Taehyung pulled back just enough to cup her face. "*My baby,*" he breathed, his voice thick and rough but utterly new, utterly tender. The endearment struck Koo like lightning. Her eyes widened impossibly, a choked gasp escaping her lips. My baby. Not 'slut'. Not 'whore'. Not 'fleshlight'. My baby.

A sob tore loose – half shock, half overwhelming relief – shattering the stillness. She buried her face fiercely into his chest, clinging to him as if drowning. "*Say it again,*" she whispered desperately against his skin. "*Please, Taehyung... say it.*"