Poem of Tears

32

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, sitting beside him, and asked softly, "Kooki, what's been bothering you?"

As memories flooded back, Jungkook's gaze lowered. "Do you remember the day Jimin fell ill, and i came over? She confronted me, accusing me of seducing you for money, not understanding the truth."

Taehyung and Hoseok exchanged a knowing look, sensing Jungkook's turmoil.

In a moment of heated anger, I admitted to her accusations, claiming I was indeed seducing you and planning to marry you," Jungkook recounted, his thoughts drifting back to that night.

The elderly woman fixed her gaze on Jungkook, accusing him, "You and your brothers enticing my grandsons. I'll pay you to keep your distance."

"Why do you hold such animosity? What have I done to you?" Jungkook asked.

"Your brother took my daughter's life," she shouted.

"My brother... It's you who ended her life. You spiked the milk meant for me and Jimin. Yoongi suspected you, he gives milk to your daughter in your presence, but you remained silent. You didn't value your daughter's life. That's how she died, and yet you blame my brother," he accused. "You're the one who took your daughter's life. I know it, Pappa knows it."

"Yes, I disregard my daughter's life because my intent is to harm you, your child, and your brothers, the entire Jeon family. One day, I will make that happen, Jeon Jungkook," she affirmed.

"Why? What have we done to deserve this?" Jungkook screamed.

"Jeon Namjoon," the lady shot back.

"Appa!" Jungkook frowned. "What did my father do to you?"

"Because of your father, my husband died," she said.

"My father was just a librarian. He had no ties to people like you," Jungkook protested.
"

"Mere librarian? My foot. Yes, he was. My husband offered him billions to keep silent, but he refused. He stood for the victims who died because of our chemical factory. He organized a protest against our company. Even I begged him, but he didn't listen. In the end, my husband got arrested, and he ended his life in prison," she revealed.

Jungkook stared at her in shock.

"I was wondering how you and your brothers are this strong after all that happened in your life. Then I got to know the reason. Namjoon... his children," she gritted her teeth. "I'm warning you, Jungkook. I will kill your whole family, including your son. Stay away from my grandkids," she shouted like a madwoman.

Jungkook gazed at both brothers, struck by the revelation that his father was connected to their family.

"She killed my mother," Hoseok stated, his gaze fixed on Jungkook.

Jungkook solemnly nodded. "She knew the food was poisoned but chose to remain silent.

"Taehyung placed a comforting hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Forget all that. Is this what you want to marry me?"

"When she threatened us, I was furious," Jungkook confessed. "And Jiho's words pushed me to say yes in anger. But now..." He looked at Taehyung and managed a smile.

"If I tell you something, would you hate me?" Taehyung asked.

"What?" Jungkook's question was met with puzzled looks from Yoongi and Hoseok."I might not know much about the past, but I've learned something," Taehyung continued. "Our grandmother doesn't hate you or your family; she's scared of you."

"Why?" Jungkook's frown deepened.

"Because she was responsible for killing your father and mother,"

the revelation left Jungkook in shock."No..." he muttered, struggling to process the truth.

"Yes. She ordered the hit on your father, which is why she's afraid of you,"

"Jungkook's anger flared, but Taehyung intervened, embracing him. "Please, forgive her. Let's forget all this."

"How?" Jungkook's pain was palpable. "If my parents were alive, we'd be a happy family. None of this would have happened.""Let me see her," Jungkook demanded, consumed by emotions.

"No, Kooki," Taehyung pleaded, holding him close. "Please, let it go."Helpless, Hoseok and Yoongi watched the emotional turmoil.

Suddenly, Yeojun and Jimin entered."Mom, why are you crying?" Jimin rushed to Jungkook and Taehyung, concerned. "Did you scold my mom?" His accusatory glare landed on Hoseok.

"It's nothing," Jungkook reassured his son, enveloping both Jimin and Taehyung in a heartfelt embrace, tears streaming down their faces.

************

Jungkook lit candles at his father's tomb, he murmured softly, "Our Appa didn't leave us empty-handed. He left us with his strength." Remembering tales from Kai's father, he continued, "My Appa always fought against injustice, even when alone." Jungkook's voice swelled with pride as he spoke about his father.

Taehyung simply nodded in understanding, offering silent support.

"Appa, look at my family - my husband, our son. We're happy," Jungkook addressed the tomb.

Taehyung enveloped both Jungkook and their son, joining in prayer for a better future.

*******

"She killed our father and mother," Jungkook revealed to his brothers.

Yoongi gazed at the ceiling, while Yeonjun wiped his eyes, grappling with the weight of the disclosure.

"Taehyung will protect both of you," Hoseok assured them, prompting their attention.

"She doesn't deserve to live after what she's done to us," Jungkook voiced his anguish. "Not just for our parents, but for us too. She never allowed us to live in peace."

"Hyung, what will you do?" Yoongi inquired.

"I don't know, but I feel like trash if she breathes the same air as us," Jungkook expressed. "Let me go." He kissed his brothers on the forehead. "Hyung loves you dearly." With that, he walked away.

Yeonjun and Yoongi refrained from calling him back, understanding that given the chance, they too might act similarly in that situation.