Falling for the Dark || JJK

Chapter 14: Shadows from the Past

The following week felt like a whirlwind of emotions for Jungkook and Evelyn. They worked tirelessly to gather evidence against Jungkook's father, pouring over documents and piecing together a timeline of unethical practices in his business. Every evening after the café closed, they would meet at Evelyn's apartment, fueled by determination and the support they found in each other.

One night, as they spread out the files across the dining table, Evelyn looked up from a particularly incriminating document. "You know, it's incredible how much power you have over your own narrative now. This information could change everything."

Jungkook nodded, though a knot of anxiety tightened in his chest. "I just worry about what it will cost us. My father won't take this lightly. He's capable of anything."

Evelyn reached across the table, placing her hand on his. "We're in this together, remember? We won't let him intimidate us. This is about taking back your life."

Her words resonated deeply within him. The shadows of his past had always loomed large, but with Evelyn by his side, he felt emboldened. They continued to sift through the papers, uncovering more details about his father's dubious business practices, when Jungkook's phone buzzed, interrupting their focus.

It was a text from his younger sister, Jiwoo. "Kookie, Mom's been asking about you. She wants to see you. Please come home."

Jungkook's heart sank at the thought of facing his mother again. The last time they spoke, it hadn't ended well. "I can't go back," he muttered, staring at the screen, torn between familial obligation and the fear of his father's wrath.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn asked, concern etched across her face.

"It's my mom," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She wants to see me. I don't know if I can face her, especially now."

"Why don't you want to see her?" Evelyn prodded gently. "Is it because of your father?"

Jungkook took a deep breath, memories flooding back. "After I left home, she was so angry. She believed everything my father told her about me. I was the black sheep. She didn't even try to understand why I left. I don't want to go back to that. It hurts too much."

Evelyn's gaze softened as she studied him. "What if you had a chance to explain? Maybe she deserves to hear your side. It could be an opportunity to heal that relationship."

Jungkook pondered her words, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. "You really think she would listen?"

"Even if it's hard, you won't know until you try," she encouraged, her voice steady. "And I'll be there for you, no matter what happens."

The warmth of her support wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. He looked at her, gratitude flooding his heart. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Eve."

The next day, Jungkook decided to take the plunge. He called Jiwoo back and agreed to meet at their mother's house. "But I'm bringing Evelyn," he said, determined. "I can't do this alone."

The day arrived, and as they drove to his childhood home, the tension in the air was palpable. Jungkook's palms were sweaty on the steering wheel, his heart racing with anxiety. Evelyn sat quietly beside him, sensing his unease but remaining a calm anchor.

"Just remember, you're not alone," she whispered as they pulled up to the familiar front yard. The house looked the same—stark and imposing, with its crisp white walls and dark shutters—but it felt like a lifetime had passed since he last stood there.

"Are you ready?" Evelyn asked gently, her hand resting on his thigh.

Jungkook took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I think so. Let's just get this over with."