Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jungkook wasn’t snooping.
He’d just been organizing the boxes stacked in the corner of their shared studio room, clearing space for the baby books and photo albums Jin kept meaning to arrange. Their little one was down for a nap, and Jin had been in the kitchen making his famous kimchi jjigae. It was a quiet, domestic afternoon—until Jungkook opened a small, dusty box.

Inside, tucked between an old scarf and some faded ticket stubs, was a polaroid.
Jin. Younger, cheeks rounder, hair a shade lighter, his smile wide in that effortless way that always made Jungkook’s chest tighten. But the person standing beside him… Jungkook recognized him instantly.

Kidoh.
Jin Hyosang.

Jungkook had heard the name before, in passing, and seen him once or twice in old BTS pre-debut stories. But that wasn’t what made his stomach sink—it was the look on Jin’s face in that photo.
He wasn’t just smiling. He looked in love.

Jungkook’s fingers tightened around the picture. He hated how the image dug up things he thought he’d buried—quiet, irrational insecurities he didn’t even want to admit he still had after all these years.
Five years married. Seven years together.
And yet, here he was, staring at a frozen moment of a man Jin had once loved deeply, a man who had been part of a past Jungkook could never touch.

He didn’t hear Jin enter the room until a gentle voice broke the silence.
“Jungkook-ah?”

Jungkook turned, polaroid still in hand.
Jin’s eyes flickered to it, and for a moment, his expression shifted—soft recognition, then something unreadable. He didn’t snatch it away, didn’t rush to explain. He just walked closer, wiping his hands on a dish towel.

“You found that.” It wasn’t a question.

Jungkook swallowed. “Yeah.” His voice was low, tight. “I didn’t… I wasn’t looking for it. I was just—”
“I know,” Jin said softly. “It’s okay.”

Jungkook wanted to say it didn’t bother him, but the truth was tangled in his chest. “I know it’s the past, hyung. I know you’re here with me. But… I also know how much you loved him. I’ve only ever loved you like this. And sometimes… I wonder if—”

“Stop.” Jin’s voice was firm, but his eyes were warm as he reached out and took Jungkook’s hand—the one holding the photo. Carefully, he set it aside on the desk. Then, he cupped Jungkook’s jaw, forcing him to meet his gaze.

“Hyosang was part of my life, yes,” Jin said. “I cared for him. But he’s not my present, and he’s not my future. You are. Jungkook-ah… you’re my only love in the way that matters. The only one I married. The only one I’ve built a family with. The only one who gets my whole heart every day.”

Jungkook’s throat tightened, eyes prickling. “I just… I can’t stand the thought of someone having had you like that before me.”

Jin smiled faintly, brushing his thumb along Jungkook’s cheek. “That’s the thing—you have me now in a way no one else ever did. And no one else ever will.”

The tension in Jungkook’s chest eased, replaced by a quiet warmth. He pulled Jin close, burying his face in his shoulder. Jin’s arms wrapped around him instantly, strong and certain, as if to anchor him there.

Outside, the smell of simmering kimchi jjigae drifted in from the kitchen. Inside, Jungkook let himself breathe, holding onto the man who had chosen him—then, now, always.

Jungkook didn’t mean to keep thinking about it.
He’d set the polaroid back in the box, and even kissed Jin’s cheek before following him into the kitchen for dinner. But the image lingered, stubborn and unshakable—Jin’s youthful grin, the way his shoulders leaned toward Hyosang, the kind of closeness you didn’t fake.

Dinner smelled amazing, as always. Jin’s kimchi jjigae was bubbling in the pot, rich and savory, the steam curling into the air. Their little one, half-asleep from their earlier nap, sat at the table in a dinosaur-print hoodie, rubbing his eyes as Jin gently coaxed him to eat a few bites of rice.

Jungkook sat across from them, chopsticks in hand, smiling when he was supposed to, laughing when Jin made a soft joke about their son’s bed hair. But his mind kept wandering.
How did Jin look at him back then?
Did he laugh the same way? Touch his arm like that? Kiss him softly in the quiet moments?

He hated himself for even thinking it, but the questions whispered in his head like a song on repeat.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Jin said suddenly, eyes flicking to him between spoonfuls of stew.

Jungkook forced a smile. “Just tired.”

Jin’s gaze lingered for a second longer, but he nodded and went back to feeding their son, his voice soft and warm. Jungkook watched them, something aching in his chest—not jealousy toward Hyosang now, but a fierce, almost childish desire to be the only one who had ever held this version of Jin. The one who made silly airplane noises with the spoon. The one who wiped sauce from the corner of someone’s mouth.

After dinner, their son toddled to his play area, happily stacking blocks while humming nonsense. Jin washed the dishes, humming to himself, and Jungkook helped dry them in silence. Every now and then, Jin’s arm brushed his, and Jungkook felt both comforted and guilty—comforted because Jin’s presence was the only thing that grounded him, guilty because he still hadn’t let go of the polaroid.

Later, when their son was in bed, Jungkook lingered in the living room, absently scrolling through his phone. He heard Jin’s footsteps approaching, slow and deliberate.

“You’ve been in your head all evening,” Jin said softly, leaning against the doorway.

Jungkook looked up, startled. “No, I—”

“Don’t say ‘I’m fine.’” Jin’s voice was gentle, but it left no room for escape. “I know you.”

Jungkook swallowed, thumb tightening on his phone. “It’s nothing important, hyung. I don’t want to ruin the night.”

Jin walked over, stopping right in front of him. His hands slipped into Jungkook’s hair, fingers curling just enough to tilt his head back until their eyes met.

“You could never ruin the night,” Jin murmured. “Not with me.”

Jungkook didn’t answer right away. His throat felt tight, his chest heavy. But Jin’s touch—warm fingers threaded in his hair, steady gaze locked on his—made it impossible to keep pretending.

“I hate it,” Jungkook admitted in a low voice. “The thought of anyone having you like that before me. I know it’s selfish. I know it’s the past. But… you’re my love, hyung. The only one I’ve ever loved like this. And sometimes I…” His voice faltered. “…I wonder if you ever loved someone more than me.”

Jin’s expression softened, his thumb brushing along Jungkook’s cheekbone. “No one,” he whispered, so sure it sent a shiver through Jungkook. “No one, Jungkook-ah. You are the only man I have ever loved with my whole life. The only man I have chosen, over and over, for seven years. You are my family. My forever.”

Before Jungkook could answer, Jin leaned down and kissed him.
It was slow—agonizingly so—but full of everything words couldn’t carry. Jin’s lips moved with tenderness, his breath warm, his hand sliding to cup Jungkook’s jaw. It wasn’t rushed or hungry, yet it made Jungkook’s pulse race.

Jungkook kissed him back, harder now, his hands finding Jin’s waist and pulling him close until their chests pressed together. The kiss deepened, slow turning into urgent, the kind of urgency that comes from needing to show what you feel.

They stumbled toward the bedroom, barely breaking apart, their lips brushing with every step. Jungkook’s hands roamed Jin’s back, holding him like he might vanish, while Jin’s fingers curled into the fabric of Jungkook’s shirt, tugging him closer, closer.

By the time they reached the bed, Jungkook was breathing hard—not from lust alone, but from the storm of emotions spilling over. He guided Jin down gently, climbing over him, their foreheads pressed together.

“I love you,” Jungkook whispered, voice shaking. “More than anything. More than I’ve ever loved anyone. I want you to feel it. I want you to know you’re… you’re my everything, hyung. For me and for Seol.”

Jin’s eyes shone in the dim light. “Then show me,” he murmured.

And Jungkook did.
Every touch, every kiss, every press of his hands was deliberate—slow when he wanted Jin to feel cherished, firmer when he wanted to anchor himself in the reality that this man was his. Jin responded with equal devotion, matching his pace, his soft gasps and whispered “Jungkook-ah” breaking the air like a melody only they knew.

The world outside didn’t matter. The past didn’t matter.
Here, there was only the two of them, tangled together in the quiet warmth of their home, their love spilling into every movement until there was no room for doubt.

After, Jin lay against Jungkook’s chest, their fingers loosely intertwined. Jungkook pressed a kiss to his hair, breathing in the faint scent of his shampoo. Jin smiled, his voice drowsy but certain.

“You’ll never need to wonder again,” he said softly. “It’s you. Always you.”

The room was quiet except for their breathing. The faint glow from the bedside lamp painted Jin’s bare shoulder in gold, his skin warm where it pressed against Jungkook’s chest. Jungkook’s fingers traced idle circles along Jin’s arm, not ready to let go yet.

They’d said “I love you” countless times before. Whispered it. Shouted it. Written it in texts and tucked it into casual goodbyes. But here, in the aftermath, it felt different—like the words had been carved into the air, undeniable and permanent.

Jungkook swallowed, his voice low. “Hyung… can I ask you something?”

Jin hummed in response, not lifting his head from Jungkook’s chest.

“Do you ever… think about them? The people you loved before me?” Jungkook asked. His tone wasn’t accusing—just raw, like he’d peeled back a layer he usually kept hidden.

Jin was silent for a long moment, his thumb brushing over Jungkook’s ribs. “Sometimes,” he admitted quietly. “Not in the way you think, though. I think about them the way you think about old versions of yourself. The you that existed before now. They’re… part of the path that led me here.”

Jungkook’s chest tightened. “And… was it like this? With them?”

Jin finally lifted his head to meet his gaze. His eyes were calm, steady. “No. What I felt before was real, but it wasn’t this. They were chapters, Jungkook-ah. You’re the book. You’re the story I’m still writing every day.”

Jungkook’s breath caught, his insecurities cracking under the weight of those words.

“I used to think ‘first love’ was the most important,” Jin continued. “But I was wrong. It’s the last love that matters. The one you choose to keep. That’s you, Jungkook. You’re my last, and my forever.”

Jungkook’s throat ached, but he managed a smile—small and a little shaky. “You make it sound like a promise.”

“It is,” Jin said simply. Then, softer, “It always has been.”

They lay there in silence again, but it was a different kind of quiet now—warm, like a blanket wrapped around them. Outside their bedroom, the world kept moving, but inside, Jungkook felt anchored in a way he hadn’t all day. The past was just a shadow. The present, and every day after, belonged to them.

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, warm against Jin’s cheek. He stirred first, feeling Jungkook’s arm heavy across his waist. Last night’s quiet confessions and heated touches still lingered in the air like a fragile secret, too precious to be spoken aloud yet.

A soft knock on the door broke the silence.
“Appa?” came a small voice.
Jin smiled. “Come in, Seollie.”

The door creaked open, and their son padded in with sleepy eyes and messy hair, clutching his favorite plush. He clambered onto the bed and crawled between them, pressing his tiny palms to Jungkook’s chest.
“Dad, wake up,” Seol whispered, careful not to be loud—he never was when calling them that.

Jungkook grinned, pulling him into a warm hug. “Morning, buddy.”

Soon, the kitchen was alive with the soft clinks of pans. Jin moved gracefully, making Jungkook’s favorite breakfast—eggs just the way he liked them, toast crisp but not too hard, and coffee brewed strong. Seol sat at the table swinging his legs, humming while Jungkook poured him milk.

By the time they finished, it was almost time to head to HYBE. Seol’s small hand found Jungkook’s as they walked toward the car, Jin glancing back to smile at the sight.

On the drive, the city blurred past the windows. Jungkook’s eyes flicked to the backseat, where Seol was buckled in, humming that same little tune. Seeing HYBE’s silver logo grow bigger through the windshield pulled Jungkook into a memory—one from when Seol was barely old enough to speak full sentences.

They had sat him on the living room floor, his tiny hands gripping a juice box, while Jin explained in that gentle-but-firm voice, “Seollie, HYBE is where Appa and Dad work. It’s fun there, but you can’t tell anyone about our home, okay? Not about our family.”

Seol had nodded solemnly, repeating, “Only to samchons,” and then counting carefully on his chubby fingers. “Joonie samchon, Yoongi samchon, Hobi samchon, Jimin samchon, Tae samchon.”

It amazed Jungkook how seriously he obeyed even now. In HYBE’s halls, Seol never shouted Appa or Dad until he was right beside them, voice small enough for only them to hear.

The staff who didn’t know the truth still adored him—praising his looks, his manners, his wit for a three-year-old. A few half-whispered guesses floated around that maybe Jungkook was more than just a bandmate’s friend, especially when he carried Seol into the building or held his tiny hand. But no one dared to press. Jin’s private life was a locked room, and everyone had learned to respect the door.

But BigHit’s long-time staff… they knew.

They had been there from the beginning—seen Jungkook and Jin’s relationship grow from shy glances to secret dates, from whispered confessions to marriage vows said behind closed doors. They’d witnessed the joy on Jungkook’s face when Seol was born, the way he’d hovered over Jin in the hospital, and the quiet pride he carried whenever someone called Seol his son.

When they arrived, Seol bowed politely to each greeting, chirping, “Good morning!” before skipping toward the lounge. And Jin and Jungkook walked toward the practice room, Jin’s hand brushed Jungkook’s.
It was subtle—hidden from anyone who wasn’t paying close attention—but then his fingers slid between Jungkook’s, warm and sure.

Jungkook glanced at him, and Jin’s expression didn’t change. He was still scanning the hallway, greeting people with a polite nod, as if holding Jungkook’s hand in a public space was the most natural thing in the world.

And maybe, Jungkook thought, it was.

He realized then that Jin’s love had never been just in words. It was in the years of quiet, steady actions—making his favorite breakfast, letting Seol crawl into their bed at dawn, holding his hand when no one else was supposed to see. It was in building a life with him in the shadows, not because they had to hide their love from each other, but because they wanted to protect it.

Jungkook squeezed Jin’s hand, a silent promise in return. Jin glanced at him briefly, a small smile tugging at his lips, before they both looked ahead again.

The HYBE lounge was quiet except for the soft hum of the vending machine and the faint music leaking from a distant practice room. Seol sat cross-legged on the couch, until his eyes caught a familiar figure sprawled lazily on the leather La-Z-Boy.

“Yoongi samchon!”

Yoongi’s eyes cracked open, and in an instant, he was sitting upright with open arms. “Come here, kid.”

Seol jumped down and ran straight into him, melting into his chest. Yoongi’s lips curved into that small, rare smile only a select few got to see.
“You stay here for now, alright? Until Appa and Dad and the others finish practice.”

“Yes, samchon! Appa and Dad already told me that. I will just play here and wait for all of you,” Seol said with a proud nod, his voice carrying that obedient certainty that made Yoongi’s chest warm.

Yoongi studied him for a moment. That smile… it was pure Jungkook, even in the way his cheeks lifted. But his features, his mannerisms—those were Jin through and through. A perfect blend, yet so unmistakably theirs.

Yoongi ruffled his hair before standing. “Okay, Seollie. I’ll see you in a bit.”
And just like that, he was gone, heading toward the practice room.

Thirty minutes later, Seol was still happily playing with his puzzle set when footsteps echoed through the lounge. Two HYBE staff—one woman and one man—walked in, passing through on their way to deliver some important files to BigHit’s floor.

They both recognized the boy instantly; even if they weren’t BigHit staff, Seol was hard to miss.

The woman knelt slightly, offering a friendly smile. “Hi, kid. Are you alone? Where’s your appa?”

Seol looked up, that signature Jungkook-like smile lighting his face. “He’s practicing with samchons.”

They cooed at him for a moment, charmed by his polite tone. But the male staff curiosity was eating at him. He’d heard the whispers, seen the boy around with Jin, and now… maybe this was the chance to clear his own questions.

“Seol-ssi,” he started gently, “sorry, but I’m just curious… you have two parents, right?”

Seol simply nodded, still smiling.

The man tilted his head. “But why don’t we ever see the other one? We only see you with Seokjin-ssi.”

Seol grinned, leaning back slightly like he knew something they didn’t. “You saw them.”

The two staff blinked, caught off guard. Before they could think of another question, Seol had already returned to his puzzle, humming happily.

The woman quickly ended the moment with a polite smile. “Well, we’ll see you later, Seol-ssi. Bye.”

“Bye!” he chirped without looking up, perfectly content as if nothing had happened.

After nearly two hours of grueling practice, Jin was the first to slip out of the practice room. He headed straight for the lounge, already picturing his son curled up on the couch with his puzzle pieces scattered everywhere.

Sure enough, there Seol was—legs crossed, focused, and humming softly.

Jin crouched beside him. “Were you okay here, Seollie?”

Seol looked up with a bright smile. “Yes, Appa! I was happy playing here.”

Jin’s shoulders loosened. “Good boy,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from his son’s forehead.

A minute later, the rest of the members spilled into the lounge, sweaty and out of breath. The first to reach Seol was Jungkook. Without hesitation, he bent down, kissed his forehead, and murmured, “Hey, buddy. What’s up?”

That’s when Seol’s eyes lit up like he’d remembered something important. “Oh! Dad! Samchons! Something happened earlier!”

The five uncles glanced at each other in curiosity, but Jin and Jungkook immediately stiffened at his tone.

Seol began speaking in that sing-songy, rambling way only a child could manage. “Two people came here! Not BigHit samchon or imo… they said they were from HYBE. One girl and one boy. The girl said hi to me and asked where Appa was, so I said Appa is practicing with the samchons. Then the boy asked if I have two parents, and I said yes. Then he said, ‘Why don’t we see the other one? We only see you with Appa.’”

He paused only to grab a puzzle piece before continuing brightly, “So I told them, ‘You saw them.’ And then they didn’t say anything else! They just smiled and said bye.”

Silence fell over the lounge.

Yoongi, Namjoon, Hoseok, Taehyung, and Jimin exchanged quick, loaded glances. Meanwhile, Jin and Jungkook stared at Seol, eyes wide, as if they were trying to decide whether to laugh, panic, or both.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened slightly, though he kept his voice calm. “Seollie… did you tell them who Dad is?”

Seol blinked innocently. “Nope! Just said they saw you already.”

The corners of Taehyung’s mouth twitched like he was holding back a laugh, but Jin shot him a warning look.

“Okay,” Jin said carefully, masking the edge in his voice. “Thank you for telling us, baby.” He smoothed Seol’s hair again, though his mind was already racing.

Jungkook glanced at Namjoon, who gave the slightest nod—an unspoken agreement that they were going to have to deal with this.

Jungkook glanced down at Seol, who had already gone back to his puzzle like the little incident was nothing more than a fun story. His tiny hums filled the lounge, completely unaware of the shift in atmosphere.

“Hyung,” Jungkook murmured, eyes still fixed on his son, “we should talk. Now.”

Jin nodded tightly. “Namjoon-ah, Yoongi-ah…”

The two eldest after Jin caught the cue instantly. Yoongi stepped closer, his expression unreadable, while Namjoon gave a small tilt of his head toward the hallway.

“Hyung, I’ll watch Seollie,” Hoseok piped in, already dropping to sit cross-legged beside the boy. “Come on, buddy, show me how this puzzle works.”

Seol beamed. “Okay, Hobi Samchon!”

Jimin and Taehyung quickly joined in to help distract him, creating a soft bubble of laughter around the boy.

Meanwhile, Jin, Jungkook, Namjoon, and Yoongi slipped out into the quiet corridor just beyond the lounge.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Jungkook exhaled sharply. “What if they figure it out? HYBE staff, hyung. Not just random visitors.”

Yoongi crossed his arms. “The kid didn’t say anything direct. He was smart about it.”

Namjoon, ever the strategist, frowned slightly. “Smart, yes… but they’ll still start thinking. The way you two avoid being in the same frame with Seol—it only makes people more curious.”

Jin rubbed his temple. “We’ve been careful for years. It’s always me with him in public. If they’re noticing, that means others might be, too.”

Jungkook’s voice dropped. “We can’t let this spread, hyung. Not yet.”

Yoongi gave him a pointed look. “Then you need to make sure Seol knows that some questions aren’t for strangers. Without making him feel like he’s in trouble.”

Namjoon added, “And I’ll have a quiet word with the HYBE staff lead. We can make sure it doesn’t go further.”

Jin nodded slowly, still chewing his lip. “I’ll talk to Seol tonight. Gently. I don’t want him thinking he did something wrong.”

From the lounge, a burst of Seol’s giggles echoed down the hall, momentarily softening the tightness in their chests.

Jungkook’s expression eased, but only slightly. “Let’s just get through today without anyone else asking questions.”

They exchanged one last look before heading back inside—four silent promises unspoken, but heavy in the air.

That night, their apartment was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioner.
Seol was already tucked into bed—his fortress of plushies surrounding him like a little kingdom. Jin sat at the edge of the bed, gently tucking the blanket around his son, while Jungkook crouched down beside him, resting his forearms on the mattress.

“Appa, Dad,” Seol yawned, blinking sleepily at them. “Why are you both here? Aren’t you tired?”

“We are tired,” Jungkook murmured, brushing Seol’s hair back from his forehead. “But we wanted to spend time with you before you sleep.”

Seol grinned. “I saw you a lot today, Dad!”

Jungkook’s lips curved in a soft smile. “Yeah, you did. I just missed you.”

Jin reached for Seol’s tiny hand. “Seollie… can Appa and Dad talk to you about something?”

Seol tilted his head. “Uh-oh. Did I do something bad?”

Jin quickly shook his head. “No, baby. You didn’t do anything wrong. You were perfect, as always.” He rubbed his thumb over Seol’s knuckles. “It’s just… we need to explain something important.”

Jungkook took over, his voice low and careful. “You know how some things are just for family? Like our special pancake recipe… or the way we play ‘monster tickles’ that only Appa, Dad, and you know?”

Seol nodded eagerly. “Because it’s ours!”

“That’s right,” Jungkook said, smiling. “Well… us being together as a family is kind of like that recipe. It’s ours. Not everyone outside needs to know the details yet.”

Seol’s brows furrowed in thought. “You mean… like how I shouldn’t tell everyone at the apartment park when I’m playing with the other kids that Appa and Dad are married?”

Jin and Jungkook exchanged a quick look—half proud, half pained.

“Yes, exactly,” Jin said softly, stroking his cheek. “We will tell people one day, but for now… we have to keep it special and safe. Sometimes, when people know too soon, they can say things that aren’t nice. And we don’t want that for you.”

Seol’s lips pursed. “But the people today… the ones who asked me… they weren’t mean.”

“They weren’t,” Jungkook agreed, “but even nice people can talk too much. And when they tell other people, those people can tell more… and then strangers might say things without knowing the truth. That’s why we keep it between us, your samchons, and a few special people.”

Seol mulled it over, hugging his plushie closer. “Okay… I won’t tell anyone unless you say it’s okay.”

Jin’s chest loosened with relief. “Thank you, my Seollie.” He kissed his son’s forehead.

“But…” Seol’s eyes twinkled with mischief, “if someone asks me where my other parent is, can I just say… ‘they’re the coolest one in the world’?”

Jungkook laughed softly, pressing his forehead to Seol’s. “That’s perfect.”

Jin turned off the bedside lamp, the room dipping into soft darkness except for the faint moonlight spilling in through the curtains. “Sleep now, baby.”

Seol yawned, his small voice already fading. “Love you, Appa… Love you, Dad…”

Both men whispered their replies in unison.
“Love you more.”

Chapter Text

The next day, the company building buzzed with the usual weekday energy—footsteps echoing in the halls, distant music spilling from practice rooms, and the hum of conversations drifting from the staff lounge.

Near the elevator, two HYBE staff from different departments sipped their coffee and spoke in hushed tones.

“Did you see Seol-ssi yesterday?” one of them whispered with a small smile. “He’s so adorable. The way he clung to Jungkook-ssi when they came out of the practice room…”

The other chuckled softly. “I know. And did you notice how Jungkook-ssi kissed his forehead? He’s so gentle with him.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve seen them together like that,” the first replied, lowering her voice even more. “I mean… I always thought Seol-ssi was Seokjin-ssi’s kid, but sometimes…” She trailed off, careful not to say too much.

“Sometimes,” the other finished for her with a knowing look, “it feels like there’s more to the story.”

Neither of them dared to speak it out loud—idols were allowed private lives, and rumors could get dangerous. Still, once curiosity took root, it never quite left.

And as the day went on, that same scene—Jungkook’s protective hand on Seol’s back, the way the little boy’s smile mirrored his—played again in their minds. They didn’t know the truth, but they couldn’t help whispering about it. And in a place like HYBE, whispers had a way of traveling.

By the afternoon, the whispers had already shifted from one corner of the building to another, never loud, never direct—just pieces of quiet conversations tucked between meetings and coffee breaks.

Most brushed it off as harmless chatter. But in a corner of the staff cafeteria, someone listened a little too intently.

Min Jihyun, a freelance production assistant who’d once been hired to help on one of BTS’s music videos, stirred her iced coffee absently as she overheard two HYBE employees giggling about “Jungkook’s little shadow.”

She remembered that shoot day clearly—not because of the hectic schedule, but because she’d spotted Seokjin arriving hours earlier than call time… carrying a toddler who couldn’t have been more than two. The boy had been shy then, peeking over Jin’s shoulder and staring curiously at everyone.

Now, hearing the gossip, her mind replayed another memory from that day. Jungkook appearing between takes, crouching down to the toddler’s level, his face soft in a way she hadn’t seen on camera before.

Jihyun didn’t say anything, but she found herself wondering—really wondering—if the boy she’d seen then was the same one they were talking about now.

And if he was… why did Jungkook look at him the way a parent would?

She took a slow sip of her drink, deciding she’d keep her eyes and ears open next time she was called in for a HYBE project. Not because she wanted to spread anything… but because, in her gut, she felt there was a story there.

And in an industry like this, stories never stayed hidden forever.

It was less than two weeks later when Min Jihyun found herself walking through HYBE’s main lobby again, this time as part of a post-production team reviewing concept cuts for an upcoming shoot.

Her schedule didn’t require her to be anywhere near the artist floors… but fate, or maybe sheer bad timing, had other plans.

While she waited for an elevator, a familiar sound caught her ear—a child’s laugh, light and ringing. She turned just in time to see Seokjin stepping out of another elevator, holding a little boy’s hand.

The kid was bundled up in a soft hoodie, his smile wide as he looked up at Jin. But then, a moment later, Jungkook appeared from behind, casually taking the boy’s backpack from Jin and slipping it over his own shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.

They stood there for only a few seconds—talking quietly, almost in sync—and then walked down the hallway together with the child between them.

Jihyun didn’t realize she was staring until the elevator beside her dinged. She stepped in, her mind buzzing.

If this were any other man in the industry, she’d guess a secret relationship, maybe a hidden girlfriend who had given birth in secret. That happened often enough, and the public never knew unless it exploded into scandal.

But this? This didn’t quite fit.

Korea wasn’t exactly kind to same-sex couples. The idea of two male idols raising a child together—it sounded impossible. Ridiculous, even. And yet… she couldn’t shake the way Jungkook had looked at the boy. Not like an uncle. Not like a family friend.

It was almost the same look she remembered from that music video shoot years ago.

The elevator doors slid open, but she didn’t move for a second, her thoughts looping.

Maybe she was overthinking. Maybe Jin did have a girlfriend somewhere… or maybe he’d had a complicated one-time situation that no one knew about.

Still, the image of Jungkook—backpack slung over his shoulder, walking side-by-side with Jin—lingered in her mind far longer than it should have.

Min Jihyun didn’t exactly consider herself nosy.
But… she did have a sharp eye for details.
And when something didn’t quite add up, she couldn’t resist pulling at the thread—just to see what unraveled.

A week after that elevator encounter, she found herself on another freelance set, this time working with a different idol group under the same production company. During a short break, she spotted Han Mina, a makeup artist she’d known for years. Mina had worked on several BTS projects in the past, mostly on-location shoots.

They greeted each other warmly, chatting about the usual—workload, upcoming schedules, how exhausted everyone looked these days. And then, as if she were making casual conversation, Jihyun dropped it in.

“Oh, by the way… I ran into Seokjin-ssi at HYBE the other day. I think he had a kid with him? Cute boy, maybe three years old? And Jungkook-ssi was there too.”

Mina froze for half a beat before smiling politely. “Oh? That’s… nice.”

It wasn’t much of a reaction, but the tiny flicker in Mina’s eyes told Jihyun that something was there.

“Yeah,” Jihyun continued, stirring her coffee like it wasn’t a big deal, “They seemed… I don’t know. Comfortable. Like they do that all the time.”

Mina gave a small laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Well, you know how BTS is. They’re all close. Like family.”

“Mm,” Jihyun hummed, tilting her head. “Of course. But it made me wonder… whose kid is it? I mean, it’s not public, right?”

Mina didn’t answer right away, and when she did, it was with practiced ease. “Some things aren’t for the public. You know how it is.” Then she switched the topic entirely, pulling out her phone to show Jihyun a funny behind-the-scenes photo from their current shoot.

But Jihyun’s mind wasn’t so easily redirected.

Mina hadn’t denied it. She hadn’t said it’s not his child—just that some things aren’t public.

And the way she’d avoided the question entirely…

Jihyun leaned back in her chair, her curiosity now fully lit. She wasn’t sure what she believed yet, but the possibility that Jin and Jungkook were more than just bandmates was becoming harder to ignore.

A few weeks later, Min Jihyun found herself back at HYBE—not for BTS, but for another idol group’s late-night MV shoot. The corridors were quieter than usual, the main lights dimmed, only the glow from vending machines and security panels breaking the shadows.

She’d just finished packing her gear into her tote when she decided to grab a canned coffee from the machine in the lobby before heading home. She was halfway there when she heard faint voices echoing from down the hall—the kind that made her slow her steps without even realizing it.

They were coming from near the private elevator that connected directly to the underground parking garage.

The first voice was unmistakable.
Low. Warm.
Jungkook.

“Hey, buddy… Appa’s still in the meeting, but he said we can go home first, okay? He’ll be there soon.”

Jihyun’s brows furrowed. She edged just close enough to peek.

There he was—Jeon Jungkook, hoodie pulled low over his face, one arm supporting a small, pajama-clad boy on his hip. The kid looked half-asleep, cheek pressed against Jungkook’s shoulder, tiny hands clutching at his sweatshirt.

Jungkook adjusted the boy gently, speaking in that patient, careful tone adults use with toddlers.

“Remember what we talked about? We don’t tell anyone, right? Just samchons.”

The boy nodded drowsily, murmuring, “I know… only samchons.”

Jihyun’s pulse quickened.

It wasn’t just that Jungkook was holding the kid like his own—it was the ease, the quiet protectiveness, the way he shifted his body so the boy’s face was hidden from anyone passing by.

A moment later, the elevator doors opened. Jungkook stepped inside, adjusting his hold again, pressing a soft kiss to the top of the child’s head before the doors slid shut.

Jihyun stayed rooted in place, coffee forgotten.

In Korea, the idea of two men raising a child together was… rare, to put it mildly. Controversial. Taboo.

So if Jin had a kid… did that mean he had a girlfriend no one knew about? Or—her mind lingered stubbornly on the image—was there truth to that quiet, unspoken thing she’d started to suspect?

Jin and Jungkook.

She shook her head as she finally walked toward the vending machine, but her mind was buzzing.

Whatever the real story was, it was something the public definitely didn’t know. And maybe wasn’t supposed to.

It was the last time she saw them like that, but the image of Jungkook disappearing into the elevator with that sleepy, trusting child would stay with her for a long time.

The sunlight streamed into the living room, warm against the wooden floor. Jin was at the table slicing apples, while Seol sat cross-legged on the couch with his stuffed bunny, occasionally sneaking glances at the fruit bowl.

Jungkook came in from his shower, hair damp and curling slightly at the ends. He leaned on the counter near Jin, his tone quiet but edged with thought.

“Hyung… last night, when I was carrying Seol to the elevator…”

Jin looked up, brow furrowing.

“Mm?”

“I felt like someone was there. Down the hallway, near the lobby doors. I didn’t check—Seol was already half-asleep in my arms.”

Jin’s knife slowed.

“You didn’t see who?”

Jungkook shook his head, glancing toward the couch where Seol was now making his bunny “fly” through the air.

“No. Could’ve been nothing, but… it felt like someone was watching.”

Jin’s gaze softened.

“If they saw, they didn’t say anything. Let’s not borrow trouble for now.”

Right then, Seol hopped off the couch and padded over to the table, looking up at them.

“Dad, Appa—can we go to the park later?”

Jungkook smiled, crouching to meet his son’s eyes.

“Only if you promise to wear your hat this time.”

Seol giggled and nodded, running back to his toys.

Chapter Text

A few weeks later…

Life had settled again. No strange glances in the lobby, no calls from managers, no awkward questions. It was just another lazy Sunday at home.

Jin was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, humming while chopping green onions. Jungkook sat on the floor in the living room with his guitar, absentmindedly strumming while Seol played nearby with his toy cars.

At some point, Seol wandered off, mumbling to himself about his “missing bunny.” He padded down the hallway and straight into the studio room where his parents kept boxes of albums, props, and other things from over the years.

He started checking every box he could open—small ones, big ones, even a shoebox full of old mic stands—just in case his plush was hiding there. That’s when he saw it.

A polaroid, sitting loose at the bottom of a box, not tucked into an album or frame. It looked like it had been tossed there and forgotten.

Seol picked it up with both hands. His Appa was in the photo, smiling wide—smiling in a way that crinkled his eyes. And next to him… a man Seol didn’t recognize. Appa was leaning toward him, like they were close.

He squinted, tilting the picture left and right, trying to place the man’s face. But it didn’t ring any bells.

The bunny was instantly forgotten.

“Dad! Appa!” Seol’s small feet pounded down the hallway, the polaroid clutched in his hand.

From the kitchen, Jin called, “No running, Seol-ah!”

But before Jin could step out, Jungkook was already halfway toward the boy.

“Hey, what’s going on? Why are you yelling?”

Breathless, Seol shoved the picture toward him.

“Dad, who’s this? And why is Appa smiling so much and leaning to him?”

Jungkook froze mid-step, his eyes darting down to the photo. His jaw tightened before he managed to mask it with a soft, easy smile.

Seol tilted his head.

“Why I never see him? What’s his name?”

But Seol was three, stubborn, and more curious than most.

“I’m gonna ask Appa!”

And before Jungkook could stop him, he was sprinting toward the kitchen.

“Seol—” Jungkook started, but the boy was already shouting.

“Appa! Who’s this man? Why you smiling like that with him?”

Jin looked up from the cutting board, startled. He wiped his hands on a dish towel, glancing down at the polaroid his son was waving.

“Where did you get this?”

“In the studio room! I was looking for my bunny but then I saw this. Dad didn’t tell me his name!”

Jungkook appeared in the doorway, slower this time, his expression unreadable.

Jin looked at the photo again, and for a moment, his eyes flickered with something Seol didn’t recognize. But when he spoke, his tone was gentle.

“That was a long time ago, Seol-ah. Just… someone Appa met when he was younger.”

“But who is he?”

“It’s not someone you need to worry about,” Jin said softly, reaching for the polaroid and pocketing it. “Now go wash your hands, we’re eating soon.”

Seol hesitated, lips pressing together, but handed the photo over. As he left the kitchen, he glanced over his shoulder. Both his parents were looking at each other—too long, too quietly.

The next day at HYBE, while his parents were in a meeting, Seol sat with a few of his uncles in the lounge. Namjoon was reading, Taehyung was playing with him, and Yoongi was sipping coffee.

Seol leaned closer to Taehyung and whispered,

“Tae samchon… you know a man who made Appa smile like this?”

He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket—he’d drawn the man’s face from memory last night.

Taehyung blinked at it.

“What’s this?”

“A man in Appa’s photo. Dad didn’t tell me his name. Appa said someone he met when he was younger. But I think they’re hiding something.”

Yoongi set his cup down, raising an eyebrow.

“And you didn’t tell them you’re asking us?”

Seol grinned.

“It’s a secret. Don’t tell them.”

Taehyung studied the little sketch in his hands, his playful expression dimming just a touch. The curve of the jaw, the hair, even the way Seol had drawn the eyes—it wasn’t perfect, but it was enough.

He slowly handed the drawing to Namjoon.
Namjoon took one glance, and his brows lifted ever so slightly before his face went neutral again.

Yoongi leaned over to peek, his gaze flicking from the paper to Seol.

“Where did you say you saw him?”

“In a picture with Appa! Dad wouldn’t tell me who he was. Appa said it’s someone he met before. But they didn’t even tell me his name. Isn’t that weird?”

“Mm,” Yoongi hummed, careful not to sound too interested.

Namjoon folded the paper neatly and gave it back to Taehyung, their eyes meeting for a second longer than necessary. It was the kind of look that said, We both know.

Taehyung tried to keep his voice casual.

“Seol-ah… are you sure you saw this in your parents’ room?”

“Yep, in their studio room! In a box. They were looking at each other for a long time after I showed them.”

Taehyung exhaled slowly, patting Seol’s head.

“You’re very curious, aren’t you?”

“I just wanna know who makes Appa smile like that! If it’s not Dad, it’s this man… so who is he?”

Yoongi’s jaw tightened briefly before he sipped his coffee again. Namjoon glanced at the door to make sure no one was nearby.

Finally, Namjoon crouched to Seol’s level, speaking lightly.

“Some things… your parents will tell you when you’re older. Maybe it’s one of those things.”

Seol frowned, clearly dissatisfied.

“But it’s my family. I should know.”

Taehyung chuckled softly to defuse the moment.

“You’re just like your Appa. Can’t let a mystery go.”

Seol grinned at that, thinking it was a compliment.

When he ran off to get a juice box from the vending machine, the three men were left in quiet.

Yoongi set his cup down with a small thunk.

“It’s him.”

Namjoon nodded once.

“If it’s not Jungkook in that photo… there’s only one person it could be.”

Taehyung’s voice dropped.

“Why’s it still in their house? I thought—”

“—they burned everything?” Yoongi finished.

Namjoon’s gaze went distant for a moment.

“Apparently… not everything.”

They fell silent, the weight of old memories pressing between them. Outside in the hallway, Seol’s laughter echoed—bright and innocent, completely unaware of the storm he’d just stirred.

Jungkook’s POV — Outside the HYBE Lounge

He had Seol’s little backpack slung over one shoulder, planning to drop it off before joining the others.
The muffled sound of laughter from inside reached him first—Seol’s voice—followed by the deeper timbres of his hyungs.

He reached for the door handle… and froze.

Yoongi’s voice carried just enough to catch the words.

“It’s him.”

Namjoon’s quiet agreement followed.

“If it’s not Jungkook in that photo… there’s only one person it could be.”

Jungkook’s grip on the handle tightened, the metal cool against his palm. He didn’t move.

Taehyung’s tone was hushed but sharp.

“Why’s it still in their house? I thought—”

Yoongi, “—they burned everything?”

Silence.

Then Namjoon again, lower this time, like he was trying not to be overheard.

“Apparently… not everything.”

The words thudded in Jungkook’s chest like a heavy drumbeat. His throat went dry.
He didn’t need to hear more—he already knew which photo they were talking about. The one Seol had shoved into his face yesterday, his big curious eyes demanding answers Jungkook couldn’t give.

He’d thought taking it from Seol was enough.
But if his hyungs knew…

Seol’s laugh rang out again, closer to the door now, followed by the sound of his small sneakers scuffing on the floor.

Jungkook stepped back quickly, pretending to check his phone. A second later, the door swung open and Seol peeked out, holding a juice box and grinning.

“Dad! You came!”

Jungkook smiled automatically, pushing the tension deep into his chest where Seol wouldn’t see it.

“Yeah. Let’s go see Appa, hmm?”

Seol nodded enthusiastically, already chattering about the vending machine.
Jungkook glanced past him into the lounge—Yoongi, Namjoon, and Taehyung were watching him now, all three wearing that same unreadable expression.

For a brief moment, no one said anything.
Then Jungkook nodded once—polite, nothing more—and walked away with Seol’s small hand in his.

But in his mind, the thought gnawed at him.
Yes… why did they still have that photo? Why didn’t they throw it away after he saw it once and they talked about it?

That night, the apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the soft rush of water as Jin rinsed the dishes. The smell of dinner still lingered in the air—warm, comforting, and deceptively ordinary.

Jungkook leaned against the doorway to the kitchen, arms crossed. He hadn’t said much since they got home from HYBE, but Jin could feel the weight of his silence even over the clinking of dishes.

“You’re quiet,” Jin finally said without turning around, drying his hands with a towel. “Something wrong?”

Jungkook’s tone was steady, but there was an edge to it. “I heard something today.”

Jin glanced at him briefly, then looked back at the sink. “From who?”

“Seol,” Jungkook said, his gaze sharp. “He was talking to the others. About that photo he found yesterday.”

Jin stilled.

“He told them about a man in the picture with you. Said he didn’t know who it was. And they—” Jungkook’s jaw flexed, his voice lowering, “—they knew exactly who he meant.”

Jin placed the dish towel neatly on the counter, his movements slow, deliberate. “I told him someone I met when I was younger… I didn’t think he’d—”

“Didn’t think?” Jungkook cut in, stepping forward. “Seol’s not stupid, hyung. You think if we just brush it off, he’ll drop it? He’s your son. He’s stubborn.”

Jin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what did you tell him when he asked you?”

“I didn’t,” Jungkook admitted. “Because I wanted to talk to you first. But you made it sound like it wasn’t important.”

“It’s not—” Jin started, but Jungkook’s disbelieving scoff stopped him.

“Not important?” Jungkook shook his head. “You’re still keeping that photo in our house. He’s seen it now. What happens the second time?”

Jin’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s not like I’m waving it around, Jungkook. I just… didn’t throw it away.”

“That’s the problem,” Jungkook said, his voice quiet now, but firm. “If it doesn’t mean anything, why keep it?”

Jin met his gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “It’s not that simple, Jungkook.”

“It was simple,” Jungkook said after a beat. “Until today.”

The tension thickened, heavy and unspoken. From down the hall, Seol’s soft voice floated through as he hummed a tune to himself—completely unaware of the storm brewing in the kitchen.

Jin finally said quietly, “I’ll take care of it.”

But Jungkook stood there a moment longer, searching his face, as if trying to decide whether to believe him.

The apartment was quiet again, save for the soft sound of Seol’s small breathing from his room down the hall. Jungkook shut their bedroom door behind him, the click sounding far louder in the stillness.

Jin was already sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands resting loosely on his lap, but his eyes followed Jungkook as he walked across the room.

“You’re still mad,” Jin said finally. It wasn’t a question.

Jungkook pulled off his hoodie, tossing it onto the chair. “Should I not be?”

Jin exhaled slowly, looking down at his hands. “It’s just a photo, Jungkook. It’s from years ago. I didn’t think it mattered anymore.”

“That’s the problem.” Jungkook’s voice was quiet, but his words were sharp. “You didn’t think it mattered—to me. Or to Seol. You saw how curious he was, how much he wanted to know. And you just… brushed it off.”

“I didn’t want him asking more questions,” Jin said, his tone edged with frustration. “He’s a child—he doesn’t need to know everything about my past.”

“Our past,” Jungkook corrected, his gaze locking on Jin’s. “We’re supposed to be raising him together, which means we’re supposed to decide things like this together.”

Jin looked away, his jaw tightening. “And what would you have done? Told him the truth right there in the kitchen?”

“I would have told him enough to stop him from running to the others,” Jungkook said, stepping closer. “Because now it’s not just Seol wondering—it’s them, too. And you know they’ll talk.”

Jin’s eyes flicked up to his, unreadable. “I’ll handle it.”

Jungkook let out a humorless laugh. “That’s what you said earlier.” He hesitated, then added, “But this isn’t just about handling it, Jin. It’s about trusting me with the parts of your life you’d rather keep locked away in some box.”

The air between them was heavy, both unwilling to back down, but neither raising their voice. Jin finally stood, closing the distance between them until they were only a foot apart.

“You have all of me, Jungkook,” he said quietly, but there was an undercurrent in his voice—something that sounded like defense, maybe even a touch of guilt. “But not everything in my past deserves to touch our present.”

Jungkook held his gaze for a long moment, searching for something in his expression, before he finally looked away. “Then make sure it doesn’t. Just… think about what you’re holding onto,” Jungkook murmured before turning toward the bathroom.

The sound of the door closing was soft, but it still felt loud in the stillness of the room. Jin sat there for a long moment, staring at nothing, his mind far away.

Neither spoke again. After showering, Jungkook switched off the bedside lamp, and they lay down back-to-back, the silence saying more than words could.

Chapter Text

The next morning, the air in the apartment still felt heavy. Jin moved quietly through the kitchen, but his mind wasn’t on breakfast. Guilt gnawed at him—he didn’t even know why he’d kept that photo all these years. He remembered that once, Jungkook had found it too, and they’d talked about it. He thought they had tossed it into a box somewhere, forgotten. Life had gotten busy, and it had seemed unimportant.

But now… why hadn’t he thrown it away after the breakup?

Don’t get him wrong—he loved Jungkook, needed him in ways he couldn’t put into words. But Jin wasn’t the kind of person to bury pieces of his past, even if they had hurt him once. Hyosang had been someone he loved back then, but that was long ago, and once he was with Jungkook, he never thought about him again. The photo was just… a memory, nothing more.

Still, he decided it was time to be honest with Seol. He could explain it in a way a child would understand. And with Jungkook gone—probably at HYBE in his studio even though there was no schedule today—it felt like the right time.

Jin sat across from Seol, hands wrapped around a mug of coffee gone cold. He’d barely taken a sip. His eyes lingered on Seol’s small, curious face.

“Seol-ah,” he began gently.

Seol looked up mid-bite, milk on his lips. “Hmm?”

Jin hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “About the picture you saw… the one you asked me about.”

Seol nodded slowly, his expression guarded — as if he wasn’t sure if he’d done something wrong. “You said he’s someone you met when you were younger.”

“That’s true,” Jin said. He let out a quiet sigh. “But… I should’ve told you a little more. He was someone I cared about a long time ago, before your dad and I were together.”

Seol tilted his head. “Like… you loved him?”

Jin’s lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. “Yes. Back then, I did. But that was a long time ago, Seol. People’s hearts change. And my heart… it belongs to your dad now. Always.”

Seol’s brow furrowed in thought, his little fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. “Then why do you still have his picture?”

The question landed heavier than it should have. Jin swallowed, forcing himself to meet his son’s gaze. “Because even if someone isn’t part of your life anymore, they can still be part of your story. That picture is just… a memory. It doesn’t mean I still feel the same way. I kept it because it’s part of who I was before. But I forgot it was even there.”

Seol stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded — not fully understanding everything, but sensing the honesty in his father’s voice.

“Does dad know?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” Jin said. “We talked about it before. And I’ll talk to him again.” He reached across the table, brushing Seol’s hair back gently. “I’m telling you this because I never want you to wonder about something and feel like you can’t ask me.”

Seol gave him a small smile. “Okay. I’m glad Dad is the one you love now.”

Jin’s chest tightened, but in a warm way this time. “Me too, Seol-ah. Me too.”

Later that night, when Jungkook finally came home, it was already past eleven. Seol was fast asleep in his room, the apartment quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator. Jin sat on the couch, waiting, his phone untouched beside him.

The moment he heard the door open, Jin stood up and made his way to the entrance.

“Jungkookie,” he said quietly.

Jungkook was bent over, untying his sneakers. He didn’t look up. “Hmm?”

Jin hesitated, his chest tightening. “I talked to Seol… I told him the truth.”

“Okay?” Jungkook replied flatly, still not meeting his eyes.

Jin sighed, the sound heavy in the silence. “Are you still mad at me? Can we talk properly?”

“I’m tired, hyung. Next time,” Jungkook murmured. His voice wasn’t sharp, but it was cold in its distance.

Jin didn’t push further. He just stood there and watched as Jungkook walked to their bedroom without glancing back once. The hurt was immediate and sharp—it was like a wall had been built between them overnight.

He stayed rooted to the spot until he heard the shower running behind the closed bathroom door. Then, without another thought, he grabbed his car keys from the stand. He needed to breathe, to let his frustration cool before it turned into another argument.

In the hallway, he called Yoongi. “Yoongi-ah… are you busy? Can we meet at that bar?”

There was a pause, then Yoongi’s familiar calm voice. “Yeah. I’ll be there in twenty.”

The bar they always went to when things got too heavy was dim and quiet at this hour, the kind of place where no one asked questions.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Jungkook stepped out of the bathroom, towel draped over his shoulders. He ran a hand through his damp hair, glancing toward the bed—and frowned when he didn’t see Jin.

Checking Seol’s room, he found their son sleeping peacefully, but no Jin.

That’s when he noticed it—on the key stand by the door, Jin’s car keys were missing.

His chest tightened. It was almost midnight.

Jungkook’s fingers hovered nervously over his phone screen. He dialed Jin’s number once, twice—but no answer.

His heart twisted tighter. The guilt from their argument earlier gnawed at him, sharper now that Jin was nowhere to be found at home.

He tried calling again, hoping Jin would pick up, but the line went to voicemail.

Meanwhile, at the dimly lit bar, Jin stared into his drink, the weight of everything pressing down. Yoongi sat opposite him, silent but watchful.

Finally, Yoongi broke the quiet. “Let me ask you, hyung… why didn’t you throw that photo away right after your breakup?”

Jin rubbed the back of his neck, a tired smile tugging at his lips. “You know me—I’m not the type to bury things deep inside. I kept it as a memory. I never thought Seol would get so curious and ask you about it. I thought he’d just brush it off.”

“But he’s a child, hyung,” Yoongi said gently. “He’s naturally curious. You can’t just expect him to ignore it.”

“I know, I know,” Jin replied with a weary sigh. “That’s why I talked to him this morning. I told him the truth—the part a kid can understand.” He paused, glancing up. “And I told Jungkook that too. But when he got home, he didn’t even look at me.”

Silence stretched between them. Yoongi knew when to speak and when to hold back.

Just then, Yoongi’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then looked at Jin. Jin gave a small nod.

Yoongi answered, his voice calm but warm. “Jungkook-ah, what’s wrong?”

Without any hesitation, Jungkook’s voice came, tight and low. “Are you with Jin, hyung?”

Yoongi smiled softly. “Hmm. He’s with me. Don’t worry.”

“Okay, hyung. Take care. Let him know not to come back too late. Seol will ask about him if he wakes up in the middle of the night.”

“Got it, Jungkook-ah.”

The call ended, and the two men sat silently, exchanging a look full of unspoken understanding and concern.

Jungkook stirred awake on the living room couch, blinking against the dim light. He glanced at the clock—3 a.m.

He grabbed his phone and called Yoongi again. After a few rings, Yoongi picked up, sounding a little breathless.

“Jungkook-ah, can you help me here?” Yoongi said quickly, almost out of breath. “Hyung is so drunk. I told him we’d go home by 1 a.m., but he insisted he needed to cool down first. Didn’t realize it was already 3.”

Jungkook sighed but didn’t hesitate. He checked on Seol, still peacefully asleep, then grabbed his car keys.

Ten minutes later, he arrived at the bar. Inside, Jin was slumped at the table, laughing softly to himself at nothing in particular, the faint smell of alcohol clinging to him.

Jungkook exhaled quietly and approached. “Yoongi hyung, let me take care of him. You should go home now. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Yoongi nodded, relieved. “Take care of hyung. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As Yoongi left, Jungkook wrapped a steady arm around Jin’s waist, helping him up. Jin leaned into him, warm and unsteady.

“Jungkook-ah,” Jin murmured, voice thick but clear, “sometimes you’re so stupid, you know that?”

Jungkook looked down at him but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

Jin’s lips curled into a faint smile despite the drunken haze. “You’re so stupid. You think I loved someone better than you?”

He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper that was both teasing and sincere. “If I loved someone else, I wouldn’t have married you… And I wouldn’t have suffered being pregnant for nine months. Stupid Jungkook.”

Jungkook tightened his hold around Jin, heart pounding.

“Okay, hyung. I’m stupid,” he finally said with a soft laugh. “Let’s go home now.”

He shook his head, amused. “Why are you so drunk? Do you think you're a teenager or something?”

Jin chuckled lightly, but the tiredness was settling back in. Jungkook knew better than to push any further tonight.

“We’ll talk about all this tomorrow,” Jungkook said gently as he guided Jin out the door, careful and quiet, just like the promise of a better day waiting ahead.

Next morning, the sun was just beginning to peek through the thin curtains when Jin stirred awake, a soft warmth pressed against his side. His eyes fluttered open to see Jungkook still asleep beside him, their fingers loosely entwined.

For a moment, Jin just watched him—the steady rise and fall of his chest, the peaceful expression softened by sleep. Last night’s harsh words and drunken confessions felt miles away, replaced by the quiet comfort of being together.

Jin shifted carefully so as not to wake Jungkook, but a small smile tugged at his lips. The weight of the photo, the secrets, the tension—none of it seemed quite so heavy in the gentle morning light.

After a while, Jungkook blinked awake, his gaze meeting Jin’s. There was a flicker of something unspoken between them—an apology, a promise, a fragile peace.

“Morning,” Jungkook murmured, voice thick with sleep.

“Morning,” Jin replied softly, tightening his hold just a little.

Outside, the city slowly came alive, but in their quiet apartment, it was still just them—two hearts learning to navigate the past and present, one step at a time.

Jungkook sat up a little straighter, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he looked at Jin. “About last night…”

Jin met his gaze, the remnants of last night’s raw emotion still flickering in his own eyes. “I’m sorry for getting that drunk. I just… I needed to say it. I needed you to know.”

Jungkook nodded slowly, voice low but steady. “I know. And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have shut you out like that.”

There was a pause, the kind that held years of feelings between them.

Jin reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jungkook’s forehead. “I love you, Jungkook. No one else. Never anyone else. That photo—it’s just a memory, nothing more.”

Jungkook’s hand found Jin’s, squeezing it gently. “I believe you. It’s just hard sometimes, you know? The past can feel like a shadow.”

Jin gave a small, sad smile. “Yeah. But we’re here now. Together. And that’s what matters.”

Jungkook nodded, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Together.”

They leaned into each other, a quiet peace settling over them as the morning sun bathed the room in warm light.

Chapter Text

One month later…

Life had finally settled into a peaceful rhythm. No arguments, just quiet mornings with Seol’s laughter filling their home.

But that calm was about to shatter.

On a sunny afternoon, while Jin was finishing some paperwork and Jungkook was playing with Seol, Jungkook’s phone buzzed sharply with a call from their manager.

“Jungkook-ssi, Seokjin-ssi… I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news,” the manager said, voice tense. “Photos of the three of you outside HYBE have been leaked online.”

Jungkook froze. Jin’s eyes narrowed.

“Outside HYBE? When?”

“Yesterday afternoon. It looks like some fans caught you at the park with Seol. The photos are spreading fast.”

Jin swallowed hard. “We kept this secret for so long… What now?”

Jungkook looked at Jin. “Maybe it’s time to face it. Together.”

Jin nodded, steeling himself. “Together.”

When they had their meeting at HYBE, the room was tense. Managers, PR staff, and a few trusted executives sat in silence as Jin and Jungkook calmly dropped their decision.

“We’re going to announce the truth,” Jin said, voice steady but firm.

“Our relationship,” Jungkook added, glancing briefly at Jin before facing the room again. “And our son, Seol.”

The staff exchanged shocked looks. A few blinked rapidly, trying to process what they’d just heard.

“You… you want to put out an official statement?” their PR lead asked cautiously.

Jin shook his head. “No. If we’re going public, it should be from our own mouths, not just words on a screen.”

Jungkook nodded in agreement. “We’ll do a Weverse Live. Tonight.”

“You realize—”

“Yes, we realize,” Jin cut in gently, but firmly. “We’ve thought about this for years. If the world’s going to know, then we’re going to tell them ourselves.”

They made it clear there was one boundary. Seol’s face would never be shown. His voice, however, would be heard. Enough to make him real to the fans who loved them, but still safe from the spotlight.

That night, the decision was set in stone.

The setting was their home, in their studio room. They sat side by side at the desk, the glow from the phone screen casting soft light over them. Across from them, Seol sat on the couch with his small legs swinging, smiling like it wasn’t a big deal at all — as if his parents weren’t about to shake the internet.

Jin and Jungkook shared a breath, glancing at each other one last time.

“You ready?” Jungkook murmured.

Jin exhaled. “As I’ll ever be.”

Seol giggled quietly, giving them two enthusiastic thumbs up. “I’m ready, Appa! Daddy!”

They both smiled faintly at their son’s encouragement.

And then Jungkook clicked 'Go Live'.

The familiar notification popped up — Live Start.

The comments flooded instantly.

“OMG JK LIVE???”
“WHO’S THAT NEXT TO YOU??”
“IS THAT JIN?!”
“YOU’RE TOGETHER???”

Jungkook greeted them first, voice calm but warm. “Hi, ARMY. It’s… been a while.” He looked to his side, and Jin smiled, giving a small wave.

“Hello,” Jin said softly. “We have something important to tell you tonight.”

The comments went even faster, hearts and shocked emojis flooding the screen.

Jungkook leaned forward slightly. “We’ve been keeping something from you for a long time. Not because we wanted to lie, but because we wanted to protect… someone.”

Seol made a small hum from across the room, as if reacting to his name without it being said. Jungkook’s lips twitched into a smile.

Jin reached for Jungkook’s hand under the desk, squeezing it. “The truth is… Jungkook and I are married. And have been, for years.”

The chat exploded — the feed nearly unreadable with disbelief, crying emojis, and hearts.

Jungkook’s next words came slower, more deliberate. “And we have a son. His name is Seol.”

From the couch, a small voice piped up brightly, “Hi, ARMY!”

The comments went wild again.

Jin laughed softly, the sound a mix of nerves and relief. “That’s him. Our little boy.”

Jin glanced at the scrolling comments, his fingers tightening briefly around Jungkook’s hand. “We know this is… a lot. Some of you might be shocked, or even upset. We understand. But we want you to know — nothing about our love for music, or our love for ARMY, has ever changed.”

Jungkook took a slow breath, his voice calm but earnest. “I want to explain something important. I met Jin hyung when I was just a teenager, yes… but please understand — I was the one who fell first. I was the one who chased him. And back then, he didn’t see me that way at all. He was careful. Always respectful. He never crossed any lines.”

Jin’s eyes softened as he listened, but he let Jungkook continue.

“I grew up around him — I admired him, respected him… and, yeah, I loved him quietly. But he only started to see me differently years later, when I was already an adult. When we got together, I was ready. We were equals. And we’ve only ever been equals.” Jungkook gave a small, almost shy smile. “I wanted to make that clear so no one misunderstands.”

Jin nodded, then picked up the thread. “When we finally became a couple, it was… everything. We dated in secret for a while, then decided to get married. It was quiet, private — only the members, our managers, and a few trusted staff knew.” He glanced at the camera with a soft, bittersweet smile. “And then, after a while, I carried Seol.”

From the couch, Seol’s little voice piped up, “I was in Appa’s tummy!”

Jungkook chuckled. “Yes, you were, baby.” He turned back to the viewers. “We knew from that moment that protecting him would be our number one job. So we built our lives around keeping him safe — even if that meant the world didn’t know he existed.”

Jin’s voice grew warm. “We never lied in our hearts. We just… kept the truth where no one could hurt it.”

Jungkook gave Jin’s hand a squeeze. “But now, with these photos coming out, we realized… we don’t want people to find out in some twisted, wrong way. We’d rather tell you ourselves, with him safe here at home, than have rumors flying around.”

Seol, completely unfazed, called out, “ARMY, I’m drawing a picture for you!”

Jin chuckled. “See? He’s just a regular kid. We’re still just… us. But now you know there’s one more person in our family.”

Jungkook leaned forward, speaking directly to the camera. “We’re not asking you to love us differently. Just… respect our son’s privacy. We won’t be showing his face, ever. But maybe, if you hear him in the background sometimes… you’ll know he’s happy.”

The comments filled with hearts, crying emojis, and messages like “We’ll protect Seol!” and “Our little nephew 💜” .

Jin read one of them aloud with a small laugh. “Thank you… really. For listening. For letting us share this. It’s been years of keeping it in — and it feels… lighter now.”

“Dad, can we eat now?” Seol’s voice broke in again, making Jungkook laugh.

“Okay, okay, we’ll wrap it up.” Jungkook smiled warmly at the camera. “We love you, ARMY. Thank you for being part of our family, even from far away.”

“And maybe one day,” Jin added, “Seol will understand just how many people love him too.”

“Bye-bye!” Seol yelled from the couch.

They waved, the chat still flying by, and ended the live — knowing tomorrow would bring headlines and chaos. But for tonight, their little family was safe, together, and unafraid.

And while they were sleeping, ARMYs were on fire…

At 1:42 a.m. KST

@MoonChild_Jin: THEY WENT LIVE. CASUALLY DROPPED ‘THIS IS OUR SON’ LIKE IT’S A NEW SINGLE. #JinKookFamily

@JJKsTattoo: The way Seol’s little ‘bye-bye!’ sounded like Jungkook’s baby voice from 2013??? I’m unwell. 🥺💜

@EatJinsSmile : Jin carried Seol for nine months … and without us noticing?????

@GCFforLife: Jungkook said he chased Jin first, met very young, NO grooming, pure love — man was CLARIFYING while confessing. My man. 👏

@PurpleUncleYoongi: As Seol’s self-appointed uncle, I demand a birthday party livestream.

The next morning, Jungkook woke up to the sound of his phone vibrating nonstop on the nightstand. He groaned, rolling over — only to see Jin still fast asleep, his hair a soft mess against the pillow. Seol was curled up between them like a human heater, mouth slightly open.

Jungkook quietly slipped out of bed, grabbed his phone… and froze.

94 unread messages.
15 missed calls.
Countless mentions and tags.

The first notification he opened was from Yoongi.

Yoongi-hyung: Yah. You two. Do you know you basically BROKE THE INTERNET??? 😑
Yoongi-hyung: #JinKookFamily is #1 trending in 32 countries right now.
Yoongi-hyung: And Seol is #2 in Korea.
Yoongi-hyung: I hate you but I’m also happy for you. Call me.

Another was from their manager.

Manager-hyung: Every news outlet has already picked it up.
Manager-hyung: Dispatch just posted: “BTS’ Jungkook and Jin Reveal Secret Marriage & Son During Surprise Weverse Live”.

Jungkook blinked. “Already?”

He opened Twitter — and nearly choked.

#JinKookFamily

#WelcomeNephewSeol

#OurAppaAndDad

#ProtectSeol

#ARMYUnclesAndAunties

All trending worldwide. Fanart of them with a faceless, chubby-cheeked boy was popping up already. Someone had even animated Seol’s “Bye-bye!” from the live.

He was still scrolling when a small voice piped up behind him.

“Dad?”

Jungkook turned to see Seol rubbing his eyes. “Morning, baby. Did you sleep well?”

Seol nodded, climbing into Jungkook’s lap. “Appa’s still sleeping. But… Dad?”
“Mm?”
“I think I’m famous now.”

Jungkook stared at him. “Why do you think that?”

“Because… my voice is on the internet. And one of my friends at the park always says that’s how people become famous.” Seol said this very seriously, like he’d just explained a law of physics.

Jungkook tried not to laugh. “Well, maybe just a little famous. But we still have to protect you, okay?”

Seol grinned. “Okay. But can I get famous snacks then?”

“What’s a famous snack?” Jungkook asked, confused.

“Uh… ice cream for breakfast.”

From the bed, Jin’s sleepy voice called out, “Absolutely not.”

Seol pouted. “Appa ruins everything.”

Jin sat across from Jungkook at the kitchen table, holding his coffee like it was his only lifeline.

“Are we… ready for what’s coming?” Jin asked quietly.

Jungkook reached over, squeezing his hand. “Hyung, we already decided in that meeting we’d do this. We just skipped the waiting part.”

Jin sighed, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You mean you skipped the waiting part.”

Seol, munching on toast, chimed in, “It’s okay, Appa. People like us. I just knew.”

Jin groaned. “This child is too confident.”

By 11 a.m., they were sitting in HYBE’s conference room. Every wall screen was filled with headlines, social media charts, and clips from the Weverse live.

One PR staff member turned, wide-eyed. “The numbers are… unprecedented. We’ve never seen positive engagement this fast for news like this. Of course, there’s mixed reactions, but—”

Manager-hyung cut in, voice tight but not angry. “You two planned to do it your way… and it’s working. But now, we control the next steps. Interviews. Statements. Security upgrades for Seol.”

Jin nodded. “We understand. But one thing…”

Jungkook finished for him. “No hiding anymore.”

The HYBE PR team wasted no time. Within 48 hours, a special interview slot was booked.

“This will be your first and last time talking about your relationship and Seol publicly,” their Manager reminded them. “We address everything clearly so people can’t twist the truth. After that, you go back to making music, performing, and living your life. No more prying.”

Jin and Jungkook agreed immediately. This wasn’t just about them — it was about protecting Seol, and making sure HYBE’s image remained intact.

The set was simple, a neutral background, soft lighting, and two chairs angled toward each other so they could talk naturally. No dramatic music, no overproduction — just honesty.

The cameras rolled.

The interviewer began softly, “First of all, thank you for agreeing to do this. You both surprised the entire world a few nights ago with your Weverse live. How are you feeling now?”

Jin smiled faintly. “Relieved, mostly. We’ve been carrying this for years, and now… we can just be us.”

Jungkook nodded. “Yeah. We didn’t want this to be rumors or guesses forever. We wanted people to hear it from us.”

The interviewer leaned in slightly. “There’s been a lot of speculation about your timeline… and your age difference. Some people are concerned about when exactly your relationship started.”

Jungkook’s expression sharpened — still calm, but firm. “We want to clear that right now. Yes, we met when I was very young. We were trainees. But at that time, he was just… someone I admired a lot. I developed feelings years later, when I was already an adult. I was the one who confessed first. I was the one who chased him.”

Jin chuckled softly. “Chased is right. He didn’t give up.”

Jungkook glanced at him, fondness in his eyes before looking back at the interviewer. “There was no… inappropriate anything. We grew closer over time, like anyone else. When we finally got together, we kept it private because of our careers, not because we did something wrong.”

The interviewer nodded, then asked gently, “And Seol?”

Jin’s voice softened. “Seol is our son. I carried him. I went through nine months of… everything. While hiding it from the world. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. He’s the best part of our lives.”

“Why reveal him now?”

“Because he’s starting to grow up,” Jungkook said. “We don’t want him to hear lies about who he is or where he came from. We wanted to make sure the truth is out before he’s old enough to understand.”

The interviewer smiled. “And now that it’s out, what’s next?”

Jin and Jungkook answered at the same time.
“Music”
“Family”

They laughed, and the tension in the room eased.

The video got published instantly— and within the first hour, it hit 15 million views. The top comments were flooded with purple hearts, tears, and promises of support.

Every major news outlet picked it up.

“BTS’ Jin and Jungkook Reveal Marriage and Child in Emotional Interview” — The Korea Times
“ARMYs Flood Social Media with Support After JinKook’s Truth” — Billboard
“Meet Seol, the Secret BTS Baby” — Buzzfeed (though, to be fair, their “meet” was just about his voice clips)

HYBE’s stock value surged by 7% overnight. Investors were thrilled — the world wasn’t turning away, it was leaning in.

ARMY Twitter was absolute chaos.

@goldenJK97: I KNEW MY DADS WERE IN LOVE 😭😭😭

@seokjin_supremacy: Not me crying over a toddler’s giggle in the background?? Seol you have my whole heart 😭💜

Gifts started pouring in. Stuffed alpacas, mini BTS jackets in toddler sizes, hundreds of fan letters, and enough snacks to feed HYBE for a month.

HYBE set up a special PO box for Seol-related gifts — but most were vetted and stored away to give to him when he’s older.

At home that night, Seol was curled up on the couch between them, watching the interview replay on the TV.
“Appa, Dad! That’s you! That’s me!” he said proudly when he heard his little laugh in the background.

Jin grinned. “Yes, that’s you, Seol-ah. The whole world knows you now… well, your voice at least.”

Seol tilted his head innocently. “So now I can tell my friends I’m famous?”

Jungkook laughed, pulling him closer. “No, you can tell your friends you’re loved. That’s better.”

Chapter Text

At a small restaurant in Itaewon, Hyosang almost choked on his drink when the TV above the bar replayed a clip from the JinKook interview.
He stayed silent for a moment, watching the screen where Jin’s soft smile and Jungkook’s proud gaze filled the frame.

One of his friends nudged him. “Isn’t that…?”

“Yeah,” Hyosang replied quietly. He set his chopsticks down, a faint sigh escaping. “You know… I’m not blind. Back when Jin and I were still together, I could see it. The way he and Jungkook trusted each other so much. How close they were. I’m not saying they cheated—because I know Jin loved him like a brother loves a brother back then—but I knew… if things between us fell apart, they could easily become something more.”

His friends exchanged glances.

Hyosang’s gaze lingered on the TV again, softer now. “And yeah… I know I’m the reason we broke up. I’ll never say it out loud to the world, but I know it here—” he pressed his chest lightly, “—what I did, what I failed to do.”

The table went quiet until he suddenly added, almost casually, “Maybe I should congratulate them? It’s not bad, right? I mean… I’m not expecting anything. But I can message Jungkook-ssi—just to tell him I’m happy for them. And… maybe to say sorry to Seokjin, in my own way.”

His friends looked at him, surprised, but nodded. “Yeah… do it. People can change. You can be decent, Hyosang.”

He smirked faintly. “Jin was good to me when we were together. I can at least return a little of that now.”

Instagram DM to @mnijungkook...

Hello Jungkook-ssi.

You probably don’t expect to hear from me, and I’m not even sure if you’ll read this. I saw your Weverse Live and your interview with Jin.

I know I’m not someone who has the right to say much, but… congratulations. You both look happy, and Seol seems like a wonderful boy.

I also want to say sorry to Jin. I never admitted it before, but I know I was the reason we broke up. It wasn’t because of you or him doing anything wrong back then. I just… wasn’t the right person for him. But even when we were together, I could see how much he trusted you, how close you two were. I used to think… if me and Jin didn’t work out, maybe one day you two would. And here you are.

This message isn’t about the past—it’s just to wish you well for the future.
Take care of each other.
– Jin Hyosang

It was already past midnight when Jungkook finally put his phone down after scrolling through hundreds of mentions and articles from their interview. He wasn’t expecting to see a notification from Instagram—

DM request from: Hyosang

For a moment, he just stared at the screen, thumb hovering over the message. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to open it… but curiosity won.

The message read...

Hello Jungkook-ssi.

You probably don’t expect to hear from me, and I’m not even sure if you’ll read this. I saw your Weverse Live and your interview with Jin.

I know I’m not someone who has the right to say much, but… congratulations. You both look happy, and Seol seems like a wonderful boy.

I also want to say sorry to Jin. I never admitted it before, but I know I was the reason we broke up. It wasn’t because of you or him doing anything wrong back then. I just… wasn’t the right person for him. But even when we were together, I could see how much he trusted you, how close you two were. I used to think… if me and Jin didn’t work out, maybe one day you two would. And here you are.

This message isn’t about the past—it’s just to wish you well for the future.
Take care of each other.
– Jin Hyosang

Jungkook sat there, reading it twice, maybe three times. He didn’t feel anger—just this strange, heavy quiet in his chest.
He glanced to the side where Jin was sitting on the bed, reading a children’s book softly to Seol, who was already half-asleep.

When Jin finally closed the book, Jungkook wordlessly handed him the phone.
“Hyung… he messaged me,” Jungkook said softly.

Jin blinked, confused, until he saw the name. His expression was unreadable at first, but as he read, his shoulders eased.
When he was done, he handed the phone back with a faint smile.
“That’s… nice of him,” Jin said quietly. “We can’t change the past, but… I’m glad he knows I’m happy now.”

Jungkook nodded, slipping an arm around Jin’s waist and pulling him close.
“I’m glad you’re mine now,” he murmured.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon in Seoul when fate decided to stir old memories.

Jin, Jungkook, and Seol were tucked away in a cozy family cafe hidden in a small alley—one of those places that smelled of fresh bread and vanilla. Seol sat happily munching on a chocolate croissant, swinging his legs under the table, while Jin and Jungkook sipped coffee and debated what to cook for dinner.

The little bell above the cafe door chimed.

Jin looked up—and froze.

Jin Hyosang.

He looked almost the same—maybe a touch older, with softer edges in his expression. He hesitated at the entrance, clearly debating whether to walk over or turn around. Jungkook’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, alert, but Jin slipped a hand under the table and rested it on Jungkook’s knee. A quiet it’s okay.

Hyosang finally approached, stopping just short of their table.
“Jin… Jungkook-ssi,” he said, voice calm but unsure. His gaze lingered on Seol, who was now watching him with wide, pastry-filled cheeks.

“Hyosang-ssi,” Jin replied evenly—neither warm nor cold, just steady. “It’s been a long time.”

Hyosang gave a small smile. “It has. I… didn’t expect to see you here. I wanted to say—” He paused, his eyes softening. “—I meant what I wrote in my message. You look happy. Really happy.”

Jungkook didn’t respond right away, but his arm slid around the back of Jin’s chair—a quiet, protective gesture.

Seol tugged on Jin’s sleeve. “Appa, is he your friend?”

Jin’s smile was faint. “He’s someone I knew when I was younger,” he said gently.

Hyosang’s gaze shifted to Seol again. “He’s beautiful. Takes after you, Jin.”

Jungkook’s voice was calm but firm when he finally spoke. “He takes after both of us.” There was pride in his tone—solid, unshakable.

Something in Hyosang’s expression softened. “I’m glad you found someone who loves you the way you deserve,” he said quietly. “And I’m sorry… for not being that person.”

Jin’s lips curved into a small but real smile. “Thank you. I’m where I’m meant to be now.”

Seol’s voice suddenly piped up, bright and sweet. “Dad, Appa, I finished my croissant! Can I get another one?”

The heaviness in the air broke. Jungkook smiled at Seol, then looked back at Hyosang. “We should get going,” he said politely.

Hyosang stepped aside, letting them pass. As they left, Jin’s fingers slipped into Jungkook’s, their hands fitting together like they always had. Jungkook gave a gentle squeeze, and Seol skipped ahead of them, humming.

They didn’t look back.

Outside, the afternoon sun wrapped around them like a promise. Jin leaned into Jungkook’s shoulder, murmuring, “You’re my forever, you know that?”

“I know,” Jungkook whispered back, kissing his temple. “And you’re mine.”

Seol twirled ahead of them, grinning. “And I’m both of yours!”

Their laughter mingled in the air.

A few meters away, in a small restaurant, an ARMY named Hana sat sipping her cola. She caught sight of them through the glass—no disguises, no cameras, no stage lights. Just a family, walking together in the open.

Jin knelt to fix Seol’s scarf, brushing hair from his son’s forehead. Jungkook’s hand settled at Jin’s back, his gaze filled with quiet devotion.

Hana smiled, her chest warm. She didn’t reach for her phone. Some moments belonged only to the people living them.

Later, she opened Twitter and typed.

@hanajoon: saw jin, jungkook & seol just now. no pics bc they deserve peace, but they looked so happy. like… really happy. i think i’ll keep that moment forever 💜

The tweet spread, gathering replies.

“they deserve the world.”
“protect them.”
“love wins.”

And somewhere, in a quiet home that evening, Jin, Jungkook, and Seol sat around their dinner table—warm light spilling across their faces, the scent of home-cooked food filling the air.

Together. At peace.
Ready for whatever came next.