chapter 4

The garden was peaceful, bathed in the soft golden hues of the setting sun. You sat on the wooden bench, a book resting in your lap, the pages fluttering lightly as a cool breeze passed through. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves-it all made for the perfect evening. You always found solace in books, losing yourself in stories that made your own reality a little more bearable.Being a village girl never meant being naïve or uneducated. In fact, you had always been among the brightest during your school and college years. Academics came easy to you, and your teachers had high hopes for your future. But life had its own plans.As you turned a page, lost in thoughts of your past achievements-the dreams you once had, the ambitions you had set aside-your phone rang, pulling you back to the present. A smile instinctively formed on your lips when you saw the caller ID."Hello, Y/N dear," a warm, cheerful voice greeted from the other end."Hello, Mom. How are you?""I was doing fine, but hearing your voice has made me feel even better," she chuckled, a sound that always brought comfort to your heart. She was a woman who had always treated you like her own daughter, offering the love and warmth you had longed for.Your smile grew, but there was an underlying sadness in your heart."And Dad? Is he taking his medicines on time?""Oh, don't worry about that. If he refuses, I'll shove them into his mouth myself," she said with a teasing tone. "You know he's scared of me."A small laugh escaped your lips. "Of course, he is."Then, her tone shifted slightly. "Well, I actually called to inform you about something. I don't trust Jungkook to remember, so I thought I'd tell you myself."Your smile faltered at the mention of your husband. A familiar ache settled in your chest."What is it, Mom?""Jungkook's cousins are returning from America after three years. They've been studying there, and now they'll be staying with you two for a few days."You paused. Jungkook had cousins? He had never mentioned them, not even in passing. But then again, he hardly spoke to you about anything personal. Expecting him to share such details about his family would be foolish."Y/N? Are you there?"You blinked, shaking your head as if to clear your thoughts. "Y-Yeah, Mom. I'm here.""What happened? Were you even listening?"You felt embarrassed for zoning out. "Sorry, Mom. What were you saying?""I was telling you to make arrangements for them. They can be a bit picky, so everything should be according to their taste.""With us?" The words left your lips before you could stop them."Yes, of course. Why? Do you have a problem with that? If you're uncomfortable, we can arrange something else."Your heart clenched at her concern. You quickly shook your head. "No, no, Mom. It's not that. I just... I wasn't expecting it. I'm actually excited to meet them.""Oh, you're so sweet, dear. I hope you'll enjoy their company."You forced a small smile, even though deep down, you knew it wouldn't make much of a difference. Jungkook's family might be warm, but he himself was distant-so painfully distant."Now, I have to go," his mother continued. "Your dad is sneaking into the kitchen, probably going for the ice cream. I'll catch him red-handed. Take care, sweetheart!"You laughed softly. "Bye, Mom. Take care too."As you ended the call, your smile faded.You looked up at the sky, wondering-just for a moment-what it would have been like if things were different. If you and Jungkook shared even a fraction of the love his parents had. If there were moments of laughter, teasing, stolen glances filled with affection.If only.But reality was far from that.Brushing away the heaviness in your chest, you stood up and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.You always made food for Jungkook, even though he rarely ate it.Even though he rarely acknowledged it.---Ding dong.You rushed to the door and opened it, only to be greeted by your husband's usual blank expression. His face held no trace of emotion-no warmth, no exhaustion, nothing at all. Just the same cold mask he always wore around you.You stepped aside, reaching for his suitcase as he walked in."Good evening," you greeted softly, offering him a smile despite knowing you wouldn't get one in return."Hmm.""How was your day?" you tried again, desperate for even the smallest interaction."Good."A moment of silence stretched between you. You knew what would come next.He'd go to the bedroom, shower, and then disappear into his work-or worse, fall asleep without so much as another word.Still, you tried."Should I serve dinner?" you asked, hope laced in your voice, even when you knew the answer."Hmmm... first, I'll take a shower."Your breath hitched.Did he... Did he just say yes?For a moment, you stood there, stunned. Then, realization dawned, and excitement bubbled in your chest. You hurried to the kitchen, reheating the food, your heart racing with an unfamiliar thrill.He was going to eat your cooking.For the first time in so long.You both sat at the dining table in silence, but for once, it wasn't suffocating. You watched him as he ate, noticing how he seemed hungrier than usual.Was he skipping meals again? But you always sent lunch...Maybe he was just overworking himself.Still, you couldn't contain the happiness swelling in your chest as he continued eating, not a single complaint leaving his lips. It wasn't much, but to you, it was everything.Then, he cleared his throat. "Tomorrow, my cousins will come. They're going to stay with us.""I know. Mom already told me. She thought you might forget because of work."He simply nodded, taking a sip of his juice."H-How is the food?" you asked hesitantly."It's pretty good."Your lips parted slightly, warmth blooming in your chest."I'm happy you liked it."He stood up abruptly, picking up his plate. "I've finished. I'm going to sleep."And just like that, the moment was gone.But before he left, he turned slightly. "I have an important meeting in the morning. Arrange my white suit and wake me up at six."You nodded quickly, swallowing your food. "O-Okay. Anything else?""No.""Good night, Jungkook."He didn't reply, simply walking away.You watched his retreating figure, your heart heavy. Once again, you were left behind, staring at the remnants of the dinner you had hoped would bring you closer.You sighed, finishing your food in silence before heading to the bedroom to prepare his things.Meanwhile, Jungkook lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His hands clenched into fists."I just hope they won't bring up the past."His jaw tightened."Otherwise... I won't be able to control myself."A shaky sigh escaped his lips."I hope everything goes well."But deep down, he knew-some things were destined to fall apart.Here is the Chapter 😁Hope you all had like it 😍Don't forget to tell me 🥺Your Coconut 😁Read:- 😑