SHATTERED VOWS | JEON JUNGKOOK X OC |

Chapter 21

The morning was quiet in the Kim Mansion as Taehyung, his parents, and Miso sat together in the living room. They were caught in relaxed conversation, discussing family matters and plans, but an air of expectancy lingered since Jungkook was due to arrive. Although everyone knew he was coming, they hadn’t quite anticipated how they’d feel seeing him after all this time.

When Jungkook stepped through the door, it was Mrs. Jeon who first noticed, her face momentarily freezing before softening into a warm, relieved smile. She rose from her seat, her expression shifting between a mix of joy and restrained disappointment. “Jungkook…you’re here,” she said, her voice gentle but laced with the emotions she couldn’t quite suppress.

Jungkook gave a polite smile, bowing his head slightly as he took in the sight of his family. “Mom, Dad…” His voice was steady, respectful, but a hint of distance lingered, as if time had created a thin wall between them.

Kim Minho his father, though usually reserved, rose to his feet with a nod of acknowledgment. “Welcome back.” he said simply, his voice carrying a blend of pride and something unspoken.

Jungkook looked to Taehyung next, who gave him a small, knowing smile. “Didn’t expect you this early,” Taehyung quipped, reaching out to clasp Jungkook’s shoulder in a brief, brotherly gesture. Despite the tension that had grown between them, there was still a hint of warmth in his touch.

“Well, it was better to arrive in the morning,” Jungkook replied, meeting Taehyung’s gaze with a quiet understanding. He then glanced at Miso, her hand resting on her very prominent belly, and softened, “Miso, you’re almost there.”

Miso managed a weary but joyful smile. “Yes, any day now,” she replied, her voice filled with the anticipation and nerves that had been building up.

Jungkook nodded, feeling a surge of respect for her strength. But before he could respond, a sharp, pained gasp escaped Miso’s lips. Her face twisted, her hands shooting to her belly as her breathing turned ragged and quick. “Oh!” she managed, her voice strained as she tried to steady herself. “Taehyung… I think… I think it’s time…”

The room fell silent, everyone frozen as they registered her words. Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock, and his hand instinctively found Miso’s, squeezing tightly as if trying to anchor himself. “Miso… are you sure?” he asked, his voice thick with worry.

Miso nodded, wincing through another sharp pain. “Yes… it’s happening,” she whispered, her grip on Taehyung’s hand tightening.

Jungkook, sensing the urgency, sprang into action. “Let’s get her to the hospital,” he said firmly, slipping into a natural, protective mode. “My car’s in the driveway.”

Taehyung nodded, panic etched on his usually composed face as he helped Miso to her feet. “Hold on, Miso,” he whispered, trying to calm her as they moved, but the fear in his voice betrayed his own anxiety.

Mrs. Jeon rushed to Miso’s side, her face filled with concern. “Don’t worry, Miso, we’re right here,” she said, gently rubbing Miso’s back as they guided her towards the door.

Once at the car, Jungkook helped Miso into the back seat, where Taehyung quickly settled in beside her, clutching her hand. Kim Minho and  Jeon Soojin exchanged a quick glance, each hiding their own worries as they got into their own car to follow.

The drive to the hospital was tense and filled with strained silence, broken only by Taehyung’s soothing whispers to Miso and her occasional sharp intakes of breath. Once they arrived, nurses rushed to wheel Miso inside, and Taehyung hurried after her, his hand still firmly in hers. The rest of the family gathered in the waiting area, worry evident on every face.