16
Third Person Pov
Gyubin sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall, eyes glazed and unfocused. His small hands were resting in his lap, unmoving.
Behind him, Taehyung glanced over just as he finished buckling his belt.
“Binnie,” he called softly.
The boy turned his head slowly, eyes flicking to his father. Taehyung offered a gentle smile and walked over, crouching down until they were face to face.
“What are you thinking about so deeply, hmm?” he asked, brushing his fingers under Gyubin’s chin to lift it slightly.
Gyubin didn’t answer at first. His lashes fluttered before he shook his head.
“Tell me,” Taehyung coaxed, his voice still tender. “Come on.”
Gyubin’s gaze dropped again.
“Mr. Jeon...” he said at last, barely above a whisper.
Taehyung stilled.
The name was like a cold gust of wind through the room. And in that instant, the memory of last night slammed into him. Taehyung swallowed, steadying his voice.
“Yeah?” he murmured. “What about him?”
Gyubin’s hands clenched the blanket.
“He’s... so bad, Appa,” he said quietly. “So bad.”
Taehyung gave a sad, knowing smile.
He should’ve known. Gyubin hadn’t forgotten. Not the gunshot. Not the lifeless body. Not the way Jeon Jungkook had pulled the trigger without blinking right in front of him.
And Taehyung suddenly felt the weight of everything he had tried to shield his son from.
Too late.
Taehyung pressed a soft kiss to Gyubin’s cheeks, one after the other, then gently rested his forehead against the little boy’s.
“Hmm,” he hummed lightly, brushing Gyubin’s hair back from his face. “You’re so warm. Like a tiny heater.”
Gyubin clung to him quietly, arms looped around his neck, not saying much but Taehyung could feel the way his little hands relaxed just a bit with each passing second.
Taehyung smiled softly and rubbed his back. “You know what I’m thinking?” he murmured, swaying them a little side to side. “I’m thinking you’re gonna look really handsome today in that blue shirt we picked out.”
Gyubin blinked slowly, still nestled against his chest.
Taehyung continued, voice light. “And if we get ready quickly, we might have time to stop by the bakery. The one with those tiny butter rolls you like. You always eat the corners first.”
That earned him a small nod against his shoulder.
“And after the appointment,” Taehyung added, pulling back just enough to see his son’s face, “we’ll come home, make something warm... and maybe cuddle for the rest of the day. Just you and me. That sound good?”
Gyubin finally looked up, quiet but trusting, his eyes softer now.
"I like being with you." Gyubin said softly.
Taehyung smiled. “Me too.”
He gave him another kiss on the forehead before slowly standing up with Gyubin still in his arms. “Let’s brush that sleepy face and get those socks on, hmm?"
Gyubin leaned his head back onto his shoulder wordlessly, holding on.
Taehyung didn’t mind.
He carried him like that all the way to the bathroom, whispering little things here and there gentle reminders that the world was still okay, and that sometimes, all you really needed was someone to hold on to.
Taehyung gently tied Gyubin’s soft hair into a loose ponytail, careful not to tug too hard on his curls. A few bouncy strands naturally fell onto the boy’s forehead, framing his gentle face. Taehyung smiled softly at the sight, smoothing down the baby hairs with the pad of his thumb.
“All done,” he whispered, placing a kiss on the crown of Gyubin’s head.
Gyubin beamed up at him with a quiet smile, eyes gleaming with trust and affection. “Thank you, Appa.”
Then, without another word, he reached out and slipped his small hand into Taehyung’s. Taehyung's heart tightened at the familiar warmth. Gyubin adjusted the strap of his bag with his free hand and whispered, “Let’s go.”
Taehyung nodded and opened the door slowly, stepping out of the comfort of their room into the hallway. He exhaled deeply, fingers unconsciously tightening around Gyubin’s, hoping praying—they wouldn't have to see him today.
But all those hopes came crashing down the moment he stepped into the spacious living room.
Jungkook was standing there.
Right by the massive window, sunlight slicing through the blinds onto his tall frame.
His back was turned, one hand holding a phone to his ear, the other resting inside his pocket.
His white shirt clung to his toned form as he murmured something to the person on the other end of the call.
The low hum of his voice echoed slightly in the otherwise silent room.
Taehyung stopped dead in his tracks. His entire body tensed, and he immediately felt Gyubin freeze beside him too. The boy’s hand clutched tighter at his father’s shirt, hiding slightly behind him like instinct.
Taehyung slowly leaned down and whispered close to Gyubin’s ear, “It’s okay. He won’t hurt you.”
His voice was steady, but inside, his nerves were tangled into a thousand knots.
Then, gently placing a hand on Gyubin’s shoulder, Taehyung coaxed him to stand in front again, trying to make it seem as casual as possible. Gyubin gave the faintest nod, trusting his appa, and stepped forward, still holding tightly onto his hand.
And then Jungkook turned.
The moment their eyes met, Taehyung looked away.
Jungkook's dark gaze landed first on Gyubin, then trailed up to Taehyung with sharp intensity. The air between them thickened with everything left unsaid the echo of last night still fresh in both their minds.
Taehyung could almost feel those hands again the way they’d gripped his waist, the rough drag of fingers along his thighs under the steam and silence of the bathroom....he blinked fast and clenched his jaw, chasing away the memory.
Jungkook took slow, deliberate steps toward them, and both Taehyung and Gyubin remained rooted to the spot. The silence stretched painfully as Jungkook stood before them, towering like a shadow of everything Taehyung was trying to escape.
Gyubin lowered his head respectfully. “Good morning,” he mumbled, his voice gentle.
Jungkook didn’t respond. He just stared.
Taehyung finally spoke, forcing the words out. “I’m taking Gyubin for an appointment. The doctor called today for some… blood work.”
His voice was soft, deliberately avoiding eye contact but his own gaze was inevitably pulled to Jungkook's face.
And when he finally looked up, he wished he hadn’t.
Jungkook’s eyes were already on him burning, searching, lingering. He wasn't just looking at him. He was seeing him.
And Taehyung could feel it all his breath caught as Jungkook’s gaze dropped slightly… to the faint, dark mark just below his collarbone.
A bruise. Still fresh. Still visible.
Jungkook’s eyes darkened even more there was something dangerous and oddly satisfied there.
Taehyung quickly looked away, feeling exposed, like Jungkook had just peeled his layers off with one glance. He didn’t say anything else. Neither did Jungkook.
Then, with a low hum more of an acknowledgment than an answer Jungkook simply walked past them. His shoulder brushed Taehyung’s ever so slightly, and the moment was over.
But Taehyung's heart kept hammering in his chest.
Gyubin squeezed his hand again as if grounding him, and Taehyung gently smiled down at his son, even though his mind was still spiraling.
Without another word, they walked out the door together father and son leaving behind the man who continued to haunt them both.
~~
Jungkook stood by the tall window of his room, unmoving, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his black trouser.
His eyes followed the sleek black car parked in front of the house Taehyung's figure slipping into the passenger seat, Gyubin climbing in after him
He stared at them and then slowly removed one hand from his pocket and unfurled his fingers.
A simple red thread rested in his palm, dotted with tiny glass beads. Frayed at the edges. Familiar. It was warm last night when it had brushed against his chest cold now in his grip.
Taehyung’s bracelet.
It had come undone, slipped unnoticed onto the wet tiles of the bathroom floor while Jungkook had his hands on him while Taehyung trembled under him, breathless, messy, breaking.
His thumb brushed across the beads, and his dark eyes gleamed with something close to cruelty.
That mark on Taehyung’s neck had satisfied something in him. A craving, a possession. But it wasn’t enough. That tiny string in his hand felt like more than an accessory. It felt like a thread tying them together in ways Taehyung was trying too hard to sever.
And Jungkook?
He didn’t plan to let go of that thread anytime soon.
Quietly, he tucked the bracelet back into his pocket, his fingers curling around it protectively as he watched the car pull out of the driveway.
His expression was calm.
But his silence was loud.
And somewhere beneath all that silence was a storm waiting to crack open again.
.
.
.
Gyubin lay on the hospital bed, his tiny hands folded neatly over his stomach, a brave look on his soft face despite the sterile scent of the room and the quiet clinking of medical tools.
The nurse was preparing the injection, her movements careful and practiced.
A warm shaft of morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, softening the atmosphere of the white-walled treatment room.
Taehyung sat beside the bed, resting his chin lightly on his fist as he watched his son.
He’d been through this routine too many times to flinch at the sight of needles now, but something still twisted in his chest every time Gyubin turned his head away and bit down on his lip to stay silent during the pricks.
Gyubin’s gaze met Taehyung’s, and a tiny smile formed on his lips.
“It’s just a small one today, appa,” he said softly, his voice mellow like a breeze, always trying to comfort Taehyung, even though it was supposed to be the other way around.
Taehyung smiled back, brushing some curls off Gyubin’s forehead. “You say that every time, baby.”
“It’s true every time,” Gyubin murmured with a small giggle, making Taehyung’s heart feel both full and fragile at once.
The nurse turned to them with a kind look. “Just a quick injection, sweetheart. You’re doing so well.”
Gyubin nodded solemnly, then turned his face away and squeezed Taehyung’s fingers gently. Taehyung held his hand tightly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles into the back of the boy’s palm.
“Think about those superhero comics you like,” Taehyung said. “I bet even they couldn’t be this brave.”
Gyubin chuckled a little. “Maybe I’ll be a superhero when I grow up too. But not the kind who flies… maybe the one who helps people.”
Taehyung leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Gyubin’s temple. “You already are one.”
As the needle went in, Gyubin didn’t flinch. He only stared up at the ceiling, lips pressed together, hand locked with his appa’s.
Once it was over, Taehyung gave him a thumbs up. “You did amazing. Want me to get you a choco milk?”
Gyubin nodded instantly, eyes lighting up. “With a straw.”
“With a straw,” Taehyung repeated, grabbing his bag and standing up. “ You okay if I step out for a minute and grab your milk?”
Gyubin gave him a little salute, smiling again. “Roger that, Captain Appa.”
Taehyung laughed, ruffling his curls. “Be right back, my superhero.”
And as he stepped out into the corridor, leaving the door slightly ajar, he sighed softly relieved for now, but terrified of everything that could still come.
.
.
.
Taehyung stepped out of the canteen, Balancing the drink carefully, he walked around the corner when he suddenly collided with someone, the sudden bump making the small carton fall from his hand.
“Oh! I’m terribly sorry, dear,” came an elderly voice, frail but kind.
Taehyung’s eyes dropped to the fallen drink and then slowly lifted to the woman standing in front of him. His lips parted.
“Mrs. Kim…?” he breathed, almost like a question, stunned into a still moment.
Her eyes widened at the sight of him too, blinking a few times before a warm smile curled on her face. “Taehyungie?” she whispered back, a small laugh escaping her.
“Oh, what a coincidence. I’m so sorry, I left quite early in the morning without saying goodbye.”
Taehyung shook his head immediately. “It’s fine. Mr. Haenam told me you had an appointment today.”
She gave a soft nod. “Mm, yes. My regular therapy.” Her voice was gentle, aged by time but still carrying the same affectionate.
A hospital staff member had already bent down to clean up the spilled milk. Taehyung bent slightly too, guilt flashing across his face. “I’m really sorry,” he murmured to the worker, who only smiled politely in return before assuring him it was alright.
“I’ll buy you another one,” Mrs. Kim said lightly, patting his arm. Before he could even wave her off, she gently grabbed him by the wrist.
“Come on, no arguing,” she teased as she pulled him along toward the canteen. He didn’t resist.
Moments later, he found himself holding a new chocolate milk, complete with a fresh bunny straw. He smiled at the sight of it, lips twitching with a fondness he hadn’t felt in a while.
“You didn’t have to,” he said quietly.
“Oh, I did."
Taehyung laughed softly, eyes cast downward. “Thank you.”
She nodded, watching him for a moment before her expression softened further. “You should come visit my home."
Taehyung opened his mouth to decline, but she raised her hand before he could.
“I insist.”
He hesitated. “Gyubin’s having his appointment today…”
Mrs. Kim’s eyes brightened. “Oh, I’ll meet that little guy too then. I’ve heard so much about him from Seokjin.” Her voice was so fond, as if she already loved the boy just from what she’d heard.
“I’ll wait,” she added with a reassuring smile.
Taehyung stared at her for a second, then gave a small nod. “Okay.”
They walked back together, and he thought… maybe today wasn’t so heavy after all.
They walked together in silence through the whitewashed corridor, the fluorescent lights humming faintly above them. Mrs. Kim’s presence was oddly comforting familiar, yet distant.
Taehyung wasn’t used to having someone like her around, but something about the gentle grip on his arm and the way she hummed softly as they walked made it feel... almost natural.
As they approached the room, Taehyung’s eyes darted to the door just as it creaked open.
“Appa?”
A small voice called out, and Taehyung’s heart immediately softened.
Gyubin peeked out, his hospital gown slightly crooked, a small bandage still taped to his arm. The moment his eyes met Taehyung’s, they lit up like tiny stars.
“Gyubin,” Taehyung whispered fondly, taking a step forward.
But before he could reach him, Mrs. Kim bent slightly and whispered, “Is he the one?” Her voice was filled with curiosity but also the soft awe of someone seeing a living painting.
Taehyung nodded quietly.
Gyubin’s eyes flicked to the woman beside his appa, and out of instinctive politeness, the little boy came closer and gave a small, respectful bow. His bangs flopped down, brushing his eyebrows, his hands neatly folded.
Mrs. Kim’s eyes softened, her whole expression melting.
“Aren’t you a little sweetheart?” she said warmly, crouching slightly so she could meet his eye level.
Gyubin blushed immediately, gaze dropping shyly to the floor as his fingers twisted together.
Taehyung watched the scene quietly, a fond smile tugging at his lips. There was a pause, a kind of warmth hanging in the air that made everything else the sterile hospital, the harsh lights, even the dull ache in his chest fade into the background.
“So adorable,” she added softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from Gyubin’s forehead. “Your appa talks about you like you’re the strongest boy in the world.”
At that, Gyubin glanced up through his lashes and shifted closer to Taehyung’s side. Taehyung instinctively rested a hand on the boy’s back, steady and warm.
“He is,” Taehyung said, his voice low but proud. “He really is.”
Mrs. Kim smiled again, this time at Taehyung. “Well, aren’t I lucky to meet both of you today?”
Gyubin gave a tiny nod, his lips curved up in a modest smile as he clung lightly to the hem of Taehyung’s coat. The bunny straw in Taehyung’s hand wobbled slightly, still poking out from the new choco milk carton.
“Let’s sit for a while,” Mrs. Kim offered, her tone gentle.
Taehyung glanced down at Gyubin. “Wanna drink your milk together, Binnie?”
Gyubin nodded, gripping his father’s hand tightly.
And so the three of them found a quiet bench in the corridor, a strange little family of sorts.
After a while, Mrs. Kim rose from her seat, brushing off the wrinkles on her coat before turning to Taehyung with a soft, inviting smile. “You must come over witg me,” she said gently, her tone filled with quiet insistence.
Taehyung hesitated, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea…” he mumbled, glancing away before he added cautiously, “Mr. Jeon might not—”
But she immediately shook her head, cutting him off before he could finish. “Don’t worry about him,” she said with a small laugh, waving her hand as if brushing off the very thought of Jungkook’s opinion. “I’ll call him and let him know myself.”
Her confidence startled him for a second, but it made him relax a little too. With a reluctant nod, he murmured, “Alright.”
Just then, the nurse approached, her eyes warm as she bent slightly to speak to Gyubin. “Let’s get you changed, sweetheart.”
Gyubin looked up at her and then turned to his father, handing over his empty chocolate milk cup with a small smile. “Here, appa.”
Taehyung took the cup, and watched him go.
Moments later, Gyubin returned, now wearing his casual clothes. His cheeks were still a bit pink from earlier, and his hands were tucked nervously into his sleeves.
Together, the three of them began to make their way toward the hospital exit. Mrs. Kim walked beside Gyubin, slightly lowering herself as she spoke in a warm, grandmotherly tone. “So, what’s your favorite animal, hmm?”
Gyubin hesitated for a second before shyly replying, “Bunnies.”
“Bunnies!” she gasped, playfully dramatic. “You’ve got good taste.”
He smiled shyly, looking at the ground as he answered her other questions with nods and quiet words. She didn’t push; she simply adjusted to his pace and made him feel heard, something Taehyung noticed with an odd sense of warmth blooming in his chest.
Once they reached the car, the atmosphere shifted to something even lighter. As they settled in, Mrs. Kim began talking about her daily life about the book she had started reading but never finished, about her therapy sessions, about a neighbor who never returned her tupperware.
Her stories were soft, sometimes funny, sometimes meandering, but the way she spoke made the whole car feel a little more like home.
Gyubin listened quietly, occasionally giggling, while Taehyung simply watched them both one with cautious admiration, the other with quiet love.
Taehyung stepped into the Kim household, the soft click of his shoes echoing against the polished floor as Mrs. Kim handed her bag to the waiting house staff. The air inside felt warm comforting in a way that was foreign to Taehyung.
Unlike the cold elegance of the Jeon mansion, the Kim residence radiated something softer… more like a home.
His eyes drifted around, absorbing the tasteful decor and subtle signs of life a family photo on the side table, a pair of shoes messily tucked near the entrance. He smiled faintly, his fingers brushing against Gyubin’s tiny shoulder instinctively as if grounding himself.
Just then, his gaze caught movement on the staircase Kim Seokjin was descending in a hurry, perhaps on his way out. But the moment his eyes landed on Taehyung, his brisk steps slowed.
Taehyung offered a light smile, unsure if it would be returned. But to his surprise, it was Gyubin who reacted first.
The little boy's eyes lit up like he'd seen someone special. Slowly, almost cautiously, he walked ahead, stopping in front of Seokjin.
“Mr. Kim,” Gyubin said in his soft, slightly breathy voice.
Seokjin’s expression softened at once. He leaned down with a gentle smile, ruffling Gyubin’s hair affectionately. “Well, look who’s here,” he said with warmth.
Gyubin grinned shyly, lowering his gaze as a faint blush crept up his cheeks. Taehyung stood frozen in mild disbelief.
Gyubin wasn’t like this with just anyone he was reserved, even distant with strangers. He hardly warmed up easily. But Seokjin? He’d only met him four times at most. And yet… here Gyubin was, gravitating toward him as if drawn by something invisible.
Then again, children had a way of recognizing genuine kindness without needing much time.
And Seokjin… Seokjin never had to try too hard to be kind.