Present Time

The sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop at the entrance of the grand mansion, its polished exterior gleaming under the golden glow of the setting sun. The sprawling estate loomed before them, its modern architecture a testament to their new beginning, the glass walls reflecting the vibrant hues of dusk. Y/N, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief, flung open the car door before Jungkook could even turn off the engine. She stepped out, her floral dress swaying as she spun around, her laughter bubbling into the warm evening air.

“Catch me, Kookie!” she called, sticking out her tongue at him with a teasing grin before darting toward the mansion, her footsteps light and carefree.

Jungkook shook his head, a fond smile tugging at his lips as he watched her run, her hair bouncing with each step. “You’re gonna regret that, angel!” he shouted, his voice laced with playful determination as he leaped out of the car and gave chase. Their laughter echoed through the estate, a joyful melody that seemed to breathe life into the mansion’s sleek halls. Y/N’s giggles rang like chimes as she neared the entrance, her hand reaching for the door, but Jungkook was faster. With a swift move, he caught her from behind, scooping her into his arms with ease, her surprised squeal melting into laughter.

“Got you,” he said, his voice a low, teasing growl as he spun her around, her legs dangling as he twirled her in the open air. The world blurred around them, the mansion’s grand entrance spinning in a kaleidoscope of glass and stone.

“Kookie, I’m gonna fall!” Y/N laughed, her voice bright and free, her hands clutching his shoulders as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, her breath warm against his skin.

“Never, baby,” Jungkook murmured, his tone soft but resolute, his arms tightening around her. “I won’t let you fall as long as I’m alive.” He spun her once more, her laughter filling his heart, before slowing to a stop. Y/N’s giggles faded into a soft protest, her cheeks flushed with a dizzy glow.

“Kookie, I’m dizzy now, stop it!” she whined, her voice playful as she clung to him, her face still nestled against his neck, her lips brushing his skin in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Not until you say I’m the best boyfriend and will be the best husband in the world,” Jungkook teased, his eyes glinting with mischief as he held her close, refusing to set her down.

Y/N laughed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “Haha, yes, yes, you are, Kookie! Now please put me down!”

With a triumphant grin, Jungkook gently lowered her to the ground, his hands lingering on her waist as he steadied her. He cupped her face, his thumbs brushing her cheeks, and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips warm and lingering. “That’s my girl,” he whispered, his voice dripping with affection.

A sudden throat-clearing interrupted their moment, and Y/N and Jungkook froze, their eyes snapping toward the grand hallway of the mansion. There, in the middle of the sleek marble floor, stood Yoongi, his arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. But he wasn’t alone—Jin, Namjoon, and Jimin flanked him, their expressions a mix of amusement and curiosity. And then, Y/N’s breath caught as her gaze landed on the fifth figure: Taehyung, standing slightly apart, his eyes soft but hesitant, his presence unexpected after seven long months.

Jungkook’s arm tightened around Y/N’s waist, his body tensing as he registered Taehyung’s presence. The couple had been so lost in each other, their playful chase and laughter, that they hadn’t noticed the group waiting inside. The air shifted, heavy with unspoken history, and Y/N felt Jungkook’s grip on her tighten, his jaw clenching as he locked eyes with Taehyung.

Taehyung took a deep breath, stepping forward, his expression a mix of regret and resolve. Jungkook’s gaze was unyielding, a storm of emotions flickering in his dark eyes—anger, hurt, but also a flicker of hope. Y/N sensed the tension, her heart aching for both men. She gently touched Jungkook’s arm, her voice soft but steady. “Jungkook, it’s okay,” she said, her eyes meeting his with a reassuring smile. She nodded, a silent encouragement, and Jungkook’s expression softened, though the tension lingered.

With a quiet sigh, Jungkook pressed another kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if drawing strength from her. “I’ll be back, angel,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate, before letting go of her waist and striding out of the mansion toward the garden area, his steps purposeful but heavy.

Taehyung glanced at Y/N, his eyes searching, and she offered him a gentle smile. “Go,” she said softly. “He wants to talk to you in private.”

Taehyung nodded, his expression grateful but nervous, and followed Jungkook outside, the glass doors closing behind him. The remaining group—Jin, Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jimin—stood in awkward silence, their eyes flickering between Y/N and the door. Jin stepped forward, his voice soft but concerned. “Y/N—”

She held up a hand, interrupting him with a calm smile. “Oppa, it’s better they talk alone,” she said, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. “It’s important.”

Jin nodded, his expression softening, and the others murmured their agreement, settling into the plush sofas in the living area to wait, their voices low as they exchanged quiet conversation.

---

### The Garden: A Moment of Reconciliation

Outside, the garden was a tranquil oasis, the evening air cool and fragrant with the scent of blooming jasmine. The soft glow of outdoor lanterns illuminated the stone pathway, casting a warm light over Jungkook as he stood with his hands in his pockets, his back to Taehyung. The city skyline twinkled in the distance, but the tension between the two men was palpable, a silent storm brewing under the calm exterior.

Taehyung approached cautiously, his footsteps crunching softly on the gravel. He stopped a few feet away, his voice low and heavy with remorse. “Jungkook,” he began, his tone raw, “I’m sorry. For everything I did. I was wrong—completely wrong. I let my pride, my anger, get the better of me, and I hurt you. I hurt Y/N. I’m guilty, and I know I can’t undo the past, but I want to start fresh. I swear, I’ll never do anything like that again.”

Jungkook remained silent, his shoulders tense, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The weight of Taehyung’s words hung in the air, mingling with the memories of their fractured past—the betrayal, the accusations, and the moment Taehyung had dragged Y/N into their conflict, a line Jungkook could never forgive easily. Taehyung’s heart sank at the silence, and he took a step back, preparing to leave, his head bowed in defeat.

But then Jungkook spoke, his voice low and steady, cutting through the quiet. “I’m not angry at you for what you did to me, Tae,” he said, turning to face him, his eyes intense but not unkind. “More or less, I hated you too. I tried to get under your skin, pushed your buttons. We were both messed up back then. But what I couldn’t stand—what I’ll never forgive easily—is that you brought Y/N into it. You dared to drag her into our mess, and that’s the one thing I can’t let go of.”

Taehyung’s eyes glistened, his guilt evident as he nodded. “I know,” he said, his voice breaking. “I was wrong, Jungkook. I was stupid and reckless, and I’m so sorry for involving her. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

Jungkook studied him for a long moment, his gaze searching, weighing the sincerity in Taehyung’s words. Finally, he exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “What’s done is done,” he said, his voice softer now, tinged with a quiet resolve. “Let’s leave it behind us. We move forward from here, Tae. Clean slate.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened, a flicker of hope breaking through his guilt. “You mean that?” he asked, his voice tentative.

Jungkook nodded, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. But you better apologize to Y/N,” he added, his tone lightening, a playful glint in his eyes. “She deserves it.”

Taehyung chuckled, relief washing over him. “I will, I promise,” he said, his voice earnest. “I’ll make it right with her.”

Jungkook extended his hand, and Taehyung took it, their grip firm and steady, a silent agreement to bury the past. Then, in a moment of camaraderie, Jungkook pulled him into a quick shoulder-to-shoulder hug, a gesture that spoke of forgiveness and a new beginning. “Let’s go back inside,” Jungkook said, his voice warm. “Our friends are waiting.”

---

### Back in the Mansion: A New Chapter

The two men re-entered the mansion, their steps lighter, the tension between them dissolved. Y/N stood near the grand staircase, her eyes lighting up as she saw them return, her smile radiant with relief. The others—Jin, Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jimin—rose from the sofas, their expressions curious but hopeful.

Taehyung approached Y/N, his demeanor soft and sincere. “Y/N,” he began, his voice low, “I owe you an apology. I was wrong to drag you into my mess with Jungkook. I hurt you, and I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll never do anything like that again.”

Y/N’s smile was gentle, her eyes warm with understanding. “It’s okay, Tae,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “I forgive you. Let’s start fresh, all of us.”

Taehyung’s shoulders relaxed, and he nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. Jungkook stepped up behind Y/N, his arm slipping around her waist, pulling her close. “Told you she’s an angel,” he said, his voice teasing but filled with pride, his lips brushing her temple.

The group erupted into laughter, the tension melting away as Jin clapped his hands. “Alright, enough of this serious stuff!” he declared, his voice booming with his usual dramatic flair. “We came to celebrate this ridiculous mansion, so let’s eat!”

The evening unfolded into a warm, joyful gathering, the dining room filled with the aroma of Jin’s cooking—spicy tteokbokki, grilled meat, and a spread of banchan. The table was alive with laughter, stories, and teasing, the mansion’s sleek walls echoing with the sound of their friendship. Jungkook kept Y/N close, his hand resting on her thigh, his eyes never straying far from her, while Taehyung joined in the banter, his presence no longer a shadow but a part of their shared light.

As the night drew to a close, the group lingered, reluctant to leave the warmth of the moment. Jimin raised a glass, his eyes twinkling. “To new beginnings,” he said, his voice warm. “To this mansion, to love, and to us.”

“To us,” everyone echoed, their glasses clinking, their smiles bright. Y/N leaned into Jungkook, her head resting on his shoulder, and he pressed a soft kiss to her hair, his heart full.

As their friends left, waving and promising to return, Jungkook and Y/N stood at the entrance, hand in hand. The mansion stood quiet around them, a symbol of their love and their future. Jungkook turned to her, his eyes soft with adoration. “Ready for our next chapter, angel?” he asked, his voice a low, intimate promise.

Y/N smiled, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him, her lips warm and sure. “With you, Kookie? Always.”

They walked back inside, their laughter echoing through the halls, ready to fill their new home with love, trust, and the promise of forever.

---

Taehyung ‘s POV

The night air was cool and crisp, the streets of Seoul glowing under the amber streetlights as Taehyung maneuvered his sleek black SUV through the city. The hum of the engine was a steady companion, blending with the soft jazz playing through the speakers, a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling in his chest. He gripped the steering wheel, his fingers flexing slightly, his sharp jawline softened by a faint, contented smile. Tonight had been monumental—two burdens lifted from his heart in a single trip. First, his reconciliation with Jungkook and Y/N, their forgiveness washing away months of guilt like rain on a parched earth. Second, the pride that swelled within him at the thought of his younger brother, Yeonjun, finally debuting as a member of TXT, a dream realized under the bright lights of the K-pop world. Taehyung’s heart thrummed with a rare lightness, a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in years.

As he approached a red traffic light, the car slowed to a stop, and Taehyung’s gaze drifted to the world outside. The city was alive, its pulse a mix of neon signs and late-night wanderers. His eyes caught movement on the sidewalk—a girl, her laughter ringing like a melody through the quiet street, running with a carefree abandon. Her dark hair bounced in loose waves, catching the streetlight’s glow, and her short skirt flared as she spun around, her face alight with a radiant smile. Taehyung’s breath hitched, his heart stuttering in his chest as time seemed to slow. She was beautiful—petite, with a delicate face framed by soft features, her eyes sparkling with mischief despite the slight wobble in her step that hinted at a few too many drinks.

“Come on, guys!” she called, her voice bright and teasing, as she turned to face two other girls chasing her, their laughter mingling with hers. The trio’s joy was infectious, their playful energy cutting through the stillness of the night. Taehyung’s lips curved into an unconscious smile, but his gaze remained fixed on her—the girl who seemed to glow brighter than the city itself.

Without thinking, he pushed open the car door and stepped out, his tall frame leaning casually against the SUV as he watched the scene unfold. The road was nearly empty, save for a few passing cars, and the girls’ laughter echoed in the quiet. One of the girls, with a stern but affectionate expression, was trying to coax the drunken beauty to stop running. “Aella, come on, you’re gonna trip!” she scolded, her hands on her hips, though her tone was more exasperated than angry.

The other girl, panting slightly, darted off toward a nearby parking lot, returning moments later in a silver sedan. She pulled up beside her friends, and together, they gently but firmly guided the giggling Aella into the back seat, her protests dissolving into laughter as they buckled her in. Taehyung’s eyes followed every movement, his curiosity piqued, his pulse quickening with an unfamiliar thrill. There was something about her—something magnetic, untamed, that stirred a spark deep within him.

As the girls’ car pulled away, Taehyung slid back into his SUV, his instincts taking over. He started the engine, his movements automatic, and followed at a discreet distance, his eyes flicking between the road and the silver car ahead. The jazz in the background faded to a distant hum, his focus entirely on the mystery unfolding before him. The streets of Seoul blurred past, the city’s lights a kaleidoscope of color, but all he could see was her smile, her laughter echoing in his mind.

When the silver car slowed in front of a grand mansion, Taehyung’s brows furrowed, recognition dawning. It was Namjoon’s mansion—a place he’d visited countless times, its imposing gates and sleek design unmistakable. His heart skipped a beat as Namjoon himself emerged from the entrance, his tall frame relaxed but authoritative, his expression softening as he approached the car. The two girls stepped out, carefully guiding Hana, who was still giggling softly, her steps unsteady. Namjoon reached her in a few strides, his hands gentle as he steadied her by the shoulders, a brotherly affection in his eyes as he murmured something to her, guiding her inside.

Taehyung’s mind raced, pieces clicking into place. Namjoon’s parents had adopted a girl years ago—Aella , the daughter of Namjoon’s father’s loyal henchman, a man who had died protecting the family. Taehyung had heard Namjoon speak of her, his voice always warm with pride and protectiveness, but Taehyung had never met her, never seen her. She’d been sent to London for her studies after her father’s death, a way to shield her from the dangerous world of their past. She’d only returned to Seoul a few weeks ago, and now, here she was—standing before him, a vision of beauty and chaos, her laughter still ringing in his ears.

Taehyung leaned back in his seat, his heart pounding as he watched the mansion’s gates close behind her. A slow, dangerous smirk spread across his lips, his inner voice shouting, *Kim Taehyung, you’re doomed now.* But he didn’t care. Something about her had ignited a fire within him, a determination he hadn’t felt in years. “Whatever it takes,” he murmured to himself, his voice low and resolute, “I’ll do anything to make you mine, darling.”

He pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly as he dialed a number. The call connected almost instantly, and Jimin’s familiar voice came through, bright and curious. “Yo, Tae! What’s up? You sound… intense.”

Taehyung chuckled, the sound low and edged with excitement. “Jimin, it’s me. I need your help with something.” He recounted the night’s events—the girl he’d seen, her laughter, her beauty, and the revelation that she was Namjoon’s adopted sister. “I need to know more about her, Jimin. Her name’s Aella

. She’s… she’s something else.”

Jimin laughed, his tone teasing but supportive. “Oh, man, you’ve got it bad already, huh? Alright, I’ll help you out. I'll see what I can find out. But you owe me, Tae.”

“Anything,” Taehyung said, his voice firm, his smirk widening. “Just help me get to her.”

“Deal,” Jimin replied, his laughter fading as the call ended.

Taehyung leaned back, his eyes drifting to the mansion one last time. Aella’s face flashed in his mind—her radiant smile, her carefree laughter, the way she’d lit up the night. “Darling,” he whispered, his voice a low, dangerous promise, “get ready to be mine.”

He started the car, the engine purring to life as he pulled away, the city lights blurring past him. His heart was lighter than it had been in months, the reconciliation with Jungkook and Y/N a weight lifted, his pride in Yeonjun a glowing ember, and now, this new spark—Aella , a mystery he was determined to unravel. As he drove toward his own home, the night stretched before him, filled with possibilities, and Taehyung knew one thing for certain: his life was about to change, and he was ready to chase it with everything he had.

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To be continued ..