5. The First Steps
The mansion’s halls were wide and cold, their marble floors gleaming under the chandelier lights. It was here, at almost one year old, that Jungkook first tried to stand on his own.
His small hands pressed against the polished surface of a chair as he wobbled unsteadily, his tiny legs trembling with the effort.
Ji-hyun, seated nearby, leaned forward with a smile, her arms outstretched.
Jeon Ji Hyun
*softly, coaxing*
Jeon Ji Hyun
Come to eomma, Jungkook-ah… just one step.
The baby’s wide eyes locked onto hers, trust and warmth pulling him forward. He pushed himself up and let go of the chair. One tiny step. Then another.
But his balance faltered, and with a soft thud, he tumbled onto the carpet.
Before Ji-hyun could comfort him, a deep voice cut through the room.
Jeon Min Ho (Mafia Don)
Get up
Ji-hyun’s smile faded as she turned to see her husband standing in the doorway, his expression sharp, almost displeased.
Jeon Min Ho (Mafia Don)
An Alpha does not fall. Even in his first steps, he must show strength.
The baby’s eyes watered from the fall, his lips trembling as if about to cry. Ji-hyun quickly scooped him into her arms before the tears could fall, pressing gentle kisses to his hair.
Jeon Ji Hyun
*whispering against his ear*
It’s okay, Kookie. Falling is part of learning. You’re doing so well.
She rocked him, her voice soft and soothing.
Jeon Ji Hyun
Don’t listen to abeoji. You don’t have to be strong all the time. You only have to be you.
Jungkook clung to her dress, his tiny fingers tightening as if he understood.
Ji-hyun set him down again, kneeling on the carpet with open arms. Jungkook hesitated, glancing between his father’s cold eyes and his mother’s warm smile.
Taking a shaky breath, he tried again. One step. Then two. His little legs wobbled dangerously, but he kept going, guided by his mother’s encouragement.
Finally, he collapsed into her embrace, and Ji-hyun laughed through her tears.
Jeon Ji Hyun
See? You did it! My strong, gentle boy.
Jeon Ji Hyun
*Smile brightly at kook*
Min-ho remained silent, his eyes narrowing as though weighing the worth of such clumsy progress. Without a word, he turned and left, his footsteps heavy against the marble floor.
Ji-hyun, still holding Jungkook, whispered a promise into his hair
Jeon Ji Hyun
You don’t need his approval, my love. You are already enough. To me… you are perfect.
And though the world outside expected an Alpha heir, feared and dominant, within his mother’s arms, Jungkook was allowed to be just a child — fragile, loved, and free to stumble as many times as he needed.
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