Min Arin

It’s been a week since Jungkook returned to Seoul, and if I had to put my emotions into words, I wouldn’t know where to start.

I should have been prepared for this, yet somehow, seeing him here—so effortlessly slipping back into the life he left behind—feels like a wound I thought had long since scarred over, ripping open again.

He acts like nothing happened. Like he never left. Like the past five years didn’t carve a canyon between us.

And maybe that’s what hurts the most.

I see him smiling at Jungsoo, carrying him around the apartment, listening intently to every little story our son tells him. I see how easily Jungsoo’s world has brightened with his father’s presence, how his laughter sounds fuller, his eyes sparkle more. And that—that—is the only thing keeping me from breaking under the weight of everything I feel.

Because Jungsoo’s happiness comes first.

It always has. It always will.

I let out a slow breath and lean back in my chair, staring blankly at my computer screen in the office. No matter how much I try to focus on my work, my mind keeps dragging me back—to that conversation on Jungsoo’s birthday.

------

As soon as Jungkook uttered the words, “I’m not leaving. I got transferred back to Seoul.” my entire body tensed.

I didn’t know what to feel. Relief? Worry? Anxiety?

The room had fallen into stunned silence for a moment, only broken by Soojin’s joyful exclamation, but I wasn’t looking at her.

I was looking at Yoongi.

He met my eyes from across the room, a silent question in his gaze, one I wasn’t ready to answer. I knew what he was thinking before he even said it.

And I was right.

Later that night, when the guests started leaving, he pulled me aside, his voice firm but gentle.

"Arin, you need to do it now."

I stiffened. "Do what?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "You need to divorce him. Now that he’s back, there’s no reason for you to keep pretending anymore."

I swallowed, my chest tightening. "Yoongi, I—"

"No, listen to me," he cut in, his tone sharper than usual. "You’ve dragged this out for years, and now that he’s back, it’s time."

I closed my eyes briefly before letting out a tired sigh. "Yoongi, please—"

"No," he cut me off, his tone sharper than usual. "I’ve been patient, but enough is enough. You’ve wasted too much time on this farce of a marriage."

I exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of my dress. "It’s not a farce to Jungsoo."

"And what about you?" Yoongi challenged, stepping closer. "You’ve been stuck in this limbo for years, Arin. Living in a house that isn’t a home. Sleeping in a bed that isn’t yours. Sharing a life with a man who was never meant to stay." His voice dropped lower, almost accusing. "Is that really the kind of life you want?"

"It is fine," I replied, voice tight. "Jungsoo is happy, and that’s all that matters."

"Really?" he scoffed. "And what about you?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to look at him.

"Arin, I know you," Yoongi said, softer this time, but no less insistent. "I know when you’re happy and when you’re not. And right now, you’re not."

I let out a slow breath. "Yoongi, it’s not just about me. I can’t disappoint our father."

Yoongi stiffened beside me. "What?"

I swallowed hard. "You know how much this marriage meant to him. When he told me to marry Jungkook, he made it clear it was for the best—for both families. He said it would bring stability, that it was a responsibility, and I—" I hesitated, my voice lowering, "I didn’t want to let him down."

Yoongi let out a bitter laugh. "Of course. Because you always do what everyone else expects of you, don’t you?"

"Yoongi—"

"No," he cut me off sharply. "This is exactly why I was against this from the start. Because I knew you’d do this. You’d force yourself to live a life that doesn’t belong to you. You’d prioritize everyone else’s happiness over your own." His jaw tightened. "And for what? For a father who only saw you as a piece in a bigger plan? For a family that you’re too attached to, even when it’s hurting you?"

I flinched at his words.

"Face it, Arin. You’re forcing yourself to stay in this marriage because you think it’s the right thing to do, but you’re miserable."

I shook my head. "I’m not miserable. Seeing Jungsoo happy makes me happy."

Yoongi exhaled, shaking his head. "Happiness isn’t just about watching someone else smile, Arin. You deserve more than that. You deserve to be happy for yourself."

I turned away, gripping my arms. "I can’t just leave, Yoongi. I can’t."

"Why not?" he challenged. "Because of Jungsoo? Because of Father? Or because deep down, you’re scared to admit that you’ve built your whole life around something that was never real?"

His words struck a nerve, but I refused to acknowledge it.

"You don’t have to keep doing this," he said, softer this time. "You don’t have to keep pretending."

I finally turned to face him, my expression blank but my voice unshaken. "I can’t do that to Jungsoo. He finally has his father’s love. I can’t take that away from him."

"And you’re willing to sacrifice your happiness for that?" His jaw tensed. "Do you even hear yourself? You’re acting like being with Jungkook is some kind of punishment you just have to endure for the sake of your son."

I looked away, my chest tightening.

"You deserve better," Yoongi pressed, his voice soft but firm. "Jungkook left, Arin. He chose to leave. And now he’s back, acting like nothing happened? Acting like you should just welcome him home with open arms?" His eyes darkened. "He doesn’t get to do that. He doesn’t get to waltz back into your life like he didn’t abandon it in the first place."

I clenched my fists. "He’s here now."

"And what happens when he leaves again?"

My breath caught in my throat.

"You think he won’t?" Yoongi scoffed. "What if one day he wakes up and decides this isn’t what he wants anymore? That Seoul isn’t enough, that you and Jungsoo aren’t enough? Are you willing to risk everything again?"

I didn’t answer.

Yoongi’s gaze softened just a fraction, but his words remained relentless. "You can still make Jungsoo happy without being tied to a marriage that’s killing you inside. You can co-parent. You can give him a father without sacrificing yourself in the process."

Tears burned at the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

"Why are you holding onto this, Arin?" Yoongi asked, almost pleading now.

I inhaled sharply.

"You don’t love him," Yoongi continued, his voice gentler but still unwavering. "You’ve never loved him. So why are you still here?"

I turned away completely, gripping my arms. "Because it’s the right thing to do."

"For who?" he demanded.

I stayed silent.

Yoongi sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "At least be honest with yourself, Arin. Don’t pretend this is all for Jungsoo when part of you is just scared of starting over."

His words struck a nerve, but I refused to acknowledge it.

"You don’t have to keep doing this," he added. "You don’t have to keep living like this."

I forced a small smile. "Being a mother means sacrificing what you want for your child’s happiness."

"Being a mother doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself completely," he corrected.

I turned back toward the window, watching the faint reflections of our figures in the glass. "It’s not that simple."

"It is," he countered. "You just don’t want to admit it."

Silence settled between us, heavy and unyielding.

After a long moment, Yoongi spoke again, his voice quieter this time.

"If you keep this up, you’re going to break."

I blinked, my grip tightening around the edge of my dress.

"I just don’t want to see you like this anymore," he admitted.

I closed my eyes for a second before straightening my posture. "I appreciate your concern, Yoongi, but this is my choice. And I’m making it for Jungsoo."

He watched me for a moment before sighing in defeat. "You’re too selfless for your own good."

I smiled faintly. "I’m a mother."

Yoongi studied me for a long moment before shaking his head. "Then I hope, for your sake, that Jungkook doesn’t hurt you again."

With that, he walked away, leaving me standing there, staring at the city lights, feeling more lost than ever.

--------

A sharp knock on my desk pulls me out of my thoughts. I blink, my vision refocusing, and find myself gripping my pen so tightly my knuckles have turned white.

I shake my head, exhaling slowly. Enough. Work, Arin. Focus.

But before I can, another memory surfaces.

--------

The soft laughter of children filled the air, the scent of blooming flowers drifting in the gentle breeze.

Miso and I sat on a park bench, watching So Mun and Jungsoo chase each other with tiny fists full of sand.

I knew she was watching me before she even spoke.

"You're quiet today," she finally said, her voice laced with curiosity.

I gave her a small smile. "Just thinking."

"About?"

I sighed. "Everything."

Miso leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. "Jungkook?"

I stiffened. "Miso—"

"Don’t ‘Miso’ me," she cut in, tilting her head. "I'm your best friend. Of course, I know you’re thinking about him."

I looked away, watching Jungsoo throw his arms around So Mun in a hug.

Miso’s voice softened. "Arin, you don’t have to keep carrying everything alone. I know you—you’re strong, but you also deserve to be happy. Have you ever thought about…giving him a chance?"

I laughed, but it was hollow. "A chance for what?"

"For something real."

I shook my head. "Miso, whatever I’m doing now—whatever I will do—it’s all for Jungsoo. His happiness is my only priority."

Miso studied me for a long moment before sighing. "You’re the best mom, you know that?"

I smiled, but deep down, I couldn’t help but wonder.

If I were truly the best mom…

Wouldn’t I want better for myself too?

-------

I rub my temple, my heart heavy.

Miso and Yoongi—they both want the best for me. But they don’t understand.

I don’t have the luxury of choosing myself.

Not when Jungsoo’s happiness is at stake.

I glance at the clock. Lunch break is almost over. Taking a deep breath, I push all thoughts of Jungkook aside, straighten my posture, and turn my attention back to my work.

No more distractions. No more what-ifs.

For now, I’ll just keep moving forward. One step at a time.

---------

The morning air was crisp, the faint golden hue of dawn spilling through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the quiet kitchen. The rhythmic crackling of oil in the pan was the only sound filling the room as I flipped the eggs with practiced ease. A hint of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, blending with the warm scent of toasted bread.

At the dining table, Jungsoo sat, his tiny hands wrapped around a cup of warm milk, swinging his legs beneath the chair in that familiar, restless way. Across from him, Jungkook sat with his sleeves rolled up, a dark watch peeking from under the cuff of his black leather jacket, which was slightly unzipped, revealing a white t-shirt underneath. His blue-washed denim jeans fit snugly around his frame, effortlessly casual yet stylish. A silver ring glinted faintly on his hand as he lifted his coffee mug, his sharp features softening as he listened to Jungsoo’s endless chatter.

“And then, Appa, the dinosaur went roooar and scared all the little dinosaurs away!” Jungsoo exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.

Jungkook chuckled, nodding along. “Really? And what did the little dinosaurs do?”

“They ran away! But then they realized he was a nice dino, so they became friends!”

“Ah, so he wasn’t really scary?”

“Nope! Just like you, Appa! You look big, but you’re sooo good,” Jungsoo declared confidently.

Jungkook laughed at that, a soft, genuine sound that I hadn’t heard in years. “Is that so?”

I turned away from the sight, focusing on plating the eggs. The easy way they spoke, the effortless way Jungkook responded to Jungsoo—it felt surreal. Foreign, even.

This wasn’t how things used to be.

For five years, breakfast had been a quiet, simple affair. Just me and Jungsoo. No deep voices responding to his excitement, no warm laughter filling the silence. Just me trying to be enough for my son.

But now, Jungkook was here.

And despite knowing that this was supposed to be good—for Jungsoo, for everyone—it still felt… unsettling.

I placed the plates down in front of them before taking my seat across from Jungkook. As I stirred my coffee, I finally spoke, my tone measured.

“Jungsoo will be starting kindergarten next week.”

Jungkook’s head lifted slightly, his gaze meeting mine. There was a flicker of something in his expression—maybe surprise. Like he hadn’t expected me to include him in the conversation.

I continued, keeping my voice neutral. “I’ve already chosen the kindergarten. We just need to go there for documentation and other formalities.”

There was a beat of silence, just long enough to make me brace myself for a dismissive reply.

But then—

“When do we need to do that?” he asked. “Let me know beforehand, and I’ll make time.”

I blinked.

That was… unexpected.

I had assumed he would say something along the lines of You can handle that yourself. After all, I’d been handling everything alone for years. It wouldn’t have been anything new.

But he was willingly making time.

My fingers curled slightly around my cup as I processed his words. “Tomorrow,” I said finally. “Tomorrow would be good.”

Jungkook nodded easily. “Alright. Tomorrow it is.”

A strange silence settled between us before Jungsoo broke it, clapping his hands excitedly. “I’m going to school!”

Jungkook turned back to him, a small smile playing on his lips. “Excited, huh?”

“Yes! I want to make lots of friends and learn things! And play on the big playground!” Jungsoo beamed, his small hands flailing in excitement. “I want to be like  Mun! He gets to play with his friends and do fun things in school, and he knows so many things!”

Jungkook’s expression softened even further at the mention of So Mun, “Oh, so you want to be like So Mun, huh?”

Jungsoo nodded eagerly. “Yes! He told me school is fun and that he has so many friends! I want to have friends too! I want to study and play just like him.”

Something flickered in Jungkook’s eyes—an emotion I couldn’t quite place. Fondness, maybe, or something deeper. He reached out, ruffling Jungsoo’s hair with a small smile. “Then you’ll do great, champ. You’ll make lots of friends and have fun, just like So Mun.”

Jungsoo grinned proudly, his tiny chest puffing up with excitement. “Really?”

“Really,” Jungkook reassured him. “And I’ll be there to see it.”

Jungksoo’s eyes widened. “You will?”

Jungkook nodded. “Of course.”

I watched the exchange in silence, something tightening in my chest.

For so long, Jungsoo had admired So Mun from a distance, watching his cousin grow up with a complete family, with both parents by his side. And now, for the first time, Jungkook was here—promising to be present.

Would he keep that promise?

Or would this be temporary, just another fleeting moment before he disappeared again?

After breakfast, Jungkook checked the time and stood up, adjusting the silver chain on his shirt, his leather jacket shifting slightly as he moved. “I should get going.”

Jungsoo pouted. “You’re leaving, Appa?”

Jungkook crouched down beside him, brushing his fingers through our son’s hair. “Just for work, champ. But I’ll see you later, okay?”

Jungsoo’s lips jutted out slightly before he finally nodded. “Okay… but promise?”

Jungkook smiled, the kind that reached his eyes. “Promise.”

And then, without hesitation, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Jungsoo’s forehead.

I shouldn’t have felt anything watching that moment.

But I did.

Jungkook straightened, his eyes flickering to me briefly. “I’ll see you later.”

I nodded, my expression unreadable. “Okay.”

And then, just like that, he was gone.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Choi arrived, her familiar, warm presence filling the space as she greeted Jungsoo with enthusiasm. I watched as my son ran to her, excitedly telling her about his future school.

I let out a slow breath before grabbing my bag. It was time to leave for work.

But no matter how much I tried to focus, the lingering questions refused to leave me , my mind filled with thoughts I didn’t want to have.

Would this last?

Was Jungkook really here to stay?

And if he was… what did that mean for us?

Did I want him to stay?

Was I ready for that?

For years, I had built my life around the assumption that Jungkook was never going to be here. I had learned to be strong, to be enough for Jungsoo on my own. Letting Jungkook back in—letting him be a father—felt like opening a door that I had worked so hard to keep shut.

What if he left again?

What if he decided this wasn’t what he wanted after all?

What if I let Jungsoo get attached, only for him to be hurt in the end?

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Jungsoo deserved to have a father.

But could I trust Jungkook to be that father?

Or was I just setting my son up for heartbreak?

I didn’t know.

And that terrified me.

.______________________.

Author’s Note

Hey, lovely readers!

First of all, thank you so much for reading this chapter! I know this one was filled with a lot of emotions—tension, uncertainty, and a glimpse of hope. Jungkook is finally starting to step into his role as a father, but Arin is still struggling with the wounds of the past. Can she trust him again? Or is she just setting herself and Jungsoo up for heartbreak?

Jungsoo’s excitement about school and wanting to be like So Mun was such a pure moment, but it also highlights how much he craves a normal life, just like other kids. Seeing Jungkook promise to be there for him—was it a turning point? Or will it be another fleeting moment? Only time will tell.

As for Arin, she’s still guarding her heart. And honestly, can we blame her? After everything she’s been through, trusting Jungkook again won’t be easy. But will he prove himself to her? Or will her fears come true?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Jungkook’s effort? Do you think he truly wants to be there for Jungsoo? And what about Arin—do you think she should give him a chance? Let me know in the comments!

Your support means the world to me. Every read, vote, and comment motivates me to keep writing this story for you all. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Until the next chapter,
StarlitWings ✨