Should Be You | Jikook ✔️

Chapter 5

Jungkook stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie for what felt like the tenth time that afternoon. It was 3 PM, and he was getting ready to pick up Jungwoo from school. Normally, this would be a task he delegated to the babysitter, but today was different. For some reason, he felt the need to look his best.

He had already swapped his tie twice, finally settling on a burgundy one that brought out the warmth in his complexion. His hair, usually styled quickly and without much thought, had been carefully combed to give it a bit more volume. He even considered adding a touch of cologne, something subtle but noticeable, and after a moment’s hesitation, he sprayed a little onto his wrist, rubbing it lightly against his neck.

As he stepped back from the mirror to assess the final result, Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a strange flutter in his chest. He wasn’t sure why he was putting so much effort into his appearance today, but something in the back of his mind told him that he needed to look his best. His usual routine was much more straightforward—he’d throw on whatever suit was closest at hand and rush out the door, his focus entirely on his next meeting or business deal. But today, as the clock ticked closer to 3:30 p.m., he felt an unfamiliar sense of anticipation.

“Maybe it’s just because I want to make a good impression as a father,” he muttered to himself, trying to brush off the odd feeling. After all, this was the first time he would be picking Jungwoo up from school himself, and perhaps he just wanted to be seen as the competent, caring father he knew he could be.

But deep down, he knew there was more to it. There was a sense of anticipation that he couldn’t quite shake, a feeling that something was about to change, even if he didn’t know what.

With one last glance in the mirror, Jungkook grabbed his keys and headed out of the mansion, his steps a bit lighter than usual. The drive to Jungwoo’s school was filled with a mix of thoughts—concerns about his marriage, the impending divorce, and how it would affect his son. But there was also that strange sense of excitement, as if he was on the cusp of something new and significant.

As he approached the school, Jungkook’s heart began to race slightly. He hadn’t felt this way in a long time, not since his early days in the business world, when every deal and negotiation felt like a high-stakes game. But this wasn’t about business; this was about his son, and perhaps something more.

When he pulled into the school’s parking lot, the clock on the dashboard read 3:20 PM. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He glanced at the rearview mirror one last time, checking his appearance before stepping out of the car. He smoothed down his suit, adjusted his tie, and made his way toward the school gates.

Parents and children were milling about, some chatting with teachers, others hurrying to their cars. Jungkook scanned the crowd, looking for any sign of Jungwoo. His eyes landed on a group of children playing near the entrance, but his son wasn’t among them. As he continued to search, his gaze fell on a figure standing near the school’s entrance, talking to a few parents.

The man was petite, with soft features and a gentle smile that seemed to light up the conversation. He was dressed simply, in a light blue shirt and slacks, but there was an air of calm and warmth about him that drew Jungkook’s attention. The man’s hair, dark and slightly tousled, framed his face in a way that made him look almost ethereal.

Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat as he realized who it was—Mr. Park, Jungwoo’s teacher. Jungwoo had mentioned him before, describing him as someone who was always kind, who had an angelic presence that the children adored. And now, seeing him in person, Jungkook understood why.

He stood there for a moment, watching as Mr. Park interacted with the parents, his movements graceful and assured. There was something about him that Jungkook couldn’t quite place, something that made him want to know more. Was this why he had felt the need to dress up, to make himself look his best? The thought sent a shiver down his spine, but he quickly brushed it off.