THE FAMILY WE CHOSE

INTRODUCTION •Kim Taehyung (29) : A loving single father devoted to his four-year-old son, Yeontan. Gentle, artistic, and caring, he has spent years putting his son's happiness before his own. Although he appears strong, he carries scars from past heartbreak and fears trusting someone again. •Kim Yeontan (4) : A cheerful, mischievous, and lovable little boy. He is the center of Taehyung's world. Curious and affectionate, he quickly becomes attached to people who show him kindness. •Jeon Jungkook (25) : The young CEO of one of the city's most successful shopping malls. Intelligent, hardworking, and respected by everyone around him. In business, Jungkook is known for being ruthless, decisive, and impossible to manipulate. He never tolerates dishonesty or incompetence. However, outside the boardroom, Jungkook possesses a warm heart. He is kind to employees, generous to those in need, and deeply protective of the people he loves. Beneath his confident exterior is a lonely man longing for a family of his own. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHAPTER - 1 Seoul never truly slept. Even at six in the morning, the streets were already alive with rushing commuters, delivery trucks, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting from cafés opening their doors for another day. On a quiet corner of Mapo District stood a small café named BITTERSWEET MEMORIES. Unlike the trendy coffee shops that attracted influencers and tourists, this café was simple. The wooden sign above the entrance had faded over the years. The tables didn't match. The walls were decorated with photographs left behind by customers who wanted to preserve special moments. Some pictures showed first dates. Others showed families, friendships, and memories that had survived the passage of time. The café wasn't rich. In fact, most months it barely earned enough to pay the bills. But its owner loved it anyway. Kim Taehyung stood behind the counter arranging freshly baked pastries. At twenty-nine years old, he had already experienced more responsibilities than most people his age. His dark hair fell slightly into his eyes as he focused on his work. Customers often said he looked too handsome to be running a struggling café. Taehyung simply laughed whenever he heard such comments. His appearance wasn't important. Only one thing truly mattered to him. His son. "Daddy!" A tiny voice echoed through the café. Taehyung immediately smiled. There he was. Kim Yeontan. Four years old. Curly brown hair. Bright eyes. An endless supply of energy. And a talent for causing chaos. The little boy came running from the back room wearing strawberry printed pajamas. "Daddy, Mr. Bunny is hungdy." ("Bunny" refers to his toy he is carrying). Taehyung blinked. "Again?" Yeontan nodded seriously while holding up a grey rabbit 🐇 toy. "He wants pancakes." "The rabbit wants pancakes?" "Yes." "And who told you that?" Yeontan pointed dramatically at the toy. "He did." Taehyung laughed. "Then Mr. Bunny has expensive taste." Yeontan giggled. The sound instantly filled the café with warmth. For a moment, all of Taehyung's worries disappeared. The overdue electricity bill. The declining profits. The endless stress of running a small business. None of it mattered when Yeontan smiled. Taehyung crouched beside his son. "Breakfast first." "Pancakes?" "Pancakes." Yeontan cheered loudly. "Yay!" A few minutes later they sat together near the window. Yeontan happily ate pancakes while Taehyung checked the café's finances on his tablet. His smile slowly faded. The numbers weren't good. Again. Business had been slowing down for months. Several larger cafés had opened nearby. Customers preferred flashy interiors and expensive drinks. BITTERSWEET MEMORIES couldn't compete. Taehyung sighed quietly. He could survive another month. Maybe two. But after that... He didn't know. "Daddy?" Taehyung looked up. Yeontan was staring at him. "Are you sad?" The question made his heart ache. Children noticed everything. Even when adults tried to hide it. Taehyung reached over and gently fixed Yeontan's messy curls. "No." The little boy narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You're making your wollied face." "My worried face?" "Like this."  Yeontan exaggerated a serious expression. Taehyung couldn't help laughing. "Do I really look like that?" "Yes." The child nodded proudly. Taehyung pulled him into a hug. "I'm okay, baby." "Pomise?" "Promise." Yeontan wrapped his tiny arms around his father's neck. It was such a simple gesture. Yet it reminded Taehyung why he kept fighting. No matter how difficult life became. No matter how many obstacles appeared. He would never give up. Not while Yeontan needed him. Because before he was a café owner. Before anything else. He was a father. And that role meant everything. --- Across Seoul, another man was beginning his day. The towering headquarters of Golden Star Mall Group overlooked the city skyline. On the top floor sat Jeon Jungkook. At twenty-five years old, he was already one of the youngest CEOs in Korea. Employees respected him. Competitors feared him. Investors trusted him. Jungkook's reputation was legendary. In business, he was ruthless. Mistakes were unacceptable. Dishonesty was punished immediately. People often described him as cold. Untouchable. Perfect. Yet those who truly knew him understood the truth. Beneath the sharp suits and intimidating reputation was a man with a surprisingly kind heart. A CEO who secretly paid employees' medical expenses. A leader who remembered birthdays. A man who donated millions without seeking recognition. This morning, however, Jungkook looked less concerned about profits and more focused on a photograph sitting on his desk. It was an old picture. A family photo. His family. Before everything changed. Before loss entered his life. Jungkook stared at it quietly. His expression softened. The luxurious office suddenly felt empty. Too quiet. Too large. Money could buy many things. But not companionship. Not family. Not the feeling of coming home to someone waiting for you. A knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in." His assistant Ashok Singh entered. "Sir, today's schedule." Jungkook nodded. Another long day. Another endless series of meetings. Another day of pretending he wasn't lonely. He stood and adjusted his suit jacket. His expression transformed instantly. The warm man disappeared. The CEO returned. "Let's begin." Neither Jungkook nor Taehyung knew it yet. One was struggling to save a tiny café. The other controlled one of Seoul's largest malls. Their worlds couldn't have been more different. But fate was already preparing their first meeting. And that meeting would change all three lives forever. • • • (UPCOMING) -> Chapter 2: The Little Sunshine will introduce Yeontan's daily life, his kindergarten adventures, and the first hint that BITTERSWEET MEMORIES is in financial trouble. . . . (P. S..: I am writing a story for the first time, if there is any mistake then please ignore it considering me as your sister guys!! Please vote 🥺🫶 )