Rebel | Jinkook

Thirty-Six

Jungkook had a tough decision to make about whether to go home or to Jin's apartment after finishing work. Originally, he was supposed to finish work earlier, but he had to stay late due to numerous call-outs and being short-staffed.

He had phoned Jin to inform him, and even though Jin had said he got it, he could sense the disappointment in his voice, making him feel a little guilty. Between work, boxing, and Seokjin's class schedule, they hadn't had much time to spend together in the past few weeks.

Even when he slept over at Jin's place and wanted to spend time with Jin, he found himself getting tired and couldn't stay awake, which he knew was the reason for the message he had received from Jin.

His life had its share of challenges even before Jin entered the picture, but things became even more demanding once Jin became a part of it. Rather than complaining, this new dynamic motivated him to strive for more and put in extra effort. He understood that his social status placed him at a disadvantage in his relationship with Jin, not due to Jin's actions but because of the clear obstacles they both faced.

He felt grateful but also a bit nervous about the help Jin's mom offered. He admired her for not treating him like a charity case but instead recognizing his potential and being willing to invest in helping him reach his goals, which he knew he could reach with the right opportunity and support.

He was faced with a huge task, but he was confident in his ability to complete it since he had always excelled in school. Still, it didn't completely get rid of the nervousness he was experiencing and the worries that were bothering him. He didn't have any regrets about marrying Seokjin, but one of his biggest fears was that Seokjin would regret his choice. He didn't like to anticipate it happening or assume it would, but life kept throwing unexpected challenges at him, leaving him with fleeting moments of happiness.

That's why he was motivated to put in more effort - to show Seokjin that he was committed and could be the partner Seokjin had always wanted. He saw Seokjin as a down-to-earth person despite his wealthy upbringing. His happiness didn't always revolve around money. All he really wanted was to feel loved and know that the person he cared about felt the same way.

That's the reason Jungkook found it difficult to go home after work, even while knowing he would have to return early the next day and his home was closer to his workplace. He boarded the final bus and headed to Seokjin's apartment, confident that Seokjin would appreciate his presence, even if he was asleep. He often reflected on how the little things held the most meaning, particularly when he recalled the precious moments he shared with his mother.

It was part of what inspired him to keep pushing forward, even during his most difficult days, was the memory of her. Despite the times when he watched her facing her own struggles, her smile continued to ignite hope even in her darkest times.

He took his time using the extra key Jin had given him to enter the apartment, aware that both Jimin and Jin were likely asleep and that he didn't want to wake them, particularly Jimin, who he knew had an earlier class schedule than Jin.

Strolling down the hallway, he noticed the light on in the kitchen. Assuming it was his husband, he went to switch it off. He frequently discussed with Jin the habit of leaving lights on and the expenses it incurred. However, it became a recurring point of disagreement between them because Jin failed to grasp why there was a financial implication to leaving lights on and suspected Jungkook of making things up.

Remembering their conversations, Jungkook couldn't help but smile. He always admired Jin's unique perspective and innocence. As he was about to switch off the light, he noticed something on the counter that made him walk closer to it.