Crushed And Bond

Chapter 22: I am Your Father

Errors ahead

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The day unfolded with a tense undercurrent in the shared office space where Jungkook and Lalisa worked. The usual rhythm of their workday was disrupted by an inexplicable energy that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface. Lalisa sat at her desk, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she tackled the mountain of tasks that awaited her. Yet, a persistent, prickling sensation at the back of her neck told her she was being watched.

She glanced up and her eyes met Jungkook's intense gaze from his office balcony above. He was glaring at her with a look that bordered on accusatory, as if she had committed some grave offense. The intensity of his stare made her uneasy, and she quickly averted her eyes, trying to focus on her work. But his gaze bore into her, making concentration nearly impossible.

"What is his fucking problem now?" Lalisa muttered under her breath, frustration bubbling up inside her. Ever since she had entered her office that morning, Jungkook's eyes had been fixed on her with a look that was equal parts hurt and anger. It was unnerving, to say the least.

She tried to shake off the feeling of being scrutinized and glanced at the clock. Time was slipping away faster than she liked, and the pile of work on her desk seemed insurmountable. She had promised Jiyeon she would pick her up on time, and the thought of letting her daughter down gnawed at her.

Finally, feeling that Jungkook's eyes were no longer on her, Lalisa allowed herself a quick glance upward towards his office balcony. To her surprise, he was gone. She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and tried to refocus on the task at hand. But her mind was spinning with questions. Why was Jungkook acting so strangely? What had she done to warrant such hostity?

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Jungkook stood in his office balcony, his eyes fixed on Lalisa down below. She was working calmly at her desk, seemingly oblivious to the storm brewing inside him. He felt a surge of anger every time he looked at her. How dare she hide his daughter from him? How could she keep such an important truth from him for so long?

His fists clenched and unclenched as he fought to control the rage bubbling up inside him. Seeing Lalisa go about her work as if nothing had happened only made his blood boil more. The lies she had told, the secrets she had kept, they all felt like a betrayal.

"Fuck," he cursed under his breath, pulling out his phone to check the time. Every minute he spent here felt like a wasted opportunity to be with Jiyeon. The thought of his daughter brought a small, involuntary smile to his lips. Daughter. How fantastic was that?

Deciding he couldn't waste any more time, Jungkook stood up abruptly. He was going to see Jiyeon now. He had to. The need to connect with her, to be a part of her life, was overpowering.

Without bothering to let Lalisa know, he exited his office and made his way to his car. The drive to the school was a blur, his mind racing with thoughts of Jiyeon. He had missed so much already; he wouldn't let another moment slip by.

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Jungkook slowly approached Jiyeon, who was sitting alone on the bench, her usual companion Minhyuk nowhere to be seen. He was a little surprised but quickly assumed that Tzuyu must have picked him up, now that she was back. His heart raced with anticipation as he neared Jiyeon.

Hearing someone’s footsteps, Jiyeon glanced towards Jungkook, her face lighting up with a bright smile. Jungkook felt a lump in his throat as he saw the same radiant smile that mirrored his own. She was so adorable, so beautiful. Quickening his steps, he reached her side and sat down on the bench, eager to start a conversation.