The mansion reeked of whiskey and smoke. Upstairs, muffled laughter and heels clicked...it was Taehyung's ex, Jungkook's son, drunk again with another stranger.

At the bottom of the grand staircase, Taehyung gripped his suitcase, chest aching but resolved clearly. he was done.

Taehyung reached for the massive front door, his fingers trembling on the handle...until a deep voice stopped him.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

He turned. Jungkook stood in the shadows, suit jacket undone, his sharp gaze flicking from Taehyung's suitcase to his face.

“I’m leaving,” Taehyung managed.

He stepped closer, calm but firm. “At this hour? Alone?”

“I don’t belong here anymore.” Taehyung mumbled.

He studied Taehyung silently, jaw tight, before pushing the door shut with his palm. The click echoed like a command.

“You think I’ll let you walk out unprotected?” His tone was low, protective, almost dangerous.

“Why do you care!?” Taehyung snapped. “Your son never did.”

Something flickered in his eyes. He leaned closer, not touching, but close enough to burn. His voice softened.

“My son is a fool.” A pause. His gaze lingered. “…but I’m not.”