Unspoken Ties

Chapter-29 Hyung!

Edited version 🖤🦋

Jungkook stepped out of the kitchen, the sharp clatter of dishes and the faint aroma of spices lingering behind him, but his mood was far from calm. His frustration still buzzed under his skin, making his voice sharper than intended.

"What?"

His mother, Mrs. Jeon, tilted her head to the side, her expression instantly changing. She didn't need to say anything-her face alone was enough to make Jungkook realize his mistake.

The irritation that had been fueling him only moments ago suddenly wavered.

Jungkook gulped, his throat going dry. No matter how cold-hearted and tough he might seem to others, there was one person he could never stand against-his mother.

His posture stiffened, and he quickly corrected himself. "Y-yes, Mom!" His voice came out much softer this time, almost too eager to fix the damage already done.

Mrs. Jeon only hummed in acknowledgment, but it wasn't the usual hum that carried warmth. It was distant, indifferent.

"Your dad is calling you."

The tone in which she spoke made Jungkook uneasy. It wasn't the usual soft nagging or teasing voice she used when calling for him. It was almost... emotionless.

And it hurt.

Jungkook's brows furrowed. His mother never spoke to him like this. She was strict, sure, but never distant.

His chest tightened, a heavy weight settling in his stomach.

"Mom! Are you angry with me? Did I do something wrong?"

Mrs. Jeon stopped mid-step but didn't turn around. She stood still for a moment before continuing forward, her footsteps fading as she strolled toward another direction.

But she didn't need to say anything.

Jungkook had already understood.

That single pause, the fleeting stare she gave him-those few seconds held everything he needed to know.

His mother was upset.

And she wasn't just upset. She was disappointed.

A pang of guilt surged through him, making his hands clench at his sides. His mother had always been an open book to him, and right now, even without words, he could read what was hiding behind her eyes.

And it clenched his heart.

Jungkook was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't even hear his father enter the room until his name was called.

"Jungkook!"

He blinked, snapping out of his daze. His father was standing in front of him, eyeing him curiously.

"Dad..." His voice was unsteady. "W-why is Mom talking to me like this?"

It wasn't just a simple question. His voice carried worry, confusion, and most of all-a quiet desperation.

Jungkook could handle anger, could handle arguments. But this? This silent treatment, this lack of warmth from the one person who always showered him with it?

It was unbearable.

He noticed everything-how she didn't call him by his usual nicknames, how she didn't hug him like she always did, how she didn't even nag him about treating his wife properly.

These were the signs. Clear indications that something was off.

But why?

What had he done?