NEVERTHELESS || TAEKOOK

19🌸

Chapter 19:- perfect family

“Soobin, how’s school been?” Jungkook asked, his voice warm as he turned to Soobin with a kind smile. He had been trying so hard to make Soobin feel comfortable ever since he came back into their lives, and Soobin appreciated it more than he could say.

“It’s been good,” Soobin replied, a little shy under Jungkook’s gaze, but he felt safe, like he could open up in this new version of his family. “A lot of work, but I’m managing.”

Taehyung chimed in with a proud smile, “Soobin’s been doing great. Top of his class, as usual.” He glanced over at Soobin with a playful wink, the pride in his voice unmistakable. “He works harder than I ever did in his age” Soobin ducked his head, feeling his cheeks heat up. “Dad, stop,” he mumbled, but he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. He loved when his dad bragged about him, even if it embarrassed him sometimes.

Jungkook laughed, his eyes crinkling in that familiar way that always put people at ease. “Of course he’s doing well. He’s got the best support system,” he said, glancing at Taehyung with a soft look before turning back to Soobin. “But hey, if you ever need help with anything—school or otherwise—I’m here too, you know?”

The sincerity in Jungkook’s voice hit Soobin harder than he expected. It wasn’t just words; it was a promise. Jungkook wasn’t just there for his dad, he was there for Soobin, too. It was something Soobin hadn’t realized he needed until now, but the feeling of having someone else to rely on, someone who cared, made his chest tighten with emotion.

“Thanks, Jungkook,” Soobin replied quietly, his voice thick. “That means a lot.”

Taehyung reached over, resting a hand on Soobin’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore, Soobin. We’re a team now. You have both of us.”

Soobin nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat as he looked between his father and Jungkook. The love he saw in their eyes, not just for each other but for him as well, made him feel more secure than he had in a long time. It wasn’t just his dad and him against the world anymore. Jungkook was here now, and that completed the family in a way Soobin hadn’t realized he needed.

“Speaking of carrying things,” Jungkook said with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood, “who’s helping me with the dishes tonight? We’ve got to split the chores, right? Family rules.”

Taehyung laughed, playfully nudging Jungkook with his elbow. “You’ve been back for a week, and you’re already trying to get out of cleaning up?”

“Hey, I’m just trying to delegate!” Jungkook jokes, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Besides, Soobin looks like he could use a break after all that hard work at school. Right, Soobin?”

Soobin chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. “I think you’re just scared of breaking another plate,” he teased, remembering how Jungkook had nearly dropped one earlier in the week. It felt so natural to joke around like this, like they had always been this way.

Taehyung burst out laughing, his eyes sparkling with joy as he looked at Jungkook. “He’s got you there. You’re lucky you didn’t shatter the whole set last time.”

Jungkook shook his head, laughing along with them, his gaze softening as he looked between Taehyung and Soobin. “Alright, alright. I guess I’ll take dish duty. But next time, you’re helping me out,” he said, pointing at Soobin with a grin.

“Deal,” Soobin replied, feeling a warm sense of belonging wash over him. This was what family was supposed to feel like—easy, comfortable, full of love and laughter. He had always had that with his dad, but now, with Jungkook in their lives, it felt even more complete.

As Jungkook got up to start clearing the table, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his eyes following Jungkook with a look of deep affection. He glanced over at Soobin, and in that moment, there was a quiet understanding between them. Taehyung didn’t have to say anything for Soobin to know how much this moment meant to him, how much he had been waiting for it. For years, Soobin had watched his father struggle with the weight of his emotions, always putting on a brave face for him, always making sure Soobin never felt the absence of someone who had once been so important to him.

But now, that absence was filled. Jungkook was here, not just as someone who loved Taehyung, but as someone who cared for Soobin too. And Soobin realized, when he sat there watching the two of them, that this was his family. A real, whole family.

“I’m really happy for you, Dad,” Soobin said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn’t know if his dad could hear the depth of meaning in those words, but he hoped Taehyung understood just how much it meant to him to see him like this—happy, truly happy.

Taehyung’s smile softened, and he reached over, pulling Soobin into a gentle side hug. “I’m happy too, Soobin. Happier than I’ve been in a long time. And it’s because of you, and now… because of us.”

Soobin blinked back more tears, nodding as he wiped his eyes. He doesn't want to make his dad see him like this. Taehyung had finally found his own happiness, his own peace, and that made Soobin feel like everything in the world was right.

They sit together, eat their meal together  in the quiet comfort of a family. It wasn’t fancy or special, just a simple dinner in their small home. But to Soobin, it felt like the most important meal he had ever had. The three of them, sitting together, laughing and talking, felt like the kind of family he had always dreamed of.Not just a father and son surviving each day, but a real family, complete and full of love And the past seven days were nothing but heaven to him.

Soobin’s chest felt tight with emotions. The person who had brought his father’s smile back fit into their lives so perfectly, like they had been missing all along. Taehyung was finally whole again, and that made Soobin feel like he was finally whole, too. He had always loved his dad with everything he had, but now, seeing him happy, truly happy, was the greatest gift Soobin could have ever received.

They continued talking , the warmth of their laughter filling the room, and Soobin couldn’t help but smile through his tears. This was what home was supposed to feel like. This was the kind of love he had always wanted for his dad, the kind of happiness he had always hoped for but never dared to dream about.

Soobin leaned into his dad’s embrace, letting the warmth of that moment sink in. They had made it through so much together, and now, they had someone who made their family even better. As Jungkook returned to the table, wiping his hands on a towel and sitting back down, Soobin couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the three of them together. This was everything he had ever wanted for his dad—and for himself.

For the first time in a long time, Soobin felt at peace. His family was whole, his father was happy, and Soobin knew that everything was going to be okay. They had each other, and that was more than enough.