The news about the Jeons, Jungho and Sunmi, being charged with money laundering and embezzlement had shocked the business world.

All their illegal activities were exposed which called for an abrupt meeting with the directors and associates.

There was a need for a change in the hierarchy, and as the voting started, Jungkook was being eyed for the position.

However, he declined and gave it to the most deserving, the one who owned the most stocks in the company.

The news and chaos it has created went on for weeks, but just like any other news, it finally died down.

As for Jungkook, he resigned from his position and cut all ties with the Jeons, finally giving him the freedom he had sought the longest.

Most importantly, he finally got his mother's urn back after five years.

"It's been a while, mom." Jungkook whispered, placing a bouquet of white chrysanthemums near her urn.

He made a columbarium for her and filled it with her favorite flowers.

"I hope you're happy now." He added.

Jungkook sat comfortably in front of the podium. His eyes lingered for so long on his mother's urn until he finally found the courage to speak.

"Yeri's been struggling these days, mom." He started, remembering that morning when Yeri vomited blood when he's visiting her.

"The doctor told me... she's—"

Jungkook's voice cracked, feeling a lump on his throat. He took a deep breath as he tried to steady his emotions.

"Can I ask you a favor, mom?" He said after a long while.

As he stared deeply on his mother's urn, thinking of her to be really there and listening to his words, his tears finally fell.

"Please look after her."

It might have been difficult to accept, but seeing how Yeri had been smiling the past few days, how she's making the most of the time that's left for her, Jungkook had learned to accept what's to come.

All he could do was to be with her, make everyday memorable, and bring a smile to her face— to a dear friend who would forever remain in his memories.

As the days passed, Jungkook didn't leave Yeri's side.

He kept his promise and stayed with her until her last breath.

————

"Going home?"

A nod was all Taehyung gave to Jimin as an answer.

"It's still too early. Shall we have a drink?" Jimin asked, motioning a shot with his hand.

"Your treat?"

"Of course."

This had Taehyung smiling.

"All right." He agreed, pointing Jin who was busy spacing out while staring at his phone.

"What about Jin-hyung?"

Jimin shrugged his shoulders. They both stared at the older who still had his mind somewhere else.

"Jin-hyung..." Jimin called, no response.

"Jin-hyung!"

The other flinched at the call, almost dropping his phone on the carpeted floor.

"What?" Jin asked, dumbfounded.

"We've been calling you to ask if you want to join us later. What's the matter with you? You're spacing out." Jimin commented.

"Oh.. sure. Count me in."

The way the two waited for more was obvious as they stared at Jin as if he had grown three more heads.

"What?" Jin asked.

A long frustrated sigh escaped from Jimin's lips as he marched his way to the couch where Jin was sitting.

"What are you even staring at?"

As Jimin peeked to see the phone's screen, his eyes widened before slowly gazing to Taehyung. He had an expression on his face that alarmed Taehyung who quickly made his way to have a look.

And when he did, his heart sank.

In the news was Yeri's passing after more than a month of her marriage with Jungkook.

"Sorry... I can't decide whether to show this to you or not..." Jin whispered, letting Taehyung read the whole article.

He immediately thought of Jungkook and the possibility of him feeling devastated once more from losing another person he treated as his family.

"Sorry, but I have to go." Taehyung said, giving his friends an apologetic smile.

The two didn't ask questions. They simply nodded and let him leave.

They've witnessed Taehyung's struggles the past few months and realized how strong he was to overcome them.

They learned to trust his decisions and be his support.

As Taehyung rushed out from the building, the moment the cold breeze of the night touched his face, he halted.

Like someone who woke up from a deep slumber, Taehyung realized what he's about to do wasn't the best decision.

He stopped, breathe a long sigh before walking towards his car.

Showing up in the funeral even with the best intentions would be selfish and disrespectful. It might even cause an unwanted attention from the public, and Taehyung didn't want that.

With a clear mind, Taehyung maneuvered the car to the nearest flower shop.

Even with this small gesture, he wanted to show his deepest sympathy.

He picked white roses which the florist arranged beautifully.

"Please, have it delivered in this address." Taehyung gave the address he read from the article.

"Do you want to attach a note?"

Taehyung thought for a long while before taking the pen that the florist offered.

————

A lot of people showed up to pay their respects and offer their condolences to the bereaved.

Jungkook and Yeri's father, Yunri, were busy attending to the crowd.

It was around nighttime when the visitors dispersed, giving both of them a rest.

As they sat next to each other, Yunri broke the silence.

"Are you really leaving tomorrow?" He asked in a low voice.

In his contemplation, Jungkook nodded his head, eyes lingering on Yeri's picture next to her urn.

"Yes, I promised to bring her ashes in Paris." He replied, almost a whisper.

Another long silence befell until Yunri spoke once more.

This time, it's clear and full of gratitude.

"Thank you, son."

The name had Jungkook feeling a lump on his throat. He should've been used to it by now, but something in the way Yunri called him suddenly brought him to tears.

"Thank you for staying by my daughter's side." Yunri said, smiling with a grateful heart.

"I should be the one thanking you... and Yeri." Jungkook uttered.

Words were not enough to tell them how grateful he was.

Without their help, Jungkook would've been long gone by now.

They're the family he never knew he'd have. Strangers who gave him the warmth of a true home.

"Come back as soon as you can, all right? I need my son to eat meals with me everyday." Yunri said, earning a chuckle from Jungkook.

"You sound like an old man when you're as sturdy as a tree." Jungkook joked, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"My heart is lonely, you know."

Jungkook understood Yunri's words. He knew exactly the feeling of having a lonely heart after losing someone precious.

He knew it too well.

"Don't worry. We can eat together as long as you want to." Jungkook stated, patting the older man's shoulder in return.

This kind of conversation was something Jungkook did not even imagine to have with his biological father.

It's something he almost missed if he hadn't met this kind man.

As the two continued to talk about all sorts of things, a delivery suddenly interrupted them.

"Mr. Jungkook?"

"Yes?" Jungkook immediately excused himself to receive the wreath of white roses.

"Who is this from?" Jungkook asked, but the delivery man just shrugged.

"There's no indicated name, sir."

Jungkook simply nodded to dismiss the other. He placed the wreath on the long table of flowers when he noticed a folded note hidden among the white roses.

Reading silently, Jungkook immediately realized. Only from the words, even without the sender's name, Jungkook knew.

My deepest condolences to you and the whole family. I hope you're not blaming yourself for what had happened. You did everything you can and kept your promise until the end. Please remember that, Kookie.

Jungkook had lost count of the times he reread the letter. Every time he did, Taehyung's voice while saying those words seem to be vivid.

"Thank you." He whispered, keeping the letter in his pocket.

Taehyung knew him too well. He knew he'd blame himself even though it's not his fault to begin with.

It's been a while since he had heard from Taehyung. Both of them didn't try to contact each other after the last talk they had.

Out of respect with each other's decisions, still with the loose ends they could not settle, it's the best decision.

Please remember that, Kookie.

Jungkook smiled, remembering the content of the letter once more.

"I will." He whispered.

Taehyung.

————
Love you 💜