesn't look convinced. His fingers gently press against your stomach, almost as if he's trying to check for himself. "Are you sure? No pain? No discomfort?" His voice is soft, but the worry is there.

You squeeze his hand, giving him another reassuring nod. "I promise."

Still, Jungkook exhales through his nose, his jaw tightening for a brief second. "I just... I don't want anything happening to you or the baby," he admits, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing small circles on your waist.

Jungkook guides you to the chair with gentle hands, making sure you're comfortable before pushing it in slightly. You glance at the table and feel warmth spread through your chest—he's already prepared a simple but thoughtful Korean breakfast just for you.

A steaming bowl of rice, warm soup, and a side of kimchi sit neatly on the table, along with a few other small banchan dishes. It's nothing extravagant, but it's comforting, exactly what you need.

"I didn't know what you'd be in the mood for, so I just made something light," Jungkook says, rubbing the back of his neck. "You need to eat well, especially after everything."

You smile softly, picking up your chopsticks. "It's perfect. Thank you."

Jungkook watches as you take your first bite, his eyes full of relief when you hum in satisfaction. He sits across from you, not touching his own food just yet, too focused on making sure you're okay.

Jungkook picks up more pieces of kimchi with his chopsticks and places them onto your plate. "It's good for your pregnancy," he says casually.

You raise an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And who suddenly made you an expert on what I should eat?"

He smirks, leaning back slightly. "Your mother."

That makes you pause, your lips curling into a smile. "Really? You two talk?"

Jungkook shrugs, but there's a fondness in his expression. "Yeah. She called me last night while you were sleeping. Wanted to check on you. Ended up giving me a whole lecture about what foods are good for you and the baby."

You shake your head, laughing softly. The thought of your mother lecturing Jungkook while he earnestly listens is both heartwarming and hilarious. "Guess that means you're stuck with her advice now."

He chuckles, picking up his own chopsticks. "Guess so. But I don't mind. She cares about you. And... so do I."

Your heart warms at his words, and for a moment, everything feels peaceful again.

Jungkook watches you take a bite before speaking again. "She also mentioned something else," he says, playing with his chopsticks.

You glance up at him. "What?"

He hesitates for a second, then leans forward. "She and my mom were talking... They both want to come when you give birth. To support you."

Your chewing slows as you process his words. "Both of them?"

He nods. "Yeah. My mom said she wouldn't miss it for the world. And your mom... well, she's already planning everything. She wants to make sure you have everything you need."

You can't help but smile at that. "That sounds exactly like her."

Jungkook chuckles. "Yeah, she's thorough. She even asked me if I was ready to take care of you properly."

You tilt your head. "And? What did you say?"

He reaches over, placing a warm hand over yours. "I told her I'd do everything I can. That I'd be there for you no matter what."

Your heart swells at his words. In that moment, you realize just how much he means it. This wasn't just about the baby—it was about the two of you, about your family.

"You know," you say between bites, "I'm not even that far along yet. I'm only about nine weeks."

Jungkook hums in understanding, nodding as he takes a sip of his drink. "Which is still pretty close to..."

You glance at him, already knowing where his mind is going. "The three-month mark," you finish for him.

He sighs, leaning back slightly. "That's when it gets safer, right?"

You nod. "Yeah. Once I hit the second trimester, things are usually more stable."

Jungkook presses his lips together, clearly deep in thought. "I just... I want to make sure nothing happens again. Yesterday scared me, Y/n."

You reach out, placing your hand on top of his. "I know. But I'm okay. And the baby is okay."

He flips his hand over, interlocking his fingers with yours. "Still," he murmurs, "I just want to do everything right."

You smile at him softly. "You already are."

Jungkook sat beside you on the couch, his arm draped lazily over the back while his other hand rested on your stomach. His thumb absentmindedly traced small circles over the fabric of your shirt as he focused on the TV.

You were too busy munching on some snacks to really pay attention to whatever was playing, occasionally glancing at Jungkook. His expression was relaxed but thoughtful, his lips slightly parted as if he was deep in thought.

"You're really obsessed with my stomach, huh?" you teased, looking down at where his hand still rested.

Jungkook smirked but didn't move it. "Of course. My baby is in there." He gave a light pat before turning his attention back to the screen. "And my girlfriend, who eats like she's feeding two already."

You rolled your eyes, shoving a piece of fruit into your mouth. "I am feeding two."

He chuckled, finally glancing at you. "Fair point."

Jungkook looked at you with a small smirk, his hand still resting on your stomach. "Do you ever think about what it'll be like when the baby's here? Like... who they'll take after more?"

You smiled, nodding. "Yeah, sometimes."

He chuckled, tilting his head. "What if they end up like you? You know... snappy?"

You gasped, dramatically placing a hand on your chest. "Excuse me? Snappy?"

Jungkook laughed at your reaction, leaning in to kiss your cheek. "You know it's true."

"I am not snappy," you argued, crossing your arms.

Jungkook gave you a knowing look. "Mm-hmm. Sure."

You squinted at him, pretending to be mad. "I hope the baby gets my personality just to prove you wrong."

He grinned, rubbing your stomach. "Oh, I'm sure they will. And then I'll have two of you ganging up on me."

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn't help but laugh. "You'll love every second of it."

Jungkook smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at you. "Yeah... I really will."

You smirked, tilting your head at him. "Well, I just hope the baby doesn't take after you."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh yeah? And why's that?"

You pretended to think. "Hmm, let's see... what if they grow up to be just as stubborn as you? Or what if they start getting tattoos all over their body the second they turn eighteen?"

Jungkook laughed, shaking his head. "Hey, my tattoos are cool."

You pointed at him. "That's exactly what you'd say! Next thing I know, the baby's gonna come home one day like, 'Mom, I got my first sleeve done.'"

He smirked. "Well, at least they'll have good taste."

You rolled your eyes, but you were grinning. "Fine, but if they also pick up your habit of leaving half-empty water bottles everywhere, I'm blaming you."

Jungkook groaned, covering his face. "Okay, now that's unfair."

You giggled, leaning into him. "No, what's unfair is me finding them all over the house."

He sighed dramatically, wrapping an arm around you. "Alright, alright. Let's just hope they take the best from both of us."

You smiled, resting your head on his shoulder. "Yeah... I hope so too."

You were curled up on the couch, lazily watching TV while Jungkook sat beside you, his hand resting protectively on your stomach. The peaceful moment was suddenly interrupted by the loud, rapid ringing of the doorbell.

Jungkook sighed, already looking annoyed. "Who the hell is that ringing like they pay the bills?"

You chuckled. "Maybe it's Mina?"

Getting up, Jungkook stretched before walking over to open the door. The second he did, Somi and Yoongi stormed in, both carrying bags of food.

"We brought fried chicken!" Somi announced, grinning as she held up the bag like it was a prize.

Yoongi, looking unimpressed but still holding his own bag, muttered, "She didn't give me a choice."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "Did you guys really have to ring the doorbell a hundred times?"

Somi shrugged. "Obviously. We had to make sure you weren't ignoring us."

You laughed, already sitting up straighter as the delicious smell of crispy chicken filled the room. "You guys really didn't have to, but I'm definitely not complaining."

Jungkook walked back over and sat beside you as Somi started unpacking the food. She turned to you with a pointed look. "Y/n, you better eat a lot. You're eating for two now, remember?"

You playfully rolled your eyes. "You guys act like I don't know that already."

Yoongi smirked, grabbing a piece of chicken. "It's because we don't trust Jungkook to feed you properly."

Jungkook scoffed, clearly offended. "Excuse me? I literally made her breakfast this morning."

Somi gasped dramatically. "Wow, our Jungkookie is growing up."

Somi looked around, her brows furrowing slightly. "Wait... where's Duri?"

The moment her name left Somi's mouth, you and Jungkook exchanged a quick glance. You felt a lump form in your throat. A part of you wanted to tell them everything—the fight, the kiss, the fall—but you knew Yoongi and Somi well enough to know they wouldn't take it lightly. They would hunt her down without hesitation.

Before you could figure out how to respond, Jungkook was already answering for you. "She had to leave." His voice was calm, almost too casual, but there was a sharp finality to it.

Yoongi narrowed his eyes slightly, catching on to the shift in Jungkook's tone. "Leave? Just like that?"

Somi, on the other hand, seemed satisfied. "Good. She was getting too comfortable around here anyway." She grabbed another piece of chicken before pointing at you. "Now you can actually enjoy your pregnancy without the extra drama."

You forced a small smile, nodding. "Yeah... exactly."

Jungkook's hand found yours under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He could tell you were struggling with what had happened, but for now, he wasn't going to let anything ruin this moment.

Yoongi still looked suspicious but didn't push further. Instead, he sighed, leaning back. "Well, whatever. Just make sure you're both good."

You nodded again, stealing a glance at Jungkook. He gave you a slight nod in return, silently telling you that you'd talk about it later—just the two of you.

For now, you focused on the warm food, the light banter, and the comforting presence of your friends, trying your best to push away the lingering thoughts of what had happened.

Somi leaned in slightly, as if she was about to spill some deep, dark secret. "Okay, I don't know if I was supposed to keep this to myself, but... I never liked Duri."

Jungkook, who had been taking a sip of his drink, simply nodded. "Yeah. Same."

Somi blinked. "Wait, really? I thought you guys were close?"

Jungkook shrugged, his grip subtly tightening on your hand. "She was just... always there. But I never really thought about it much."

Somi scoffed. "Well, I thought about it a lot. She was weird. Like, I swear, every time I talked to her, she was either staring too hard or pretending to be sweet when I could tell she didn't like me."

Yoongi, who had been silently listening, smirked. "So what you're saying is, your instincts were right?"

Somi flicked a piece of chicken at him. "Obviously. My instincts are always right."

You couldn't help but laugh, though part of you felt tense knowing they had always noticed something was off. Maybe you weren't crazy for feeling how you did about Duri all this time.

Jungkook sighed, leaning back. "Honestly, I should've paid more attention."

Somi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, at least she's gone now. No more weird tension, no more of her acting like she owns this place." She turned to you with a reassuring smile. "You don't have to deal with her anymore, Y/n."

You nodded, returning her smile. "Yeah... you're right."

Jungkook's hand on your thigh gave you another gentle squeeze, silently reassuring you that, no matter what, he was on your side.

Somi had just taken a big bite of chicken when you casually asked, "So, how's your love life?"

Immediately, she choked. Coughing and reaching for her drink, she shot you a glare while Yoongi smirked beside her, clearly entertained.

"Damn, Y/n, let me swallow my food first!" she rasped, pounding her chest dramatically.

Jungkook chuckled, passing her a napkin. "That reaction says everything."

Yoongi leaned back with a knowing smirk. "Yeah, Somi, why are you choking? Got something to hide?"

Somi rolled her eyes, finally recovering. "First of all, I hate you all. Second of all, my love life is fine."

You raised an eyebrow. "Fine? That sounds suspiciously vague."

Jungkook nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's basically code for 'something's happening, but I don't wanna say.'"

Somi groaned, covering her face. "Why did I even come here?"

Yoongi smirked. "For the chicken. And maybe because there's someone new in your life?"

Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly masked it with a glare. "No."

You and Jungkook exchanged glances, now even more interested.

"Oh my god, there is someone!" you gasped.

Jungkook grinned. "Spill it, Somi. Who's the guy?"

Somi crossed her arms. "Why do you assume it's a guy?"

Yoongi snorted. "Because you were literally talking about some guy a few days ago. Don't play dumb."

Somi shot him a dirty look before sighing in defeat. "Okay, fine. Maybe I've been talking to someone."

You gasped, leaning in. "Who? How? When?"

She groaned. "Why do I feel like I just walked into an interrogation?"

Jungkook smirked. "Because you did."

Yoongi, still smirking, grabbed another piece of chicken. "Yeah, now hurry up and tell them before they lose their patience."

Somi sighed, finally giving in. "Okay, okay! So... I slept with this guy a couple of days ago, and we've been talking since then."

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? So it wasn't just a one-time thing?"

She shrugged. "I mean, I thought it would be, but we actually vibe really well. So, we've been texting and hanging out."

Jungkook, who had been listening quietly, suddenly frowned. "Wait... I saw you at the club that night with Hobi." His eyes narrowed slightly. "It's not him, is it?"

Somi immediately shook her head. "No, no! It's not Hobi." She let out a small laugh. "We actually talked about it and just mutually decided to stay friends. There was no drama or anything."

Yoongi, who had been eating the whole time, finally spoke up. "Wow, that's mature. Didn't expect that from you."

Somi shot him a glare. "Excuse me?"

Jungkook ignored them, still looking a little skeptical. "So who is the guy?"

Somi smirked. "Now that is a secret."

You groaned. "Oh, come on, we won't judge!"

Somi sighed dramatically, as if she was giving up on keeping it a secret. "Alright, fine, since you guys won't stop pestering me. His name's Kim Taehyung."

You gasped, immediately putting two and two together. "Wait, what?! Taehyung? I knew it! I-guys at that boxing event, and there was all that flirting." You couldn't help but grin, feeling like you had just cracked the case.

Jungkook, however, froze. His eyes widened slightly as the name clicked in his mind. "Wait... Taehyung?" His voice was filled with surprise, and there was a slight frown on his face as he processed the information. "My friend!"

Somi nodded casually, popping another piece of chicken in her mouth. "Yeah, we've been talking, and... well, things just kind of progressed." She raised an eyebrow at Jungkook's stunned face. "You okay?"

Jungkook blinked, still trying to wrap his head around it. "I... I didn't expect that. Taehyung, huh? Damn." He rubbed his forehead in disbelief. "Well, if you're happy, that's what matters." His tone softened, but you could tell he was still processing the fact that his best friend was the guy Somi had been seeing.

You chuckled at Jungkook's reaction, feeling a little amused by how thrown off he was. "Guess the whole gang's getting involved now, huh?"

Somi smirked. "Seems like it. I guess you could say, Jungkook, that you've got to get used to having your best friend in the mix now."

Jungkook rolled his eyes but grinned. "Guess so. But if he hurts you, Somi, don't expect me to be so calm about it."

Somi laughed, clearly not concerned. "Don't worry, I can handle him."

Yoongi, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly pouted, his voice dripping with mock sadness. "Aww, so everyone's got someone now, huh? What about me? I'm just here left out in the cold while everyone else is busy with their drama and relationships."

You laughed at his exaggerated pout, leaning back against the couch. "Poor Yoongi, always the third wheel."

Somi, not missing a beat, grinned teasingly. "At least you're free, Yoongi. You don't have to deal with all the mess that comes with having someone."

Yoongi rolled his eyes but didn't seem too bothered. "Sure, free to be left out of all the fun," he muttered sarcastically, making everyone laugh.

Jungkook smirked, clearly enjoying the playful teasing. "Come on, Yoongi. You'll find someone. You're just picky."

Yoongi shrugged. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Who knows? But for now, I'm perfectly fine being single." His pout was gone now, replaced by his usual cool expression, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Somi reached over, ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, Yoongi. The right one will come around eventually."

Yoongi sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. I'll believe it when I see it."

You leaned over, nudging him lightly. "You're not as bad off as you think. And who knows? Maybe your someone's right under your nose."

Yoongi just raised an eyebrow at you, his lips curling into a half-smile. "Under my nose? If you're trying to set me up, don't. I'm good."

You chuckled. "I wasn't trying to set you up, Yoongi. Just saying, you never know."

Yoongi took a slow sip of his beer, his eyes turning to Somi with a curious look. "Alright, then. But seriously, how did it even get to the point where you ended up sleeping with Mr. Taehyung?"

Somi, who had been nibbling on some fried chicken, paused and looked over at Yoongi, as if considering how much to reveal. She shrugged, trying to keep it casual. "I mean, we just had a vibe, you know? We've hung out a few times, talked, and things just... escalated."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, giving her a teasing smirk. "Escalated? You mean, you just couldn't resist Taehyung's charm?"

Somi rolled her eyes but smiled. "Something like that. He's a good guy, and he's funny. But it wasn't just about the moment, we had talked a lot before. We just clicked."

Yoongi smirked and leaned back. "So, you're telling me it wasn't just some impulsive thing?"

Somi shook her head. "Nope. It wasn't like that. We talked about it. We both agreed we weren't looking for anything too serious, but we were comfortable with what happened."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "And you just... slept with him? Just like that?"

Somi nodded, a teasing glint in her eye. "Hey, I'm an adult. It's not that deep. We had fun, and now we're just... seeing where it goes."

Yoongi leaned forward, his expression still a little skeptical. "Seeing where it goes? You know Taehyung, he can be a lot, right?"

Somi raised her hand in defense. "I know, I know. But he's also a lot of fun, and I wasn't going into this blindly. It's just a casual thing, alright?"

You chuckled at the back-and-forth. "You two are ridiculous. But hey, as long as you're both happy..."

Somi grinned, clearly unbothered. "Exactly. No drama, just... good times."

Yoongi gave a knowing look, still sipping his beer. "Well, I hope you're not getting too attached, Somi."

Somi just shrugged, clearly not worried. "We'll see, Yoongi. We'll see."

You couldn't help but smirk, teasing Somi a little. "So, how is he in bed?"

Somi's eyes widened, clearly enjoying the attention, and she leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Oh, well, funny story..."

You already knew where this was going, but curiosity got the best of you. Somi didn't disappoint. "So, I was, like, hey, Taehyung, do you think you could choke me? Like, in a... fun way, you know?"

You immediately sighed, facepalming as Yoongi dropped his head back in exasperation. "TMI, Somi, seriously," he muttered, clearly not amused by the turn the conversation had taken.

Somi laughed, completely ignoring Yoongi's discomfort. "No, but hear me out! He was super chill about it, like, actually down to try it, and let me tell you, the way he does it... chef's kiss."

You looked at her with wide eyes, trying to process what you were hearing. "Somi, why are you telling us this?"

Somi just shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, why not? You guys are my friends. You should know the full story."

Yoongi shook his head, trying to keep his composure. "I'm not sure I needed to know any of that, though."

Somi shot him a playful glance. "Well, maybe you should try it sometime, Yoongi. Live a little."

Jungkook, who had been quiet, finally spoke up with a smirk. "Honestly, I'm just glad you guys finally got a chance to spill all your secrets... now I don't feel so bad."

You couldn't help but laugh, despite the awkwardness. "Yeah, thanks for that, Somi. Really needed to know all the details."

Somi just winked at you. "Hey, I'm here for the real talk, alright?"

You feel your face flush as Somi smirks, teasing you. "Well, I mean, you and Jungkook are no better. Look at you now—pregnant," she says, nudging you with a playful grin.

Jungkook immediately looks over at you, his expression softening with a mix of concern and affection. "Somi, don't embarrass her," he says, but there's a hint of a smile on his face.

You roll your eyes but can't help but laugh at the situation, feeling both shy and amused. "Okay, okay, let's change the subject," you say, trying to move things along. The teasing was all in good fun, but you were definitely not ready for this to be the focus of the conversation.

Somi, sensing your discomfort, chuckles. "Alright, alright, I'm done for now," she says, but you can tell she's still enjoying the little jab.

You continued eating your chicken, savoring the crispy goodness while sipping on your glass of water. You were content to just listen to the group talk about other things, letting the conversation flow. Every so often, you glanced over at Jungkook. He was relaxed, sipping his beer and listening to the conversation, his attention flickering between everyone. Occasionally, he'd smile or chuckle at something someone said, and you couldn't help but smile in return, enjoying the moment.

It was nice to see him so carefree, especially after everything that had happened. You couldn't help but admire the way he seemed to balance everything—his focus on you, his friends, and his own feelings. There was something calming about watching him like this, and you felt a sense of peace wash over you.

Somi and Yoongi's banter was still going, but the atmosphere felt lighthearted, nothing like the tension you had experienced earlier. Jungkook caught your eye and smiled at you, his gaze soft and full of affection, making your heart skip a beat.

Somi, in her usual playful tone, suddenly remarked, "I wish I was pregnant. Must be so nice to have someone take care of you like Jungkook does."

Her comment caught you off guard, and as you took a bite of your chicken, you choked slightly. You coughed a few times, struggling to breathe, which immediately sent Jungkook into panic mode.

"Y/n!" he exclaimed, quickly standing up and rushing over to you. His hands gently rubbed your back as he asked, "Are you okay? Breathe, take a deep breath."

You waved him off, still coughing a bit but managing to calm down. "I'm fine, really," you laughed, wiping your mouth with a napkin. "Somi, you can't just say stuff like that out of nowhere!"

Somi, looking a little guilty, grinned and shrugged. "I didn't think it'd cause a choking hazard."

Jungkook shot her a look but then turned his attention back to you, his brows furrowing with concern. "Seriously, don't scare me like that," he said, sitting back down next to you and making sure you were okay.

You smiled at him reassuringly. "I'm fine, Jungkook, really. Just a little slip-up."

Somi sighed wistfully, leaning back in her seat. "I would love to be pregnant at some point in my life," she mused. "The idea of motherhood sounds so lovely—taking care of a little one, raising them... it just seems so fulfilling, you know?"

You couldn't help but chuckle, shaking your head at her dreamy expression. "You? A mom?" You grinned teasingly. "You'd be a crazy one, Somi. Imagine how much chaos you'd cause with a kid."

Somi shot you a playful glare, but it was clear she wasn't offended. "I'd be the best mom! I'd spoil them rotten with snacks and games," she retorted with a dramatic wink.

Jungkook laughed softly, shaking his head at the banter between the two of you. "I can just imagine that. A little kid running around all sugar-high from all the snacks you give them."

You smirked. "Exactly. They'd be bouncing off the walls."

Somi feigned offense. "Hey, I can be responsible too!" she protested, but you both knew she was just as carefree as ever.

Jungkook chuckled. "I'll stick to being a good uncle, thank you very much."

You all laughed together, the mood light and filled with warmth.

Somi continued, her tone light but with a hint of seriousness. "Honestly, though, I'd want to have a kid with a guy I actually want to be with, you know? Someone who'll be a good father, someone I actually like, not just some random guy."

She paused for a moment before glancing over at you, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "Can you imagine, though? If you stayed with Mino and had a kid with him? That'd be a real mess," she joked, leaning back and raising an eyebrow at you.

You froze for a second, a slight tension creeping up in your chest, but you quickly covered it with a laugh. "Yeah, right," you said, forcing a smile. "Definitely not my kind of future."

Jungkook shot you a quick glance, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Somi, oblivious to the slight discomfort she caused, continued, "I mean, thank god you didn't. Look at you two now—Jungkook, the perfect guy, and the cutest little family."

You nodded, feeling the tension ease, and chuckled again, though it was a little forced. "Yeah, definitely for the better," you replied, trying to move the conversation along.

Jungkook, still sensing your discomfort, leaned in a little closer, his hand finding yours. "I'm glad you didn't stay with him, too," he added, his voice soft but reassuring.

You looked at him, grateful for his support, even if it was just a simple gesture. "Me too," you murmured, giving him a small smile. The lightheartedness from earlier started to return, and you all continued the conversation, pushing past the awkward moment.

Somi's playful tone continued as she joked, "I'd want a child with a father I actually want, you know? Imagine if you stayed with your ex instead of Jungkook. That would've been a disaster."

Her words hit a little too close to home, making you shift uncomfortably in your seat. You quickly masked it with a slight laugh, trying to brush off the uneasy feeling that lingered. "Oh, please," you said, standing up. "I need to fill up my water."

You made your way to the kitchen, hoping the short walk would give you a moment to clear your mind. The sound of your footsteps was a welcome distraction as you reached for the water jug, pouring yourself a fresh glass. You leaned against the counter for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady yourself before returning to the living room.

As the group finished their conversation, Yoongi, clearly a little annoyed, gave Somi a light shove. "Why did you have to take it that far with the ex comment?" he asked, his tone a bit more serious than usual.

Somi shrugged nonchalantly, clearly unbothered. "I didn't mean anything by it. I never liked him like that anyway." Her eyes flickered over to Jungkook, an almost mischievous glint in them. "But hey, could you check on Y/n? Just make sure that comment didn't upset her too much."

Jungkook looked up at her, nodding. "Yeah, I'll go check on her."

Jungkook walked into the kitchen, closing the door gently behind him. His expression was soft, concern still lingering in his eyes. "You okay?" he asked, his voice quiet as he approached you.

You smiled at him, trying to brush off the lingering discomfort from Somi's comment. "Yeah, I'm fine," you said, filling your glass with water. "Just... you know how she is. Always joking."

Jungkook watched you closely, his gaze never leaving your face. He took a step closer, placing a hand on the counter beside you. "You sure?" he asked, a little more hesitant now. "I know it might have hit a nerve, but you know she doesn't mean it."

You chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension, but Jungkook's expression remained serious. "It's not really affecting me, don't worry. It's just... you know how Somi can be with her weird comments. I broke up with him for a reason, and honestly, I never even liked him like that," you said, shaking your head.

Jungkook's eyes softened as he listened. "I get it," he said quietly, taking a small step closer to you. "She has a way of saying things that can catch you off guard, but I know it's not meant to hurt."

You smiled at him, appreciating his understanding. "Exactly. I'm not mad. She's my best friend, even if she does say some weird stuff sometimes," you said with a playful grin. "I love her anyway."

Jungkook nodded, his hand gently brushing against yours on the counter. "I just want to make sure you're okay. I hate seeing you even a little upset."

You leaned into him slightly, grateful for his concern. "I'm fine, really. Just needed to process it for a second."

He smiled softly, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze. "Well, I'm here if you ever need to talk."

You nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. "Thanks, Jungkook. I know I can count on you."