38

"Good morning Appa." Hoseok smiled at his father who was looking at him sadly and in surprise. Silent tears were falling out of his eyes which made Hoseok tear up from the inside. He plastered a smile and wiped the tears from his father's eyes. "It's okay appa. You will be fine. I missed you." Hoseok hugged his father. After all, he was the only one who understood him. Hwan was trying to say something but he was unable to. Hoseok cleaned his father and fed him breakfast. How could he tell his mom especially when his father is in such a situation? Somewhere in his heart he was happy he was able to help his mom. And he knew right now his mother is so concerned about his father that she won't ask him anything.

He tried to clear his mind from the scene last night. He felt crushed. All his fears, insecurities came back haunting him. the image of his husband kissing his brother who was his boyfriend and fiancée at one point. It crushed him. tears began to fall from his eyes. He wiped it and took a deep breath. He continued with his daily chores of helping out his mother. He would focus on his work and his parents. That's the only priority for him right now. His thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked at the door.

"Aah. Hyung. What are you doing here?" Hoseok's voice was tinged with surprise as he looked up to see Jin standing in the doorway of his father's room.

"Good morning, Hobi. How's Appa?" Jin's voice was calm, yet there was an undertone of concern that Hoseok couldn't quite place.

"He is fine...right, Appa?" Hoseok turned to his father, forcing a smile in an attempt to mask his worry. Hwan, lay in the bed, looking pale and frail. His eyes, however, were sharp as they moved between his sons, a mix of helplessness and frustration clear in his gaze.

Hwan's eyes settled on Jin, who responded with a smirk before his expression shifted back to a neutral mask. Hoseok, catching the tail end of their silent exchange, felt a pang of unease.

"Appa, look who's here to visit you," Jin said, stepping aside to reveal Dr. Song, who had been standing quietly behind him. The doctor gave a courteous nod to both Hoseok and Hwan as he entered the room.

"Good morning, Hoseok. Mr. Jung," Dr. Song greeted, his professional demeanor in place as he moved to check on Hwan.

"Doctor, you can take a look at Appa. I need to talk to Hobi," Jin interjected smoothly. Before Hoseok could protest or ask what was happening, Jin had already taken hold of his hand, gently but firmly, and led him out of the room. The two stepped onto the small, secluded balcony attached to the bedroom, the cool morning air a stark contrast to the tension inside.

Hoseok pulled his hand free, a frown forming on his face. "Hyung, what's going on? Why did you—"

Jin held up a hand to stop him, his eyes serious now. "Hobi, there's something we need to discuss. It's important."

Hoseok's mind raced with possibilities. He glanced back through the door at his father, now in the capable hands of Dr. Song. "Is it about Appa's condition? Is something wrong?"

Jin shook his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Jin stood staring at Hoseok. "Hobi, you know you need to come back. Why are you doing this? You know what happened was a mistake. Joon is miserable without you." Jin's voice was a mix of frustration and pleading.

Hoseok sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "It's okay, hyung. I'm not mad at you or Joon. It's just that Appa needs me right now. And honestly, I need a break from everything."

"But Hobi..." Jin's voice trailed off, his concern evident in his eyes.

Hoseok stopped walking and turned to face his older brother. "Please, hyung... I need you to take care of Joon and Jimin. I will come home soon, but right now, Appa needs me." His tone was firm, yet there was a softness in his eyes that showed he understood Jin's worry. Hoseok forced a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension between them.

"I understand, Hobi. Just... promise you'll come back soon. Joon needs you too," Jin said, his voice thick with emotion.

Hoseok nodded, his smile more genuine this time. "I promise, hyung. Just give me some time."

They stood there for a moment longer, the silence between them filled with unspoken words and emotions. The weight of responsibility, the bonds of family, and the unresolved tensions all hung in the air. Finally, Jin patted Hoseok's shoulder, a silent gesture of solidarity, before they began walking back towards their father's room.

As they went back to the down, Hoseok saw Dr. Song still with his father, talking something quietly. Hwan was simply lying there listening attentively, his eyes flicking towards the door occasionally, as if sensing the presence of his sons.

Jin glanced at Hoseok. "I'll be back soon," he said, hugging his brother while smirking inside as he walked away out of the room with Dr. Song.

After saying goodbyes, Jin went to Kim Mansion with a smile plastered on his face. With Hoseok out of Kim Mansion finally, he was happy. Things are really looking up for me. He thought to himself. Finally, he could be with Joon. All he would do is convince Joon to divorce Hoseok and Joon would be finally his. But before that he needs to get rid of Jimin – the thorn in his path. His face became solemn that turned into frustration. Even though there was enough proof against Jimin, he got out easily because of Jackson and money. Even though Joon supported Jin in front of Jimin and Hoseok, he can't afford to take a chance. He needs to put Jimin behind bars. He must find a way. But how? Before he could think further, Joon called Jin. "Jinnie, where were you? We were waiting for you for breakfast."

Jin smiled generously at Joon and hopped towards the dining table. "Oh I went to meet Hobi."

"Why?"

"I just felt that it's my mistake that Hobi left." Jin confessed.

"Jin. its okay. Hwan uncle and aunty need help anyway. Its not your fault. Let Hobi have some space."

Jin nodded undestandingly as Joon's words comforted him. Thank god, Joon was not blaming Jin unlike Jimin. They walked towards the table. He saw Jimin walking towards them. The space was solemn and it was obvious. He ignored it but still could feel a pair of eyes glaring at him and he knew who it was – Jimin. He looked at Jimin and at Joon. Joon nodded at Jin understandingly and placed a hand on Jin's hand which further pissed off Jimin. He slammed his fists on the table and stood up abruptly walking out of the dining table. "How can you still tolerate him hyung?" Jimin barked.

Joon took a deep breath. "Jimin, its not Jin's fault. Stop blaming him for everything what happened between me and Hoseok." Jimin nodded his head and walked away. Joon called out Jimin but he went to his room. He couldn't handle whatever was going on. He was feeling overwhelmed with all of this. "I will talk to him, Joonie. You go to work" Jin said. "But Jin...he....", Joon stopped him but Jin went ahead and assured he will be fine.

Once he made sure Joon is out of the picture, Jin walks towards Jimin's room and knocks at his door. The door was open and Jimin was rubbing his head. His eyes were closed. He had had enough of this whole situation. Everything is a mess because of Jin. "Jiminahhh...trust me I asked Hobi to stay back but he couldn't handle our chemistry...you know the passionate kiss between me and Joon."

"You are so shameless Jin. Don't you have even an ounce of love for your brother? Don't you even have some self-respect? I know you are an asshole. You somehow manipulated Joon hyung to kiss you. How low can you go? Shameless."

"Haah, I am shameless? Haaa, says the guy who is ogling at his brother-in-law?"

Jimin's eyes went wide unbelievable what he was hearing. "What did you say?"

Jin shrugged, "What? You think I don't see the way you look at Hobi. It's always Hobi this...Hobi that..You love him, you wish he were your husband, isn't it? There is no friendship. It is much more than that. Its loveeee". Jin mocked much to Jimin's dismay.

Jimin however held his tongue. "Yes, Jin its much more than that. You wanna know what it is? It is brotherhood, a connection that runs deeper than blood, something people like you will never understand. I am proud of the fact that I am Hobi's best friend and I am even prouder that I could be the brother Hoseok never had. Our bond is built on trust, loyalty, and unconditional love – qualities that's above family ties. And if you can't see the value in that, then I pity you, Jin, for missing out on the true essence of what it means to be brothers."

Jin clenched his fists. Something inside him ticked bad. But he knew Jimin was trying to get a raise out of Jin. Jimin knew he had triggered Jin. He walked towards Jin staring at him face to face.

"You are disgusting Seokjin, just pathetic. You think you are better than everyone else? But wait, time will change. Tables will turn." Jimin enunciated every word.

Jin cleared his throat clearly intimidated by the short man. "What time? What table? I have planned everything. You can't do anything against me", he scoffed trying to defuse the situation.

"We know what you did, Jin," Jimin's voice dripped with accusation. "Jackson is onto you. He's gathering proof, and soon you'll be behind bars where you belong." Jimin's words cut through the air like a knife, leaving Jin stunned and speechless. His eyes widened in fear, his mind racing with the implications of Jimin's words. "You... you can't prove anything. You are trying to scare me off," he stammered, attempting to mask his unease.

"I can see its working," Jimin's voice was cold and calculating. "I know you're the one behind Hwan uncle's health. Don't you know there is CCTV in the ICU too? He saw that you have switched the vial and Hwan uncle panicked on seeing you and not me when we visited."

Jin's heart pounded in his chest as panic seized him and Jimin could see Jin's facade of confidence crumbling. But Jimin's gaze remained unwavering. "It's over, Jin. Your lies can't protect you anymore." Jimin took out a memory card out of his pocket. "You see this? This is proof of all your bad karma. Prepared to rot in hell, Seokjin."

With a surge of desperation, Jin bolted at Jimin grabbing the tiny man's hand to retrieve the memory card. Jimin grabs the memory card on other hand but Jin was stronger for the tiny man. He pushed Jimin on the floor and toppled on him grabbing both the arms of Jimin with one hand. With quick move, he grabs the memory and quickly places the card between his teeth and breaks it into pieces and spits it on the floor. "Too bad Jimin, you are good at losing and I am bad at winning." Jin relaxes for a moment as his eyes began glittering. He sits on Jimin's bed and laughs happily in victory. Jimin looks at Jin in shock unable to comprehend what happened.

"Prepare yourself for jail."

Jin needs to go to hospital and delete any other proof before Jackson gets to it. His mind was racing with thoughts of escape. He made a call to Song but the man wasn't answering. He cursed as he dialed again. On the fifth attempt, Song answered. He quickly explained what has happened as his car throttled in high gear to the hospital. He made a beeline for the CCTV room, his hands trembling as he took a look at the computer of the last few days. His eyes went wide when he saw it was recorded that he was switching the vial. "Dammit".

He nodded to Song who handed a bunch of notes to the CCTV staff – Ho-jun. Jin's heart pounded in his chest with each passing second as the footage vanished from the screen. He winked at Song and nodded at the CCTV staff on the room as he breathed a shaky sigh of relief, knowing he had narrowly averted disaster – for now. Jimin is a fool, he thought he could outsmart me.

One week later:

"Happy birthday Joon."

"Happy birthday hyung". Jimin said sadly smiling. This is the first birthday of Namjoon celebrating with his husband – Hoseok.

"Thank you, Jinnie." Joon looked at Jin with smiling his dimples showing proudly as he sat at the breakfast table. Its been a month and Hoseok was still at Jung Mansion.

"Happy birthday hyung", Jimin repeated again to his brother who had ignored his previous wish.

"Thank you Mochi", Joon said to Jimin his smile remaining the same.

"Have you spoken to Hobi?"

"No", Joon's face fell as he nodded sadly.

"Hyung what are you doing?"

"Hobi needed some space and that's what I am giving. He will come back when the timing is right. He is not a kid, Jimin-ah."

Jimin kept his head down and nodded.

"Joon, I know this is not the time. But if it's okay with you can I plan a birthday party? Who knows maybe Hobi will be back?" Jin said surprising both Joon and Jimin. But Jimin said NO. He didn't want to celebrate the birthday without Hoseok.

"Joon..."

"No. We are not used to celebrating birthdays anyway after our parents died." Jimin said again.

Jin nodded understandingly. "Jiminah, its okay. Jinnie, you can plan my birthday. But make sure its just us. I don't want any big party...okay?" He smiled as he walked towards his bedroom. Jin winked at Jimin smiling evilly much to Jimin's dismay. Wait till I surprise you Namjoonie. I will throw you the best birthday ever.

As Joon entered his home in the evening, he was greeted by a lively gathering. The spacious living room buzzed with conversations and laughter, a blend of familiar and new faces filling the space. Among the guests were his trusted office staff, mingling comfortably with clients and other friends he had known over the years.

The soft glow of the chandelier cast a warm light over the scene, illuminating the elegant décor and the vibrant energy of the gathering. The aroma of gourmet appetizers and fine wine wafted through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. Joon's home, usually a sanctuary of calm, had transformed into a hub of social interaction, with clusters of people engaged in animated discussions.

"Happy birthday Joon."

"Happy birthday Namjoon."

"Happy birthday Joon-ah."

Everyone was cheering. In front of them Jin was standing looking dapper and simply perfect. Joon felt nostalgic and happy, seeing how far they had come in life and how things have changed between them.

"Jin...you did this?"

"Who else?"

"But I told you not to."

"I know I just want you to have the best birthday ever."

Joon cupped Jin's face. "Thank you Jinnie." Jin smiled happily as he hugged Joon. Joon is falling in love with Jin again.

As Joon moved through the lively crowd of guests, he was accompanied by Jin, who stayed close by his side. "Thank you Jin. This looks so lovely. Walk with me." Joon said as gestured his arm and Jin snaked his hands with Joon's. They made their way around the room, greeting each person warmly. Some guests looked at the pair with curious or puzzled expressions, while others smiled genuinely, their approval evident.

"Mr. Lee, it's wonderful to see you," Joon said, shaking hands with an old friend and client. "Thank you for coming."

"Of course, Joon. Its a delight. Seokjin here invited us. He really knows how to throw a party," Mr. Lee responded, his gaze briefly flickering to Jin before returning to Joon.

As they continued, Joon noticed a mix of reactions from the guests. They gave them a nod of acknowledgment, their smile friendly. "Evening, Sir," They greeted, keeping their tone casual.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming," Joon replied, returning the smile. Jin gave a polite nod, maintaining his composed demeanor.

However, not all the interactions were as smooth. As they approached a small group of clients, Joon noticed the subtle, puzzled glances exchanged among them. One of the clients, Mr. Choi, extended a hand to Joon but cast a wary look at Jin. "Joon, always a pleasure. And... this must be your husband, good to see you," Mr. Choi said, his tone polite but reserved taking Joon and Jin by shock.

Joon maintained his composure, shaking Mr. Choi's hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Choi. I hope you're enjoying the evening." He didn't clarify that Jin was not his husband which didn't sit well with Jin but he ignored it.

The evening was progressing smoothly, the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses creating a pleasant background symphony. Joon and Jin had managed to navigate the crowd gracefully, despite the mix of reactions from the guests. As the night wore on, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and a soft melody began to play from the grand piano in the corner, inviting couples to the dance floor.

Jin glanced at Joon, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Joon, would you like to dance with me?" he asked, extending his hand. Joon's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and pleasure. "I'd love to," he replied, taking Jin's hand.

They made their way to the dance floor, the guests parting to give them space. As they began to dance, Jin couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the culmination of his efforts to get closer to Joon.

The music was slow and romantic, and they moved together with practiced ease. Jin's hand rested lightly on Joon's waist, his other hand holding Joon's. As they swayed to the music, Jin looked into Joon's eyes, his expression softening.

"Joon, you don't know how much this means to me," Jin murmured, his voice barely audible over the music.

Joon's smile was polite, but there was a hint of something more complex in his eyes. "Let's just enjoy the dance, Jin," he replied, his tone measured.

As the song neared its end, Jin felt a surge of emotion. Seizing the moment, he leaned in, his eyes closing as he moved to kiss Joon. However, just as their lips were about to meet, a slap echoed as the music went to a sudden halt leaving Jin staggering as he was pushed to the floor.

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

Hey my lovely readers,

I apologize for not updating. I am suffering with carpel tunnel which is taking a toll on my both my work (that involves writing too since i am a content writer) and my passion for writing my books. My hand is in constant pain and the strain is too much to handle. IDK when I will update the last chapter but will do so as early as I can.

Thanks for the love and support. TC. Happy weekend.