Author's POV
Jungkook was released from the hospital with his twins. He was advised to avoid work for a while due to his weakened condition, so he was at home with Jin and the children. Yugyeom and the others were managing the cafe, and Jin was caring for Jungkook.
Hoseok was at Hope World, their company, preparing for an upcoming party, the 5th-anniversary celebration of their partnership with August D Corp (Yoongi's company). Jungkook didn't know Yoongi and Jimin would be returning for a two-week visit to see him and the children; Hoseok, Yoongi, and Jimin planned a surprise.
Now, let's see what's happening with Jungkook.
Jungkook's POV
"Jin-hyung," I called. "Hmm? What is it, Kookie? Are you alright?" he asked, holding a spatula as he cooked.
"I'm fine, hyung. I just wanted to know when Hobi will be home? I can't reach him."
"Oh, I think he'll be home tonight, though late. Just rest," he said. "Okay, thanks, hyung." He nodded and returned to the kitchen.
I'm worried, he hasn't been home for three days, and the kids miss him. What if he's sick? What if—
My thoughts were interrupted by a ringing phone. I answered without checking the caller ID.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jungkook:
Hello?
???:
Kookie!
Jungkook:
Irene?
Irene:
Yeah, it's me. Hoseok told me you're home. Congratulations, Kookie! I just wanted to know how you're doing and… uh… I also wanted to talk.
Jungkook:
Thank you, Irene. I'm still a bit weak, but I'm fine. Are you alright? You can come here if you want to talk. I'll send you the address.
Irene:
Okay, see you, bye.
Jungkook:
Bye.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wonder what's wrong. Did she fight with Taehyung? I thought, sending her the address.
After putting Jiwon and Junseok to bed (after feeding them), I checked on Taeyang and Taegguk, who were also asleep.
I went downstairs to the kitchen, where Jin-hyung was making pasta.
"Jin-hyung, Irene is coming. Is there extra food?" "Irene? That's good; she'll keep you company for a couple of hours. I made enough pasta for the three of us and the kids."
"I see. By the way, are you going somewhere?" "Yeah, I'm going to the grocery store; we're running low on food, and I need to pick up a few things."
"Ah, okay. Is the food ready?" I asked, feeling hungry and needing energy after feeding the babies.
Thirty minutes later~~~
Jin-hyung had gone to the store, and I was relaxing on the sofa. I was about to start a movie when the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to see Irene. "Hi, Kookie!" she greeted, hugging me—a gentle hug.
"I brought you some fruit." "Thank you, Irene. Come in." She sat on the sofa while I went to the kitchen for a bowl and knife.
"So, how are you feeling, Kookie? Still sore?" she asked, taking an apple. "Yeah, but just a little. It's hard giving birth to twins," I said, and she nodded.
"Where are your children?" "Oh, they're upstairs, asleep," I chuckled.
"Aww, too bad. I want to see your babies~~" "Oh, I have pictures of them; wait," I said, and she clapped her hands excitedly.
"Aww~~ they're so cute. What are their names?"
"The one on the right is Jiwon, and the other is Junseok."
"They're both boys, right?"
"Yeah, so my Taeyang is still the princess." I said, and we giggled, imagining her protectiveness over her baby brothers.
We chatted and ate pasta until I noticed her sadness.
"What's wrong? Are you okay, Irene?" I asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Kookie, do you and Hoseok fight a lot?"
"Well, we do sometimes. Why? Did you have an argument with Taehyung?"
"Yeah, we… we fought a few days ago. You know, the day we had dinner."
"Oh, what happened?"
"Well, when we got home, he seemed angry, but I didn't know why. When I asked, he said it was nothing, but I could see how upset he was. When I asked a third time, he exploded and yelled at me. He said it was none of my business and told me not to ask him anything. After that, he went out. The following days, he only came home in the morning to shower and change clothes, then left again. I only know he stays at the company because his assistant told me."
"What? Why would he say it's none of your business? You're engaged. You're soon to be his wife, so why would he say that?"
"Jungkook, we… we're only in an arranged marriage."
"What? Why? I mean, for how long?"
"Almost two years. Our parents decided to marry us to save both our companies. Both our families' businesses were struggling, so they planned to merge. To maintain stability, we had to get married. Taehyung agreed, but until now, he hasn't wanted to marry me, he just wanted to be engaged. At first, we didn't have any feelings for each other, but over time, I developed feelings for him, but he… he didn't. I don't know what happened in his past, all I know is that he loved someone before, and that person loved him back, but he left them, because of his father's orders. His mother told me that, but nothing more. I felt bad for that person, I always wanted to meet them. I know Taehyung is bisexual, so it's possible he loved a man before."
When Irene mentioned this, I knew it was me. I tensed but composed myself, not wanting to be affected by the past.
"Actually, the other day… I went to his room while cleaning. I found a picture frame face down. There was a note on the back that said, 'This day is the best day of my life. He said yes! I'm so lucky to have him with me.' I was confused at first, but I realized it must be about his past lover, his ex-fiancé."
I felt nervous and guilty. The thought that I was the reason for their fight ached my heart. I didn't want to hurt anyone, yet I had hurt my friend. The picture Irene mentioned was the one we took when Taehyung proposed on the beach. Remembering it only brought pain.
"Kookie? Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh, I—I'm fine. Sorry, I spaced out."
"It's okay, Kookie." She smiled, and I returned the smile. Silence fell between us until she spoke.
"Uhm, Kookie? Can I ask you something? I'm sorry if I'm wrong, but I was curious…" She looked directly at me, and I froze. I knew what she was about to ask, and I desperately wished it wasn't what I expected.
But… I guess today is one of my bad days, because her next question brought back painful memories I'd long forgotten.
"Were you his fiancé before?"