JUNGKOOK X BTS

➪ Under Their Care (1)

Jungkook sat quietly in the corner of the living room, his small frame swallowed up by the large sofa. His eyes traced the movements of his brothers as they went about their day, none of them noticing him. The air was cold with the silence, punctuated only by the sounds of hurried footsteps and distant voices. It had been like this for weeks now—his brothers were all so busy, and it seemed like they had forgotten he was even there.

Jin, the eldest, was on a call with some business associates. His voice, deep and calm, was filled with authority as he discussed plans for the family's company.

Jin: "I'll need those reports by the end of the day. Yes, make sure everything is organized. No excuses." His eyes briefly flickered towards Jungkook before he turned his focus back to the phone call, his expression unreadable.

Jungkook felt his heart sink as he watched. Jin didn't even look at him. He had been trying so hard to get his attention, but nothing worked. It felt like Jin was becoming more distant each day, wrapped up in the demands of their family's legacy.

Jungkook: "Hyung..." He whispered, but his voice was lost in the cold air. No one heard him.

Across the room, Taehyung was sprawled out on the couch, his head tilted back, eyes half-closed as he scrolled through his phone. He occasionally mumbled something about a photoshoot or an event, but it was like he was in his own world.

Taehyung: "Ugh, these fans... can't they just leave me alone for one day?" His voice was laced with frustration. He looked over at Jungkook, then quickly glanced away, not wanting to acknowledge the younger boy sitting so silently.

Jungkook: "Hyung..." He tried again, his voice barely above a whisper. But Taehyung was already too absorbed in his phone to care. Jungkook could feel the pit in his stomach grow deeper. Why doesn't anyone care?

He stood up, trying to be quiet, not wanting to disturb the perfect picture of their busy lives. He walked over to the kitchen, where Hoseok was bent over a notebook, scribbling down notes for his next dance practice. Jungkook watched him for a moment, hoping for some kind of warmth, but Hoseok didn't even look up as Jungkook approached.

Jungkook: "H-Hoseok hyung?" His voice cracked slightly, desperate for attention.

Hoseok: "Ah, Jungkook-ah! I didn't see you there. What's up?" Hoseok looked up, giving Jungkook a wide grin, but it felt hollow to the younger boy. Hoseok's eyes were tired, his focus divided between the notebook and the phone buzzing in his pocket.

Jungkook: "I... I just wanted to talk." Jungkook hesitated. "You're so busy, and... I don't know. I feel like I'm invisible sometimes." He could feel the lump in his throat growing, but he tried to swallow it down. "I just want to be with you guys."

Hoseok's smile faltered for a moment, then returned, albeit weakly.

Hoseok: "I'm sorry, Kookie. I know things have been crazy lately. I'll make some time for you soon, okay?" He reached out to pat Jungkook's head, but it felt so forced, like a gesture that meant nothing. Jungkook gave him a small nod, his heart sinking further.

It's like they're all living in different worlds.

Jungkook left the kitchen quietly, retreating to his room. His footsteps echoed in the empty hallway as he shut the door behind him. His room was dark and quiet, much like the rest of the house. He sat on his bed, staring out the window at the sky, trying to keep the tears at bay. He didn't want to cry—he had to be strong for them. But it was getting harder each day.