Chapter 3

As the plane took off from Seoul's bustling airport, Jungkook gazed out the window, watching the cityscape give way to rolling hills and valleys. The flight was short , almost two hours, but it felt like an eternity.

Five years had passed since he last set foot in Cheongsong village.

As the plane touched down, Jungkook collected his belongings and made his way to the arrivals gate. That's when he saw Mr.Lee , Butler of Kims, standing there, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Jungkook.

A smile formed on Mr.Lee's lips as he bowed slightly.

"Young master, it's been a long time" Mr. Lee said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

Jungkook nodded, looking at the old man.

"Yes,Uncle Lee... It's good to see you again." Jungkook said and lee nodded, smiling.

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As the car moved through the road, silence enveloped them as his gaze fell on the lush green forests stretched towards the sky.

The village itself is charming, with traditional Korean houses and tile roofed cottages nestled among the trees. It is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life.

Jungkook felt his heart swell with longing, the memories of his time here with Taehyung.

He wanted to ask the Buttler about Taehyung.

How is he?

Is he happy?

Does he laugh like he used to?

Does he -

Stop it kook...you are not here to see him....You are here to convince uncle kim.....yeah!

he let the silence between them fill the car, lost in a sea of thoughts.

The trees and houses blurred together as they approached the Kim mansion.

Jungkook stepped out of the car. His heart skipped a beat as his gaze landed on the familiar building. It had been five long years since he last set foot on these grounds.

As Jungkook stepped out of the car, he was greeted by the warm smiles of kim Jae-hwan and kim Yoona, who stood waiting alongside a handful of maids. Jiwon, standing beside them, bowed respectfully, and Jungkook reciprocated the gesture.

As he straightened, his eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for a glimpse of that one person. But he was nowhere to be found. A pang of disappointment settled in the pit of his stomach.

He had hoped, irrationally perhaps, that Taehyung would be here, waiting for him. He was a fool to think that way.

" Jungkook!..son it's so great to see you!..." Yoona exclaimed, hugging Jungkook.

"Welcome home , Jungkook.. we're so happy you're here" Jae-hwan said , smiling.

" It's good to be back, uncle" Jungkook said with a smile.

"come, let's go inside " Yoona said , grabbing his hand, leading him towards the entrance of the mansion.

As Jungkook trailed behind Yoona and Jae-hwan, his eyes continued to scan the interior of the mansion, his gaze drifting from the lavish chandeliers to the artwork adorning the walls.

Despite his best efforts to focus on the conversation around him, his mind remained fixated on one person - Taehyung.

He couldn't help but hold onto the futile hope that Taehyung would suddenly appear.

As they entered the living room, Jungkook's eyes swept the area once more, only to be met with disappointment. Taehyung was nowhere to be found.

"Jungkook-ah ,how have you been?" Yoona asked, as they sat down in the couch.

" I've been good... just busy with work " He said, looking at them.

" we've missed you so much" She said, holding his hand.

"Me too" He said, trying to smile.

Jaehwan's gaze swept over Jungkook's physique, his eyes lingering on the broad shoulders, the chiseled features, and the toned muscles that had developed over the years.

"You've grown into a fine young man, Jungkook. You look...strong, capable." His voice was laced with a sense of approval, and his eyes seemed to bore into Jungkook's very being.

Jungkook's lips curved into a polite smile as he acknowledged Jaehwan's compliment.

Just as he was about to respond, a faint noise drifted from the hallway. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as his head instinctively turned towards the sound.

Could it be...?

but it was just one of the maids, carrying a tray of drinks.

"So, Tell us about you, Jungkook-ah... it's been 5 years...Do you have a girlfriend,now?" Yoona asked, looking at Jungkook fondly.

His face went hot, and he looked away..... that's when his gaze fell on him... Taehyung. Standing in the doorway, watching him with an unreadable expression.

As their eyes locked, Jungkook's heart skipped a beat. He felt like he was sinking into the depths of those piercing eyes. But beneath the intense gaze, he sensed something else... a flicker of emotion that didn't quite add up. Was it anger? ....Hatred?... Or ..... fear?

It must be hatred....

Jungkook thought, his eyes fixed on the other's piercing gaze. He felt a familiar sting, but this time, he was determined not to let it get to him.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his expression cold as he looked at the younger. He wanted to look away, to show Taehyung that he didn't care about him or his hatred anymore. But something about the other's gaze held him captive, refusing to let him look away.

"Jungkook?" yoona called out.

"Oh, yeah! ...I actually do have a girlfriend." Jungkook said, trying to sound casual despite his racing heart.

Why did you lie, kook? ...

Because I wanted to show him that I'm over him ....that I've moved on with my life?...yeah, that's it.

Jungkook's thoughts swirled, his heart pounding in his chest as he gazed at Taehyung. The other's face remained impassive, his eyes fixed on Jungkook.

Taehyung didn't even blink!.

"Really?!..who is she?" Jaehwan asked with a happy smile.

Jungkook's mind went blank as he scrambled to come up with a name.

"Uh...her name is...Han Sohee," he stammered finally, hoping to sound convincing.

Yoona's face lit up with a bright smile. "Aww, we can't wait to meet her!"

But Jungkook's gaze remained fixed on Taehyung, his heart sinking at the other's impassive expression. For a moment, Taehyung seemed like a stranger, a ghost devoid of emotions.

Then, without a word, the younger turned and vanished from the doorway, leaving Jungkook with a sense of unease.

He felt a pang of regret.

"Your parents must be proud of you Jungkook. You're everything a parent could asked for in a son....I wish I had a son like you" Jaehwan said, placing his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. His brows furrowed, hearing that.

What did he mean?

Are they not proud of Taehyung?

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