TIGERS WILL CHAPTER 5

Lee Jong Sok gently lowered himself onto a bench, settling Taehyung on his lap. The boy shifted slightly, his gaze lingering on Lee’s face as if searching for something—some hidden answer his mind refused to provide.

After a long silence, Taehyung finally spoke, his voice soft but uncertain.

Kim Taehyung

Who are you?

His innocent eyes reflected nothing but confusion, and the sight pierced Lee’s heart like a blade. The absence of recognition in his grandson’s face weighed heavily upon him, but Lee masked the ache with a tender smile.

Lee Jong Suk

I am your grandfather, Lee Jong Sok. And you… you are Kim Taehyung.

Lee brushed a stray lock of hair from Taehyung’s forehead, his touch warm and comforting.

Taehyung’s eyes widened, his small body stiffening as the words echoed in his mind.

Kim Taehyung

Kim Taehyung

(Lee Jong Sok…? Wait… that Lee Jong Sok?)

Taehyung’s thoughts spiraled as realization struck like lightning.

Kim Taehyung

(Isn’t he the same Lee Jong Sok from that novel…? And Kim Taehyung…)

A cold sweat formed at the back of his neck.

Kim Taehyung

(Kim Taehyung—the character who dies at eighteen?!)

Taehyung’s hands instinctively clutched Lee’s sleeve tighter, his heart racing.

Kim Taehyung

(What kind of twisted fate is this...!!?)

Lee Jong Sok gazed down at Taehyung, his smile warm and gentle as he watched the boy’s seemingly content expression. Unbeknownst to him, Taehyung’s mind was in complete turmoil.

Kim Taehyung

😊 (This is insane… How did I end up as this Taehyung?! The one who’s destined to die at eighteen?!)

Taehyung’s thoughts raced, but he kept his face calm, forcing a small, polite smile in return.

After a moment, Lee let out a quiet chuckle, as if sensing the unspoken questions swirling within Taehyung’s mind.

Lee Jong Suk

You may be wondering why I bear the name Lee, and not Kim… It is because I took your grandmother’s name.

Lee Jong Suk

His voice softened as he lifted his eyes to the sky, his gaze distant and heavy with memories. A faint, sorrowful smile tugged at his lips.

Taehyung, still sitting quietly on his lap, glanced up at him, his curiosity piqued.

Kim Taehyung

(Of course… He took her name because he loved his late wife so deeply… Just like the novel said...)

Taehyung’s grip on Lee’s sleeve loosened slightly, and his heart softened at the sight of the old man’s bittersweet smile.

Kim Taehyung

(He truly was devoted to her… I guess some things are just as they were written.)

For the first time since waking up, Taehyung felt a small flicker of comfort. Even if the future ahead seemed bleak, perhaps… not everything was set in stone.

Taehyung’s gaze softened as he looked at Lee. After a brief pause, he spoke in a small but earnest voice.

Kim Taehyung

Grandma must have loved you a lot… and I’m sure she’s proud of you. Don’t be sad.

His tiny hand reached up, gently touching Lee’s cheek in an effort to comfort him. The warmth of the gesture pulled Lee from his thoughts, and he chuckled softly, covering Taehyung’s hand with his own.

Lee Jong Suk

Your grandmother loved you very much too, Taehyung… just as I do. You remind me of her more and more each day.

Lee’s smile deepened as he brushed a hand-over Taehyung’s hair, his heart swelling with affection.

Kim Taehyung

(Taehyung… is lucky to have someone like him...)

Taehyung thought, feeling a strange sense of peace despite the weight of his newfound reality.

After a moment of hesitation, Taehyung glanced down, nervously fiddling with his fingers. His cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as he spoke shyly.

Kim Taehyung

Can I… Can I call you Papa instead of Grandfather?

His voice wavered, and he kept his eyes lowered, embarrassed by the request.

Lee’s eyes widened in surprise, but the joy that bloomed on his face was undeniable.

Lee Jong Suk

I would be delighted! No… I would be honored!

Unable to contain his happiness, Lee lifted Taehyung high into the air, spinning him around as laughter echoed through the garden.

Taehyung let out a surprised squeak, but the warmth in Lee’s arms made him relax. For a brief moment, he forgot the worries in his heart and simply basked in the affection showered upon him.

Perhaps, just perhaps… this life wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Author Note: Hi! I just notice some views on this story... Which made me happy and thank you for waiting patiently at my every-updates in this story... This is not my first time writing in mangatoon and you guys might be even more surprised to find out why HAHAHA... But anyway, please support me and my story along the way. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe 😊