SHATTERED VOWS | JEON JUNGKOOK X OC |

Chapter 41

The soft golden light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the quiet room. The world outside was slowly waking up, but inside the bedroom, everything was still-until

A sudden weight landed on Jungkook's stomach, forcing the air out of his lungs with a startled grunt. He groaned, A loud oof escaped his lips as tiny hands patted his cheeks repeatedly. Cracking his eyes open to see a giggling Jungsoo straddling his torso, bouncing up and down like he was riding a horse.

"Appa, wake up!" Jungsoo's bright voice filled the room.

Jungkook blinked against the soft morning light streaming through the curtains, still groggy from sleep. He stretched one arm out lazily, rubbing his face with a tired groan.

"Jungsoo-yah, why are you attacking me this early?" he mumbled, voice hoarse from sleep.

Jungsoo pouted, crossing his arms. "Because you slept here!" He looked around his own bed before placing his small hands on his hips, tilting his head dramatically. "Why did you sleep in my room, Appa?"

Jungkook yawned, then grinned mischievously, deciding to match his son's playful tone. "Well... I got scared in the middle of the night." He widened his eyes, feigning innocence. "So I needed to hug someone, and I thought-who is the bravest person I know?" He paused for dramatic effect before poking Jungsoo's belly. "Of course, it's my Jungsoo!"

Jungsoo's eyes widened in shock. "Huh? You got scared, Appa?" He tilted his head, blinking rapidly.

Jungkook nodded solemnly, playing along. "Mhm. I needed to hug someone really brave, so I came to you." His voice held a dramatic softness, his dark eyes twinkling as he watched Jungsoo's reaction.

For a moment, Jungsoo simply stared at him, his small mouth forming an O shape-before suddenly bursting into laughter. He clutched his belly, shaking his head as he laughed uncontrollably. Wiggling under his father's touch. "Appa, you're so dumb!" His little shoulders shaking as if Jungkook had just told the funniest joke in the world.

Jungkook gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Yah! Why am I dumb?"He pouted exaggeratedly, reaching up to ruffle Jungsoo's messy bed hair.

Jungsoo, still giggling, shook his head. "Because if you were scared, you should've hugged Eomma! Why did you come to me?" He tilted his head, clearly amused by his father's so-called 'childish' behavior.

Jungkook pursed his lips, pretending to think. "Hmm... but I thought you were the bravest in our house?"

Jungsoo grinned proudly. "I am!"

"See?" Jungkook smirked. "That's why I came to you. My brave Jungsoo would protect me, right?"

Jungsoo shook his head dramatically, his tiny hands flying up in the air. "Appa, Appa, listen-Eomma is more brave than me! When I used to get scared, I hugged her, and she made everything okay." He puffed his chest. "But now, I'm a big boy! I don't get scared anymore. I can handle myself. But Appa-you're an adult! Why are you scared?" He covered his mouth as another wave of laughter took over."

Jungkook watched as Jungsoo continued giggling, his tiny shoulders shaking with amusement. The little boy lay sprawled on the bed, legs kicking in the air as he repeated his earlier statement.

Jungkook just stared at his son for a moment, stunned by his words.

Jungsoo's innocence was something so pure, so untouched by the complexities of adult emotions. He spoke as if it was the simplest thing in the world-when you're scared, you go to someone strong. And for him, that was his mother.

Jungkook swallowed the lump in his throat. His fingers absentmindedly brushed through Jungsoo's soft hair as he forced himself to respond.

A soft smile tugged at Jungkook's lips despite the bittersweet emotions swirling inside him.