Episode 4

"You did the right thing, Mom. I'm really glad you and Dad stood up for Jungkook. He's such a poor soul... I still can't believe how cruel his own family could be," Jimin said, sitting on the bed, his heart heavy thinking about Jungkook's situation.

Beside him, Yoongi was lying down, quietly listening to his husband and mom's conversation.

Earlier, Jin had called Jimin to inform him that they'd be returning home the next day. It was already past midnight, and they'd had their dinner, but Jimin couldn't rest. He was restless and eager to know what had happened that day. Both he and Yoongi already knew most of what Jungkook had been through.

Jin and Jimin had a habit of talking every day, sharing everything like best friends. Their husbands often ended up listening in on those conversations even when they were home.

"He didn't even flinch when his father slapped him, Jimin-ah," Jin said, recalling the painful scene from earlier.

"How can people be so cruel to someone so kind? I'm just glad you and Dad are taking him here. I seriously can't wait to meet him," Jimin replied, eyes shining with anticipation.

"But Mom," Yoongi suddenly said, sitting up slightly, "Why didn't Dad do anything legal against them? That's not like him. And... giving them money? It doesn't make sense." His voice was filled with confusion.

Namjoon, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke in his calm, composed tone.

"You don't understand, son. Sometimes in life, we have to go against our own will. I did what I had to because at that moment, I couldn't think of any better way. If I hadn't stopped them by throwing that money, they would've dragged the drama even further," he explained.

"And trust me, I have something else planned for them. Let them enjoy it for now. What's important right now is to get Jungkook away from that toxic place. It's just a matter of timing, son. Even in business, sometimes you face loss to get a better deal. If I had filed a complaint, they would've gotten out anyway Jungkook doesn't want them punished. So I chose the path that ensures his safety first. I'll handle them. Just... not now. For now, Jungkook is our priority."

Yoongi nodded slowly. "I trust you, Dad. I was just confused, that's all. And honestly, I don't think Taehyung will hold back once he finds out what they did to Jungkook."

"He's going to be their worst nightmare," Jimin said with a smirk, making all three of them laugh lightly. They all knew exactly how Taehyung could be when he was angry.

"That's what I'm worried about," Jin admitted, a little tensely.

"Don't worry, Mom. Let Taehyung meet Jungkook first. They'll figure things out together," Yoongi said, his voice steady, trying to ease his concern.

"I hope so, son. I just want them to be happy together. That's all I pray for now," Jin said with hope in his eyes.

"They will be, Mom. I'm sure of it," Jimin replied cheerfully.

Namjoon then pulled out a black plastic bag from the side and handed it to Jin.

"The watchman brought Jungkook's stuff from his house. He said when he asked them, they told him they'd already thrown everything away. He picked up whatever he could find in the trash."

Jin's face tightened with disappointment. "I expected nothing less. They have no humanity left."

"Did you open it?" Jin asked.

"Yeah, I did. There's an old sketchbook, some torn clothes... that's it," Namjoon replied, clearly disgusted.

"It shows how miserably he was living," Jin said, opening the sketchbook. His expression changed as he turned the pages, amazed by the delicate drawings inside.

"He's really talented," Namjoon said, peeking at the drawings beside him.

"Yes, he is," Jin said softly, caressing the last drawing of a beautifully shaded flower.

"Maybe this is what he meant when he asked during dinner if he could go back for his things. He must've meant this sketchbook," Namjoon said, making Jin nod thoughtfully.

"You did the right thing not letting him go back himself. They treated the watchman horribly just for collecting his things. If Jungkook had gone, who knows what they would've done to him," Namjoon added as they both walked quietly to the guest room where Jungkook was resting.

When they entered, Jungkook was already fast asleep. They gently placed his belongings on the table and quietly left the room, heading to bed themselves. They had an early flight to catch, and a new chapter was waiting to begin.

During the flight

Jungkook was visibly anxious. It was his first time seeing an airplane up close, let alone sitting inside one. Seated between Jin and Namjoon, he tightly gripped Jin's hand, as if his life depended on it.

As their flight landed, Yoongi and Jimin waited at the airport despite being told not to come. Jin and Namjoon had already asked them to stay home, but neither of them listened, especially Jimin, who insisted he was coming just to meet Jungkook. Hearing that, the elder couple couldn't say no.

As soon as Yoongi and Jimin spotted their parents, they rushed to hug them. Only then did they notice the shy, delicate-looking boy trying to hide behind Jin.

Jimin was the first to approach him. With a warm smile, he pulled Jungkook into a gentle hug. "Hi, I'm Jimin," he said cheerfully, making Jungkook flustered and shy.

Yoongi followed, offering a small bow and a kind smile. Jungkook nervously bowed in return more than twice which made them both cuple chuckle softly at his innocent mannerisms.

Soon, they all got into the car Jungkook sat between Jin and Jimin in the back while Yoongi drove, with Namjoon in the passenger seat.

Throughout the ride, Jimin kept talking to Jungkook, trying to make him comfortable.

"Jimin-ah, let the poor boy breathe, you're questioning him nonstop," Yoongi said with a teasing grin.

"Don't say that! Jungkook is enjoying my company, right? You don't mind, do you, Jungkook?" Jimin said sweetly, not really leaving the boy any choice.

Jungkook gave a shy nod, earning a smile from Yoongi.

"Doesn't look like it," Yoongi teased.

"You wouldn't know. You're blind to social cues!" Jimin huffed. "I'm just trying to get to know him better. Not everyone is as quiet as you."

"Yeah, yeah," Yoongi muttered, rolling his eyes playfully.

"Anyway, Jungkook, let me tell you about me and this man here," Jimin continued, pointing at Yoongi. "He's my husband and the elder son of the Kim family. We've been married for over five years now. We met in college and started dating, and after graduation, we got married. I'm a singer, by the way you might've heard some of my songs. They're quite popular among people your age."

"I'm not sure, Hyung... I don't really listen to many songs. I don't like music any more. But you both seem like a wonderful couple like Kim sir, I mean like mom-and-dad vibes," Jungkook said quietly, smiling faintly.

"Aw, thank you, Jungkook," Jimin said warmly, exchanging a soft glance with Yoongi. They were genuinely touched.

"And now," Jimin said, straightening up with a proud grin, "let me tell you about my best friend Taehyung. You must've heard about him from Mom and Dad, but let me add a few things."

"Taehyung aka Kim Taehyung is the youngest of our family. He's deeply cherished by all of us. But now that you're here, you're the youngest in our home, Jungkook. And believe me, Taehyung is incredibly handsome and kind... but when he gets angry, he's like winter cold and ready to kill," Jimin said dramatically, laughing at the memory of Taehyung's annoyed face.

"Stop scaring him, Jimin. He's already dealing with so much," Jin scolded, giving Jimin a disapproving look.

"Alright, Mom. Sorry, Jungkook, I was just joking. Taehyung is a gem once you get to know him, you'll definitely like him," Jimin said sincerely.

"You don't have to apologize, Jimin Hyung. I understand," Jungkook replied, not wanting to see Jimin uncomfortable over a harmless joke.

"We're here," Namjoon announced as the car pulled into the grand driveway.

As Jungkook stepped out, his eyes widened in awe. The Kim mansion was breathtaking, far more grand and beautiful than anything he had seen in Busan. It looked like something straight out of a movie.

"This is your home now, Jungkook. Welcome to our family," Jin said with a heartfelt smile.

"Come, let's go inside," Namjoon added warmly, and they all headed in.

Inside, several maids bowed to welcome them. Jungkook, ever polite, bowed back, making everyone smile at his sweet manners. The group sat in the living room while the staff brought in their luggage.

One of the guards held up a small suitcase and asked, "Mr. Kim, where should I place this?"

"Oh, it's Jungkook's. Put it in the room beside Young Master Taehyung's," Jin replied.

"Understood, Mr. Kim," the guard said and headed upstairs.

"Where's Taehyung?" Namjoon asked, noticing his son's absence.

"He was here when we were leaving to pick you up," Yoongi said. "Let me check."

He turned to the head butler. "Uncle Lee, do you know where Taehyung is?"

"Young Master left for the office about half an hour ago," the butler informed them. "He asked me to let you know something urgent came up at V Corporation. He'll be back by the afternoon."

"Alright. Uncle Lee, could you please arrange the dining table? I'm sure Mom, Dad, and Jungkook haven't had breakfast yet," Jimin requested.

As Uncle Lee was about to leave, Jin stopped him.

"Wait, Uncle Lee. Meet Jungkook, he's our new family member and will be staying here from now on. We like him for our Taehyung, We want him to feel at home. Please inform the staff that Jungkook is the youngest master of the house. And Jungkook, this is Mr. Lee, our head butler. He's like family to us. He's been with us since Namjoon's birth."

Jungkook stood up and bowed. "It's very nice to meet you, Uncle Lee."

"Oh, dear, please don't bow in front of me," Mr. Lee said gently, catching him mid-bow. Then, smiling sincerely, he added, "He's such a beautiful and respectful boy. I'm grateful to the heavens he looks like he was made just for Young Master Taehyung, like a true Kim bride."

The Kim couple beamed with pride, and Yoongi and Jimin exchanged another smile.

After breakfast, Jin asked Jimin to show Jungkook to his room.

"This is your room, and that one beside it is Taehyung's," Jimin said, teasing, which made Jungkook visibly nervous.

"Oh, Jungkook, I'm just teasing," Jimin chuckled. "Come in and get comfortable. Hope you like this room, there in the cupboard has some fresh clothes. Please don't mind, they're mine. Mom told me how suddenly you had to leave, so I arranged these just in case."

" This room is a beautiful hyung and you didn't have to... I have some clothes with me. I can manage, Hyung. But thank you for thinking of me," Jungkook said with a grateful smile.

"You're truly sweet, Jungkook. But don't thank me you're calling me Hyung now, so that makes you my younger brother," Jimin said, touched. Seeing Jungkook emotional, he gently pulled him into a comforting hug.

Jungkook closed his eyes and hugged him back, feeling overwhelmed in the best possible way. "How can I not thank you when you're being so kind to me?"

"You're welcome, Jungkookie. Now rest a bit. If you need anything, just ask me or if I'm not around, ask Uncle Lee or any of the staff. Make yourself at home."

With that, Jimin left.

Jungkook took a deep breath and turned to the purple suitcase Namjoon had insisted on buying at the airport in Busan. Jungkook had protested saying it looked too expensive but Jin had told him to let Namjoon buy it.

Carefully opening the suitcase, Jungkook took out his old clothes and his drawing book. He placed them neatly in the cupboard next to the clothes Jimin had left for him. In the drawer, he found fresh undergarments and selected a sky blue cotton shirt and white pants.

Gathering his things, he went into the bathroom to take a warm shower, his heart finally starting to feel a little lighter.

In jimin studio

Jimin was working on his song when his phone rang. When he looked at the caller ID, it was Taehyung. He quickly answered the call.

"Hello"

"Jimin, did Mom and Dad come back?" Taehyung asked, not even letting Jimin finish his greeting.

"Yah, they're resting in their room. They were asking about you, but Uncle Lee told us you were at the company. Something urgent came up?"

"Yeah, just a misunderstanding about our project. I had to come here to clear things up," Taehyung replied, sounding a bit frustrated that he hadn't been there to welcome his parents after nearly a week apart.

"It's alright, Tae. Mom and Dad totally understand. They figured something important must have come up. But tell me when are you coming home? They really want to see you. And guess what? They've got a surprise for you! It's soooo good, and I loved it a lot... but I'm not telling you what it is!" Jimin teased.

"I'll be there before dinner. Tell Mom. And please stop your tricks. I'm already busy. I'll see whatever this surprise is when I get home. Bye," Taehyung said, not giving in to Jimin's teasing, and ended the call.

"YOU KIM TAEHYUNG! DON'T YOU DARE HANG UP ON ME!" Jimin yelled at his phone, pouting. Then he made a mock-angry face and mumbled, "You're no fun, Taehyung."

Later That Evening

Jimin and Jin were taking Jungkook out to the garden for a walk. They didn't want him to get bored staying in his room all day. Jin and Jimin chatted away, while Jungkook mostly nodded or gave short replies.

Suddenly, a car entered the garden, catching their attention. They were a little far away from the main gate.

"Finally, he found time to come home," Jin said, smiling as he walked toward the car, leaving Jungkook and Jimin behind.

"Hyung, where's Mom going?" Jungkook asked, seeing Jin hug someone who came out of the car but he was not able to see his face because  that person had stood facing his other side. Jungkook only saying back Jungkook's expression made Jimin chuckle.

"Oh, his precious son is back from the office. He hasn't seen him for a whole week. And now, it's your time to meet Taehyung," Jimin said, nudging Jungkook's shoulder.

Just then, they noticed Namjoon and Yoongi had returned too.

"Look, Dad and Yoongi are back as well. Let's go inside," Jimin said, guiding Jungkook toward the main door.

When they entered, Namjoon was sitting on the sofa, drinking water.

"Mom, where are Taehyung and Yoongi? We saw them coming in before us," Jimin asked.

"They're in their rooms, freshening up," Jin replied.

"Okay, Jungkook, you stay here. I'm going to my room. Yoongi probably needs me. Stay with Mom; the others will join you at dinner," Jimin said and left.

"Honey, I'm going to freshen up. Please make me some tea before I come back," Namjoon said tiredly.

"Yeah, go ahead. I'll make it," Jin replied. Namjoon nodded and went to their room.

"He's always like this. I told him to take the day off and rest, but he never listens. And now because of him, both of my sons like him, especially Taehyung has become a workaholic too," Jin muttered, annoyed.

"It's okay, Mom. Don't be upset. Let's go to the kitchen, I'll help you make Dad's tea," Jungkook offered, not wanting Jin to worry.

During Dinner Time

Everyone was seated at the dinner table, waiting for Taehyung. Jungkook sat beside Jin, feeling a little nervous. Then, a handsome tall man entered and sat beside Jimin right across from Jungkook. His cheeks flushed, and he quickly looked down.

Taehyung had already met Namjoon at the office and Jin earlier when he came back. But when he saw a stranger sitting with his parents, he got curious. As he looked at Jungkook, the first thought that came to his mind was "Beautiful." The boy looked like a scared little bunny, sitting beside his mom.

Confused, Taehyung elbowed Jimin and whispered, "Who's he?"

Jimin smirked and mouthed, "Don't ask me, bitch."

Jin noticed their whispering and spoke up. "Is that how you welcome someone, Taehyung?"

"Mom, who is he?" Taehyung asked flatly.

"This is Jungkook. Jungkook, this is Taehyung, our son," Jin said with a smile.

Taehyung kept staring at Jungkook, his mind racing. Who is he? What's he doing here? His parents never allowed strangers into the house, yet this boy was sitting like he belonged. He was snapped out of his thoughts by Namjoon's voice.

"Let's eat dinner first, then we'll talk about the important stuff," Namjoon said calmly.

They all had dinner while making light conversation. Afterward, they moved to the living room. Taehyung couldn't stop glancing at Jungkook, whose nervous biting of his lower lip made him look even more delicate.

"So... Mom, Dad, how was your trip to Busan?" Taehyung asked, trying not to directly ask about Jungkook.

"It was wonderful, Taehyung. We enjoyed it a lot, all thanks to Jungkook. He made everything easier for us," Jin replied, smiling warmly at the boy.

"I'm glad you had a good time, Mom," Taehyung said, his eyes drifting back to Jungkook.

"But... Mom, Dad... you still haven't told me why he's here," Taehyung asked directly.

"Actually, Taehyung," Jin began, "He's Jungkook. He's 21, from Busan. We brought him here because we like him... for you."

There was a heavy silence.

Namjoon continued, "He's not from a rich family, but he's well-mannered and kind. Your mom and I like him very much. Even Jimin and Yoongi do. We think he's right for you."

"But Dad, he's seven years younger than me. He should be in college, not getting married," Taehyung said.

"Taehyung, age is just a number. And Jungkook's situation is different, and we chose him for a reason. Whether you marry him or not, he's staying with us. He's family now," Jin said firmly.

"I'm not saying your choice is bad, Mom," Taehyung said gently. "I was just surprised. But I trust you both. You always want what's best for us."

"Then do us one favor. Don't agree because we want it. Talk to Jungkook first. Decide together what you want," Jin said, turning to Jungkook, who was still nervously looking down.

"Alright, Mom," Taehyung agreed.

"Jungkook, go with Taehyung. Talk things through. We'll support whatever decision you both make," Jin said with a supporting look.

The two of them stepped out into the backyard. They walked side by side in silence until they reached the swing set. Sitting side by side.

Taehyung asked:"Jungkook, why are you agreeing to marry me? Is someone forcing you?"

Jungkook looked up, surprised. His big doe eyes met Taehyung's for the first time.

"No... no one's forcing me. I want to do this. Mr. Kim has done so much for me. I want to make them happy."

"So... you're marrying me just to repay them?"

"No! I mean... that's not the only reason. I don't have a problem marrying you. One day, I'd have to marry someone anyway," Jungkook answered quietly.

"So you're saying you're okay with marrying me of your own will?"

Jungkook looked into Taehyung's eyes and gave a small nod.

"And what about you, Taehyung-ssi? Are you okay with marrying me? Please don't say yes out of pity," Jungkook asked.

"Why would I pity you, Jungkook? My parents chose you. I told them I'd marry whoever they picked. I just wanted to be sure you weren't being forced. Now that I know you're not, I have no problem."

"Okay then... we should go back. They're waiting," Jungkook said, standing up. Taehyung nodded, and they walked back inside.

Everyone looked tense as they returned.

"You're back. What's your decision?" Jin asked.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook. When the younger boy gave a small nod, Taehyung finally turned to his parents and said,

"We're ready to get married, Mom. Dad."

Hearing this everyone was overjoyed. Jimin practically leapt onto Taehyung, hugging him tightly. Taehyung had just said yes for marriage, and though surprised by Jimin's sudden sobbing, he hugged him back and gently patted his best friend's back.

Jin walked straight to Jungkook and pulled him into a warm embrace, his eyes glistening with happy tears. Namjoon wrapped Taehyung in a proud hug, his voice filled with admiration.

Yoongi smiled softly before hugging his younger brother too. Meanwhile, Jimin clung to Jungkook so tightly that the younger one almost forgot how to breathe.

"I'm so happy! Finally, my best friend is getting married! I thought he'd stay single forever," Jimin wailed dramatically, earning a sharp glare from Taehyung.

Jin wiped away a tear with a smile. "Let me bring some sweets for everyone. This is such a beautiful night. I'm so, so happy."

"Honey, don't cry," Namjoon said softly, wrapping an arm around his husband, not wanting to see him tear up.

After everyone shared sweets and exchanged hugs and well-wishes, they finally bid each other goodnight.

Later that night, Jungkook was lying in bed, his cheeks still burning red from everything that had happened. He couldn't stop thinking about that moment just before entering his room when he and Taehyung had crossed paths in the hallway.

Taehyung had been heading to his own room, and when Jungkook looked up, he found those deep, unreadable eyes staring right at him. Flustered, he quickly bowed, mumbled a nervous "Good night," and darted into his room before Taehyung could respond.

Clutching his blanket, Jungkook whispered to himself,

"Oh god, what are you doing to my heart? This is the first time I've felt something this strong... It's like I have butterflies in my stomach. It's such a weird feeling. Oh lord, please save me from those dark eyes of his..."

He buried himself deeper into the blanket, trying to fall asleep but Taehyung's face, voice, and eyes kept flashing in his mind.

Meanwhile, in the room across the hall, Taehyung was busy finishing some office work on his laptop. But suddenly, Jungkook's innocent face popped into his mind. He shook his head, as if to snap himself out of it, and returned to typing, when he heard.

Knock knock.

Someone was at the door.

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