Trouble Tamer

21. I Love You, You Stupid!

It was late afternoon, the kind of stillness in the air that felt heavier than usual. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow on Taejoon as he lay in the hospital bed, his breathing shallow but steady. Namjoon sat on one side of the bed, holding their father’s hand, while Taehyung sat quietly on the other side, his gaze never leaving Taejoon’s face.

Jin was nearby and right beside him was Jungkook, whose usually playful demeanor softened, staying close yet giving them space. He understood how much this moment meant to them, and as much as he wanted to comfort Taehyung, he knew this was a moment for the family to share.

Taejoon’s eyes fluttered open, and he looked around, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“My boys,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze moved between Namjoon and Taehyung, pride shining in his tired eyes.

“Father,” Namjoon whispered, squeezing his hand gently, trying to hide the tremble in his voice.

Taehyung forced a small smile, leaning closer.

“How are you feeling?”

Taejoon chuckled softly, his laughter weak but filled with warmth.

“I think… I think I’m ready,” he said, his voice laced with acceptance.

The words hung in the air, and Taehyung felt his heart tighten. Despite everything—the days they’d spent preparing for this moment, the countless conversations he’d had with Namjoon—it still felt unreal. His father was slipping away, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Namjoon took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill.

“We’re here with you, Father. You’re not alone.”

Taejoon’s gaze softened as he looked at each of them.

“You both… have made me so proud. I want you to know that,” he whispered, his voice filled with love. “Namjoon, my son, you never really gave me a chance to ever forget just how excellent you are.... and you, Taehyung… you’ve grown into such a strong man. Just like I always hoped you would. Your mother would have been so proud of you both if she was here...”

Taehyung’s throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, nodding as he held his father’s hand tightly.

“I… I love you, Dad,” he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Taejoon’s smile widened slightly, his gaze softening as he looked at his youngest son.

“I know, son. I’ve always known.”

There was a long silence, each of them holding onto the weight of the moment, the quiet acknowledgment of goodbye lingering in the air.

Slowly, Taejoon’s breathing grew softer, more peaceful, until, finally, he took one last breath and let it go, his face relaxing as he slipped away.

Namjoon closed his eyes, his shoulders shaking as he held his father’s hand. Taehyung, unable to hold back his tears any longer, leaned his head against Taejoon’s hand, letting himself cry freely.

Jungkook stepped forward quietly, placing a comforting hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. From his peripheral vision he saw Jin comforting Namjoon who immediately turned and hugged his waist, burying his face there and he cried silently, his shoulders shaking as Jin softly patted his head, mumbling words to him to calm him down. Jungkook......... he didn’t say anything. There were no words that could ease the pain of losing a parent. But he was there, a steady presence beside the raven, letting him know that he wasn’t alone.