Trouble Tamer

16. Truly At Peace.

The hospital cafeteria was filled with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of plates.

But Jungkook wasn’t hearing any of it.

His eyes were focused on the view outside, down at the bustling streets of Seoul, but his mind was far, far away. The vibrant life of the city was a stark contrast to the heavy, suffocating air that hung around his heart. Everything around him moved so fast, but inside, he felt like time had stopped entirely.

He hadn’t even realized how tense his shoulders had become, or how tight his grip was around the cup of coffee in his hands, until he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Jungkook flinched at the sudden touch but relaxed instantly at the familiar voice.

“Calm down, Jungkook-shii. It’s just me.”

He turned to see Jin standing behind him, smiling warmly. There was always something about Seokjin’s presence that made the atmosphere lighter, less daunting.

“Oh, Jin hyung,” Jungkook sighed, managing a small smile. “I didn’t hear you coming.”

Jin slid into the seat across from him, glancing at the untouched coffee on the table before looking at Jungkook with concern.

“What are you doing here, Kook? You’ve been quiet for a while.” His voice was soft but probing, as if he already knew something was weighing on Jungkook’s mind.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, his fingers playing nervously with the rim of his cup. He knew he should talk to someone, and Jin was the perfect person for this, but the words felt heavy on his tongue. After a long pause, he finally let out a breath and spoke.

“I… I feel like I went too far yesterday,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jin frowned, tilting his head slightly. “What do you mean? Too far with what?”

“With… with Taejoon- with dad,” Jungkook corrected himself quickly, remembering that Seokjin had always insisted that they all refer to Taejoon as ‘father’ since they were family now.

Jin’s expression softened as he nodded, urging Jungkook to continue.

“I feel like I opened my mouth unnecessarily,” Jungkook confessed, his eyes dropping to the table as he spoke. “When dad was upset about Taehyung being there… I shouldn’t have said anything. He’s sick. He’s on his deathbed, for God’s sake, and I talked back to him.”

Jungkook’s voice cracked slightly, and he bit his lip, clearly holding back the guilt that was gnawing at him.

“I just… I just wanted to defend Taehyung, but now I think I went too far. I should’ve let it go. I should’ve let dad say whatever he wanted…”

Jin watched Jungkook quietly for a moment, his eyes filled with understanding. He could see the inner turmoil in the younger man, the weight of his own words now crushing him. Jin reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Jungkook’s arm, squeezing gently.

“Kook,” Jin began softly, “you didn’t say anything wrong. You stood up for your husband. You did what anyone in your position would’ve done.”

“But…” Jungkook’s voice wavered, his brows furrowing.

“But I feel like it wasn’t my place. I mean, I’ve only been married to Taehyung for a short time, and his father… he has every right to say what he feels, especially in his condition.”

Seokjin smiled gently, shaking his head.

“That’s not how family works, Kook. It’s not about how long you’ve been married or whether it’s ‘your place’ to speak. You’re part of this family now, and Dad knows that. You’re not some outsider. You’re his son-in-law, and you have every right to speak up, especially when it comes to protecting Taehyung.”