"Good morning, Daffodil," Taehyung said softly, hugging the boy gently from behind.
"Morning, Hyungi," the boy replied with a warm smile.
"What are you thinking about, Kooki?" Taehyung asked, sensing the boy's troubled thoughts.
"What's happening here, Hyung? Why do they hate your mother? Why do they hate everyone? Why does your father fear them?"
"I'll answer everything," Taehyung assured him. "Just sit with me." They settled in a quiet corner, and Taehyung ordered morning tea for both of them.
My grandparents despised my mother because she came from a lower-middle-class family. They arranged a marriage for my father with a girl from a billionaire family, but he chose my mother over her. He married my mother, and they started their life together. My grandparents always accused my mother of seducing my father for his money.
To prove them wrong and to support our family, my mother started a small café with the help of her own parents. Her hard work and intelligence quickly turned the café into a successful business. Eventually, my father also became a successful businessman. Then my older brother, Hyung, was born, bringing even more luck to our family. Our business flourished beyond anyone's expectations.
When Hyung turned 19, he joined the family business, and together, we managed to surpass even the prestigious Kim Group. Everything was going well until Hyung returned from Korea with Jimin. Everyone liked Jimin except for my grandparents. One day, they accused Jimin of stealing my grandmother's necklace. In a fit of rage, my grandmother even slapped Jimin. Hyung was furious and immediately threw them both out of our house.
They didn't even attend his funeral. And now, after all these years, they've come back, not to share in our happiness but to bring their bitterness and animosity to our doorstep once more.
************
"Don't quarrel with anyone... Be a good boy." Jimin kissed his little one's head.
"Is the baby going to school?" Jungkook asked the boy.
"Yes, I am. We can play together this evening. Bye, Mom. Bye, Kooki," he said, walking towards his car. The driver opened the door for him, and he waved once more before getting in.
"Good morning, Jungkook. Why didn't you come for breakfast?" Taehyung asked.
"Morning, Hyungi. I woke up late," Jungkook replied.
"Don't stress yourself. Come, let's have breakfast together."
"Yes." Jungkook walked with Jimin. "Did Dad and Mom leave?"
"Early in the morning, maybe for some important meetings or programs."
"Where is Yoongi?" Jungkook looked around.
"He goes to work"
What work? Slapping, shouting, or teasing someone. Jungkook asked with a grin.
"Can you believe me, Jungkook?" Jimin asked, looking at him.
"What?"
"Yoongi is a professor."
"Wait... No... In college?"
"Yes," Jimin laughed. "But nowadays, he works for Taehyung more than he goes to college."
"I can't believe this, Hyung. What does he teach?"
"Forensic science," Jimin said.
"Really? I thought he might be a college student or assisting Hyung. He calls me chipmunk, scared my mother and father, and even slapped my sister. She needed it, but still... I never thought that man was a teacher. Hmm... Hyung, does he like you?"
Jimin didn't say anything. He moved a chair for Jungkook. "Sit."
"Sorry, Hyung," Jungkook looked down.
"It's okay, Jungkook. To me, Taehyung and Yoongi are the same... my brothers-in-law." Jimin said, starting to serve food.
Jungkook looked at Jimin. The boy smiled all the time, but not his eyes. "Give him all the happiness, God," Jungkook prayed silently.
**********
Mr. Kim's voice broke the silence. "Hoseok was silent yesterday. He didn't say a word," he said, concern etched in his voice.
"Hmm... I noticed that too," Mrs. replied. "I don't know why. Don't trust that boy... His silence is dangerous."
"He's depressed after his son's death. He's taking medicine every day," Jackson interjected. "But Jin is not a problem for us... A coward. Then Yoongi..."
"No... Don't even think about touching my son," Cha snapped, glaring at him. "I will make sure he stays away from the Kim family."
"And your husband?" someone asked.
"We've already filed for divorce," Cha shrugged. "So, that's settled."
"Ara wants Taehyung, that's our only problem now. Otherwise, we can end everything perfectly," Mr. Kang said. "It's because of you, Cha. You gave her hope."
"Yes... But how was I to know he would find someone like Jungkook," Cha said, exasperated.
"Let's focus on our plan," Mr. Kim interrupted. "We've been waiting for this for years."
"Yes," Mr. Kang agreed. "end everything in one move. Problem solved."
"Shut up," Mr. Kim snapped. "Kim's wealth is only inherited by bloodline. My father to me, me to Jin, Jin to Joon or Tae, then their children... Even Yoongi didn't get anything because he isn't pure blood. I don't want that orphan boy's son to use my wealth. After my death, everything will go to the government, but I will never allow them to touch it. Bloody low-level creatures," he spat, his face contorted with anger.
The others exchanged uneasy glances.
"What will we get out of this?" Mr. Kang shouted at Jackson once they came out of the room.
"A good amount, of course," Jackson replied calmly.
"Amount!" Mr. Kang seethed. "Why are we helping him if we won't get his wealth?"
"Did you hear what he just said?" Jackson shot back. "He's a Kim who kills his own grandson. He will do anything. So if you keep your mouth shut, you'll get a good amount and partnerships in Kim's group, as well as Hoseok's business. Otherwise, you'll end up six feet under. Decide for yourself."
***********
"Is everything settled?" Jin asked Hoseok.
"Yes," Hoseok replied with a smile. "Do you remember our first date?"
"Yeah," Jin said, smiling back. "We spent it in a car just like this. I was so scared of my dad."
"We talked about our future kids," Hoseok continued. "We even named our child Joon
because we met in June. He was our happiness, Jin. Now I'm alive only because of Tae."
"Hmm... Let's stop everything and go back to Korea with our children," Jin suggested.
"Yes," Hoseok nodded. "Let's end everything." He smiled and started the engine, driving quickly. The car hit a girl, and she fell to the ground with a painful cry.
