July 14th, 2003
(Flashback)
The Seoul sun warmed the park as evening approached. Jungkook knew his time was running out, needing to head home soon. He was about to leave when he heard quiet sniffles coming from a dense bush.
“Hello?” he called out, but received no response. Jungkook wasn’t a boy prone to fear, so curiosity led him closer.
“Hello, are you okay?” he asked, genuine concern lacing his voice as he approached.
“I’m scared… help!” The small voice replied.
Jungkook pulled the boy into a comforting hug. “What happened?” he asked gently. “Who hurt you?”
“Those boys over there,” the boy sobbed, his words fragmented with distress, pointing toward a group of older boys gathered near the swings. They appeared to be a mix of ages, ranging from nine to eleven. Jungkook didn’t hesitate.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Kim Taehyung,” he replied, his voice trembling.
“Who hurt you? I’ll make them pay!” Jungkook declared.
Taehyung pointed, his small hand shaking. Jungkook told him to stay put and marched toward the group.
“Hey! You hurt my friend!” he challenged, trying to project an authority he didn’t quite feel at seven years old.
“Go away, little kid, or we’ll hurt you too,” a boy with chubby cheeks retorted, stepping forward. Despite the threat, Jungkook wasn't intimidated. He saw the boy as a child, not a threat.
“Don’t talk to me like that,” Jungkook warned, his voice taking on an edge that surprised even him. He saw fear flicker in the eyes of the older boys.
“What are you going to do?” one of them asked, skeptical.
Jungkook didn't answer. Instead, he swiftly tripped one of the boys, pinning him to the ground. The boy struggled to rise, but Jungkook grabbed his arms and twisted them behind his head, applying pressure to inflict pain.
“Touch my friend again, and I’ll make it worse than this,” Jungkook growled through clenched teeth.
The boys scattered, fear overriding their bravado. Jungkook released his hold and watched them run, hoping he wouldn’t see them again.
He returned to Taehyung, who was exactly where he’d left him.
“What’s your name?” Taehyung asked.
“Jeon Jungkook!” he declared proudly, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you so much! You’re my savior. I owe you.”
“You don’t owe me anything. Well, one thing,” Jungkook replied.
“What?”
“Be my friend. And promise you won’t leave me?”
Taehyung nodded enthusiastically, hugging Jungkook tightly before quickly pulling back.
“What’s wrong, TaeTae?” Jungkook asked.
“I have a booboo?” Taehyung said, rubbing his cheek where the scratch had been.
“Want to learn a secret?”
Taehyung nodded, his eyes wide with anticipation.
“My mom told me kisses solve anything! They’re like magical powers!” Jungkook exclaimed, raising his voice to emphasize his point.
“Really?”
“Yeah! Do you mind if I kiss you?”
Taehyung hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Jungkook leaned in and kissed Taehyung’s cheek, careful to be gentle. He lingered, wanting to offer comfort.
“Thanks, Kookie. I feel so much better!”
“You’re welcome, Tae!”
“I will never leave you, Jungkook. I love you!”
Jungkook knew he would never forget those words.
And he never did.
(Flashback End)