They gathered around the table, the aroma of breakfast wafting through the air, but the atmosphere was thick with tension. Jimin's gaze was a piercing dagger aimed at Jungkook, his anger simmering just beneath the surface after discovering that Jungkook had sneaked into Taeyong's room. Meanwhile, Yoongi remained oblivious, lost in the depths of sleep on the couch, his peaceful expression untouched by the brewing storm.

Without warning, a deafening crash echoed through the room, jolting everyone from their thoughts. Taeyong's heart raced as she recognized the frantic voice calling her name—it was her mother.

She dashed to the door, flinging it open, only to be met with a sight that froze her in place. Her mother stood there, blood staining her clothes, one hand clutching her chest while the other clutched a letter.

Shock washed over Taeyong as she instinctively wrapped her arms around her mother, the crimson pool spreading across the floor beneath them. She fought against the tears that threatened to spill, desperate to keep her mother from collapsing.

"Someone, please call 911!" she cried out, her voice breaking as she turned to the others who stood paralyzed behind her. The sound of the door's violent banging had roused Yoongi, who now sat wide-eyed, the reality of the situation crashing down on him.

Her mother gently stroked Taeyong's cheek, her voice a soft whisper amidst the chaos. "Don't be afraid, Taeyong. Everything will be okay. You must be strong now. I don’t think I’ll make it. Take this letter and go to the address written inside. Jungkook and the others will help you. I’m so sorry for everything, Taeyong. I lied to you. I deserve this."

With those final words, her mother’s eyes fluttered shut, leaving Taeyong standing there, a hollow shell, frozen in a moment that felt like an eternity.

Jimin stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a gentle embrace.

"Taeyong, we owe you an apology for not being honest with you earlier," he said, his voice laced with sincerity, leaving her bewildered. In that instant, Taeyong felt a wave of confusion wash over her, unable to grasp the gravity of the situation.

"Jimin, this isn’t the moment for your ridiculous jokes. Don’t toy with me," she replied, searching his eyes for a hint of jest, but found only unwavering seriousness.

"What is going on?" she demanded, her voice rising as she turned to the others, who stood silently, their heads bowed in shame.

The air was thick with unspoken words as Jungkook stepped forward, his voice steady yet heavy with emotion. "We can't take her to the hospital, Taeyong. She's not like everyone else. And neither are we." With a gentle but firm motion, he pried her mother from her grasp, signaling to Yoongi to make the call. Moments later, Namjoon and Jin arrived, their presence a somber reminder of the gravity of the situation.

Taeyong remained seated, a silent observer to the chaos that swirled around her, her heart heavy with grief and confusion.

In the days that followed Mrs. Kim's burial, Taeyong found herself retreating into the sanctuary of her mother’s room, locking the door against the world outside. Words eluded her, but a gnawing curiosity about her mother’s last apology lingered in her mind. Finally, she rose, showered, and changed out of the funeral attire that clung to her like a shroud.

As she descended the stairs, the eyes of her family bore into her, each gaze a mixture of pity and apprehension. Anger bubbled within her, a fierce flame ignited by their collective silence. She chose a chair, her posture rigid, and declared, "Whatever it is you all lied about, it better be worth her death." The room crackled with tension, her words hanging in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. She met their eyes, unyielding.

"Speak up."

"Taeyong, I don’t know how to start, but let’s begin with you. You have a brother, and your father is alive," Jimin said, his voice trembling with the weight of the revelation. Betrayal flickered in Taeyong's eyes as she processed his words.

"You knew all along and kept it from me?" she accused, her voice sharp as glass. Jimin's gaze fell to the floor, guilt etched across his features.

Jin rose to his feet, his expression grave. "That’s not the worst of it, Taeyong," he said, his voice steady yet laced with concern.

He continued, "Your mother kept this from you because she was terrified of losing you. She thought you would despise her for what she had done." Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the room, interrupting Jin's words. He moved swiftly to the door, only to be met by an unexpected figure. His eyes widened in shock, and he stumbled back, recognition dawning upon him.

"You again," he muttered, dread pooling in his stomach.

In an instant, the house was engulfed in a thick, swirling smoke. They strained to see through the haze, but visibility was nearly impossible. As the smoke began to dissipate, they frantically scanned the room, relief washing over them when they realized that the intruder was gone. However, the worst realization struck: Taeyong was missing.

Panic surged through the group as they searched every corner of the house, some rushing outside in desperation. Their efforts yielded nothing, save for a note affixed to the mailbox. Jimin snatched it up, his heart racing as he read the taunting message aloud.

"Long time no see. Going to have some fun. Come get her if you can, suckers! 
~Jackson~"

The mere mention of the name ignited a fire of fury within Jimin. He crumpled the note in his fist and turned to the others, his voice trembling with frustration. "Why do we always mess things up?" Jungkook shouted, his annoyance echoing in the tense atmosphere.