✓BunBun Mine // taekook

Chapter 38

The wintry chill seemed to settle silently into every brick and corner of Kim's Haven, blending effortlessly with the flowers and the crisp, serene air. The cool breeze swirled around unpredictably, brushing against human skin with a sudden shiver. Jimin wrapped his woolen sweater tightly around himself and was deeply engrossed in reading aloud. Suddenly, his voice caught, and he paused. A strange melancholy breeze seemed to brush against him and disappear, leaving an inexplicable unease in its wake.

His whole body tingled.

Pushing the book aside, Jimin left his chair, unable to focus. In such a restless state of mind, how could he possibly study? His disorganized steps led him to the balcony, where he stood staring at the distance.

That very morning, he had already spoken with Yoongi over the phone. So why was his heart still drowning in waves of restlessness? His exams were only a few days away, and his unspoken admirer had commanded him to perform well. These days, Yoongi spoke so sweetly, never scolding Jimin, instead using his warm voice to say,

"You’re like a sliver of moonlight, Jimin, so radiant and soft, yet as unyielding as ice. But the gentle warmth of love melts you always. The beauty of your words and your patient heart, which kindles affection and lights the lamp of trust, invites strong bonds. Such a person deserves to be cherished forever, without question or restraint."

These words reverberated through Jimin’s mind, their meaning as clear as crystal water. Does love truly make one foolish? Strips away logic and reason? Jimin felt nothing of the sort. On the contrary, his understanding of love had deepened with time. Even if Yoongi never said “I love you” outright, Jimin knew he’d feel it in every breath and heartbeat. Those words, those sweet affirmations, were enough to fill the vibrant palace of his romantic heart.

Suddenly, his sharp eyes caught movement near the main gate. Standing outside on the road was his uncle, Hyun from the Jungs', looking utterly out of place. He appeared hesitant, shifting between advancing and retreating, his whole demeanor cloaked in unease.

Jimin had never seen any of his uncles from the Jung household ever visit Kim's Haven before. For Hyun, with all his arrogance and reserved nature, to show up like this was bewildering. Alarmed, Jimin rushed to his mother’s room, panting as he delivered the news.

Jin froze as though the ground had slipped from beneath his feet. Disbelief painted his face as he looked at his youngest son, and then, without wasting another moment, he hurried toward the gate. If Hyun were to leave, he wouldn’t forgive himself. Jin quickened his steps and finally stood before his younger brother, Hyun. Though startled, Hyun composed himself and asked directly,

“Where’s Taehyung, Jin hyung? I’ve come to find him.”

Tears welled up in Jin’s eyes. He tried to suppress them but failed. While he had occasionally met Hyun on the street or at the local health complex, it had been years since he had set foot in their home, Kim's Haven. Not even at their mother’s funeral had he come. Yet, Jin held no resentment toward him. He was someone who preferred to mend relationships rather than break them. Grabbing Hyun's hand tightly, Jin said,

“Come inside, Hyunie. Taehyung has gone to Seoul for some reason.”

“When did he leave and when will he return, hyung?”

Hyun’s voice trembled with an unusual fear, his unease alarming both Jin and Jimin. Jimin stepped forward and asked,

“What’s wrong, uncle? Do you need to talk to Tae hyungie? He’ll be back before evening.”

“By the time he returns, everything will be over.” Hyun said in a grave tone.

Jim sensed a foreboding disaster in his words. Pulling his brother into the house, he anxiously asked,