Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

22

The moment Jimin heard the name "Kang Hana," his heart sank further. It was her—the one who reported him and Jungkook for child abuse. And while Jungkook had tried reaching out to Hana, all his calls went unanswered. But Jungkook knew. He knew that behind Hana's actions, there was someone pulling the strings—his own family. He had long suspected they disapproved of Jimin, and now, they were trying to take Jae away from them.

Jimin’s entire body trembled as he processed the gravity of the situation. He could hardly get the words out. "Hyung, t-they...they’re going to take Jae from me."

Jungkook immediately grabbed Jimin’s shoulders, his voice firm. "They won’t."

But Jimin shook his head, sobbing. "T-they will." He was recalling what Kim Namjoon, the child services officer, had said. They were going to take Jae into custody until the investigation was complete, placing him under the supervision of an orphanage. The mere thought of losing his son broke Jimin into pieces.

"P-please, hyung," Jimin cried, his voice desperate. "H-help me. I-I can’t lose Jae."

Jimin collapsed beside Jae’s bed, pulling his little boy close, cradling him as if it might be the last time. He kissed Jae’s forehead again and again, the thought of being separated from his child too much to bear. "I can’t lose him...I can’t..."

Jungkook's heart clenched seeing Jimin so shattered. He wrapped his arms around Jimin and Jae, whispering, "You won’t lose him. No one is taking Jae from you, from us. He’s ours. I promise you, Jimin. He’s ours."

---

"Why?"

Jae’s innocent voice broke the silence. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking up at Jimin with confusion in his eyes. "Why do I have to go with them, Jiminie Appa?"

Jimin swallowed the lump in his throat. He had packed a small suitcase for Jae, and Namjoon was waiting outside to take him away, though Jungkook had bought them a few more minutes by delaying the paperwork. It wasn’t enough—nothing could ever be enough. No amount of time could prepare Jimin to say goodbye to his son.

Jimin forced a smile, though his heart was breaking. "It’s like a little vacation, Jae. You’ll meet new people and make more friends."

Jae frowned, his voice growing stubborn. "I don’t want more friends. I already have Taetae Appa, Hobi Appa, Kookie Appa...and you. You’re my best friend, Jiminie Appa."

Jimin’s heart shattered a little more. He had never been one to let Jae spend the night away from home, even for sleepovers or birthday parties. He always picked Jae up late, ensuring his son slept at home, safe. And now, here he was, trying to convince his little boy that everything was fine when it was far from it.

"Aish, you should be happy I’m letting you go out more!" Jimin tried to joke, but his voice was too strained, too fragile. "If not, you’d be stuck with me all the time."

Jae’s lip quivered, and tears welled up in his eyes. "Jiminie Appa...do you not love me anymore?"

The question hit Jimin like a punch to the gut. He immediately knelt down and cupped Jae’s tear-streaked face, his own tears now falling uncontrollably. "Jae, don’t ever say that. I love you so much."

"Then why do I have to go? Why can’t I stay with you?"

Jimin couldn’t answer. He couldn’t bring himself to tell his son the truth. Instead, he pulled Jae into his arms, hugging him tighter than ever, burying his face in Jae’s small shoulder. Jae clung to him, crying too, not understanding why his father was so sad, why he had to leave.

"I love you, Jae," Jimin whispered through his sobs. "I love you more than anything."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Jimin looked up to see Namjoon standing there, looking apologetic but firm. "I’m sorry," Namjoon said quietly. "It’s time."

Jimin’s heart dropped. His arms tightened around Jae, and he looked at Jungkook, pleading with his eyes. Please, stop this, Jimin begged silently. But even Jungkook, with all his strength and promises, was powerless now. This was happening.

Namjoon stepped forward, and though he was gentle, the moment he pried Jae from Jimin’s arms, Jimin felt like he was being ripped apart. The sound of Jae’s terrified scream echoed in the room.

"Appa! Appa! Jiminie Appa!" Jae’s cries were desperate, his small arms reaching out for his father as Namjoon carried him away.

Jimin fell to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. His world had just collapsed. His heart felt like it had been ripped out of his chest.

"Jae..." he whispered, his voice broken as he watched his son disappear from sight. The car door slammed shut, and Jae was gone. And with him, a piece of Jimin’s soul left too.