SINGLE FATHER [전정국] ✓

Chapter - 11

The words Jimin spoke that day lingered in his mind like a heavy fog, impossible to shake off. The way Jimin said them, almost as if he anticipated his retreat, haunted him. The mere thought of seeing her with someone else made his chest tighten. Taking a deep, steadying breath, he shrugged on his coat and exited his office, the weight of uncertainty heavy on his shoulders.

Driving towards the hospital, he found himself standing before the receptionist's desk. "Hello, Mr. Jeon," she greeted warmly, her fingers dancing over the keyboard. Returning her smile with a polite nod, he stated, "I need to see Dr. Lee." The receptionist furrowed her brows, scanning the screen before shaking her head. "I'm sorry, she's on leave today," she informed him apologetically. Disappointment flooded him as he thanked her and left, his mind racing with unanswered questions.

Arriving at her house, he hesitated before ringing the doorbell, his heart pounding in his chest. With each unanswered ring, his anxiety mounted. Frustration gnawed at him as he tried calling her, only to be met with silence on the other end. Clenching his jaw, he cursed under his breath before heading back to his office, his thoughts consumed by her absence.

Returning to his office, he was taken aback to find Aiera seated on his couch, her presence unexpectedly. Their eyes met, and she offered a tentative smile as she approached him. "What are you doing here?" he questioned, his confusion evident. "Our parents invited us for dinner. Would you like to join?" she asked, her tone light. "I have work to attend to," he replied, turning away. Aiera's smile faltered momentarily before she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm eager to attend. Oppa is planning to propose to Y/N," she divulged, her words hanging heavily in the air. His eyes widened at the revelation, his fists clenching involuntarily. "Propose?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. Determination flashed in his eyes as he made a decision. "I'll come with you," he declared, his expression grave, sending a shiver down Aiera's spine.

---

Entering Park's Mansion, Y/N's facade remained composed as she followed her parents inside. Her gaze flickered to the figure seated on the couch, her heart clenching at the sight of Jungkook. Their eyes met briefly, a silent exchange laden with unspoken words. Her mother's comforting words did little to ease the turmoil raging inside her.

Taking her seat beside her mother, she found herself facing Jungkook, his presence both familiar and unsettling. His gaze bore into hers, searching for something she couldn't quite comprehend. Tension hung thick in the air as her father's jovial voice filled the room, drawing everyone's attention.

"So, what do you think of Jimin and Y/N's impending marriage?" her father teased, a knowing twinkle in his eye. Jimin sat silently, his expression unreadable, while Y/N struggled to maintain her composure under the weight of his gaze.

"I hope they tie the knot soon; they make a perfect couple, don't they, Jungkook?" her father continued, directing his question towards Jungkook, who met his gaze with a steely resolve. When prompted for her thoughts, Y/N felt a lump form in her throat, her heart heavy with uncertainty.

"I hope our elders decide on the wedding date promptly," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her words echoing in the silence that followed. The atmosphere grew tense as the realization sank in, unnoticed by the celebratory mood that surrounded them.

As dinner progressed, only three figures remained untouched by the festivities, their minds consumed by their own internal struggles. Uncertainty plagued both Jimin and Jungkook, each grappling with their own demons. Before anyone could react, Y/N excused herself, her tears betraying the facade of composure she had carefully constructed. Jimin and Jungkook followed suit, but it was too late—Y/N had already driven off into the night, leaving them both speechless and alone in the wake of her departure.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Jimin's voice boomed, breaking the silence as he gripped Jungkook's collar with a fierce intensity. "I could ask you the same," Jungkook retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. In a sudden burst of anger, Jimin's fist connected with Jungkook's jaw, the impact echoing through the empty room.

Jungkook stumbled back from the force of Jimin's blow, his hand instinctively rising to touch his throbbing jaw. Anger and pain flared in his eyes as he glared at Jimin, his own fists clenching at his sides. "What gives you the right to hit me?" he seethed, his voice low and dangerous.

Jimin's chest heaved with anger as he stepped closer, his eyes ablaze with fury. "You think you can just waltz back into her life whenever it suits you?" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You've had your chance, Jungkook. It's time you let her go."

Jungkook's jaw tensed at Jimin's words, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. "And what makes you think you have any say in who she chooses?" he shot back, his voice laced with bitterness. "You may be her fiancé, but that doesn't give you the right to dictate her life."

Before Jimin could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, drawing their attention. Aiera appeared in the doorway, her expression a mixture of concern and confusion. "What's going on?" she asked, her eyes flickering between the two men.

Jimin released Jungkook's collar, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Nothing you need to worry about," he replied tersely, his gaze never leaving Jungkook's.

Aiera's brow furrowed in concern as she approached them, her eyes lingering on Jungkook's bruised jaw. "Are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to touch his arm.

Jungkook pulled away instinctively, his gaze hardening. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice clipped.

Aiera's concern deepened at Jungkook's dismissive tone, but she chose not to press further. "Well, dinner is getting cold," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Let's go back inside."

With a final, lingering glance at Jungkook, Jimin followed Aiera back into the dining room, leaving Jungkook alone in the hallway. He leaned against the wall, his mind racing with thoughts of Y/N and the tangled mess their lives had become.

As he stared into the distance, a sense of determination settled over him. He couldn't let Jimin dictate Y/N's future, not when his own feelings for her still burned so fiercely. With a steely resolve, he straightened up and headed back into the dining room, ready to fight for the woman he loved.

As Jungkook reentered the dining room, he was met with curious glances from the others around the table. Jimin's father raised an eyebrow inquisitively, but Jungkook ignored the silent questioning, his focus fixed on Y/N, who remained conspicuously absent.

Taking a deep breath, Jungkook spoke up, his voice firm and unwavering. "I need to speak with Y/N."