SHADOWS OF THE FALLEN

---

The day began with Jennie's usual burst of energy. She had taken it upon herself to liven up the mansion, a task that was nearly impossible given the cold, stoic atmosphere that had settled in since Taehyung's arrival.

Taehyung was in the library, as usual, reading a thick book about strategy and combat. Jennie stormed in without knocking, carrying a basket of freshly picked flowers.

"Taehyung!" she called out cheerfully, ignoring the annoyed glance he shot her way.

"What?" he asked curtly, his voice as sharp as the edge of a blade.

Jennie grinned mischievously and plopped the basket down on the table in front of him. "I thought this place needed some color. It's so gloomy, like you."

Taehyung sighed, closing his book with a thud. "I don't need flowers."

"They're not for you, silly," Jennie replied, placing a single daisy in his hair before stepping back to admire her work. "Although, I have to say, you look adorable now. Maybe I should start calling you my Flower Bear instead of Winter Bear."

Taehyung frowned, reaching up to remove the flower, but Jennie grabbed his wrist. "Nope! You're keeping it. It's the least you can do for scaring the life out of me every time I walk into a room."

---

Later in the day, Jennie decided to test Taehyung's limits further. She dragged him out to the garden, insisting that he needed "fresh air" to balance out his brooding.

"Do you even know what fun is, Winter Bear?" Jennie teased as she led him to the koi pond.

"Fun is irrelevant," Taehyung replied dryly, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Jennie rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd say that. But don't worry, I'm here to teach you." She grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the edge of the pond.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Jennie didn't answer. Instead, she gave him a playful shove, and Taehyung stumbled forward, barely managing to keep himself from falling into the water.

"Jennie!" he growled, spinning around to glare at her.

She burst out laughing, doubling over as tears streamed down her cheeks. "You should have seen your face! You looked like a grumpy cat that just got wet!"

Taehyung sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're impossible."

"And you're too serious," Jennie shot back, wiping her eyes. "But that's okay. I'll just keep annoying you until you learn how to smile."

---

That evening, Jennie found Taehyung in the kitchen, staring at a cup of tea as if it held the secrets of the universe.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, hopping onto the counter beside him.

Taehyung hesitated before answering. "Do you ever wonder why your father brought me here?"

Jennie tilted her head, her playful demeanor softening. "Sometimes. But I think he saw something in you. Something worth saving."

Taehyung's jaw tightened, and he looked away. "I don't feel it's worth saving."

Jennie reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "You don't have to feel it, Winter Bear. Just let me believe it for you until you do."

Her words lingered in the air, and for a moment, Taehyung felt a flicker of something he hadn't experienced in years-hope.

---

Later that night, Jennie stood on the balcony, staring up at the stars. Taehyung joined her, his presence as silent as ever.

"Do you think the stars ever get tired of shining?" Jennie asked, her voice thoughtful.

Taehyung glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Why would they?"

"Because the sky is so dark," she said, turning to look at him. "Maybe they feel like their light doesn't make a difference."

Taehyung's gaze softened, and he shook his head. "The darker the sky, the brighter the stars. Maybe they shine because they know someone's watching."

Jennie smiled, her heart warming at his words. "Maybe you're not as hopeless as I thought, Winter Bear."

Taehyung smirked faintly. "And maybe you're not as annoying as I thought."

Jennie gasped, feigning offense. "I'm taking back the daisy!"

As she reached up to remove the flower she had tucked behind his ear earlier, Taehyung caught her hand, holding it gently.

"Leave it," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jennie froze, her breath hitching at the unexpected tenderness in his tone. She nodded, lowering her hand as a comfortable silence settled between them.

---