chapter 8
Kook had spent the morning in a flurry of excitement, gathering her things, getting ready to visit her family for the day. Her bag was packed with the essentials: some snacks, her favorite books, and, of course, her phone. She paused for a moment, glancing at her phone screen, but there were no new messages from *Winter Bear*. She had been so caught up with everything that she didn’t have time to message her back. A small pang of guilt nagged at her as she turned off her phone, telling herself she’d catch up later.
She left her dorm, heading toward the bus station, the warm morning sun greeting her as she walked. The whole trip felt a bit surreal. The excitement of seeing her family and the new experiences in her life mingled with a bit of sadness, as she hadn’t seen them in a while. Still, she was eager to get back home, to tell her mom about her unexpected new role in the movie shooting, even though it was all a big misunderstanding.
After a few hours, Kook finally arrived at her family’s house, her mom greeting her with a warm hug at the door.
kook mom
I missed you, sweetheart,
Her mom said, her voice soft and full of love.
kook mom
How’s college? How’s everything going?
Kook smiled, feeling her chest warm at the sight of her mom.
jeon jung-kook
It’s been good, Mom. A little overwhelming, but I’m adjusting. I have something to tell you though!
They both walked into the living room, where Kook sank into the couch, pulling her mom down next to her.
jeon jung-kook
You won’t believe what happened,
Kook began, her voice animated as she shared the entire chaotic story of how she had mistakenly gone for a job interview that led to her becoming the management manager for an upcoming movie directed by one of the biggest names in the industry, Min Yoongi.
Her mom’s eyes widened in surprise, and she burst out laughing.
kook mom
You? A management manager for a movie? That’s amazing, Kook!
She exclaimed, her voice full of pride.
kook mom
But… how did you end up there?
Kook laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.
jeon jung-kook
It’s a funny story. There was a huge misunderstanding at the interview, and I ended up being offered the role.
jeon jung-kook
I think they were expecting someone with more experience, but I guess I impressed them somehow.
Her mom chuckled, shaking her head.
kook mom
Well, it sounds like you’re starting off with a bang! I’m so proud of you, sweetie. This is such an exciting opportunity.
They spent the next few hours eating lunch, laughing, and talking about Kook's life at college. By the time the meal was finished, Kook felt a wave of exhaustion sweep over her. She hadn’t realized how tired she was until she was back at home in the warmth of her family’s presence.
She leaned back against the couch, feeling the drowsiness setting in.
jeon jung-kook
I think I’m just going to take a quick nap,
She murmured, stretching out.
jeon jung-kook
I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.
Her mom smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
kook mom
Go ahead, sweetheart. Rest. I’ll clean up here.
Kook smiled gratefully and closed her eyes, the comforting sounds of her mom moving around the house lulling her to sleep. As her breathing slowed, she couldn't help but think of the *Winter Bear*—Taehyung—and the chat they had shared the night before. She had wanted to message her, but there just hadn't been time.
jeon jung-kook
Maybe later,
She whispered to herself, a smile tugging at her lips as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, the worries of the world momentarily forgotten.
Kook woke up the next morning feeling unusually refreshed. The soft light from the morning sun filtered through the window as she stretched, yawning deeply. Her phone buzzed next to her, and she reached for it, still groggy from her nap the night before. Her eyes widened as she saw the notification—twenty unread messages from *Winter Bear*.
Confused and slightly panicked, she tapped on the messages. As she scrolled down, she saw a flood of messages from *Winter Bear*:
@winter_bear ( tae)
are you okay?
@winter_bear ( tae)
Did I say something wrong?
@winter_bear ( tae)
Did your family make you block me?
@winter_bear ( tae)
Did your family hate the fact that we talk?
@winter_bear ( tae)
I’m sorry if I overstepped. I didn’t mean to upset you…
@winter_bear ( tae)
Please just let me know if you're alright…
@winter_bear ( tae)
I’m really sorry, if I did anything wrong, just tell me.
@winter_bear ( tae)
please unblock me
@winter_bear ( tae)
did I hurt you ?
Kook stared at the screen, her heart racing. A mix of confusion and guilt hit her as she realized how worried Taehyung must have been. She hadn't replied to the messages in a while, and now, Taehyung seemed genuinely anxious.
Kook quickly tapped out a response, feeling guilty for making Taehyung worry so much:
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
Bear, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to worry you.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
I was just visiting my family and got really tired.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
I didn’t have time to reply. Everything’s fine! Please don’t worry.
Kook sighed, watching the dots appear on the screen, waiting for a reply. She felt bad—Taehyung had sent so many messages, trying to figure out what was wrong.
jeon jung-kook
💭.I didn’t mean to make her feel like that,
Kook thought. She hadn’t realized how much Taehyung had been worrying until now.
A few moments later, Taehyung’s reply came in:
@winter_bear ( tae)
Oh my god, thank you! I’m just really glad you’re okay.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I didn’t know if I said something wrong or if something happened. I was worried.
Kook felt her chest loosen a little, and she quickly typed her response:
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
It’s really okay, Bear! I wasn’t upset at all.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
I just needed some rest, and I’m fine.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
Please don’t worry, you didn’t do anything wrong!
Kook sat back against the pillow, smiling to herself. It felt nice that Taehyung cared, but also a little overwhelming. Still, it was good to clear things up, and Kook was glad she didn’t have to keep wondering if something had gone wrong.
Taehyung replied almost immediately:
@winter_bear ( tae)
I’m really sorry for sending all those messages.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I just got worried. I’ll stop spamming you now.
Kook chuckled softly at that, her fingers already typing out a quick reply:
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
It’s okay! I actually thought it was cute.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
You don’t have to stop messaging me, though! I just got caught up with my family, but I’m good now.
Kook set her phone down for a moment and stretched out on the bed, feeling a little lighter. She hadn’t realized how much Taehyung’s messages had weighed on her until they were cleared up. But now that everything was settled, she couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in her chest. Maybe this wasn’t just a random chat—it felt like something more.
As she waited for a reply, she smiled to herself, thinking about how much she had gotten used to talking to *Winter Bear*.
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