someone in seoul understands you.

The defined abs crease the sleeveless shirt. The sweat causes the shirt to stick right to his chest and abdomen, not leaving much to the imagination. The muscles on his arms look like soft-edged dunes of sand. The drops of sweat on each part of his skin. He shakes his head, causing small droplets to leave his hair. His wet hair falls over his eyes , but he quickly flips his head, exposing his forehead. He grunts with each hit he throws to the punching bag. He feels your eyes glued to him. A smirk appears on his face, as he throws the last punch. 

“Whoever wins, I’m giving you my roller watch!” Jungkook yells to the teens training on the boxing ring. 

You are over at Jungkook’s training grounds because Min-su was begging you to take him go see his dad. It was only going to be for a short time, so you stayed with Min-su. There’s less time for Jungkook and Min-su to spend together these weeks because of Jungkook’s big fight coming up, so you agreed to go. Watching Jungkook train always made you weak, though. You don’t know if it was the smell of the gym or the casualness of watching him work out, but drooling over Jungkook was a given for you. You used to do it and you clearly still do. 

 “This is a right cross, kiddo. Do it with me.” Jungkook teaches Min-su different boxing techniques. You stare at them with glossy eyes. It reminds you of the first time they saw each other in the locker room after the fight. Jungkook was teaching him how to hit. It feels surreal to you how Jungkook taught him as just a fan, but now- now he was teaching him as his son. 

“Hey.” Namjoon tells you. You break out of the stare you were giving Min-su and Jungkook and focus  back on Namjoon. You snuggle up to him when Min-su doesn’t look. You still didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell Min-su what you and Namjoon are, because you truly don’t know what you feel for him. Sure, you’re dating. He’s your boyfriend. You’ve told Daeun and Seokjin. But to you, there’s no meaning in the word “dating.” There used to be. However, now, it just feels like it’s a meaningless word. The nature of these thoughts is the guilt, you’re not ready to accept yet. In all the blurriness you feel, you still know that you’re using Namjoon for something. You’re unsure what that something is, though. It’s wrong. You know it’s wrong. It’s unfair to him. But you continue to stay with him, despite knowing the half of the true nature of the relationship. 

“Where’s the locker room, babe?” You ask Namjoon. 

“In the locker rooms. Do you want me to go with you?”

“No. I’m fine.” You smile at him. 

As soon as you’re getting out of the bathroom, Jungkook stops your steps, blocking you from walking out. You avoid his eyes and he avoids yours. You look down to the floor and he looks straight over you. He goes to the left and you go the right. You go to the left and he goes to the right. He’s not doing it on purpose, neither are you. It’s just happening. You both stop at the center, trying to recollect and move on from the same spot you’ve been trying to get out from. 

It’s always been like that with you and Jungkook. Everywhere you went, he was by your side and everywhere he went, you were by his. You both loved having each other’s company. There was warmth and strength in it. 

“You look happy with him.” Jungkook’s eyes still glued to the wall over you. Your gaze now looking at his neck. You’re only centimeters away from him. 

“Mhm.” You only manage to say. 

“Are you?” His voice becomes lower and his gaze slowly reaches your eyes. You look down again. You widen your eyes as you tense up at his question. “Can you move?” You quickly say before he sees you tense up anymore. He moves to the side extending his arm like a doorman letting you through. 

You return to your seat in complete annoyance. You’re mad for allowing yourself to take everything Jungkook says to your heart. You’re mad that you can’t just act cool around him. Why does he still make you tense up? You wish you could just be nonchalant around him, but you can’t. You’re unable to act like you don’t care at what he does and says. 

“Dad, you should come with us!” Daeun pouts her lips and takes Sungho in a hug. 

“No, no, no. I’m busy.” Sungho flares his arms in the air. He’s never been a road-trip type of person. 

“He’s got more important things to do than celebrate his daughter’s birthday.” You jokingly shake your head. “Have fun. Happy Birthday. Mwah!” Your dad pulls you into a hug and gives you a hard kiss on your cheek.

Today is your birthday so you, Namjoon, Min-su, Daeun, and Seokjin are going on a roadtrip to Seokjin’s parent’s lake house. It’s a beautiful house surrounded by the beautiful green nature. A relaxing escape from the city life. You used to go to that house when you and Jungkook were still together. Every time you think of it, there’s a nostalgic feeling that sets in your stomach. You, Jungkook, Daeun and Seokjin were just some youngsters who would escape to that house and do crazy, wild things. Now, you were going with your son on your 27th birthday. Crazy how things change. 

There’s a knock on the door so Seokjin goes and gets the door. Seokjin is somewhat stunned since it’s the last person he’d think he’d see on your birthday. He still lets him in to your place. 

“Hey, man… she invited you?” Jin daps Jungkook up, with a confused expression on his face. 

“What?” He looks around the apartment and sees the duffel bags in the sofa. “Oh. No, no. I’m here to pick Min-su up.” 

You come out of your room, zipping up your jacket, Namjoon behind you. “Okay, we’re ready! Let’s go.” You say as you walk towards the door. Min-su comes out of his room, running past you. You think it’s because he’s excited about the road trip. 

“Daddy!” You hear Min-su exclaim from the living room. Your mouth slightly opens and you walk in a faster pace to the kitchen, wanting to confirm what you just heard Min-su say.

“Alright you ready to go kiddo?” Jungkook grabs Min-su’s backpack off him and puts it around his shoulder. 

“Go where…” You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. Min-su was coming on the trip with you, and last time you checked, Jungkook was not invited. 

“My house. Min-su’s staying with me.” Jungkook says nonchalantly as leans against a wall, looking down at his phone as sends a text someone. He doesn’t hear anything from you as you stare at him in complete annoyance. 

“Uhhh… hello?” You shake your head with your words, getting his attention. You extend your arm, pointing at all the bags. 

“What?” He looks at them and then you. 

“He’s not going with you. It’s my birthday, he’s staying with me.” You roll your eyes at him with your hands on your hip. 

“Oh! Yes! That’s right. Happy Birthday.” Jungkook raises his eyebrows laughing. Daeun rolls her eyes and takes a sip of her beer. Of course, he forgot your birthday. As much as you despise Jungkook, you haven’t forgotten his birthday, and you wish he wouldn’t have forgotten yours. But he did. And for some reason, it bothers you that he didn’t know. You’re mad that you care. You’re mad that it bothers you. He does not deserve to still make you mad. Not after all these years. 

“Alright, bye kiddo. You’re staying with your mom.” Jungkook crouches down to Min-su’s height and hugging him. Min-su’s smile turns upside down, literally. The tears are coming. He knew it wasn’t his dad’s turn to pick him up, but he wanted his dad to him on the lake trip, so he figure he’d try this.

“Momma can daddy go?” Min-su holds Jungkook’s shirt, not letting him stand up. Of course, Min-su wants Jungkook to join them on the trip. He wants to make memories with his mom, dad, and family.

“Your dad has to train.” You wipe the tears from his face. Your heart breaks for Min-su. He’s just a child who wants to make memories. For Min-su, you’d want Jungkook to go. You’d agree to a trip to go on a trip with Jungkook if it’d make Min-su happy. However, it was your birthday and the lake house holds too many memories with Jungkook. You’re unsure how’d you feel being with him there, again. 

“Pleaseeee, daddy.” Min-su turns to look at Jungkook. As much as Jungkook wants to join Min-su on the trip, he knows you don’t want him there. He doesn’t want to make it uncomfortable for you, especially if it’s your birthday. He does wish he could see Min-su, and you, somewhere else that isn’t his house, gym, or a restaurant. 

“Kiddo, I don’t have clothes or anything.” Apologetic wrinkles forming on Jungkook’s forehead. 

“I have enough. Let’s go already.” Seokjin says as he lifts Min-su off the floor. You hear Min-su’s giggles and the bunny smile displaying on his face. His happiness makes you smile. Through your peripheral vision, you see Jungkook rubbing the back of his neck, making your smile disappear just a bit. 

“You don’t have to go, man. I’m sure Min-su will understand.” Namjoon leans onto Jungkook’s shoulder. 

“It’s alright.” Jungkook quickly straightens his posture at Namjoon’s comment. Jungkook is stunned at the ease of his response to Namjoon. The sudden thought of Namjoon going on a trip with Min-su and you first than him makes his blood boil just a bit. It’s not because it’s Namjoon. He loves him as a brother. It’s simply because it’s another person that isn’t him. 

The car ride to the lake house is a quiet and relaxed one. You ride with Namjoon and Daeun in one car and Min-su, Jungkook, and Seokjin in the other one. Your car is filled with chill music and embracing the nature through the window. You wish Namjoon could drive just a little slower, so you’d get to see everything in a calm motion and not in a motion blur. Everything you do catch, you let it completely in. It’s not often got time to get out of the city with having so much work, so you’re grateful for everything you see. Seokjin’s car is way more lively than yours. They’re playing pop and rap music in comparison to the ballads playing in yours. Min-su is banging his head copying what Jungkook and Jana are doing. 

As you continue to look out the window, you let Jungkook enter your thoughts. Although he’s not on this trip for you, he’s still present. Spending your 27th birthday with Jungkook is not what you had envisioned for it. For an unknown reason, you’re not complaining. You don’t know if it’s because it makes Min-su happy or if it’s because you want him there. Although you’re unsure, you know that these feelings are there. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t even be thinking about them. That’s what scares you. The grey, shadowy space, you found yourself in the day of the fight when you first saw Jungkook after five years has been blurred by the sunlight in your mind. 

Three hours later, you arrive to Seokjin’s lake house. It’s the same as you remember it. A modern yet traditional architecture to it surrounded by trees that flow left to right. You turn to see Jungkook arguing with someone on the phone. 

“It’s just today and tomorrow. I’ll be home tomorrow, babe. Min-su wanted me to come.” Jungkook tells someone on the phone. He quickly hangs up when he sees you listening. A bit embarrassed he caught you, you quickly go in to the house. 

You and Daeun sit in the classic white wooden rocking chairs in the backyard patio embracing the naturesque backdrop and sounds. Sparks of sunshine scattered on the lake. The trees dance in the cool, yet warm, Spring wind. You hear the loons on the river calling each other and the water sounds being an accessory to all its members. A calm and peaceful sound graces your ears. All this nature joined by the sound you love the most, though. You hear Min-su and Jungkook laughing and cheering when skipping rocks in the lake. It makes you smile hearing him and his father. 

“Momma! Come look at me!” Min-su runs back to where you are. He grabs your hands and leads you to the wooden dock where Jungkook is silhouetted by the sunset. As you get closer to him, you see the golden light of the sun paint hand of his face. You stare at him. Feeling somewhat gazed at his presence. You’re taking in all his effortless beauty. 

Six years ago you stood on this same wooden dock, naked and holding hands. A wide smile on both of your faces. You looked at him. He looked at you. Both of you, just completely crazy in love with each other. No one could, and cannot, make you feel what he made you feel. You walked backwards, gaining speed to jump into the water. You and Jungkook yelled as you ran into the water. 

“Forever?!” 

“Forever!” 

You still stand with him. With him, and his and your son. Now, you’re not skinny dipping. He’s now teaching his son how to skip rocks and you’re now watching your son show you what he’s learned from his father. It’s funny where the roads of life take someone. 

“Remember the angle, kiddo.” Jungkook winks at Min-su, handing him rocks. Min-su throws the first stone, however, it only sinks as soon as it lands. Jungkook hands Min-su another stone only for it to sink. 

“You can do it, kiddo.” You grab a stone from Jungkook’s hand and give it to Min-su. A smile appears one Jungkook’s face when he hears you call Min-su “kiddo.” That was Jungkook’s nickname for him and now you had adapted that ever since Jungkook came into Min-su’s life. You don’t think much about it, but Jungkook does. He adores the idea of him having an impact on your life. Even if it’s about a nickname for Min-su. 

You squat down to Min-su’s height and wink at him. “Just how Dad taught you.” 

“Momma! Daddy! Did you see that!” Min-su turns to you both with his bunny smile. Finally, on his fifth try, Min-su has succeeded on skipping rocks. One of Min-su’s firsts experienced by Jungkook and you. Jungkook carries him on his shoulders, bouncing him up and down. Both of them have the same identical smile and cute nose scrunch on their face. You can’t help but snap a polaroid of them. It’s a moment you want to capture, forever. 

“Dinner’s ready!” Jin yells out to you guys to return to the house. Jin has prepared his delicious bulgogi and japchae that everyone loves. You enter the backdoor and give Namjoon a back hug when Min-su runs to the restroom. You rest your head on his back and your hands come up to his chest. “Mmmmmmm, it smells so good.” You say as your stay against his back. 

“Oh hyung how I missed your bulgogi.” Jungkook’s eyebrows lower and make a V sign at the taste of the food. You used to love to see that expression every time he ate. Jungkook wasn’t a picky eater, he’d eat anything and everything. You’d always say the one thing he loved more than you was food. That boy can eat. 

“I missed it too!” Min-su exclaims looking at Jungkook. He just had it last week, but he wants to be just like his dad. You find it endearing. 

Seokjin suddenly starts laughing at a memory that just crossed his mind. “Remember that time you wanted to impress _____ so you asked for this recipe.” Seokjin says in between laughs. Jungkook only nods with an embarrassed smirk on his face. Seokjin never read the room. Or maybe he did, but he always said what he wanted not caring who was in the room. Namjoon is sitting besides you, so you try not to put much attention to Seokjin’s comment. However, you remember everything about that time. 

Jungkook had just bought his first apartment and wanted to surprise you with a home-made dinner, so he asked Seokjin for his bulgogi recipe. Jungkook’s version of the dish was nothing like Seokjin’s. Instead of making your crave some more, all it got you was a stomach-ache, throw-up, and diarrhea, ruining the whole night. As the memory lingers on you and Jungkook’s mind, the table quiets down. A small smile appears on your face at the thought of it. Jungkook catches it. So does Namjoon. 

As soon as everyone is done eating, you linger in the dining table exchanging laughs and stories. The conversations are mostly exchanged in two teams: boys and girls. As Daeun is chiming you in on the latest coworker and boss drama, the lights suddenly go out and all voices stop. The lights shouldn’t go out. There’s generators. The past times you’ve come, they’ve never gone out. Your heart starts beating fast. You don’t want to think about Park Jimin at this moment, but the thought is there. What if this was their time to strike? 

“Min-su?!” No answer. 

“Daeun?!” No answer. 

“Namjoon?!” No answer. 

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Momma! Happy Birthday to you! 

The candles on the hear-shaped cake light up Min-su’s face. Min-su is in the middle, holding the cake up with his both hands. Namjoon and Daeun besides him. Jungkook in the back. You still see him sing with a smile and glossy eyes. 

Jin carries Min-su to reach your height so you can blow out the candles. “Don’t drop it, kiddo.” Jungkook tells him. 

“Make a wish, momma.”

“Okay.” You smile at him and close your eyes. You make a wish. A simple one. A blurred one. To be with them this year until next year. The wish is uncertain as you’re unsure who “them” is. Deep down, you know you want to be with “them” next year and next year and next year. You know who “them” is. You’re just afraid of coming to terms with it which is why you label it as being “unsure.” In order to fully accept whatever it is that you feel, you seek a moment where you’ll look into this person’s eyes and confirm everything. 

Throughout the rest of the evening, Min-su, Seokjin, Daeun, and Jungkook play Monopoly, as per Daeun’s request. You and Namjoon sit on the couch with a blanket over your legs, holding hands under it. You smile and laugh at the arguing and strategizing going on between Min-su and Seokjin’s team. After getting tired of Monopoly, you all go outside to the fire pit to make s’mores. The clear sky allows you to see every star in the universe. The crackling sound of the burning wood joins in to the conversations of the night. 

“Woahhhhhh.” Min-su stares at the blue fire taking place right in front of his eyes. Jungkook pours some more copper chloride and pretends he’s a super-hero controlling the fire, getting laughs out of Min-su. Min-su joins him and now there’s two superheroes controlling the fire. After eating and acting, Min-su falls asleep on your arms. As soon as you’re about to stand up, Jungkook beats you to it. “Stay.” He grabs Min-su from your shoulders and takes him up to the room. 

Jungkook returns to the fire pit and takes a seat. His eyes meet you and Namjoon’s snuggling session, but quickly looks away to the fire, not wanting to see any more of it. 

“Did he wake up?” You ask him. 

“Nope.” Jungkook’s eyes widening as he stares at the fire. 

The heat of the fire and the cool night wind make a perfect combination. Your back is against Namjoon’s chest and his arms are around you. Your hands meet his right at the center of your chest. You wish you could focus on Namjoon’s body against yours, but you’re unable to. Not when Jungkook is right across you. Your gaze is transfixed on his doe eyes staring right into the fire. The fire sparks reflect right on his eyes. It appears there are galaxies in them. 

“Play something for us babe.” Daeun hands Seokjin his old guitar. Seokjin begins to play some random notes. These notes are soon transitioned into Let Her Go by Passenger. Immersed by the acoustic sound and the fire crackling noise, your gaze goes straight to him. He’s already staring at you. Your eyes are on his and his on yours. It’s like it’s just you and him. There’s no one around. Not Seokjin. Not Daeun. Not Namjoon. The guitar song is one that’s playing in a far-off old radio. It’s you and him in the galaxies of his eyes. The look holds a certain longing to do more than just stare at each other. You feel the door that was opening up slowly, be slammed to its complete openness. The gaze has left you right at the entrance of his warm home.

Namjoon sees you and Jungkook share that moment. He’s not completely sure of what your gaze entails, but it’s not one you should have with him having his arms around you. Namjoon won’t force you to admit it, since he knows it is hard for you as it is. 

“Okay, I’m done.” Seokjin stands up from his chair and bows but pauses midway at the sound of no claps. 

“Oh! He wants us to clap!” You say laughing. You all give him the round of applause he very much deserved. Seokjin nods his head in appreciation, “Thank you.” Daeun, Seokjin, Namjoon and you soon head inside as it’s getting late. Jungkook doesn’t break his stare from the fire even with the movement of everyone standing and leaving. 

“You’re staying?” Namjoon asks Jungkook, breaking him away from his fixed contact with the fire. 

“What?” Jungkook raises his eyebrows having not heard Namjoon. 

“We’re all going inside, already. You’re staying?” Namjoon asks him again. “Oh. Y-yeah. It’s relaxing out here.” Jungkook laughs. He picks his beer up and holds it towards Namjoon and you, “Night.”  He sees Namjoon place his palm on your back, walking inside the house. Jungkook gives you and Namjoon a tight-lipped smile, before he’s back to staring at the fire. 

Before you enter the house, you turn to give Jungkook one more glance. He’s slanted back on his chair. A beer on his hand. His dark big eyes staring into the fire pit. They reflect the million universes of the world. 

Namjoon sits beside you with a book on his hand. You look at him and feel yourself accepting the guilt and wanting to let it all out. Wanting to let him out. Namjoon did not deserve any of the things you gave him. You were selfish to agree to go into something with Namjoon. You were confused and thought that going into a relationship with him would clear everything up for you. It only made it worse as it combined two guilts, one for Namjoon and the other one being the root of it all. 

“Namjoon.” 

“Yes.” He puts down his book. His full attention on you. 

“I need to end this with you.”

“May I ask why?” 

“No.” Tears stream down your face. You were finally coming to terms with every confused feeling in your heart. The first step to making more everything more clear was to having to end things with Namjoon. 

“It’s okay. I know.” Namjoon hugs you and caresses your hair. You hate feeling this from him even after everything you used him for, so you pull back from the hug. “Thank you. I’m going to sleep in the sofa.” He whispers to you. You close your eyes and slowly nod. Before he walks out the room, he turns to you. “______.” Namjoon sends a warm smile your way. One that comes from understanding. Namjoon wants you to know that it’s truly okay for him. He wants you to not feel bad about anything that you used him for. 

He’s perfect. He’s amazing. He’s great. He just wasn’t made for you. 

Everything that’s on your mind is impeding you from sleeping alone. Being by yourself will just dive you deeper into the whole you’re in, right now. You want to sleep besides the person that makes all your worries go away. The person who’s been besides you all these years. The person who makes you live. You want to be with your son. You go over to Min-su’s room, however you see the spot has been taken already by Jungkook. Jungkook hasn’t fallen asleep yet, so he sees your figure silently close the door. 

Jungkook walks over to your room, unsure whether to knock or not. Before he’s about to knock, you open the door.  You catch him with his hand up forming a fist. 

“Shit.” Your hand goes up to your chest and you let out a loud sigh. He scared you being out there. 

“You can sleep with Min-su if you want. I was going to take the floor, anyway. He moves a lot.” He chuckles. Jungkook is unable to meet your eyes. 

“No, it’s-” You quickly dismiss his suggestion. 

“It’s fine, really. You won’t even know I’m there.” He chuckles, again. As much as you don’t want to sleep in the same room as Jungkook, you want to be next to Min-su. When you feel like this, Min-su’s presence makes everything better. “Okay.” You grab some pillows and blankets for Jungkook before heading over to Min-su’s room. “For you.” You don’t want him to ache his muscles after a big fight. 

The moonshine enters Min-su’s room, giving it a blueish tint to it. You hear the winds of the night singing and the owls howling. It’s a peaceful setting for you. As you’re laying down, your shirt goes up, revealing a tattoo right at your hipbone. Before you can pull it down, Jungkook sees it. “What does it mean?” He points to it. It’s a tattoo of “15:34.” 

“The time Min-su was born.” You smile as you look up to the ceiling. Jungkook’s eyes are transfixed on it. He wishes he could’ve been a part of it. He wishes he could’ve lived it with you and him. “How was it?” His eyes go to yours. You feel his stare, so you look down at him, meeting his eyes. Unsure if you want to share how your labor was, you feel for Jungkook. So, you share the details. 

“Hard, ” You chuckle, “Min-su was born 5 weeks before the actual date. I was bleeding out. Dad had to carry me out wrapped in a blanket. They had to perform an emergency c-section. They had to cut me open right here.” You trace your scar. The memory isn’t a pleasant one. You almost didn’t make it because of the blood loss you experienced. Jungkook stares at you with a hug in his gaze. He feels like an asshole for not being there for his family. Although he feels this way, he knows he was many years to make it up. He’s now there, wanting to be there for you and Min-su. 

“Can I see it? I mean if it’s not weird.” Jungkook asks you. 

“It’s a little weird,” you chuckle, “But yes.” 

You understand his curiosity at it. It’s where his son first saw light. He wants to know as much as he can from the years he wasn’t part of your life. Jungkook kneels besides the bed. You lower down your pants right above your bikini line, letting him see it. It’s such an intimate moment for you and him, but you’re not complaining. You’re accepting it. His eyes widen at the sight of it. He seems amazed at it. 

“Can I?” He picks his hand up. 

“Mhm.” You nod. You’re startled at the ease of your response. 

He gently traces his index finger over your scar. You try not to tense up at his touch being in such an intimate part of your body, but too late. He feels your muscles stiffen at his touch, but he doesn’t remove his hand. You don’t remove it either. You watch him caress the scar. Your mind going places it shouldn’t. You want to run your hands over his soft black hair. You want his index finger to trace other parts of your body. Both of you appear dazed when you meet each others unwavering eyes. The gaze from earlier that night makes an appearance again. You drift along silence for a moment. 

You quickly pull up your pants, causing both of you to get out of the fixed contact you were just in. 

“It’s amazing how he came out of the small scar.” He chuckles. His eyes are now on Min-su. 

You turn your back at him. “Night Kook.” Shit. Kook.

“Goodnight.” Although, you can’t see his expression, you hear the phrase being said with a smile plastered on his face. 

“Namjoon sent me the location. He had to leave.” The man in all-black standing at the front door of the lake-house tells you. Namjoon left early morning due to the conversation of last night. It was the other bodyguard’s shift to come to this trip, however, since Namjoon and you were in a relationship, Namjoon decided to take the bodyguard’s shift in order to spend more time with you. He figured that if he wasn’t with you anymore, he shouldn’t be there. You don’t blame him for wanting to leave. It’s not his place to be there. If you were him, you’d want to leave as well. 

“We ended things last night.” You whisper to Daeun as you sit drinking coffee in the counter. 

“What?!” Daeun slams the cup on the table. She’s shocked. She thought you and Namjoon were good. I mean he even came on your birthday trip. 

“Yeah. Not a big deal. He deserved better.” You chuckle as you take a sip of your coffee. You’re trying to keep the conversation light. 

“Better than you?!” 

“Yep, better than me.” It’s true. Namjoon is an amazing man who deserves to be loved the way you loved that other nameless person. Unfortunately, you couldn’t give that to Namjoon. 

There’s not enough time to enjoy the morning glory of the woods. Seokjin has to return to work that same day in the afternoon, so you have to leave early. When you’re packing your bags, Jungkook comes inside the house from being outside playing with Min-su.

“Hey. Min-su and I are going on the canoe. He’s asking for you.” Jungkook tells you. 

“We’re almost leaving.” Your eyes glued to the clothes as you put them in the bag. 

“Go. Seokjin’s still showering.” Daeun rolls her eyes. Seokjin is known to take hour long showers, so you still have time to go on a canoe ride with Min-su and Jungkook. 

The morning sun joins the three in the canoe ride. You get to witness the unknown scenery that is only accessible through the lake. The birds do their early morning chirping. The water sounds from the paddling are peaceful to the soul. As soon as you’ve hit a beautiful backdrop of mountains and trees in your ride, you and Jungkook stop paddling to sit and take it all in. The lingering peaceful silence between you and Jungkook is joined by Min-su’s exclamations of “Woahhhhh.” 

“I didn’t forget it was your birthday, by the way.” Jungkook says as he stares into the mountains. 

Min-su laughs, “Daddy forgot it was your birthday, Momma!” Jungkook joins Min-su in laughter. You missed hearing his laugh. It’s one of those laughs that are heart-wrenching one. Those that you want to continue hearing 24/7. 

“I didn’t. I promise.” Jungkook puts his right hand up as if reciting a pledge. A mischievous smirk on his face. He didn’t forget your birthday. He remembered it every year ever since he left you. In every one of those years, he saw the calendar and remembered you. He would shove it to the side, scared of being pulled back to his old life. As it became a routine for him, it happened this year, too. Only difference, this year, he was going to see you. 

“Okay.” You cartoonishly roll your eyes at him, getting a laugh from Min-su. You hand Jungkook your camera and sit Min-su on your lap. “Picture, baby.” You and Min-su go into the biggest smiles ever that pull at Jungkook’s heart. “Now the three of us!” Min-su exclaims. Jungkook carefully moves over to you and Min-su. Min-su is between you and Jungkook. Min-su’s cheeks are being squished by his parents. As Min-su and Jungkook’s full bunny smile is on display, you try your hardest to match there’s, showing a full teeth smile. 

A few months ago, you’d never think Min-su would stand between his mom and dad for a photo. You’d know he’d have some individually with Jungkook only, but both of you? Never. But now the three have taken a photo together. Even with everything internally going on in your heart and the history between you and his father, you’re glad Min-su gets to experience the love from his father. You’re glad you get to witness it, too. 

You had finally arrived to your apartment complex. You’re carrying Min-su on your arms as he fell asleep on the way home. As you’re entering your apartment, a delivery guy meets you at the door, “Choi ____?” 

“Yes.” 

“Delivery from Jeon Jungkook.” 

“Can you?” You direct the man to place the boxes in the table that’s at the entrance of your home. You place Min-su on his bed and quickly walk over to the table where the boxes are. The box on top has black edges and a black stringed bow. The box reads “CHANEL.” You never though the day would come where you’d own a Chanel bag. It’s here thanks to your baby daddy that’s a famous boxer. Although you’d love to keep it, you don’t know if you can accept it. You feel wrong accepting a gift from him. 

You place both boxes on the table. You stare at them, contemplating whether you should open them already. For some reason you want to pretend you’re not interested in what they have or what the card reads so you want to open them later and not as soon as you got them. You leave them on the table and go shower. As you’re about to turn on the water, the curiosity is eating you up. “Ugh fuck it.” 

You return to the kitchen and open the plain white box first. There’s a navy blue silk dress and golden strap heels in it. You run your hands over the dress to feel the silky material. There’s a luxurious shine to it. It feels expensive. There’s nothing like that in your closet. You pick it up and place it against your body. It’s v-lined shaped with a thigh-high split and spaghetti straps that run into your lower back. It’s beautiful. The card reads: I’m having a premiere party next Friday for the training documentary. I’d like for both of you to show. 

You move on to the Chanel box. You remove all the paper in it to finally get to the gift. It’s a golden shoulder bag. There’s a quilt design to it. The goldness of it reflects on your eyes. There’s a certain 90s vintage vibe to it. It’s the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen. You grab the envelope and read the card inside.

Happy Birthday. 

Don’t fight it. It’s a gift. 

Receipt is inside. Check the date.

The purchase date listed on the receipt is a week before your birthday. It was true. He didn’t forget your birthday. A sudden smirk appears on your face. 

He opens the door to see you standing with the navy blue dress, golden shoes, and vintage bag he gifted you. He wants to look you up and down to admire you in the things he got you. You look sexy and beautiful, all at the same time. You hadn’t seen yourself that way in a long time. You feel good about how you look. Jungkook is in awe and speechless at the sight of you. So are you. You’re breathless at the sight of him. Even if he’s just wearing a sleeveless tank with a white dress shirt opened. It’s the casual unready boyfriend look that makes you speechless. There’s also the exposed forehead and the lip and brow piercing that add on to it. 

Jungkook clears his throat. “You look great.” It’s delivered with a low tone. You nod with a slight smile on your face. “Thank you.” You quietly say. You thank him for the comment, but also for your outfit. “Min-su is in his room.” He tells you.

“Hey.” Namjoon comes out of the kitchen area meeting you in the foyer. “Oh! Hi!” You say shocked at seeing him. He hugs you and gives you a kiss on your cheek. Namjoon continues being your bodyguard, but you barely see any of him. He takes his shifts outside in his car inspecting the whole perimeter, instead of your apartment and doesn’t take any more extra shifts from other bodyguards. When you do see him, there’s a friendly vibe between you and him. You’re glad there’s still that. You always wanted Namjoon as a friend, but got confused throughout everything. 

You greet Namjoon and then are on your way to Min-su’s room. Jungkook’s gaze is locked in your body as you go up the stairs. He’s admiring the way the dress falls on your body and your low back that is exposed. 

“You need help with that?” You stand outside of Min-su’s room as you see him try to put on his tie. “Momma! You look pretttyyyy!” Min-su throws his arms over you. You loved feeling his embrace. You sit on the bed and begin putting on Min-su’s tie. “You’re going to have to learn soon, baby. You’re getting so big, already.” You chuckle. “No! I will always have you to help me.” Min-su does his famous nose-scrunch. “Only if you keep being this cute!” You pinch his nose. 

“Navy-blue was the go-to.” You hear a sultry voice chuckle from the door. Jiah is walking inside Min-su’s room wearing a skin-tight strapless red sparkly dress. Her hair is a fancy updo and she’s wearing her signature bold red lipstick. 

Your eyebrows furrow in confusion at her comment, allowing her to continue. “The dress. Jungkook wanted to get you black. But I told him that color would look better on you.” Black has always been your favorite color. You understand why Jungkook wanted black. You’d prefer the black colored dress too. Hearing how her and Jungkook debated with each other over what color of dress makes you put everything into perspective. They’re so comfortable and in love with each other that they were discussing over what color to get for you. You feel absurd for everything you’ve been feeling these past few weeks. 

Jiah continues, “He’s very cute.”

“Thanks!” Min-su exclaims. 

“Jungkook and I can’t wait to start trying.” She smiles looking at Min-su. 

Of course, they’re talking about having children. He’s getting married soon. Your heart sinks when you hear her say that, though. You were too into your own thoughts and feelings about him that you completely chose to forget that he’s an engaged man. You’re drooling over Jungkook and he’s thinking about having kids with his fiancé. You can’t even be mad about it. Obviously they are. 

“Good luck.” You smile. It takes everything out of you to smile. You feel a knot in your throat forming. “Excuse me.” You tell Jiah and quickly make your way to the restroom. “Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.” You say to yourself as you look and up and blow your eyes with your hands, trying to keep the tears in, hoping it doesn’t ruin your makeup. 

Without knowing you’re in there, Jungkook opens the unlocked door. “Shit, sorry.” He says closing the door midway. He sees you in the state you’re in though. He fully opens the door, asking, “You okay?” 

Don’t ask me that. 

“Yep. Just an eyelash in my eye.” You chuckle. Your eyesight is getting better as the tears have dried up. 

“Since you’re here… you mind?” Jungkook puts his forearm in front of you, asking you to cuff his wrists. As you’re cuffing his shirt, you feel his stares on you. Tears start accumulating on your eyes again. Your head is is 90 degree angle looking down, so he won’t see your red eyes. When he hears you sniff, he asks again, “You sure you’re okay?” He chuckles. 

“The damn eyelash.” You say frustrated. 

“Let me see.” He bends down trying to meet your eyes. 

“Done.” You abruptly say, walking out the bathroom in the same position you were cuffing his wrists. With everything in your might, you were able to hold back the tears. 

The venue is decorated with a palette of maroon, emerald green, and red. The dangling chandeliers give the place a sense of luxury and exclusivity. The centerpieces of the round tables are elegant lamps surrounded by gardenias. The party perimeter is welcomed by a gold moody lighting setting the atmosphere to a calm and elegant one. You go on and sit in a table with Jungkook, Jiah, Min-su, Yoongi, and Jungkook’s coach. You wish you didn’t have to be sitting in the same table with Jungkook and Jiah, but you have no choice. You need to be by Min-su’s side all night since security alerted Jungkook that party settings are when things mostly happen. That’s what Jungkook told you- “things mostly happen.” What he means is that everyone should be careful about Jimin striking since it’s there’s a lot of people around. You should feel nervous but the amount of security personnel present and privacy of the party keeps you at ease. 

At the table you’re mostly talking to Jungkook’s coach as he sits next to you. He’s a respectful and funny older man who loves to hear stories about Min-su. You honestly don’t know if he truly likes to hear about them, but he can sense that if it wasn’t him talking to you, you’d be all own on the table. Jungkook and Jiah are busy laughing and talking with Yoongi and walking around greeting guests. As you continue to hear the laughters from across the table, you can’t help but feel that uneasiness in the pit of your stomach. You mask the broken-heartedness there presence causes you. 

“For you, ma’am.” The server places a plate of one spinach leaf, one mushroom, and three small  rectangular pieces of steak. There’s a sauce squirted all over the plate. You’re unsure of what it is. “Am I supposed to be full with this?” You laugh and tell Jungkook’s coach. “Some ramyeon and steak would’ve been better.” He laughs, only eating the three pieces of meat. Jungkook seems to agree with you as you see him nod with a smile on his face. “It was made by the most famous chef in Korea, Alex Kim.” Jiah is quick to put her two cents in though. “Just because it’s made by a chef doesn’t mean it’s good.” You chuckle grabbing a pizza from Min-su’s plate. 

“Babes you wanna dance?!” You ask Min-su when they start playing the 70s disco hits. 70s disco was your guilty pleasure. It might’ve spread to Min-su too, as he seems to love it, as well. 

“Yes!” He exclaims, his full smile appearing when he hears “Stayin’ Alive” blasting through the speakers. 

“Let’s go!” You grab his hand. You and Min-su scurry to the dance floor and quickly start doing the disco finger. You and Min-su’s hips move from side-to-side while your finger moves from the floor through your body then up to the sky. Then it moved to the bump dance, where you and Min-su are bumping hips with each other, getting laughs out of each other. The 70s disco dance music is then changed to slower ballads.

“We can’t dance to these anymore.” Min-su pouts his lips. 

“Hey, who said we couldn’t?! The gentleman places his hand on the lady’s waist.” You grab Min-su’s hand and place it on your hip. Then, you put your hand on his shoulder and grab his free hand with your free hand. “Then we just sway side-to-side. You like it?” You say looking down at him with a full smile on your face. “I like the other ones better. But this is nice too.” Min-su says with still a slight pout on his face. 

These were the moments that made you forget everything. Every moment that you spent with Min-su made you forget everything going on in your heart with Jungkook. He made you happy amidst every heart break you’ve endured. He’s the one who made your heart strong enough to be able to love Jungkook even with everything he did to you. 

“I love you.”

“Momma, you always tell me.” 

“I know but I just want you to know.” 

“You’ll tell me again tonight when you put me to sleep.” Min-su giggles. It’s true. You tell him every time before bed. 

“I don’t care. I love you. I love you. I love you.” You crouch down to Min-su’s height pulling him in for a hug and kisses. Min-su gets a giggly attack from your kisses all over his face. 

“Test. Test.” Jungkook says on the stage. He’s about to deliver the speech of the night. You stand straight on the dance floor and carry Min-su on your shoulders so he can see his dad. 

“Everyone having fun at the party? I know you are, kiddo.” He narrows his gaze under the bright lights on the stage and points to Min-su on your arms. Min-su lets out a “yes”, giving everyone an endearing laugh. “I wanted to come up here, say a little thank you messages to everyone. Thank you all for coming here today. I don’t know if it was for me or the music or the booze, but anyway, thanks.” The audience responds with laughter. 

“I’m not too good with speeches so, um, I’ll keep it short. First of all, I wanna say thanks to all the directing team for making the documentary. Thanks for being a pain in the ass filming me.” He laughs and pauses, looking at them at the directors table and lifting his drink towards them. “Next, I want to say thanks to my whole team. My coach. Thanks brother. I wouldn’t be the fighter nor the person I am today without you. My manager Yoongi. Barely came on the team but yeah, thanks.” He chuckles. 

His next line gives him pause.“My son. I love you kiddo. You make me want to be a better person everyday.” Jungkook looks at him, giving him a smile. His gaze from Min-su moves to meet yours. A tight-lipped smile appears on his face as he quickly looks down. A sudden silence lingers over him, it is quickly overcome by his next line, though. “And of course, thank you to my fiancé Jiah who I can’t wait to get married with. Alright, that’s it from me. Enjoy the documentary that premieres on…” He looks up to the ceiling as if it will give him an answer, “Shit, I don’t even know when it premieres. It says on the invitation.  Alright turn up the music.” Everyone claps and cheers for him. 

Every time you hear his voice, you can’t help but be dragged right back to him. The feeling you feel for him is eating you right up. It’s ending you. You need to let it all out. 

“Min-su stay here with your dad! I’m just going to be outside!” You have to yell at Min-su so he can hear you as the music is too loud. You walk into the balcony of the venue to get some clean air. Your bodyguard follows you outside. All you want is some time alone to clear your mind. Frustrated you shout at your bodyguard, “Nothing will happen to me out here! Can’t I get some time alone? Please.” Your hands go up to your forehead. The bodyguard retracts and goes inside the ballroom. He lets Jungkook know your whereabouts since they’re entitled to report to him when someone denies protection. 

“Hey,” A voice joins you outside. 

“I said I wanted some-” Your voice increases with every word. 

“It’s just me.” Jungkook chuckles as he approaches you to take a seat on the bench besides you. 

“Oh.” You just say. You’d prefer your bodyguard being there over Jungkook. Jungkook’s presence has the ability to blur your thoughts and rationality. 

“What are you doing all alone? Min-su wants to party with his mom.” Jungkook chuckles and takes a sip of his drink.

“Your turn to dance with him.” You chuckle and turn to look at him. He’s looking down at the floor. You’re looking at his soft jet black hair. His lips. His soft clear skin. A lingering sense of silence joins you and Jungkook at the bench. 

“Alright then, I’m going to go dance with him,” he laughs, “don’t take too long out here.” Everything he does. Everything he says disfigures you. Love has disfigured you. 

As Jungkook walks back into the venue you see his tone arms, his tone legs, his posture, his neck. Time has stopped for you. He’s just frozen and standing right in front of you with his back faced to you. There’s a longing in your gaze for him. For his body. For his mind. For his heart. For his love. You’re dazed in his presence. It’s time. 

As Jungkook is about to open the door, he retracts at the sound of your voice. 

“I love you.” 

You whisper loud enough to stop him but low enough for him to not understand. 

“What?” He turns to meet your eyes. You stand five steps away from each other. Your unwavering eyes are on his eyes. You’re unsure if you want to continue what you started, but the feeling inside of you is consuming you. It’s too strong and powerful to keep it dormant in your heart. 

“I love you.” 

You say it more confident this time. It’s now loud enough for Jungkook to clearly hear it. 

“I love you, too. You’re Min-su’s mom.” He chuckles, attempting to keep the conversation light, however, he knows exactly what you mean. 

“No.” You shake your head. The gaze in your eyes tell him everything he needs to know. The silent response from him allows you to continue to say more. 

“I love you. I do. Like I really love you. I’ve tried my hardest to keep it hidden somewhere deep inside where this love will not creeping back in. I tried hiding it with my cold responses and going into something with Namjoon, but it’s there and it is so real. The feeling is so fucking real,” you pause and chuckle, “I was scared of this you know. About me feeling this way again. But you and that lake house. It just- it confirmed everything I had been feeling ever since I saw you after five years. I feel it every damn time I see you. It’s not fair! It’s not fair. I feel like a loser. A weak loser. You left me five years ago and I’m still here- completely in love with you. I hated you for leaving and I probably still do, but doesn’t everyone say that with hate comes love?” You chuckle again. Jungkook’s stunned eyes and continued silence only opens the door for you to say more, “Oh! And I also feel like an asshole because I love you. I used Namjoon to try to erase any feelings I had for you. He liked me. I liked him. He opened up to me. He protects Min-su and I. He’s not engaged and thinking about starting a family with his fiancé. He’s perfect. But, he’s not you. No one is you Jungkook.” You point with a pleading hand at him. “I love you. I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you.” You look at him with tears swelling on your eyes. 

There’s tears in Jungkook’s eyes as well.  He wants to say something, but nothing is able to come out. Your words and emotions have stripped everything away from his vocabulary, leaving him completely speechless. 

You continue. 

“I’m not telling you this for you. I don’t need you to want me back or to reject me or to tell me anything. I just needed you to listen.” You nod with a tight-lipped smile. “I needed to say that because if I don’t. I don’t know if I’ll be ever be able to love someone else. I need to move past you, you know. And the first step is letting it all out because it is burdening. It is so fucking burdening.” A nervous chuckle comes out of you again while looking to the ceiling. Your hands come to your face and mouth shocked at what you just let out to him. A relieved feeling sets in your stomach, though. Jungkook just stands frozen in time. He’s processing everything you just told him. He wishes he could storm towards you, grab your face and kiss you, but he can’t. He wants to do so many things to you, but all he can do is stand there. He’s engaged and he knows it is not fair to his fiancé. It’s also not fair to her that he pretends to be happy about marriage, when he wants someone else. 

“I’m going to go play with Min-su, now.” You walk past him. He wants to grab your arm to embrace you in his arms. He misses you. He loves you, too. He’s in love with you. Before you go back into the party, you turn again. “Don’t let this change anything for Min-su.” 

“_____.” He calls out to you before you leave.

“I said not to say anything, Jungkook.” A tear streams down your face and you nod with a tight-lipped smile. Jungkook and your eyes are transfixed on each other. You wish he would’ve said he loved you too. Jungkook wishes that, too. 

You’re walking to the SUV’s in front of the lobby with Min-su. You find yourself in back of Jungkook and Jiah. You see him holding her by the waist. There’s a feeling of embarrassment present within you as you just told an engaged man you’re in love with him. You’ve been avoiding him all evening, and so has he. The nature of this avoidance is due to the internal feelings present in the hearts of both. You’ve come to terms with yours and even told him, however, there was a lie within your speech. Jungkook’s avoiding you because he can’t face you. He wishes he could’ve told you everything he feels. He feels like a coward for not being able to tell you and continue being in a relationship with Jiah when he clearly doesn’t want to be in one with her. 

“You had fun?” You swing your arm asking Min-su. A smile soon your face. 

“Yes!” Min-su exclaims as he looks up to you. A bunny smile on his face. 

A man dressed in a black vest with a black bowtie and a tray on his left hand bumps into you. “Excuse me.” He quickly leaves your side to the backdoor. He leaves an unknown feeling on the side of your stomach. There’s an intense heat on your stomach. You hold it tight. You direct yourself over to Namjoon, “Take him to Daeun’s.” Namjoon looks at your confused but listens, “Momma will take a little longer. Stay with hyung.” You bend down against the pain and give Min-su a tight kiss. Namjoon quickly takes Min-su out of the lobby. 

As soon as Min-su is out of your sight, you look down to your dress where it is changing color to a darker blue, almost black, where the man struck you. You feel a warm liquid oozing out of the side of your stomach. As you raise your hand from it, your palm is stained with a dark red color. You’re trying to gain strength to make it to the SUV, however, the pain has set in. You’ve been stabbed twice in the same area. The second strike reaching in deeper to your insides. Your limbs are unable to hold you up any longer. You drop on your knees to the floor as you continue to hold the side of your stomach. At the sight of your fall, your bodyguard runs to you yelling Jungkook’s name. 

Jungkook runs to you and crouches down to meet you. He cups your face, “What? What?” He cries. You’re unable to say anything. Your eyebrows only go up in fear. Your face is turning pale, sweat is appearing on your temples and there’s a coldness you feel in your body. You remove your hand from your wound again, unable to keep it there, as you’re getting weaker by second. 

“I-i was sta-be-bed.” You stutter from the pain. There’s blood running into the floor, making a pool of blood around your side.

“Shhh-shh baby.” Jungkook nuzzles his face onto yours. He takes off his jacket and puts it on your wound.

“I need to lay down,” You sob. The pain is too much to manage. 

“No! No, baby. Stay seated, c’mon baby.” Jungkook says through his sobs. You fall into a cradling position with Jungkook as he holds you on his arms. Your desperate shaking hands are grabbing his forearms. You look down at your dress soaked in blood. “I’m scared.” You sob. “It’s not too much blood, baby.” He tells you, trying to calm you down. “Someone call 911, Fuck!” He hysterically yells at his team. He caresses your face with tears in his eyes. “It’s going to be 45 minutes!” His assistant cries. 

You start to close your eyes. Your lungs are closing. With every breath you try to take, there’s a sharp pain that runs all over your body. Jungkook taps your cheek as he tries to keep you conscious. “____, cmon. Stay awake.” He sobs. “Okay.” You manage to say. Jungkook knows you won’t make it in 45 minutes. He lifts you up and runs to the SUV. “Hospital! Fast!” He shouts to the driver from the backseat where he’s cradling you. 

You’ve lost sense of direction. You don’t know where you are. You hear a ringing on your ears. You vision is going blacker and blacker with every minute that passes. You can nearly breathe. The only person that’s keeping you there is Jungkook and his voice. “Kook,” You say between sobs. The blood all over you scares you. There’s blood all over Jungkook’s white shirt and face. “Min-su. Tell Min-su,” You’re sobbing and Jungkook is sobbing. He doesn’t want to hear you say this. 

“No, no, no, no!” Jungkook shouts, sobbing, placing his lips on your lips, “You’re going to tell him. You’re going to be okay, baby.” 

“T-tell him I lo-love him with all my he-he-heart.” It’s taking all your energy to say this, “a-and that I’ll a-always be with h-him.” You sob. 

You don’t want to die. 

“You’re okay, baby. You’re okay. You’ll be okay.” He cradles you in the backseat, embracing your frail body in his big arms. “I love you.” He puts his forehead against yours. You’re completely losing your consciousness. “I love you. I love you. I’m so in love with you.” He sobs. “Open your eyes ___. Open your eyes.” He taps your cheek trying to keep you awake. “It’s okay.” You tell him with an accepting smile. “No. No. No. I do. I love you so much.” Jungkook tells you through his sobs. “It’s okay.” Your shaking hand goes up to his cheek. You caress his face. He’s sobbing unable to catch his breath. You stare at him and your thumb rubs his jaw. He places his warm hand over your cold, almost lifeless, one. There’s no more energy within you anymore. Your hand falls from his and your eyes finally close. Jungkook tries to wake you, but his efforts don’t work anymore. You’ve completely lost consciousness. 

“We’re here!” The driver shouts, quickly getting off the SUV and opening the door. Jungkook carries your unconscious body into the hospital. “Help! Help!” He shouts as he enters the doors. The nurses quickly come to him with a gurney, where he places your body on. As they’re taking you to the operating room, Jungkook stays by your side where he tightly holds your hand and keeps his eyes glued to your face. Jungkook is stopped by a male nurse at the operating room where he can’t go in. His eyes are fixated on you where they transfer you from the gurney to the operating table. 

“What happened?” The nurse asks him. He ignores him as his eyes won’t leave your side. His hand coming to his mouth, sobbing. 

“Sir, what happened?” The nurse repeats to Jungkook. Jungkook still does not give him an answer. 

“Sir, what happened?! We need to know to save her.” The nurse’s voice increases, catching Jungkook’s attention. 

“She-she was stabbed.” 

The nurse quickly goes in to the OR and leaves Jungkook alone in the hallway. Jungkook’s white shirt, hands, and face are stained by your blood. He slowly slides down the wall where he falls into a squat. His hands come up to his face where tears stream down his face. He needs you to survive. He needs you to wake up. For him. For Min-su. 

For him, life isn’t life without you. He’s gotten you back after all these years. You can’t just go…

i feel so bad for oc. ofc she still loves him even if she hates him. soooo...is this it?! is oc in love with jungkook and that is all? or is her accident going to make her change her perspectiveeeee😖😣🤨🤨???

☆ leave me your thoughts, theories, questions, anything here ✉ !!! thanks y'all! ♥️

“Jeon Min-su.” Jungkook arrives to the hospital in 10 minutes from when you called him. He anxiously taps the desk while the nurse looks for Min-su’s name on the system. As he turns to his right side he spots you. You’re sitting on the hallway waiting chair with hands on your face, leaning forward with elbows on your legs. You’re petrified for Min-su. He had a seizure right in front of your eyes. His body uncontrollably shaking and saliva spilling out of his mouth. You don’t like to think of the worse, but your mind always goes to that. 

“______!” Jungkook yells your name as he bolts towards you. 

When you see him, you feel a sense of relief. As much as you didn’t like Jungkook, knowing Min-su’s father was there by his and your side brought you comfort. 

When Jungkook embraces you in his thick arms, you let yourself succumb to them. Being around his presence gives you that longing comfort you sought back when Min-su was sick four years ago. Jungkook places his chin above your head, rubbing your back, consoling you as you’re crying on his chest. He lets you stay by him as long as you need to, however you pull back when your crying has calmed down. 

“What happened?” Jungkook takes a seat. 

“He woke me up and said he didn’t feel good. He was throwing up. His chest was hurting. He was all dizzy. He couldn’t stand. He was burning.” Your hands returning to your forehead. Jungkook grabs your hand pulls it down to the side, not letting it go up, again. “As we were getting off to the hospital, he just started uncontrollably shaking and-and his eyes went back,” Your other hand coming to your mouth, on the verge of tears. “He was throwing up food or something, as I was carrying him in. I don’t know. I smell like shit now.” You shake your head defeatedly. Jungkook takes your dirty coat off your shoulders and puts you his. He still smells the same way after all these years that have passed. 

“He’ll be okay, ____.” Jungkook tells you. You shake your head, looking at the floor. The image you have of Min-su is one that you won’t know if he’ll be okay. They took him in while he was still shaking. Nurses and doctors surrounding him, blocking him from your view. 

 “Hey, look at me.” You shake your head. He grabs your chin and turns your head. You don’t tense up at the action, you simply let it in. “He’s the strongest kiddo I know. He gets it from you.” He smiles, lines forming on his forehead. Tears stream down your face as you nod. “Now be strong for him.” Jungkook cups your face, making you stare at him, so you can grasp every little thing he tells you. 

“Jeon Min-su’s parents?” An older doctor walks out from the “restricted access” doors. “Oh wow!” The doctor chuckles at the sight of Jungkook. 

“How’s my son?” Jungkook quickly interrupts the doctor’s jolly at seeing Jungkook. 

“He has bacterial endocarditis.” The doctor pauses, “It’s some sort of infection in the heart’s valve.” 

“He-he had a valve replacement when he was a year old. Will-will he need one again?” You stutter with worry on your eyes. 

“No, no. We just need to treat the infection with antibiotics.” The doctor assures you. 

You let out a relieved sigh. Your muscles finally relaxing. Surgery is what scared you the most. You didn’t want Min-su to go through another surgery as the recovery period would be so difficult for Min-su, affecting his childhood. 

“What caused the seizure?” Jungkook asks the doctor. 

“The seizure was a result of the high fever. It shouldn’t happen again since his fever is already going down.” 

“Thank you. Can we see him?” You anxiously ask the doctor. 

“Yes. He’s sleeping right now. But c’mon, I’ll take you to him.” The doctor smiles at both of you and leads you to Min-su’s room. 

“We’d like to be moved into a private room, please.” Jungkook instructs the doctor outside of Min-su’s room. “Of course.” 

Although you know Min-su will be okay, your heart aches when you see him weakly laying on a bed. He’s a five year old kid who loves to play and laugh, but right now he’s in a hospital bed laying with an oxygen nasal mask and an IV on his arm. As soon as tears start to drown at the edge of your eyes, Jungkook grabs your shoulder and squeezes it. Be strong for him. You quickly wipe away the tears with his reminder. 

“Hi. Are you ready to be moved to the other room?” A nurse walks in with a smile. 

You nod, “Yes.” 

As soon as you arrive to the new room, you lay down next to Min-su, stroking his hair. Having Min-su in your arms makes you feel relieved. Min-su has been your light all these years. He’s the one who kept you going after everything. He’s your one and only happiness. 

“Momma,” Min-su sleepily opens his eyes and tries to take off his mask. 

“Hi baby,” You remove his hand from the nasal mask and give him a forehead kiss. Jungkook scurries to Min-su’s side and grabs his hand, “Hey, kiddo.” Tears appearing on his eyes. He’s trying his best to hold them in. 

“Hi mommy and daddy.” Min-su weakly says but a smile appearing on his face. 

“Hiii, we’re here. Go back to sleep baby.” You tell Min-su giving him another kiss. Jungkook does the same. As much as you’d love for him to be talking to you, you want him to sleep more. He needs his rest to get better. 

You get up from the bed and sit on the chair next to the bed. Jungkook stays pondering at you, as if he wants to say something. 

“What?” You know there’s something lingering at the tip of his tongue. 

“Nothing.” He looks away to Min-su. 

“What?” You roll your eyes. You know him better than anyone. He knows that too. 

“I’m going to fight Park Jimin.” He says, eyes still fixated on Min-su. 

“Of course you are.” You throw your head back. It annoys you how he still makes reckless choices even when he now has a son. 

As you’re drifting into your sleep, you still feel his eyes on Min-su, “It’s not only you anymore. You have a son now. Be careful.” You mumble the last part of the sentence, drifting completely to your sleep. 

Jungkook stays awake the whole night watching Min-su and you sleep. His mind is going places it shouldn’t. He’s thinking of all the what if’s. He’s thinking of all the decisions he’s ever made in his life. He’s thinking of all the regrets he has. 

As soon as the sun rises you wake up. You turn around to see Min-su still asleep. Jungkook hands you a coffee. You’re surprised he still remembers your coffee order from a long time ago, although it’s now changed. Your face wrinkles up at the taste of the coffee. You can’t believe you used to like your coffee with six sugars and five creams. Now, you like your coffee just black. 

“Isn’t that what you like?” Jungkook chuckles at the face you just made. 

“Five years ago.” You remark at him. 

The next day in the afternoon, Daeun and Seokjin arrive to the room with balloons that read “Get Well Soon”. You feel relieved to see them. They were always there for you before, but now that Jungkook was in Min-su’s life, you called him before them. It feels strange to you, but also good. It feels good that there’s more people in Min-su’s life who love him, one of them being his father. 

“How is he?” Daeun furrows his eyebrows looking at Min-su. 

“He’s doing good. He’s just sleeping from all the antibiotics.” You give her a tight-lipped smile.

“Oh Min-su baby.” Daeun walks over to Min-su rubbing his little hand. Seokjin follows and does the same. 

The doctors informed you that Min-su would need to stay a week in the hospital because of the heavy medication he’s going to be taking. His body is taking a lot of his energy trying to fight the infection and the medication is a downer, so Min-su is going to be sleepy most of the time. 

Daeun and Seokjin hear a flush in the restroom. They turn to see Jungkook walking out of it. Daeun rolls her eyes and goes on to sit besides Min-su, rubbing his hair. Jungkook, unsure what to do, raises his hand and waves to them, although they are about 5 feet away from each other. Jungkook feels ashamed of being in the same room as Daeun and Seokjin. There is a certain nervousness to his actions. Jungkook with apologetic eyes stares at them. 

“Come on brother.” Seokjin widely opens his arms, opening the door for Jungkook to go on and hug him. Jungkook and Seokjin hold their hug for about ten seconds, squeezing tight and then releasing. “How are you, you big old fancy boxer?” Seokjin laughs, grabbing Jungkook in a headlock and messing his hair. This is something they would always do when they’d greet each other. You’re a bit endeared by Jin’s homey reaction after not seeing each Jungkook for a long time. But, still you’d wish he’d be a little more cold towards him. That’s just how Seokjin is though, so you just accept it.

“It feels good to see you, Jin.” Jungkook gets out of the headlock, going into another hug. 

“Shhhh, take it outside.” You tell them as you don’t want Min-su to wake up and need to ask Daeun something. 

“Did you, um, tell Dad?” You whisper to Daeun, not wanting Jungkook to hear. 

“Uhhhh. Of course.” Daeun raises one eyebrow, clearly confused at why you're adamant about Dad knowing. 

“I haven’t told him anything about Jungkook.” You admit to her. 

“You haven’t what?! Well good luck, sis. He’s on his way.” Daeun chuckles, shaking her head. 

You hadn’t told your dad because you knew how much he hated Jungkook for leaving you and never showing up for Min-su or you. You did plan on telling him, but you just hadn’t seen him ever since New Years. Your dad had left on a retreat with his friends, so you hadn’t had the chance. Jungkook and your dad, unlike your mom, always had some “bad blood.” Your dad never liked Jungkook because he always thought that Jungkook was a “low-life” and that his daughter “deserved better.” Although that slowly went away, after maybe three years of dating, the “bad blood” quickly returned when he abandoned you and knocked you up all at the same time. Jungkook’s reason for not liking your dad were simply because your dad didn’t like him. 

Jungkook and Seokjin enter the room again, more quiet this time around. 

“Jinnie hyung! Daeun noona!” Min-su exclaims, getting up from the bed. 

Min-su has sudden bursts of energy when the effect of the medicine go away. However, it’s soon until he knocks out again. You’re happy he got one right at the moment when his aunt and uncle are there. It’s good for him to see some faces that aren’t his dad and mom. 

“Hey, champion!” Seokjin scurries to the bed and high fives Min-su. Seokjin continues to do funny faces that make Min-su burst out in giggles. It pulls at your heart strings when you see Min-su having this much fun even in his condition. He really is your burst of sunshine. 

After an hour, Min-su’s medicine hits again and he’s sleeping again. It hurts you knowing that normally he’d be playing at this time of day, but now he’s sleeping. You feel okay knowing that this sleep is what’s going to make him be able to play again. 

Daeun and Jin soon leave after Min-su goes back to sleep. As you and Jungkook sit in silence, you hear footsteps approaching your room. 

Shit. It’s Dad. 

“Just don’t say anything.” You warn Jungkook before your dad enters the room. 

“How’s my daughter and grandson doing?” Sungho says as he walks in the room holding flowers, expecting to only see you besides Min-su. His stride is stopped by the presence of Jungkook standing next to Min-su’s bed. Your dad’s warm expression turns into a cold one looking at Jungkook. 

“What is he doing here, _____?” Sungho says between his teeth, keeping his eyes fixated on Jungkook the whole time. “You have no right to be here. Not now. Not ever.” Your dad places his hands on his hips, breathing rapidly, clearly furious at Jungkook. 

“Did you not tell him?” Jungkook turns to look at you. 

“Tell me what? _____ are you back with him?!” Your dad’s voice increasing.

“No! God, no! Jungkook didn’t know about having a son, dad. That’s why he’s here. I let him be part of Min-su’s life.” You look down to the floor. 

“Still, he shouldn’t be here. Not after he abandoned you.” Your dad tells you shaking his head. 

“I’m only here for Min-su. The history between me and ____ is separate.” Jungkook’s tone more serious, closing the distance on your father. 

Your father scoffs and takes a seat on the chair. “I’m sorry, dad.” You whisper to his ear and hand him a cup of water. 

Jungkook approaches Sungho and offers him his hand, “I’m sorry about Aena’s death.” Your dad only nods his head, not accepting the handshake. 

“Hello.” A voice says from the curtain. It’s the sultry voice that you don’t like to hear. You hate the idea of Jiah dropping by at the same time your dad is there. 

Jungkook hugs Jiah and kisses her cheek. You’re not jealous that Jungkook’s engaged and that the loves Jiah. You are jealous, though, that he’s able to love someone that way. You feel dumb and ashamed that you haven’t made the effort to look for a partner all these years. Perhaps, you could’ve been married and Min-su could’ve had a step-father right now. There’s many reasons why you chose not to. One of those reasons is hidden deep inside of you, yet to make it’s way up to your heart. 

The shame that you feel of you never being able to love someone and Jungkook having a whole fiancé is why you wish your dad didn’t see it with his both eyes. You feel embarrassed that Jungkook has played a big role in yours and Min-su’s life all these years, when he had completely gotten over you and didn’t even know Min-su existed. 

What has changed with Namjoon, though? Why are you letting him in your life? Is it due to him knowing everything about your life? You feeling safe with him? Him liking you? 

Or is it time since you’ve confirmed Jungkook has found someone that isn’t you?

“Sungho, this is my fiancé, Jiah.” Jungkook tells your dad. “Jiah, this is ____’s dad.” 

“Nice to meet you.” Jiah politely says, with a friendly smile. You haven’t seen that one. Your dad only nods with a tight-lipped smile.

He stands up and hugs you. “I gotta go. I’ll drop by tomorrow.” He tells you. As he’s walking out, he says, “I’ll call you and tell me if it’s a good time to drop by.” He means when Jungkook is not there. 

As the night approaches, you find yourself alone in the room with only Min-su. Jungkook has left with Jiah for the night. He wanted to stay with the night as well, but you insisted he left, since by the looks of it, Jiah was going to be staying over as well. You did not want to share a room with them two. Also, a part of you does feel sorry for Jiah, though. She must miss Jungkook. It is her fiancé after all. 

You ring Namjoon a call, “Hi stranger.” You sweetly say. You hadn’t seen Namjoon since the night Min-su got sick. You thought he’d come to the hospital and check up on Min-su, but he didn’t. 

“Hi.” Namjoon answers with the low voice you like to hear. 

“I thought you’d show up by now. Guess I just got used to you checking up on us.” You chuckle. You did. You got used to him checking up on you. If anything happened to you, you’d know Namjoon would knock on your door and asking you if and Min-su “are okay.” 

“I’m sorry.” He just says. His voice cutting from the phone call and sounding closer and closer to you. Namjoon is standing in the room, watching you with a smile on his face. Your face softens at his presence. He walks over to you, embracing you in his arms. “What took you so long?” You chuckle. Your head still against his chest. “I didn’t need to check up on you this time.” He says with a smile while he continues to his you. He’s correct. You had everyone who has been with you in times of hardships, plus Jungkook. Strangely, at the moment, Jungkook was the one who brought you the most comfort and warmth. As much as you hate to admit it, Namjoon did not cross your mind these two days, until you found yourself alone in the room. You’re confused as to why, since you seem to like him too. 

Namjoon spent the night, however he quickly left early in the morning. He said he had to go meet Jungkook to talk about changes on who he’s going to be protecting now. 

At about 9 AM, Jungkook and Namjoon both walk in the room. They both have a more than usual serious frown on their face. You note Jungkook’s more, since he’s always a bit more relaxed and smiley than Namjoon. 

“What?” You get up from your seat, quickly approaching both of them. 

“There’s press outside.” Jungkook looks everywhere but your eyes. He knows you hate reporters after the earlier incident you were the center of. To Jungkook’s surprise you let out a loud sigh, clearly relieved that it wasn’t news about Min-su’s health. 

“I thought you didn’t like the press?” Jungkook turns to look at Namjoon. 

“I just thought- never mind.” You pause, “Why are they here? I thought you’d said they wouldn’t bother us again.” You place your hands on your hips, eyes narrowing at Jungkook. 

“There was a leak from the hospital about Min-su’s health. They just want to know his status.” Jungkook quickly continues as soon as he sees your muscles tense up. You thought they were now making rumors up about Min-su’s health. You nod when you hear him say they just want a status on Min-su. “_____, they’re also here to confirm the fight.” Jungkook looks down at the floor. You’re unsure why he’s telling you all this. “I need to talk to you, before I make the first public appearance about the fight.” You don’t like the suspense in his voice, or why he feels the need to have a talk to you.

 You narrow your eyes in confusion, “Uh, okay.” Namjoon stays with Min-su in the hospital room, while you and Jungkook go to the waiting area in the hall. “Here? Someone might hear or see you.” 

“I rented this side of the floor.” Jungkook nonchalantly says.

“Oh. Ok.” You just manage to say as you are somewhat shocked at how much money Jungkook has to not only rent out a VIP room, but half of the VIP floor as well. 

“You and Min-su need a bodyguard now. I’m giving you Namjoon, since he’s the best at what he does and I trust him with my life to care for Min-su and you.” Jungkook does not break eye contact with you as he’s telling you.

“Why do we need a bodyguard?” You say furrowing your eyebrows. “Are we in fucking danger?!” You hiss at Jungkook. Your nostrils are flaring from your anger that is quickly rising up. 

“No, no, ____. It’s just that-” Jungkook shakes his head. 

“It’s just what?!” You yell at him. 

“Park Jimin. He’s known to mess with his opponent’s family members.” Jungkook’s hand going up to his forehead. He’s ashamed of the choice he made when he agreed to fight him. He didn’t think of anything or anyone, except himself. 

“Shit, Jungkook.” You say disappointedly shaking you head. “You have him, now!” Your index finger pointing to Min-su’s room. You’re angry that he didn’t think of Min-su when he made that choice. His anger and ambition blurring his vision like always. 

“I know, I’m sorry.” He says unable to look in your eyes. “He’s just talk. He hasn’t done anything to anyone. I’m going to beat him.” He says, slowly meeting your gaze with a small smile on his face. You don’t care if he’s going to win the fight. You just want Min-su to be safe from any harm. 

“How do you know he’s all talk?! What if he actually does something? To Min-su. To your fiancé. To your parents. I don’t know, anyone you care about!” You throw your hands up to the air. 

“Not my parents.” He chuckles as his gaze makes a return to the floor. He truly left his old world behind. It doesn’t shock you as you know they didn’t have a great relationship even before he left. However, you’d think that if he’d reconnect with someone, it’d be them. They were his parents after all. 

“Min-su is just getting better. If anything happens to him again, I swear to god Jungkook.” The thought of something happening to Min-su breaks you. Something that could’ve been avoided if his father wasn’t so reckless. 

“Nothing will happen to him. I promise you.” Jungkook meets your eyes again. His look makes you believe his promise just a little bit, allowing you to calm down. Maybe Park Jimin is all talk. 

“I gotta go meet the press.” Before he leaves, he stops at the door, turning to look at you, “Hey, you okay?” 

“I don’t have a choice to be anything else. Go.” You roll your eyes at his back as he’s getting in the elevator. 

Having Namjoon appointed as your bodyguard is able to relax you more. You’re obviously comfortable with Namjoon and according to Jungkook, he’s the best bodyguard in his team. You know you’ll feel safe and protected having Namjoon around. Additionally, in order to calm yourself down, you make yourself believe that they would never hurt Min-su or you. They’re ambitious for a win, but not that ambitious to hurt an innocent child. And, they’d obviously never hurt you since he obviously doesn’t care about you. You are simply the “ex-girlfriend.” However, you do find yourself worried about Jungkook. He’s Min-su’s father. You don’t want anything bad to happen to him. Everyone knows what type of a fighter Park Jimin is. He’s dirty. He’s unfair. He’s a bad guy who will do anything in the ring in order to get Jungkook’s belt. That- that sends chills down your spine. 

Min-su is finally out of the hospital and back in his own bed. He’s back to his giggles and playing around with toys and video games. He knocks out a little earlier than before since he’s still a bit weak from the infection, but overall Min-su is back to being the energetic five-year old that he is. He still hasn’t showed up to school since the doctor figured it was better for him to stay two weeks at his house to get used to the medicine he’s been taking. 

“Your dad’s here!” You shout to Min-su to hurry him up as Jungkook is waiting for him at the door. 

“Hi.” Jungkook tells you. You just nod. “Daddy!” Min-su runs to the door and greets him with same excited hug you get to witness every time Jungkook picks him up. 

“How’s my strong boy doing?!” The bunny smile you once loved to see appears on his face. 

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 6:00, Min-su. Okay say bye to momma.” 

“Bye momma!” Min-su gives you a kiss and then he’s on his way with his dad. 

Jungkook and Min-su haven’t been spending much time together since training for the fight has been taking most of Jungkook’s time. When Jungkook does find some time in his schedule, he comes and picks up Min-su to take him out to eat or spend the night at his house. He then brings him back the same or next day. 

You and Namjoon have been seeing each other more. A part due to him being you and Min-su’s bodyguard, but also because the situationship that once was has turned into a relationship. When you’re with Namjoon, you feel good but it also feels odd. It’s bizarre how you simply let yourself agree to everything he suggests. You’re simply there, letting yourself go with the flow. You’ve never been this type of person in a relationship. You like to have a voice. Namjoon doesn’t stop you from having a say in the relationship. He wants you to have one if anything. But you simply don’t try to have one. You don’t want to have one. That bizarre feeling of having no voice is joined by the guilt you feel every time you spend time with Namjoon. There’s a guilt that stems from Namjoon’s feelings towards you. He likes you. He truly does. You like him too. You say it all the time to him, Daeun, and Seokjin. However, you feel unfamiliar at the phrase since it only feels like you’re saying it in the most surface level of your voice. There’s no emotion joined to it. It’s just there. It bothers you, as you’ve tried your hardest to let it be more, but you just can’t seem to attach anything more to it. As you’re not ready to come to accept the unfamiliar guilt you feel, you hide it kisses and sex. 

“Hi.” Namjoon wraps his arms around your waist from behind, resting his head on your shoulder. You unwrap his arms to turn around and placing your arms around his neck. “Min-su just left.” Your eyes narrow, tippy-toeing to whisper in his ear. 

“Yeah?” Namjoon gropes your ass, causing you to let out a moan. “You like that?” He does it again. 

“Mhm.” You manage to say in between your kisses that are landing on his lips. You unbutton his pants and begin stroking his dick. You’re in heat and want to feel his cock inside of you. 

 “C’mon baby. Let’s chill.” Namjoon pulls back from your kisses and pulls out your hand from inside his underwear. 

“I’m sorry.” You quickly go to the sofa, a bit embarrassed of what you just did. You were bold to assume that Namjoon wanted to have sex again since you had fucked earlier that day when Min-su was napping in his room. 

“No, it’s okay.” He laughs looking at your lip scrunch from embarrassment. “I just want to spend some time with you without fucking you.” He joins you on the sofa and gives you a kiss on your cheek. Of course he wants to spend time with you. Most of the time you spend together, you spend it having his dick deep inside your cunt. You barely talk and when you do, you feel that unfamiliar guilt feeling lingering in your heart. 

“Of course, baby. Let’s cook?” You give him a kiss on his lips and a pleasant smile. 

“Yes. I’m starvinggg.” Namjoon grunts and throws his body back on the sofa. You both head on to the kitchen to cook something up. 

As you stand outside of Jungkook’s house waiting for someone to open the door, you’re a bit confused by the loud music coming from his backyard. 

“Oh! Hey.” Jungkook opens the door with a beer in his hand. He’s nicely dressed with a striped shirt and hair swept back, exposing his forehead, looking handsome as ever. His brow piercing has healed from the fight, and it’s back to making a statement. He’s also wearing his lip piercing, making a double statement. It’s not often you see him wearing his accessories since he’s always busy training, but when you do, you’re always amazed at how they look on him.  

“We’re having a family/team dinner right now, why don’t you come back later?” Jungkook slants his head, biting his lip. So this was the “family dinner” Namjoon needed to attend. He could’ve just told you it was Jungkook’s, so you wouldn’t have made this useless ride all the way to the other side of town, wasting your gas. You knew why Jungkook was hosting a dinner. He hasn’t changed one bit. Ever since his rookie days, he’d invite Daeun, Seokjin, you, your mom, and his boxing team to go eat. It was his tradition to treat his “team and family” to dinner as soon as he got signed for a fight. He used to do these dinners to “celebrate the opportunity to fight.” You wonder if it’s still the same reason.

“You could’ve told me another time then.” You roll your eyes. As soon as you turn around to leave, Min-su comes running to the door, “Momma! Can momma stay?!” Min-su exclaims to Jungkook. 

“Of course.” Jungkook laughs at seeing Min-su dragging you in to the house. Before you can say anything to Min-su, he has already dragged you into the nicely decorated backyard. It has lights hanging from one side to the other. The cold March weather is blocked by the fire pit in the middle of the patio. The dinner is a casual one, however, you still feel under-dressed compared to everyone attending, especially Jiah. She’s wearing a sparkly black jumpsuit with a black fur coat and her signature red lipstick. You are wearing sweatpants and a hoodie since you thought you were only going to be picking up Min-su. 

“Momma, come sit with me!” Min-su exclaims to you. 

“No, baby. Sit with your dad. I’ll be over here with Namjoon hyung.” You’re embarrassed as to how Namjoon has to get an extra chair from the side to make room for you to sit. There was not space for you because you were obviously not invited since you don’t make Jungkook’s list of “team and family.” 

You and Namjoon are drinking and talking, while you wait for the food to be served. You throw your head back from laughter at the stories that Namjoon is sharing with you. Jungkook and Jiah are seated at the opposite end of the long table, talking to the guests. Min-su is playing games on his iPad. 

When Jungkook spots you and Namjoon laughing together, he suddenly pauses his conversation with the man next to him and looks at Jiah. “Should we?” “Should we what?” She nervously chuckles, taking a sip of her drink. Jungkook leans into her and whispers, “Stand up with me,” Sneaking a kiss on her cheek. 

“I’d like to make a toast.” Jungkook taps his champagne with the fork catching everyone’s attention. You think it’s his cliche gratitude speech to his team, but it’s not. 

“We wanted to share that we’ve finally set a date on our wedding.” Jungkook grabs Jiah by the waist pulling her in a for a long-lasting kiss. The guests clap and cheer on them, “finally!” “About time!” Jiah’s eyes widen trying to hide her shock as this announcement was not planned. 

You knew Jungkook was getting married, but hearing him say they have set a date means it’s actually happening. You knew it was already going to happen, but this just makes it more real. Throughout Min-su and everything that was happening, Jungkook was also being a fiancé to Jiah. You seemed to have forgotten that in the time you spent with Min-su and him. 

As Namjoon is talking to other people and Min-su is playing with some other kids at the party, you decide to go inside to the empty bar. You grab a tequila bottle, ice, lime, salt and two glass shots. You’re clearly not taking it easy on the alcohol. When you’re about to pour your third shot of tequila, Jungkook walks in to the bar. By this time, you’re already drunk. Your alcohol tolerance is not high. 

“Woah, take it easy there.” Jungkook tries to reach the bottle from your hand to stop you from pouring yourself another shot. You pull it away from him, “Nope, I’m okay.” 

“Why are you in here alone? You should be outside! Drinking with everyone,” He laughs. These are not your people. You don’t drink with strangers. “You should be celebrating! Aren’t you happy for me? Having a fiancé! Getting married! Having all this! Having a kid! Being the best boxer in the nation!” Jungkook spins with his arms opened looking at everything around him. 

“I am very happy for you.” Having moved on from tequila shots, you now take a sip of your whiskey. Your face wrinkles in disgust as you’ve never been a whiskey person. 

Jungkook raises his glass of bourbon and nods, “Thank you.” 

“Very happy that you are able to live with all this,” You spin around, imitating him, “With no remorse. No guilt. No conscience of leaving everyone behind. Of leaving me behind. But who gives a shit, right?” You chuckle, pouring yourself another tequila shot, “It was a long time ago, anyway.” You shrug your shoulders, and in goes the tequila.

“Fuck, _____. You always have to bring that shit up.” Jungkook says between his teeth. 

“Oh! Always!” You laugh, “Always?! What do you mean always?! I’ve been trying hard to pretend you didn’t fucking abandon me for Min-su’s sake!” You shout at him. 

“I said I’m sorry, okay?!” Jungkook shouts back, “What else do you want from me?! I moved on ____! You should try it too.” He silently says. 

“Well I did too!” You shout back, the space between both of you closing with every shout you say. 

“Oh really!? Who?!? Where?! I don’t see him!” Jungkook steps towards you, pretending that someone you moved on to is in the same room. 

Namjoon walks in to the bar, calling your name. “Namjoon!” You run to him and throw your arms around him. You whisper to him, “take me home and fuck me.” Jungkook unable to hear what you said to Namjoon, he rolls his eyes and laughs, “She’s drunk.” Namjoon laughs and carries you over his shoulder. 

“Min-su is staying with you!” You shout at Jungkook as you’re leaving his house. 

As Namjoon places you on the floor to get you in the car, you grab his collar and pull him in for a kiss. He kisses you back. “Alright enough, get in the car.” He laughs.

Jungkook is watching you kiss Namjoon through the window. He had been confused these past few months  at what he felt every time he saw you. Seeing you kiss someone that wasn’t him confirmed everything he was afraid of. Instead of being happy that you have someone, he just finds himself jealous. 

As soon as you get to your apartment, you run to the restroom to throw up everything you drank at the party. Namjoon scurries to the restroom to grab your hair back. 

“Here, babe.” He hands you a cup of water. 

“Thanks.” You take a sip of water, trying to sober up. You used to be able to drink this much and more before Min-su, but ever since becoming a mom, you can’t do hard liquor. You’re disappointed in yourself for letting yourself go because of the announcement. You want to erase the memory of what you told Jungkook at the bar. You’re afraid he’ll think you’re still not over what happened five years ago. Being over it and disliking him for it are two completely different things. 

As Namjoon is waiting for you to get out of the shower, he receives a text from Jungkook. 

9:03 PM Kook: Come to the gym tomorrow 🥊 let’s fight

9:04 PM Joon: 👍🏻

“So what?! You just go on and tell people without mentioning it to me first.” Jiah is mad and embarrassed that Jungkook didn’t let her in to his plans to tell the guests about their wedding date. 

“Everyone was there.” Jungkook looks through his closet, avoiding her face. 

“Everyone or because she was there?!” Jiah grabs Jungkook’s arm and turns him around to look at his face. Jungkook rolls his eyes and takes a seat at the edge of the bed, “She? Who is “she” Jiah?” He annoyingly asks, clearly tired of this argument. 

“_____! Who else?! She sits down and then you suddenly say it!” She shouts at him. Her voice radiating through the walls. 

“Calm down! Min-su’s sleeping.” Jungkook rubs his eyebrows. 

“You see! You can’t even answer the question!” She continues to increase her voice. 

Jungkook stands up and begins unbuttoning his shirt, “She’s just- she’s just Min-su’s mom. She’s nothing compared to you.” He avoids her gaze by looking down to his shirt. 

“Do you even want to get married Jungkook? You don’t even look at me when I’m talking to you! Everything is about Min-su now. Min-su this! Min-su that!” Jiah throws her arms in the air. 

“He’s my son, Jiah! Fuck!” Jungkook’s voice now increasing. “And I’m your fiancé!” She yells back. 

Jungkook takes a seat in the bed again. His hands going straight to his face. “Fuck. Fuck. I know. I know.” Jungkook extends his arms, calling her over. He puts his head on her stomach and wraps his arms around her waist, “I’m sorry, baby. I want to get married, I do.” She doesn’t hug him back. As Jungkook is embracing her in a hug, Min-su walks in, “Daddy, I can’t sleep.” 

Jungkook lets go of Jiah and gives her an apologetic look as he’s walking towards Min-su.

“Hey man, what’s up?” Jungkook says while hitting the punching bag. 

“You asked me to come.” Namjoon holds the punching bag for Jungkook. Jungkook raises his eyebrows and nods, “Right.” He gives the punching bag another 10 hits before he stops. 

“You can’t continue hooking up.” Jungkook drinks water and sits at the edge of the boxing ring. 

“Hooking up?” Namjoon narrows his gaze, lines forming on his forehead

“Min-su’s mom.” Jungkook laughs. 

“We’re not hooking up.” Namjoon takes a seat next Jungkook and lets out a silent chuckle. 

“I saw ya’ll. When you left my house.” He pats Namjoon’s shoulders. 

“We’re not hooking up. And who are you to tell me what to do?” Namjoon laughs, head tilting to the side. 

Namjoon and Jungkook are both trying to keep the conversation light. However, there’s definite emotions attached to each thing they’re saying. 

“I’m kidding Joon. You can do whatever you want. Don’t let anything come in between your main task, because then I will- ” Jungkook jokingly grabs Namjoon in a friendly headlock. Namjoon quickly gets out of it and laughs. 

“So if you’re not hooking up, then what are you? I saw you kiss.” Jungkook raises his eyebrows. 

“We’re dating.” Namjoon stares right at Jungkook’s eyes. No blinking. No smirk. No nothing. Just Jungkook and Namjoon looking at straight at each other’s eyes for 10 seconds. 

Jungkook breaks from Namjoon’s gaze and jumps on the boxing ring. “Good for you. Good for her!” He exclaims. Jungkook hands Namjoon a training head gear and boxing gloves. “Let’s do some sparring.” 

“I’m good. I’ll watch you.” Namjoon laughs walking towards the bleachers.

“C’mon bro. Like old times.” Jungkook laughs. Namjoon gives in to Jungkook’s request. 

The sparring match starts fast. They’re both going hard on each other. Jungkook is throwing one punch after the other, not letting Namjoon move around the ring. The punches are delivered with power, feelings, and emotions that Jungkook is afraid to come to terms with. Namjoon returns Jungkook’s punches. His punches filled with emotions that have just made an appearance in that earlier conversation with Jungkook. They both know the nature of the punches. However, they are too stubborn to admit it, and will continue to act as if there’s nothing between them. 

Jungkook’s coach has to come between them to stop the sparring match. “Alright enough. You’ve had your time.” He separates them. 

They both take off their head gear, and Jungkook walks over to Namjoon, offering him… a fist bump. Namjoon accepts. Throughout their exchange of the infamous fist bump, they’re staring fiercely at each other. Jungkook’s nostrils are flaring and his chest is going up and down. Namjoon returns a high chin, biting the inside of his lip. 

“Good game. We haven’t done this in a while.” Jungkook chuckles as he removes his gloves. Namjoon nods and smirks. 

“I’ll see you later.” He throws the gloves on the floor of the ring and leaves the gym without looking back. 

“Trust me. It has to be her.” Taehyung tells Jimin. 

Jimin says between his teeth, “She’s not important to him. The fiancé is who we have to go for.” 

“No! She’s the baby momma. Of course, he’ll care! This’ll mess him up so good.” Taehyung claps, “He won’t stand a chance against you.” 

“Manager knows best.” Jimin rolls his eyes, “Just a scare, Taehyung. I’ve never actually done this before.” 

“Just a scare. Got it.” Taehyung smirks. 

☆ leave me your thoughts, theories, questions, anything here ✉ !!! thanks y'all! ♥️

GOLDEN BOY CHEATS ON FIANCE WITH LONG TIME EX-GIRLFRIEND

Golden Boy Not So Golden?! 

Jeon neglected his child?! 

WAITRESS MISTRESS! All about Jeon’s baby mommy! 

Jeon and Jiah are not so golden! 

Jeon’s baby momma begs him for money!

Is Jeon really the father? 

“We are here outside of Choi ______’s home, the rumored ex-girlfriend of Jeon Jungkook, the Golden Boy, whom he has a kid with. We will be out here until we get a statement from her to confirm if everything that is being said is true or not.” 

There are photographers and reporters outside your home. You’re sure you even saw some fans holding signs with “W H O R E” written on them. Somehow, your name, your son’s name, and even your address got leaked onto the press. This was exactly what you didn’t want and got. 

“What do we do?!” You shout at Jungkook through the phone. Min-su is confused asking you thousands of questions on why there’s people outside your apartment with cameras. You literally have no idea what to tell him. You can’t tell him that they’re out there calling you “whore” and calling Min-su “the mistress’ son.” You want to protect him against the untruths they are making up about his family. 

“I sent four bodyguards over to your place. Namjoon should be arriving soon,” Jungkook tells you, “Hey, ___.” 

“What?” You annoyingly respond as he’d promised you that this would never happen.“It’ll be okay.” He says. Of course he thinks this will be okay. He’s used to reporters, rumors, articles, but you and Min-su are not. This is new and scary to both of you. Most importantly, annoying. You hate having strangers peek into your life.

There’s a knock on your door. You scurry to open it, hoping it’s Namjoon. 

“Thank god you’re here.” You rub your eyebrows. 

“You need to pack some things. You’re going to stay at Jungkook’s house until everything calms down. It isn’t safe here.” He says as he looks through the window. “You okay?” 

“I’m freaked out, if I’m being completely honest” You let out a nervous chuckle, “We’re safe right?”

“You’ll be fine at Jungkook’s. I won’t let anything bad happen to your or Min-su.” Namjoon warmly smiles at you. His reassurance makes you feel at ease, even with the numerous paparazzi outside. After sharing a moment, Namjoon had recently become more comfortable with you. Your comfort warmed him enough to let you know about something he had placed so deep in his heart.

“Momma, can I please use my iPad?!” Min-su comes out of his room, throwing his fists to the side and stomping. “Baby, we’re going to stay over at your dad’s house. We need to pack.” You lead him back to his room to pack his bag. A wide smile appears on Min-su’s face, completely forgetting about the iPad. He loved going over to his dad’s mansion. It had everything a five year old would want. Jungkook’s playroom for Min-su consisted of video games, VR,  legos of all types, and remote control cars. Jungkook had also designed a room for Min-su. It had decorations ranging from boxing attire and accessories to airplanes and astronauts. Everything a five-year old would want in his room. You’re happy Min-su gets to experience all these things because of his father. You were never able to afford everything he wanted. You’d always pick up an extra shift at your job to try to afford the newest version of the remote-controlled car he wanted. Your financial stress has reduced just a little bit because of that. You’re now able to save more money rather than spending it on toys for Min-su. He has his dad now who can buy him all the toys he wants. 

“You too?!” Min-su excitedly asks. “Yes, me too.” Over this past month, Min-su and Jungkook had gotten comfortable in the “father and son” category, so you let him spend the night with Jungkook without you.

You had gone over to Jungkook’s house before with Min-su, but you had never spent the night there. You were now seeking refuge in the house of the man who abandoned you because of the same man who abandoned you.

“Okay baby, here,” You hand Min-su some headphones.  “Do. Not. Take. Them. Off.” You tell Min-su. “Okay, momma. I promise I won’t take them off.” Min-su gives you his pinky finger, and you wrap yours around his. You handed Min-su headphones playing “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” loud enough that he won’t hear any outside sound but low enough it won’t hurt his ears. You didn’t want Min-su hearing any of the disrespectful comments the paparazzi had to say to you. You also didn’t want him using his iPad for the same reason of encountering any articles that would discredit the love you or Jungkook had for him. 

As soon as you’re both ready with your bags, you walk down the stairs of the apartment complex, ready to face the reporters. You carry Min-su on your arms and Namjoon carries your bags. Him and the other three bodyguards surround you, shoving any reporter or photographer that comes close to you. 

“______, is Jeon really the father?” 

“Is this a lie for money?” 

“Gold-digger!” 

“How did a waitress get with the most famous athlete of South Korea?” 

He wasn’t the most famous athlete of South Korea when I was with him dumbass. Your blood boils as you hear everything they are saying. You hate that they can just make evil rumors about someone without knowing the truth. 

You finally make it to the SUV safe and sound, allowing yourself to breathe. Letting out a deep sigh, you remove Min-su’s headphones, “Baby, you okay?” 

“Yes momma. Who are they?” Min-su pouts his lips. He’s scared of all the bright flashes blinding his and your eyes and the screaming opening mouths of the reporters’ when they shouted questions at you. “They just want to ask questions. They’ll leave soon.” You really hope they will. You hope everything will be okay and everything will return back to normal. You never ever want Min-su to go through this ever again. You choose to trust Jungkook’s voice that everything will be okay. 

As soon as you arrive to Jungkook’s house, you feel relieved at the sight of no press or cameras flashing at you. Jungkook opens the door wearing a white sleeveless tank showcasing his full tattooed sleeve and grey sweatpants. Although you’re angry at Jungkook for breaking his promise, you can’t help but glance at his arms, his tattoos, his pecks that stretch out his shirt. You wish you could fully stare at his tattoos, analyzing what each one means. Looking at his arms this closed-up, you remember his once clear arm under all those tattoos and once skinnier arm under all those muscles. You remember the feeling of his arms at your touch. Although his body looks unrecognizable from before, you still see that rookie fighter you fell in love with. 

Jungkook crouches down to hug Min-su, “Hi kiddo! You excited to stay with daddy for some time?”“Yessss!” Min-su exclaims at his question. “Alright, help Namjoon hyung to your room.” You interrupt their happy moment wanting to talk to Jungkook alone. 

“What’s up? You good?” Jungkook calmly asks you as he nonchalantly walks over to the dining room. You’re behind, following him.

“No. You promised this wasn’t going to happen! This was exactly what I didn’t want to happen and look!” You throw your hands up to the air. You’re annoyed that he hasn’t even stopped to look at you. He’s just casually walking. “Hey! Stop walking and look at me!” You’re tired of him and this. Why is he acting like this isn’t a big deal? It might not be to him but to you it is. 

“Hey hey, I know. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.” Jungkook tells you, “You’ll be okay. It’ll simmer down in a bit.” Again that everything will be okay. You trust him that it will be but it’s just getting harder and harder to. It seems like he doesn’t even care. “Yeah, bu-but. We’re out there. Our faces. The comments. Everything.” You place your hands over your eyes, taking a defeated seat on the dining chair.

“Mama looks stressed.” Jiah walks into the dining room. Of course you are scared. She has that same nonchalant walk as Jungkook. Are they not fucking worried? She greets Jungkook with a kiss. She follows to move into the kitchen, “Chamomile or green?” She shouts into the dining room. 

“Chamomile, thank you.” 

She hands you the tea and then goes sit on Jungkook’s lap. There’s plenty of chairs available, but obviously she’ll choose Jungkook’s lap. You can’t blame her. It’s the best seat in the house. “It’s only a matter of time to get used to all that. You’re out there, can’t come back in, now.” She raises her eyebrows and sips her tea. She’s correct, but you wish she wouldn’t be so blunt with her statements. You’re obviously scared and stressed and she’s only adding salt to the wound. 

“Babe, cmon, don’t scare her.” Jungkook shakes his head and chuckles. 

“It’s the truth.” She smirks, then proceeds to kiss him. 

There’s now an almost full-out make out session between Jungkook and Jiah happening right in front of your eyes. Something you did not want to see. You are absolutely third-wheeling at the moment. “Excuse me.” You say quietly, excusing yourself from the heating moment happening in the living room. They don’t shoot you a glance, too busy eating their mouths off each other. 

This whole situation makes you feel like Jungkook has no respect for you. He doesn’t update you about what’s going to happen. Is he just going to let it die down? Is he going to do something about it? Who leaked the information? You don’t know how these things work. You’re not used to do this. You just wish he could tell you something. Anything. Not just that it’ll be okay. It’s starting to sound like a made up phrase by him. 

Trying to put your focus on Min-su, you’re going up to the playroom and telling him a part of why there’s reporters outside his home, the headphones, and why he can’t use his iPad. You figured that it’s better for Min-su to hear the truth from you rather than hear or see something elsewhere that isn’t you. 

“Hi baby, how you doing?” You interrupt Min-su as he’s playing a VR game. He doesn’t respond because of the headset he’s wearing, so you just sit on the blue beanbag waiting until he’s done. 

“Hi momma!” He finishes the game only to start setting up another one. 

“Here, sit down. I want to talk to you.” You pat your hand on the spot next to you. Min-su sits and listens attentively. 

“So you know all those people that were outside the house with the cameras and mics. I asked you to wear your headphones because they were saying lies about your mom and dad. And you don’t want to hear lies, 

right?” You scrunch your nose, shaking your head. 

“I only want to hear the truth!” Min-su exclaims.

“Mom and dad love you so much. They would only want what’s best for you. That’s all you need to know, okay?” 

“Okay.” Min-su nods. “Anything you hear, don’t believe it. Unless it comes from me.” You smile pulling him into a hug. “And from dad, too?” Min-su looks up to you from the cuddling hug. “Yes, from dad too.” You roll your eyes and laugh. 

You let Min-su keep playing and head off to the guest room where you’ll be staying in. “Oh. Hi.” You say at Namjoon who catches you off-guard as he’s standing in the room. He has a controller on his hand and he’s putting close attention to it as he messes with the TV. “Hey. I was just setting up your room. I’ll be out of your way soon.” As soon as he’s done with TV, he proceeds to adjust the A/C. 

“Namjoon, you don’t have to do all this.” You warmly smile at him. He nods and continues to do what he was doing. 

You’re eternally grateful at him for keeping Min-su and you safe, throughout all this. The only one who has attempted to made you understand how all this works. In the drive over to Jungkook’s, Namjoon explained to you how this usually simmers down in about a week, but earlier if the subject makes a press conference, that being Jungkook. 

“Okay. Done. I’ll get out of your way, now.” He says. 

“Hey, can I ask for a favor?” Your voice stopping Namjoon from leaving, “I forgot my uniform for work tomorrow. Could you be able to get it for me?” 

“You won’t be able to return to work. They know where you work. They won’t stop bothering you if you go. It’s not safe.”

As much as you hate your job, it makes a living for you and Min-su. You’re not going because you like to serve rich folks their favorite Italian food, but because you need to pay for Min-su’s doctor appointments and medicine. Your hands go to your face in stress and you nod. It’s true what Namjoon is saying. Besides it being a dangerous place for you, your boss won’t let you return. Not after all the tabloids of you and the missing days of work. 

“You okay?” Namjoon asks taking a step towards you. 

“Yeah,” That question begins to open the doors for tears to fall. You turn around and quickly wipe them off your face so Namjoon won’t see. You find yourself embarrassed at the thought of crying in front of Namjoon. “You sure?” He asks, again. 

“No, I’m not.” You chuckle and sit at the edge of the bed. Namjoon joins you approaches you and sits beside you. The embarrassment is quickly swooned away by the comfort Namjoon gives you, allowing the rest of your tears to fall down your face. 

“Here.” He hands you tissues that are on the nightstand. 

“Thank you.” You wipe your tears. 

“_____. You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’re okay. You’ll be okay.” Namjoon turns to look at you and you mirror his actions. He squeezes your hand. Namjoon makes you feel comfortable, safe, and protected. 

You like the feeling he gives you. 

As soon as you hear Jungkook’s steps approaching your room, Namjoon quickly stiffens his posture and quickly walks out towards the door of your room, where he’s met with Jungkook, “Oh Joon, you’re still here? I thought you’d left,” Jungkook asks as he look inside the room, where he spots you sitting on the bed. “Oh. ___. Hey.” 

“I was just setting up ______’s room. I’m done, now. Bye Kook, see you tomorrow.” He taps Jungkook’s shoulder, and turns around to look at you once more, “Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight, Namjoon.” You smile. As you stare at Namjoon’s body walking out the door, you’re brought back by Jungkook, “Kiddo sleeping already?”

“Yup.” You reply as you fold some of the clothes from your duffel bag. You don’t want to continue any sort of conversation with Jungkook. 

“Well, I’ll leave you to it.” Jungkook says. “Huh?” You look up confused. “Folding clothes.” He chuckles and points at the clothes. “By the way, whatever you need, just get it. No need to ask.” You nod. 

“Goodnight _____.” He warmly smiles at you.

“Night.” You don’t look at him as you continue your “task” of folding clothes. 

You’re turning and turning unable to fall asleep. You don’t know if it’s the different bed, the house, the reporters, or sleeping in the same house as Jungkook. You don’t try to make much out of it but sleeping in the guy that left you’s house with his fiancé and his and your son feels surreal to you. You decide to go down to the kitchen and make another tea to relax and help you sleep. 

As you’re pouring the boiling tea in your cup, you see a figure appear from behind the wall divider. You jump, causing the boiling water to fall on your hand. Jungkook scares you as you thought it was only you who was awake. You’re more shocked at what he’s wearing, or the lack of what he’s wearing. He’s shirtless with the grey sweatpants he was wearing earlier that night. His tattoo sleeve runs almost to the beginning of his right peck. His abdomen, torso, and waist, are perfectly proportioned, as if they were sculptured by man. You had recently seen all this already on TV and in person, but never this up close. Five years ago, his body was perfect, too. But now. Now there was a certain power to it. A power of maturity, manliness, and dominance. 

Fuck. 

“Shit.” You shake your hand trying to relieve the burning feeling on your fingers. 

“Sorry, sorry.” Jungkook comes closer to you, taking your hand and putting it under the sink, letting cold water run over it. He grabs a cold compress and places it on your hand. As he places the cold cloth on your skin, his finger makes contact with your hand. His touch brings a certain feeling to the pit of your stomach. You stare into each other’s eyes when both of you feel each other tense up at the contact. A flicker of nostalgia in the eyes of both.

You break out of it when Jungkook asks, “Can’t sleep?” 

“Nope. You?” You say as you take the cloth from his hand to hold it yourself, walking away to sit on the counter stool. “Can’t sleep.” He chuckles, joining you as he sits on the stool across from yours. 

“So, what are you going to do about everything that’s been going on?” You take a sip from your tea, hoping he lets something out. “Why in such a hurry? You don’t like my hospitality?” Jungkook laughs. His doe eyes not breaking contact with yours. You usually enjoy his jokes, without him knowing of course, but this one not too much. You just want to go back to your daily life, but he keeps acting like this is not a big deal. 

“No, it’s just that I need to work.” You tell him. Your hand finding your forehead, again. Even with the annoyingness you feel at Jungkook, the stress you feel is too much for you to hide it. 

“____, please. Let me help you.” Jungkook says. 

“No, no, no. We’re fine. Gosh, I don’t want you you to think I mentioned work or anything so you could offer me money. It’s just-.” That’s the last thing you’d want. The topic of money was a difficult one for you. You were first accused of wanting money from who you thought was Jungkook when you sent the letter. Next, you were accused by Jungkook’s manager after the fight. Then, by the press calling you a gold-digger. Accepting money from Jungkook feels like you’re proving them all right, when that’s clearly not the case. 

Jungkook walks over to sit on the stool next to yours. “Hey, hey, I know. I just want to help you out. You’ve been doing all this by yourself for the past five years. I want to help you.” Jungkook grabs your injured hand and puts it on your chest, “You need to keep it up.” You tense at his action again, but you hide it better this time. 

“No-” You say. “Yes, _____. Let me pay for his medical expenses. Only that. And I won’t talk to you about money ever again. Even if you say no, I’ll find a way to pay for it.” He raises his eyebrows, leaving you no choice but to stay quiet. As much as you hate to admit it, you would like some of his financial help for Min-su’s medical costs. They can be burdening sometimes. 

The utter silence is surrounded by each other’s presence. There’s something lingering in your chest and stomach as a result of sitting with Jungkook this late at night. You’re unable to decipher whatever that “something” is. This unknown “something” is also what’s making you hold a conversation with Jungkook. 

“So, you ever got around to opening that bakery shop?” Jungkook asks. 

“That, um, never happened.” You slowly nod, taking another sip of your tea. You went to college to get a degree in business administration so you could open a restaurant. Your dream was to have a successful bakery shop that could be someone’s “go-to spot”, just like that coffee shop that you and Jungkook loved to go to. You feel ashamed and embarrassed you couldn’t reach it. You see Jungkook has achieved everything he ever dreamt of and you didn’t. 

“Why? What happened?” He asks. 

“I never finished college.” A laugh comes out of you. In your college years, you were an overachiever who got straight A’s with some B’s on the advanced math classes, but you were overall an excellent student. No one expected you to drop out. It’s now even funny to you when you say it out loud. 

“What?!” Jungkook almost chokes on his tea. Obviously, a shocker to him as well. 

You laugh again, “Got knocked up. Couldn’t finish the last year.” 

The first semester of your senior year were the last four months of your pregnancy. You were too tired to do the classes. You didn’t have enough money to pay tuition plus take care of yourself and Min-su. It eventually got too hard for you, leaving you no choice to drop out. 

“I’m sorry.” Jungkook looks down at his cup of water.

“Yeah well, it takes two to make a kid,” You chuckle, “And things happen for a reason, right?” He nods, still looking down at the water. Another silence lingers over the two of you. It’s quickly over, though, when Jungkook looks up and asks you about your mom. 

“Your mom. How is she?” He asks with a smile on his face. Jungkook and your mom always had a special relationship. She’d always be present at every one of Jungkook’s fights, even if she hated boxing because it would “destroy his beautiful face.” Your mom loved him as his own son. She always told you that the Jungkook was the best thing that ever happened to you. She still believed that even when he abandoned you because he had “gifted you with the most precious gift in the world.” You remember her cradling you as you sobbed on her arms when Jungkook abandoned you. You remember her voice repeating “that’s just how it’s meant to be baby.” And it was. 

“She passed away last year.” Your smile falling. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry. Fuck.” Jungkook’s hands covering his face. It hurt him to know that he wasn’t able to see her one last time. He was too caught up in his new life that he forgot about everyone in his old one. 

“What happened?” He slowly says while his eyebrows furrow upwards. 

“Brain aneurysm.” You look down at your empty cup. The death was a sudden and devastating one. You couldn’t understand how she could one day be here and not the next day. Your dad simply called you and told you the news. That was the first time you talked to Min-su about what death meant. You were unsure how to but you pulled through with the help of Daeun and Seokjin. You have now grieved and are able to accept her death. You can now talk about it without crying. 

Jungkook doesn’t say anything. He simply stays staring at you. 

“I’m going to make a press conference by the way. On Monday. Explaining who you and Min-su are.” He gives you a side smile. Jungkook figured that was the only way to clear up any rumors. Although he never cared for rumors or anything the press said about him, he knew it wasn’t fair to you and Min-su to be talked about in that way. They were derogatory labels that you didn’t deserve to have. He didn’t want the mother of his child to be labeled that way with the public. Not with how much you once meant to him.  

This is the first time you and Jungkook have a conversation that is not about Min-su. Talking to Jungkook feels natural and good. You’re unsure if it’s because it’s midnight, the lack of sleep, the nostalgia he brings you, or something completely different that makes you appreciate having a conversation with him.  

It’ll all return to normalcy in the morning. 

You walk in front of Jungkook in complete darkness up the stairs. He’s one step behind you. As you’re about to take a step, you place your foot on the edge of the step, causing you to lean your body on Jungkook’s bare torso. You’re able to feel his defined abs and chest that make a crease on your silk pajamas. He places his strong veiny hands on your waist to impend you from completely falling back. He feels your muscles tense as he grabs your waist. You feel his hot breathing on your neck, which makes you gulp. Jungkook feels his fingers press on your skin. As he holds you, he looks at your clear soft neck, wanting to—

“Woah, woah. Watch your step.” He hides his desire with a chuckle, causing you and him come back from whatever trance you were in. 

You remove his hands from your waist, hurrying up the stairs into your room. 

Jungkook stays in the stairwell. He’s transfixed at what he just felt. 

His tensed body from you. 

“Sweetie, just smile. It’ll be fine.” Jiah tells you in the car as she reapplies her signature bold red lipstick. 

You and Jiah are riding together to the hotel for the press conference because Jungkook’s new manager, Min Yoongi, advised that it’d look great if you and her rode together to show the friendly dynamic between the “baby momma and fiancé.” Jungkook and Min-su rode in a separate car to arrive together to the event to “warm the hearts of the press with Jungkook’s fatherly love.”

Paparazzi grace the entrance of the hotel. The bodyguard opens the door of the SUV and you are once again blinded by the flashes of the camera. 

“Alright, Mama. Let’s go. I’ll be right behind you.” Jiah tells you as you’re getting off the car. 

“Jiah! How’s your relationship with your fiancé’s baby momma?!” A paparazzi yells out to her. 

“Amazing!” She laughs and interlocks her arm with yours, “Smile.” She says between her smiling teeth. 

Your relationship with Jiah was not amazing. It wasn’t anything. Not amazing. Not bad. Not great. Just nothing. She would throw in her two cents here and there, but she usually acts as if you’re not there. You don’t care. She doesn’t owe you anything. You don’t owe her anything, either. She’s there because of Jungkook and you’re there because of Min-su. Simple as that. 

Jungkook and Min-su arrive to the entrance with Namjoon. Jungkook has Min-su on his arms, sitting on his hip. Min-su looks like a pro with all the cameras. He shines his pearly whites to them. 

“Momma!” Min-su goes running to you, grabbing your leg. You had just seen him 30 minutes ago, but that’s just how Min-su greets his momma. 

Jungkook greets Jiah with a kiss. 

“Hi.” He tells you as he looks down to the floor. You simply nod. 

Ever since that night in the stairs, you and Jungkook have returned to minimal conversation. Jungkook used to try to make small talk here and there, but now he didn’t even attempt it. There’s sort of an awkward tension between both. 

“Okay shall we?” Jungkook asks everyone surrounding him. You all follow him and go into the conference room, where you are greeted by reporters and cameras. 

You and Min-su stay backstage, watching everything through the screen. Jiah sits in the chair right beside the podium where Jungkook is standing. Yoongi on the other side. 

Jungkook clears his throat and taps the mic, “Alright, let’s begin.” 

“I’m a little disappointed, if I’m being honest,” He chuckles. “I thought you all were my friends.” He clenches his chest. The audience laughs. 

You’re amazed at his charisma. From what you remember, Jungkook was never this charismatic with interviewers. He used to be a shy guy who hated giving interviews due to his introverted personality. When small YouTube boxing channels would come to his fights and interview him, he’d just stare at the camera with his big doe eyes unsure what to say. He’s still the same person, he’s just better at hiding it.  

“I had a son with Choi  _______ five years ago when we were in a relationship. However, only until this year, I found out about having a son. Me and _____ broke off our relationship and lost contact.” He pauses. 

You scoff when you hear him say that. That is not how you remember it. You know he can’t say what he truly did, but it still annoys you when you hear him say that. He should at least apologize to you first and then give it a try on changing the narrative. 

“I did not neglect my child. I simply did not know. I hope you all understand that. Me and _____ will continue to co-parent Min-su as we have already been doing, along Jiah.” He pauses to smile at her. “Additionally, I hope you can respect Min-su’s and Min-su’s mother’s privacy from now on.” He pauses. “They are not used to all of this. If you have some human decency, please respect them. Thank you.” He smiles. “Oh and before I forget, a little guy wanted to say hi.” Min-su goes on to the stage and Jungkook carries him to reach the mic on the podium. 

“Hiiii! I’m Min-su!” He exclaims to the mic. You cover your mouth, endeared by Min-su’s cuteness. Jungkook giggles behind Min-su. 

“Alright, that’s it. Thank you for coming. Now let me and my family rest.” He laughs and walks off the stage. 

Jungkook and Min-su return backstage. He crouches down to Min-su’s height and pinches his nose, “You did amazing kiddo! You loved it, didn’t you?” He laughs. “Yes!” Min-su exclaims. Jungkook lets off Min-su by your side and completely avoids you. He doesn’t even shoot you a glance or a nod your way. You were getting used to them. 

The nature of Jungkook’s avoidance is the guilt he feels at the lie about the relationship with you. He feels guilty and remorse at leaving you on your own. He’s attempting to forget about everything he did, but his conscience is too strong to let him forget. It’s slowly pulling him and he seeks a distraction to let himself enjoy everything before it completely consumes him. Jungkook goes and grabs Jiah by the waist, pulling her into a passionate kiss. We’re in public.

As the whole team is walking into the lobby you’re greeted by another team. You spot Jungkook’s old evil manager, Taehyung, and an orange haired man stand in the middle of other men surrounding them. Your blood turns hot when you see his smug face. That smirk. He’s looking at you with that face you wish you could slap. Min-su is falling asleep on your shoulder, so you just rub his back, not wanting him to wake up and see that bastard. Jungkook is infuriated when he sees Taehyung staring at you and Min-su. You see his fists clench and unclench, trying to keep his anger contained. 

“You’re welcome, Kook.” Taehyung grins, eyes meeting his. Jungkook chuckles and rolls his eyes, walking towards the door. He’s trying his best to hide the anger he feels at the sight and voice of Taehyung. “Guess they really did like the photos and story.” Taehyung laughs. 

Of course it was him who released everything. Your name. Your address. Min-su’s name. Your job. Everything. It comes to a surprise to Jungkook and his team, since they had yet to figure out the culprit. 

“What the fuck did you just say?” Jungkook storms to Taehyung ready to hit him. However, before Jungkook gets to him, Namjoon holds him back, “Not worth it Kook. Min-su is watching. Let it go.” He whispers to him. Jungkook knows he must control himself because of his son. Jungkook scoffs and turns back, walking away. 

You’re biting your lip with widened eyes. You’re scared at the altercation happening right in front of your eyes. You hate fights outside a ring. Especially when Jungkook is part of them. Min-su is waking up at the noise. “Shh-shh baby. Go to sleep.” You try to keep Min-su asleep, but too late. He’s already looking at his dad being held back by Namjoon. “Mommy, what’s happening?” You don’t know what to tell him. “Nothing, nothing. Everything’s okay.” You try your best to keep Min-su and yourself calm. 

As Jungkook is walking away, the orange-haired man speaks up, “What? You scared of getting dirty?” He laughs, throwing his head back. Jungkook ignores the comment, eyes fixated on Min-su. 

“You scared of what? Your fiancé? Kid? Or,” He throws his head back again with that obnoxious laugh, “Or whore seeing?” Their whole team starts to laugh, celebrating his comment. 

You see Jungkook’s face turn red and fists clench at the last comment. You know what he’s about to do. You turn Min-su’s face and you close your eyes. 

He shakes off Namjoon’s hold on his shoulder and storms over to the guy. Jungkook punches him right on the jaw. The guy returns the hit with a punch to the chin. The fight between the two has escalated into a rumble between bodyguards. Jungkook’s bodyguards are trying to pick the man off Jungkook. However, the other team’s men are not letting the fight end, as they are pushing Jungkook’s men off their man. Taehyung is at the corner of the room, watching everything with a smirk on his face. He caused this. What he wanted, he achieved. 

Min-su is crying on your shoulder scared at the rumble happening in front of him with his dad in the center of it. He’s crying and shouting “Daddy!” Begging him to stop. Min-su is terrified of blood, and now he is seeing his dad bleed outside a boxing ring, making it all more scary for him. “Baby, calm down. Daddy does this all the time.” You tell Min-su trying to calm him down. You and Min-su know damn well Jungkook doesn’t do this all the time.

You need to leave as soon as possible. You don’t want Min-su to see his dad in this position. 

“Take us home!” You shout at the bodyguard who stands next to you. As you’re scurrying to the outside of the building, you look back inside, the man is above Jungkook, punching him everywhere. You’re hoping this is over soon. You’re worried for Jungkook not wanting him to get hurt, but a part of you is angry at him for letting his words to get to him. He’s a father now, he must think like one. He must not let his anger get in the middle of his rationality. 

You’re in the car and Min-su is still crying. “Momma, will daddy be okay?” He says in between breaths. “Yes-yes baby.” You continue to hug him, rocking him back and forth. 

Back in the hotel lobby, Namjoon finally manages to pull Jungkook away from the rumble. The man’s bodyguards do the same to him, ending the rumble. “I told you not to fucking do this!” Namjoon yells at Jungkook. Jungkook hysterically looks around the lobby, searching for you and Min-su. 

“I’m Park fucking Jimin and next time I see you, I’ll take your fucking belt.” The man says as he wipes the blood away from his lip with his thumb. 

“Take me to them!” Jungkook shouts at Namjoon in the SUV. 

“No.” Namjoon dryly replies looking towards the front of the car. 

“Take me to them!” Jungkook shouts again, grabbing Namjoon’s arm. 

“Not like this.” Namjoon responds. 

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” Jungkook hits the seat on his car. He knows Namjoon is correct. He can’t show up looking like a bloody mess. He needs to calm down first. Jungkook is scared his own son sees him in a different light after the fight in the lobby. He’s afraid he has disappointed Min-su and you. 

Jungkook arrives to his house where the his doctor, Jiah, and Yoongi are waiting for him. Jiah and Yoongi got out of there as soon as Jungkook threw the first punch, not wanting to witness any more of it. They knew exactly what was going to happen. 

Jiah caresses his face, as she shakes her head. “You just had to, huh?” Jiah disappointedly tells him. 

“I’m sorry, baby.” Jungkook hugs Jiah giving her a kiss on her cheek. He sits on the kitchen counter stool so the doctor can stitch his his eyebrow up. His eyebrow piercing was ripped off in the fight. 

“I wanna fight him.” Jungkook turns to look at Yoongi. 

“No. It’s not going to happen.” Yoongi shakes his head. 

“Why? You don’t think I can win?” Jungkook narrows his eyes at Yoongi. 

“He’s not a clean fighter, Jungkook.” Yoongi shakes his head. 

Park Jimin was known to be a dangerous and ambitious fighter. He’d always hurt his opponents, badly, due to his unfairness. There were even rumors that he’d mess with his opponent’s family to mess with their heads before a fight. That’s what scared Jungkook’s team the most. Park Jimin was a fighter that would go to extremes to win a fight. 

“I don’t give a fuck. I’ll show him how it is to win a clean fight,” Jungkook angrily tells Yoongi. “Set the damn fight.” Jungkook instructs him. After all, they had to do what Jungkook instructs them to do. He is their boss. 

“Sign, then.” Yoongi hands Jungkook the iPad. 

Taehyung had emailed all the fighting documents to Yoongi last week. Yoongi and Jungkook’s lawyers had a time to oversee everything and confirm the legality of it. Everything seemed correct, however, Yoongi did not want to tell Jungkook anything about it for his and his family’s safety. It was too risky. Jungkook wasn’t the only one who’d be going into the ring, it was going to be everyone he loves. 

Jungkook, still fired up up from the altercation, grabs the iPad and signs. 

He will fight Park Jimin. 

Min-su was still crying when you arrived to your apartment. Fortunately, you were able to calm him down with some cartoons that you put on the TV. Min-su wasn’t scared of his dad or disappointed in him. He was scared for him. He never liked to see his dad bleed. Not on the TV screen. Less in person.

As you’re sitting on the couch watching the cartoon with Min-su, you hear a knock on your door. Namjoon had dropped Jungkook off at his house and then came over to your apartment to make sure you and Min-su were okay. 

You let Namjoon in giving him a tight lipped smile. 

“Namjoon hyung!” Min-su exclaims at the sight of Namjoon. “Hey, buddy.” Namjoon high fives Min-su giving him a warm smile. 

“How are you two doing?” Namjoon asks you and Min-su. You turn to look at Min-su. “I’m okay, now.” He smiles and returns to look at the cartoons. “That’s good. Your dad’s okay, too.” You sigh. You feel relieved knowing that Jungkook is okay. You knew he’d be okay, but still it feels good to hear it from someone that isn’t your own thoughts. 

“He is?!” Min-su looks at Namjoon with big doe eyes and bunny smile. “Of course he is! He’s Jeon!” Namjoon chuckles and mimics a punch, which lets a chuckle out of Min-su. 

You and Namjoon go to the kitchen leaving Min-su in the living room watching cartoons. 

“He wanted to come over.” Namjoon tells you how Jungkook was eager to see you and Min-su after the fight. “Good, that you didn’t let him. It would’ve only scared Min-su more. And I would’ve punched him.” You didn’t like how Jungkook handled the situation. He’s a father now. His kid was watching. And he still decided to go hit that guy.  Jimin disrespected you. He could’ve just let it go. 

“I figured.” Namjoon laughs. 

“Okay, well I have to go. Thank you for the water.” He chuckles as he raises his water bottle. 

“There’s nothing like my water.” You embarrassedly place your hand on your eye at the realization of the joke you just made. He ignores your comment, not even letting out a polite chuckle. You don’t blame him. That was not a joke worthy of any laughter. There’s a certain feeling you get when you’re with Namjoon alone. You like his company. You’re attracted to him. However, you don’t know why you feel so eager to want to be with him.

Before he goes down the stairs of the apartment complex, you call him from your door, “Namjoon! Did-um- Jungkook send you here? Or…” He walks back to your door, standing right in from of you, looking straight into your gaze. There is a connection you both feel. The desire to do more than just stare and talk. “No. He doesn’t know I’m here.” He says breathy. His eyes falling to your lips. Your lips part and your eyes slowly blink. “I’ll see you around.” He nods and leaves. You’re left with wanting more from him. There is a heavy desire. Your gaze towards him is one of wanting to explore and discover more of him. You close the door and rest your head on it. This feeling has only become more powerful after the interaction with Jungkook in the stairs, though. 

“Momma.” Min-su tells you, getting you out of the things you were imagining, “I wanna sleep, already.” 

“Yes, baby. Let’s go.” You smile at Min-su.

You give Min-su his medicine and take him to his bed. He quickly falls asleep with two back rubs. The crying from earlier definitely tired him out. 

You get a beer and throw yourself on the couch. You’re finally relaxing after the eventful evening you had. You feel good, no, amazing that you won’t be going to work anymore. You didn’t even attempt to go to your boss and beg him for another chance. You had been working in the same place for four years, and now you’re going to take this so-needed break from work all-around. You feel like you are now able to due to Jungkook’s help on paying for Min-su’s medical expenses. That’s what kept you there. 

You’re relaxing when you hear a knock on the door, again. You open the door and see him standing there. His gaze exploring your lips.

“Did you-um forget something?” You ask knowing exactly what he forgot.

“Is Min-su asleep?” He asks, not breaking eye contact with your lips. 

“Yeah, ye-yes.” You stutter, knowing exactly what’s about to happen. 

“Good.” 

He places both hands on your face and pounds on your lips. You grab his wrists and kiss him back. Your lips are pulsing with every kiss he lands on you. He gropes your ass as he lifts you up. You wrap your legs around his waist and feel his cock harden against the dress pajamas you’re wearing. You arch your back, wanting to feel his cock deep inside of you. His lips press against your warm neck. Moans and whines come from your mouth as you feel his sloppy kisses make way from your neck to your lips. 

“Left room.” You murmur on his ear. Namjoon places you on the bed and gently brings up your leg, kissing it from your ankle to your thigh. He caresses your thighs, proceeding to open your legs, displaying your creased panties from your wet folds. “Joon, please.” You moan as you feel yourself almost reaching your high from only seeing Namjoon’s head between your thighs. 

“Yes, ma’am?” He looks up at you with a sultry smirk, as he begins to run his fingers through your folds. Unable to say anything, you throw your head back in pleasure from feeling his large thick fingers enter your cunt. You place your elbows on the bed, meeting your clit with your middle finger. He removes your hand from your clit and pushes you to lay completely on your back. He wants it to be him who brings you to your high. He leans in, placing his lips on your wet folds, giving them slow strokes across, then quickly taking them up to your clit. He swirls his tongue on your stimulating bud. His tongue is quick enough to make you think he’s consuming every savoring taste from your cunt while simultaneously flicking your clit. With his knuckles deep inside you and his tongue’s circling motion, you throw your head back and arch your back, reaching your first climax of the night. Your walls throb against his fingers, your clit swells, and your whimpers make him smirk. Your thighs continue to shake and your skin continues to feel flushed, wanting more.

“You like that?” He asks you. 

“I want you inside of me.” You pant, holding back moans from the orgasm. 

“Yes, ma’am.” He kisses your red, swollen lips, while holding your hands above your head. He proceeds to bring his hands to your tits, handing you a pleasurable painful grab, that makes you release a cry, “Fuck.” His tongue meets your hard nipples. He sucks on them as if it’s his last meal. He proceeds to remove his belt and pants, exposing his big and thick cock. 

“Fuck me.” You plead.

He grabs his pants to get the condom from his pocket. He rolls it in. “You ready?” He’s on top of you with his dick right in front of your cunt. Your cunt aches to feel his heat join yours. “Mhm.” You nod unable to say anything more. 

You arch your back, hips going forward, wanting to feel every inch of his cock reach inside you. He thrusts his thick cock into you. You feel your cunt’s walls stretch to his size. After he’s completely inside you, he reaches out, leaving the crown of his cock inside, ready to thrust into you again. He fucks you rhythmically. His thrusts are soft yet powerful. You hear the wetness of your pussy make a squelching noise every time he thrusts in you, making you whine. He passionately fucks you in the way you can slowly feel your eyes roll back, appreciate each pulse in your cunt and each individual nerve reach their climax. 

“You fuck so good,” you say breathless as you try to find composure after your orgasm. 

“F-fuck, I’m coming.” He murmurs. 

He pulls his cock out of your throbbing pussy, removing his condom full of his cum. He goes into your restroom to grab towels to wipe your wet, dirty, pussy. He opens your legs and cleans you up. He then proceeds to lay down next to your naked, sweaty body, placing his big arm over you. You like feeling Namjoon by your side. 

“I like you,” He whispers looking directly into your eyes. You smile. You get up and quickly put on your pajamas to go go back to cuddling with him. Although you liked being with Namjoon there’s a constant thought in your mind, “He’s Jungkook’s bodyguard.” It worries you how you’re thinking about Jungkook when you’re in bed with another man. Namjoon stays by your side until you fall asleep. He gets dressed and quietly leaves your apartment not wanting to wake your up. 

“Momma. Momma.” Min-su stands next to you in your bed, tapping your shoulder. It’s 3:00 AM and you are sound asleep, exhausted after the exciting night you just had with Namjoon

“What?! What?!” You jump from your bed, turning the lamp on your night stand. You’d always get scared when Min-su, or anyone, would wake you up during the night. You sit up and grab his hands, “What baby?” 

“I don’t feel good, momma.” Min-su says with a frown. Your blood rushes down to your feet. 

Min-su has congenital heart disease. He was born with his aortic valve damaged. All until he was a year old, the doctors thought he wasn’t going to make it. The reconstructive surgery he needed was dangerous and they weren’t even sure it would even do anything for Min-su. Although, the surgery was a risk, it was also a chance for a healthy life for Min-su. One he didn’t get if nothing was done. So, you gathered every strength and cent that you had and agreed to the surgery to give Min-su a chance to live a healthy and normal childhood. Fortunately, the surgery worked and it has kept Min-su’s heart healthy all these years. With medicine and monthly checkups with his pediatrician, Min-su has been a normal and healthy kid. You’re afraid that has been until now. 

Min-su’s skin is pale, he’s coughing, and breathing rapidly. “It hurts here,” He points to his chest, “And the room is spinning, mommy.” You sit him on your bed. Min-su proceeds to vomit all over the floor. You run to the bathroom to get a towel to clean his mouth and a bucket where he can continue to throw up in, since he can’t seem to stop. “Baby, take a breath.” You tell Min-su trying to calm him down as he’s now sobbing because of what he’s feeling. When you grab his face to blow his nose, you feel his cheeks burning hot. You run back to the bathroom to get the thermometer from the cabinet. “Open and then close.” You place the thermometer under Min-su’s tongue. “Shit.” It’s 103.5 F. The temperature is too high and Min-su does not look good. Your legs are shaking, but you’re trying to stay calm so Min-su won’t get more scared. 

“Okay, baby. Can you get up?” You ask Min-su checking to see if he’s still dizzy. “I feel like imma fall down if I stand mommy.” Min-su frowns, confused as to why he feels such way. You run to your closet to get a coat for you and a blanket from your bed. You wrap Min-su in it. “Okay, cmon.” You grunt as you carry him in your arms. You strap Min-su in your car, still looking pale as ever with raspy breaths.“Momma, where are we going?” “Hospital, baby.” You look at him through the rear mirror. He only nods. 

As you’re arriving to the hospital, Min-su’s eyes roll back and he starts uncontrollably shaking. 

“Min-su! Min-su!” You cry. 

“What’s up?” Jungkook says with his raspy morning voice. 

“Jungkook,” You cry his name, not caring if you’re being vulnerable with Jungkook and not caring if things have been awkward between you and him. He’s the only one who is going to understand what you’re feeling. 

He’s Min-su’s father. 

“_______! What?!” His voice getting louder, confused at why you’re crying his name. He knows you wouldn’t do that if it wasn’t serious.

“Jungkook, Min-su he-he’s-” You stutter, unable to come up with words. 

“Min-su is what?! _______, please bab-. Please take a deep breath. Where are you?” Jungkook pacing back and forth, scared shitless, but keeping his voice calm for your sake.

“Something’s wrong with him. We’re at the university hospital.” You say between breaths. 

“I’m coming.” Jungkook tells you. 

He snatches the keys from his nightstand and storms out of his house. Eager to hold Min-su and you in his arms. 

☆ you just finished chapter 4. how'd you like it? i'm sorry for breaking your hearts... i'll make up for it 😘. chapter 5 next tuesdayyyy. remember leave me your thoughts, theories, questions, anything here ✉ !!! thanks y'all! ♥️

“What? Here to offer me more money?” You sigh. 

The anger that you felt earlier that day has dissipated. You don’t have any more energy to continue being pissed nor to tell him off. 

“No. To talk to you. Can I come in?” Jungkook straightens up from the leaned position he found himself in before you opened the door. A pained expression on his eyes. The doe eyes you once saw every galaxy in them, just appear defeated and dark.

You open the door wider, prompting him to come into your apartment. You’re left with no choice than to let him in due to your delicate and nosy neighbors. They’ll call the landlord or even the police at the sound of any arguments. 

Jungkook looks down, “_____, Min-su’s my child?” He’s frozen. Unable to move his hands from his pockets or straighten his caved-in chest. He knows the answer to the question from earlier today, but he still asks. 

“Yes! Cmon Jungkook!” You desperately throw your hands into the air. “What? You just forget the letter I sent four years ago?!” Your sentence starts as a whisper but increases in volume with every word. You thought you had no more anger left. 

“I. Don’t. Know. What letter you’re talking about! And I didn’t send my manager to meet with you!” Your anger gives Jungkook the room to feel something. Shame. Stress. Fear. His voice tenses and he begins to pace back and forth. 

You frantically walk over to your kitchen and get a stool from the counter in order to reach the top of your refrigerator to get the old cereal box. Jungkook is behind you, following your every move, “What are you doing? Please, _____. Just talk to me. This is the first time that I hear about this.” He pleads. You grab the cereal box and pull an old wrinkled and folded paper from it. 

“Here! Maybe this’ll refresh your memory!” You shove him the letter right at the center of his chest. 

Four years ago, you sent Jungkook a letter to let him know he was a dad. You believed he deserved to know what was happening, and maybe a part of you felt that having him by your side at one of the darkest times of your life would make everything brighter. 

Jungkook desperately opens the folded piece of paper and begins reading it. His hands tremble. Tears stream down his face and his tattooed hand comes over his mouth. A feeling of empathy begins to settle in your heart at seeing him in such a vulnerable state. Your face softens at the sight of his hard-felt emotions. 

“I-I-I am so sorry, ______. This is my first- I-ve- I’ve never seen this before,” Jungkook stutters with shaky breaths, “I’m so fucking sorry.” 

He takes a seat on the counter stool, hands covering his eyes in frustration. He wipes his nose with his hand, then extends it out to yours, placing his hand on top of yours. You feel your muscles tense at his action. You feel a knot forming in your throat and tears fill your eyes. “If I knew you were going through this, I’d leave everything behind and come back to you and him.” His grip on your hand tightening. You remove your hand from his hold. Only if he knew. You sniff back your tears and turn away from him. You don’t want him to see the tears streaming down your face. 

“I-i-is he all better now?!” Jungkook abruptly stands from the stool.

“Yes.” You look to the side with hands on your waist. Jungkook lets out a relieved breath, softening his muscles.

“When did you find out you were pregnant?” He calmly asks. 

You turn to him to meet his eyes, “Three weeks after you left.” 

When you found out you were expecting a child, you didn’t want to chase after Jungkook. You felt that if you chased after him, it’d be like you were forcing him to stay with you. You felt like you would be trapping him in a life he clearly didn’t want to have, hence the abandonment. You didn’t want to be that person to Jungkook.

However, even if you wanted to, this would have never been possible. You had no way of locating him or contacting him.  Jungkook had become a ghost to everyone he knew. There was nothing that could hint where he was staying. A year later, though, Seokjin got a job at the police station, giving you access to Jungkook’s details and information, which allowed you to send him the letter to a location that was listed in his records. 

“Oh god. Why didn’t you tell me anything?! It was only three weeks, _____!” Jungkook’s tensed pleading hands move up and down, emphasizing the last three words. 

“How could I?! You disappeared!” Hands coming to your hips, slowly shaking your head. Jungkook knows you’re correct. There really was no way to reach him. 

He bites his lower lip, in complete defiance, nodding his head. Tears at the edge of his eyes appear again, “I’m sorry.” He whispers. You nod. You have an unsettling, conflicting feeling in your stomach. Jungkook didn’t know he had a son with you. It wasn’t him who sent that letter. 

Does that change anything for you? 

“Give me the opportunity to care for him, _______. Give me the chance to be his father.” He whispers the last part of his sentence. 

“I-I don’t know, Jungkook. This is too much for me to think of right now. Give me some time and space.” You face down to the floor, unable to look at him. The utter silence you both stand in is interrupted by Min-su’s steps coming towards the kitchen. You signal Jungkook with your hand to crouch down behind the kitchen counter so Min-Su won’t see him. 

“Mommy?” Min-Su appears from the hallway, wiping his eyes. He’s been awaken by the noise in the kitchen area. 

“Hey baby, sh-shh it’s okay. It’s just the TV.” You walk over to Min-Su and carry him over to his room.“Go to sleep, papa. Here I’ll turn on the lamp.” You kiss his forehead and stay by his side rubbing his back, until he’s fully back asleep. You walk back into the living room and roll your neck and eyes. You massage your neck as you’re emotionally and physically exhausted from the conversation with Jungkook. 

“Did he go back to sleep? I’m sorry for being so loud.” He says.

Your hands go to your chest, “Shit. You scared me. You’re still here?” 

He looks around you defeatedly. He scurries to the side table when he spots a pen and notepad, writing a something on it. “Whenever you’re ready, call this number. Time, day, doesn’t matter, just call it. I’ll be there waiting.” He sniffs. “Just-just let me be a part of his life. Doesn’t matter how.” He half smiles with a broken, yet hopeful, look in his eyes. 

Jungkook sees you, Daeun, and Seokjin playing with Min-Su at the park. Seokjin is teaching Min-Su how to ride the bike that Grandpa gifted him for his birthday slash Christmas. Jungkook is parked far away for you not to spot him, but close enough to see Min-Su enjoying his time with family. 

“Okay, now we’re going to try without the wheelies. Can he do it? What do ya’ll think?” Seokjin asks you and Daeun as you sit in the bench. 

“Hmmm… I don’t know. Seems scared. Can you do it?” Daeun says teasing Min-Su. You laugh, “Of course, my superhero baby can do it, right?!” You scurry over to him, giving him a high five. Min-Su’s nose scrunching, smiling with only his two front teeth. 

“Cmon Min-Su, don’t think you have the wheelies off. Just do what you’ve been doing.” Seokjin kneels down beside Min-Su giving him instructions. Min-Su attempts it multiple times and fails, falling on his full behind. “I can’t do it, Mom!” His lips forming a small pout. “Yes, you can. Cmon, I’ll be behind you.” 

“Let’s go kiddo, you can do it.” Jungkook whispers from the car. He makes an encouraging motion on his fist. 

You get behind the bike, and push him outward. You hold onto him, until he’s finally doing it alone. “You’re doing it baby!” You exclaim. 

“Are you behind me, mama?” 

“It’s all you! I’m over here! Yayyyyy Min su!” You shout as he pulls further and further away from you. You jump up and down and run to him. Daeun records the moment. Min-Su is smiling. You’re smiling. A beautiful and happy moment that will be remembered by Min-Su’s family, including Jungkook. 

Jungkook is happy that he at least has the privilege to know that Min-Su is his son. He’s glad Min-su and you live a happy life with the support of Seokjin and Daeun. His eyes glisten when he sees you lift Min-su up and bounce him up and down on your hip, as when he was toddler. Jungkook’s eyes long for more, though. He wishes it were him teaching Min-su how to ride a bike. It destroys him knowing he missed so many of Min-su’s first. His first word. His first steps. His first day of school. His first birthday. 

A tear falls down Jungkook’s face. “Okay. Let’s go, now.” He tells his driver.

It’s been two weeks ever since Jungkook came over to your apartment. You haven’t contacted the number he left. You feel unsure whether you’re ready to let him into your son’s life, knowing how bad he hurt you when he abandoned you. However, you also know that was between you and him, which has nothing to do with your son’s life. You know you know you’re going to call him sooner or later, for Min-su’s sake, but you continue keep putting it off. 

It’s Monday and you have no work. Not because your boss gave you a day off, but because the restaurant was closed since the AC did not work. Min-su is at school, so this is the time to have your own time and relax without any mom duties. When you’re about to soak yourself in your bathtub to relieve the stress this daddy thing with Jungkook has brought you, you’re interrupted by the knock on your front door. 

“Coming!” You shout. You figure it’s just the delivery guy knocking on your door to alert you he’s dropped off your groceries. You wrap yourself in a towel and quickly walk to the door.

It’s not your delivery guy. It’s a tall, muscular, blonde-haired 6-foot man. You’ve seen this man before. He’s stopped you twice from getting to Jungkook. Kim Namjoon, Jungkook’s bodyguard, is standing right at your door. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He politely looks away when he sees you are only wearing a towel around your body. 

“Cmon, it’s just a towel,” Your comment sounding a tad snarky, “What are you doing here? I told Jungkook to give me some time.” Your face tenses up.

“Jungkook doesn’t know I’m here. I was hoping I could talk to you. I can come at another time, if you’re busy.” Namjoon looks down. Still feeling uncomfortable at the sight of you only wearing a towel.

This catches you off guard. What could Jungkook’s bodyguard possibly want with you? Confused yet curious, you let him in. “Here, you can sit here. I’ll be right back.” You go to the bathroom to turn off the water and to your bedroom to put some clothes on. 

“So?” You swallow a large gulp of saliva, that even Namjoon is able to hear. You’re trying to remain calm and cool, but you’re an extremely nervous person, imagining the numerous possibilities of why he’s there.

“I wanted to ask you to give Jungkook an opportunity.” You find yourself completely stunned at his statement. Why is he the one telling you this? Your eyebrows furrow in confusion. “He’s like my brother. I’ve known him, since he,” His choice of words give him a pause.

“Since he left me, right. And?” You complete his phrase, easing the awkwardness of his sentence. 

“He didn’t know he had a son. Trust me, I wouldn’t be working for him if I knew he had a son he neglected.” He chuckles and turns to look at you. This is the first time you see an expression, other than the brooding and serious bodyguard look, on Namjoon’s face. Two charming dimples appearing at both ends of his smile. 

 “I think Jungkook and your son deserve to get to know each other. It’s good for your kid. To know he has someone else that loves and cares for him. Knowing his dad can’t hurt him,” he pauses, “I know my kid and I would’ve loved another opportunity at that.” Namjoon looks back down at the floor. A pleasant and accepting smile on his face yet his eyes holding a bit of sadness.

“You have a kid?” Your shoulders bend down, letting your walls down. Knowing that Namjoon is a dad allows you to feel comfort with him. There’s a trusting and warm feeling that stems from parents. 

However, Namjoon stands up at your question and is back to his stiffened posture. Unsure what to do, you mirror his actions. As he’s walking towards the door, he looks back and tells you, “Hopefully, this isn't the last time we see each other.” 

“Hey, I-i was going to call him already. But thank you, anyway.” You give Namjoon a warm smile. He nods and heads out. 

Your conversation with Namjoon gave you the push you needed to call Jungkook.  It’s true that knowing Jungkook can’t hurt Min-su, it’ll only make him happy. You knew all this already. However, hearing it from someone else makes you truly believe it.

That same day, when Min-su is finally asleep, you’ve finally come to grab the notepad from the table drawer. After an hour of staring at it, you grab your phone and dial the phone number.

“______! Um, hi!” Jungkook nervously exclaims, picking up at the first tone. You’re taken back by how fast he picked up the call. Guess he was waiting. 

“Okay.” You dryly respond. Your voice is confident, however behind the phone, you are rubbing your hands on your thighs and biting your lip. 

“ ‘Okay’ what?” A confused tone to Jungkook’s voice. 

“Okay to letting you be in his life.” You tap your foot.

“Can I see him tomorrow?!” You feel Jungkook’s excitement through the phone. Baby, shhh, it’s up to Mama. You hear Jiah tell him. 

“You and I need to talk first. About Min-Su and all of that.” You continue to tap your foot. Now faster.

“Right. Of course. I’ll send you my address. I’m free all day tomorrow.” 

“6:30 PM.” You hang up. 

You got out of work at 6:00 PM and now you were heading over to Jungkook’s house. Daeun had picked up Min-su from school and you asked her to keep him a little longer as you were meeting with his father.

Your eyes widen as you arrive to your destination. Jungkook’s mansion is two-stories with contemporary architecture. The outside is a neutral beige color. The golden lighting from inside the house shines on to your eyes. As you walk to the door, you whisper to yourself, “What is this? Parasite?” The house clearly resembles the one from the movie. 

You ring the doorbell, anxiously tapping your leg as you wait for someone to answer. “Hello, ____.” An elderly woman greets you and leads you to the living room. “Mr. Jeon will be right down.” She smiles and leaves you there. Your mouth slowly opening in amazement as you slowly spin looking at the size of Jungkook’s house. Your whole apartment in the size of only the living room. You walk over to see the photos he has on the console table against the wall. There’s pictures of him, Jiah, and some other people you don’t recognize. 

“That’s when I won my first championship.” He points to one of the photos on the table. Jungkook’s presence makes you stiffen your posture.

“I made dinner. Let’s eat something.” He signals to follow him to the kitchen. As much as you’re hungry, you don’t want to stay to eat. You want to get this over with as fast as possible. You feel strange being in the same house with Jungkook and his fiancé. 

You stay still in the living room, “No. Can we just get to it?” 

“Yeah. Yeah. Sure.” Jungkook returns to the living room and takes a seat on the couch, placing his hands on his legs and leaning forward, ready to hear everything you have to say. He extends his palm, bringing it down to the sofa, requesting you to sit. You accept.

“He can’t know you’re his dad. Not yet. It’s too much of a change.” You instruct Jungkook. 

He nods in understanding. “Yes, of course.” 

You don’t want Min-Su to know Jungkook is his dad just yet because it’s too soon. One day he knows him as a celebrity and now he’s suddenly his dad. It wouldn’t make sense to him. He needs to first get to know Jungkook as Jungkook and not as Jeon the Golden Boy. 

“I need to be with Min-Su every time you’re with him.” Your eyes fixed everywhere that isn’t him. You’re looking at the sofa. His shoes. Your hands. Your purse. His arms. Your thighs. 

You feel and will feel uncomfortable at being such a close proximity to Jungkook, but Min-Su will need you there with him. Maybe it’s you the only one who feels the need to be there.

“Yes. That’s not a problem.” He smiles. 

“This all needs to happen without anyone knowing, okay? No public eye for Min-Su or me. We don’t want any of that.” Your tone becoming more serious. Reporters were one of the things that you found yourself most afraid of. You found yourself scared at the thought of Min-su seeing what they’d write about you or Jungkook on the tabloids if they found out Jungkook had a hidden son.

“You don’t need to worry about any of that. I promise you I have the best team taking care of all that.” Jungkook reassures you. 

A silence lingers over the two of you. Unsure what else to say, you grab your bag, getting ready to leave. As you’re about to stand up, Jungkook interrupts you, “_______, um, I’d like to support you.” 

Your eyebrows furrow in confusion as you’re unsure what he means. 

“Financially, I mean. I haven’t been helping you out all these years. I feel like I have to. I want to.” He reiterates.

You shake your head, “No, Jungkook. I don’t need child support or any of that.” It doesn’t come to you a surprise that he wants to help. He’s loaded. Of course he wants to. Sending money over to you won’t affect him a tiny bit, but you don’t want his money. You simply want Jungkook and Min-Su to have a relationship. 

“But-” Jungkook wants to insist on giving you money. 

“No, buts. You’re enough for Min-Su. He doesn’t need any money.” You say clenching your purse and standing up. You walk over to the door and Jungkook follows behind you. 

“When can I see him?” Jungkook asks as you’re about to leave. Your eyes widen at the question since you had completely forgotten to plan a good time for Min-Su and Jungkook to see each other. 

“Right,” You let out a slight nervous chuckle. The first time Jungkook sees that on your face. He chuckles a bit, too. “Tomorrow 3:00 PM. We have a doctor’s appointment at 1:00, he’ll be out by then. He likes to be treated with Pizza after needles.” You are going to leave work early tomorrow to get Min-Su out of school for his monthly check up with his doctor. 

“Pizza it is.” Jungkook’s full smile makes an appearance. He feels grateful that he is being let in little by little to Min-su’s daily life. 

You feel something in your chest every time you see his smile. You feel endeared by the happiness that appears on Jungkook’s eyes at the thought of seeing his son. 

Although endearing, you feel angry at Jungkook. The anger you've felt all these years has only maximized. He's had the opportunity these past few days to apologize to you for abandoning you. You feel weak for still waiting for that real apology from him that will probably never come. You feel dumb for wanting it. It's clearly not in his mind, so why should it be on yours.

Jungkook sent you the address to Kang’s Palace. You expected a small dining pizza place, but he chose a whole amusement center with an arcade, laser tag, and gravity ropes. You’re a bit nervous to be seen in public with Jungkook, but he promised you that you and Min-Su would never be in the spotlight. You chose to trust him and agreed to go to the place. 

As you arrive to Kang’s Palace, you wait in the car, confused whether to get off or not. There are no cars in the parking lot, except a black SUV and an emerald green Aston Martin Vantage. You recognize that green car parked at Jungkook’s house, so you figure it’s him. 

“Momma, why aren’t we getting off? I want to see Jeon!” Min-su jumps up and down in his carseat, looking out the window of the car. 

“I think it’s closed babes. Let me text-” 

“No momma. Look, there’s someone waving to us!” Min-su points at the door of the amusement center. Namjoon is waving at you to get off the car and join them inside. Jungkook had rented the place for the whole evening so there wouldn’t be any distractions or press that would ruin the day for him and Min-su. 

As you approach Namjoon, you greet him with a small smile and a “Hi.” He nods and bows to you. As soon as you enter the center, Min-su lets go off your hand and goes running to Jungkook. He’s completely star struck when he sees Jungkook as he only knows him as the famous boxer he sees on TV. He stands in front of him speechless, eyes widening at the visual of his idol. 

Jungkook crouches down at Min-su, his hand wanting to come up to Min-su’s cheek, wanting to embrace the warmth of his son’s face. But quickly brings it down as it might be a bit weird for Min-su. Tears appear on the edge of his eyes, blurring his eyesight. Just like Min-su, Jungkook also finds himself speechless at the sight of Min-su. This is the first time he sees Min-su up close after knowing it’s his son. You notice Jungkook tense up at the moment he is in front of Min-su, so you help him out. Even with all the history between you and Jungkook, you still want them to have a successful relationship. 

“Hey Min-su! Remember when we said that Jeon and I were friends? We still are! That’s why we’re here to eat some pizza and play! You like that?” You have a wide smile on your face which Min-su mirrors back at you and then him. You figured it’d be good to tell Min-su this again to make him more comfortable with Jungkook. 

“Jeon!” Min-su exclaims and throws his body at Jungkook, hugging him. Jungkook is first stunned at the hug, but he soon gets out of it, and he tightly brings his arm around Min-su. Jungkook shuts his eyes, letting every emotion come over him when he was Min-su in his arms.

The hug is interrupted by a sultry voice, “Since we’re all friends here, why don’t we all call him Jungkook and not Jeon?” Jiah tells Min-su. You’re still a bit uncomfortable with Jiah being close to Min-su, but you know you’ll have to get used to it sooner or later since he is marrying Jungkook and will become Min-su’s step-mom. 

“Jungkook!” Min-su exclaims and giggles when he turns to look at you and then Jungkook. You love seeing Min-su so ecstatic about all this. Namjoon was correct. Knowing his dad, especially if it’s Jungkook, won’t hurt him. As much as it pains you to admit it, every where Jungkook shows up, there is a light that comes with him. These thoughts that you still have about Jungkook anger you. Even with everything he did to you, you still have these certain positive thoughts about him. These thoughts are at the stem of your cold persona in front of Jungkook.

In the round table Min-Su chose to sit at, Min-su sits between you and Jungkook, with Namjoon besides you and next to Jiah who is besides Jungkook. The pizza is joined by laughters especially between Jungkook, Namjoon, and Min-su. This is the first-time, well second-time, you see Namjoon act like a regular person and not a bodyguard. You get to witness the brotherly relationship Jungkook and Namjoon have. It reminds you of what Jungkook and Seokjin once had.

“Momma. I don’t want to eat anymore.” Min-su had only eaten half a pizza. He is eager to go play. 

“C’mon baby, you need to eat. If you don’t finish it, there’s no games.” You raise your eyebrows, “Don’t make me do the airplane you so hate now.” You laugh. When Min-su didn’t want to eat, you’d get the food and make airplane noises, flying it right to his mouth. When Min-su was smaller, he used to love it. Now he is “too old for that.” Min-su quickly grabs the pizza and eats it. Funny how “the airplane” makes him eat his food either way. 

“Who is ready to go play?” Jungkook raises his eyebrows at Min-su. 

“Meeeee!” Min-su jumps off his chair and takes Jungkook’s hand. Jiah gets up from her seat and joins them.

“Momma, you’re not coming?” Min-su asks you. 

“No babes, I’ll watch you from here. Go with Jungkook.” You stay in the table with Namjoon. 

It’s kind of awkward as Namjoon is only giving you one word responses to everything you ask. You’re trying to make any sort of conversation, but Namjoon doesn’t crack. He’s back to his bodyguard ways. You’re thinking hard about something to ask that will give you something other than a “yes” or “no.” You feel clever at the question you’ve just came up with. You think it’s appropriate to ask him right now since the meeting of today is about children. Why didn’t I think of this sooner. 

“Last time you mentioned you had a kid. They around Min-su’s age?” You cheerily ask. 

Your question only makes Namjoon be quieter than before. He tenses up at it, too. He stands up and joins Jungkook, leaving you all alone at the table. Shit. You pretend you are using your phone and texting someone, but all you really are doing is opening and closing the weather app and typing nonsense in the notes app. 

About 30 minutes pass, and Min-su returns to the table to drink some Sprite. “Momma! Let’s play Laser Tag!” He takes your hand and drags you out of the seat. You’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t want to play. 

“In my team, I want momma and Jungkook!” Min-su’s bunny smile appearing on his face. You smile back at him and so does Jungkook. You really wish you weren’t on Jungkook’s team right now, but you are left with no alternative since that’s what Min-su wants. The three of you huddle and Jungkook cheer, “Let’s get it!” Hands go in the middle and up as the three of you cheer the team’s name “Min-su!” 

Throughout the game, you let your inner child take over you, running and strategizing with Min-su behind the barricade, “Baby, you take Namjoon and I take Jiah!” You high five Min-su and you’re both off to attack the opposite team. Jungkook observes you and a smile appears on his face. He loves to see you and Min-su having this much fun with each other. He’s thankful he gets to witness that. 

“You’re just as competitive as I remember.” Jungkook chuckles as he meets you from behind. 

You roll your eyes at him, trying to act calm and cool, although you feel somewhat flustered at his comment. You feel odd knowing he still remembers things about you. You blame what you feel on the dark lighting of the arena. 

Your thoughts, however, are soon interrupted by Min-su cries, “Mommy!” coming from the front of the room. You and Jungkook call out to him since you can’t see very much. The lights turn on as the game ends, making it much easier to find him. 

You find him sitting on the floor, grabbing his knee. Min-su’s face and eyes are red as a tomato and the crying snot and tears are falling all the way to his shirt. 

“Baby, what happened? You hurt your knee?” You coddle him in order for the crying to stop. Jungkook bends down beside you, unsure what to do. 

“I tri-tripped and cut my-my knee,” Min-su stutters through the tears. “Let me see, baby.” You remove his hand from his knee. It’s nothing big. Just small scrapes. Min-su probably got scared over the blood. 

You lean onto Jungkook ear, “Can you, um, carry him?” You hate having to converse with Jungkook, however, you’re still trying to make Min-su have a comfortable relationship with his dad, and that includes having to help Jungkook have a comfortable relationship with Min-su.

“What?” His eyes widen, “I mean, yes. Yes. Of course.” Jungkook lifts him up and takes him to the nearest bench. As Min-su is more calmed, you wipe away his tears with you shirt. Namjoon comes over with a first-aid kit and a bag of ice the workers gave him. He cleans his knee and places the ice bag on top of it.

“See, you’re all better now.” You smile at Min-su. 

“You’ll probably scar a little, kid.” Namjoon tells him. 

“It’s okay. I want to, like Jungkook hyung!” He turns to look at him, his full smile again on display. 

“That’s right. They’re called battle scars.” He smiles. 

“Battle scars.” Min-su repeats after him. 

The day comes to an end and you’re heading to your home with Min-su. Through the car ride, Min-su won’t stop telling you what him and Jungkook were talking about, mostly about boxing and cars. A smile never leaving his face throughout the whole car ride. Your eyes glisten at the sound of his laughs and his excitement. You are now 100% sure that Min-su knowing his dad will be a good thing for him. For you…who knows.

As you arrive to your apartment, Min-su runs straight to his room. You follow after him, a bit confused at his actions. He suddenly starts removing all the posters he has of Jungkook in his room. 

“What-what are you doing, Min-su?” You stutter, clearly scared.

“I’m taking them off!” Min-su excitedly goes on to the next wall. He’s not mad. He’s not sad. He’s happy and excited.

“Okay… why?” Now you’re just confused. 

“He’s my friend now! Jungkook told me he wants to be my friend, forever!” He exclaims. 

You sigh with a hand over your heart with a smile appearing on your face. Min-su becoming closer to Jungkook will be easier than you imagined. You help Min-su remove the posters he can’t reach. 

Later that night Jungkook texts you. 

11:23PM  Jungkook: Did he have fun? 

11:43PM  You: Yes 

11:44PM  Jungkook: Did he say anything about me?

12:01PM  You send him a photo of Min-su’s empty postered room. 

12:01AM  Jungkook: What happened? I thought he said he had a lot of posters of me. 

12:01AM Jungkook: Did he not like me? 

12:03AM  Jungkook: __________ ??

12:10AM  You: He said you’re his friend. Friends don’t have posters of each other. 

12:11AM  Jungkook: 😅. I had fun. Thank you 

You head over to Daeun and Seokjin’s house after work to pick up Min-su. You are extremely tired since it’s a Monday. Monday are always busy at the restaurant. There’s something about today that make people make crave Italian cuisine. 

“Oh god, look at you!” Seokjin exclaims as you walk into their house rubbing your neck exhausted from standing up 11 hours with only two 5 minute breaks. “Here, I made some gimbap earlier today.” Seokjin slides the plate of gimbap over to you. “Thank you.” You stuff your mouth with the gimbap. “Where’s Daeun and Min-su?” 

“Daeun needed to get some things from her office. Min-su wanted to go with her,” Seokjin tells you,“Sooo…” Seokjin raises his eyerbrows with suspicion in his gaze. 

“Mmm.” You furrow your eyebrows at the taste of the good. 

“Are we going to see you and Jungkook be all over each other again?” Seokjin laughs. 

You choke on your food, “Dude! The guy’s engaged!” You shake your head. 

“I’m kidding!” He raises his hands signaling you to calm down. “For real though, you good with seeing Jungkook and his fiance together, plus Min-su?” 

“Really? I’m past all that. Plus, the focus is Min-su. We’re both just here for him.” You roll your eyes at his question.

“Hm, okay.” Seokjin smirks and takes a sip of his drink. 

“If he didn’t have a son with me, I wouldn’t be seeing him and he wouldn’t be seeing me.” An awkward pause rests over you two. “Alright where are these two? I need to go home and shower!” You quickly change the topic. 

On the way home, you can’t shake off the conversation with Seokjin. It’s true. If it wasn’t for Min-su, you’d never reconnect with Jungkook. You wouldn’t have shown up at the boxing fight that day. You wouldn’t have met up with his asshole of a manager. He’d probably just be an ex-boyfriend you were in love with five years ago. That’s probably what I’ve been to him all these years. But that’s obviously not the case. You’re not a firm believer of the universe having a plan for everyone, but this gives you just some hope that maybe everything does happen for a reason, whether that be reconnecting with Jungkook for Min-su’s sake or simply finding that extra happiness that you’ve been longing for all these years, whatever that is. 

Min-su and Jungkook have been spending more and more time with each other these past few weeks. They’ve been hanging out at his house in the play room that Jungkook recently had built specifically for Min-su or at public places that he’s rented out. These meetings never consist of only you three, you’re always joined by Namjoon or Jiah. Jiah is besides Jungkook all the time, although she doesn’t really make the effort to talk to Min-su. Namjoon has added to his one-word sentences about two more words, so fortunately, you’re able to talk to him a bit more without it being completely awkward. You and Jungkook converse only when Min-su is involved. Other than that, you don’t really talk to each other. He tries to make small talk here and there, but you shut him off with “yes” and “no." There’s also those times you don’t even answer him.

It’s Sunday and you have no work. Min-su is bored, playing on his iPad in his room and you’re ready to watch the new episode of your favorite TV show. Jungkook hasn’t seen Min-su all week long because he had to travel out of the city to shoot a commercial. As you’re about to get comfortable since the show is about to start, you get a text message. 

6:07 PM Jungkook: I want to see Min-su. I miss him🥲

As you’re about to leave him on read, there’s a knock on your door. You grunt and get up to open the door. When will you be at peace to watch your show? 

Namjoon is standing there. 

6:04 PM Jungkook: I already sent Namjoon, sorry😧 

You roll your eyes at his text. You wouldn’t have agreed to go, but Min-su has been asking for Jungkook all week long. “Gosh, isn’t he one?” You tell Namjoon and chuckle. “Min-su! We’re going over to Jungkook’s house!” 

Min-su comes running straight out of his room, quickly putting his on his shoes, “Okay ready!” He exclaims. 

Jungkook opens the door wearing a see-through green lounge set that gives you access to see his godly figure through it. You’re trying your best to keep your eyes away from his chest, torso, and tighs. You’re trying to focus on everything that isn’t him, but that lounge set leaves very little to the imagination. 

“Jungkook hyung!” Min-su exclaims as he runs to hug Jungkook. You’ve gotten used to the running hug as this is how they always greet each other. You love to see it every time. 

“Hi kiddo!” He hugs Min-su. When he crouches down, he looks up at you, mouthing “Hey” with a pleasant smile. You only nod. 

“Hey bud, what do you want to watch?” Jungkook searches for a movie on the TV. Min-su jumps and shouts, “Toy Story!” “Alright, kiddo. Toy Story it is then!” Jungkook laughs. 

“Hey, um, is it okay if I go to the backyard?” You ask Jungkook. He looks a bit confused as he thought you’d be joining them. You don’t want to watch Toy Story, again. It’s Jungkook’s turn to go through the Toy Story phase with Min-su.

“Uh-yeah-yes. Sure,” Jungkook replies, “You’re not going to watch it with us?” 

“No. Min-su, Mom will just be outside.” Min-su doesn’t turn to look at you as his eyes are glued to the movie. 

You’re outside enjoying the clear air and silence. It’s nice to be able to go outside and not hear the busy noises of the city. The fire pit is turned on at the center of the patio. The warmth and the smell of the burning wood make you drift into an afternoon nap. 

A door closing wakes you up. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Namjoon sits on the chair next to yours. 

“Oh no, it’s okay. I’m a light sleeper.” You chuckle. 

You let the nature sounds and Min-su and Jungkook’s chuckles from the living room join you and Namjoon’s silence. You like hearing them have a good time together. “You were correct.” You raise your eyebrows at Namjoon pointing to the living room. Min-su loves to be around Jungkook; they bring happiness to each other. 

“I wish I could’ve had that opportunity with my daughter.” He gently smiles, looking up to the sky. The air, the fire, the weather, and your presence makes Namjoon feel comfortable enough to share this with you. 

“Are you not allowed to see her?” You ask. 

“Her mom let me be part of her life when it was too late,” He looks back down at you, “She had cancer. She passed away five years ago.” 

“Oh, Namjoon. I am so sorry.” You hold his hand, with a gentle touch, looking at his eyes. 

“It’s okay. Choi-hee was her name.” Another gentle smile appearing on his face. 

Your hold on his hand tightening and your eyes fixated on his gaze. “If you ever need anyone to talk to— about anything, I’m here.” 

Your heart breaks for Namjoon. This is why he was so adamant on Jungkook and Min-su’s relationship to work. He wanted Jungkook to not go through the same thing of not being able to meet his kid. Namjoon wishes he would’ve had the opportunity to know his daughter for a longer period of time, and not only the day she passed. 

You hear a throat clear. Namjoon quickly moves his hand away from yours at the sight of Jungkook.

“It’s 8:00.” Jungkook stands at the door. You had told Jungkook that you’d be leaving at that time, since Min-su has school tomorrow.  

“Oh. Right.” You blink several times. You wish you didn’t have to leave Namjoon’s company after he shares something like that, but you have no choice.

“Min-su, let’s go! Time to leave.” You start putting Min-su’s coat, scarf, and beanie on him. “Say goodbye to Jungkook.” 

“I’ll take you home. I have nothing to do anyway.” Jungkook shrugs his shoulders off. You figured it’d be Namjoon taking you home since that’s always how it is, but you guess it’s Jungkook today since Jiah isn’t there. 

“Let’s go” He grabs his keys from the table. Namjoon also grabs the keys to the SUV as he usually follows behind him when Jungkook drives his own cars. 

“Nah. It’s good. Take the night off.” Jungkook tells Namjoon. 

Jungkook gets off his car and walks up the apartment with you and Min-su. 

“Alright say bye and thanks to Jungkook.” You tell Min-su as you’re opening the door to the apartment. 

“Bye Jungkook hyung! Thanks.” Min-su hugs Jungkook again. 

Min-su enters your apartment and drops off his backpack on the couch and goes skipping to his room. As you’re closing the door, you notice Jungkook staring inside your apartment, looking at everything Min-su is doing. He wishes he could see Min-su fall asleep. You see the desire in his eyes to witness Min-su’s day coming to an end. Without much contemplation, you offer him to come in to your apartment. 

“Do you want to come in?” You ask him dryly. 

“What?” His look directed back at you from the inside of your home. 

“Do you want to come in?” 

“Yeah. Yeah. Sure.” He wipes his palms on his pants. 

Little by little, you’re letting Jungkook in to Min-su’s daily life. Although, it feels a bit strange, there’s also a feeling of normalcy, which you appreciate. 

“Why is Jungkook hyung sitting on the living room?” Min-su whispers to you in his bath. 

“That’s because—”  You’re trying to quickly make something up at the moment, “Remember when I said me and him were really good friends a long time ago? We haven’t seen each other in forever, so he wanted to catch up. Also, shhh, but he’s also here because he wants to be your friend really bad.” You scrunch up your nose. Min-su lets out a million of giggles that pull at your heart. 

Jungkook hears the giggles coming from the bathroom. He wants to join you and Min-su with every inch of his body, but he knows it’ll be strange for Min-su. 

“Hey baby! Medicine.” You hand Min-su his pills. 

“Open.” 

Min-su opens his mouth. 

“Pills.” 

Min-su places the pill on his mouth. 

“Now, drink and swallow.” 

Min-su drinks the water from the straw and swallows a big gulp. He opens his mouth and shows you that he has swallowed his medicine. 

You catch Jungkook transfixed at your routine. He’s amazed at your system with Min-su. It’s surreal to him how you and his son have been living your own life without him all these years. He hopes the day comes where he can also have a routine with Min-su too. You hope that too.

As you lay Min-su on his bed, getting ready to put him to sleep, you hear steps approaching the room. You turn around to find Jungkook leaning on the door frame. He gets his phone out and sends a text to someone. 

8:50 PM Jungkook: Can I put him to sleep? 

He looks up from his phone looking at you with hope in his eyes. Jungkook’s eyes, leaving you with none other than a choice than to let him. You lean into Min-su and whisper onto his ear, “Jungkook wants to be your friend so bad so he wants to put you asleep.” You both let out giggles and you kiss his forehead. 

Jungkook sits in the same position you were in besides Min-su, “How’s my favorite kiddo doing?” 

You lean on the door frame in the same position Jungkook was watching you. A small smile appearing on your face. 

“Tell me a boxing story!” Min-su exclaims with his bunny smile. It tugs Jungkook’s heart to see how identical they look. Jungkook goes on to tell him about this boxing match he had a with a 60-year-old boxer for a charity. “I had to take it easy on him, you know! He was 60-years-old.” Jungkook adds voice effects when talking about the punches and hits of the fight. “He was always meant to win, but not by knockout,” Jungkook raises his index finger, “But then I tripped when he punched me, so it looked like he actually knocked me out!” Jungkook shakes his head. Jungkook is definitely more energetic than you when telling bedtime stories.

Min-su laughs and even a light chuckle comes out of you. A smile forms on Jungkook’s face when he hears it. “Alright dude. Time to sleep. Goodnight.” Jungkook wants to kiss his forehead just like you, but he only squeezes his hand and gives him a warm smile. 

As soon as Jungkook is about to turn off the bedside lamp, Min-su asks Jungkook the question. 

“Are you my dad?” 

Jungkook’s heart makes a shift from 90 beats to 1000 beats per minute, “Uh-I-um,” he nervously chuckles. He looks back at you with his widened eyes shaking. You have the same expression on your face as Jungkook. You hadn’t thought of a way that you were going to tell Min-su that Jungkook was his dad. You thought you still had some more time left to plan it. 

“Baby, Jungkook is um,-” You approach the other side of the bed, sitting next to Min-su. Before he lets you think of an excuse, Min-su says, “I heard you and Jungkook talk, mommy. When you told me it was the TV.” You hope everything he got from that conversation was that Jungkook is his dad. 

“Is that all you heard, baby?” Your eyebrows furrow, rubbing your thumb on his hand. 

“Yep. I couldn’t understand the rest. So, I just fell back asleep.” He giggles. 

You feel relieved that Min-su knows Jungkook is his dad. This whole “wanting to be his friend” thing was getting old for you, Jungkook, and clearly Min-su, as he blurted out what he had been hiding this past month. 

“Why didn’t you tell us anything?” Jungkook smiles. 

“Momma likes to take care of me. Because of my weak heart. So, I figured it’d take her some time to tell me.” He smiles. 

“Oh baby, you’re so smart aren’t you? And you don’t have a weak heart anymore! Doctor said it’s big and strong, now. It’ll only get stronger if you go to sleep now. And no more eavesdropping! Goodnight, baby. I love you.” You chuckle, hugging and giving him a kiss on his forehead, leaving Min-su and Jungkook alone in the room. 

Jungkook leans forward and whispers to Min-su, “I am your dad.” Bunny smile on full display on both of their faces. Jungkook kisses his cheek and tells him, “Goodnight, kiddo.” 

“Goodnight, daddy.” Min-su tells Jungkook and then turns on his side, giving Jungkook his back. Jungkook takes one last look at Min-su before closing the door. There is a yearning look on his face. He whispers. “I love you.” Tears set on his doe eyes before he quickly wipes them away. 

“He just called me dad!” He loudly whispers, throwing his thumb back at Min-su’s room. A huge smile on his face. You smile too, but you turn away, not wanting him to see it. “Thank you.” Jungkook tells you as he sits beside you on the couch. 

“For?” Eyes fixated on your phone. 

“For this. For giving me an opportunity to be his father.” His eyes on you. 

“I-um, I’m doing this for Min-su. He deserves to have a father.” You meet his eyes. A serious expression on your face. 

“I know. But still. I’d like to thank you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here right now.” He nods with his words. He gets up getting ready to leave. A question he’s been wanting to ask makes him pause at the door before leaving, “______, we’re okay, right? You and me? To co-parent Min-su? I mean I’m going to marry Jiah and there’s all of that.” He turns to look at you. 

“You and me?” You chuckle, “You and me are never going to be okay. But…even if we aren’t, for him we are.” You slant your head, raising your eyebrows at him. 

“I’ll see your around, ______.” He smiles. 

You give him a tight-lipped smile. Again. No apology.

It hurts you to know that you’re never truly going to be okay with Jungkook. You know he didn’t know about having a son which is why you have agreed to let him into Min-su’s life. However, that doesn’t change anything about him leaving you. To some people it might seem like he simply chose between two things, on of them not being you, but he had a third choice. That third choice consisting of making his dreams come true with you. That third choice is what is keeping you not wanting to forgive nor forget. He had a choice and he didn’t choose the one with you in it. 

The only thing you can now do is pretend he never abandoned you, when Min-su is around.

But you and Jungkook? Things will never be the same. 

9:30 PM Namjoon: Go straight to the office. There’s been some photos and information leaked to the press. 

9:34 PM Jungkook: About

9:34: You, Min-su, and ______ . 

☆ yayyyyyy!!! you just finished chapter 3!! i hope you guys loved it. chapter 4 is ready and will be uploaded next Tuesday... YAYAYYAY... now lemme tell you... ch4 has some amazing & shocking moments 😳 remember leave me your thoughts, theories, questions, anything here ✉ !!! thanks y'all! ♥️