IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ABSENCE

CHAPTER 4

Mr. Jeon: (voice dark, simmering with cold anger)
"Jungkook, you have disappointed us in ways we never imagined possible."

His father's words cut through the silence like a blade, and Jungkook feels his stomach twist. His eyes dart to the floor, unable to meet the burning disappointment in his parents' gaze. His throat is tight, as if the very air in the room is being sucked away.

Mrs. Jeon: (her voice like ice, chilling him to his core)
"You've chosen to disregard everything we've built for you. This isn't just about Y/N, Jungkook. It's about the way you've disrespected this family at every turn. You've turned your back on your obligations, your future, and us."

Jungkook's hands tremble at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggles to contain the whirlpool of emotions. His love for Y/N was supposed to be a safe place, a refuge—but now it feels like the beginning of his unraveling.

Mr. Jeon: (leaning forward, his eyes burning with accusation)
"You think love is enough? You think your feelings for some girl will keep you afloat when the world chews you up and spits you out? Look at yourself! You're weak. Pathetic. How do you expect to survive out there when you can't even handle your responsibilities here?"

The words hit Jungkook like punches to the gut. His father's voice, filled with scorn, echoes in his mind. Weak. Pathetic. It's not the first time he's heard those words, but tonight, they feel like they're tearing through him with a new viciousness.

His voice shakes when he finally speaks, barely audible.

Jungkook:
"I-I'm not... weak. I'm trying to be myself. I'm trying to—"

His mother interrupts, her voice venomous, more brutal than he's ever heard.

Mrs. Jeon:
"Be yourself? Yourself? The you we raised would never have gotten involved with someone like Y/N. The you we knew would have stayed focused, stayed disciplined. But you... you're a shell of that person. A disgrace."

Jungkook feels like he's falling, his world tilting as their words keep cutting him down. His chest feels tight, like he can't breathe, and every word they say makes him feel smaller, more trapped. His lips quiver as he struggles to hold back tears.

Mr. Jeon: (voice rising, the pressure unbearable)
"You've been avoiding your duties, skipping important family events. Do you think this is just about some girl? You're neglecting everything—your studies, your future in the family business, your reputation. You've embarrassed us, Jungkook. You've embarrassed this family."

His father's voice trembles with rage, veins bulging in his neck. It's a fury that Jungkook has feared his entire life, and now, he's at the center of it, drowning under its intensity.

Mrs. Jeon: (voice turning cruel, cutting deeper)
"Do you think the world will accept you the way you are now? This... artist fantasy you're chasing? They will laugh at you. The board will laugh at you. You are nothing without this family. Nothing. And if you keep going down this path, you'll end up with nothing. Not even us."

Jungkook's heart pounds so violently he can hear the blood rushing in his ears. He tries to say something—anything—but his throat tightens, and no words come out. He's gasping, trapped under the weight of their disappointment, their anger, their rejection.

Before he can completely crumble, a voice—steady, fierce—breaks the tension.

Lisa:
"Stop."

The room falls silent as Lisa steps into the scene, her presence like a shield. Jungkook looks up, his breath still ragged, eyes wide with shock as his twin sister moves to stand beside him.