Chapter 24

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Author's Point of View

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the grand mansion, Jungkook's fingers instinctively tightened around the paper carry bag he had been holding. The sight of the parked car in the driveway made it clear—Yoonminseok had already arrived. His heartbeat quickened slightly.

The door opened, and Taehyung was the first to step out. With a soft, reassuring smile, he turned and extended his hand toward Jungkook. "Come," he murmured gently.

Jungkook looked at the offered hand before slowly raising his gaze to Taehyung's face. His doe eyes held a mix of hesitation and trust as Taehyung tilted his head slightly, signaling him to take his hand. After a brief pause, Jungkook placed his delicate fingers on Taehyung's warm palm.

In his other arm, Taehyung securely held Aera, who giggled softly, playing with the strands of his hair that brushed against her small hands.

Jungkook nodded, eyes filled with a silent nervousness.

"Don't worry," Taehyung whispered, tightening his hold on Jungkook's hand. "I promise everything will be fine."

A small, shy smile bloomed on Jungkook's lips. The warmth of Taehyung's grip eased his nerves, even if just a little.

Together, they walked toward the front door, the winter air crisp around them. Taehyung pressed the doorbell, and within seconds, the door swung open, revealing Seokjin’s ever-radiant smile.

"Welcome" Jin greeted warmly, his eyes instantly softening when they landed on Jungkook, who quickly bowed in respect.

Namjoon appeared beside Jin, his dimpled smile calm yet welcoming. They both took in the sight of the little girl nestled in Taehyung's arms, their gazes lingering on her with fond curiosity.

"Dada… Dada… put me down please," Aera suddenly requested, her tiny hands resting against Taehyung’s chest.

Jin and Namjoon watched her with affection as Taehyung gently set her down. The little girl stood between her parents, looking up at the elder couple before bowing politely, mimicking her mother’s actions.

"Hello, my name is Jeon Aera," she introduced herself, her voice clear yet soft.

Jungkook's breath hitched slightly. Aera wasn't someone who easily got along with new people. Yet, seeing her bow just like he had, without hesitation, made his heart swell.

Jin’s eyes twinkled as he crouched down and scooped Aera into his arms. "Oh, baby, you're so cute!" he cooed.

Aera blushed at the compliment, tucking her face into Jin's shoulder. Namjoon chuckled, reaching out to gently squeeze her cheek.

They stepped inside the warm house, the welcoming scent of home-cooked food lingering in the air. The moment they entered the living room, Aera was whisked away from Jin's arms by her playful uncles, Jimin and Hoseok.

"Sit, Jungkook," Namjoon invited, motioning toward the couch.

Jungkook nodded politely and sat down, Taehyung settling beside him. With quiet hands, he passed the paper bag he had been holding to Jin.

"I hope you'll like it," Jungkook said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Jin accepted the bag with a knowing smile. Even though it had only been a day since he first met Jungkook, he had already realized how gentle and well-mannered the boy was.

Aera, now comfortably sitting on Yoongi's lap, suddenly turned to her mother. "Mumma, what should I call them?" she asked, her innocent eyes wide with curiosity.

Jungkook stiffened. His heartbeat grew uneven. He hadn't thought about this. He still wasn't sure if Taehyung's parents had accepted him, so he found himself unable to answer his daughter. His eyes instinctively moved toward Taehyung, who was already looking at him.

Just as Taehyung was about to speak, Jin's voice cut through the silence.

"Baby... Come here," Jin called gently.

Aera turned to her mother for permission, and Jungkook gave her a small nod. With light steps, she walked toward Jin, who took her little hands in his.

"I'm your Dada's mother, and he—" Jin turned to glance at Namjoon, who was seated beside him— "is his father, so—"

"So you are my grandma and grandpa!" Aera exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

Jin laughed. "Yes, Baby."

Namjoon leaned forward, lifting Aera onto his lap. His large hands carefully held her tiny ones as he gazed at her with soft admiration.

"Hello, little one," Namjoon greeted, his voice warm.

"Hello, Grandpa," Aera responded cheerfully.

A strange yet comforting feeling settled in Namjoon's heart. The word grandpa echoed in his mind, stirring an unfamiliar sense of joy. It felt right. It felt like something he had been unknowingly waiting for.

The room filled with a pleasant atmosphere. However, a subtle tension lingered in the air—one that didn't go unnoticed. The way Namjoon and Jin had left the previous day had raised concerns. Jimin, Hoseok, and Yoongi had anticipated some sort of confrontation today. After all, Jin had even mentioned setting Taehyung up with a friend's daughter. But now, seeing Namjoon and Jin embrace Aera so effortlessly, their worries slowly began to fade.

"Jungkook, can I take her to the backyard garden?" Namjoon asked, his voice carrying both care and consideration.

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly. He quickly shook his head. "You don't need to ask, Mr. Kim," he replied, his tone a mix of nervousness and gratitude.

Namjoon smiled at him before carrying Aera outside, leaving Jungkook alone with Jin.

Jin's expression turned gentle. "So, Jungkook," he began, leaning slightly toward him. "Are you in a relationship with this weirdo?" He pointed at Taehyung, who let out a dramatic whine at being called a weirdo.

Jungkook stifled a laugh, his cheeks flushing. He nodded, his gaze shyly shifting from Taehyung to Jin.

"Hmm, I see," Jin said thoughtfully.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment before gathering the courage to ask, "Mr. Kim… If you don’t mind, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear," Jin answered with a kind smile.

"You and Mr. Kim know about Aera, and still—I mean—" Jungkook trailed off, unsure how to phrase his thoughts.

Jin reached out, resting a reassuring hand on Jungkook’s. "Don't worry, dear. We know. And we're proud of you. I must say, you're very strong and incredibly kind. Finding someone like you in this world isn’t easy. We're happy that Taehyung found you."

Jungkook felt warmth spread through his chest. He lowered his gaze, a small, appreciative smile on his lips. "Thank you" he whispered.

Jin continued, his voice soft. "I can only imagine how hard it must have been, raising her alone at 18."

Jungkook's expression softened. "Yes… but her one smile was always enough to erase any hardship."

Jin moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "You're strong Jungkookie," he said sincerely.

Jungkook's breath hitched slightly at the words. He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I just hope I can protect her from any pain."

"You will," Jin assured him. "And remember, you're not alone anymore. You have a family now. We're here for you."

Jungkook exhaled shakily, his heart feeling lighter. "Thank you, Mr. Kim."

"Are you still going to call me that?" Jin pouted playfully.

Jungkook hesitated.

"You can call me Eomma," Jin offered warmly.

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly. A soft gasp left his lips as emotions surged within him. He swallowed thickly before nodding. "O-Okay, Eomma."

Jin's smile widened. "Good! Now, let's have lunch."

And just like that, Jungkook felt like he had truly found a home.

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Preview ~

To be continued...