𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 || 𝐭𝐚𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤 ✓

EP27: A nightmarish evening

The clock on the dashboard of Jungkook's car read 6:03 PM as he pulled into the driveway of his home. Exhausted from a long day at work, a weary but contented smile played on his lips, anticipation brewing in his chest at the thought of spending the evening with his beloved family.

Work had been a relentless grind, and now he yearned for the simple joys of life - having dinner with his family, engaging in cheerful conversations, and finally, the sweet embrace of his lovely husband as they drifted into peaceful slumber.

Stepping out of the car, Jungkook couldn't help but notice something awry - the front door of their home stood wide open. The early evening air, a tad cooler than usual, greeted him with an unsettling breeze that ruffled his hair. "Something's not right," he muttered to himself. A knot of unease began to form in his stomach as he cautiously approached the entrance.

A distant but unmistakable sound reached his ears - the heart-wrenching cries of his daughters.

Panic set in as his heart raced, and he quickened his pace towards the open door. The cool air seemed to grow even colder as he crossed the threshold into the dimly lit house. The scene that greeted him froze his steps and sent shivers down his spine.

The kitchen, typically a hub of activity, was frozen in time. Dirty dishes from breakfast were piled in the sink, untouched since morning. It was as if the day had stopped here. Everything(the plates in the sink and Taehee in her chair) were positioned exactly as he last left them before departing for work.

However, what tore at Jungkook's heartstrings was the sight of Taehee. She sat in her chair, her tiny face red and tear-stained, her eyes swollen from hours of weeping.

"Papa! I-i'm s-so hungry," Taehee cried out as she saw her father. Her voice trembled with exhaustion and hunger. "Mama isn't c-coming out o-of the room. I-i tried to call mama -many times."

Jungkook's heart wrenched at the sight of his fragile daughter. He scooped her up into his arms, feeling her frailty and hearing her soft sobs. Gently, he asked, "Where is Taehyung?"

Taehee whimpered, her voice barely a whisper, "M-mama w-went to put Jiyeon to s-sleep b-but didn't return back. I-I haven't eaten any-thing, Papa."

A potent mix of worry and anger surged through Jungkook. Not only had Taehyung left their daughter unattended, hungry and in tears, but he had also neglected to prepare the dinner and look after the house.

'What's wrong with you Taehyung?! How can you do this to our own kid?' he thought.

Holding Taehee close, who continued to cry softly, Jungkook's steps were swift and purposeful as he stormed towards the bedroom, guided by the heart-wrenching sound of Jiyeon's cries in the background this time.

Entering the dimly lit bedroom, Jungkook was met with a sight that sent his anger soaring and his heart sinking. Taehyung lay sprawled across the bed, his face peaceful in slumber, as if he had not a care in the world. Jiyeon, their precious baby, wailed inconsolably in her cradle beside the bed.

Carefully, Jungkook set Taehee on the bed and picked up Jiyeon, his heart breaking as her tiny body quivered with sobs. He rocked her gently from side to side, whispering soothing words in a desperate attempt to calm her. But her cries only grew louder, and she buried her face into her father's chest, seeking solace.

"D-don't cry my baby, your papa is finally here." His voice quivered as he spoke.

Then, a terrified gasp escaped Taehee's lips, and she cried out, "Mama, wake up!"

Jungkook's heart plummeted as he turned to see Taehee shaking Taehyung, who remained unresponsive. Panic seized him, and he gently placed Jiyeon back in her cradle before rushing to Taehyung's side.