Jungkook

It's been almost 6 months since Sophia left. I remember like it was yesterday how, after hearing everything, she broke down. Her mental health was hanging by a thread, and as much as I tried to convince myself that I could give her anything to help, I had to accept that, what she needed, was to go away... Away from here... Away from me...

"Appa?" The sweet sound of my daughter's voice has me hastily wiping my tears, and clearing my throat. She has seen me at my worst the past months, and I hate how I look like a weak cry baby in front of her. I turn from staring at the pictures of her mother that sit on my desk, and stand to go to Olivia.

When I make it downstairs, she's standing in the living room with Yoongi hyung giggling at the sweet infant in his arms. I feel my heart pinch remembering that Sophia is getting close to her due date, and I might not be with her. Shaking the thoughts away, I enter and paste a smile on my face at the sight of the new father. Hobi hyung and Yoongi hyung adopted the sweet little boy a couple months ago. His presence has softened Yoongi hyung considerably.

"Thank you for picking up Olivia, Hyung. Look at you with this little man... He's growing fast." Yoongi turns to me with a gummy smile and just nods. His eyes track back to his son, like a magnet is pulling them. I get it... I remember how I couldn't look away from Olivia for the first year... I remember how I do the same with her mother...

"So, Jungkook... Hobi called me... He says that she's ready..." My head snaps up to stare into his eyes that are now looking at me again. "Hobi said that her treatment is complete, and she's asking to see you." My heart begins to pace at an accelerated rate, and I take a deep breath.

"Did he say if she's coming back? Is she coming home?" Yoongi cocks his head and glances at Olivia. I feel my stomach sink, and I know the answer is no. I hide my frustration, but turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen to hide the tears pricking at my eyes. She's never coming back... Why am I surprised? After everything... All the ways I couldn't protect her, why would she want me? I'm lost in my thoughts when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Kookie-ah... Don't give up. If you want something, fight for it." I feel the first tear roll down my cheek, and I stare at the floor. I'm so exhausted. I haven't slept well since she left, and I don't eat like I should. I drink more than I used to, and have taken up the habit of smoking. My hair has grown out, and I feel my muscles weakening every day... I'm not strong in any way, anymore... I'm a shadow of the man she remembers... What will she think?

"Listen to me Jungkook-ah. She wants to see you. Did you miss that I said that?" His voice barely reaches my ears as the tears continue to fall, and I continue to tell myself how much I've failed as a man. When he's had enough of me I feel a smack on the back of my head. "What is your problem Kook? The woman you love wants to see you! Get packing! Get your ass on a plane!"

I rub my sore head and glare at my hyung. "Why isn't she coming here? Did she say? I don't want to fly all the way to LA and hear her tell me she doesn't want to be with me hyung... I know" "You don't know shit Jungkook! Do you not love her anymore?"

My eyes go wide, and I stare at him like he's nuts. "Of course I love her! I feel like I'm missing half of my soul when she's gone... But" "But what? Don't be a dumbass! Go and get your other half back. Don't take no for an answer, and bring her home!" He's shaking me now, and I realize he is right... I need to go and get her... I can't live another day without her.

As I take a few steps, I halt and turn back. "Thanks hyung... But" "Shut up and GO!!" I chuckle and rush up to my room. I grab a suitcase, and start throwing clothes into it. I don't even know what I'm grabbing, but it doesn't matter. Anything I forget, I'll buy when I'm there. I zip my bag, and run down the stairs. At the bottom I stop when I see Olivia with tears in her eyes. I hurry to her and kneel down in front of my angel. "Appa... I'll miss you... Please bring Eomma home..."

I hug her tiny frame to mine, placing kisses on her temple as she cries. "I will baby... I'll do everything I can to bring her home. Be good for Yoongi uncle... I love you." Before I change my mind, I stand and walk towards the door.

"Jungkook-ah... Don't forget these..." I spin back, and see him holding my passport, but the velvet box in Olivia's hand makes me pause. "Olivia? Where did you get that?" I take the passport from hyung, but don't look away from my daughter. She looks down, thinking I'm mad at her. I move to her and lift her chin with my fingers. "Answer me angel... Where did you find this?"

"I was missing Eomma, so I was in your closet, and I saw it on the dresser with a wrapped box... I didn't open the other box, but I couldn't help but look at this... I'm sorry Appa... I didn't mean to be nosy... I've had it for a couple weeks, and I want you to give it to Eomma... It's for her, isn't it?" I nod at her, and bend to kiss her forehead. "Thank you angel for keeping it safe... I'll give it to Eomma. I love you... I'll call you soon, alright?" She throws herself at me, and I scoop her up, hugging her tightly. I know that she needs her mother, and I'm going to make sure to bring her back to her. "I love you Appa!"

"Alright! It's time! Go go go! Tell Hobi I expect him home soon!" Yoongi hyung claps and shoos me out the door. I laugh and take myself to the car. I smile to myself thinking about returning here with Sophia... I'll do anything to have her back... We'll move wherever she wants... Anything she wants, it's hers...

Hobi

Watching the sleeping woman, I smile at how beautiful she is. Her hair has grown out, and it's back to the natural fiery red. The scar on her cheek is healing, but noticeable. It's almost as if she never had surgery to fix it. Remembering that she actually sliced her own face open on the night she tried to kill herself, I thank our lucky stars, she didn't die.

The hallucinogens that the Dr had given her, caused her to be very disturbed. Just as we thought she was doing ok, she struggled to move on, and I can't say that I blame her. She tried to stay and be strong for Jungkook and Olivia, but in the end her mind was too far gone.

Flashback

"What are you saying? You don't love me? You don't want to fight for me?"

Jungkook's broken voice was hard to listen to, but Sophia stood still. He was on his knees, begging her to stay, and she could only cry. His arms clung to her legs, and if I hadn't been behind her, she would have fallen.

"Jungkook-ah! Let go of her!" My voice was firm, but he only buried his face in her small, pregnant belly. I bit my tongue to not say things I couldn't take back, but I could tell Sophia was on the verge of a panic attack. Her shaking hands reached out to his hair, and I watched as she carded her fingers through his dark locks.

"jungkook... i do love you... i just need to go now... i can't stay... please... let me go..." She whispered her words, but he continued to cling to her, shaking his head as he cried. My heart broke seeing both of them that day. Her, trying to tell him that she wasn't healthy enough to stay... Him, begging her to not remove his heart...

"Kook... Let her go... Let her go and she'll get the help she needs... Listen to her... She loves you Jungkook-ah... She just needs to go away to get treatment so she can be alright."

When his streaming eyes met mine, I almost broke, but I had to be strong for them. He released his hold on her, and collapsed into a ball on the floor. Thoughts of the day she 'died' rushed through me, and I knew he was remembering the same things. His fears were coming true, and he blamed himself. She moved to try and comfort him, but Taehyung stepped in, and shook his head at her. He knelt down to hold onto Jungkook as I pulled her away. It was time to go, and this was the decision that was the best for both of them... Even if she was having second thoughts.

"Hobi?" The tired voice brought me out of my thoughts. I see her sitting up on the bed, and I smile at her cuteness.

"Did you have a nice nap? You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you." I lean back into my chair and wait for her to stretch. Her cute noises as she tries to loosen her muscles makes me chuckle.

"How long were you watching me sleep? You creep..." Her laughter after she said that, makes me smile bigger than I have in a while. "Only a few minutes if I'm being honest... I was kind of lost in my thoughts more than I was watching you." She nods like she understands me, and she probably does.

"How's Yoongi? He must miss you, and want you home. Why don't you go? I'm better now. I can handle checking myself out." Her strong act is something she has perfected, but I see through it. I don't want to upset her, but I know she is only wondering if I've heard about Jungkook.

"Nah... He's glad I'm gone. He gets tired of my sunshine personality... I'll hang with you until you're checked out... Speaking of that... Any thoughts on what you're doing? Are you staying here, or coming back to Seoul with me?" Her eyes avoid mine, and I watch as she begins to fiddle with her fingers.

"I don't know... I guess it's best if I stay here." I'm confused by this, and I try to get her to look at me, but she doesn't.

"Why do you think that? Don't you want to see Olivia? Jungkook?"

When I see her eyes glisten, I move to sit on the edge of the bed. A tear slips from her eye, and I reach out to wipe it away. "Talk to me So... Why do you think you should stay here?"

"They haven't called in months... I only hear from Olivia when she's with Yoongi, or Namjoon... Jungkook must have moved on..."

I can't help but chuckle at her. I see her look at me with her confused, furrowed brows, but I continue to laugh.

"What?!?"

"You know that the first 2 months you were here, you ignored Jungkook, right? You didn't answer his texts, or return his voicemails... You shut him out... But he kept trying... Why would you think he's moved on?" Her tears have multiplied now, and I stroke her hair to calm her.

"He must think I don't love him... Why would he... Why would he want me? I've caused him so much pain! Hobi, I don't know what to do anymore... He's better off without me in the end." As she buries her face in her hands, a voice from the doorway behind me, startles both of us.

"Why do you always think so low of me? Why can't you believe that you are the only woman I've ever wanted?"

I move away from the bed and watch as a teary eyed Jungkook moves slowly towards the girl. I want to give them some privacy, but I need her to acknowledge him first. She's still crying as he reaches out to her, and places a trembling hand on her arm.

"Sophia-ah... Love... Look at me..." She is shaking her head, and her cries become sobs. When Jungkook sits and brings her into his arms and I see her clutch onto him, I know I can leave them. I look at the heavens and smile, thinking that her father must be happy her heart will be taken care of.

Sophia

"Why do you always think so low of me? Why can't you believe that you are the only woman I've ever wanted?"

His voice rings into the room, and I feel myself trembling. It must be a dream... I've pushed him away, and he has to be here to end things. I'm such a disappointment to myself, and everyone. So selfish to leave him behind repeatedly...

"Sophia-ah... Love... Look at me..."

I shake my head and begin to sob. How can he even want anything to do with me? I've run away from him so many times, and left him to care for our daughter alone... I broke him, and ran away again... I left him crying on the floor... Why is he here?

"Hey... Come on... I came all the way here. Are you not going to look at me even?"

I hear a tease in his voice, as he holds me tightly in his arms. His scent is surrounding me, and I feel my body begin to relax. His hand runs into my hair, and I lean into his chest more.

"i'm sorry... how can you forgive me?"

Large, warm hands cup my cheeks, raising my face to meet his. There's a sweet smile on his face, and he joins our foreheads. "There is nothing to forgive... You have always done what you needed to... I am sorry my love... I am so sorry that I've failed to protect you... How can you still want me?"

"Because I love you Jungkook... I never left because I didn't love you... You know that, right?"

His eyes twinkle, and he nods. "I know... I shouldn't have let you believe that you were doing something wrong when you left to come here. It's why I tried to call, and text... I was selfish though... I don't like to be away from you Love... I hope we're done being apart."

"I'm scared..."

"Of what?"

"Going back... My mother's reach there... Ju-won... Aera... Seo-yeon... So many people there hate me... I still don't know why... Am I a bad person?"

His embrace tightens, and I feel his lips on my cheek. I pull back to look in his eyes, and he's getting teary. My hands move on their own, as I wipe the first tear. "i'm so sorry... i hate that i make you cry..." His eyes shift away, and I hate myself. He wants me to say I'll go back with him. He wants to hear that I am ready to return to Seoul... Why can't I just do this? I should do this... It's where he is... Our daughter... Our friends... Why am still so selfish?

"Sophia-ah... I don't care where we live. If you don't want to go back to Seoul, we'll bring Olivia here, and raise our family... I just want to be with you... You're all I have ever needed... If you won't go back, I won't go back... I won't let you run again... I will fight all the demons by your side from now on... Do you hear me?"

I look at him and see a fire in his eyes. I can't believe he is here, still loving me, after everything... I smile at him as I feel my cheeks burn from the way he is looking at me. His lips meet mine, and I melt into the way his mouth completely claims my own.

Jungkook

The flight felt like it took forever. I was thankful to Yoongi hyung for making sure I was able to use the private jet my father owns. About half way through,I took a shower, and made sure I didn't look like a complete scrub. I feel so nervous that Sophia will tell me that she's decided that she doesn't love me anymore. I don't know what I'll do if that is what she has decided...

When the flight lands, I take time to go to a hotel and book a suite. I make plans with the staff to have a surprise ready for when we come back later. The lady helping me was a little flirty, until I told her that I was planning to propose. Thankfully, she immediately backed off, and helped me make sure everything would be perfect when I brought Sophia later. When everything was set, I got a car to the rehab that my love has been at for the past 6 months.

The nerves again take over as I walk towards her room. I hear her voice as soon as I'm outside, and my heart begins to race. It hurts as I listen to her question why I haven't contacted her. Hobi hyung defends me in a very gentle way, and I'm grateful to him.

"He must think I don't love him... Why would he... Why would he want me? I've caused him so much pain! Hobi, I don't know what to do anymore... He's better off without me in the end."

I can't wait anymore after hearing this. I see them both jump when I speak, but I try to remain calm. If I push her too hard, she might try to run away again. Her thoughts are still that she isn't worthy of my love, and I need to find a way to change that. I move to her, after Hobi hyung gets off the bed. We share a look, and I see him smile encouragingly at me.

The talk we had after this, has relaxed me. I know she loves me still, and I want to make sure to never lose her again. I sit with her, and show her pictures of Olivia. Ignoring the fat tears that roll down her cheeks, I laugh with her at the way our cheeky daughter usually makes a funny face if she knows her picture is being taken. The tears Sophia cries are of joy at seeing her child and I know this, but they still hurt to see. I want to stop them, but I'm at a loss in this moment, so I just stay close and continue to talk to her about our beautiful daughter.

"Jungkook?" Her voice is trembling, but I don't acknowledge this. Turning to look into her eyes after setting my phone aside, she seems to be struggling.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure you still want to be with me? I will understand if you think maybe we're better off as friends... Or co-parents..."

I stare into her glossy green eyes, and am speechless at the beauty of them. She takes my breath away so easily, and I am lost at how the sunlight is lighting her skin. I don't realize I've waited too long to reply until I notice her eye brows pinch together, and a stream of crystal tears run down her cheek.

Without waiting, I reach for her, pulling her into my arms. "Sophia-ah... I love you so much. I don't want to just be your friend... I want to be so much more. You're the reason I wake up in the morning, and the freshness to the air I breathe. Please... Don't doubt my love for you." Murmuring in her ear, I cling to her, afraid she's going to push me away.

"I love you too, Jungkook... I just feel so guilty... I've left so many times... How can you still want to try again?"

Her broken voice has me clutching her cheeks to force her to look into my eyes.

"Hear me... I. Love. You... Only you... I will continue to come find you wherever you go... There is nothing you can do, or say, to stop me."

"What if" "No... No what ifs... I. Love. You!"

The force of her body as she throws herself to me, almost knocks me over, but I hold her and try to soothe her shaking body. Her tears soak into my shirt, but I just squeeze her to me. The belly that holds our child pressed against my abdomen, and I can feel little kicks as she pushes herself against me.

"Shhhh... We're alright... It's all going to be okay Love. Please don't cry." I rub my hands through her hair and up and down her back, feeling her body begin to relax. I don't know how long we're like this, but I don't care. Her tiny body pressed against mine for the first time in months has my heart pounding. I bury my face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent that I've missed so much. We're going to be alright...

------

After a ton of paperwork, and a meeting with her medical team, we are finally on our way to the hotel. I'm nervous about the surprise I have set up, but I'm trying to be confident. She's very quiet in the car next to me, but holding onto my hand calming my fears. It's a weird place for us. We've always been able to talk to each other, but there's a wall that's been built between us after everything, and I worry it's thicker than I originally thought.

Blocking my doubts, I take her suitcase from the driver, and lead her into the lobby. I feel a tremor in her hand, and look to see what's bothering her. I notice she is pulling her hair to cover her face, and side-eyeing the people watching us. The girl who helped me earlier is looking at us, and whispering to her co-worker. I know she's probably just telling them that I've planned a proposal, but Sophia thinks they're saying negative things.

I hug her body to me, and place a kiss on her temple as we continue towards the elevator. I don't say anything, because I hope when we're at the room, all her doubts about herself will fall away. Thankfully, the elevator is empty, and I set her suitcase down to hug her to me. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Her nod against my chest is weak, but I don't make her tell me what I already know. She's never been confident about her looks, and I know she thinks people were judging her. When the doors open, I pick up the luggage again, and taking her hand, lead her towards our suite. I'm more nervous than I thought I'd be. I left the details in someone else's hands, so hopefully it is what I imagined. I pause in front of the door, digging in my pocket for the key card. When I hear the beep, I push the door open and allow Sophia to enter first, holding my breath...

The little gasp from my girl's lips, tells me she is surprised. I smile at her, and hug her to my side. "I love you Sophia... I asked the staff to do something special, and romantic... Do you like it?" Her mouth is open, and she's staring in awe at the decoration, but nodding her head to my question. "Are you speechless?"

A light slap on my chest makes me giggle at her, but I can't help but drag her with me to the balcony.

"I didn't order food because I wasn't sure what time we'd be back, but I'll call now, and we can cuddle under the stars while we eat. Would you like that Love?"

"You didn't need to do all this... It's so beautiful... I don't deser" "STOP... Don't finish that sentence... You deserve everything my love... Now tell me what you'd like to eat."

------

Sophia is cuddled in my arms, wearing one of my hoodies like she loves to do. The night air in LA is cool and clear, making it a perfect excuse to hold her close. We ate burgers and fries, and I even got her a vanilla milkshake. I tried not to make a big deal when she insisted on dipping her fries into it. Pregnancy cravings are weird... At least it's better than the pickle and peanut butter sandwiches!

I'm nervous as I continue to fiddle with the velvet box that feels heavier in my pocket. We've had a really nice evening, and I feel like we're on the same page, but I'm still not confident. Will she say no because she doesn't want to go back to Seoul? I already told her that I would send for Olivia, and we'll make our life here, if it's what she wants. The tech company is doing well, and we could run it together. I know her cousin would be fine with it because he's found a girl he wants to take back to Ireland.

"Jungkook? Is something wrong?" Her quiet voice breaks through my thoughts, and I didn't realize I was frowning until she rubbed the skin between my eyebrows. I lean my head to her, stealing a kiss.

"I'm alright. Nothing's wrong... I'm just nervous..." Her eyes widen as I help her to sit up and pull out the box from my pocket.

"Sophia-ah... I've had this for a long time. I had planned to propose the night I sent you away because Aera forced me to... I'm so sorry for the pain I caused you... I don't know if I deserve you, but I know I won't ever want another... I've loved you from the very first time I saw you... It was crazy, but it was immediate... I wish I could go back and relive the day you walked into the office... Checking me out like a brazen, and beautiful, siren..." I look at her, to see tears building, but a gorgeous smile on her lips.

"Sophia-ah... Would you please agree to marry me? I promise to make you the happiest person in the world. I'll never let you get hurt again, or feel the need to run away... I love you more than anything, and I want us to spend the rest of our lives together..."

I began rambling, and Sophia cutely giggled while she covered my lips with her little hand. "Jungkook-ah... Shhhh..." My heart began to crack a little as she moved away from me, but I waited. She pushed up to sit on her knees in front of me, and stare into my eyes. When I think she's about to reject me, she holds out her left hand. Her smile was beautiful, and she just wiggled her fingers. "I'm waiting Kookie-ah..."

I opened the box, and pulled out the ring. With shaking hands, I placed it onto her finger. The stone was shining in the fairy light glow, but Sophia's eyes were twinkling like emeralds. She stared at the simple, but elegant, diamond ring now seated on her finger. "It's perfect... I love it Jungkook... I love you!" She crashed into me and began peppering my face with kisses. I squeezed her to me, and caught her lips with mine. Sinking into the kiss, I allowed myself to feel genuine joy for the first time in a long time.

We cuddled back under the blanket, and kissed until we were both out of breath. It wasn't long before she fell asleep after the long day. I enveloped her in my arms, just relishing in the feeling of her pulse against my fingers, the small movements of her belly, and the ring symbolizing our love, wrapped around her finger. I feel complete as I stare at the shining stone that symbolizes my commitment to loving her forever.

________________________

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