The afternoon continued to grow hotter but the temperature inside the car was already too high. Jungkook, post their intimate encounter, lowered the windows to let in some fresh air. Taehyung, in the aftermath, focused on fixing his dishevelled attire, securing his shirt into his pants and belting it. Seated with his back against the backseat, his head was thrown back in a moment of relaxation. He exhaled and inhaled deeply as a result of exhaustion. Their hair and bodies were drenched in sweat as an aftermath of their intimacy which started to cool down once the cool breezes rushed inside the car. Jungkook, still catching his breath, composed himself. Having already adjusted his own clothes, he turned towards Taehyung, noticing him struggling with his belt. In a gentlemanly gesture, Jungkook promptly assisted him, helping buckle the belt and fixing Taehyung's shirt with care.

"Baby are you alright?" Jungkook asked out of concern, breaking the silence between them again and causing Taehyung to smile.

"You've asked this for a thousandth time already, I am completely fine, Kookie. Don't worry. It was amazing." Taehyung let the other know with a gentle smile, bringing his hand into Jungkook's messy hair to brush and groom them.

"I know… it was so amazing." Jungkook replied, reciprocating the same smile, leaning his arm on the side of the brunet to face him closely.

"You know you look so gorgeous today. Even more gorgeous now, I'm not used to your raw and natural form like I just saw but I have to admit, you don't need anything additional to enhance what you have, it's already in its abundance." Jungkook's artistic nature extended to his keen observation of even the subtlest details. Taehyung, with his radiant presence, stood out vividly, making it impossible for Jungkook to overlook the captivating aspects that surrounded him. Jungkook's words formed a rosy hue on Taehyung's cheeks, his swollen lips curling into a shy smile. The artist couldn't resist poking and kissing his cute button nose, just above an endearing mole. It was hard to believe that the same person blushing in the moment was having bold and blunt moments earlier, giving Jungkook the best time of his life. Jungkook found it hard to believe how Taehyung had transformed, from the person beneath to above, and then, beside him. His actions seemed to change as swiftly as their positions, creating a dynamic dance of emotions. Jungkook kept staring at him, mesmerised by his allure. The cute brunet was trying his best to distract himself by fixing Jungkook's hair, who looked very dashing with those black hair slightly parted and thrown back, revealing his forehead.

"Don't keep staring at me." Taehyung whined in a whisper, rubbing his legs together, still blushing and a huge smile homed on the artist's face.

"Why not? I can do the world's most luxurious thing for free, you deserve to be in a museum though." Jungkook expressed himself genuinely, but Taehyung, overwhelmed by the cheesiness, couldn't contain the deepening blush. He sought refuge by burying his face into Jungkook's chest, prompting a chuckle. Jungkook tenderly brought his hand to the back of Taehyung's head, gently caressing in response.

"I told you to stop… I'm not that good." Taehyung whined softly, snuggling his face into the warmth of Jungkook's neck, getting to inhale the sweet scent of his skin mixed with his natural pheromones. Taehyung loved to have him this raw and near, just for him and only him which he wanted to keep around him forever. Jungkook playfully tilted his head, sneakily planting a peck on Taehyung's blushed cheek, maintaining a smile that showcased the various facets the brunet had revealed in such a short time.

"More kisses."

"But didn't you have so many?"

"More!"

Earning a kiss from the artist would always be less, Taehyung wanted more so he sat up, rubbing his upper leg with Jungkook's and suddenly feeling something inside it who was only smiling at him purely in a mesmerised way.

"What is it?" Taehyung asked, pointing to Jungkook's pockets, who was reminded of that special thing which he was keeping securely since so long.

"Well… it is." Jungkook started, fiddling into his pockets.

"But first close your eyes." Jungkook commanded and Taehyung only frowned.

"Guess you don't want more kisses, I see." Jungkook playfully narrowed his eyes after saying so and Taehyung quickly did as he was told after being threatened. Nothing comes over kisses.

"Can you turn for me baby?" Jungkook asked and Taehyung did as per his command, sighing with anticipation.

Jungkook proudly presented the pendant from the box, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and joy over the design he had crafted. Taehyung, sensing a cold touch against his neck, straightened up, patiently awaiting the moment. As he felt the necklace under his fingertips, he instinctively knew, his eyes still closed, that Jungkook had placed something beautiful around his neck.

"Wait, what?! Really?" Taehyung turned around in pure amazement and Jungkook smiled so bright and big, eyes crinkled with pure joy.

"How's it?" He pulled Taehyung a little closer, bringing him closer until he was able to see his reflection in the reflecting mirror right in front of the car and Taehyung could see his neck adorned with a pendant. The locket, a delicate heart shape, held a unique touch – their initials beautifully engraved in tiny cursive fonts. Taehyung was unaware until he lowered his head and examined it closely. A perfect gold heart showcased a beautifully detailed rose, nestled between their initials, elegantly written in cursive capitals and making the locket a symbol of their shared connection. Taehyung was happy but more overwhelmed as he kept looking down at it and then at his reflection in the mirror back and forth.

"Since you made this artist recognised, I owe you something special in return. Your first gift by my first pay, all because of you, Tae, I love you so much." Jungkook whispered and Taehyung stopped in his actions to face him, his amusement perfectly portrayed through that smile and tears sparkling in his eyes.

"This is… this is so special. Oh my God! I can't contain myself anymore. This is so amazing, Kookie. I love you so so much." Taehyung replied in a hastily manner, quickly jumping on Jungkook to hug.

"Are you happy?"

"No! I'm more than just happy. I'm out of the world. I'm so fucking happy that I wanna scream it to the world and tell everyone that Kookie got this for me. I wanna keep this with me forever and ever and ever!" In a burst of joy, Taehyung proudly exclaimed, and Jungkook, pleasantly surprised by the reaction, couldn't help but feel immensely satisfied and enlightened by Taehyung's happiness.

"If you're happy, I'm happy." Jungkook whispered honestly, staring at Taehyung who was still looking down at the necklace like a happy child with his new toy. He was touching it again and again, seemingly proud, admiring his neck in the mirror and would smile at the thought of having this gold chain and pendant as his first gift from Jungkook that he would surely cherish forever.

"We're running out of time, Tae. We have only one more hour till your driver comes to pick you up." Jungkook recalled once he looked down at his wrist watch and Taehyung looked at him once again, pouting disappointedly.

"No you just didn't say that. You ruined my mood. I don't wanna leave this place." Taehyung debated, looking out of the window sadly.

"Isn't my yard a mini version of all these fields? You can always lay there like you want to." Jungkook tried to convince him but Taehyung wasn't convinced enough.

"It is.. but this place is so peaceful and big. Can we stay here a little longer? I'll call my driver and will ask him to come one more hour later."

"Okay baby, but we still should be leaving soon, to our home." And when Jungkook addressed his home as their home, Taehyung felt so full of love and affection that he wanted to kiss the life out of Jungkook.

"You're doing this purposely." Taehyung spoke up, sounding defeated.

"What?" Jungkook asked, seeming perplexed.

"Oh for lord's sake! I'm so in love with you." Taehyung exclaimed so happily before making his way on Jungkook's lap to straddle him for that attack of a number of kisses while Jungkook happily and proudly let him kiss.

Upon Taehyung's request to stay for a little more time, the car finally started, as per Jungkook's insistence to head home soon. Their morning to noon was spent travelling and visiting Taehyung's grandma. Considering Taehyung's classes were already over for the day, Jungkook, mindful of his promise to Taehyung's mother, didn't want to be careless. He took control of the wheel, driving them back home. The silence of the car was replaced with some soft melodies, lulling the brunet into a brief nap that lasted a few minutes, the rhythmic tunes accompanying them until they reached home. Jungkook too kept their hands intertwined while driving and Taehyung on the other side was peacefully taking a nap, the artist definitely didn't want to disturb him at all. Feeling a sense of contentment seeing Taehyung comfortably resting, Jungkook's only concern was the latter's discomfort once he woke up to his sore body. Thankfully, they reached home quickly. Parking the car in front of his house, Jungkook stepped out, taking the initiative to open the metal-bar fore-gate that led into his yard and parking shelter. Jungkook got inside his car again to park his car in the right place and Taehyung was already awake by the noises. Lazily opening his eyes, Taehyung took a moment to realise his surroundings before deciding to sit up and rub away the sleepiness. Jungkook, with a smile, had parked the car and came to open the door for Taehyung. As Taehyung stepped out, his face appeared a bit puffier and incredibly adorable after the nap, prompting a chuckle from Jungkook.

"Still sleepy?" He asked but Taehyung shook his head, leaning his head onto his shoulder.

"I have to call your mom and inform her, okay? She must be worrying." Jungkook informed, making his way towards the entrance of the house with Taehyung clinging on his side. He managed to support him with one arm around his waist while opening the door for them to walk in. Once when Taehyung inhaled the aroma of the house, that was it, the feeling of being home after a tiring journey. He was feeling so alive. The aroma of colours, clay, and blooming flowers in the yard, coupled with the distinct scent of Jungkook, enveloped Taehyung. The house had transformed into his sanctuary, a haven he could always rely on for comfort and security.

Jungkook opened the casements of the living room, and Taehyung sprawled on the couch, observing as Jungkook called his mother and provided updates, gracefully moving the drapes aside. Even in the simplest actions, Jungkook exuded attractiveness. Taehyung was completely captivated, feeling a profound sense of contentment focused solely on him.

His eyes only followed Jungkook around who was just doing the essential things he would do after coming home, placing the things he took earlier with him in the right places while still talking on the phone. Everything about him is just so attractive. The brunet knew he shouldn't be greedy but he would only be thinking about one thing all the time and that's to have Jungkook right on top of him, giving him the best time of his life. He couldn't help his thoughts. It was as if they were uncontrollable, out of his control. So he just sat there staring at him and sighed.

Jungkook concluded the call, radiating a bright smile that left the brunet feeling deeply valued. In those moments of attention, an irresistible appreciation blossomed within him, for he was undeniably a sucker for Jungkook's focus. He just stretched his needy arms for Jungkook, wanting him to come and fall into his embrace but the artist chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. Nevertheless, the artist continued his approach, being caught right in a warm hug. Yet, Taehyung sought more, attempting to anchor Jungkook in cuddles, only to find him backing away a bit too soon, leaving a fleeting sense of longing in the air.

"We have no time for cuddles. Do you want some coffee? I'm surely craving."

"I'm craving you, just give me that." Taehyung whispered, such a huge love worm of Jungkook who chuckled.

"Okay, but after a strong cup of coffee for me. Since you don't like coffee that much I'll make you some milkshake. You want me to add strawberries and bananas to it?" Jungkook asked and Taehyung had to give up.

"Sure."

"Okay." Jungkook rose, heading to the kitchen with determination to tackle his exhaustion with a steaming cup of coffee. But soon his phone once again buzzed on the table, interrupting his focus.

"Can you take it for me baby?" Jungkook demanded his other half who was quick to oblige his demands, carrying the phone in his hands.

"It says Lee-nim." Taehyung replied as he read the screen.

"Oh, can you come here and put that on speaker for me?" Jungkook asked while working and Taehyung quickly did so. He approached Jungkook to stand next to him.

"Hello, Jungkook! I'm so glad to inform you that all of your paintings have been sold out with a very nice amount and reviews. You got people on a chokehold, seriously. Just the other day there was a huge crowd in front of your paintings and right after the exhibition they came back to auction and as always, sold out with slightest negotiations between the buyers. We have sent you your grands, you must check your account. Great work, bless you man." The man from the authority not only informed Jungkook but made sure to congratulate him well with his blessings, who smiled out of pure joy but Taehyung's smile was surely wider.

"Really? That's amazing news, Mr. Lee! Thanks for your kind words. I still can't wrap my head around the fact they got sold. Wow."

"Now if that's what you think is amazing, listen carefully. People are praising your work and are impeccably in love with it, just keep working for them. Local exhibitions demand your paintings for more visits so we are willing to extend this contract with you and you can send us more of your creations whenever you feel like. It's mutually beneficial. And also, one of your buyers is a very famous journalist and she's very willing to take your interview so I had already given your contact details to her." Mr. Lee shared the news with enthusiasm, but Jungkook's response held a touch of hesitation and nervousness. His uncertain gaze shifted to Taehyung, who, in a reassuring manner, encouraged him to agree despite the reservations.

"Y-yeah sure Mr. Lee! Thanks for informing me!"

"It's okay. I'll send you more details about this contract and whatsoever. Don't forget to check your emails. Have a nice day!"

"Sure I will. Thanks for the news. Have a nice day, sir."

Taehyung ended the call, exuding happiness as he eagerly embraced Jungkook. However, the artist's demeanour hinted at a lack of joy.

"Wait- what I heard was true? Oh my god this is an amazing day! You should surely agree. This is a golden chance for the world to know who you are. Wow! I'm so happy for you, Kookie." Taehyung said joyfully, reading Jungkook's expressions who seemed unfazed.

"I don't know… I'm not an intellectual person. I'm just okay with painting."

"Why?"

"I don't know what to do there. It's just very new to me. I have never done something like this before."

"What happened to the big things you were saying to me earlier? What happened now?"

"It's different, Tae."

"No it's not and it's not as complicated as you think. Now make yourself a cup of coffee, put some energy in you to think about it because that's an opportunity you should not miss."

"But Tae-"

"Just listen to me once. Think about it, Kookie, it's grand." Taehyung tried to convince and Jungkook sighed defeatedly.

"I'll think about that."

"You should!" Taehyung kind of scolded Jungkook who chuckled at him, he was so much in love with this baby. Little did Jungkook realise the profound significance of that day, that particular day held immense significance for various reasons, setting in motion events that would soon send the artist into the spotlight. Filled with joy, Taehyung eagerly anticipated Jungkook's deserved recognition, yearning for him to bask in the well-deserved love and appreciation from the world. The realisation of this aspiration was on the brink of becoming a beautiful reality. Jeon Jungkook, the artist, stood on the brink, just one step away from achieving the status of a world-famous artist.