6 Months Later

The hospital’s garden was a serene oasis, its manicured lawns and blooming flowerbeds a stark contrast to the sterile corridors inside. The late afternoon sun bathed the area in a golden glow, casting long shadows from the towering oaks that lined the pathways. Beyond the large glass doors of the therapy wing, Y/N stood, her hands pressed lightly against the cool glass, her eyes fixed on Jungkook inside. He sat in a cushioned chair, his posture relaxed yet attentive, listening to the therapist with a focus that spoke volumes about his progress. His black t-shirt hugged his frame, and his dark hair fell slightly into his eyes, but there was a lightness to him now—a spark that hadn’t been there weeks ago. The doctors had been clear: Jungkook was thriving. He wasn’t just taking his medications and attending therapy; he was transforming, rebuilding himself into a better version, piece by painful piece.

Y/N’s heart swelled with pride and love, her lips curving into a soft smile as she watched him. The journey hadn’t been easy. Jungkook had battled sleepless nights, his mind haunted by the weight of his past, the revelation of his mother’s survival, and the trauma he’d carried for years. But in her arms, he’d found solace, a safe harbor where he could let go, even if just for a moment. She’d held him through the worst of it—nights when he’d wake gasping, his eyes wild with fear, only to calm at the sound of her voice, the warmth of her touch. Together, they were fighting, and he was winning, step by step. The doctors were optimistic, their reports glowing with praise for his progress, and Y/N felt a quiet joy knowing she was part of his healing.

Inside, Jungkook laughed at something the therapist said, a genuine sound that reached Y/N even through the glass, warming her chest. He was healing, not just for himself but for her, for them. The truth about his mother—revealed in that shattering moment at the mansion—had shaken him, but he’d chosen to face it after his therapy, to meet her when he was ready. Mr. Kim and Taehyung had returned to America, their departure a quiet resolution to the tangled web of pain and secrets. Jungkook had made peace with the idea of seeing his mother, but only when he was whole, when he could face her without the weight of his past dragging him down.

Y/N’s thoughts drifted to the others—Jin, Yoongi, and Namjoon—who had become her unexpected family in this journey. Jin visited every Sunday, his warm presence a constant support, while Yoongi and Namjoon checked in regularly, their bond with Jungkook unbreakable. They’d taken care of his business, steering it to new heights with soaring stocks and zero damage, a testament to their loyalty. Today, the doctor had given Jungkook the green light to return to the office if he chose, a milestone that felt like a promise of normalcy, of a future where he and Y/N could reclaim their life together.

Her reverie was broken by a familiar voice, warm and teasing, cutting through the quiet hum of the garden. “Lost in thought again, huh?” Jin said, stepping into view, his smile bright and brotherly as he approached. His dark hair was tousled by the breeze, and his eyes sparkled with affection as he looked at her.

Y/N turned, her smile widening as she saw him. In the short time she’d known Jin and Yoongi, they’d become more than friends—family, protectors, brothers she hadn’t expected to find. “Hey, oppa,” she said, her voice soft but warm, as she leaned into his playful nudge. “Just… thinking about everything.”

Jin plopped onto the bench beside her, his long legs stretching out as he ruffled her hair like an older brother. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asked, his tone gentle but curious, his eyes searching hers.

Y/N’s gaze drifted back to Jungkook, now standing and shaking hands with the therapist, his smile bright enough to rival the sun. “Nothing, oppa,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Just… how far he’s come. How far we’ve come. It’s been a lot, but seeing him like this… it makes it all worth it.”

Jin’s smile softened, his hand resting on her shoulder. “We’re all thankful for you, Y/N,” he said, his voice earnest, his eyes shining with gratitude. “The way you’ve stood by him, the support you’ve given him—it’s incredible. Honestly, I thought you might walk away when things got rough. But you didn’t. You stayed, and you’ve helped him become this… this better version of himself. Thank you, Y/N. Truly.”

Y/N shook her head, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. “No, oppa, don’t thank me,” she said, her voice firm but warm. “I love Jungkook. I know he made mistakes, but he wasn’t himself back then. He was lost, hurting. But now? He’s healing, he’s learning, and I’m going to be with him through it all—thick and thin. He’s my home.”

Jin nodded, his expression one of quiet admiration, his hand squeezing her shoulder gently. “You’re one of a kind, Y/N,” he said, his voice soft. He opened his mouth to say more, but a voice—bright, playful, and unmistakably Jungkook’s—cut through the moment.

“Angel!” Jungkook called, standing a few steps away in the garden, his black t-shirt clinging to his frame, his dark pants accentuating his lean build. His smile was radiant, his eyes sparkling with a joy that made Y/N’s heart skip. “Let’s go home. I’m starving.”

Y/N’s laughter bubbled up, bright and free, as she sprang to her feet and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. “Yes, Kookie!” she said, her voice filled with love as she hugged him tightly, her cheek pressed against his chest. His arms wrapped around her, strong and warm, his scent enveloping her like a promise.

Jin stood, feigning offense as he crossed his arms. “Yah, you rascal!” he called, his voice playful but mock-indignant. “You didn’t even greet me! I came all the way here for you!”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, his grin mischievous as he kept one arm around Y/N. “Didn’t ask you to come, hyung,” he teased, dodging as Jin took a step toward him, his eyes narrowing dramatically.

“Aish!” Jin exclaimed, launching into a rapid-fire scolding that sounded more like a rap, his hands waving for emphasis. “You ungrateful little punk! I drive all the way here, deal with your moody ass, and this is the thanks I get?”

Y/N tried to stifle her laughter, her hand covering her mouth as Jungkook’s grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Run, angel!” he said, grabbing her hand and darting down the garden path, Jin hot on their heels, his scolding turning into a full-on chase.

“Who can say they’re business tycoons?” Y/N laughed, her voice echoing as she watched Jungkook dodge Jin, playfully swatting his shoulder. Jin lunged, catching Jungkook’s arm, only for Jungkook to spin free and—cheekily—slap Jin’s butt, making him jump with an exaggerated yelp.

“Yah! Jeon Jungkook!” Jin shouted, his face a mix of shock and amusement as he chased after him, the two of them weaving through the garden like kids on a playground.

Y/N doubled over, her laughter bright and uncontrollable, tears of joy prickling her eyes as she watched the scene unfold. “They’re always like this,” a new voice said, and Y/N turned to see Yoongi standing beside her, his lips quirked in a fond smile, though his nose scrunched as he watched Jungkook taunt Jin. “Ridiculous, right?”

Y/N nodded, her smile softening as she looked at Yoongi. “I want them to stay like this forever,” she said, her voice warm with affection. “Just… free, happy.”

Yoongi’s smile widened, his eyes softening as he watched Jungkook dodge another of Jin’s playful swipes. “They will,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a quiet promise. “Thanks to you.”

Before Y/N could respond, Yoongi grabbed her hand, his expression turning mischievous. “Come on, let’s beat them to the parking lot,” he said, tugging her along. “Jungkook, I’m taking your angel!”

“Hey, no way!” Jungkook called, breaking away from Jin to chase after them, his laughter ringing out, bright and unrestrained. “She’s mine!”

Y/N and Yoongi sprinted toward the parking lot, their laughter mingling with Jungkook’s as he caught up, his arms wrapping around Y/N from behind, lifting her off the ground. She squealed, giggling as he spun her, their noses brushing in a playful nudge, their eyes locked in a moment of pure, unfiltered love. “Got you,” Jungkook murmured, his voice soft but filled with adoration, his lips brushing her forehead.

Jin caught up, panting dramatically, only to realize he’d forgotten something. “Yah, you idiots!” he called, jogging back to the bench where Y/N’s purse and Jungkook’s jacket lay abandoned. He scooped them up, shaking his head as he ran after them, his voice carrying over the garden. “You’re hopeless without me!”

Yoongi and Jin fell into step behind Jungkook and Y/N, their banter a warm undercurrent as they reached the parking lot. Jungkook set Y/N down gently, but kept her close, his arm around her waist as they walked to his sleek black Mercedes. Y/N nudged his arm, her eyes sparkling. “Let’s have lunch at my favorite restaurant,” she said, her voice bright with excitement.

Jungkook grinned, leaning down to kiss her softly, his lips lingering against hers, the touch sweet but filled with promise. “Anything for my princess,” he murmured, his voice low, his eyes shining with love.

He slid into the driver’s seat, Y/N settling beside him, her hand resting on his thigh, a quiet gesture of connection. Jin and Yoongi climbed into the back, their playful bickering filling the car with warmth as Jungkook started the engine. “You two better not eat all the kimchi,” Jin warned, pointing a finger at them, his tone mock-serious.

“Try and stop us, hyung,” Jungkook shot back, his grin wide as he glanced at Y/N, who laughed, her head tipping back against the seat.

As the car pulled out of the hospital lot, the sun dipping low on the horizon, Y/N looked at Jungkook, his profile sharp and beautiful, his smile free and unguarded. The love between them was a living thing, strong and unshakable, bolstered by the friendship of Jin and Yoongi, who had become their family. They were healing, growing, fighting together—and in that moment, as the car sped toward a future they were building together, everything felt perfectly, beautifully right.

To be continued …