Arin’s eyes fluttered open, expecting to feel the warmth of Jungkook beside her, but instead, the bed was empty and cold. She sighed, thinking perhaps he had already left for work without waking her. She took a deep breath, stretched, and decided to get ready. After a quick wash, she made her way downstairs, finding herself a bit nervous. This was her first time joining the entire family for breakfast—Mrs. Jeon had usually only invited her for dinners.

As she approached the dining room, Arin saw Jeon Soojin, Kim Minho, Taehyung, Miso, and to her surprise, Jungkook too, all seated around the breakfast table. Jungkook’s mother spotted her immediately, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

“Oh, Arin, you’re awake! I was just about to come and check on you,” Mrs. Jeon said with motherly warmth. “Have a seat, dear.”

“Thank you, Mother. I just woke up a few minutes ago,” Arin replied, offering a small smile. Mrs. Jeon gestured to the maid to bring out a plate for Arin, and soon enough, she was seated at the table alongside everyone.

As Arin took her seat at the breakfast table, she felt a mix of warmth and nervousness settle in her chest. This was her first time joining Jungkook’s family for breakfast, and the air was filled with a relaxed, familial atmosphere she wasn’t used to. Mrs. Jeon welcomed her with a warm smile.

" I hope you slept well," Mrs. Jeon said, her tone laced with motherly affection. "We’re so glad to have you here with us for breakfast."

Arin replied, smiling softly. "Yes, thank you. It’s nice to be here."

Mrs. Jeon gestured to the maid, who quickly set a plate in front of Arin. "Eat well, dear. You need all your strength now more than ever," she said, her gaze affectionate and knowing. "We’ll make sure you have everything you need."

As breakfast began, Arin quietly observed the family dynamics around her. Kim Minho and Taehyung were talking business, occasionally turning to her for her opinion. It felt strange but nice to be involved in their discussions, though she couldn’t help but notice Jungkook, who sat silently, barely acknowledging the conversation around him. Mrs. Jeon was busy fussing over both Arin and Miso, asking if they needed anything else and reminding the maid to make sure the two were well-served.

Arin was beginning to feel a sense of calm among the family—something she hadn’t experienced often—until the sudden ring of Jungkook’s phone disrupted the atmosphere. He glanced at the screen, excused himself without a word, and left the table to take the call.

He returned a few minutes later, resuming his silent position at the table, as if nothing had happened. Kim Minho glanced at him thoughtfully before turning his attention to Arin.
"Arin," he began, setting his cup down. "How are you feeling now? I know it must be overwhelming, and you’re probably still adjusting."

Arin nodded. "Thank you, Father. It’s definitely been… a lot to take in, but I’m doing my best to keep healthy."

Minho smiled approvingly, his usual stern expression softened by genuine care. "Good to hear. I’d advise you to take it easy today, perhaps skip work if you can. Rest is important in these early days."

Arin hesitated but managed a grateful smile. “Thank you, Father, but I’ll be fine. I’ll rest when I can.”

Minho’s eyes drifted to Jungkook, who had been quietly focused on his food, his expression unreadable. "Jungkook," Minho addressed him, "you’ll be around to help her today, won’t you?"

Jungkook barely lifted his eyes, his voice steady but detached. "Actually, I’ll be heading out soon. I have a transfer to Busan in a couple of days."

A heavy silence settled over the table. Mrs. Jeon’s face fell, and Taehyung and Miso exchanged a glance. They had thought Jungkook might reconsider, given the circumstances, but his words suggested otherwise.

"Busan? You’re really leaving in two days?" Mrs. Jeon’s voice held a note of worry. "But, Jungkook, Arin and the baby… they’ll need you."

Jungkook’s gaze flicked up momentarily, his expression impassive. "My work is in Busan, Mother. I need to be there," he replied, his tone unwavering. "I’ll visit when I can, but I can’t just give up my responsibilities."

Minho’s brow furrowed, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Responsibilities? Your family is a responsibility too, Jungkook. Especially now, with a child on the way."

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. "I’m aware of my responsibilities, Father. I’ll come back occasionally. It’s not like I’ll be gone forever."

Mrs. Jeon reached across the table, her voice soft and pleading. "Jungkook, I know your work is important to you, but Arin needs her husband by her side, especially now."

Arin, sensing the tension rising, attempted to ease her mother-in-law’s concern. "It’s alright, Mother. I understand that Jungkook’s work is important. I’ll manage."

But Mrs. Jeon shook her head, her expression firm. "No, Arin. You shouldn’t have to ‘manage’ alone. Your husband should be here, by your side."

Minho leaned forward, his voice controlled but intense. "Jungkook, listen to your mother. Your wife needs you. It’s time you think about the family you’re starting here."

Jungkook sighed, his gaze dropping as if he was tired of explaining himself. "Father, I’ve made my decision. I have to fulfill my work obligations."

Arin’s face showed a mix of disappointment and acceptance, her voice quiet as she attempted to end the argument. "I understand, really. It’s okay."

Miso, who had been silently watching, spoke up, her tone hesitant but sincere. "Jungkook, maybe just think about staying a little longer, at least in the beginning. The early stages can be difficult."

Taehyung chimed in softly, "For once, think about this as more than a job decision, Jungkook. It’s your family."

But Jungkook remained resolute, offering a curt nod. "I know you’re all worried, but I’ll do what I can from Busan. This is my career, and I won’t abandon it."

Finally, Minho’s patience seemed to snap. "Very well, if you’re so set on leaving," he said, his tone cold. "But understand this—Arin won’t be left alone. From now on, she’ll stay here, with us."

Arin, caught off-guard, protested gently. "Father, I appreciate it, but that’s really not necessary. I’ll be fine."

Minho shook his head, his gaze unyielding. "No, Arin. You’ll be safer here, surrounded by family. This is not up for debate."

Jungkook’s response was indifferent, as if he’d already mentally separated himself from the conversation. "Do as you like," he said simply. "I have work to take care of."

The table fell silent, each person absorbing the tension in their own way. The once-warm family breakfast had transformed into something cold and strained. Mrs. Jeon’s face showed quiet disappointment as she turned back to her plate, while Taehyung and Miso exchanged a glance filled with unspoken words, their concern for Arin clear.

As breakfast concluded, the family rose in quiet agreement to let the matter rest, at least for now. Arin felt a sense of heaviness as she stood, knowing that while she had support, the person she needed most seemed determined to distance himself from her life and their future together.

_______________________________________

After breakfast, Mrs. Jeon placed a gentle yet firm hand on Arin’s shoulder, guiding her toward the hallway. Her tone was soft but carried an undertone of finality. “Arin, dear, I think it’s time you go back to your and Jungkook’s apartment to pack. The driver will be waiting outside to bring your things here,” she said, purposefully ignoring Jungkook, who stood nearby. The silent dismissal was clear.

Jungkook noticed the slight but unmistakable coldness in his mother’s demeanor. However, he merely shrugged, his face as unreadable as ever. It was as if he couldn’t—or wouldn’t—see the disappointment etched into his mother’s expression.

Arin nodded, looking up at Mrs. Jeon with a gentle smile. “Of course, Mother.”

Mrs. Jeon’s gaze softened as she touched Arin’s cheek. “We’ll be here waiting for you, dear,” she said, pointedly looking past Jungkook.

Jungkook, seemingly indifferent to his mother’s pointed ignoring, glanced at Arin briefly. He kept his face impassive, even as he sensed the weight of unspoken words around him. As Arin and the driver left, Jungkook gave a small nod, acting unbothered by the silent reproach of his family.

---

As Arin walked through the familiar doorway of their apartment, a wave of nostalgia hit her. She had only a few days left in this place, and it felt surreal to think she would soon be living in the Jeon family’s mansion. She walked toward the bedroom, running her fingers along the walls, letting the memories of laughter and shared moments wash over her. The sound of the door closing behind her told her Jungkook had followed her inside.

When she opened the closet and started reaching for her clothes, Jungkook’s voice broke the silence.

“Arin,” he called, his voice low, almost hesitant.

She paused, looking over her shoulder. He was standing by the doorway, hands in his pockets, his expression conflicted. “Are you… disappointed in me?” he asked, his tone edged with a vulnerability she wasn’t used to hearing from him. “If you feel the same as everyone else does… you can tell me. I’d rather know.”

Arin blinked, surprised by his question. She took a breath, trying to gather her thoughts before responding. “Jungkook, I’m not disappointed,” she replied softly. She let the words sink in, hoping he could feel her sincerity. “I… I understand. Your work is important. I respect that.”

Jungkook’s gaze softened, and for a moment, he looked relieved. But the guarded look soon returned, as if he wasn’t sure he should trust her words entirely.

She looked away, the weight of the moment settling in her chest. “And it’s not just your responsibility to take care of our baby. I’ll manage,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “With me moving to your parents’ house, you don’t need to feel guilty or worry about me being alone.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened, and his gaze fell to the floor. “It’s not about guilt, Arin. I just don’t want you to think I’m abandoning you… or our child.”

Arin’s heart clenched slightly, hearing the faint strain in his voice. She offered a small, understanding smile. “ I know , Jungkook. You’re not abandoning us. You’re just… doing what you believe is best, aren’t you?” She paused, then added, “ We know that from starting that your work is your first priority and  my work is mine . So I understand”

He looked up at her, a flash of something unspoken in his eyes. “I don’t want you to have to handle everything alone, Arin. I just… don’t want you to feel like you’re going through this without me.”

She studied him for a moment, seeing the uncertainty he rarely showed. “I’ll be fine, Jungkook,” she said gently, a soft determination in her voice. “We both made choices, and this… this is the reality of those choices.”

He nodded slowly, and for the first time in a long time, there was a flicker of regret in his eyes. “If you need anything, just… call me. I’ll still be here when I can.”

Arin smiled faintly. “I know. Thank you.”

She turned back to her packing, feeling the weight of his gaze lingering on her. The silence stretched between them, heavy with words unspoken and feelings neither could quite voice. They were close in distance but somehow felt worlds apart, each holding onto their own unspoken hopes and fears.

Jungkook shifted slightly, seeming to brace himself before he spoke. “I’ll be here for two more days,” he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of hesitation. He looked at her as if waiting for a reaction, a subtle plea beneath his composed demeanor.

Arin paused from her packing and met his gaze. “Tomorrow is my appointment with Dr. Lee,” she said softly, her eyes searching his face for any trace of interest. “We’ll get our baby’s sonogram picture... and hear the heartbeat. If... if you want, you can come with me.” She kept her voice gentle, masking the quiet vulnerability beneath her words. “Only if you’re free, of course.”

Jungkook hesitated, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. He nodded slowly, as though weighing her invitation. “I have some work to wrap up tomorrow,” he murmured, his tone guarded. “But if I can get free in time, I’ll… I’ll try to be there.”

Arin forced a small smile, hoping to hide the mix of hope and disappointment tugging at her. “That’s fine,” she replied, trying to sound casual. “I understand. I know things are… complicated right now.”

Jungkook watched her, his expression unreadable, and for a moment, the room fell into silence, heavy with the weight of things left unsaid.

“I’ll do my best,” he added after a pause, his voice softer, as if he was reaching out, if only slightly. “I know this is… something important, Arin. I don’t want to miss it, if I can help it.”

A flicker of relief softened her expression. “Thank you, Jungkook,” she whispered, feeling her heart stir with a cautious warmth. “It would mean a lot if you could be there.”

His gaze lingered on her, a touch softer, almost regretful. He nodded once, a silent acknowledgment, before stepping back and giving her space to continue packing. Arin watched him go, feeling both closer to him and yet further apart, a distance that felt achingly familiar.

And as she resumed her task, she couldn’t help but hold onto a small hope that tomorrow, maybe, just maybe, he would be there.

************************************

Author’s Note:

Hey, lovely readers! Thank you so much for joining Arin and Jungkook’s journey—it’s been so exciting to write their story and read all your thoughts and theories!

So, what do you think should happen next? How do you feel about Jungkook’s decision? Should he step up and be there for Arin at the appointment? Or do you think he’ll let work pull him away again? I’d love to hear your ideas on where their story should go, especially with the baby on the way!

If you're enjoying the story, please don't forget to vote, comment, and share! Your support means everything to me, and it helps more people discover our little world here. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and stay tuned—many twists and turns are coming soon!

Thank you for reading, and see you in the next chapter!

❤️ Much love, your author! ❤️