CHAPTER 3
The two sat in silence, the soft rustle of leaves and the faint hum of the wind the only sounds that lingered between them. The night stretched on, quiet and undisturbed, until Taehyung’s voice broke the stillness.
Kim Taehyung
I wish… I had never been born.
The words struck like a sudden chill, causing Jin to turn his head sharply toward the boy. His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, allowing Taehyung to continue.
Kim Taehyung
I know the Duchess has never cared for me…
Kim Taehyung
I’ve long since stopped yearning for affection. Not from you… nor the Duke.
Jin’s gaze hardened, his hands unconsciously curling into fists.
Kim Seokjin
You are not wrong. I despise you. Because of you, my family nearly crumbled.
Taehyung glanced at Jin’s clenched hand but returned his gaze to the moon, unfazed.
Kim Taehyung
Then why did you not abandon me?
Jin’s jaw tightened, his voice cold but steady.
Kim Seokjin
You bear the blood of House Kim.
Kim Seokjin
Whatever disdain I hold, I am not so cruel as to cast away a child born of my husband.
A faint, bitter chuckle escaped Taehyung’s lips.
Kim Taehyung
Would it not have been kinder to send me to the orphanage instead?
Kim Seokjin
What are you implying?
Taehyung’s eyes remained fixed on the moon, his voice growing softer but sharper—like the edge of a blade.
Kim Taehyung
Here is killing me... slowly. Can you not see it?
Jin’s frown deepened, unease stirring within him.
Kim Taehyung
If you all wish for my death..
Kim Taehyung
—if poisoning my meals is not enough
Kim Taehyung
—why not simply hand me a knife and let me finish the task myself?
Jin’s breath caught. His eyes widened as he turned to Taehyung, disbelief clouding his expression.
Kim Seokjin
W-what… poison?
At last, Taehyung met his gaze. The boy’s eyes were devoid of warmth, cold and lifeless as the surface of the moon above.
A deep, unsettling emptiness reflected back at Jin, sending a shiver down his spine.
Kim Taehyung
All I desire now is rest… nothing more.
He smiled—a faint, fragile curve of the lips that did not reach his eyes. Rising from the bench, Taehyung bowed lightly.
Kim Taehyung
Goodnight, Duchess Kim.
Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the hall, leaving Jin alone beneath the pale light of the moon.
Jin remained seated, his thoughts circling the boy’s parting words, unable to shake the cold that now pressed against his heart.
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