𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 (𝙑𝙠𝙤𝙤𝙠)

39: Solace

ignore the mistakes please:

Author's pov:

It turned out Seejin and Jeongguk had orchestrated this entire meeting. Seejin, already privy to the backstory, had filled Jeongguk in. driven by a desire to reunite the estranged brothers, Jeongguk had agreed to play his part in the delicate mission of bringing them face-to-face with the truth.

Jeongguk, ever the diplomat, took the reins of the conversation after Seejin laid the foundation.
"Taehyung had no idea, Yeonjun," he began, his voice gentle yet firm.

"He only found out when he visited your mother in the hospital, while she was still in a coma."

Yeonjun gaped, his mind struggling to process the revelation.
"He... he didn't know?"

"He didn't have the courage to ask you," Seejin added, her voice laced with empathy.

"He was scared, Yeonjun. scared of rejection, scared of shattering the fragile peace you had built with your new life."

Jeongguk took over again, hoping to bridge the emotional chasm. "You have to understand, Yeonjun. he went through a lot of trauma. he witnessed your parents die, a horror no child should ever face. While you were left grappling with grief and fear, your aunt whisked you and Hyunjin away, desperate to keep you safe. you lived your life, while he struggled to have one---you had hyunjin and your mother---while taehyung was struggling to get the justice and he had no one---he was alone"

"he was scared to say the truth---he was scared of rejection that you and hyunjin clearly pulled in most cruel way---that is what he was scared of---and that is what happened"

tears streamed down Yeonjun's face, a torrent of emotions finally breaking free. the anger, the confusion, the years of simmering resentment – all washed over him in a wave of raw sorrow. The truth, though painful, offered a sliver of understanding, a reason for Taehyung's silence. But the wounds ran deep, and the path to reconciliation wouldn't be easy.

The air in the room crackled with tension. Yeonjun stood rooted to the spot, his gaze glued to his shoes. The truth, a heavy weight, had come crashing down, leaving him breathless with fear. Finally, he dared to meet Jeongguk and Seejin's eyes, searching for a flicker of judgment, a sign of rejection. But what he found was understanding, empathy etched on their faces.

"I... I messed up, big time, right?" Yeonjun stammered, his voice thick with despair. "Jeongguk-hyung, Taehyung-hyung won't forgive me, will he?"

Jeongguk, who had been leaning against the sofa, straightened and walked towards Yeonjun. His expression held no anger, only a gentle concern. He placed a reassuring hand on Yeonjun's shoulder, offering a small, comforting smile.

"Yeonjun," he began, his voice low and calming. "Out of everyone here, you've been closest to Taehyung. What do you think he would do?"

Yeonjun pondered the question, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. He cast his mind back to countless shared moments – Taehyung's infectious laughter, his unwavering loyalty, his fierce protectiveness of those he loved.

"He'd forgive" Yeonjun whispered finally, his voice gaining strength with newfound conviction.

Jeongguk offered a slow, knowing nod, placing a hand on Yeonjun's other shoulder.

"Exactly. Taehyung values forgiveness above all else. he will forgive you instantly"

Yeonjun took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting newfound determination replacing the fear. "I am," he declared, his voice firm.

"I messed up, but I won't let that define me. I want to make things right with Taehyung-hyung. I want to be worthy of his forgiveness."

with a newfound sense of purpose, Jeongguk spoke up. "then, let's go to him." he ruffled Yeonjun's hair playfully, and a chuckle escaped Yeonjun's lips through his tears. He nodded, ready to face the consequences.