The Love They Left Behind
Welcome home
The Jeon estate stood like a palace at the edge of the city — all glass and marble, too large for warmth, too quiet for welcome.
When the cars pulled into the courtyard, staff hurried forward, doors opening, polite greetings offered. But Taehyung didn’t hear much of it.
Jungkook stepped out first, Jungmin climbing out after him, instantly darting to grab his father’s hand. Jimin moved slower, one hand still pressed lightly to his temple, and Yoongi was at his side immediately, steadying him.
Yoongi
Careful( murmured, lowering his head slightly to Jimin’s ear)
Mrs. Kim rushed forward, her voice pitched with worry.
Mrs Kim
Jimin-ah, you look pale. Did you eat at all today?
Mrs Jeon
( frowned, looking at Jimin like he was glass)We’ll call the family doctor; it’s safer.”
Through it all, Jungkook kept a hand at Jimin’s back, guiding him toward the entrance.
Jungkook
Let’s get you upstairs( he said quietly, not once looking back)
Taehyung stepped out last. No one waited. No one spoke to him. The chatter moved ahead, circling around Jimin, Jungmin tugging at Yoongi’s sleeve, asking if Taehyung could come play later.
Inside, the family peeled away in a cluster — Jungkook, Yoongi, both mothers, Mr. Kim — their steps quick, their voices low, all centered on Jimin.
Taehyung stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, a single suitcase in his hand. For a moment, he just stared at the sweeping hall — the polished floors, the empty air.
A maid approached with a polite bow.
maid
Sir, shall I take your bags?
Taehyung
No. I’ll manage.( bow politely)
He climbed the stairs alone, the sound of laughter and worried voices echoing from somewhere down the hall, a world away.
In the guest wing — his wing now — he opened the door himself, set his suitcase on the floor, and quietly began unpacking. Shirts folded into drawers. Small keepsakes placed neatly on the bedside table.
No knock came. No voice called his name.
Down the hall, muffled, Jungkook’s voice drifted past, low and steady:
Jungkook
Jimin, lie down. I’ll have someone bring food up in a bit. Don’t argue.
Taehyung’s hands paused on a stack of clothes. His eyes dropped to the floor, chest heavy, a hollow ache spreading where hope had tried to live.
Alone, in a house full of people, he whispered to no one
Taehyung
Welcome home, Taehyung.
Comments