Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

16

"Appa, hurry up! You're making us late!" Jae’s small voice called out from the doorway, impatience laced in his tone.

Jimin, meanwhile, was moving at his usual unhurried pace, a habit he couldn’t seem to break. It wasn’t about choosing the perfect outfit or taking extra time in front of the mirror—being late had simply become his signature move.

"Jae, we won’t be late," Jimin reassured, slipping on his shoes.

"We will!" Jae protested, puffing his cheeks in a pout.

"No, we won’t. Don’t worry," Jimin said with a laugh, leaning down to pinch Jae’s button-like nose. Teasing his son had become one of his favorite pastimes, especially because of the adorable reactions Jae always gave—like the mad gaze Jae was giving him now, one that no one could take seriously.

"Appa..." Jae said, his voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"Okay, okay. Let’s go," Jimin finally conceded, scooping up the program for the event.

Today was the big day, the one Jae had been waiting for ever since his teacher had submitted his painting to the competition. The school would announce the winner, and though Jae had tried to keep his hopes modest, he secretly believed he would win.

As they pulled up to the school, Jae’s eyes widened at the scene in front of him. "Appa, why are there so many people?"

Jimin couldn’t answer that himself. The parking lot was packed, and the red carpet spread out in front of the entrance hinted that this event was far bigger than he had imagined. "Did the President show up as the guest of honor?" Jimin muttered to himself, his heart racing at the thought. "God, Jae, you might meet the President!"

Jae tilted his head in confusion, not quite understanding. "Huh? What President?"

"The famous and intelligent person," Jimin replied absentmindedly, but the vague answer did nothing to help Jae’s confusion.

"Ah, never mind Park Jaehun," Jimin said, ruffling his son’s hair. "Let’s get inside."

Though late, the two entered the bustling hall filled with families and children, all excited for the event. The decorations were elegant, and beautiful paintings lined the walls, adding to the atmosphere.

"Woah... So big," Jae whispered, his eyes sparkling as he took in the vast hall. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen.

"It’s beautiful, right Jae?" Jimin asked, smiling at his son’s awe-struck expression.

"Yes," Jae breathed out, still amazed by the surroundings.

They finally found two seats near the front, off to the side, just in time for the program to begin. Jimin settled in, glancing over the event’s program when suddenly Jae’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Appa, look! It’s Kookie Appa!" Jae exclaimed, pointing excitedly toward the front.

Jimin froze, his eyes snapping to where Jae was pointing. His heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, there stood Jungkook—his old neighbor, the man who still held a special place in his heart. Jungkook was busy talking to a woman seated beside him, completely unaware of Jae’s outburst.

"Kookie Appa!" Jae shouted again, this time louder, hoping to catch Jungkook’s attention. The hall was noisy, filled with conversations and laughter, so only a few people nearby turned to look at Jae, but Jungkook hadn’t noticed.

"Appa, scream with me," Jae urged, tugging at Jimin’s sleeve, his excitement bubbling over.

But Jimin, feeling his heart race even more, quickly hushed him. "Shhh, Jae. Don’t do that. You’ll get us scolded," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"But, Appa..."

"Shhh..." Jimin insisted, a twinge of pain running through him. His eyes darted back to Jungkook, only to see the woman beside him intertwining her fingers with his. The sight made Jimin’s chest tighten. He’s moved on, Jimin thought, forcing himself to look away. He tried to convince himself that Jungkook was happy with whoever this woman was—perhaps his girlfriend or wife. And though Jimin had expected this day to come, seeing it hurt more than he anticipated.

Before Jimin could fully process his emotions, the voice of a teacher echoed through the speakers. "And the winner for the kindergarten category goes to... Park Jaehun!"

For a moment, Jimin was too stunned to react. His son’s name had been called. Jae won.

"Appa!" Jae tugged at Jimin’s sleeve again, excitement radiating from him.

"G-go, Jae," Jimin stammered, still in shock. "You...you won."

Jae didn’t need to be told twice. He ran up to the stage, eager to collect his prize. But before Jimin could fully comprehend the situation, he saw Jae being embraced—by Jungkook.

"I miss you, baby bear," Jungkook whispered, lifting Jae into his arms.

Jimin’s breath caught in his throat as their eyes met across the room. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the weight of unspoken emotions between them. Time seemed to stretch, the noise of the crowded hall disappearing into the background as Jimin and Jungkook stared at one another, the past year suddenly rushing back in a flood of memories.

"Appa," Jae’s voice snapped Jimin back to reality, his son’s laughter breaking through the tension.

Jimin blinked, shaking off the wave of emotions as he watched Jungkook hold Jae with such tenderness. His heart ached, but at the same time, a part of him felt a strange sense of relief—Jae was happy, and that was all that mattered.