Unbinding Tradition

21. A Silent Apology 🙏

I can't believe; last chapter got so many comments in such less time.. looks like you all are getting very much engaged with the story.

Anyways; enjoy another chapter and yeah; DO COMMENT...

As Jungkook stood on the terrace, the cool evening breeze doing little to calm the storm raging inside him, he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, the smoke filling his lungs.

He ran a hand through his messy hair, thinking about the day's events. The way Tae had looked at him—hurt and tired—kept bothering him. He hadn't meant to be so harsh with her. But in the heat of the moment, his anger took over. He had made her suffer because he couldn't control himself.

He exhaled sharply, smoke spiraling into the darkening sky.

Jk- Why do I always do this? (he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of guilt settle on his shoulders)

Lost in thought, he was startled by the soft sound of anklets behind him. The familiar jingle made him tense up, and without thinking, he threw the cigarette to the ground, stomping it out under his shoe. He didn't turn around; he didn't need to. He knew exactly who it was.

His mother, Mrs Jeon, walked toward him, her steps steady, until she stood right in front of him. Her eyes were calm but stern, the same way they had always been when she disapproved of something.

Mrs Jeon- You don't need to hide it from me. I know how much you smoke. I have always known. (she said, her voice soft but with an edge of disappointment)

Jungkook didn't respond. He stared at the ground, his jaw clenched, refusing to meet her gaze. His mother's presence always had a way of making him feel like a child caught doing something wrong. And today, he knew he had done much worse than smoke a few cigarettes.

Mrs Jeon watched him in silence for a moment. His shoulders were tense, his head low, and there was a storm brewing in his eyes, one she recognized all too well.

Mrs Jeon- I never thought that you would turn out like your Bapu-sa.

Jungkook's head snapped up at her words, but he said nothing, the weight of her accusation hitting him hard. He turned his face away, unable to bear the truth in her voice.

Mrs Jeon- I raised you to be different, Jungkook. (she continued, her voice trembling ever so slightly) I wanted at least one of my sons to have the decency and kindness that your Bapu-sa lacked. I didn't expect you to repeat his mistakes.

Jungkook's chest tightened. He hated being compared to his father, the one man whose footsteps he swore he do never follow. His father's anger, his coldness toward his mother, the way he treated her like nothing more than an afterthought — it was everything Jungkook had promised himself he wouldn't become.

And yet, here he was. Just like his father.

Mrs Jeon moved closer, placing a hand gently on his arm.

Mrs Jeon- Jungkook, don't become like him. I have lived through years of his anger, his disregard for me. I don't want to see another woman, especially not your Gharwali, go through the same thing.

He clenched his fists by his sides, his mind filled with guilt and shame. He could hear the hurt in his mother's voice, the years of pain hidden in her words, and it made him feel even worse. How had he let things go this far?

Mrs Jeon- I saw the way you treated her. You pushed her too hard. You didn't just made a mistake; you crossed a line, and you know it. She's your Gharwali, not someone to punish for your own frustrations.

Jungkook still said nothing. He couldn't. What could he say? His mother was right, and deep down, he knew it.

Mrs Jeon's voice dropped to a whisper, as if the words were too painful to speak aloud.