The Dining Room
The grand dining room of the Kim palace was bustling with activity. The long table, adorned with golden cutlery and delicacies from every corner of the kingdom, sat the royal family and their guests. Jungkook entered with Taegguk, holding his tiny hand, and her gaze quickly scanned the room, landing on the seat arrangement.
Mina, dressed in an elaborate gown, had smugly positioned herself between Taehyung and Jungkook’s designated seat. Jungkook felt her irritation rise, but she maintained her composure. However, her son, Taegguk, was less composed. The young boy glared at Mina with unmasked anger.
Mina, pretending not to notice, leaned toward Taehyung and tried to engage him in conversation. Taehyung, however, was distracted. His eyes kept drifting toward Jungkook, longing etched into his features.
Taegguk, unable to contain his displeasure, tugged at Jungkook’s hand as they reached the table.
Taegguk: “Mumma.”
Jungkook: “Yes, honey?”
Taegguk: “You sit here.” He pointed to the empty chair beside him, deliberately away from Mina.
Jungkook: “It’s okay, bub. I’m fine here.” She gestured toward the seat Mina had left for her, between herself and Taehyung.
Taegguk (pleading): “Please, Mumma.”
His big, watery eyes were enough to melt Jungkook’s resolve. Sighing, she gave in.
Jungkook: “Fine.”
She moved to sit beside Taegguk, and the young boy’s face lit up with happiness. Mina’s expression darkened slightly, but she quickly hid it behind a forced smile.
As the servants began serving food, Taegguk surprised everyone by grabbing Jungkook’s hand.
Taegguk: “Mumma, feed me.”
The room went silent. Even the clinking of plates and cutlery ceased as everyone stared at the young prince. Jungkook blinked at him in surprise.
Jungkook (softly chuckling): “Bub, you’re a big boy now. You can eat by yourself.”
Taegguk (pouting): “Please, Mumma. Just for today?”
Jungkook hesitated but eventually gave in, her maternal instincts overpowering everything else. She began feeding him small bites, her smile genuine for the first time in what felt like years.
The others at the table were stunned. It wasn’t just the act of feeding that caught their attention—it was the tenderness between mother and son, the unspoken bond that was finally being renewed.
Taehyung’s heart swelled with pride as he watched their interaction. Seeing Taegguk cling to his mother, and hearing his innocent words, filled him with a bittersweet mix of emotions—love, regret, and guilt.
As Jungkook fed Taegguk, her eyes began to water. Memories of all the years she had missed with him came rushing back like a tidal wave.
Taegguk (concerned): “Mumma, why are you crying?”
Jungkook (sniffling, smiling): “It’s nothing, bub. These are happy tears.”
Taegguk reached up with his tiny hands and wiped her tears away.
Taegguk: “Mumma shouldn’t cry. You should always smile.”
Jungkook laughed softly, nodding at her son.
Jungkook: “I’ll try, my little tiger cub.”
Taehyung’s heart ached at the scene. His son’s words, filled with innocent wisdom, only deepened his guilt. Why did I let this happen? he thought bitterly.
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Time Skip – The Night
Dinner ended with everyone retreating to their respective chambers. Taegguk insisted on staying with Jungkook that night, refusing to be separated from her. She smiled and agreed, carrying her son to her chambers.
The room was warm and inviting, decorated with a simple elegance that suited Jungkook’s taste. Taegguk jumped onto the bed, his laughter echoing in the room as he made himself comfortable.
Taegguk: “Mumma!”
Jungkook: “Yes, bub?”
Taegguk (seriously): “Why did you leave me alone for so long?”
The question hit her like a dagger to the heart. She paused, her smile faltering, and sat beside him on the bed.
Jungkook (gently): “Bub, I never wanted to leave you. You have no idea how much I missed you.”
Taegguk (frowning): “You know Mina used to scold me? And sometimes… she even hit me. I hated her, Mumma. I always hated her.”
Jungkook’s blood boiled at his words. She clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath her calm exterior.
Jungkook: “I’m here now, bub. I promise no one will hurt you again—not Mina, not anyone.”
Taegguk nodded, comforted by her words. His expression brightened as he changed the subject.
Taegguk: “Mumma, you know I have so many friends now! And we go on adventures! And—”
He went on, chattering about his little world, his friends, and his playful escapades. Jungkook listened attentively, laughing at his stories, her heart aching with joy and sadness.
As Taegguk giggled and talked, his voice grew softer, and soon, he fell asleep mid-sentence. Jungkook carefully tucked him in, brushing his hair away from his face.
She sat beside him, her hand resting gently on his tiny chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Jungkook (whispering): “I’m sorry, bub. I’m so sorry for everything. I missed your first word, your first steps… I wasn’t there to watch you grow. What kind of mother am I?”
Her tears fell freely now as she stared at her sleeping son.
Jungkook: “It’s all her fault—Mina. She ruined our lives, tore us apart. But no more. I’ll make sure she regrets every moment she spent trying to destroy us. She’ll pay for everything she did to us, bub. I promise you that.”
She wiped her tears, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Taehyung’s POV – From the Shadows
Unbeknownst to her, Taehyung stood outside the partially open door, his heart breaking as he overheard everything. He leaned against the wall, his head bowed, guilt clawing at his chest.
Taehyung (to himself):
This is my fault. All of it. Jungkook, I’m so sorry. Taegguk, I’m so sorry. Because of my blindness, my ignorance, my cowardice… you both suffered. I let Mina manipulate me. I let her hurt my family. What kind of king am I? What kind of husband? What kind of father?
He glanced into the room, watching as Jungkook wiped her tears and kissed Taegguk’s forehead.
Taehyung (murmuring): “Jungkook, I know I don’t deserve forgiveness. But I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I’ll earn your trust, your love… even if it takes forever. And Taegguk… I’ll be the father you deserve. No more excuses.”
He straightened, his resolve hardening.
Taehyung: “Mina will pay for what she’s done. She’ll never harm you again, Jungkook. That’s a promise.”
With one last glance at his wife and son, Taehyung turned and walked away, determined to set things right.
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Anu....
