THE CONCUBINE || TAEKOOK ||

TWENTY SIX

Jungkook and Taehyung grew closer after confessing their feelings. Jungkook found himself spending most of his time with Taehyung, whether it was in the library studying together or in Taehyung's room where they could share quiet moments away from prying eyes.

Avoiding conversations with his mother became a priority for Jungkook, knowing she would inevitably bring up his marriage. He wanted to shield Taehyung from any unwanted attention, especially from his mother's.

Their bond deepened as they explored more about each other's lives, sharing stories and dreams late into the night. For Jungkook, being with Taehyung felt like a sanctuary away from the pressures of the palace and the weight of his responsibilities.

He was sitting beside his father, sharing light conversation about everyday matters. But the air shifted when Jungkook hesitantly asked, “Father… was Mother always like this? She used to be so kind and gentle when I was younger, but now… she—”
He paused, unsure how to phrase the rest. After all, he was speaking about his own mother—the woman he deeply loved, yet whose actions he could no longer comprehend.

The King exhaled deeply, his expression tinged with weariness and remorse.
“Your mother was once the kindest soul I had ever known. So beautiful, gentle… full of life. We fell in love without restraint. Our marriage was blissful, everything we hoped it would be,” he said, his voice distant with memory.

He shifted in his bed, and Jungkook instinctively helped him adjust the pillows behind his back.

“But…?” Jungkook prompted softly.

Junghyun’s eyes darkened as he stared ahead.
“It was my fault,” he admitted. “I became distant. I buried myself in work, locked myself away in my study for hours, sometimes days. I stopped visiting her chambers, ignored her affections… and you too, my son. I failed you both.”

Jungkook remained quiet, watching his father with a heavy heart.

“She began to suspect me—thought I had taken another woman behind her back. She started watching me, questioning me, and her warmth turned into bitterness. I can’t say I blame her. I broke her trust in the quietest, cruelest way—by absence.”

Junghyun turned his face to Jungkook, eyes glistening faintly.
“She didn’t become this way overnight, Jungkook. It was pain… betrayal, even if unintended. And now… she is no longer the woman I once knew.”

Junghyun continued, his voice laced with pain as old memories resurfaced.
“I was working day and night to make our kingdom thrive. I wanted a future—*your* future—to be strong, unshakable. But your mother…” He sighed deeply, resting his head back against the pillows. “She believed I was cheating on her. And that suspicion—it made me furious.”

His brows tightened, and the pain in his voice deepened.
“One night, I lost control. We had a terrible fight—words we couldn’t take back. Your mother was pregnant with your sister at the time.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened slightly, his mouth opening just a little in shock, but he didn’t interrupt.

“I left in anger,” Junghyun continued. “But I regretted it almost immediately. I came back to apologize… but when I saw her walking down the hallway, I followed her quietly, hoping to make peace.”

He suddenly paused, swallowing hard. His chest rose with a shaky breath.
“But what she did next…” He shook his head slowly, his voice breaking, “It shattered me, Jungkook. My entire world collapsed in that moment. I—I couldn't forgive her after that.”