My Brother

Chapter 1: Shadows of Seoul

---

### Chapter 1: Shadows of Seoul

Seoul glittered beneath the night sky, a sprawling tapestry of lights that painted the cityscape in hues of gold and crimson. In the heart of this vibrant metropolis, amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, lay a realm cloaked in shadows-a world ruled by power, money, and the unyielding grip of the Asian mafia.

At the helm of this clandestine empire stood Taehyung, known simply as V to those who dared whisper his name in the dark corners of Seoul. At 24, he was a figure of both fear and fascination, a man whose presence commanded respect and obedience. With a calculated mind and an iron will, V had carved out his dominion, navigating the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that defined his world.

Yet, amidst the ruthless dealings and the silent wars waged in boardrooms and back alleys, there was one facet of V's life that remained untouched by the shadows-a fragile bond that anchored him to the realm of humanity.

His younger brother, Jungkook, was everything V was not. At 16, Jungkook was a boy of gentle demeanor and wide-eyed innocence, his youthful exuberance a stark contrast to V's hardened resolve. Known affectionately as Kookie or Koko, Jungkook navigated the corridors of high school with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, shielded from the darker truths that lurked beyond the glittering facade of his brother's world.

It was a cool evening when Jungkook timidly approached V's penthouse, the elevator whisking him up to the pinnacle of luxury that V called home. The penthouse offered a panoramic view of Seoul's skyline, a testament to V's prominence in the city. As Jungkook stepped out onto the plush carpeting of the living room, he found V standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his silhouette cast in shadows against the twinkling city lights.

"Hyung," Jungkook murmured, his voice barely a whisper in the expansive space.

V turned, his expression softening at the sight of his younger brother. "Kookie," he greeted warmly, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "What brings you here?"

Jungkook hesitated, his hands fidgeting nervously at his sides. "I... I had a bad day at school," he admitted, his words tinged with a mix of embarrassment and fear.

V's brows furrowed slightly, a protective instinct stirring within him. "Did someone hurt you?" he asked, his voice quiet yet laced with an underlying intensity.

Jungkook nodded, his eyes cast downwards. "The bullies... they..." His voice trailed off, unable to voice the humiliation he had endured.

V's jaw clenched imperceptibly, his gaze sharpening with a steely resolve. "They won't get away with this," he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Jungkook looked up, surprised by the sudden fierceness in V's demeanor. "Hyung, I don't want any trouble," he said hastily, his voice tinged with apprehension.

V took a step closer to Jungkook, his hand coming to rest gently on his shoulder. "Kookie, listen to me," he began, his voice softening with reassurance. "You're not weak. You're not helpless. Those bullies... they're just cowards who prey on others to feel strong."

Jungkook swallowed hard, the weight of V's words sinking in. "But what can I do?" he asked quietly, his gaze pleading for guidance.

V's expression softened, a rare tenderness shining through his typically stoic facade. "You can start by believing in yourself," he replied gently. "And if you ever feel scared or alone... know that I'm here for you, Kookie. Always."

A surge of gratitude and warmth washed over Jungkook, his eyes misting with unshed tears. In that moment, he realized just how fortunate he was to have V as his brother, a steadfast protector in a world fraught with uncertainties.

The next morning, Jungkook awoke with a sense of determination coursing through his veins. He dressed quickly, his mind replaying V's words like a mantra of strength. As he prepared for school, he felt a newfound resolve taking root within him-a seed of courage nurtured by V's unwavering support.

With his backpack slung over his shoulder and V's words echoing in his heart, Jungkook stepped out into the bustling streets of Seoul. The city stretched out before him, a labyrinth of possibilities and challenges waiting to be navigated. And though shadows lingered in the periphery, Jungkook walked forward with a newfound sense of conviction, knowing that with V by his side, he could face whatever lay ahead.

---