Chapter 29

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Author's Point of View

“U-Uncle… I-I know w-where A-Aera is…”

Taehyung and Hobi, who had been restlessly searching, immediately turned to the small boy standing before them. He was around Aera’s age, his tiny hands clutching his shirt as tears dripped onto the floor.

“You know?” Taehyung kneeled in front of him, his voice urgent but gentle. “Tell me where she is.”

The boy sniffled and nodded hesitantly. “I-I w-will ta-take you th-there… Co-come with m-me…”

Taehyung exchanged a confused glance with Hobi but quickly nodded. They followed the boy as he led them to the second floor, his steps slow and reluctant, like he was carrying a heavy burden. He stopped in front of the last room in the corner—a small, dusty door with a sign that read ‘Storage Room’.

Hobi frowned. “This room is locked. She can’t be here.”

But the boy trembled and shook his head. “S-She is he-here, Un-uncle…” His voice wavered, thick with guilt.

Taehyung’s heart clenched. He turned to Hobi. “Hyung, can you ask the teachers for this room’s key?”

Hobi hesitated for a second before nodding and rushing off.

Taehyung turned back to the boy, crouching to his level. “Hey, buddy… Can you tell me how you know Aera is in there?”

The boy bit his lip, his little fists trembling. Tears welled up in his eyes as he took a step back. “P-Ple-please, un-uncle, d-don’t punish m-me…” he sobbed. “I-I told th-them not to d-do it… but they d-didn’t listen! Pl-please, un-uncle, I-I’m s-sorry!”

Taehyung’s chest tightened at the boy’s distress. He reached out, gently wiping the child’s tears. “Shhh… It’s okay, I won’t punish you. Just tell me what happened.”

And so, the truth unfolded.

—

It had happened after the teacher left the classroom.

The children had been happily drawing when three boys approached Aera, telling her they wanted to show her something. Trusting them, she followed.

The storage room was open at the time because the staff was moving things in and out. The boys took Aera inside—but only they came out. By the time Aera realized what was happening, the door had already been shut.

No one knew she was inside.

She had screamed, banged on the door, called for help. But their classroom was on the third floor, and so no one heard her.

After ten minutes, her voice had grown weak. She cried for over half an hour. And then… she had fainted.

The reason? Jealousy.

Aera was loved by everyone—teachers, classmates. But a few days ago, she had reported those boys to the teacher when they ruined another student’s homework. As a result, they were punished. Ever since, they had started disliking her.

They hadn’t meant for it to go this far. They had just wanted to teach her a lesson.

But when Aera’s disappearance became serious, panic set in. They were too scared to confess.

The boy standing before Taehyung now had been one of them. He had seen Jungkook crying through the classroom window and couldn’t take it anymore. Overwhelmed with guilt, he had finally pushed past his fear and run to Taehyung.

—

Hobi returned with a teacher holding the key. She handed it to Taehyung, who immediately unlocked the door.

The sight inside crushed him.

There, on the cold floor, lay his little girl—dusty, motionless, her cheeks stained with dried tears.

“Aera!” Taehyung rushed inside and lifted her gently into his arms.

Her tiny body felt so light, too still. He held her close, his heart hammering in his chest. A single tear slipped down his cheek—but he quickly wiped it away.

Brushing the stray strands from her face, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

“My princess… Dada is here now.”

Without wasting another second, he carried her downstairs.

—

Jungkook stood in the hallway, holding onto Jin for support, his body trembling with worry. He had cried so much his legs barely held him up.

“Baby, look—” Jin whispered, making him turn.

Jungkook’s breath hitched.

Taehyung was walking toward them, holding Aera in his arms.

Jungkook ran.

Taehyung carefully transferred Aera into his arms. Jungkook clutched her tightly against his chest, his fingers shaking as he cradled her.

But then—he noticed something.

“Hy-Hyung… W-Why isn’t she moving?!” His voice broke, panic filling his eyes.

Taehyung placed a hand on Aera’s head. “Bun, she’s unconscious. We need to take her to the hospital.”

Jungkook nodded frantically.

Hobi called out, “Tae, you go! I’ll bring Jungkook’s car!”

Without wasting a moment, they rushed out.

—

The drive to the hospital was silent except for Jungkook’s occasional sniffles. His fingers never stopped running through Aera’s hair, his lips pressing gentle kisses on her forehead.

Taehyung carried Aera inside, explaining the situation to the doctor.

While they waited, Jungkook stumbled twice—his body too weak from stress. Jin forcefully took him to the cafeteria, making him drink juice despite his protests.

Twenty minutes later, Aera finally woke up.

When Taehyung stepped out of the room, Jungkook rushed to him, eyes desperate. “Hyung! Is she awake? What did the doctor say? Is she oka—”

Taehyung pulled him into a tight hug.

“She’s fine,” he whispered, patting Jungkook’s head. “She’s conscious now. Calm down. Nothing happened to her.”

Jungkook shut his eyes, a single tear escaping.

Taehyung pulled back, holding his hands. “Bun, our princess will be sad if she sees you crying. Do you want that?”

Jungkook quickly shook his head, wiping his face.

“Let’s go.”

Inside, Jungkook showered Aera with kisses. He didn’t ask what had happened—he didn’t want to bring back painful memories.

Since she was physically fine, they took her home.

Jin suggested they all stay at the Kim mansion, believing it would help Aera feel safe.

During lunch, Taehyung explained everything in detail.

Jungkook, having the softest heart, suggested letting the boys go. But only Namjoon agreed.

Taehyung and Jin, however, were firm. “We should inform their parents,” Jin said.

That’s when a tiny voice called out—

“Dada~”

Aera ran toward Taehyung. He smiled and lifted her into his lap.

“Mumma~ Dada~ Grandma~ Grandpa~ You know I’m strong, right? So don’t worry!”

A small smile spread across everyone’s faces. Taehyung kissed her forehead.

“My brave princess.”

“Yes, Dada!” she giggled.

That night, Jungkook was forced to stay. The next morning, when Taehyung went to work, he told Yoongi about everything.

Knowing his hyung would be worried, Taehyung invited Yoonminseok over the next day.

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

To be continued...