“It’s all because of you!” Jungkook shouted at his brother and cousins. They all exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to say.

“Hyung… it’s just that…” Jimin began hesitantly, but Jungkook cut him off sharply.

“Listen, Jimin. Lies never win. Never! And now, because of all this, they’re blaming Taehyung. I love him, and I’m going to marry him—there’s no doubt about that.” Turning away from his stunned family, Jungkook softened as he called out, “Tae… come here.”

Taehyung stepped forward timidly, his voice barely above a whisper. “They’ll scold you… What if they hate you because of me? I can just go back home… It’s okay.” He blinked, trying to hide the uncertainty in his eyes.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Jungkook said firmly, his voice gentle but unwavering. “Just stay with me. I brought you here, and you’ll stay here—right by my side. Understand?” He smiled softly, reaching out to ruffle Taehyung’s hair.

“Mr. Pouty Baby, your Jeoni is more than enough to take care of you,” Soobin teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“I know,” Taehyung replied with a shy smile, but then hesitated. “But…”

“No buts!” Rose jumped in, playfully winking at him. “Everything’s going to be fine. By the way, do you love him?”

Taehyung’s cheeks flushed pink as he lowered his gaze, too shy to respond.

“Aww, look at him blush!” Rose pressed, not letting him off the hook. “Come on, tell us—do you love him?”

“Yes…” Taehyung finally giggled, before quickly turning to run away, embarrassed. But Jungkook was faster. He caught Taehyung by the wrist, spinning him back into his arms.

“Really?” Jungkook asked, his smile wide and filled with joy.

Too flustered to answer, Taehyung buried his face in Jungkook’s chest, hiding from the world. “Aish…” Jungkook chuckled softly, pulling him even closer and wrapping him in a tight hug. “You’re mine, Tae, and nothing’s going to change that.”

***********

"I like that boy... He’s so innocent," Hobi began thoughtfully. "I asked him to stay away from Jungkook, and he agreed immediately. He didn’t go near Jungkook until Jungkook called him first."

"Hmm…" Yoongi hummed in response, deep in thought.

"Hyung," Hoseok continued, leaning into Yoongi’s chest. "Tae is good for Kooki. He loves him for who he is, not for his money. We’ve looked at so many proposals for Jungkook, and everyone said yes because of who he is. But Tae… Tae doesn’t care about any of that. He doesn’t even know the real Jungkook. He just loves the person who saved him from that home."

Yoongi sighed. "What are you trying to say? You heard what Jungkook said… He’s already made his decision. Whatever happens, I’ll support my son."

"And," Hoseok added cautiously, "we need to send Jimin abroad. He’s always dreamed of studying in Paris."

Yoongi’s expression softened as he asked, "Do you ever feel like I’m just his stepfather?"

"No, hyung, you’ve never made us feel that way," Hoseok quickly reassured. "But I don’t want anyone hurting my Jimin. Today they said something hurtful to him. What if tomorrow it gets worse? I can’t stand the thought of my child being hurt because of anyone. He doesn’t need anything from the Jeons. Let him grow on his own."

"Hobi, Jimin has equal rights just like Jungkook…" Yoongi tried to reason.

"No," Hoseok said firmly. "He doesn’t need anything from them. I don’t want anyone blaming him for anything. I trust my son. He’ll be able to stand on his own feet. Please, talk to him. If he’s willing, send him abroad to chase his dreams."

Yoongi nodded, gently running his fingers through Hobi’s hair. "I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, we’ll do what’s best for Jimin."

***********

"Boss, there’s good news…" the man announced, his voice trembling with urgency.

"What is it?" Namjoon asked, narrowing his eyes as he looked up.

"We’ve received new information about your son," the man revealed, his words laced with caution.

Namjoon shot up from his seat, his heart racing. "What did you just say?"

"The boy… he’s still alive. I mean, on that day… he didn’t die."

Namjoon’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Where is my son?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.

"He’s in Korea, sir."

"Arrange everything immediately. I’m flying out today!" Namjoon barked out the order, already moving swiftly toward Jin’s room, determination set in every step.