Unwanted Husband (Jikook) shadow

How strange. The person the entire party was meant for... never showed up. Not even for a second. The guests whispered among themselves like background noise in a sad movie. “Why didn’t the CEO come?” “Wasn’t this organized for his return?” “Even his own family was waiting…” I smiled politely every time I heard it. But inside, I wasn’t surprised. Not one bit.

Because Jungkook... can't even breathe the same air as me. Two hours in the same space would suffocate him. Even now—five years later—he treats my existence like a sin he never committed. The lights were still flickering, music still echoing when Jaeyun and I got ready to leave. His tiny hand tugged at mine while his sleepy eyes rubbed against my shoulder.

Mom and Dad begged us to stay the night. But before I could even decide, a message flashed on my phone. Not for me. Never for me. It was from Jungkook’s secretary: “Please bring Jaeyun home tomorrow morning. Mr. Jeon would like to meet him.” Just like that. Cold. Formal. The kind of message you send about a business delivery.

I smiled at my parents gently.

Jeon Jimin

Please don’t worry. Take care of yourselves. I’ll talk to him… I’ll tell Jungkook to visit next time.

They looked at me with eyes full of apology and pain. But I had no more space left to feel that.

The next morning, the city was quiet. Even the birds seemed to fly slower. I carried Jaeyun’s little suitcase and walked toward the familiar mansion I had once called home. But today… it didn’t feel like mine. Not anymore. As we reached the gate, I raised my hand to press the bell— But before I could, the gate creaked open from the inside. And there he was. Jeon Jungkook.

Wearing a loose black sweatshirt, hair slightly damp, eyes half-tired… yet somehow, still the most painfully beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. My heart betrayed me. For a second—just one second—I felt everything crash in my chest again. But before I could speak—

Jeon Jeayun

Appa!! *screamed beside me and darted forward like a bullet*

Jungkook’s eyes, cold and unreadable, immediately softened the moment he saw him. A rare smile stretched across his face—so faint, but it was there. And I stood there, frozen. Because of Jaeyun, I saw Jungkook smile. The smile I fell in love with. The smile I hadn’t seen in months. And the smile I knew would never be for me again.

He bent down and lifted Jaeyun effortlessly into his arms.

Jeon Jungkook

You got taller *murmured*

Jeon Jeayun

You missed the party! *pouted*

Jeon Jeayun

Everyone was waiting. Grandma was mad. Dadu fell asleep in the chair! And—

Jeon Jeayun

*Leaned in dramatically and whispered* Appa missed you too…

Jungkook glanced at me for one second. Just one. And then looked away like it meant nothing. He simply turned and walked into the house with Jaeyun in his arms—like I didn’t exist behind him. I clutched Jaeyun’s little bag tighter and followed, a few steps behind. Silent. Unseen.

Jaeyun’s laughter echoed through the hallway, bouncing off the cold marble walls of the mansion. He clung to Jungkook like he never wanted to let go.

Jeon Jeayun

Appa! You’re still so strong!

Jeon Jeayun

You didn’t get old at all!

Jeon Jeayun

Did you miss me? Because I missed you so much!

Jungkook didn’t say much—he never did—but he smiled. And for me, that was enough. I stood silently at the corner of the living room, half hidden behind a curtain, watching the two halves of my heart finally together after weeks. I should’ve gone to them. But I didn’t. Because I know what happens the moment I enter the room—his smile disappears. And I didn’t want that. I didn’t want Jungkook to stop smiling because of me. So I watched from afar. Like I always do.

But Jaeyun was Jaeyun. He turned and spotted me like a heat-seeking missile.

Jeon Jeayun

Appaaaa! *yelled, running over and grabbing my wrist*

Jeon Jeayun

Come eat with us! Together! Like a family!

Before I could respond, his little hand had already pulled me halfway across the room. My legs moved reluctantly. And then— I saw Jungkook sitting at the dining table. His eyes met mine. And like a switch, the smile on his face died. He stood up. Didn’t say a word. And left the dining room.

Jeon Jeayun

*Blinked, confused* Did I say something wrong?

I shook my head, crouching in front of him with a soft smile

Jeon Jimin

No, baby. He’s just busy.

Later that morning, I got Jaeyun ready for school. His uniform was a little loose around the shoulders. He must've grown again. I kissed his forehead and he slipped a little chocolate into his pocket like I wasn't looking.

Then I went to the kitchen. I packed two lunch boxes. One for Jaeyun… and one for Jungkook. Even though I knew… He wouldn’t take it. He never does. I wasn’t doing this hoping he’d fall in love with me. I wasn’t hoping he’d look at me the way he looked at Taehyung—because I know he never will.

I was doing this because Jungkook doesn’t eat outside food. He never has. And no matter how much he hates me, I can’t let him skip meals and starve. I remember the old Jungkook. The one who’d laugh so easily. Who drank banana milk like it was sacred. Who told me all his secrets while sitting on the rooftop, feet dangling into the night. I miss that Jungkook.

And I know… One day, when Jaeyun is old enough to not need me… I’ll quietly walk away from this house. From his life. But until then… I just want to see him smile once—genuinely. I don’t want his love. Just… just a hug. One hug. So I can carry that memory with me when I leave.

I knew what was coming. I knew his reply. But I still knocked.

Jeon Jungkook

Come in *cold voice said*

He was buttoning his shirt, standing near the mirror. His hair still damp. His eyes… empty. I placed the tiffin on the table gently.

Jeon Jimin

I packed your lunch *quietly*

Jeon Jungkook

I don’t need it *replied without even turning around*

Jeon Jimin

I know *trying to smile*

Jeon Jimin

But… I didn’t make it. The maid did. So you don’t have to be angry at it.

There was silence. For a moment, I thought he might ignore me completely. But then He turned around, walked up to the table, grabbed the tiffin… And threw it straight into the dustbin. The metal clanged loudly, echoing like a gunshot.

Jeon Jungkook

Don’t play games with me, Jimin. I told you I don’t want anything from you. Stop pretending like this is your home

I stood there, frozen. My hands trembled, but I kept them behind my back.

Jeon Jimin

I wasn’t pretending *whispered*

Jeon Jimin

Just… don’t take your anger out on the food. That’s all.

Jeon Jungkook

Get out.

His voice was loud now. Sharp. Enough to make the air still.

I had just turned to leave when I felt it— A harsh grip on my wrist. Before I could react, Jungkook yanked me back so violently that I lost balance. I fell to the floor. He came down on his knees in front of me. His hands gripped my face tightly, too tightly. His breath was ragged, eyes blazing like fire—no warmth, only fury.

Jeon Jungkook

This is what you wanted, right?! *hissed*

Jeon Jungkook

To be noticed? For me to touch you? For me to finally see you?

Jeon Jungkook

Isn’t this what all your pathetic efforts are about? Making food, smiling at my son, pretending to be innocent? *Voice was venom*

Jeon Jungkook

You think this will bring you to my bed? You think you'll get a place in my life because you cling to the pieces Taehyung left behind?

My breath hitched. His eyes—once the ones I loved more than the stars—were now sharper than blades.

Jeon Jungkook

Let me tell you something, Jimin. Even if you strip yourself bare in front of me, even if you sell yourself to me—

He spat the next words like poison.

Jeon Jungkook

I wouldn’t touch you. Not even then. You can never be my husband. You’ll never be more than a shadow in this house.

I didn’t even realize the tears were falling until I tasted them on my lips. He was still holding my face, as if forcing me to keep looking at him while he destroyed me piece by piece. I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady, but it broke anyway.

Jeon Jimin

I never wanted you to love me, Jungkook… *whispered*

Jeon Jimin

I just… I want you to be the Jungkook you used to be. Not for me. But for Jaeyun.

He didn’t flinch. I continued, softly, even as my heart broke with every word.

Jeon Jimin

Even Taehyung wouldn’t be happy seeing you like this. You think he’d want you to lose yourself in pain? In hatred? He loved you so much… he’d never want this version of you

For a second—just a second—I saw something flicker in his eyes. Something like guilt… or regret… or maybe just a crack. But then it was gone. He stood up, yanked me to my feet like I was nothing but a burden, dragged me across the hallway—and shoved me out of his room. The door slammed shut behind me. And just like that… I was locked out. From his room. From his life. From his heart. Again.

I stood in the hallway, trembling, still feeling the echo of his words burning on my skin. “Even if you sell yourself, I won’t touch you.” That sentence played in my head on repeat, like a curse I couldn’t unhear.

I slid down against the door, knees tucked to my chest, hands trembling in my lap. I didn’t come to him to be loved. I came to help him heal. But maybe I was foolish to think I ever could.

No-Jam Kook [Author]

My heart actually hurts while writing this, please forgive me. I love you guys!

No-Jam Kook [Author]

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No-Jam Kook [Author]

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No-Jam Kook [Author]

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