⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ¹⁸

Jungkook stepped out of the sleek black car, the engine still humming softly behind him. He glanced around at the vast, sprawling estate that loomed before him-an imposing villa nestled deep within the forest, shrouded in silence and secrecy. The grand architecture was flanked by ancient trees that seemed to bow under the weight of secrets hidden within the walls. There was an eerie stillness in the air, the wind whispering through the leaves as if warning him of the pain that lay beyond those tall, ornate gates.

His usual confidence wavered as he made his way toward the entrance, each step on the gravel path resonating like a heavy drumbeat against his chest. He straightened his posture, his eyes steely but his heart racing uncontrollably beneath his crisp white shirt. Dressed in simple yet elegant attire-white button-down shirt tucked neatly into black slacks-he felt starkly out of place amidst the somber grandeur of the estate.

The guards, recognizing him immediately, bowed respectfully, stepping aside to let him through. Jungkook barely acknowledged them, his gaze fixed straight ahead as he moved toward the entrance hall with a determined stride. Every footstep echoed with a mixture of trepidation and dread as he ascended the grand staircase, the polished marble beneath his shoes gleaming coldly.

The silence grew heavier with each step, tightening around him like a vice. He slowed as he reached the top of the stairs, a large wooden door standing ominously before him. Jungkook hesitated, his hand hovering over the brass handle. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what awaited inside.

With a slight push, the door creaked open, revealing a spacious, brightly lit room. His eyes immediately fell upon the figure at the center-his mother, seated cross-legged on the plush carpet. Her back was to him, but he recognized her petite frame, the way her shoulders slumped slightly, the once vibrant woman now shrouded in a childish innocence that shattered his heart every time he saw her.

She wore a crisp, old-fashioned school uniform, the pleated skirt fanned around her and a white blouse buttoned all the way to the collar. Her long, once lustrous hair was tied into two ponytails with bright ribbons, cascading down her back as she hummed softly to herself. In front of her lay a collection of toys-dolls, wooden blocks, and a tiny tea set arranged meticulously as if preparing for a make-believe tea party.

"Mom..." Jungkook whispered, his voice breaking under the weight of his grief. He swallowed hard, willing the lump in his throat to disappear as he took a cautious step forward. His heart ached as he watched her delicate hands move-picking up a doll, brushing its synthetic hair gently as she spoke to it in a hushed, affectionate tone.

He couldn't stop the tears that welled up in his eyes, the sight of her like this tearing his soul apart. The once formidable and elegant woman who had been his strength and guiding light, now trapped in a fragile, fractured state of mind, reliving her youth over and over again. Her multiple personality disorder had robbed her of her identity, of the mother he had known and loved.

But when she turned at the sound of his footsteps, her face lighting up with pure, unfiltered joy, it was like the sun piercing through a stormy sky.

"Kookie!" she squealed, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Kookie, you're back!" Her smile was wide and innocent, her eyes sparkling with a happiness that seemed almost otherworldly.

Jungkook's heart stuttered, his breath catching in his throat. He forced a smile, kneeling down on the soft carpet beside her. "Yes, Mom, I'm here," he said softly, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to remain composed.

"Look, look!" She leaned forward eagerly, holding up a small clay figurine she had sculpted, her fingers stained with remnants of the colorful clay. "I made this today. It's our friend! Isn't it pretty?" She beamed at him, her expression expectant and hopeful.