Episode 18: New Path

The Jeon Clan had officially announced their decision to cancel the marriage alliance with the Kim Clan. They cited Taehyung's unprofessional and disrespectful behavior during their meeting as the primary reason. The news spread quickly, and the weight of the decision sent shockwaves through both families.

Taehyung’s father was fuming as he slammed a folder onto the dining table. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” he yelled, his voice echoing through the house.

Taehyung stood silently, his head bowed.

“This alliance with the Jeon Clan would have solidified our position in the business world! And now it’s gone—all because you couldn’t keep your emotions in check.”

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Taehyung said softly, his voice trembling.

“Meaning doesn’t matter! Results do!” his father retorted. “Do you know how hard I worked to build this connection? You’ve ruined everything.”

Taehyung clenched his fists. “I never asked for any of this. I never asked to be part of your plans or to marry someone I don’t even know.”

His father glared at him, his tone cold. “You’re a Kim. Your life isn’t just yours—it belongs to this family. Stop acting like a child and start taking responsibility.”

Taehyung’s chest tightened. He wanted to argue, to explain how lost he felt, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he turned and left the room, the weight of his father’s disappointment pressing heavily on his shoulders.

Jungkook sat at his desk, flipping through documents from his father’s company. His phone buzzed with a message from Jimin: “We’re proud of you, Kook. No matter what.”

He smiled faintly and glanced at the plane ticket on the corner of his desk. It was official—he would be heading abroad after graduation to take on his role in the Jeon family business. It was a decision he had wrestled with, but in the end, it felt like the right move.

As he packed some books into a box, his thoughts drifted to Taehyung. Memories of their moments together, both good and bad, played like a reel in his mind. His heart ached, but he knew it was time to let go.

Jimin and Hoseok visited later that evening, bringing snacks and updates from school.

“How are you holding up?” Hoseok asked, settling onto the couch.

Jungkook shrugged. “I’m okay, I guess. Just trying to focus on what’s next.”

Jimin hesitated before saying, “Yoongi and I… we’re officially giving things a try.”

Jungkook looked up, surprised. Then, a genuine smile spread across his face. “That’s great, Jimin. You deserve to be happy.”

Jimin smiled back, relieved. “Thank you, Kook. It means a lot.”

Taehyung’s absence during group practice had become a regular occurrence. Namjoon and Yoongi exchanged worried glances as the others murmured among themselves.

“I’m going to check on him,” Yoongi said, grabbing his bag.

Namjoon nodded. “He needs someone right now. He’s been spiraling ever since the Jeon Clan’s decision.”

When Yoongi found Taehyung later that evening, he was sitting alone in their usual spot, staring at his phone.

“You’re not helping anyone by shutting yourself off,” Yoongi said, sitting beside him.

“I know,” Taehyung replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “But what else can I do? I’ve already lost everything.”

Yoongi sighed. “You haven’t lost everything. But you’re going to if you don’t pull yourself together. We need you, Taehyung. The group needs you.”

Taehyung nodded weakly, but his mind was elsewhere.

Jimin and Yoongi sat on a park bench, watching the sunset.

“You didn’t have to walk me home,” Jimin said, glancing at Yoongi.

“I wanted to,” Yoongi replied, his tone sincere. “I know I’ve been pushing hard, but I really mean it when I say I care about you.”

Jimin smiled softly. “I know. And I’ve been thinking… maybe we should give this a chance. You’ve been there for me in ways I didn’t expect.”

Yoongi’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Jimin nodded. “Really. But take it slow, okay? I’m still figuring things out.”

“Of course,” Yoongi said, his grin widening. “As long as you’re willing to try, that’s all I could ask for.”

Late at night, Taehyung found himself standing outside Jungkook’s old apartment. He knew it was empty, but he couldn’t stop himself from going there, hoping against hope that Jungkook would suddenly appear.

He tried calling Jungkook’s old number again, only to be met with the same automated message: “The number you are trying to reach is no longer in service.”

He sighed and leaned against the door, his heart heavy. “I’m sorry, Jungkook,” he whispered. “For everything.”

Back at the staycation house, Jungkook sat on the balcony, staring at the stars. He took a deep breath, the cool night air calming his nerves.

“I’ll miss this place,” he said quietly to himself. “But it’s time to move forward.”

As he closed his eyes, he made a silent promise to himself: to start anew, to leave the pain behind, and to become someone he could be proud of.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***