Jungkook smiled happily as he read over the text messages over and over again. The  younger thought that Jimin really was a fun guy to talk to. He really enjoyed texting the older man even if it didn't last very long. Jungkook walked home with a cute smile on his face, by now Jungkook read it over about fifteen times to himself!

            Jungkook held a big, bright smile on his face which made him feel like his friend Hoseok. The younger kept thinking of the back and forth text messages he sent with Jimin and hoped it could have lasted longer. Jungkook walked into his house when his Mother was making a meal for the two.

           "Where were you?" Mrs. Jeon wondered as Jungkook walked up to his mother with a big smile.

           "Today, I was getting a job! Here, I have proof. They want me as their busboy. However, I don't think it's enough so I will get two more jobs to work with. No more gambling!" Jungkook claimed, walking over to his Mother and washing his hands in the sink so he can help her cook as the Woman looked through the paperwork Jungkook would have to sign so he can start working. 

           "Ah, this is very good! I'm so proud of you Jungkook! If only you could have done this sooner.. Quitting gambling is such a tough thing. But, I'm glad you're over it, right?" Mrs. Jeon asked, turning her attention to her son.

           "Of course, Mother! So, what are you cooking?" Jungkook questioned, avoiding eye contact with his Mother. Mrs. Jeon had her doubts on her son's new ways and thought he would atleast sneak out tonight. Knowing what type of person Jungkook is, Mrs. Jeon knew something was up.

             "I hope you aren't lying to me... I would really hate to see run off and gamble. I really hate that type of thing. You may be very cautious while playing the game but I don't know if you might be drinking in that club and end up doing something you regret! Trust me those strippers must be as dirty as the toilets there. I've never been to that club but I'm aware of what goes down there. Did you really have to choose a strip club other than a regular club?"

            "Mother!"

            "Never mind then, I don't know what really goes through that 'Innocent' mind of yours!" Mrs. Jeon chuckled and walked over to a boiling pot, using a cloth to lift up the lid of the pot lid. Showing Jungkook what she was cooking. Mrs. Jeon was cooking a hot pot of beef stew. There was ramen inside, chunks of steamed beef, slices of leek, and onions. She had yet to add in the small parts of vegetables, cut small sizes of carrots, potatoes and broccoli too.

            "I'll take over, Mother. You taught me enough to know how to make soup perfectly." Jungkook said, washing the vegetables in his hands while he kept his sleeves rolled up.

            "Glad you're putting those hands to good use instead of handling alcohol and cards." Mrs. Jeon teased, walking to the table to set it up.

            "Mother, I don't drink in the club! I go there to win!" Jungkook laughed, peeling the potatoes and stopping midway to stir the pot of stew, adding in soy sauce and a pinch of salt.

           "Alright, but the good thing is, you wouldn't have to go there anymore. I'm so proud of you. Getting a new job and staying out of trouble!" Mrs. Jeon complimented with a relieved sigh. "Ah, I think... I think we will finally get through this with hard work and get over the past... The ugly past and move on. Wouldn't you say so yourself, Jungkook?" The Mother wondered. In her mind, she had a great mindset for the small family now.

            The gleeful Mother hoped everything will go back to normal once the debts were paid. She can finally have a break from work and reunite with Jungkook's Father side of the family since before the debt, they were so close. However, due to unforeseen circumstances... It all changed.

               Jungkook nodded as he placed the lid over the pot and went to stir the sticky rice in the rice cooker. He just prayed his Mother wouldn't catch him running off to gamble again... Or else it'll ruin her!

              After cooking, Jungkook was seated at the table with his Mother while the two silently feasting on hot beef stew that had steamed, cut potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, a boiled egg cut in half on top of the ramen noodles that came with the steamed, salted beef. The soup had soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds, leek, onions along the side too. There was side dishes of Kimchi, a hot, small bowl of white sticky rice and a big pot at the center of the table where the rest of the stew layed.

             Jungkook occasionally glanced at the empty cushion seat on the side where his father would sit... No one bothered to remove the cushion and left it there. The Mother of course grew really sensitive when Jungkook would offer to move the cushion but she would refuse. Saying the Father will come back soon. But it's been so long that Jungkook already knew he wouldn't. Along with the Mother, but it was just her ludicrous mind playing tricks on her, showing that she still wasn't ready to let go at all.

           "Mother.." Jungkook whispered as the Woman gazed up as she was taking a sip of her hot chamomile tea.

           "Yes?"

            "Mother, I know you can already see this... But Father isn't ever coming back... The cushion should be put away." Jungkook added as his Mother shook her head.

          "Jungkook, don't you worry about that cushion. I know he isn't coming back but just keeping it there makes me feel... Like he is coming back."

           "I see..." Jungkook claimed, no longer wanting to gaze up at the cushion any longer. After dinner, Jungkook waited for his Mother to finish up her meal so he can be excused from the table. The younger washed the dishes and walked upstairs to his room silently while he gazed at the messages he exchanged with Jimin just earlier. 

              "It's just for tonight I'm going there... Ugh, I just hope I don't get sick after taking shots. I just had a big meal!" Jungkook added, pulling the bottom cabinet in his dresser and taking out stacks of wons, leaving much behind too just incase he needs extra money for college funds.

       Jungkook stuffed his bag with wons as he placed on his black face mask that covered his mouth and nose, ready to go out and gamble. Jungkook made sure he wore the grey monochrome watch he was going to bet with Jimin. The young gambler held a smile as he thought of Jimin, picking up his phone to add Jimin into his contact's and change Jimin's caller ID to his actual name.

         "Might aswell text him.." The younger thought as he sent a message to Jimin, telling him when he was ready. But only then, Jimin responded quickly as if he was going to start the conversation before.

______________________________________________♦Park Jimin♠___________

        Heading out to the club
now, can't wait to see you
there and I'm bringing
my best hand, just
you wait and see.

   ♦Park Jimin♠:

Alright, not only bring
your A-Game but come
in with a strong gut.
You aren't going to drink
only two shots you know...
I won't let you go until
I know you'll be a
good Bunny Boy~🍷

____________________________________

              Jungkook felt himself blush after reading that text, he wasn't normally attracted to men.. But if he was, he would embrace the feeling since he never doubted what his mind and body desired. Jungkook tucked the necklace back in his hoodie, standing and zipping his bag up with the wons he would add into the blind of the game.

        Jungkook placed on the hoodie and adjusted his face mask. Unaware that his Mother was right outside of his room at the living room couch, expecting this behavior to come of him. Already predicting Jungkook would run out of the room to leaved and gamble like always.