Recalling Affection

Chapter 24

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a gentle mosaic of gold and blush across the room. The world outside was still hushed, save for the distant chirping of early birds and the occasional rustle of a breeze. Inside, everything was still—peaceful, like the world had paused just for them.

Jungkook stirred first, the warmth wrapped around him anchoring him to the present like a lifeline. His arm instinctively tightened around the soft figure curled into his chest, his thumb lazily brushing against the bare skin of her back beneath the tangled sheets. The subtle scent of lavender shampoo lingered in her hair, now slightly tousled, and he breathed it in like it was air itself.

Saga was still asleep, her face nestled into the crook of his neck, lips parted slightly, her slow, steady breaths tickling his collarbone. Her lashes fluttered gently with dreams, casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. There was a faint pink flush on her skin, the kind that comes from whispered secrets and tangled limbs under moonlight.

He didn’t move. He just stared at her, memorizing everything. The way her hand was fisted gently against his chest like she was scared he might disappear. The soft rhythm of her heartbeat aligning with his. The tiny sighs she made every now and then, like she was dreaming of something sweet.

In that moment—just her and him, in the warmth of morning, no scripts, no stages, no flashing cameras—Jungkook felt more real, more grounded, than he had in years. No versions of himself to perform. Just this one. Just hers.

Gently, as if afraid to wake her, he reached up and brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead. His thumb lingered at her temple, lightly tracing the curve of her cheekbone. Her skin was warm and soft, and when he whispered her name in the quiet—“Saga”—he didn’t expect a response.

But she stirred.

A sleepy mumble vibrated against his skin. Her head tilted back slightly, her lashes fluttering open. She blinked up at him, hazy and adorably confused, before a slow smile unfurled across her lips, her eyes melting into recognition.

“Kookie…”

His heart tripped.

“Morning, Sparkle,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep as he pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead.

She let out a soft hum, nuzzling closer until her nose was tucked under his chin, her fingers brushing over his ribs as she stretched slightly. “Did you sleep well?” she asked, voice thick and drowsy, slurring just a bit at the edges.

He chuckled, low and fond. “Better than I have in years.”

A knowing smile tugged at her lips. “Liar,” she whispered teasingly, eyes still closed. “You were snoring.”

His mouth fell open in faux outrage. “I did not snore!”

She giggled, lifting her hand to lightly poke his chest. “Like a little grizzly bear.”

Jungkook growled dramatically, flipping her onto her back in one smooth motion. She squeaked, her laughter ringing out like music as he hovered over her, pinning her in place.

“Take it back, you little menace,” he grinned, dipping his head to her neck where he began to tickle her with playful kisses.

“Never!” she gasped, twisting beneath him, giggling so hard tears formed in the corners of her eyes. “Justice for sleepy bears!”

“You’re digging your grave, Miss Sparkle,” he warned between kisses to her jaw, her nose, her cheeks.

“Then bury me in cuddles,” she declared breathlessly, wrapping her arms around him.