Couple: Boy X Girl, KookJin
A few days had passed since Hyuna started working at the restaurant. She had pretended that she had lost her mother due to a severe illness. Yungmi treated her more affectionately than before, becoming kinder so that Hyuna wouldn't feel the emptiness left by her recently deceased mother. This was beneficial to Hyuna, but the progress wasn't enough; at this rate, she wouldn't achieve her desired outcome.
She went into one of the rooms to make a phone call. She knew Yungmi was resting in the next room.
"Hello... Thank you... I'm sorry it's late... Mr.... No, just one moment, please... I have to... I have nowhere to stay... Please, give me a little more time..."
Hearing Hyuna's voice, which sounded like begging and weeping, Yungmi sat up in bed. Her words were unclear. She left her room and stood by Hyuna's door. Hyuna looked distressed. Why was she pleading?
Hyuna hung up the phone with tears and sobs. Seeing Yungmi, she forced a smile: "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"
Yungmi stepped into the room to embrace Hyuna: "No, my dear, I hadn't slept yet... What happened? Was that your landlord?"
Hyuna nestled into the embrace. This wasn't part of her plan, but she always found peace here. She liked this place; it smelled of life.
"He said... he'll throw my things out onto the street tonight... He said he doesn't accept single girls... What is my fault?"
Yungmi stroked her hair: "Don't cry, sweetheart. We'll figure something out. Junghwa and I have your back... Look, everything happens for a reason."
She held Hyuna's face in her hands and wiped away her tears: "I haven't seen anything bad from you this whole time... I want to... trust you..."
Hyuna felt a pang of guilt at Yungmi's words; she wasn't trustworthy. If she ever discovered the truth... She lowered her head in shame: "You are too kind... I've seen nothing but affection from you. I'm indebted to you."
Yungmi squeezed her hands: "I want to say... you can come to our house at night. We have enough space. You can stay with us until you find a good, suitable place."
Hyuna hadn't expected the offer so soon. She quickly hugged Yungmi tightly: "Thank you... thank you... I love you... so much."
All her words were heartfelt; even leaving that hellish apartment excited her. How pure and kind these people were.
__________
She glanced around the room. A bed next to the window, with a wardrobe and a table opposite it. It was a small, simple room. But the comfortable clothes, papers, and numerous cups scattered across the floor and on the table took away its simplicity.
Hyuna smiled. So, this is where he slept.
"I'm sorry... my son is a little messy. I get busy, and we arrive late, so I don't have time to come and clean his room..."
Yungmi kept grumbling while picking up the scattered belongings of her disorganized son.
"I think... it would be better if I slept on the sofa... after all..."
Yungmi, out of breath, stood facing Hyuna: "No, absolutely not. Jungkook is mostly at work. He comes home some nights. So, relax. I'll give you a clean sheet and pillow now so you can sleep soundly."
Hyuna went to help her so she wouldn't get too tired: "Thank you, that's so kind of you. I hope I can make it up to you."
They stopped working when they heard Junghwa's voice: "I'll go see why he's grumbling. You relax, change your clothes."
With Yungmi out of the room, Hyuna walked to the small suitcase she had packed hours earlier. She changed into comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and sat on the bed. She was so tired. She rested her head on the pillow. She could clearly smell the scent of that boy's hair.
She closed her eyes to visualize his face. That night... how anxious he had been. A smile touched the corner of her lips. She didn't regret helping him.
After a few minutes, she fell into a deep sleep.
_________
Exhausted and adrift, he leaned back in his chair. He glanced at his wristwatch. He could continue his work for another hour. But seeing Jin standing over him, he frowned: "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Jin propped one leg on his desk and sat down: "I want to see if you'll leave before they kick you out of here."
Jungkook gave a small smile: "Idiot... you care about me more than I do."
Jin always looked out for him.
"Get up, let's go. That's enough work for today. It's one in the morning."
He couldn't be bothered with Jin's nagging, so he didn't object. Besides, he was tired enough: "Fine, let's go."
_________
He opened the door quietly and carefully. His mother was sensitive to sound; he was afraid his noise would wake her. He was so tired; he needed a shower. Without changing his clothes, he walked toward the bathroom at the end of the hallway past his room. The warm water felt good in the cold weather.
His thoughts were a mess, troubled. He knew his job was the cause of his depression and night terrors. He kept his head under the water. Water droplets streamed down from his ears and face toward his scarred chest. Opening his eyes, he saw his blurred, unknown reflection in the mirror opposite. He wiped his hand across the steamed-up glass. How much he had grown up. It felt like just yesterday he was playing in the alley with Taehyung and Nayeon. Time had passed so quickly, and how soon his loved ones were ready to leave him. His fingers curled into a fist on the mirror.
He looked like a strong man, apparently. Everyone said so. But he was more fragile than that. The stinging on his chest intensified. This scar was a reminder of the pain of losing his loved one. He blamed himself. He sighed and wrapped his towel around him.
While drying his ears, he opened his room door. Everywhere was dark. He reached for the light switch and walked toward his wardrobe. He pushed his hood back from his face and threw a few changes of clothes from above onto the bed.
She woke up with a start as objects hit her face. What were they? She raised her hands to block them. This time, a piece of fabric fell on her face, and she shouted loudly: "YAH... What are you doing?!"
Jungkook, shocked by the sound he heard, recoiled in fear. He couldn't believe it. A girl was sleeping in his bed? How dare she? Since when was she there? He growled angrily: "Hey... Who are you? What the hell are you doing in my room?"
Hyuna sat up angrily on the bed and threw the rude, sloppy boy's underwear off her face: "What kind of way is that to dress?"
Jungkook, realizing what he'd done, felt like laughing but controlled himself. He was still furious at this unknown person: "Hey, look who's yelling at who! This is my room. And you?"
Hyuna finally realized her situation and was embarrassed. Jungkook was right; she was occupying his bed. So, she jumped off the bed immediately: "You're right, this is your room. I shouldn't have been here."
She quickly left the room so as not to embarrass him further. Her heart was racing. She had been sleeping poorly and had just made a scene upon waking up. (Ugh, why did I talk like that? Did he not recognize me?)
He continued to stare at the closed door. He should have asked her what she was doing in his room. He gathered his clothes and put them on. He shook the towel through his damp hair and quickly left the room. The hall lights were on. His mother had been woken by their voices.
"No, Ms. Jeon, I'm comfortable on the sofa, believe me."
"Let me get a proper blanket; your back will get stiff."
"No, it's not necessary..."
Seeing Jungkook, Yungmi glared at him in the middle of the hall: "Jungkook, is this your hospitality?"
He felt like laughing. It was ridiculous. What mistake had he made to be reprimanded? Before he could defend himself, the young woman hurriedly bowed: "It was my fault. He didn't know I was here and got scared."
He smirked and walked toward the kitchen. (Suck-up girl... Look at her sweet talk. Someone should tell her I was the one yelling just minutes ago.)
He watched them from afar. His mother made a comfortable place for her to sleep. He looked at her face. She looked familiar. He had been forgetful these days. He wasn't a curious person. Carelessly, he walked toward his room.
A small suitcase was next to his bed.
(Does this mean she's going to be here for a long time?)
He was forced to leave his room. Everywhere was dark. He knew she was awake. She was still shifting restlessly on the sofa. He walked a few steps closer. He spoke softly: "Who are you?"
Hearing his masculine, attractive voice, Hyuna quickly opened her eyes. His face wasn't visible, but she could see his silhouette in front of her. She sat up slightly on the sofa: "You don't remember me?"
He sat on the armchair opposite her: "If I remembered, do you think I would have come here this time of night to ask you that?"
They stared at each other in the darkness.
"I apologize for my behavior... When I woke up... I didn't realize where I was... Please forgive me... And..."
Jungkook got up from the armchair: "That wasn't the answer to my question."
She strained to see his expression, to know if he was angry. His tone was sharp, and he had a right to be. He had only seen her once... But Hyuna knew this young man well. His height, his attractive face, his captivating voice, and his anxious, helpless look that night.
"I'm... the same girl who came to your restaurant for a job that night. You said you would call."
Jungkook thought for a moment. She was right. It was her. But why was she at their house? Hyuna answered the question in his mind: "It's been three days since... my mother passed away. I was alone in that house. The landlord threw me out... Your mother was kind enough to let me stay here until I find a house..."
He felt sorry for her. The poor girl was grieving her mother's death. It was good that his mother was always thoughtful. Or maybe she had some plans of her own. He sighed irritably and walked toward his room.
"Okay. Good night."
Hyuna lay down again, puzzled by his behavior. How strange. He didn't even offer his condolences upon hearing of her mother's death? (How could he not even say one word of sympathy... What a person... Oh, Hyuna, your task is going to be hard. This boy will never soften up enough for you to get information from him.)
__________
Worry and the unfamiliar place prevented her from sleeping easily. She turned over again. She was frustrated. She sat up and looked at her phone's clock. It was nearly morning, but she hadn't slept for a minute. The sound of Jungkook's door opening made her lie down again. She could hear him moving around.
He was thirsty. With sleepy eyes, he searched for a glass to drink water. While drinking, he looked into the hall. She was curled up on the sofa.
(Is she cold? Why didn't she cover herself?)
Almost fully awake now, he walked toward Hyuna and gently pulled the blanket that had fallen to the floor over her. (Stupid girl, doesn't she realize she'll catch a cold?)
Feeling the weight of the blanket, Hyuna was surprised. (Did this insensitive boy cover me?)
He stared at her peaceful face. (How much hardship she's been through... She must have cried a lot when she lost her mother. I can understand you... I get it.)
He looked at the clock on the wall. He had two hours until he had to go to work, but he was wide awake now. He went to his room to get ready for his morning workout. He put on his warm-up suit and left the house.
Hyuna waited until the door closed, confirming he was gone.
She went to his room. She smirked at the messy bed. She was looking for her phone charger. She rummaged through her suitcase. (Did I not bring it? Oh God, if my phone dies, I'm screwed.)
She searched again. Handbag, suitcase... It wasn't there. She had forgotten to bring it with her. Frustrated, she sat on Jungkook's bed. As the door opened, she sprang up like a coiled wire. They stared at each other for a few seconds.
Jungkook looked at her flustered face with surprise. What was she doing in his room this early in the morning? He didn't have a good feeling about her: "What were you doing?"
She was scared. Jungkook's eyes conveyed a sense of hopelessness: "Looking for... my charger..."
Jungkook picked up his phone from the table.
He was suspicious: "Was charging your phone so urgent that you'd sacrifice your sleep for it?"
"I..."
He stared at her angrily: "Didn't you say you didn't have a house? So, you must not have any family or friends either, right?"
She was on the verge of tears. He had no right to talk to her like that. Why was he degrading and humiliating her with what she lacked?
"Yes... I'm looking for a house... Looking for a place that will accept me... A place where I can sleep comfortably for one night, with peace... without worry... without any thoughts, without pain, without tears... just peace... That's it."
From the girl's words, he realized how much pain she carried. Her words carried the scent of old sorrow and grief. He gave Hyuna a cold look and left the room without a word.
Now that the arrogant, selfish boy was gone, she could breathe a sigh of relief. How true her words had been.
Jungkook realized his mistake. He didn't even know how he had uttered those words. He had broken her heart. His phone rang, and he glanced at the screen.
"Hello, Jin..."
"Hello, dear Senior Officer Jeon Jungkook."
He wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone: "Jin... what's wrong? Why are you calling this early in the morning?"
Jin was hurt by his words. Was calling him forbidden too? "Nothing... I'll see you later."
The long beep indicated the call had ended. (Why did he hang up? Is he upset again?) He dialed again, but Jin didn't answer. He knew him well.
His unanswered calls meant he was upset with him. He stopped working out and headed home to take a shower. The sky was almost bright, but the house was still quiet. He went straight to the bathroom. After a quick shower, he went to his room to get dressed. This time, he entered the room cautiously. She wasn't there. But her suitcase was still in the corner of the room.
Hyuna was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen when she noticed Jungkook's presence.
Jungkook stared at her movements. She still seemed upset.
After setting the table, she gave him a cold look: "Your breakfast is ready."
She had no intention of sitting next to him and quickly left the kitchen, but Jungkook grabbed her wrist.
Hyuna's heart started racing. She had experienced this feeling the night before.
Jungkook was flustered; he didn't even know how to apologize. He quickly let go of her wrist: "I'm sorry... I didn't mean anything bad."
Hyuna stared at his profile in amazement. It was hard to believe. No one had ever apologized to her.
Jungkook paid no attention to her staring and behavior. He sat at the table and started eating.
She could still clearly hear her heart beating. She wasn't the type to lose control over such touches or words. (What's wrong with you, Hyuna... He's just another jerk like all men.)
Before leaving, she glanced over her shoulder: "It doesn't matter... I'm used to it."
Hyuna quickly left the kitchen. Jungkook stopped eating and stared at her empty spot in the doorway.
_________
Frustrated, he was looking for a file: "Jin... Jin... did you see it?"
Jin didn't say a word. He was still upset. Jungkook turned to him, hands on his hips: "I'm talking to you... Did you see the murder file of the young man outside the city?"
Kookie rubbed his face and scratched his jaw: "I'm sure it was here. Yaa, Jina!"
At the sound of his name, and the intimate way he said it, Jin forgot all his grievances. He walked to the cupboard on the other side of the room and handed him the file he was looking for: "Here."
Jungkook looked at the file excitedly: "Wow, man, you're a genius. I love you."
He quickly sat down at his desk and began to examine it.
Jin remained standing, watching his movements. He quietly whispered: "I love you too."
Jungkook was so engrossed in his work that he didn't even notice Jin leaving the room.
________
Yungmi and Junghwa were busy cooking in the kitchen. Hyuna was embarrassed but felt compelled to bring up the subject: "Ms. Jeon..."
Yungmi stopped working with a smile: "Yes, dear? Do you need something?"
Hyuna was playing with her fingers to hide her stress: "I...I have to go look at a house with one of my friends tonight... I might come back late... I mean... maybe... we'll hang out together..."
Yungmi, understanding what she meant, began stirring the food: "You don't need to explain it to me. The door to this house is open to you. You can leave whenever you want, and you can come back whenever you want."
Hyuna bowed and happily kissed Yungmi's cheek: "Thank you."
She quickly left the kitchen, embarrassed. She was surprised by her own action. She had become attached to the woman. Her kindness and the favors she showed her made Hyuna feel involuntarily closer to the family.
That night, she had another work appointment. She reluctantly packed her necessities to go to Kwangsoo's place. Every night, she hated herself and her dirty job more than before. But she had to. She had grown used to it, to this work, to this life. To being Park Hyuna. To being a criminal, as if this was her destiny from the day she was born.
________
An unhealthy life surrounded by people who didn't care about the death or life of others.
He hadn't heard from Jin since the morning when he was looking for the file. It was strange; he hadn't even checked in on him. (What's up with this guy today? I should go see what he's doing.)
He prepared a coffee and walked toward his room. He entered without knocking. Jin wasn't in the room. He placed the coffee tray on his desk. The window of his small balcony was open. (What is he doing outside in this cold?)
He held the curtain that was swaying from the wind. Jin was out there, in his white shirt, smoking a cigarette. It was strange; he had never seen Jin smoke before. He became worried. He would catch a cold in that thin shirt in this weather. Before going out to the balcony, he took his long navy-blue coat from the hanger.
Jin was staring at the city lights twinkling below him. His cigarette was his constant friend in times of loneliness. He took a deep drag and held the smoke in his chest. It burned his lungs. He liked this agony; it reminded him that it was insignificant compared to the torment of being away from his love.
Feeling the coat placed on his shoulders, he slowly exhaled the smoke held in his chest. He couldn't believe it. It felt like a dream; the person standing next to him was his long-time crush.
"Jun... Jungkook..."
Jungkook smiled at his kind face and placed his hand on his shoulder: "Since when did you start smoking?"
Jin quickly put out the cigarette under his shoe. He was flustered. He knew his Jungkook hated cigarettes. He didn't want him to run away from him.
"Oh... This, I smoke occasionally... sometimes..."
His voice, his tone, and the anxiety he displayed clearly showed he was lying. Jungkook had never truly delved into his heart's confessions; he wasn't a good friend to Jin. He had never shared his secrets with Jungkook. He blamed himself.
"Jina... why did you come out in the cold?... You're smoking too... I know something is wrong with you, but you won't tell me... You won't share your feelings with me..."
Jin stared at his black, shiny eyes that were glistening due to the cold. What could he say? If Jungkook found out about his heart's feelings, he would lose him forever. But was he satisfied with his presence just as a friend?
"I wasn't cold... I just came out here to relax a bit..."
Another lie. How clumsy he was at lying. Jungkook worriedly placed his hand on his back:
"Come on, let's go inside. I made coffee. Let's drink it together."
Jin sat next to him on the comfortable armchair in his room. The coffee had gone cold, but it didn't matter. This coffee was made by Kookie's hands.
Jungkook started the conversation.
"You've been here since morning. Why didn't you come to see me?... Is something wrong?"
Jin squeezed the coffee cup in his hands: "Why didn't you come to me?"
Jungkook was shocked by his sudden question. Jin was right. But he had grown used to Jin checking on him, his worries, his jokes. To his constant presence beside him.
He shamefully stared at the thick liquid in his cup.
"You're right... You got me used to your visits..."
Jin smiled faintly. He was used to Jungkook's entire being, every part of his body. To the warmth of his presence. To his beautiful smile.
The sound of Jungkook's phone ringing broke the heavy atmosphere between them. It was the Senior Chief.
"Yes, sir... Who?... Officer Kim? He must have left his phone. About the fax?... Yes, I'll tell him. Thank you, good night..."
He hung up and gave Jin a fake glare: "What exactly were you doing today?... You didn't answer your phone... You didn't send the report faxes to the headquarters... YAAA... Are you in love?"
Jin's heart skipped a beat. He looked at him worriedly. Jungkook's gaze was serious, but he had spoken those words as a joke.
"Yes."
Jungkook laughed and patted him on the back a few times: "Ah, Jina, that was so lame... Don't joke with me, at least. I know you hate girls..."
Jin got up from the armchair: "You're right... Let's go. I'm very tired today."
Jungkook followed him and stood up from the armchair. He put both hands in his trouser pockets: "You haven't done much work, have you? Is that why they were complaining about you?"
Jin threw his coat over his arm and left the room. Jungkook quickly followed him: "YAA... Jinaaa..."
Hearing his name, Jin involuntarily stopped and turned back to him: "Stop it... Don't call me Kook like that anymore..."
The elevator door opened. Before hearing Jungkook's words, he pressed the ground floor button.
Jungkook hated himself for not being able to calm him down. He always made him laugh with jokes and teasing, but this time... (Is he so upset that... he won't even laugh at my words anymore?)
_________
He put the key in the lock. It was past two in the morning. He quietly walked through the hall. But before going to his room, he glanced at the hall sofa. Everywhere was dark; he couldn't see well. He gave up and walked toward his room. Seeing her red suitcase, he was sure she was still there. He was so flustered and tired that he didn't feel like changing his clothes. He sprawled out on the bed and put one elbow over his face.
At the sound of the house door closing, he quickly jumped off the bed. Who was it at this time of night? His police instincts made him react to every sound. He went to the hall and turned on the light.
She put her hand on her heart as the lights suddenly came on; she was frightened. Seeing Jungkook's surprised and angry face, her fear increased. What could she say? He would definitely suspect her.
Jungkook folded his arms: "Is this a hotel? Or a guesthouse?"
She took a deep breath to prepare her fabricated lies: "I know it's late... but I was looking for my misfortune."
He smirked. What a ridiculous lie.
"What do you take me for?... An idiot?..."
He took a step closer, looking at the clothes she was wearing. She was wearing a thick coat, but her legs were bare.
"At this time of night... what place other than..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Hyuna quickly interrupted: "I was with my friend... looking for a house... looking for a place where I won't bother you anymore... so I won't be humiliated less."
She walked toward his room to pick up her suitcase. Jungkook stood in front of the door: "I won't let you go."
Hyuna put her hand on his arm to push him aside, but Jungkook grabbed her wrist tightly: "My mother gave you permission to stay. So, for her sake, I'll put up with you. But... if I find out you've taken advantage of her kindness, I'll make you pay for it for the rest of your life."
Jungkook looked at her angrily and left the house.
A week had passed since Hyuna stayed in that house. He hadn't come home for the entire week. Her plan wasn't just failing; it was getting worse. She went out of the restaurant when Jimin called.
"Yes, Chim."
"Hyuna... Kwangsoo is angry... What exactly are you doing?... Time is short..."
She pushed her hair back: "Jimin... the guy is a stubborn idiot. He's totally different from other men. I've been staying at his house for a while, and he hasn't even given me one bad look. Worse, he hates me."
Jimin almost shouted: "What?!... Hyuna, please... We need those photos and evidence. Get him drunk... be flirtatious, I don't know, do something! This damn Kwangsoo won't give up. I don't know what excuse to come up with anymore..."
She closed her eyes for a moment: "Jimin... I told you he won't look at me, and you say be flirtatious? His mother said he doesn't touch alcohol at all. He hates being drunk. This boy is sick; something is wrong with him, believe me. He's not normal at all. My job is hard."
Jimin sighed irritably: "Hyuna, it's your job. You can do it. He must have a weakness somewhere. Finish the job quickly."
She looked inside the restaurant. They needed her help: "Okay, I'll see what I can do. I have to go now. Bye."
_________
He gave a short bow to Officer Chan and left the room. Jin, seeing him, walked toward him surprised: "Jungkook... What were you doing with Officer Chan?"
He sighed and walked toward the exit: "I asked him to give the young man's murder file to someone else."
They both sat on the bench in the compound.
"Why? You were making good progress."
He leaned against the cold backrest of the bench and clasped his hands behind his head: "I said it was because of my mother's illness, that I wanted to spend more time with her. But all of that is an excuse. Actually, I want to go home and focus on the file I told you about. I can't handle two difficult, important tasks at once."
Jin licked his lips. This action by Jungkook showed that he was overly determined.
"You're right... I don't know, but... I want to help you too."
Jungkook looked at him with a smile: "Thank you... You've always been by my side."
Jungkook sighed and stared at the red sky above him: "I've slept here for a week. I've worked day and night to get to both files, but I couldn't. My mind is preoccupied. My problems aren't just one or two. I can't concentrate easily like before."
Jin leaned against the cold backrest of the bench like Kookie. The cold of the bench made his body shiver, but the warmth of Jungkook's presence beside him reassured him.
"You have a right to feel that way. You've been through a lot of hardships. If I were you, I would have given up. I'm not as patient as you. Maybe... maybe I would even... commit suicide."
Jungkook felt a lump in his throat. But he controlled himself. No one had ever seen him cry, not even when Nayeon died.
"Let's go inside... It's cold."
Jungkook got up from the bench, but Jin turned to him while still sitting: "What are you going to tell Chan? If you don't work, they'll fire you."
Jungkook smiled: "Don't worry. I asked him for a simple theft file."
________
Junghwa and Youngmi were busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Hyuna was staring at the television opposite her but wasn't paying attention to the program being broadcast. The boy hadn't stepped into the house for a week. She was ashamed of her excuses and staying in that house. On the other hand, she needed the evidence. She didn't know what was hindering her progress.
At the sound of the door opening, she turned her head toward the door. It was him, but he looked tired. He had finally stepped into the house after a week. She got up from the sofa with embarrassment: "Hello."
Seeing the young woman, he frowned. She still hadn't left. He didn't know why, but unlike his mother, he didn't have a good feeling about her. He quietly returned her greeting and went to his room.
Yungmi called out loudly from the kitchen: "Hyuna... Did Jungkook come?"
Hyuna sat back on the sofa: "Yes."
Yungmi hurriedly came out of the kitchen and said at the door: "Go call him for dinner. I'm sure he hasn't eaten anything."
Hyuna wanted to object, but Yungmi had already returned to the kitchen. She got up from the sofa and walked toward his room. She gave a short knock on the door and waited. He didn't answer. She knocked again, and he said softly, "Yes."
She opened the door. Her tongue was tied when she saw his naked body as he was changing his clothes. She quickly looked down: "I'm sorry... Mrs. Jeon asked me to call you for dinner."
He put on his T-shirt, indifferent to her reaction: "I don't want any. I want to sleep."
Hyuna didn't insist and was about to close the door when Jungkook's question made her return to her previous spot.
"Haven't you found a place? I can help you look."
Hyuna was hurt by his words; she understood his meaning. She quietly murmured: "I'll try to leave soon."
She closed the door and left. Jungkook himself didn't know why he didn't have a good feeling about this girl. He was afraid to trust anyone. This was a long-standing fear; she reminded him of his bitter memories. He didn't want to trust anyone again.
This time, his mother came to him and forced him to sit at the dinner table.
Silence reigned at the table. Jungkook was lost in his thoughts and work, playing with the food in front of him. His mother brought him out of his own world with a question.
"Jungkooki, why haven't you come home these past few days? Are you very busy?"
He softened her heart with a smile for his behavior: "I apologize. Work stress makes me feel ashamed. But I won't go back again."
His father was shocked.
"Jungkook... Did you get fired?"
Hyuna was surprised, waiting for his answer. (If he resigned, that would be great.)
"No... I wanted to rest a bit, so I asked them to give me an easy case."
His mother, happy with what he had said, kissed his face hard: "Oh, that's wonderful... That's great. You've been so on edge from being around those criminals and offenders. Maybe this way you won't need to take medication anymore."
Jungkook got angry at his mother's last words.
He didn't want his illness to be thrown in his face in front of a stranger. He got up from the table: "Thank you for dinner."
Junghwa gave Yungmi a glare and gestured toward Hyuna. Yungmi, who had just realized the reason for her son's distress, looked at Junghwa apologetically.
Hyuna was eating with her head down from the beginning to the end of their conversation. How hard it was to live among people whose existence caused them pain. She no longer had an appetite. She quickly thanked them sadly and went to the hall. She was busy on her phone. She missed Jimin; he was the only reason she was alive.
She went to the small balcony of the house and made the call. The winter night air was cold. She wished she had worn warm clothes. But she missed her brother so much that she had forgotten. They hadn't seen each other for a few days. She spoke with tears and longing.
Jungkook was tossing and turning in his bed. He was tired, but he couldn't sleep. He got up from the bed to take his medicine so he might calm down. He opened his room door. Everywhere was dark. Hearing the sound of someone talking, he paused. The sound was coming from the balcony next to his room. He walked toward the sound. Hyuna was sitting cross-legged, leaning against the wall of their small yard. He put his hand on the balcony door handle but changed his mind about opening it.
Talking to her brother hadn't calmed her down; it had only increased her tears. Her heart was full of this life and being family-less. Of the peace she needed but never received. The cold wall behind her made her shiver. She was so troubled and broken that she cared about nothing but finding peace.
After taking his medication, Jungkook looked at the balcony again. She was still huddled in that corner, hugging herself with her hands. (This girl is seriously missing a screw. In this cold, with a thin blouse... Oh my God.)
He walked toward his room but paused before closing the door. (What if she catches a cold?)
He took his coat from the hanger and walked toward the balcony. He was still hesitant. He wasn't the type of person to care about a girl. He was so busy and engrossed in his work that marriage or being with a girl never crossed his mind. He attributed this action to his human duty. Anyone else in his place would be worried.
As the balcony door opened, she quickly stood up from the wall.
Jungkook didn't know how to give her the coat. He wasn't good at interacting with the opposite sex. He stretched out his hand and said: "It's cold... I thought maybe... you might need it."
She stared at his outstretched hand. She still couldn't believe this boy felt sorry for her.
Seeing her hesitation, Jungkook pulled back his hand and said: "Never mind, I guess the weather isn't that cold. Good night."
He turned his back to leave, but Hyuna's voice stopped him.
"Wait... I... I was cold."
Jungkook turned around again. She was trembling from the cold. Involuntarily, he took a step closer and draped his coat over her shoulders.
Hyuna was shocked by his sudden movement. She stared at Kookie's face in surprise, trying to gauge his emotions at that moment.
He quietly and gently settled the coat on her shoulders and, without looking at her face, said: "Good night."
She continued to stare at the closed balcony door. His large, masculine coat completely enveloped her delicate body. She gripped the collar of the coat with both hands. It was so warm and smelled nice.