For the past week, Jungkook had been living in an unspoken bliss, a secret satisfaction settling deep within him. Arin’s car was still conveniently out of commission, and of course, it was all thanks to him. He had made sure of it, ensuring that the repair process was stretched far beyond what was necessary. And while Arin remained completely unaware, Jungkook was reveling in the unintended benefit of it all—he got to pick her up and drop her off every single day.

He had taken up the honorable duty of driving her to and from work every single day. And if he wasn’t so completely in love with the routine, he might have felt a little guilty about stretching out the repair time far longer than necessary.

But how could he possibly feel guilty when these small moments in the car with her had become the highlight of his day?

The short car rides weren’t much, but to him, they were everything.

Those brief car rides, though short, were moments he cherished more than he cared to admit. It was the only time he had her all to himself, without any distractions, without anyone else stealing her attention. He could steal glances at her without interruptions, listen to her soft sighs, watch her brows furrow in concentration when she scrolled through her emails on her phone. The way her soft perfume lingered in his car—these were all things he craved now.

Even if their conversations remained mostly casual, even if she barely acknowledged his subtle advances—he still got to be with her. And that was enough.

It was stupid, really. How just driving her to and from work could make his heart feel so full.

He hated that it is temporary.

Tonight, however, was special. It was his parents’ anniversary, and the entire Kim family was gathering for a celebratory dinner. After picking Arin and Jungsoo up from work, Jungkook had to drove them back to their apartment so they could change into something more suitable for the occasion.

Jungkook leaned back against his seat, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as he watched the entrance of Arin’s office. The moment he spotted her walking out, dressed in her usual work attire, his heart did that thing again—that stupid skip he’d come to expect whenever she was near.

Trailing behind her was Jungsoo, holding her hand and chatting away happily.

Once they were settled, Jungkook turned to Arin, feigning concern. “So, any updates on your car?”

Arin sighed, rubbing her temples. “The mechanic said it’s still not ready. Apparently, there were some additional damages, so it’ll take longer than expected, so it’ll take another week.”

Another week.

Jungkook hid his smirk. Perfect ..

Jungkook barely held back a smirk. “Damn. That’s tough.”

Arin exhaled, looking out the window. “I really need my car back. I feel bad that you have to drive me every day.”

I don’t.

Jungkook shrugged, shifting gears as he pulled out onto the road. “Why feel bad? I love driving you. After all, I am your husband.”

Arin shot him a side glance. “You really need to stop stretching that word.”

He chuckled, eyes twinkling. “What? Husband?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, that. It feels weird”

Jungkook grinned. “ But that's the truth.” He loved getting under her skin like this. It was too easy.

As they continued driving, Jungsoo piped up from the backseat, “Appa, are we going home first?”

“Yeah, buddy,” Jungkook replied. “We need to change before heading to Grandpa and Grandma’s.”

Jungsoo clapped his hands excitedly. “Yay! I get to see So Mun!”

Jungkook smirked. “That’s all you care about, huh?”

Arin glanced at their son, smiling fondly before turning back to Jungkook. “We should also pick up gifts on the way.”

“Already planned for that,” Jungkook replied smoothly. “We’ll stop by a boutique after changing.”

Arin gave him a small nod. “Okay.”

Jungkook tried not to feel ridiculously proud of himself for handling things so smoothly.

---

Once they reached their apartment, Arin immediately disappeared into the bedroom while Jungkook took Jungsoo into his room to change.

“Alright, little man,” Jungkook knelt in front of Jungsoo, helping him out of his clothes. “Tonight’s a big night, so we gotta make you look extra handsome.”

Jungsoo giggled. “Like you, Appa?”

Jungkook chuckled, ruffling his son’s hair. “Of course. We Jeon men have to look our best.”

Jungkook pulled out a tiny black blazer with a crisp white shirt for Jungsoo, making sure the fit was perfect. Once he was done, he took a step back, grinning.

“You’re looking sharp, Jungsoo.”

Jungsoo did a little spin in front of the mirror, laughing. “I love it!”

Meanwhile, Arin was in the bedroom, pulling out an elegant deep green dress from her closet. It wasn’t too extravagant—just simple enough to be graceful but sophisticated. She paired it with delicate earrings and quickly fixed her hair into loose waves.

When she finally stepped out, Jungkook had just finished freshening up, rolling up the sleeves of his black dress shirt as he adjusted his watch.

The second his eyes landed on her, he froze.

Arin is beautiful every day—he’d long accepted that.

But tonight?

Tonight, she is breathtaking.

Jungkook, did not ignore the way his eyes shamelessly roamed over her form, taking in how stunning she looked.

She was looking down, adjusting her bracelet, completely oblivious to the way she had just stolen the air from his lungs.

Jungkook swallowed, forcing himself to blink.

This is unfair.

Jungkook knew he was staring, but he didn’t care.

When Arin stepped into the living room, she was met with the sight of Jungkook already waiting, dressed in a black dress shirt with the top two buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal his tattooed forearm.

She ignored the way her breath hitched for a second.

“You clean up well,” he remarked casually, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Arin rolled her eyes. “So do you.”

“Yeah?” He smirked, stepping a little closer. “You think I look good, my wife?”

Arin rolled her eyes but quickly looked away, brushing off the comment. She wasn’t used to this—this version of him.

Jungkook knew it.

And he planned to keep pushing until she did.

Arin didn’t even dignify him with a response. Instead, she turned to Jungsoo, who was playing with his toy car on the couch. “Ready to go, baby?”

Jungsoo beamed. “Ready!”

Jungkook let out a quiet chuckle. She’s so easy to fluster.

And with that, they headed out.

Before heading to the mansion, they stopped at a luxury boutique to pick out gifts.

Jungkook helped Arin choose a pearl necklace for his mother while he personally selected a high-end designer watch for his father.

“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Arin commented, watching him inspect the details of the watch.

Jungkook smirked. “I have impeccable taste.”

Arin raised an eyebrow. “If that’s true, then why do you still wear those ripped jeans that should’ve been thrown out years ago?”

Jungkook placed a dramatic hand over his chest. “You wound me, wife.”

Arin just rolled her eyes. Because again it's same word that made her feel something. It feels like Jungkook is remembering her everytime that they are HUSBAND AND WIFE

For the past week… she had been noticing things.

Jungkook’s behavior had changed.

It wasn’t just the driving—it was the way he looked at her, the way he teased her more than usual, the way he seemed happier just by being around her.

It was strange.

Because Jungkook had never been like this before.

Before, he had always been distant, only speaking when necessary. He had never been this… attentive.

And honestly?

She didn’t know what to do with it.

Or how it made her feel.

Lost in thought, she glanced at Jungkook—only to find him already looking at her.

Her breath caught.

Jungkook simply smirked, tilting his head.

Arin quickly looked away.

What the hell was going on with him?

          🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

The grand double doors of Kim Mansion opened with a soft creak, revealing the warm glow of the chandelier-lit foyer. The scent of freshly cooked food and faint jasmine filled the air. The place still held that air of formality and wealth, yet tonight, there was something different—something softer.

Jungkook stepped in first, his hand instinctively lingering behind Arin's back, a subtle yet protective gesture. Arin, as usual, took no notice of it—or at least pretended not to.

She was too preoccupied with the fact that this felt… odd.

Jungkook had never been the type to hover. He never lingered.

But these days?

These days, he was always there. Always looking at her. Always… acting like a husband. He never was.

"JUNGSOO!"

A loud, excited giggle broke through her thoughts.

So Mun, Taehyung’s son, abandoned his pile of colorful toys and sprinted toward them, his tiny feet barely touching the marble floor as he ran.

Jungsoo beamed, immediately letting go of Arin’s hand to meet his cousin halfway. The two little boys collided in a hug, their laughter ringing through the grand hall.

Behind them, Jungkook’s parents, Kim Minho and Soojin, were seated in the spacious living area, their faces lighting up at the sight of their grandchildren.

Jungkook chuckled at the sight before turning his attention to his parents. He smirked, holding out a black velvet bag.

"Happy anniversary, Mom, Dad," he greeted, his tone unusually lighthearted.

"Happy anniversary, Mother, Father," Arin said softly, bowing slightly in respect.

Soojin smiled warmly at her. "Thank you, dear."

Jungkook extended a black velvet gift bag to his father, a knowing smirk on his lips. "Here, Dad. Don’t say I never got you anything."

Minho scoffed but accepted the gift nonetheless. "About damn time."

Soojin smiled warmly. "Thank you, dear. It’s good to see you." Her gaze softened further when she turned to Jungsoo, who was still busy chatting animatedly with So Mun. "And my little prince—come here!"

Jungsoo beamed, running into his grandmother’s open arms. She showered his face with kisses, making him giggle.

"You’ve gotten so big, my love," she cooed, squeezing his chubby cheeks. "You must be eating well these days."

Jungsoo puffed out his tiny chest. "I eat lots!"

Minho chuckled. "That’s my grandson."

So Mun chimed in excitedly, "We both eat a lot! We’re strong, right, Jungsoo?"

Jungsoo nodded eagerly. "Yes! "

Next, they turned to Taehyung and Miso, who were lounging comfortably on the couch, watching the interaction with mild amusement.

"Hyung," Jungkook greeted casually.

"Jungkook," Taehyung smirked. "You look less like an insufferable asshole these days."

Jungkook scoffed, shoving his older brother lightly. "And you still look like a rude businessman, even at a family dinner."

Miso, seated beside Taehyung, giggled at their banter before turning to Arin. "Arin, it’s so nice to see you again. It's been a while"

Arin smiled. "Miso, yeah it's been a while."

    🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

As the family settled into the living area, the warmth of the Kim Mansion was magnified by the love shared between them. The grand chandelier cast a golden glow across the room, highlighting the laughter, the chatter, and the joyful chaos brought on by the two youngest members of the family—Jungsoo and So Mun.

The two boys had long abandoned their spot on the floor, now darting between family members, their tiny feet padding against the marble floor as their giggles filled the air.

Soojin, Jungkook’s mother, beamed at her two grandsons as they ran past her, a hand pressing to her heart as she called out to them.

"Jungsoo! So Mun! Come here, my little loves!"

At the sound of her voice, both boys skidded to a halt, their chubby cheeks flushed with excitement. With bright, wide eyes, they turned on their heels and ran straight into her open arms.

Soojin caught them with ease, pulling them onto her lap as she peppered kisses all over their faces.

Jungsoo squealed in delight, wiggling in her hold. "Grandma! It tickles!"

So Mun giggled beside him, clutching onto her hanbok sleeve, his small hands curling into the soft fabric. "Me too, Grandma! No more kisses!"

Soojin gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "No more kisses? My heart is breaking!"

Jungsoo pouted, wrapping his small arms around her neck. "Okay… just one more," he mumbled.

Soojin grinned victoriously before placing a soft kiss on his forehead. "That’s my boy."

Minho, who had been watching the scene unfold with a fond smile, extended his arms toward So Mun.

"Come here, my boy," he called, and So Mun immediately crawled onto his lap.

"Grandpa!" So Mun grinned, gripping onto Minho’s hand. "Jungsoo and I learned new words today in kindergarten!"

Minho chuckled, his deep voice laced with amusement. "Oh? And what words did you learn?"

Jungsoo sat up excitedly, his eyes shining with pride. "We learned ‘perseverance’!"

Minho raised a brow, clearly impressed. "That’s a big word for such little boys."

So Mun nodded eagerly. "Teacher said it means not giving up!"

Jungsoo turned to his grandfather, his little brows furrowing. "Grandpa, did you ever give up?"

Minho let out a deep laugh, ruffling Jungsoo’s soft curls. "Never, my boy. In life, you have to keep going, no matter how hard it gets."

Jungkook, who had been standing to the side, watching his son interact with his parents, felt something warm bloom in his chest.

It wasn’t often that he got to witness Jungsoo being pampered like this—surrounded by family, showered with love and attention.

It made his heart ache.

And yet, at the same time… it felt complete.

On the other side of the room, Taehyung and Miso had been observing the interaction with soft smiles on their faces.

Miso, her eyes twinkling, leaned into her husband’s side, her voice cooing as she stretched her arms toward Jungsoo.

"Jungsoo-yah! Come to me!"

Jungsoo’s head snapped up at the call, his tiny face breaking into a bright smile. Without hesitation, he scrambled out of his grandmother’s lap and ran straight into Miso’s arms.

Miso gasped dramatically, lifting him onto her lap with ease.

"Oh my! You’ve gotten heavier! Have you been eating all your meals?" she asked, pinching his cheek lightly.

Jungsoo giggled. "Yes, Miso Eomma I eat everything!"

"Even spinach?" she teased.

Jungsoo scrunched his nose. "Umm… sometimes?"

Taehyung, who had been watching them, let out a deep chuckle. He reached out and gently flicked Jungsoo’s forehead.

"Yah, little man, no lying," he teased. "Eating your veggies is important."

Jungsoo pouted, his arms wrapping around Miso’s waist. "But spinach is yucky…"

Miso gasped. "Yucky? How dare you! I love spinach!"

Jungsoo’s eyes widened in horror. "No way!"

So Mun, still sitting on Minho’s lap, giggled. "I don’t like spinach either!"

Minho let out a deep sigh. "We have a problem then, don’t we?"

Jungkook, who had been silent until now, smirked.

"Well, it’s fine if Jungsoo doesn’t eat spinach," he said casually, crossing his arms. "He’ll just have to stay small forever."

Jungsoo gasped, his little hands flying to his chest. "No! I wanna be tall like Appa!"

Jungkook raised a brow. "Then you know what you have to do."

Jungsoo groaned, dramatically throwing his head back. "Ughhh… fine! I’ll eat spinach!"

The room erupted in laughter.

Miso hugged Jungsoo close, rubbing his back fondly. "That’s a good boy."

Arin, who had been sitting quietly beside them, watching the entire exchange, felt a small smile tug at her lips.

This was new.

This warmth. This lightness.

It felt… unfamiliar.

But not unpleasant.

As she glanced at Jungkook, who was still grinning, watching Jungsoo with an unreadable expression, something in her chest tightened.

Because for the first time…

She saw him.

Not the distant husband who only spoke when necessary.

Not the cold detective who spent more time at work than at home.

But Jungkook.

Her son’s father.

Her Husband

And a man who, despite everything, felt at home here.

Maybe… just maybe…

He was starting to change.

       🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

As laughter echoed in the grand living room of the Kim Mansion,  Kim Minho leaned back in his seat, watching his family with quiet contentment. His sharp, discerning eyes settled on his youngest son, Jeon Jungkook, whose entire demeanor had undergone a subtle yet unmistakable transformation.

The once distant, emotionally guarded man was now… different.

He sat close to Arin, his body language open, his tone lighter. Though his teasing was directed at Jungsoo, there was a softness in his gaze whenever he glanced at his wife. It was in the way his fingers absentmindedly brushed against hers when he passed her something. The way his smirk lingered just a second longer whenever she responded.

It was in the way he looked at her.

Like a man who had been given a second chance at something he never thought he needed.

Minho exhaled deeply, a slow, satisfied nod settling in his chest.

"It took six years, but finally…"

A warm chuckle broke his thoughts as Soojin, his wife, leaned toward him.

"You’re staring," she teased in a whisper, following his gaze to Jungkook.

Minho huffed, shaking his head. "Can you blame me?" he muttered. "I never thought I’d see the day."

Soojin’s lips curled into a soft smile, her fingers lightly grasping his wrist. "But you always hoped for it."

Minho didn’t deny it.

Of course he had.

Six years ago, when he arranged Jungkook’s marriage to Arin, he had envisioned a future where his youngest son would finally settle down—where love would find its way into his life, even if it took time.

He had believed—or rather, wanted to believe—that marriage would help Jungkook heal, that it would fill the silent spaces in his life with something warmer and change him.

But instead, the boy had shut himself off further.

For six years, Minho had watched as Jungkook and Arin navigated their marriage like two strangers bound by obligation. Conversations were minimal. Jungkook rarely returned home . Arin never spoke of him with any particular fondness.

He had regretted it—at times.

Regretted forcing something that never should have been forced.

Yet now… here they were.

And for the first time in years, Jungkook was happy.

Soojin tilted her head, her voice light with amusement. "I wonder what changed."

Minho smirked knowingly, his deep voice thoughtful. "He’s realizing something."

Soojin raised a brow. "And what’s that?"

Minho took a slow sip of his whiskey before answering.

"That he was always meant to love her," he said simply. "He was just too blind to see it before."

Soojin’s heart fluttered at his words, her chest filling with warmth as she gazed at their son once more.

Jungkook was laughing—actually laughing—as Jungsoo excitedly explained something about his kindergarten class. The sight alone was enough to make her eyes prickle with emotion.

"You were right," she admitted softly, a fond smile touching her lips. "It took a while, but it still happened."

Minho hummed in agreement, his voice tinged with pride.

"And knowing Jungkook," he mused, "once he realizes he loves her, there’ll be no turning back."

Soojin chuckled, nodding. "That boy is just like you."

Minho smirked, placing a gentle hand over hers. "That’s why I know," he murmured. "Once he lets himself fall, he won’t stop."

Soojin’s gaze drifted toward Arin, who was watching Jungkook with an expression of quiet confusion.

She noticed it too.

Arin could sense the change in him, and though she didn’t fully understand it yet, she was beginning to see him differently.

It was slow. Subtle. But it was happening.

Minho’s smirk deepened, his grip tightening around his wife’s hand.

"Just wait," he murmured knowingly.

"By the time Jungkook realizes it… he’ll be hopelessly in love."

----

Jungkook, however, was too busy admiring Arin from across the room to notice.

She was laughing at something Miso said, her eyes crinkling, her lips curling into that soft, genuine smile.

Meanwhile, Jungkook, completely oblivious to his parents’ quiet exchange, was deep in conversation with Taehyung and Miso—though his gaze would always flicker toward Arin every now and then.

And every time he did, a strange sense of warmth settled in his chest.

He didn’t know if she’d ever truly see him the way he wanted her to. But for now, he was content.

He had time.

Jungkook exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

Damn.

He was so screwed.

Just as the conversation flowed into light banter, a servant stepped into the room, bowing politely.

"Dinner is ready, sir."

Soojin clapped her hands together. "Perfect! Let’s eat!"

So Mun grinned. "Finally! I’m starving."

Taehyung chuckled, ruffling his hair playfully. "You’re always starving."

Jungkook turned to Arin, his voice lower, more intimate as he leaned just slightly toward her. A smirk tugging at his lips as he stood up.

"Shall we, wife?"

Arin blinked at him, momentarily thrown off by the fondness in his tone.

Arin gave him an unimpressed look but said nothing as she got up.

She didn’t respond.

Because for the first time in a long time…

She wasn’t sure who Jungkook was anymore.

Jungkook, however, only found himself smiling.

Little by little… he was getting there.

    🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

The warm glow of the dining room lights bathed the long wooden table, which was adorned with a feast of traditional Korean dishes. The aroma of freshly made kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, japchae, and steaming white rice filled the air, blending with the soft chatter of the family settling into their seats. The table felt full, not just with food but with an atmosphere that was surprisingly light—comforting even.

Jungkook found himself seated between his mother, Soojin, and his son, Jungsoo, while Taehyung sat next to Miso, their natural closeness evident in the way Taehyung instinctively reached to serve her a portion of japchae before she even asked. Across the table, Arin was sitting beside Miso, her hands gently helping So Mun, Taehyung and Miso’s son, settle in.

As the clinking of chopsticks and ceramic bowls filled the air, Taehyung reached over, grabbing Jungsoo’s small bowl and expertly mixing his rice with some soft bulgogi pieces.

"Eat up, Jungsoo-yah," Taehyung said, his voice gentle. "You’ll need energy to beat So Mun in your next race."

Jungsoo giggled, flashing his tiny teeth at his uncle. "I always win,  Tae Appa!"

Miso chuckled as she helped So Mun with his chopsticks. "Only because So Mun lets you."

Jungkook, who had been watching with quiet amusement, reached over and gently adjusted Jungsoo’s chopsticks in his little hands. "Hold them like this, buddy. It’ll be easier to pick up the meat."

Jungsoo’s eyes brightened. "Like this?" he asked, following his father’s instructions.

Jungkook nodded with a small smile. "Perfect."

Arin, who had been quietly observing, felt something stir in her chest. She had always known Jungkook was an incredible father to Jungsoo, but seeing him so effortlessly nurturing, so at ease, made something tighten inside her—something she wasn’t sure she was ready to acknowledge.

----

As everyone settled into their meal, Minho, Jungkook’s father, suddenly let out a chuckle. "Seeing you two take care of the kids reminds me of when I was a young father myself," he said, glancing at Jungkook and Taehyung.

Taehyung raised a brow, amused. "Oh? Were you as good as us, Father?"

Soojin smirked, setting down her chopsticks. "He tries to make it sound like he was. But let me tell you, your father was hopeless at first."

Jungkook blinked, his interest piqued. It wasn’t often his parents talked about their youth. "Really?"

Minho sighed dramatically. "Your mother exaggerates."

Soojin laughed. "Do I? Should I remind you of the time you insisted on carrying baby Jungkook in the baby sling but nearly dropped him because you didn’t tie it properly?"

Jungkook’s eyes widened. "Wait—what?"

Taehyung burst out laughing, nearly choking on his rice. "Father, you dropped him?"

"I did not drop him," Minho said, shaking his head in exasperation. "I almost did. There's a difference."

Miso, ever the troublemaker, grinned. "Still, if Jungkook ended up falling, that explains why he's so reckless now."

Jungkook scoffed, shaking his head. "Wow, thanks, Miso. I appreciate that."

Arin chuckled softly, covering her mouth as she watched the lighthearted banter unfold. She had never seen Jungkook this way before—so at ease, so unguarded.

Minho sighed, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. I admit, I wasn’t the best at handling babies, but I got better!"

Soojin smirked. "Barely. I was the one who handled most of it."

Minho feigned offense. "Yah, don’t discredit me in front of our children!"

Everyone laughed, the warmth in the air almost tangible. Jungkook, for the first time in what felt like years, found himself laughing alongside his father—not just as a son, but as a part of the family.

As the conversation continued, Jungkook noticed something he hadn't expected—his father’s warmth toward him.

For years, their relationship had been strained, filled with expectations and silent disappointments. His father had always been a man of few words when it came to emotions, and the rare moments of affection were fleeting. But tonight... tonight was different.

Minho wasn’t just acknowledging him—he was including him.

Every now and then, Minho would glance his way, smile softly, or even chuckle at something Jungkook said. And when Minho reached across the table to pour Jungkook a glass of soju, Jungkook nearly froze.

It was such a simple gesture—yet it held so much weight.

Jungkook hesitated for a fraction of a second before accepting the drink. He glanced up at his father, who lifted his own glass slightly. "To family," Minho said.

Jungkook swallowed past the sudden lump in his throat and mirrored the gesture. "To family."

They drank, and for the first time in he didn’t know how many years, Jungkook felt like he truly belonged.

Across the table, Arin was watching.

She had been watching from the moment dinner started, but as the evening went on, she found herself unable to look away.

Jungkook’s face was different tonight.

There was a glow—a genuine, unguarded happiness that she had never seen before. It wasn’t just a fleeting smile or a polite nod—it was something deeper.

He looked at his father with warmth instead of distance. He laughed with Taehyung without hesitation. He helped Jungsoo with such ease.

It was... surprising.

It was beautiful.

She had spent years married to him yet had never seen this side of him.

And as she took another bite of her meal, she found herself wondering—was this the real Jungkook all along?

As the last of the dishes were being passed around, Minho leaned back slightly in his chair, resting an arm on the table as he looked at his wife with a knowing smirk. "Soojin-ah, do you remember the first time I took you out on a date?"

Soojin, who had just taken a sip of her warm barley tea, gave him a side glance before setting her cup down. "You mean the disaster of a date where you nearly set the restaurant on fire?"

Jungkook, who had been casually listening, nearly choked on his food. "Wait—what? You set a restaurant on fire?"

Miso gasped dramatically. "Father! You? The same man who scolds us for being reckless?"

Minho scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "It wasn’t that bad."

Soojin raised a brow. "Oh, really? Then tell them what happened."

Taehyung smirked. "This I gotta hear."

Minho sighed, as if bracing himself for embarrassment. "Fine. It was our first official date, and I wanted to impress your mother, so I took her to this fancy Korean BBQ place—one of the best in town at the time. I was so focused on trying to make everything perfect that I... well... I might have gotten a little too excited with the grill."

Soojin let out a short laugh. "A little too excited? You practically drowned the meat in oil! The fire flared up so high that the staff had to rush over to put it out!"

Arin covered her mouth to stifle her laugh. "Oh my God."

Jungkook shook his head, chuckling. "I can't imagine you being so careless, Dad."

Minho sighed dramatically. "I was young, okay? And I had never been so nervous before." He glanced at Soojin, his expression softening. "Your mother was... well, she was stunning. I didn’t want to mess up, but I ended up making a fool of myself anyway."

Soojin smiled, the memory clearly still vivid in her mind. "He was so flustered after that. He kept apologizing to me and even tried to make up for it by ordering extra side dishes. But what really got me was when he insisted on grilling all the meat himself after that, even though he was terrible at it."

Jungkook laughed. "Wait, so you just kept ruining the food the whole night?"

Minho groaned, rubbing his temples. "Unfortunately, yes. I overcooked the first batch, then undercooked the next. Your mother had to step in and save us from starvation."

Miso grinned. "Aigoo, Mother , you were already carrying the relationship from the start, huh?"

Soojin chuckled. "Of course. Someone had to make sure we didn’t go home with food poisoning."

Arin smiled, resting her chin on her palm as she watched the couple. Their story was simple, but the way they spoke about it—with laughter, warmth, and a kind of soft fondness that only years of love could build—made her chest tighten.

Jungkook, too, was watching, but with a different expression. He had never seen his parents reminisce like this before—so openly, so fondly.

Minho, noticing Jungkook’s quiet observation, chuckled. "You must be wondering why you never heard this story before, huh?"

Jungkook nodded slightly. "Yeah... I mean, I knew you and Mom had a strong marriage, but I didn’t know you were so..." He hesitated, trying to find the right word.

Soojin smiled knowingly. "So in love?"

Jungkook blinked at her directness. Minho, for once, didn’t deny it. Instead, he looked at his wife with a soft gaze before turning back to Jungkook. "I was. I am."

For a moment, a comfortable silence settled over the table.

Then, Taehyung smirked, breaking the moment. "So, did you ever redeem yourself after that disaster of a first date?"

Minho scoffed, shaking his head. "Of course I did. I took her to the beach at night, and we watched the waves while eating tteokbokki from a street vendor. No grills, no fire hazards—just the two of us and the ocean."

Soojin nodded, her eyes twinkling. "That was the night I realized I wanted to marry him."

Jungkook felt something tighten in his chest. Is this what love is supposed to look like?

He glanced across the table to Arin.

The conversation continued, flowing from old memories to playful teasing and stories from childhood. The house, which had once felt too large, too cold, was suddenly filled with warmth.

Jungkook found himself lost in the moment, his heart lighter than it had been in years.

And when he glanced across the table and found Arin watching him, her gaze soft and unreadable, he wondered if maybe—just maybe—tonight was the beginning of something new.

     🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

After dinner, the warmth of the evening lingered as everyone slowly retreated to their own spaces.

Soojin and Minho sat on the plush living room couch, their laughter filling the air as they played with Jungsoo and So-mun, who were both bouncing excitedly between their grandparents. Jungsoo had climbed onto his grandfather’s lap, giggling as Minho tickled his sides, while So-mun sat beside Soojin, listening attentively as she told him a story.

Meanwhile, Arin and Miso quietly slipped away to Miso’s room, their soft footsteps echoing down the hallway as they sought a space for their own conversation.

Outside, beneath the velvety night sky, Taehyung and Jungkook stood in the garden. A faint breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the lingering scent of the night-blooming jasmine that lined the edges of the backyard.

Neither of them smoked often—just on rare occasions when the weight of the world felt too heavy, when words needed space to be spoken without rush. Tonight was one of those nights.

Taehyung pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Jungkook, who took it without hesitation. He didn’t even light it immediately, just rolled it between his fingers, lost in thought.

Taehyung exhaled a slow stream of smoke before breaking the silence. "It’s been a while since we did this."

Jungkook let out a small chuckle. "Yeah… I think the last time was back when I was still in university."

Taehyung hummed in agreement. "Back then, we were both too busy—me with the business, you with your stubborn dreams of being a detective." He smirked, looking at Jungkook from the corner of his eye. "Still can’t believe you actually went through with it."

Jungkook smiled faintly. "Neither can Dad."

Taehyung snorted. "Well, after tonight, I think you finally broke through that stone-cold exterior of his."

Jungkook leaned against the railing, looking up at the stars. "I don't know... It felt unreal, you know? Like for the first time in forever, I was seen by him. Like I wasn’t just some reckless kid making bad choices in his eyes." He let out a quiet sigh. "I don’t know if it’s permanent or just a fleeting moment, but it was nice."

Taehyung nodded in understanding. "I get it. I had my fair share of battles with him too. But tonight…" He flicked his cigarette, watching the embers fall to the ground. "Tonight felt different."

Jungkook didn’t respond immediately. His thoughts had drifted somewhere else, somewhere softer—someone softer.

His mind was stuck on her.

Arin.

Taehyung bring Jungkook back from his thoughts. “ But really! It feels like forever since we had a real man-to-man talk.”

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. “Hyung, you’re making it sound like we’re a couple of teenage boys gossiping about girls.”

Taehyung laughed, taking another drag of his cigarette. “And? Just because we’re not teenagers anymore doesn’t mean we can’t.”

Jungkook scoffed. “Yeah, well, I’m not interested.”

Taehyung quirked a brow, his smirk widening. “Not interested?” He let the words hang between them before leaning in slightly. “You sure about that?”

Jungkook turned his head, frowning. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Taehyung exhaled slowly, his gaze playful yet knowing. “I mean…” He tilted his head. “You’re acting like you don’t have a whole wife waiting inside that house.”

Jungkook went still for a second—just a second—before he forced himself to scoff. “What’s your point?”

Taehyung chuckled, flicking the ashes off his cigarette. “My point is… I see it.”

Jungkook frowned. “See what?”

Taehyung took his time before answering, watching the embers glow at the tip of his cigarette. “The way you’re trying,” he said, voice softer now. “For your family. For her.”

Jungkook swallowed, suddenly unable to look at his brother.

Taehyung continued, his voice measured. “It’s been six years, and yeah, maybe it’s late, but you’re still doing it. You’re here, Jungkook. You’re trying.” He turned to look at him fully. “And when I saw you at dinner tonight… you were happy. Like genuinely happy.”

Jungkook let out a slow breath, fingers tightening around the railing. His voice came out quieter than he intended. “I don’t know if it’s enough.”

Taehyung studied him for a moment before sighing. “You’re an idiot.”

Jungkook shot him a dry look. “Wow, thanks.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. “I mean it. You think too much, overcomplicate things in that dumb head of yours.” He took another drag before exhaling. “You’re acting like you have to be perfect, like you have to make up for every second you weren’t there overnight.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. “And what if I do?”

Taehyung shook his head. “Then you’re going to burn yourself out trying to be someone you think they need instead of just being there.”

Jungkook stayed silent.

Because, deep down, he knew Taehyung was right.

But it wasn’t that simple.

Because every time he looked at Arin, he felt something terrifying claw at his chest—something soft, something real.

It wasn’t just guilt. It wasn’t just the weight of the years lost.

It was her.

Jungkook inhaled deeply, rubbing his temples. “It’s complicated.”

After that they stood in easy silence. Their cigarettes burned low, forgotten between their fingers.

Taehyung was the first to break the quiet, turning to his younger brother with an amused smirk. “So, tell me…” he started, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. “Are you doing all of this just because you realized your mistakes? Or is it because of Jungsoo?” He let the words settle before adding, “Or is it something else?”

There was a teasing lilt to his voice, a knowing edge that made Jungkook shift slightly.

Jungkook huffed out a soft laugh, lowering his gaze. His lips curled into a small, shy smile as he spoke. “At first…” he admitted, voice quieter now. “It was all because of Jungsoo.” He let out a slow breath. “The moment I saw him, everything changed. I looked at him and realized—I don’t want him to grow up thinking his father was never there for him. That’s when I knew I had to try, had to fix what I broke.”

Taehyung nodded, listening intently as Jungkook continued.

“But somewhere along the way…” Jungkook hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice softened. “I started feeling… something else.” He swallowed, struggling to find the right words. “Every time I look at Arin, I feel these emotions I don’t fully understand. At first, I ignored it. Thought maybe it was just guilt or… appreciation for how she raised Jungsoo so well.”

His gaze flickered up to the night sky, his fingers tapping against the railing absentmindedly. “But then… the more time I spent with her, the more I started noticing little things. The way she never asks for anything but gives everything. The way she listens—really listens—even when I say nothing at all. The way she smiles when she watches Jungsoo play.”

Jungkook exhaled sharply, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “It’s… different. I didn’t know what it was at first, but now I do.” He glanced at Taehyung with a helpless look. “I’ve never felt anything like this before, hyung.”

Before he could say more, Taehyung cut him off with a teasing grin. “Feelings like… jealousy?”

Jungkook froze for a second, caught off guard. Taehyung expected him to scoff, deny it—maybe even roll his eyes.

But instead, to his shock, Jungkook gave a small, almost sheepish nod. “Yeah,” he admitted quietly.

Taehyung blinked. “Wait, really?”

Jungkook let out a breathy chuckle. “I don’t know when it started, but sometimes… when I see someone else looking at her, talking to her, making her laugh—I don’t like it.” He frowned, as if frustrated with himself. “It’s stupid, I know. But I don’t like the idea of someone else making her smile like that.”

Taehyung let out a low whistle. “Damn.” He studied his younger brother for a long moment before asking the real question. “So… is it love?”

Jungkook hesitated.

Love.

The word itself felt too big, too heavy, like something he wasn’t ready to claim.

He inhaled deeply, his grip tightening around the railing. “I… I don’t know,” he admitted. “I won’t use a word that strong when I don’t fully understand it yet.” He turned to Taehyung, his expression honest. “But what I do know is that I like her. That much, I’m sure of.”

Taehyung’s smirk softened into something gentler. “That’s enough for now,” he said simply.

Jungkook nodded, exhaling slowly.

For the first time in a long time, he felt lighter—like the weight of his feelings, the uncertainty, was no longer something he had to carry alone.

And maybe, just maybe, that was the first step.

The faint glow of the garden lights cast flickering shadows across the stone pathway, and the distant chirping of crickets filled the silence between each inhale and exhale of their cigarettes.

Jungkook leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the stars above. His fingers idly rolled the cigarette between them, smoke curling in lazy swirls. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice quieter now, almost as if he was confessing to the night itself.

“I know I messed up,” he murmured, the weight of his words pressing into the space between them. “For six years, I ran away. I was selfish, reckless… I left her to handle everything on her own.” He sighed, shaking his head. “Arin had every right to hate me. And honestly? I think a part of me thought she should.”

Taehyung exhaled, watching him carefully.

“But now… now that I see her, really see her, I want to change that.” Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, a small, almost helpless chuckle escaping him. “I want to be the husband she deserves, hyung. I want her to trust me again, to look at me without all that resentment in her eyes.” He took another drag of his cigarette before continuing, his voice firm.

“I know it won’t be easy. I know she won’t just forgive me overnight. But I’m not expecting that. I’ll wait—I’ll prove to her, in every way possible, that I’m not the same man I was before.” His jaw tightened with determination. “I’ll show her that I’m here now, that I won’t leave again. And that when she’s ready, I’ll be right here.”

Taehyung studied him for a long moment before a small smile tugged at his lips. “You’re doing good, Jungkook,” he said, voice steady. “I won’t lie to you—I was pissed at you for a long time.”

Jungkook flinched slightly but nodded, accepting the truth.

“But seeing you now?” Taehyung continued. “Seeing you actually try—it’s a good start. Even if you’re late, at least you’re here now.” He flicked the ash from his cigarette, glancing at his younger brother. “Arin will take time to realize it, but if you keep going like this, one day, she will.”

Jungkook swallowed, his heart tightening. “I just don’t want to mess up again.”

Taehyung chuckled. “Well, that’s why you have me, right?”

Jungkook looked at him, confused.

“You can ask for my help anytime,” Taehyung said, smirking. “Whether it’s about Arin, Jungsoo, or anything else, I’m here.”

Jungkook let out a soft laugh. “Hyung, you’re saying that like I’m about to ask you for dating advice.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Who said I wouldn’t give it? I am happily married, after all.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn’t fight the small smile forming on his lips.

The two brothers stood in comfortable silence for a while, the night stretching around them. The weight that had been pressing on Jungkook’s chest for years felt just a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t alone in this anymore.

     🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

Miso’s room was cozy, filled with soft, warm lighting and a faint scent of vanilla drifting through the air. The walls were adorned with delicate decorations, a mix of elegance and playfulness, much like Miso herself. Arin sat on the plush couch, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of the teacup in her hands.

Miso sat cross-legged beside her, resting her chin on her palm as she gazed at Arin with curiosity. The conversation had started light, revolving around Jungsoo and So Mun, about how quickly kids grew up and the amusing things they did every day. But then, just as the laughter settled, Miso’s expression turned a little more thoughtful.

“So,” she started, tilting her head slightly. “ So, now tell me about Jungkook? I know you wanna talk about it”

Arin’s fingers froze around her teacup. The mention of his name brought a moment of hesitation, a brief flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. She glanced away, as if gathering her thoughts before she finally spoke.

“ Well, I… I can tell he’s trying,” she admitted quietly. “He’s really making an effort to be present for Jungsoo. And without any doubt, I can say he’s an amazing father.”

Miso nodded, her lips curling into a small smile. “That’s good to hear. Jungsoo really adores him, you know.”

A soft chuckle escaped Arin. “Yeah. He does.”

A beat of silence passed before Miso’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “And what about as a husband?”

Arin stiffened slightly, her expression faltering. She looked down at her cup, swirling the tea inside as if the answer might magically appear in its depths. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted honestly.

Miso blinked. “You don’t know?”

Arin sighed, shifting in her seat. “It’s just… after our marriage, Jungkook was so distant. We weren’t really husband and wife—we were just two strangers living under the same roof.” Her voice softened, her thoughts drifting. “It wasn’t a marriage… not in the way people imagine it to be.”

The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the night outside. Miso leaned against the headboard of her bed, her legs tucked beneath her, while Arin sat beside her, fingers lightly gripping the edges of the cushion on her lap. The conversation had taken a turn—one that made Arin hesitate, her mind caught between the past and the present.

Miso tilted her head, watching her closely. “You seem hesitant,” she noted. “What is it?”

Arin swallowed, her fingers tightening slightly. “It’s just… there’s more to it,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Miso nodded, urging her to continue with an encouraging gaze.

Arin exhaled, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “I still remember everything about the first time we were… intimate,” she admitted, her cheeks warming at the memory. “That night, Jungkook was so different. He was so gentle, so… caring.” Her voice grew softer, lost in the memory. “For the first time, I thought maybe we had a chance. That maybe, just maybe, things would change between us.”

Miso listened attentively, her expression unreadable as Arin continued.

“But then,” Arin hesitated, her heart tightening, “when I found out I was pregnant… I thought it would bring us closer. I thought it would change things between us.” She let out a bitter chuckle. “But the opposite happened. He got transferred to Busan soon after, and suddenly, the warmth I had seen in him was gone. He became distant again, almost like that night never happened.”

Miso frowned. “Did he ever talk about it?”

Arin shook her head. “No. And I didn’t know how to bring it up either. I kept telling myself that maybe once Jungsoo was born, things would be different. And when Jungkook returned for Jungsoo’s birth, for a moment, it felt like I was right. He was there, he was caring, he was…” she trailed off, her lips pressing into a thin line before whispering, “he was mine, even if it was just in my head.”

Miso’s chest ached for her friend.

“But then,” Arin continued, forcing a small, sad smile, “he went back to being busy. He tried to make time for Jungsoo, I won’t deny that. He was trying, but it was never enough. Not for Jungsoo. And not for me.”

Silence stretched between them.

Miso reached out, placing a hand over Arin’s. “And now?” she asked gently.

Arin’s lips parted slightly, as if struggling to find the right words. She stared down at their hands, a conflicted expression clouding her face.

“Now… he’s different,” she admitted, her voice carrying uncertainty. “Since he came back from Busan, he’s not the same distant man I knew before. He’s present. He’s trying in ways he never did before. And it’s not just about Jungsoo—it’s something else, something more.”

Miso studied her carefully. “That should be a good thing, right?”

Arin let out a shaky breath. “It should be,” she whispered. “But, Miso… I’ve spent years getting used to my hopes being broken. Every time I thought things would change, they didn’t. And now that he’s changed, now that he’s finally becoming the man I always wanted him to be—for Jungsoo, for our family—why does it scare me so much to hope again?”

Miso squeezed her hand, her voice gentle yet firm. “Because hoping means risking pain. It means letting yourself believe in something that could shatter again. But, Arin…” she paused, choosing her words carefully. “What if, this time, it’s real?”

Arin swallowed hard. “And what if it’s not?”

Miso gave her a soft, knowing smile. “Then at least you’ll know you gave it a chance.”

Arin’s heart ached with uncertainty, but as she sat there, in the quiet warmth of Miso’s room, a part of her—no matter how small—wondered if maybe, just maybe, it was worth the risk.

Arin shot her a look, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “I don’t know, Miso. He’s been acting weird these past few months.”

“Weird how?” Miso pressed, intrigued.

Arin sighed. “It’s like… he suddenly wants to know about me. He pays attention in ways he never did before. The little things—what I like, what I don’t, how I feel after a long day. He even remembers details I don’t expect him to.” She bit her lip, brows furrowing. “And it’s not just that. He tries—like actually tries—to do things for me. Subtle things, but I notice them.”

Miso’s smirk deepened. “Oh? Like what?”

Arin’s fingers tightened around the bedsheet. “He makes sure my car is warmed up before I leave in the mornings. He brings me tea exactly the way I like it, without me asking. He even made Jungsoo pack an extra umbrella in my bag when it rained last week.” She let out a soft, almost disbelieving chuckle. “At first, I thought maybe it was just for Jungsoo, but then I realized… he’s watching me, waiting for my reactions. Like he wants me to notice.”

Miso hummed in thought. “And have you?”

Arin looked up, her expression torn. “How could I not? It’s impossible to ignore.”

Miso leaned back against the headboard, arms crossed. “So, let me get this straight—Jungkook, the man who spent years being emotionally unavailable, is now going out of his way to get your attention?”

Arin hesitated before nodding.

“And you don’t understand why now?”

“No, I don’t.” Arin exhaled, her voice quieter now. “I mean, I can see that he’s changed. And not just in how he treats me—he’s lighter somehow. His happiness seems… genuine.” She shook her head. “It’s confusing, Miso. I spent so long believing we were just two people coexisting. Now he’s acting like—”

“Like a husband?” Miso finished, raising a brow.

Arin tensed slightly at the word. “I don’t know.”

Miso laughed softly, shaking her head. “Arin, it sounds like he realized his mistakes and is trying to make up for them.” She reached over, gently squeezing Arin’s hand. “But at the end of the day, it’s your decision. What do you want?”

Arin swallowed hard, her heart twisting at the question. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “For so long, I’ve only ever thought about what’s best for Jungsoo. But now… now I don’t know what to think about us.”

“Arin,” Miso started, her voice gentle but firm, “as your friend, I’m going to be honest with you.”

Arin looked up, her gaze hesitant but attentive.

“You don’t have to figure everything out right away,” Miso said, tilting her head slightly. “There’s no need to rush into any decisions just because Jungkook is acting differently now. If anything, take your time. Your happiness matters too.”

Arin’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to argue, but she couldn’t deny the truth in Miso’s words.

Miso continued, “From everything you’ve told me, it’s clear Jungkook is trying. He’s making an effort to gain your trust again. But trust isn’t something that can be rebuilt overnight. It takes time.” She paused before adding, “And it’s your decision what to do with that effort. Whether you let him prove himself or keep your distance—it’s up to you.”

Arin exhaled slowly, nodding. “I know… and I can see the change in him. But a part of me is still afraid to believe in it.”

Miso gave her a reassuring smile. “That’s completely understandable. You’ve spent years building walls around your heart because of how things were between you two. It’s not easy to just break them down because he’s suddenly trying.”

Arin swallowed hard. “Exactly.”

Miso pursed her lips in thought before speaking carefully. “Maybe… he’s scared?”

Arin looked at her, eyebrows furrowing. “Scared?”

Miso nodded. “Of his own feelings. Of the past. Of hurting you again. Of not knowing where he stands with you.” She gave Arin a knowing look. “You think you don’t understand him, but what if he doesn’t understand himself either?”

Arin was quiet for a long moment. Her mind replayed the way Jungkook had looked at her earlier at dinner—how his eyes softened when he spoke, how his voice carried an unfamiliar warmth.

Could it be? Could it really be that he was just as confused as she was?

“But,” Miso leaned forward, placing a comforting hand over Arin’s, “maybe instead of overthinking it, just… go with the flow? Be cordial again. See where things lead. You don’t have to give him your full trust yet, but maybe give him a chance to earn it.”

Arin bit her lip, considering. “You really think so?”

Miso nodded. “Yeah. I mean, from what I’ve seen and what you’ve told me, Jungkook isn’t the same distant man you married. He’s showing you—without words—that he wants to be better, not just for Jungsoo, but for you too. Maybe this time, he’ll truly put his family first.”

Arin sighed again, but this time, it wasn’t out of frustration or confusion. It was relief—relief that she didn’t have to rush, that she could take things step by step.

“Alright,” she finally said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I’ll try. No expectations, no rushing… just taking things as they come.”

Miso beamed, giving her hand a light squeeze. “That’s the spirit.”

With the heavy conversation behind them, they shifted into lighter topics—chatting about their kids, teasing each other about small things, and reminiscing about old memories. The night stretched on, laughter filling the room as the weight on Arin’s shoulders lightened, even if just a little.

       🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

After their conversation, Arin and Miso left the bedroom, making their way toward the living area. The air between them felt lighter now—Miso’s words had soothed some of Arin’s confusion, giving her a sense of direction. Maybe she didn’t have to rush, maybe she could just… let things happen naturally.

As they entered the room, the sound of laughter greeted them. Jungsoo and So Mun were still playing with their grandparents, their giggles filling the space with warmth. Arin couldn’t help but smile at the sight—Jungsoo’s tiny hands clinging to Soojin’s arm as he excitedly told her something, and So Mun, ever the little firecracker, trying to climb onto Minho’s lap.

Just then, the patio door slid open, and Jungkook and Taehyung stepped inside from the backyard. They both smelled faintly of smoke and the cold night air, their conversation still lingering in the quiet glances they exchanged.

Arin and Miso’s steps slowed as they came closer, and for a fleeting second, Arin’s eyes met Jungkook’s. The world around them seemed to pause—his dark brown eyes searching hers as if trying to find something in them. A silent question. A hesitation.

But just as quickly, Arin looked away.

Jungkook felt the moment slip between them like sand through his fingers, but he said nothing. He only exhaled softly, pressing his lips together before following Taehyung further inside.

"You're back," Miso said casually, breaking the silence as she walked over to Taehyung. "Had a good talk?"

Taehyung smirked, slinging an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “Man-to-man talk, as Jungkook calls it,” he teased, making Jungkook shake his head with a chuckle.

Miso laughed. “Sounds serious.”

“More like overdue,” Taehyung corrected. His gaze flickered toward Jungkook for a brief second before he patted his younger brother’s shoulder. “But good. Right, Jungkook?”

Jungkook glanced at Arin, who was now settling down next to Soojin, reaching out to fix Jungsoo’s slightly messy hair. He watched the way her fingers gently tucked a strand behind his ear, the way her expression softened as she listened to him talk excitedly.

He swallowed. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “It was good.”

“Come sit,” Soojin called out, motioning toward the couches. “The kids won’t stop talking, and we could use a little backup.”

Jungkook let out a soft laugh and walked over, taking a seat across from Arin. The atmosphere was light, almost… homey. The warmth of family filled the air, something that once felt so foreign to him but now felt strangely familiar.

As conversations picked up again, Jungkook found himself sneaking glances at Arin, watching the way she smiled at Jungsoo, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear absentmindedly, the way she seemed—at least for now—at ease.

He wasn’t sure how long it would take, how much he would have to prove. But for now, he was willing to wait.

And maybe, just maybe, tonight was a small step forward.

-----

The warmth of the evening still lingered in the air as Jungkook and Arin watched their son, Jungsoo, stubbornly refusing to leave. His small hands clung to So Mun’s as they both looked up at the adults with pleading eyes.

"But I wanna play more!" Jungsoo pouted, his lips jutting out adorably. "So Mun and I were gonna build a super tall tower with the blocks!"

Jungkook crouched down to his level, ruffling his son's soft hair. "You can play all you want when you come here for a sleepover in two days," he promised with a warm smile.

Jungsoo's eyes brightened. "Really? I can stay here?"

"Of course!" Miso grinned, squatting next to them. "So Mun is already excited about it."

"Yes!" So Mun clapped his hands. "We'll have so much fun, Jungsoo!"

With that assurance, Jungsoo finally agreed, nodding with excitement. As Arin gathered his little belongings, she looked toward Miso and Taehyung.

"Thank you both for taking care of him," she said softly. "It really helps us since we have to attend my college reunion that night."

Before Miso could reply, Jungkook’s mother, Soojin, scolded them playfully. "Why are you thanking us? Jungsoo is our own grandson! We’ll always be ready to take care of him whenever you need."

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head at his mother’s predictable words. "Still, Mom, we appreciate it."

"Always so formal," Soojin muttered with mock annoyance.

Miso smirked and added teasingly, "And besides, it's a great opportunity for you and Arin to have some alone time—without any kid distractions."

At her words, Arin's eyes widened slightly while Jungkook’s lips quirked into a knowing smirk. A brief glance passed between them before Arin quickly looked away, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Taehyung let out a deep chuckle, placing a firm hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "Don’t mess this up, Jungkook."

Jungkook gave him an amused look, but there was an underlying sincerity in his brother’s words. "I won’t," he murmured, his voice carrying a quiet conviction.

After final goodbyes, Jungkook lifted Jungsoo into his arms, the boy resting his head against his father’s shoulder. Arin walked beside them as they exited the house, stepping into the cool night air.

      🅂🄷🄰🅃🅃🄴🅁🄴🄳 🅅🄾🅆🅂

The drive back to their apartment was peaceful. Jungsoo had fallen asleep in the backseat, his tiny frame relaxed against the car seat. The streetlights cast soft shadows inside the car, illuminating the subtle features of Arin's face as she gazed out the window.

Jungkook stole glances at her from the corner of his eye. She looked… calm, yet distant. And he hated that. He wanted to reach across the space between them, to take her hand, to make her feel safe with him again. But trust wasn’t rebuilt overnight.

So he settled for something smaller.

"You had fun tonight?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Arin turned her head slightly. "Hmm?"

"At dinner," he clarified. "You seemed to enjoy listening to our parents talk about their younger days."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Yeah… it was nice hearing those stories. Your father looked so different tonight."

Jungkook’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice softer now. "It’s been a long time since he looked at me like that. Since he spoke to me like I actually belong in this family."

Arin observed his side profile, noting the way his expression softened. "I noticed that too," she admitted. "You looked… happy."

Her words made something stir deep inside Jungkook—a kind of warmth he hadn’t felt in years. He turned his head just slightly, catching her gaze for a fleeting second before she looked away again.

She still avoids holding his gaze for too long.

Jungkook exhaled quietly, eyes returning to the road. "It’s a start, I guess."

They didn’t need to say more. Some things were better left unsaid—at least for now.

-----

By the time they arrived at their apartment, Jungsoo was fast asleep. Arin carefully unbuckled his seatbelt and lifted him into her arms while Jungkook carried his small backpack.

"Do you need help?" Jungkook asked softly, watching how Arin cradled their son against her chest.

She shook her head. "I got him. He’s light."

Jungkook followed her inside, locking the door behind them. Arin gently laid Jungsoo on his bed, tucking him in before pressing a light kiss to his forehead. Jungkook stood by the doorway, watching the scene unfold in front of him.

She was such a good mother. Loving. Patient. Always putting Jungsoo first.

He knew he had failed her before. He had failed their family.

But if there was anything he was sure of now—it was that he wanted to make it right.

As Arin stepped away from the bed, she turned to leave, only to pause when she realized Jungkook was still standing there, looking at her in a way that made her heart stutter.

"What?" she whispered.

Jungkook shook his head, a faint smile ghosting his lips. "Nothing. Just… goodnight, Arin."

Arin hesitated for a second before nodding. "Goodnight, Jungkook."

And with that, she left the room.

Jungkook stayed behind for a few more moments, running a tired hand through his hair before letting out a quiet sigh.

Slow and steady.

That’s how he would win her back.

Even if it took forever.

Author’s Note:

Hey, dear readers! ✨

I hope you enjoyed this chapter filled with warmth, slow-burn romance, and a glimpse into Jungkook’s growing feelings for Arin. This chapter was all about family, nostalgia, and those quiet yet meaningful moments where emotions begin to shift. Seeing Jungkook finally taking steps toward being not just a great father but also a better husband is something I’ve been excited to explore!

Arin’s hesitation is understandable—after all, trust is something built over time, not overnight. But can she allow herself to hope again? And can Jungkook prove to her that this time, he won’t let her down? Their journey is far from over, but every glance, every conversation, and every shared moment is bringing them closer in ways they might not even realize yet.

Also, shoutout to Miso for being the best friend Arin needs right now! She’s always there with her sass, humor, and the best advice. And let’s not forget little Jungsoo and So Mun—they are the purest source of joy in this story!

Things are about to get even more interesting with the upcoming college reunion! What do you think will happen? Will Jungkook and Arin finally have an honest conversation about their feelings? Let me know your thoughts!

As always, thank you so much for reading, voting, and commenting. Your support means everything to me! Stay tuned for more slow-burn romance, tension, and heart-fluttering moments.

Much love,
StarlitWings 💜