shattered vows.

The following day, the courtroom was buzzing with anticipation. The final verdict was drawing near, and the tension was palpable. Taehyung sat at the front of the room, his hand firmly clasped around YN’s, a silent promise that no matter what happened, they would face it together.

The air felt heavy, the weight of everything they had fought for resting on this moment. Jihoo had stayed home with his grandmother, but the thought of him, his laughter, and the little things they shared kept Taehyung’s heart steady.

As the judge entered and the proceedings began, Taehyung couldn’t help but glance at his father sitting across the room, an icy, calculating look on his face. The man who had once been the source of his deepest wounds now seemed like an obstacle he was determined to overcome.

The lawyer for Taehyung’s father stood first, once again attempting to paint a picture of instability, of a man who couldn’t be trusted with his own son. The words stung, but Taehyung refused to let them shake him. This time, he was ready.

When it was his turn, Taehyung rose, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the court. “Your Honor,” he began, his voice steady, “I know I’ve made mistakes. But one thing I’ve never done is give up on my son. Jihoo is my heart, my reason for everything. I will move mountains to keep him safe and happy.”

He paused, meeting the eyes of his father who was watching intently, his arms crossed in front of him. “I may not have been perfect, but I’ve learned, I’ve changed. And nothing—nothing—is more important than Jihoo’s well-being.”

The courtroom fell silent, and Taehyung felt the weight of every eye on him. His words weren’t just for the judge or the lawyers—they were for his father, for Jihoo, and for YN, the woman who had stood by him through it all.

---

Later that evening, after the hearing, Taehyung and YN walked down the courthouse steps together. The weight of the day had settled into their bones, but there was a new sense of resolve in the air.

Taehyung’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out, eyes scanning the message quickly.

“It’s from my lawyer,” he murmured. “The judge has said we’ll have the final verdict tomorrow.”

YN stopped walking, her hand squeezing his. “We’ve done everything we can, Taehyung. The rest is in their hands.”

Taehyung looked at her, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in his eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, YN.”

She smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “You’ll never have to find out.”

They continued walking, the streets of the city now quieter, the night settling in around them. Despite the looming uncertainty, the bond between them felt stronger than ever.

---

The next morning, the courtroom was once again filled with people, but this time, there was an air of finality. The judge took her seat, and the room grew silent as she prepared to deliver her verdict.

Taehyung’s heart beat in his chest like a drum, and he squeezed YN’s hand, trying to steady his nerves. The judge’s eyes scanned the room before she spoke.

“After careful consideration of the evidence and the testimonies, I have made my decision.”

Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat. He turned his head slightly, catching YN’s gaze. There was no fear in her eyes, only quiet strength.

The judge continued, her voice calm yet firm. “The custody of Jihoo Kim will remain with his father, Taehyung Kim. The mother will have visitation rights, and a further review will be conducted in one year to ensure the child’s best interests are being met.”

The room erupted in murmurs, but Taehyung hardly heard them. His heart was racing, a sense of overwhelming relief flooding him. He turned to YN, who was staring at him with wide eyes, her hand going to her mouth in disbelief.

“We did it,” Taehyung whispered, his voice shaky with emotion.

YN threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. “We did it. We really did it.”

Tears welled in Taehyung’s eyes as he held her close. He had won the fight for Jihoo, but more than that, he had the woman he loved by his side, a woman who had never given up on him.

---

Later that day, Taehyung sat on the couch at home, Jihoo sitting beside him, playing with his favorite toy. YN was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and the sound of her humming filled the space with a warmth that Taehyung hadn’t realized he’d missed so much.

Jihoo looked up at his father, his face lighting up with a smile. “Daddy, can we play now?”

Taehyung smiled, ruffling his hair. “Of course, buddy. What do you want to play?”

As they spent the evening together, the joy of the moment filled Taehyung’s heart. This was his family. The fight had been long and hard, but it had been worth it. He had his son, his love, and his future—all within his reach.

As he looked across the room at YN, her smile warm and full of love, Taehyung realized something: the battle was far from over. But no matter what came next, he was ready. Because with her by his side, he was unstoppable.