Chapter Forty-Eight "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

Unpacking Surprises

By the time Jungkook pulled up to the grand Kim estate, the sky had already darkened, signaling the approach of dinner. The day had been exhausting but thrilling, and despite his lingering annoyance with Taehyung, his excitement over their shopping spree overpowered his irritation—for now.

After dropping his friends home, Jungkook walked inside with an exaggerated sigh, carrying numerous shopping bags with him. He didn’t even glance in Taehyung’s direction as he strode past him and straight into the living room, where Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim were waiting for him.

“Momma! Dada! You won’t believe the day we had!” he babbled excitedly, dropping onto the couch beside them. “It was insane! We went to Luxe Lane, and you should have seen Soobin’s face when I told him we own the place! He looked like he was going to faint! And then Jimin? Oh my god, he was trying on the most extra outfits ever, acting like he was walking down a runway! And Niki—she just kept piling up clothes like we were on a shopping spree game show. It was hilarious!”

Mr. Kim chuckled at Jungkook’s enthusiasm, while Mrs. Kim watched her youngest son with a fond smile. “Sounds like you had fun, baby. But did you need that many bags?”

Jungkook gasped dramatically. “Momma, don’t question fashion! Each outfit has a purpose!”

Mrs. Kim rolled her eyes playfully before patting Jungkook’s cheek. “Alright, alright. But we need to see everything you bought. We’ll help you pick what you should wear for the freshers’ party.”

Jungkook nodded eagerly and got up, ready to haul all his shopping bags to his room. However, before he could escape, Taehyung, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up.

“I’ll help too.”

Jungkook stiffened. He had been doing a great job ignoring Taehyung so far, but now that his 'husband' was volunteering to ‘help,’ he wasn’t sure if he could hold back his anger. Huffing, he turned on his heel and marched toward his room, not bothering to acknowledge Taehyung’s words. But, of course, Taehyung followed right behind him, determined to find a way to soften his brat’s temper.

The moment they entered Jungkook’s room, he began unpacking his shopping bags, showing off each item as if he were presenting a fashion haul. Mr. and Mrs. Kim sat comfortably on his bed, amused by their son’s excitement, while Taehyung leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching silently.

“Okay, okay, so this one is for casual wear,” Jungkook said, holding up a chic, oversized sweater. “This one—” he dramatically picked up a sparkly, fitted blazer “—is for when I want to look rich but effortless.”

Mr. Kim chuckled. “You already look rich, baby.”

Jungkook grinned. “True, but it’s all about the vibe.”

Piece after piece, he showed them everything he had bought—until, suddenly, he reached into one of the bags and pulled out something that wasn’t his choice.

Jungkook’s eyes widened as he held up a scandalously sheer, lacy black shirt. His jaw dropped, and he immediately rummaged through the bag, pulling out more revealing outfits—short silk robes, tight leather pants, panty-like denim shorts, silk mini skirts, lingerie of different colors, net gloves and stockings, some belt harnesses, and even a ridiculously tiny crop top. His face burned as he turned to his parents, who were now staring at the clothes with raised brows.

“What the—?!” Jungkook whipped his head toward Taehyung, who was staring at the items with obvious amusement. “I DIDN’T BUY THESE!”

Mrs. Kim blinked. “Then who did?”

It took Jungkook approximately three seconds to connect the dots. His friends. Those little devils. He could already picture Niki’s smug face, Jimin’s giggles, and Soobin’s barely concealed grin.

“I’m going to kill them,” Jungkook muttered under his breath, his hands clutching the lacy fabric like it had personally betrayed him.

Taehyung, finally unable to hold back his laughter, let out a deep chuckle. “Well, well… looks like your friends have good taste.”

Jungkook turned to glare at him, his cheeks still flushed. “Shut up.”

Mr. Kim, ever the responsible parent, cleared his throat. “Well, I don’t see why you can’t try them on.”

Jungkook’s head snapped toward his dad. “DADA?! No way!”

Mrs. Kim, now smirking, waved her hand. “Come on, baby, let’s see how they look on you. Your friends think you’d rock them.”

Taehyung’s smirk deepened. “I agree.”

Jungkook let out a scandalized gasp. “YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE ON MY SIDE!”

Mrs. Kim shrugged. “I am. I just think you’d look cute.”

Jungkook groaned, flopping onto the bed as he cursed his friends. This was NOT how he expected his evening to go.

As Mrs. Kim and Mr. Kim got up, Mrs. Kim patted Jungkook’s head. “Alright, we’ll leave you to it. Try them on and ask Taehyung how they look.”

Jungkook immediately sat up. “WHAT?!”

“We’re hungry,” Mr. Kim added nonchalantly. “Have fun, you two.”

With that, they left, locking the door behind them.

The moment they were gone, Jungkook turned to Taehyung, panic evident in his eyes. “Hyung, don’t you dare—”

Taehyung’s gaze, however, was already locked onto the pile of scandalous clothing. His smirk was unmistakable as he leaned forward slightly, his deep voice sending shivers down Jungkook’s spine.

“Well, baby,” Taehyung murmured, eyes dark with amusement, “go on… try them.”

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GO TO THE NEXT CHAPTER:

https://novelreadingislife.blogspot.com/2025/03/chapter-forty-nine.html