Forelsket || taekook

Chapter 79

The bus slowed down as it entered the familiar streets of Busan. Jungkook sat by the window, clutching his backpack, his heart thudding softly with excitement. The city outside had changed a little—new shops, taller buildings, some old stores gone—but it still felt like home.

He could already imagine the smell of his mother's kitchen, the scolding from his second brother Jae, if he stayed out too late, and the soft, warm hug of his eldest brother, Jin. Most of all, he was excited to see little Nari—his niece who was almost a year old now. He'd bought a few soft toys and baby clothes for her and couldn't wait to see her reactions.

The ride had taken nearly one hour and forty-five minutes, but Jungkook didn't feel tired. He had been texting Taehyung and his family during the ride. Taehyung had already reached his own home and told Jungkook to text when he arrived. He also told Jungkook to call him directly if anything urgent happened.

That made Jungkook smile. Taehyung always made sure he felt safe and cared for, even when they were apart.

As the bus finally pulled into the Busan station, Jungkook stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. The gifts were packed neatly in a small suitcase he brought along. The moment the doors opened, a cool breeze hit his face, and the smell of the sea welcomed him home.

He walked out, scanning the area until he spotted them—his father and Jin hyung, standing just a little ahead, near the exit gate.

"Appa!" Jungkook called, waving excitedly.

His father looked up and smiled. It wasn't a wide grin, but his eyes softened the moment he saw his youngest son. Jin also broke into a bright smile, waving both hands above his head.

Jungkook didn't hold back. Like a little boy, he rushed forward and almost jumped into his father's arms. His father, surprised for a moment, steadied himself and hugged Jungkook back tightly, patting his back a few times.

"You've grown thinner," his father said gruffly, but there was emotion in his voice.

"I eat fine, Appa," Jungkook said softly, his face buried into his father's shoulder for a second longer before pulling away.

Jin came in next, ruffling his hair and pulling him into a brotherly hug. "You look good, Kookie. Missed you, brat."

Jungkook laughed. "Missed you too, hyung."

"Where's Jae hyung?" he asked as they walked toward the car.

"He had some meeting to attend. He'll be home by evening," Jin said. "But he's been cleaning the house like crazy since morning because you're coming."

That made Jungkook laugh again. "He hasn't changed at all."

The ride from the bus station to their home was calm. Jin played soft music on the radio. His father mostly stayed quiet, driving with focus, though he asked Jungkook about his classes and how things were going.