Taehyung hesitated, the question he had dreaded finally spoken. "It's complicated, Ivan. Sometimes adults make choices that are hard to understand. But one thing you should always remember is that she loved you very much."

Ivan nodded slowly, his eyes closing as he drifted off to sleep. Taehyung watched his son, a mixture of love and worry in his eyes. He hated seeing Ivan sick and vulnerable, but he knew he had to stay strong for him.

Back at the school, Irin tried to focus on her lessons, but her mind kept drifting to the boy. She hoped he was okay. During recess, she sat alone, feeling the weight of the day without her new friend.

When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Irin walked out of the gates, feeling a bit down. Her mother, Y/n, was waiting for her, as always.

"How was your day, sweetie?" Y/n asked, noticing the look on Irin's face.

"It was okay, Mommy," Irin replied softly. "I missed my friend. He wasn't there today."

Y/n hugged Irin tightly. "I'm sorry, sweetie. Maybe he'll be back tomorrow."

As they walked home, Y/n tried to cheer Irin up by suggesting they stop for ice cream. Irin smiled a little, grateful for her mother's efforts.

That evening, as Irin got ready for bed, she thought about the boy and hoped he was alright.

[Meanwhile, in Taehyung's house]
Ivan slept peacefully, his fever slowly breaking. Taehyung stayed by his side, keeping a watch, ready to comfort his son at any moment.

As Ivan drifted into a peaceful sleep, Taehyung murmured to himself, "If she truly loved Ivan, she wouldn't have left him. She wouldn't have left... me." His voice was choked with raw pain, each word heavy with the weight of his unresolved heartache.

TBC 🤍~