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

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

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

“I’m leaving,” Jungkook managed.

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

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

He studied jungkook 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!?” Jungkook 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.”