Chapter 25

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Author's Point of View

Taehyung stood by the large window of his parents’ home, his gaze fixed outside as he held his phone to his ear. His voice was sharp, his tone carrying the weight of authority.

“No. And do it properly this time. I don’t want mistakes again,” he said sternly, his words cutting through the silence. Without waiting for a response, he ended the call with a sharp press of his thumb.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he turned on his heel, ready to leave the room, but his feet came to an abrupt halt.

There, standing a few feet away, was Jungkook.

The younger’s presence was soft, as if he had been hesitating to interrupt. His doe eyes, always filled with warmth, looked up at Taehyung as he spoke.

“Eomma said to call you,” Jungkook said sweetly, his voice light and gentle.

Taehyung didn’t reply immediately. His sharp eyes studied Jungkook carefully, taking in his features. It was subtle, but he could see it—his eyes were wet, his lashes slightly damp.

“Bun,” Taehyung called, his voice softer than before. “You cried?”

Jungkook blinked, caught off guard by the sudden concern. He tilted his head slightly, a small, confused smile forming on his lips.

“Huh?”

Taehyung stepped closer. “Your eyes,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “They’re wet. Tell me what happened.”

Jungkook quickly shook his head, his lips stretching into a small, reassuring smile. “Nothing happened, hyung. I’m fine.”

Taehyung wasn’t convinced. His brows knitted together. “Are you sure? Did—”

Before he could finish, Jungkook cut him off with a quick, gentle reply.

“Hyung. It’s just… I was missing my parents,” Jungkook admitted, his voice softer now, laced with quiet sadness. “But Eomma was there with me, so don’t worry.”

Taehyung’s expression faltered for a second, a flicker of sadness passing through his dark eyes. “Oh.”

Jungkook noticed it immediately. He could feel the slight shift in Taehyung’s mood. Not wanting the air around them to grow heavy, he quickly changed the topic.

“Let’s go,” he said cheerfully. “Eomma sent me here to call you.”

Taehyung exhaled softly before giving a small nod. “Hmm. Let’s go.”

The two made their way toward the living hall, walking side by side.

Before stepping inside, Jungkook paused for a moment, running his fingers over his cheeks to wipe away any lingering tear stains. He didn’t want anyone to see him like that. He wanted to look fine.

Inside, the warmth of family surrounded them. They spent the next few hours talking, laughing, and simply being together. Jin, ever the loving mother, refused to let Jungkook leave without staying for dinner. Despite Jungkook’s polite attempts to refuse, saying they didn’t want to be a bother, Jin was stubborn.

“You’re staying,” Jin said firmly, his hands on his hips.

Jungkook smiled in defeat. “Okay, Eomma.”

And so, he stayed.

Jungkook, always eager to help, managed to convince Jin to let him assist in the kitchen. Meanwhile, in the living room, the rest of the family kept themselves busy with a very special little one—Aera.

The four-year-old was practically glowing with excitement as she sat in the middle of the room, surrounded by her doting family.

“Angel, let’s play hide and seek!” Jimin suggested enthusiastically.

Aera, however, pouted, crossing her little arms. “But whenever I play hide and seek with Mumma, he finds me very easily.”

Taehyung, who had been watching from nearby, knelt in front of his daughter, his voice soft and reassuring.

“Aww, don’t worry, princess. This time, we’ll hide together, and no one will find us,” he promised. Then, with a small smirk, he added, “Besides, your Mumma isn’t playing this time. He’s in the kitchen.”

That caught Aera’s attention. She beamed, nodding eagerly. “Okay!”

Jimin clapped his hands together. “Alright! But who’s going to be the seeker?”

A playful silence settled in the room as everyone exchanged glances. Then, as if they shared a secret plan, Taehyung and Aera turned their heads at the same time, looking toward one person.

Aera grinned mischievously.

“Grandpa will be the seeker!” she declared.

Namjoon, who had been peacefully enjoying the scene, blinked.

“Umm… Me?” He sighed before eventually nodding. “Fine, fine. I’ll do it.”

Jimin giggled. “Okay, Appa, you’ll start counting from one to a hundred while we hide. Let’s go, everyone!”

Namjoon covered his eyes with his hands, counting loudly as the others scattered to hide.

Taehyung swiftly picked Aera up in his arms and made his way to a nearby room. He placed her down gently before scanning the area for a good hiding spot. His eyes landed on a small space beside the dressing table.

“Let’s hide there, princess,” he whispered, pointing at the spot.

Aera nodded, trusting her Dada completely.

Taehyung moved first, carefully squeezing into the narrow space before pulling Aera onto his lap. He placed a finger on his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet. Aera mimicked him, her tiny finger pressing against her lips as she tried her best to stifle her giggles.

Meanwhile, outside, Namjoon had already done counting and also had found Yoongi. Who, to no one’s surprise, had lazily hidden behind a pillar.

Next, Namjoon made his way toward the rooms. He opened one door and peeked inside but saw nothing—until he suddenly heard a faint whisper.

Smirking, he pushed the door open wider.

Jimin and Hoseok, who had been hiding behind it, immediately backed away, caught red-handed.

Now, only Taehyung and Aera remained.

Namjoon walked toward the last room, opening the door slowly.

Inside, Taehyung and Aera heard the faint creak of the door. They exchanged a quick glance before Taehyung leaned down, whispering softly,

“Princess, Grandpa is here. Let’s scare him before he finds us.”

Aera’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Okay, Dada.”

Namjoon took a few slow steps forward, looking around carefully. Just as he was about to turn toward the dressing table—

“BOO!”

A loud, unexpected shout rang through the room.

Namjoon jumped in surprise, letting out a startled yell of his own as he turned around, his heart racing.

The father-daughter duo burst into laughter, their high-fives echoing in the room.

Namjoon, catching his breath, shook his head fondly. His eyes softened as he watched Taehyung laugh so freely, so wholeheartedly—just like he used to as a child. It had been so long since he had seen that expression on his son’s face.

Aera, still giggling, ran to her grandpa. “We’re sorry, Grandpa, for scaring you,” she said, her little hands holding her ears in an adorable apology.

Namjoon scooped her up in his arms, his dimples appearing. “It’s okay, baby. I’m not angry at you.”

They continued playing for a little longer until Jungkook came to call them for dinner.

After a meal filled with laughter and warmth, it was time to leave. Despite Jin’s insistence that they stay the night, Jungkook gently refused. “Aera has school tomorrow,” he reminded softly.

Jin sighed but eventually relented, making Jungkook promise to visit again soon.

With one final round of goodbyes, they all returned to their homes, hearts full and content. That night, they drifted into peaceful sleep, wrapped in the comfort of family and love.

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Preview ~

To be continued...