Cannon Fodder's Time Has Come 6

Minho’s rage boiled over as he attempted to push himself off the ground, but before he could rise fully, Jungkook’s foot connected with his side, sending him sprawling again. Minho gagged, his body convulsing as bile rose to his throat.

The original body’s owner had been ruined by Jeon hyunwoo's schemes—stripped of his identity as Jeon Group’s heir and robbed of the family fortune. His life spiraled into despair, and when the protagonist rose as a corporate titan, he crushed the original further, ensuring no escape from a lifetime of failure. In the end, the original owner succumbed to depression and ended his life.

Jungkook, now inhabiting this body, knew the grim fate awaiting its former owner. Yet, instead of seeking to grovel at Minho’s feet for mercy, Jungkook’s fury simmered just beneath the surface. The fact that he hadn’t killed Minho yet was a testament to his restraint. If Kim Taehyung hadn’t stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder, Jungkook might have lashed out further.

Kim Taehyung

Jungkook-ah, don’t bully your poor little brother.

The words were smooth, delivered with a seemingly warm tone, but the glint in Taehyung’s eyes carried a subtle reprimand.

Jungkook shrugged off Taehyung’s hand without a care, his steps measured as he sauntered toward Minho. The younger boy remained sprawled on the ground, glaring up with eyes full of hatred.

Jeon Jungkook

(mocking) Do you hate me, Minho?

Minho’s response was defiant—a mouthful of bloody spit aimed squarely at Jungkook’s feet. Jungkook sidestepped with ease, his smirk deepening.

Jungkook planted a firm foot on Minho’s chest, pinning him to the filthy ground. His voice was low, laced with venom as he sneered down at the younger boy.

Jeon Jungkook

You? Hate me? What right do you have to hate me? Without my mother, where would your pitiful mother have ended up? Would she, with her basic education, have even set foot in Jeon Group’s mansion, earning a six-figure salary?

Jeon Jungkook

My mother treated her like family—trusted her! And how did she repay that kindness? By crawling into my father’s bed? By having you?

Jungkook’s foot pressed down slightly, enough to elicit a groan from Minho, but not enough to cause serious harm.

Jeon Jungkook

(coldly) And then, as if all that wasn’t enough, she chose to die in my mother’s bath. Was it atonement for her sins? Maybe.

Jeon Jungkook

But what did it achieve? It killed my mother, too! She followed that woman straight into the grave, leaving me behind to deal with the mess. So tell me, Minho—"

Jungkook leaned in slightly, his eyes dark and piercing.

Jeon Jungkook

Who should really be the one hating whom?

Jungkook’s eyes grew red, his chest rising and falling as he fought to rein in the storm of emotions threatening to consume him. The rage and anguish in his voice were palpable, heavy enough to suffocate anyone standing too close.

Minho, previously defiant, froze under the sheer force of Jungkook’s outburst. His wide eyes stayed locked on the older boy, unable to look away, as though he were staring down a beast. Even Taehyung, who had intended to intervene, found himself hesitating, his usual composure wavering for a fleeting moment.

Taehyung’s mind raced. He had known about the messy history within the Jeon family but had always viewed Minho as the victim. Now, hearing Jungkook’s side, he realized the depth of pain carved into Jungkook’s heart. Maybe Minho wasn’t the only one who had suffered. Maybe the biggest victim of all had been Jungkook’s mother—and her child, left behind to carry the weight of betrayal.

The air between them grew unbearably tense, thick with unsaid words and unresolved hatred. Slowly, Jungkook exhaled, his voice quieter but no less sharp as he asked,

Jeon Jungkook

You—search your conscience, Minho. If you were in my place, if you were left with nothing but betrayal and grief, how would you feel? Tell me—how would you feel?

Minho’s hands clenched into fists, his gaze flickering. For the first time, the usual fire in his eyes dimmed, replaced by something uncertain—confusion, guilt, or maybe both.

Watching the younger boy’s silence, Jungkook’s lips curled into a bitter smile. Suddenly, everything felt trivial. All the hatred, all the fights—it was exhausting. He lifted his foot off Minho’s chest and stepped back, his expression one of cold detachment.

Jeon Jungkook

You shouldn’t hate me. The one you should despise most is Mr Jeon. He’s the one who killed your mother.

Turning to Taehyung, Jungkook waved dismissively.

Jeon Jungkook

Let’s go.

TBC