Jungkook sat quietly on the couch, his fingers fidgeting in his lap as he gazed occasionally at the cartoon playing on the television. His attention, however, was hardly on the screen; instead, his ears were tuned to the faint, rhythmic sound of water coming from upstairs. Yuna had gone up to take a shower, and he found himself at a loss, unsure of what to do while he waited for her to return.

After a short while, the gentle sounds from upstairs stopped, and Jungkook's heart gave a subtle, anticipatory thump. When she reappeared, their eyes met, and he couldn't help but watch her as she descended the stairs. Her movements were graceful, and the lingering dampness in her hair gave her an effortless beauty. She wore casual clothes now, a soft contrast to her attire from that morning, and the way she looked—natural and relaxed—made something in him warm and soften.

Yuna smiled as she reached the bottom step. "Are you hungry? Is there anything you feel like eating tonight?" Her lips quirked slightly. "Other than black-pepper beef."

Her teasing was gentle, a subtle attempt to bridge the strange and fragile connection that had formed between them. Jungkook’s eyes widened as a deep blush spread across his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, confirming that she had indeed left the beef out for him that night. He hadn’t been as sneaky or unnoticed as he’d thought—she’d known all along and had quietly chosen to care for him in her own way. Her silent kindness made his chest tighten with heartfelt gratitude.

Overwhelmed but happy, Jungkook let a soft smile cross his lips. After a second, he glanced back at her and shook his head lightly. "Anything is fine, thank you."

Yuna's smile widened, her expression making his heart flutter. She stepped into the kitchen, opening the fridge and surveying its contents as she considered what to prepare for dinner. The thought crossed her mind to make a few different dishes, just in case there was something Jungkook wasn’t fond of.

As she began to cook, Jungkook found himself entranced, his gaze never leaving her. Her gentle movements and the rhythmic sounds of her working in the kitchen filled the space with a comforting calm. Even when he’d been a bunny, he had often watched her move around with a quiet fascination. But now, as a human, he could see so much more—the slight tilt of her head, the small gestures as she tasted and adjusted flavors, the softness in her expression as she prepared the meal. Each moment felt like a simple warmth wrapping around him.

He didn’t know how long he had been watching her before her voice brought him out of his reverie. "Dinner's ready," she said, looking at him with a smile.

Jungkook blinked, suddenly realizing he’d been staring for what felt like an eternity. Embarrassed, he quickly stood from the couch, turned off the television, and made his way to the dining table.

Laid out before him were plates of beautifully prepared dishes, a small feast complete with two bowls of steaming white rice. The comforting aroma filled the air, and a sense of homeliness crept into his heart, softening memories of the utilitarian meals back at the hybrid store. This warmth, this care—it was new, and he found himself needing a moment to adjust to its softness.

Yuna settled into her chair and gestured for him to sit as well. Tentatively, he pulled out the chair and took a seat across from her. Her gaze was gentle, watching him with an open eagerness, as if she were quietly hoping he would enjoy what she’d made.

It had been ages since she’d cooked for anyone, and now, with Jungkook here, a quiet thrill blossomed inside her. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed sharing a meal until she felt the comforting presence of someone else in her home.

Though Yuna wasn’t especially hungry, having eaten a bit earlier, she kept her gaze on Jungkook, watching him with a gentle, welcoming smile but without lifting her chopsticks. Sensing her stillness, Jungkook hesitated, feeling a bit unsure. Finally, he looked up, meeting her gaze with a soft tone and respectful curiosity.

“Yuna noona,” he asked carefully, “can we eat now?”

Her chuckle was light and filled with affection as she nodded. “Please do.” She nudged a few plates closer to him, inviting him to start.

The tantalizing aroma made Jungkook’s stomach clench with hunger. He quickly scooped a spoonful of fluffy rice, bringing it to his mouth without a second thought. But the steam was hotter than he’d anticipated, and he promptly spat it back onto the spoon, huffing to cool the burn on his tongue.

Yuna quickly reached for a glass, filling it with water and passing it to him. She hadn't expected him to dive into the meal so eagerly. “Are you alright?” she asked, concern lining her voice as he sipped the water gratefully.

Blushing with embarrassment, Jungkook gave a small nod. He felt foolish, his face tinged red from both the heat and his own impatience. Yuna let out a soft sigh of relief, sitting back as her eyes crinkled with a fond smile. “Just... let it cool a little before you eat it all up,” she advised gently.

Jungkook gave a small pout but nodded, dutifully waiting for his food to cool. Yuna’s smile softened further as she reached over, placing a piece of tender meat on top of his rice, a thoughtful gesture that made his heart flutter.

As she continued to pile his bowl with food, she murmured to herself, “I should buy a mattress for you tomorrow.”

The words were meant for herself, but Jungkook’s sensitive ears perked up. Quickly, he shook his head as he stammered, “You don’t have to—I can sleep on the floor.” A faint vulnerability laced his tone as he added, almost a whisper, “Besides... I won’t be staying for long...”

Yuna’s eyes softened, and she smiled with a gentle insistence. “No matter how long you plan on staying, a mattress will be better than the floor.” Her kindness wrapped around him like a warm blanket, stirring an ache in his chest.

His gaze lowered, gratitude filling him as he bowed slightly. “Okay... thank you.”

She waved it off, her smile widening as if his thanks were unnecessary. “Do you have a color you like? For the bedsheets?” she asked, her tone light but genuinely curious.

Jungkook’s mind went blank, searching through a hazy palette of colors he’d never had reason to choose from before. He’d lived without preferences, without choices, and now, with her question, he felt an unexpected sadness that he didn’t even have a favorite color he could talk about.

After a moment, he shook his head. “Yuna noona, please... you can pick.”

Her gaze drifted thoughtfully over him, landing on his dark bunny ears, which perked up at any sounds. A soft glint lit her eyes as she suggested, “How about black? I think it looks wonderful on you.”

Jungkook's eyes widened, and he felt heat rising to his cheeks from the praise as he nodded shyly. “Okay... black it is.”

In that moment, he made a quiet decision—to pick black as his favorite color from now on.

Dinner had a gentle rhythm, a comfortable quiet filling the room as Yuna continued stacking dishes onto Jungkook’s bowl with more enthusiasm than he could keep up with. She wanted him to taste everything she’d made, eager to let him experience flavors beyond the bland hay and pellets he’d been given for the past few days. He tried to keep pace, shoveling bites into his mouth quickly, not wanting to disappoint her warmth-filled efforts.

After they finished eating, Yuna led Jungkook upstairs to show him the water heater settings. The moment she opened the bathroom door and gestured toward the controls, she turned to him, curious. “You know how to use these, right?” she asked casually.

Jungkook hesitated, his eyes flicking to the panel on the wall. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “No... I just used the water as it was.”

Yuna froze, her gaze snapping to him in shock. “You mean you showered in freezing water last night?”

He nodded sheepishly. “I thought it was normal in this house,” he mumbled, as if embarrassed by his lack of knowledge.

Yuna’s heart clenched, a wave of guilt washing over her. Pushing it aside, she smiled warmly at him, determined to make things right. “Well, let’s fix that. Come here, I’ll show you how it works.”

She walked him through the controls with patient instruction, pointing to the temperature gauge and explaining how to adjust it. “This knob sets the temperature. Turn it this way for hotter water, and this way for cooler. But don’t go too far; it gets scalding hot,” she warned, glancing at him to make sure he was paying attention.

Jungkook’s brows furrowed in concentration as he nodded earnestly, his eyes fixed on the panel. He repeated her instructions under his breath, committing each detail to memory. His focus was so intense that it made Yuna chuckle softly.

“Got it?” she asked gently, stepping back to let him try.

He nodded again, his lips pressing into a determined line as he reached out to adjust the controls himself. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at her for reassurance, before turning the knob to the temperature she had recommended. The water heater hummed to life, and his expression brightened with a mix of pride and relief.

Yuna couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she watched him. There was something endearing about the way he treated even the simplest things she showed him as though they were vital lessons. His earnestness and respect for her efforts warmed her heart.

“Perfect,” she said, her voice soft with approval. “Now you won’t have to freeze when you shower anymore.”

Jungkook turned to her, his eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice sincere.

Yuna stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Jungkook to shower, and immediately turned her attention to the spare room. It had long become a neglected storage area, its original purpose buried beneath piles of forgotten items and disorganized boxes. She hesitated at the door, taking in the chaos with a sigh.

Rolling up her sleeves, Yuna pushed the door open wider and began rearranging the furniture. She wanted to create more space, moving items out to make room for the bed she planned to buy him. She worked with purpose, not pausing until she had cleared enough space to envision a small, cozy corner that could be his.

The sound of the shower stopped, and soon Jungkook appeared in the hallway, hair still damp, eyes wide with curiosity as he noticed her rearranging boxes. He stepped forward quietly, his gaze fixed on her, observing as she tried to wrestle a stack of items. Just as the top box tipped dangerously toward her, he darted forward with surprising speed, catching it just in time. His hands steadied the wobbling box, his breath slightly uneven from the quick move, as he realized he was now close enough to feel her warmth pressed against him.

Yuna turned her head, surprised to find him suddenly so near, her back fitting snugly against his chest. The unexpected closeness sent a jolt through her as she glanced up, meeting his wide, startled eyes. It was the first time Jungkook had ever been this close to someone, his heart thumping erratically against his ribs, so loud he was sure she could hear it. 

He stood frozen for a moment, then, as if realizing the intimacy of their position, he took a shy step back, his cheeks flushed a deep red. He scratched the back of his neck, unable to meet her gaze, and stammered, “Um... what are you doing?” His voice was soft, almost trembling, as he tried to fill the sudden, charged silence that hung between them.

Yuna let out a soft chuckle, glancing around the now-partially cleared room. “Thanks for the save,” she said, warmth evident in her voice. She gestured around. “I’m making this room yours. Once it’s all cleared, you’ll have your own space.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened, glancing around the room in astonishment. He hadn’t expected this—he’d have been more than content in the living room. The idea that she was putting so much effort into making a place just for him was something he struggled to process, his heart tightening with a mix of disbelief and gratitude.

“You don’t have to go to all this trouble, noona,” he murmured, his voice almost trembling with emotion. “I can sleep anywhere, I really don’t mind.”

Yuna shook her head firmly. “Trust me, having a room will feel safer and more comfortable. Plus, you’ll have some privacy,” she added with a soft smile.

The word hit Jungkook like a foreign concept, something he’d heard but never known firsthand. Privacy. The thought of finally having his own space where he could choose to be alone, undisturbed, was nearly overwhelming.

“You’re...” he began softly, but words failed him. His heart raced, warmth blooming across his face as he struggled to find the right words. “Too kind...” he finally managed, voice barely above a whisper.

Yuna laughed gently. “You’re a guest under my roof, so of course I want to make you comfortable,” she replied, waving off his gratitude. “Besides, this room was just sitting here and gathering dust. It’s nice to put it to use.”

Jungkook felt his throat tighten, and he bowed deeply to her, respect and appreciation filling the simple gesture. “Thank you,” he said sincerely, pouring all the emotion he felt into those two words.

Yuna’s smile softened even further as she resisted the urge to reach out and ruffle his damp hair. Instead, she turned back to the remaining boxes, giving a little nod toward them. “Shall we?” she asked, and together, they worked side by side, pushing the last of the boxes out to clear the room.

Finally, a spacious area opened up in the center, and Yuna dusted off her hands. Jungkook copied her movements, brushing the dust from his palms, but he wasn’t prepared for the cloud that drifted up, causing him to scrunch his nose and cough. Yuna chuckled softly at his reaction, watching as his ears twitched in response to the tickling sensation.

She started walking towards the door, glancing over her shoulder when she realized Jungkook hadn’t followed. He remained standing in the middle of the room, watching her with a quiet smile, but his drooping bunny ears betrayed the reluctance for her to leave. The prospect of sleeping here tonight, alone in the quiet, seemed to leave him feeling unanchored.

Yuna’s gaze softened, and she extended her hand toward him. “Come on, let’s go sleep in my room,” she offered gently.

Jungkook’s eyes widened again, flustered, as he quickly shook his head. “N-no, I can sleep here,” he insisted, trying to smile reassuringly. But the nervous glance he cast around the unfamiliar room said otherwise.

Yuna let out a patient sigh and walked back to him. With a gentle smile, she reached for his hand, her fingers warm and soft as they wrapped around his. Jungkook’s breath hitched, and he watched in awe as she led him toward the familiar comfort of her room, each step filling him with a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I don’t have an extra set of bedding for this room yet,” she said casually, glancing over her shoulder at him. “You might as well sleep in my room tonight. You’ve been doing it anyway, haven’t you?”

Jungkook’s cheeks flushed as he followed her into her room, the scent of her instantly enveloping him, calming his nerves. She let go of his hand and gestured toward the bed, a cozy space that felt warm and safe. “Go ahead and sleep if you’re tired,” she murmured. “I have some work to finish downstairs, so I’ll be back later.”

He met her eyes for a moment, then nodded, too flustered to say much. With a soft “Goodnight,” she closed the door, leaving him in the quiet room.

Jungkook stared at the door long after she left, the faint sound of her steps fading down the stairs. He glanced back at the bed, suddenly feeling conflicted. Should he sleep in his bunny form or as a human? The bed was big enough for two, but he worried about what would make her most comfortable.

After a long inner debate, he decided not to shift to his bunny form, knowing it would mean he'd be unclothed if he unknowingly shifts back in his sleep again, and possibly startling her. He settled himself on the far edge, keeping as much space as possible between himself and where she’d sleep, but he clung to the blanket for comfort, heart racing as he tried to close his eyes.

Downstairs, Yuna sat in front of her laptop, her eyes scanning the screen.

“Research on Moonlit Bunnies,” she muttered softly, clicking on a link that caught her attention. The page loaded slowly, and the first image she saw was a photograph of a black-furred bunny under moonlight, its fur glimmering just as Jungkook’s did.

Her eyes narrowed, leaning forward as she read, “Moonlit Bunnies are one of the rarest and most coveted hybrid species, often thought of as a myth among most hybrid communities due to their extreme rarity. These hybrids are not born naturally, but they were the result of meticulous scientific experiments spanning decades. They are created by splicing human and animal DNA in complex ways that even scientists had yet to fully comprehend. They were exceedingly rare, not only because of the limited facilities capable of producing them, but because their very existence was largely unknown to the public. Only those with the right connections—and often exorbitant sums of money—could even hope to own one."

She continued, "Their unique beauty is perhaps their most recognized trait. Under the light of the moon, their fur takes on a luminous glow, creating an ethereal appearance that is said to transcend anything seen in the natural world."

The phrase struck her, and she paused, captivated by the thought. Moonlit Bunnies possessed an otherworldly beauty, not merely attractive but breathtaking, especially under the moonlight. Each strand of their fur would shimmer, as though dusted with silver or stardust. She could almost picture Jungkook under the full moon, his fur catching the faint light and glowing in soft, surreal hues—a vision not of this world, something from a dream. It was a beauty so rare and remarkable that she could understand why these hybrids were so highly sought after. But, the article emphasized they are far more than just pretty pets.

Scrolling down, Yuna’s eyes landed on a slightly aged photograph of a white Moonlit Bunny, its fur sparkling faintly under a full moon, each glint in its coat resembling tiny stars. The image was captivating, like looking at a creature from a fairy tale, caught in a still moment under the night sky. Her chest tightened at the thought of their natural beauty, something they had no choice in but was likely exploited for by humans.

She read further, her fingers gripping the edges of the laptop. "Not only are their physical appearances extraordinary, but their health and stamina are unmatched by any other hybrids. These Moonlit Bunnies were built with exceptional strength, agility, and an unusually robust immune system, allowing them to heal faster than other hybrids. Their bodies were practically engineered for perfection, and this combination of beauty and physical prowess made them nearly priceless."

She read on, feeling a chill as she absorbed the next part: "Due to the rarity of Moonlit Bunnies, they are typically confined to research facilities, where their DNA is studied for potential breakthroughs in hybrid physiology."

Pieces of Jungkook’s past began falling into place. 'If he ended up in a hybrid store,' she thought, 'then either the store owner has connections to these research labs, or he managed to smuggle Jungkook out.'

With a shaky breath, she clicked on the next link, eager—and yet dreading—to uncover more. The article detailed the enhancements that experiments had granted Moonlit Bunnies: heightened senses, strength, and endurance. They were designed to survive harsh conditions, to be adaptable and resilient.

Each step in her reading solidified the understanding that Jungkook’s life had been designed with a purpose from the start, created to be perfect in form but constrained in freedom.

She continued, her voice now soft and laced with sadness. "...despite their extraordinary abilities, Moonlit Bunnies are notoriously difficult to control. Their instincts remain powerful, and owners had found it particularly challenging to tame their more feral side."

The description didn’t seem to fit Jungkook. He wasn’t wild or hard to control; he was gentle, quiet, obedient. 'Was it because of the way he was raised?' she wondered, heart sinking. 'Did they keep him in fear, break his spirit so he would be more submissive?'

Yuna’s mind spun, realizing how much Jungkook’s past had shaped him, suppressing his natural instincts until only obedience remained.

The words on the screen took a darker turn as Yuna’s eyes scanned over them, her throat tightening as she read: "...engineered for one purpose: to provide endless sexual pleasure."

The phrase struck her, sharp and uncomfortable. She placed a hand over her mouth, her gaze wavering as she remembered Jungkook’s nervous glances, his discomfort in close proximity, the way he avoided eye contact when he sensed intimacy. How many times had he been seen as nothing more than a possession, an object of desire?

She swallowed back a wave of pity, a strange helplessness settling over her as she clicked out of the tab, shutting her laptop softly. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady her thoughts, each one pulling her deeper into empathy, into sorrow for what Jungkook must have endured. Yuna stood up and walked towards the stairs, each step feeling heavier as she climbed up.

Opening the door to her bedroom, she immediately noticed Jungkook lying sideways on the bed, one leg dangling off the edge, oblivious in his sleep. She moved closer and gently nudged his leg back onto the mattress, taking care not to wake him. His breathing remained slow, peaceful, as she quietly slipped under the blanket on the opposite side of the bed, leaving ample space between them.

In the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains, Yuna watched his back, feeling her heart ache for him. She wanted to reach out, to somehow assure him, though words and gestures felt like they might never be enough.

Slowly, her hand inched toward his head, fingers hovering just a moment before she lightly patted his hair, her voice barely above a whisper, "You’ve been through so much, haven’t you? The world’s been so harsh to you, little one, but I’m grateful you made it here. I promise... I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re safe from now on."

The words were soft, sincere, slipping into the night as her eyes grew heavy. She gently pulled her hand back, letting her eyelids fall as the warmth of the room and the gentle rhythm of his breathing lulled her toward sleep.

But Jungkook’s ears had picked up her words, and his heart beat a little faster, touched by her quiet vow. Turning his body fully, he opened his eyes to watch her. Her expression was gentle, her breathing steady, and she seemed almost angelic in the dim moonlight.

With a tentative movement, Jungkook shifted closer, just enough to feel the faint warmth radiating from her. His heart raced as he inched his hand toward hers, his fingers just barely grazing her own. The small, quiet contact filled him with a sense of calm, a warmth he hadn’t realized he craved.

She was here beside him, not as an owner or a captor but as someone who wanted to keep him safe from the world.

He closed his eyes, feeling more at peace than he ever had in his whole life. His hand remained near hers, their fingers barely touching, and with her presence close, a quiet comfort seeped into him, lulling him into a deep, unguarded sleep.