Unbinding Tradition

97. Fear 😧

Everyone please vote and comment a lot!!!! 🙏

And read chapter 97 first. I think notification was not received in the morning when I updated that chapter...

The air inside the room was heavy, carrying the weight of unspoken thoughts. The moment Jungkook stepped inside, he sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the wall, unmoving. His mind was drowning in the storm of everything that had happened-his demotion, Jung-guk's suspension, the looming threat of complete ruin.

When Tae entered some moments later, she immediately sensed it.

He wasn't present.

His body was in the room, but his soul seemed lost elsewhere.

Tae's brows furrowed in concern.

Tae- Sa? (her voice was gentle, careful, yet there was an underlying firmness in it)

No response.

She stepped closer, her heart tightening as she watched his face-expressionless, hollow, distant.

Tae- Sa? (she called again, but it was as if he didn't hear her at all)

Tae sighed. She knew this silence. It wasn't just exhaustion-it was the silence of a man who was breaking from within.

She reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Jungkook flinched slightly. His muscles tensed beneath her touch, but he did not turn to face her.

Tae exhaled softly, kneeling beside him. Slowly, she cupped his cheek, forcing him to look at her.

Tae- What happened, Sa?

Jungkook swallowed, his jaw tightening. He shook his head.

Jk- Nothing.

But Tae wasn't fooled.

She had seen this before. A man burdened with too much, carrying a weight so heavy that even words failed him.

Tae reached for the small container of head balm from the side table and settled beside him.

Tae- Lie down on my lap. (she murmured)

Jungkook glanced at her, his brows knitting together.

Jk- Tae, it's not necessary-

Tae- Lie down. (her voice was stubborn yet filled with warmth)

Jungkook hesitated. His pride told him to refuse, but the exhaustion in his bones screamed for relief.

After a moment, he exhaled and gave in.

As he laid his head on her lap, Tae gently ran her fingers through his hair, letting them glide through the strands with feather-light touches. She dipped her fingers into the balm and began massaging his scalp, her movements slow and deliberate.

Tae- You carry too much, Sa. (she whispered, her tone laced with quiet understanding) And even then, you never ask for help.

Jungkook closed his eyes. He didn't respond, but his body slowly relaxed under her touch.

Tae continued, her fingers working their way across his temple, soothing away the tension.

Tae- You are not alone in this. You never were.

A bitter chuckle escaped Jungkook's lips.

Jk- Aren't I?

Tae stilled for a moment before she resumed.

Tae- No. (she said softly) You have me.

Jungkook swallowed, something aching inside his chest.