In a world where appearances often dictate social circles, Kim Taehyung stands out as a gorgeous-looking nerd, his charm hidden behind thick glasses and a shy smile. Jeon Jungkook, the charismatic jock, effortlessly commands attention with his athle...
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Chapter 8: The Hidden Past
The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the small apartment, a comforting contrast to the tension that hung in the air. Jungkook hummed along to the upbeat K-drama playing on the TV, his movements fluid as he flipped pancakes on the griddle. Taehyung, nestled on the couch, his leg propped up on a cushion, watched the drama with a captivated smile.
A sharp knock on the door broke the peaceful scene. "Baby, can you get that?" Jungkook called out, his voice warm with affection.
Taehyung, momentarily distracted, turned his head towards the door. He rose slowly, his injured leg protesting with a twinge of pain. As he opened the door, a wave of confusion washed over him. Standing on the other side was a man whose face bore a striking resemblance to Jungkook, yet his attire screamed "business owner" rather than "employee."
"Hello, Sir, how can I help you?" Taehyung inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
"Is Jeon Jungkook living here? I was told he lived in this place," the man said, his voice a low rumble. He held a small piece of paper in his hand, his eyes scanning it as if double-checking the address. "Seems like I got the right room, though."
Taehyung's brow furrowed. "Well, you definitely got the right room, but what do you need from my boyfriend, Sir? Was Jungkook indebted to you or something?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion.
The man seemed taken aback by Taehyung's directness, his eyes widening slightly. "Oh, you see, I was actually his-"
"Baby, who's that? What's taking so long?" Jungkook's voice, laced with concern, echoed from the kitchen. He hurried into the living room, his eyes immediately landing on the stranger at the door. "And..." His gaze shifted to Taehyung, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. "What are you doing here? I told you not to show your face to me, didn't I?" He gently pulled Taehyung behind him, his hand instinctively reaching out to close the door.
The stranger, his face etched with a mixture of regret and hope, stepped closer. "It's difficult to get in touch with you, so I decided it's much better if we talk in person," he said, his voice calm and measured.
"Whether you show your face or not, my decision won't change, so get out of my place!" Jungkook snapped, his jaw clenched tight.
"Just give me a chance to prove that I changed, Jungkook. I am your father, so don't push me away," the man pleaded.
"I told you, I don't want to, s-"
"Jungkook, just give him a chance to talk with you," Taehyung interrupted, his voice soft but firm. "There's nothing wrong with that. It seemed to me that he had genuine intent, that's why he bothered to come here even though you pushed him away. If you really can't forgive him, it's much better to tell him to his face, right?"
Jungkook hesitated, his gaze flickering between Taehyung and his father. He knew Taehyung was right, but the anger simmering within him threatened to boil over. "Fine," he conceded, his voice strained. "Just make sure you will leave right away if I tell you to leave, do you understand?!"
The man nodded, his shoulders slumping with a defeated sigh.
"You only have five minutes to speak," Jungkook said, his voice cold and unforgiving. "And if you don't tell me everything you wanted, you can leave."
Taehyung, sensing the tension in the air, quickly moved to the kitchen, his movements surprisingly graceful despite his injury. He brewed a fresh pot of coffee, his heart aching for both Jungkook and the man standing awkwardly in the living room. He carefully poured two cups, placing them on the coffee table along with a plate of cookies.
"Please don't mind his attitude," Taehyung said, his voice gentle as he handed the man a cup. "Just tell him everything, and I'm sure he will listen."
"Thank you," the man replied, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
Jungkook, his gaze fixed on the coffee table, pulled Taehyung away from the man, his face a mask of displeasure. "You can start now," he said, his voice clipped.
Taehyung, understanding the unspoken plea in Jungkook's eyes, retreated to the couch, leaving the two men alone.
"Jungkook, son, you can still think about it," the man began, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "Your mother's health lately... she hasn't been feeling well. And I think she will be fine if she sees you at least one time."
Jungkook's face hardened, his eyes narrowing into slits. "I told you that don't bring my mother's name into it. Don't guilt-trip me into thinking it would be my fault if something happened to her. It was all your fault! You cheated on Mom; you even impregnated someone! How could you even hide the fact that you had a first family before us?! You hide it for two years!" he spat, his voice laced with anger. "Who do you think would be happy about that, hah?! Once that mistress of yours died, you literally came back as if nothing happened!"
The man winced, his eyes filled with shame and regret. "I know, I know that, Jungkook. That's why I'm making everything right. Let me prove it to you, please."
"You neglected us! You failed to do what you're supposed to do! Did you even know the criticism we had to endure just because of you?! You ruined our family, you ruined our lives!" Jungkook roared, his voice echoing through the small apartment. "Mom... Mom loves you so much, but what did you do to her?! The only reason she forgave you was because she loved you. Don't you have a conscience? You made Mom suffer! You should feel lucky that she has forgiven you; you don't need to mind me; I can stand on my own. I cannot live without your wealth and your support."
The man sat in silence, his face etched with pain. He knew Jungkook had every right to be angry, to hate him. He had made terrible mistakes and choices that had shattered their family and left scars on their hearts.
"If you have nothing to say, just leave," Jungkook said, his voice cold and emotionless.
The man sighed, his shoulders slumping with defeat. He stood up, his gaze meeting Jungkook's for a moment before turning to Taehyung.
"Jungkook, I just wanna say you got a kind and gorgeous boyfriend," he said, his voice laced with a hint of genuine admiration. "Take care of him, okay? It will be your loss if you let him go."
He smiled at Taehyung, a flicker of hope in his eyes before turning and walking towards the door.
Jungkook clenched his fist, his anger still burning bright.
"You two are done, Sir?" Taehyung asked as he watched the man leave.
"Yes, nothing changed," the man replied with a bitter chuckle. "Can you please take care of him properly? So that I don't need to worry that much about him. I would feel relieved if he had someone like you." He smiled at Taehyung, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and concern.
"Don't worry, Sir, I will take care of him," Taehyung replied, his smile warm and reassuring.
The man ruffled Taehyung's hair, a gesture of affection that surprised both Taehyung and Jungkook. He then turned and walked out of the apartment, leaving behind a silence that felt heavy with unspoken emotions.
