" I'M HOME!"Jungkook shouted entering his house, holding Tata in his arms.Fortunately, the boy had calmed down and stopped shaking.Jin stepped out of the kitchen, wipping his wet hands on his pink apron.
" Baby, I wasn't expecting you today.."
" It was a ladt minute call..I brought a guest , papa. This is JungTae." He stroked his hair." Tata this is my papa, Seokjin.." The boy's shyness and fear made him hide his face deeper in Jungkook 's neck, squishing his little fist on the younger 's hoody. As Jin drew closer, standing in front of them, he twinkled at the small , curled ball figure.
" Oh my God! What an adorable boy! He reminds me of you Kookie!" He was careful enough to avoid any physical interaction in order not to scare him " Hi...I am Jin."
The boy stared at his Kookie only to receive a nod." Don't be shy baby...say hello."
" Hi... I'm Tata..."
" Nice meeting you bun. Welcome to our house." He turned to his son. " How come you came? It's not your day off."
Kookie sighed." I'll explain later. Papa can you make your famous strawberry cupcakes?"
" Way ahead of you baby! They are ready ,waiting to be served. I was actually planning of sending you some but dince you're here.Your hyungs are coming over for lunch!"
" Did you hear that bun? Jimin and Yoongi hyung will be here.Happy to see them?"
Tata clapped his hands with excitement."Really Kookie? Hyungs and cupcakes?"
The younger laughed exposing his adorable, bunny teeth." Someone is very hungry."
Tata rubbed his growling tummy, licking his plump, pink lips." Starving Kookie!"
Jin chuckled at the duo.The boy reminded him of his Kookie at that age.Same smile.Same gestures. Same facial expressions." Would you like to come to the kitchen with me and be the first one to taste them?"
The boy nodded joyfully as Jin opened his arms to accept him.Tata gladly went , giggling." I love strawberries...they are so yummy!"
" Glad to know...come on let's go."
Jin and Tata were still in the kitchen when Namjoon and the hyungs arrived surprised to meet Jungkook.
Jimin's muscles were tensed, crimson red was spread all over his handsome face, after hearing the shocking events Jungkook described , leading them there.
" MY BROTHER IS AN IDIOT! AN ABSOLUTE MORON! A BLOODY BASTARD! AN ASSHOLE! A FOOL! A JACKASS! OH... I'M RUNNING OUT OF CURSES... Yoongi help me out!"
" You are doing an excellent job baby...keep going! They are plenty more you can use!" The man gave him a thumbs up .He knew better than to interfere when he was cursing. Yet, remaining serene after hearing the events was wearying him out but someone had to act logically.
" How can you be so damn calm?"
" Want me to shout? Curse? Break his bones? Smash his head? Gladly! However it won't solve the problem."
" She is torturing Tata , physically and mentally. Locking him in the closet as a form of punishment! She is crazy!No! He's a walking-talking menace! The devil in disguise!" He compressed his teeth, narrowing his brows and his eyes resembled buttonholes." If I wasn't claustrophobic I would kill her!"
" Your brother is no angel either." Yoongi remarked huffing." He is tolerating and condoling her behaviour."
"Then I'm going to kill him! And her!I don't know which one first but damn I will." He scrunched his lips, flipping out, ready to burst again at any moment.
Namjoon shook his head , crossing his knees. Taehyung 's irrational behaviour contradicted his previous character. He couldn't help wondering what factor altered him so profoundly.Why was he so reluctant in remembering his previous lives? Was the fear from his painful ,past experiences and brutal deaths preventing him? Namjoon was confused but kept quiet.
Jungkook stood up, stepped away for a short while to answer his phone. When he returned his pale ,gloomy face indicated bad news.
" Are all right bun? " Namjoon asked his son observing his state." Did something happen?"
" EunJin ajumma called. She told me to stay here as long as I want...not to go home...They are out ..on a date..." He rubbed his forehead in frustration, slumping back on the couch, stretching his slender legs with a heavy sigh leaving his lips. His entire body but mostly his heart were aching. Despite knowing his wife's brutal actions Taehyung was lenient. Took her out on a romantic date to reward her. Was his love for her so deep ,defining all logic? So strong he could put aside everything just to be with her?
Jimin thrashed his hand on the coffee table, gritting his teeth." THAT BASTARD! SON OF A BITCH! ASSHOLE! " he screeched unable to control himself." After all she has done my jackass brother forgives and rewards her? No brain? Is he thinking with his goddamn dick?"
Yoongi held his hand squeezing it." Be quiet! Tata is here." he reminded him and for a second Jimin seemed to soothe. " Calm down."
" How do you expect me to do that? I have an idiot for a brother. He can't distinguish between right from wrong!" he whispered shouted vigorously. His eyes had popped out from menace. He was more likely having a stroke. He gripped his head with both hands." My head is going to explode!"
Yoongi elbowed him, indicating to shut his mouth and glance at Kookie 's pale face. Squirmed in the corner of the couch, bitting his trembling lips, tears venting his eyes. Jimin cursing,run to him, offering a warm hug." I am so sorry bun...I am deeply sorry...It must be very painful for you..."
" I ...am... fighting...for ...a lost... cause...Jimin...He ... loves ...her...not ...me...even if...he ... remembers...he has...feelings...for ...her...he...will... chose...her ....over...me.... always her... It hurts....hyung..." Even the soft ,assuaging pat on his back couldn't ease the massive, unbearable ache in his heart.However, at times when pain kneels you , breaks you , your self preservation and self respect remind you there are other people depending on you.He withdrew from the hug , wipped his tears taking a deep breath." Tata is my only concern now. Taehyung can chase his wife all he wants but that boy needs protection and care...He should be my focus!"
" Kookie I believe my brother ,despite his obvious stupidity, will come to his senses and sees the love you have for him..I have faith in you bun...Be patient please."
" How will he see it , hyung? He doesn't even look at me...I am invisible to him...he hates me..."
Jimin was running out of words to comfort him ,since he couldn't understand his brother's reaction towards Kookie.
Namjoon decided it was time to talk." Most of the times love isn't something you find but something that finds you. It requires patience, strength to overcome obstacles even the ones we enflict on ourselves. You chose to fight for him , for your love. Stay truthful to that no matter the outcome. At least you'll know you have given everything with no regrets. Mmmm?" Namjoon was always excellent with words and fully aware of how to handle his son.
" I am scared appa...What if he rejects me?" he mummbled." What if we can't find happiness in this life either?"
"It's a risk you have to take bun! And fear will prevent you from being reckless and provide you the will to test your endurance." He placed a kiss on his son 's forehead and in return he was granted a big smile." That's my boy! I raised no coward! Now " he rubbed his hands together." where is that cute boy? I am dying to meet him!" Moving to the kitchen ,after Jungkook pointed him the direction,he returned a bit later, holding a giggling Tata in his arms.
" Joonnie hyung you are so funny! Scolded like Tata!"
Judging by Tata 's remark and Namjoon 's guilty expression, the older had once again proven worthy of his title as ' the God of destruction ' .
" Hi hyungs!" Tata greeted them waving his hand and the couple kissed him on his fluffy cheeks.
" Hi bun!" Jimin said,giving him a flying kiss.
" You're looking good!" Yoongi winked at the boy.
" What was it this time? Broken glass? Porcelain cup? His favourite plate?Set the kitchen on fire?" Jungkook crossed his arms on his chest waiting." I would have seen the smoke.."
Namjoon pouted, scrunching his lips.
" I bet my money on the first two. Jin hyung would have killed him and fled to save his worldwide handsome face from being burnt!" Jimin joked laughing.
" I honestly don't get why you insist." Yoongi commented." You and the kitchen have gotten a divorce since birth! All your previous experiences should have taught you a lesson!"
" I only wanted to help!" Namjoon justified his actions." I don't see anything wrong with that!"
" Who asked you too?" Jin scorned him, swinging his round frying pan." Do I come to your office and meddle in your work? No! You ruined my perfect decorations! Have you any idea how much time and effort I devoted into it? Of course not! One move from you and pufff! Everything is destroyed!" He warningly swang the pan to his direction." What will it take for you to stay away? Put a stop sign on the door? Install an alarm system? Power cables to give you an electric shock? Kim Namjoon I am warning you! " He wiggled his hand holding the pan in his face."You are forbidden from stepping foot in my kitchen for as long as we live! And our next lives?Got it?"
" Baby what If I get hungry or thirsty?" he asked blinking his eyes.
" Do I look like I care?" Jin lifted his left eyebrow in question.
" Babe! That's so unfair! I'll die from hunger or thirst! " He tossed his head to the right." I am your dear husband...the father of your gorgeous son!"
" Please don't remind me! What does it take for a person to stop repeating the same mistakes over and over again? At times like these I wish I had amnesia!"
Tata giggled loudly." Jinnie don't scold Joonnie! He'll be a good boy!"
They had completely forgotten the boy 's presence too absorbed in their usual quarrels.
Jin grabbed Tata from Namjoon 's arms." Sorry bun...I won't scold him...for now." He flicked his nose." Hungry?" Tata nodded." Then let's have lunch.Jimin, Jungkook help me in the kitchen. The rest stay out! No tops allowed in my kingdom!"
" Hyung that's extremely racist!" Yoongi protested.
" My kingdom! My rules! Any objections? Keep them to yourselves!" By answering his own question he bolted to the kitchen followed by the youngers.
Namjoon and Yoongi moved to the dining room where the first poured whiskey in two glasses , offering him one.
" Strange as it may sound I actually missed this." Yoongi joked ,drinking a nip of his bourbon, comfortably sitting in one of the chairs.
" Missed? You mean me getting scolded by my whiny husband?"
" It spices up our lives!"
" Your lives man! I put up with his grumbling, fussing, snubbing every day!" he heaved rolling his eyes .
" Perhaps you should follow his request and stay the hell out of his kingdom! Unless you create chaos in other rooms , too!"
" Wellll..."
" No shit!" the younger spouted." HYUNG!"
" I kind of broke the bathroom mirror...twice...and the door of his closet...and accidentally erased some of his files...but..." he admitted while Yoongi facepalmed himself.
" Keep this up and he will kick you out of every room." he warned Namjoon,whose face turned pale, widening his eyes in horror." Our house is always open for you!" Yoongi offered, tapping his back.
Namjoon gave him a death glare , refusing to even consider the possibility of living without his handsome husband. He really should stay out of his kitchen!
The atmosphere during lunch was cheerful and carefree. Tata 's interactions with his parents easily distracted Jungkook 's mind from the previous events. The hyungs dropped them off at the mansion, avoiding to come in. The happy couple was probably in his bedroom, God knows doing what!
Jungkook was feeling suffocated, deprived of air to breathe. He took Tata to his room , helped him have a bath and change. He put him for his usual nap and creeped in the safety of his own room.
Walking through the corridor he overheard laughing from the master bedroom. He wasn't equipped to handle them...at least not yet. Trudging, he reached the half opened window, leaning against the casing , removing the white curtains, lounging at the sunset lazily spreading across the horizon. A heavy sigh escaped his mouth ,whereas his mind retraced past events.
Daegu 1451
General Kim's foot cluncking was audible while traipsing in the stiffing silence of his luxurious hanok. Jungkook was missing for the last four days and Taehyung had become a deranged maniac from worrying ,ordering all his personal guards to search and find him.
Neither Jimin, Yoongi nor Hoseok had any knowledge of his whereabouts ,sharing his concern and anxiety. Tousling his wispy, dark hair one hand clutching onto his sword his mind was occupied with merely one thought. His Jungkook. The love of his life.
Petrified to even consider the possibility of him being kidnapped, captured by his enemies or even worse. His own parents. Unfortunately, his fears were confirmed when one of his guards stormed in his chambers, puffing and huffing. As he bowed in the presence of his General, he announced the news in a vibrating voice.
" We have found him my lord."
Taehyung snagged the poor man from the neck , practically swaying him.
" WHERE IS HE?" he growled. The soldier opened his fist , revealing a gold, handmade pendant." SPEAK!" he demanded, panting as he could hear his heartbeat echoing in his ears. His heart ready to burst out of his aching chest. He grabbed the object from the man 's hands.
" We found it outside the hidden path leading to the ... dungeons. One of the maids informed us ,your father's guards forcefully dragged master Jungkook there."
" When?"
" Four days ago."
Taehyung cursed out loud, released his grip and without second thoughts he marched to his parents ' quarters to the north side.
" WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? PROTECT OUR GENERAL AND MASTER JUNGKOOK!" Bogum, Kim's first commander ,ordered them. Taehyung 's entire guard followed him prepared to risk their lives to save both men.
Taehyung dashed inside the Kim's quarters as his father Kim Taehyn was discussing with the Council of Elders.
" What's the meaning of this intrusion? " Taehyn demanded to know in his usual contemptuous tone.
" LEAVE US!" Taehyung instructed the stunned elders scattered around the room, who anticipated the Kim's order not moving an inch.
" You are in no position to give orders. I am still the Lord of this district. Your disrespect for the elders could cause you your head." Taehyn stated slouching back to his chair, holding his wife 's hand.
" Where is he? Where is Jungkook? With what authority did you imprison him?" he requested ,knowing his father's methods of punishment.Torture till death." Release him at once!"
Taehyn growled in sinister laughter at his son's ridiculous demands." We have tolerated your twisted conduct for far too long. No more. You are a General of his Imperial Highness. My rightful successor. The next Lord of Daegu. Your loyalty lies to your bloodline. The Emperor. Our people. Not a pathetic pervert who bewitched you with black sorcery. Your marriage to the Emperor 's second cousin ,MinJee has been arranged for next month. Our departure is scheduled in four days. That boy" he spit on the ground." is distracting you from your responsibilities and bright future. I will tolerate it no more !"
Taehyn 's casual announcement made his son grit his teeth, snatching his sword." I refuse to get married only to satisfy your thirst for power or provide an heir for the Kim's name. My heart, loyalty lies with Jungkook. I love him and only him. If I marry it will be to him. He will be my husband."he exclaimed proudly, boosting his head .
The elders ' eyes opened widely to the man 's sudden confession about his love for a man. It was usual for men to take other men as lovers but this was grotesque.
" It is forbidden ! A marriage between two men is an abomination! A curse for our family and status! " Kwan , his mother, gurgled. The repulsiveness was visible in her roving eyes." You will obey us and marry a woman of royal blood,capable of giving us offsprings." she concluded.
" I will not.If my love is considered an abomination...If my choice of a husband is regarded deviant then allow me to relieve you of my presence. Return Jungkook to me and we'll disappear. Our twisted love won't poison your perfect family.."
" That's absurd! You will do no such thing! I forbid you! Enjoy your concubine 's graces until you get wed. Then he will be exiled or sold." Taehyn had surely surpassed Taehyung 's expectations suggesting a solution fit only to his likings, ignorant to the fact his abhorrent actions would initiate a fatal sequence of events and determine their lives for generations to come." After marriage you are free to obtain as many female concubines as you please."
The main door burst open as Bogum and the guards entered but immediately seized by Taehyn 's ,since they were outnumbered.
" Don't you dare insult him! He is my chosen husband,the person I love more than my life. His graces are incomprehensible to your defiant beliefs. Release him at once before I lose my temper! " Taehyung grumbled irritated by his father's squalid thinking.
A fugly, vicious sneer appeared in Taehyn 's mouth." If you marry her I will consider sparing his life... Otherwise I will offer him as a gift to our new Japanese diplomat. I have heard of his weird tastes..your slut will be of great use to him and his friends."
Taehyung was well aware of his disadvantaged position. His father was using Jungkook 's life as a bargaining tool to blackmail him and he felt helpless for the first time in his life. His love's life depended on his decision. He was trapped.
Taehyung 's venomous, fierce eyes were bulging from their sockets. Tramping, thrashing every obstacle blocked his way , he reached his parents , unleashing a horrifying growl." DON'T YOU DARE HARM HIM! I'LL KILL YOU IF YOU LAY A HAND ON HIM!" Attempting to draw his sword and attack them, he was instantly halted by four of his father's guards, capturing both his hands behind his back. Every attempt to yank them and break free failed.
" Would you kill your own family for him?" Taehyn stood up, prancing towards him, clenching his jaw with his strong fingers, forcing Taehyung to stare into his sombre eyes." Your refusal just cost his life." Snapping his fingers, the door opened widely, revealing a heartbreaking sight.
Six heavily armed guards were literally hauling a tortured Jungkook ,who was tiptoeing unable to stand in his own two feet. His strength was abating, his poundings came out at shorter intervals. His sky ,blue hanbok now shred to pieces, revealed his milky flesh covered in red lashes, cuts, brushes. The blood was drained and sticky, smelling of death. His lips were perched and hunger growled in his empty stomach. He cracked open his foggy eyes to better perceive at his surroundings but blackness continued to engulf him.
A tremor of panic vibrated in his aching body, knowing what awaited him. He was as good as dead, a lamb awaiting slaughter. His humiliation an offered gift to the Kim's savage relish. Taehyung snarled an agonising, high- pitched shout, using every strength in his captured body to tweak them and run to him but more arrived to seize him. Bogum and his soldiers were confined , deprived of the ability to intervene.
Their faces a mask of horror and disgust to the Lord's Taehyung 's heart clenched at the horrible sight of his Jungkook tortured body. The realisation of what he had endured for four days and nights, locked in the drenched dungeons, alone and scared, ignited a new round of grunting.
" H-hy- ungie...?" Jungkook lisped coughing badly, seizing the man's snorting.
" I'm here princess... I'm right here..." his voice cracked." Hyungie is here... don't be scared baby...I love you...I love you so much... Don't worry..." he blurted." LET ME GO!" The guards remained unbothered while the man 's wrath was increasing, hearing his father's malicious laughter." I WILL KILL YOU ALL! YOU WON'T SURVIVE ANOTHER DAY! I SWEAR I WILL KILL YOU!"
" You are in no position to demand or make threats ,dear son. His life depends on you. Marry and he lives. Refuse and he dies." Taehyn stated , fixing his wrinkled hanbok. Jungkook 's life was meaningless to him and as it turned out so was his son's. Blinded by conceit , vanity ready to sacrifice his own blood for his thirst for power.
Taehyung realised his father would never change , feel sympathy or show compassion. Both his parents ,cared more about their position and status than their sons. So he was forced to beg ,as he had no other option left. He was prepared to go to every length, beg, implore,forget his pride,just to keep Jungkook alive." Father please...I beg you... let us go...we won't bother you again...If you love me please free us...mother please...show some mercy...we love each other...let us be happy..." he implored as a last resort. Taehyn spit on his face, snatching his hair, tossing his head to the back.
" A general never pleads. A lord never slithers.A man never exhibits emotions.He battles, conquers, destroys. Yes or no? I am still waiting!" He was running out of patience.
" Please ...let him...go... don't torture him...I have no life ... without him father. If I mean anything to you spare us...please!" It was the first time General Kim cried in public. Begged. Exhibited vulnerability but encountered no resilience only brutality.
" I am giving you one last chance." He squeezed Tae's hair to force a reply.
" I'd rather die with him than live without him. You have your answer Kim Taehyn. Do as you please." His decision was their death sentence but had no alternative. If Jungkook was to die he would follow him. Together in life and death, as long as they were one.
" As you wish dear son."