๋࣭ ⭑✏ˎˊ˗Chapter 25

The morning light filtered through the hotel curtains as Taehyung woke up early, stretching with a small yawn. He slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Jungkook, who was still curled up in the blankets. With a soft smile, he made his way to the kitchenette, preparing a warm mug of milk for Jungkook, a small daily routine he had grown fond of. As he walked back towards the bedroom, balancing the mug in his hand, he heard the faint buzzing of Jungkook’s phone on the bedside table.

Curious, Taehyung glanced at the screen. The caller ID read “Mom.” Without hesitation, he answered.

“Hello?” he greeted politely, expecting the familiar, warm voice of Mrs. Jeon. But instead, a man’s voice responded, his tone serious and unfamiliar.

“Hello, is this Mrs. Jeon’s son, Jungkook?”

Taehyung frowned, confusion settling in. Something felt off. Despite his uncertainty, he replied, “Yes,” in Jungkook’s place, his grip tightening on the phone.

There was a brief silence before the man on the other end delivered news that shattered every expectation Taehyung had. “I’m so sorry to inform you, but Mrs. Jeon was murdered last night during a home robbery.”

Taehyung’s breath hitched. His body froze, his mind refusing to process the words.

Murdered?

Jungkook’s mother… gone?

His gaze instinctively shifted to the bed, where Jungkook slept soundly, unaware of the cruel reality that had just descended upon his world. Tears welled in Taehyung’s eyes, his heart aching at the thought of the immense pain Jungkook would feel upon hearing this.

He cut the call, his hands trembling. Thoughts flooded his mind—what to do about the funeral, how to shield Jungkook from the pain even if just for a little while, how to make sure he wouldn’t break completely.

But before he could think further, the mug of milk slipped from his grip, shattering into countless pieces on the floor.

The sharp sound jolted Jungkook awake. His eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep, but his senses quickly caught on to Taehyung’s distress.

“Tae?” he called out, voice laced with concern. He sat up instantly, scanning the room in confusion. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

Taehyung’s vision blurred with tears. He stepped forward and, without a word, wrapped his arms tightly around Jungkook. His hands trembled as he stroked the younger’s back, struggling to find the words to break the news.

Jungkook’s worry only deepened. He tried pulling back to look at Taehyung’s face, but the older refused to let go. “Tae… what’s wrong?” he asked again, more urgently this time.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Taehyung whispered, “Jungkook… please, trust me. Stay strong.” His voice cracked as he finally spoke the dreaded words. “Your mom… something happened…”

Jungkook stiffened. “What do you mean? What happened to my mom?”

Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut. “She… she was murdered last night… during a robbery.”

The room fell into a suffocating silence. Jungkook’s entire body locked in place. His wide, disbelieving eyes bore into Taehyung’s tearful ones.

“No…” he breathed out, shaking his head. His voice was barely audible. “No, that’s not… she can’t be… my mom…”

Tears pooled in his eyes before spilling down his cheeks. His hands clenched into fists, his entire world crumbling before him. His chest tightened painfully, his breath coming out in short, ragged gasps.

A broken sob tore through his throat. “No! No, she—she was fine! I just—”

He collapsed against Taehyung, burying his face into his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Taehyung held him tightly, his own tears falling silently. He rubbed soothing circles on Jungkook’s back, whispering soft reassurances, though he knew no words could ease this kind of pain.

Minutes passed before Jungkook’s sobs turned into quiet sniffles. He pulled away slightly, his eyes red and puffy. “I need to see her. Now.” His voice was hoarse but firm. “Take me to her, Taehyung.”

Taehyung hesitated. “Jungkook, you need to eat something first—”

“I don’t want to eat!” Jungkook’s voice cracked as he yelled, his frustration and grief spilling over. “I need to see my mom! Please… take me to her.”

The desperation in his voice shattered Taehyung’s heart. He sighed, reaching out to cup Jungkook’s tear-streaked face. “Okay,” he whispered. “We’ll go. But let me help you get ready first.”

Jungkook sniffled and nodded weakly. Taehyung guided him to the bathroom, helping him wash his face and brush his teeth as he remained in a daze. He dressed Jungkook in warm clothes before quickly throwing on something himself. Within minutes, they were out the door, heading towards the car.

The drive to Busan was long and filled with an agonizing silence. Jungkook lay across the seat, his head resting on Taehyung’s lap, eyes staring blankly out the window. Every so often, he whispered fragmented thoughts, his voice barely above a whisper.

“She was all I had…”

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye…”

“My head hurts, Tae…”

Taehyung drove with one hand while the other gently combed through Jungkook’s hair, offering silent comfort. “I’m here, Jungkook,” he whispered. “I’m here, and I’m not leaving you.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched as fresh tears slipped down his face. He clutched Taehyung’s shirt weakly, his grip tightening every time another wave of pain hit him.

Taehyung continued driving, his heart aching for the boy beside him. He silently vowed to be Jungkook’s strength, to help him through this unbearable sorrow, no matter what it took.

Because Jungkook wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

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