LOVE, DUTY, & LETTING GO (VTAEKOOK)
PROLOGUE
Vantae pulled his younger brother close as they stood at the edge of the cliff.
Below them, the river rushed fast and dark.
The garden air smelled like damp earth and flowers.
Taehyung pulled me along the path, his small hand wrapped in mine.
He was eight years old and full of light.
Kim Taehyung, 10 Y.O
Please, hyung. Mother likes the white ones best. *Pouting*
Kim Taehyung, 10 Y.O
We can pick just a few and be back before anyone notices.
I knew we should wait for a servant.
I knew we should ask permission first.
But he smiled at me, and I couldn’t say no.
That was my first mistake.
We stopped by the pond. It was deep and dark, just like mother’s eyes when she was angry.
Taehyung stepped onto the flat stone to reach the flowers. It slid away under his feet.
Kim Taehyung, 10 Y.O
Hyung!
He fell into the water. I jumped in after him.
The cold closed around us like a blanket.
I just held onto him as we sank deeper.
Then strong arms pulled us up. A boy our age dragged us to the bank.
He was dirty and thin, but his hands were steady as he checked us over.
Jeon Jungkook, 11 Y.O
Are you alright?
His voice was soft but clear.
Kim Vantae, 12 Y.O
*Nodded*
The boy stood up quickly.
Jeon Jungkook, 11 Y.O
I have to go.
He ran before they could see him.
Mother was waiting in the hallway.
She looked at Taehyung first, her face soft with worry.
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
What did you do?
Her voice was quiet but sharp. Like glass breaking.
Kim Vantae, 12 Y.O
I tried to stop him—
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
Lies! *Shouted*
She walked past me to cup Taehyung’s face.
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
You are the elder son. You are supposed to be responsible. But you are nothing but a mistake.
The words hit me harder than any slap.
Kim Taehyung, 10 Y.O
Mother, I—
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
Your father and I planned for one son.
She said, while her attention was in Taehyung.
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
Taehyung was supposed to be our only child.
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
You were an accident.
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
A mistake we had to keep. And now you’ve nearly killed the one good thing we have.
Kim Taehyung, 10 Y.O
No, mother. It was my idea. I wanted the flowers—
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
Be quiet, my love. *Stroking his hair.*
Kim Hyuri, Kim's Wife
Your brother is just trying to shift the blame. He always does.
Father came down the stairs then.
He looked at me and shook his head.
Kim Jung Hun, Head of KIM
What a waste of bloodline.
Kim Jung Hun, Head of KIM
Go to your room.
Kim Jung Hun, Head of KIM
You will not leave until I say so.
The walls felt small and close.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I looked like my father.
But I would never be good enough.
I learned to be invisible.
I learned to take every blame, fix every problem.
Mother would say Taehyung was “our joy”.
Father would say I was “our burden to bear”
Then one spring morning, a new gardener arrived.
He was tall and strong, with hands that looked like they knew how to build things up instead of breaking them.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Good Morning, Master Kim.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I'm Jeon Jungkook. *Bowing lowly*
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’ll be tending the gardens. Especially the ones by the pond.
I knew the way he stood so straight even when he was nervous.
He was the boy who had saved us.
He was the only person who had ever seen me as more than a mistake.
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Sup guysss
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
It's meee, Com3to_momm¥😘
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
So, as fun of Taekook, I was wondering if someone likes reading 3some stories and as I read some of FF of TK, only few I read was good🤧
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Of course, there are some writer likes to write TK stories how about Tae and V and Kook?
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
So I decided to write a 3some stories 😘
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
And please support me😭
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Thank u guyssss(◠ᴥ◕ʋ)
Chapter 1
The morning sun was warm on Vantae’s face as he walked through the garden.
It had been six years since the pond incident.
Six years since he had seen the boy who saved them.
He was eighteen now, and every day felt the same—wake early, handle the family’s business, take the blame for anything that went wrong, and watch his parents dote on Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Hyung! *Smiling widly*
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
[Think of it as he was wearing hanbok]
Taehyung ran up behind him, holding a handful of white magnolias.
He was sixteen, and his smile still lit up the whole garden.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Look what I found by the pond!
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
They’re blooming early this year. Mother will be so happy!
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
*Nods*
He had seen the flowers too, but he had let Taehyung pick them.
It was easier that way. Let him have the praise.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Be careful by the water.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
The stones are still slippery from last night’s rain.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I know! *Pouting*
He paused for a moment, looking at his brother with serious eyes, yet with pouting lips.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
You don’t have to keep looking out for me all the time.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I’m not a child anymore.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
I know~
But they both knew it wasn’t true.
As long as their mother saw Taehyung as her perfect son, Vantae would be responsible for keeping him safe.
They heard footsteps on the path. A young man walked toward them, carrying a wooden bucket full of soil.
He was tall and lean, with dark hair tied back and calloused hands.
When he saw them, he stopped and bowed low.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Masters.
His voice was deep and steady.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’m Jeon Jungkook. I just started as the new gardener.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I was told to tend the flower beds by the main house first.
Vantae felt his chest tighten.
He knew the way the young man stood—straight and proud, even with dirt on his clothes.
The boy from six years ago.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
*Dropped the flowers*
They scattered across the path like fallen stars.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
You—!
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
You’re the one who saved us.
His voice was barely a whisper.
His eyes met Vantae’s first, and something soft passed between them.
Then he looked at Taehyung and nodded slowly.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I was just in the right place at the right time.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’m glad you both made it out okay.
Vantae knelt down to pick up the flowers.
He had thought about this moment a thousand times—what he would say, how he would thank the boy who had given him back his brother.
But now that it was here, he had no words.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Mother will be looking for these.
Vantae said, holding the flowers out to Taehyung.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
You should take them to her.
Taehyung stared at Jungkook for a moment longer, then took the flowers and walked away.
Vantae could feel his brother’s confusion and surprise even from across the garden.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
I’ve been meaning to thank you.
Vantae said, turning back to Jungkook.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
For what you did. We never got the chance to properly thank you.
Jungkook set his bucket down and wiped his hands on his shirt.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
You don’t owe me anything, Master Vantae.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I just did what anyone would have done.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Not everyone would have risked getting in trouble to help two strangers.
He said as he looked at the pond in the distance, then back at Jungkook.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Why did you run away?
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
*Smiled slightly*
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Was just a kid from the village, and I didn’t want your family to think I was looking for a reward.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I just wanted to make sure you were both safe.
They stood in silence for a moment.
The garden was quiet except for the sound of birds singing and water trickling in the pond.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
My mother likes her tea with magnolia petals.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Taehyung knows which ones are best.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
He’s always been good with flowers.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I noticed.
He gestured to the beads around them.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
The garden looks beautiful.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Someone clearly takes good care of it.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Taehyung tends to the flowers by the pond...
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
I handle the rest.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
The trees, the vegetables, the things that don’t get noticed as much.
Jungkook looked at him then. His eyes were warm and kind.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Everything in the garden matters.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
The trees give shade, the vegetables feed people, and the flowers make them happy.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
None of it works without the other.
Vantae felt something shift in his chest. No one had ever said anything like that to him before.
His parents only cared about what was beautiful and useful for their reputation.
Taehyung cared about the flowers, but no one had ever seen the value in what Vantae did.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I should get back to work.
Jungkook said, picking up his bucket again.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I have a lot to do if I’m going to get everything ready for spring.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Wait—!
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
This is for you. Not as a reward—just as a thank you...
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
For keeping us safe.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
*Shook his head gently*
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I can’t take that, sir.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’m being paid to work here, and that’s enough.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Please.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Take it. Buy something for your family. Or for yourself.
Jungkook hesitated, then took the pouch.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Thank you, Master Vantae
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’ll make sure it’s used well.
He turned and walked toward the flower beds by the main house.
Vantae watched him go, his hands in his pockets.
Six years had passed, but the boy who had saved them was still here.
Taehyung came back then, his face pale.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Mother was happy about the flowers~
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
But she asked who the new gardener was.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I told her the truth.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
*Closed his eyes*
His mother would find a way to turn this into something bad.
To blame him for something else.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Let her say what she wants.
He looked at Jungkook working in the distance, his hands moving carefully over the soil.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
💭 He’s here now.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
That’s all that matters. *Whisper*
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Whahahaha
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
So what do u guys think?
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Anybody interested in reading Vtaekook????
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Let me see in the comments so that I could put more chapters.
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
And also, what is your expectation in this story. Just write is down so I could put in the future.
Chapter 2
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Before we start, I just wanna share to everyone— if there's anyone🤧 this person...
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
She was the first person who commented and support my story😭 Do u know how happy I was when someone finally support my story?
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Bunny, if u read this one, have a patience with me as this is the starting point of the cruel love story of Vantae, Taehyung, and Jungkook✌️
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Thank u so much, Bunny😊
The soil under my hands is warm and soft. I’ve been tending the flower beds by the pond all afternoon, and my back is starting to ache, but I don’t mind.
I’ve always loved working with plants.
They just grow, if you give them what they need.
I hear footsteps behind me and stand up to bow.
It’s the younger master, Taehyung.
He’s holding a wooden tray with two tea bowls, and his hands are shaking just a little.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Mother asked me to bring you some!
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
He says, though his eyes keep drifting to the pond.
I know he’s not here because of his mother.
I can tell when people are lying and when they’re just scared to say what they mean.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Thank you, Master Taehyung. *Bow respectful*
I say, keeping my voice steady.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
That’s very kind of her.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Will you sit with me?
He asks, already settling on the stone bench by the water. His movements are gentle, like he’s afraid of breaking something.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I want to ask you something.
I sit carefully beside him—not too close, not too far.
The tea smells of white magnolias, and it’s warm enough to chase away the chill in my bones.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Six years ago...
He says, stirring his tea with a small spoon.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
You pulled us out of the water. Why did you do it?
I look at the pond. The water is calm now, but I remember how it looked that day—dark and angry, pulling them down like it wanted to keep them.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I was playing in the woods nearby. I heard someone shouting. I just ran to help.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
You could have been hurt!
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Or gotten in trouble for being where you weren’t supposed to be.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
💭 I was just a kid back then, but I knew even then that some things matter more than rules.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I wasn’t thinking about that.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I just saw two boys who needed help.
We sit quiet for a while.
He picks at his sleeve, and I can see tears gathering in his eyes.
I want to reach out and tell him it’s okay, but I know my place.
Servants don’t touch masters.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
My mother blames hyung for what happened...
He says, his voice so soft I almost don’t hear it.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
She says he should have looked after me better. But it was my fault.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I was the one who wanted to pick the flowers.
I look at him—this beautiful, gentle boy who carries guilt like a stone in his pocket.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Sometimes people see what they want to see-
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Your brother, he looks out for you. I can tell.
He looks up then, and the tears spill over his cheeks.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I know.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
He always has.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Even when I do something stupid, he takes the blame.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
I hate it. I hate that he has to carry everything alone
My hand moves before I can stop it, then I pull it back fast.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
He does it because he loves you.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
That’s what family does.
Footsteps on the path make us both stand up.
It’s Master Vantae—the elder one.
He walks with his shoulders straight, but I can see how heavy they are.
Like he’s carrying stones on his back.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Taehyung.
His voice is sharp, but his eyes are soft when they look at his brother.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Mother is looking for you. She wants you to help her choose fabric for a new hanbok.
Taehyung nods, then looks back at me.
Kim Taehyung, Young Master
Thank you for the tea. And… thank you for saving us.
He walks away, and I’m left alone with Master Vantae by the pond.
The air feels thick, like something important is about to happen.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Did he say something to upset you?
Master Vantae asks, and his voice is quieter than before.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
No!
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
No?
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
No—I mean, he just… he.... He cares about you. A lot.
He looks after his brother for a moment, then turns back to me.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
He’s a good person. Better than me, anyway.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
💭 Why?
The words make my chest tight. I’ve only known him a day, but I can see how hard he tries. How much he gives.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
That’s not true...
I say, and the words come out before I can think about whether I should speak at all.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
You’re both good people.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
You just show it in different ways.
His eyes widen a little, like no one has ever talked to him like this.
Then he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small cloth pouch.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
I found these.
He says, opening it to show me wild ginger flowers.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Growing by the edge of the woods. I thought you might want them for the garden.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
They’re not as pretty as the magnolias, but they’re strong.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
They grow anywhere.
I take them carefully, and our fingers brush for just a second. It’s just a touch, but it feels like fire and warmth all at once.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
They’re beautiful!
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I’ll plant them right here by the pond. So you can see them every day.
He nods, then looks away like he’s embarrassed.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
I should go find Taehyung. Mother will be angry if he’s late.
He starts to leave, then stops.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
Jungkook… thank you.
Kim Vantae, Heir of Kim
For talking to him. He doesn’t always let people see how he feels.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
💭 I know what that’s like. To hold everything inside because you think it’s easier for everyone else.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
I know.
Jeon Jungkook, Servant
Sometimes it’s easier to help others than to help yourself.
He looks back at me, and his eyes hold something I can’t quite name—sadness and hope and something else I don’t dare to guess at.
Then he’s gone, and I’m alone with the flowers and the quiet.
I kneel down and dig a small hole by the water.
I plant the wild ginger carefully, pressing the soil around the roots with my fingers.
As I work, I think of the two masters—one who carries the world on his shoulders, the other who carries guilt in his heart.
And I think about how maybe… just maybe…
I can help them both grow, the way I help the plants in this garden.
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
I'm really sorry for slow update, mina-san(;ŏ﹏ŏ)
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
I'm trying my best to find a right photos for the few scene as I'm done writing few chapters but as draft...
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
So each day, I could post new chapter, especially I'm having a hard time doing my 1st EVER PART TIME JOB, but negativity, it's 12 hours straight, like 9 am to 9 pm, and it's under minimum wage...
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
So, I'm not gonna take this long...
Authorie( ͡°ᴥ ͡° ʋ)
Enjoy 😇
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
