章 2: 'Choices..' Chapter 2
Seoul ,South Korea, 2010.
The young, skinny boy crammed in the corner of his murky bedroom embracing his folded knees , rocking his fragile ,rippling body as rasping roars , grieving muffles were eluding his wobbly mouth broke the deafening silence of the starry night.Two men dashed in ,rushing by his side ,worry smeared on their handsome faces.
"Baby?Are you hurt?Did you have a nightmare?" The younger male caressed his son's scruffy, moist hair, removing the sticky bangs from his eyes."Tell papa what's keeping you awake ...please ..."
The frightened ten-year-old boy remained undisturbed, totally ignoring their pleads ,like he was in a trance.
"Please baby what's wrong ?What made you cry? Don't be afraid to share it.We are your parents." the other man asked, scanning the boy's body for potential injuries.
The boy lifted up his head, his teary eyes red from crying, glanced both and in a jittery voice shocked them asking the most terrifying questions. "Where is...hyungie? Where is my Tae hyungie?Why isn't he here?Has he forgotten about me?He promised...he swore he would never leave me..."
Seokjin and Namjoon were taken aback.They froze on the spot.Jin shut his eyes taking a sharp breath that stung his lungs.The moment he dreaded most...hoped he would avoid had finally become a reality.History repeating itself, like so many times in the past and the consequences would once again be fatal. For all of them...
He slowly turned his head , staring at his husband,who instead of his usual serene expression he was now scared witless.
"Appa...papa...why hasn't he come yet? Doesn't he love me anymore? I want my hyungie...find him...please....I miss him so much ..make him come to me ...please!!!"
"Baby...you remember?" Jin asked petrified at the prospect of losing his son.All the traumatic, painful memories flooded his mind observing his baby's agonising state.Jungkook nodded between muffled cries and sniffles. "Since when?When did you remember... hyungie?"
"For ...weeks I was.... dreaming of a man ...a man...with a boxy smile....today...his face became a clear picture...It was Tae hyungie...It all flashed in my head...It hurts papa..."
Namjoon gulped.A sharp pain was hammering his head ."You remember... everything?"
"Our past lives...our love...my hyungs...the Kim's..."he paused heaving."I saw...the blades .. the gun...the blood...he died...appa...I can smell the blood ..."His little hand touched his tummy grimacing out of fear."He died...he left me..."Another round of whimpering cries shook his body and Jin hugged him tightly as if he wanted to protect him from the world.
"It was a nightmare baby...a bad dream...you won't remember it in the morning.."A lame excuse for such a witty man like Jin but he was drained out of options.
"NO.NO.NO.MY HYUNGIE IS REAL. YOU ARE LYING.HE IS WAITING FOR ME .HE LOVES ME."Jungkook boasted, twisting and turning in his papa's embrace, using his small hands to jog him away. "HYUNGIE IS NOT A DREAM!HE LOVES ME!ONLY ME...ME!"
"Ok baby...calm yourself...your hyungie is real...we will find him...I promise.."Jin comfort him.Once the boy stopped fighting and crying Namjoon carried him back to his bed and tacked him in.The two men laid on both sides ,their son between them, holding his hands.
"Papa my hyungie is so handsome!The most beautiful man in the whole wide world!"he whispered proudly.A sweet smile filled his face.
"Yes ..he is baby.."
"He will come for me , won't he?" he asked with do much hope it broke their hearts.
"Of course he ...will." Jin lied, timidly smiling at his baby.
"I am very lucky papa..."The boy stretched his hands, yawned and slowly closed his eyes, feeling depleted.
Observing their son peaceful sleeping Namjoon reached out and held Jin's hand in his."I am scared too love.The moment I was hoping to avoid...the moment I dreaded the second I remembered our past lives ...has come.We have to be brave.For him ".
"I won't lose him again Joon.I will do whatever it takes to keep him alive."Words were clogged to his throat recollecting the worst memories burried deep inside him."Remember?Brought to us...a lifeless body.Pale.Cold.His angelic face...frozen and still ...like time had paused.Well I refuse to burry my son.Not If I can prevent it."
"I honestly hope we could!I have thought about it for so long yet I have no answers.I wish I could press reverse...turn back time...never send him to that city...I can't help wonder though..."
"What?"Jin whispered back.
" That it was destiny that brought them together.A higher power bonded them for ever...so unbreakable it defines logic."
"Where did that got them?To their graves.Dead and burried.The Kims haunt us for live after life."
"Perhaps his parents think differently now."
"Please!And pigs might fly!"Jin scoffed, rolling his gorgeous, teary eyes.
"Society has changed.Improved.Same sex marriage is legally performed and recognised as a common action.People nowadays are open-minded, acceptable to gays.Adapting to a new , modern reality were everyone shares equal rights.Baby this time it might actually work.We are a perfect example.After spending most of our lives hiding behind superstitions and fear we are free. A happy family."Namjoon has always been the optimistic one.Armed with hope snd determination willing to overcome obstacles and face the future.
"The Kim's will never change or adapt.We have dealt with their cruelty for three lives.I have had it with their abnoxious , narrow minded behaviour. They stopped at nothing not even when their son was murdered...by their order."Jin strongly pointed out ,sensing his eyes breaking with tears despite his obvious anger.
Namjoon's fingers swabbed Jin's freshly poured tears." We'll go to every length to protect our son and Tae.He is a victim too.He gave his life for our Jungkook."he reminded him."He suffered because he fell in live with a man and refused to surrender to his parents ' demands."
"I know..."
"Baby do you honestly believe they wouldn't have crossed paths even If we hadn't send him to Daegu to begin with?It was fate that brought them together.Met.Fell in love.Died.These two belong to each other that not even time or space matters.Their love strived against all odds hardships."
"Maybe...I don't know Joon.All I want is for him to have a normal life.Grow up Have best friends.A career of his choice.Fall in love and be happy.Experience the positive aspects of life.Not have him burried under tones of dirt , in a crammed coffin , melting out in the cold ...the rain...the storm...all alone..."
"Our Kookie remembers Jin.Taehyung probably does too.Can we keep them apart?Prevent the inevitable?"
"We can at least prolong it until we know more about Tae's family." he lied. He wanted to buy time for his son to forget. Perhaps leaving would give them exactly that.He squeezed Namjoon's hand."Accept the job in London.A change of scenery might make Kookie forget...at least for a while ."His desperately agonising expression was practically begging Nam to accept.
The man sighed."Ok.I'll take the job.I have to warn you though.Jungkook will object."
"Kookie loves us.Understands we have his best interest at heart.He will be thrilled to travel...meet new people...explore different cultures.. receive higher education."Jin reassured him feeling lighter inside. The further they got from Korea the better for their family.
"If he starts crancking be ready to take over.You two are too much for poor me!"he joked, shaking his head.
"We are not cranky love!!"Jin strongly protested, rolling his eyes."We are simply picky."
"Tomato tomato..."he huffed "It's the same thing."He loomed up pecking Jin's full rosy lips ."I will hand in my resignation on Monday and we'll have a discussion with Kookie.Everthing will work out.I love you baby."
"Thank you...I love you too."
_____
Seoul South Korea, eight years later.
Choices.Every day brings new choices.They define not only you but also the people around you. Life is a matter of choices reflecting on your hopes not your fears.In Kim Taehyung 's situation the choices he made that day rulled his existence for years to come.
"Absolutely not! It's out of the question! I strictly forbid you to proceed to this marriage.That woman is pure trouble".Kim Taehyn exclaimed in a strict tone causing his son's laughter.
"Forbid me?Father in case you have forgotten I am an adult.Perfectly capable of making my own decisions.Don't need or want your approval.I intend to marry Duri despite your objections ."Taehyung bellowed.His gaze shifting dark with clear dissatisfaction.
"Taehyung show some respect to your father!"the man requested.His son was as stubborn as a mule or worse.
"Just following your footsteps dear father!"he replied snickering.
"Son ,put aside your pride and the problems between us only to think rationally.."
"There is nothing wrong with my logic."He finished drinking his whiskey, leaving the empty glass on the coffee table as he stood up ready to leave.He knew his parents opinion about Duri and come to think of it ,he had no clue why he even bothered telling them.
His parents followed him and Taehyn blocked his way."Logic?What logic are you blabbering about?The one who forces you to marry a gold-digger?She is after your name. Money.Power.She purposely got pregnant in order to force you to marry her.You are taking an one night stand turning it into a serious proposal .Look son...I love you.You are my dear son so I have no intention of letting you destroy your future, committing to a woman you don't love only because she is pregnant.Have a DNA test and if the baby is yours give him your name but for God's sake don't marry her."Taehyn was experiencing despair for the first time on his life.In the past he had been cruel making deadly mistakes resulting in his first son's death and his second 's disappearance.In this life he was blessed with another chance to make amends.
"KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT OLD MAN OR I WILL FORGET YOU ARE MY FATHER!YOU DON'T GET TO INSULT MY FUTURE WIFE AND MOTHER OF MY CHILD! IT'S MY FUCKEN LIFE AS I WILL DO AS I PLEASE.!"he barked desolated by his father's behaviour."I won't have my child grow up without me."
Kwan , his mother, stepped in giving her husband time to relax."Tae nobody dictates you what to think or do.But as your parents we have every right to be concerned.Share our fears and objections.Point out the impact your decision will enflict on your future.Honey...marriage is about love, committment, communication and passion. Not compromises.There is no logic in love.All I am asking is help her through her pregnancy,get to know her better and if you still feel the same way...marry her.Don't marry , have a child and then decide."
"Who the hell told you I don't love her? Don't sssume you know what's in my heart.Don't draw conclusions based on your beliefs and outdated ideas!"
"So you do love her!"she stated staring at the depths of his raging, blant eyes."Want to spend the rest of your life with her?"
Taehyung puffed, tousling his hair."Would I marry her otherwise?Or am I unworthy of love?That I can only be seen as a trophy?No woman approaches me because of me but because of my name?Well , glad to know you think so low of you own son!"he scoffed ,shifting to leave.He couldn't continue this absurd conversation.How much bullshit could he swallow? He had had enough to last him a lifetime! Always mendliing, criticizing, interfering in his personal life.
"Quit answering my question with questions."she snubbed at him.
"Back off mother!I know what you are trying to do and it won't work.My mind is made up." Taehyung insisted with a certainty bringing fury and sorrow to his parents.Kwan approached him, held both of his hands with a sad smile on her face.
"What if you meet the love of your life one day?If the person you are destined to be comes along and sweeps you off your feet?What will you do then?Deny your love?Ignore your feelings? Pretend that love doesn't exist?Supress your desire to live for the sake of a loveless marriage?Be unfaithful and risk losing love? Condemn your heart to darkness?What will you do son?"
Taehyung roared in laughter."Never thought of you as a sucker for romance mother.Stop watching k-dramas and start living in the real world." the man taunted the older woman, whose serene expression made his blood boil."I don't believe in fate or destiny.We make our own based on our choices.I don't rely on frivolous fantassies.. fairytales and destined mates! Mother grow up! Spare me the sentimental crap, will you?"Tweaking her off ,he released himself from her grip.Kwan shook her head in disappointment.The Taehyung of the past had faith in destiny patiently waiting for his Jungkook.This one, scoffed even at the possibility."Maybe love has faith in you.Sooner or later you'll cross paths."she insisted with a certainty that drove him mad.
"I refuse to act as a coward and avoid my responsibility to her or my child.I intend to raise my baby and be a good husband to Duri with or without you approval."
Taehyn was fuming in anger for his son's stupidity."She will ruin your life.That bloody woman will be your destruction.Mark my words."
"Please Tae it's not too late to change your mind! Don't go through with this. Don't punish yourself anymore...please."Kean begged her stubborn son who obviously had a nonexistent relationship with logic.
Taehyung clenched his fists turning a cold eye to his parents, letting out a nasty growl."YOU ARE THE SOURCE OF MY MISERY.YOUR PATHETIC ATTITUDE.I LOVE DURI AND I WILL MARRY HER !SO BACK OFF! This marriage will happen with or without your permission !Whether you'll attend or not is entirely up to you End of story."He turned around,storming out of the living room while hearing his father's words.
"You will regret it "
"I sincerely doubt it "he yelled back banging the front door behind him.He needed air to breathe.This fucken house suffocated him.
The Kim's were devastated.Trying to cope with reality as the horrible deeds of the past flashed before their eyes.Blaming themselves for Taehyung 's character.Their actions molded him.With a sense of helplessness and totally drained of will they sat on the couch holding hands.For a short period of time they remained silent contemplating what had just happened.
"We are too late Taehyn."
"Nothing is lost...At least not yet."
"How can you say that?You heard him.He 'll marry her and there not a damn thing that will change his mind."Kwan huffed burrying her gloomy face in the palms.
"Yoongi will find them."
"We have been searching for ten years and nothing.It's like they don't want to be found.Who can blame them?We haven't exactly been the most acceptable ,open minded parents."
"What do you want me to do?Give up? Surrender?I won't."Taehyn was determined to rectify their wicked behaviour towards not only Jungkook but also his parents.The pain they had enflcted on them so many times in the past was burdening his soul.
"Perhaps we should talk to Tae... Tell him the truth."she blurred out without thinking.
Taehyn gave her a done look."Seriously?"
"Why not?Things can't get any worse than they are now "
"So what exactly are you proposing?To invite our son for lunch serving him the most unbelievable story?Somewhere between the main course and dessert we tell him ...he was reborn four times just to be with the boy he loves... because we killed them in their previous three lives in the most brutal way!That will definitely make him reconsider the marriage.He will think we are deranged...Crazy old fools... . would you believe such an absurd story?If he hates us now imagine his reaction when he hears us telling him about past lives... destined love and other sentimental crap as he so blantly pointed out."He shook his head sighing heavily.
"When you put it that way..."
"Let's leave it to Yoongi.He is the best investigator in Korea.I have faith in his abilities."
"Well...I guess you are right."she reluctantly agreed."Pray and hope for the best."
Unfortunately, despite Yoongi 's efforts , it was proven impossible to locate the Kims.A month later Taehyung got married and his son was born.A beautiful baby boy named JungTae.The boy became Taehyung 's only joy and source of happiness. Filling the void and emptyness in his heart.The light on his dark life while his marriage to Duri was sinking like the Titanic after hitting fhe icebergs!
Until one day years later something unexpected occurred...
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