Chapter 5

Kitchen – Moments Later

The cold water rushed over Jungkook’s red skin as Taehyung held his wrist under the tap. His jaw was clenched, his eyes stormy — not at Jungkook, but at himself, at everything.

Jungkook flinched slightly but managed a small laugh. “Hyung… I said it’s okay.”

Taehyung didn’t answer. His hands were trembling slightly, despite his face trying to hold steady.

“You didn’t have to slap her,” Jungkook added quietly.

Taehyung’s hands stilled.

“She hurt you.” Taehyung

“It was an accident.”-Jungkook

Taehyung’s head dropped slightly, his breath heavy. “She wasn’t listening… again. We’ve tried so hard to teach her discipline. And yet…”

“And yet?” Jungkook asked softly, watching him.

“She still looks at me like I’m the monster.”-Taehyung

Taehyung turned off the tap, drying Jungkook’s hand with a soft towel — quieter now, his anger melted into pure exhaustion.

“I don’t want to be the one who hurts her. But I will, if that’s what it takes to protect her from becoming spoiled and careless in a world that doesn’t forgive people like us.”

Jungkook placed a hand over Taehyung’s. “Hyung… you’re hurting her more than the world ever could.”-Jungkook sadly said with a sigh

Taehyung didn’t say anything. He was upset that he slapped her he don't want to but he have to.

Upstairs – Y/N’s Room

The door remained closed, and the sobs had quieted into soft whimpers.

Y/N sat with her knees pulled to her chest, hugging her stuffed rabbit tightly, cheeks wet with tears, the red mark from the slap still fresh on her soft skin.

Every word echoed in her mind.

How many times… do we need to teach you…

She wasn’t even mad. Just… shattered.

She never wanted to hurt Jungkook. Never wanted to see Taehyung so angry.

She hated herself for it.

Was I really that careless? Am I just a burden to them now?- Y/n thought

A soft knock tapped at her door.

“Y/N?” Jungkook’s gentle voice came through. “Can I come in?”

She didn’t answer — but the door opened anyway.

He stepped inside, bandaged hand resting on the doorknob, eyes immediately softening as he saw her curled up in bed, red-cheeked and broken.

Without a word, he walked over and sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. She didn’t resist. She just melted into him and started crying all over again.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she whimpered. “I didn’t mean it…”

“I know, baby. I know,” Jungkook whispered, kissing the top of her head. “It was an accident. I’m not upset.”

“But Taehyung oppa—he…” Her voice cracked. “He slapped me.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, heart breaking. “He lost control. He’s hurting too, even if he won’t show it. But that doesn’t make it right.”-Jungkook said in soft voice

“Does he hate me now?” she asked, looking up with trembling lips.

“No,” Jungkook said firmly, wiping her tears. “He doesn’t hate you. If anything, he loves you too much. That’s the problem.”

A knock came again.

This time, heavier. Hesitant.

The door creaked open, and Taehyung stood there — eyes lowered, guilt radiating off him like a storm cloud.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat.

“I…” Taehyung began, but words failed him.

His eyes flicked to her swollen face, the slap mark still faintly there.

Jungkook stood up slowly, giving Taehyung space.

Taehyung stepped forward, voice low. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Y/N stared at him, unsure.

“I was angry,” he admitted. “Not at you. At myself. At the world. At the fact that… I can’t be soft with you and still protect you.”