The early morning light had barely begun to filter through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over the Kim mansion. Today was the day-Jungsoo's first birthday. The house, usually calm and serene, was alive with energy. There was a gentle hum of excitement as the staff worked hard to decorate, cook, and make everything perfect for the youngest member of the family.

But what no one expected was Jungkook's early arrival.

Two days prior, in the midst of the preparations, Soojin had been folding baby clothes in the living room, a soft lullaby humming under her breath, when the door creaked open. She looked up, and to her surprise, there stood Jungkook-his familiar face, but one that had been absent for so long. He held a suitcase in his hand, his eyes soft with something like longing, but also uncertainty.

"Jungkook?" she whispered, unsure if her eyes were deceiving her.

"Hi, Mom," he replied softly, stepping inside.

So much time had passed since he had been around, and Soojin was still in disbelief. Her eyes widened, then softened as she rushed to him, her arms enveloping him in an embrace she had been waiting for. "Jungkook! You're here! I didn't expect this. I thought you'd just show up for a moment like before."

"I wanted to be here," he said, his voice gentle, almost apologetic. "For My family, for Jungsoo."

The warmth of his words comforted Soojin, but also brought forth a bittersweet feeling. She had seen the distance between him and the family growing, and while she was overjoyed by his presence, the fear of him disappearing again lingered.

The rest of the family, however, was unaware of his return. Taehyung, Arin, and Kim Minho were engrossed in meetings at the office, while Miso was at her clinic. Soojin decided to keep it a surprise.

---
The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the Kim mansion as Miso stepped into the grand foyer, So Mun clutching her hand tightly. The little boy toddled beside her, his tiny feet shuffling against the polished marble floor.

"Mun-ah, careful!" Miso warned playfully as he tried to speed ahead, her voice laced with gentle affection.

So Mun pouted but obediently slowed down, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Omma, where's Jungsoo?" he asked, his words adorably mispronounced in the way only a one-and-a-half-year-old could manage.

"Let's go see," Miso replied, guiding him toward the living room.

The sound of laughter stopped them in their tracks. Miso tilted her head, puzzled. It wasn't unusual to hear the kids giggling, but this laughter was different-deeper, richer, undeniably adult.

"Mun-ah, do you hear that?" she asked, kneeling to his level.

So Mun grinned, bouncing on his toes. "Jungsoo laugh! And-" He paused, listening intently before pointing excitedly. "Kook samchon!"

Miso blinked in surprise. "Jungkook? He's here?" She hurried toward the living room with So Mun toddling behind her.

As they stepped inside, the sight before them left Miso momentarily speechless.

Jungkook sat on the floor, sleeves rolled up and tie hanging loosely around his neck. Jungsoo was perched on his lap, giggling uncontrollably as Jungkook made exaggerated animal sounds.

"Appa wion!" Jungsoo babbled, clapping his chubby hands.

Jungkook leaned forward, his voice a low growl. "Roar! Watch out, little cub! Lion hungry!"

Jungsoo squealed, grabbing onto Jungkook's face with his tiny hands. "No! No eat Soo!"

Miso's heart softened at the scene, but So Mun couldn't hold back his excitement.

"Kook samchon!" So Mun called out, dashing forward and nearly tripping in his enthusiasm.

Jungkook turned his head, his expression brightening as he caught sight of the little boy. "Mun-ah! You're back!"

So Mun plopped onto the floor beside him, holding up a toy car he had brought from the clinic. "Look! Car broken! Fix, samchon!"

Jungkook chuckled, taking the car and pretending to inspect it like a mechanic. "Hmm, looks like a serious crash. Let me fix it right away." He made exaggerated "repair" noises, earning a delighted laugh from So Mun.

"You funny, samchon!" So Mun declared, leaning against him.

Miso folded her arms, a teasing smile on her lips. "Well, well. If it isn't Mr. Detective showing up with surprise. Didn't know you were coming."

Jungkook glanced up, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Don't sound so surprised, It's my baby birthday ofcourse I need to come"

Before Miso could reply, Taehyung and Arin walked in behind her, their steps faltering at the unexpected scene.They were greeted by an unexpected sound.

Laughter.

It was the kind of laughter that resonated throughout the house-bright, carefree, and full of joy. It was accompanied by the squeals of Jungsoo and the unmistakable chatter of So Mun.

Taehyung paused mid-step, exchanging a puzzled glance with Arin. "What's going on?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Sounds like a party in there," Arin quipped, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "But who's playing with the kids? The staff wouldn't be this lively."

Arin's heart quickened as a thought crossed her mind. It couldn't be him... could it? Without another word, she quickened her pace, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she approached the living room.

When she stepped into the room, she froze in her tracks.

There, in the middle of the plush carpet, sat Jungkook. His sleeves were rolled up, his tie undone, and an easy smile adorned his face as he balanced Jungsoo on his knee. The little boy squealed in delight as Jungkook made exaggerated animal noises.

"Appa sheep!" Jungsoo giggled, clapping his tiny hands.

Jungkook grinned, bleating like a sheep. "Baaa! Who knew my little man knew farm animals already?"

Beside them, So Mun sat with a toy car in hand, his tiny brows furrowed as he tried to "drive" it over Jungkook's arm. "Koook samchon, stop moving! Car need road!"

Jungkook feigned a gasp, holding perfectly still. "Oh no, my arm is now a road! Careful, driver So Mun, no speeding!"

"Zoom zoom!" So Mun exclaimed, pretending to crash the car into Jungkook's shoulder. "Koook samchon, crash again! You fix?"

Jungkook nodded solemnly, again pretending to "repair" the imaginary car with exaggerated movements. "All fixed. Now, drive safely, Mr. So Mun."

Arin watched the scene, her heart tightening as a wave of emotions washed over her. She could hardly believe her eyes-Jungkook, her distant husband, who had been so consumed by his own world, was here. He was playing with their son, laughing with So Mun, and looking utterly at peace.

"Is that... Jungkook?" Taehyung's voice broke her reverie as he entered the room.

Jungkook looked up, meeting his brother's gaze. His smile faltered slightly before returning, softer this time. "Hey, hyung. You're back."

"Appa play sheep!" Jungsoo announced proudly, his tiny fists waving in the air.

"Appa funny!" So Mun added, pointing at Jungkook with a toothy grin. "Koook samchon fix car! Now he sheep!"

Taehyung raised a brow, clearly amused. "Sheep? That's a new one."

Arin finally stepped into the room, her gaze fixed on Jungkook. "You're here," she said softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Jungkook shifted Jungsoo to his other knee, his eyes locking with hers. "Yeah. I wanted to be here... for him."

"Appa funny sheep!" Jungsoo giggled, leaning forward to press a sloppy kiss to Jungkook's cheek.

The simple gesture nearly brought tears to Arin's eyes. For months, she had carried the weight of Jungkook's absence, shielding their son from the emptiness it left behind. And now, seeing Jungsoo so carefree, so happy in his father's arms, it felt like a part of her heart was finally mending.

So Mun toddled over to Taehyung, tugging on his pant leg. "Appa, you do cow sound! Moo!"

Taehyung blinked, caught off guard. "Cow sound?"

"Moo! Do it!" So Mun demanded, stomping his tiny foot.

Jungkook chuckled, bouncing Jungsoo on his knee. "Come on, hyung. Don't disappoint the kids."

Miso snorted, nudging Taehyung. "You're not getting out of this one."

Taehyung sighed, relenting with a low, half-hearted "Moo."

So Mun clapped, delighted. "Appa cow! Moo moo!"

Arin couldn't help but laugh, her heart feeling lighter than it had in months. She crouched beside Jungkook and Jungsoo, brushing a soft kiss against their son's forehead. "Looks like someone's having the time of his life," she said softly.

Jungkook looked at her, his expression unreadable but his gaze lingering. "He deserves it."

For the first time in a long while, Arin felt hope. Maybe, she thought as she watched Jungkook gently tickle Jungsoo, earning another bout of giggles, just maybe, Jungsoo can get his father love too.

As the family continued to watch the playful scene unfold in the living room, the door to the mansion creaked open, and in walked Kim Minho, Jungkook's father. His sharp eyes immediately took in the sight of his son, sitting on the floor surrounded by his children, laughing and bonding. His expression faltered for a moment, disbelief crossing his features as he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Jungkook..." Minho's voice was low, filled with a mixture of surprise and a subtle edge of disappointment. He barely made a move forward, standing just inside the doorway, eyes fixed on his son.

Jungkook, oblivious to the tension, turned his head slightly toward his father, a faint smile still on his lips. "Father," he greeted casually, though his voice held a certain tightness.

Minho's gaze sharpened as he took in the scene. "So, you finally decide to come home, huh?" His words cut through the warmth in the room, harsh and filled with an underlying bitterness. "After disappearing for who knows how long, only to show up for a birthday." He let out a breath, frustration brewing beneath his composed exterior.

Jungkook's shoulders stiffened. He stood up, lifting Jungsoo from his lap, and placed him back on the floor, then faced his father. "I had urgent work, Father. You know how it is." His voice remained calm, but there was an edge to it that made it clear he was no longer the obedient son of the past. He crossed his arms, maintaining a defiant yet composed stance. "I didn't have the luxury of making family events a priority when there were bigger things to handle."

Minho's eyes narrowed, the disappointment in his gaze palpable. "You've been avoiding the family for months, Jungkook. Your work has always been your excuse, but what's left of your family now? Hmm? Your son, your wife... they deserve better than this." His tone was filled with unspoken judgment, and his eyes flicked toward Arin, who stood beside Miso, her gaze focused on Jungkook with an unreadable expression.

Jungkook stiffened, his jaw tightening as he met his father's piercing gaze. "I'm here now, Father. That's what matters, right? I'm not perfect, but I'll make it right when I can." He didn't back down, his voice steady though the weight of his father's disappointment hung heavy in the air.

Before the tension could escalate further, Soojin, who had been silently watching, stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her husband's arm. "Minho," she began softly, her voice laced with a quiet authority. "Stop. Let him be."

Minho's gaze flicked to his wife, his mouth opening to protest, but Soojin raised her hand, silencing him with a look. "Look at them," she said softly, her gaze moving toward Jungkook, Arin, and the children. "For the first time in a long while, they're happy. Let's not ruin it with more of this."

Minho clenched his fists, but Soojin's steady gaze held him back. After a long moment of tense silence, Minho exhaled sharply, his disappointment still apparent but no longer voiced aloud. He looked at his son one more time, his expression unreadable. "You better not make a habit of this, Jungkook," he muttered, his voice low but firm.

Jungkook nodded once, his own expression hardening as he held his ground. "I won't, Dad. But I'm not going to apologize for handling my business the way I see fit."

Soojin, sensing the moment was at a fragile tipping point, moved to change the subject, her voice warm but assertive. "Let's focus on Jungsoo's birthday now. It's a celebration, not a time for old grievances."

Arin, still standing quietly, watched the exchange with a mixture of emotions. Her heart softened at the sight of Jungkook standing his ground, and a small, hesitant smile formed on her lips. She hadn't expected this confrontation, but perhaps, just maybe, this was part of the process-of finding their way back to each other.

Minho didn't respond to his wife immediately, but after a few moments, he nodded curtly, signaling his reluctant acceptance. "Fine. But don't think this is over." With that, he turned away and walked toward the dining area, leaving the family to continue their celebration.

Jungkook's shoulders finally relaxed as he glanced over at Arin, his gaze lingering on her with a faint sense of apology. She offered him a small, understanding smile, and for the first time in a long time, Jungkook felt like maybe, just maybe, things could get better.

As the atmosphere in the room slowly lightened, So Mun, oblivious to the tension, tugged at Jungkook's sleeve again. "Kook samchon, dance again! Mun wanna turn now!"

Jungkook chuckled softly, kneeling down to So Mun's level. "Alright, alright, tiger. Let's see your best moves."

And as the room filled with laughter again, with the sound of little feet pattering and children's giggles echoing, the weight of the moment, of old wounds and new beginnings, seemed to drift away-if only for a little while.

As the laughter and lighthearted atmosphere filled the room, Arin, feeling a little out of place in her formal office attire, gently excused herself. She glanced at Jungkook, who was still interacting with the kids, before turning to the rest of the family with a soft smile.

"I'll be right back," Arin said, her voice polite yet tired. "I just need to freshen up and change out of these office clothes. I'll join you again in a bit."

Jungkook, who had been watching her quietly, nodded with a small smile. "Take your time," he replied, his tone warm but still holding a hint of concern.

Arin gave a small nod, offering a brief smile to the rest of the family before heading toward the staircase. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside her. The moment between Jungkook and his father had left her unsettled, and though the tension had eased, she needed a moment to herself to gather her thoughts.

Once she reached her room, she closed the door gently behind her and let out a slow breath. She glanced at the mirror, taking in her reflection, her office clothes-a smart blazer and fitted skirt-feeling like a costume rather than the armor she'd worn all day. After a long moment of hesitation, she stripped out of the work attire and slipped into something more comfortable, a soft sweater and leggings that allowed her to feel more at ease.

She stood in front of the mirror for a few moments, touching her hair and adjusting her clothes, her thoughts drifting to Jungkook. Seeing him with the children, especially Jungsoo, had been a sight she hadn't expected. It was like he was a different person in that moment-more present, more real than he had been in weeks. But the tension with his father still lingered in her mind. She couldn't ignore the gravity of that conversation.

Sighing, she gave herself one last look in the mirror before deciding she needed to head back downstairs. After all, it's Jungsoo's special day, and she didn't want anything to steal the joy from the moment. She smoothed down her sweater and stepped out of the room, ready to join the family again.

---

The soft glow of early morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the Kim mansion. Arin stirred, the excitement of Jungsoo's first birthday pulling her from sleep. Her heart fluttered with anticipation for the day ahead. Stretching her arm toward Jungkook's side of the bed, she found it empty. For a moment, her chest tightened. He hadn't left again, had he?

Arin bit her lip, willing away the worry. He's here. He's probably downstairs. She shook off the creeping doubt, determined not to let it ruin the special day. She put on a smile, forcing herself to focus on Jungsoo's birthday.

She made her way to the nursery. Where So Mun and Jungsoo usually slept. Determined to make the day special for their son.As she neared the door, soft giggles and a deep, familiar voice reached her ears. Pausing, she peeked inside, her heart skipping a beat.

There was Jungkook, holding Jungsoo in his arms, spinning gently in a slow dance. His voice, rich and soothing, carried a cheerful birthday song as he swayed.

"Buh-day!" Jungsoo clapped his chubby hands, his voice high and clear. "Ha-phee buh-day!"

Jungkook chuckled, his eyes crinkling with genuine joy. "That's right, buddy. It's your big day!"

Beside them, So Mun hopped up and down, his tiny feet making soft thuds against the floor. "Koook samchon, faster! Spin fast!"

Jungkook crouched to So Mun's level, balancing Jungsoo on his hip. "Spin fast? Are you sure you can handle it, little guy?"

"Yes!" So Mun's eyes sparkled as he nodded vigorously, his babyish tone adorably earnest. "I big boy now. Spin me too!"

Arin pressed a hand to her chest, her heart swelling as she watched the carefree laughter between the three of them. It had been so long since she'd seen Jungkook like this-relaxed, happy, and present. The sight of him playing so naturally with Jungsoo and So Mun made her eyes sting with unshed tears.

"Koook samchon funny!" So Mun babbled, clutching Jungkook's knee for balance.

"Oh, I'm funny, huh?" Jungkook teased, setting Jungsoo down gently on the soft play mat before sweeping So Mun into his arms. He spun the toddler around, earning peals of laughter.

"yeppo aunt!" So Mun suddenly squealed, catching sight of Arin by the door. His toddler version of "beautiful aunt" tugged at her heartstrings. "Dance! Dance!"

Jungkook froze mid-spin, his eyes locking with Arin's. A sheepish smile tugged at his lips. "Morning," he greeted, his voice warm but slightly nervous.

Arin stepped into the room, her gaze flicking to Jungsoo, who was now crawling toward her. "Eomma!" he chirped, lifting his little arms toward her.

"Oh, my precious boy," she murmured, scooping him up and kissing his cheek. "Happy birthday, my little star."

"Buh-day!" Jungsoo echoed, his tiny hands patting her face. "Cakieee?"

Arin laughed, brushing her nose against his. "Yes, baby. We'll have cake later."

"Now, dance!" So Mun's insistent voice broke through, his tiny hands reaching out from Jungkook's arms toward Arin. " Aunty dance with me!"

Arin's laughter bubbled up as she shifted Jungsoo to one hip. "Alright, alright! Let's dance."

Jungkook smirked, setting So Mun down. "Careful, So Mun. You'll wear your auntie out before the party even starts."

"Noooo," So Mun whined, shaking his head dramatically. "Auntiee strong!"

Arin grinned, grabbing So Mun's hands as they twirled around the room. Jungsoo, still in her arms, clapped his hands to the rhythm, giggling uncontrollably.

Jungkook watched them for a moment, his expression softening. Then, with a playful shake of his head, he joined in, lifting Jungsoo high into the air. "Alright, Jungsoo, let's show them how it's done!"

"Fwy!" Jungsoo squealed, his tiny voice bursting with delight as Jungkook twirled him around.

The nursery was soon filled with laughter, a harmony of carefree joy that seemed to push away every shadow of doubt and distance.

For the next few moments, the room was filled with unrestrained laughter and joy. Jungkook held Jungsoo close as they moved to an imaginary rhythm, while Arin twirled with So Mun, their faces lit up with smiles.

Lost in their moment, they didn't notice the rest of the family gathering outside the nursery door, drawn by the sounds of laughter.

From the doorway, Soojin stood quietly, her hand pressed to her mouth as her eyes welled with tears. "Look at them,This is what I've been praying for." she whispered to herself, her heart brimming with hope.

Taehyung placed a hand on her shoulder, his own expression softening. "Would you look at that? It's been a while since we've seen him like this. It's good to see them like this. They deserve moments like these."

Kim Minho nodded, a rare smile gracing his features. "Perhaps this is the start of something better."

Miso, with her usual sass, smirked. "Well, let's not jinx it. But yeah, it's nice to see him finally showing up."

Deciding to let them enjoy their moment, the family quietly retreated, leaving the little family to their happiness.

As Arin glanced at Jungkook, watching him laugh freely with their son, a small spark of hope ignited in her chest. Maybe, she thought, just maybe, this could be the beginning of something new for us.
---

The rest of the day passed in a flurry of activity as the household prepared for Jungsoo's birthday celebration. For the first time in a long while, Arin felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Having Jungkook there, actively participating, made everything feel lighter.

As the evening approached and the house filled with laughter and chatter, Arin found herself stealing glances at Jungkook. While she knew there were still unresolved issues between them, today felt like a step forward-a glimpse of what their family could be.

And for that, she was grateful.

_______________________________________

Author's Note:

Hello, lovely readers! Thank you so much for continuing to follow the journey of Arin, Jungkook, and their beautiful family dynamics. I hope you're enjoying the twists and turns of their relationships, and the unexpected moments that bring them closer. Writing these moments between Jungkook and his family, especially with Jungsoo and So Mun, has been such a joy, and I hope you can feel the warmth and growing connection between them.

As always, thank you for your support, comments, and feedback. I love reading your thoughts, so feel free to share them below! Stay tuned for more updates-there's so much more to come, and the story is just getting started.

Until next time, stay safe and keep reading! 💫

StarlitWings ✨