A Boy Named Kookie

Rain Washed Reality

I busy myself about the kitchen making lunch as Jungkook finishes his nap. Whenever I feel stressed I always cook because it reminds me of my mother. She always made food if we came home upset and talked to us as we filled our bellies. The savory smell of gimbap wafts across the kitchen as I finish plating the just cut circles. I have been working since late morning, but I couldn't help making the complicated dish to calm my ever-churning mind. With the food finally finished I put away the dishes in the washer. Yoongi always makes fun of me for being so domestic but growing up so close to my mother it was instilled at an early age.

I think of Jungkook, who will he emulate as he grows older making a life of his own? I know I won't be in his life forever as he needs to be with a real family, but a small part of me hopes that I'll leave an impression on the young boy. Looking past the counter through to the living room I smile as I see the playmat set up scattered with plush and toys. I can't imagine the apartment without the baby's things thrown about. A bottle here, a blanket there. It has only been a week since Jungkook was literally placed in my care, but it feels like it's been forever. Tomorrow we go to the station to meet with Officer Hyuk and see what progress has been made with Ms. Jeon.

As soon as the thought passes through my mind I lurch forward towards the hall tree. The note I found in the diaper bag lays wrinkled and forgotten in the pocket of my green sweater. The other day I went to tell Yoongi about the ominous letter, but things spiraled into a whole new realm. I met little Yoongi for the first time and it never crossed my mind again. Turning to look at the oven clock I see that Yoongi's class should be over and decide to call him. The phone barely rings twice when a breathless Yoongi picks up. Before he can speak I rapidly utter, "You are coming, right? I just remembered what I needed to tell you Monday, his mother left a note in the diaper bag. I didn't see it as we were unorganized, and then other things occupied my mind. Try to get here as soon as you can." He gives an affirmative and I drop the phone to the couch and head to the kitchen for gimbap to eat until Yoongi comes home.

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When Yoongi finally lets himself into the apartment half the gimbap is gone and Jungkook has woken up from his nap. We reside in the living room, I on the couch and Jungkook in the playpen sitting closest to me playing with a bunny the size of himself. "I'm sorry Hyung it took me so long I had to grab something from the store." The smaller boy whips out a package of ramen and pack of beer. I look at him incredulously, we can't drink with a child to watch. "Oh Hyung, we'll need this trust me. If not tonight then tomorrow." He continues and puts the beverages in the fridge coming back with a piece of gimbap in hand. "Hey midget, alright let's see this note."

I scoot over and let him sit before thrusting the literature into his hand. Seeing Yoongi, Jungkook gets whiny so I stand and stoop over the fence like enclosure picking him up. I once again perch upon the plush cushions with the child nestled in my arms. The music major's face portrays a range of emotions as he reads the letter. It is only after he finishes that his eyes meet mine. What surprises me the most is the tears glittering in his eyes as he puts the letter on the arm of the couch and reaches for Jungkook. I willingly offer the child towards his awaiting arms watching as Yoongi hugs the baby to his chest a saddened look furrowing his brow.

"Yoongi-ya, what do we do now?" It takes a moment before he looks at me again. Determination colors his eyes mixing with the sadness making him appear ready to take on anyone or anything. I reach forward and clasp my hand on his leg beside my own realizing why he is taking the letter so hard. "I promise that I will do everything in my power to keep what happened to you from happening to Jungkook." My words must have been the catalyst because suddenly I am looking into the eyes of little Yoongi.