Chapter 89

In Mansion

Jin and Jungkook entered the mansion. Jungkook was still a little pale and shaken, and Jin didn’t push him.

“Did you eat?” Jin asked, his voice calm and gentle. Jungkook nodded. Jin nodded and said softly. “Go to your room and freshen up, hmm?” Jungkook nodded again and left to his room.

Jin sighed and sat on the couch, deep in his thoughts. Then after some minutes he saw Tae coming down from his room. He had his towel over his neck and his hair was still wet.

“Ohhh, hyung, you came this early?” Tae asked. Jin hummed. Tae came and sat near him. “Can’t you dry your hair properly, bear?” Jin said and took the towel, starting to dry it gently. Tae looked at Jin and chuckled.

“You picked Jungkook?” Tae asked. Jin hummed and said, “He went to his room. He got another chest pain and panic attack.”

Tae gasped in worry. “What? How? When? Was he with you when he got it?” Tae asked, clearly worried.vJin nodded and started saying everything, not hiding anything from Tae.

Tae, after hearing it, only became more worried. “H…. he panicked that we’d get to know about him?” he asked, his voice filled with emotion and worry.

Jin hummed and said, “He was angry that we didn’t say anything. He was in his thoughts and suddenly he got it.”

“Hyung… w… why does he get panic attacks randomly? I-is he getting those frequently?” Tae asked, his voice filled with pure worry.

“Hmm… he said he gets them sometimes. I don’t know if I should believe his words about his health. He’s really not opening up. H-he was scared. He was scared for Dad… I think,” Jin said. “Are you going to speak with him about this, hyung?” Tae asked.

“Let’s speak to him tomorrow. Let him rest today, he was so terrified. I don’t want him to get pain again. Ahhh, I regret leaving him alone. I’m sure he’s getting these frequently, and I can tell he’s been hiding many things all these days,” Jin said.

Tae nodded and asked, “W-what do you think about his nightmares, hyung? You think he gets them every day? B-but you know what……. every time I was with him when he slept, I saw him getting nightmares. Is he getting those daily?”

Jin looked at him. He saw his brother’s eyes filling with tears. Jin sighed and hugged his brother. “Don’t worry tae. We’re with him. He’ll be fine. Let’s just make him feel good every day, hmm? We’re here to comfort him when he gets nightmares and soothe him when he has pains or panic attacks,” Jin said.

Tae nodded. “I-I’ll be there with him. I’m gonna be with him when he gets those. He’s going to be safe. He should be fine. He should smile every day,” Tae said.

Jin nodded and chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, he’s going to be, because his Tae Tae is gonna shower him with all his love and care, isn’t he?” Jin said, ruffling Tae’s hair as he broke the hug. Tae chuckled and nodded wiped his tears.

Jin smiled and said, “Are you overworking again, Tae? You have little dark circles,” he teased playfully, though there weren’t actually any dark circles there.

Tae gasped and said, “Ani… I’m not. I don’t have anything, hyung. I just checked and applied an eye pack, you know?”

Jin chuckled. “Nae, nae, you don’t have. And guess what, we’re going to Busan tomorrow for the picnic…”

The next moment, Tae gasped and smiled brightly. “Really?! Then we are going to visit them too right?” Tae asked his voice filled with happiness, “Woahhh, you’re the best ever hyungie! Ahh, I missed halmoni and haraboji a lot. But…. wait….. what about Kook?”

Jin smiled and said, “Don’t worry, he’s going to get all showered with love by his grandparents! They really wanted to see him, and nothing will trigger his health, so don’t worry.”

Tae smiled and nodded. “So how many days are we going to be there? And what about the others? Did you tell them?”

“Hmm, I told them. And we are going to stay there for 3 days. Tomorrow evening, we’re going, okay?” Jin said.

Tae’s smile grew even brighter. “Then I’m going to the beach and also to that restaurant for sure…… Ahh, it’s gonna be so fun!”

Jin chuckled and said, “I asked the maid to warm the milk for Kook. Give it to him and stay with him. I’ll freshen up and come. And yeah, make sure he takes his medicines.”

Tae was already up and heading to the kitchen. Jin chuckled again and went to his room, while Tae took the milk and went to Jungkook’s room.

In Jungkook’s room

Tae knocked on the door. “Come in,” Jungkook’s soft voice came from inside.

Tae stepped in and found Jungkook sitting on the bed, drying his hair. He was already in his pajamas, looking a little tired but calm.

“Are you feeling better now, Kookie?” Tae asked as he placed the glass of milk on the side table. Jungkook nodded, sitting back against the headboard.

“Hmm… here, drink the milk. It’s a little warm,” Tae said, handing it to him.

Jungkook took it with both hands, his fingers curling around the glass. He leaned back, sipping it slowly, the warmth of the milk seeming to relax him a little. “You have a headache? Or… any uneasiness?” Tae asked, watching him closely.

Jungkook shook his head. “I… I’m fine. There’s no pain now.” “Hmmm… really?” Tae raised one eyebrow, doubtful. “Really, hyung. I don’t have any uneasiness. Believe me. Don’t worry this much,” Jungkook said, pouting a little at their constant concern.

Tae couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s my duty to worry for you, my brother,” he said, reaching over to ruffle Jungkook’s hair.

Jungkook sighed, lowering his eyes to the milk, deciding not to argue, and drank in silence. “Did you enjoy yourself at the arcade?” Tae asked softly, watching Jungkook sip his milk.

Jungkook nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “hmmmm… it was fun.” Tae tilted his head slightly. “Hmm, and who did you go with, by the way?”

Jungkook swallowed the warm mouthful before answering. “With Eunwoo… and Chaeyoungie. They’re my classmates.” Tae blinked at the name, his brows lifting. “Oh? Eunwoo? You….. speak with him now?”

“Ani…” Jungkook’s voice dropped. He didn’t look at Tae as he muttered, “We’re enemies. We don’t speak anymore… he hates me.”

The words were said casually, but Tae heard it the faint crack in his tone, the quiet pain underneath.

Tae’s chest tightened. “No, he doesn’t hate you, Kook,” he said firmly. “You know what? That day you fainted…… he was so worried for you. He cried constantly. Haein noona could barely calm him down. He was scared….. really scared for you.”

Jungkook froze, his eyes flicking up to Tae. “H-he cried?” he asked his voice low and disbelief. Tae nodded slowly. “hmmmm. A lot.

Jungkook’s fingers tightened slightly around the glass. He bit down on his lower lip, his gaze dropping again. “But still….. he’s so angry at me.” “Why?” Tae asked gently.

Jungkook took a shaky breath. “B-Because I hurt him the most. I hurted him….. without reason. I left him without even saying goodbye. I made him cry more than anyone else. I…. I hated him for no reason.”

His voice faltered at the end, eyes turning glassy, but he blinked quickly, forcing the tears back. Tae’s heart ached at the wordd. He wanted to pull Jungkook into a hug right then, but he didn’t want to push him too fast. Instead, he reached out, resting a warm hand on Jungkook’s head. “Kookie… some wounds take time to heal. But the way he cried for you… it means he still cares. A lot more than you think.”

Jungkook swallowed hard, his throat tight. He didn’t respond, just took another slow sip of his milk, as if hiding behind the glass.

Look at them, there’s Eunwoo, thinking he hurt Jungkook the most, and here’s Jungkook, believing he hurt Eunwoo the most. Both of them miss each other so badly. They want to be together again, but… why can’t they? They’re still longing for each other, silently aching, yet unable to express it. What a pair they are, two hearts tied together by pain.

Tae sighed softly, his gaze lingering on Jungkook’s downcast face. “Then why don’t you just talk to him? Tell him you’re sorry?” he suggested gently.

Jungkook shook his head immediately, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want him to be my friend… to be with me.”

“Why?” Tae asked, his brows knitting in confusion. Jungkook stayed silent, his lips pressed into a thin line. Tae could see the battle in his eyes, the way his throat tightened like he was holding back words he couldn’t bring himself to say.

Tae let out another quiet sigh. “Alright… speak to him when you feel ready, hmm? He’ll understand you, Kookie. After all, he’s your best friend. He really cares for you, and he was so, so worried about you.”

But Jungkook only shook his head again, murmuring, “I don’t want to…” His voice was low, fragile, almost breaking. Tae noticed the faint trme in Jungkook’s hands as he held the glass, and decided not to push further.

“Okay, okay… you don’t have to talk to him if you don’t want to,” Tae said softly, forcing a small smile as he reached over to caress Jungkook’s hair. “Now, finish your milk and get some rest, Kook.”

Jungkook nodded quietly and lifted the glass, sipping the warm milk in small gulps, his mind still tangled in heavy thoughts. Tae, reached for Jungkook’s medicine box, opened it, and carefully picked out the prescribed tablets. Without a word, he placed them in Jungkook’s hand.

Jungkook obediently took the pills and gulped them down with the milk itself. Once he was done, Tae took the empty glass from him and set it on the table beside the bed.

“Now sleep, hmm? You look a little tired,” Tae said gently, brushing his fingers through Jungkook’s hair.

Jungkook gave a faint nod and lay back against the pillow. Tae pulled the duvet up over him, tucking it around him. Then, moving quietly, Tae turned off the lights, the room falling into a soft, dim calm.

He leaned over, one arm on the bed, his other hand patting Jungkook’s side in a steady rhythm. Jungkook’s gaze drifted toward him in the darkness.

“You’re not going to ask me what happened?” Jungkook murmured. Tae chuckled lightly and continued to stroke his hair. “What should I ask you, hmm? Hyung already told me everything. So just sleep now.”

Jungkook shook his head. “Not about that…. about me?” His voice was even lower this time, almost hesitant.

Tae exhaled slowly, sensing the weight in those words. “Let’s talk tomorrow, Kook. You’re tired now. For tonight, just rest. But remember this….” His tone softened even further, almost a whisper. “I’m always with you. And so are the others. You’re not alone anymore.”

Jungkook stayed silent, his lips pressing together as if holding back something he wanted to say. Tae didn’t push; instead, he lay down properly beside him and continued to pat him gently, offering the silent comfort only an older brother could give.

Jungkook turned to him, then he mumbled softly “D-dont ask to Kim, a-about me please?”  Jungkook asked his voice so low, filled with pain. Tae looked at him with pure worry, “O-okay we won’t, b-but why kook?” Tae asked, Jungkook shook his head and said “J-just promise me you won’t!” Jungkook said and showed his pinky finger, tae linked it with his and said “I-i promise, we won’t, you can trust me” tae said, Jungkook nodded and said “thanks hyungie” he said lowly, and closed his eyes, a silent tear slipped from his eyes which he was holding for a long time.

Tae’s heart clenched at his brother’s silent pain, tae gently pulled him into his embrace and Jungkook didn’t resist, “Hyungie is always with you bun…. You can rely on us, you are not alone hmm? I am with you kook, you are not alone.” Tae said, Jungkook didn’t speak anything. Tae kept on patting his hair and back.

Gradually, Jungkook’s eyelids grew heavier, the warmth of Tae’s presence made him sleep. Thoughts still swirled in his mind, but exhaustion finally pulled him under. Tae watched him, his gaze soft and full of quiet affection. In his eyes, there was nothing but love and an unshakable care for his little brother.

Once Tae was sure Jungkook had drifted off, he adjusted the duvet, wrapping it around them both to keep him warm.

Tae’s eyes lingered on his brother’s peaceful face for a moment before he leaned back and stared at the ceiling. His mind wandered, full of quiet thoughts, worries, hopes, and a silent promise to protect Jungkook no matter what.

Eventually, the weight of the day caught up with him. His eyes grew heavy, and he shifted closer, letting the warmth between them sink in. Slowly, Tae’s breathing matched Jungkook’s, steady and calm.

That night, the two brothers slept side by side, wrapped in the same blanket, safe in each other’s presence.

Meanwhile, with Jin.

After freshening up, Jin stepped out onto his balcony. He took his phone and dialed a number, it was Doctor hwang. The call rang a few times before itl was answered.

“Nae, Seokjin-ssi?” the doctor’s voice came through. “i called to ask about Jungkook’s condition,” Jin said. His voice calm.

“Oh? Why? Did something happen?” the doctor asked, concern in his tone. Jin hummed lowly and explained the situation from earlier. Then, his voice turned calm but firm. “Just tell me….. how many times does he usually get these panic attacks? And don’t you dare tell me a single lie.” his voice was soo dominative and it ran shivers through the doctor’s body.

The doctor hesitated before finally replying. “Umm….. h-he gets them about three or four times a w-week.”

Jin’s voice sharpened instantly. “What the hell are you saying? Last time you told me he got those fucking panic attacks very rarely. Are you fuckig kidding me, doctor?”

“I…. I-I’m sorry, sir, but I had my r-easons. It was Mr. Kim’s order. If Mr. Kim finds out I told you, he’ll…. he’ll literally k-kill me. I’m sorry, sir,” the doctor said, his words trembling.

“Kim’s order, my foot!” Jin’s voice rose in anger. “I didn’t even know about my own brother’s condition. Will your motherfucking boss come running when his son is gasping for breath during a panic attack, huh? He’s not with him now! Today it happened suddenly, out of nowhere and I could tell it was because of his anxiety. I don’t care about your Kim’s orders. From now on, I want the truth about my brother. I don’t care about anything else.”

The doctor hesitated, then gave a small okay. Jin exhaled deeply, forcing his voice into a calmer tone. “We’re going out tomorrow, to Busan. What should I do if he gets one there?”

“Umm…. if his pain becomes too much, make sure he gets his medicine immediately. If he faints or the pain is constant, take him to the nearest hospital right away. Also, make sure he doesn’t strain himself or stress. That’s enough for now. If it’s a panic attack, try to calm him down,” the doctor explained.

Jin hummed before asking, “Why is he getting these pains? As you mentioned before, is it because of poor blood flow?”

“Yes,” the doctor confirmed. “As you know, he was born with a weak heart and underwent two surgeries, one when he was four and another when he was eight. Both saved his life. Now, at nineteen, he’s been straining himself and stressing far too much. Since the age of sixteen, he started experiencing panic attacks and chest pains. When his oxygen flow drops, his heart reacts with pain. His condition isn’t critical at the moment, but it’s something to keep under close watch. I’m not certain, but if these pains become constant, he might need another heart surgery to stabilize him. If he takes care of himself, follows a proper diet, and takes his medicine on time, the issue can be managed with just medication. But if not, surgery will become necessary when the time comes,” the doctor explained thoroughly.

Jin listened intently, his brows furrowing. He finally sighed and said quietly, “I’ll take care of him. Thank you.” With that, he hung up the call, his mind heavy with worry.

He looked up at the moon, its glow soft and steady against the dark sky.

“Eomma…..” his voice was barely a whisper, almost carried away by the night breeze. “How are you? Good? Did you see our Kook from up there? You’ve seen all his pain, haven’t you? But… I…” his words faltered, his throat tightening. “I wasn’t able to see his pain, even though he was right here with me. I feel like… I’m not doing enough for him. I’m sorry, Eomma. I’m not keeping my promise.”

His gaze stayed fixed on the moon, as if hoping it would speak back to him. “I just want them to be happy. That’s all I want. Just seeing them smile, it makes me smile too. Kook……. he’s not the same, Eomma. You can see him, right? When he first came, he was so quiet, so distant. He didn’t speak to anyone. But slowly…. he started to come out of his shell. Only a little, though.”

Jin’s lips curved into the faintest, bittersweet smile. “He started smiling at least once a day. At first, I thought he was just taking his time to feel comfortable with us…….” His voice trailed off, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears

Then he continued, his voice trembling with emotion. “Then…. I realised…. he wasn’t taking his time to get comfortable with us, Eomma. He was just trying to find a little bit of peace. He wasn’t silent because we were strangers to him…. but because he was scared.” Jin’s chest tightened, the words scraping past the lump in his throat. “He’s been through so much, Eomma. And i….. I wasn’t there with him.”

His gaze softened, yet his eyes with pain. “He looked at Aunt like his own mother…… and then she died right in front of him. It must’ve been so hard for him, right? And…. he was dragged into the mafia when he was just eleven. Eleven, Eomma…” His voice cracked.

“I promised, I’d protect them from appa, Eomma. But I couldn’t keep that promise. I saved Tae and Chim from him…. but Jungkook?” His jaw clenched. “He’s the youngest. And yet…. he was thrown into that hell.”

Jin’s shoulders trembled. “Appa…. he… he lost his senses after your death, Eomma. He changed so much because of the pain of losing you. I know he loves Kook the most…. but how could he send him there? How could he let him face that? He made the biggest mistake of his life. And I….” Jin’s eyes glistened with fierce hurt. “I will never forgive him for that. Are you…. are you angry at him too?” His voice dropped to a whisper.

Finally, a single tear slipped free, tracing a slow path down his cheek. He took a deep breath, eyes never leaving the moon. “I’ll keep him safe, Eomma. I promise. He’s going to be okay. Our Kook…. will never work in that hell again. And he will never be alone. Not while I’m here. Not when his brothers are with him” His voice steadied, laced with quiet determination.

In that moment, Jin wasn’t just talking to the moon, he was making a vow to the heavens themselves.

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.

.

They thought Jungkook had been alone…. that he had been dragged into the mafia at a young age and had little trauma because of his mom’s death and nothing more. That alone had already broken them, already left them haunted and sleepless. But little did they know, Jungkook hadn’t just been pulled into the shadows. He had faced the very heart of that hell, stared straight into its darkness, and survived, barely. And still trying to survive?

That was why he carried so much pain now. Pain that they could see in his eyes but never fully understand.

Would they ever be able to forgive themselves for not being there? Would they ever be able to forgive him for hiding it all? Or would the truth, when it finally comes, shatter them beyond repair?

How long could they keep their secrets buried? Each one weighed heavier than the last, chains that grew tighter with every passing day. And when those chains finally breaks, regret would come crashing down like a big wave….big enough to drown them all.

They thought the worst was over. They thought the storm had passed. But what they had endured so far….. was not even ten percent of what was coming.

The real storm was still on the waiting list. And when it hit, it would be merciless. The only question was….. would they be able to hold on to each other… or would the storm tear them apart?

Hey guys how was the chapter, good?

Seems lyk the story is getting bored! Thats why you guys aren’t commenting?

It’s been 87 chapters already! And I see still you guys aren’t engaging with the story properly! I am jealous of those authors who gets numerous comments without even trying!

I am really mad at myself for always waiting!

Anyway see you in next chapter bye!