FORELSKET ( ✔)

50- Future Reclaimed

Jungkook arrived at the address that Yoongi had sent him, the weight of the recent events heavy on his shoulders. As he stepped inside, the dim light of the room revealed the lifeless body of Joonseo's wife sprawled on the floor. A deep frown creased Jungkook's face as he turned to Yoongi, who stood with an unreadable expression.

Yoongi's nonchalant demeanor did little to alleviate Jungkook's confusion. "Don't look at me like that," Yoongi said, his voice flat and detached. "She shot herself when she heard about her husband's crimes." Yoongi's tone carried a hint of boredom as he handed the gun to Jungkook. "Their son is in the bedroom. I don't know what you're planning to do, but it's up to you now."

Jungkook took the gun, feeling the cold weight of it in his hand. With a heavy heart, he made his way to the bedroom, each step echoing the turmoil within him. He pushed open the door and saw a small figure huddled in the corner of the room. The boy was trembling and staring at Jungkook with wide, fearful eyes.

The boy's appearance struck Jungkook deeply, evoking memories of his own childhood—a time when he had longed for someone to reach out to him, to assure him that everything would be alright. Jungkook's heart ached as he approached the boy, his own pain mirrored in the child's fearful gaze.

Jungkook took a deep breath and forced a reassuring smile, hoping to offer some semblance of comfort. He carefully set the gun aside, making an effort to appear non-threatening. With gentle movements, he extended his hand towards the boy.

The boy hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and took Jungkook's hand. As he stepped closer, Jungkook enveloped him in a warm embrace. The boy clung to him, his small frame trembling but finding solace in the hug.

Jungkook looked down at the boy and asked softly, "What's your name?"

The boy's voice was barely a whisper as he replied, "Soohyun."

Jungkook's heart softened further upon hearing the child's name. In that moment, he made a resolute decision. He would take Soohyun in, raise him with the love and stability that he himself had lacked. He was determined to break the cycle of violence and trauma that had plagued both their lives.

"No matter what," Jungkook thought, "I won't let this child grow up in the same environment I did. Even though Joonseo was responsible for terrible things, Soohyun is still innocent."

Jungkook gently pulled back from the hug and looked at Soohyun with a tender smile. "Do you want to hear a joke?" he asked, hoping to bring a little light into the boy's dark world.

Soohyun looked up at him with curious eyes, a small hint of a smile beginning to form on his lips. Jungkook took a deep breath and began, ready to share a moment of lightheartedness amidst the heavy reality of their situation.

Jungkook's smile widened as he prepared to tell the joke, hoping to bring a flicker of joy to Soohyun's troubled heart. He took a deep breath and said, "Why did the scarecrow win an award?"

Soohyun blinked, his curiosity piqued. "Why?"

"Because he was outstanding in his field!" Jungkook delivered the punchline with a playful grin, hoping to elicit a laugh.

Soohyun's eyes widened slightly, and a small giggle escaped his lips. The sound was fragile but genuine, a sign that, despite everything, the boy still had a spark of happiness within him. Jungkook's heart warmed at the sight, feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment.

Jungkook continued to tell a few more light-hearted jokes, and Soohyun's laughter grew more genuine with each one. The atmosphere in the room gradually lightened, the oppressive weight of recent events momentarily lifting. Jungkook could see the hope and trust beginning to form in Soohyun's eyes, and it made him more determined than ever to provide the child with a stable and loving home.

After they had shared a few more jokes and laughs, Jungkook gently took Soohyun's hand. "Come on," he said softly, "let's get out of here. I'll make sure you have a safe place to stay, and we'll start fresh together."

Soohyun nodded, his small hand grasping Jungkook's with a newfound sense of security. As they left the apartment, Jungkook felt a surge of resolve and purpose. Despite the pain and loss he had endured, he was now committed to giving Soohyun the loving home he deserved.

The following weeks were transformative for both Jungkook and Soohyun. Jungkook dedicated himself to creating a nurturing environment for the boy, providing him with stability, care, and affection. Together, they built new memories and forged a bond that was both healing and hopeful.

Jungkook found himself growing closer to Soohyun, and the child began to flourish under his care. The once-fearful boy started to trust and open up, and his laughter became a regular sound in their home. Jungkook took great pride in watching Soohyun's growth and development, knowing that he was making a positive difference in the child's life.

In time, Jungkook found solace and a renewed sense of purpose in his role as Soohyun's guardian. The dark chapter of their past gradually faded, replaced by a brighter, more hopeful future. Jungkook and Soohyun's shared journey became a testament to resilience and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

As they looked towards the future together, both Jungkook and Soohyun embraced their new life with optimism. They found joy in the simple moments and strength in each other, moving forward with a sense of peace and belonging that they had both longed for. The darkness of the past was finally replaced by the warmth and light of a new beginning.