MOTHER | vsoo |

13: Reprimand

Jisoo's POV

"Jimin, I'm going out," I announced, heading toward the door.

Before I could take a step outside, Jimin darted into the living room, blocking the doorway.

"No. Absolutely not. Taehyung could be stalking you, waiting for this exact moment!" His voice was sharp, his expression almost panicked.

I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips as I gently patted his cheek. "Jimin, you really think Taehyung is going to scare me into staying inside forever? I've known him longer than you. I can handle him better than any of you buffoons."

Jimin glared, clearly offended by my jab. "We're trying to protect you—"

"By locking me up like a prisoner?" I interrupted, brushing past him. "I'll be fine."

For the first time in months, I stepped outside. The cool air hit my face, fresh and invigorating. I needed this.

They'd kept me inside for too long. Every moment spent in that house with Jin, Namjoon, and Jimin felt suffocating lately. The tension between Jin and Namjoon was unbearable, and I knew I'd played a part in unraveling their marriage. But Jin deserved better than what Namjoon was doing to him. I hadn't left because I couldn't. The fear of running into Taehyung kept me frozen, the memories of that night playing on a loop in my head.

But today, I needed to breathe again.

I took my time walking to one of my favorite cafes, Haedoji Cafe. The place I used to visit often before Taehyung and I were even a thing. It reminded me of simpler times before life became so... complicated.

When I entered, the bell above the door chimed.

"Good evening, ma'am, welcome to—"

The barista's words stopped abruptly.

"J-Jisoo?!"

"Hobi!" I exclaimed as Hoseok vaulted over the counter and pulled me into a crushing hug.

"Oh my god, I thought you were dead!" His voice broke, and he held me tightly before stepping back to look me over. "You're alive," he whispered, his voice trembling.

I laughed softly. "Hoseok, I'm fine."

"Where the hell have you been?" he demanded, his tone full of frustration and worry.

I sighed, knowing this was going to be a long conversation. "It's... complicated. Come on, let's sit."

We found an empty table, and I told him everything. I explained Taehyung, the years of control, and the night I finally escaped.

Hoseok's face darkened as I spoke, his usual sunshine demeanor replaced with something much colder. "That bastard," he muttered under his breath. "I always knew he was trouble, even in high school."

"Hoseok, please, don't do anything stupid," I said quickly, placing my hand over his clenched fist.

"Don't defend him, Jisoo," Hoseok snapped, his voice louder now. "He doesn't deserve it."

"I'm not defending him," I said firmly. "But this isn't your fight. I've already asked him for a divorce. It's over."

Hoseok narrowed his eyes at me. "And he agreed?"

"Well... it's complicated."

"Did he or didn't he, Jisoo?" Hoseok pressed, his tone sharp and unyielding.

I didn't answer, my mind drifting back to the memory of that night. The sound of his voice, the feel of his hand striking my face...

Hoseok pushed back his chair abruptly, his movements sharp and furious. He tore off his apron and flung it to the floor. "That's all I needed to hear."

"Hoseok, no!" I jumped up, blocking his path as he stormed toward the door.

"Move, Jisoo," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

"Don't you think this is reckless? You're not thinking clearly," I said, standing firm.

"This isn't just about you anymore!" he snapped. His hands were trembling, his anger boiling over. "You know what kind of person he is! What he's capable of!"

"You of all people know what kind of position I'm in!" I shot back, my voice rising to match his.

"Don't bring Soolhyun into this," he growled, his face hardening at the name.

"She betrayed you, Hoseok," I said, my voice softer now.

"She didn't betray me," he said, his voice shaking. "She was just trying to survive."

I took a deep breath, calming myself before speaking again. "Hoseok, I can handle this. Please trust me. Don't do anything stupid."

I cupped his face in my hands, forcing him to look at me. His breathing slowed, the anger in his eyes dimming as he finally stepped back.

"I won't do anything," he said grudgingly.

"Promise?"

"I promise," he muttered, looking away.

I smiled, a small laugh escaping as the tension lifted. "I've missed you, Hobi," I said softly.

"Hey, don't get all sappy on me," he teased, flicking my forehead. "Come help in the kitchen. You look like you could use a distraction."

I followed him to the back, grateful that he didn't lose his playful self. We'd been friends since our days at that godforsaken boarding school. Back then, he hated Taehyung. Everyone did. Taehyung was untouchable, arrogant, and terrifyingly brilliant. But he always had a way of getting under Hoseok's skin more than anyone else.

As I tied on an apron, Hoseok grinned. "Yah, have you been eating? Your waist is tiny!"

"Don't comment on a woman's weight," I huffed, playfully elbowing him.

"Yes, ma'am," he said, laughing. "But seriously, I'm paying you extra for being alive. Consider it hazard pay."

I rolled my eyes, but before I could respond, the bell above the door chimed.

A new customer walked in, heading to a table in the back corner. She kept her head low, avoiding attention.

I put on my best smile and approached her table. "Good evening, ma'am. May I take your order?"

She looked up, and my stomach dropped.

"Yes, I'd like a latte plea—" Her words faltered as her eyes widened.

I dropped my notepad, my hands trembling.

"Y-you..." I stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

There, sitting in front of me, was Irene.