silent symphony

35.

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The next day, the group returned to Seoul, the city skyline coming into view as their car neared the penthouse. Taehyung sat quietly next to Jungkook, his small hand held securely in the alpha’s. Though he seemed calm, his eyes revealed traces of lingering worry.

As they entered the penthouse mariya was impatiently waiting for them. She heard the news over the phone that's why she is worried.

“Oh, my dear boy!” Maria exclaimed as she spotted Taehyung. She hurried to his side, enveloping him in a soft yet firm hug. “I heard what happened. Are you okay, my sweet child?”

Taehyung’s eyes filled with tears at her kind words, and he nodded, leaning into her hug. Maria held him close, I'm her warm and comforting embrace“You’ve been through a lot,” she said softly, stroking his hair. “But you’re safe now. You’re home.”

Jungkook watched from a distance with a smile.Maria had always been like a second mother to him, and seeing her show the same kindness to Taehyung made him appreciate her even more.

“You’re too good to him, Maria,” Jungkook teased lightly.

Maria turned to him, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Someone has to be. "

Jungkook left out a chuckle.

“Come, my dear. You look exhausted. Let me make you something warm to eat. How about your favorite soup?Maria said turning her attention to taehyung.

Taehyung smiled shyly, his hands moving to sign his thanks. Maria chuckled warmly, already heading toward the kitchen. “No need to thank me, sweetheart. It’s my job to take care of you.”

Jungkook placed a hand on Taehyung’s back, guiding him toward the living room. “Go rest for a bit. I’ll join you after I check on a few things. "

Taehyung hesitated but eventually nodded, sinking into the plush couch. Maria soon returned with a steaming bowl of soup, setting it down on the coffee table in front of him. She sat beside him, gently coaxing him to eat while chatting about mundane things to distract him from his thoughts.

As Taehyung ate slowly, the warmth of the soup and Maria’s comforting presence began to calm him.

*

*

"I found something, Mom," Mingyu said ,his tone laced with curiosity as he handed a small stack of photos to his mother.

She raised an eyebrow, taking the pictures from him. "What is it?" she asked, flipping through them.

"Look at these closely," Mingyu urged, leaning over her shoulder.

Jungkook had recently gone to inspect his new resort with his group of friends, and the photos seemed to capture moments when they were getting on and off the plane .

"Yes… I see the pictures, but there’s nothing unusual," she replied, her gaze scanning the familiar faces.

"Nothing odd at first glance, sure," Mingyu said, pointing to a particular photo. "But look at this person here."

He tapped on the image, directing her attention to a smaller figure in the background. "Who is this person? And why is Jungkook holding his hand?" Mingyu questioned, his voice dropping slightly as he spoke.

His mother squinted at the photo, frowning in thought.

"I know all of Jungkook’s friends," Mingyu began, pointing at each face in the picture. "This is Namjoon, his close friend. That one there is Hoseok. The shorter one is Yoongi, and this here is Jin—probably Namjoon’s friend. Recently, they added someone new, Jimin. I’ve heard about him. His rank isn’t confirmed yet, but I believe he’s a beta."