✓BunBun Mine // taekook

Chapter 44

Jungkook was pacing around continuously in the living room. Lisa kept scolding him in a stern voice to stay still, but he paid no attention. His mind was restless, tangled in the fear of impending danger. What was the need for Taehyung to hold a community meeting in the entire area? Jungkook thought that maybe, out of desperation, Taehyung had rushed here, leaving everything behind just to see him. But reality turned out to be different. He had come for the gathering, not for him.

Anger, resentment, and grief painted Jungkook’s mind with dark clouds of sorrow. What was the point of dragging up old, painful wounds?

This would only worsen Taehyung’s already strained relationship with his father instead of mending it. Nothing would be resolved. Jungkook's father, Hoseok, still refused to speak to him after their marriage, which went against his wishes. Jungkook felt a deep sorrow, an unbearable pain in his chest. The same father, whose strong hands had once lovingly guided him through childhood, spoiled him with utter affection even before speaking out his thoughts, now refused to accept him as his son because he chose to marry the man he loved.

Even having Taehyung as his husband didn’t make Jungkook feel completely happy. Quite the opposite—everything felt empty. Despite being married to the man he loved, his father’s rigid barriers prevented him from truly enjoying the presence of Taehyung. He couldn’t let his eyes linger on Taehyung’s dusky, handsome face or gently touch him and shyly lean into his embrace. Letting out a long sigh, Jungkook sank into a wicker chair. He wondered aloud when this family conflict would finally end.

Looking at his mother, he asked in a voice mixed with fear, “Mom, why didn’t you say anything to appa? You saw how upset he was when he agreed to go to the council meeting. Who knows what will happen there? I’m scared.”

“Don’t worry,” his mother replied calmly. “Taehyung and Hyun are doing the right thing. Your father needs to correct the wrongs he has done. How long will Aera’s name remain tarnished despite her innocence? She bore the burden of their mistakes, drank poison, and ended her life, and the world labeled her as sinful. How do you think Taehyung feels hearing such false accusations about his own aunt? I say he’s fighting for justice. Now, go study for your exam.”

Jungkook still had one exams left, but his notes and books were already prepared. The day before, Taehyung had come to their house, eaten lunch, and left in the afternoon. But he hadn’t spent any time with Jungkook.

For some reason, Jungkook felt like Taehyung was deliberately keeping a distance from him, between them. He couldn’t understand why. Couldn’t Taehyung see how desperately he longed for that man's presence?

At one point, Jungkook considered asking him directly,  “Why are you keeping your distance? What’s the problem?”  But his heart held him back, knowing Taehyung’s sharp tongue might embarrass him, leaving him drowning in a sea of shame.

Yoongi was leaving quickly through the front door when Jungkook called out to him, "Hyung."

"Yeah?"

Yoongi replied in a busy tone.

Jungkook came closer and said, "Are you going to the council meeting?"

"Yes, that's where I'm going. Your husband is such a cunning man. It seems like my father and he think they're kings of two different countries, trying to conquer each other's territories. Your married life will pass watching this war. By the way, have you talked to Jimin since yesterday, baby?"

Hearing Jimin's name, Jungkook's eyebrows furrowed slightly. Hearing Jimin's name from his brother felt like winning the moon. He knew his hyung couldn't stand Jimin. But lately, his brother's behavior, gaze, and words towards Jimin seemed somehow calm and soft. He nodded doubtfully, saying, "No. We haven't talked much because of the exams. Why?"