CHAPTER - 31

Two months later :-

Taehyung went to Jungkook's house to visit his mom. Ever since Jungkook's death, he had been visiting her every week without fail, like a ritual he couldn't break.

Now, Tae and Mrs. Jeon sat quietly in the drawing room, the silence broken only by the clink of a spoon as she stirred sugar into his coffee.

Mrs. Jeon (softly, glancing at him) - How is your mom?

Taehyung (with a faint smile, eyes lowered) - She is fine, aunty. Thank you for asking.

Mrs. Jeon hesitated, then sighed as if gathering courage.

Mrs. Jeon - Taehyung... will you listen to me if I say something?

Taehyung - Yes, aunty. What is it?

Mrs. Jeon - Stop blaming yourself now. You didn't kill him.

The words hung in the air. Tae's fingers tightened around his knees, but he stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the carpet.

She pushed the coffee cup towards him, her voice trembling as she continued.

Mrs. Jeon - Mrs. Kim called me yesterday. She said you've changed so much... that you've become moody all the time. She even hears sobbing noises from your room every night. Tae... stop punishing yourself like this. My Kookie won't be happy if he sees you like this.

Taehyung swallowed hard, but his lips stayed sealed. He just stared at the steaming cup, shoulders heavy, chest tight.

Mrs. Jeon (gently) - Tae p-

Taehyung (interrupting, voice low, almost hoarse) - Aunty... can I use your washroom?

Mrs. Jeon sighed in disappointment. She knew-no matter what she said-Taehyung would never forgive himself.

Mrs. Jeon - Hmm... go straight, then take a right.

Taehyung - Thanks.

He rose slowly, his footsteps dragging toward the hallway. As he neared the washroom, faint muffled sobs reached his ears from the room beside it. His chest tightened. Against his better judgment, he peeked inside.

There, he saw Mr. Jeon-sitting hunched, clutching Jungkook and his noona's framed photograph-his shoulders shaking as he sobbed like a broken man.

The moment Mr. Jeon sensed someone's presence, he quickly wiped his tears, forcing composure. His eyes darted to the doorway, meeting Tae's frozen figure.

Mr. Jeon (clearing his throat) - Oh, Taehyung... umm, I was just-

Taehyung (quietly, avoiding eye contact) - Actually... I wanted to use the washroom.

Mr. Jeon (nodding quickly, pointing) - Oh. It's there.

Taehyung - Thanks, uncle.

He turned, but Mr. Jeon's voice stopped him.

Mr. Jeon - Taehyung...

Tae looked back at him knowingly, already understanding the unspoken plea.

Taehyung (firm, though softly) - I won't tell anyone.

Relief flickered across Mr. Jeon's weary face.

Mr. Jeon - Thank you.

And then... silence. They stood in a quiet stare, ten long seconds that carried more weight than words ever could. Mr. Jeon's eyes screamed pain, guilt, and unbearable sorrow-truths his lips could never voice.

In that silent exchange, Taehyung received all the answers he never dared to ask.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, his chest heavier than when he'd entered.