Forlorn

36

Jungkook stared at the birth control pills in his hand, his gaze shifting to Taehyung's face for guidance. "Birth control pills," Tae stated matter-of-factly, not meeting Jungkook's eyes. "Take one. You're too young to be a mother." Jungkook nodded in understanding.

As Taehyung walked into the bathroom, he tousled Jungkook's hair affectionately. Jungkook took a pill from the strip but instead of taking it, he discreetly disposed of it out the window. "What if I do get pregnant, babe?" he pondered aloud, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "You'd accept our child, right?" He reclined on the bed, letting out a sigh. "Oh well, I'll handle it if it happens."

***********

Jimin watched with admiration as Yoongi tenderly cleaned his mother, a routine he faithfully carried out every day without a hint of hesitation. The way Yoongi cared for her, with such gentleness and dedication, reminded Jimin of a son caring for his own mother.

Jimin couldn't help but recall the first time he had attempted to clean his mother, feeling queasy and nearly vomiting at the sight and smell. Yet here was Yoongi, approaching the task with unwavering determination and grace, as if he were caring for a precious infant. It was a testament to Yoongi's compassion and selflessness, his willingness to put aside any discomfort for the sake of someone he loved.

After gently dressing his mother in fresh clothes, Yoongi smiled at her, his eyes soft with affection. A lone tear glistened in her eyes, perhaps a manifestation of guilt or some other emotion stirring within her. Yoongi nodded understandingly before heading to the bathroom with her soiled clothes in hand.

Meanwhile, Jimin made his way to the living room, feeling a pang of isolation as he realized it had been days since he last saw Taehyung or Lisa. The thought of his neglected business weighed heavily on his mind. "I need a fresh start," he murmured to himself, his gaze drifting up to the ceiling, searching for inspiration amidst the turmoil of his thoughts.

Yoongi stand infront of Jimin.... Jimin looks at him... What? He asked calmly.

Food... Yoongi show his hand to the mouth.

Jimin's gaze lingered on the young man before him, who had just turned eighteen. While most others his age were out enjoying life, Yoongi was here, selflessly tending to a stranger like a dedicated home nurse. Filled with a mix of admiration and gratitude, Jimin reached out and gently pulled Yoongi onto his lap, wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace.

"Thank you," Jimin whispered earnestly, his voice choked with emotion as he buried his face in Yoongi's neck, seeking solace in the warmth of their embrace. Yoongi's heart raced with the intensity of their connection, and he returned the hug with equal fervor, silently comforting Jimin in their shared moment of vulnerability.

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

For four consecutive days, Lisa remained motionless, her gaze fixed on the same spot on the ceiling. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her face as she stared into the void. Namjoon exchanged a concerned glance with Taehyung before they both quietly exited the room, leaving Lisa to her solitude.

Taehyung couldn't shake off the deep sense of unease that settled within him at the sight of Lisa in such a state. She was usually the epitome of energy and diligence, the perfect counterpart to Jimin's vision for Arcadia. Seeing her withdrawn and detached weighed heavily on Taehyung's heart, stirring a mix of worry and sorrow within him.

"Did you tell Jimin about this?" Hoseok inquired.

"No, not yet. I'm meeting him today," Taehyung replied with a heavy sigh. "You know how he is. He always treats her like  a child or something. I just don't understand why.

Hoseok turned to Namjoon, concern etched on his face. "What's going on with Jin hyung?" he asked.

Raped... Drugged... Maybe your father, Kim or Mr. Jeon himself.

Jeon! No... Tae said... How can he? His own child.

"No Tae.... Jin and Jungkook are Jeon's but not his child... That man had a twin brother. Namjoon said.

"Why did they kill our parents and others, hyung?" Taehyung questioned.

"Because of love, money, and lust," Namjoon replied, his gaze fixed on the darkness of the night.

"Did you catch that bastard?" Taehyung asked again.

"No... But I will get him soon," Namjoon assured me.

*********

"Kooki... Jeon bang on the door... Open the door, child... It's me, your Appa," his father's voice called out.

"Don't open it unless it's me," Jungkook remembered Taehyung's warning before he left.

"Kooki... Child... Are you okay?" his father's worried voice persisted.

Jungkook hesitated, but eventually stood up from the bed and approached the door. As he opened it, he was met not by his father, but by his uncle Kim and a stranger, their gazes fixed on him.

"Hey, child... Nice to meet you," the strange man greeted with a sinister smile, his hand outstretched in a way that made Jungkook's eyes widen in alarm.