The morning was quiet in the Kim Mansion as Taehyung, his parents, and Miso sat together in the living room. They were caught in relaxed conversation, discussing family matters and plans, but an air of expectancy lingered since Jungkook was due to arrive. Although everyone knew he was coming, they hadn’t quite anticipated how they’d feel seeing him after all this time.

When Jungkook stepped through the door, it was Mrs. Jeon who first noticed, her face momentarily freezing before softening into a warm, relieved smile. She rose from her seat, her expression shifting between a mix of joy and restrained disappointment. “Jungkook…you’re here,” she said, her voice gentle but laced with the emotions she couldn’t quite suppress.

Jungkook gave a polite smile, bowing his head slightly as he took in the sight of his family. “Mom, Dad…” His voice was steady, respectful, but a hint of distance lingered, as if time had created a thin wall between them.

Kim Minho his father, though usually reserved, rose to his feet with a nod of acknowledgment. “Welcome back.” he said simply, his voice carrying a blend of pride and something unspoken.

Jungkook looked to Taehyung next, who gave him a small, knowing smile. “Didn’t expect you this early,” Taehyung quipped, reaching out to clasp Jungkook’s shoulder in a brief, brotherly gesture. Despite the tension that had grown between them, there was still a hint of warmth in his touch.

“Well, it was better to arrive in the morning,” Jungkook replied, meeting Taehyung’s gaze with a quiet understanding. He then glanced at Miso, her hand resting on her very prominent belly, and softened, “Miso, you’re almost there.”

Miso managed a weary but joyful smile. “Yes, any day now,” she replied, her voice filled with the anticipation and nerves that had been building up.

Jungkook nodded, feeling a surge of respect for her strength. But before he could respond, a sharp, pained gasp escaped Miso’s lips. Her face twisted, her hands shooting to her belly as her breathing turned ragged and quick. “Oh!” she managed, her voice strained as she tried to steady herself. “Taehyung… I think… I think it’s time…”

The room fell silent, everyone frozen as they registered her words. Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock, and his hand instinctively found Miso’s, squeezing tightly as if trying to anchor himself. “Miso… are you sure?” he asked, his voice thick with worry.

Miso nodded, wincing through another sharp pain. “Yes… it’s happening,” she whispered, her grip on Taehyung’s hand tightening.

Jungkook, sensing the urgency, sprang into action. “Let’s get her to the hospital,” he said firmly, slipping into a natural, protective mode. “My car’s in the driveway.”

Taehyung nodded, panic etched on his usually composed face as he helped Miso to her feet. “Hold on, Miso,” he whispered, trying to calm her as they moved, but the fear in his voice betrayed his own anxiety.

Mrs. Jeon rushed to Miso’s side, her face filled with concern. “Don’t worry, Miso, we’re right here,” she said, gently rubbing Miso’s back as they guided her towards the door.

Once at the car, Jungkook helped Miso into the back seat, where Taehyung quickly settled in beside her, clutching her hand. Kim Minho and  Jeon Soojin exchanged a quick glance, each hiding their own worries as they got into their own car to follow.

The drive to the hospital was tense and filled with strained silence, broken only by Taehyung’s soothing whispers to Miso and her occasional sharp intakes of breath. Once they arrived, nurses rushed to wheel Miso inside, and Taehyung hurried after her, his hand still firmly in hers. The rest of the family gathered in the waiting area, worry evident on every face.

Mrs. Jeon let out a shaky breath, clutching her husband’s hand for comfort. Then she turned to Jungkook, her expression a mixture of hope and calm authority. “Jungkook, you should call Arin,” she said softly, knowing her daughter-in-law would want to be there.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, then nodded, pulling out his phone. He dialed Arin’s number, and each ring seemed to echo, intensifying his nerves. Finally, she answered.

“Hello?” Arin’s voice sounded slightly surprised, as if she hadn’t expected a call from him.

“It’s me,” Jungkook said, his tone more reserved than he intended. “I’m at the hospital. Miso… her water broke. You should come.”

For a second, there was silence on the other end, then Arin replied with a calm determination. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Jungkook nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Alright. I’ll… I’ll be waiting.” Just then, he heard a nurse speaking to Taehyung down the hall, and without another word, he ended the call, stuffing his phone into his pocket as he joined his parents, all of them silently waiting for news.

Arin arrived at the hospital, breathing heavily as she rushed toward the waiting area. Her hand instinctively rested on her stomach as she tried to steady herself. Just as she stepped into the room, Jungkook’s mother noticed her and, despite the relief of seeing her, couldn’t hide her concern.

“Arin!” Mrs. Jeon called, her tone a mix of worry and light scolding. She quickly approached Arin, her eyes soft yet stern. “Why are you running in your condition? Do you want to put both you and the baby at risk?” She gave Arin a gentle but pointed look, her hand brushing over Arin’s shoulder, guiding her toward a nearby seat.

Arin offered a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Mother. I was just... worried. I didn’t want to miss anything.”

With a sigh, Mrs. Jeon gave her a nod of understanding. “I know, dear. Just take a seat, alright? You need to rest too.” She gestured to a chair, and Arin carefully lowered herself into it, adjusting herself comfortably.

As she settled down, Jungkook, who had been standing nearby, finally let his gaze settle on her fully. It was the first time he’d seen Arin in person in three months, and he couldn’t help but notice how she had changed in subtle yet profound ways. Her face held a quiet strength and softness, her hands protectively resting over her growing belly. She looked different—more mature, perhaps, or maybe it was the soft glow of impending motherhood. He felt an urge to reach out, to feel the warmth of her hand, but he quickly composed himself, stuffing his hands into his pockets to still them.

Arin caught his gaze briefly, offering him a small, polite nod. She seemed calm, almost guarded, her expression carefully composed as though she, too, were keeping emotions in check. They didn’t exchange words, but there was an unspoken acknowledgment between them, a silent understanding.

A few moments later, Miso’s parents arrived, their faces full of anxious anticipation. Taehyung’s father, Kim Minho, greeted them, quickly filling them in on the situation as they joined the group in the waiting area.

Time passed slowly, each tick of the clock echoing in the quiet tension of the room. For almost three hours, they waited in a thick silence punctuated by quiet murmurs and exchanged glances. Occasionally, Mrs. Jeon would glance toward the hallway leading to the delivery room, her worry clearly evident, and Taehyung’s father would lay a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Finally, the door to the waiting room opened, and a nurse stepped in with a soft smile. Everyone turned, a ripple of anticipation running through them.

“Congratulations!” the nurse announced warmly. “The baby is here, and both mother and child are doing well.”

A collective sigh of relief filled the room. Taehyung’s parents exchanged smiles, while Miso’s parents looked visibly relieved, gratitude filling their expressions.

Mrs. Jeon clasped her hands together, eyes shining with happiness. “Thank goodness,” she whispered, a soft tear slipping down her cheek. She looked at Arin, squeezing her hand gently in a rare display of affection, her earlier worry transformed into joy.

“How is Miso?” Taehyung’s father asked, his voice tight with emotion.

The nurse nodded. “She’s a little tired, as expected, but she’s fine. In a short while, you’ll all be able to see the baby and congratulate the new parents.”

Taehyung’s father nodded, looking visibly moved. He turned to Mrs. Jeon, his eyes bright with pride. “This is wonderful news. Our family just grew a little larger.”

As everyone let the happiness sink in, Jungkook stole another glance at Arin, watching the faint smile that softened her face. In that moment, he felt a strange pang—a mixture of pride, relief, and something he couldn’t quite define. He let himself study her for just a few more seconds, wanting to memorize the way she looked right then, before he glanced away, gathering his thoughts as they waited to meet the newest addition to the family.

As the waiting time passed, finally the nurse returned, her face lighting up with a gentle smile as she announced, “The family can go in now, but only a few at a time. Both mother and baby are healthy.”

A wave of relief and excitement washed over everyone. Miso’s parents went in first, a joyful energy filling the room as they greeted their daughter and new grandchild. After some time, they stepped out, their faces glowing with pride and joy. Kim Minho then looked at Mrs. Jeon, Arin, and Jungkook. "Let’s go in."

Jungkook helped Arin stand up carefully, mindful of her growing belly. They exchanged a small glance, a mix of happiness and unspoken words between them. As they entered, they found Miso resting on the bed, a tired but deeply content smile on her face, while Taehyung held their newborn son close. The baby was wrapped snugly in a soft blanket, his tiny fingers curling and uncurling as he rested in his father’s arms.

Miso looked up and beamed when she saw Jungkook. “Look who finally decided to show up in time to meet his nephew!” she teased lightly, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jungkook chuckled, giving her a half-grin. “I knew I’d make it just in time,” he replied, pretending to be casual but clearly pleased. He looked at Taehyung, who gave him a knowing nod.

Mrs. Jeon stepped closer to Taehyung, her eyes soft as she held out her hands. “May I?”

Taehyung carefully passed the baby to his mother, her hands gentle and reverent as she cradled her first grandchild. Tears shone in her eyes, and she looked at Miso with deep affection. “You did wonderfully, my dear. He’s beautiful, just perfect,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Minho gave Taehyung a proud pat on the shoulder. “You’ve brought such happiness to this family, son. Congratulations to you both.”

Arin watched, a mixture of joy and wistfulness filling her heart as she looked at Miso, who was glowing with happiness, and Taehyung, who was utterly captivated by his son. Mrs. Jeon noticed Arin's soft smile and, holding the baby carefully, moved closer to her. “In a few more months, dear, you’ll be feeling this same joy,” she said kindly, her eyes twinkling.

Arin’s cheeks flushed, and she nodded shyly, a slight, warm smile on her face. She gently touched her own belly, her heart swelling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She could feel Jungkook’s eyes on her, a fleeting glance as he shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond to his mother’s comment.

There was a pause before Jungkook quietly congratulated Taehyung. “Congratulations, man. You’re a father now. How does it feel?”

Taehyung’s face softened, a rare, unguarded smile spreading across his face. “It’s overwhelming... in the best way,” he admitted. “To look at him and know he’s part of me, part of Miso... I don’t think I could’ve understood this feeling until now.”

Miso looked at her husband, eyes glistening, and squeezed his hand. “We’re so lucky,” she whispered.

Arin felt a subtle pang in her chest, watching the love and connection between Taehyung and Miso. She glanced sideways at Jungkook, wondering if he felt the same stirring emotions that she did. Jungkook’s gaze was fixed on the baby, a faint look of thoughtfulness in his eyes. She wondered if he was imagining himself in Taehyung’s place, holding their own child, experiencing this same joy.

Jungkook finally reached out, his hand tentative, to touch the baby’s tiny fist. The baby instinctively curled his fingers around Jungkook’s, and for a moment, Jungkook’s usually impassive face softened as he felt the warmth of his nephew’s hand.

Mrs. Jeon, still holding the baby, looked over at both Jungkook and Arin. “You both will make wonderful parents,” she said confidently. “I can already see it.”

Jungkook gave a tight nod, trying to mask his feelings, but Arin noticed the flicker of something in his eyes — perhaps doubt, perhaps anticipation. She knew that deep down, despite the distance between them these past few months, he was also carrying the weight of becoming a father.

As they all exchanged words, laughter, and gentle smiles, there was a quiet understanding in the room, each of them feeling the depth of family bonds. But as the joy filled the space, both Jungkook and Arin were left with silent, lingering questions about the future they had yet to fully confront. For now, though, they savored this moment, as new life brought light and unity into their lives.

The drive back to the Kim Mansion was filled with a comfortable warmth as everyone welcomed Miso and the newborn back home. Taehyung was protective, holding his son securely while Miso rested against him, a serene smile on her face. The Jeons and Kims were equally attentive, bustling around to make sure everything was perfect for the new parents. When they finally arrived, Miso and Taehyung were settled into their room, surrounded by warmth, joy, and the soft sounds of their son sleeping peacefully.

After everyone ensured Miso and the baby were comfortable, they slowly retreated to their own rooms. Arin quietly made her way toward Jungkook's old room, the one she'd been staying in for the past three months. She was lost in thought, still feeling the lingering emotions from seeing Miso and Taehyung with their son, as well as the quiet realization that Jungkook was now here with her — something she hadn’t expected to feel so uncertain about.

Jungkook followed behind her, his own thoughts heavy with the weight of the past few months. He hadn’t been in this room in so long, and now, here he was, sharing it with his wife, despite the emotional distance that had built up between them. The air felt charged with unspoken words, things that both wanted to say but didn’t know how to.

As Arin settled at the edge of the bed, Jungkook quietly cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I’ll... go change first," he murmured, keeping his gaze averted as he grabbed his clothes and headed into the bathroom.

Arin nodded silently, watching him disappear behind the door before letting out a soft sigh. She sat there, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of the blanket as her mind swirled with thoughts. This was the first time in months they’d be sharing a bed again, the first time he’d be so close to her — and yet, the distance between them felt as wide as ever.

As she waited, she couldn’t help but wonder what he’d been thinking during those months apart. She knew he was absorbed in his work, but there was a lingering question in her heart — did he think about her, about their child, about the life they were building? Or was he simply fulfilling his duty, disconnected from everything that lay between them?

When Jungkook emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a plain white shirt and sweats, he looked around the room briefly before glancing at Arin. She offered a faint smile, trying to mask the nervousness she felt, before gathering her own night clothes and heading into the bathroom.

As she closed the door behind her, she let out a deep breath, the tension of the night catching up to her. She splashed some water on her face, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She wished things could be different, that the connection between them could feel more natural, but for now, it was all wrapped in silence.

When she returned, she saw Jungkook lying on his side of the bed, his back facing her, seemingly already settled in. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of their silent understanding — neither wanted to push the other or force a conversation they weren’t ready for.

With a quiet sigh, she slipped into bed, careful not to disturb him as she turned off the bedside lamp. They lay there in the darkness, side by side, a small distance between them, both lost in their own thoughts.

Arin closed her eyes, listening to the steady sound of Jungkook’s breathing, a rhythm she hadn’t heard in so long. Despite the silence, there was a strange comfort in knowing he was here, that they were sharing this space, even if words remained unsaid. The familiar scent of him, the warmth radiating from his side of the bed — it was all so close yet still felt just out of reach.

Jungkook, too, lay there, feeling the quiet presence of his wife beside him. There was a part of him that wanted to turn, to reach out, to let her know he was here, really here. But the months of separation, the decisions he’d made, and the distance he’d placed between them held him back. He didn’t know if he deserved to close that gap, if he had the right to reach for the closeness that once felt so natural between them.

Eventually, they both drifted into a light sleep, each enveloped in their own thoughts, the silence settling comfortably around them. It was a silent understanding, an unspoken truce — tonight, they would rest, side by side, and perhaps in that shared quietness, something between them could begin to heal.

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

Author's Note:

Hey everyone!

First off, thank you so, so much for reading this story and sticking with it through all the ups and downs of Arin and Jungkook's journey. Writing this chapter really pulled at my heart because it’s not easy putting together those quiet, awkward moments — the ones where two people want to say something but end up in silence instead. I hope you could feel that mix of longing and restraint between them.

Honestly, as a new writer, I still feel a bit nervous sharing these chapters with you. There’s this vulnerability in putting out something that I’m still figuring out as I go. Your comments and feedback have been incredible — they keep me motivated and help me grow. I’d love to hear what you think will happen next! Do you think Arin and Jungkook will finally open up to each other? What would you like to see in their relationship?

Please don’t be a silent reader! Your votes, comments, and shares make such a difference. They let me know you're out there and that this story resonates with you. It means the world to me. Can’t wait to see your thoughts!

With all my gratitude,
StarlitWings