Quatervois

Chapter 3

Taehyung sat quietly in the cozy living room of his family's home, sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a soft, golden glow on the furniture. He leaned back on the couch, his mind wandering to the events of the graduation party just a few days ago. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he remembered the way Jungkook had pulled him close, the feel of his arms around him, and the warmth of their shared kiss on stage in front of all their friends. His cheeks flushed pink at the memory, and he couldn't help but giggle softly to himself, thinking about how bold Jungkook had been, unbothered by the cheers and eyes watching them.

But his thoughts were interrupted when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. He looked up to see his father, Mr. Kim, making his way into the living room. His father's presence always brought a sense of calm to Taehyung. Mr. Kim, Kim Eunsub, was a gentle man, soft-spoken but strong in his own quiet way. He ran a small but successful company in Seoul, and though his work kept him busy, he always made time for Taehyung.

"Appa," Taehyung greeted, straightening up on the couch as his father sat down across from him. "How was your day?" he asked, still smiling, though he could sense a certain seriousness in his father's demeanor that hadn't been there before.

Mr. Kim gave a small smile in return, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "It was good, Tae," he replied softly. "But there's something important I need to talk to you about."

Taehyung's smile faltered slightly, his curiosity piqued. "What is it, Appa?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

His father took a deep breath, as though steadying himself for what he was about to say. "Your mother," he began, "she wants to meet you. She's been asking for you to visit her in America."

At the mention of his mother, Taehyung's eyes widened slightly. It had been a while since he last saw her. His mother, Kim Soohwa, was a model who lived and worked in America. She had built a successful career overseas, which kept her away from Korea for much of the year. While their family wasn't separated, the distance between them had always been a bit of a strain, especially for Taehyung, who had grown used to living with just his father in Seoul.

"Your mother has also enrolled you in one of the best business universities in America," Mr. Kim continued. "She wants you to pursue further studies there."

Taehyung's heart sank at his father's words. "But, Appa—" he started, his voice wavering slightly. He had so many reasons not to go. He didn't want to leave Korea, his friends, and most of all, Jungkook. The thought of being so far away from him made his chest tighten with anxiety.

Before he could finish his protest, his father interrupted gently, "You're not going alone, Taehyung-ah. I'm coming with you. I've taken two weeks off from work to make sure you're settled there."

Taehyung was taken aback. The idea of his father accompanying him should have brought him some comfort, but instead, it only added to his growing sense of dread. His father's hopeful eyes looked back at him, and Taehyung knew he wouldn't be able to argue. His father was always gentle with him, never one to push too hard, but the look on his face now... it was filled with a mixture of hope and something else, something Taehyung couldn't quite place. He didn't want to disappoint him.

"You will go, right, bear?" Mr. Kim's voice softened as he used the endearing nickname he had called Taehyung since he was a child. His eyes searched his son's face, waiting for an answer.

Taehyung felt his resolve crumbling under his father's gaze. He wanted to say no, to tell his father that he couldn't leave, that there was too much here for him to just walk away from. But how could he say no when his father was looking at him like that? He forced a small smile onto his face and gave a slow nod. "Yes, Appa," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

His father's face lit up with relief, though there was still a hint of sadness in his eyes. "When are we leaving?" Taehyung asked quietly, the weight of the decision settling in his chest.

"In an hour," Mr. Kim replied softly. "Everything's already packed, and the driver is waiting outside."

Taehyung's eyes widened in shock. "In an hour?" he echoed, his voice filled with disbelief. He had barely had time to process the idea of leaving, and now he was expected to go within the hour? He stared at his father, his mind racing as he tried to grasp the situation.

"I know it's sudden," Mr. Kim said, his tone apologetic, "but everything is ready. We need to leave soon to make our flight."

Taehyung opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. His heart pounded in his chest, torn between wanting to go and the overwhelming sense of not wanting to leave behind the life he had built here. More than anything, the thought of leaving Jungkook behind made him feel like his world was unraveling. How could he leave without saying goodbye properly? How could he just disappear from Jungkook's life like this?

But there was no time for those questions now. His father was waiting for him to get ready, and deep down, Taehyung knew there was no room for argument. He nodded again, more to himself than to his father, and slowly stood up from the couch. "I'll go get ready," he murmured, his voice lacking its usual brightness.

Mr. Kim watched his son walk toward his room, his own heart heavy with guilt. As soon as Taehyung disappeared from sight, he leaned back in his seat and let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one weighing on him more than the last.

I'm sorry, son, he thought, closing his eyes. This is for your own good. He knew Taehyung wouldn't understand now, but Mr. Kim was well aware of the pressure they were under. He had received more than one warning from Mr. Jeon, Jungkook's father. The older man had made it clear that he wouldn't allow his son to be involved in any kind of relationship that could jeopardize his plans for Jungkook's future. He wanted Jungkook to marry a girl who could provide a suitable heir for the family business.

If Taehyung keeps seeing Jungkook, Mr. Kim thought bitterly, it could put him in danger. He couldn't allow that. No matter how much it hurt him to force his son away from the person he loved, it was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"I'm sorry for being a bad father," he whispered to himself, his voice thick with emotion. "I hope you can forgive me one day, Taehyung."

With that, Mr. Kim stood up, bracing himself for what was to come. He only hoped that the distance would keep Taehyung safe, even if it meant breaking his heart in the process.