Chapter 1 — The Boy Who Smiled Too Much

"Some people enter your life like spring. You never realize they're slowly becoming your favorite season... until they're gone."

The city never slept.

Even before sunrise, the streets of Seoul were already alive. Buses roared past, people hurried with coffee cups in their hands, and shopkeepers lifted their shutters one by one.

But inside a small apartment tucked between tall buildings...

Silence.

"Jungkook!"

A familiar voice echoed from the kitchen.

"The rice is burning!"

Jeon Jungkook, twenty-four years old, closed his eyes for a second before answering.

"I'm coming, Mom."

He quickly shut his laptop, where unfinished office files covered the screen, and rushed into the kitchen.

Kim Seokjin stood with his hands on his waist, dramatically pointing at the pot.

"You've been working since midnight again."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not."

Jungkook simply smiled.

Not because he was happy.

Because smiling was easier than explaining how tired he felt.

The apartment was small but warm.

Every corner held memories—old family photos, worn-out furniture, books stacked neatly on shelves, and the tiny balcony where his mother grew flowers despite having almost no space.

Life wasn't perfect.

Money was always short.

Bills were always waiting.

And somehow...

Jungkook always carried everyone's burdens before they became his own.

He never complained.

Not when he skipped meals to save money.

Not when he worked overtime.

Not when people forgot to ask if he was okay.

Some habits became invisible after years.

"Eat before you leave," Seokjin said softly.

"I'll eat at work."

"You said that yesterday too."

Jungkook laughed quietly.

"I promise."

A promise both of them knew he probably wouldn't keep.

Across the city...

A black suitcase rolled across the airport floor.

Its owner wore a loose white shirt, messy curls, sunglasses, and the brightest smile anyone had ever seen.

Kim Taehyung.

Twenty-six years old.

He smiled at strangers.

He greeted airport staff.

He even helped an elderly woman lift her luggage without being asked.

"Thank you, young man."

"My pleasure."

His voice carried warmth that made people smile back without realizing it.

Outside the airport, rain began to fall.

Taehyung stretched both arms toward the grey sky.

"Welcome home," he whispered.

No one noticed the tiny cough he hid behind his sleeve.

No one noticed the folded envelope inside his jacket.

No one noticed the hospital bracelet he quietly removed before stepping into the taxi.

Some secrets were easier to carry alone.

Meanwhile...

Park Bo-gum was late.

Again.

His expensive sports car stopped in front of a luxury hotel.

He rushed out, nearly tripping over his own shoes.

"I'm not late!"

His assistant checked his watch.

"Sir... the meeting ended twenty-three minutes ago."

Bo-gum blinked.

"...Oh."

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

"I bought everyone coffee?"

"They already left."

"...Can I drink them?"

His assistant sighed.

Sometimes being rich couldn't save someone from being hopelessly adorable.

That evening...

Jungkook stood alone on the rooftop of his office building.

The city lights stretched endlessly before him.

Beautiful.

Yet somehow...

Lonely.

He looked at the message on his phone.

Mom: Come home safely. I'll wait for dinner.

He smiled faintly.

"I'll be there soon."

Just as he turned to leave...

A loud laugh echoed from the rooftop entrance.

A stranger walked in as if he owned the sky itself.

His white shirt danced in the wind.

His smile was impossibly bright.

His eyes...

They carried happiness.

And sadness.

At the same time.

Neither of them spoke.

For a brief moment...

The entire noisy city disappeared.

Only the wind remained.

Taehyung smiled first.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?"

Jungkook looked at him for a second before quietly replying,

"...Yes."

Neither of them knew it.

But that ordinary evening...

Would quietly change all three of their lives forever.

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