VENGEANCE - 3 - VEILED RESENTMENTS

3rd POV (previous scene from Jungkook's perspective)

As Jungkook stepped into the opulent mansion, he felt a wave of unease wash over him. His encounter with Victor had been unexpected, and he was still trying to process the fact that his long-lost half-brother was now the head of a powerful mafia group. Victor had summoned him and their friends here without revealing the reason, and the tension in the room was palpable.

As he entered the living room, his eyes locked with Taehyung's cold gaze. The sight of the man he once loved sent a shiver down his spine. Memories of their past flooded back, and Jungkook couldn't help but feel a mix of pain and anger. He had spent years trying to bury those emotions, but now, they resurfaced with a vengeance.

Taehyung's imposing presence gave away the transformation he had undergone. Gone was the bubbly boy Jungkook once knew, replaced by a cold and formidable mafia leader. It felt like a lifetime since they had been together, yet the memories of their past love resurfaced, causing a surge of conflicting emotions within him.

Victor spoke, explaining that Taehyung was his trusted friend, and he had asked him to keep them safe during his absence. Jungkook was taken aback by the arrangement but knew they had little choice. However, the thought of staying under Taehyung's roof only added to the discomfort.

Jungkook tried to push aside the bitterness he felt towards Taehyung. He couldn't forget the heartbreak he endured years ago, and the sight of Taehyung's cold demeanor only fueled his resentment.

At the same time, as dusk settled over the grand estate, a sleek black car pulled up at the entrance. The door opened, and Jin stepped out, followed by a young boy with a striking resemblance to Taehyung. It was Yohan, Taehyung's adopted son, who had grown up under his father's cold and guarded demeanor.

Jin's eyes fell upon the group of familiar faces gathered in the living room. He recognized them immediately as Jungkook and his friends, the people he blamed for breaking Taehyung's heart and changing him so drastically.

Seokjin

What is going on in here?

Jin asked, shocked to see the people he never wanted to see again. On the other hand, Jungkook and his friends, especially Namjoon, were equally shocked to see Jin, the friend who left them ten years ago without a word, meeting him at Taehyung's mansion. There were a lot of questions that needed answers.

Yohan's eyes locked with Jungkook's, and for a moment, a spark of recognition flickered in his cold gaze. He had heard stories from his father about his past, the friends who had betrayed him, and the pain he had endured. Like Taehyung, Yohan carried a deep resentment towards Jungkook and his friends, and it manifested in the cold and unpredictable demeanor he displayed.

Victor stepped forward and said,

Victor

Jin, Yohan, meet Jungkook, my brother. These are his friends, Jimin, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Namjoon.

He introduced Jungkook and his friends to Jin and Yohan, carefully avoiding any mention of their complicated history. The tension in the room was palpable, and Victor's attempts to keep the peace felt futile. He knew there was something more going on than what he knew, but he didn't want to dig in as he respected Taehyung's and his brother's privacy, and he had his fair share of secrets too.

Jin's voice was icy as he spoke.

Seokjin

So, you're telling me that Jeon Jungkook is your half-brother, the one you were searching for? And here I thought how small this world can be with over eight billion people?

His words dripped with sarcasm.

Victor, who had grown to care for Jin deeply over the time they had known each other, watched with a blend of apprehension and yearning. He was accustomed to Jin being his typical bright self whenever he talked with him, but this was not that Jin. This version of him seemed darker, more intense, and quite intimidating.

Namjoon had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as he watched the subtle way Jin and Victor interacted—a gaze that lingered a bit too long, or a hand that brushed slightly too close. He was reminded of how things used to be between himself and Jin before everything had become so complicated. Despite the pang of jealousy he felt, Namjoon knew he had to keep his feelings hidden, even from himself.

Victor glanced at Jin and Yohan with a knowing glint in his eye, before looking back at Jungkook, as if to confirm that a connection was present. He cleared his throat.

Victor

Yes, Jungkook is the one I have been searching for all these years.

Gesturing towards Jin and Yohan, Victor spoke with a sense of grave importance.

Victor

This is Kim Seokjin, Taehyung's half-brother, and this is Kim Yohan, Taehyung's son.

Victor

His voice seemed to drop an octave, emphasizing the hostility that was palpable between them. He could feel hatred radiating off of both parties despite their false courtesy.

This came as a shock to Jungkook and his friends; though he got an idea that Jin was somewhat connected to Taehyung as he was present here, he never dreamed that they were brothers. This meant that for three years, Taehyung and Jin had concealed this knowledge from their group of friends. The Kim brothers had been deceiving them since the beginning.

Namjoon was beyond shocked; he now felt as if everything between him and Jin was a lie, since Jin had never been honest with him. The pain of his heartache was worsened by the fact that Jin had chosen his cheating brother over his loyal friends and love. What else could Namjoon have expected, after all, when the same blood ran in both Taehyung and Jin's veins.

It took a while for Jungkook to take in that Taehyung had a son, who appeared to be fifteen or sixteen years old. The only logical conclusion was that the boy had been adopted by Taehyung.

Jungkook's heart sank at the sight of Taehyung's son, Yohan, a stark reminder of the life they could have had together. The chill emanating from Yohan sent shivers down Jungkook's spine, forewarning him that this meeting would not be a pleasant one.

Victor's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a blade, leaving no room for argument.

Victor

It's time to go. I'll do my best to resolve this issue as soon as I can. Until then, Jungkook and Taehyung, please put your differences aside. I'm not asking you two to become friends, but at least have a mutual understanding.

His glare scoured them both before he turned away, ending their conversation. Taehyung and Jungkook shared a quick glance before both giving a nod of agreement.

Seokjin

Come back safe, Vic

Jin said anxiously.

Victor grinned in response.

Victor

Don't worry sweetheart, I won't die before I have you as my own.

He declared in Italian, a language only Taehyung, Jin, and Yohan comprehended. Jin blushed slightly while Yohan smirked in amusement.

Taehyung's lips quivered upward, forming a small smile as he watched Victor and his brother. It was an unusual sight; Taehyung rarely cracked a grin. His expression made the moment even more special.

Namjoon flinched at the sound of Victor's melodic Italian words, unable to understand them but able to read the excitement in Jin's expression. His stomach dropped with jealousy as understanding set in. He turned his head away and clenched his fist, trying hard to keep his composure.

The remainder of Jungkook's circle of friends were still trying to figure out what they had gotten themselves into, and how life had taken such an unexpected turn for all of them in just a matter of hours.

Victor

All right, Jungkook. I'll see you shortly.

Victor said goodbye before he left to deal with an issue in Russia. He only hoped that things wouldn't get any worse while he was gone.

The tension in the room was still palpable as Victor left, leaving behind a group of people with unresolved feelings and a web of complicated connections. Jungkook's mind was reeling from the shock of meeting Taehyung's family, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – regret for the past, anger at himself for hurting Taehyung, and a longing to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

As the silence lingered, Yohan's cold gaze swept over Jungkook and his friends. His resentment towards them was evident, and he had no intention of letting go of the grudge he held against the people who had hurt his father. Jungkook felt a chill run down his spine as he faced the intensity in Yohan's eyes, realizing that this reunion was not going to be easy.

Jin, on the other hand, was still processing the shock of seeing Jungkook and his friends after so many years. The pain and betrayal he had felt in the past resurfaced, and he couldn't bring himself to welcome them with open arms. His walls were up, and he was determined to protect his family – Taehyung and Yohan – from any potential harm.

Namjoon, standing beside Jin, felt a mix of emotions as well. He knew that seeing Jin and Taehyung's family together brought back old wounds and jealousy. But he also understood that their lives had taken different paths, and they couldn't go back to the way things were before. It was a bitter realization, but he had to accept it.

Meanwhile, Taehyung watched the interactions from a distance, his face carefully masked with an air of indifference. He knew that meeting Jungkook and his friends again would stir up a whirlwind of emotions, but he had to maintain his composure for the sake of his family. He kept his feelings locked away, unwilling to show any vulnerability in front of the people who had once broken his heart.

Yohan, observing his father's guarded demeanor, couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness. He knew that Taehyung had loved Jungkook deeply in the past, and seeing them together again must have been difficult for him. Yohan vowed to stand by his father's side and shield him from any further pain.

After the tense reunion in the living room, Taehyung decided it was best to assign one of his most trusted staff members to show Jungkook and his friends to their rooms. He called for Rosaline, the head maid, and whispered some instructions to her.

Taehyung

Rosaline, please show Jungkook and his friends to the guest rooms. They will be staying here for a while

Taehyung said, keeping his tone neutral.

Rosaline nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and led the group down a corridor towards the guest wing of the mansion. Jimin couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern for Taehyung's family.

Jimin

Rosaline, can I ask you something?

Jimin inquired as they walked.

Rosaline turned her gentle gaze towards him.

Rosaline

Of course, sir. What would you like to know?

Jimin

I noticed Yohan earlier. He seems like a strong and protective young man. For an adopted child he seemed very close to Taehyung.

Jimin said, trying to keep his tone casual.

Rosaline smiled warmly.

Rosaline

This incident occurred around eight years ago. Master saved Yohan when he was just eight years old. Since then, he raised him as his own, and they share a very special bond.

Jimin felt a surge of admiration for Taehyung's kind heart.

Jimin

That's incredible. Taehyung has a big heart, doesn't he?

Rosaline nodded.

Rosaline

Indeed, he does. Master Taehyung may seem tough on the outside, but he cares deeply for those he loves.

Jungkook wanted to laugh at this and he mentally scoffed at this statement. Taehyung confused him, all of this was just messing his head. Ten years ago, he was betrayed but when he sees Taehyung, it seems like he was hurt, he was the victim, it felt like Jungkook broke his heart and then, he became cold. Jungkook was at fault, not Taehyung. Jungkook sighs when he realises even his thoughts are not working.

As they reached the guest wing, Rosaline opened the door to the room assigned to Jungkook and his friends. The room was well-appointed, with all the comforts one could need. But the tension in the air was still palpable.

Rosaline

Please make yourselves comfortable. If you need anything, feel free to ask.

Rosaline said with a warm smile, trying to ease the atmosphere.

Jungkook

Thank you, Rosaline. We appreciate your help.

Jungkook replied politely, and the others nodded in agreement.

After Rosaline left, Jungkook's friends settled into their respective rooms. However, the weight of the past still hung heavily in the air.

Jungkook's mind was in turmoil as he tried to make sense of the complex web of emotions and relationships surrounding Taehyung and his family. He couldn't deny that Taehyung's cold exterior now felt like a shield born out of immense pain, but it didn't change the fact that Taehyung had broken his heart years ago.

As he lay on the plush bed in his guest room, Jungkook couldn't escape the memories that haunted him. The laughter they had shared, the promises they had made, and the love they had once cherished together – it all felt like a distant dream now.

Taehyung is quite the actor, isn't he? Making others feel like they wronged him, when in reality, he was the one who hurt them in the first place. First Taehyung, then Jin, who reappeared in their lives as suddenly as he left, and now Taehyung's son - they all remain silent, but their piercing gazes only deepen Jungkook's feeling of guilt. The weight of it all is driving him to the brink of insanity, and he knows he must endure this for a month, hoping that Victor will return as soon as possible. Otherwise, he fears he'll suffocate in this house, trapped in a tangled web of emotions and unresolved pain.

In another part of the mansion, Taehyung stood by the window, looking out into the night. The memories of the past haunted him, and he couldn't escape the tangled web of emotions that had resurfaced with Jungkook's return.