Different colors of flag || jikook

Chapter 38

His heart pounded uncomfortably as an inexplicable feeling settled in his chest.
a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety.

And then, he realised

A familiar elderly woman stood infront of him. Her skin, radiant and smooth, defied time, glowing with confidence and self-care. Dressed in elegant yet modern attire, she blended sophistication with bold style tailored cuts, rich fabrics, and colors that reflected her fearless spirit. Her hair, neatly tied in an impeccable updo, framed her striking featuresher silver-streaked hair neatly tied back. Jimin’s steps faltered as their eyes met.

It felt like time had stopped.

Jeon jaehi, jungkooks mother, stood frozen in place, his hands trembling as he clutched the fabric of his attire. The deep emotion in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Jimin?" The voice that called his name was soft yet trembling, as if unsure whether to believe what his eyes were seeing.

Jimin’s breath hitched in his throat. His chest tightened with a flood of emotions he wasn’t prepared to face.

"Mrs. Jeon…" he whispered.

Before he could say another word, the older woman moved forward and wrapped him in a tight embrace. The scent of fresh lavender and warm spices the scent Jimin had once associated with comfort and home washed over him, bringing back a wave of memories. Mrs Jeon held him tightly, as if she feared letting go would make Jimin disappear again.

"You’re here," She murmured, her voice breaking. "After all these years… you’ve come back."

Jimin swallowed hard, his throat burning. he had never expected this reunion, not like this, not in the middle of a bustling festival. he had never thought he would see this woman again the woman who had once treated him like.............

Just as he was about to speak, a small voice caught his attention.

A giggle.

Jimin turned his gaze and saw a little boy, no older than one and a half, playing a few steps away with Min Hao and Shizo. The child had chubby cheeks, dark, curious eyes, and a mop of soft black hair. Something about him sent a jolt through Jimin’s heart.

he stared at him, his breath faltering.

The resemblance…

His hands clenched into fists.

"Is he…?" The words barely escaped his lips.

Mrs jeon followed his gaze and immediately shook her head. A sad, knowing smile curved her lips.

"He is not Jungkook’s son," she said softly.

Jimin blinked in confusion, a strange sense of relief and uncertainty washing over him. "Then…?"

Mrs jeon took a deep breath and gently led jimin to a nearby bench. She sat down beside him, holding jimin’s hands in her own fragile ones.

"His name is Minjun," she began, her voice trembling. "He is Somi and her husband’s child."

Jimin’s eyes widened in shock. "Somi?"

Mrs jeon nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Somi and her husband… they died in a car accident. Minjun… he was left all alone. And now, Jungkook is the one taking care of him." Her voice broke as she wiped at her eyes. "We help him in whatever way we can, but he has changed so much, Jimin. He is not the same boy you once knew."

Jimin remained silent, his chest tightening painfully.

Mrs Jeon squeezed Jimin’s hands tightly. "After you left, Jungkook… he lost himself in work. And then Naya came along."

The mention of the name sent a shiver down Jimin’s spine.

"Naya?"

Mrs jeon’s expression darkened as she nodded. "His company's director, very cunning. She saw his vulnerability and took advantage of it. She flirts with him, clings to him, and controls his every move. And it’s not just Jungkook she torments Minjun too."

Jimin’s heart pounded. "What do you mean?"

"In front of others, she pretends to care for him, but when no one is watching, she is cruel. She ignores him, sometimes even yells at him. He is just a child, jiminaa. He doesn’t deserve this." Jaehi’s voice cracked, the pain evident in her words. "She wants to get rid of him, but she knows Jungkook would never allow that. So she pretends. She acts like the perfect woman in front of Jungkook, but behind closed doors, she is a different person."

Jimin clenched his jaw, anger bubbling inside him.

"And what about you? Has she hurt you too?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

Jaehi hesitated, then nodded slowly. "She made my life unbearable. She manipulated Jungkookie into believing I was exaggerating, that I was just being overprotective. But I saw through her lies. I tried to fight back, but she is relentless."

Jimin felt a lump rise in his throat. he turned his gaze back to the little boy, who was now laughing as Min Hao spun him around playfully. He was so small, so innocent. He deserved love, not neglect.

Mrs jeon took a deep, shaky breath. Then, she did something that shattered Jimin’s heart she folded her hands together and bowed deeply.

"Please, Jiminaa," she pleaded. "Save my family. Save my grandson. I have no one else to turn to. I searched for you, Somi and I both did. But we never found you. Now that you’re here… you’re our only hope."

Jimin sat frozen. he had prepared herself for many things upon returning to Seoul but not this.

A proposal.

A plea for marriage.

Jaehi raised her tear-filled eyes to Jimin, waiting, hoping.

Jimin’s heart pounded as he stared at the woman who had once been like a mother to him. At the little boy who needed protection. And at the city where everything had begun.

The past had found him again. And now, it demanded a choice.