CHAPTER - 28

Flashback ~

Mrs. Kim was alone in the house, busy in the kitchen chopping vegetables when the sharp ring of the doorbell startled her. Wiping her hands on her apron, she walked to the door and opened it—only to freeze.

Mr. Kim stood there, his mouth curved into a devilish smile, eyes glinting with something dangerous.

Mrs. Kim (coldly) - What are you doing here?

Mr. Kim - I came here to see my beautiful wife.

Mrs. Kim - I don’t want to see your face.

She tried to shut the door, but his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. With one harsh shove, he forced his way inside, making her stumble back.

Mr. Kim (mocking) - Taehyung isn’t home, right? Good. Let’s take this chance to punish you for what you dared to say the other day. Are you ready, darling?

Her face paled.

Mrs. Kim (stammering) - Wh-what do you mean?

Mr. Kim (low, dark chuckle) - You’ll know soon.

He began unbuckling his belt, raising it threateningly. Just as he swung it back, another hand caught the leather mid-air, stopping it cold.

Mr. Kim snapped his head around in fury—only to see a boy standing there, grip tight on the belt. It was Jungkook.

Mr. Kim (furious) - Who the hell are you?

Jungkook (calm, firm) - Doesn’t matter.

Mr. Kim - Then mind your business and get the fuck out. Don’t play hero here.

Jungkook (clenched jaw) - Just because you’re Taehyung’s father, I’ll give you one chance. Leave them alone. Leave their lives.

Mr. Kim (mocking laugh) - And if I don’t?

Jungkook (low, dangerous) - Trust me. You don’t want to know.

Mr. Kim sneered, his voice dripping with poison.

Mr. Kim - Protect them? You can’t even protect yourself. Look at your face—pale, sick. You look like you’re about to die.

Jungkook’s fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.

Jungkook (through gritted teeth) - You’ve lost your chance.

Without hesitation, Jungkook’s fist slammed into Mr. Kim’s face. The older man staggered and fell hard onto the floor. Mrs. Kim flinched, gasping. Jungkook didn’t stop—he straddled him and rained punch after punch, each one heavier, fueled by rage.

Jungkook (with every blow) - This one’s for making aunty cry.

Punch.

Jungkook - For turning her life into hell.

Punch.

Jungkook - For ruining Taehyung’s childhood.

Punch.

Jungkook - For every scar you left on him.

Punch.

Jungkook - For making him hate himself.

Punch.

Blood pooled at the corner of Mr. Kim’s mouth, his face already swollen and half-conscious. Mrs. Kim, trembling, rushed forward and grabbed Jungkook’s arm.

Mrs. Kim (desperate, crying) - Stop! Please, stop or you’ll kill him!

Her sobs broke through Jungkook’s rage. Breathing heavily, chest rising and falling like a storm, Jungkook let go of the man and pulled back. He looked at Mrs. Kim, guilt washing over his features.

Jungkook (panting, softly) - I… I’m sorry, aunty. I didn’t mean to scare you.

He quickly brought her a glass of water, his hands still trembling, and waited until her breaths steadied.

Jungkook (hesitant) - I’m sorr—

Mrs. Kim (cutting him off, shaking her head) - No… In fact… thank you, Mr…?

Jungkook (awkward smile, bowing slightly) - Jeon Jungkook.

Mrs. Kim - You’re Taehyung’s friend?

Jungkook (nodding quickly) - Umm… yeah. I came to see him actually, and I had to give him this box.

Mrs. Kim - Tae went out with Kai and Jack, probably to the club. You can give it to me, I’ll pass it to him.

Jungkook (shaking his head politely) - No, aunty, it’s fine. I’ll hand it to him myself.

She studied him for a moment before asking quietly, eyes narrowed slightly.

Mrs. Kim - Jungkook… Taehyung never told anyone about his father. How do you know?

Jungkook (pausing, forcing a small smile) - We’re close friends. He… told me himself.

Mrs. Kim (frowning) - Close friends? Funny, I’ve never heard your name from his mouth.

Jungkook (awkward, scratching the back of his neck) - Actually we—

Mrs. Kim (cutting him, sighing) - Leave it. I’m sorry. You just helped me and I’m here doubting you with silly questions.

Jungkook - Aunty.

Mrs. Kim - Yes?

Jungkook (serious) - Will you promise me something?

Mrs. Kim - Promise? What is it?

Jungkook -  Whatever happened today… please, keep it a secret.

Mrs. Kim (protesting) - But… I need to tell Tae.

Jungkook (pleading, eyes intense) - Please, aunty.

After a long silence, Mrs. Kim exhaled heavily and nodded.

Mrs. Kim - …Okay.

Flashback ends~

Mrs. Kim’s voice trembled as she finished.

Mrs. Kim - After that day… your father never showed up again.

Taehyung froze. His heart felt like it had been ripped apart. His knees buckled, and guilt swallowed him whole. Jungkook—the one he had hurt the most—was the same boy who had freed him and his mother from hell. His chest heaved, his mind screamed.

He wanted to die. He wanted to run to his Kookie, hold him so tightly he’d never slip away again. But it was too late. Too late to undo the damage.

Taehyung’s swollen eyes lifted toward his mother, tears brimming.

Tae’s p.o.v (thoughts trembling) - I’m sorry, Kookie. I can’t… My mom has no one but me. If I die, he’ll kill her. My mom… Kookie, I can’t leave her in this cruel world. Hate me if you want, baby, but I just can’t leave her. Living without you is worse than dying, but… I can’t.

His sobs grew harsher, his whole body shaking as he buried his face in his palms. He cried until his tears ran dry, until his throat felt raw and his head spun painfully. Mrs. Kim, watching her son break apart, couldn’t hold back her own sobs. She pulled him into her arms, both mother and son trembling in shared grief.