Author pov:

The somber atmosphere of the funeral was palpable, the air thick with sorrow and the soft murmurs of condolences.

The sky was overcast, casting a gray hue over the small gathering of mourners who had come to pay their respects. The traditional Korean funeral rites were in progress, the quiet rituals only amplifying the grief that hung heavy in the air.

Jin-ah stood by the coffin, her eyes red and swollen from hours of crying. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs as she clutched a handkerchief, the weight of loss pressing down on her.

The memory of her mother’s gentle smile and warm embrace seemed almost tangible, lingering just out of reach.

A few feet away, Taehyung stood stoically, his expression a mask of controlled emotion. His presence was both a comfort and a reminder of the complicated web of their relationship.

He watched Jin-ah, feeling an ache that he could not put into words. Despite everything, he was here for her, standing as a silent pillar of support.

Niki, Jin-ah’s younger brother, tried to compose himself as he greeted the few guests who had arrived.

Tears streamed down his face, but he forced himself to maintain a semblance of composure, offering small bows and murmuring thanks for their presence.

Each condolence felt like a new wound, reopening the pain that he was struggling to contain.

The guests, mostly close family friends and distant relatives, offered their respects quietly, understanding the delicate nature of the moment.

The traditional white funeral hanbok worn by Jin-ah and Niki contrasted starkly with the black attire of the guests, symbolizing purity and mourning.

Niki approached a family friend who had just arrived, bowing deeply. "Thank you for coming," he said, his voice trembling with grief.

The friend placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, offering a few words of solace before moving to pay respects to Jin-ah and their mother.

The scene was heartbreaking, each tear and whispered word a testament to the profound loss they were experiencing.

Taehyung’s gaze remained fixed on Jin-ah, his heart aching for her, even as he maintained his composed exterior. He wanted to reach out, to offer comfort, but he knew that his presence alone would have to suffice for now.

As the funeral rites continued, the reality of their mother's passing settled in, leaving a void that would never truly be filled.

Jin-ah's quiet sobs and Niki's brave attempts to welcome the guests were poignant reminders of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of family bonds.

As the funeral rites drew to a close, the small group of mourners began to gather around the burial site.

The air was thick with the scent of incense, a fragrant reminder of tradition and the spiritual journey their mother was believed to be embarking on.

Jin-ah stood at the forefront, her hands trembling as she clutched a white chrysanthemum, a symbol of grief and respect.

Taehyung moved closer, his presence a quiet, steadying force. Though he kept a respectful distance, his eyes never left Jin-ah.

He knew that his support was limited by the complexities of their relationship, yet he could not bring himself to leave her side.

Niki, despite his young age, showed remarkable resilience. After welcoming the last of the guests, he joined his sister by the graveside.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "Unnie, she's watching over us," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Jin-ah nodded, biting her lip to keep from breaking down completely. She stepped forward and gently laid the chrysanthemum on her mother’s coffin, her tears falling onto the white petals.

The moment was profoundly intimate, a final goodbye to the woman who had been their guiding light.

One by one, the mourners stepped forward to pay their final respects. Taehyung, his expression solemn, approached the coffin and bowed deeply, offering his own silent farewell.

He then returned to Jin-ah’s side, his hand hovering uncertainly before finally resting on her back, offering a silent message of support.

As the coffin was slowly lowered into the ground, Jin-ah's composure shattered. She fell to her knees, her sobs breaking the solemn silence.

Taehyung knelt beside her, wrapping his arms around her in a rare moment of vulnerability.
His own eyes glistened with unshed tears as he held her, the enormity of their shared grief pulling them closer.

Niki stood by, his face a portrait of sorrow and determination. He glanced around at the remaining guests, giving a final nod of thanks before turning his attention back to his sister and Taehyung.

He knelt beside them, placing his small hand on Jin-ah's arm, the three of them united in their mourning.

The ceremony concluded, and the mourners began to disperse, leaving Jin-ah, Taehyung, and Niki by the graveside. The weight of their loss hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family.

Just as they were about to leave, a new figure approached the graveside. Taehyung's mother, Mrs. Kim, arrived with an air of cold detachment. Her presence was a stark contrast to the mournful atmosphere, her sharp gaze scanning the small group with disdain.

Jin-ah, Taehyung, and Niki turned to see her approaching, their grief momentarily overshadowed by her arrival. Mrs. Kim's lips curled into a thin smile, devoid of warmth. She ignored Jin-ah and Niki, her attention solely on Taehyung.

"Taehyung," she said, her voice a mix of reprimand and condescension. "I see you're playing the dutiful husband, comforting your... wife." She spat the last word as if it were poison.

Taehyung's eyes darkened, but he remained composed. "Mother, this is neither the time nor the place."

Mrs. Kim's gaze flicked to Jin-ah, her eyes narrowing. "It's always the time to remind you of your responsibilities, Taehyung. Marrying her was a mistake, and now you're tied to this mess."

Jin-ah's heart clenched at the venom in Mrs. Kim's words, but this time she didn't back down. Drawing strength from the memory of her mother and the weight of her grief, she stepped forward.

"Mrs. Kim," Jin-ah said, her voice strong and unwavering. "This is a funeral. A time to honor and remember my mother. How dare you come here and disrespect her memory and my family."

Mrs. Kim's eyes flashed with anger, but Jin-ah pressed on, her own anger giving her strength. "You may think you're above us, but let me tell you something. Your son chose to marry me, and whatever our reasons, we are in this together. You have no right to belittle my family or me, especially not here."

Niki, standing beside his sister, looked up at her with admiration and held her hand tightly. Taehyung watched Jin-ah, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes despite the tension.

Mrs. Kim scoffed, clearly taken aback by Jin-ah's defiance. "You think marrying my son will elevate your status? You're mistaken. You're nothing but a burden to him."

Jin-ah took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Mrs. Kim's. "The only burden here is your toxic attitude. Taehyung and I will figure out our lives without your interference. Now, please leave. You've caused enough pain for one day."

Mrs. Kim's face twisted in anger, but she said nothing more. She turned on her heel and walked away, her departure leaving a cold void in the space she once occupied.

Taehyung stepped closer to Jin-ah, his expression softening. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, his voice filled with regret.

Jin-ah shook her head, wiping away her tears. "It's not your fault. Let's just... let's just go home."

Taehyung nodded, his hand gently guiding her as they walked back to the car. Niki followed closely, his eyes never leaving his sister. As they drove away from the cemetery, the silence in the car was filled with unspoken promises and the hope that, together, they could find a way to heal.

The drive back to Taehyung's mansion was fraught with silence, each occupant lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

Jin-ah stared out of the car window, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery but her mind elsewhere—filled with memories of her mother and the tense encounter with Taehyung's mother.

Beside her, Niki sat quietly, his usual energetic demeanor subdued by the weight of the day's events.

He glanced at Jin-ah from time to time, concern etched deeply into his young features. He wanted to comfort his sister, to ease the pain he saw in her eyes, but words seemed inadequate.

Taehyung focused on the road ahead, his jaw clenched in a mixture of sorrow and frustration.

He stole glances at Jin-ah through the rearview mirror, his heart heavy with guilt and regret.

He knew bringing Jin-ah here under these circumstances was far from ideal, but he wanted to provide her with a place to grieve in peace.

As they approached the grand gates of Taehyung's mansion, the atmosphere inside the car remained tense and heavy with unspoken emotions.

The gates swung open slowly, revealing the sprawling estate bathed in the soft glow of twilight.

Taehyung parked the car in front of the mansion and turned off the engine. Jin-ah looked up at the imposing mansion before them and then turned to Taehyung with a weary expression. "Where is our room?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I want to take a bath."

Taehyung nodded solemnly. "Follow me," he replied quietly, leading Jin-ah up the stone steps and through the grand entrance of the mansion. The foyer was spacious and adorned with elegant furnishings, the air scented with the faint aroma of fresh flowers.

He guided her through the hallways, their footsteps muffled by plush carpets. They passed rooms filled with artwork and antiques, each step bringing them closer to the bedroom where Jin-ah could finally find a moment of solitude.

Finally, they reached a spacious bedroom with a large, inviting bed and windows that offered a view of the tranquil gardens outside. Taehyung opened the door for Jin-ah, gesturing for her to enter. "Take your time," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding.

Jin-ah nodded silently, feeling a lump form in her throat. She stepped into the room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support.

Alone at last, Jin-ah felt the weight of the day's events press down on her. She walked slowly across the room to the luxurious bathroom, the cool marble floor soothing beneath her feet. The sight of the bathtub filled with warm water offered a brief moment of comfort.

As she undressed, Jin-ah's mind raced with memories of her mother and the raw emotions stirred by their recent loss. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she sank into the warm water, allowing herself a moment to grieve.

Outside in the hallway, Taehyung stood silently, his thoughts consumed by concern for Jin-ah. He leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He wanted to comfort Jin-ah, to ease her pain, but he knew their relationship was strained and fragile.

Meanwhile, Niki stood beside Taehyung, his expression a mix of sadness and worry. Taehyung glanced down at his younger brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Niki, go and rest," he said gently, leading him towards another room down the hallway. "Take some time for yourself."

Niki nodded silently, his eyes lingering on the closed bedroom door where Jin-ah had disappeared moments before. He followed Taehyung to the guest room, feeling a pang of helplessness as he entered and closed the door behind him.

Inside the bathroom, Jin-ah closed her eyes and allowed herself to cry. The warmth of the water enveloped her, offering a temporary reprieve from the pain and heartache that threatened to overwhelm her.

She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but for now, she allowed herself to mourn and to find a moment of peace amidst the storm of emotions.

As Jin-ah emerged from the bathroom, her steps heavy with fatigue, she found herself drawn to the comforting embrace of the room Taehyung had prepared for her. The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the elegant furnishings, casting a gentle warmth over the space.

She moved with quiet deliberation, shedding the weight of the day as she changed into the clothes Taehyung had laid out for her. Each garment felt like a tender offering amidst the turmoil that had engulfed them since their arrival at the mansion.

Slipping under the covers of the plush bed, Jin-ah nestled herself into the cocoon of soft blankets. Her eyes drifted shut, the exhaustion pulling at her like a heavy tide. Thoughts of her mother, of Niki, and of Taehyung swirled in her mind, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of respite.

Lying there in the stillness, she could hear the faint sounds of the mansion settling around her—the distant hum of air conditioning, the occasional creak of floorboards. Outside, the night had settled in, cloaking the estate in an eerie calm.

Her puffed, red-rimmed eyes closed as she finally succumbed to sleep, her breathing slowing into a steady rhythm. In the darkness behind her eyelids, memories and dreams intertwined—a jumble of past and present, of loss and longing.

Hours passed, marked only by the quiet ticking of a clock somewhere in the room. Jin-ah stirred occasionally, restless in her slumber, but each time she found herself drifting back into the depths of sleep.

Meanwhile, outside her room, Taehyung paced silently, his thoughts consumed by the weight of their shared grief and the fragile hope of reconciliation. He had left Niki to rest, knowing that the boy needed time to process his emotions in solitude.

Taehyung's steps eventually led him back to Jin-ah's door. He paused, hesitating for a moment before gently pushing it open. The soft light spilled into the room, illuminating Jin-ah's peaceful form as she slept.

He approached the bed with quiet reverence, his gaze lingering on her serene face. Despite the pain that had defined their recent interactions, he couldn't deny the swell of tenderness he felt towards her—their shared history woven with moments of joy and sorrow.

Carefully, Taehyung reached out to brush a strand of hair from Jin-ah's face, his touch light and fleeting. He lingered by her side for a moment, his heart heavy with unspoken words and a longing for understanding.

With a sigh, he retreated to the corner of the room, settling into a chair where he could keep watch over her.

He knew that their journey was far from over, that healing would take time and effort. But in this quiet moment, he found solace in the simple act of being near her, of bearing witness to her vulnerability and strength.

And so, in the hushed stillness of Taehyung's mansion, they both surrendered to the embrace of sleep—a temporary respite from the complexities of their intertwined lives, and a silent promise of tomorrow's uncertainties.

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