Wondering how Hobi found out about Jungkook?

Well, even before meeting Hobi, Jungkook had already made up his mind to leave South Korea but he wasn't sure where to go. He felt the need to move on from Taehyung after the divorce. Staying in Korea would only complicate things, inevitably leading to encounters with Taehyung. Ignoring him constantly wasn't a feasible option, especially with the media likely to speculate about their divorce, putting him in an awkward position. He didn't want to burden his parents either. Moving back in with them post-divorce would mean pretending everything was fine between them in front of Jimin, when it was not.

Jungkook had grown tired of this; for once, he wanted to be selfish; he wanted to prioritize his own happiness. He always used to put others before himself. But this time, he wanted to put his own needs first.

Putting yourself and your needs first is not selfish. It's something we should all do because we all matter. It's so important to be able to look inward and ask yourself if you are truly happy.

The next day, following the family dinner at the Jeon's, Jungkook was in his studio. He had already informed his manager that he wanted to sell his studio but hadn't told him the reason why. He was deeply thinking about how he should make Jimin understand this divorce matter. Since previous night, Jimin had tried to contact him, but he ignored his calls and messages. His in-laws, too, spared no effort in convincing him. He was really grateful to them; they had always treated him like their own son. They deserved to know about his decision to leave Korea. Not only them, his parents too. As he was contemplating how to break the news to them, a hand suddenly covered his eyes from behind.

??? : Kook-ah, guess who?

Jungkook could recognise that voice from anywhere.

Jungkook : Hobi hyung?!

Hobi : (Whining) No fair. How did you know it was me?

Jungkook : (Smiling and hugging him) Come on, hyung, you cannot expect me to not recognise you when you've called my name so affectionately. When did you get back from New York?

Hobi : Just about an hour ago. I missed you so much I had to come straight to see you as soon as I landed in Korea.

Jungkook : I missed you too, hyung. Did you tell anyone else you were back?

Hobi : Nah, I wanted to surprise everyone. I didn't even let Kai know. I just felt like seeing you, so here I am at your studio. It's been two years since I last saw you, you've definitely grown more mature. You know, working as a choreographer for a big company isn't as fun as I thought it would be. Can you believe that had me working even on my days off? Not that I'm complaining - I love dancing - but it's a bit much. When I finally asked for some time off, they reluctantly granted me a week.

Jungkook : Well, they probably don't want to lose a talented choreographer like you.

Hobi : Thanks Kook-ah. I'm actually thinking opening my own dance school someday. But enough about me. How's married life treating you and Taehyung?

Jungkook : Uh, It's...fine, hyung.

Jungkook answered, avoiding Hobi's gaze.

Hobi : (Suspicious) Are you sure everything's okay, Kook-ah?

Jungkook didn't want to burden Hobi with all his problems.

Jungkook : Y-Yeah...hyung...Everything's fine...Would you like some tea?

He contemplated changing the subject, but before he could, his manager entered the room.

Manager : Jungkook-ssi. I've made a list of all the potential buyers for the studio. Here it is.

He handed Jungkook a file before excusing himself from the room with a respectful bow.

Hobi : You're selling the studio? Why? Do your parents know about this?

Jungkook : I...It's...actually...

Now Hobi was really sure that something's going on with Jungkook. He can clearly see Jungkook's hesitance and the visible signs of distress. The boy cannot even lie without stuttering. Before he could press further, Jungkook's phone rang, displaying Jimin's name on the screen. He cut the call. The phone rang again. He knows Jungkook is stubborn and never shares his sadness, so he needed to try other ways to get truth from him.

Jungkook hesitated to answer the call and tried to cut the call, but Hobi acted swiftly, taking the phone from him and answered the call. Jungkook tried his best to stop Hobi, but Hobi was faster.

Jimin (on the phone) : Kim Jungkook!!At last you lifted my call!! I called you for at least 50 times now, and you didn't even see my messages!! And you even cut my calls?! Don't you think you deserve an explanation? You and Taehyung, both decided to get divorce and we have no say in it?! I know you love Taehyung. So, why you are divorcing him? If Taehyung is forcing you to divorce, then tell me. Why are you not talking? Hello!!

Jungkook hurriedly snatched his phone from Hobi's grasp and ended the call.

Hobi : D..Divorce? You...and Taehyung....Why didn't you tell me?

Jungkook : (Teary eyes) I...I...don't want..to...bother you, hyung.

Hobi : (Cupping his face) You're my dongsaeng, Kook. We may not be blood-related, but I care about you deeply. I've known you since you were young, and I've always sensed your feelings for Tae. Then why are you giving him divorce?

Jungkook : W..We...fell out of love....

Hobi : Don't lie to me!!

Overwhelmed by Hobi's genuine concern and kindness, Jungkook finally let his emotions spill over, breaking down in front of his hyung.

Jungkook : (Crying) Will....yo..you..believe me if I say the truth, hyung?

Hobi : Of course, Jungkook. You know I always trust you. And I can see right through any lie you try to tell.

Jungkook told him everything. Starting from the arrangement of his marriage to Taehyung to the events that happened yesterday.

Jungkook : (Sobbing uncontrollably) B..Believe me...hyung...I didn't do...any of it...It....

Hobi : Shhh...bun...Don't cry. I believe you.

Jungkook : But they don't. They think that....I tried to....harm Jimin hyung....and Somi......

Saying Hobi was angry would be an understatement. He was furious. He didn't understand how anyone could accuse Jungkook of such terrible act. But he tried to stay calm for Jungkook. He gently wiped away Jungkook's tears before speaking.

Hobi : Listen to me, Jungkook. I know you, and I know you would never do something like that. We'll prove your innocence, no matter what it takes. Kai will help us.

Jungkook : But what if... what if they never believe me?

Hobi : Then we'll make them believe. We'll gather evidence, find the truth, and clear your name. Don't you trust your hyung?

Jungkook : I...I trust you, hyung. But...they don't....Taehyung...my parents...and Yoonie hyung....I cried and begged them to believe me.....but they didn't....they hate me......

Hobi : They did really bad for not believing in you. But bun, they need to know their mistake. Now don't waste your precious tears. Even if I can't find any evidences against Somi, I'll still be with you in any decision you take. I'll take you with me to New York, okay?

Jungkook : N-New York?

Hobi : Yes. I can't bear to leave you alone after everything you've been through. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'll always stand by your side, no matter what others may say. I believe in you, Jungkook. Always.

Jungkook : (Hugging him) Thank you, hyung.

True to his words, Hobi found the evidence to prove Jungkook innocent with the help of Kai. Finding the kidnapper wasn't a difficult task. However, retrieving the footage of Jimin's accident proved to be quite a headache. Fortunately, having an officer as a boyfriend came in handy. There was a restaurant situated near the hospital. At the time of Jimin's accident, there was a reunion happening at that restaurant. To make it memorable, they requested the restaurant staff to install camcorders for recording. One of the camcorders was positioned in the direction of Somi's hospital room, where Jimin was pushed from the window. And it recorded it all.

The restaurant staff securely stored all the records and they promptly agreed to provide the footage to the police upon request. And that footage was more than enough to prove Jungkook's innocence.

In the hospital....

Everyone was waiting for Jungkook to regain consciousness. They were really happy to learn that Jungkook was pregnant. However, at the same time, they were afraid of how he might react.

Jin couldn't stop crying as he held onto his husband, Namjoon. Both of them were consumed with guilt for the way they had treated Jungkook, their own son. Their hearts were heavy with regret as they realized they hadn't trusted him and had treated him poorly.

Yoongi was trying to console his parents, but he too was drowning in guilt. He knew he had hurt Jungkook the most. He promised Jungkook that he'll stand by him through thick and thin and shield him from all the harm. But he didn't keep his word. He had utterly failed as a brother.

And Taehyung. He was feeling the worst compared to others. Not only he didn't trusted Jungkook, he also subjected him to physical and mental abuse. He belittled Jungkook's feelings for him. He was so much blinded by the hate that he stopped treating Jungkook as a mere human. He took Jungkook without his consent and permission. He was afraid that Jungkook might not forgive him and leave him forever.

Meanwhile, Jimin felt a mix of emotions as he watched them. He wanted desperately to console them, but deep down, he couldn't bring himself to do so. He was angry - angry at his husband for lying to him, angry at his brother for mistreating Jungkook. But most of all, Jimin was furious with himself for not realizing earlier what Jungkook was going through. If only he had known sooner, Jungkook wouldn't have suffered so much.

Jimin, lost in his thoughts, suddenly felt a comforting hand on his shoulder, drawing him back to the present moment. It was his mother, with a small smile on her face. Beside her stood his father.

Mrs. Kim : Jimin, I know you're blaming yourself for what happened with Jungkook. But, it's not your fault, dear.

Jimin : No, Mom. It is my fault. If only I had known earlier how much pain Jungkook was enduring.....He went through so much pain this whole time.....all alone....and I was happy in my own world....not caring for him.....I'm a bad friend....It is my fault....my fault...

Saying this he cried harder hugging his mother.

Mrs. Kim : Don't blame yourself, Jimin.

Mr. Kim : Yeah. Whatever happened with Jungkook was caused due to a misunderstanding created by Somi. If anyone should be blamed then it's me. If only I hadn't urged Jungkook to marry Taehyung, none of this would've happened. The poor boy had to endure so much because of it.

Jimin : (Crying) I know....that Jungkook loves Taehyung.....Jungkook....he turned down so many boys for Tae, because he truly loved him, even if it was one sided. I believed....that by Taehyung marrying Jungkook....they would both find happiness....I thought Jungkook will lighten up Taehyung's dark world....I was wrong......Tae made Jungkook's life miserable, not only him....but also his family...What mistake he had done to deserve all this?......Why him?!

Hobi : Jimin-ah....Stop crying. It's not good for your health.

Jimin : Hobi hyung.....Did Jungkook wake up?

Hobi : Yes, he's awake. You guys can meet him.

Only one person was allowed into the room to look after Jungkook and Hobi stepped up since he was the only one calm enough to take care of Jungkook and handle the situation. So, he decided to stay in the hospital meanwhile Kai went to station to file a complaint against Somi for attempting murder.

As soon as Hobi announced that Jungkook was awake, everyone hurried to his room, but was stopped by Hobi.

Hobi : Hold on. I just broke the news to Kook that he's pregnant and he's pretty overwhelmed by it. So, I request all of you to give him space and not to overwhelm him any further.

Everyone nodded in understanding.

Everyone entered the room where Jungkook was staying. It was the same room that Somi had resided in, the very place where Jimin had been pushed from, and where everything had started a year ago.

They looked around to see Jungkook standing near the window, gazing outside. The hospital gown he had worn just moments ago was neatly folded on the hospital bed, and he was now dressed in his regular clothes. He seemed unaware of the other's presence in the room.

Jimin : (Gentle and calm voice) Jungkook.....

Jungkook : Jimin hyung?

Jimin sprinted towards Jungkook and engulfed him in a tight hug.

Jimin : (Crying) I'm sorry....I'm sorry Kookie.....It's my fault.....

Jungkook : No, hyung. It's not your fault. Stop crying.

After a minute or two, Jimin managed to calm down. He gently guided Jungkook to sit on the bed, while the others gathered around, keeping a bit of distance.

Jimin : (Cupping Jungkook's face) Are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere, are you? Do you feel any pain?

Jungkook : (Chuckling) I'm fine, hyung.

Hobi : Kook, why did you remove your IV and hospital gown? You're still weak and you need rest.

Jungkook : Huh? Did you forget, hyung? We have a flight to catch, and I'm feeling completely fine now.

Hobi : But Kook... you're...

Jungkook : I know I'm pregnant. I'm not even in my second trimester yet, hyung. It's safe to travel now.

Jimin : What are you saying, Jungkook? You're not going anywhere. You've gone through a lot, all alone. And I'm not ready to leave you, not even for a second. Not to New York or anywhere else.

Jungkook : Jiminie hyung....please understand.....

Jin : Jungkook.........

Jin approached Jungkook and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down his face. However, Jungkook didn't hug him back nor push him away.

Jin : (Crying) Papa is sorry, Kookie....Papa didn't trust you......I said all those hurtful things without even thinking once that....my Kookie.....couldn't even think of doing that....I'm sorry.....I'm a bad parent.....Sorry.....But please....please.....don't leave me.......don't leave us.....I know we have done a big mistake.....you have every right to be disappointed in us......but please don't leave.....please.....

Namjoon : Jungkook, we know that our actions have hurt you a lot. We should've trusted you or at least listened to what you've said. I'm not asking you to forget everything and forgive us....I know it's not easy to make those memories disappear......and there is no forgiveness for our mistakes......But please....give us a chance to repair the bond between us.....and don't leave to New York, son.....you've suffered enough......because of our mistakes......please....give us a chance.....to make things right.....

Saying this, Namjoon too broke into tears. He's never the one to show his emotions; he had never cried in front of anyone until now, except in front of his husband. Now, he was crying and pleading for his son's forgiveness.

Jungkook had never seen his Appa and Papa this vulnerable. He wanted to hug them tightly and console them. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. The pain they have caused ran too deep, and he needed time to process everything before he could consider forgiving them.

Jin : (Releasing Jungkook from hug) It's...okay....it's okay if you don't want to forgive us....but don't leave us baby.....please....

Jungkook looked at his parents, seeing the raw vulnerability in their eyes, and felt a pang of sympathy. Then, his gaze shifted towards Jimin, who silently pleaded with him not to leave through his eyes.

Suddenly a hand was placed on his shoulder, it was Hobi.

Hobi : I'm here for you, Kook. Whatever you need, whatever you decide, I'll support you.

Jungkook nodded in understanding.

Jungkook : I...I won't leave....But I can't promise forgiveness right now. I need... I need to work through this.....

Jin : That's all we ask, baby. We'll give you all the time you need. We just... we just want a chance to make things right.

Jin reached out and gently brushed a tear from Jungkook's cheek. Jungkook hadn't even noticed he was crying. He stayed silent, observing his parents. Deep down, he knew he couldn't shut them out completely. Despite everything, he still held onto hope for reconciliation and the love and care they once shared. Call him an idiot, it's okay but he still craved for their love.

Taehyung : J-Jungkook....

Jungkook looked at Taehyung, who stood at a distance, his voice faltering as he called out Jungkook's name.

Taehyung : Jungkook....I'm sorry....I'm really ashamed of how I've treated you....I was so blinded by my revenge and anger....that I didn't see your love for me....But now....I've realized...I realized that....I've started loving you.....I love y.....

Jungkook : Stop! Taehyung......Don't....Don't sat that you love me because you feel guilty for what you've done.

Taehyung : No, Jungkook. It's not about guilt....

Jungkook : You don't love me, Taehyung. You feel responsible for the things you've done. You're feeling responsible as I'm...pregnant with your child. It's not love....it's pity...that you feel towards me.....You don't have to be accountable for anything, Taehyung......Just bring me the divorce papers....

Taehyung : Jungkook, please listen to me....I...I truly love you....and it's not because of any guilt or pity.....or because you're pregnant with my child.....I want to give you the love you deserve.....I want to repent for my mistakes.....I....love you....And I don't want to divorce you....

Jungkook : (Holding Taehyung's collar) What made you realize your love me, huh?! If Hobi hyung didn't told you the truth and shown you all the evidences, would you have believed me?! You treated me as a murderer and you didn't even treat me as your husband!!

The tears welled up in Jungkook's eyes as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Jungkook : I was just an object for you....A doll....whom you would use whenever you want. A maid....who did all the chores for you....I was just a husband in name.....You never showed me love.....I always consoled myself by thinking....that you wouldn't have treated me so badly if you knew the truth.....I ignored every hurtful thing you said just because I was madly in love with you.....But you...you never loved me. You can never love me the way I loved you!!!

Everyone present had tears streaming down their faces, hearing how much pain Jungkook had gone through.

Jungkook : And this unborn child.....has nothing to do with you....It's my child. I don't want to do anything with you, Kim Taehyung.....Leave me and my child!!!!

Taehyung : (Crying) You cannot do that, Jungkook.....It's our child.....

Jungkook : (Chuckling bitterly) Our child? Remember when you accused me of whoring around.....if you didn't knew the truth.....would you still considered this child as yours?

Mrs. Kim : (Gasping) What? Jungkook...did he.....

Jungkook : Children are supposed to be the reflection of their parent's love....But there was no love in between us....it was my love for you against your revenge......

Taehyung : Jungkook.....I'm sorry.....

Jungkook : Sorry cannot fix a thing, Kim Taehyung!!! You cannot fix what's broken......you cannot change the fact that you took me without my consent!! You raped me....your own husband.....you cannot bring back the sleepless nights I went through.....you hurt my self-respect....I hate you.....I hate myself for loving you.....I hate you!!!

Saying this, Jungkook completely broke down, and Jimin tried to calm him down. Meanwhile Yoongi landed a punch on Taehyung's face.

Yoongi : You motherfucker!!!