"No matter where I went, I always knew my way back to you. You are my compass star.”

Chapter 24: Apologize

Jungkook had to head to work despite not feeling well. As he left Taehyung behind in the cabin, he couldn't help but wonder if Taehyung would decide to leave later.

In his office, Jungkook was busy with his work when, unexpectedly, Tansuk entered without knocking.

“What are you doing here?” Jungkook asked, his voice stern and his expression cold.

“I’m here to talk to you,” Tansuk replied, standing firm in front of Jungkook.

“I didn’t schedule a meeting with you, so you can leave,” Jungkook said, pointing toward the door, trying to dismiss him.

Tansuk ignored the dismissal and stepped forward. “I’m not here to talk business. I’m here because I need to know—where’s my son?”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Why are you asking me? You’re his father. Why don’t you know?”

Tansuk’s face twisted with concern. “He didn’t come home last night. I’m worried about him, and I thought you might know where he is.”

Jungkook scoffed. “Worried? That’s hard to believe coming from you.”

“I know, but please. Can you tell me where he is? I have something important to say to him.”

Jungkook shook his head, his focus returning to his computer screen. “Find him yourself. It’s your responsibility, not mine.”

Tansuk hesitated before asking in a quieter voice, “Can you at least take care of him?”

Jungkook finally looked up at him, his face unreadable.

Tansuk continued, his voice filled with emotion. “I know you love him more than anyone else around him. He’s a good boy, but fragile. Please, don’t hurt him. He’s been through so much already. He deserves happiness. Spoil him with love, Jungkook. He loves you—I knew it all along.”

With a shaky breath, Tansuk placed a letter on Jungkook’s desk before walking away, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Jungkook glanced at the letter—Taehyung had responded to him. It was something Taehyung had written, hidden from him until now.

"Take care of him," Tansuk’s words echoed in Jungkook’s mind as he left the office.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was still in the cabin, eating a meal. He was in no rush to leave. But then, a knock on the door interrupted his quiet moment. Puzzled, he stood up and opened it, surprised to find his father standing in front of him.

“Appa, what are you doing here?” Taehyung asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Before Taehyung could process what was happening, Tansuk knelt before him.

“I’m here to apologize. I’m sorry I didn’t take care of you the way a father should. I became blinded by money, and I failed you. I should have known what you were going through. You shouldn’t have had to endure that. I didn’t give you the love you needed. I failed you as a father. I’m so sorry.” Tears streamed down Tansuk’s face as he spoke, something Taehyung had never seen before.

“Appa…” Taehyung’s voice cracked, tears threatening to spill from his eyes as well.

“You don’t have to forgive me. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I know I don’t deserve it. I only don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Tansuk continued, his voice breaking.

Taehyung could barely hold himself together. “I-I can’t forgive you yet, Appa. I’m not ready. You ruined my life. You forced me into a marriage with someone I didn’t love. You never listened to me when I was suffering.” His words were sharp, filled with pain.

Tansuk listened intently, his heart aching as he heard the raw emotion in his son’s voice.

“Mom and you didn’t believe me when I told you about Yohan’s abuse. I can’t forget that, Appa. I lived in hell with you both. Parents should protect their children, but you and Mom, you put me in danger. I can’t forgive you so easily, even if you apologize. Every time I see you and Mom, all I remember is the pain. It hurts, Appa. It really does.”

Tansuk stood up slowly, tears still falling down his cheeks, but he managed to smile through the pain.

“I’m sorry, son. Don’t worry. From now on, you’re free. You can do whatever you want. You’re of age now, so please, live your life the way you want. You deserve happiness. And I’ll let you love Jungkook, I know you two are perfect for each other. If you’re ever going to marry him, invite me. I want to see you smiling on the happiest day of your life.”

With that, Tansuk turned and left, leaving Taehyung standing there, staring at his father’s retreating back.

Outside, Jungkook was sitting in his car, watching Tansuk leave the cabin. His driver spoke up, breaking the silence.

“Sir, I heard Tansuk is filing for a divorce from his wife.”

“Where is his wife?” Jungkook asked, his voice cold.

“Fortunately, she’s not around right now, but I’m still looking into her. She might be planning something.”

Jungkook nodded. “Good. Let’s go.”

Back at Taehyung’s company, stress and frustration weighed heavily on him. As he sat in his office, trying to make sense of the mess, Gypseon barged in with alarming news.

“Mr. Kim, we’ve been scammed!” Gypseon exclaimed, his voice panicked.

“What?!” Taehyung grumbled, not expecting such a blow.

“Our company gave away 90% of its shares to a Somali company. We’re in serious trouble. What are we going to do now?” Gypseon continued, his worry palpable.

Taehyung tugged at his hair in frustration, the weight of the situation sinking in.

“The only option we have is to collaborate with the Jeons. That’s the only way out of this,” Dohan suggested.

“He’s right, Mr. Kim. We need to work with them, and we’ll also need to pay our employees and staff,” Gypseon added.

Taehyung sighed, knowing they were right. He had no choice but to swallow his pride.

“Okay. I’ll do it,” Taehyung agreed, leaving his company behind.

Jin drove him to Jeon’s company. Taehyung knew this was a difficult moment—he would have to swallow his pride for the sake of his employees and his company’s future.

As he walked into Jeon’s office, he saw Jungkook sitting behind his desk, swiveling in his chair.

“Jungkook, please. We need your help. Our company was scammed. You’re the only one who can save us,” Taehyung pleaded, trying to remain calm.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. “Why should I help you?”

Taehyung’s desperation grew. “Please, we’re in serious trouble. You’re the only one who can help us.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “And so? It’s not my problem.”

“I-I’ll do anything,” Taehyung said, swallowing his pride. “Just please, collaborate with us. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Jungkook stood up and walked toward Taehyung, a playful grin creeping onto his face.

“Anything? Are you sure about that? What if I tell you to strip right now, bend over my desk, and beg me for help? Will you do that?” Jungkook teased.

Taehyung flushed with embarrassment, his voice faltering. “C-Can you be professional? You’re being a pervert.”

Jungkook smirked. “You said you’d do anything, didn’t you?”

Taehyung groaned in frustration, turning to leave. But before he could, Jungkook wrapped his arms around him from behind, holding him in place.

“I’m serious, Taehyung. My desk is perfect for you to bend over and beg for my help,” Jungkook whispered in his ear, his tone playful yet firm.

Taehyung huffed, trying to free himself. “Fine! I’ll agree, but you have to help us. You can’t back out now.”

Jungkook grinned. “Of course, but remember, you promised to do whatever I say.”

Taehyung reluctantly nodded, realizing that Jungkook held the key to his company’s survival—and perhaps to his own happiness as well.