Unbinding Tradition

96. Silent Assurance 🥺

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Jungkook stepped into the house, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion. The weight of his failures, his helplessness, and the storm brewing inside him hadn't faded, but as soon as he heard a small, delighted voice calling out-

"Baba!"

-everything else momentarily took a backseat.

Before he could even react, a tiny body came rushing toward him, arms outstretched in pure excitement. Hyunnie's little feet barely made a sound against the floor as he flung himself into his father's embrace.

A small, tired smile crept onto Jungkook's lips as he crouched down, arms wide open. Hyunnie crashed into him, wrapping his arms around Jungkook's neck, his soft giggles muffled against his father's chest.

Jungkook closed his eyes, pressing his lips against the crown of Hyunnie's head, inhaling the familiar scent of sandalwood oil and the faint traces of milk. His arms tightened around his son as if grounding himself in the warmth of this small being who loved him unconditionally, despite all his shortcomings.

Hyun- Baba, you took so long! (he pouted, pulling back to look at him with big, questioning eyes) Me was waitin for you!

Jungkook chuckled softly, wiping away the slight smudge of color on Hyunnie's cheek with his thumb.

Jk- I'm sorry, Hyunnie. Baba had some work.

Hyun- Hmm... (his tiny fingers curled around Jungkook's collar, as if trying to hold onto him for just a little longer) Then you play with me now, right?

Jungkook's heart clenched at the innocent request. He wanted to say yes, wanted to sit on the floor and color meaningless drawings with his son, pretend-even for a little while-that everything was normal. That his world wasn't shattering beneath his feet.

But before he could respond, another voice interrupted-

"Hyunnie, have this."

Jungkook turned to see Tae standing by the doorway of the kitchen, holding a glass of milk. Her brows were slightly furrowed, but there was a gentleness in her expression as she looked at him. Her lips curved into a smile.

For a moment, he just stood there, taking her in.

His wife. His anchor. The woman who had refused to leave his side no matter how many times he had pushed her away.

But she didn't know.

She didn't know how terrified he was. How he had been standing at the riverbank just hours ago, contemplating-

Jungkook blinked, pushing the thought away. He couldn't afford to be weak right now. Not when his family depended on him.

He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face before letting go of Hyunnie; who hided behind Jungkook, pouting.

Hyun- Me no drink milkie. It's yuck.

Jungkook chuckled lightly before pulling the boy to the front and said;

Jk- If Hyunnie won't drink milk then how will he become strong like Baba? How will he protect his Amma from bad people?

Hyunnie thought for a while and then looked at Tae forwarding his arms to get the glass of milk. Tae smiled handing him the glass.

Hyunnie then turned towards Jungkook and grinned mischievously saying;

Hyun- Baba; me drink half and you drink half. We both protect Amma.

Jungkook laughed lightly and ruffled his hair saying;

Jk- Done. But you must drink it first.

Hyunnie nodded his head and walked towards the couch.