...*************...

...kim mention...

Dinning area

"Everyone was eating breakfast silently in the dining area. A strange peace was spread throughout the room. But was it really peace?"

.

.

"Because in this house, when he is present... can anyone ever even breathe in peace? Not at all. This peace was only for a few minutes."

"Suddenly______

The sound of something breaking loudly upstairs was heard—"

...

...

"(Everyone glanced up toward where the sound had come from, and then immediately turned back to their plates as if nothing had happened.)"



Jimin:

"'His morning must have started... I told you it wouldn't take much longer.'

(Jimin said carelessly while taking a bite; there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone too.)"



Yeon jun:

Sigh... who knows which poor soul's turn it is to face misfortune today. I feel pity for that poor person.

(Yon jun shook his head slightly, took a deep breath, and spoke while leaning back against the chair.)"

Miss Min:

"'Will both of you please shut your mouths? Please, just look...'

(Mrs. Min addressed both her children, glaring at them and quieting them down.)"

Hobi:

"'Sorry, Auntie. I can't go!!! I don't want to die.'

(He spoke while blinking his eyes.)"

"

Mrs kim

"'Yoongi, you go, please—'

(Mrs. Kim glanced at Yoongi and addressed him.)"

Suga:

"(Yongi didn't give any answer; he was busy eating as if he wasn't even present there.)"

.

.

"(Mrs. Kim took a deep breath and glanced upstairs, where his voice was now coming from. Even Mrs. Kim didn’t have the courage to go and stop him because when he was in a rage, he didn't care for anyone. Except for Mr. Kim and Reena, he loved only his father and Big Mom very much—and feared them a little too.)"

...*************...

The girl, who just a few moments ago had taken the tray of tea cups in her hands to head toward the gate, suddenly pulled back in alarm as someone unexpectedly stepped through the gate.

.

As soon as V took the cup from his hand, he smashed it against the wall and threw the shirt in front of him.

It was the same shirt... the one he had taken out of the closet just a little while ago. Expensive fabric, elegant stitching, and a tiny mark that was barely visible on the light color.

But for V, even that tiny mark was unbearable. He didn't like stained things; he hated them. He wanted everything to be perfect.

Even if it were a human being. That was why, upon seeing the stain, anger flared in his eyes.

"Are you blind? Is this how you wash clothes?"

(His voice echoed through the entire lawn.)

...**********...

INTRODUCTION ___

This is Kim Taehyung... whom everyone affectionately calls "V."

A perfect young man—thirty years old.

A successful businessman. The pampered darling of the whole house...

He was born after years of oaths and prayers.

There were three brothers in the Kim family.

The eldest was Mr. park,

then at number two, Mr. Kim,

and the youngest was Mr. Min.

The three of them also had a sister who was considered the most sensible and soft-hearted.

Mr. Kim was the first to get married. There was an atmosphere of joy in the house. Everyone hoped that a little laughter would soon echo through the home...

But one year passed, then two, then five...

Yet no child was born.

Time continued to move forward.

Then Mr. Park got married.

Just one year after the wedding, a son was born to Mr. Park—Hobi. There was a celebration in the house.

Drums, sweets, and congratulations.

A year later, Mr. Park had a second son—Suga.

During this time, when Suga was one year old, Mr. Kim married for a second time for the sake of having children. But even after three years, no child was born. When Suga was four years old, Mr. Min also got married—and just one year later, a son was born to him—Jimin. The house began to echo with the laughter of children.

But only silence fell to Mr. Kim's lot. Neither of his two wives had any children. They left no door unknocked—treatments, prayers, vows—whatever was possible, they did. But it was as if fate were still testing them. People would whisper behind their backs... some would express sympathy, while others showed pity. But they say, right? 'There is delay in God's house, but not darkness (denial).' Eleven years after the first marriage and five years after the second..."

Finally, the day came when happiness knocked at Mr. Kim's door too. The second wife gave birth to a son... who was named Kim Taehyung.

He wasn't just a child; he was the answer to hope, the fruit of many vows, and the reward for eleven years of restlessness. That is why he became the apple of everyone's eye."

But this 'apple of the eye' would sometimes make everyone see stars during the day (meaning he was troublesome). V's personality was a collection of strange contradictions. To the outside world, he was confident, dignified, and influential in business—but inside the house... he was stubborn, short-tempered, and a king of his own will, where his own rules applied.

Just one of his glances was enough to silence everyone. A single sentence from him could make or break someone's career. No one could say anything to him because behind every mistake of his, a single argument stood firm: 'He was born after many vows... don't say anything to him.' And perhaps, this excessive love is what made him this way."

Back to the story!!!!

Kim taehyung: "Look at this!"

(He threw his shirt onto the girl's face.)

"You ruined my such expensive shirt! Can't you see?"

(He hissed/growled.)

..

..

(Tears started filling her eyes. Her lips were shaking, but she couldn't make a sound—her voice was totally frozen.)

Her Inner Thoughts: "I know there's no point in explaining... He won't listen. In this house, whatever he says is the law."

V (TAEHYUNG): "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE PRICE OF THIS IS?!"

(His voice was cold, like it was filled with pure poison.)

"EVEN IF YOU BET YOUR ENTIRE YEAR’S SALARY... YOU STILL COULDN'T AFFORD TO BUY THIS SHIRT!"

(He growled, spitting out every single word with total disgust.)

"A GIRL LIKE YOU RUINED MY SHIRT?! HOW DARE YOU!"

 "COULD YOU EVER EVEN DREAM OF BUYING THIS? THAT’S YOUR WORTH... NOTHING!"

(His voice was so sharp and loud that it echoed all the way down to the dining area.)

 "IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THE JOB, WHY DO YOU EVEN DO IT?! ANSWER ME!"

(He screamed, towering over her.)

.

.

YEONJOON: "Poor girl... I really feel sorry for her."

(Yeonjoon swirled the juice in his glass, then took a slow sip before speaking softly.)

..

..

HOBI: "I don’t trust you at all. At the speed you’re eating, I don't think I can drop you off anymore."

"My time is up, so now... V WILL BE THE ONE DROPPING YOU AT THE UNIVERSITY!"

(Wiping his hands, he stood up from the table and walked toward the exit, leaving Yeonjun behind.)

..

.

.

YEONJUN: "No, Brother! Stop! I’m coming with you right now!"

 "It’s better to go hungry than to face him!"

(As soon as he heard V's name, he jumped up from his chair. He grabbed his half-eaten sandwich from the plate and ran after Hobi, shouting for him to wait.)

...

..

..

V (TAEHYUNG): "After today, I DON'T EVER want to see your face in this house again!"

** "Pack your bags right now and GET OUT of here with that pathetic face of yours!"**

(Screaming in rage, he grabbed the door handle of his room and slammed it.)

..

..

Kim taehyung: And one more thing..."

"Take this shirt with you. It’s worthless to me now!"

"DID YOU HEAR ME?! IT'S TRASH TO ME!"

(He turned back to look at her, his eyes burning with pure hatred. He stepped into his room and SLAMMED the door so hard that the sound echoed through the entire villa.)

..

...

..

(Jimin let out a long, heavy sigh.)

JIMIN: "I knew this was going to happen."

(He leaned back against his chair, looking exhausted.)

"Fine, whatever... let him do what he wants. He’s already fired twenty maids this month! Now there are only five left. And today, he kicked out another one."

"I bet it was all her fault anyway. What exactly does he want from people?!"

(He made a face, looking totally frustrated.)

...

...

.

YOONGI: "Maybe his plan is to fire every single servant and make us do all the work ourselves."

 "After all... he is the 'Golden Child' of this house!"

(Yoongi, who had been silent until now, finally finished his breakfast. As he stood up, he leaned toward Jimin with a sarcastic smirk, dropped those words, and walked away.)

..

..

JIMIN: "You—!"

(Jimin turned around to snap back at Suga, but he was already gone.)

JIMIN: "Ugh... that unlucky guy is always in such a hurry!"

(He muttered under his breath, staring blankly at the empty doorway where Suga had just vanished.)

.

.

.

...****************...

...Other side___...

"Lucy, don't touch it, you've already eaten. This belongs to the little one... I had kept it for him."

(Abeeha immediately gave a light slap on Lucy's hand, who was trying to snatch the plate. The plate was still in Lucy's hand, and both of them were pulling it from each other)

.

No, he doesn't need it... I need it!"

(This time there was only stubbornness in Lucy's voice.)

"I want it. And let me remind you that you hide pasta for this madman..."

"...and then he doesn't even tell you!"

(Giving him a threat, she snatched the plate from Abeehy's hand with a jerk and quickly ran out the door with a smirk.)

..

..

Abeeha just kept staring at the empty doorway from which Lucy had just left. He took a deep breath and lowered his gaze.

He had hidden just a little bit of pasta for him... only a few bites. Because that little one loved pasta; whenever he ate it, he would light up with a smile.

But today... his younger sister had taken that, too.

Abeeha looked at his empty hands and felt a slight pang in his heart, as if someone's small happiness had been snatched away right before his eyes.

................

"Abeeha slowly opened the door and walked inside."

..

A faint light from the window was filtering into the room. Sitting on the floor, that innocent boy with big, rabbit-like eyes suddenly jumped up when the door opened.



He immediately looked toward the gate, and a spark of hope flickered in his eyes.

 "appi , you're back?" he whispered. But in the very next moment, his gaze fell upon their hands—they were empty. His heart skipped a beat, and the faint smile on his lips froze into a cold, still silence.

He remained silent for a moment... then, with a forced smile, he turned back toward his drawing.

He was sitting on the floor, a piece of paper spread out before him, upon which he was splashing colors—as if nothing had happened at all. On his face, the smile remained steady; perhaps he simply didn’t know how to be sad.

.

.

.

(He didn’t get upset, he didn't get angry, nor did he stubbornly insist on anything. He didn't even cry.)

This was the very thing that was breaking Abeeha's heart from the inside. She slowly sat down on the floor beside him.

"Sorry, Bunny... the pasta I had kept for you... the cat ate it," she said, her voice softening.

(She offered an explanation instead of the truth, though she knew he didn't need one.)





(Kook remained silent for a few moments, turning his pencil over in his hand.)

"It’s okay, Appi... that cat always eats my share. Maybe she was hungry, poor thing..."

(He was smiling as he filled his picture with blue. There was no complaint in his voice, and no despair.)

.

.

(Abeeha slowly began to run her hand through his hair.)

..

..

"Appi!!"

(He looked up at Abeeha.)

.

"Yes, Abeeha’s life!!!"

(She spoke while still running her fingers through his hair.)

"When will Grand_maa come? I want to play with them... No, I want to go outside. I'm getting bored in this room... Will you take me?"

(kook spoke with a slight pout, an innocent kind of stubbornness. In his deer-like eyes, there was a strange longing to see the world outside.)

..

..

"Grand_maa will come tomorrow, okay? They've gone to Auntie's house. And we'll play downstairs in the courtyard... We'll make a nice game."

(Abeeha looked closely at his face, then replied with softness)

"No! I have to go out now. I want to see outside!"

(He spoke immediately, his voice carrying a slight, stubborn tremor.)

.

.

.

"Bunny... we can't go outside. You know there are bad people out there. And Grandmaa said until they return, you aren't to leave this room. If we go out without telling them, Grandmaa will get angry... and you wouldn't like that, would you?"

(She was trying to distract him, and she knew he was easily persuaded.)

.

.

(Kook's eyes immediately widened.)

"No, no... I won't like it at all if Grandmaa gets angry. Fine then... I’ll stay right here. I won't go anywhere. Appi, look at this drawing... isn't it nice?"

(In an instant, he changed the subject and happily started showing her his drawing.)

.

Abeeha smiled and looked at his paper.

"It's very beautiful... just like you."

And she wasn't lying.

He truly made beautiful pictures—the choice of colors, the delicacy of the lines—it was as if an expert artist had a hand in it. If one thing had been taken from him, another was gifted to him: a sharp mind and creative talent.

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

INTRODUCTION ___

Jungkook body of a twenty-two-year-old... but his heart and mind were frozen somewhere in the innocence of a thirteen-year-old. An accident had pushed him into a state of "Little Space." After that accident, he had been cut off from the outside world.

His grandmother had kept him hidden from the eyes of the world. She had already lost her son... she didn't have the courage to lose her grandson. Fear had taken the form of love—and that very love had imprisoned him.

Abeeha was his paternal cousin, seven years older than him. She used to teach him, hoping he might learn a little more.

Even a mobile phone was not allowed—it was as if time itself had stopped there. In today's world, people have moved far ahead; the world has changed. But he had been left somewhere far behind.

Yet despite all this, a single wish was still alive in his kohled eyes: the desire to see the world outside... the longing to see those people who lived beyond these walls. These four walls had killed his every wish.

But no one knew... what tomorrow’s sun was going to write in this boy’s destiny.

It was a destiny that was about to change the lives of two people.

To be continued _________

Jimin and Taehyung were sitting on the sofa in the lounge, deeply engrossed in a discussion about today's meeting.

Jimin: "I had no idea their company was in such bad shape. It’s a good thing you informed me just in time, otherwise... Dad would have literally skinned me alive! You’re the best, buddy!"

Jimin said this with a wide, relieved laugh. He knew in his heart that if Taehyung hadn’t stepped in, he would have faced a massive financial disaster.

Taehyung rolled his eyes playfully, a smirk playing on his lips.

Taehyung: "Of course, dude. I know I’m the best."

He jokingly adjusted his collar with an air of mock pride; he really did feel a sense of accomplishment for saving the day.

Jimin: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Anyway, how is your throat now? Are you feeling okay?"

A look of genuine concern crossed Jimin's face. He remembered how much Taehyung had been coughing earlier that morning.

Taehyung: "Yeah, it's better... just a bit of itching," he replied, clearing his throat as if to test it.

Jimin: "If it’s itching that much, why don’t you take some medicine?" Jimin asked, his eyes filled with concern.

Taehyung: "Do you really think I’d be careless about this? I took it, but I don't feel any difference," Taehyung replied dismissively, crossing his legs as he leaned back. "Anyway, when is the next meeting? We need to be more cautious with our decisions this time. And don’t get too comfortable—I’m not so kind that I’ll keep saving your neck every single time."

Jimin: "Yeah, yeah... I know exactly how 'evil' you are," Jimin retorted with a sarcastic smirk. "Fine, I have some points for the next meeting that I need to discuss with you. Hang on, let me grab the file."

With that, Jimin stood up and headed toward his room. Left alone in the lounge, Taehyung unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, trying to catch his breath. He cleared his throat repeatedly while scrolling through his phone, but the persistent irritation in his throat just wouldn't let up.

From a distance, Mrs. Kim was heading toward the kitchen when she noticed her son's visible discomfort. Seeing him struggle like that, she immediately changed her course and started preparing something in the kitchen to soothe his throat.

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

After a while, Taehyung and Jimin were hunched over an open file, lost in a serious discussion about their new project. Suddenly, a hand appeared in Taehyung’s line of sight, extending a glass toward him.

Taehyung looked up at the person standing before him. In an instant, the lingering smile on his face vanished, replaced by a cold, visible spark of anger in his eyes. Mrs. Kim, still holding the glass, caught his sharp gaze but chose to remain unfazed, deliberately ignoring his resentment.

Mrs. Kim: "Why are you looking at me like that? I know your throat is hurting. Drink this; it’ll make you feel better."

She spoke with a gentle, enduring smile. Despite the tension, she was his mother, after all—she could sense his pain even when he tried to hide it behind his anger.

Taehyung: "Why did you bring this here?"

Ignoring her concern entirely, Taehyung’s voice was laced with sharp, cold anger.

Mrs. Kim: "Your throat is hurting, and this herbal tea (kahwa) will soothe it. That’s why I made it specifically for you... Now, come on, be a good boy and drink it."

She spoke with immense tenderness, gently bringing the glass closer to his lips, hoping her motherly love would soften him.

Taehyung: "Oh... so you brought this for me?"

Taehyung arched an eyebrow, his tone unreadable. To Mrs. Kim’s utter surprise, he reached out and took the glass from her hand with unexpected gentleness. For a fleeting moment, her heart soared with joy—she thought he had finally accepted her gesture, instead of pushing her away like he usually did.

Taehyung stared into the glass, slowly swirling the liquid around as if inspecting it. But then, without warning, the mask of calmness shattered. He lunged forward and hurled the glass against the opposite wall with full force.

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room.

Taehyung: "Village people and their pathetic village remedies!"

He muttered under his breath, his jaw tightened in frustration.

Jimin: "Control yourself, Taehyung! Have you no manners?" Jimin snapped, his voice sharp and stern, unable to stay silent at Taehyung’s appalling behavior. Meanwhile, Miss Kim’s eyes welled up with silent tears.

Taehyung: "Manners? Ha! I’ve told her a thousand times that I don't want anything touched or brought by her. Why can’t this woman just understand? It feels like poison to me whenever she acts like this!" Taehyung screamed, his voice echoing with raw hatred.

Jimin: "You could have said that calmly. She only brought it for you—look at how bad your throat is!"

Taehyung: "I said it once, and I'll say it again, Jimin—I want nothing from her hands. I’d rather swallow actual poison than consume anything she gives me!"

Miss Kim: "Taehyung, don't say that... I am your mother, after all."

Her words felt like a dagger to her own heart. Even though she was his biological mother, she had failed to win even a shred of her son's affection. Her only child loathed her, all because she was an uneducated woman from a village, and because of a past mistake where her perceived neglect had landed him in the hospital. She was still paying the price for that moment—enduring the agonizing weight of her own son’s hatred.

Taehyung: "You are NOT my mother! Mothers aren't like you. I only have one Mom—my Bari Mom. Do you hear me?"

He stood up abruptly from the sofa, pointing a trembling finger at her face as he yelled. Every time he saw Miss Kim trying to show him love, it felt like a sick, twisted lie. To him, her affection was nothing but a pathetic deception

"Have you lost your mind? Is this how you talk to her?"

Jimin’s patience finally snapped. It was just a glass of tea, but Taehyung had turned it into a humiliating spectacle. Standing up abruptly from the sofa, Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s arm and jerked him around to face him, his voice shaking with anger.

Before Taehyung could utter a word in response, a booming voice echoed through the lounge, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"What on earth is going on here?"

The voice was heavy with authority and laced with simmering rage.

...****************...

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲

Jungkook stepped down into the courtyard, his eyes scanning the surroundings until they landed on Lusi. He began walking toward her with hushed, cautious steps, as if trying not to startle her.

"Hi, Lusi!" he said, giving a small, friendly wave.

Lusi: "What is it, you psycho?" she snapped, her voice dripping with annoyance.

Jungkook: "I want to go out for a bit... will you come with me?"

He asked her tentatively, his voice filled with a quiet hope. He knew deep down that no one would ever let him go out alone, nor did anyone ever care enough to accompany him. Yet, despite knowing the answer, he found himself asking the same question every single time.

Lusi: "I don't have time to waste on someone like you!"

She spoke with a harsh, biting tone before burying her face back in her phone. She was already fuming because of her poor test scores and the scolding she had received from her mother earlier; now, she was using Jungkook as a convenient target for her pent-up frustration.

jungkook: just for a little while… I need to see outside… Please, Noona.”

There was a strange, haunting helplessness in his voice, like a caged bird pleading for its first glimpse of the open sky. He gripped Lucy’s arm—not with force, but with a persistence that was impossible to ignore.

“What is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind?” Lucy snapped, jerking her arm away. “Boy, why are you testing my patience? If you want to go, then go! There’s the door—open it and leave!”

Her voice was sharp, dripping with irritation.

“You come with me too…” he whispered, his eyes swimming with that same heartbreaking innocence. “I don’t know where to go out there.”

Lucy let out a long, heavy sigh, trying to rein in her temper. “Ugh… good grief. Fine, come on.”

She kicked off the swing, slipped into her slippers, and marched toward the gate with hurried strides. And he… like a child who had just been handed the world, followed behind her barefoot

The moment he stepped into the street, the breeze brushed against his face. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to pull the very essence of the moment into his soul.

“When will this madman leave me alone…” Lucy muttered under her breath. He didn’t hear her. His entire universe had shrunk down to this single, fleeting moment.

He walked beside her, matching her pace, until suddenly—his gaze snagged on something above.

A colorful balloon. It drifted lazily through the air, swaying as if beckoning him. A spark ignited in his eyes. Without a word, he veered off toward it, drawn like a dreamer chasing a phantom. His footsteps slowed as he drifted away from Lucy, who continued walking, completely oblivious.

“Alright, you’ve seen the outside. Satisfied?” Lucy said, not bothering to look back. “And listen, if Grandma or Sis find out I brought you out here, next time—”

She stopped.

Silence. No reply.

A cold knot of dread tightened in her chest. She turned around slowly.

He was gone.

Her breath hitched. “Ugh! Where did this trouble-maker go?!” she cried, slapping her forehead in panic. The irritation was gone, replaced by raw fear. She didn’t just look for him; she began to run, searching frantically, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“Ah… where do I find him now? If the family finds out… they’ll kill me!” Her voice trembled, her eyes shimmering with tears as her heart hammered against her ribs. “That lunatic has ruined me…”

Think… think

…

Suddenly, her devious mind sparked an idea. She spun around and bolted back toward the house—steps frantic, breath ragged.

..

..

Meanwhile…

Jungkook was lost in a world of his own.

He stood on a strange, unfamiliar road. The noise of the city, the rushing people, the blur of life—it all faded into a gray mist. His focus was locked on one thing: the balloon.

He reached out with a light, airy laugh, but the balloon drifted just an inch higher.

He tried again, his fingers straining, as if capturing it was the only purpose he had ever known.

Barefoot, unaware, and innocent.

He didn't know where he had wandered. He didn't know how far he had gone. And he certainly didn't know… that behind this small, innocent joy, a turn was waiting.

A turn that was about to change his entire life forever

to be continued ___________

Taehyung could utter a word in response, a booming voice echoed through the lounge, cutting through the tension like a knife.

"What on earth is going on here?"

The voice was heavy with authority and laced with simmering rage.

Everyone turned around to look.

"Mom!!"

The anger on Taehyung’s face was gone, replaced by a deep, wide smile. He spoke with pure excitement. Just like a little child, he pulled his arm away from Jimin’s grip, rushed past Miss Kim, and went straight to her.

Meanwhile, Miss Kim watched with tears in her eyes. It hurt her to see how excited her son was to see his stepmother

"Mom, do you have any idea how much I missed you?" Taehyung said excitedly while hugging his stepmother.

Miss Reena hugged him back warmly. "Oh, my dear child! Mom missed you too," she replied. She gently held Taehyung by his arms, moved him back slightly, and kissed his forehead.

No… you’re misunderstanding. It wasn’t like that. I swear,” Miss Kim said softly, lowering her gaze.

“When I’m talking to you, look at me!” Reena shouted.

Slowly, with shaking hands and fearful eyes, Miss Kim looked up.

.

..

Introduction: Miss Reena

"Miss Reena is Mr. Kim’s first wife. She is a successful businesswoman who manages the family business alongside her husband. She is a very strict woman with her own set of rules and high status. In her eyes, poor people are no better than the dust on her shoes; she sees them as a burden on this world. She is filled with pride and arrogance. For her, the only things that matter are money and status—everything else is worthless.

Miss Reena could not have children, so she allowed Mr. Kim to marry just for the sake of an heir. Mr. Kim’s mother had arranged his marriage to the daughter of her own cousin, a simple and less-educated girl from a poor family. Miss Reena protested a lot, Miss Reena wanted Mr. Kim to marry someone of her own choice—someone who matched her high social status. However, she couldn't go against her mother-in-law's wishes, so she remained silent for the time being, waiting for her moment."

Three years after the marriage, Taehyung was born. By then, Mr. Kim’s mother had passed after one year Taehyung birth, leaving Miss Reena in total control of the house. As soon as Miss Reena took him into her custody. Miss Kim was only allowed to see him to change his clothes or feed him. Perhaps this is why Taehyung grew up to be exactly like his stepmother."

.

.

.

Mom, where is Dad?" Taehyung asked, looking behind Miss Reena, searching for his father.

"He went straight to the company from the airport. There was some urgent work, so he will be back by tonight. But tell me, how is your work going?" she asked while walking towards the sofa. She sat down gracefully, crossing her legs with pride. Her eyes were fixed only on Taehyung, as if he was the only person in the entire lounge.

Jimin looked at his 'Bari Mom' and rolled his eyes. He was well aware of her habits. Meanwhile, Miss Kim was still standing there in silence.

"Mom, it’s going great! We’ve secured two big projects, and work starts next month," Taehyung replied with a smile, sitting down right next to Reena.

"That’s good, dear. I am so proud of you. After all, you are my son," she said, placing her hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. She glanced toward Miss Kim, clearly trying to make her feel like she had no status or importance.

Jimin rolled his eyes again. "Bari Mom, we are also here besides Taehyung. Give us a little love too!"

"Oh, Jimin! Sorry, son. I didn’t even notice you. How are you?" she said in a dramatic tone, pretending she truly hadn't seen him. Miss Reena could fool anyone, but not Jimin. He knew her personality inside out.

"It’s okay, Bari Maa. I think as you’re getting older, your eyesight is getting weak. You should get your eyes tested; it would be good for your health," Jimin said while gathering his files. His tone was polite and sweet, but his words were a sharp taunt meant to sting.

Hearing Jimin’s remark, a small smile escaped Miss Kim’s lips despite her sadness. However, as soon as she saw Miss Reena’s murderous glare fixed on her, she quickly apologized and left for the kitchen.

At Jimin’s words, Taehyung glared at him. "How can you talk to Mom like that?" he snapped.

Jimin gave a fake smile. "Oh, Taehyung! I was just joking. Don't I even have the right to joke with my dear Mom?" He smiled while gritting his teeth, playfully pinching Miss Reena’s cheek—though deep down, he really wanted to give it a hard pinch.

Jimin didn't like Miss Reena much because she criticized everything. She had to rule over every house matter, whether it was an event or someone’s personal choice. She was always questioning: "What is this? Why is it like this? It shouldn't be this way."

He especially hated how she and Taehyung treated Miss Kim. Although Jimin wasn't very close to Miss Kim or overly fond of her, he still respected her. He knew very well that Miss Reena was the one responsible for spoiling Taehyung's character.

Why not? You are just like Taehyung to me," she replied with a fake smile.

She couldn't say anything harsh to Jimin in front of Taehyung. She always acted like a victim—a simple, innocent woman who patiently endured everyone’s taunts—just to keep Taehyung on her side. But in reality, she was far from it.

Jimin knew this "innocent" act was a trap, but he decided to play along for now. He picked up his bag and turned to leave.

"Anyway, I have a lot of work to finish. Enjoy your mother-son bonding time," Jimin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

As soon as Jimin climbed the stairs and was out of sight, Miss Reena turned her gaze toward Taehyung.

"Taehyung, dear, you should go and get some rest. I’m going to go freshen up as well," she said with a sweet, motherly smile.

Taehyung nodded, hugged his mom warmly, and headed upstairs. But as soon as he was out of sight, the warmth in Miss Reena's eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp glare. Instead of going to her room, she stood up from the sofa and marched straight into the kitchen.

...***********************...

Miss Kim stood by the counter, quietly arranging the dishes, unaware that a storm was approaching from behind her.

Do you think you're very clever?" Reena’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Miss Kim flinched, the spoon nearly slipping from her trembling fingers.

“R-Reena… I—what do you mean?”

"Don't act innocent with me!" Reena hissed, stepping into her space. "I saw that smirk on your face when Jimin was talking back to me. You think you can use him to humiliate me in my own house?"

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion and rage.

“I understand everything. This was all your doing. You thought you could use him to humiliate me in my own house?”

“No… you’re misunderstanding. It wasn’t like that. I swear,” Miss Kim said softly, lowering her gaze.

“When I’m talking to you, look at me!” Reena shouted.

.

Slowly, with shaking hands and fearful eyes, Miss Kim looked up.

“Know your place,” Reena said, her voice dripping with venom.

“You are here only because your name is tied to my husband… because you gave birth to Taehyung. Don’t forget that.”

She suddenly grabbed Miss Kim’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze.

“This house is mine. Kim is my husband… and Taehyung is my son.”

Her grip tightened.

“If I ever see you trying to be clever again…” her voice turned ice-cold,

“I won’t even let you see his shadow… let alone his face. Do you understand?”

Miss Kim nodded silently, her eyes filling with tears.

Reena shoved her away and looked her up and down with disgust.

“Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror?” she said mockingly.

“You saw your worth in front of your own son today, didn't you? Did you see how easily he threw that glass and how he insulted you without a second thought?"

Miss Kim’s heart sank. She looked at Reena, her eyes wide with shock. "What? That means... you were standing there? You saw everything happening and you didn't stop him?"

Reena let out a cold, heartless laugh. "Stop him? Why would I stop such an entertaining show? I enjoyed every second of it. I hate you, I hate your low status, and most of all, I hate this forced relationship that ties me to you. Taehyung is my son because I raised him to be like me. To him, you are nothing but a servant… someone who takes care of children. That’s the only reason you’re allowed to stay here.”

This time, Miss Kim slowly raised her head. Her voice trembled—but it wasn’t weak anymore.

“Maybe I am just a servant in this house… maybe a maid,” she said, gathering what little courage she had,

“But you can never deny what I am to him.”

Her eyes glistened, but she didn’t look away."

“In front of the world… in this house… no matter what you do, I will always be his real mother. His real mother.”

Her voice grew steadier.

“You can try to take my son away from me… you can push him as far as you want… You can poison his mind for me, but that won’t change the truth He is my blood, Reena."

A bitter pain crossed her face.

“And you—no matter how much you claim to be his… you will always remain a stepmother.”

She took a shaky breath.

“If you truly were his mother… then he wouldn’t be the way he is today. The way he treats me… that isn’t from a real mother.”

Reena’s expression darkened instantly

“How dare you say all that!” she screamed.

“You bitch—”

She raised her hand to slap her.

But just as her hand was about to make contact, Taehyung walked into the kitchen.

"Mom? What are you doing here? I thought you were going to freshen up," he said, looking confused.

Reena’s hand froze in mid-air. In a split second, her expression shifted back to a sweet, loving smile.

"Oh, Taehyung! I was just coming in for some water," she said smoothly. "And I was just telling your Choti Mom that I wanted to cook something special for my son today since you haven't had my handmade food in so many days."

Taehyung stepped forward and took Reena's hand. "No, Mom, there’s no need for that. You must be exhausted from the travel. We have a chef for that."

Reena sighed dramatically. "Fine, if you say so. But since I'm not cooking, maybe your Choti Mom can make something. I don't like you eating food from a chef when both your mothers are here. Right, Miss Kim? You’ll make it, won't you?"

Taehyung’s expression darkened as he looked at Miss Kim. "No, Mom. I’d rather die of hunger than eat anything made by her hands. Let's go from here, I don't want to eat anything right now."

He grabbed Reena’s hand to lead her out. Before leaving, Reena turned her head back and gave Miss Kim a cruel smirk, making sure she felt every bit of her insignificance.

...*****...

_______Other Side

Jungkook was still chasing the balloon. Without realizing it, he ended up right in the middle of the busy road. Suddenly, the loud, angry sound of car horns brought him back to his senses. He looked around, startled. Cars were speeding past him from every side.

Jungkook started to feel terrified. He didn't know what to do. He gripped his shirt tightly with his hands, his eyes filled with fear and confusion. He was stuck in the middle of the road, and the loud noise began to make his head ache. He had never been out alone like this before, and he wasn't used to such a scary environment.

He pressed one hand against his ear, trying to block out the frightening noise that was making him panic. His other hand was still holding onto his shirt for comfort. While he stood there frozen, a Mercedes came speeding toward him. Jungkook’s eyes went wide with terror as the car headed straight for him.

.

.

.

To be continued