Closer Than This...(vsoo)

The weekend sun bathed the city in a warm glow as Taehyung and Jisoo drove toward the serene suburban villa where his mother, Eunha, and stepfather, Mr. Park, lived.

It was Jisoo’s idea to visit, a rare break from their chaotic schedules. Taehyung, though hesitant at first, eventually agreed, knowing Jisoo’s insistence usually meant she had a plan in mind.

As they pulled into the driveway, Jisoo took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her goal was simple but delicate... gather subtle information about Kim Do-hyun through Eunha, Taehyung’s mother. It wasn’t an easy task, especially given the bitterness the family harbored toward him.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Eunha greeted them with a gentle smile, her eyes softening as they landed on Jisoo. “You look radiant, my dear,” she said, pulling her into a motherly hug.

“Thank you, Mother,” Jisoo replied, returning the affection. “I thought we’d spend some time together today. Taehyung has been working so hard lately, he needs a break.”

Eunha glanced at her son, her expression turning fond. “He always has, ever since he was a boy. Never could sit still, always thinking about the company and the future.”

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not that serious, Mother.”

As they moved into the living room, the conversation flowed easily at first, filled with light-hearted banter and memories. Mr. Park joined them, adding his own charm to the gathering. Jisoo observed quietly, waiting for the right moment to steer the discussion.

Over tea, she gently broached the topic. “Mother, you must have faced so much to support Taehyung through all the challenges Hyung’s went through. It’s admirable how strong you’ve been.”

Eunha’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze lowering to her teacup. “It wasn’t easy,” she admitted, her voice tinged with pain. “Losing everything we had, the betrayal... It changed us all.”

Jisoo leaned forward slightly, her tone soft and empathetic. “It must have been difficult for you, especially with...” She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “...with Taehyung’s father being at the center of it all.”

At this, Taehyung’s expression hardened. His eyes flicked toward Jisoo, a warning clear in his gaze.

Eunha stiffened, her hands trembling slightly as she set down her cup. “We don’t talk about him,” she said quietly. “That chapter is closed.”

Before Jisoo could respond, Taehyung’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and unyielding. “Jisoo, enough.”

The room fell silent. Eunha looked between them, her brows furrowed in concern. Jisoo turned to Taehyung, her heart sinking at the anger in his eyes.

“You don’t need to dig into the past,” Taehyung said, his tone cold. “It’s not your place to ask about him.”

Jisoo opened her mouth to explain, but the words caught in her throat. She had never seen him like this, his usual calm and composed demeanor replaced by raw emotion.

“I was just—” she began, but Taehyung cut her off.

“Leave it, Jisoo,” he said firmly, his jaw clenched.

Eunha reached out, placing a hand on Taehyung’s arm. “Taehyung, she didn’t mean any harm.”

But Taehyung stood, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “I need some air,” he muttered before walking out of the room, leaving Jisoo and his parents in uneasy silence.

The drive back to their apartment was cloaked in silence, but it wasn’t the comfortable kind they usually shared. Jisoo stared out the window, her reflection faintly visible against the passing city lights.