𝐌𝐘 𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 ✔

f o u r

The morning was quiet, the apartment bathed in a soft, early light. I sat at the kitchen table, sipping my coffee, trying to gather my thoughts before the day could truly begin. The past weeks had been a blur of silent meals and solitary walks, each day blending into the next as I struggled to come to terms with my new reality.

Today, however, was different. Jungkook's mother, my aunt by marriage, was coming to visit. I dreaded her arrival, knowing she would bring with her a wave of expectations and unwelcome reminders of the life I was now supposed to embrace.

When the doorbell finally rang, I hesitated before answering it. Jungkook had insisted on greeting his mother alone, sensing my discomfort. I listened from the kitchen as they exchanged greetings and made their way inside.

"Jungkook, dear, where's Jisoo?" I heard his mother's voice, sweet yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.

"She's in the kitchen," Jungkook replied, his tone cautious. "I'll go get her."

Moments later, Jungkook appeared in the doorway, his mother trailing behind him. She was elegant and poised, her smile warm as she approached me.

"Jisoo, darling!" she exclaimed, reaching out to hug me. "You look absolutely radiant in that dress. Jungkook is so lucky to have you."

I forced a smile, pulling away from her embrace. "Thank you, Aunt," I murmured, my discomfort growing with each passing second.

Throughout the morning, my aunt continued to shower me with praise, her words becoming increasingly unbearable. She talked about marriage as if it were a fairy tale, ignoring the reality of my feelings and the circumstances that had led to this union.

As she sipped her tea, she turned to Jungkook with a smile. "You must be over the moon, Jungkook," she said. "Jisoo is such a wonderful wife. I can see how happy you two will be together."

Jungkook glanced at me, his expression apologetic. He knew how much I disliked these conversations, how they only served to deepen my resentment.

After what felt like an eternity, my aunt finally took her leave. Jungkook walked her to the door, exchanging polite farewells. When he returned to the kitchen, he found me staring out the window, my thoughts a jumble of frustration and sadness.

"I'm sorry, Jisoo," he said softly, sitting down across from me. "I know she can be overwhelming."

I sighed, not meeting his gaze. "It's not your fault," I replied quietly. "But I can't stand the way she talks about us like everything is perfect."

Jungkook nodded, his expression somber. "I understand. I wish things were different, too."

Silence settled between us, thick with unspoken words. Jungkook reached across the table, hesitated, and then withdrew his hand. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you," he said finally. "If you ever need to talk or... anything."

I nodded, grateful for his offer but still unable to shake off the weight of my emotions. Jungkook stood up, clearing the dishes from the table. I remained seated, lost in my thoughts, unable to find a way out of this tangled mess.

As the days passed, Jungkook continued to show his concern in small ways. He respected my space, knowing when to give me solitude and when to offer a comforting word. I appreciated his efforts, even if I couldn't bring myself to reciprocate.

One evening, weeks after my aunt's visit, I found myself alone in the living room, lost in a book I had been trying to finish for days. Jungkook entered quietly, a hesitant look on his face.

"Hey," he said softly, standing by the doorway. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry about my mother. I know it must have been difficult for you."

I closed the book, setting it aside. "It's okay," I replied, surprising myself with the honesty in my voice. "I know she means well."

Jungkook stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "I'm glad you understand," he said quietly. "I just want you to know that I hear you, Jisoo. I hear your silence, your pain. And I'm not giving up on us."

I looked away, feeling a lump form in my throat. Jungkook's words were a reminder of his unwavering patience, his quiet strength. Despite my best efforts to push him away, he remained steadfast by my side.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Whenever you're ready," he said softly. "I'll be here."

With that, Jungkook left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. His words echoed in my mind, a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to bridge the gap between us, to find a way forward in this unexpected journey of marriage and forgiveness.

But for now, I remained in the quiet solitude of the living room, grappling with the emotions that continued to pull me in different directions. The chapter of our life together had only just begun, and I knew there were many more challenges ahead. Yet, for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of optimism that maybe, just maybe, we could find our way through the darkness together.