ARC2/ CHP 14: a mother's regret
The female figure stood in front of the vast open refrigerator; lost in thought as the coolness of the air enveloped her. not a peep could be heard.
The bustling noise of the tavern seemed distant, as complete stillness enveloped the expansive rear kitchen. The back entrance of the kitchen, leading to the garbage cans in the narrow lane, was partially ajar, allowing the draft to enter like a deceased person's breath whispering against the ears of the living.
the servers and bartenders were gathered in the rear, still to the point where the noise of their legs shaking could be heard.
the woman's expression turned sour and creases started to appear on her forehead. She took a bottle of beer and walked toward the figure before her and stood two steps away expressionlessly.
"What led you to this location, your arrival is causing alarm among everyone. "
The man sneered, "Is this how you treat your valued patrons? I've been away for nearly 16 years. I expected a warm welcome at the very least."
The woman snorted, rolled her eyes, and stormed off to one of the stools, "You're not wanted here or anywhere near me."
"They say that the hardest part of life isn't making new acquaintances, but rather reconnecting with old ones. Don't tell me you haven't missed me, my dear," he taunted.
"Your very presence causes me pain. Only harm follows in your wake," she spat.
The man chuckled, "Ouch, you're really laying it on thick. But I assure you, I've come with good intentions this time."
The woman glared at him, her eyes filled with suspicion, "Get to the point."
"I've found your son," he stated matter-of-factly.
The woman's expression turned to one of shock and disbelief, "My son is dead. Don't make jokes about something so serious."
"I assure you, I wouldn't say something like this lightly. Park Jimin is alive and well," he replied, his expression serious.
The woman's eyes widened, and her heart began to race. "What do you mean, my son is alive? How is that possible? didn't he die after what happened in the orphanage"
The man gave her a knowing look, " He was taken from there a day before."
The woman felt a wave of emotions wash over her, from relief to anger to confusion. "Who took him? Why? And why did you wait so long to tell me?"
the man's expression hardened as he said, " I needed to confirm some things before taking action"
she glanced at him with a complicated gaze, unsure why the man's demeanor made her bring back memories of the past. She knew that history was about to repeat itself.
"He's with the Jeons, isn't he?"
"You're as astute as ever, my dear," the man chuckled. "He seems quite enamored with them. He couldn't stop mentioning the Jeon name when we met."
A mixture of horror and concern washed over the woman's face as tears welled up in her eyes. "What do you mean 'met'? Have you seen him? What's he like? Did he ask about me?"
The man was amused. "He's memoryless, so stop pretending to be the loving mother. We both know better than that."
"As much as I want to blame you and make you pay for your actions, I know it won't bring me peace or ease the guilt and regret I feel. But I hope you know better than to toy with Jeon Jungkook. He is nothing like his grandfather."
"I've just been having fun with him. He seemed quite incapable if you ask me."
"Just because he's not taking action doesn't mean he can't. If he's not attacking you, it means he's preoccupied with more important things," the woman added sternly. "If my son is happy being there, let him be. It's better than remembering what we've done to him. If you still have a place for me in your heart, leave him alone."
The man burst into laughter. "Oh dear, you know how much I appreciate you, but you also know that once I start something, I always finish it."
"So, what is it that you actually need? You're not the type to just drop by and inform me that my son is alive," the woman asked suspiciously.
"This is why I love you, you know me so well," the man said with a sly smile. "I need you to do something for me."
"And why would I do that? I've lost enough because of you," the woman retorted, her voice filled with bitterness.
"Oh, but you will. Trust me, dear. You don't have any other options," the man said with a hint of menace in his voice.
"Just because you changed your name to a two-letter long, doesn't mean your power over me is stronger. You can't do anything to me," the woman said with hatred and determination in her voice.
" b.k isn't it a great name" the man laughs " you bet I can make you do whatever I want".
The woman resolved to refrain from further communication with the man. She was cognizant of his power and the extent of control he held over her. Had she not signed that fateful contract on that fateful night, perhaps her present circumstances would be vastly different. Though many years had transpired, regret and guilt consumed her like a corrosive acid.
She longed to hear her son's voice, to embrace him once more. The years spent believing he had passed away and was at peace had proven to be a deception. Now, after discovering his whereabouts, she was at a loss as to how to feel.
Apologies would be futile, especially with the boy's memories having been erased. In her quest for what she desired most, she had carelessly wounded what she loved most, paying no heed to his cries and screams. The title of mother no longer applied to her, a shame that would haunt her until her dying day. Even now, as she glared at the man who was the root of all her troubles, she felt helpless. What could she do to escape this endless cycle of suffering that she brought upon herself?
She was uncertain of the nature of Jimin's existence amidst the Jeons, and was not yet prepared to confront the truth. Though she knew that her ignorance would not last forever, she desired to savor the present and steel herself for the future, for fear of what she may uncover.
She wishes for the good.
Park Jimin was but a mere child, pure and radiant, who deserved far more than the hardship she had inflicted upon him, through her own foolishness.
Unenlightened to the suffering he had endured, she was equally unaware of the joy and contentment he now possessed.
a seed the size of an olive that would bear the Jeon name for generations to come.
The gleeful spark in his eyes as he watched his beloved, fulfill his promise to never abandon or neglect him again.
The tender gaze he bestowed upon Jungkook after returning home from a long day at work, followed by a loving kiss and embrace as he whispered,
"I'm home, beautiful."
Jimin smiled as he leaned back and stole more kisses from Jungkook.
"You certainly took your time," he said.
Jungkook grumbled in response, "I didn't realize that the work in the company was so much more demanding and challenging than my previous illegal endeavors. I already detest it." He glanced over Jimin's shoulder to see his mother fidgeting with her dress, a look of complexity etched on her face.
"What's going on with her?" Jungkook asked.
Jimin shrugged and remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. "She's been acting like that since this morning. Noah said something about her wanting to have a conversation with both of us, separately."
It was only natural for a mother to want to speak with her son and his partner. But when the said son held resentment towards her, it became a complicated matter.
Since she came here with the Jeons' father, Jungkook had not once acknowledged her presence or spoken to her. Her presence was as insignificant as a sock without its pair. Jungkook looked at Jimin, who was reluctantly observing his mother. He understood that even though he had not yet confided in Jimin about his past, Jimin would still hate anything that he believed would cause him harm.
This thought made Jungkook feel proud and loved. He never thought he would have someone like Jimin in his life.
The action was sudden. A wave of warmth washed over him as he pulled Jimin back by his waist and reconnected their lips. He sucked on Jimin's bottom lip hard, causing Jimin to be surprised for a moment before he encircled his arms around Jungkook's neck and kissed back just as hard and passionately.
" What's this about"
As Jimin pulled away, a chuckle escaped his lips as he took in Jungkook's countenance.
"Nothing," the latter murmured, "I simply adore you."
Jimin smiled warmly. "I do too. Now, let us go and have dinner. The others are already seated."
Jungkook nodded and tenderly brushed his fingertips against Jimin's cheek, his eyes alight with affection.
The couple enjoyed their meal in the company of their friends and later settled into the living room for casual conversation. Despite the noise and the fact that Jimin was nestled comfortably in Jungkook's lap, the latter's mind couldn't help but wonder.
He knew it was a difficult decision, but it was one he needed to make for the sake of his pregnant partner. Even though it pained him, he knew he had to tell Jimin. The time he spent avoiding the topic and ignoring it had been extensive, and as much as Jimin's trust and patience were unwavering, it wouldn't be long before he reached his breaking point.
As the night came to a close and the others retired for the evening, Jungkook inhaled deeply and turned to Jimin.
"Baby," he began, his voice trembling with emotion, " I need to tell you something"
Jimin gazed at him with concern, sensing the weight of his words.
"What is it, hyungie? Is everything okay?"
Jungkook hesitated for a moment, but before he could express himself, a delicate voice interrupted him.
"Son," the woman said, her eyes brimming with tears.
Jungkook groaned, his eyes hard and indifferent as he looked at her. His heart could not even provide her with an answer. He reached out and took Jimin's hand, turning to depart, but the woman persisted.
"Please, let us converse. I shan't take much of your time," she whispered, following him up the stairs. When no response was given, she added, her voice shaking, "Why are you willing to have a direct discourse with your father and Noah, but not with me? He did more harm, he was the one at fault."
As they reached Jungkook's chamber, the mother's only hope of getting her son to speak with her was to cling to Jimin's arm and beg. She was helpless, after all, she was just a mother.
"Jimin, son, please, ask him to speak to me, just one word, just for a little bit. He listens to you, I beg you," she pleaded.
Though Jimin felt uncomfortable and awkward around her, he still felt remorse for her, but he could not coerce Jungkook to do something he avoided like the plague and detested the most. He felt a bit helpless and looked to Jungkook, who stood emotionlessly, waiting for Jimin's next move.
Jimin squeezed Jungkook's hand for comfort before looking back at the woman.
"I truly do not wish to offend your feelings, but this has nothing to do with me, I'm sorry ma'am," he said, speaking candidly.
The woman burst into tears and begged more. "Please, just a word, just for a little bit."
The scene was tense, with all three parties feeling different emotions - one anger and hatred, the second awkwardness and concern, and the third great grief.
"It's easier to speak with him because I've always known who he was and what he was. I've never expected anything from him. Now you've got your word. Please refrain from addressing me in the future, Mrs. Jeon," Jungkook said, before storming into his chamber, with Jimin closing the door behind them, leaving a broken heart behind and a mother drowning in regret and guilt.
As the door shut behind them, Jimin and Jungkook stood in a moment of contemplative silence, each lost in their own musings. Jungkook's countenance was etched with a combination of pain and anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Jimin could sense the turmoil within him and knew that the confrontation with his mother was not the sole source of his distress.
"Hyungie, speak with me," Jimin implored, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
Jungkook shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I cannot, Jimin. Not at this time."
Jimin nodded, comprehending the gravity of Jungkook's pain and the complexity of his emotions. He understood that Jungkook required space to process and that he couldn't coerce him to open up.
"Understood. I am here for you whenever you are ready," Jimin reassured, giving Jungkook's shoulder a supportive squeeze and lightly pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Let's cuddle and get some sleep "
Jungkook nodded, his eyes closed as he took a deep breath.
Outside the door, the mother remained frozen, drowned in her tears and pain for a prolonged period. Feeling weak, until Noah found her and led her back to their room.
"I've told you to be patient, Mom. You did not have to break your own heart," he said in a calm tone.
"I know, but I am hopeless and in pain. I have lost one, and I do not wish to lose the other," she sobbed in her son's embrace.
"Let us hope one will awaken and the other will forgive," he responded.