Present Day
22-Years-Old

Yoongi had an idea.

It was the day of the court hearing regarding Jungkook's situation and placement possibilities. Of course, Aera was going and of course, Yoongi was accompanying her. And he'd finally come up with an idea of how to help.

He just hoped it wouldn't actually end up hindering.

The two sat in the courtroom, Aera chewing on her thumbnail and Yoongi bouncing his leg. The judge eventually appeared and Yoongi took a deep breath.

"Your honor," Mrs. Kang got right to the point. "It's my opinion that the child should stay with Ms. Seong Aera. Everything I have witnessed in person with the two suggests anything but abuse."

"I understand the children's therapist has been unable to make a judgment either way," the judge replied.

"Yes, because the boy doesn't speak. He became mute due to the abuse and neglect in his former home. When he was fostered by Ms. Seong, he began speaking regularly. It was only when he was taken from her that he became mute again."

"He's been showing signs of depression," the judge continued. "This is rare for a five-year-old. I have to imagine that abuse could have played a part in that."

"He did not begin showing those signs until he was taken from Ms. Seong."

The judge sighed. "The allegations against her are very serious."

"I understand. But I think you should take into account my professional opinion as well as the boy's opinion."

The judge's eyebrows rose. "You think a mute five-year-old can express what he'd like to happen here?"

The case worker surreptitiously glanced over her shoulder at Aera. "Yes, your honor. If you bring him in here today, I have no doubt you'll get the answers you need concerning his opinion."

The judge paused for a very long time as everyone collectively held their breaths. Finally the judge nodded slightly.

"Alright. Though this is highly unorthodox, I understand your opinion and I am interested to see if the boy has one as well."

"Thank you, you honor."

It was only a few moments later that Jungkook was led into the courtroom by another social worker. He looked nervously around and just as he was about to turn his head toward the judge, he spotted Aera.

"MOMMY!"

Jungkook wrenched his hand from the social worker's and took off running toward Aera. Aera stood then dropped to her knees in the aisle. Jungkook flung himself at her and landed in her arms. "Mommy!"

"Jungkookie!"

"I missed you, mommy!"

Yoongi sat, staring at them in awe. Jungkook called Aera 'mommy'? That was simultaneously the cutest and strangest thing he'd ever heard. A child calling his best friend of fifteen years 'mommy' was not something he'd expected to hear.

The judge began banging his gavel. "Someone separate them!" The social worker who had brought Jungkook into the court room gently pulled Jungkook out of Aera's arms. It took a few moments, as Jungkook was clinging to Aera tightly.

Aera got back in her seat and watched as they led Jungkook to the front of the courtroom. The judge then addressed him. "Jungkook." Jungkook looked up at him, looking terrified.

"Jungkook, can you please explain to us what Ms. Seong has been doing during your time at her home?"

Jungkook just stared. Mrs. Kang cleared her throat. "Your honor, may I?"

The judge seemed to realize he didn't really know how to address Jungkook, so he nodded.

"Jungkook," Mrs. Kang said. "What do you like to do when you're at home?"

Jungkook glanced at Aera, and she smiled and nodded. This seemed to reassure him.

"Me an' mommy dwaw pictures. An' an' we bwush my teef!" He grinned widely to show off his teeth. "An' mommy makes food an' it's yummy. Mommy weads stories, an' gives me pwushies!"

Mrs. Kang smiled. "That sounds like a lot of fun. Are you happy when you're at home?"

Jungkook nodded furiously. "Mommy cuddles wif me when we watch TV, an' I yike it!"

"Does your mommy ever hurt you?"

Jungkook looked perplexed. "Owies?"

"Yes. Does your mommy give you owies?"

Jungkook shook his head. "Mommy kisses owies."

Mrs. Kang smiled. "And that makes them feel better?"

"Lots bettoh!"

"That's great, Jungkook. Do you think your mommy wants you to stay with her?"

"Mommy yoves me. She tol' me."

"And do you love her?"

"Yes!"

"Do you want to go home, Jungkook?"

"Home with mommy?" he asked hopefully.

"Do you want to go back to mommy's house?"

"Yes, pease."

Yoongi smiled. He looked over at Aera and tears were streaming down her cheeks, but she was smiling, too.

"Jungkook, why do you stop talking when mommy's not with you?"

"I tawk at school."

"Yes, but why did you stop when you came here? Before you saw your mommy today?"

"I miss mommy. Wan' tawk to her."

Mrs. Kang nodded. "I understand."

Jungkook cocked his head, then looked up at the judge again. "I can sit wif mommy? Pease?"

The judge looked like he was trying yet almost failing to hold a stoic face. "Maybe in a few minutes."

Jungkook pouted as he looked away.

"Your honor," Mrs. Kang said. "I hope that this conversation has answered some of your questions, and helped you understand what I've been trying to say."

The judge nodded. "I feel confident in allowing Ms. Seong to continue fostering this boy..."

Aera gasped quietly.

"...but for how long, I'm not sure. We have a few couples interested in adopting him, so it may not be for much longer."

Mrs. Kang again glanced over her shoulder at Aera, who's face had dropped.

"Your honor, there is one other who is interested in adopting."

"And who is that?"

"Ms. Seong."

The judges eyebrows shot up. "I wasn't made aware of this."

"I believe her application was thrown out because she is single and living alone."

"She's not living alone!"

Aera gaped at Yoongi as he stood up and interrupted. "She's living with me."

"And you are a couple?" the judge asked.

"Well, no, but I'm around all the time, except for work, and I am looking forward to taking care of the boy, too."

"Mommy's fwiend!" Jungkook suddenly said excitedly, pointing at Yoongi. "Mommy's fwiend is nice."

"What is your name, son?" the judge asked Yoongi.

"Min Yoongi, your honor. I've known Ms. Seong for fifteen years. I will happily be a character witness for her."

The judge couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Ms. Seong is not on trial, Mr. Min. But if I need to consult with you, I will let you know."

"Thank you, your honor."

"You may be seated."

"Yes, your honor," Yoongi bowed slightly as he sat back down.

"Yoongs!" Aera hissed in a whisper. "What the fuck was that?!"

"I came here planning to say whatever I needed to to get them to understand you're the best person to place Jungkook with," he whispered back. "The opportunity presented itself so I took it."

"But you interrupted an important proceeding!"

"I knew I'd have to. But it didn't seem to do any harm!"

"Have Ms. Seong fill out another application," the judge told Mrs. Kang. "Then, bring it directly to me."

Mrs. Kang nodded. Then, the judge addressed Aera directly.

"I should have had you thrown out of this courtroom the moment you showed up." Aera's eyes widened. "But I'm glad I didn't. I'm not sure who would've made these accusations against you, but you must have an enemy somewhere. Make sure you continue to take care of this boy."

Aera nodded. "I will," she said quietly. "I promise."

The judge nodded as he picked up his papers and stood. "This proceeding is adjourned."

The social worker took Jungkook's hand and began to lead him into the room they'd come from. "No!" Jungkook squealed. "No! I wan' stay wif mommy!"

"You'll see her again soon, Jungkook," the social worker assured him. "Mommy has to fill out some papers right now.

"I'll see you in just a bit," Aera called out to Jungkook. "It'll be okay, I promise. Be good!"

Jungkook nodded, though he still looked nervous.

Mrs. Kang then walked up to Aera and Yoongi, and Aera threw her arms around her. "Thank you. I'll never be able to repay you."

"I don't expect you to," Mrs. Kang said with a smile. "Just take that little boy home and love him."

"You can count on it," Aera said.

"Now, to the pressing matter at hand...let's get you to my office and have you fill out your new adoption application."