Chapter Sixty-eight "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

Return from Vacation

After a refreshing week away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jungkook and his friends found themselves back on the train to Seoul. The peaceful days spent in Busan, surrounded by fields of fresh vegetables and endless rows of strawberries, had been like a dream. The time they had spent with Jimin’s grandparents had been nothing short of heartwarming.

“I don’t wanna leave,” Niki whined, hugging Grandma Park tightly as if his life depended on it.

Grandma Park chuckled, patting his head. "You can always come back next vacation, sweetheart. Our home is always open for you all."

“Exactly,” Grandpa Park added, handing them neatly packed containers filled with fresh strawberries. "Take these with you, and whenever you eat them, remember us."

They all smiled, touched by the elderly couple’s kindness. With heavy hearts, they finally bid their goodbyes and boarded the train. The journey back felt much quieter, the excitement of the trip now replaced with the realization that their next academic year was about to begin. Results would also be declared soon, and the stress of university life was already creeping back.

As the train pulled into Seoul Station, Jungkook’s personal driver was already waiting for them. One by one, his friends were dropped off at their homes before the car finally made its way toward the Kim family mansion.

The moment the car stopped, Jungkook practically jumped out, his excitement bubbling over. “Momma! Dada! I’m home!” he called out as he ran inside, leaving the workers to bring in his luggage.

Mrs. Kim barely had time to turn around before her son launched himself at her. She let out a surprised laugh, wrapping him in a warm, tight embrace. “Oh my baby, we missed you so much,” she murmured, stroking his hair lovingly.

“I missed you too, Momma,” Jungkook grinned, nuzzling into her hug.

Mrs. Kim pulled back slightly and cupped his face. “You look like you had fun. Tell me, how was your trip?”

Jungkook’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he began rambling about everything—the peaceful fields, the delicious home-cooked meals, Grandpa Park’s stories, and how Niki refused to let go of Grandma Park. He spoke so animatedly that Mrs. Kim couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.

After a while, Jungkook suddenly remembered something. “Wait! Where’s Dada and Hyungie?” he asked, looking around.

“They’re at the university,” Mrs. Kim explained gently. “It will be the first day for the new batch in two days, and they’re also attending the ceremony to honor last year’s toppers. They’ll be home late tonight.”

Jungkook pouted, clearly disappointed. “I wanted to see them as soon as I got home…”

Mrs. Kim chuckled, pulling him in for another hug. “They’ll be back soon, baby. Now, come, tell me more about your trip while we wait.”

And with that, Jungkook settled in, excitedly continuing his stories as the warmth of home surrounded him once again.

---

After dinner with his mom, Jungkook found himself curled up on the living room sofa, sleep gradually creeping over him. He had initially planned to stay awake until his Hyung came home, but the exhaustion of traveling caught up to him.

Mrs. Kim smiled fondly as she draped a blanket over him, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before heading to her room.

It was half past ten when Taehyung and Mr. Kim finally returned home, exhaustion evident on their faces. The moment they stepped inside, they noticed Jungkook sleeping peacefully on the couch.

Mrs. Kim approached them and whispered, “He was waiting for you but fell asleep.”

Taehyung let out a small sigh before stepping closer, his eyes softening. Without hesitation, he bent down and carefully picked Jungkook up, carrying him with ease.

“I’ll take him to my room,” Taehyung murmured as he started walking upstairs. “Mom, please send my dinner to my room.”

Mrs. Kim nodded and watched as Taehyung disappeared towards his bedroom, carrying Jungkook in his arms. Gently, Taehyung laid the younger down on the bed, tucking him in securely before heading to his bathroom to freshen up.

By the time he returned, his dinner was placed neatly on the bedside table. He ate quietly, glancing at Jungkook now and then, as if reassuring himself that his little brat was really back.

Once he was done, Taehyung climbed into bed beside Jungkook, wrapping his arms securely around him. He pressed soft kisses all over Jungkook’s face, as if making up for the lost time. With a final peck to his pouty lips, he sighed contentedly and allowed sleep to claim him, holding his baby brat close as if he would never let go again. 

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