Fated hearts ( taekook ff )

chapter 25

Namjoon opens up to Taehyung about Jungkook's difficult background.

Namjoon: "Jungkook's life has been incredibly tough. His father is an alcoholic, and his mother passed away."

Taehyung: "So, who is she?"

Namjoon: "The woman in the hospital right now—she's his stepmother. He's terrified of losing her too."

Taehyung (eyes widening): "I had no idea. That's..."

Namjoon: "It gets worse. Jungkook has a anxiety. Crowded places scare him. If someone is with him, it's not as bad."

Taehyung: "I get that."

Namjoon: "His father has two mistresses, one of whom is his school principal. It's a mess. Jungkook's an only child, and he's been carrying all this on his own."

Taehyung: "The school principal? Like, my school principal?"

Namjoon: (nods)

Taehyung: (shocked) "I didn't know. I thought he was just a spoiled brat because of how he acted sometimes."

Namjoon: "I'm sure you noticed him wearing hoodies at college. He hides his scars with those. The marks are from his father's beatings."

Taehyung: "Yeah, I have seen those scars."

Namjoon: "How?"

Taehyung: "In the closet room... I—never mind. I have a question. Since you said he's an only child, then you are...."

Namjoon: (sad smile) "Yeah, I'm not his brother. We're kind of like family. I'm an orphan, and when Jungkook was a kid, we used to go to the same playground. We became friends there, and to him, I'm like a brother. And for me, he's more than a brother."

Taehyung: (falling silent) "I feel awful... All this time, I judged him without really knowing anything about him.I didn't realize he was going through all of this. I... I was so wrong."

Namjoon: "Don't be too hard on yourself, Tae. Jungkook doesn't let many people in. It's not easy to see what's really going on with him."

Taehyung: (sighs) "I still should have been kinder. I just... I wish I had known earlier. Maybe I could have helped in some way."

Namjoon: "You can still be there for him now. Jungkook needs people who care about him. It's not too late."

Taehyung: (nodding) "I will. I won't let him go through this alone anymore."

Namjoon: [Answering phone] Excuse me, I need to take this call.

On the call:

Namjoon: Yeah, okay. We'll be there soon.

After the call, Namjoon turns to Taehyung .

Namjoon: Let's go, hyung is calling for us.

Taehyung: Hmm.

They head over to meet Yoongi.

Taehyung: Where were you, hyung?

Yoongi: I went to pick up some medicine.

Namjoon: I think it's best if you both head home.

Jungkook: Hyung, I want to stay with mom.

Yoongi: Do as you're told.

Taehyung: Alright, hyung. We'll see you later.

Back at home:

Taehyung: Can I ask what's going on here?

Stranger: No, not there. Move it that way.

Taehyung: Excuse me?

Jungkook:(yelling)Can someone explain what's happening here?

Stranger: Oh, we're moving in.

Taehyung: (confuced)But this is our place.

Stranger:It was your place. Now it's mine—I bought it, fully paid.

Jungkook: (shocked) WHAT?

Taehyung: (annoyed)So, this is how they are gonna play. They think they can break us with their tricks.

Jungkook: What do we do now?

Taehyung: We'll figure something out. Should I call Jimin?

Jungkook: For now, that seems like our best option.

On the phone with Jimin:

Taehyung: Hey, Jimin.

Jimin: Hey! What's up? How's Jungkook's mom?

Taehyung: She's doing better, thanks.

Jimin: That's a relief.

Taehyung: Jimin, I need your help.

Jimin: Sure, what's going on?

Taehyung:(hesitates)Our place is... undergoing some unexpected renovations. We were wondering if we could crash at your place for a while.

Jimin: You're always welcome! But, your house seemed perfectly fine last time I saw it.

Taehyung: Yeah, but since I'm starting fresh, I figured, why not have a new place too?

Jimin: That's a great idea! When are you coming over?

Taehyung: Is it alright if we come now?

Jimin: I'd love to have you, but I'm out of town at the moment. If it's urgent, you can ask Yoongi for the spare key.

Taehyung: No worries, we'll manage. Just let me know when you're back.