Jungkook pov

Jungkook and his aunt were on the road before daybreak after a hearty breakfast. Jungkook informed his father that he would be visiting his aunt. He'll accompany her to the Seoul memorial site. She'll return to his family's home in Busan, where she'll see her brother and his family as usual. He had packed the night before, and he and his aunt were ready for the eight-hour trip to Seoul.

The atmosphere in the car was light. He and Aunt Hari were singing loudly in the car. His aunt had a beautiful voice, but she chose to be a successful exhibition artist and art shop owner instead. A year ago, the most recent miniature canvas painting he displayed in her shop cost nearly 12 million won.

And no one knows he's an artist. The army would go insane.

"First, we must buy flowers, and then I must reunite with my fellow grief counselling buddy," she says as she steers the car toward a small fisherman's market just outside Jeju. There was a massive flower and fish market.

"Do you need grief counselling?"

Jungkook looked bewildered at his aunt.

"Oh, the government provided us with free counselling services, and I met them there during a group session." They lost a son in the ferry accident. However, it appears that their tragedy did not end there. Her husband and her attention were drawn to a prominent signboard on the side of the road: "Oh, we're at the market. Come with me; just put your hoodie over your head and keep your sunglasses on.

"Oh, my goodness. "Doesn't he look like Kookie?" a girl asked.

"Yes. Do you think it's him?" Girl Two replied in hushed tones.

"I don't know. Go, let's meet him." Girl One urged her fearful friend.

Jungkook quickly whispered to his aunt, "Gomo, we should leave soon. Two girls spotted me, and they will draw attention to other people here."

"Oh..." His aunt looked discreetly in the back, where two girls attempted to work up the courage to approach him.

His aunt paid the cashier, handed him the flowers, and spoke to him louder than usual: "Let's go get your university supplies, Soo-Wook. You know you're going to Incheon soon. Come with me." She threw her arms around his elbow and dragged him out.

He and his aunt were in stitches when they were outside.

"Gomo, thank you... I didn't want the sound of yelling fans in my ears. They will harass you if they find out you are related to an artist, and I enjoy visiting my artist, Gomo."

Hari smiles as she looks up at his solemn expression. "I'm so grateful that my brother allowed you to visit me during this difficult time. Your presence allows me to focus on the good in life rather than on what I lost four years ago."

.....

They started by cleaning and placing flowers at his uncle's grave. He looked around the graveyards while his aunt performed the rites in privacy. He wondered if there were any evil spirits that shamans drove away during their funerals. Graveyards are both peaceful and haunting.

She was a little down but not depressed. She softly smiled when she saw him near the car and linked her arm with his as he walked back.

They were on the road again, talking about their family, his upcoming comeback, and his breakup with another idol. His aunt completely understood him.

He couldn't believe he'd had such a deep conversation with his aunt about life. He felt so much better just talking about his concerns. He does not require the services of a therapist. Suddenly, he wondered how the beach girl's meeting with her parents went. He could kick himself for not getting each other's contact information. He hopes her parents will forgive her and accept her back. He loves his parents too much to pack up and leave.

They arrive at the memorial site by 1 p.m. in Seoul. This is his second trip to the site with his aunt. Last year, he and his entire family accompanied her to do the traditional honouring of her late husband.

Fortunately, the majority of the attendees arrived the day before. Every year, people will flock to remember that fateful day as they approach the sight of the 200+ images of high school students and adults who died in that tragic event. Jungkook was overcome with sadness as he reflected on all their hopes and dreams that the sting of death had snatched away. Never to take another breath of life.

Following their visit to the memorial site, he and his aunt drove to her friend's house for at least an hour before departing for Busan. They spent another two hours together. He adores going on road trips with his aunt. She still has a youthful heart, even though she was in her early thirties. They made sure to buy gifts for her friends and his family.

He and his aunt were silent on the way to a small suburb, enjoying the quiet time in the car. There was no music, just them and their thoughts. He sent a message of thanks to all his Hyungs, telling them how much he loved and respected them.

He received numerous responses. His upbeat and hopeful demeanour overjoyed everyone and couldn't wait to see him at the end of their brief hiatus. He also planned a date with Rose to clear the air between them. He realises she is unhappy, but it is for the best.

"Tell me about your friends, Gomo."

He looks inquiringly at his aunt, who is in her world.

"They are the Shims, Shim Ji-hoon, and Aera. He is an architect, and his wife, Aera, runs a successful spa. But what happened in their family is so tragic. But they didn't give up hope. You'll like them because, despite their privilege, they are extremely friendly and humble. " Grief counselling" sessions brought us closer together. She was telling him about the husband who stood by his wife after she fell deeper into depression.

Jungkook could only stare in awe at Shim's love story amid a difficult period. He wishes for them to find closure and that the pain will fade, leaving only loving memories.

Jungkook was pleasantly surprised when they stopped in front of one of the most visually appealing homes. It was stunning and highly modern.

They were greeted in the open garage by a cheerful woman. He was astounded by her grace. Her eyes were her most beautiful feature, and she appeared so happy when she excitedly embraced his aunt.

Her smile widened as she looked at him.

"Wow, what a handsome young man!" she says, and Jungkook bows politely in greeting.

Aunt Hari regarded him with pride. "Jungkook is my little nephew's name. He came to see me for two weeks."

"Welcome to my humble abode, young man. Feel free, all right?"

She motioned for them to follow her inside.

When she led them inside, the house was stunning. They were pleasantly surprised to find her husband on the porch, preparing a succulent Korean BBQ. They were looking forward to his aunt's visit.

It was a lovely afternoon spent with the Shim couple.

They don't appear depressed, but Jungkook can see the sadness in their eyes as they all head to the living room for drinks. He preferred to drink banana milk.

The three adults were speaking softly, supporting one another on the anniversary of their late loved ones.

"You can go exploring, Jungkook. I built this house three years ago to start over in a new neighbourhood". He had invited him.

Jungkook smiles widely. " Thank you, sir. Your home is quite remarkable."

He complimented the couple as he looked at the art in the halls. It was an open space with lots of glass—a three-story home.

He returned to the private living room, filled with pictures of their family. It appeared they had two children: a girl and a boy. The entire side of the hall was covered in photos of their son. He seemed to be an overachiever, with numerous sports certificates and soccer medals adorning the entrance.

He sensed a presence behind him as he looked at the boy, whose school photo he recognized from the memorial site. His eyes looked at Mrs. Shim, who smiled sadly.

"Our family was miserable. My son, Yong, was a sports star at school. His birthday was two days ago; he was supposed to turn 18. ---" They moved to the other side of the wall when Mrs. Shin smiled sadly, gesturing at a new side with more academic, dancing, and music certificates. Jungkook's face grew white as he gazed at a photo, which was so familiar but not really. He was speechless. Oh my goodness! He tried to place the image according to what he remembered her looking like.

It can't be! Is it her, or is it?

His eyes were wide, and his jaws dropped almost to the ground as he beheld a picture so uncannily familiar that he felt how the butterflies in his stomach erupted.

Mrs Shim notices his obvious shock and sadly smiles, "I can understand your shock. My beautiful girl got that a lot." She wants to cry as her eyes water and tears stream down her cheeks. He feels terrible for her. Hadn't the girl he met at the beach returned home two days ago? She informed him that she was leaving. Has she reconsidered?

Mr. Shim stood beside his wife and hugged her around the shoulders, looking solemn," Yoona, Yongs's twin sister. On that fateful day, her brother went on a picnic excursion. Yoona was ill and unable to travel when the terrible accident occurred. She was unable to cope with the loss of her twin. For three years in a row, she would book a ticket to Jeju and spend time near the island where her brother died—"Jungkook could see how difficult it was for her father.

"She was such a deep, soulful child who loved dancing. She attended a dance school, but after she lost Yong, she lost her passion for living. We didn't see it coming, and a year ago, we found out that she attempted suicide by drowning herself in a nearby lake."

Jungkook's eyes widened, poor Yoona, but what came out of her mom's mouth next... made chills run up his spine.

"She has been in a coma for almost a year; she just wanted to be with her brother. So, three days ago, her hospital called. They want our permission to take her off life support." Her mother was sobbing quietly. Mr Shim ran up to his wife and embraced her tightly.

Jungkook's eyes widen. Oh my gosh! Did he spend time with a ghost or her spirit? He kissed a ghost! This is so bizarre, even surreal. What did she expect from him? As he sat down on a nearby chair, he felt faint.

"Are you okay, Gukie?

"It's a shame about the Shims' misfortune." His aunt looked at him with concern. He was pale and white with shock! He was always a caring and sensitive young man.

He nodded as he observed the couple in their embrace.

His mind was jumbled. Did she go looking for him to deliver a message? Oh no! He wiped his pale face, unable to form a coherent thought.

What did she want from him? A lightbulb went off in his head as he examined the pendant around his neck. How will he meet her now? If she is comatose. Brain dead.

When her mother saw the pendant, her eyes popped open in surprise.

Her mouth dropped open in shock.

"Oh, my goodness! Son, where did you get that guardian pendant? Yong gave one to his sister on her birthday. It is thought to be a carrier of life and light." She stopped in front of him and touched the beautiful angel pendant.

Jungkook furrowed his brows, unable to respond to her mother; he whispered, "I...found it on the beach. Two days ago."

"Wow! " Her father muttered.

Jungkook then removed the pendant and placed it on her mother's palm.

"Ma'am, your daughter is stunning. Wrap it around her neck the next time you visit her in the hospital. It will not bring her back out of the coma, but it will bring her closer to her brother, Yong," he strangles it out. He was disappointed that he missed getting to know her better.

Mrs. Shims' face lit up with the most beautiful smile as she hugged him tightly.

"Thank you. Thank you so much! She'll be at peace now."

Jungkook smiled as his eyes welled up with tears of anguish.

Yoona wanted to die, but she waited for something—the guardian angel—to release her.

Jungkook smiled through his tears. She had given him hope; now he could reciprocate by allowing her to feel closer to her brother Yong.