Mafia's Caretaker; The Devil's Cure

Bonus; Through the storm, with you.

Warning ⚠️ - sensitive chapter ahead.

The second time was supposed to be easier.

At least, that's what everyone said.

Y/N had already gone through it once before. She had carried their son, endured the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming emotions of motherhood. She had stayed up through sleepless nights, learned how to soothe tiny cries, and discovered the beauty of holding a part of her and Jungkook in her arms.

So why did this time feel harder?

Why did she feel like she was drowning?

Their daughter was barely a week old, her cries filling their home at unpredictable hours, and Y/N-despite her love, despite everything she had learned the first time-felt like she was failing all over again.

She sat on the edge of the bed, their newborn cradled against her chest, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. She should have been used to this. She had gone through the postpartum struggles before. She knew what to expect.

But exhaustion weighed heavy on her body. The pain from childbirth still lingered, her body sore and weak. And the guilt-oh, the guilt was the worst part of it all.

Because this time, she wasn't just a mother to one child. She was a mother to two.

And she felt like she was failing both of them.

A small knock sounded at the door before Jungkook peeked in, his brows furrowed with concern. "Petal?"

She couldn't even respond. Her throat felt too tight, her emotions too raw.

Jungkook stepped in carefully, the dim glow of the nightlight casting shadows across his face. In his arms was their son, groggy with sleep, his tiny hands clutching his father's shirt.

"Mommy," their son mumbled, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Y/N felt a fresh wave of tears prick her eyes. Their little boy-her first baby-had been so patient, so understanding. But she hadn't been able to give him as much attention lately, and the thought of it broke her.

Jungkook must have sensed what was going through her mind because he moved swiftly, sitting beside her on the bed. "You're doing amazing, y/n. You're an incredible mother."

She let out a shaky breath, leaning her head against his chest, her fingers gripping his shirt as if grounding herself. "I feel like I'm not enough for them," she whispered, voice laced with guilt. "Seol needs me too, but I barely have time for him. It's like... I'm failing."

"What if he thinks I don't love him as much anymore?" Her voice broke on the last words, the weight of her fears pressing heavily on her chest.

Jungkook's grip on her tightened, his warmth enveloping her, anchoring her in place. Her words pierced through him like a blade, sharp and unforgiving.

He cupped her face gently, brushing away the tears that trailed down her cheeks.

"Y/N, listen to me," he said, his voice steady, unwavering. "Seol knows you love him. You've given him five years of warmth, love, and the safest place to come home to. That's not going to change just because he has a sibling now." He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "And you don't have to do this alone. I'm here, baby. I'll make sure Seol never feels left out, and I'll remind you every single day that you're doing more than enough."

Y/N let out a shaky breath, her body sagging against his. "But what if I mess up?"

Jungkook let out a soft chuckle, his fingers trailing soothing patterns on her back. "Then we mess up together," he murmured. "Parenting isn't perfect, petal. It never will be. But we're learning, just like we did with Seol. Just like we will with her."