The bond that stick us together: A BTS Brotherly AU

[27]

Mr. Kim leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass as if contemplating something utterly insignificant. His piercing gaze swept over his sons, lingering just long enough to make each of them feel exposed, vulnerable. But then, his lips curved into that familiar, knowing smirk.

"Jin," he said, voice smooth but laced with something darker. "Stay behind. I want a word with you in my study."

A hush fell over the room.

Jungkook's stomach twisted. It was always bad when their father singled one of them out.

Jin, to his credit, didn't flinch. His expression remained neutral; his mask as impenetrable as ever. "Of course, Father."

The unspoken tension between the remaining brothers crackled like static in the air. No one dared to speak as the butlers cleared the table, their movements eerily silent. The grand dining hall felt even colder than before, as if it had absorbed all the dread lingering in the air.

Mr. Kim rose from his seat, adjusting his cuffs with calculated ease before turning toward the hallway that led to his study. As he walked away, he didn't spare his other sons a second glance. Jin followed without hesitation, his footsteps steady—calm, controlled.

"You guys can go wait in car for me." He said calmly before following Mr. Kim though.

The moment the heavy doors closed behind them, Jungkook exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"We should wait," Jimin murmured, voice low. "Just in case."

Yoongi nodded; jaw clenched. "Like hell we're leaving without him."

They all knew better than to leave without Jin. Mr. Kim's 'private conversations' never meant anything good.

Jungkook's fingers curled into fists against his lap, his jaw tight as he stared at the door Jin had disappeared behind. He knew better than to ask, to voice the unease clawing at his chest, but it didn't stop the flood of worry from settling in his bones.

Beside him, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, exuding a nonchalance that didn't quite reach his eyes. "He'll be fine," he murmured, barely above a whisper.

But Jungkook wasn't so sure.

The minutes dragged. Every second that passed felt like an eternity.

In Mr. Kim's study, silence reigned. The only sound was the slow tick of the antique clock perched on the mahogany desk, each second stretching into an eternity.

Jin stood in the center of the dimly lit room, posture rigid but composed. He had spent years perfecting the art of unreadability, of standing in front of their father without flinching.

Mr. Kim took his time, pouring himself another glass of wine, savoring the moment. "You know why I called you here," he said finally, breaking the silence.

Jin met his gaze without hesitation. "I have an idea."

A low chuckle. "Of course, you do." Mr. Kim took a slow sip, then placed the glass down with a quiet clink. "You've always been the sharpest. The most... reliable." He stepped forward, circling Jin like a predator assessing its prey. "That's why I'm entrusting this to you."

Jin's pulse remained steady. "What exactly is this?"

A pause. Then, Mr. Kim slid a folder across the desk.

"Open it."

Jin did. His eyes flicked over the contents—documents, photos, details written in precise, unforgiving ink.

A name stood out.

His stomach coiled.

Mr. Kim watched him closely, gauging his reaction. "You know what needs to be done."