Sunshine in her Shadows (Rosekook AU)

28

Chaeyoung POV:

The message came late at night, just as I was finishing up a long day at the office. I sat at my desk, the dim light of my lamp casting shadows across the room. My phone buzzed, and when I saw it was from Chanyeol, my only proper contact from Korea, I thought it was just another quick check-in. But when I opened it, I saw a video link along with a message:

"You won’t believe this, Roseanne. He’s the most famous and successful doctor in South Korea right now. Jungkook."

My heart stopped. Jungkook. His name hit me like a punch in the gut. I stared at the link for what felt like an eternity before I finally gathered the courage to click it.

The video was an interview. A national news segment featuring none other than Jeon Jungkook, standing tall, confident, and so familiar yet so different. He was not the tiny nerd who needed me to protect him from bullies anymore. He had grown into the man I always knew he would become—a healer, a protector.

As I watched, tears welled in my eyes. He was talking about saving a young boy’s life, and how he had been inspired to become a doctor because of someone important from his past. He didn’t mention me by name, but I knew. I knew it was me.

He hadn’t forgotten. After all these years, through all the distance and time, Jungkook still remembered me.

I sat back in my chair, my mind racing. He was in Seoul. He had become everything he’d ever dreamed of. And I—I was here, halfway across the world. But suddenly, it didn’t feel so far.

I needed to go back. I needed to see him.

---

The next morning, I went straight to my aunt’s house. She had taken me in when I first came to Australia, but I moved to my own place once I started my practice and she has been my rock ever since. I knew that what I was about to say would worry her, but I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“I’ve made a decision,” I said, sitting down at the kitchen table where we had shared so many conversations. She looked up from her tea, her eyes soft and knowing.

“I’m moving back to Korea.”

My aunt blinked in surprise, setting down her cup. “Roseanne, are you sure? What about your career? You’ve worked so hard to build your practice here.”

“I know,” I said, my heart pounding. “But I can continue my work in Korea. My firm has a branch in Seoul, and I’ve already spoken to a few colleagues. It’s not just about work anymore, Auntie. It’s about… him. Jungkook. I need to see him. I need to know if there’s still something there.”

She looked at me for a long moment, her expression torn between concern and understanding. She had always been protective of me, especially after everything I had been through. But she also knew how much Jungkook had meant to me—still meant to me.

“Roseanne,” she began softly, “I understand your feelings, but this is a big decision. You’ve built a life here. You’re successful and respected. Are you sure you want to leave all that behind? For your young love that is ages old? You said you weren't sure if he even remembered you right?”

I nodded, my resolve firm. “He does Aunty, he told that to the entire world in an interview on national television. And about my career, I’m not leaving it behind. I’ll just be continuing it in Korea. I’ve healed here, and I’m ready to start a new chapter. I need to do this, Auntie. Jungkook was always the one who protected me, and I want to know if we can still be part of each other’s lives.”

Her eyes softened, and she reached across the table, taking my hand. “I just want you to be happy. If this is what you truly want, then I’ll support you. You have my blessing.”

Tears welled in my eyes, but I smiled through them. “Thank you, Auntie.”

---

A week later, my aunt had arranged everything. She had always been practical and efficient, making sure the move went smoothly. She didn’t want me to leave, I could tell, but she understood.

Before I left for the airport, she hugged me tight. “Take care of yourself, Roseanne. And remember, no matter what happens, this is your life to live. You’ve come so far.”

“I know,” I whispered, hugging her back. “Thank you for everything.”

---

When I landed in Seoul, the city felt both familiar and strange. It had changed since I left, but the memories came flooding back as I rode through the streets in a cab. My heart raced with anticipation. I was here—for Jungkook.

Before I could see him, though, I had one stop to make. Chanyeol was waiting for me at a café in Itaewon, and as soon as I walked in, he waved me over with a big grin.

“Look who’s back in town!” he teased, pulling me into a hug. “You know, for someone who wanted to hit me on the first day of school, you sure changed your mind fast.” I teased.

He laughed and said, "And looks like the grumpy girl does know how to smile, you are here within a week of telling you about that nerd, whipped much?"

I laughed, nudging him playfully. “Don’t act like you didn’t know this would happen eventually. I blame you for sending me that video.”

Chanyeol leaned back, crossing his arms. “Hey, I’m just glad I got to play matchmaker. So, what’s your plan? You’re here now. What’s next?”

I bit my lip, glancing around the busy café before meeting his eyes. “I need to see him. But I don’t even know where to start. You said in your message you didn’t know he was in Seoul until the interview?”

Chanyeol nodded. “Yeah, no one did. I think he only recently settled here. But I’ve got his details for you.” He slid a piece of paper across the table with Jungkook’s hospital and contact information.

My hands shook slightly as I picked up the paper. “Thank you, Chanyeol. Really.”

He smiled, his expression softening. “Go get him, Roseanne. You deserve to be happy.”

---

Back at my hotel, I stared at the piece of paper with Jungkook’s information, my heart pounding. Tomorrow, I would finally see him again. After all these years, I was going to find out if the boy who once saved me still had a place in my life.

Tonight, I would barely sleep. Tomorrow, my life might change forever.

A/N: Aaaahhh it is past midnight as I am writing these chapters and I am super excited. Thank you for all the support, do vote and comment what you think about the story so far as we are nearing the end of it. See you in the next chapter... the much-awaited reunion.