"Hold up. You're telling us that you've given this man a second chance? This same man who abused you for 14 years of your life.? This man who caused you to believe that you were a monster who killed your mother? This same man who led you to run away from home at the age of 14? The same man?" Taehyung cried, staring at the younger in disbelief as Jungkook looked down at his hands, nervously playing with his fingers.

"You're too kind for your own good, Kook-ah," Jimin smiled fondly at the younger.

"We're not mad at you, Kook-ah," Namjoon comforted, "Just worried."

"We're surprised. We didn't expect you to forgive him after the way he treated you. You didn't deserve that kind of treatment and that man doesn't deserve your forgiveness," Hoseok said as he took a sip of his sprite.

"Kook-ah, if the man insults you again or does anything to make you feel uncomfortable, promise us that you will walk away. No more chances," Yoongi replied, firmly.

"I promise, hyung."

"Good," Jin smiled, ruffling the younger's hair.

"Jungkook-ah, remember not to reveal our secrets to him. Don't tell him that you're a part of a werewolf pack or anything of that sort, got it? Don't tell him where we live," Namjoon warned and Jungkook nodded.

"I'll be careful, hyung and I won't tell him anything about us," Jungkook promised as he leaned against Namjoon who pulled the younger into a side hug.

"Good pup."

"Although I should insist that one of us be there with Jungkook whenever his father is around. Just to ensure that his father won't hurt him, you know?" Jin said and the others nodded in agreement.

Jungkook smiled wide.

He couldn't believe how things were going. Everything was finally falling into place.

Or was it?

14 March, 2023