Back Then

🚨Never Let Go🚨

He didn't say anything to that. Just smiled, small and quiet.

After a beat, she added, "You're not bad at this, you know."

"At what?"

She tilted her head at him. "Taking care of me."

Jungkook looked over at her again, then away, like the stars suddenly needed his attention. "I'm trying," he said, barely above a murmur. "Trying not to mess it up again."

Chaeyoung didn't say anything for a long second.

Then she whispered, "You're doing okay."

And that was enough—for tonight.

****

They reached her apartment building a little after eight. The elevator ride was quiet—less from awkwardness, more from the growing tension that hung between them like a heartbeat waiting to break rhythm.

When they stepped inside her unit, she kicked off her sneakers, turned on the hallway light, and motioned for him to come in.

Jungkook stepped into Chaeyoung's apartment, shrugging off a light jacket to reveal an oversized, black button‑up shirt that hung loosely over his shoulders. He crossed to the living room and sank onto the couch, the wood floor cool beneath his bare feet.

Chaeyoung perched on the armrest, nursing a glass of water. "I swear, I'm never eating samgyeopsal again," she groaned, rubbing her stomach. "My belt's threatening mutiny."

He laughed softly. "I know, right? I think I saw the chef hiding under the table."

She grinned, then glanced at her phone. "Also—Hoseok just pinged the group chat. He wants those final deck edits by Monday afternoon."

Jungkook rolled his eyes playfully. "And Jin reminded us he wants Q3 numbers in there, or it's coffee fines all around."

Chaeyoung laughed. The conversation faded into companionable silence. The low hum of the street outside drifted through the slightly cracked window.

Then, without warning, Jungkook turned toward her. His gaze was intense, warm.

He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, thumb lingering against her cheek.

He kissed her.

Soft, at first—measured and cautious. But when she didn't pull away, when her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, he kissed her again. Deeper this time. With more weight. Like he'd been holding back too long and didn't trust himself not to drown in it now.

It was hot—heart‑racing, urgent. His shirt rustled against her arm as he pressed his body against hers, and she responded just as fiercely, her fingers tangling in the fabric at his back.

They broke apart just enough to catch their breath, foreheads resting together.

Chaeyoung's voice was a soft whisper. "Kook... I'm okay I'm ready."

Jungkook's eyes went wide in mock surprise, then softened with desire.
Jungkook's breath hitched as he looked at her—really looked. His voice was low, rough around the edges.
"Damn, Chaeyoung... you're driving me insane."

Before she could respond, his mouth was on hers again—deeper this time, more urgent, like the last sliver of restraint had finally snapped. His hands found her waist, then her back, pulling her closer until there was nothing between them but heat and want.

She tugged lightly at the hem of his black shirt, fingers brushing the skin underneath.
"Come with me," she whispered against his lips, her voice barely a breath.