"The Kim Dynasty: Secrets of the Heart"

64

The sky that once seemed to rage with storms on the night of Namjoon's birth now reflected the inner turmoil of his young life. As a child, Namjoon found refuge in literature and music, two things that gave him a sense of peace amidst the constant discipline and ruthless training imposed by his grandfather. School, which most viewed as a necessary obligation, became an unexpected source of joy for Namjoon. It introduced him to the world of books, where he discovered an immense love for literature. He devoured novels, poems, and stories, finding solace in words that resonated with the emotions he had been taught to suppress.

With a rare request, Namjoon persuaded his grandfather to allow a small library to be installed in the household, thinking it was a step forward. His grandfather, always calculating, thought little of it, believing it to be a harmless indulgence. But the library became Namjoon's sanctuary. As Namjoon grew older, music entered his life. Writing lyrics felt like an extension of his love for literature-two forms of expression so intertwined that they became the only things that brought him true happiness.

But happiness, as Namjoon would soon learn, was a luxury he could not afford.

When Namjoon was 16, his secret joy was discovered. His grandfather, who had always been meticulous in overseeing every aspect of his life, remained unaware of Namjoon's growing passion for music. However, the day came when he found the lyrics, the notebooks, and the guitar that had become Namjoon's prized possessions. His grandfather was furious. The books on the library shelves-carefully chosen by Namjoon-were revealed, and the old man realized the depth of his grandson's affection for literature and music. Fear gripped him. He feared Namjoon might forsake the Kim empire for these trivial pursuits, risking everything the family had built.

In a fit of rage, Namjoon's grandfather dragged him to the library that Namjoon cherished. Without a word of warning, he doused the shelves, the books, and Namjoon's precious guitar in petrol. Namjoon could only watch in silent horror, his heart pounding in his chest, as the old man lit a match. Flames roared to life, devouring the books Namjoon had spent years reading, the lyrics he had written, the music that had brought him comfort. The fire reflected in his grandfather's cold eyes, while for Namjoon, it felt like his own soul was burning alongside the pages.

His mother, powerless as always, stood by, watching in silence. She had long since been forbidden from showing him the love that he needed, unable to offer even a comforting touch in his darkest moment. His father, distant as ever, was nowhere to be found-probably with Steve, the man who seemed more of a companion to him than Namjoon's mother ever had been.

That night, Namjoon's world shattered. The one thing that had given him peace was ripped from him, and he was left with nothing but the emptiness his grandfather had cultivated for years. The sound of his heart breaking echoed in the silence that followed the flames, a sound only those attuned to emotions could hear in this heartless world.

But his grandfather did not stop there. Once the fire was reduced to ashes, he took Namjoon by the arm and dragged him to his office. With a chilling calm, he gave Namjoon a choice. "If you wish to pursue music, to entertain the world rather than lead this family, then you can leave. We will disown you." His voice grew darker. "But if you walk away, I will raise your younger brothers-Tae and Jungkook-to be far more ruthless and cruel than you can imagine. I will take away every trace of their innocence, just as I did with you."

Namjoon's heart clenched at the thought. He knew the life he led was no life at all, but he could not allow his younger brothers to suffer the same fate. Tae and Jungkook were still young, still untouched by the cruel reality of their family's empire. Namjoon had no choice. He had to stay, had to protect them from the wrath of their grandfather, even if it meant sacrificing his own dreams and desires.

His father, though distant, was the only person Namjoon had a semblance of closeness with. They shared conversations on the weekends, small moments of connection that felt like a lifeline to Namjoon. But even his father, the man he respected and loved, was powerless against the iron will of the patriarch. His mother, too, had two younger sons to care for-sons she could love in a way she was never allowed to love Namjoon.

From that day forward, Namjoon buried his love for music and literature deep within him, locking it away where it could never be harmed again. His heart, though broken, steeled itself to endure the burdens placed upon him. He would become what his grandfather wanted-a leader, a ruthless force to carry on the Kim legacy. But no matter what, Namjoon vowed to protect Tae and Jungkook from the same fate, even if it meant sacrificing every last piece of himself.

What storms awaited Namjoon next, only time would reveal, but he knew one thing for certain: he would bear it all to save his brothers.