Seoul, South Korea Present time.
"I am so nervous Yoongi.My hands are shaking.." Jimin admitted , rubbing his sweaty palms on his tight , blue jeans feeling a string of sweat running down his spine.
"We have come this far.Don't you want to meet them? We have been anticipating this very moment for as long as I can remember.Stop being a coward babe!"
Jimin tossed his head back , lifting up his perfectly shaped chin, rolling his eyes at the same time." Who are you calling a coward ,lazy cat?"
"Then quit nagging .You have been doing it since morning. Pacing back and forth, mumbling,nagging." He purposely ignored the 'sleepy cat' comment because it hardly the time to start a fight.
"I am not!"he protested, giving him an intimidating glare."If it was just a social visit I would be ok but ...."
"We'll explain,they will snub, we'll explain more they'll understand-- eventually!"He pushed his hands inside his pockets."Ring the bell."
A minute later, the door opened widely and Jin was oddly speechless.Before they react the older hugged both of them,wreathed in smiles."My boys!My darling boys! I can't believe it!"
"You are a hard man to find hyung!"Yoongi jabbered, raising a brow.
"How did you find us? After so long! Does anybody else know?"
"My husband went to great lengths to discover you..plus he is the best investigator in Korea."Jimin boasted proudly.
"My Yoongi...a detective!Hyung is very proud of you!"Jin replied the smile never leaving his handsome face,escorting them inside the house.
"Namjoon's jaw will drop when he sees you!"
Kim Namjoon was spotted sitting in the dining table,hunched forward,buried behind a pile of books, catalogues and documents. His usual, favourite place where he felt like home.
"That's a sight I have missed!I guess old habits die hard!"Yoongi declared loudly enought to be heard.The older cropped up his head widening his eyes in total astonishment.
"Yoongi?Jimin?" It felt like a bolt from the blue and for a second he blinked his eyes merely to make sure he wasn't hullicinating.He took off his glasses, flashing a genuine smile and rushed to their side hugging them in turns."So happy to see you!How did you find us?How have you been?"
"We are happy to see you too!We have missed you!"Yoongi admitted."Nothing was the same without you, hyung!"
The four of them had coffee, shared their news, laughed remembering the good old days until Jimin with a heavy heart decided to reveal the main reason of their visit. He was hesitant as how to explain the reason they had come,the madness of their lives but mostly dreading how to face Jungkook.
"Hyungs ...where is Kook?"he asked Jin, scared witts to continue.
"At work.He'll return in a while.He will be thrilled to see you!"
"We kind of need to talk to you both... Promise me you will act rationally, won't yell too much and mostly be open minded."His heart was sprinted,head hammered knowing it would definitely not be easy on them.
"Oh please when do I yell Jimin?"Jin scoffed, wagging his head.
"Always!"all three of them answered at the same time.
Jin rolled his eyes,folding his legs."You are exaggerating as usual...I don't shout...simply express my strong disagreement in a vivid way!"
"Anyway...do we have a deal?"Jimin asked in hope he wouldn't lose his beautiful head over this.
Even though Namjoon and Jin were confused they nodded so the younger left and returned with ...his parents.
"OH NO!!NO!!IS THIS A SICK JOKE?ARE YOU KIDDING ME?HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACES IN MY HOUSE?OUT!OUT.. GET OUT ..NOW!"So much for a rational response.Nam and Jin encountered the two most hateful people, responsible for their anguish and grief for three lives.
"Hyung!!You promised!"Jimin reminded him,kind of scared.
"That was before you brought.."he raised his hand indicating the newly comers."THEM! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING BRINGING THESE MONSTERS INTO MY HOUSE?"Jin jeered.His muscles were tensed, heartbeat increased, eyes popped out, flying into a rage.
Namjoon , acting maturely and being the voice of reason,held Jin's hand, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves."Baby shouting won't get us anywhere.Maybe we should hear them and kick them out later."
"Of course... LET'S OFFER THEM TEA AND BISCUITS WHILE THEY EXPLAIN!I MEAN WHY NOT?WE ARE CIVILISED! THEY'RE NOT!"
"Wrinkles baby...you'll get wrinkles."he whispered in Jin's ear, scrunching his lips.
Jin, totally natural, throwing a withering look, marched up the stairs leaving everyone aghaust.To their surprise,they heard loud screams from above and watched him gliding down the marble stair."Sit.Speak. Leave."
They complied as the awkward silence was deafening, up until Taehyn decided to start."I understand your hate and resentment for us..."
" Really? Jin cit him off." So thoughtful of you!"
The man inhaled deeply, completely understanding Jin's anger. They remembered them as monsters. As cruel parents who stopped at nothing to have their way,gain power and wealth. Their greed drove their sons to death. However,he had no choice but to insist for everyone's sake.
" Please,hear me out..The cruelty we showed in the past to our sons and you is revolting...but people change...we have changed...I know it's hard to believe and I wish I could erase the past ,turn back time and act differently.All I can say is we are so very much sorry for your pain, your suffering..." he rubbed his palms on his legs, feeling a knot in his stomach.
"When Kwan and I met at university,fell in love ,we remembered our past lives and took an oath of not repeating them.Accept and love our children as they were...Never deprive them of our affection.While growing up Jimin was delightful, sassy,a social butterfly... Taehyung was a completely different story,an opposite personality of what we...you recall.Distant.Hostile.Pompous and rude, always engaging in fights with the slightest provocation,struggling with anger issues.Things escalated as an adult.He barely interacts with his family or hyungs..You see he has no recollection of his past and all our efforts to help him have failed miserably...leading him to a series of bad choices...."
"Like his marriage and child?"Jin chimmed in,astounding them."We have known about his happy family for years now.Unlike your son, mine remembers.Taehyung is lucky to have no memories.Kookie has been haunted by them since he was ten."
Kwan sensing Jin's frustration and scared of another outburst intervened."Taehyung is suffering as well.He married a woman ,who purposely got pregnant in order to trick him."
"Oh really?So when they were banging he didn't participate?" Jin taunted her, tapping his fingers on his knees.
"No please you misunderstood...His only concern was his unborn child and his upbringing.Tae has no feelings for that woman.She is not even here most of the time.JungTae was left in the care of nannies, refusing to even breastfeed him...hug and hold him as a mother would.She abandoned both of them to persuit her carrer in acting neglecting she had a family."Kwan explained to the best of her abilities.She, herself ,was unable to grasp Duri's peculiar behaviour. Sometimes she acted as if she hated her own son.
"I am not sure I follow you...What exactly are you asking from us?"Namjoon 's straightforward question, made the Kims exchange odd looks ,taking sharp breaths.
"We have come up with a plan...to stir Tae 's memory and benefit both of them. We 'd like Jungkook to work for us ...as our grandchild ' caretaker."Kwan flinched at Jin 's clacking voice.
"WHAT?WORK FOR TAE?ARE YOU INSANE?HAVE YOU GONE MAD?HOW DARE YOU ASSUME WE'LL ALLOW OUR SON TO ENTER THAT STINGNEST ?WATCHING THE MAN HE LOVES ALL LOVEY DOVEY WITH HIS WIFE?MY SON IS NOT A HOMEWRECKER!COMING BETWEEN A COUPLE... DESTROYING A FAMILY!YOU HAVE A LOT OF NERVE ASKING IT!"The Kims were terrified by Jin's constant rapping.The rest , knowing his cocky character were accustomed to it.Namjoon placed his hand over his husband 's mouth,shutting him but he kept on going.
"Baby! Enough!You made your point."
Yoongi and Jimin were trying to hide their laughter because Jin was always Jin.The man jogged away Namjoon 's hand , straightening his posture "No.Absolutely not. Read my lips. No."
"Our son is miserable Jin.Jungkook is our only hope.The person who can make him remember .Change his idiotic character. We're certain once they meet again,spent time together,get to know each other Taehyung's memory will return." Taehyn begun saying , to be interrupted by the man.
"Suits him right!He made his own bed, let him sleep in it.You want to pair them in misery?"
"Taehyung may not remember but his soul is empty.He is missing someone.He is dissatisfied with his life.All we want is to trigger his memory.What better way than Jungkook?They belong to each other.Destined to be together.We can see this clearly now.I understand it's a lot to ask of you but please ..."
"Yes...he is missing his dear wife."Jin mocked him, letting out a scoff of resentment." Bring her back and let her fill his loneliness!"
"Not his wife.He is not in love with her.He never was.His stubbornness and sense of responsibility led him to marry her."Taehyn justified his son's stupidity. The one he couldn't understand"Once he remembers, he will divorce her, cut all ties and reunite with Jungkook... Please help us ensure their happiness!Please for their sake let's put aside out differences and work for a higher cause."Taehyn was drained of reasons to persuade them.He was taking a huge risk, battling between his love for Tae and the right thing. Because he wasn't persuaded it was smart to involve Jungkook in this absurd situation.
"To save your son we must sacrifice ours?Manipulate his mind?Toy with his feelings?Force him to endure rejection?Ask him to break up a family?There is a child involved.How can my son come between a couple?It is immoral to use him for your benefit."Jin exploded, feeling insulated by their absurd request.His son was not an experiment.
"Let's assume he accepts.What guarantee do we have that Tae will in fact remember and be strong enough to abandon his wife for the love they once shared? What if you are mistaken and he is in love with her, refuses to leave her and rejects Jungkook?"Namjoon inquired in a serious tone awaiting for a proper response.
"Hyung, we can't assure Taehyung will remember or accept Jungkook."Jimin bravely admitted."However we are certain he isn't in love with her and somehow in his messed up mind is looking for a way out."
"Jimin he chose to marry her in his own free will."Namjoon reminded him.
"Under unusual circumstances.Driven by Jungtae 's existence.The mere thought of being separated from his son clouded his judgement.He is having second thoughts.I am sure of it. I also bet once he meets our Kookie he will fall madly in love!"
"I am still not convinced about it or that your parents have changed."He glanced at the elder couple a few feet away."This might be another scheme to harm Jungkook."
"Hyung my parents have been supportive to me and Yoongi.We are married with their blessings.They never objected to our relationship.On the contrary they encouraged me."
"Perhaps..."Namjoon 's doubts continued despite his reassurance.
"Besides we wouldn't ask you to risk Jungkook 's safety if we had reservations .We will be by his side every step of the way. Triggering Tae's mind.Recreating moments of the past. Kookie is our first priority.Don't doubt for a second."Yoongi assured him.The younger had always exhibited a sincere character.He was a man of his words.If he objected he would have said so.
Regardless of their intentions, the Kim's were puzzled by Namjoon 's questions ,roaming their minds.Those 'ifs' kept them awake at night, wondering whether or not to proceed.Whether or not their fictation was based on reality or their own wishful thinking and quilt.
"Our effort is to help both men find happiness and love. Rectify for our wicked past.Offer them a chance...We have no desire to harm Jungkook."Taehyn stated in a trembling voice, lowering his head,filled with shame.
Namjoon slumped backwards the white, leather couch, wiggling his shoulders."For what is worth...It is not up to us to decide.Jungkook is the one."
"I will do it."
All heads shifted to the source of the soft,calm voice as the younger appeared inside the house,startling them.He had returned home ,in a good mood only to hear the voices and meet the figures of the two most hated people.His initial response was to kick them out but when he heard their conversation he changed his mind..His parents rushed to him,worried of an outburst or even worse.
"Baby how long have you been here?"Jin asked with a horrifying expression, blocking his way with his body.
"Long enough to hear everythingpapa."
"Don't feel obliged to agree.Think carefully.A family..a boy is involved."Namjoon adviced his son.However something else drew his attention."Wait... You knew of Tae 's marriage and child?Since when?"
" Six years ago...I accidentally came across an article."Jungkook explained calmly not getting into details." It wasn't too hard to find out appa...He is Kim Taehyung after all. His marriage made it to the headlines. Wherever I looked he was there. It was hard to miss." he snorted, putting his black bag pack on the couch.
"You never told us baby. You suffered in silence. Why kept it to yourself?"Jin caressed his son's shiny hair.
"I found no meaning in talking about it,crying.Shouting.Cursing.Would it make any difference?Bring him back to me?He had fallen in love with another person.Had a child...I wished him luck and moved on."
"What changed now?He is still married."Jin asked.
"The hyungs...they wouldn't lie or use me for any reason.If I have one chance of getting him back ,freeing him from a loveless marriage I intent to grab the opportunity...whatever the outcome." He held his parents hands." I have no other choice. I need to find put if we have a future and if we don't" be took a long, deep breath, feeling his lungs stinging and continued." I'll put a closure and carry on with my life,wishing him good luck.Support my decision please."
Both men nodded, reluctantly. Changing his mind was no option since Jungkook had inherited Jin's strong determination and Namjoon's decisiveness. A killer combination.
"Kookie?"Jimin widely opened his arms, a beaming smile lightened his handsome face.In seconds the younger was engolfed in a tight hug as Yoongi joined.Crying, laughing, meeting after eighty six years ,emotions overwhelmed them.
"I have missed you hyungs...so much."he mumbled between sniffles and cries.
Jimin fondled his back." We have missed you too.How are you?We have so much to catch up."
"Life wasn't the same without you.Jimin constantly talked about you all these years.I ...have missed you too."Yoongi kissed Jungkook 's forehead and his usual dour face was now radiating affection.
In that exact moment Jungkook 's gaze landed on the couple,standing behind his hyungs.The people who haunted his dreams turning them into painful nightmares.The reason his love story with Tae remained incomplete. The source of his torment and violent death.For some odd reason they seemed less intimidating now.The wickedness and arrogance had vanished ,almost resembling like humans.
Can people truly change? Reconsider and repend? Is it possible to learn from the repeated mistakes of the past? Curbing his fear and doubts , he tramped their way, between his hyungs, standing in front of them. His big,doe eyes calmly stared at the two people who harmed them. He carefully studied them,each gesture, expression. They indeed looked old, wrinkled,the spark of superiority was gone.
"I would have never imagined the all mighty Kims would ask the help of a Sangnim."He sounded ironic as he should."It's funny you came to my house ,begging me to save your son.The same son you once hated the most.Killed. It's surreal."he bitterly chuckled.
"I can still hear your voices echoing in my head.The sound of your soldiers' swords piercing my flesh... Taehyung 's pleading cries to spare my life. I don't believe people like you can change and If I chose to help you it's only because of him...just him.Don't expect any sympathy from me."His serene yet strict voice , holding so much pain and rage, generated a massive wave of quilt to the couple.Kwan's eyes wailed.Taehyn lowered his head even more.
"We are not expecting you to forgive us.Our past mistakes taught us the most valuable lesson.To love our children unconditionally.Accept their life choices.Help them anyway possible.We are sorry for the pain we caused you.I hope one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive two old fools."Kwan lisped, tears shedding her eyes.
Taehyn was reluctant to speak since he was mostly responsible for their deaths.He could only observe , for the first time, the rare beauty of the boy who had captured his son 's heart. Jungkook's beauty was gushing out from the depths of his soul.
He could tell them to get lost.Deny them his help.Turn his back to the people who harmed him so profoundly.Yet his love for Taehyung gave them hope someday they could be forgiven.
"The past can't be undone.Our actions hurt you deeply but believe we are different.Our intention is to unite you and Tae.Offer you the happy ending you deserve.In your eyes we are monsters.In ours ,you are Tae's choice.His savour. All I am asking is to give your love a chance to blossom.."He bowed his head in the presence of the boy he had mocked and tortured so many times in the past.
He seemed genuinely rependant.Jungkook was a kind soul.Holding a grunge for so long wasn't his thing.The world had moved on.Changed.So did he.He was no longer fragile and weak but strong and decisive."Tell me about Tae and his ...son."The sentence sounded like a soft whisper.Even after years of knowing the truth , he should have accepted Tae had slept with others , got married and was a father.Hell Tae was completely oblivious to his existence. It was natural for him to have experiences in relationships and many lovers.
The Kims , Jimin and Yoongi explained in details the circumstances in which Tae got married.Duri abandoning husband and son to become famous.JungTae's luck of communication and affection towards his mother.They informed the younger about their grandson 's quaint character.The boy was withdrawn, spending time alone,his tendency to be introspective and how he detested any physical contact not only with outsiders but his own family.
Jungkook was carefully listening,having mixed emotions stirring his heart.His hand unexpectedly caressed his belly...If only his...He shook the disturbing thoughts out of his mind concentrating on the present.He felt sorry for the poor boy , growing up without his mother's love.It was bound to leave scars.Affect his development and character.
Jungkook should have been swamped in quilt for trying to come between a couple and separate a family...To his surprise,he wasn't. Besides it was partly Taehyung's choice whether to develop feelings for him or not. If he wasn't interested,he wouldn't make a move. It wasn't like Jungkook would throw himself in his arms,seduce him or lure him to bed. He'd be himself,do his work and leave the rest to fate.
Whatever the outcome he had to put a closure to the past and move on to a future...wishing in their next life things would work in their favour.
When the Kim's left Jungkook spend some time with his hyungs, bombing them with questions concerning Tae and JungTae to have a better view of the situation.At night,isolated in the safety of his room ,he wondered what the hell was he getting into. The walls seemed to close around him, suffocating him. He ruffled his hair,shut his eyes as he pictured Taehyung in his head.
He was curious to see him after so long. To hear his deep,hoarse voice and observe him with his son. Taehyung had a son. A boy. The one thing he couldn't give him. It hurt. A constant, torturously undurable ache, burning his skin.
Life was cruel. Leads you to unknown paths. It can give you immense happiness but also take everything from you. So far Jungkook knew the painful side of life. It kept taking and taking and taking from him, not giving anything in return. He had compromised.
Now,a chance was granted to fix what was broken. But can you built a happy life based on somebody else's misery?