Growing up as orphans, Taehyung and Jungkook were inseparable, navigating the hardships of life in an orphanage side by side. Their bond was a lifeline, making the challenges of their childhood bearable-until everything changed. Jungkook was discove...
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Chapter 5
The mansion buzzed with activity the next morning, everyone scurrying about in preparation for the arrival of Jungkook's parents and Seo Aera. The air crackled with nervous energy, each staff member striving for perfection, hoping to impress the esteemed visitors.
"What's with all the noise?" Jungkook's voice echoed down the grand staircase, his words muffled by a yawn. He descended, clad only in a pair of black pajamas, his hands buried deep in the pockets.
"Mr. Jeon, it seems you've forgotten that Ms. Seo is arriving with your parents," Mrs. Singh reminded him, bowing respectfully.
Jungkook's memory flickered back to Mrs. Singh's announcement the previous night, a detail that had somehow slipped his mind. "I see," he mumbled, his tone devoid of any real interest.
A collective gasp erupted from the staff as a white blur tumbled down the stairs. Taehyung, enveloped in a blanket, had tripped and was hurtling towards the marble floor. Panic surged through him, his vision blurring as he braced for impact. But just as he thought he was doomed, a strong arm wrapped around his waist, halting his descent. The blanket was pulled away, revealing a relieved Taehyung, safe and sound, thanks to his quick-thinking boss.
"How many times do I have to tell you to be careful?" Jungkook scolded, his voice laced with exasperation.
"I-I'm sorry, I woke up late and didn't have time to do my chores yet," Taehyung stammered, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Still, you should have been more aware of your surroundings. You could have been seriously injured," Jungkook reprimanded, his voice tight with concern.
"I'm really sorry," Taehyung mumbled, biting his lip.
"Mr. Jeon, please forgive him. He's still new and getting used to the mansion's routines," Mrs. Singh interjected, her voice soothing. She retrieved the blanket from the floor, handing it to another maid.
Taehyung straightened, his gaze fixed on the floor, ashamed of his clumsiness. "Please take care of him," Jungkook instructed before turning and heading back upstairs to prepare for his day.
"Be careful from now on, do you understand?" Mrs. Singh whispered to Taehyung, her voice gentle but firm.
Taehyung nodded, his shoulders slumped with defeat. "Do your chores; don't rush," Mrs. Singh reminded him before resuming her own duties.
Taehyung took a deep breath, determined to make amends for his earlier blunder. He meticulously completed his tasks, striving for perfection.
"Everyone, gather!" Mrs. Singh announced, her voice echoing through the hallway.
The staff assembled in front of the grand entrance, their heads bowed in anticipation. Taehyung, unsure of the protocol, followed suit.
"Good Morning, Mrs. and Mr. Jeon, good morning to you too, Ms. Seo," they greeted in unison, their voices a harmonious chorus. Taehyung, caught off guard, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.
A tense atmosphere hung in the air, palpable even to Taehyung, who was still struggling to grasp the intricacies of this new world.
"Who's this lovely man?" a woman, seemingly in her 40s, inquired, her eyes fixed on Taehyung. He assumed she was Jungkook's mother.
"He's Kim Taehyung, Mrs. Jeon, a new recruit," Mrs. Singh responded, her voice calm and collected.
"Hm, so you finally learned to pick up a decent-looking person. You often disappoint me with the staff in this mansion," Mrs. Jeon commented, her gaze sweeping over the other staff members.
Mrs. Singh remained silent, her expression unreadable. At least Mrs. Jeon seemed to have taken a liking to Taehyung, which could be a good sign.
"Anyways, where's my son? Tell him to come downstairs and accompany Aera," Mrs. Jeon instructed, her tone commanding. She then swept past the staff, leaving a trail of hushed whispers in her wake.
"Understood, Mrs. Jeon," Mrs. Singh bowed her head again before instructing the staff to prepare for the guests in hushed tones.
The staff began to disperse, leaving Taehyung standing alone, waiting for Mrs. Singh to assign him his next task. He was startled when Mr. Jeon, Jungkook's father, appeared before him. Taehyung instantly recognized the familiar features, the strong jawline, and the piercing gaze, all mirrored in his son.
"Kim Taehyung, huh? That's a nice name," Mr. Jeon smiled, ruffling Taehyung's hair. The unexpected gesture startled Taehyung, who was not accustomed to such familiarity.
"T-thank you," he stammered, his cheeks flushing crimson.
"Taehyung, come here, you have to water the plants outside," Mrs. Singh called out, her voice cutting through the air.
"I'm coming!" Taehyung responded, his voice a mix of relief and eagerness. "Excuse me, sir, I have to go now," he added with a shy smile.
He then hurried towards the basement to collect the watering equipment.
"What can you say, Jungkook? Aera is such a perfect woman, I think you two fit for each other," Sunhee began, her voice filled with a motherly concern.
The conversation unfolded in the dining area, a small gathering of only four: Jungkook, Sunhee, Geonwoo, and Aera. The staff, busy preparing for the guests, were absent.
"Ma, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested in marriage?" Jungkook sighed, his voice weary.
"I'm just worried, you know, I think it's time for you to get married. Besides, it's very rare for you to find someone like Aera," Sunhee insisted, her voice laced with a hint of desperation.
"I'm not ready to marry someone yet, besides, if I were to marry someone, I want that person to be someone I truly love," Jungkook retorted, his voice firm and resolute.
"You will learn to love Aera, she's easy to love. And I believe you will be comfortable with her," Sunhee claimed, her voice brimming with confidence.
"Auntie is right, Jungkook, I can promise you that if you were to marry me, I can help you ease your problems. You shouldn't overwork yourself, it's not good for your health. Besides, I will make sure to be always by your side no matter what," Aera chimed in, her voice soft and seductive.
"Honey, why don't you tell Jungkook to accept the proposal? He might listen to you," Sunhee suggested, her gaze fixed on her husband, Geonwoo.
"I think Jungkook's right..." Geonwoo's response surprised everyone, including Jungkook. "It would be much better for him to marry someone he loves than a random person whom he was forced to marry," he stated, his voice firm and unwavering.
Sunhee and Aera were taken aback by his unexpected opinion. They couldn't believe he wouldn't support their plan. Even Jungkook, his father, usually deferred to his wife's wishes. He would generally agree with whatever came to her mind. What was with this sudden change of opinion?
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I think this story would be only 20 chapters, I guess? Maybe this will end very soon.
