Mine (Jikook/Kookmin)- Complete

24

Kim Seokjin, who runs the orphanage, was the only one who could reach Jaehun, a quiet boy who refused to speak to anyone else. Even when investigators came to look into claims of child abuse, they couldn't get Jaehun to say a word. But with Seokjin, the boy's response was quick, albeit sad.

"Not good," Jaehun mumbled when asked how he was.

"Why?" Seokjin inquired gently.

"Jae wants Jiminie Appa," Jaehun responded, his small voice trembling with a yearning that was impossible to ignore. The boy didn't know that his beloved Jiminie Appa—his father, Jimin—was barred from contacting or seeing him.

Seokjin asked softly, "Jae, do you love your Appa?"

Instantly, Jaehun's face lit up with pure joy. His eyes widened, a genuine smile spreading across his face, making his answer obvious even before he spoke.

"Yes, Jiminie Appa makes Jae happy," he said, his voice filled with innocent pride.

"Really?" Seokjin continued, prompting Jaehun to elaborate.

"Appa takes care of Jae. Appa cooks for Jae. Appa plays with Jae and Appa sleeps with Jae." Each word seemed to bring back fond memories for the boy. Thinking about his Appa clearly brought him comfort, as he smiled fully—mouth, cheeks, and even his eyes crinkling with happiness.

"Did Appa love Jae?" Seokjin asked gently, though he already knew the answer.

"Yes, Jiminie Appa says 'I love you' to Jae every day," Jaehun answered without hesitation, his voice full of warmth and certainty. But Seokjin's next question made Jaehun's smile fade slightly.

"I heard that your Appa scolded you. Is it true?"

Jaehun shook his head vigorously. "No."

"Your Appa pushed you, didn’t he? That's how you got this." Seokjin pointed to a bruise on Jaehun's arm. Seokjin didn’t want to upset the boy, but he was just following the process. The allegations had to be investigated. Despite knowing that Jimin was a loving father and the medical reports showed no signs of abuse, these questions had to be asked.

"No!" Jaehun’s voice wavered, his distress growing.

"Your Appa hit you, didn’t he?" Seokjin pressed, though he felt awful for doing so.

Jaehun’s small voice exploded into a pained shout. "No! Jiminie Appa never hit Jae!"

Tears welled in his eyes. He didn't understand why these questions kept coming. All he wanted was his Appa. The boy sat there, trembling, on the verge of crying. Why did he have to go through this? Why did people keep questioning him? He hated it. He just wanted his Appa back.

---

Meanwhile, Jimin sat in a cold room, his heart breaking. Across from him sat Namjoon, a lawyer who specialized in child abuse cases. Jimin was in disbelief.

"My son is a good boy," Jimin said softly, his voice filled with pain. "He listens to me. I never hit him, not even once. I could never hurt him."

The accusations felt like knives to his heart. Jimin had raised Jaehun with nothing but love. He gave his son everything. Yet here he was, being treated like a criminal.

"Do I need a lawyer?" Jimin asked, his voice cracking. He was ready to fight for his son. He would do whatever it took. He was even prepared to sell his house if that’s what it came to.

Beside him, Jungkook, his loyal friend and neighbor, squeezed his hand gently, offering him a reassuring smile. Throughout everything, Jungkook had been by his side, supporting him. Tae and Hobi had been there too, standing with Jimin through this nightmare.

Namjoon, having handled countless child abuse cases, was baffled. "This is one of the strangest cases I've come across," he admitted, flipping through the documents. "All the medical reports and testimonies from your neighbors and friends say otherwise. I don't understand why you’re being put through this."

Jungkook, frustrated with the absurdity of the situation, chimed in, "They’re ridiculous. My family is being stupid for doing this."

Jimin sat quietly, absorbing everything. He couldn’t blame Jungkook. This wasn’t his fault. Jungkook had been nothing but supportive. Jimin was grateful to have him by his side, even though his heart ached with the weight of what was happening. He just wanted it all to end—so he could be with Jaehun again.