Part : 18

At Dining table,

When everyone entered the dining room, The maids were already serving dinner quietly, Usually This wasn’t normal

Usually Jin himself arranged everyone’s plates But tonight, The maids simply placed food mechanically and left

The brothers slowly looked at each other, then toward Jin, He was already eating silently like none of this mattered.

Taehyung frowned slightly while staring at his plate and scoffed immediately.

Taehyung : Why is this spicy food in my plate? *cold*

He looked toward the maid instantly and they looked at each other

Maid1 : S-sorry sir--

Taehyung : What sorry? *annoyed* Please bring another plate. I’ll serve myself.

The maid nodded nervously and hurried away, Everyone else quietly looked at Taehyung but Jin didn’t even look up, He just kept eating silently.

Meanwhile, Y/n was sitting beside Aesha eating distractedly while reading notes again and Within seconds, Half the vegetables disappeared from her plate onto tissue secretly And somehow curry dropped onto her sleeve too.

Usually, Jin would instantly notice, He’d wipe her hand himself while scolding but today he was sitting on the corner and couldn't get a view of Y/n's plate, She smiled internally but Suga noticed the ruined plate immediately.

Suga : Stop removing vegetables! Kitten! *soft*

Y/n flinched instantly and looked toward him, Suga just sighed and pointed at her plate lazily.

Suga : Eat properly! *disbelief*

She blinked once and Then slowly smiled because for one second, She genuinely thought Jin forgot but Suga noticed.

Y/n : Okay Oppa! *mumbleed*

Suga nodded once and continued eating calmly, And across the table, Jin quietly finished his dinner first, He simply cleaned his hands and looked toward Aesha beside him.

Jin : I’m going to the room! *soft*

Aesha nodded softly and Jin stood up but before he could leave, Suga's voice stopped him

Suga : Hyung! *cold*

Everyone looked up immediately and Jin turned slightly.

Suga : We want to talk! *cold*

Jin looked at him for a second, Then calmly ignored him and continued walking, Suga rolled his eyes and looked at Jungkook beside him eating quietly

Suga grabbed Jungkook by the collar and dragged him forward aggressively.

Jungkook : H-HYUNG?! *shocked*

Before Jungkook could react, Suga literally pushed him in front of Jin like human shield.

Suga : Use your favorite child powers! *mumbled*

Jungkook stared at him in disbelief,Meanwhile Jin finally stopped walking and looked at Jungkook standing awkwardly in front of him.

Jungkook : H-hyung! Please? *puppy eyes*

Jungkook gave him the most nervous smile possible but Jin looked away, Jungkook looked back helplessly at his other brothers and they all glared at him grabbing chopsticks tightly like threatening him from the table

Jungkook gulped and quietly looked back at Jin again, He took a step near him and Jin noticed his slightly red eyes like he cried earlier, Jin’s expression softened slightly without realizing and A tired sigh escaped him.

Jin : Only Five minutes! *cold*

Everyone immediately looked up and Jin adjusted his sleeves calmly.

Jin : at terrace! *cold*

He lastly looked at Jungkook and walked away upstairs quietly, The second he disappeared, Everyone exhaled together but Namjoon stood up first.

Namjoon : come before he changes his mind! *worried*

Everyone hurriedly stood up, Not even completing dinner that itself showed seriousness and Suga looked at Y/n

Suga : Kitten! No cheating! Eat properly! Okay? *soft*

Y/n nodded multiple times but Still looked at Aesha

Suga : Take a look on her! She'll remove everything! *cold*

Aesha nervously nodded and Suga left, Meanwhile, Jhope stopped mid stair and suddenly turned toward the drawing room

He walked toward one corner of the hall and opened a hidden refrigerator behind the cabinet, Inside, Wine bottles were perfectly arranged, Jhope proudly grabbed the entire box and shook his head

Jhope : Emergency family meeting needs emergency support! *annoyed*

He stood up and walked towards the stairs

At Terrace,

One by one every brother sat across the table and Jhope placed the wine bottles got everyone's attention, Jimin was the first one to grab the bottle but Jhope slapped his hand away

Jhope : Wait for Jin hyung! *cold*

Jimin nodded and Jin finally came upstairs, Everyone instantly became quiet and He looked at the wine bottles, Then at all his brothers sitting together waiting for him.

For a second, The old familiar feeling returned, Late night terrace talks, Random emotional confessions, Things they stopped doing properly over the years but he just looked away and slowly sat down on the empty chair.

Suga quietly served the glass and pushed it toward him, Jin looked at the glass for a second and then accepted, One by one everyone picked their drinks but Taehyung snatched the glass from Jungkook's hand and placed the banana milk bottle in his hand

Jungkook rolled his eyes and opened the straw, leaning back on his chair then suddenly, Suga looked at Jin

Suga : Hyung! *sighed* we all are thinking the same thing! What’s wrong with you? *cold* Why are you behaving weird today?

Jin rolled his eyes slightly and took a sip from his glass.

Jhope : Hyung seriously? My meetings completely overlapped today! You cut my calls! You never do that! What’s wrong? *annoyed* Is something bothering you?

Jin ignored them and just kept staring at the city lights ahead, That silence finally snapped Suga's patience and he slammed his glass on table

Suga : Yah I’m talking to you! *angry* What attitude is this?

Jhope : Hyung! Stop yelling! *annoyed*

Suga : *scoffed* You stop interfering! I'm talking to Hyung--

Jhope : You don't have rights to yell on anyone when you're at fault too! You’re not innocent either! *angry*

Suga : *scoffed* What? what did you say?

Jhope suddenly stood up from his seat and everyone looked at him

Jhope : You met Jiah right? *angry* My girlfriend!

Suga's expression changed slightly and He looked away that itself was enough answer, Namjoon widened his eyes and looked at Suga, meanwhile, Jimin and Taehyung looked at each other asking if Jhope had a girlfriend

Jhope : *scoffed* I knew it!

Suga : I didn’t say anything wrong! *cold*

Jhope : Wrong? Oh really? *scoffed* Hyung! Do you even know her? Do you even meet her before? *angry* She doesn't even know you properly and You just walk to her! *angry* And What the hell did you tell her? She’s been overthinking since morning, she's not even talking to me, She thinks she’s not good enough for me now! *angry*

Namjoon quietly lowered his eyes and Jhope pointed toward Suga angrily.

Jhope : I’ve never seen her cry like that and You! *angry* You ruined my relationship!

Suga : Don't be so over! I literally said I don’t have problem with your girlfriend! *annoyed*

Jhope : Then why meet her secretly? *angry* You can ask me if you really wanted to talk! *scoffed* I didn't even tell Jin hyung about my girlfriend and You just threatened her! Why? Who are you to take my decisions--

Suga : Enough! Jhope! You're crossing your limits! I just wanted to protect you! *cold*

That sentence made Jhope laugh sarcastically and he shook his head in disbelief.

Jhope : Protect me? Oh please! I can protect myself! *gritted his teeth* You protect yourself and your company first! *cold*

Suga's eyes darkened instantly but before he could reply, Jhope suddenly grabbed Namjoon’s arm and pulled him forward.

Jhope : Do you even know his mental health condition? *angry*

Namjoon : H-hobi hyung! What are you doing? *looked down*

Namjoon immediately looked uncomfortable and Suga glared at Jhope who looked back at him angrily.

Jhope : He’s been taking medicines for TWO MONTHS! Did you listen? Two months! *angry*

Everyone froze and Even Jin slowly looked up now.

Jhope : And you? You don’t even notice! You don’t even care enough to ask if he slept! If he ate! If he’s okay!

Suga looked at Namjoon but Jhope stepped forward pointing toward Namjoon again.

Jhope : He prepared for your canceled deal for two nights! TWO! nd you canceled it within two seconds! Huh? without even discussing with him? *angry*

Namjoon quietly looked down, Exhaustion was visible on his face now and Jhope crosses his arms

Jhope : Oh sorry! He’s not your brother right? Just your employee that you don't need to inform--

Suga : *angry* Watch your mouth--

Jhope : Or what? *angry*You’ll yell again instead of talking?  Huh?

He stepped closer too now and Suga just glared at him, Jungkook looked between them and stood up to stop him but Jimin quietly pulled him back beside him seeing tension rise between their older brothers

Suga : Enough is enough! Hobi! I was going to discuss it with him, I just didn’t get time--

Jhope : Obviously you didn’t get time! But You do have enough time spending with your brother’s girlfriend though! *cold*

He glared at Suga and Within one second, He grabbed Jhope's collar and pulled him forward aggressively.

Suga : WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? HUH? DOES IT MATTER THIS MUCH? I JUST MET HER AND THAT MADE YOU HURT? *angry*

Jhope : No! *cold* it hurts because you didn't even tell me! Stop acting like you own my life! *gritted his teeth* I'll be okay if Hyung does this but not you! Who don't even care about his brothers once! Did you forget what happened before two years? *angry*

Suga : *scoffed* So now you'll also threat me by that incident? *gritted his teeth* I think Jin hyung didn't teach you manners properly! *cold*

He looked directly into Jhope's eyes and Jin finally looked up seeing things getting physical, he was about to interfere but suddenly Namjoon grabbed Suga's wrist tightly and pushed him back.

Namjoon : Leave him hyung! Please! *annoyed*

Suga looked at him in disbelief as Namjoon rarely interfered between them but today,His expression looked exhausted.

Suga : Rm? *disbelief*

Namjoon : Sorry hyung but Hobi hyung  is not completely wrong! *annoyed*

Suga : *scoffed* Oh so now everyone’s against me?

Namjoon ignored the sarcasm and continued calmly.

Namjoon : Hyung! Hobi hyung's girlfriend, Jiah is sensitive from the start, we were classmates! You didn’t need to meet her alone! At least you should’ve informed Hobi hyung first! *annoyed*

Suga flipped his hair back annoyed and scoffed

Suga : I didn’t say anything that would hurt her so please! stop advising me! I know what I’m doing! *angry*

That sentence finally snapped something inside Namjoon and His fists tightened immediately, for the first time tonight, He looked directly into Suga's eyes.

Namjoon : No! *cold* You don’t! You don’t know what you’re doing anymore!

The terrace became completely silent and Suga tilted his head

Namjoon : You don’t even visit the company like a CEO should! *cold* I handle your work, I handle the CEO meetings , the investors, The legal team, The staff, The presentations, Everything! *angry*

Namjoon pointed toward himself now and looked at Suga disappointedly

Namjoon : And then suddenly When it’s time for meaningful decisions, You appear from nowhere! *annoyed*

Everyone just looked at Namjoon because This wasn’t normal Namjoon, This was years of frustration finally speaking.

Namjoon : I don’t like this anymore hyung! *cold* I can’t do this anymore!

Jhope slowly looked at him worriedly but Namjoon continued.

Namjoon : I thought maybe someday I would at least be appreciated! But Four years passed, I’m exhausted now! You don’t even ask what happens inside the company, How I manage things? How many times I stay awake fixing problems? You only care about your mafia work nowadays! *angry* So why don’t you just fully take over THAT business instead? *scoffed* Or leave me instead!

His eyes looked genuinely tired now, he inhaled deeply before finally saying the words nobody expected.

Namjoon : I’m not working with you anymore!

Suga stared at him blankly and Namjoon looked directly into his eyes.

Namjoon : I’m resigning!

He started at Suga who just looked at him blankly like he genuinely couldn’t process what he heard, Meanwhile, Jin slowly lifted his eyes completely for the first time tonight.

Suga scoffed loudly after Namjoon’s words and Then immediately turned toward Jin like he expected support.

Suga : Do you  hear how they're talking to me? *angry* Is this how younger brothers talk to elders now? Huh? Hyung?

He pointed toward Namjoon annoyed who shook his head and Jhope rolled his eyes

Jin : Don't ask me anything! *cold* They learnt this thing from you! Yelling and blaming elders!

Suga looked away taking a deep breath and Jungkook looked between them

Jungkook : H-hyung! *mumbled* Stop it! Please!

His voice sounded smaller compared to everyone else’s arguments, like he genuinely wanted someone older to stop this mess, Jin finally lifted his eyes toward him a nd within one second, He again noticed swollen eyes and Red nose, The obvious signs of crying, Jin frowned slightly and Then calmly asked

Jin : Did you cry? why? What happened? *cold*

Jungkook froze and Jin asked again.

Jin : Your eyes are swollen! What happened? *confused*

Jungkook immediately looked toward Taehyung helplessly but Taehyung shook his head not to say anything

Jungkook lowered his head quietly, Not saying anything but before silence could continue Jimin suddenly interfered coldly.

Jimin : I made him cry! *cold*

Everyone looked at him and Jimin’s jaw tightened slightly.

Jimin : And no, it wasn’t because of random prank or joke! *gritted his teeth* He lied to me directly on my face!

Jungkook’s eyes instantly became teary again hearing the harsh tone and he glared back at Jimin emotionally.

Jungkook : You yelled at me because of some random girl! *angry*

Jimin : She’s not random! *angry*

Jungkook : *scoffed* You barely know her! And you scolded me for her? *sad*

Jimin stood up immediately.

Jimin : So now you think you can decide who deserves what? Huh? *angry*

Jungkook stood up too now and Taehyung looked between them

Jungkook : I just didn’t like her--

Jimin :SO WHAT? *angry* IT'S NOT FU*CKING YOUR LIFE! MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

Jungkook’s face immediately fell and Taehyung noticed it first so he looked at Jimin

Taehyung : H-Hyung! Stop it! *annoyed* leave him! He's a kid!

He stood up quickly and grabbed Jimin’s arm before things escalated.

Jimin : Kid? *scoffed* He would be in college next month! He definitely knows what he’s doing! *angry*

Taehyung shook his head immediately and looked toward Jungkook.

Taehyung : He literally wore crocs to exams! Hyung! *nervously laughed* He doesn't even know anything!

Jimin : But he--

Taehyung : You know how attached he gets! He thought you chose someone else over him! *smile*

Jungkook immediately looked away wiping his eyes aggressively.

Jungkook : He always does this! He becomes blind whenever some girl enters his life! *angry*

Taehyung glared at him indicating to shut up because he knew where this was going, Jimin’s expression darkened instantly and he took a step near him but Taehyung held his hand and pushed Jimin back, receiving a glare from him

Jimin : Tae! Move! *angry* I'll not leave him tonight!

Taehyung : No! Leave him! Hyung! He just says what he saw--

Jimin : So you're saying I'm a play boy? Huh? I just look after girls and don't care about my brothers? *angry*

He pushed taehyung who took a step back and rolled his eyes

Taehyung : He’s not completely wrong! *cold*

Jimin glared at him and Jungkook also looked at Taehyung

Taehyung : I don't know about Inaya! But You’re doing the same thing again! *cold*

Jimin : *laughed* Oh wow! Now you'll give me love advice! *smirk*

Taehyung : At Hannah’s time too! *cold* You didn't listen!

The moment Hannah’s name came, Jimin’s smile faded and his expression hardened completely but Taehyung continued anyway.

Taehyung : I told you she was cheating! But you? You didn’t believe me! You literally fought with me because of her! *angry* And then what happened? she cheated! So don’t act like we’re wrong for worrying!

Jimin : But Inaya is NOT--

Taehyung : You don’t know that! *cold*

Jimin : then you do? huh? Or you like her, aren't you ? *smirk* she's more comfortable around you! Why?

Taehyung : *rolled his eyes* I've zero interest in her and about being comfortable! She trusts me! *smirk*

Jimin : Kim Taehyung! *angry*

Taehyung : WHAT? *angry* I’m just tired of this pattern! You meet a girl! You ignore everyone! You fight with us, Then later we fix you again! Stop it hyung! For God's sake!

Jimin : *gritted his teeth* Are you sure you're worried for me? Because I think you're jealous! You push everyone away yourself and then act lonely! *angry*

Taehyung : Don't drag me into your mess--

Jimin : Why? *smirk* You think Inaya trusts you more than me? *scoffed* In your dreams! she doesn't know your real image! No any girl can stay with you! You always think you’re smarter than everyone but you're scared! Scared to be alone--

Taehyung : Stop it i said! *angry*

Jimin : Why? Now what happened? *smirk*

Taehyung : Jimin--

Suddenly Jin stood up from his chair and they all looked at him, everyone else also stood up but Jin simply walked toward the terrace door and left

Jhope : Hyung! *worried*

He didn't look back and walked through the hallway quickly, His chest felt tight hearing all those words together and those every sentence kept echoing in his head repeatedly.

By the time he reached his room, His hands were shaking slightly, He immediately locked the door behind him and Then slowly slid down against it with one hand over his face.

Aesha, who was reading on the couch, immediately stood up worriedly and quickly ran toward him.

Aesha : J-jin! What happened? *worried*

Jin looked away immediately like he didn’t want her seeing him like this but his breathing alone scared her, Aesha slowly kneeled in front of him and he shook his head weakly

Jin : Y-you w-were right! *sad*

Aesha : *frowned* What?

Jin : I-I made them like this! *gulped*

That sentence confused her first but then she saw the tears in his eyes and suddenly she understood, he was talking about his brothers, Jin swallowed hard and looked down at his trembling hands.

Jin : T-They’re shattered without me! *shook his head* I-I never wanted this! *gulped* I just wanted them to be cared for! But now...They can’t even handle one day normally?  They fight over everything, They don’t take care of each other but fight with each other! Namjoon? The kid I thought the most clever one, he resigned from Suga's company suddenly! *closed his eyes* And somehow… it’s all because of me!

Aesha’s heart hurt hearing him because now she understood completely, This wasn’t control for Jin, This was fear that if he stopped caring, everything would fall apart and tonight, when he actually did, he broke completely.

Jin : I should’ve taught them how to live without me! *crying* not depend on me for breathing!

That sentence shattered something inside Aesha too, Without saying another word, She immediately pulled him into her arms and Jin froze for one second but suddenly hugged her back too tightly that The force almost made Aesha fall backward completely onto the floor.

But she didn’t care, She simply adjusted herself and held his giant trembling body against her chest carefully with One hand in his hair and the other rubbing his back slowly.

Jin who spent years holding everyone together finally cried like someone exhausted and Aesha tightened her arms around him immediately.

Aesha : It’s okay! *soft*

She whispered softly but Jin just shook his head against her shoulder.

Jin : N-no it’s not!

Aesha immediately pulled back enough to look at him.

Aesha : They depend on you because you never let them fall! Jin! You didn’t ruin them, You loved them! *smile* You're their parent! *soft*

His eyes closed again hearing that and for the first time in years, Someone was holding him together instead of the opposite so Aesha just sat there on the cold floor holding him until his hiccups slowly stopped.

After a minute, Aesha looked down and saw Jin had fallen asleep, She sighed sadly seeing dried tears still on his cheeks, She adjusted herself and slowly laid him down properly on the floor.

But the moment she tried moving away, Jin unconsciously pulled her back again in sleep like a child refusing to lose comfort, Aesha froze and simply stayed there on the floor beside him.

Her body half trapped under his arm while his head rested near her shoulder and she gently wiped remaining tears from his face one by one, she fixed his messy hair softly and stared at him for long time thinking about how lonely he must’ve been, how silently he carried everyone ,how no one noticed the pressure slowly crushing him too.

Even tonight, Everyone fought because they felt ignored but no one noticed Jin himself was disappearing.

A small sigh escaped her lips and she carefully touched his cheek softly.

Aesha : You really love them too much! *soft*

Aesha’s eyes softened instantly, She slowly leaned her head beside his and closed her eyes too still keeping one hand over his chest comfortingly and sometime later, While holding him quietly on the cold floor, Aesha also fell asleep beside him.

Time skip to Morning,

In drawing room,

Suga sat alone there, Phone in hand but not reading anything, For the past five minutes he had been looking around suspiciously.

Because, Aesha had called him there personally at six in the morning which already sounded dangerous.

Then the sound of footsteps echoed and Suga immediately looked up, Aesha walked inside carrying a wooden tray and He frowned.

Because on the tray, There were wine bottles and glasses, She placed everything carefully on the center table and sat down calmly.

Suga stared at Aesha and at the bottles again, Aesha looked at him and Suga immediately cleared his throat, Suddenly feeling awkward for absolutely no reason.

He stood up and moved to another couch farther away, Aesha blinked and crossed her arms

Aesha : Why did you move? *confused*

Suga : No reason! *cold*

He avoided eye contact and Then finally asked

Suga : You called me here early morning! *confused*

His eyes moved toward wine bottles.

Suga : to drink? *confused*

Aesha nodded casually and Suga looked horrified

Suga : W-with you? *embarrassed*

Aesha nodded

Suga : At six in the morning? *shocked*

Aesha : You drank at night! Right?

Suga : T-that's completely different! *embarrassed*

Aesha : How? *narrowed her eyes*

Aesha stared and Suga loosened the top button of his shirt uncomfortably, thenlooked away.

Honestly, The entire situation felt weird, Sitting alone with his brother's wife at sunrise, Surrounded by wine bottles, If anybody entered now, Especially Jin, He'd never hear the end of it, Just imagining it gave him headache.

Meanwhile Aesha opened one bottle,Poured drink into two glasses and pushed one toward him.

Suga : Are you trying to poison me? *cold*

Aesha : *rolled her eyes* If I wanted to poison you, I wouldn't waste expensive wine! And one more thing, Jin loves you a lot so if I kill you, loss would be mine!

Suga nodded thoughtfully and picked up the glass, Took one sip and Then looked at her.

Suga : So What happened? You never call me, Especially not alone! *cold*

Aesha leaned back against couch And For few moments she stayed quiet.

Aesha : I know what happened yesterday! Jin told me! *soft*

Immediately Suga's expression became serious and he looked down at his glass.

Aesha : He cried! *soft*

Suga froze slightly and His fingers tightened around glass.

Suga : *scoffed and nervously smiled* He doesn't cry! Not for this nonsense topic--

Aesha : He did! *cold* And honestly? I think all of you broke him! You all keep saying he interferes! He controls too much? He worries too much But the moment he stopped..*scoffed* everyone started falling apart!

Suga immediately looked away remembering yesterday,Jhope yelling, Namjoon resigning, Jungkook crying, Jimin and Taehyung fighting, he closed his eyes rubbing his head and Aesha watched him quietly.

Aesha : Do you know what hurts him most? He thinks he failed! He thinks he raised all of you wrong!

Suga : *rolled his eyes* He's an idiot! He built us--

Aesha : That's the thing I told him! But he didn't listen because you guys broke him! *cold* and Now you're fixing it!

Suga : What do you mean? *cold*

Aesha stared at him for a second and took the papers from the side table, she gave the papers in Suga's hands and he simply read it, His expression didn't change much, but Aesha noticed his eyes carefully scanning every detail, Meeting schedules,contract timelines, Investment reports and Priority lists, Everything was arranged neatly Exactly how a professional would organize it.

After a few moments, Suga placed the papers down and looked at Aesha.

Suga : Did Jin hyung do this?--

Aesha : I did! *cold* I know Namjoon handles almost everything and When you're busy with your other business, everything falls on him! That's why I made this!

Suga : I don't need help--

Aesha : There it is!  I know it's coming! *rolled her eyes*

Suga : What? *confused*

Aesha : The Min Suga ego! *scoffed*

Suga : *scoffed* It has nothing to do with ego--

Aesha : Then what? I'm not saying give me authority. I'm not saying make me a worker, I'm not saying announce anything! I'm saying use available resources!  *cold*

She slammed her hands on files and looked at Suga

Aesha : When I spoke to Namjoon first time about business, He didn't talk like someone who wanted to quit! He talked like someone who wanted somebody to notice he was drowning! *worried*And last night too! He wasn't angry because of work, He was angry because he felt invisible.

Suga closed his eyes briefly and sighed Because that part was true, For years Namjoon had handled responsibilities without complaints until he finally exploded.

Aesha noticed his silence and softened her voice.

Aesha : please! take it! *soft* I'm just like your sister!

She casually reached over and ruffled his hair, The same way someone would comfort a younger sibling, For a moment, Suga completely froze, His brain stopped because nobody did that ever, Not since he was young, Not even Jin anymore, He slowly looked up and Aesha was smiling warmly without judgment and strangely, The feeling wasn't awkward for Suga, It was comforting

For a second he thought, Maybe what he needed all these years wasn't another older brother, Maybe he needed an older sister, someone who explained things without lecturing, Someone who listened before judging, Someone who wasn't afraid to tell him he was being an idiot and The thought made him smile slightly.

Suga : Thanks! *smile*

She blinked

Aesha : T-thanks? To me? *shocked* you're--

Suga : *rolled his eyes* Don't react like Jk! Noona! *soft*

Aesha froze for a second and smiled when he called her noona, her fingers tightened on her dress and she blushed hard looking away, Suga being embarrassed, grabbed the papers and stood up

Suga : I'll talk to Namjoon! Don't worry! *cleared his throat*

Aesha nodded and stood up When suga turned to leave but stopped and looked back

Suga : W-when Jin hyung behaved weird yesterday! I thought... *looked down* You told him to do this! I thought you'd be happier if Jin stayed away from us! s-sorry!

Aesha immediately shook her head and smiled

Aesha : He's empty without all of you! He loves every one of you more than himself! *soft* You aren't his responsibility anymore But you're still his heart!

The words made Suga look away because somehow, They hit harder than any insult.

Aesha : But right now...You hurt him So apologize before he convinces himself that none of this matters! *chuckled*

Suga : *Nodded* I will--

Aesha : And Yes! Don't tell Jin anything about this! He doesn't like me to do this! Please! *nervously*

Suga : *scoffed* Honestly! You're wasting your talent sitting at home!

Aesha : *rolled her eyes* Tell that to your brother!

Suga almost laughed And for the first time since the argument started,he actually understood what he should do and Then together they walked down the hallway

Time skip after an hour,

Jin came downstairs with low steps, His expression was still tired from everything that had happened, but when he entered the dining room, he paused, Y/n and Jungkook were already there, Ready on time, without anyone forcing them, Without Jin dragging them downstairs personally.

For a second, he almost smiled and Y/n noticed him.

Y/n : OPPA! *excited*

She immediately jumped from her chair and ran toward him, Throwing herself into his arms.

Jin chuckled softly while catching her and kissed on her head

Jin : What happened? *smile*

Y/n : Today's my last paper! Then holidays! *excited*

She practically bounced in excitement and Jin finally smiled properly.

Jin : Really? So lucky!

He caressed her hairs, Meanwhile, Jungkook sat quietly at the table, unlike Y/n, He wasn't smiling, His eyes stayed lowered toward the table and Jin immediately noticed.

Last night's argument hadn't left him untouched, Jungkook had sat there listening to his older brothers tear each other apart

And for someone who loved his family more than anything, that wasn't easy, Jin slowly walked toward him and Y/n immediately followed behind like a shadow.

Jungkook felt someone stop beside him and Then, A warm hand landed on his head, softly ruffling his hair, Jungkook looked up and Jin smiled

Jin : Don't think too much! *soft* Focus on your exams! You're not at fault, Your older brothers are!

Jungkook's eyes immediately reddened and The tears Jungkook had been holding back all night appeared instantly, His lips trembled nd before thinking, He stood up and hugged Jin tightly.

The force almost made Jin lose balance but he smiled, wrapping his arms around Jungkook, Patting his back gently.

Jin : Jeon Jungkook never cry! *soft* right?

Jungkook buried his face in his shoulder like he used to when he was younger and Jin kissed the top of his head, Finally Jungkook stepped back, Quickly wiping his eyes and smiled.

Y/n was already staring at him dramatically.

Y/n : You cried! *shocked* W-what happened? *worried* Oppa! Why are you crying?

Jungkook looked at her and pulled her in a hug

Jungkook : I-i'm not crying--

Y/n : But you--

Jungkook : Let's go we're getting late! *soft*

Jungkook grabbed his bag from the table and slung it over his shoulder, Took a deep breath and Then looked at Jin seriously.

Jungkook : I'll do good! *smile*

Jin nodded proudly and Jungkook took y/n's bag from her shoulder before she could carry it herself.

Y/n grabbed his arm confusingly and The two headed toward the door, Before leaving, Y/n turned around dramatically and waved both hands.

Jin sat down again and A maid immediately placed a fresh cup of coffee beside him.

Jin : Thank you!

He nodded absentmindedly before opening his tablet, it was His first proper day back at the office after the wedding

And honestly, The amount of work was terrifying, He had barely started scrolling when footsteps approached.

Aesha : Good morning!

Jin looked up and Aesha sat beside him with her own coffee.

Jin : Good morning! But Where were you? *confused* You weren't in the room since I woke up!

She took a sip from her mug and shook her head

Aesha : I was with Aria!But why? You wanted something?

A small smile appeared on her face and unfortunately, Jin completely forgot what he was saying for a second, His eyes stayed on her face, The smile made him freeze but realizing he was staring, He immediately cleared his throat and looked back at his tablet.

Jin : No! I don't want anything! But actually... I'm going to office today!

Aesha : *nodded* I know!

Jin : *scratched his back* So Do you want to come?

Aesha looked genuinely confused, She slowly placed her coffee cup down and looked at him

Aesha : Is it important? *confused*

Jin : *shook his head* No!

Aesha : Then I don't want to come! *shrugged casually* What would I even do there?

Jin stared at her and Then smiled.

Jin : well what would you do there? Hmm! Maybe exactly what you were doing in Australia! *smile*

Aesha froze completely and turned toward him.

Aesha : What? *confused*

Jin rubbed the back of his neck, Suddenly looking strangely nervous.

Jin : Would you become our company's director? *soft*

The coffee almost left her mouth and She coughed immediately.

Aesha : What?! *excited*

Jin handed her tissue calmly but there was amusement hidden in his eyes.

Jin : Careful--

Aesha : Are you serious? *excited*

Jin : I'm serious! *smile*

Aesha simply staredbecause she had expected many things from Jin but definitely not this, For years she had worked, Studied, Built projects And after marriage, She genuinely thought that part of her life was over but Then suddenly, Jin was offering her a director position.

Jin just stared at her excitement and For some reason,Seeing that expression made him feel satisfied, Like he had made the correct decision.

Jin : Actually... I'm planning something bigger!

Jin looked down at his schedule and smiled

Jin : I'm thinking of creating another office! A separate branch And eventually handing it to Hobi!

The smile disappeared from Aesha's face immediately, She sat back and Jin noticed.

Jin : Hobi is capable! He handles half my responsibilities already, I don't want him spending his whole life building my name! I want him to build his own! *smile*

Honestly, The idea wasn't bad, Any businessman would call it smart but Aesha wasn't thinking like a businesswoman right now,She was thinking like someone who had spent the last month watching this family, Watching how fragile their relationships actually were, Watching how easily they drifted apart, How difficult it had been to bring them back together And now, Jin wanted another separation.

Jin : What are you thinking--

Aesha : You're separating! Jin! Do you really think this is okay? *worried*

He had no argument ready, Because somewhere He knew she might be right, he  looked aside and saw Jimin was coming downstairs holding his bagpack, he narrowed his eyes and Jimin past them without glancing at them, Aesha turned to him and stopped him

Aesha : Umm! Good morning! Jimin! Are you going somewhere--

Jimin : I'm going to my friend's home! *cold*

Aesha : Jimin! Anything happened? You wanna take breakfast--

Jimin : No thank you! *cold*

He took a step and Jin rolled his eyes

Jin : Aesha! *cold* The man who don't trust his own brothers shouldn't expect to be treated well!

Jimin turned to him sharply and came back

Jimin : Do you also think I'm wrong? Huh? Hyung! Was Jungkook right? Was Taehyung right? *angry*

Jin didn't answer immediately and that silence hurt more than words, Jimin laughed bitterly but when he was about say something, Taehyung looked at Him who was coming downstairs and heard his matter

Taehyung : Yes! We're right! *cold*

He stood in front of him and Jimin looked away

Taehyung : I know Jk did something stupid! He shouldn't have touched your gift! I agree! But he did it because he was worried! he's protective Just like you're protective! Hyung! He's not a bad brother! *angry* He doesn't hate the girl but He hates the possibility of you getting hurt--

Jimin clenched his jaw and Jin rolled his eyes, He had absolutely no intention of becoming part of another argument.

He shook his headBut before he could stand up completely, Aesha grabbed his wrist andJin looked down at her hand, Then at her face, She smiled innocently.

Aesha : Sit! *soft*

Jin narrowed his eyes and sighed The kind people made when they knew resistance was useless.

Meanwhile, Taehyung and Jimin were still glaring at each other from opposite sides of the table, Aesha turned toward them and pointed at the chairs.

Aesha : And You two! Sit down! *annoyed*

Taehyung & Jimin : No! *cold*

Both answered simultaneously and Aesha blinked, Then looked at Jin, turned back at them and smiled sweetly.

Aesha : If you don't sit, Jin will definitely tie your hands together! *annoyed*

Jimin and Taehyung froze, then turned to Aesha, Even Jin looked offended and looked at her

Aesha : I'm serious! He'll tie both of you together and leave you like that for the whole day!

Taehyung immediately pulled a chair and Jimin sat down at exactly the same moment, Aesha nodded proudly and Jin looked traumatized.

Aesha sighed and looked at them, Jimin and Taehyung Both turned their faces opposite directions, looking exactly like angry children.

Aesha : Okay! Now apologize to each other!

Taehyung : Huh! No way! I'm not at fault--

Aesha : Jungkook didn't have to interfere! Jimin, You didn't need to Yell! And Taehyung, You didn't need to fight! Now apologize RIGHT NOW!

She glared at them and they sighed

Aesha : Taehyung! You're younger, right? You start first!

Taehyung : Sorry! *cold*

Aesha : Good! Jimin?

Jimin : Sorry! *rolled his eyes*

Aesha: Now a hug? *smile*

They both looked at each other and annoyingly shared a hug but internally smiled

Across the room, Jin crossed his arms watching silently and A small smile appeared on his face, He hadn't said much during the whole conversation but Aesha had done everything and somehow she had succeeded where seven brothers failed.

Jin glanced at her andShe looked quite proud of herself.

He shook his head and Just then, Jhope appeared holding a thick stack of files, His eyes remained fixed on the papers and He grabbed coffee from the counter.

Jin sighed and snatched the files, Jhope looked up and Jin calmly placed them far away.

Jin : Today you're not going to the company! *soft* It's your leave! Enjoy your day until my next order! *smile*

Jhope : *blinked*  But my meetings--

Jin : I'll handle everything! *smile*

Before Jhope could protest further, Namjoon entered still wearing night pants and messy hairs like A man who had clearly given up on life.

He sat down ignoring everyone, Still clearly upset about resigning from Suga's company.

A few moments later, Aria entered and Everyone greeted her back, She sat beside Aesha but Aesha meanwhile kept glancing toward the hallway, waiting for Suga

Suddenly Suga appeared and Aesha immediately straightened, He came which meant he remembered their conversation, he sat down, Aesha looked at him and Suga cleared his throat, Then reached for his coffee, Then put it back, Then adjusted his sleeve, Then looked away and looked back.

Aesha stared at him in disbelief mocking You said you'll apologize, She whispered and Suga gulped, He opened his mouth but before a single word came out, Jhope suddenly stood up.

Jhope : I'm full!

Aesha : W-what? But you didn't even--

Namjoon : Me too! I'm also going--

Suga looked between them and slammed his hand on table

Suga : Sit down! *cold*

Neither moved but crosses their arms

Suga : I said sit down! *annoyed*

Jhope : No! *cold*

Jin : You don't get to be angry! Suga!You want to apologize! Right? So why are you acting offended? *cold* you hurt them and now you're angry because they aren't immediately listening?

Suga opened his mouth and Closed it again because honestly, Jin wasn't wrong, Jhope looked down and Namjoon looked away, Neither expected Jin to defend them, Especially not after everything.

Suga looked down and A guard entered with a girl

Guard : Sir! *cold*

Everyone looked toward the door and The guard stepped aside, Jhope immediately stood up and run to her

Jhope : Jiah? *shocked*

Jiah was standing there nervously near the entrance, Holding her bag, Looking completely out of place among seven brothers staring at her, before she could even greet anyone, Jhope reached her and held her bag

Jhope : What happened? *worried*

He cupped her face carefully.

Jhope : were you crying?Did something happen? Why are you here? *worried*

His questions came one after another and Jiah blinked.

Jiah : N-No--

Suga : I told her to come! *sighed*

Everyone turned, Suga was rubbing his forehead and Jhope scoffed, He grabbed Jiah's wrist and pulled her behind him protectively, Like Suga was planning a kidnapping.

Jhope : Why? *confused* Still have something left to say? *cold*

The room instantly became awkward and Jin closed his eyes like Here we go again.

Suga : *sighed* Yes! Something left! *looked at him* I'm sorry!

The room froze completely, Even Taehyung stopped chewing, Jimin nearly dropped his for Namjoon's coffee paused halfway to his mouth because Suga apologizing voluntarily

Jhope : W-What? *confused*

Suga continued before courage disappeared.

Suga : I didn't need to meet your girlfriend alone! Sorry!

His eyes moved toward Jiah and Then back to Jhope.

Suga : I shouldn't have questioned her without telling you! Sorry!

Then finally toward Jiah.

Suga : and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable!

Jiah :*shook her head* No, it's okay--

But Jhope stepped forward again, Blocking her

Jhope : Wait! You didn't like her, right? *confused* So why does it matter now?

Suga : What? *annoyed* For God's sake, I never said I didn't like her! It was Dad--

Jin : Suga--

Jin immediately interrupted, Warning clear in his voice but Suga shook his head.

Suga : No! He keeps blaming me! He should know! *annoyed* Dad wanted to know who she was! He wanted information and He wanted to know if she was suitable!

Jiah lowered her eyes and Her fingers tightened around her bag.

Suga : He wanted reasons, He wanted weaknesses, He wanted excuses! *annoyed* I wasn't trying to separate you! I was trying to understand whether she'd survive it! *angry* You don't know how dad is! Jin hyung knows If he decides he doesn't like something...He won't simply disagree, He'll pressure and manipulate, He'll attack where it hurts! *scoffed*

Jin looked away because unfortunately, Every word was true, Suga pointed toward Jiah and looked at Jhope

suga : I wanted to know if she'd stay beside you when things became difficult, When people judged her! When money became a topic! When status became a topic and When family became a topic! *angry*

Jhope : *looked down* T-then what did you decide--

Suga : She did! She defended you And she never once asked what she'd gain from being with you!

Jhope slowly loosened his grip on her wrist and Suga looked down.

Suga : I know I handled it badly But I wasn't against your relationship, I was trying to protect you! And That's all I wanted to do!

He sighed and turned, ready to leave, Thinking the conversation was over, Thinking Jhope still hadn't forgiven him, Thinking maybe he didn't deserve forgiveness anyway but Arms wrapped around him from behind and Suga froze, Jhope hugged him tightly and closed his eyes

Jhope : I'm sorry! I-i shouldn't yell at you! I crossed my line! Sorry!

Suga smiled and his eyes moved toward Aesha, She hadn't said a single word during the whole conversation but she smiled As if saying...See? I told you. Just talk.

Suga stared at her for a second and Then nodded back.

Suga cleared his throat, Walked back toward the dining table, Picked up the files Aesha had prepared and Everyone watched curiously.

Then he stopped in front of Namjoon And held the papers out.

Namjoon : * blinked* What?

Suga rubbed his neck awkwardly and Then spoke words nobody expected to hear.

Suga : S-sorry! Don't resign!  Please!

Namjoon simply stared because In all these years, Suga had never requested, He simply expected things to happen.

Suga : You're the most qualified person for that position! You're the reason that company runs properly and You know You're the most eligible person to become CEO! *sad smile*

Aesha : *smile faded* What? *shocked*

Her expression clearly said that wasn't what she meant, Namjoon widened his eyes, Immediately pushing the papers back.

Namjoon : No! It's your company, You built it, I won't take it!

Suga :  Rm--

Jin : Namjoon is right!

Suga : Hyung? *confused*

Jin : Yes! It's your company! So gift him another new one! *smile* like I'm giving to Hobi!

Jhope & Rm : What? *shocked*

Namjoon : *scoffed* You can't just create companies and give them away!

Jin : why not? *cold*

Namjoon : Because normal people don't do that--

Jimin : Our family isn't normal either!  *rolled his eyes*

Jin ignored them, Still looking at Namjoon

Jin : You've spent years building someone else's name, Build your own now! I'm planning to create another branch And eventually hand it to hobi! so I want suga to do this--

Suga : I'm okay with it! *nodded*

Jhope : Wait wait! This is not a movie--

Jin : You've spent years working under my name using my authority and My contacts! So build yours! you deserve your own company! Your own success! *smile*

Namjoon : No! We can't--

Suga : Jin hyung is right! Our companies aren't even fully ours! Our father can interfere whenever he wants! He can control funding, He can influence shareholders and He can remove authority! So make your own, So nobody can ever throw you out! *looked at Rm and Jhope*

They both looked at each other and then looked at their hyungs, Because Jin and suga weren't trying to separate them, they were trying to make sure they could stand independently, without ever losing each other

Namjoon looked down and Suga placed an arm around his shoulder.

Suga : You heard the chairman! Don't resign! *smile*

Namjoon : *nodded* Challenge accepted! *smile*

Jimin : If you're gifting companies like this! I want one! *annoyed*

They rolled their eyes and Jimin immediately started arguing again Who would become richest, Who would create the biggest company, Who would become most successful and Who would fail first

To be continued...