𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙸𝙽 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

𓆩♡𓆪; 18

THE PRESENT

Just like every night lately, I stumbled into my apartment, completely drunk. My secretary was half-carrying me, his usual routine, but as soon as he spotted Jungkook standing there, his grip on me loosened. "Sir, welcome back!" my secretary said with an exaggerated salute, sounding more like a soldier than a personal assistant. I barely managed to stay upright as I plopped down, wincing as pain shot up my back."Yahhh!" I yelled at him, my frustration mixing with the throbbing discomfort. 

Before I could scold him further, Jungkook rushed over, quickly helping me back onto my feet. "What the hell are you doing, hyung?" Jungkook muttered, his voice laced with concern. My secretary stammered an apology, clearly caught off guard. "Sorry, sir. I didn't know Jungkook-ssi was here," he mumbled, before awkwardly excusing himself and locking the door behind him as he left. Jungkook wrapped my arm around his shoulder and practically dragged me toward my bedroom. I was too drunk to resist, but every step made me hate the sight of my own home more. My eyes landed on the framed picture hanging on the wall—her picture. Airene's face, smiling brightly as if mocking my misery. I felt a surge of anger rise in my chest, bile threatening to spill from the pit of my stomach. "I hate this place," I slurred, my legs giving out beneath me.

Jungkook grunted as he hauled me to my bed, gently laying me down. I sat up, unstable, trying to get my bearings when I saw something—or someone—emerging from the shadows of my room. It was her. Airene stood there, as if she had just appeared from my nightmares, her presence making my chest tighten with fury. I could feel my heart racing, the alcohol amplifying my anger and confusion. "What the fuck are you still doing here?" I shouted at her, my voice louder than I intended. The room seemed to spin, her face blurring in front of me. My rage bubbled over, but before I could do anything else, everything went dark. I collapsed.---

Jungkook's POV

As Jimin crumpled to the floor, my heart leapt into my throat. "Hyung!" I shouted, rushing to his side, kneeling down beside his unconscious body. His breathing was shallow, and I could still smell the strong stench of alcohol on him. Airene stood frozen, her face pale as she watched everything unfold, her eyes wide with shock and guilt. I shook Jimin's shoulders, trying to wake him, but he was out cold. "Jimin, wake up!" I called, but he didn't stir. Airene took a hesitant step forward, her voice small. "Is he okay...?"I looked up at her, torn between frustration and concern. "This is what he's become, Airene," I said, my voice strained. "He can't keep doing this to himself." I glanced back at Jimin's unconscious form, my mind racing with what to do next. Things were getting worse, and I didn't know how much more of this either of them could take.

𓆩♡𓆪

Airene stood there, her eyes wide with shock, taking in the heartbreaking scene before her. Jimin lay unconscious on the floor, the room filled with the pungent odor of alcohol. She was visibly distressed, but a determined look began to settle on her face. Without a word, she moved to a nearby dresser and tied her hair up into a bun with quick, practiced motions. Her hands worked with a focused intensity, the small act a symbol of her resolve. "Leave him to me, Kook," she said, her voice firm and steady despite the chaos. "After all, he's my husband. I will do what I need to, no matter what it takes." Jungkook, still kneeling beside Jimin, looked up at her with a mixture of surprise and relief. "Are you sure? He may seem like he's grown up, but he's still a baby—albeit a stubborn one," he said, his tone a mix of concern and affection. 

Airene chuckled softly, a faint smile breaking through her tense expression. "And you're no different, Jungkook. Stubbornness must run in the family," she teased, her voice holding a hint of warmth. Jungkook laughed despite himself, the sound a brief respite from the tension. "I suppose it does," he agreed, standing up to give her space. "Okay, I'll leave him in your hands. Just... be careful, alright? He's fragile right now." Airene knelt beside Jimin, gently brushing his disheveled hair from his face. She spoke softly, almost to herself, but her words were meant for Jimin. "Jimin," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "I know things have been rough. I'm sorry for everything. I didn't know how to fix it, how to fix us. But I'm here now, and I'm going to help you through this, even if it's the hardest thing I've ever done."