Chapter 54: 53.News

Timeskip,,

The sun was already climbing higher in the sky, spreading its light across the quiet mansion. All the guests had long departed, leaving the place eerily silent compared to the chaos of the previous night.

Hoseok had taken Amy home early, and now even Jimin had intended to leave—until his plans were derailed.

Jimin had started throwing up violently after  feast last night clearly not sitting well with him. Yoongi had been quick to act, practically forcing Jimin to rest in one of the guest rooms.

Now, Jimin lay curled under a blanket, his pale face pressed against the soft pillow while Yoongi sat by his side, his arm draped protectively around his mate’s waist.

He kept whispering soothing words, his chin resting on Jimin’s head as he occasionally kissed his temple.

“Just rest, Chim,” Yoongi murmured softly, his voice low but full of care. “I’m here. You’ll feel better soon.” Jimin only responded with a sleepy hum, his body relaxing under Yoongi’s comforting embrace.

Meanwhile, as promised, Taehyung had stayed behind to help Namjoon clean up the chaos that the mansion had turned into after hosting so many guests.

Jin had left early in the morning, leaving behind a cryptic smile and a promise that he had *work* to do—nothing unusual, yet Namjoon couldn’t shake the feeling that Jin’s words carried more weight than he had let on.

Now, the sun streamed through the large windows as Taehyung and Namjoon directed the maids, working through the mess bit by bit. It wasn’t easy.

Leftover decorations, plates, and empty wine glasses scattered across every surface had made the mansion look like a war zone.

“Alright, stack those chairs over there,” Taehyung called out to one of the maids, pointing toward the corner. “And someone bring in a mop—we need to clean that spill by the stairs.”

Namjoon rubbed his temples, letting out a tired groan as he turned toward Taehyung. “I’m never hosting anything this big again. I swear I’m scarred for life.”

Taehyung snorted, handing Namjoon a water bottle before plopping onto the couch with a heavy sigh. “You say that now, but give it a few months and you’ll change your mind again.”

Namjoon shot him a look. “Not a chance. I owe you for sticking around, Bear. You’re the only reason I didn’t lose my sanity.”

“Don’t worry, you can pay me back in food later,” Taehyung replied with a lazy grin before chugging water, letting it soothe his dry throat.

Finally, with the last pieces of work done and the maids sent off to finish their tasks elsewhere, Namjoon slumped down beside Taehyung on the couch.

Both of them let out synchronized sighs, their bodies sinking into the soft cushions.

“It was hell of a work,” Taehyung muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead.

“Yeah, but at least it’s done,” Namjoon replied, leaning his head back. “Thanks for helping, Bear.”

“No problem, Joon-hyung,” Taehyung said, giving a small smile as Namjoon picked up the remote.

“Let’s just relax for a bit,” Namjoon mumbled, turning on the TV, ready for some well-deserved peace.

However, what flashed across the screen immediately wiped all thoughts of relaxation from their minds. Both Taehyung and Namjoon froze, their eyes glued to the television as the words “BREAKING NEWS” blared from the speakers.

*“Breaking news: Kim Namsung, CEO of Kim Walkers, was arrested earlier today on charges of illegal activities and abuse of power. Authorities reported that an anonymous informant provided crucial evidence, allowing the police to carry out a major investigation.”*

The screen displayed footage of a man in a crisp suit, handcuffed and being escorted by officers. Taehyung’s jaw dropped, the bottle of water slipping slightly from his grip. Namjoon sat bolt upright, his face paling as he listened intently.

*“Reports also confirm that Mr. Kim had engaged in multiple fraudulent dealings and misused his influence for personal gain. Disturbingly, it has been revealed that he even caused harm to his own son for financial and personal benefit. However, sources say his son has severed all ties with him and remains unreachable.”*

Namjoon’s breath hitched at the mention of the *son.* His hands curled into tight fists on his lap. Taehyung turned to glance at Namjoon, his own face a mixture of  disbelief and concern.

“Hyung…” Taehyung said softly, but Namjoon didn’t seem to hear him. He sat there, his eyes locked on the television as the reporter’s voice continued.

*“Additionally, authorities revealed evidence of Mr. Kim’s involvement in several alleged murders. This arrest marks a  significant breakthrough, as Kim Walkers had been under suspicion for years without substantial proof—until now.”*

Namjoon felt his stomach twist uncomfortably. His mind raced, replaying Jin’s words from the night before.

*“Keep your eyes on the news tomorrow.”*

*“I have a big surprise for you.”*

*Jin.*

The realization hit Namjoon like a truck, and his heart began to pound. Without saying another word, he shot up from the couch, startling Taehyung.

“Tae, I need to head out. I have urgent work to take care of,” Namjoon said hurriedly, grabbing his coat from the armrest.

“Wait, hyung—where are you going?” Taehyung called after him, rising to his feet.

But Namjoon was already halfway across the living room. “I’ll explain later,” he said quickly, his voice clipped and urgent.

Taehyung sat back on the couch after Namjoon’s sudden departure, still reeling from what they’d just seen on the news.

He had known that Namjoon’s father, Mr. Kim, wasn’t exactly a good man. He’d heard bits and pieces through hushed conversations, but he never imagined the depths of the man's crimes could go this far. Taehyung let out a deep sigh, dragging his hand through his hair as the weight of it settled over him.

But lingering on it wouldn’t help anyone—especially not Jimin, who was still curled up sick upstairs. Taehyung pushed himself off the couch and made his way to the kitchen.

He quickly busied himself, chopping vegetables and stirring a pot of soup, the quiet hum of the stove a distraction from the chaos lingering in his mind.

*Jimin needs this,* he reminded himself as he ladled the warm soup into a bowl.

Meanwhile, Namjoon’s mind was a whirlwind as he gripped the steering wheel of his car, driving with single-minded determination. His thoughts were all over the place, yet one thing was crystal clear: he needed to see Jin.

He needed answers. He needed to *feel* that this wasn’t some dream he would wake up from.

The car screeched to a halt outside Jin’s café. Namjoon barely remembered shutting the door before storming inside. The place was alive with soft chatter, the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the air.

One of the waiters noticed him right away and hurried over, clearly taken aback by Namjoon’s urgency.

“Sir, please have a seat,” the waiter offered politely.

“No, I—uh—where’s your boss? Kim Seokjin?” Namjoon asked, breathless, his voice edged with something between desperation and hope.

The waiter blinked in confusion before answering. “Sir is in the office upstairs.”

Namjoon didn’t waste a second. He was already halfway up the staircase before the waiter could say anything else.

Jin sat at his desk, rifling through stacks of order forms, a pencil tucked behind his ear. He had been busy finalizing the last batch of receipts when he heard the office door open.

“Stella, I told you I’d come down in a bit,” Jin said absentmindedly, not looking up from the papers. His tone was calm but firm, used to his employees occasionally needing him during busy shifts.

What he didn’t expect, however, was the pair of strong arms wrapping tightly around him. Jin froze momentarily, his mind racing—until he inhaled the familiar scent of Namjoon. His shoulders relaxed instantly, but his concern grew when he felt Namjoon trembling slightly against him.

“Joon?” Jin said softly, his voice laced with confusion. He instinctively rubbed Namjoon’s back, trying to offer comfort. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

Namjoon didn’t answer right away. Instead, Jin heard the unmistakable sound of soft, muffled sobs. His heart clenched. Namjoon never cried, not like this.

“Joon… are you crying?” Jin asked, this time more worried as he pulled back slightly to look at Namjoon’s face. The sight made his chest ache—Namjoon’s eyes were red, tears streaming freely as he tried to speak.

Namjoon only clung to him tighter, burying his face in Jin’s shoulder. “Thank you, Jin. Thank you so much,” he choked out, his voice breaking.

Jin stilled for a moment, but understanding hit him like a wave. He let out a small sigh,

his hand continuing to rub slow, soothing circles on Namjoon’s back. *The news.* Jin knew exactly what Namjoon was talking about now.

“I told you I’d fix everything, didn’t I?”

Jin whispered gently.

Namjoon nodded weakly into Jin’s shoulder, his sobs slowly beginning to quiet as he let the weight of years of pain and guilt lift from his chest.

For the first time in a long time, Namjoon felt free—free from the shadow of his father, free from the burdens he had carried for so long.

When his cries subsided, Namjoon finally pulled back, sniffling and wiping at his damp face with the back of his hand. Jin smiled softly, reaching up to brush away a lingering tear with his thumb.

“Stop crying now, Joon-ah,” Jin said in that calm, steady voice of his. “You and me… we’re free now.”

uncertain. It felt… peaceful.

“I love you so much,” Namjoon whispered, his voice still slightly hoarse but filled with warmth. Without waiting for a response, he pulled Jin into his chest again, wrapping his arms securely around him.

Jin let out a small chuckle, resting his head against Namjoon’s shoulder. “I love you too, idiot,” he said fondly, his voice light but full of emotion.