Unbinding Tradition

55. A Silent Apology (2) 🙏

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The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Tae adjusted the pillows on the bed, careful not to disturb Jiminee, who was still nestled in the middle. She smoothed the sheets with practiced precision, her mind preoccupied with the chaos of the previous night.

The sound of the bathroom door creaking open pulled her from her thoughts. Jungkook stepped out, water droplets tracing paths down his toned chest. A towel hung loosely around his waist. Tae didn’t spare him a glance, determined to finish her chores.

Jungkook’s footsteps echoed across the room as he approached her. His voice was sharp and commanding.

Jk- Pack your bags. (he ordered) I’ll drop you at your Bapu-sa’s house.

Tae paused, her hands stilling over the sheet. She didn’t look at him as she replied softly but firmly,

Tae- I’m not going.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. He grabbed her wrist, forcing her to face him. His dark eyes bore into hers, the tension was clear.

Jk- Yesterday, your Bapu-sa couldn’t stop talking about how much he wanted you to visit and now, when I’m ready to take you there, you’re throwing tantrums?

Tae yanked her hand free, stepping back. She resumed fluffing the pillows, refusing to engage. This only fueled Jungkook’s anger. He grabbed her wrist again, his grip firm.

Jk- Don’t ignore me, Taehyung! (he snapped) Lately, you’ve been showing a lot of attitude. Do you think I’ll tolerate this?

Tae’s patience snapped. She wrenched her hand away and turned to face him, her eyes blazing.

Tae- Oh, really? (she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm) Do you know the real reason I don’t want to go to my parents' house? It’s because of your Dadi-sa!

Jungkook blinked, caught off guard by her sudden outburst.

Tae- If I step out of this house... (she continued, her voice rising) I might find peace for a day or two. But the moment I return, your Dadi-sa will bombard me with lectures. She’ll insult my parents, question my upbringing, and curse me for things I didn’t even do!

Jungkook opened his mouth to respond, but Tae cut him off, her voice now trembling with frustration.

Tae- And you think you’re the only one who’s stressed? The only one with responsibilities? Do you even realize what I go through every single day in this haveli?

Tears welled in her eyes, but her voice remained strong.

Tae- At least you get to leave for work. (she said bitterly) You get a break from this place. I’m stuck here 24/7, taking all the rants, scoldings, and curses from your so-called family. And now, even you’ve started treating me like them!

Jungkook’s face darkened, but he stayed silent, his fists clenching at his sides.

Tae- I used to be happy when you came home. (she admitted, her voice softening for a moment) I thought I’d find peace in you. I could talk to you, share my feelings with you. But now… now you’ve become like them. Always angry. Always finding faults in me.

She laughed bitterly, tears finally spilling over.

Tae- And you call this love? (she said, pointing a trembling finger at his chest) Where there’s love, there’s no ego. There’s supposed to be understanding. But in our relationship, it’s always me who has to understand you. When you’re angry, I have to console you. When you’re sad, I have to coax you. But what about me? Who do I go to when I’m broken?