The Saturday morning sun filtered softly through the clouds, casting a warm glow over Jungkook and Jimin as they stood side by side in front of Jungkook’s parents' house. Jimin's hand was intertwined with Jungkook's, his fingers gripping just a little tighter than usual. It felt like a scene from a lifetime ago—almost like déjà vu. He could vividly recall the first time he had stood here, his heart pounding with nerves, unsure of what awaited him behind that door.

"Hey," Jungkook whispered, sensing Jimin’s hesitation. He squeezed Jimin’s hand gently, turning to face him. "It’s going to be fine. They love you, Jimin. Nothing has changed. If anything, they’ll be happier to see you."

Jimin bit his lip, trying to steady his racing thoughts. "I know, but…what if they’re disappointed in me? After everything, after the divorce…"

Jungkook stepped closer, his free hand coming up to cup Jimin’s cheek softly. "They never stopped loving you. And neither did I." His voice was steady, a comfort that seeped into Jimin’s heart, chasing away the doubt. "We’re here together. You don’t have to face this alone."

Jimin took a deep breath, nodding slightly as he leaned into Jungkook’s touch. "Okay," he whispered.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and there stood Jungkook’s mother. The moment her eyes landed on Jimin, her face lit up with joy. "Jimin!" she called out, rushing forward with her arms wide open.

Jimin barely had time to react before he was pulled into a warm, tight embrace. She held him like a mother welcoming her long-lost son home. "Oh, Jimin, it’s so good to see you," she murmured against his shoulder, her voice thick with emotion.

Jimin stood there, momentarily stunned, before his arms hesitantly wrapped around her in return. The familiar warmth of her embrace melted away the lingering fears in his heart. He hadn’t realized just how much he had missed this—being part of this family, feeling loved without conditions.

She pulled back slightly, her hands still on his shoulders as she looked him over with a beaming smile. "You look wonderful, Jimin. We've missed you so much."

Before he could respond, Jungkook’s father appeared behind her, his grin wide and welcoming. "There he is!" he said, walking over to wrap Jimin in a hearty hug. "It’s about time you came back, son. Welcome home."

Jimin felt his throat tighten with emotion. He blinked back the tears threatening to spill over as he nodded, his voice catching in his chest. "Thank you…I’ve missed you too."

The warmth of the welcome filled the air as they all stepped inside the familiar house. The atmosphere was light, with laughter echoing through the rooms as they settled into easy conversation. They caught up on everything—from Jimin’s flower shop to old memories they shared before everything had changed. Jimin found himself laughing along, feeling lighter with every passing minute.

Jungkook sat close beside him the entire time, his hand never straying far from Jimin’s, a constant source of comfort and support. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and Jungkook would give him a soft, reassuring smile that made Jimin’s heart flutter.

As the conversation flowed, Jimin realized that this—being surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him, being with Jungkook again—was something he had been yearning for without even knowing. The weight that had once settled so heavily on his shoulders was slowly lifting, and in its place, a sense of peace began to grow.

When Jungkook’s mother reached across the table to hold Jimin’s hand, her eyes soft with understanding, Jimin knew that despite everything, he had never truly lost this family. They had been waiting for him, with open arms, all along.