Innocent (TaeKook) - Chapter 9: Chapter 9
You are reading Innocent (TaeKook), Chapter 9: Chapter 9. Read more chapters of Innocent (TaeKook).
"Mummy...." A sudden crashing noise jolted the 10-year-old boy awake, prompting him to leap out of his bed in a flash.
"Mummy...... Mummy?" His voice quivered with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty, mirroring the fear that often grips children when they venture beyond their bedrooms, unsure of their parents' whereabouts. But this night was far from ordinary—a disturbing disturbance had shattered the calm.
Summoning a modicum of courage, he edged closer to the bedroom door, which lay slightly ajar. The living room's luminance cast elongated shadows that whispered of parental presence.
However, the main door stood ajar, its wide gap signaling an unexpected departure. Heart thudding like a trapped bird's wings, he tiptoed out of his room and descended the stairs with cautious grace. The sight that greeted him was deeply unsettling.
"Ummmmm..... *cough* So-So *cough* So-you-Young...." His heart raced, impelling him to sprint downstairs, his feet hurtling him toward the prone figure. "Papa...... Papa... what's happening?" Instinctively, he wiped away the frothy residue that had collected around his father's lips, his tear-laden eyes filled with a blend of bewilderment and distress.
"Ju-Jung-Jungkook...." His father's words sputtered with labored breath, imbued with an urgent plea. "M-m-.... Ta- take..... *cough* Mom-Mommy....." Despite his weakness, his fingers clung to the boy's hand, a desperate connection.
"Pappa.... Pappa." The boy gently tapped his father's cheek, a mixture of sadness and concern welling up within him.
"K-KIM" The man's utterance was laden with meaning, a final message before he succumbed, his body growing limp in the boy's grasp.
"PAPPA.... PAPPA..." Grief-stricken, the boy's gaze shifted toward his mother, who lay sprawled, half-clad, on the couch. He averted his eyes, unable to confront the sight, instead lowering them to his lifeless father.
"Jungkook." His mother's hushed voice cut through the silence, beckoning him. Despite her fragile state, she struggled to sit, bruises marking her face and body. Awkwardly covering herself, she motioned for him to come closer.
"Mommy...." Jungkook awoke with a start, his cheeks wet with unshed tears. His trembling hands reached up to wipe them away, and as his vision cleared, he glanced at the clock beside his bed.
4:30 am
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he rose and made his way to the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror a testament to his interrupted sleep. Beads of sweat adorned his forehead, and his eyes were puffy from the tumultuous dreams. He splashed cold water on his face, attempting to dispel the lingering traces of his nightmare.
Yet the nightmare's tendrils clung to his mind, an inescapable specter. Returning to his room, he opened his laptop, only to be met with an image that further ignited the flames of his turmoil—a figure resting serenely. Anger surged within him, and he slammed the laptop shut before slipping into a loose shirt.
Exiting his room, he treaded a path he had avoided for days. Pushing the door open, he entered the room with a measured tread.
Drawing closer to the slumbering figure, he hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering above the younger man's arm. But Taehyung stirred, rolling onto his side, revealing the delicate lines of his frame beneath the oversized shirt. Long lashes brushed against his flushed cheeks, and a peaceful rhythm of snores escaped his lips, a scene that captivated Jungkook's attention.
Sensations unfamiliar coursed through Jungkook, a cascade of emotions that raised questions he wasn't prepared to answer. What was he doing? Why did he hesitate? He withdrew his hand, wrestling with the conflict within.
Leaving the room, Jungkook headed to the kitchen, his steps purposeful. As he swung open the stainless steel fridge, his gaze settled on a covered food tray resting on the counter. Fury swelled within him, a tempest of anger seeking release. Why was Taehyung so obstinate? He had granted him some leeway, allowing interactions and activities within the confines of his room, yet the younger man remained defiant, resisting even the most basic gestures.
Jungkook's fists clenched as he retrieved a water bottle from the fridge. His emotions churned, a maelstrom of conflicting feelings. He gripped the bottle, intending to retreat to his room, but his eyes returned to the untouched food tray.
Rage surged within him, an urgent need for release. Without a second thought, he seized the food tray and hurled it against the wall. The resulting crash and clatter reverberated in the kitchen, a tangible manifestation of his inner chaos.
Breathing heavily, Jungkook leaned against the kitchen counter, his heart racing in tandem with his thoughts. The room felt stifling, a pressure cooker of emotions begging for release. The water bottle remained clutched in his hand, a simple object that felt like an anchor in the storm.
With a deep breath, he turned and exited the kitchen, retreating to the sanctuary of his room. Slipping beneath the sheets, he closed his eyes, a futile attempt to quell the turmoil that threatened to consume him.
"Good morning, sunshine!" A cheerful voice pierced the remnants of Jungkook's dreams, coaxing him back to reality. He blinked open his eyes, greeted by the familiar face adorned with a warm smile.
"Morning," he mumbled, shifting to a sitting position and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Skipping meals again, I see? Care to explain?" The figure's tone carried a hint of reprimand, mingled with genuine concern.
"I wasn't hungry, hyung. I had some snacks later in the evening, so..." Taehyung's voice held a soft sincerity as he offered a small, sheepish smile. His gaze radiated an innocence that had the power to melt hearts.
"Baby, you're too fragile to survive on a few chips. How can you make do with such a meager dinner? You need to nourish yourself better." The older man's concern flowed like a nurturing current as he gently admonished Taehyung.
"Jin hyung, I promise I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm used to eating less." Taehyung's smile widened, an attempt to reassure Jin that he was taking care of himself. With that, he rose from the bed. "I'll be with you in a moment," he added, heading toward the bathroom. Gradually, a semblance of routine was weaving itself into his days.
Emerging from the bathroom, Taehyung joined Jin for breakfast. They conversed as they ate, touching on various subjects. "Namjoon mentioned he picked out some books to keep you entertained. He'll be coming to visit in about an hour," Jin informed Taehyung before bidding him farewell and heading to his work at the hospital.
"What have you discovered?" Jungkook's voice sliced through the phone's connection
, impatient and urgent.
"Give me a break, JK. Gathering information on someone isn't an instant process. It takes time," came Yoongi's nonchalant response.
"I despise delays, Yoongi. Get to the point quickly," Jungkook retorted, his patience wearing thin.
"I know you hate extending deadlines, but calm down. I'll get you the details soon enough," Yoongi replied before Jungkook ended the call abruptly.
"It seems a visit to our esteemed adversary is in order," Jungkook murmured, a wicked smile curving his lips as he dialed another number.
"Arrange a meeting with Mr. Kim."
"Good evening, sir. Allow me to escort you to your table," the waiter greeted Min ho, guiding him to a reserved spot that JK's secretary had arranged.
Settling into his seat, Min ho awaited the orchestrator of this unexpected meeting. Retrieving his phone, he dialed a number he never thought he would dial again.
"Hello, I'm here. Waiting for him," Min ho informed the person on the other end, a nervous edge to his voice.
"Just be patient. He doesn't usually keep people waiting when he arranges the meeting himself," a calm, feminine voice responded.
"Well, I just arrived as well. I'll wait," Min ho replied, his curiosity growing regarding the purpose of this encounter.
"Ah, I thought I might have inconvenienced you with the delay. Let's get down to business." JK leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
As a waiter came to take their order, Min ho seized the opportunity to break the ice. "I've heard many things about you, but meeting you, I find that not all the stories are accurate," Min ho commented, attempting to diffuse the tension between them.
"I would advise you to believe what you've heard," JK responded, a trace of amusement dancing in his eyes, an indication that he was well aware of his reputation.
"Just follow his instructions. Don't challenge him," Min ho's thoughts echoed, leaving him struggling to find his words. "So, um, what is the purpose of this meeting?" he finally managed to ask.
JK's smirk widened, triumphant as he anticipated this question. Then, he heard the phrase that ignited his ire.
"I doubt you'll have the resources to meet my demand for that boy." Min ho chuckled, his words sparking a blaze of fury within JK's gaze.
Suppressing his anger, JK maintained a composed facade. "Where is he, by the way? Can I meet him?" he inquired, his tone clipped.
"He's, well, at school right now," Min ho replied, a faint tremor betraying his nervousness.
"During the weekend? That's rather odd," JK prodded, his gaze unwavering. Min ho's color drained as he scrambled for an explanation.
"He's involved in a school event today, a festival where he's part of the management team," Min ho explained, his words tinged with a hint of guilt.
"I'll collect him from school, then. He's under my care now. Just sign the papers and specify the amount," JK asserted, brushing aside the topic of the school event. Min ho's relief was palpable, his elation evident. Swiftly, he signed the papers without a glance and jotted down a figure, a gamble for the best outcome.
20 million.
Though Min ho harbored doubts about JK's willingness to offer such a sum, he dared to hope.
"Alright," Min ho agreed, sliding the signed document toward JK and receiving a bag laden with cash in return.
"Deal," JK confirmed, his tone definitive. He fixed Min ho with a gaze, raising an eyebrow with a hint of menace.
"You don't know him, and he doesn't know you. And if I see you near him ever, that will be the last day of our deal and the first day of your funeral. Have a nice day, Mr. KIM."
"Mummy...... Mummy?" His voice quivered with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty, mirroring the fear that often grips children when they venture beyond their bedrooms, unsure of their parents' whereabouts. But this night was far from ordinary—a disturbing disturbance had shattered the calm.
Summoning a modicum of courage, he edged closer to the bedroom door, which lay slightly ajar. The living room's luminance cast elongated shadows that whispered of parental presence.
However, the main door stood ajar, its wide gap signaling an unexpected departure. Heart thudding like a trapped bird's wings, he tiptoed out of his room and descended the stairs with cautious grace. The sight that greeted him was deeply unsettling.
"Ummmmm..... *cough* So-So *cough* So-you-Young...." His heart raced, impelling him to sprint downstairs, his feet hurtling him toward the prone figure. "Papa...... Papa... what's happening?" Instinctively, he wiped away the frothy residue that had collected around his father's lips, his tear-laden eyes filled with a blend of bewilderment and distress.
"Ju-Jung-Jungkook...." His father's words sputtered with labored breath, imbued with an urgent plea. "M-m-.... Ta- take..... *cough* Mom-Mommy....." Despite his weakness, his fingers clung to the boy's hand, a desperate connection.
"Pappa.... Pappa." The boy gently tapped his father's cheek, a mixture of sadness and concern welling up within him.
"K-KIM" The man's utterance was laden with meaning, a final message before he succumbed, his body growing limp in the boy's grasp.
"PAPPA.... PAPPA..." Grief-stricken, the boy's gaze shifted toward his mother, who lay sprawled, half-clad, on the couch. He averted his eyes, unable to confront the sight, instead lowering them to his lifeless father.
"Jungkook." His mother's hushed voice cut through the silence, beckoning him. Despite her fragile state, she struggled to sit, bruises marking her face and body. Awkwardly covering herself, she motioned for him to come closer.
"Mommy...." Jungkook awoke with a start, his cheeks wet with unshed tears. His trembling hands reached up to wipe them away, and as his vision cleared, he glanced at the clock beside his bed.
4:30 am
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he rose and made his way to the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror a testament to his interrupted sleep. Beads of sweat adorned his forehead, and his eyes were puffy from the tumultuous dreams. He splashed cold water on his face, attempting to dispel the lingering traces of his nightmare.
Yet the nightmare's tendrils clung to his mind, an inescapable specter. Returning to his room, he opened his laptop, only to be met with an image that further ignited the flames of his turmoil—a figure resting serenely. Anger surged within him, and he slammed the laptop shut before slipping into a loose shirt.
Exiting his room, he treaded a path he had avoided for days. Pushing the door open, he entered the room with a measured tread.
Drawing closer to the slumbering figure, he hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering above the younger man's arm. But Taehyung stirred, rolling onto his side, revealing the delicate lines of his frame beneath the oversized shirt. Long lashes brushed against his flushed cheeks, and a peaceful rhythm of snores escaped his lips, a scene that captivated Jungkook's attention.
Sensations unfamiliar coursed through Jungkook, a cascade of emotions that raised questions he wasn't prepared to answer. What was he doing? Why did he hesitate? He withdrew his hand, wrestling with the conflict within.
Leaving the room, Jungkook headed to the kitchen, his steps purposeful. As he swung open the stainless steel fridge, his gaze settled on a covered food tray resting on the counter. Fury swelled within him, a tempest of anger seeking release. Why was Taehyung so obstinate? He had granted him some leeway, allowing interactions and activities within the confines of his room, yet the younger man remained defiant, resisting even the most basic gestures.
Jungkook's fists clenched as he retrieved a water bottle from the fridge. His emotions churned, a maelstrom of conflicting feelings. He gripped the bottle, intending to retreat to his room, but his eyes returned to the untouched food tray.
Rage surged within him, an urgent need for release. Without a second thought, he seized the food tray and hurled it against the wall. The resulting crash and clatter reverberated in the kitchen, a tangible manifestation of his inner chaos.
Breathing heavily, Jungkook leaned against the kitchen counter, his heart racing in tandem with his thoughts. The room felt stifling, a pressure cooker of emotions begging for release. The water bottle remained clutched in his hand, a simple object that felt like an anchor in the storm.
With a deep breath, he turned and exited the kitchen, retreating to the sanctuary of his room. Slipping beneath the sheets, he closed his eyes, a futile attempt to quell the turmoil that threatened to consume him.
"Good morning, sunshine!" A cheerful voice pierced the remnants of Jungkook's dreams, coaxing him back to reality. He blinked open his eyes, greeted by the familiar face adorned with a warm smile.
"Morning," he mumbled, shifting to a sitting position and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Skipping meals again, I see? Care to explain?" The figure's tone carried a hint of reprimand, mingled with genuine concern.
"I wasn't hungry, hyung. I had some snacks later in the evening, so..." Taehyung's voice held a soft sincerity as he offered a small, sheepish smile. His gaze radiated an innocence that had the power to melt hearts.
"Baby, you're too fragile to survive on a few chips. How can you make do with such a meager dinner? You need to nourish yourself better." The older man's concern flowed like a nurturing current as he gently admonished Taehyung.
"Jin hyung, I promise I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm used to eating less." Taehyung's smile widened, an attempt to reassure Jin that he was taking care of himself. With that, he rose from the bed. "I'll be with you in a moment," he added, heading toward the bathroom. Gradually, a semblance of routine was weaving itself into his days.
Emerging from the bathroom, Taehyung joined Jin for breakfast. They conversed as they ate, touching on various subjects. "Namjoon mentioned he picked out some books to keep you entertained. He'll be coming to visit in about an hour," Jin informed Taehyung before bidding him farewell and heading to his work at the hospital.
"What have you discovered?" Jungkook's voice sliced through the phone's connection
, impatient and urgent.
"Give me a break, JK. Gathering information on someone isn't an instant process. It takes time," came Yoongi's nonchalant response.
"I despise delays, Yoongi. Get to the point quickly," Jungkook retorted, his patience wearing thin.
"I know you hate extending deadlines, but calm down. I'll get you the details soon enough," Yoongi replied before Jungkook ended the call abruptly.
"It seems a visit to our esteemed adversary is in order," Jungkook murmured, a wicked smile curving his lips as he dialed another number.
"Arrange a meeting with Mr. Kim."
"Good evening, sir. Allow me to escort you to your table," the waiter greeted Min ho, guiding him to a reserved spot that JK's secretary had arranged.
Settling into his seat, Min ho awaited the orchestrator of this unexpected meeting. Retrieving his phone, he dialed a number he never thought he would dial again.
"Hello, I'm here. Waiting for him," Min ho informed the person on the other end, a nervous edge to his voice.
"Just be patient. He doesn't usually keep people waiting when he arranges the meeting himself," a calm, feminine voice responded.
"Well, I just arrived as well. I'll wait," Min ho replied, his curiosity growing regarding the purpose of this encounter.
"Ah, I thought I might have inconvenienced you with the delay. Let's get down to business." JK leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
As a waiter came to take their order, Min ho seized the opportunity to break the ice. "I've heard many things about you, but meeting you, I find that not all the stories are accurate," Min ho commented, attempting to diffuse the tension between them.
"I would advise you to believe what you've heard," JK responded, a trace of amusement dancing in his eyes, an indication that he was well aware of his reputation.
"Just follow his instructions. Don't challenge him," Min ho's thoughts echoed, leaving him struggling to find his words. "So, um, what is the purpose of this meeting?" he finally managed to ask.
JK's smirk widened, triumphant as he anticipated this question. Then, he heard the phrase that ignited his ire.
"I doubt you'll have the resources to meet my demand for that boy." Min ho chuckled, his words sparking a blaze of fury within JK's gaze.
Suppressing his anger, JK maintained a composed facade. "Where is he, by the way? Can I meet him?" he inquired, his tone clipped.
"He's, well, at school right now," Min ho replied, a faint tremor betraying his nervousness.
"During the weekend? That's rather odd," JK prodded, his gaze unwavering. Min ho's color drained as he scrambled for an explanation.
"He's involved in a school event today, a festival where he's part of the management team," Min ho explained, his words tinged with a hint of guilt.
"I'll collect him from school, then. He's under my care now. Just sign the papers and specify the amount," JK asserted, brushing aside the topic of the school event. Min ho's relief was palpable, his elation evident. Swiftly, he signed the papers without a glance and jotted down a figure, a gamble for the best outcome.
20 million.
Though Min ho harbored doubts about JK's willingness to offer such a sum, he dared to hope.
"Alright," Min ho agreed, sliding the signed document toward JK and receiving a bag laden with cash in return.
"Deal," JK confirmed, his tone definitive. He fixed Min ho with a gaze, raising an eyebrow with a hint of menace.
"You don't know him, and he doesn't know you. And if I see you near him ever, that will be the last day of our deal and the first day of your funeral. Have a nice day, Mr. KIM."
End of Innocent (TaeKook) Chapter 9. Continue reading Chapter 10 or return to Innocent (TaeKook) book page.