Fated by 'I Do'

Chapter 36 : Kim's bonding

As Jungkook sat in front of the dresser, applying lotion to his arms, he was lost in thought. The events of the day replayed in his mind, especially the tension between his family and Aunt Hari. Taehyung, who had been watching him from the bed, noticed Jungkook's preoccupation. He got up, walked over, and wrapped his arms around Jungkook's waist, resting his chin on his shoulder.

"Bun, what's on your mind?" Taehyung asked gently, his voice warm and comforting.

Jungkook sighed, leaning back into Taehyung's embrace. "Hyungie... I was just thinking about Aunt Hari. Why didn't she come to our wedding? If she's Appa's younger sister, I thought she'd be there."

Taehyung's expression softened. He knew this story wasn't an easy one, but he wanted Jungkook to understand the truth. He carefully picked Jungkook up and set him on the dresser, standing between his legs so they were face-to-face.

As Taehyung stood between Jungkook's legs, gently holding his waist, he could feel the weight of the story he was about to share. He knew Jungkook was sensitive and didn't want him to feel any resentment. Gently brushing Jungkook's hair back, Taehyung began.

"Bun, Aunt Hari... well, she's not exactly the same kind of family as the rest of us," Taehyung said softly, keeping his tone gentle. "She's Grandpa's daughter from his second marriage. But she wasn't his biological daughter, so things were... complicated. Appa didn't have the best childhood because of her mom."

Taehyung sighed, glancing at Jungkook's concerned eyes before he continued. "Appa was only a teenager, but he was forced to do all the hard work on the farm. He'd study until late at night, then wake up at four in the morning to work. Aunt Hari's mom always had an excuse, so she'd make Appa do everything, while Aunt Hari lived like she didn't have a care in the world."

Jungkook's expression softened with empathy. "That sounds... so harsh."

Taehyung nodded, placing a hand on Jungkook's cheek. "It was. Appa was only given two meals a day after hours of work and studying. He barely had any money because his stepmother would pocket whatever Grandpa gave him for school. And since Grandpa was the village head, he was rarely home to see what was happening. But one day, when Appa was in university, he finally stood up to her. He planned to tell Grandpa everything, but... Grandpa and his second wife had a car accident while returning from a village meeting. They both died, and everything fell on Appa's shoulders."

Jungkook's gaze dropped, feeling the pain Taehyung's father must have endured. "So he had to grow up so fast..."

Taehyung squeezed Jungkook's hands. "Yes. He was determined to make something of the farm, so he studied modern agriculture, applied it, and turned it into a thriving business. We became the biggest strawberry exporters in Korea."

A small smile appeared on Jungkook's face, pride shining in his eyes. "Your Appa is so strong, Hyung."

Taehyung smiled back. "He is. But Aunt Hari never changed. When she wanted to marry her boyfriend, she didn't ask Appa for approval-she just demanded her share of the property. Appa gave it to her, then worked hard to build our family business on his own."

"So that's why they're not close," Jungkook said thoughtfully, piecing it together.

"Exactly," Taehyung affirmed. "And when Appa married Eomma, Aunt Hari tried to interfere, but he didn't listen. After that, she only showed up when she wanted to boast about her latest purchases or her husband's achievements. So... she never really supported us. She didn't even attend our wedding because she's always kept herself at a distance."

Jungkook nodded, understanding everything more clearly now. "I'm so grateful Appa met Eomma and built such a loving family. And now, I have you, too."

Taehyung smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Jungkook's forehead. "Yes, Bun. And that's all that matters. Our family may have its struggles, but we're happy, and we've built this life together. Aunt Hari's issues won't change that."