The day was like any other at Kim Corporationsâbusy, filled with meetings, deadlines, and the hum of phones ringing in the background. But for Jungkook, something inside him felt off. His mind was restless, his body tired, as if the weight of the past was pressing down on him, reminding him of everything he'd tried to bury.
It had started with an innocent conversation in Taehyung's office that morning. They had been discussing a new project, but something about Taehyung's attention, the way his gaze lingered on Jungkook, made him feel exposed. And just like that, memories he had long since pushed aside began to resurfaceâdark, painful memories that made his stomach twist with discomfort.
Jungkook leaned against the counter in the break room, staring blankly at the cup of coffee in front of him, his hands shaking slightly. The taste of bitterness lingered in his mouth, but it wasn't the coffeeâit was the memories that threatened to drown him.
FLASHBACK - The Jeon Family Home
It was a cold night. The storm outside was nothing compared to the storm inside Jungkook's heart. His parents had kicked him out, their harsh words echoing in his ears like the thunder that rumbled in the distance. They had found out about the pregnancy, about Taehyung's sudden disappearance, and the rejection in their eyes had cut deeper than any knife.
"You're a disgrace to this family, Jungkook. You've ruined everything." His father's words were unforgiving, cruel.
Jungkook could still hear the door slamming behind him as he stood on the doorstep, his bag clutched tightly in his hand. His mind was a whirlwind, trying to grasp the enormity of the situation. Alone. Abandoned. Pregnant.
"Why are you doing this?" Jungkook had asked, his voice cracking. "I didn't choose for this to happen."
But his parents didn't care. They never gave him a chance to explain. They just pushed him out.
PRESENT DAY
The memory cut through Jungkook like a knife, leaving him gasping for breath. He was so focused on his swirling thoughts that he didn't hear the footsteps behind him until it was too late. He turned sharply to find Taehyung standing there, concern etched on his face.
"Jungkook?" Taehyung's voice was gentle, like he could sense something was wrong. "Are you okay?"
Jungkook quickly wiped at his eyes, trying to mask the sudden flood of emotions that had surged within him. "Yeah... I'm fine." His voice was unconvincing, even to himself.
But Taehyung wasn't fooled. He stepped closer, his presence towering over Jungkook, though his eyes held only tenderness. "You're not fine. I know you're hurting. There is something that I don't know but please share it with me"
Jungkook swallowed, the lump in his throat painful. "You don't know what it's like, Mr. Kim. You don't know what it's like to be abandoned by everyone you've ever loved." His voice cracked, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. "After y...my boyfriend left... my parents...they didn't accept me and my child. They kicked me out. I had no one....no one whom I could trust or look up to. I had to fight for every breath, for every day."
Taehyung's face paled, and he reached out, but Jungkook pulled back, shaking his head. "Please... don't pity me Sir" He immediately ran out of Taehyung's cabin and bumped into someone. When he looked up he was terrified to see the person. There he was Mr. Lee
FLASHBACK - Jungkook's Old Job
His old job had been a lifelineâuntil it became a nightmare. Jungkook had been desperate for work, for any way to support himself and Hani. He had accepted the job at Mr. Lee's company without a second thought. It was a mistake he'd live to regret. The long hours, the degrading tasks, and the constant pressure had been bad enough. But Mr. Lee's advancesâthose were what had destroyed him.
The first time Mr. Lee had cornered him in his office, Jungkook had been terrified. The older man's hands were too close, too forceful. Jungkook had tried to pull away, but Mr. Lee's grip had been like steel.
"Come on, Jungkook," Mr. Lee had said with a leering smile. "You can't honestly expect me to believe you're not interested. You've been looking at me for weeks."
"I-I don't want any part of this," Jungkook had stammered, trying to back away, but the door had been locked. "Please let me go."
But Mr. Lee had only laughed, his breath foul as he moved closer. "You think you can just walk away from this? I can make you rich, make you famous, or I can destroy you. You're nothing without me."
Jungkook had been trapped. Terrified. He had barely managed to break free, running out of the office as fast as his legs could carry him. His heart had been pounding, his chest tight with panic. He never spoke about it to anyone. He couldn't.
Immediately the memory of how he tormented and harassed him resurfaced, and Jungkook's hands clenched into fists at his sides. The world around him seemed to spin, the walls closing in as the years of pain and humiliation threatened to swallow him whole. He ran away quickly and immediately locked the door of his cabin. His tears rolled down his cheeks and all the emotions he had thought he had locked up came flooding in.
THE COMPANY EVENT
It was a week later. The company's annual gala was in full swing, and Jungkook was tasked with making sure everything went smoothly. He was exhausted, but he knew he had to get through itâhe couldn't afford to fail, not with Hani depending on him.
The night was bustling, filled with laughter, speeches, and clinking glasses. Jungkook was in the middle of organizing some papers when he suddenly felt a cold hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Mr. Lee standing behind him, a smirk on his face.
"Long time no see, Jeon," Mr. Lee said, his voice dripping with malice. "You've been doing well here, haven't you?"
Jungkook's heart skipped a beat, his stomach churning. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I'm just doing my job," he said, his voice tight.
But Mr. Lee wasn't finished. He moved closer, his voice low and menacing. "You know, Jungkook, I could make your life a lot easier. All you have to do is accept a little... offer from me." He stepped closer, and Jungkook could smell the alcohol on his breath.
Jungkook froze, his body going rigid. He could feel his pulse hammering in his ears. Just as he was about to pull away, a strong, commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Step away from him, Lee."
Jungkook turned, his breath catching in his throat as Taehyung strode into view, his gaze sharp and full of authority. The entire room seemed to quiet as Taehyung's presence took over, his powerful energy demanding attention.
Mr. Lee's expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, sneering. "What's this? Are you protecting him now, Kim?"
"You've crossed the line, Lee," Taehyung said, his voice cold and unwavering. "Leave him alone, now."
For a moment, there was only silence. Jungkook could feel his heart racing, the tension between the two men thick enough to cut with a knife. He wanted to say something, to defend himself, but the fear from all those years ago clung to him like a shadow.
Mr. Lee scoffed, but he didn't press any further. With one last glare at Jungkook, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the room.
Taehyung turned to Jungkook, his eyes searching his face. "Are you okay?"
Jungkook nodded, though his throat was tight. "I'm fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
...
But Taehyung didn't seem convinced. He stepped closer, his hand reaching for Jungkook's shaking hand. ""Jungkook, Tell me honestly. Has something happened between you two ? I know you worked in his company and I never asked why you left that job. But now seeing him like this I just....please tell me
Jungkook looked down at their joined hands, his heart pounding in his chest.The walls he had built around himself were starting to crumble. He immediately hug Taehyung and cried his heart out. He told him everything that he endured while working for that man. Taehyung who had been listening to Jungkook looked all calm but he knew how much anger and wrath he was feeling inside. He wante to go back in time and beat the shit out of that Lee. But he knew that right now Jungkook neede him more and he had to be with him. So he hugged Jungkook tightly saying soothing words and for the first time in years, Jungkook felt a flicker of hope when Taehyung said,
"Jungkook, you don't have to carry this alone. I won't let anyone hurt you Not anymore ."
Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't alone anymore.