After the vision, Jungkook made a decision.
If fate was watching him—
then he would make sure it saw him living.
Inside the Jeon estate, the change was immediate.
He stopped sitting perfectly straight.
Stopped responding the moment he was called.
Stopped lowering his gaze every time an elder spoke.
He tapped his fingers when lectures dragged on.
He sighed loudly—intentionally.
Once, he even leaned back against a pillar while an elder spoke.
The servants whispered.
The elders noticed.
Lord Jeon Seonghwan noticed the most.
Jungkook could feel the displeasure radiating from him like cold air.
"You are growing careless," Lord Seonghwan said sharply one afternoon. "An heir does not behave like a wandering child."
Jungkook bowed, just enough to be respectful—but not enough to be obedient.
"I am listening," he replied calmly.
Lord Seonghwan's jaw tightened.
Listening—but not accepting.
That was worse.
By the next day, Jungkook's schedule doubled.
More lessons.
Longer lectures.
Less time outside.
The estate felt heavier than it had in weeks.
When Jungkook was finally allowed out, he practically collapsed onto the grass at their usual spot.
"I swear," he groaned, flopping onto his back, "if I hear the word 'heir' one more time, I might start answering to it like it's my name."
Jimin laughed so hard he nearly fell over. "Lord Heir Jeon Jungkook!"
Hoseok clutched his stomach. "Stop, stop—he looks like he's been through a war."
Seokjin clicked his tongue. "That's what happens when you don't behave."
Namjoon raised an eyebrow. "You? Behave?"
Everyone laughed—including Jungkook.
The tension drained out of him almost instantly.
He sat up, ranting without stopping. "They keep saying I should walk slower, speak less, think more, breathe properly—how does one breathe properly?"
Jimin grinned. "Obviously like this."
He inhaled dramatically and exhaled like an elder delivering judgment.
Jungkook laughed until his cheeks hurt.
Taehyung stayed beside him, listening quietly, occasionally nudging Jungkook's shoulder or offering him small smiles that felt like reassurance.
As night fell, they made their way to the market again.
Lanterns lit the streets in warm colors. Merchants called out cheerfully. The air smelled of food, smoke, and freedom.
Jungkook slowed his steps.
His chest tightened—not painfully this time, but softly.
A memory surfaced.
Him and Taehyung, younger. Laughing. Running through the same market. No expectations. No future pressing down on their backs.
Just joy.
Jungkook stopped walking.
Taehyung turned. "What is it?"
Jungkook smiled to himself and whispered, barely audible,
"Great-great grandfather… am I already changing your future?"
No pain followed.
No fear.
Only warmth.
Jungkook lifted his gaze and admired Taehyung—the way lantern light softened his features, the way his smile felt like home.
Taehyung tilted his head, amused. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Jungkook opened his mouth—
But Taehyung was faster.
He leaned in, pressed a quick peck to Jungkook's lips—
—and immediately ran.
"HEY!" Jungkook shouted, stunned.
Taehyung laughed as he escaped into the crowd.
Jimin gasped dramatically. "Did he just—"
"Yes," Seokjin said flatly. "Yes, he did."
Hoseok cheered. "RUN, TAEHYUNG, RUN!"
Jungkook chased after him, laughing freely, heart light and full.
For that night, under lanterns and laughter, fate stayed quiet.
And Jungkook chose happiness.
Even if only for a while.