Shattered Bond

The Illusion Shatters

As Tae stepped into the Jeon mansion, his gaze swept across the grand hallway adorned with gleaming chandeliers and walls lined with intricate gold detailing. For a fleeting moment, he dared to hope that life here would not be as cruel as the whispers of doubt in his heart suggested. That hope, however, was crushed the instant the massive doors closed behind him with a thud that echoed through the hall.

"Welcome to your new home, Taehyung," Namjoon's voice boomed, but the warmth was gone, replaced by a cold authority. His smile was twisted, revealing just how much of the kind facade was an act. "I trust you’ll be the perfect housekeeper for us. After all, we love our meals prepared fresh and by a... family member."

Jin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing, and gestured toward the kitchen. "Why don't you get started on dinner, dear? I'm sure you remember what I said about being a happy family. Happiness begins with a good meal, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes... Um, of course, Eomma," Tae replied, his voice cracking. He bowed and walked toward the kitchen, trying to calm his racing heart.

The air grew suffocating as the other family members followed him with their eyes, their expressions sharp and mocking. When Tae reached the stove, he hesitated. He had cooked before, but the pressure of their scrutiny made his hands shake. He lit the flame and placed a pot of water on the burner, but before he could even gather the ingredients, Jimin sauntered over.

"You know, Taehyung," Jimin purred, leaning against the counter with a predatory smile, "in this house, perfection is everything. One wrong move, and…"

"Boom," Yoongi finished, flicking his fingers near Tae's face with a cold chuckle. Tae flinched, and the hot water splashed onto his hand. Pain shot through his skin as he recoiled.

"Ah!" Tae gasped, clutching his burned fingers.

"Clumsy already?" Jin remarked, shaking his head with mock disappointment. He stepped closer and slapped Tae across the face, the impact resounding. "Is this how you repay our hospitality? Do better."

The room filled with laughter, cruel and relentless. Tae's cheek burned where Jin's hand had landed, but it was nothing compared to the ache spreading through his chest. Tears stung his eyes, but he forced himself to hold them back.

"Clean this up," Namjoon ordered, gesturing to the spilled water and vegetables on the floor. "And when you're done, I want the best meal you've ever made. If it’s even slightly disappointing…"

Namjoon leaned closer, whispering in Tae’s ear, "You’ll regret it."

Tae nodded weakly, kneeling to clean up the mess. His hands trembled, and he could barely see through the blur of tears. Jungkook's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Pathetic," he sneered. Unlike his brothers, Jungkook didn’t laugh. He simply watched with cold, detached eyes. "If you can't handle even this, how do you plan to survive here?"

"Maybe he won't," Jihoon added, stepping over Tae without a second glance as he and Hoseok settled onto a couch. "If you don't make it, we can always find another way to amuse ourselves."

Hours passed like this orders barked, insults hurled, and every mistake punished. Tae finally set the table, his burned fingers stinging with every movement. He presented the meal he’d managed to prepare, his heart pounding in his chest.

The Jeons gathered, eyeing the dishes with disdain. Jimin was the first to taste a bite, chewing slowly before spitting it onto the tablecloth. "Disgusting," he announced. "This isn't food it's garbage."

"Did you think we’d be satisfied with this filth?" Jin snapped, throwing his bowl across the room. The ceramic shattered, and Tae flinched again, his body instinctively curling inward.