The first rays of sunlight filtered through the glass walls of the bedroom, casting a golden glow over the space. Taehyung stirred awake, his senses tingling with warmth. His lips curved into a lazy smile as he realized the source of that warmth—Jungkook, snuggled into him like a kitten seeking comfort.

Taehyung blinked a few times to shake off the remnants of sleep and focused on the sight before him. Jungkook lay sprawled across his chest, his bare skin soft and inviting against Taehyung's. The younger's lips were slightly parted, and his cheeks were a rosy hue that made him look like an angel.

Last night's memories flooded his mind—Jungkook's innocence and trust, his shyness as Taehyung guided him, and how he had eventually fallen unconscious in his arms from exhaustion. Taehyung had cleaned him tenderly, using a warm towel to wipe him down, changed the sheets, and slipped into bed beside him. He had chosen to sleep bare, wanting to feel the warmth of his mate against him.

His gaze traveled downward, pausing at the marks he'd left on Jungkook's neck and shoulders. The sight filled him with pride and satisfaction. Mine, all mine, he thought, his wolf growling in agreement.

"Look at you, my little bun," Taehyung whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Jungkook's face. "How are you even real?"

Unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Jungkook's forehead. The younger stirred, his nose scrunching up adorably before he buried his face deeper into Taehyung's chest.

Taehyung chuckled, his chest vibrating. "You're too cute for your own good."

He glanced at the clock on the bedside table, noting it was still early. Deciding to savor the moment, he wrapped his arms tighter around Jungkook, letting his fingers lazily trace patterns along the boy's back.

The peaceful silence was suddenly interrupted by the buzzing of his phone. Taehyung groaned, reluctantly reaching over to grab it without disturbing Jungkook.

A notification flashed on the screen, reminding him of the marketing team's meeting that morning. His secretary had left a note that it was rescheduled for today. Taehyung frowned and dialed Namjoon's number.

Namjoon answered almost immediately. "Tae? This is unexpected. Aren't you... preoccupied?"

Taehyung rolled his eyes, keeping his voice low. "Hyung, the marketing meeting got moved to this morning. Can you handle it for me?"

There was a beat of silence before Namjoon's laughter echoed through the phone. "Oh, I see how it is. Let me guess, you're busy 'admiring the view'? Or is it something... more?"

Taehyung pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to wake Jungkook. "Hyung, just attend the meeting, please."

Namjoon continued to tease, "You sound unusually mellow today. Is it because a certain bunny wore you out? I'm just saying—"

"Hyung!" Taehyung hissed, his ears turning red.

Namjoon laughed harder. "Fine, fine. I'll take care of it. But you owe me, Tae."

"Yeah, yeah," Taehyung muttered, ending the call.

Setting the phone aside, he looked down to find Jungkook's eyes fluttering open.

"Good morning, Hyungie," Jungkook mumbled sleepily, his voice soft and raspy.

"Morning, baby," Taehyung replied, his tone gentle.

Jungkook stretched lazily, his body pressing against Taehyung's in a way that made the older man's breath hitch. Taehyung swallowed hard, trying to control his instincts.

Jungkook blinked up at him, his doe eyes filled with innocence. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Because you're beautiful," Taehyung said without hesitation, his hand cupping Jungkook's cheek.

Jungkook looked around the room, his brows furrowing as fragmented memories of the night before came rushing back. His face turned a deep shade of red, and he immediately ducked under the blanket.

Taehyung chuckled, pulling the blanket down just enough to see Jungkook's flustered expression. "Hiding won't help, baby. I already saw everything last night," he teased, his tone low and playful.

Jungkook pouted, his cheeks puffing out adorably. "Hyungie!"

Taehyung's smirk grew as he leaned closer. "What? You're mine now, remember? Every inch of you belongs to me."

Taehyung smirked, leaning in to steal a kiss. It was soft at first, but the moment their lips met, Taehyung couldn't help deepening it. Jungkook let out a surprised squeak, his hands instinctively clutching at Taehyung's shoulders.

When they pulled away, Jungkook was breathless, his cheeks flushed. "Hyungie!"

Taehyung chuckled, his voice a deep rumble. "What? You're irresistible, baby."

Jungkook tried to sit up but winced slightly, a reminder of the previous night. Taehyung's expression softened, and he immediately wrapped his arms around the younger.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jungkook nodded shyly. "Just... a little sore."

Taehyung's lips quirked into a smirk. "That's my fault, isn't it?"

"Hyungie!" Jungkook's voice was a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.

Taehyung laughed, his deep baritone filling the room. "Alright, alright. Let me make it up to you. How about a warm bath?"

Before Jungkook could protest, Taehyung scooped him up effortlessly, earning a startled yelp.

"Hyung! I can walk!"

"Not after last night," Taehyung said smugly, carrying him toward the bathroom. "Let me take care of my baby."

Jungkook buried his face in Taehyung's chest, too shy . As Taehyung carried him, he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have such a doting mate.

 The blanket Jungkook was wrapped in slipped slightly, revealing his slender shoulders and making the tips of his ears turn scarlet.

"Hyungie! I-I can walk, really," Jungkook protested, his voice muffled against Taehyung's skin.

Taehyung chuckled, the sound deep and indulgent. "And let my baby stumble around all sore and flustered? Never. You're mine to care for, Bun."

As they entered the bathroom, Jungkook's wide eyes took in the sight before him. The massive space was like something out of a dream. A sunken marble tub sat in the center, steaming with warm water. Rose petals floated delicately on the surface, their soft pink hues contrasting beautifully against the clear water. Scented candles lined the edges, their flickering flames casting a romantic glow across the room.

Jungkook gaped. "Hyungie... this is so... pretty."

Taehyung smiled, his heart swelling at the awe in Jungkook's voice. "Only the best for my baby." He set Jungkook down gently on the plush bench near the tub, keeping his arms steady around him as if he were the most fragile treasure.

Jungkook squirmed under Taehyung's gaze, clutching the blanket tightly around himself. His cheeks were flushed, and he looked everywhere but at Taehyung.

"Why are you so shy, bun?" Taehyung teased, kneeling before him. "It's not like I haven't seen everything already."

Jungkook's eyes widened, and he spluttered, "T-That's different! Last night was... it was..."

"Beautiful," Taehyung finished for him, his voice softening. "And you were perfect."

Jungkook's blush deepened, and he tugged the blanket closer.

Taehyung reached out, his hands brushing against Jungkook's, and gently coaxed the blanket away. "Let me help you, Bun. You don't have to hide from me."

After a moment of hesitation, Jungkook allowed Taehyung to unwrap the blanket, leaving him completely bare. His hands instinctively moved to cover himself, but Taehyung caught them, holding them gently but firmly.

"Don't," Taehyung said, his eyes locking with Jungkook's. "You're beautiful, baby. Every inch of you."

Jungkook felt like his heart was about to explode. He nodded shyly, letting Taehyung guide him toward the tub.

As Jungkook stepped into the warm water, he let out a soft sigh of relief, the heat soothing his sore muscles. Taehyung followed behind leaving his cloths.

Taehyung leaned back in the tub, his arms resting on the edge as he gazed at Jungkook, who was seated in front of him with his back against Taehyung's chest. The warm water and rose petals enveloped them in a soothing embrace, yet Taehyung's mind lingered on a nagging thought.

His bun was usually brimming with curiosity, always asking endless questions about everything. And yet, after such an important moment in their relationship, Jungkook hadn't uttered a single query.

"Bun," Taehyung began, his deep voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Jungkook hummed in response, tilting his head slightly to look back at Taehyung.

"Why didn't you ask me anything about... last night?" Taehyung asked, his brow furrowing slightly. "You always have a million questions about everything. But about mating? Not a word."

Jungkook froze, his cheeks turning crimson as he quickly looked away. His fingers toyed nervously with a rose petal floating in the water. "I-I... um..."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes, his curiosity deepening. "What is it, bun? Did someone say something?"

When Jungkook didn't respond, Taehyung's arms encircled his waist, pulling him closer. "Tell me," he murmured, his voice laced with a mixture of authority and affection.

Jungkook sighed, knowing there was no escaping his alpha's persistence. "It's... Jimin-hyung's fault," he mumbled, barely audible.

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, his protective instincts flaring. "What did he do?"

Jungkook hesitated before burying his face in his hands. "He... he told me about mating," he admitted, his voice muffled.

"Jimin told you about mating?" Taehyung repeated, his tone incredulous.

Jungkook nodded slowly, peeking through his fingers. "He said I needed to know since I'd be clueless otherwise..."

Taehyung growled lowly, his wolf stirring in annoyance. "What exactly did he tell you, Jungkook?"

The younger flushed even deeper, recalling the embarrassing memory.

Flashback

Jungkook sat on the couch in the library, his legs swinging nervously as Jimin watched him with an amused glint in his eyes.

"Alright, Jungkookie," Jimin began, setting down a book on the table. "You're about to become an alpha's mate, and that means you need to understand what mating entails."

Jungkook blinked innocently, tilting his head. "But, hyung, isn't it just about marking and... being together?"

Jimin smirked, leaning closer. "Oh, sweet, innocent bunny. It's so much more than that."

He pulled out his phone and started scrolling. Jungkook's curiosity piqued, but when Jimin turned the screen toward him, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"HYUNG!" Jungkook squeaked, scrambling backward.

"What?" Jimin said, feigning innocence. "You need to know, Kookie. This is important educational material."

"That's not educational! That's... that's..." Jungkook stammered, his face turning bright red.

"Fine," Jimin sighed dramatically, putting his phone away. "If videos are too much for your delicate heart, let's try this." He slid the book across the table toward Jungkook.

The younger hesitated before opening the book. His eyes scanned the first page, and his face somehow turned an even deeper shade of crimson. "Hyung, why are there pictures?!"

"Because visuals help with understanding," Jimin replied smoothly, his grin widening. "Come on, Jungkookie. If you don't know what to expect, how will you handle your alpha?"

Jungkook groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is so embarrassing..."

Jimin laughed, patting Jungkook's head. "Don't worry, bun. You'll thank me later."

Taehyung stared at Jungkook, a mixture of amusement and irritation flickering across his face. "Jimin... showed you videos? And gave you a book?"

Jungkook nodded shyly, refusing to meet Taehyung's gaze.

"That meddlesome Midget," Taehyung muttered, his jaw clenching. "I'm going to have a talk with him."

"Don't be mad at him, hyungie," Jungkook said quickly, turning to place a hand on Taehyung's chest. "He was just trying to help. I didn't know anything, and... I wanted to be prepared for you."

Taehyung's expression softened instantly at Jungkook's earnest words. He cupped Jungkook's cheek, his thumb brushing gently over his skin. "You didn't have to do any of that, bun. I would've explained everything to you."

Jungkook smiled shyly. "I know. But I wanted to make you proud."

Taehyung's heart melted, and he pulled Jungkook into a tight embrace. "You always make me proud, baby."

Jungkook giggled, resting his head against Taehyung's chest. "Even when I'm clueless?"

"Especially when you're clueless," Taehyung teased, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

As they sat together in the warm bath, surrounded by rose petals and laughter, Taehyung made a silent vow to cherish his curious bunny forever—and to have a very serious conversation with Jimin in the near future.

After their shared bath, Taehyung carried Jungkook back to the bedroom, much to the younger's shy protests, and helped him into one of his oversized shirts. The shirt hung loosely on Jungkook's slender frame, the hem brushing his thighs, leaving his legs exposed. Taehyung couldn't resist smirking at the sight, which only made Jungkook's cheeks flush more.

"Stop staring, hyungie," Jungkook mumbled, tugging at the hem of the shirt in a futile attempt to cover himself.

Taehyung leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. "Can't help it, bun. You're too tempting."

Jungkook huffed, crossing his arms, but the shy smile on his face betrayed his feelings.

"Alright," Taehyung said, clapping his hands together. "Time to feed my baby. Let's go make breakfast."

"You're cooking?" Jungkook asked, his wide eyes filled with surprise.

"Of course. I'm a man of many talents," Taehyung replied with a wink, leading Jungkook to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Taehyung insisted Jungkook sit on the countertop while he prepared their meal. Jungkook swung his legs back and forth, the oversized shirt riding up slightly, which Taehyung noticed immediately.

"Bun, you're going to give me a hard on ," Taehyung said, his voice dropping into a husky tone as he walked over to adjust the hem of the shirt. "Stay still, or I won't be able to focus."

Jungkook's cheeks turned pink as he nodded obediently, his hands gripping the edge of the counter. "Sorry, hyungie."

Taehyung chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Jungkook's forehead before returning to the stove.

As Taehyung whisked eggs and chopped vegetables, Jungkook couldn't help but giggle at his mate's focused expression. "Hyungie, are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Taehyung paused, turning to give Jungkook a mock-offended look. "Are you doubting my culinary skills, bunny?"

"Well..." Jungkook trailed off, trying to stifle his laughter. "You just put the eggshells in the bowl."

Taehyung glanced down at the mixing bowl, his face heating up as he realized Jungkook was right. He quickly scooped out the shells, muttering, "It's part of the recipe. Extra crunch."

Jungkook burst into laughter, his melodic giggles filling the room. "You're such a liar, hyungie!"

Taehyung smirked, walking over to tickle Jungkook's sides. "You're laughing now, but wait until you taste my masterpiece!"

Jungkook squirmed, his laughter growing louder. "Stop, hyungie! I'll fall off the counter!"

Taehyung stopped immediately, his protective instincts kicking in. "Okay, okay, no more tickling. But you better behave, or I'll feed you the eggshells."

Jungkook stuck out his tongue playfully, making Taehyung grin.

When the food was finally ready, Taehyung set the table and pulled Jungkook down from the counter, placing him in one of the chairs. He leaned down, brushing his lips against Jungkook's ear. "Stay here, my little troublemaker. I'll serve you."

Jungkook blushed, nodding shyly. "Okay, hyungie."

Taehyung brought over plates of scrambled eggs, toast, and freshly cut fruit. He set Jungkook's plate in front of him and leaned down again, this time kissing his cheek. "Eat up, bun. You need your energy."

Jungkook smiled softly, his heart fluttering at the gentle affection. "Thank you, hyungie."

As they ate, Taehyung couldn't keep his eyes off Jungkook. The younger was sitting cross-legged on the chair, Taehyung's shirt slipping off one shoulder, revealing the soft curve of his collarbone.

"You look so cute like this," Taehyung said, his voice low and filled with admiration.

Jungkook looked up, a piece of toast halfway to his mouth. "Me? Cute?"

"Absolutely," Taehyung replied, his gaze intense. "You're the cutest, sexiest thing I've ever seen."

Jungkook's face turned crimson as he quickly looked down at his plate. "Hyungie, stop saying things like that!"

"But it's true," Taehyung teased, leaning over to steal a kiss. "And I'm going to keep saying it until you believe me."

Jungkook pouted, but the shy smile on his lips gave him away.

After breakfast, Taehyung carried Jungkook back to the couch, insisting they spend the rest of the morning cuddling. Jungkook protested weakly, saying they should clean up the kitchen, but Taehyung silenced him with a kiss.

"Let the dishes wait," Taehyung murmured, pulling Jungkook onto his lap. "Right now, I just want to hold my baby."

Jungkook sighed contentedly, resting his head against Taehyung's chest. "You're so cheesy, hyungie."

"And you love it," Taehyung replied, grinning.

Jungkook couldn't argue with that. Wrapped in Taehyung's arms, he felt safe, loved, and completely at home.

***************