As Jungkook’s car pulled up in front of the Kim Mansion, he glanced at Arin, sitting quietly in the passenger seat beside him. The ride had been silent, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions they both chose to keep buried. He opened his mouth to say something, perhaps offer some reassurance or an apology, but the words just wouldn’t come. Instead, he stepped out of the car, moving around to open Arin’s door.

Arin climbed out with a soft nod of thanks, brushing her fingers nervously over her coat as she took in the grand entrance of the mansion. Despite how calm she looked, her hands felt oddly cold, a mixture of nerves and the reality of being left here while Jungkook left for Busan pressing down on her.

Together, they walked toward the entrance, Jungkook carrying her bag in silence. The Kim Mansion loomed large, majestic and almost intimidating. It wasn’t the first time she’d visited, but knowing she’d be staying here now made it feel unfamiliar, even foreign. The weight of Soojin’s and Minho’s expectations lay heavy on her shoulders, though she didn’t show it.

The doors opened, and they were greeted by Mrs. Jeon, who had clearly been waiting for them. The warm expression she usually reserved for her son had shifted, a mix of concern and disappointment clouding her eyes as she looked at Jungkook. Arin watched the small shift in her mother-in-law’s expression, feeling the unspoken tension.

“Arin,” Mrs. Jeon said, her voice warm and welcoming as she embraced her. “We’re so happy to have you stay with us. Make yourself at home, alright?”

Arin smiled politely, nodding. “Thank you, Mother. I… I’ll do my best not to be a bother.”

Mrs. Jeon gave her a gentle smile. “Don’t be silly, dear. You’re family.”

The morning of Jungkook's departure had arrived, casting a somber mood over the Kim Mansion. Despite the soft glow of sunlight streaming in through the windows, the atmosphere felt heavy, as if the air itself held the weight of everyone's unspoken emotions. Everyone was gathered in the living room, but unlike the usual warm send-offs, there was a noticeable tension, one that made even the casual greetings seem forced and empty.

Jungkook stand by door, glancing back to see his family members and, finally, his gaze rested on Arin. She stood a little away from everyone, her face calm, though her hands fidgeted subtly at her sides. She had practiced keeping her emotions in check, especially around Jungkook, and today was no different. Her expression held no sign of anger or sadness; instead, it was a look of quiet acceptance. She had told herself that she understood—his career would always come first, maybe even above their unborn child. And if that were the case, she would manage, as she always had. She would care for herself and the baby with or without his involvement.

But as Jungkook took a step forward, his mother, Soojin, stepped up to him. Her arms were crossed, her expression uncharacteristically cold. She had always been his biggest supporter, the one who believed in him even when others doubted his choices. But today, the disappointment in her gaze was almost painful to witness.

“Jungkook,” she began, her voice calm but carrying a quiet tremor, “all your life, I’ve trusted your decisions. Even when I didn’t understand them, I thought, ‘he knows what he’s doing.’” She shook her head slowly, a sad, almost bitter smile touching her lips. “But today… today I can’t stand behind you on this.”

Jungkook swallowed, looking away. He could feel the weight of her words, a silent wound that settled in his chest. “Mom, this is my career,” he replied, struggling to keep his tone steady. “You know how hard I’ve worked to get where I am. This is… this is just something I need to do.”

Soojin took a deep breath, her gaze piercing as she looked at him. “Your career?” Her voice dropped to a near whisper, the hurt unmistakable. “What about your family, Jungkook? What about Arin? What about your baby?” Her eyes softened, a glint of desperation shining through. “Sometimes, Jungkook, it’s not about what we want but about what the people we love need.”

Seeing the tension between mother and son, Arin moved forward gently, her hand reaching to touch Soojin’s arm in a comforting gesture. “Mother,” she murmured softly, a small, patient smile on her face. “It’s alright. I understand, really. This is important for him, and… and he needs to do what’s best for his career.”

As she spoke, Jungkook looked at her, studying the expression on her face. Arin’s words were accepting, calm even, but there was something behind her eyes, something she was holding back. Her quiet understanding only deepened the guilt Jungkook felt, though he kept it masked behind a neutral expression.

Just then, Taehyung stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. His eyes held a mixture of concern and disappointment, though he kept his voice steady. “Good luck in Busan, Jungkook,” he said, nodding slightly. “But just… make sure you come back often. Remember, your family’s here, waiting for you.”

Jungkook forced a nod, grateful for his friend’s restraint. But he knew—he could sense that Taehyung, too, was silently judging his decision. The disappointment was evident, even in the way Taehyung’s hand lingered for a moment longer, as if silently pleading with him to reconsider.

Beside Taehyung, Jungkook’s father, Minho, observed his son with an impassive expression. His arms were crossed, his stance resolute. Unlike Soojin, Minho hadn’t spoken much about Jungkook’s decision to leave, but his silence spoke volumes. Minho is also against his son’s choices, and while he was clearly disappointed, he remained quiet. He gave Jungkook a slight nod, as if to say, “I don’t agree, but it’s your life.”

Standing next to Arin was Miso, her arms wrapped protectively around her sister-in-law. Her usual bright smile was absent, replaced with a hurt expression that she couldn’t fully hide. She looked at Jungkook, her eyes filled with a sorrowful disappointment that seemed to say more than words ever could. “You’re going to miss so much, Jungkook,” she said quietly, her voice soft but firm. “Things you’ll never get back, memories you can’t replace. I hope… I hope you realize that before it’s too late.”

Jungkook averted his gaze, his jaw tensing as he tried to ignore the gnawing guilt in his chest. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that her words would linger with him long after he left.

Finally, Jungkook looked at Arin, his expression softening slightly. “Take care of yourself,” he murmured, the words coming out more as a request than a command.

Arin nodded, her face unreadable. “I will,” she replied quietly, her tone firm but laced with something he couldn’t quite understand. “Don’t worry about me, Jungkook. I’ll manage.”

He couldn’t find the right words to say, and instead, he turned to the door, gripping his bag tightly as he took one last look around the room. His family watched him, each of them holding back words, their expressions a mixture of sadness and unspoken pleas.

As he walked out the door, the finality of the moment settled around him like a weight. And for the first time, Jungkook felt a sliver of doubt. But as he closed the car door behind him, he forced the feeling away, focusing on the path ahead. Passionate about his job, he left, while his family stayed behind, disappointment lingering in the silence he left behind.

          ________________________

A month had slipped by since Jungkook’s departure, and although he was gone, life continued for Arin. She had settled into the Kim Mansion, occupying Jungkook’s old room, which had a lingering sense of his presence despite him not being there. She had quickly adapted to her new surroundings, finding small routines that brought her comfort amidst the unfamiliar.

Each morning, Arin prepared for work, her resolve unwavering despite the gentle opposition from her mother-in-law, Mrs. Jeon. The woman had always been supportive, but since Jungkook had left for Busan, a hint of worry had clouded her brow. “Arin, you should be resting, especially with Jungkook away,” she said one morning as they shared breakfast. The concern in her voice was palpable, and she watched Arin with a mix of motherly care and disappointment.

Arin looked up from her plate, meeting her mother-in-law’s gaze with a soft smile. “I promise, Mother, I’ll take maternity leave at six months, just as Miso did. For now, I’ll be careful.”

Mrs. Jeon sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line, but the warmth in her eyes softened. “I just don’t want you to overexert yourself. You’re carrying my grandchild, after all.”

“I know, and I appreciate your concern,” Arin replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for the woman who had taken her in as her own. “But I need to keep a sense of normalcy, and work helps me do that.”

After a moment, Mrs. Jeon nodded, reluctantly accepting Arin’s determination. “Very well, but if you feel unwell at any point, you promise to let me know?”

“I promise,” Arin said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. It was a small gesture, but one filled with reassurance and affection.

Despite her resolve, there was an unshakable ache within Arin. She couldn’t help but notice how Taehyung doted on Miso, the two of them a constant pair, intertwined in a way that brought both comfort and a faint, unspoken envy. She watched Taehyung anticipating Miso’s every need, from bringing her breakfast in bed to adjusting the cushions on the sofa just the way she liked them. Their laughter filled the mansion, and it sometimes pierced through Arin’s heart, stirring emotions she couldn’t quite articulate.

It wasn’t resentment; it was a subtle longing that arose unexpectedly during quiet moments. She found herself imagining what it would be like if Jungkook were here. Would he be just as caring? Would he worry over her like Taehyung worried for Miso?

One morning, as she prepared to leave for work, she crossed paths with Taehyung in the hallway. His brow was furrowed with concern as he paused to regard her. “Are you sure you’re doing okay, Arin?” he asked, his tone sincere. “It’s not easy going through this alone.”

Arin forced a reassuring smile, her heart heavy yet determined. “I’m managing, Taehyung. I have you, Miso, and your mother looking out for me. Besides, I don’t want to lose myself and I have  my own path to follow.”

Taehyung’s expression softened, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of her strength and resilience.

The days blended together in quiet, familiar rhythms. Arin continued to balance work with her new home life, the growing life within her a constant reminder of her silent hopes. Yet, every so often, she’d catch a glimpse of Taehyung tending to Miso, and the unbidden thoughts would creep back in, whispering doubts and insecurities.

One afternoon, while they were preparing lunch in the kitchen, Mrs. Jeon stopped Arin at the door, resting a gentle hand on her arm. “Arin,” she said kindly, her gaze soft yet intent, “you have nothing to prove. We’re here for you, and you’re allowed to rest, to lean on others. You don’t always have to do everything on your own.”

The warmth of Mrs. Jeon’s words seeped into Arin’s heart, soothing some of the restlessness within her. “Thank you, Mother. I’ll remember that,” she replied, her voice steady but filled with emotion. The connection they shared was deepening, a bond forged in understanding and love.

As days turned into weeks, the routine of life in the Kim Mansion began to feel more like home. Yet, despite her best efforts to remain positive, there were moments of vulnerability. One evening, as she sat in the living room with Miso and Taehyung, she felt the familiar pang of jealousy creep back in as Taehyung gently rubbed Miso’s belly, whispering sweet nothings to her. Arin looked away, focusing on the flickering flames in the fireplace, willing her emotions to settle.

“Arin, are you alright?” Miso’s soft voice broke through her thoughts, concern etched across her features.

“I’m fine,” Arin replied too quickly, forcing a smile. “Just a little tired.”

Miso studied her for a moment, her brow slightly furrowed. “You know you can talk to me, right? I’m here for you.”

“I know,” Arin said, grateful for Miso’s kindness. “It’s just...sometimes I feel a bit out of place, like I’m not part of this beautiful moment.” Her voice wavered slightly, and she quickly added, “But I’m really happy for you two. It’s just my hormones, I guess.”

Miso reached over, squeezing her hand. “You’re going through a lot right now, and it’s okay to feel that way. You’re part of this family, Arin, and we’ll always be here for you.”

Arin’s heart swelled at Miso’s words, the sincerity shining through. “Thank you, Miso. I truly appreciate it.”

And so, life continued, each day a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, of quiet acceptance and subtle longing. Arin took each day as it came, finding comfort in the small joys while holding tight to the knowledge that, though Jungkook was miles away, she carried a part of him with her—growing, just inside her belly.

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

Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers! 💖

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey with Arin, Jungkook, Miso, and Taehyung! Your support means the world to me! 🌟 I hope you’re enjoying the ups and downs of their lives as much as I love writing about them.

What do you think about Arin’s struggles and emotions as she navigates her new life? Do you think Jungkook will come back soon? And how will things change as their families grow? I’d love to hear your thoughts and theories!

Please don’t be a silent reader! Show some love by voting, commenting, and sharing this story with your friends! Let’s keep this amazing community thriving together! 💬✨

Stay tuned for the next chapter, and thank you for being such incredible readers!

Much love, StarlitWings