“The brightness of my day doesn't depend on the amount of sunshine. Everything depends on your smile.”

Chapter 16: Jungkook

Chief Chong strode into the dimly lit cell where Jungkook sat motionless, his posture stiff with quiet defiance. The officer’s heavy boots echoed against the cold concrete floor as he approached. Without a preamble, Chong unlocked the thick iron bars, his expression unreadable as he stepped inside.

“Stand up,” Chong ordered gruffly, pulling out a set of keys to unlock the handcuffs biting into Jungkook’s wrists.

Jungkook stood, his movements slow and deliberate, his face void of emotion.

“There’s a van waiting outside for the five of you,” Chong stated flatly, the authority in his tone unmistakable. “Get in. It’ll take you to Mr. J’s mansion.”

Jungkook gave a single, sharp nod, his face a perfect mask of indifference. He stepped out of the cell without a word, the four others trailing behind him like shadows.

The group emerged into the crisp night air. The prison gates loomed behind them, cold and unwelcoming, but before them was a sleek black van. Its tinted windows reflected the dim glow of the streetlights. Beside the vehicle stood a guard in a tailored black suit, his tie perfectly knotted, dark sunglasses concealing his eyes even in the darkness.

“Please, step inside, Master,” the guard said formally, his voice devoid of warmth as he opened the van door.

Jungkook’s eyes flickered with irritation at the title, but he said nothing, climbing into the van.

“Hey, yow! I’m Jimin—your soon-to-be master too,” Jimin chirped, a mischievous grin lighting up his face as he slid in after Jungkook.

“Don’t mind him,” Hoseok chimed in, flashing a playful wink. “You can call me Daddy.”

The guard remained stoic, his expression as unreadable as stone.

“Colder than Suga-hyung,” Namjoon muttered as he climbed in, his eyes darting briefly toward the silent Yoongi, who followed last.

The door shut with a firm click, and the guard swiftly moved to the driver’s seat. The van roared to life, pulling smoothly onto the empty road.

“This ride is so boring,” Hoseok groaned, leaning his head back against the seat. “Yoongi-hyung would be better at driving than this guy.”

“Be grateful Namjoon-hyung isn’t driving,” Jimin quipped, his grin widening. “We’d all be dead by now.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes but said nothing, opting instead to gaze out the window, his thoughts elsewhere.

The drive was uneventful, the silence broken only by the occasional quip from Jimin or the faint hum of the van’s engine. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at their destination.

The mansion loomed before them, its grandeur illuminated by soft exterior lighting. The architecture was imposing yet elegant, a stark reminder of wealth and power.

The guard exited first, moving with military precision as he opened the van door.

“Master, he’s waiting for you inside,” the guard announced.

Jungkook stepped out, his eyes narrowing as he took in the familiar sight of the mansion. His jaw clenched as a flood of memories surged through him—memories he would rather forget.

“Master,” the guard repeated, his tone insistent.

Jungkook gave a curt hum of acknowledgment before striding toward the grand entrance, his movements brisk and purposeful. The others followed, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone driveway.

Inside, the mansion was as opulent as ever. The grand chandelier overhead cast a warm glow across the marble floors, and the scent of freshly polished wood lingered in the air.

A tall man with sharp features and an air of authority stepped forward, a smile breaking across his face.

“My son, you’re here. I’ve been waiting for you,” Mr. J greeted warmly, his arms opening slightly as if to embrace Jungkook.

“Don’t,” Jungkook snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut. “Don’t you dare hug me.”

Mr. J’s expression faltered, but before he could respond, a soft voice interrupted.

“Jungkook, show some respect to your father,” Mrs. Sun-young said, her tone firm yet gentle.

Jungkook turned to her, his eyes cold. “You don’t get to tell me what to do,” he said icily. “You’re not my mother.”

The tension in the room was palpable, but Jimin broke it with a light smack to the back of Jungkook’s head.

“Sorry about him,” Jimin said with a sheepish grin. “He’s just sulking—love problems, you know.”

Mrs. Sun-young’s lips curved into a small smile. “It’s alright. You must all be hungry. I’ve prepared dinner for you.”

Jimin’s eyes lit up. “Finally! My stomach’s been sulking too,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“This way,” Mrs. Sun-young said, leading them toward the dining room.

As the group followed, Jungkook lingered behind, his gaze fixed on the woman’s retreating figure. She's not a villainous stepmother but rather a sweet and kind woman who just wants to become a mother figure for Jungkook.

“She’s trying to be a mother to you,” Mr. J said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.

Jungkook didn’t look at him. “I’m only here because I promised you I would be. Once I’m done, I’m leaving.”

“This is your home,” Mr. J said, his voice firm despite the sorrow in his eyes. “It’s always open to you.”

Jungkook said nothing. He turned and headed upstairs, his steps heavy with unspoken anger. Behind him, Mr. J wiped away a tear, unwilling to show weakness in front of his son.

---

Meanwhile, in a sleek, modern office, Hanyeol slammed her desk in frustration.

“What do you mean they’re free?!” she demanded, her voice sharp.

“The police confirmed it, ma’am. Their bail was paid—two million for each of them,” her assistant explained hesitantly.

“That’s impossible!” Hanyeol snapped. “Where would they get that kind of money?”

“It seems they have powerful connections,” the assistant replied cautiously.

“Connections? He’s a criminal! A nobody!” Hanyeol growled. “Dig deeper. I want to know everything about Jeon Jungkook.”

“We already checked, ma’am. His records are completely sealed.”

“This is insane,” Hanyeol muttered, her mind racing.

---

Back at the mansion, Taehyung sat at his desk, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had overheard the news and felt a wave of relief. Jungkook was safe.

Sitting at his desk, he pulled a letter from a drawer. He had written it for Jungkook long ago but never had the chance to deliver it.

“What’s that?” Jin asked as he entered, carrying a tray of dinner.

“Nothing, hyung,” Taehyung replied, quickly tucking the letter into a notebook.

“Don’t lie to me. I’ve known you too long for that,” Jin said with a knowing smile, setting the tray down.

Taehyung sighed. “It’s a letter… for Jungkook. But I don’t know where he is. It’s pointless.”

Jin’s eyes softened. “I can help. I’ll make sure he gets it.”

“Really?” Taehyung’s eyes widened. “But you don’t even know him.”

“Trust me, hyung’s got this,” Jin assured with a wink.

“Thank you, hyung,” Taehyung whispered, hugging him tightly.

“Get some rest. We have an early flight tomorrow,” Jin said, patting Taehyung’s back.

With a grateful smile, Taehyung handed the letter to Jin, his heart lighter for the first time in days.