The garden, enclosed within high stone walls and iron gates, bloomed with early spring flowers violets, marigolds, and soft pink peonies gently bowing in the breeze.

And in the center of it all danced a boy made of sunlight.

Taehyung, six years old, darted through the tall grass barefoot, chasing the floating trail of a butterfly. His laughter rang out, light and pure, like wind chimes in the wind. His oversized cream shirt fluttered around his small frame, streaked with dirt and crushed petals, but his wide smile made everything look perfect.

He crouched low to the ground, cupping a daisy in his palms like it was a magical gem. That's when he heard the sound.

Footsteps. Slow and heavy on the garden stone.

Taehyung looked up, brushing his fringe out of his eyes. A split second later, recognition struck.

Uncle Jeon!! he cried.

His small legs launched into a sprint as Mr. Jeon, dressed sharply in a dark blue blazer and polished shoes, stepped into the garden with a briefcase in one hand and sunglasses tucked into his shirt collar.

He barely had time to brace himself before Taehyung jumped at him.

The older man laughed, effortlessly catching the boy midair and lifting him high into his arms. Woah! Someone missed me, huh?

Taehyung wrapped his arms tightly around his neck, grinning from ear to ear. Did you bring chocolate for me?

Mr. Jeon blinked, pretending to think. Hmm… Chocolate? Oh no, I think I forgot it this time.

Taehyung leaned back, lips pulling into a dramatic pout. What?! Uncle Jeon! he huffed, crossing his arms like a tiny storm cloud. Taetae is angry now! You said you’d bring it!

Mr. Jeon let out an exaggerated sigh, eyes twinkling with mischief. Oh no, not Taetae's anger! Anything but that!

He glanced left and right like checking for danger then slowly reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out a shiny, golden wrapped packet of chocolates.

Surprise, he whispered, winking.

Taehyung gasped in joy, grabbed the pack, and wriggled down from his arms. Yayy!! I forgive you now! he squealed, taking off toward the flowerbeds with the chocolates clutched like treasure.

Mr. Jeon chuckled, brushing invisible dirt from his sleeve. That kid,he muttered fondly.

The sound of sliding glass doors drew his attention. Taehyung's mother stepped out onto the garden patio carrying a polished tray with two steaming teacups, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

You're spoiling him again, she said warmly, setting the tray down on a small wicker table beneath the shade of a tall cherry blossom tree.

He walked over and took a seat with a grateful nod. You know I can't help it. He's like sunshine on legs.

She chuckled softly, brushing her hair behind her ear as she poured the tea. I say the same thing every day, but you really treat him like your own.

Mr. Jeon took a sip, letting the warmth settle through him. And if I had a son like him, I'd be the luckiest man alive.

She smiled at that, though a flicker of sadness passed through her eyes too fast for him to catch. He's growing up fast. Sometimes I feel like if I blink, he'll vanish.

Mr. Jeon leaned back, watching Taehyung try to hide his chocolates behind a rose bush. I was hoping to see your husband before leaving. Is he home?

She sighed and looked toward the grand mansion. No… there's a case he can't shake off. He left for court early this morning. Said it might run late.

A lawyer's curse, Mr. Jeon muttered with a knowing nod. Always in the middle of someone else’s battle.

He'll be sorry to miss you, she said gently. You've always been like family.

Mr. Jeon smiled faintly. That's why I came. I'm leaving for Singapore tonight. Business meetings, some trade negotiations. Probably won't be back for a few weeks.

The wind stirred gently around them, scattering a few petals to the ground.

He would've loved to see you, she murmured. He still talks about the college days you two spent arguing over who was better at chess.

Mr. Jeon smirked. He cheated.

She laughed, and for a moment, everything felt still. Safe. Familiar.

Out in the grass, Taehyung let out a giggle as he crouched down, popping a chocolate into his mouth and pretending to be invisible. His cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's, and his eyes squinted at the sun.

Mr. Jeon looked at him quietly, something soft tugging at his chest.

I hope life never takes that smile away from him,he said suddenly, almost to himself.

Taehyung's mother followed his gaze, her expression unreadable.

No one could know how short that golden hour would last.

No one could guess how quickly the shadows would fall

              Thank you for reading 💫

                                ---------------------------------

The rain had started hours ago soft at first, just a whisper against the roof, like it was trying to warn them gently.

But now, it was roaring.

Pouring.

Like the sky itself was panicking.

Inside the cozy living room, Taehyung sat on the carpet, building towers with toy blocks, occasionally looking toward the front door.

Uncle Jeon said hell bring me chocolates again, he mumbled to himself, hugging the crumpled wrapper from today.

His mother chuckled from the kitchen as she set a cup of tea on the table.

That uncle spoils you too much, she said, drying her hands.

Because Taetae is cute, he replied with a proud little pout.

But then

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Three loud knocks slammed against the door.

She flinched, her heart stopping for a moment. Taehyung dropped his toy block and stared at the door with wide eyes.

momma...? he whispered.

She approached the door cautiously.

Who is it ?

The door flew open.

Kim Daeho her husband rushed in, soaked, blood smeared on his sleeve, eyes wild like a man who had outrun death itself.

lock it! Lock the goddamn door!

She obeyed immediately, bolting the lock.

What happened?!

They're coming. They followed me. The case... The one I refiled under a new name. They know. They warned me. I saw a body in the parking lot. Their message was clear.

Oh god... she whispered, covering her mouth. What do we do?! Taehyung

He grabbed her arms, his hands shaking.

Take Taehyung and run. Don't stop. Don't look back. I'll distract them

NO! she cried. You're coming too!

We don't have TIME! he barked. Go! Take the back door and

CRACK!

The door shattered.

Splinters of wood exploded into the room as three masked men barged inside like demons, each holding weapons one had a crowbar, one a knife, and the last... a gun.

Everything happened so fast.

Taehyung screamed as he was pulled behind the sofa by his mother.

His father charged forward.

A flash of silver.

A cry of pain.

Blood sprayed across the wooden floor.

DAEHO! she screamed.

He stumbled back, clutching his stomach the knife buried deep. He fell to his knees, coughing, bleeding, still glaring at them like a soldier.

RUN! he yelled with blood in his throat. TAKE HIM!

She grabbed Taehyung and ran, her breath catching as tears blurred her vision. Taehyung kept crying:

Where's Appa? Where's Appa?!

We'll find him later, baby please hold tight!

They pushed through the kitchen and out the back door into the rain. The woods were thick behind the mansion, but she didn't care she just kept running.

Her feet bled.

Her arms ached.

But she didn't stop.

They reached a small clearing near the river far enough for a moment to breathe.

She collapsed on her knees and pulled Taehyung into her arms.

Taetae... Listen to mumma, baby, she whispered through tears. You need to go now.

No! I don't want to! he cried, shaking his head, sobbing. I want to stay with you! I want Appa!

You can't, she choked. You can't stay here. You must run. Promise me... Promise me you'll be strong. You'll stay safe. No matter what.

I_I promise, but

Remember this, she said, holding his cheeks. Mumma and Appa love you so much. More than the stars. Even if we're not with you... our love is. Always.

She kissed his wet cheeks over and over, crying, shaking.

And then

Footsteps. Voices.

They were close.

RUN, TAEHYUNG!

He stared at her, trembling, then ran into the woods.

She turned to face the sound and the man grabbed her by the hair, slamming her against the stone shed behind her.

You shouldn't have run, sweetheart.

YOU MONSTER! she screamed, spitting blood.

He'll be next, the man said darkly. That little brat?

DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM! she roared.

But she couldn't stop them. Not with her head spinning, blood trailing from her scalp.

.

.

.

Taehyung was running, stumbling, lungs screaming for air.

His tiny legs carried him deeper into the forest, until

He stopped.

A cliff.

A deep drop into a rocky riverbed.

Behind him, footsteps.

He turned.

A man stood there, grinning tall, dark, soaked in blood.

P-please don't hurt me... Taehyung cried. I didn't do anything...

The man laughed cruelly.

Of course, I won't hurt you, he said. I'll just let you go.

He walked over slowly, grabbed Taehyung by the collar

And pushed.

The wind screamed as Taehyung's body was flung from the cliff, falling falling falling

His scream disappeared into the night.

.

.

.

Back at the mansion, two of the men poured kerosene over the carpets and walls.

Burn it all,one said. No evidence. No family. No trail.

The flames lit fast swallowing curtains, furniture, photos, life.

The fire roared like a beast, consuming the home that once held love, laughter, and a little boy with chocolate on his lips.

.

.

That night, a boy fell.

A family vanished.

And the world moved on like nothing had happened.

But fate hadn't finished with Kim Taehyung.

No.

It was only just beginning.

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Thank you for reading 💫

The early morning fog clung to the hillside like a thick curtain. Dew still hung on the tall grass, untouched and silver under the faint sunlight. But near the cliff's edge, that peaceful silence had been broken shattered by something more horrifying than nature could bear.

A crowd had gathered.

Men, women, elders... even children peeked through their parent's arms, curious eyes wide, frightened, confused. The villagers stood murmuring in hushed, uneasy voices, forming a ring around a small, lifeless-looking figure sprawled near the rocky slope.

A little boy.

Barely seven.

Blood crusted along his temple. His white shirt was torn, soaked in patches of red and brown. His delicate hands were scraped, fingers still curled as if he'd tried to hold onto something someone. His chest rose and fell in shallow, almost invisible movements.

It was as if life was hanging on by a thread.

That's a child... oh god, is he alive?

Must've fallen from the cliff...

Someone should help him, call someone!

Poor boy... so tiny...

But no one moved.

No one knelt.

They watched. Pointed. Gasped. Muttered empty sympathies. But no one stepped forward. Fear... hesitation... maybe even guilt it paralyzed them.

And then... through the parting crowd, came the sound of a cane.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

An elderly woman pushed her way to the front. Her back was curved with age, but her eyes sharp, stern, and wise cut through the crowd like lightning. Her silver hair was braided tightly, and the worn shawl around her shoulders fluttered in the wind like a flag of defiance.

She glanced down at the boy.

Her breath caught.

Her knees buckled slightly, but she steadied herself and lowered down beside him.

His tiny body trembled, his lips quivering. A soft, broken sob escaped him. Tears leaked from the corners of his closed eyes. He was still alive.

Oh no... no no no, child, she whispered, her voice cracking. What happened to you...

She removed her shawl without hesitation and gently covered his small frame, shielding him from the chill of the air... and the stares of the world.

Then she turned to the crowd eyes blazing, voice cutting through the murmurs like thunder.

All of you... just standing here. Whispering. Watching. Did none of you think this boy needed to be held? Needed warmth? Help? Love?

Silence.

Shame washed over the crowd like a wave. Some looked down. Others turned their heads. A few stepped back.

What kind of people are we... if we cannot help a child? she added bitterly.

Cradling Taehyung in her arms, she rocked him gently, whispering soft nothings words of comfort he could barely hear, but maybe deep inside... still feel.

You're not alone now, little one, she said, brushing back his blood-soaked hair. You're safe... I've got you.

In the distance, smoke was rising black, thick, and violent from a house now engulfed in flames.

Taehyung's home.

His world.

Gone.

The mansion where he once laughed, where he'd twirled around in his mother's arms, where his father told bedtime stories with sleepy eyes and love in every word... was now nothing but ash and memory.

And yet here he was a shattered soul wrapped in a stranger's warmth, a heartbeat away from silence.

The old woman held him tighter as she slowly stood up, ignoring the ache in her bones. She wouldn't let go. Not now.

You survived, child, she whispered. You fought... and I won't let your fight be for nothing.

The sirens of emergency vehicles finally began to wail from far off, getting closer, but too late to change what had already been lost.

Too late to save the family that once was.

But not too late for the boy who had been thrown away.

And as the old woman carried him toward the village clinic, tears in her eyes and fire behind her, one truth settled in the air heavy, sharp, and unforgettable:

Even in a world that turned its back on him, someone chose to lift him from the shadows.

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Thankyou for reading