You Never Know [JIKOOK]

63. This Moment

Jungkook kissed Jimin's cheek. "Love, where's mom and Juju?" He asked as he sat down at the breakfast table, rubbing his eyes as the sleepiness still clung to him.

Jimin, finishing tying his apron, turned to face him. "Oh, I forgot to say," he began, walking over to the table and sitting down across from Jungkook. "They went to Busan."

"Suddenly?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow, taking a bite of his bacon, his thoughts already wandering.

"Yeah," Jimin replied. "Mom had some things to take care of, and Minju wanted to tag along."

Jungkook nodded slowly, glancing at his plate. "Ahh..." His mind lingered on the emptiness of the house. "Everyone's busy today, huh?" he muttered to himself, the words hanging in the air.

Jimin watched him quietly, sensing the subtle shift in Jungkook's mood. "And also, I'll be home late tonight," Jimin added, trying to change the topic.

"Why?" Jungkook asked, his attention still focused on his food, though there was an edge of curiosity in his voice.

"Hobi hyung invited us over," Jimin replied casually. "We're going to his place for a bit."

"Ohh." Jungkook's lips pressed into a thin line as he processed the information. "Do you want to come?" Jimin asked, his tone soft.

Jungkook hesitated, his gaze dropping to his plate. "N-no," he said quietly, not looking up.

Jimin studied him for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes, but he didn't press further. "Alright," he said softly, taking a bite of his food.

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"Hello?" Jungkook answered his phone, tucking it between his shoulder and ear as he continued arranging the neat stack of files on his desk. He glanced briefly at the small bouquet of flowers beside them—maybe from the staff, a quiet way of saying happy birthday.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart!" his mother's soft and affectionate voice came through the line, instantly pulling a small smile from him.

"Thank you, Mom," he said, his voice warming despite the heaviness lingering in his chest.

"Happy birthday, son. Come here later after your work, let's celebrate," came the sudden, deeper voice of Mr. Jeon in the background.

Jungkook paused for a second, hesitating before answering. "Sure, Dad. But I think I'll come alone."

"Why?" his mother asked, confused and a little worried.

Jungkook exhaled quietly, straightening the flowers. "Mom and Minju went to Busan... and Jimin has plans with Taehyung and Hobi hyung." His voice dropped slightly, sadness slipping through before he could hide it.

There was a beat of silence on the other end.

"But don't worry," Jungkook quickly added with a forced chuckle. "They already greeted me." A lie—small, but it made him feel a little less empty.

"Okay, honey… see you later," his mother said gently, her voice carrying a trace of concern.
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*****
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"What do you mean you canceled the meeting?" Jungkook asked gently, holding the phone to his ear. He leaned back slightly in his chair, tired eyes glancing over the papers on his desk. His secretary stood nearby, quietly waiting.

"Dude, I have some errands. Let's resched it, okay?" Jackson’s voice came through the line, casual as ever. Jungkook could tell he was driving from the background noise.