Forgiveness

There is bell keep ringing on the door, 

Jungkook opened the door, and to his surprise, there stood Jin, looking worn but relieved to be back.

Jungkook: "Hyung! Where have you been? We all went crazy."

Taehyung: "Who are you talking to, Jungkook-ah?"

Taehyung's face was swollen, the evidence of sleepless nights and endless tears.

Jin could see how much he had been struggling. Without saying another word, Jin pulled Taehyung into a tight hug, murmuring an apology.

Jin: "I made a big drama out of everything. I just needed some time to reflect... I'm sorry."

Tae cried harder, guilt and emotion mixing together.

Tae: "I'm sorry, too... for everything I've done. I—"

Jin kissed the top of his head gently, his voice soft.

Jin: "No, don't apologize. and I brought someone to you meet"

Suddenly, Yujina stepped into the scene, and Tae froze, his eyes wide. He recognized the face, the one Jin had always shown him in pictures, but seeing it in person was different. He wasn't sure if this was real or just a dream.

Yujina: "Son."

She knelt down, her eyes filling with tears. Tae looked back at Jin for confirmation, and when Jin nodded, Tae's world seemed to tilt. He could barely process what was happening.

Tae: "No... no, you're dead... this can't be real."

Confusion overwhelmed him, and instinctively, he stepped behind Jungkook, as if to shield himself from the overwhelming emotions flooding in.

Jin gently lifted Yujina from the floor, calling Tae to come closer.

Jin: "Tae, this is our mother. I know it's a lot to take in right now. You don't have to forgive her, but at least let her explain."

Tae stood there, still shaking his head, struggling to comprehend the words.

Jin: "I'll leave you two to talk. I need to go find NJ."

Jungkook stepped forward, his voice steady.

Jungkook: "You don't have to accept her, Taehyung. Just listen to her. She's here, and she wants to talk. You don't have to make any decisions right now."

Jungkook turned and walked away, heading into their room. He needed a moment to himself, his thoughts drifting back to a memory from nearly a year ago

When he overheard NJ and Taehyung talking in that quiet restaurant. Jungkook had known everything from the beginning, but he had never said a word to anyone, not even Taehyung. 

The truth was, Jungkook hadn't felt the need to bring it up. He trusted Taehyung would come to his own understanding, in his own time.

In the living room, Taehyung sat across from his mother, the distance between them more emotional than physical. She asked him for his name, and he answered curtly, his voice cold.

Tae: " Kim Taehyung."

His mother slowly began to unfold her story, explaining everything she had gone through, the decisions she had made, the mistakes that led her to leave them behind. 

But to Taehyung, it all felt too late. The words didn't hold the weight they once might have. After everything he had been through—his father, his family, the love he had found in his new home, he just couldn't bring himself to feel anything but distance. 

He wasn't angry with her. There was no bitterness, no resentment. He didn't even feel the need to forgive her, how could he, when he had never truly known her well enough to hold anger in the first place?

Taehyung's voice was steady, but his words carried a sharp edge. "I don't have to forgive you. I was never angry with you. I didn't even know you existed." He paused, his gaze unwavering. "I have a family now. I have friends, and I have love. I'm doing well without you."

He straightened, his tone final. "You can go back to where you came from. I don't need you in my life.""

The words came out flat, but there was a sense of finality in his voice. Still, he added:

Taehyung's tone softened slightly, though a hint of distance remained. "You can stay here, if you want, until Jin hyung comes back. But that's all I can give you."

His words were firm yet measured, setting a clear boundary. 

It wasn't about hatred or rejection. It was just reality. His life had moved on.

Yujina sat quietly for a long moment, her tears still fresh, but she didn't say anything more. 

She knew the truth, and maybe, in a way, Taehyung did too. 

There were things that couldn't be fixed, but there was still space for understanding and that, in itself, was enough for now.

Jin's heart was still heavy as he made his way to the office, hoping to find NJ and clear the air. But when he opened the door, he was met with an unexpected sight.

Jimin and Hobi, standing at the reception desk. Jin froze in his tracks.

Jin: "Since when are you start working here?"

Hobi: "Since you left, hyung." He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Where have you been? What's up with all the disappearing acts?"

Jin's eyes widened. He had expected to face NJ first, not his two best friends giving him the lecture of a lifetime. 

Jimin gave him a look that was equal parts concerned and irritated.

Hobi: "Hyung, we thought you were dead or something. I mean, you really know how to leave people hanging!"

Jimin: "You don't just vanish like that. We could've at least helped, you know? Next time you have a problem, talk. Don't run off and disappear. That's not gonna solve anything."

Jin's head spun as the words hit him like a ton of bricks. It was the opposite of how Tae had reacted. 

Tae was more confused and shocked, but Jimin and Hobi? They were straight up angry, and it stung in a way he hadn't expected.

Jin: "I... I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do. I just needed space to think. I'm really sorry."

He nodded earnestly, feeling the weight of their frustration. Their words did hit hard, but in the best way possible. He appreciated their honesty.

Jin: "But... where's NJ?"

Lisa, who had been quietly listening from the side, piped up with a soft smile.

Lisa: "He's at the apartment, oppa. I didn't come to work since you left either."

Jin gave her a quick nod and a grin.

Jin: "Thanks, Lisa."

He turned to Hobi and Jimin, who were still giving him disappointed looks, and excused himself as he hurried out of the office. As Jin rushed to Namjoon's apartment, he felt his chest tighten. 

He had no idea what kind of mood Namjoon would be in, but whatever it was, he was going to face it head on.He arrived at the apartment, burst through the door, and froze.

Namjoon was lying on the floor , completely still. Jin's heart almost leaped out of his chest.

Jin: "Namjoon?! What the—!"He rushed over to him, his breath catching in his throat. 

He carefully picked Namjoon up in his arms, shaking him slightly. But Namjoon didn't move. Jin slapped his cheeks lightly.

Jin: "Namjoon! Wake up! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never thought you'd leave me like this. I wasn't ready for this... dramatic exit thing!"

Jin's tears started to well up. He was panicking. What if something serious had happened to Namjoon? His mind was racing.

But then, slowly, Namjoon opened one eye, and then the other, blinking up at Jin with the most confused expression.

Namjoon: "You thought I was dead or something?"J

in stared down at him, his relief washing over him like a tidal wave.

Jin: "Oh, you're not dead?!"

Jin sighed in exaggerated relief, wiping his face with his hand.J

in: "I'm sorry I left like that... I was all over the place. I didn't know what to do. I should've talked to you sooner."

Before he could even finish his apology, Namjoon sat up suddenly, pulled Jin down by his collar, and kissed him with so much passion it almost knocked the wind out of Jin. It was so intense, so full of emotion, that Jin barely had time to process it. 

When they finally pulled apart, Namjoon held Jin's hand, his voice soft but filled with sincerity.

Namjoon: "I'm sorry for the mess I caused. I didn't mean to make you feel like that."

Jin: "Apology accepted." 

Jin smiled at him warmly, but then his face turned serious.

 "I want us to be honest with each other, Namjoon. That's all I've ever wanted. I want to clear things up about our relationship, and make sure we're on the same page."

But before Jin could continue, Namjoon jumped up with a huge grin, nearly knocking them both over.

Namjoon: "I love you, Jin! I want to marry you! I want to be with you forever!"

Jin blinked, his eyes wide. Namjoon's confession was so sudden and out of nowhere that Jin couldn't help but laugh. It wasn't exactly what he had expected, but it was definitely a good surprise.

Jin: "Well, that's one way to get straight to the point."

He chuckled softly, his heart swelling with affection.

Jin: "I love you, too, Namjoon. And yes, I'd love to marry you. Just... give me a moment to breathe."

Jin sat next to him, still smiling like a fool. But then, he noticed something odd.

Jin: "By the way, why are you on the floor?"

Namjoon looked up at him, eyes slightly glazed over.

Namjoon: "I was drunk. And I just... fell asleep on the floor. No big deal."

Jin shook his head, a grin spreading across his face as he playfully ruffled Namjoon's hair.

Jin: "You're something else."He stood up, brushing himself off.

Jin: "Alright, get up. We're going out. I'm taking you somewhere"

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, looking up at Jin from the floor.

Namjoon groaned dramatically but got up anyway, still grinning like a fool. Jin couldn't help but smile, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

This wasn't the smoothest of reunions, but it was real. And that's all that mattered.

Jin led NJ into the restaurant. It wasn't just any place—it was Hobi  father's restaurant, a place filled with warmth, comfort, and familiar faces.

When they walked inside, Jin's eyes immediately scanned the table. There, already seated, were Taehyung, Jungkook, and Yujina, the latter looking slightly out of place yet at ease. NJ froze for a moment when his eyes landed on Yujina. 

The older woman was looking down at her plate, but NJ's gaze lingered on her for just a second longer. He looked shocked like he know her before, but he didn't show anything on his face.

However, he said nothing, keeping his expression neutral as he quietly followed Jin to the table. Everyone exchanged greetings, but the air was thick with unspoken tension, as though they were all collectively holding their breath, waiting for what Jin might say next.

They all took their seats, the table filling with laughter and conversation as they caught up, eating the food Mr. Jung had carefully prepared for them. 

The elder Jung was just as warm and welcoming as Hobi, smiling from across the table, pleased to see Jin so well. 

Jin had come a long way since his first arrival in Seoul, and he could tell how much his friends and family meant to him. The evening was going better than he'd expected—until Jin stood up suddenly, his chair scraping against the floor.

Jin: "Omma, this is Kim Namjoon. My boyfriend"

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, it was as if time stopped. Everyone at the table, including Yujina, turned to look at Jin and NJ, their expressions a mix of shock, curiosity, and... happiness?

The room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as Jin smiled proudly, his hand resting on NJ's shoulder. NJ, for his part, sat there with a somewhat bemused look on his face, clearly trying to process everything.

Jin: "Not only is he my boyfriend, but he's also my boss. But don't worry about that. You can call him 'NJ' for now."

Taehyung blinked, his face breaking into a smile. Jungkook, who had been quiet, gave Jin a look of approval, and even Yujina's eyes softened, though there was still a trace of uncertainty in her gaze. 

It was a simple confession, but it carried a weight that seemed to dissolve any awkwardness in the room. Jin continued, his tone matter-of-fact but affectionate. 

Jin: "This is Jungkook is Tae's boyfriend. And these two," he gestured to Hobi and Mr. Jung, who was still serving food, "are the ones who helped us when we first arrived in Seoul. 

Hobi's like a brother to me, and Mr. Jung... he's like a father figure. Lisa is NJ's sister, and Jimin is one of our closest friends. Omma, this is my family. 

This is the life I've built after everything."

There was a long, meaningful pause before Jin added, his voice low but firm:

Jin: "We're living well, Omma. We're not suffering. We didn't ruin our lives like you and Dad did. We're good. I've never been angry with you. I've never had any emotions to work through. You don't have to visit us. You don't need to call. We'll keep our distance, just like before. I'm glad you're living a good life, though."

Yujina, who had been listening intently, looked up, her face unreadable. She was silent for a long moment before she finally spoke.

Yujina: "I see... I see you've built something beautiful. I'm glad... I'm glad you're happy."

The words seemed to catch in her throat, but she nodded, a small, bittersweet smile playing on her lips. The rest of the evening passed in an easy, almost carefree atmosphere. There was food, laughter, and the usual light hearted banter. 

But underlying it all was the sense that something had shifted—something important, even if it was still uncertain.Eventually, as the meal wound down, Yujina stood up.

Yujina: "Thank you for letting me be a part of your evening, even if only for a short time. I... I won't stay longer. I'll leave tomorrow morning, as planned."

Jin nodded, his expression calm but his eyes softening with understanding.

Jin: "It's okay. Don't feel guilty or bad. Just... live your life. You've made your choices, and I've made mine. I have everything I need right here with these people."

He glanced at Taehyung and Jungkook, then at Hobi and Mr. Jung, who were laughing and joking over dessert. 

Jin's heart felt full in that moment—he had found a new kind of family.

Yujina nodded, her smile genuine, albeit tinged with regret.

Yujina: "I won't be a burden. I just wanted to see you. I hope you understand."Jin smiled at her, his voice warm.

Jin: "I do. I really do. Take care, Omma."

As they finished up dinner, everyone parted ways. Jin and NJ stood up to leave together, but before they could go, Taehyung turned to Yujina.

Tae: "You can stay with me tonight. I'll drive you home."

Yujina looked taken aback, but Taehyung's expression was earnest, his eyes soft.

Yujina: "Thank you, Taehyung."

She followed him out, and the rest of the group slowly filed out one by one. Jin stood by the door, glancing around the restaurant for a moment before turning to NJ, his face breaking into a soft smile.

Jin: "Alright, let's go. I'm starving for a different kind of food now."

NJ raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming on his lips.

NJ: "What kind of food?"Jin chuckled, shaking his head.

Jin: "You'll see, boss. You'll see."And with that, they left the restaurant together, ready to embrace whatever came next—together.