Egoistic Kim ✔

27✨

When Seo Hun reached Taehyung’s room, he paused just outside the door. Inside, Namjoon was holding Taehyung in a gentle embrace, whispering words of comfort to his younger brother. Taehyung’s shoulders were slumped, his face marked with exhaustion, yet he clung to Namjoon like a lifeline. Namjoon was the first to notice their father in the doorway, and with a subtle nod to Taehyung, he slowly stepped back.

“I’ll give you two some time,” Namjoon said, patting Taehyung’s shoulder before quietly leaving the room.

As the door closed, Seo Hun took a tentative step forward, his heart pounding as he gathered the courage to speak. He’d faced boardrooms and powerful men without a shred of fear, but this moment felt daunting. His voice was hesitant, almost a whisper. “I... I’m sorry, Taehyung.”

Taehyung didn’t respond immediately, just watched him with guarded, wary eyes. He seemed braced for more rejection, but willing to listen.

Seo Hun took a deep breath. “I know I’ve caused you pain, Taehyung. More than I can even imagine. I was...afraid to accept you, not because of anything you did, but because of the guilt I’ve carried all these years.” He looked away for a moment, struggling with his emotions. “I love Jae Hee, more than anything. And when that night happened, when I was betrayed and used by someone who drugged me. it shattered everything I believed about myself.”

He paused, his voice lowering. “I searched for that person, but I never found her. Then, years later, she came back with you, saying you were my son. I was angry, and that anger blinded me. I was so consumed with my shame, my failure... I didn’t see you for who you truly are.”

Taehyung’s expression softened, though he remained silent, letting his father speak without interruption.

“Despite my blindness, I always noticed you,” Seo Hun admitted, his tone carrying a note of longing. “I remember the poem you wrote when you were just a boy, about family. I still have it, tucked away, though I couldn’t bring myself to tell you how much it moved me. And your first performance... I watched from the back, so proud of you, but my own pride wouldn’t allow me to show it. I’ve been proud of you for so long, Taehyung, but my ego and shame wouldn’t let me say it.”

Taehyung’s eyes welled with tears, but there was a glimmer of hope within them. Hearing this felt surreal, yet it was something he had longed for his entire life.

Seo Hun took a step closer, his voice now filled with remorse. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness so easily, not after all the hurt I caused. But if you can find it in your heart, Taehyung...I’d like to try to be the father you deserve.”

Without another word, Taehyung closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around his father in a tentative, almost fragile embrace. Seo Hun froze in shock for a moment, unprepared for Taehyung’s response, but then his own arms came up, enveloping his son in a warm, sincere hug. He patted Taehyung’s back, his own tears finally escaping.

“Thank you...thank you, Appa,” Taehyung whispered, his voice trembling. “Thank you for accepting me.”

Seo Hun held him a little tighter, a silent promise within that embrace. “It’s not just acceptance, Taehyung. You’re my son, and you always will be. I’m proud of you. I always was.”

As Seo Hun slowly released Taehyung from their embrace, he looked at his son with newfound warmth and a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You know," he said softly, almost as if testing his words, "you and Jungkook...you look good together."

Taehyung blinked, momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected his father to even acknowledge his relationship with Jungkook, let alone offer such a compliment.

Seo Hun chuckled at his son’s expression. "It’s true. I can see it clearly now the way you two balance each other. Jungkook… he has a bit of Jae Hee’s spirit in him. He’s carefree, yet determined, with that spark that pulls others toward him." His gaze softened, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It’s a spirit that’s easy to love and hard to let go of.”

Taehyung’s face softened as he nodded, a small smile forming. “He really does have that effect on people. I... I used to be afraid he’d grow tired of me. But no matter how much I pushed him away, he never gave up on me.”

Seo Hun placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. "Hold onto it."

Taehyung looked at his father with a mixture of gratitude and surprise. “Thank you, Appa. For saying that.”

Seo Hun nodded, his expression now solemn. "I know I wasn’t there for you when you needed me, but I want you to know that from now on, I’m here. For you..."

With those words, a peace settled between father and son, something neither of them had known they needed. For Taehyung, it felt like a piece of his heart had finally found a place it had long been missing.

After Seo Hun left, Taehyung felt a rush of emotions swell inside him. He grabbed his phone, his fingers hovering over the screen as he thought about how to put it all into words. Finally, he started typing:

sweet cheeks...

A moment later, Jungkook replied.

hey.. Hyungieee...

I just… I talked with my
dad.Really talked.
He… he apologized,
Kook. He actually
admitted he was proud
of me. I didn’t think I’d
ever hear those words
from him.

There was a pause before Jungkook’s response, and Taehyung could imagine him grinning on the other side of the phone.

hyung, that’s amazing!
Finally, right? You’ve waited
so long for this.

Yeah, it feels surreal.
Like a part of me
can finally breathe.

I’m so proud of you,
hyung. You’ve carried
this for so long, and
you still managed to be
this incredible person.

Taehyung felt a wave of warmth. Just reading Jungkook’s words made everything feel complete.

Thanks Sweet for always
been here, even when
I didn’t deserve it.
Love you, Kook.

There was a pause before Jungkook replied.

Love you too, hyung.
More than anything.
I’m so, so happy for you.

Sweet cheeks...

Hmm

Go on a date with
me.

I love you.

I know

Say it back hyung.

Taehyung chuckled.

I love you my
precious.♡

🍒🍒🍒

Love you♡