Chapter 5

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Author's Point of View

Jungkook returned after helping the old lady, but as soon as he reached the ice cream stall, his heart dropped—Aera was not where he had left her.

Panic surged through him instantly. His eyes scanned the area frantically as he turned to the shopkeeper.

"Did you see where the little girl went?" Jungkook asked, his voice laced with urgency.

The shopkeeper shook his head. "No, sir, I didn't notice."

Jungkook's heart pounded harder. His mind flooded with worst-case scenarios, but he quickly shook them away. Taking a deep breath, he called out, "Aera! Bubba, where are you?"

Just as his anxiety was about to consume him, a familiar little figure came running toward him.

Jungkook didn't waste a second. He knelt down and pulled Aera into his arms, hugging her tightly. His grip was firm, yet gentle, as if reassuring himself that she was really there. He buried his face into her small shoulder, kissing her soft cheeks over and over.

Aera, wise beyond her years, understood her Mumma's worry. She let him hold her as long as he wanted, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck in comfort.

After a moment, Jungkook pulled back slightly and cupped her face. His voice was soft but filled with concern. "Bubba, where were you? Mumma was so worried."

Aera smiled, patting Jungkook's cheek with her small hand. "Don't worry, Mumma. I just went to help someone!"

Jungkook's brows furrowed in confusion. "Help someone?"

Aera nodded excitedly and pointed toward the park. "There! A man was sitting on a bench. His hand was hurt, so I gave him a bandaid!"

Jungkook followed the direction of her tiny finger, but he could only see the back of a man, who was still sitting, looking down at his hand.

Jungkook's lips parted slightly, processing what Aera had done. His heart swelled with pride, but at the same time, he felt his worry linger.

"Mumma, his finger was hurt. So I helped him just like you always help me when I get hurt!" Aera beamed.

Jungkook couldn't help but smile at her innocence. His little girl had such a kind heart.

He gently brushed her hair and kissed her forehead. "My baby is a good girl. I'm so proud of you for helping others."

Aera giggled at the praise.

"But Bubba," Jungkook continued, his tone turning serious, "next time, please tell Mumma before you go anywhere, okay? I was really scared when I couldn't find you."

Aera's smile faded slightly, and she quickly held her little ears in apology. "Okay, Mumma. I'm sorry."

Jungkook chuckled softly and kissed her chubby cheeks again. "It's okay, baby. Just remember for next time."

At that moment, the shopkeeper placed two ice creams on the counter.

"Here are your ice creams, sir."

Jungkook paid for them and handed Aera her chocolate ice cream before taking his vanilla one.

The two sat on a nearby bench and enjoyed their ice creams together, laughing and chatting about random things. After finishing, they played in the park for a while before finally heading home.

—

As soon as Taehyung stepped inside his house, he was greeted by the sound of loud voices coming from the kitchen. He sighed, shaking his head.

"Here we go again..."

Bracing himself, he muttered, "Fighting, Taehyung," before calling out, "Eomma, I'm home!"

Immediately, the shouting stopped.

Curious, Taehyung made his way toward the kitchen, only to find his father, Namjoon, standing awkwardly, looking down at the floor, while his mother, Jin, glared at him with arms crossed.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. What did Appa do this time?

Before he could even ask, Jin turned to him and pointed at Namjoon dramatically. "Tae, don’t you dare try to save this man today!"

Taehyung chuckled and walked closer. "Eomma, come on! If you're mad, I'll buy you a new crockery set, okay? But right now, I'm hungry. And I came home early today just to eat your delicious food." He pouted, giving his mother his best puppy eyes.

Jin sighed, his anger softening just a little. "Ahh, fine. Don't give me that look! Go freshen up first, and also take your appa with you."

"Yes, ma'am!" Taehyung grinned before grabbing Namjoon's arm and dragging him away.

As they reached living room, Namjoon let out a deep breath, plopping onto the couch. "You really came home at the perfect time, cub."

Taehyung smirked, sitting beside him. "What did you do this time, Appa?"

Namjoon groaned. "I may have... accidentally broken a few dishes while trying to help in the kitchen."

Taehyung gasped dramatically. "Appa! You should know by now that going into the kitchen when Eomma is cooking is a death wish!"

Namjoon sighed. "I know, I know. Lesson learned."

Taehyung chuckled. "Good. Now, let's enjoy our peaceful time before Eomma drags you back."

Namjoon nodded in agreement.

Taehyung went to freshen up and returned in comfortable casual clothes. After that, they spent some quality family time together, chatting and laughing.

Dinner was served shortly after, and as expected, Jin’s cooking was absolutely delicious. They all enjoyed their meal together before heading to bed.

—

After reaching home, Jungkook quickly got to work preparing dinner while Aera watched some cartoons.

Once the food was ready, Jungkook checked Aera’s school bag for any notes from her teacher. There were none, just some homework.

Smiling, he sat with Aera and helped her finish her work before they had their dinner together.

Later, as bedtime approached, Jungkook tucked Aera into bed and sat beside her.

"Want Mumma to tell you a story?" he asked softly.

Aera nodded excitedly, her big eyes shining.

Jungkook smiled and started telling her a bedtime story. He spoke in a soft, soothing voice, and before long, Aera’s eyes began to droop.

As she drifted off to sleep, Jungkook leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well, Bubba. Mumma loves you. Good night."

Half-asleep, Aera mumbled, "Love you too, Mumma..."

Jungkook's heart melted at her words. Smiling, he turned off the lights and quietly left the room.

Once in his own room, he settled in with a book for a little while before finally letting sleep take over.

And just like that, another day came to an end.

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Let's take a house tour of Kim's Mansion

House Appearance ↑

Living Room ↑

Kitchen ↑

Dining Area ↑

Namjin's Bedroom ↑

Taehyung's Bedroom ↑

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

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