A lie

part 25

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The walk to Taehyung’s small house stretched on as the villagers continued to follow them. Every step brought another wave of whispers, laughter, and cautious glances in Jungkook’s direction. Taehyung walked confidently, his smirk unshakeable, his chest puffed out as though he carried the entire world on his shoulders.

Jungkook, surprisingly, felt at ease despite the growing attention. The soft chatter around him was like background music to the warm beauty of the village. Canals glistened under the sunlight, quaint houses lined with vibrant flowers stood proudly in neat rows, and the open fields painted the perfect picture of peace.

“Hyung,” Jungkook whispered, leaning closer to Taehyung, “they’re all staring.”

Taehyung’s smirk widened. “Let them. They’ve waited months for this moment.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, unsure of what Taehyung meant, but he decided to focus instead on the villagers’ kind smiles and shy waves.

---

As they approached the familiar wooden gate, a small figure came into view. Taehee stood there, wringing her hands nervously, her eyes darting between Taehyung and the man walking beside him. Her heart was racing, her thoughts a chaotic mix of joy, disbelief, and overwhelming emotion.

“Eomma,” Taehyung called out softly as he neared.

At the sound of his voice, Taehee froze. Her lips trembled, and tears began to fall freely as her hands reached out instinctively. “Taehyung-ah,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Without hesitation, Taehyung dropped his bag and ran to her, wrapping her in a tight hug. Taehee clung to him as though he might disappear, her sobs muffled against his shoulder.

“You’re home,” she whispered, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt. “My son is home."

Taehyung pulled back slightly, his own tears threatening to spill. “Eomma, I missed you so much.”

Taehee cupped his face, her eyes scanning every inch of him as though memorizing the man he had become. “oh my little boy." she murmured, her thumb brushing over his cheek. “My Taehyung, My baby, My heart. You came! My baby came!” she exclaimed. She brushed her hands on taehyung's cheeks to shoulder and from shoulder to down his biceps. "You've become a grown man." She said her mouth parted when she felt the extra buffness on her son's body. "But.. you're still my baby, My little Taetae." She said and tiptoed to kiss her son's forehead and both eyes, hugging him once again.

Taehyung chuckled softly, leaning into her touch. “Eomma, you’re embarrassing me in front of the crowd.”

“I don’t care,” Taehee replied firmly, pulling him into another hug. “You're my only son, Let them see how much I love my son.

As their embrace continued, Jungkook watched from a few steps away, his heart aching in a way he couldn’t explain. He blinked rapidly, trying to push back the tears that threatened to fall.

Taehee finally noticed him standing there and gasped softly. She stepped back from Taehyung, her hands covering her mouth as she stared at Jungkook.

“It’s him,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “It’s really him.”

Taehyung smirked, stepping aside to give her a clear view. “Eomma, meet Jungkook.”

Taehee took a tentative step forward, her eyes wide with wonder. “Jungkook-ssi... the model... you’re here?”

"My God!"

"This.. This is real, he..he is real. Isn't he?!" She gasped her eyes scanning jungkook from top to bottom.