Author's POV
The moment Irene posed the question, Jungkook's heart ached, and memories of Taehyung flooded back; happy, sweet memories.
Irene saw tears welling in Jungkook's eyes and quickly hugged him to comfort him.
After a few minutes, Jungkook stopped crying. Irene offered him water, patiently waiting for his answer.
"Irene… I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Jungkook said, making Irene feel guilty.
"Kookie, I'm not mad that you didn't tell me; we only met a few days ago. I'm also not mad because you're not the one who hurt me. I'm sorry for asking so abruptly." Irene said, looking at Jungkook's tearful face.
"Irene, there's something you should know; you deserve to know this because you're his fiancée," Jungkook said, taking her hands.
"Kookie, you don't have to tell me anything if you're not ready. I won't force you. I can see I've reopened your wounds." Irene said gently.
"N-no, it's fine, you didn't know… Irene, my children… Taeyang and Taegguk… they… they're Taehyung's."
Irene felt a pang of pain. 'So that's what Mom (Taehyung's mom) didn't want to tell me, to avoid hurting me', she thought.
She was heartbroken and angry. She couldn't believe what Taehyung's father did. How could he do that to his own child?
"He left you..... Then he should've fought for you!!" Irene exclaimed, reaching for her phone to call Taehyung, but Jungkook stopped her.
"N-no! Irene, please… He doesn't know they're his children yet. And I want to be the one to tell him," Jungkook said, making her sigh and nod.
"Kookie, I'm apologizing on his behalf. He's stupid to listen to that father of his, to leave you!" Irene said, causing a small smile to touch Jungkook's lips.
"It's okay, Irene. I've already forgiven him, a long time ago." Jungkook said, making Irene stare at him as if he were crazy.
"Wha—why did you forgive him so easily?! I know that he didn't intend that but still! He should be punished a little, and his father should pay for what he did! Also, are you gonna let him make up for lost time with his kids?"
"I know, and I plan to, but not now. I want to hear his explanation before I let him bond with the kids. I also need to talk to Seokie about it; he's my husband, after all. I don't want to hurt him."
"Jungkookie… you're too forgiving. Even if someone did something terrible and unforgivable, you'd still forgive them."
Jungkook smiled. The door opened, and they both turned to see Jin struggling to carry groceries.
They quickly helped Jin, placing the groceries on the kitchen counter.
"Jungkook! You shouldn't have helped, the doctor said you should rest!" Jin scolded Jungkook, who sat pouting at the counter, resting his chin on his hand.
Irene couldn't help but laugh at Jungkook's childlike pout.
"But Jin-hyung… you know I go crazy just sitting around watching TV. Please let me help…" Jungkook said with puppy-dog eyes.
"That won't work for me, Jungkook. Go to the living room with Irene and watch a movie. Irene, don't let him do anything, okay? I'll cook dinner." Jin said, and Irene nodded, stifling a laugh.
Jungkook pouted and went to the couch while Irene giggled at their interaction.
"Jin is really like a mom, Kookie."
"Yeah, that's what he's always been. That's why his husband doesn't dare argue with him; he'd lose." Jungkook replied.
After a few hours of chatting and laughing, Irene said she had to go home because of work.
"Irene, come visit again, okay? Next time I'll bring the kids down." Jungkook said, smiling.
"I'd love that, Kookie. I'll see you at the party tomorrow night."
"Oh, right. There's a celebration tomorrow for the partnership; I completely forgot." Jungkook said, and Irene chuckled.
"That's fine, Kookie; you just gave birth. For now, just rest, alright? Take care of yourself first." Irene said, hugging him.
She was about to get in her car when she remembered something.
"Oh, Jungkookie, come here; I have to tell you something." Jungkook grabbed his robe and went to her.
"Kookie, I know you won't believe this, but… Taehyung really regrets what he's done, and even though this hurts… he still loves you," Irene said sadly.
Jungkook stayed quiet for a few seconds, and hugged her one last time. "Irene, I'm sure he'll realize his feelings for you; I love Hoseok, and that won't change. I'll let Taehyung bond with the kids occasionally after we talk, but that's all. I can't hurt Hoseok and my children, I love them with all my heart. Besides, I know you two are meant to be." Jungkook said, giving her his bunny smile.
Irene smiled warmly, tears in her eyes. She said goodbye and drove off. Jungkook stood outside, lost in thought, a smile playing on his lips.
"Jungkook! Get inside, you'll catch a cold. You also need to take your medicine!" Jin yelled from the house.
Jungkook quickly ran inside to take his medicine, shower, and lie down beside his children. And, of course, he didn't want to be hit by Jin's pan for staying outside.
'I know he'll love you, Irene. I just know. I wish you both happiness.'