𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)✔

chapter 34

In Korea
Author’s POV

Mrs. Park sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she clutched her phone, repeatedly trying to call her son. The screen flashed the same message over and over— “The number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later.”

Her heart sank further with each futile attempt. The memory of Jimin's voice, laced with anger and hurt, echoed in her mind. Her little boy—her precious child—had hung up on her, severing the fragile thread connecting them. She threw the phone onto the bed in frustration, her chest heaving with silent sobs.

“Jimin-ah…” she whispered to no one, her voice cracking as tears blurred her vision.

Desperation clawed at her as she picked up the phone again, this time dialing her husband. One ring. Two rings. Three rings. No answer.

“Dongwook, please…” she muttered under her breath, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks as hopelessness consumed her. Unable to hold it in any longer, Mrs. Park sank to the floor, her cries echoing through the quiet house. Her mind replayed Jimin’s heartbroken expression like a haunting melody that refused to end.

The door creaked open suddenly, startling her. She froze, her tear-streaked face lifting just as Dongwook stepped into the room. The sight of his wife crumpled on the floor stole the breath from his chest.

“Minyoung-ah! What happened?” Dongwook rushed to her side, dropping to his knees and cupping her face gently. The pain in her eyes twisted his heart as he wiped the tears with his thumbs.

Mrs. Park trembled, her lips quivering as she tried to explain. “Jimin… Jimin knows everything. He called me… He… He’s so mad at us, Dongwook. He said things I never thought I’d hear from him. And now… his phone is switched off! I can’t reach him!” Her voice broke as she buried her face into her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

Dongwook sighed heavily, his own expression torn between concern and guilt. He gently pulled his wife into his arms, wrapping her in a protective embrace as her cries soaked into his shirt. “Shh… It’s okay. Breathe, Minyoung. Everything will be alright,” he murmured soothingly, though his own heart ached at the thought of their son being hurt.

Just then, her phone buzzed sharply against the floor, pulling them out of the moment. Mrs. Park scrambled to pick it up, her hands shaking as she saw the name on the screen—Go-Eun.

“Hello?” Mrs. Park answered, her voice trembling.

“Minyoung-ah!” came Mrs. Jeon’s voice on the other end, frantic and concerned. “Did Jimin call you? What happened?”

“Yes… He called me, Go-Eun-ah. He knows everything. He’s so angry with us. I tried to explain, but… but he wouldn’t listen. His phone is switched off now. I don’t know where he is or if he’s okay!” Mrs. Park’s voice cracked as fresh tears streamed down her face.

“Minyoung, calm down,” Mrs. Jeon replied softly, her tone firm but reassuring. “Jungkook just called me. He said Jimin is with Taehyung—his best friend. He’s safe. Jungkook is planning to see him tomorrow and talk things through. Don’t worry, alright?”

Mrs. Park hiccupped between her sobs. “But what if he doesn’t forgive us? What if—”

“Stop that,” Mrs. Jeon interrupted gently. “You’re his mother, Minyoung. Jimin loves you more than anything in this world. He’s hurt now, but this will pass. You just need to give him time. Trust your son, okay?”

The words offered a fleeting comfort, and Mrs. Park nodded, though tears continued to fall. “Thank you, Go-Eun-ah… Thank you for being there.”

When the call ended, she felt a faint sense of relief, but the ache in her chest lingered.