21

Mr. Jung reclined in his luxurious couch on the Jung mansion when his phone suddenly rang. The number displayed was unfamiliar, but he reluctantly picked it up. "Appa, it's me... Jin," a voice on the other end said.

Mr. Jung clenched his teeth, his frustration evident as he promptly ended the call.

"Hwan, who is it?", Mrs Jung who was sitting watching the TV asked curiously.

"Nobody, just a wrong number," he replied, trying to dismiss the matter.

"Oh, okay."

The phone rang again, persistently. "Hwan, you should answer it. It might be something important," Mrs. Jung urged. But Mr. Jung continued to ignore it. After a few seconds, Mrs Jung's phone rings. "Eomma, help me," a panicked voice on the line pleaded.

Jae's heart raced. She could feel the thumping of her heart, her first-born, her pride, her son – Seokjin.

"Jin... my baby... where are you? What happened? Why did you leave us?" she questioned, her voice filled with a mother's worry.

"I'm sorry, eomma. I'm so, so sorry. I want to come home, eomma. Please, ask appa to forgive me. Tell him to forgive me. Eommaaaaa..." Jin cried over the phone, and Jae couldn't hold back her tears.

But before she could respond, Mr. Jung stepped in and seized the phone. "Stop calling my wife, Seokjin. You are no longer part of our family," he declared, ending the call and leaving Mrs. Jung in tears.

"He is our son, Hwan. How can you?" she implored.

"Not anymore, Jae. He is dead to me. And you better don't get involved in his matters," he coldly replied as he walked away.

Later that night, at the Jung mansion, Jae's phone was ringing continuously.

"Hello," Jae answered the call, but her eyes widened as she heard the shocking news. Hwan also woke up, concerned. "What's going on, Jae?"

"Hwan, we need to go."

"Go where?"

"To Seoul Hospital."

"Our son, Jin... he..."

Hwan took a deep breath and cut her off. "Enough, Jae. I don't want to hear anything about him."

"But, Hwan, he..."

"Shut up, Jae. Go back to sleep."

"Hwan....our son is in hospital and this is the way you react. What's wrong with you? He is almost dying. Are you so heartless that you want to see my son dead?", Jae grabbed her husband's collar wailing loudly hugging her husband.

"Jae, listen to me", Hwan tried to hold her hands but Jae stopped him.

"No, Hwan....I won't live to see another day if my son is not with me", Jae cried as he fell at her husband's feet.

Hwan stood there, his usual calm and collected self, shaken by a rush of mixed feelings. His mind was all over the place as he stood in the dimly lit room, thinking back to the day when his eldest son, Jin, had left home. He thought Jin's stubbornness was simply part of childhood, but as he got older, he became more arrogant, which was tough for Hwan to accept.

As a dad, Hwan had tried to overlook Jin's flaws, thinking it was just a rebellious phase. He hoped that his son's cocky and self-centered attitude would eventually mature into something better, especially once he married Namjoon. But things only got worse, and ultimately when Jin ran away, he brought shame to the family name.

Hwan had worked hard to build his business empire from nothing, and he had strong values he believed in. He cared a lot about the family's reputation, almost as much as his business success. He believed that losing dignity and self-respect was the worst thing that could happen to a human being.

He looked at his wife, Jae, who had always supported him through thick and thin, often putting her own needs aside for the family. He couldn't bear to see her suffering now; she didn't deserve the heartbreak caused by their son's actions. He understood that he had been so focused on his business that he'd neglected Jae's need for his time and affection. Maybe, it was his fault, his shortcomings as a father that contributed to Jin's arrogance. It was the bitter truth to face, but he couldn't ignore it any longer.

Hwan took a step back and pulled Jae in his arms. "Let's go".

At the Seoul hospital, the media was gathered. They received an unknown call that son of business tycoon Mr. Jung Hwan – Jung Seokjin tried to kill himself.

As Mr and Mrs Jung reached the hospital, their car were surrounded by few media people who were bombarding them with questions. But there were few policemen who were standing at the entrance. They quickly got out and escorted Mr and Mrs Jung inside the hospital. Hwan and Jae could hear media persons questioning them.

"Sir, what happened to Seokjin"?

"Mr. Hwan, How's Jin right now?"

"How do you feel about Seokjin coming back?"

"Would you accept your son back?"

Mr Jung held his wife's hand and hugged her as they ignored the reporters' questions. They walked towards the reception area to enquire. But the doctor was already standing there as if to welcome them. "Jung Seokjin's room?"

"Yes, Mr. Jung, we are waiting for you. He is in Room no. 502. He tried to kill himself with sleeping pills." Mrs. Jung felt her knees give up and faltered. But Mr Jung held her strongly. "How's he, doctor?", he enquired calmly.

"We were able to save him. Flush out the toxins from his body. He is stable now. You can see him now. I apologize but this is a suicide attempt case. That's why I had to call the police. I hope you understand. I was just following the protocols."

"Yes...yes, of course", Mr. Jung nodded understandingly.

The doctor gestured them towards Jin's room. Jin was laying on his bed, his eyes closed. Min-ho was sitting beside Jin. He stood up when he saw Jin's parents. Jae walked hurriedly towards him. "How's he? How's my son?" She asked Min-ho. "He is fine aunty. Just resting." Jae nodded as she thanked Min-ho. "Thank you for saving him".

"I am his friend aunty. No need for thank you. This is what friends do", Min-ho said genuinely. Hearing noises, Jin slowly opened his eyes. Jae hugged her son her tears flowing freely to her heart's content. She had restrained herself from showing her emotions in front of her husband knowing her husband's reaction.

"Eomma...I am so sorry...*hic*...am so sorry eomma." Jin cried as his eyes moved towards his father standing beside the doctor.

"Appa, I am...", Jin started but his father cut him off. "It's okay Seokjin. What's happened, happened. Let's not talk about it."

Jin nodded sadly as he got up slowly. "Eomma where is Hobi? How is Namjoon? He must hate me for what I did. Do you know where he is?"

Jae looked at Hwan hopefully. They haven't informed Hoseok and Namjoon. Hwan hesitated. He was scared for Hoseok now that Jin is back. He knows Namjoon loves Hoseok but something unknown troubled his mind.

"I haven't told Namjoon...yet." Hwan said in a monotone.

"It's okay Appa", Jin kept his head down.

"Hwan please. Jin wants to see Hobi and Joon. Please Hwan." Jae pleaded.

Hwan nodded as he went out of the room to make the call.

"Jin..my baby, there is something you should know", Jae started mildly.

"What is it Eomma? When you ran away from the wedding, we had no other option but to save our face in front of family and friends. You understand that, right?" Jin nodded silently.

"So..."

"So what Eomma?"

"We had to marry Hobi to Joon."

"What?"

"I am sorry son."

"Eomma......Joon...he....he didn't wait for me? He married Hobi? Why didn't he wait for me, eomma? I told him to wait. Why didn't he? How could he? Min-ho, did you hear what Eomma said? Namjoon married someone else....and that is my own brother....I..", Jin began wailing loudly making Jae worry even more.

"Son, I am sorry. We had no other choice. Jinnie please....Min-ho, please make him understand."

"Eomma how can Joon marry someone off like that? He....he..*hic* didn't even think *hic* of me even once." Jin cried hugging his mother.

"Son, we can't change what happened. But I wish you find someone for you. He is your brother-in-law now."

"But Eomma how can I? He is the love of my life. Min-ho...help me", Jin cried loudly. Hwan entered the room and saw Jin crying and Jae trying to calm their son.

"What happened?", he asked his wife who was consoling her son.

"I told Jin about Hobi and Joon's marriage. He is...not able to accept it. I don't know Hwan. Oh god, I shouldn't have said anything."

Hwan took a deep breath and walked towards them. "Seokjin, you are an adult and you need to accept the reality. Like it or not, Hoseok and Namjoon are husbands now."

"But Appa.."

"No buts Jin, be a responsible adult. Own up to your mistakes. That's the only way you can move forward in life. What do you expect when you ran away from your wedding? Do you think Namjoon would wait for you forever? Accept the truth." Hwan said in a firm tone.

On the other side of Seoul:

Joon's mind was in turmoil. He is back. Seokjin is back. All the memories flashed in his mind. There was just one question in his mind – Why? Why now? What does he want? He looked at Hoseok who was sleeping peacefully. He was smiling in his sleep which made Namjoon smile unconsciously. He was afraid for Hoseok, for himself, for their new relationship that was blossoming now. He took a deep breath and woke his husband. "Hobah, wake up."

Hoseok stirred in his sleep murmuring something. "Hobah, wake up. Appa called." Hoseok blinked his eyes as he looked at Joon, his face solemn.

"What is it Joon? Why did Appa call? Is everything okay?", Hoseok asked rubbing his eyes, his face filled with concern.

"It's Seokjin. He is in hospital now. He....he tried to kill himself", Joon said drearily.

Hoseok's eyes went wide in shock. "How's hyung? Is he okay? Oh my god, why did he do that? Joon we need to go see him." Hoseok rushed out of his bed without waiting for Joon to answer. Namjoon took a deep breath. He prepared himself for whatever is yet to come.

"Jimin...Jimin-ah, wake up." Hoseok dashed into Jimin's room. Jimin squinted his eyes. "What? Hobi, let me sleep." Jimin wrapped a blanket over his head.

"Jimin, its Seokjin." The name made Jimin jolt from his sleep. This is not good.

"What is Hobi?"

"He is in Seoul hospital. He tried to kill himself. Let's go." Hoseok said as he began rambling walking himself out of the room.

"He better not mess up Joon and Hobi's marriage". Jimin muttered to himself.

Within a few minutes, Joon, Jimin and Hoseok reached the hospital. The media hounded them again with questions. "Mr. Kim Namjoon, can you tell what happened to Seokjin?"

"Have you forgiven Seokjin?"

"Will you divorce Hoseok and marry Seokjin?"

"What's wrong with you, asshole?", Jimin yelled at the guy. "Just because you are a reporter doesn't give you the right to ask shitty questions. Get lost fucker." Jimin pushed the man when he noticed other reporters were clicking. He controlled his temper. He knew inside this was something everyone had always dreaded in their hearts.

Hoseok, Jimin, and Joon made their way inside and spotted Hwan waiting at the entrance. Hoseok rushed towards his father, embracing him, while Hwan observed the scene quietly, taking in all that unfolded before him.

With every step they took toward Jin's room, the atmosphere grew heavier, laden with a mix of emotions. Hoseok's thoughts were consumed by concern for his brother, Jin. What had led Jin to make such a drastic decision? Had someone hurt him? The question lingered like a looming threat. Namjoon, however, noticed the worry etched on Hoseok's face and reached out, gently gripping his hand, silently offering reassurance.

As they entered the room, Jin's eyes landed on Joon and Hoseok, their hands intertwined. The sight hit Jin like a punch to the gut, yet he managed to maintain his composure, knowing that now was not the time for confrontation.

"Hyung," Hoseok ran towards Jin, wrapping his arms around his older brother.

Jin hugged Hoseok back but couldn't tear his eyes away from Namjoon. He gazed at him, as if silently asking a thousand questions.

"Hyung, what happened? Where did you go?" Hoseok clung to his brother. Jin managed a sad smile. "The producer pulled out at the last moment, and the movie got shelved. I guess I missed my chance," he sighed, his words carrying a deeper meaning that remained unspoken.

"It's okay hyung, but why did you do something like this? Are you crazy? You could have called us. We are there for you." Hoseok was rambling again his eyes welling up in tears. (A/N: Our hobi is so pure.)

"Hobi, hobi....its okay. I am sorry. But I just didn't know what to do. I felt so lonely. I felt I have disappointed everyone, especially the people I loved. I wanted to end my misery. Nothing felt right. Whatever I did went wrong."

"Min-ho hyung, thank you for saving Jin hyung", Hoseok spoke through tears. He couldn't even dreaded to think what would happen if Min-ho didn't save Jin.

"Please, promise me, you would never do it again", Hoseok continued as he spoke to Jin.

"I promise, I am sorry...everyone. Sorry to put you through all this mess", Jin said.

"Hyung..", Hoseok wiped his brother's tears which was flowing deeply. Jin sniffled as he looked at Joon.

"Joon, can you please come here?" Jin called out to Namjoon, who stood alongside Hwan and Jim. Joon walked towards Jin but stood a feet apart.

"You can come closer, I won't bite," Jin chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Your bite is worse than your bark", Jimin thought to himself.

"How are you?" Namjoon asked sincerely. Jin looked at him, his eyes locked on Joon's face for a few intense seconds, attempting to decipher the unspoken emotions. Yet, Joon's expression gave nothing away.

Before Joon could react further, Jin took Joon's hand and gently placed it on Hoseok's. "I heard the news. I'm genuinely happy for both of you. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm truly sorry," Jin said as he looked at Joon, his eyes reflecting his remorse.

"Get some rest, brother-in-law. You need it," Joon urged as he pulled Hoseok and drew him closer.

"Hobah, let's go. Your brother needs some rest," Joon said as he started to lead his husband towards the door. Hoseok remained quiet but nodded, looking at his brother. "Take care, hyung. I will visit you soon, okay" he said somberly before walking away with his husband and Jimin.

*************

"Hobah, you okay?", Joon asked Hoseok. They were lying in their bed on their respective sides. Hoseok was facing the wall trying to fall asleep. Joon knew how sensitive Hoseok is and how it is going to affect him even though Hoseok never said a word. "Hobah?" Joon asked again. This time, Hoseok turned to face Joon. Joon held Hoseok's face tracing the cheek with his thumb.

"You know you can talk to me, right?", Joon said hoping Hoseok would say what's going on in his mind.

"Joon, I....now that hyung is back...", Hoseok said sadly. Will Joon leave him now that Jin is back?

Joon moved closer to Hoseok. He kissed Hoseok's forehead and then gently on the man's lips. It was not a passionate kiss but a reassuring and soft kiss. "You don't trust me?"

"No...Its just...", Hoseok was at a loss for words.

Joon took Hoseok's face in his hands. "Kim Hoseok, you are my husband, you were and always will be. You are my present and my future. Seokjin is my past. And I won't let my past come in my present or my future. Don't overthink yourself, okay?"

Hoseok nodded slowly but his insecurities and fear were grappling his mind. Joon hugged the tiny man and buried his head into Hoseok's neck inhaling the vanilla scent. It was intoxicating. Hoseok was intoxicating and Joon was addicted to it. He hugged his husband and drifted to sleep not knowing what Jin has planned.

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TBC...

There you go, an update.

Thanks for the patience.

Enjoy....