Chapter 22

The next morning, it was already 7:15. Jin was in the living room, all ready to go to work. He was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

He was startled by a sudden hug and instantly relaxed when he realized who it was. “Slept well, Tae?” Jin asked softly.

“Nae, I slept well. You?” Tae asked.

“Hmm, I slept well,” Jin said with a smile. Tae smiled back.

“Let’s eat breakfast, hmm?” Jin said with a smile and got up. Tae nodded and looked around, searching for Jungkook.

“Hyungie, where is Jungkook?” Tae asked.

“I think he’s getting ready. Wait, I’ll go and bring him,” Jin said, and Tae nodded.

Jin went to Jungkook’s room and knocked on the door, but there was no response. “Kook,” he called, still no response. “Kook, I’m coming in,” Jin said, but again, no response. He sighed and opened the door slowly.

His eyes softened at the sight. Jungkook was sleeping peacefully in bed, while the blanket was on the floor.

Jin smiled and walked over to Jungkook. He sat on the bed without disturbing his sleep.

He looked at his brother’s peaceful face and smiled at the small pout.

He chuckled and was about to wake him but stopped when he noticed something in Jungkook’s hand.

It was a photo frame of him and Eunwoo. Jin furrowed his brows. “This boy… I’ve seen him somewhere,” he thought, trying to remember where he had met Eunwoo.

He sighed, unable to recall, and gently took the frame, placing it on the side table.

He tapped Jungkook’s chest gently to wake him. “Kookie, it’s time for university,” he said softly.

“Kookie, wake up, bun,” he whispered. Jungkook whined in his sleep.

“Noonaaa, 5 more minutes… so sleepy,” Jungkook mumbled in his sleep.

Jin’s smile faltered at the name “noona,” but he chuckled at Jungkook’s cuteness. He assumed the “noona” Jungkook mentioned must have been a maid.

“Koo-koo-ya, wake up, bun,” Jin said again, patting Jungkook’s chest.

Jungkook, half-asleep and hearing the name “koo-koo,” shot his eyes open. He saw Jin smiling at him.

Jungkook’s wide eyes slowly calmed. He gulped. “Huh?” Jungkook asked, confused.

“Don’t you want to go to school?” Jin asked.

Jungkook stared at him, then looked around and saw the bright light. He panicked and sat up straight.

“Hey, hey, don’t panic. It’s just 7:30 in the morning. Your university starts at 9,” Jin said, chuckling.

Jungkook just stared. “I’m sorry… I overslept,” Jungkook said, fully panicked. He was scared. Waking up late felt like a big crime to him, and his fear was evident.

Jin shook his head. “No, no… no need to be sorry. It’s okay. Here, first drink some water and calm down,” Jin said, handing him a glass of water.

Jungkook took the glass and gulped it down.

“Now go and freshen up, hmm? Don’t need to panic. Nothing’s going to happen,” Jin said in a soft, calming voice.

Jungkook nodded mindlessly. He got up and went to the washroom.

Jin chuckled at his behavior, thinking it was just a normal reaction.

But he didn’t know that Jungkook’s panic had a different story than he thought. He didn’t even have the slightest idea of what Jungkook was going through.

Would he ever find out?

Downstairs, Jin went to the dining hall, where Tae was already present.

Tae gave Jin a bright smile. Jin chuckled.

“Where’s Kook, Hyungie?” Tae asked.

“He’s getting ready. He just woke up,” Jin said.

Tae gave Jin a surprised look. “Really? He woke up just now? That’s odd. He’s usually up so early.”

“He said he overslept that’s it. Don’t need worry hmm?” Jin assured him.

Little did he know there is more to worry about

With Jungkook

Jungkook hurriedly took a quick shower. After finishing, he came out and began dressing in his uniform. As he pulled on his shirt in haste, his shoulder bumped against the edge of the wardrobe, causing him to wince in pain. He clutched his shoulder, where a deep bruise was already forming.

Shutting his eyes tightly, he tried to bear the pain. How pitiful, he thought bitterly. He didn’t even have anyone to help treat his wounds or take care of him. Was it such a big wish to ask for someone to care for him? Just one person who could look after him? But no—he had no one.

No one to treat his wounds. No one he could rely on. No one to comfort him when things got tough.

That’s what he believed.

Letting out a shaky breath, Jungkook walked to the washroom and grabbed the first-aid kit. He tried his best to treat the wound himself, but his hands trembled too much. Frustrated, he sighed and haphazardly wrapped the bandage around the bruise. He didn’t care if it wasn’t done properly.

Afterward, he threw on his coat and grabbed his tie, ID card, and bag. Not even bothering to fix his messy hair, he rushed downstairs.

As he reached the hallway, he glanced at the time. It was already past 8:30. Hurrying to leave, he was about to step out when Jin’s voice stopped him.

“Jungkook.”

Jungkook turned, looking at Jin with questioning eyes.

“Come and eat before you go,” Jin said.

“I don’t have an appetite,” Jungkook replied curtly, shaking his head.

Jin sighed. It was the same excuse every day. “Come on, Kookie, at least eat a little. You didn’t eat dinner yesterday either. You’re always skipping meals—it’s not good for your health.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. Both Jin and Tae noticed his irritation.

“I’m already fucking late. I don’t have an appetite. Just let me be. You don’t need to fucking care about me,” Jungkook said sharply, his words cutting deep.

Tae looked hurt and opened his mouth to speak, but Jin stopped him with a raised hand. “Tae, bring a juice bottle,” Jin instructed. Tae sighed and went to the kitchen.

Jin approached Jungkook and began silently adjusting his shirt and coat. Jungkook, surprised, looked into Jin’s calm eyes. His expression softened for a moment, but a flicker of fear crossed his face. Jin’s calmness was unsettling.

Jin fixed Jungkook’s tie and smoothed out his messy hair. Once he was done, he stepped back. Tae returned and handed Jin the juice bottle.

Jin gave it to Jungkook, his voice gentle but firm. “Here, Jungkook. Don’t forget to drink it. And make sure you eat lunch.”

Jungkook nodded reluctantly, taking the juice from Jin’s hands.

“And no cursing in the mansion,” Jin added calmly. “Especially not from you.”

Jungkook mentally rolled his eyes and walked out without responding. He didn’t care about Jin’s words.

Tae watched Jungkook leave and then glanced at Jin, who was eerily calm. Tae knew this wasn’t a good sign. Jin was always calm on the outside when he was angry or upset.

“H-Hyung…” Tae called hesitantly.

“Come on, Tae. Let’s eat—it’s already time,” Jin said calmly. Tae gulped and nodded, joining Jin at the table.

The two ate in silence. Tae kept glancing at Jin, trying to read his expression, but all he saw was Jin’s calm face.

“Eat, Tae,” Jin said without looking up. Tae nodded.

“Don’t worry about Jungkook’s words,” Jin said softly. “I’ll talk to him later. So don’t worry, hmm?”

Tae nodded with a small smile, reassured by Jin’s words.

With Jungkook

Jungkook ran into his class, panting from the run. His class teacher, Miss Shin, was already taking attendance.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Jungkook said, slightly out of breath.

Miss Shin looked up. “Yes, Jungkook. Come in. Why are you late?”

Jungkook bowed deeply in apology. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I overslept,” he admitted truthfully.

Miss Shin smiled and nodded. “It’s okay. You can take your seat.”

Jungkook walked to his place quietly and sat down.

“Mr. Park Eunwoo,” Miss Shin called out, noticing lounging on the table.

“Yes, Miss Shin,” Eunwoo replied playfully, sitting up straight.

“Get up, Eunwoo. Class is about to start,” she said with a sigh.

“Yes, ma’am!” Eunwoo replied, saluting her in an exaggerated manner.

The class erupted into laughter at his antics—everyone except Jungkook.

Jungkook glanced at Eunwoo, who was laughing with his friends. A faint smile on his face. “Always smile eun” Jungkook thought.

He clenched his fist, thinking to himself, Why did you enter the mafia again, Eunwoo? He made a silent promise. I’ll take you and Noona out of this hell no matter what happens. I’ll protect both of you.

With Tae

Tae sat in his class, his mind wandering to Jungkook and Jin. He was deeply concerned about both of them, even though he tried to focus on the lesson.

The teacher soon announced the upcoming college event.

“So today, I’ll be announcing the groups that will participate in the event,” the teacher began.

Everyone in the class buzzed with excitement.

“I’m selecting three groups for this event,” the teacher continued. “The first group consists of Kai, Changbin, and Suho.”

The class applauded.

“The second group includes Junho, Jaeha, and Nahyeon.”

More applause followed.

“And the final group…” The class grew even more excited.

“Jimin, Jennie, and Taehyung.”

The three names rang out, and the class burst into cheers. Jimin and Tae stood up, grinning from ear to ear.

Jennie walked over to them, looking surprised. “I can’t believe I’m in the group,” she said, still processing the news.

“I’m so glad we’re working together,” Jimin said with a bright smile.

Jennie smiled back, but then noticed Tae glaring at her. “I’m not happy,” Tae said bluntly, just to tease her.

Jennie frowned. “Well, I’m not interested in working with you either, Gucci Grandpa!” she snapped, grabbing Jimin’s arm with a pout.

Tae, annoyed, grabbed Jimin’s other arm. “Tell that Grandma I don’t want to work with her either,” he said dramatically.

“Yah! Tell that Gucci Grandpa to keep quiet!” Jennie retorted.

Jimin sighed as the two bickered. “I’m the one suffering here,” he muttered under his breath.

With Jin

Jin sat in his cabin, wearing his glasses as he studied some documents. The door opened, and Yoongi walked in.

“Hyung, here’s the information you asked for,” Yoongi said, handing over a file.

“Thanks. Sit,” Jin said, not looking up.

Yoongi nodded and sat on the couch, waiting as Jin finished his work. Once Jin was done, he took off his glasses and leaned back, resting his head on the couch.

“Something’s wrong. What happened?” Yoongi asked, sensing Jin’s unease.

“It’s about Jungkook,” Jin finally admitted.

“What happened to him?” Yoongi asked, his tone serious.

Jin explained everything about Jungkook’s behavior—his anger, his refusal to eat, and his harsh words that morning.

Yoongi sighed. “Talk to him this evening, Hyung. He’ll understand.”

“I hope so,” Jin said softly.

Their conversation was interrupted by Jin’s phone ringing. He glanced at the caller ID. It was Mr. Kim.

Jin sighed before answering. “Hello, Dad.”

“Where are you?” Mr. Kim asked.

“I’m at the office,” Jin replied.

“Tomorrow is the event. Make sure everything is arranged,” Mr. Kim said.

“I will,” Jin assured him.

“And ask Tae and Jimin to take the day off. They’ll attend the event too,” Mr. Kim added.

“Okay dad. Umm, will Jungkook also join?” Jin asked hesitantly, hoping for a ‘no.’

“No, he won’t. He has nothing to do tomorrow,” Kim said firmly.

“Okay, Dad. By the way, when will you reach here?” Jin asked.

“I’ll head straight to the event,” Kim replied.

“Nae, Dad,” Jin said.

“Alright then, I’ll hang up now. Look into the arrangements,” Kim said before ending the call.

Jin sighed in relief. “Phew, what a relief. He said Kook isn’t going to be involved in this,” Jin said, smiling. He was so happy that Jungkook wouldn’t have to participate.

“Really? Wow, I’m so happy now. Hah, your dad surely knows how to keep us on edge,” Yoongi said, visibly relieved too.

Jin chuckled.

“Did you talk to Appa?” Yoongi asked.

“Ani, I didn’t. I’ll call in the evening,” Jin replied. Yoongi hummed in acknowledgment.

“If Kim does anything to Kook, I swear, I’ll never forgive him for doing that to you. Never,” Yoongi said, clenching his fists in frustration.

“Yoongi-ah, calm down. Look at me, I’m fine now. I’m recovering,” Jin tried to reassure him.

Yoongi looked at Jin, and that’s when Jin noticed tears welling in Yoongi’s eyes.

“Hey, Yoongs, why? What happened?” Jin asked, panicking as he gently hugged Yoongi.

“You’re lying. You’re not fine. I know you still reach out to him,” Yoongi said, his voice trembling.

Jin stayed silent, just rubbing Yoongi’s back. “No, I don’t,” Jin finally muttered.

“Now you’re lying again. You’re still trying to contact him. I know it, Hyung,” Yoongi said, punching Jin lightly on the chest.

“Okay, okay. I try… but I know he won’t contact me anymore after everything that happened. But I’m happy knowing he’s doing well. You know what? When I asked Dad, he said he’s fine and doesn’t need me to contact him. That’s why I stopped trying. I’m happy, though,” Jin said softly.

Yoongi broke the hug. “Why did Kim do that? I know Suho-hyung isn’t angry with you, but… why doesn’t he contact you or anyone?” Yoongi asked.

“I don’t know, but… let’s leave it,” Jin said, covering his face with his hands.

“Hyung, you’re not fine. But remember, I’m here for you. Hobi, Joonie, and everyone else are here for you too,” Yoongi assured him.

Jin smiled and looked at Yoongi. “Nae, I’m so lucky to have you all around me,” Jin said.

Yoongi smiled back. “Keep that smile, Hyung. Don’t hide your emotions from me. You can share them with me,” Yoongi said gently.

“Thank you, Yoongs,” Jin said with a grateful smile.

Yoongi smiled warmly.

With Jungkook

Jungkook was in his class, attending the Accounts class (Miss Shin’s class). He hadn’t eaten his lunch, and he was feeling weaker than ever.

His headache was only getting worse, and he’d forgotten to bring his painkillers. He was trying to pay attention, but the dizziness and weakness were making it impossible.

Eunwoo noticed the distress on Jungkook’s face and felt worried.

“Okay, so who’s willing to solve this sum?” Miss Shin asked.

No one volunteered; everyone tried to avoid eye contact.

“Hmm, so should I choose? Okay, umm… yah, Park Eunwoo,” Miss Shin called out to Eunwoo, who was lost in his thoughts and staring out the window.

“Huh?” Eunwoo asked, confused.

“Come on, solve this sum,” Miss Shin said with an exasperated look.

Eunwoo sighed and stood up. “Why is it always me?” he muttered to himself before starting the sum. However, instead of using Miss Shin’s method, he used a different method taught by a private tutor Kim had assigned.

Jungkook, completely unaware of what was happening, focused solely on his worsening headache and pain.

Soon, Eunwoo finished the sum and was about to return to his seat when Miss Shin stopped him.

“Yah, Park Eunwoo. What is this, huh? This isn’t even my method. Your answer is correct, but what are those words?” Miss Shin asked, clearly annoyed also she pointed on the Italian words eunwoo used.

“Shit,” Eunwoo mumbled under his breath, realizing he had used the advanced method he learned from Kim’s appointed teachers.

Kim had made sure that both Eunwoo and Jungkook received education far beyond their age, learning material meant for older students.

“I’m sorry,” Eunwoo said, hurriedly erasing the board.

“You’re really born to annoy me, Eunwoo,” Miss Shin said with a sigh.

“Hehe, sorry,” Eunwoo replied before returning to his seat.

“Okay, next. Who’s ready to solve the sum?” Miss Shin asked again.

Still, no one volunteered. That’s when her eyes landed on Jungkook, who was sitting with his head down.

“Okay, Jungkook will solve this,” Miss Shin announced.

Jungkook flinched and looked up, confused.

“Huh?” he asked.

“Come on, solve the sum,” Miss Shin said.

Jungkook sighed and stood up. He hadn’t listened to the class, but he solved the sum anyway, unknowingly using the same advanced method as Eunwoo.

Once done, he started walking back to his seat, but Miss Shin stopped him.

“Seriously? Are you guys kidding me? What are these words? And what is this method?” Miss Shin asked in disbelief.

Jungkook mentally cursed himself for making the mistake. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled and returned to his seat.

“Did you and Eunwoo study in the same school or something?” Miss Shin asked, raising her eyebrows.

“No,” both of them answered in unison.

Miss Shin sighed in frustration. “Alright, let’s continue. And listen here,” she said, resuming her lecture.

Meanwhile, Eunwoo and Jungkook exchanged glares.

“What’s with these two?” Chaeyoung, who noticed their exchange, thought curiously.

Finally, the university day was over, and students started leaving.

Jungkook packed his things and checked his phone. He saw a message from Jin: “We’re waiting in the park, Kook.”

He sighed and started walking to the park, which was close to the university.

As he walked, a sudden wave of dizziness hit him. He held his head, stopping in the middle of the road.

A truck was speeding toward him, but Jungkook didn’t notice it, too consumed by his pain and dizziness.

The truck was about to hit him

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“Ahhh,” he whimpered as someone grabbed him and pulled him out of harm’s way.

Hey guys how was the chapter.

I am sorry for late update hehe. I had my studies.

So any guesses for upcoming chapters???

I shared a spoiler but no one responded to it. Whyyyyyyyy? 😤

Okay again HAEIN AND JUNGKOOK IS GONNA MEET in next chapter. Any guesses???

And SOMETHING UNEXPECTED is going to happen in the event any Guesses?

And what you guys think about Suho Hyungie that jin mentioned. Any guesses

This chapter has words like about 3k. Can you believe huff..

So today’s Target is 10+ comment. Once you complete I’ll update. If you want double update then do it.

I will not update until you guys comment and tell your opinions about the things I said above.

So comment only if you all complete my request I’ll update. If not then I’ll also will not update.