In the early morning, a frantic knocking echoed against Seokjin's door, jolting him awake. "My Lord! My Lord! I offer my deepest apologies for the disturbance, but the guest you brought back last night has awakened and is causing an uproar in your chamber!"

Seokjin was instantly alert, slipping his feet into his taesahye¹. He barely had time to straighten his robe, its layered silk falling neatly against him, before hurrying out of the guest room. The urgency in the servant's voice demanded immediate attention.

Upon entering his chamber, he was greeted by chaos. The low table lay on its side, one leg crooked, while several chairs were overturned. Sheets of calligraphy paper were scattered across the floor, some trampled and smudged with ink that had spilled from a fallen inkstone, creating dark, inky stains like a storm had struck. A brass candlestick had toppled over, its wick still faintly smoldering.

In the center of the disarray sat Taehyung, visibly distressed. His ears lay flat, and he whimpered softly, shifting uncomfortably as he looked up at Seokjin, a glimmer of worry in his gaze. Seokjin quickly closed the distance, crouching beside him and gently placing his hands on Taehyung's shoulders, his touch soft but steady as he looked him over.

Just then, Taehyung's eyes caught the sunlight spilling in from the open door. Without warning, he sprang past Seokjin, darting outside in a flash. Seokjin's eyes widened in shock as he realized the Wolfian, naked and wild, was now loose outside. He scrambled to follow, dreading the panic that would ensue if others caught sight of him.

The servants who had been waiting outside gasped, freezing in their tracks when Taehyung barreled past them, running on all fours around the courtyard. They exchanged horrified glances as they took in the sight of his wolf-like ears and tail. Panic spread like wildfire.

"Help! There's a Wolfian!"

"He's going wild!"

"Fetch a sword! Protect the Lord!"

Seokjin raised his hands, his voice firm yet calm as he called above the uproar, "Stand down! He is my guest!" The shouts subsided, though skeptical whispers continued to circulate among the servants.

"But my Lord, he's a Wolfian! He's... he's crawling like an animal!" one servant stammered, gripping his sword tightly.

"Has Lord Kim been deceived by him?" another whispered anxiously.

"He's behaving like a wild beast... can we trust him? Will he not attack us?"

Seokjin took a deep breath and straightened his posture. "I sincerely apologize for the lack of prior notice. I brought him here myself, and I assure you he bears no ill intent. I know him well enough to vouch for his character."

Seokjin's words carried authority, yet his servants hesitated, their eyes flickering with nervous apprehension. Being Foxkins themselves, they were especially wary of Taehyung's presence—a Wolfian in the household stirred an instinctive unease.

They exchanged uncertain glances, torn between trust in their Lord's judgment and their natural wariness of the stranger. Even if Taehyung had shown no signs of aggression, his very nature as a Wolfian triggered ancient fears in them, fear rooted in their kind's long-standing tensions with the wolves.

Seokjin recognized the deep-seated fear behind their concern and softened his tone. "I understand your hesitation," he acknowledged, "but I would not allow anyone into this household who posed a threat to you." His words aimed to reassure them, yet he could sense the lingering reluctance among the servants.

Meanwhile, unaware of the commotion he had sparked, Taehyung had crouched beside a row of shrubs at the edge of the courtyard, his tail flicking as he relieved himself. All the turmoil seemed to boil down to this simple necessity—a need he'd refrained from addressing within Seokjin's chamber. Even he recognized the importance of respecting the other's domain and scent, hoping to avoid any impression of territorial challenge that might drive Seokjin to send him back into the forest.

Once finished, Taehyung emerged from the shrubs and plopped down on the ground. As he took in his surroundings, he noticed several figures resembling him in appearance—yet all lacking the wolf-like ears and tail that set him apart.

Excitement flickered in his gaze, mingled with unease, and he let out a soft bark, both elated and wary of these others who looked like him but were somehow different.

Seokjin paused, noticing Taehyung's vulnerable state and the curious eyes of nearby servants. He quickly slipped off his outer robe, draping it over Taehyung's shoulders to shield him from their prying gaze. With one arm beneath Taehyung's knees and the other supporting his back, Seokjin lifted him close.

Taehyung's legs dangled for only a moment before he found himself resting fully against Seokjin, his initial protest melting into quiet submission. Seokjin's arms held him with a gentleness that quelled his instinct to resist. "Be at ease," he murmured softly, his voice steady. "You are safe in my arms."

The servants stood in stunned silence, murmuring among themselves. They had only ever seen Lord Kim treat women with such gentleness; to see him so tender with this wild guest was both confusing and unsettling.

As Seokjin carried Taehyung back indoors, he addressed his servants with a composed nod. "I apologize for the commotion," he began, his voice calm and respectful. "I trust that no word of this shall pass beyond these walls," he added, his gentle tone imbued with unmistakable firmness, a reminder of the respect and discretion expected within his household.

Taehyung, though still reluctant to leave the courtyard, allowed himself to be carried, his curious gaze lingering on the doors as they closed, curiosity still alight in his eyes.

Once inside, Seokjin gently placed Taehyung on the bed, crouching before him with concern etched into his brow. "Were you unwell? Is that why you appeared so agitated?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with genuine worry. Earlier, he had been so occupied reassuring the servants that Taehyung posed no harm; he hadn't realized the Wolfian's discomfort had simply stemmed from his need to find relief in the courtyard shrubs.

Now, Seokjin finally noticed Taehyung's contented expression and the enthusiastic wag of his tail—a clear indication of satisfaction, perhaps even joy. It seemed the sight of others who bore a resemblance to him, at least outwardly, had lifted his spirits.

Taehyung continued to gaze at the door. With a sudden motion, he pointed at it, mimicking what he had learned from Seokjin the previous night, expressing his desire to step outside once more.

Seokjin, sensing his intent, sighed fondly. "You wish to leave this chamber, do you not?" he murmured. However, he was keenly aware that allowing Taehyung to roam freely outside in his current state would likely alarm the townsfolk. "Yet, if you were to crawl about, the people would naturally regard you with fear," he continued. "How about this: once you learn to walk on two legs, then we shall venture into the city together?"

Taehyung tilted his head, clearly perplexed, as he pointed at the door with increasing agitation. Seokjin, smiling patiently, took a step back and motioned to his own legs. "You must first learn to walk as I do," he said, but Taehyung merely stared at Seokjin's legs, not comprehending his meaning.

With gentle determination, Seokjin pulled Taehyung away from the bed, his hands firmly supporting him beneath the armpits as he lifted him. However, Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise, and he instinctively withdrew his legs into his chest, reluctant to let his feet touch the floor.

"Stand firm, like this," Seokjin instructed, attempting to encourage Taehyung to lower his legs. Yet, this proved difficult given their position. He gradually lowered Taehyung until he had no choice but to allow his feet to meet the ground.

Taehyung's legs trembled under the unfamiliar weight, his gaze fixed on the ground as he struggled to comprehend the new sensation. He instinctively grasped Seokjin's forearms, his breathing becoming erratic as he fought to remain upright. Seokjin steadied him, but it was evident that Taehyung continued to shake uncontrollably.

With care, Seokjin ensured Taehyung remained upright before swiftly moving behind him. He positioned himself so that his feet were beneath Taehyung's. As Seokjin wrapped his arms around Taehyung's chest and waist from behind, pulling him into a firm hug to support his weight, Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise at the unfamiliar embrace. The warmth radiating from Seokjin enveloped him, a comforting presence that both intrigued and startled him.

"This is how one walks," Seokjin murmured, his voice steady and soothing as he instinctively pressed closer, grounding Taehyung with his own body. Taehyung's ears twitched at his voice, and he turned his head slightly to regard the elder man behind him.

From this close distance, Taehyung was struck by Seokjin's beauty once again. The lanterns and candles lit the room with a warm, flickering glow, casting soft shadows that danced across Seokjin's features. His brow was adorned with a hint of worry, while his large, warm brown eyes sparkled with kindness.

As Seokjin focused solely on their feet, guiding their movements with steady purpose, Taehyung caught the scent of him—rich and comforting, a blend of the fresh linen of his robe and the subtle essence of cedarwood from the oils he used. The warm, earthy fragrance enveloped Taehyung like a protective shield, grounding him amidst the uncertainty of standing upright for the first time after centuries.

"Like this," Seokjin encouraged as he took slow, deliberate steps around the room. Taehyung glanced down and noted how his feet were smaller than Seokjin's, the contrast striking as he stood above them. The warmth radiating from Seokjin enveloped him, each movement of the elder drawing him in further. The way Seokjin moved with fluid grace, each step measured with purpose, was captivating, making it difficult for Taehyung to look away.

Though half the day passed in practice, exhaustion eventually settled over Taehyung, and he dropped down onto all fours, his limbs giving in. Just then, his stomach growled loudly, and Seokjin smiled sheepishly, realizing they hadn't eaten since the night before. He stepped out of the room, the wooden door sliding shut behind him. As he emerged into the hallway, he found the servants standing in attentive formation, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.

"Please summon the kitchen and have a variety of dishes prepared," he instructed with a gentle firmness. "I am unsure of what would suit the taste of our guest." His words were met with immediate bows, and the servants hurried off to fulfill his request, their footsteps softly echoing on the wooden floor.

Once he had given his orders, Seokjin returned to the room, only to be reminded of the morning's chaos. With a soft sigh, Seokjin knelt down to tidy up, setting the low table upright and repositioning the overturned chairs. He gathered the scattered sheets of calligraphy paper and carefully picked up the brass candlestick from the floor, placing it back where it belonged.

Just as Seokjin was finishing, a gentle knock echoed through the air. The servant, clearly hesitant to enter, lingered just outside the door. Sensing the servant's uncertainty, Seokjin stepped outside to retrieve the tray, thanking the servant with a warm smile before closing the door behind him.

Once the meal was arranged, Seokjin gestured to the array of dishes laid out on the low table. "Please, come here," he said, gesturing to the chair beside him. Taehyung leapt up and settled into the seat, his back straight and hands resting in front of him. His legs were tucked neatly beneath him, mimicking a position of alertness. His wide eyes scanned the colorful spread of food, an expression of eager curiosity lighting up his face.

"I was uncertain of your preferences, so the cooks have prepared a variety today," Seokjin explained, gesturing toward the spread of dishes laid out before them. Taehyung leaned forward, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air, absorbing the tantalizing aromas. His wide eyes flitted from one dish to another, yet he hesitated, the unfamiliarity of the food leaving him unsure. The meals were unlike anything he had encountered in the wild, though they beckoned to him with an enticing allure.

Noticing Taehyung's reluctance, Seokjin took a spoonful of tender fish, ensuring it was free of bones, and gently brought it toward Taehyung's lips. "Here, you must eat more to grow strong," he encouraged, concern etching his features.

However, Taehyung, confused by the spoon's purpose, knocked it from Seokjin's hand, the ceramic shattering upon impact with the floor. Taehyung hopped down from the chair and quickly gobbled up a small piece of fish, its succulent flavor igniting a spark of delight within him.

Seokjin, alarmed by the sharp fragments of ceramic scattered around, swiftly bent down and scooped Taehyung into his arms, his protective instinct surging forth.

"Be careful!" Seokjin exclaimed, his voice laced with concern as he cradled Taehyung close. "You must take care not to harm yourself on the shards," he cautioned, casting a wary glance at the remnants of the broken spoon scattered across the floor.

With a soft sigh, Seokjin gently wiped a bit of fish from Taehyung's chin as the Wolfian concentrated on chewing the tender morsel. "It appears I must teach you the proper way to partake in a meal as well," he remarked, a hint of exasperation mingling with the warmth in his tone. "But worry not; we shall learn this together."

***

Five months had passed since then, and under Seokjin's patient, steady guidance, Taehyung had finally learned to walk upright on two legs. His movements were still hesitant and slightly unsteady, but he could now manage without assistance. Running, however, remained out of reach. Nonetheless, his progress was clear in other ways, as well.

Taehyung had also become acquainted with using a spoon, albeit clumsily. Bits of rice often scattered across the floor, and several stubborn grains clung to his cheeks. Yet, this was a significant improvement from when he first arrived, where he'd been untamed, unwilling to touch anything that wasn't animal meat. Now, he'd even come to accept rice and vegetables as part of his meals.

Clothing that had once seemed foreign and uncomfortable had gradually become tolerable. He had come to understand the need to wear it after observing that everyone around him wore robes or hanbok. Now, he dressed with a bit more ease, though he occasionally tripped over the fabric's length. But each time, he would rise without fuss, continuing on as if nothing had happened.

During the past months, Seokjin occasionally traveled to nearby cities for trade. Rather than leave Taehyung alone, he would bring him along, carefully hiding Taehyung's Wolfian features by concealing him within his cart as they made their way out of the bustling towns. Once beyond the crowded streets, they would travel by foot in the forests, where Taehyung would eagerly walk ahead, breathing in the rich scents of the trees and soil that reminded him of his home in the wild.

Back in the city, Seokjin would spend his free hours with Taehyung, teaching him how to walk, eat, and even sit with a semblance of human decorum. Seokjin found himself genuinely pleased with Taehyung's progress, considering the centuries the Wolfian had lived without the need for such practices.

"Your progress is commendable," Seokjin remarked one afternoon as he watched Taehyung attempt to eat without spilling. "Perhaps sooner than expected, you may find yourself wandering the city streets. There, you will encounter many stalls with delightful treats and amusements. I trust you would find much enjoyment in such a visit."

"Eum," Taehyung hummed, his mind more on his meal than on Seokjin's words.

Seokjin chuckled, amused by the endearing simplicity of Taehyung's response. Not only had Taehyung learned to eat and walk like a human, but he had picked up a simple response—a hum of acknowledgment. Though he likely didn't fully understand, Taehyung had learned to respond with a hum whenever spoken to.

"Would you care to accompany me?" Seokjin inquired, his voice gentle, his eyes gleaming with warmth.

"Eum," Taehyung mumbled again, shoveling another mouthful of rice, entirely unaware of the question's meaning but pleased by Seokjin's smile.

Seokjin's smile widened as he gently reached over to brush a stray grain of rice from Taehyung's cheek. "Though I find you charming as you are, we must attend to your appearance if you are to venture into the city streets. Additionally, you must learn to conceal those ears and tail of yours, for they would undoubtedly cause quite a stir among the townsfolk."

When he finished eating, Taehyung licked his bowl clean and grinned up at Seokjin before hopping down from his chair. He made his way to the bed, where he lay down, patted his belly with satisfaction, and curled up for a nap.

Life under Seokjin's care was a gentle one, and with each passing day, Taehyung felt himself growing a bit lazier. Here, he no longer needed to hunt for food or worry about survival. Instead, he enjoyed the comforts of the household, the warmth of companionship, and the simple pleasures of each day.

As Seokjin watched Taehyung succumb to slumber, his expression softened with tenderness. Gently gathering the empty bowls onto the tray, he slipped quietly out of the room. A pair of servants stood just outside, and upon seeing him, they bowed deeply, taking the tray from his hands with utmost respect.

"We humbly beg your pardon, my Lord. We shall see to this matter," one of the servants said respectfully, his voice low as he dared to lift his gaze only briefly.

"Thank you," Seokjin replied with a slight nod.

As the months passed, the servants grew less fearful of Taehyung, coming to understand that the Wolfian truly posed no danger to them. However, they continued to keep their interactions minimal, only appearing when absolutely necessary.

Leaving them, Seokjin made his way to his study. Stacks of documents awaited him there, detailing recent trade transactions, supplies received, and matters concerning the estate. He settled into his seat, where a flickering candle cast a soft glow over his desk, illuminating the scrolls and inkstone.

His attention turned to tallying sums and reviewing goods exchanged, his brush gliding steadily over the paper as he signed his name with meticulous care. Each line, each stroke, required precision—a slight error could disrupt the careful balance of the estate.

By the time evening fell, Taehyung awoke, stretching his arms and rubbing his eyes. He yawned and rose, feeling refreshed, before padding barefoot through the quiet halls toward Seokjin's study. Outside the study doors, two servants tensed at his sudden appearance, their eyes darting away in an effort to avoid contact.

Taehyung hoped they might glance over so he could offer a friendly smile, but when they did not, he decided to set the matter aside and slid the door open.

Without pausing to knock—an expectation ingrained in the customs of the time, particularly when entering a chamber where one of higher status resided—Taehyung stepped inside. The servants further tensed at his breach of etiquette, knowing that proper decorum required an announcement before entering.

Yet Seokjin, seated at his desk, smiled without looking up, fully aware that only Taehyung would dare to enter without such formalities.

"You have awakened," Seokjin greeted, rising from his seat. "Did you sleep well?"

"Eum," Taehyung murmured, still groggy, his eyes half-closed as he let out a contented yawn.

Seokjin's lips curved in a fond smile as he regarded the young Wolfian approaching him. Over the months, Taehyung's pure-hearted nature had revealed itself in small, endearing ways—each action, whether deliberate or unintentional, held an innocent charm that warmed Seokjin's heart. It felt akin to watching over a child, and these simple moments eased the exhaustion of his day.

Yet, as he observed, he noted the tangles in Taehyung's long hair and the dirt clinging to his feet. Seokjin realized that Taehyung had yet to receive a proper bath since his arrival, his time here consumed entirely by learning to walk, eat, and adapt to this new life far removed from the wild.

With a gentle smile, Seokjin gestured for him to follow as they left the study together. They walked down the hall until a delicate fragrance of roses filled the air, catching Taehyung's attention. He sniffed curiously, eyes widening as they neared a room he'd never seen before.

Outside the bathing chamber, Seokjin summoned his personal attendant. "Min-ah," he said gently, "see to it that our guest receives a proper bathing this night."

The attendant hesitated, her expression remaining carefully composed as she bowed deeply. She had prepared the bath earlier, attending to it with utmost diligence, believing it was for Seokjin himself. Now, she could not fathom why she, his personal attendant, was instructed to tend to the Wolfian. Yet, she dared not question her Lord's commands.

Turning to Taehyung, Seokjin's voice softened. "I must return to my duties now," he said gently. "You will find the bath refreshing; the warmth will ease your body and soothe your mind."

Taehyung blinked, a flicker of confusion in his gaze, and reached up, lightly tugging on Seokjin's sleeve as he began to turn away.

Seokjin paused, glancing back with a gentle expression as he placed a comforting hand over Taehyung's. Gently, he pried it away and offered a reassuring nod. "There is no need to worry. Min-ah will remain by your side."

Min-ah let out a soft sigh, barely audible as she murmured, "Come along, then. The night grows colder with each passing moment. If you were to catch a chill, the responsibility would fall upon me."

Seokjin gave her a mild, chiding look for the impatience in her tone but held his tongue, turning to take his leave. Taehyung instinctively took a step after him, but Min-ah firmly caught his sleeve, guiding him into the chamber.

As the door slid shut behind them, Taehyung's gaze swept over the room, his eyes widening at the sight before him. A large pool of water lay in the center, its surface as clear as a polished mirror, reflecting the silver glow of the moonlight streaming through a small lattice window. Delicate petals floated atop the water, their rich scarlet hue contrasting beautifully with the soft ripples. Wisps of steam rose, mingling with the night air and carrying a faint scent of roses, enchanting the space with a dreamlike quality.

Min-ah arranged a towel and a fresh set of clothing beside the bathing pool. Her expression remained unreadable as she gestured briskly for Taehyung to step forward.

"Disrobe and enter the bath," she ordered, her voice carrying a hint of restrained impatience as she stood aside, waiting for him to comply.

But Taehyung's gaze lingered on her, confusion evident in his dark, curious eyes. Her words sounded foreign, her instructions vague, leaving him motionless and uncertain.

The silence stretched between them until Min-ah released an exasperated sigh, her patience wearing thin. With a resigned expression, she stepped forward, hands deftly loosening the layers of his clothing, her movements swift yet practiced, until only his trousers remained. She stepped back, unwilling to proceed further, and pointed firmly. "Remove those yourself."

Taehyung's brows knitted in confusion, a flicker of hesitation passing over his face. Yet, after a brief pause, he followed her gesture, slipping off the final layer. The cool air swept over him, and a faint smile crossed his lips as he savored the familiar sensation of freedom upon his skin, a reminder of his days in the wild.

Min-ah turned her back, her posture straight as she gestured toward the bath, refusing to look upon him. "Enter," she commanded, her tone firm, leaving no room for disobedience.

Taehyung's gaze shifted to the steaming pool, a glimmer of wonder illuminating his eyes. He took a cautious step forward, dipping his bare feet into the warmth, and a soft gasp escaped him. The gentle heat wrapped around his legs, coaxing him further in. Fully submerged, he glanced up at Min-ah, his wide eyes holding an innocent question, as though seeking her approval.

"Eum?" he murmured softly, his tone laced with childlike curiosity.

Min-ah, however, remained impassive, arms crossed and gaze averted, steadfast in her resolve not to assist further. She hoped he would manage to tend to himself.

Taehyung's attention drifted when no response came from Min-ah, his gaze shifting to the delicate red petals scattered across the water's surface. He reached down, cupping a handful and marveling as they slipped along his arm, carried by tiny streams of water. Unable to resist, he began to splash playfully, his laughter ringing through the chamber as droplets sprinkled across Min-ah's cheek. She let out a quiet sigh, dabbing her face with the back of her hand, her brows knitting in irritation.

"Are you doing this with intent?" she muttered under her breath, though he gave no reply. Her patience frayed as Taehyung continued, delighting in the unfamiliar warmth with carefree abandon.

Suddenly, with a quick movement, Taehyung got out from the bath, water cascading from his skin as he trotted around the room, his bare feet tapping against the polished floor. Min-ah turned in alarm, quickly shielding her eyes as her cheeks flushed with both shock and indignation.

"Unruly one! Such reckless behavior!" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of disbelief and exasperation. Yet Taehyung only tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as though inviting her to join him in his playfulness.

As he took a step closer, Min-ah raised a hand in warning, her gaze narrowed. "Halt! Should you take another step, I shall call for help—Lord Kim will not tolerate such foolishness!"

But Taehyung, with a childlike innocence, reached out and lightly grasped her arm. Her reaction was swift—a startled gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled backward, losing her balance, before tumbling into the pool with an unceremonious splash.

She surfaced, spluttering, water streaming from her soaked robes, and met his gaze with a look of pure disbelief. Taehyung, still standing at the edge, burst into laughter, his delight unrestrained as he watched her struggle to regain her composure. With a mischievous spark in his eyes, he mimicked her tumble and jumped back into the water, sending yet another spray in all directions, much to her dismay.

Min-ah, drenched and trembling with a mixture of irritation and embarrassment, staggered out of the bath. She took a few steadying breaths, doing her utmost to ignore his unabashed joy as she fetched a towel to dry herself. Though her patience was thin, she resigned herself to her duty, knowing she couldn't simply leave him unattended in the bath.

As Taehyung's playful splashes subsided, Min-ah turned back to him, noticing his earnest but awkward attempts to scrub himself clean. His hair, however, remained tangled and matted—a mass that spoke of years without proper care. She sighed, finally stepping forward with reluctant resolve, carefully rinsing and attempting to work her fingers through the stubborn knots.

However, the long years of neglect soon proved overwhelming; his hair was simply too matted to be salvaged. Letting out a resigned breath, she rose to retrieve a pair of scissors. Returning, she took her place behind him and, with deliberate care, began snipping away the tangled locks. Taehyung watched with curious eyes, his gaze following each strand of black hair that fell softly into the water.

He scooped a few strands into his hands, pressing them to his chest with a small look of pride, as though he was holding onto a piece of his former self—a connection to the wild and finally a resemblance to his wolf family.

Once she had trimmed his hair to shoulder length, her fingers moved easily through the freed strands, giving his appearance a neater form.

But as he clung to the fallen hair against his chest, Min-ah impatiently dipped her hand into the water, brushing the remnants away. The discarded strands floated away, and a brief sadness crossed Taehyung's face as he watched the last traces of his old self drift out of sight.

With a firm hand, she guided him out of the water, quickly drying him before holding up a gotch². No matter how much Seokjin had tried to explain their necessity to Taehyung, he still found them strange and constricting, unlike anything he had ever worn. Therefore, he pushed her hands away, refusing to wear it. The idea of adding more layers felt foreign, as if it smothered the wildness within him.

Resigned, she held up the trousers next, and Taehyung obediently donned them. Then, she presented a robe, crafted with care and precision—a garment Seokjin had ordered to be customized, tailored to fit Taehyung's lean frame. It was woven from a light blue fabric, soft and supple, draping elegantly as she placed it over his shoulders. A maroon belt cinched around his waist, accentuating his figure while adding a touch of contrast to the robe's color. The robe's folds settled around him, lightweight yet resilient, allowing him to move freely, even if he occasionally stumbled on its longer hem.

However, it was not a perfect fit; the fabric around his chest was too loose, causing the robe to hang awkwardly and leaving him slightly exposed.

With Taehyung finally dressed, Min-ah led him out of the bathing chamber. He instinctively made his way toward Seokjin's study, his eyes brightening with anticipation at the thought of seeing him again. But Min-ah swiftly intercepted him, gripping his sleeve with a stern look.

"What do you think you are doing? You must not disturb Lord Kim," she admonished, her tone firm and unyielding. "He is currently occupied."

"Eum!" he whined softly, tugging his arm away, but the sharpness of her gaze stilled him, and his shoulders slumped in quiet obedience.

Without allowing for further protest, she gently but decisively guided him toward his room—which was still Seokjin's chamber—before leading him to the bed.

Though reluctant, Taehyung finally lay down, the soft bedding cradling him as his head sank into the luxurious silk pillow. The smooth fabric felt cool against his skin, enveloping him in a comforting embrace. His eyes fluttered shut, a peaceful smile gracing his lips as he surrendered to the pull of drowsiness, his breathing slowing into a restful slumber.

Min-ah lingered a moment, ensuring he was soundly asleep before straightening her robes. The damp fabric clung to her figure, a reminder of the trouble she had encountered with Taehyung earlier. With a weary sigh, she slipped from the room, her steps steady yet heavy as she made her way to Seokjin's study.

Gathering herself, she took a steadying breath and rapped her knuckles gently against the polished wood of the door, seeking permission to enter.

"You may enter," came Seokjin's calm, measured voice from the other side.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

¹ Traditional leather shoes worn in Korea during the Joseon dynasty. Typically worn indoors, they offer comfort and flexibility, making them suitable for casual use within the home.

² A type of loose-fitting undergarment worn by men in traditional Korean clothing, typically made from cotton or breathable fabrics, providing comfort and modesty.

A/N For a clearer picture of Taehyung's robe's design, please refer to the book's cover page!