Taehyung

YEAR 2005……..

“Mother!, mother! The bus will be here soon! I'll be late!" a young boy exclaimed, stomping his feet impatiently at the front door of their cozy apartment.

The warm and inviting interior revealed a simple yet lovingly decorated home. The living room and dining area flowed seamlessly together, featuring two plush couches and a small smart TV. Two doors stood at the far end of the room, facing each other, with a kitchen door beside them. Three heartwarming pictures adorned the walls.

One picture showed a serene landscape, perhaps a peaceful mountain range or a tranquil ocean scene. Another captured the boy's own image, his lips pursed in a pout, showcasing his playful personality. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a fun graphic t-shirt, his bright smile radiant.

The third picture depicted the boy and a woman, likely his mother, in her twenties. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, and she cradled the little boy in her arms, beaming with joy. The warmth and love emanating from the photo were palpable.

The boy attempted to turn the door handle, but it wouldn't budge. He turned back, his face etched with frustration. Clad in his school uniform, comprising a crisp white shirt, navy blue trousers, and black shoes, he looked every bit the eager student. A navy blue tie adorned his neck, and his backpack, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, was securely fastened.

Just as he was about to vocalize his irritation, a young woman in her thirties hastened out of one of the doors at the far end of the room. Dressed in a professional blue suit, with a black bag slung over her shoulder, she exuded an air of authority.

“Mummy is very sorry, sweetheart," she apologized, hurrying to the kitchen to collect a purple lunch bag. "I'll take you to school myself, don't worry." With that, she swiftly took the boy's hand and led him out of the apartment, her pace brisk and purposeful.

As they exited the bungalow, the woman firmly grasped her son's hand, guiding him towards their reliable Toyota Corolla. She promptly opened the rear door, and the boy climbed in, his backpack still securely fastened to his back. Sarah followed with his lunchbox and her own bag, placing them on the passenger seat with precision. She then slid into the driver's seat, inserted the key into the ignition, and started the engine. With a brief glance in the rearview mirror, she shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the bungalow, accelerating smoothly down the serene street.

Upon arriving at the school, they joined a row of cars parked in front of the building, belonging to parents who had come to drop off their children. Some students were already bidding farewell to their parents and entering the school. The woman turned to face Taehyung, adjusting her position in the driver's seat to meet his gaze. "I won't be able to pick you up from school today, Taehyung-ie, but I've arranged for Miss Yun-hee to drop you off at home. The spare key is hidden under the doormat, so you can use it to let yourself in."

Taehyung looked at her, his brow furrowed in concern. "But it's scary to stay alone," he protested. "Even Baekhyun agrees with me," he added, referencing his imaginary friend who shared his sentiment. She smiled warmly and reached out to ruffle his hair, offering a reassuring touch.

“I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I won't be late. I'll even bring your favorite chocolate as a treat," she said, her voice filled with reassurance. Taehyung's face lit up with a bright smile, and she nodded in response. His wide grin warmed her heart, and she felt a surge of affection for her precious son.

"You should be off now," she reminded him gently. "You wouldn't want your teacher to reprimand you, would you?" Taehyung's eyes widened in alarm, and he quickly exited the vehicle. The woman followed suit, walking around to the passenger door to retrieve his lunchbox. She carefully placed it around his neck and crouched down to his level.

“Be a good boy and don't give Mrs. Yun-hee any trouble, okay?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. Taehyung nodded, and she affectionately kissed his cheek, prompting a smile and a tender peck on her cheek in return. With a final wave goodbye, he dashed towards the school entrance, leaving her to watch him go with a warm heart.

She observed Taehyung with a warm smile, her gaze lingering on him until her phone vibrated in her pocket, diverting her attention. Retrieving the device, she glanced at the screen to identify the caller. Her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the name. Casting a final glance at the school entrance, where Taehyung had vanished from sight, she swiftly returned to the car and departed, her departure marked by a sense of urgency.

———————-

With the school day now over, Taehyung stood at the entrance, his backpack securely fastened and lunchbox slung over his shoulder, awaiting his teacher's emergence. She had instructed him to wait outside, explaining that she needed to organize her belongings before escorting him home. Taehyung gazed wistfully at his peers being collected by their parents, his countenance falling into a pout. "I wish Mother could pick me up too," he murmured to himself.

Just then, a gentle tap on his shoulder broke his reverie. Turning to face the source, he was met with his teacher's warm smile, which soon transitioned into an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting, Taehyung," she said, carefully relieving him of his lunchbox and taking his hand in hers. "I underestimated the time it would take to wrap up my tasks. Shall we proceed?" With that, she smiled and they commenced their stroll towards his residence.

“Thank you Mrs. Yun-hee," Taehyung said, executing a polite bow as he retrieved his lunchbox from her. She smiled and nodded in response, her expression warm and benevolent.

"Please remain indoors until your mother returns, and refrain from opening the door for any strangers, understood?" she instructed, her tone gentle yet firm. Taehyung nodded his head respectfully, acknowledging her guidance.

With a swift motion, he bent down and retrieved the spare key from beneath the doormat. He unlocked the door, waved farewell to Mrs. Yun-hee, and entered his home, closing the door behind him.

Mrs. Yun-hee's smile lingered as she watched him disappear from view. She sighed softly, her expression reflective, before turning to make her way back to her own residence.

Taehyung slumbered on the couch, his school uniform still intact, as he awaited his mother's return. As the hours passed, his somnolent form remained unchanged, his mind subconsciously yearning for her presence. The morning light crept in, and Taehyung's dormant state persisted, until a sudden knock at the door jolted him awake. Groggily, he opened his eyes, blinking repeatedly to shake off the remnants of sleep. A wide smile spread across his face as he speculated that the visitor might be his mother.


With renewed energy, Taehyung hastened to the door, his hand poised to grasp the handle. However, he hesitated, arrested by the sound of unfamiliar voices conversing outside. "Are you certain this is the deceased's address?" a deep, masculine voice inquired. "Yes, it is," another voice responded, seemingly belonging to his companion. Taehyung's smile faltered, replaced by a growing sense of trepidation.

Taehyung's apprehension intensified as he heard another knock at the door. His teacher's cautionary words echoed in his mind, advising him not to open the door for anyone except his mother. He cautiously approached the window and peeked outside, attempting to identify the visitors. Two men, clad in attire reminiscent of police uniforms he had seen in movies with his mother, stood at the entrance. A possibility occurred to him that they might be aware of his mother's whereabouts.

Reassured by his mother's teachings that police officers were benevolent and helped those in need, Taehyung mustered the courage to open the door slightly. He peeked outside, his small eyes betraying a mix of uncertainty and fear. The two men, seemingly taken aback by the sudden appearance of a young boy, exchanged surprised glances. Their eyes conveyed sympathy, but they quickly masked it with gentle smiles, attempting to reassure Taehyung.

“Greetings, young man," one of the officers said, smiling. "We're looking for Mrs. Kim Hwa-young's house. Is this it?"

Taehyung replied, "That's my mommy's name. Do you know where she is?"

The officers exchanged a glance, their smiles fading slightly. "Yes, we do," one said gently. "Does anyone else live with you and your mommy?"

Taehyung shook his head, "No, just me and Mommy. But Uncle comes to visit on weekends."

As the officers prepared to respond, a voice called out from behind them. They turned to see a man hastily exiting his vehicle and hurrying towards them with an air of urgency.


“Taehyung!" A man in a police uniform, with a superintendent's insignia, rushed towards them, his face etched with concern. "Uncle!" Taehyung exclaimed, finally opening the door fully and running to the man.

The man crouched down and enveloped Taehyung in a warm hug, tears welling up in his own eyes. He quickly raised a hand to his face, brushing away the tears before they could fall, and exchanged a glance with the two officers, who bowed in respect.

“As he pulled away from the hug, he gently brushed the hair from Taehyung's face. "Are you alright, Tae?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.


Taehyung nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "Uncle, do you know where my mom is? She didn't come home yesterday". he asked, his voice trembling.


l

The man took a deep breath, his expression somber. He nodded slowly, looking down, before meeting Taehyung's gaze again.

“Let's get you changed out of that school uniform, and then I'll take you to see your mom," Uncle Joon said, forcing a smile onto his face.

Taehyung's eyes lit up. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Uncle Joon nodded and stood up, taking Taehyung's hand in his. "I'll take care of things from here," he told the officers, who nodded and bowed before departing.

As they watched the officers drive away, Taehyung turned to his uncle with a curious expression. "Who were they, Uncle Joon? Were they looking for Mommy?"


Uncle Joon's smile remained, but his eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment. "Don't worry about it, kiddo. Let's just focus on getting you changed and comfortable. You don't have school until Monday, so we can relax today."

After a warm bath and dressing in fresh clothes, he led Taehyung out of the house, locked the door, and settled him into the car. Taehyung bounced his legs excitedly on the seat, thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with his mother.

As they arrived at a familiar building, Taehyung's eyes lit up. "Is Mom here?" he asked, recognizing his uncle's house from previous visits.

His uncle nodded, but his smile seemed strained, and his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. Taehyung sensed it, but his eagerness to see his mother overshadowed any doubts. This was the first time his mother had failed to come home, and Taehyung's confusion lingered. Though she had been late before, she always returned, no matter what. Today's absence was unsettling, and Taehyung's mind whirled with questions.

Uncle Joon turned off the engine of his car and opened the driver's door. He then walked around to the passenger side and opened Taehyung's door, carefully lifting him out of the vehicle. With Taehyung securely in his arms, he walked towards the entrance of his home.

As they entered the house, Uncle Joon instructed. Taehyung to sit while he made a phone call. Taehyung obediently settled onto the couch, waiting patiently. However, his curiosity soon got the better of him. Recalling his uncle's earlier statement that his mother was present, Taehyung assumed she must be in one of the rooms. He quietly got up and began making his way towards the rooms, intent on surprising her.

As he passed a slightly ajar door, he overheard his uncle's hushed tone on the phone. The words sent a chill down Taehyung's spine: "..no he doesn't know about his mother's death yet... Make sure you search the crime scene for any evidence or clues as to who the culprit is." Taehyung's eyes widened in horror as he grasped the meaning behind the words. "Mum?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

Without hesitation, Taehyung turned back and ran towards the entrance, flinging open the door and rushing out. His small legs moved swiftly as he sought to escape the confusing and frightening words he had just heard.

Taehyung's tiny legs pumped furiously as he sprinted down the sidewalk, his tears blurring the world around him. "Mother... mother..." he whimpered, his small voice cracking with despair. Passersby couldn't help but notice the distraught child, their faces etched with concern as they wondered what could have driven him to such distress.

As he turned a corner, Taehyung's gaze fell upon a small café, its TV's loud voice carried out onto the street, catching his attention. His heart skipped a beat as he saw his mother's picture flashing on the screen, accompanied by a grave-looking news anchor. Taehyung's legs gave out beneath him, and he stumbled to a stop, his eyes fixed on the screen.

"We have some shocking news for you tonight, as a young woman's body was found in a horrific state in Riverview Park. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Kim hwa-young, a dedicated social worker and single mother, was discovered in a wooded area near the old oak tree. Details of the crime scene are gruesome: hwa-young's body bore evidence of a brutal attack, with her eyes removed, abdomen torn open, and thirteen knife piercings in her chest. The police investigation is ongoing, but sources close to the case confirm it's being treated as a homicide. Hwa-young's life was marked by tragedy, having lost her husband just two months into her pregnancy. Yet, despite the adversity, she was renowned for her unwavering kindness and devotion to her child. The community is now left to mourn the loss of a shining light, and the search for justice has only just begun."

As the news footage cut to a video of hwa-young's dead body being loaded into an ambulance, Taehyung's eyes froze in horror. The questions from the reporters, the somber faces of the police officers, everything became a blur. His small body began to sway, his vision tunneling as the scene before him became increasingly distorted.

The last thing he heard was the sound of his name being called out, "Taehyung!" before big arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a warm embrace. His eyes rolled back, and his legs gave out, unable to support his weight any longer.

As he lost consciousness, the voices around him grew fainter, the only sound being the gentle whisper of his name, "Taehyung... Taehyung...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***