The sound of gravel crunching under the tires fills the car as it slows to a stop in front of Hope Blossom Orphanage. Jungkook, seated by the window, watches the world pass by in silence. The sunlight filters through the tall trees surrounding the orphanage, casting playful patterns on the ground. Inside the car, his parents are deep in conversation, their voices a hum that Jungkook barely registers.

“Alright, we’re here,” announces Mr. Jeon as he steps out of the car. Jungkook glances at the building—a modest yet welcoming structure with colorful murals of children and flowers painted on its walls.

“Come on, Jungkook,” his mother urges, gently tugging at his arm. Reluctantly, Jungkook steps out, his hands tucked into his pockets.

As the family approaches the front yard, Jungkook notices a group of children scattered across the play area. Some are busy drawing chalk art on the ground, while others are engaged in an intense game of tag. A few younger ones sit quietly under a tree, lost in their thoughts. Their laughter and chatter fill the air, blending with the rustle of leaves.

Mrs. Jeon smiles warmly as she watches the scene. She glances at her son and says, “Honey, why don’t you go and play with them? They look friendly.”

Jungkook doesn’t respond. He shifts his gaze away from the children and trudges toward the building without a word. His mother sighs softly and follows him, casting one last look at the cheerful children.

Inside, the air smells faintly of old wood and fresh flowers. The walls are adorned with colorful drawings and motivational quotes in Korean. The Jeons are ushered into a cozy office furnished with a worn but inviting couch and a polished wooden table.

“Let’s sit here while we wait,” Mr. Jeon suggests, gesturing to the couch.

The family settles in, their movements echoing softly in the quiet room.

Breaking the silence, Mrs. Jeon speaks softly, “You know, Jungkook, when I was your age, I loved visiting places like this. It always felt… special.”

Jungkook doesn’t reply, his expression unreadable. Moments later, footsteps approach from the hallway, and the door creaks open. A woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile steps in, bowing slightly.

“Welcome to Hope Blossom Orphanage,” she greets. “I’m Ms. Park, the head of the orphanage.”

Mr. Jeon stands and returns the bow. “Thank you for having us. We’re glad to be here.”

The discussion between Mr. Jeon and Ms. Park continues smoothly. Mr. Jeon asks detailed questions about the adoption process, while Mrs. Jeon listens intently, occasionally chiming in with her own queries. Jungkook, however, sits quietly, his mind elsewhere, staring absentmindedly at the decorative paintings on the walls.

Suddenly, a loud knock echoes through the room, startling everyone. Ms. Park turns her head toward the door and calls out, “Come in.”

The door creaks open, revealing an older woman holding the hand of a little girl. The girl looks to be around four or five years old, with tangled hair and large, expressive eyes that seem to carry a world of secrets. She clings tightly to the woman’s hand, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Ms. Park’s brows furrow at the sight of the pair. She stands, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. “Mrs. Lee, what’s going on?” she asks the older woman.

Mrs. Lee sighs heavily, a note of exasperation in her voice. “She came back again,” she says, gently nudging the little girl forward.

A quiet sigh escapes Ms. Park as she walks over and kneels before the child. Her voice softens, almost motherly. “Yn, why did you come back this time?”

You don’t respond. Your gaze remains fixed on the floor, your tiny hands nervously gripping the hem of your dress. The silence in the room grows heavy, the weight of unspoken words pressing on everyone present.

After a moment, Ms. Park stands with a resigned sigh. She looks at Mrs. Lee and says quietly, “Take her back to her room, please.”

Mrs. Lee nods and gently pulls you away. You follow without resistance, your small footsteps barely audible as you leave the room. The door closes behind you, and the atmosphere shifts, leaving an air of mystery behind.

“Who was that?” Mr. Jeon asks, his curiosity piqued.

Ms. Park takes her seat and clasps her hands together. “Her name is Yn,” she begins. “She’s a very shy girl who barely speaks to anyone. She’s been adopted by multiple families, but every time, she runs away and comes back here.”

Jungkook, who has been silent since arriving, suddenly leans forward. His voice, calm yet curious, cuts through the room. “Why does she run away?”

Ms. Park shakes her head, a hint of helplessness in her expression. “We don’t know,” she admits. “Whenever I ask her why, she just looks down and doesn’t say a word. She doesn’t talk to anyone here except Mrs. Lee, but even then, she’s never explained why she keeps running away.”

“That poor child,” Mrs. Jeon murmurs, her gaze lingering on the closed door.

Jungkook presses further, his curiosity deepening. “Were the families bad to her? Did they treat her poorly?”

Ms. Park shakes her head again. “No, the families were all kind and loving. As far as we could tell, they provided her with everything she needed. But something keeps driving her away. It’s like there’s a secret she’s hiding—one she’s too scared to share.”

The room falls into a contemplative silence. Jungkook’s mind lingers on the image of you—your timid figure, your averted gaze. Something about you intrigues him, pulling at his curiosity in a way he doesn’t fully understand.

The Jeons step outside with Ms. Park, their attention drawn to the cheerful chaos around them. Children laugh and chase each other, some play with worn-out toys, while others sit quietly in small groups, immersed in conversations or games.

Mrs. Jeon glances at her son, walking a step behind the group. “Jungkook,” she asks gently, “would you like to have a brother or a sister?”

As expected, Jungkook doesn’t respond. His gaze moves past the playing children, his face unreadable. Mrs. Jeon sighs but says nothing more, her attention returning to the children.

As they walk further, Jungkook’s eyes land on you. You’re standing a little apart from the others, a broom in your small hands. It’s far too big for your tiny frame, but you persist, dragging it across the ground with determination. You gather the scattered leaves into an untidy pile, stopping occasionally to catch your breath. The task seems too heavy for someone your size, but you continue without complaint.

Jungkook watches you for a moment, something about your quiet diligence catching his attention. Without a word, he walks toward you, leaving the adults behind.

Ms. Park notices and whispers to the Jeons, “Let’s see what he does.”

Jungkook stops a few steps away from you. He kneels slightly to match your height and gently takes the broom from your hands. You look up at him in confusion, your fingers still clinging to the handle.

“You shouldn’t be doing this,” he says softly, his voice firm but kind. He sets the broom aside and takes your small hand in his.

Your wide eyes meet his, searching for an answer in his unfamiliar face. Before you can react, he leads you toward the group of adults.

Ms. Park and the Jeons exchange surprised glances as Jungkook brings you forward. His grip on your hand is firm but comforting. Once in front of his parents, he stops and speaks clearly, “I want her to come home with us.”

Everyone stares at him, stunned by his sudden declaration. Mrs. Jeon steps closer, her voice hesitant but gentle. “Jungkook, are you sure about this? She’s the one you want?”

Jungkook shrugs, his gaze steady as he looks at his father. “You came here to adopt a child, right? Adopt her. I want her to be my sister.”

Mr. Jeon raises his eyebrows in surprise, then chuckles softly. “Well, that was straightforward,” he says, glancing at Ms. Park.

Ms. Park, though surprised, nods. “If this is your decision,” she says, addressing the Jeons, “I’ll get the paperwork ready.”

In the quiet office, the atmosphere shifts as Mr. Jeon signs the final document, officially making you a part of their family. Ms. Park watches them with a thoughtful expression. As Mr. Jeon sets down the pen, she folds her hands and addresses him seriously.

“Mr. Jeon,” she says softly, “Yn needs a lot of care. She’s very shy and rarely asks for help, even when she needs it. You’ll have to watch over her closely.”

Mr. Jeon nods, his expression warm but firm. “We’ll make sure she’s well cared for,” he assures her.

Ms. Park then turns to Jungkook, who stands next to you, your small hand firmly in his. She kneels before him, her voice gentle yet firm. “Jungkook, you need to take care of her, too. She’s going to need someone she can trust. Can you do that for her?”

Jungkook looks into Ms. Park’s kind eyes and nods without hesitation. His grip on your hand tightens slightly, and he pulls it closer. “I will,” he promises.

Ms. Park smiles, a trace of relief on her face, and reaches out to pat his head. “Good boy,” she says warmly.

She then stands and calls for Mrs. Lee, who enters the room with a kind but curious expression. “Mrs. Lee, please pack Yn’s clothes and toys,” Ms. Park instructs.

Mrs. Jeon steps forward, waving her hand dismissively. “Oh, that’s not necessary. We’ll buy her everything she needs once we get home,” she says kindly.

Before anyone can respond, Jungkook interrupts firmly, his voice resolute. “I’ll help pack,” he says, letting go of your hand and turning toward Mrs. Lee. Without waiting for a response, he walks toward the door, and you follow behind him quietly.

Jungkook begins folding your clothes while you carefully place your broken dolls into a bag. Your tiny hands work diligently, as if wanting to make things easier for everyone.

Mrs. Lee watches the scene quietly before scooting closer to Jungkook. She leans in slightly and whispers, “Yn doesn’t sleep alone. When everyone’s asleep, she sneaks into my bed and sleeps beside me, thinking I won’t notice.”

Jungkook pauses, his hands still on one of your dresses. His eyes shift toward you, watching as you carefully add a small, well-worn teddy bear to the bag. There’s a quiet determination in your actions, as if you want to show you’re strong, even if you’re feeling uncertain inside.

Jungkook’s gaze softens. He folds the dress and places it in the bag. “I’ll take care of her,” he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else.

Mrs. Lee smiles faintly and pats his shoulder. “She’s lucky to have you,” she says before standing to help with the packing.

The car rolls to a gentle stop in front of the Jeon family home. The grand house stands tall, its traditional Korean architecture blended with modern elements. You step out hesitantly, your tiny hand still in Jungkook’s as he helps you down.

“Come on,” he says softly, guiding you toward the front door.

As you step inside, your eyes widen, taking in the spacious living room with its polished wooden floors, large windows, and warm, inviting decor. Jungkook notices your amazement and tugs at your hand lightly, urging you forward.

Once in the living room, Jungkook helps you onto the couch, making sure you’re comfortable. You sit quietly, your small hands gripping the edge of the seat. Jungkook kneels before you, carefully untying your worn shoes and placing them neatly to the side.

Mrs. Jeon joins you, her soft smile putting you slightly at ease. She sits beside you, her tone warm and gentle. “Yn, what would you like to eat? What’s your favorite food?”

You glance at her, your gaze flickering to Jungkook briefly before lowering to your hands. Your voice is barely above a whisper as you reply, “I’ll eat anything.”

Mrs. Jeon’s smile deepens, and she pats your head affectionately. “Alright,” she says, standing and addressing the maid nearby. “Prepare something delicious for dinner, something that’s comforting for children.”

The maid nods and disappears into the kitchen, leaving the room filled with a gentle warmth.

Jungkook stays close, sitting on the floor beside the couch and glancing up at you. He notices the way your small frame seems to relax slightly in the cozy surroundings. The house, though large and unfamiliar, already feels a little less daunting with their kindness surrounding you.

Mrs. Jeon sits back down, her gaze filled with quiet determination. “You’re home now, Yn,” she says softly, as if reassuring you .

You nod slightly, still shy but feeling a sliver of comfort in her words.

The house is silent under the dim glow of the moonlight. Jungkook quietly pushes open the door to your room, intending to check on you. As his eyes adjust to the faint light, he notices something unusual. The bed is empty. Panic sets in as he steps inside, scanning the room.

“Yn?” he whispers, his voice laced with worry.

His gaze falls on a small figure huddled in the corner, knees pulled to the chest, arms wrapped tightly around them.

You sit there quietly, your head resting on your knees. Relief floods Jungkook’s chest, and he lets out a soft sigh. Slowly, he walks toward you, careful not to startle you.

He crouches beside you, his voice gentle. “Why are you sitting here? Aren’t you feeling sleepy?”

You glance at him briefly but look away just as quickly, your fingers tightening their grip around your knees. Jungkook notices the hesitation, the shyness in your demeanor. He sits down fully beside you, closing the gap between you two.

Without saying anything further, he gently pulls you into his arms, his embrace firm yet comforting. “It’s okay,” he whispers, his voice low and soothing. “I’m here for you. I’ll always be here for you.”

You don’t reply, but your breathing slows as you relax against him, your ear pressed to his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart lulls you into a sense of safety you’ve never known. Before long, your eyelids grow heavy, and you drift off to sleep in his arms.

The soft rays of morning light seep into the room. You stir awake and find yourself still curled up against Jungkook. He’s sitting beside you, his back resting against the wall, his arms loosely around you. His head is tilted back, his eyes closed.

Your chest tightens at the sight. No one has ever stayed by your side like this before. You try to get up quietly, but Jungkook stirs, his eyes fluttering open.

“Good morning,” he murmurs, his voice still thick with sleep. He reaches out to ruffle your hair gently.

You sit back down as he helps you with your morning routine, brushing your teeth and getting you ready for the day. Afterward, he disappears to prepare for school.

At breakfast, the family gathers around the dining table. The smell of freshly made kimchi stew fills the air. As you quietly nibble on your food, Mrs. Jeon clears her throat.

“I’ll be leaving for Paris tonight,” she announces, her tone apologetic. “I have business there and will be gone for three months.”

You glance at Jungkook, hoping he’ll say something, but he continues eating as if he didn’t hear her.

Mr. Jeon speaks next, his voice calm. “Jungkook, you know I’ll also be leaving soon for Dubai for the new company launch—”

Before he can finish, Jungkook interrupts, his tone neutral. “I know. I heard you talking about it yesterday.”

Both parents exchange a glance, then look at you. Mrs. Jeon softens, reaching over to pat your hand. “Baby, don’t worry. We’ll be back soon. Until then, stay with Jungkook-oppa, okay?”

You nod slowly, your gaze dropping to your plate.

Mr. Jeon turns to Jungkook, his expression firm. “Take care of her, Jungkook.”

Jungkook nods without looking up. “I will,” he says simply, continuing his meal.

Jungkook stands near the basketball court, leaning casually against the pole, watching as you play with a group of children. Your laughter echoes across the yard, carefree and bright.

A small smile tugs at his lips. He’s never seen you this happy before, and it fills his heart with a sense of pride. As he continues to watch, you suddenly notice him.

“Oppa!” you squeal, abandoning your game and running toward him. Without hesitation, you wrap your tiny arms around his waist, squeezing tightly.

Jungkook chuckles, resting his hand lightly on your head. “What’s up, kiddo?”

You tilt your head up at him, curiosity sparkling in your eyes. “Do you study here too?”

He nods, a soft laugh escaping him. “Yeah, I do.”

Your brow furrows as you ask, “But why? You’re big!”

Jungkook bursts out laughing, shaking his head. “Big people study too, you know.”

You break into a smile, hugging him again. “That’s funny!”

As the two of you walk toward the cafeteria, you keep glancing up at him, questions bubbling in your mind. “Oppa, how old are you?”

“Me? I’m 12 years old,” he replies, pretending to sound important.

Your eyes widen dramatically. “Twelve?! That’s so old!”

His laughter rings out, filling the corridor. “Not that old!”

Once inside the cafeteria, he leads you to a table, pulling out a chair for you. “Sit here,” he says, placing a tray of food in front of you.

You dig in happily, and Jungkook joins you, his smile never fading. The warmth between you both grows stronger with every shared laugh, and for the first time, you feel like you truly belong somewhere.

Few Years Later

You sit quietly beside Mr. And Mrs. Jeon in the spacious living room. Despite being surrounded by luxury, the air feels distant. You’ve never been able to bond with them the way you have with Jungkook. Now, you begin to understand why Jungkook often keeps to himself when it comes to his parents.

Mrs. Jeon hands you a small plate of freshly cut fruits, her smile warm but fleeting as she returns to her own tasks. Mr. Jeon is absorbed in his meeting, speaking in low, authoritative tones through his headset. You glance around, searching for the only person who makes this house feel like home.

Hesitating, you tug gently on Mrs. Jeon’s sleeve. “Eomma, where is oppa?” you ask softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

She looks at you and smiles, her tone light. “He went to his friend’s house. They’re working on a project for school.”

You nod slowly, disappointment tugging at your chest. Picking up your fork, you quietly finish the fruits on your plate, though your appetite feels smaller than usual.

For the past few days, your stomach has been hurting. You don’t know why, but the dull ache comes and goes, leaving you uncomfortable. You glance at Mrs. Jeon but quickly look away, too shy to say anything. Maybe it’s better to wait for Jungkook. He always listens.

After finishing your plate, you excuse yourself and retreat to your room. Sitting on the edge of your bed, you glance at the clock, hoping Jungkook will come home soon. You drift off to sleep, clutching your pillow tightly.

You wake up with a sharp pain in your stomach, wincing as you sit up in bed. Your eyes drift down, and you freeze in panic when you see blood staining your bedsheet. Your breath quickens as fear grips you. You quickly pull the sheet off the bed, hiding it behind you.

Rushing to the bathroom, you see your clothes are also soaked with blood. Tears begin streaming down your face as you frantically try to clean up, but the blood doesn’t stop. Confusion and fear overwhelm you, and you cry silently, unsure of what’s happening.

Moments later, there’s a knock at the bathroom door. “Yn? Are you okay?” Mrs. Jeon’s voice calls gently. She had come to your room to wake you for dinner, but upon seeing the blood on your mattress, panic filled her.

You hesitate but crack the door open slightly, hiding behind it. Tears streak down your cheeks as you avoid her eyes. “What happened?” she asks softly, crouching to your level.

“I’m… I’m dying,” you whisper, sobbing harder. “It won’t stop.”

Mrs. Jeon’s face softens with understanding. She realizes what’s happening. “Oh, sweetie,” she says, her voice calm and reassuring. “You’re not dying. This is normal. It happens to all girls when they grow up. It’s called a period.”

You shake your head vehemently, crying harder. “It’s not normal! It’s a curse! Everyone always says I’m bad… M-My parents left me b-because I’m b-bad… and now it’s true. I’m going to die!”

Mrs. Jeon looks at you with pity but quickly regains her composure. She gently takes your hand and guides you back into the bathroom. “I promise you, it’s not a curse. It’s just something your body does. I’ll help you clean up, okay?”

As she helps you, Jungkook walks in, confused about why neither of you had come down for dinner. He notices the situation immediately. His eyes widen with concern as he hears you crying.

Moments later, you emerge from the bathroom, holding tightly onto Mrs. Jeon’s hand, tears still streaming down your face. When you see Jungkook, you cry even harder, running into his arms. “Oppa!” you wail, clutching his shirt.

He kneels down and hugs you tightly, his voice calm and soothing. “What’s wrong, little one? Tell me.”

“I’m dying!” you cry. “Everywhere I go, people say I’m bad, and now… now this is happening!”

Jungkook glances at Mrs. Jeon, who shakes her head slightly. “You’re not dying, Yn,” he says firmly. “This happens to all girls when they grow up. It’s normal.”

Mrs. Jeon nods. “Yes, sweetheart. Even I get it. All women do.”

You sniffle, looking at her through teary eyes. “You do?”

She nods with a smile. “Yes, I do. It’s part of being a woman.”

You then turn to Jungkook, your voice trembling. “Oppa, do you get it too?”

Jungkook freezes, his eyes widening in surprise. “Me? No, I don’t get it,” he says carefully.

Your lower lip quivers, and you look up at him with confusion. “Then why do I get it if you don’t? It’s not fair!”

Mrs. Jeon chuckles softly, but Jungkook pats your head, deciding to explain gently. “Yn, listen. Only girls get periods because their bodies are made differently. When girls grow up, their bodies prepare to have babies someday. The blood comes because your body is just practicing for that. Boys don’t get it because we can’t have babies.”

You sniffle, tilting your head in thought. “So… I’m not dying?”

“No, you’re not dying,” Jungkook assures you. “You’re just growing up.”

You wipe your tears, a small smile forming as you cling to him again. “Are you sure?,.”

He hugs you tightly, patting your back. “Yes, I’m 100% sure, baby.”

Mrs. Jeon watches the two of you with a soft smile, her heart warmed by the bond forming between you and Jungkook.

It’s a peaceful Saturday afternoon, and Jungkook is on the couch scrolling through his phone. You peek into the living room, holding your own phone with a mischievous grin.

You walk in casually, pretending to text someone. Then, you giggle. Loudly.

Jungkook looks up, narrowing his eyes. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, nothing,” you say, giggling again and tapping away on your phone.

Jungkook’s eyebrow twitches. “You don’t laugh like hyena unless it’s something stupid. Spill it.”

You sigh dramatically, sitting down beside him. “Fine. But promise you won’t freak out?”

Jungkook sits up straighter, already suspicious. “What did you do?”

You flash him a bashful smile. “I didn’t do anything. It’s just… I might be… talking to someone.”

Jungkook’s jaw drops. “Talking? Like… talking talking?”

You nod shyly. “Yeah, we’ve been texting for weeks now. He’s so sweet, oppa!”

His phone drops to the couch as he leans in, deadly serious. “Who is he? What’s his name? Age? School? Blood type?”

You bite back a laugh. “His name’s… Jimin. He’s 17, super smart, and really cute!”

“Cute?” Jungkook repeats, his voice rising an octave.

“Yeah, oppa! He even said he wants to meet you.”

“Meet me?!” Jungkook’s protective instincts are fully activated. “When? Where? I’ll meet this ‘Jimin.’”

You hold up your phone. “Actually, he’s calling right now!”

You quickly press a button and start a conversation. “Hi, Jimin! Yes, I told my brother about you. He’s so excited to meet you!”

Jungkook grabs a pillow and starts pacing. “Put him on speaker!”

You cover the mic. “He’s shy, oppa. Don’t scare him!”

“Shy? He better not be hiding something,” Jungkook mutters, glaring at your phone like it’s personally offended him.

You continue your conversation. “Aw, Jimin, that’s so sweet. You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

“BOYFRIEND?!” Jungkook yells, nearly choking on air. “Since when do you have a boyfriend?”

You grin and hang up the call. “Relax, oppa! He’s super nice. He even said he’ll protect me just like you do.”

Jungkook narrows his eyes. “Nobody protects you like I do. Give me his number. Now.”

“Why?” you ask, feigning innocence.

“I’m gonna have a little chat with him.”

You showed him your phone . He looked at him, processing your words. He says, “But...he...is...not..17”. You burst out laughing and said, “He is Jimin, a BTS member, my bias.”

Jungkook freezes, processing your words. Then, his face shifts from shock to disbelief. “Wait… you made that whole thing up?”

“Yup!” you say, grinning ear to ear. “You should’ve seen your face!”

Jungkook groans, throwing the pillow at you. “You’re impossible!”

“But you love me,” you tease, dodging the pillow.

“Not right now, I don’t,” he grumbles, but his lips twitch in amusement.

As you laugh uncontrollably, Jungkook shakes his head. “One day, I’m getting you back for this.”

You smirk. “Can’t wait, oppa.”

The End~