Chapter 31

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Author's Point of View

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Kim mansion, illuminating the spacious kitchen where two figures moved gracefully. Jin, with his usual elegance, stood by the stove, while Jungkook busied himself at the counter, arranging plates and setting the table.

The rest of the household was still asleep, wrapped in their dreams, while these two prepared breakfast with quiet chatter and soft laughter.

Jin turned his head slightly, glancing at Jungkook with a warm smile. “Baby, do you want something particular for breakfast?” he asked, his voice gentle as always.

Jungkook, who had been stacking the plates neatly, perked up at the question. He thought for a moment before answering, “Umm... pancakes?” His tone held a hint of hesitation, as if he was craving them but unsure if it was okay to ask.

Jin chuckled, his eyes shining with fondness. “Of course,” he agreed immediately, happy to fulfill younger son’s wish.

Jungkook grinned, feeling a familiar warmth in his chest. He had grown so used to Jin’s kindness and motherly care that even a simple “yes” to his cravings made him feel deeply cherished.

A comfortable silence settled between them as they worked together. After a few minutes, Jin spoke again. “Kook, can you make a fruit salad?” he asked while flipping another pancake.

“Sure, Eomma,” Jungkook responded without hesitation. He moved toward the fridge, taking out a variety of fresh fruits—apples, bananas, strawberries, and grapes. He carefully began cutting them into bite-sized pieces, but as he did, a small frown formed on his lips. A thought had crossed his mind.

“Eomma~” he called out softly.

Jin hummed in response, signaling him to continue.

“Breakfast is almost ready… Then fruit salad?” he asked curiously, tilting his head.

Jin smirked slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Someone is coming who likes fruit salad,” he replied, his tone holding a hint of excitement.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Who?” he asked, pausing his cutting.

“You’ll find out soon, baby,” Jin said, patting Jungkook’s head affectionately before turning back to the stove.

Jungkook pursed his lips but didn’t press further. Instead, he focused on finishing the fruit salad, his mind now occupied with curiosity about their mysterious guest.

The breakfast table was almost set when the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house.

Namjoon and Aera, who were in the living room, glanced toward the entrance, while Taehyung, who had just finished getting ready for the office, came down the stairs, buttoning his cufflinks.

Jin was still in the kitchen, so he turned to Sana, their housekeeper, and instructed, “Sana, can you get the door?”

Sana nodded and walked to the entrance. A moment later, familiar voices filled the hallway as she let in Jimin, Yoongi, and Hobi.

“Good morning, everyone!” Jimin and Hobi chirped excitedly as they entered, their presence as lively as ever.

“Morning,” Yoongi greeted with a small smile.

Jungkook, who had just placed the last dish on the table, turned to greet them, his smile widening. “Hyungs!”

Jimin immediately wrapped him in a hug, making Jungkook chuckle. “Missed you, Kookie!”

“You literally saw me three days ago,” Jungkook pointed out, amused.

“But still!” Jimin pouted, making Hobi and Yoongi laugh.

By then, Taehyung had reached the dining area, nodding at his friends before settling in his seat.

Once everyone was seated, Sana began serving breakfast.

Just as they started eating, Jin suddenly clapped his hands together, gaining everyone’s attention. “Attention, everyone! I have decided something,” he announced with a bright smile.

Everyone turned to him, curiosity evident in their expressions.

Jin let the suspense build for a second before revealing, “We are going to Daegu for a week.”

A beat of silence followed before Jimin’s excited voice broke through.

“Really?!” Jimin nearly jumped in his seat, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Jin nodded, clearly pleased with the reaction.

“That’s amazing!” Hobi added, equally thrilled. Even Yoongi, who was usually more reserved, looked interested.

However, amidst the excitement, Taehyung frowned slightly. “Eomma, I can’t leave the company now. There are pending projects I need to finalize,” he said, his tone hesitant but firm.

Jin, however, was unfazed. He looked at his son with unwavering determination. “You are coming, Tae, and that’s final. Don’t worry about work.”

Taehyung opened his mouth to protest, but before he could speak, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house again. Jin smiled knowingly. “The solution to your problem has arrived,” he said, looking at Taehyung with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Taehyung frowned, confused. “What—?”

“Sana, go and open the door,” Jin instructed one of the staff members.

A few seconds later, the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air. Everyone turned their heads toward the entrance as a man walked in, his confident stride and warm smile immediately drawing attention.

Surprise flickered across Taehyung’s face before it melted into a rare, genuine smile. He stood up, his eyes shining with familiarity. “Hey, Jack! Long time, man!” he greeted warmly, pulling the newcomer into a firm hug.

Jungkook, who had been sitting quietly, tilted his head slightly, watching the interaction with curiosity. He didn’t know who Jack was, but he felt something stir inside him. A small, unconscious pout formed on his lips as he watched Taehyung’s reaction to the man.

Jin, pleased with the reunion, gestured toward the dining table. “Welcome back, Jack. Come, sit.”

Jack nodded and took a seat beside Hoseok.

Jin turned to Jungkook with a soft smile. “Kook, the fruit salad you made—can you bring it, baby?”

Jungkook nodded without hesitation, standing up and making his way to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Jack greeted everyone at the table, exchanging friendly words with Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok.

Jungkook soon returned with a bowl of freshly prepared fruit salad. Jin stood up, taking the bowl from him with a grateful smile. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he said before walking toward Jack and placing the bowl in front of him.

Jungkook returned to his seat beside Taehyung, still unsure about the visitor. He glanced at him subtly, trying to understand the dynamic.

Jack took a bite of the fruit salad and hummed in satisfaction. “Wow, this is amazing! Who made this?” he asked.

“Jungkook did,” Jin answered with a proud smile.

Jack turned to Jungkook with a bright grin. He didn't ask anything about him maybe too excited to eat the salad “You have a talent, my friend!”

Jungkook gave a polite smile, but before he could respond, Taehyung spoke up. “When did you come back? And why didn’t you tell me?”

Jack chuckled. “I arrived yesterday.”

“Took you so long to come back, Jack,” Jimin chimed in, crossing his arms. “I thought you were planning to settle there for good.”

“No way, Shortie,” Jack teased. “I was only there to complete my training, and now it’s done, so I’m back.”

Jimin scowled. “Don’t call me that!”

Jack laughed, and Taehyung joined in. Hoseok shook his head, amused.

Jin then turned to Jungkook and Jack. “Kook, meet Jack. And Jack, meet Jungkook—Taehyung’s boyfriend.”

Jungkook smiled warmly. “Hello.”

Jack looked at him for moment before instead of responding, he suddenly stood up and approached Jungkook, standing a little away from him. Jungkook blinked in confusion as the man looked at him seriously.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Jack slightly bowed. “Let me introduce myself properly—Hello, I’m Jack, Master Kim Taehyung’s assistant plus bodyguard. It’s an honor to meet you Young Master.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. He quickly stood up as well, startled by the formal greeting. Seeing Jack bow, he instinctively returned the gesture.

Taehyung sighed, shaking his head. “You forgot to mention ‘friend,’ Jack. And Bun, he’s just being dramatic—sit down.”

Jack scratched the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. “Force of habit,” he said before sitting down again. Jungkook also sat, still a little unsure how to react to the situation.

Before the conversation could continue, a small voice piped up. “No one introduced me!”

All eyes turned toward Aera, who had been sitting patiently but now pouted with her arms crossed.

Jimin and Hoseok immediately cooed. “Aww, our little angel!” Jimin gushed.

Jin chuckled and opened his arms. “No one forgot you, Baby. Come here.”

Aera quickly got up and ran toward him. Jin lifted her onto his lap and kissed her cheek. “Jack, meet the princess of this house—our Aera baby.”

Jack smiled warmly. “Hello, little one.”

“Hello, Unkie,” Aera responded shyly.

Once the introductions were done, Jin turned back to the main topic. “As I said before, we’re leaving for Daegu tomorrow morning. And now that Jack is back, he will handle everything at the office. Tae, you have the whole day to explain everything to him.”

Jack nodded in confirmation, showing a thumbs-up. Taehyung hesitated, still processing the sudden plan. He loved visiting his grandmother—she showered him with endless love and warmth—but the news had come so suddenly that he hadn’t been prepared.

After breakfast Taehyung, Yoongi, and Jack left for the company, while Namjoon took Aera to the garden to play. Hoseok left for his café to inform the staff about the upcoming break.

Meanwhile, Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook sat in the living room, discussing the upcoming trip. Seeing no reason to keep secrets anymore, Jin had decided to tell Jimin everything beforehand.

After nearly two hours, Jimin, Jungkook, and Aera left for Jungkook’s apartment. Jimin helped Jungkook pack, ensuring they had everything they needed for their stay in Daegu. By the time Jimin left to pack for himself and Yoongi, the sun had begun its descent.

After informing in the kindergarten about Aera's leaves Jungkook glanced at little girl, who was playing with her toys, her small hands moving carefully as she arranged them. She had said she was fine after the kindergarten incident, but Jungkook knew better. She hid her emotions to keep him from worrying.

Still, despite the uncertainties surrounding the trip, Jungkook found comfort in one thing.

The visit might not be as simple as it seemed, but it would give his daughter a chance to forget the bad memories.

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Preview ~

Daegu