Just One More Tear to Cry

Part 45 (Final)

"What do you mean, hyung? My appa was not a billionaire. He was a mere farmer. You must be mistaken," Jimin protested, his voice tinged with confusion and disbelief as Jungkook tried to reveal the painful truth about their past. His eyes darted back and forth, searching Jungkook's face for any sign of a joke or misunderstanding.

"Minie, that's what they told you to protect you. Believe me, babe, your family were the true heirs of Park Industries. If you don't believe me, look at these photos," Jungkook said softly, his voice steady and gentle, as he handed over a bundle of old photographs to Jimin. Each photo was carefully preserved, showing glimpses of a life Jimin had never known.

Jimin's hands trembled as he took the photos, his eyes widening with each one he examined. The weight of the paper seemed heavier than usual, laden with the truth they carried. "This... this... is this Papa? Does he know my appa? But how?" Jimin's confusion and shock were palpable, his mind racing to piece together the fragments of his life that had been hidden from him.

"Hyung will explain everything. But promise me you won't cry. It's not good for you. Nothing should stress you. I wanted to tell you all this once everything was settled, but since you keep asking about Park Ji Woon's death, it's time you knew," Jungkook said, his voice filled with concern and love. He gently squeezed Jimin's hand, offering comfort and support.

Taking a deep breath, Jungkook began narrating the story of Jimin's true heritage, carefully avoiding the brutal details of how his parents had died. He knew Jimin wouldn't be able to handle that heartbreak. As the story unfolded, Jimin's eyes filled with tears, despite his earlier promise. The room seemed to close in around them as the weight of the past pressed down.

"You promised you wouldn't cry, Minie," Jungkook whispered, his heart aching to see Jimin in such pain. He reached out, brushing a tear from Jimin's cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"How can I not, hyung? They were so innocent. So, so innocent. What wrong did they do, hyung? Some days, appa worked all day and night just to keep our family going. Eomma was exhausted on those days. They were the most innocent people I ever knew. That must be why halmoni always said it was not the life I deserved. Whenever she said that, I saw how my parents secretly cried. I feel so sorry for them, hyung," Jimin said, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face. The memories of his parents' sacrifices and struggles flooded his mind, making the loss even more profound.

"I know, babe. I feel the same. I also feel ashamed for suspecting your appa of my eomma's murder. I'm really sorry for that, Minie. I shouldn't have been so quick to judge," Jungkook said, guilt consuming him. His voice was thick with regret, his eyes filled with unshed tears.

Jimin saw the pain in Jungkook's eyes and hugged him tightly. "It's okay, hyung. The past is past. If I were in your shoes, I might have done the same. Forget about it. I'm not angry at you," Jimin said, gently caressing Jungkook's back. His touch was soothing, and his words carried the weight of forgiveness and understanding.

"I'm really sorry for every little thing I did to you. I was afraid, babe. I was... I was always afraid of being left alone. I'm sorry, Jimin-ah," Jungkook said, hiding his face in the crook of Jimin's neck, his voice muffled by his sobs. The fear of abandonment that had haunted him for so long now felt like a heavy burden being lifted.

"It's all right, hyung. Let's forget about it now," Jimin whispered, holding Jungkook close, their hearts beating in sync. The embrace felt like a lifeline, anchoring them in the present and giving them strength to move forward together.

As they were lost in their emotional world, Mr. Jeon entered the room holding their baby girl, Haneul, in his arms. "Oops... I always enter places at the wrong time," he said, turning away with a playful smirk.