In Another's Silence

Cinders of Curiosity.

Chapter 11: (Author's pov)

The evening unfolded as usual, with the family gathered in the sitting room after the small celebration. Irabella had excused herself early. She hadn't expected her mother to bring it up to her father, but later that night, her mother gently approached him while they were clearing away the dishes.

Agnes: Do you think it would be wise, dear?

Agnes asked, her voice quiet but clear. She glanced over at her husband, who was seated at the table, still absorbed in the day's news. Her father was usually a stern man, took a moment before replying. He didn't lift his eyes from the paper immediately, but Agnes could see the subtle shift in his expression, the way he paused before flipping to the next page.

Kyung-soo: I suppose a change in atmosphere could be good for her.

He finally said.

Kyung-soo: It's been difficult for all of us, but especially for her. Let her go with the Chilgraves if she wants. It might help her forget... for a while.

Agnes blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected him to agree so easily, but there was a softness in his tone, one that showed he, too, had noticed how Irabella had been struggling. With a small nod, she thanked him and left the room to find Irabella.

***

Meanwhile, across town, the early morning sun was barely breaking over the horizon, casting a soft, orange glow over the Bang family estate. In the cool air, the sound of hooves echoed through the large backyard as they had so many horses across the field. The grass was still wet with morning dew, and their breaths puffed in the chilly air as they focused on their morning practice.

The sun had barely peeked over the horizon, life was already in full swing at the Bang family estate. Jungkook and his brothers were in the backyard, their horses lined up, ready for their early morning race now. Their father, Bang Sihyuk, sat nearby on a sturdy wooden chair, a glass of wine in one hand and a stack of papers in the other.

Despite his relaxed posture, his eyes never left his sons, always keeping a close watch on their training. Sihyuk had always been strict about discipline, ensuring that his children woke up before dawn, ready to start the day early.

It was around five in the morning, the air was still cool and fresh, when the brothers mounted their horses. The backyard was vast, a perfect arena for racing, and they often spent their mornings challenging each other to see who could outdo the rest.

Jungkook was particularly competitive, eager to prove himself against his older brothers. He had always been fast, agile on his horse, with a natural talent for controlling the animal beneath him. Today was no different. As soon as their father gave the signal, the horses shot forward, the sound of hooves pounding against the dirt filling the air.

Jungkook leaned forward, urging his horse on, determined to leave everyone else behind. The wind whipped through his hair, and the thrill of the race fueled him. His brothers were close behind, but he felt confident, this time, he would win.

He could see the finish line just ahead, and for a moment, a grin spread across his face. He was about to claim victory, about to rub it in his brothers' faces. But just as he prepared to celebrate, he noticed a blur of movement out of the corner of his eye.

Jimin was gaining on him quickly. In a flash, Jimin urged his horse ahead, overtaking Jungkook at the last second and crossing the finish line first. Jungkook blinked, his jaw dropping slightly in disbelief as he slowed his horse to a halt.

Jungkook: Yaa! Hyung!

Jimin, ever the playful one, turned around with a wide grin, waving at Jungkook.