Chapter 2
Taehyung shifted in his seat, the cold vinyl of the university bench pressing into his back as he scrolled through job listings on his cracked phone screen.
His stomach growled, but he ignored it. He’d gotten used to that kind of hunger—just like he’d gotten used to waking up alone in a quiet apartment filled with echoes of people long gone.
It had been two years since the orphanage shut down. Since he aged out and stepped into the world with a scholarship, three boxes of clothes, and no one waiting for him anywhere.
He whispered to the screen, refreshing again.
Kim Taehyung
Just one that isn’t sketchy or soul-sucking.
Most were the usual: late-night convenience store clerk, café work, dishwashing.
He’d done those before. He needed something steadier now—something that paid enough to keep the lights on and left time for his final exams.
Taehyung blinked. Then clicked.
The listing was brief but formal. No contact name—just “Jeon Household.”
His thumb hovered. He’d heard the name before.
Widowed in a car accident. Paralyzed from the waist down
The news had covered it like wildfire. His wife… what was her name? Ji Eun. She had died instantly. The baby had survived.
Taehyung didn’t know them. But he knew loss. He knew what it meant to be left behind.
Without letting himself think too hard, he hit apply.
The Jeon estate was nothing like what he imagined.
Not flashy. Not cold. It was massive, sure, but there was something heavy in the air, like grief had soaked into the walls and settled there like dust.
The man at the door—Omega, warm eyes—extended his hand.
Kim Seokjin
I’m Seokjin. Jungkook’s mother. Thank you for coming.
Kim Taehyung
Thank you for having me.
They walked through the foyer. It was quiet. Too quiet for a house with a toddler.
Seokjin said, reading his thoughts.
Kim Seokjin
And Jungkook... well, he keeps to himself.
He didn’t ask more. He could feel the tension before they even reached the living room.
Namjoon sat there—tall, Alpha, measured gaze.
Kim Namjoon
We’ve read your file.
Kim Namjoon
Impressive, considering your situation.
Kim Taehyung
I need this job. And I’m good with children. I took care of the little ones in the orphanage.
Kim Seokjin
You’ll meet Jiwoo, of course. But…
Kim Seokjin
Jungkook is very particular. If he says no, there’s nothing we can do.
The moment Jungkook entered the room, Taehyung felt it.
Like winter had walked in.
Black sweater, dark jeans despite the wheelchair. Hair longer than in his press photos. Eyes like iron—cold and heavy with something unspoken.
Jungkook didn’t say a word. Just looked him over slowly
Jeon Jungkook
You look young.
Kim Taehyung
I’m twenty-two.
Taehyung replied, trying to hold his ground.
Kim Taehyung
I’m responsible.
Jeon Jungkook
I don’t need someone to talk back. I need someone who doesn’t break things.
Kim Taehyung
I don’t break.
Something flickered in Jungkook’s gaze—something unreadable.
Seokjin started, but he was already wheeling away.
He hadn’t expected it to be easy.
But damn.
Kim Seokjin
But he doesn’t have the final say anymore. You’re hired.
Taehyung’s head snapped up.
Kim Seokjin
You start tomorrow. Jiwoo will love you. She has a good instinct.
He swallowed, heart racing.
Maybe he hadn't impressed Jungkook.
But if he could make the baby smile… maybe he’d earn his place.
Maybe this house needed someone a little broken, too.
Comments
Kiran Kiran
Unexpectedly good!😮
2025-05-14
0