"I'm heading back today," Jungkook said, his gaze fixed on something in the distance.

"Okay... Bye," Taehyung replied casually.

Jungkook turned to look at him. "Are you staying here?"

"No, I'm coming with you."

There was a brief silence before Jungkook sighed and sat beside him. "Taehyung... I need to tell you something... I mean—"

"What?" Taehyung looked at him, waiting.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Why are you following me like this? Why are you messing up my life?"

Taehyung blinked, pointing to himself. "Me? Am I a disturbance to you? I thought... I thought you liked me."

Jungkook stared at him for a moment but said nothing. Instead, he stood up. "I need to pack my things."

"Okay," Taehyung murmured, staying in place as he scrolled through his phone.

A soft smile appeared on his lips as he gazed at a picture on the screen. "My babies look so cute… exactly like their momma," he whispered. His fingers gently traced his daughter's face on the screen. "But you… you look like your dad… Bunny."

A deep sigh escaped him as he kissed the screen, holding the phone close to his chest. "I miss you…"

*********

Jungkook pulled up in front of his house, shutting off the engine before stepping inside.

The moment he entered, his mother’s voice echoed through the hallway. "Jungkook… what happened to Eon?"

He glanced at her, expression unreadable.

"Did you hear me?" she pressed, her tone sharp with concern. "What happened? And who is that boy you were staying with? Do you know what people are saying? Mr. Kim already asked me about it! What is all this, Jungkook?"

Jungkook let out a tired chuckle, shaking his head. "We’re seeing each other after a whole week, and this is what you want to talk about? You don’t even ask if I’m okay… if I got that deal?"

"Jungkook, I didn’t mean—"

"Sometimes, I wonder if you're really my mother," he muttered, brushing past her and heading to his room.

Collapsing onto the bed, he exhaled deeply, his mind clouded with thoughts. "Taehyung… I don’t know what you want," he whispered, shutting his eyes. "But stay out of my life."

**********

"Jimin, look at these pictures," Taehyung said, handing him his phone.

Jimin’s eyes lit up. "Cute! What are their names?"

"Ivan and Lucka," Taehyung replied with a soft smile.

"Jeon Ivan and Jeon Lucka," Jimin said.

"Ivan Taehyung and Lucka Taehyung," Taehyung corrected firmly. "They were born in the UK."

Jimin chuckled. "Usually, kids take their father’s surname. And of course, they are the next generation of the Jeon clan."

Taehyung's expression darkened. "Say that again, and I swear I’ll kill you," he warned, grabbing a nearby bottle.

Jimin immediately stood up, straightening his posture as he spotted Namjoon entering the room. " Hi, Uncle!" he greeted respectfully.

Namjoon’s sharp gaze settled on Taehyung. "When did you come back?"

"Today," Taehyung mumbled.

"I thought the week was already over," Namjoon remarked.

Taehyung lowered his head, while the bodyguards and others peeked from the adjoining rooms, sensing the tension.

"Uncle, you know about hyung… his situation—" Jimin started, but Namjoon cut him off.

Without a word, Namjoon pulled out his phone and held it up, displaying a news article. "Look at this," he said, his voice calm yet firm.

The headline read: "Businessman Jeon Jungkook and His Partner Spotted Vacationing at a Luxury Resort." Below it were clear images of Jungkook—and Taehyung.

Taehyung’s eyes widened. "This… I—"

"It’s the hottest news in the city right now," Namjoon stated. "What happens when Ivan and Lucka see this? Have you thought about how they’ll react?"

"But, Dad—"

"Taehyung," Namjoon interrupted. "Ivan and Lucka are turning nine this year. They’re old enough to understand. Stop playing around and talk to Jungkook seriously." He turned to Jimin. "Am I right?"

Jimin nodded. "Yes, Uncle. You are."

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

"Do you see this?" Mr. Kim shouted, slamming his phone onto the table in front of Jungkook. "People are saying that's your partner!"

Jungkook barely glanced at the screen. "Just some online media gossip… nothing else."

"So what?" Mr. Kim scoffed. "Tomorrow, everyone will be talking about it, and we need to take action before that happens." He turned to Jungkook’s mother. "We’ve decided on your marriage with Jungwon. It’s happening next Sunday."

Jungkook’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

"Yes, Kooki, it’s a good decision," his mother added firmly. "That boy will ruin your life. Marrying Jungwon is the best choice for you." With that, she walked out with Mr. Kim, leaving no room for argument.

Jungkook remained frozen in place, hismother’s words echoing in his mind.
"That boy will ruin your life."

Then, Lisa’s voice surfaced in his thoughts: "My brother’s fiance…"

His chest tightened as reality hit him like a storm.

"You have to stay away from me, Taehyung," he whispered, his voice barely audible.