chapter 3

Namjoon and Seokjin arrived at the Jeon mansion a little earlier than planned. Jungkook was in his study, and Taehyung stood in the living room arranging small flower vases along the shelf. When he saw them enter, he immediately straightened.

“Good morning,” Taehyung said softly, bowing. His voice trembled the slightest bit, though he tried hard to hide it.

Seokjin smiled warmly. “Good morning, Taehyung.” His eyes softened as he took in the omega’s thin frame and tired face. “Did you sleep well?”

Taehyung nodded quickly, too quickly. “Yes, hyung. I’m fine.”

Namjoon’s brows pulled together slightly. Something about the way Taehyung’s shoulders stayed stiff and his hands fidgeted was… off.

Before Namjoon could say anything, Minji descended the stairs with her usual practiced smile.

“Oh, Namjoon, Seokjin! You’re here. Jungkook is upstairs finishing some work.” She spoke smoothly, then turned her gaze to Taehyung. “Taehyung, don’t you have tasks in the storeroom? Or did you forget again?”

Taehyung instantly lowered his head. “I—I’ll go now.”

Seokjin raised a hand. “Wait. He can sit with us for a minute.”

Minji’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes sharpened. “If he sits, nothing will get done in this house. Better let him stay busy.”

Taehyung nodded hesitantly and slipped away without looking up again.

Namjoon watched him go, a slight heaviness settling in his chest.

“Is everything okay between them?” he asked quietly.

Minji laughed gently, like it was nothing. “Of course. Marriage is just new for Taehyung. He’s still learning. He gets… overly emotional sometimes. Dramatic, even.”

Seokjin’s eyes narrowed—not enough to be rude, but enough to show he didn’t buy her explanation.

Still, before he could question further, Jungkook came down.

“Oh, hyung,” Jungkook said with a small smile, hugging both Namjoon and Seokjin. “Sorry. I was caught up with work.”

His voice sounded normal. But Seokjin noticed how Jungkook didn’t even ask where Taehyung was. No glance around, no question.

Seokjin exchanged a subtle look with Namjoon.

Something was definitely wrong.

Jungkook led his brother and brother-in-law to the dining table, Minji following closely behind like a shadow. Taehyung didn’t join. No one called him.

A strange tension sat silently in the air.

After breakfast, Namjoon stood up. “I’ll go check on Taehyung and say goodbye.”

Minji’s hand shot out, gently gripping his arm. “No need. He’s busy with something. And he might be… upset about something minor. You know how omegas are.”

Seokjin stiffened at that sentence, eyes darkening. “What does that mean?”

Minji paused for just a breath before smiling. “Nothing, Seokjin-oppa. Just that he takes everything to heart.”

Namjoon didn’t respond, but he clearly didn’t believe her. Still, Jungkook was already showing them out, and the moment passed.

Once Namjin left, Minji moved fast.

She approached Jungkook in the hallway, expression troubled.

“Jungkook… there’s something I need to tell you.”

Jungkook frowned. “What now?”

Minji hesitated as if she genuinely didn’t want to say it. “I wasn’t going to mention it… but I think you should know. Taehyung said something earlier to Namjoon hyung. I don’t know if he meant it or if he was just upset.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. “What did he say?”

Minji bit her lip. “He said he regretted marrying you. That he feels trapped… that you’re controlling.”

Jungkook froze.

Minji continued softly, “He said he wants to leave but can’t because of your family’s image.”

Silence.

Cold. Heavy. Dangerous.

Jungkook’s breath grew uneven. “He really said that?”

Minji nodded, eyes glistening with fake sympathy. “I’m sorry. I know it hurts. Maybe he didn’t mean it… but he sounded serious.”

Jungkook didn’t stay to hear more.

He stormed down the hallway and found Taehyung in the storeroom, kneeling on the floor, folding linens quietly.

Taehyung looked up immediately when the door slammed open.

“Jungkook…?”

Jungkook’s voice was ice. “So I’m controlling now?”

Taehyung blinked in confusion. “W-What?”

“You regret marrying me, right?” Jungkook snapped, stepping closer. “You feel trapped? You want to leave? That’s what you said?”

Taehyung’s face drained of color. “I never said that. I swear—I never—”

“Don’t lie to me again!” Jungkook’s voice thundered through the small storage room. Taehyung flinched so hard his elbow hit a shelf behind him. “Minji told me everything. She heard you.”

Taehyung’s voice trembled. “I’ve never said a word like that. I never—”

“Stop.” Jungkook raised a hand to silence him. His chest rose and fell sharply. “Do you think I’m blind? Do you think I can’t see how unhappy you are? Do you think I can’t see how you act so innocent outside and cry alone inside this house for sympathy?”

Tears filled Taehyung’s eyes instantly. “Jungkook, please listen—”

“No.” Jungkook shook his head and stepped back like Taehyung’s presence disgusted him. “I’m done. I’m tired of your lies, your manipulation, your fake innocence.”

Taehyung stood there, breathing breaking apart, eyes shining with terrified confusion.

“I’m not lying,” he whispered. “I don’t want to leave you. I never said that. Please… please believe me for once. Just once.”

Jungkook’s jaw clenched so tightly a muscle ticked in anger.

“If you want to leave, just say it. No need to pretend.”

Taehyung’s tears finally broke free. “I don’t! I don’t, Jungkook, please—”

“Enough.”

Jungkook turned around sharply.

Taehyung grabbed his sleeve instinctively, voice cracking painfully. “Don’t go… please don’t walk away—”

Jungkook yanked his arm free like the touch burned him.

“Don’t touch me.”

Taehyung fell to his knees instantly, choking on a sob he tried to hold back.

Jungkook didn’t turn around.