Jimin 's moaking comment,twanged the mam 's wounded ego , experiencing profound hurt by his son's betrayal.So many nannies were rejected by him and he accepted an overbearing, intolerable, unscrupulous boy with an ego to the size of Asia.He managed to boldly invade his house making his son ,who hates physical contact, practically throw himself in his arms.Fucken unbelievable!
Taehyung 's self-importance attained a nasty jolt, spawning his acute tantrum.His trembling, veiny hands thudded the desk ,rattling and therefore flipping all objects on it.A squeaky sound gushed out of his scrunchy mouth.A ripple of rage , resentment and sheer disappointment broke the silence of the room.Jimin balked from his brother 's outburst. Taehyung brushed his fingers through his dark, neatly set hair, cursing out loud.
"I underestimated the little weasel...the two faced ...pompous brat..." he roared unable to maintain control.
"I don't get you."Yoongi avowed."You hardly know him yet you seem like you hate him.He managed to open up Tata in a way nobody else could over the years.Why does his presence annoy you so much?"
Taehyung huffed."He just bothers me.I don't trust him. There is something about him that screams trouble.I want him out of my house...my life and my son 's life." He clasped the paper cutter so hard it hurt his palm.
"Your personal feelings are irrelevant in this case.What is best for your son should only matter.He is not here for you Tae." Yoongi contradicted him with sheer mockery.
" Unless you want him too.." Jimin insinuated in a rather combative way, wrinkling his eyebrows.
" Shut the fuck up Jimin!"he snorted, agitated with his brother 's boldness." Learn when to close your big mouth!"
His brother rolled his eyes." Hold your horses, tiger... Learn how to speak properly to the only person who puts up with your bullshit...brother." he answered back in the exact same tone.
Tae reined his desire to curse Jimin once again so instead he inhaled a few times before replying calmly." I want him out of my house. Don't like him. Can't stand him. As simple as that."
"You are biased and I can't for the life of me understand why!" Jimin swiftly added."What has he done to you? Tata seems fond of him.For a boy who detests physical contact he has prover quite acceptable.So cast aside your usual prejudice and bad manners and allow him to do his job." Jimin poked his brother's arm." Quit victimising yourself.The world doesn't evolve around your sorry ass!"He quickly turned to Yoongi."Let's go before I smack his stubborn head." They left not sparing a glance at Taehyung.
The man was left high and dry .A huge fear roosted in his messed up heart, burning it like acid.The coated fear pestering his soul for years now ,tingled his body, warning him of an upcoming thunderstorm, that could initiate an atrocious sequence of events, disturbing his sheltered family life.Unwillingly the blurry image of a man ,who taunted his dreams since an early age marched through his mind , forcing him to pace back and forth.
The sudden recollection evoked mixed emotions to the livid male.Since the age of ten his dreams were flogged by a hypnotic figure calling his name...The person 's face was veiled however the feeling of relish and fulfillment dominated young Taehyung.His feminine, curved body strongly indicated the presence of a woman.
His dreams consisted of partially ,scrambled scenes of 'her' dressed in a traditional hanbok, situated in a korean house but lacked in consistency.When turning sixteen, his dreams were restricted to erotic ones , filled with lustful scenes eventually leading to the ghastly revelation of having sex... with a man!
His own conflict concerning his sexual orientation and strong denial to admit the obvious, alongside with a profound, hidden fear made him susceptible to fatal mistakes.He embarked on a lustful ,carnal journey, banging every female he crossed paths with.The more he fucked women the more sombre and unsalted he became.
The quilt and confusion he was undergoing , reinforced the duration and sequence of his dreams, turning them into nightmares with countless, sleepless nights ,twirling and turning in bed as a result of his anger and ...arousal.
Taehyung ,so abashed to admit his true nature and his lust for a captivating young man whose face he hadn't glanced once, he scoffed on his own desires.He was straight.He wasn't gay.Of course he had nothing against them since his brother was and his parents 'acceptance was warm and considerate.So he blamed his youth concentrating on banging more women.
The idea of getting married, having a family was not a priority. Yet, one night, after consuming tones of alcohol he slept with Duri and three weeks later she told him she was pregnant and he popped the question.Duri was sexy, glamorous and fun to have sex.
The crisis in their marriage occurred after Jungtae 's birth.
Duri 's indifference, denial to breastfeed her own baby in the pretence of ruining her breast or even hold him, ked to constant quarrels and eventually she abandoned both to persuit her acting career.She would return for a few weeks, accept new proposals and leave again.
Taehyung tried to be understanding but as years passed he had a clear knowledge of her numerous indiscretions but his hardheaded character impelled him to remain faithful to their vows, family , concentrating on raising their son.
The truth of the matter was JungTae beared no love or affection towards his mother, despite his efforts to bring them closer. The man refused to admit his parents and brother were right about her.He chose to think it was simply a phase that would magically disappear.Go figure!! Such a quick -witted, apt and adept businessman and he was trapped in his wife's cunning, spurious web.
____
Jungkook, holding Tata in his arms, swanked inside the spacious, modern kitchen, bowed and cheerfully greeted the staff , consisted of three women and a young man, introducing himself.
"Hello.I am Kim Jungkook.Tata's new caretaker"
"He is my Kookie , EunJin!" the boy giggled leaving everyone at awe.Not only due to Tata's enthusiastic responses and apparent change but also because of the younger's captivating beauty.He was radiating a glowing sparkle and a serene aura.
"I am Hei-Ran." the short haired girl said smiling.
"My name is Micha." the second girl pratted."Nice to meet you."
"I am Kai...the chauffeur...Glad to meet you Jungkook." The man was good looking, around his age,fair haired with a cheerful, broad smile.
Jungkook liked him from the beginning getting good vibes from him.
The younger bowed slightly."Pleasure meeting you all."
"I am EunJin.The Kim's housekeeper." Her tone was firm and professional."Has Taehyung really hired you?" She seemed baffled, especially knowing Tae's opinion regarding the new member. She had been earned by the Kim's to look sfter and protect the younger. It struck her as odd that the bosses would pay so much attention to a stranger but in the years working for them she had learn to keep her opinion to herself.
"Yes...I passed the 'JungTae' test " he hooted, caressing the boy's hair."I guess he had no other option."
The woman grinned at the image of Tae's irritated expression and Jungkook 's straightforward response.Tata pouted making a sulking face.
" Kookie you promised me to help you cook...my tummy is hungry."
The younger chuckled , booping his round nose." A promise is a promise, bun." He glanced at the woman." Would you mind if I use your kitchen?" he asked politely." I'll be very careful!"
" Be my guest!All yours!" she agreed , wiggling her shoulders.Her curiosity regarding the new member was extensive.Prowling , Jungkook, holding Tata in his arms ,found the ingredients he needed for the meal.After the necessary preparations along with Tata's valuable help, lunch was ready.
" They look delicious!" Micha noted, drooling at the sight of the glutinous rice, vegetable soup, chicken stew and chicory apple salad, elegantly served on the stylish green plates.
Hei-Ran agreed" You know your way around the kitchen!"
"They smell heavenly." Kai exclaimed ,rubbing his empty stomach.
" There's plenty for you , too.I just hope I remembered papa 's recipes correctly." His face blushed at the compliments. He wasn't used to it.
" I didn't know your papa cooks." EunJin commended in surprise ,as her eyes wandered around the dishes, most likely searching for flaws." Most men cause disaster in the kitchen." she continued waiting for Jungkook's reply but the younger, polite by nature, thought it wise to keep his mouth shut and give a good expression.
" He is an excellent cook!He gives a lot of attention to home cooked meals.There is never takeaway in our house!" he replied proudly, placing the dishes on a big tray." At least not if we want to spend a quiet day at home!"
The older woman 's eyes sparkled. The new member had won her heart with his gentle behaviour." I already love you papa! Home cooked meals are essential for proper raising.Especially for young children who have a sweet tooth for snacks. I could never understand the need to eat junk food." the woman declared, as Jungkook sounded and acted kindly, carrying the tray to the small dining room next to the kitchen, in order to help.Once the plate setting was complete she glided back to taste the food.
"Kookie ...do I have to eat all the veggies?" the boy pulled a face of disgust.Jungkook wanted to laugh but held back. The boy had to learn to follow orders.
" I am afraid so! If you finish all your meal, I will give you a little treat...Mmmm...a big scoop of the strawberry ice cream I saw in the freezer!" Jungkook pinched his fluffy cheeks and the boy giggled.
" Ice cream! HURRAY!" he shouted excitedly ,clapping his tiny hands.
" Like father like son..." Jungkook mummbled ,shaking his head remembering Tae 's love for strawberries.
" I love ice cream.Noona always buys it for me and dada yells because I eat too much and my tummy hurts."
" You should listen to your dada, bun. He is right." the boy advised him, pouring a big portion of soup in his bowl."Eat before it gets cold."
The boy tried everything and his beautiful face lit from enthusiasm as he wanted to please his new friend.Just as they were finishing Taehyung appeared.
"Dada look!I ate all my veggies and salad! Kookie and I made them!" He showed Tae his empty plates with proudness like he had achieved a great accomplishment.
Taehyung warily loomed up, stunned to the fact his son was convinced to eat food he disliked.It reinforced his rage against the intruder." Proud of you baby."
"Come dada...eat!" the boy urged him, gulping his banana milk. His cheeks were puffed and pinkish.
" I am not hungry bun... maybe later." Like hell he would try his food.He would rather starve to death." Can we talk... Jungkook?"
" Of course mr.Kim." he replied politely but remained seated.
" You' ll be staying with the rest of the staff, downstairs.One of the maids will show you to your room.You' ll have Sundays off and we need to make arrangements about your studies in case you have to be absent."
" That won't be an issue.My semester is over and I won't be attending classes. Only assignments I can complete in my leisure time."
" Excellent. JungTae isn't enrolled in kindergarten...He will keep you busy."
" I am not afraid of hard work.We will be fine Mr.Kim." he assured him. Referring him as Mr.Kim was heartbreaking, considering their past but had to adjust." When Tata feels ready, he will agree to enrol.It's a shame to miss the opportunity and experience to socialise and make new friends."
"I will be the judge of that." he noted sternly, diversing his gaze from the younger.The last thing he wanted was this boy dictating him what to do with his son!
" Considering his needs ,should be your first priority.School exists for a reason not only to educate students but also to form and mold their character and prepare them for the future.." he responded , straight on.
Taehyung bolted his fists as his piercing gaze landed on the intruder 's serene expression ready to snub.However, he had decided not to engage into a fight in his son's presence and avoid any interaction with Jungkook." My son is my main concern.Understood?"
Jungkook got the hint loud and clear and concluded that quarreling with Tae was not exactly the right approach." Could I go home for tonight to pack and return tomorrow morning?"he requested softly.
" NO KOOKIE! DON'T GO! STAY WITH ME!" the boy protested, hugging his arm." Don't leave!"
The younger stooped over, folding his hair." Bun I have to go get my stuff.Say goodbye to my parents...I" ll come back tomorrow and fix you a tasty breaky....I promise."
The boy lifted his head, pouting." You promise!"
Jungkook flicked his little nose , giggling." I never break a promise , bun" he added , catching a glit of Tae's dour face.
" Ok...may I have my ice cream now?"
" How could I forget? May I bring some for you mr.Kim? Strawberry flavour."
The man was caught off guard so his declined the offer , mumbling something and walked away.The younger shook his head, went to the kitchen and fetched the dessert.Later, Tata gave him a tour of his room and his playroom.
____
At Jungkook 's house.
" I am surprised he accepted you!" Jin pointed out as sceptical as usual.They were in Jungkook 's room packing some of ths things.
" He had no choice Tata liked me."
"I would love to have seen the look on his face when his son hugged you!" Jin boasted, huffing." That must have wiped the smirk out of his face!"
" He is too complicated papa. My Tae and this one, have only one in common.The face." the boy sadly admitted, placing his green hoody in his suitcase." Anyway I managed to overcome all obstacles the way you taught me."
" Sassily I imagine." he speculated, getting a thumbs up from his son.
" Sometimes I have doubts...about my presence there.The guilt is killing me ...but I have to do it, papa... It's the only way to put closer...and take the next step...."
Jin stationed him, twirling him around." Do what you have to do.I understand your reluctance and guilt but you came first in Tae' s life.If you are convinced you can handle the situation go for it.You have our support."
" Thanks papa...It means the world to me ." He hugged the man and went back to packing.
"I admire your bravery baby.You got that from me!"
"I don't know about that..." he took a sharp breath." Bravery is opening the fridge , looking at the cheesecake and going for the yoghurt! This ,I am afraid is plain stupidity."
" Don't be so hard on yourself.Anyway, your appa will arrive shortly with your hyungs. Wrap things up and come help me."
" Oh I completely forgot!Hobi hyung texted me. Him and Bogum are coming to Seoul next month.They offered Bogum hyung a position in Jimin's hospital as chief surgeon." he informed his papa, smiling.Ha had missed both of them so much and they had always been part of his life one way or the other.
" It was bloody time! The old gang is gathering!" Jin winked cunningly.
" We are one member short."
" Not for long baby...Mark my words." Jin left for the kitchen, Jungkook toiled his feet to his closet and found a small, wooden, Chinese box under a pile of clothes.
His hyungs had given it to him when he visited them home one day. Slowly he opened it with the chain key wrapped around his neck, coming across objects from his past. A gold, handmade pendant. A small, silver dagger curved with his initials and an old, discoloured photo of two men dated in 1938. His trembling hands caressed the photo, tears appearing in the corner of his eyes, refusing to brim down his cheeks.
" Why can't you remember hyungie? How could you forget our past? Me...our love? Give your heart...marry a woman...have a child? Didn't I mean anything to you? Was I so insignificant? Has time changed you that much?" He inhaled sharply,filling his lungs with air." Please remember me....I can't stand this... it's killing me ....I feel dead living without you...If only our...." He shook the thoughts our of his head.Dried his teary eyes. Closed the box , hiding it in his backpack." No more self pity Jungkook...You have to be strong."
As soon as he finished packing, he headed downstairs.They had a pleasant dinner mostly chatting about Hobi and Bogum 's arrival. It took Jungkook 's mind away from the nasty battle he had to give.
He was actually petrified of losing the war against..time..