"What am I most afraid of? That maybe you were it, but I let you go."

- Baeu Taplin, Worlds of You

5. First Meeting

"Kim Seokjin, nice seeing you again."

Jin didn't even expected to be welcomed properly by Taehyung, he had prepared his heart for that. But the words coming out of Yoongi's lips are not the things he had anticipated.

"Hi Mrs. Kim, I am Min Yoongi, Taehyung's future spouse once he gets out of here."

Seokjin didn't missed when Taehyung's eyes lit up and smiled so wide at Yoongi.

He felt envious, aside from not winning Taehyung's heart, he had never seen the other smiled at him like that. The ones he usually gives Seokjin is a forced tug of his lips when he is feeling creeped out by the younger's actions. Seokjin tried hard not to sigh or let his lips quiver at the sight. He ignored the bitter feeling down his throat. Afterall, he is not here for romance, he is here to help Taehyung in his case and help hi be a free man again, along with his father.

"Oh, hello. So, you're back after leaving my son just because you can't tie him beside you all the time, I see ..."

Yoongi is obviously taken aback at the response, but nonetheless smiled, and never talked back.

"Marriages can be discussed after I say hello to my husband, can't I?" She continued. Right now, Yoongi is as red as a tomato. As much as Seokjin wants to stop her, he can't or else he may slip, and their little secret will be out unintentionally. "I haven't even got to hug him properly and you're explicitly introducing yourself like that. If you want to be my son-in-law, learn when to open your mouth."

"Mom, please ..." Taehyung called his mother's attention to make her stop.

The lady sighed, shook her head and kissed Taehyung's forehead. "Sorry. It's been a decade since I last saw my baby. Mom just wants you all by herself since she missed you so much."

Taehyung smiled at that and murmured and, It's okay to her. Then she turned to her husband and hugged him tight. They exchanged I miss yous and both had tears in their eyes after seeing and holding each other for a long time.

Seokjin just watched the family reunite and he felt jealousy seep through his veins. If his father isn't a grade A asshole, maybe his mother is alive, and he would be able to feel this kind of love around him too. He is thankful that he gets to experience motherly love through Taehyung's mom, but having a complete and happy family is still a wonder for him. He never got to experience a complete Christmas with his father, his birthday is always forgotten by him too. When he was a kid, he is always anticipating for his father to acknowledge important events in his life, but he never got to have that, or even a pat on his head. Only his mother is there for him all the way, and when he is old enough to realize it, he stopped expecting anything from his father.

So, seeing Taehyung have a complete and happy family around him and a potential boyfriend beside him holding his hand, Seokjin got more determined to help him.

Even if he gets nothing in return, he will not complain. Because he is doing this for his mother and for the love of his life.

"Jinnie, come here. Let's sit, what are you just standing there for?" Taehyung's mother called.

Seokjin tried not to wince at the nickname and hoped that no one noticed.

But he is just so unlucky like that when Taehyung spoke, "Jinnie? You two are close?"

Mrs. Kim froze and smiled awkwardly as she sits. She grabbed Seokjin's arms and chuckled.

"So, you know how I like this boy so much ever since he was little, how can I forget that?" She tapped Seokjin's arms. The latter just smiled back awkwardly. "This boy had the best manners. His mother taught him well. Never butting in on someone's business not unless asked for."

She threw a meaningful look at Yoongi who just frowned in return. Seokjin made a mental note to talk to her about it when they reached home.

After a couple more minutes of them catching up and teasing each other, Taehyung threw him a sharp gaze when he knew his mother is not around and went back to the car to get the food containers she prepared earlier for them to eat.

"Tell me, what is your hidden agenda? I don't believe that you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart. Your family doesn't have that."

Seokjin just shook his head. He needs to be tough and even if that means stooping down to this level, then so be it. He is a lawyer and for Taehyung to believe that he is capable, he should stand up for himself in situations like this.

"I don't have a hidden agenda Taehyung-ssi." He stated calmly and looked at Taehyung eye to eye and tried to be his most intimidating self, the one he usually shows the court. He thinks it's working based on Taehyungs reaction. He clearly didn't expect him to be tough. "I think, it would be best if you would just be thankful that I'm helping you. Do you think that if I stopped pursuing this case, another lawyer will come help you? I don't think so. So, shut up, cooperate, and separate your personal issues with my family."

"I'm sorry, Jin-ssi." Taehyung's father apologized.

"It's fine Mr. Kim. I expected that from him."

Taehyung just kept glaring at him. he doesn't mind. He had many things in mind for this case.

Once Taehyung's mother came back, they all ate and talked about the case. Seokjin asked about what they can remember that night of ten years ago, where they were, what they were doing. Taehyung cooperated, thankfully, and Seokjin nodded his head and wrote down everything they said.

He internally praised himself for not breaking down and cry every damn time Yoongi and Taehyung would act so sweet in front of him. Taehyung's mom caught on his internal battle and decided to get Yoongi out of the place and asked to join her to buy some stuff she needs.

After finishing what he came for, Taehyung's father called him.

"Yes, Sir?"

He chuckled and tapped Seokjin's shoulder. "Don't Sir me, this kid. How's life? How does your father take this? Is he okay with you standing up against him?

"Of course not, uncle. But he can't control me. I have been living by myself since I was 14."

"Oh, so ..."

"Yep, I ran off after Mom died."

Taehyung snapped his head and looked at Seokjin. He was about to ask something when his Mom arrived.

"Hey, Jinnie were about to leave in thirty minutes."

Jin nodded and made space for her to sit onn.

"Mom, where do you live?"

"Someone took me in. Used all their left fortune to buy my medicine, worked to feed me, and took care of me these past years. I am so grateful for that person. I wish for you all to them, but sadly ..."

"Did they die?" Taehyung asked.

"Nope, they just want to stay anonymous."

Seokjin sighed in relief. At least they got away smoothly.

"Oh, I thought the old woman died three years ago? That's what Atty. Kim said to me through text."

Seokjin wanted to face palm and frown, but Mrs. Kim snapped at Yoongi again.

"Why? Don't you think she has children of her own that can take care of me too?" She then faced Taehyung. "Son, you really want to marry this man? If you do, install him some logic and common sense please. He's getting on my nerves."

Yoongi just rolled his eyes and scrolled through his phone.

"I'm leaving, son. I'll come back when your boyfriend is not here."

She grabbed Seokjin and left to ride on their car.

Jin sighed and when he sat beside her, she spoke, "Don't lecture me, I know what you will say, Jin. But I don't like him. I can feel like he will do no good."

He held her hand and looked at her, "You just like me for Taehyung that's why you're acting like that, Eomma."

"I do like you for my son. You're perfect. If you only let me brag to them what you have done for me the past decade, my son will stop being salty and treat you like a human."

"I already told you, Eomma, I don't want him to feel like he owes me something. It would make him feel bad."

She scoffed and eyed Seokjin.

"I heard him talking to you like the asshole he is earlier If I don't love you enough, I will swoop his ass and hit him with my palm like he used to before."

Seokjin just hugged her to calm her down.

"Let him be. He has every right to doubt. I am my father's child after all. He is just being careful, plus I put him in his place. You heard me, right?"

"I did and I almost squealed for joy!"

"See, I can take care of myself around them. you can chill, Eomma. Be nice to Yoongi too. He will be your son-in-law soon."

She hit the back of Seokjin's head making the other groan.

"There is only one person qualified to be my son-in-law and that is you."

Seokjin shook his head. "Your son doesn't even love me."

"Oh, he will. I have been praying for that in ten years, and god never disappointed me. I have faith that you will make my son fall for you in no time."