FORELSKET ( ✔)

30- Echoes of Innocence and Revelation

Jungkook paced the hospital corridor, his gaze fixed on the family interactions unfolding near the emergency entrance. Through the glass doors, he could see Joon-seo's family—wife and son gathered around, their faces etched with concern and worry. The scene stirred a momentary pang of empathy within him. Despite the compassion he felt, Jungkook did not regret the beating he had administered, nor did he relent in his resolve. He was determined that Joon-seo would not find peace or respite; the man's suffering was far from over.

Seeking a moment of solitude, Jungkook found a seat on a hard, plastic chair situated against the wall of the sterile corridor. He stared blankly ahead, his mind lost in a fog of contemplation. His fingers fidgeted with his wedding ring, a small but significant token of his own life and commitments, a stark contrast to the violence he had just inflicted.

In the midst of his reflections, Jungkook suddenly felt a gentle tug at his hand. Startled, he looked down to find two small, delicate hands grasping his own. His eyes followed the small fingers up to their owner—Joon-seo's young son, who stood there with a look of innocent confusion and concern.

The child's wide eyes, filled with a mix of fear and curiosity, met Jungkook's with a poignant intensity. There was an earnestness in the child's gaze that seemed to cut through Jungkook's steely resolve, momentarily softening his hardened exterior.

Jungkook looked back up, his expression a blend of surprise and contemplation. The innocence and vulnerability of the child starkly contrasted with the violent scene that had just played out, and for a fleeting moment, it gave Jungkook pause. Yet, beneath the surface of this unexpected encounter, the determination to continue his course remained unshaken.

The young boy took hold of Jungkook's hand and began to lead him towards a small, serene temple nestled within the hospital's walls. It was a tranquil space, a stark contrast to the turmoil and pain that had just unfolded. The boy's steps were tentative but determined, his small face set with an earnest expression.

When they reached the temple, the boy pointed up at a brass bell mounted high on the wall, just out of his reach. His face showed a mix of frustration and hope as he looked up at Jungkook.

"I couldn't reach it," the boy said softly, his voice tinged with a note of helplessness.

Without a word, Jungkook bent down and lifted the boy gently, holding him securely. The child's eyes widened with gratitude as Jungkook helped him ring the bell. The clear, melodic chime echoed softly through the temple, filling the small space with a calming sound.

Once the bell had been rung, the boy clasped his tiny hands together, closed his eyes tightly, and began to pray. His voice was a whisper, barely audible. "God, I'm sorry. Did I offend you in some way?"

Jungkook watched silently, feeling an uncomfortable twist of guilt. The boy's innocence and earnest plea struck a chord within him, but he was unable to reconcile it with his own actions. He felt an overwhelming sense of remorse and wanted to escape from the scene that was evoking such deep inner conflict. As he turned to leave, he was abruptly halted by a familiar figure.

Dr. Kim Seok-jin stood before him, a look of shock and concern on his face. His eyes widened as he recognized Jungkook.

"Jungkook? Are you okay?" Seok-jin's voice was filled with genuine worry.

Jungkook remained silent, his expression a complex mix of emotions. Seok-jin, sensing the gravity of the situation, continued without waiting for a response.

"I'm really sorry about what happened. It's unbelievable that this has happened to Taehyung. I can't believe how fate has dealt us this cruel hand. He was about to bring new life into this world."

Jungkook's head snapped up in surprise at Seok-jin's words. The realization hit him hard, and he looked at Seok-jin with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Seok-jin, seeing Jungkook's reaction, continued, "Yes, he was pregnant. Didn't he tell you that?"

Jungkook's face fell as he absorbed the new information. The weight of Seok-jin's words sank in deeply, adding another layer of anguish to his already turbulent emotions.

Seok-jin's voice softened with sympathy. "Anyway, I'm truly sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself."

With that, Seok-jin offered a respectful nod, his eyes conveying a depth of empathy and understanding. Jungkook nodded in response, his mind racing as he tried to process the overwhelming emotions stirred by the revelation.