Chapter 18

Meanwhile With Eunwoo

Eunwoo was at the airport, dressed neatly. His eyes searched the crowd for someone for a long time. When his gaze landed on a familiar figure, a bright smile appeared on his face, and his eyes turned glossy. The person also saw him, and Eunwoo immediately ran to her and hugged her tightly.

“Noona! I missed you so much,” Eunwoo said in a cracked voice to his sister, Park Haein.

“Aish, Eunwoo, let me see you,” Haein said, trying to break the hug, but Eunwoo tightened his grip. He hugged her like there was no tomorrow.

“Noona!” Eunwoo suddenly burst into tears, crying hard.

“Eunwoo-yah, don’t cry now. See, I’m here. I came back, and I’ll never leave you alone again. Noona will always be with you, so don’t cry, please. It makes me sad,” Haein said softly, her own eyes turning glassy.

They hadn’t met for almost two years due to certain reasons

“I-I missed you a lot. I was a-alone here. I m-missed you so mu—” Before he could finish, Eunwoo started crying harder.

“Eunnie, look at me,” Haein said softly as she broke the hug. She cupped her little brother’s tear-streaked face gently and wiped away his tears.

“Noona is here now, hmm? I’m back, and I’ll never leave you again. I’m so sorry for leaving you alone. Please don’t cry, hmm? Be happy, come on, smile,” she said with a warm smile, trying to cheer him up.

Eunwoo sniffled and smiled a little.

“My cute Eunnie, smile more,” Haein encouraged softly.

Eunwoo gave a small smile while still sniffling. Haein ruffled his hair lovingly and side-hugged him.

“My Eunwoo is so handsome now, huh?” Haein teased.

Eunwoo blushed and whined, “Ahh, Noona, stop it!”

Haein chuckled and glanced at the guards present to assist her. “Carry the luggage,” she ordered in a cold tone.

The guards nodded, picked up the luggage, and followed Eunwoo and Haein to the car.

—

In the Car

Eunwoo was lying on Haein’s lap as she gently caressed his hair.

“Noona,” Eunwoo called softly.

“Nae, Eun?” Haein responded.

“I missed you a lot,” Eunwoo said.

“I’m sorry, Eunwoo-” Before she could finish, Eunwoo interrupted.

“You don’t need to be sorry, Noona. I know what situation you were in. I just missed you a lot, and I know you missed me too,” Eunwoo said.

“Nae, I missed you so much, really a lot. I always thought about you and hoped you were fine here,” Haein said, smiling warmly.

Eunwoo smiled back and closed his eyes. “Finally, I can get some homemade food,” he said with his eyes closed, making Haein chuckle.

—

At Eunwoo’s Apartment

The moment Haein opened the door, she was shocked to see the mess. Eunwoo mentally slapped himself for not cleaning the house.

“Yah, Park Eunwoo! What the hell is this mess, huh?” Haein asked,.totally done be him.

“Sorry, sorry! I’ll clean it before you freshen up,” Eunwoo said quickly and began picking up clothes scattered around.

“You better clean it,” Haein said before heading to freshen up.

After she came out, she saw Eunwoo washing the dishes, and the apartment was s9 clean. She smiled and went to him.

“What does my eun want?” Haein asked cheerfully.

“Umm, anything from my Noona,” Eunwoo replied with a smile.

Haein chuckled and began cooking their favorite dishes. Eunwoo helped her, and the kitchen was filled with laughter.

When they finished cooking, they sat down to eat, laughing and chatting happily.

—

They were watching a movie together in bedroom.

“Should I bring some shakes?” Eunwoo asked.

“Hmm, bring it,” Haein said, still chewing her snack.

Eunwoo smiled and went to the fridge. “Noona, chocolate or banana milk?” he asked.

“Banana milk,” Haein replied with a bright smile.

Eunwoo smiled back but suddenly his smile faltered, same for haein “Here, Noona,” he said, handing her the bottle.

Haein started drinking but glanced at Eunwoo from time to time.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine,” Eunwoo said suddenly.

“Huh?” Haein asked, confused.

“I said I’m fine. I have you, right?” Eunwoo said, lying down on her lap.

“Hmm, I’m here with you,” Haein said softly, caressing his hair.

They continued watching TV, but both were lost in their thoughts.

“He’s here,” Eunwoo said suddenly.

“Huh? Who?” Haein asked, confused.

“Jungkook… Kim Jungkook came back to Korea. He’s my classmate,” Eunwoo said, making Haein pause.

“O-oh. O-okay. D-did you both s-speak?” Haein asked nervously, though she already knew about Jungkook’s return from Hyunwoo.

“Hmm, he was here today,” Eunwoo said, his voice calm, though Haein noticed the sadness in it.

“He… here?” Haein asked, still confused.

“Hmm, for a mission. That bastard made us work together,” Eunwoo replied bitterly.

“Ah, o-okay. D-don’t worry, hmm? I’m here now. You don’t need to stress about anything. P-“

Eunwoo interrupted, “I don’t miss him or care about him.”

“Eunnie-” Haein tried to speak, but Eunwoo cut her off again.

“Don’t worry, Noona. I’m fine. I have you, and that’s enough for me,” Eunwoo said firmly.

“Nae, I’m here for you, Eun,” Haein said.

“Hmm,” Eunwoo hummed softly and closed his eyes. A tear escaped his eye, unnoticed by haein.

Haein gently patted his hair as she got lost in her thoughts.

—

“What happened to you, Kookie? Noona loves you so much. I really miss you a lot, but why are you like this? Are you doing well, Kookie? Please come back to us,” Haein thought to herself.

She glanced at Eunwoo, who had fallen asleep by now.

“I’m sorry, Eunnie. I made you suffer alone here. I won’t leave you alone again. I promise,” she whispered, gently adjusting Eunwoo into a comfortable sleeping position.

She lay down beside him and closed her eyes, eventually drifting off to sleep.

—

Jungkook stirred from his sleep. He opened his eyes, feeling the burn in them.

He just lay on the bed in the same position, the light throbbing pain in his head making him sigh. Sitting up, a wave of dizziness hit him, causing him to groan in frustration.

Frustrated, he held his hair tightly. “Please, just let me be alone. Why are these fucking headaches and dizziness so frequent?” he mumbled, annoyed by the relentless discomfort.

Reaching for the glass of water on his nightstand, he drank it in one gulp.

The room was empty, and the darkness and silence of the mansion suffocated him. Feeling restless, he stood up and walked out of the room.

The dark, cold halls were familiar to him; they mirrored the emptiness he carried within. He headed for the terrace, seeking solace under the night sky.

Leaning against the wall, he slid down until he was sitting on the cold ground. Looking up at the moon, he whispered, “Eomma…”

A lump formed in his throat as his voice cracked. “C-can I come to you? It’s too tiring, eomma. I-I just want to hug you and sleep in your embrace. I don’t have any hope left to live in this world.” His voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. But he didn’t let them fall.

He sat there, staring blankly at the moon, his expression void of any emotion.

—

With Jin

Jin woke from his light sleep.

The words “Appa… please… don’t…” from Jungkook’s troubled voice echoed in his head, refusing to let him rest.

He had barely slept a few hours, but the unease in his heart wouldn’t let him ignore the situation.

He glanced at the clock-it was 4:26 a.m. Sighing, he got up and decided to check on everyone.

Walking down the dimly lit hallway, he paused outside Taehyung’s room. Deciding to check on him, he quietly opened the door.

Inside, Taehyung was sleeping peacefully, hugging his pillow in a position that made Jin chuckle softly. His gaze landed on the small stuffed bear Taehyung always kept close, and Jin’s heart warmed at the sight.

He walked over to Taehyung’s bed, smiling as he gently ran his fingers through Taehyung’s silky hair. “Always be happy, Tae. Hyungie will always be here for you,” he whispered softly.

He leaned down to press a gentle peck on Taehyung’s head before quietly leaving the room.

As he walked toward Jungkook’s room, Jin’s heart grew heavier. He pushed open the door and froze when he found the room empty. Panic surged through him as he quickly scanned the room.

“Jungkook?” he called out, his voice low but urgent.

The bed was unmade, and the glass of water on the nightstand was empty. Jin’s worry deepened. He hurried to check the bathroom, but it was empty too.

Where could Jungkook have gone at this hour?

He went downstairs in a panic, worried about his Jungkook. After searching all the rooms in the mansion, he finally noticed the terrace door was open. He headed there and saw Jungkook sitting on the floor, scrolling through his mobile. Jin sighed in relief.

“Jungkook-ah,” Jin called, his voice soft but firm.

Jungkook flinched at the sudden sound and looked up to see Jin standing there. He sighed softly.

“Nae?” Jungkook replied, his voice calm but distant.

“What are you doing here, Kook?” Jin asked, sitting down beside him.

“Nothing, just… sitting,” Jungkook said casually, avoiding Jin’s eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” Jin asked softly, his eyes filled with concern. He sat near jungkook.

Jungkook hummed in response, keeping his gaze down. Jin nodded, unsure of how to bridge the silence between them. After a few moments, he asked, “Umm… are you comfortable here?”

Jungkook nodded again. Jin smiled, though the silence still felt heavy.

“Jungkook-ah,” Jin began hesitantly, “I’m sorry if you’ve felt like we’re nagging you. W-we’re just… concerned about you.” His voice was calm and sincere, his soft smile trying to convey warmth.

Jungkook finally looked at Jin, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Y-you care about me?” he asked bitterly, his tone calm but laced with something deeper.

“Of course, I do, tae do, and all do,” Jin said, nodding firmly.

Jungkook chuckled dryly, turning away. “I’m not worth your care. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself,” he said, his voice distant, almost detached.

Jin blinked, confused and a bit hurt by Jungkook’s words. He didn’t fully grasp the sadness buried in them.

“W-what do you mean, Kook?” Jin asked, his voice gentle but firm. “You’re my brother. Of course, I care about you. Tae cares about you. We all care about you.”

Jungkook didn’t respond, simply nodding faintly.

After a moment of silence, Jin stood. “It’s getting cold outside, Kook. Come on, let’s go in,” he said softly, offering a hand.

Jungkook nodded and got up, but as soon as he stood, a wave of dizziness hit him. He stumbled slightly, Jin quickly stepping forward to support him.

“Are you okay?” Jin’s voice was filled with worry.

Jungkook looked up at Jin, noticing the genuine concern in jim’s eyes-there was no hint of fake care or hate he heard. “I-I’m fine,” he said quietly.

Jin sighed in relief, placing a hand on Jungkook’s forehead to check for a fever. Finding none, he smiled warmly. “Let’s go inside, hmm?”

Jungkook nodded again, this time more confidently, and the two headed back downstairs.

—

Jungkook went to his room, while Jin stayed in the living room, scrolling through his phone. As he browsed, a news article caught his eye.

It was about their father’s new project, with whispers of an upcoming revelation-possibly about the youngest Kim son. Jin’s heart sank, worry and fear creeping in. He sat there lost in thought.

—

By 8 a.m., Jin was in the dining hall, fully dressed for work. He smiled warmly as he saw Jungkook coming downstairs, also ready for school.

“Good morning, Kook,” Jin greeted.

Jungkook nodded silently and sat at the table. Moments later, they heard Taehyung’s fast footsteps echoing through the house.

“Yah, come slowly, Tae,” Jin called out, shaking his head.

Taehyung grinned as he approached. “Good morning, hyungie! Good morning, Kookie!” he chirped.

Jin smiled and returned the greeting. Jungkook just gave a small nod.

“Hahhh, I’m so hungry!” Taehyung announced as he plopped down beside them.

They began eating. As usual, Jungkook was quiet, while Jin and Taehyung tried to engage him in conversation.

Taehyung grabbed the ketchup bottle and tried to pour some onto his food, but nothing came out. Frustrated, he shook the bottle and tried again. Still nothing.

“Aish,” Taehyung muttered, sighing dramatically. Jin chuckled at his antics, while Jungkook glanced at him, quietly munching his food.

Finally, Taehyung pressed the ketchup bottle with all his might, holding it too close to his face. The ketchup suddenly squirted out, splattering all over his face.

Jin burst out laughing. “Aish, Taehyung-ah!” he said between chuckles.

Taehyung glared at him, but before he could respond, they heard a familiar sound they hadn’t heard in years-a bright, genuine laugh.

It was Jungkook.

Jungkook was laughing.

Both Jin and Taehyung froze for a moment, their eyes wide. Then they smiled warmly, their hearts swelling at the sound.

“Hahaha, y-you should see your face Hahaha!” Jungkook laughed uncontrollably, clutching his stomach.

Taehyung and Jin exchanged a look, their smiles growing wider.

Jungkook eventually stopped, his laughter fading as he realized what he’d just done. It had been years since he’d laughed like that. He lowered his gaze, a flicker of sadness crossing his face.

“Tae, go clean up,” Jin said, still chuckling.

Taehyung nodded, standing up with a grin. As he left the room, he glanced back at Jungkook, his heart full of hope.

For the first time in a long while, it felt like a piece of their broken family was being mended.

—

Jungkook was about to leave but stopped when Jin called him, “Jungkookie.” The voice was soft and warm.

Jungkook turned back.

“Let me drop you at school,” Jin said.

“N-no, I’ll go with the driver,” Jungkook said hesitantly.

“It’s okay. Come on, let’s go,” Jin insisted.

Jungkook nodded reluctantly. Jin smiled.

“Hyungie, I’m ready! Let’s go!” Tae said cheerfully as he came downstairs.

Jin nodded with a smile, and the three of them went to the car. Jin was driving, Tae sat in the front, and Jungkook sat in the back.

“Kookie, let’s go to the café today, hmm?” Tae asked warmly.

Jungkook nodded.

“Kook, are you taking your medicines properly?” Jin asked, making Jungkook pause.

“N-nae, I’m taking them on time,” Jungkook lied.

Jungkook wasn’t taking his medicines properly. He skipped the pills prescribed by his doctor. Instead, he only took painkillers and benzodiazepines, which he had been strictly instructed not to use.

What is the actual reason behind not taking his pills? Is it because he doesn’t want to recover, or is it something else?

Soon, they reached the university. Jin dropped them off and bid them goodbye with a smile.

“Bye, Tae, Kookie. Make sure to eat properly and take care,” Jin said warmly.

“Bye, Hyungie!” Tae responded cheerfully, while Jungkook simply stared at him.

Jin smiled and drove away.

Tae went to his class, and Jungkook headed to his own.

—

Hey guys how was the chapter.

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