Jeon Mansion - Breakfast Table

Jungkook sat at the large dining table, his hands absentmindedly playing with his idle as he tried to focus on the food in front of him.

Across from him, Aiden was enthusiastically stuffing his face, chatting animatedly with Mrs. Jeon, who looked beyond pleased to have him back in their home.

Mr. Jeon, however, sat at the head of the table, reading the newspaper with his usual strict demeanor.

"Jungkook," his deep voice cut through the lively chatter, making the younger freeze mid-bite. "I hope you're not forgetting your responsibilities just because your childhood friend has returned."

Jungkook let out a sigh, already knowing where this was going. "I'm not, Appa."

"You're getting married, and yet, you continue acting like a reckless child." He barely looked up from his newspaper. "I heard screaming from your room this morning. What kind of behavior is that?"

Jungkook sighed. "It was Aiden, Appa. He almost gave me a heart attack."

Mr. Jeon hummed, clearly unconvinced. "You have an image to maintain. Your engagement has already stirred enough gossip."

Aiden, unfazed, grinned at Mr. Jeon. "It was a reunion, Mr. Jeon! Pure, wholesome emotions at play."

Mr. Jeon finally looked up, raising a brow. "Wholesome?"

Aiden, never one to stay quiet, leaned forward with a smirk. "Ah, Mr. Jeon, don't be too hard on our Bunny. He's practically a saint, handling everything."

Jungkook choked on his Tea, while Mrs. Jeon giggled. "Don't be so harsh on them, dear. Aiden just got back, and Jungkook has been stressed enough lately."

Aiden winked. "Of course, Omma Jeon. Someone has to keep Kook in check."

Jungkook groaned. "Just eat your food and shut up."

As they ate, Aiden nudged Jungkook. "Alright, spill. What's the deal with your engagement? And why do you look like you haven't slept in days?"

Jungkook hesitated, stabbing his food. "Like I said... it's complicated."

Mrs. Jeon's warm gaze settled on him. "Jungkook, dear, you know you can talk to us."

Jungkook smiled faintly. He knew that. But some things, even family couldn't fix.

---

Kim Mansion - Morning

Meanwhile, in the Kim mansion, Taehyung was comfortably wrapped in blankets, lost in deep slumber. That is, until an annoying voice shattered his peaceful morning.

"WAKE UP, YOU LAZY ASS!"

Taehyung groaned, burying his face deeper into his pillow. "Go away, Hobi..."

Hoseok, however, had no mercy. "Kim Taehyung, if you don't wake up right now, I swear I'm pouring water on you!"

"Try it and die," Taehyung mumbled, tightening his grip on the blanket.

Hoseok smirked. "Fine, your choice."

Before Taehyung could react, a cold splash of water hit his face.

"WHAT THE FU-" Taehyung bolted up, glaring daggers at his best friend. "Jung Hoseok, you're dead."

Hoseok cackled. "Rise and shine, King Kim. Your mother's waiting for you downstairs."

Still grumbling, Taehyung dragged himself out of bed and got ready. When they finally made their way to the dining table, his mother, Jin, was already setting up breakfast. Namjoon sat at the head of the table, reading something on his tablet, looking every bit the composed family man he was.

"Good morning, Taehyungie," Jin greeted with a soft smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Taehyung groaned. "I was, until Hobi decided to drown me."

Jin chuckled. "Hobi, sweetheart, did you really?"

Hoseok grinned. "He wouldn't wake up otherwise, Omma Jin."

Namjoon shook his head. "You two are like children."
--------

The atmosphere in the Kim dining hall was warm and lively. Jin, ever the doting mother figure, kept piling food onto their plates, while Namjoon sipped his coffee, watching the chaos unfold with an amused smile.

"You're going to make them explode, Jinnie," Namjoon teased as Jin placed yet another serving of pancakes in front of Taehyung.

"Hush, Joonie. They need to eat properly."

Taehyung, happily chewing on his food, gave a thumbs-up. "Amma's right. We must appreciate good food."

Just then, Jimin walked in, dramatically sighing as he plopped down next to Taehyung. "Ugh, I'm so bored."

Teahuyung raised an eyebrow. "Where's Yoongi-hyung?"

"Home," Jimin pouted. "And now I have no one to annoy-I mean, spend time with."

Taehyung smirked. "So, you decided to come annoy us instead?"

Jimin scoffed. "Of course."

But then, his gaze landed on Taehyung and Hoseok, and something in his expression shifted.

He knew Jungkook was struggling, knew how complicated everything was, and seeing Taehyung being so carefree with Hoseok only made him sigh internally.

He didn't say anything, though. Instead, he forced a smile and reached for some toast. "Fine. If I'm going to third-wheel, at least let me eat in peace."

Jin chuckled, passing him a plate. "Eat up, Jiminie."

As they continued eating, casual chatter filled the room, and for a moment, everything felt lighthearted. But Jimin couldn't shake the nagging thought in his mind.

Jungkook was suffering.

And he didn't know how much longer the younger could take it.
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