Chapter 5
I stepped into the kitchen to find the table already set, as always. Taehyung’s pancakes were on one plate. Toast and eggs on another. Juice glasses neatly aligned. My mom sipping her tea like she hadn’t already scolded him over breakfast choices for the tenth time this month.
But the silence in the room was sharp. Not angry. Worse — distant.
Taehyung gave a brief nod.
Jeon Taehyung
Eat while it’s warm.
The kids chattered, filling the empty space with their little lives. Hana was arguing about needing a new backpack because hers “didn’t sparkle anymore.”
Seon was animatedly describing something about volcanoes and baking soda. I laughed, tried to match their energy. But my eyes kept drifting to the other end of the table.
Taehyung barely touched his food.
He looked like he was sitting there just to keep up appearances.
After the kids left and Mom retreated to her prayer room, I lingered in the kitchen. Taehyung was already at the sink, sleeves rolled up, washing dishes in silence.
I said, moving to lean against the counter.
Jeon Jungkook
Are we still not talking?
He didn’t even glance at me.
Jeon Taehyung
We’re talking.
Jeon Taehyung
Then say what you want to say.
Jeon Jungkook
I just… I’ve been thinking.
Jeon Jungkook
About what you said. About wanting to work again.
He stopped scrubbing a plate.
Jeon Jungkook
I think you’re right.
Jeon Jungkook
I didn’t get it before.
Jeon Jungkook
But now… I do.
Jeon Jungkook
You gave up a lot for this family. For me.
Jeon Jungkook
And I let that become normal.
He turned slowly, eyes unreadable.
Jeon Jungkook
I didn’t mean for you to feel stuck.
Jeon Jungkook
I thought you were okay.
His lips parted, a bitter laugh escaping.
Jeon Taehyung
You thought I was okay?
Jeon Jungkook
You never said anything.
Jeon Taehyung
You never asked.
His voice was calm, but I could feel the weight behind it — months, maybe years, of swallowed words.
Jeon Jungkook
Tae, I’m sorry. Truly.
Jeon Jungkook
I didn’t realize.
Jeon Taehyung
That’s the problem, Jungkook.
Jeon Taehyung
You didn’t realize. You didn’t see me.
Jeon Taehyung
I’ve been shrinking every day in this house, and you didn’t even notice.
His voice cracked now, just slightly.
Jeon Taehyung
You think I wanted to stay home forever?
Jeon Taehyung
That I enjoy being the one who’s always here while you get to have ambition and identity?
Jeon Taehyung
You told people I just stay home.
Jeon Taehyung
Like I’m some decoration.
Jeon Taehyung
Like I’m nothing but a housekeeper and nanny.
Jeon Jungkook
That was a joke—
Jeon Taehyung
It wasn’t to me.
I fell silent. The guilt hit harder than I expected.
Jeon Jungkook
I didn’t mean it like that.
Jeon Taehyung
I know you didn’t. And that’s the worst part.
He said, turning back to the sink.
Jeon Taehyung
Because it shows just how little you think about how I feel.
He washed the last plate, dried his hands, and left the kitchen — not in anger, not in haste. Just… done.
And I stood there, alone in a clean kitchen, the smell of cinnamon still lingering, with a silence so loud it made my ears ring.
Author
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Author
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Comments
Alfi...💜
poor taetae 🥺
2025-08-03
0