chapter 14

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Author’s POV

The dinner was moving along comfortably, with conversations flowing easily between Y/N, Durva, and the BTS members.

They laughed about little things—Durva’s fascination with Jungkook’s tattoos, Jimin showing Taemin some dance moves, and Jin pretending to “oversee” everyone’s eating habits.

It was a refreshing, genuine moment, one that felt worlds away from their usual hectic lives.

As the plates were cleared and dessert was served, the conversation turned more personal, a mix of curiosity and genuine interest in Y/N’s life.

“So, Y/N,” Namjoon began, glancing at Taemin, who was happily enjoying his dessert, “it must be a lot to raise such a lively kid on your own.”

Y/N gave a small smile. “It has its challenges, but Durva makes it worth it. He’s always been my biggest strength.”

She looked at her son with warmth in her eyes, her voice filled with love.

Taehyung, seated next to her, leaned in slightly. “You’re doing a great job. He’s a wonderful kid.”

Y/N’s cheeks flushed, humbled by the compliment. “Thank you, Taehyung. That really means a lot.”

There was a pause, and it seemed everyone at the table felt how special this connection was becoming.

But then Hoseok, in his ever-curious and friendly way, asked, “If you don’t mind me asking… where’s Taemin’s father? I mean, how does he feel about you both being in Seoul?”

The question hit a nerve, and Y/N’s smile faltered for just a second before she quickly regained her composure.

She glanced down, carefully placing her napkin beside her plate.

She inhaled, letting the silence hang for a moment. “I… actually think I should check on Durva’s bag in the lobby. Just to make sure we didn’t leave anything important behind.”

She offered a polite smile, her tone gracious but firm.

Hoseok’s expression immediately softened, regret crossing his face. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s alright,” she interrupted softly, her smile still polite. “Thank you for understanding. I’ll be right back.”

As she rose, the room seemed to hold its breath.

The members exchanged uneasy glances, realizing they’d touched on a delicate subject.

Taehyung watched Y/N’s retreating figure, his expression unreadable but tense.

He felt a pang of empathy, understanding how complex the past could be.

In the silence that followed, Namjoon quietly reminded them, “We all carry our own stories. Let’s just give her some space.”

Jin reached over to lightly pat Hoseok’s shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Hobi. You didn’t know.”

The members settled back, their usual cheer slightly subdued, a newfound respect growing for Y/N, and the strength it must take to face her life with grace.

They each found themselves hoping, in their own way, that this brief moment wouldn’t close the door that was just beginning to open.

Y/N’s POV

I barely made it to the restroom before the tears started falling.

I closed the door behind me, pressing my back against the wall as I sank down, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs.

I hadn't expected that question, hadn’t anticipated how something so simple could open up the pain I thought I’d buried long ago.

It was supposed to be a fresh start for Durva and me—a life far away from the memories and scars that had taken so long to heal.

But all it took was one question for the hurt to rise to the surface, reminding me of everything I had fought so hard to leave behind.

Taking deep breaths, I tried to pull myself together.

This was for Durva .

I couldn’t let my pain show, not when he deserved to see his mother strong and whole.

I wiped my tears, taking a moment to steady my reflection in the mirror, forcing a small smile as I prepared to step back out.

Author’s POV

As Y/N quietly collected herself, Durva, who had noticed his mom’s sudden departure, watched her retreat with concern.

He had always sensed the sadness she hid, the weight she carried even when she thought no one was looking.

Tonight, seeing her leave so quickly, he felt a familiar ache—the worry he kept deep down that something was still hurting her.

Noticing that the BTS members were quietly watching him, their expressions thoughtful, Durva decided he couldn’t keep quiet anymore.

He looked up at Hoseok, who was sitting closest to him, and took a deep breath, his small hands clenched in his lap.

“Did I say something wrong?” Hoseok asked, his voice gentle, sensing Taemin’s sadness.

Taemin shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. “No… it wasn’t you.”

Jungkook leaned forward, giving Taemin a reassuring smile.

“What’s on your mind, Taemin? You can tell us anything.”

Taemin hesitated, glancing back toward the hallway where his mother had gone, a mix of sadness and bravery flickering in his young eyes. “My dad… he wasn’t nice to my mom.”

The table went silent as Taemin continued, his voice trembling slightly but full of a child’s innocent honesty.

“He used to hit her, and she… she always tried to protect me, even when she was scared. That’s why we came here. She wanted to get away, so we could be safe.”

The BTS members exchanged quiet, stunned glances, each of them processing the weight of Durva’s words.

This wasn’t something they had anticipated, and yet, they all felt a sudden protective instinct toward the boy and his mother, the quiet strength they must both have to endure so much.

Namjoon cleared his throat, his tone gentle as he addressed durva.

“Thank you for telling us Durva. That must have been really hard for you both.”

Durva nodded, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.

“She doesn’t want people to know. She wants to be strong for me. But… sometimes I wish someone would tell her it’s okay to be sad.”

Jimin reached over, gently ruffling Durva’s hair. “You’re very brave, Durva. And your mom—she’s incredible. We’re here for both of you, okay?”

Durva managed a small, grateful smile, the trust in his eyes deepening.

The members each made a quiet vow to themselves, understanding that this woman and her son were now more than just fans—they were people who had quietly entered their lives, showing them a strength that humbled them.

And from that moment, they knew they’d do whatever it took to be a safe place for them, to support them in whatever way they could.

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