Fragments of fragile heart

The sun was high, its warmth contrasting sharply with Jungkook’s somber mood as he sat on the worn wooden bench in the park. This park held so many memories, and yet, it seemed emptier today. His fingers traced the edge of the bench as he stared ahead, lost in thought.

The rustling leaves and faint laughter of children playing in the distance reminded him of his own childhood. Once, he had played here with his parents, their laughter filling the air. It was a single memory, but it was vivid.

He could still see the image of himself running around the swings, his parents chasing him playfully, their faces lit with love and joy. That was before his brother, Junghwon, was born—before everything changed. After that, the attention, the affection, all shifted away from him. He had been left behind, a mere shadow of a son in their eyes.

A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips as he remembered the last time he came to the park with his family. It was the only time they felt whole, a fleeting moment of happiness. But as quickly as it came, it disappeared, leaving him with nothing but loneliness.

---

His gaze shifted to the swings, and a different memory emerged. It was in this very park that he had met Taehyung for the first time. He was sitting on one of the swings, his head hung low, when a boy with bright, curious eyes approached him.

"Why are you sitting alone?" the boy had asked, his voice cheerful yet warm.

Jungkook looked up, startled, and muttered, "I... I don’t have anyone to play with."

The boy grinned and held out his hand. "Well, now you do. I’m Taehyung. Let’s be friends!"

From that day on, they were inseparable. Taehyung became his safe place, his happiness, and eventually, his first love.

But love, Jungkook thought bitterly, wasn’t meant for someone like him. He didn’t deserve happiness, not when his parents constantly reminded him he was a burden. Not when Taehyung’s words from yesterday still echoed in his mind.

“You’re jealous, Kookie. Admit it—you don’t want anyone else to have my attention.”

He clenched his fists, his heart aching as he replayed the scene in his mind. For the first time, Taehyung had spoken to him harshly, accusing him of something he never intended. All Jungkook wanted was to protect him, to shield him from the pain he knew too well.

But Taehyung saw it differently.

---

Jungkook’s phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Jimin.

“Kookie, are you okay? You didn’t come to class today. Tae looks... worried. Let us know if you’re fine.”

Jungkook sighed and typed a quick reply. “I’m fine, hyung. Just not feeling well. Don’t worry about me.”

He pocketed his phone and stood up. He couldn’t stay here forever. The world wouldn’t stop for his broken heart. He wiped his face, masking his pain with the bright smile he had perfected over the years, and headed to his part-time job.

---

The small café where Jungkook worked part-time was bustling with activity when he arrived. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air, and customers chatted animatedly at their tables. Jungkook tied on his apron, slipping seamlessly into his role.

"Eunwoo, table three needs a refill," the manager called out.

"Got it!" Eunwoo replied, then turned to Jungkook, who was quietly arranging pastries behind the counter. His usual brightness seemed dimmed, and Eunwoo couldn’t help but notice.

"Hey, Kookie," Eunwoo said softly, stepping closer. "You okay? You’ve been quiet all day."

Jungkook glanced at him and forced a smile, his signature bunny grin. But Eunwoo saw through it; the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"I’m fine, hyung," Jungkook said lightly. "Just tired. Didn’t sleep well last night, that’s all."

Eunwoo frowned. "You sure? You don’t seem like yourself."

"I promise, it’s nothing." Jungkook waved him off, returning his focus to the pastries. "Don’t worry about me, okay?"

But Eunwoo couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Jungkook was always the life of the café, joking with customers and coworkers alike. Seeing him this subdued was unsettling.

---

As the evening wore on, Jungkook busied himself with tasks, trying to keep his mind off the ache in his chest. But every so often, his thoughts drifted back to Taehyung—his smile, his laugh, and the hurtful words he had spoken.

He didn’t blame Taehyung entirely. Maybe he was too protective, too clingy. Maybe he was selfish for wanting to keep Taehyung close. But wasn’t it natural to want to hold on to the one person who made life bearable?

The café grew quieter as closing time approached, and Jungkook finally allowed himself to take a breath. He leaned against the counter, staring out the window at the dimly lit street.

He had forgiven Taehyung already, though the pain lingered. He always forgave. It was easier to pretend everything was fine than to risk losing the one person he couldn’t bear to be without.

But deep down, a small voice whispered that pretending could only take him so far.

The cool evening breeze brushed Jungkook’s face as he walked home, his hands tucked into his pockets. The sight of families around him—the love and laughter they shared—gnawed at his fragile heart. He tried not to stare, but it was hard to ignore the warmth radiating from them.

A father feeding his son ice cream, a mother holding her daughter's hand protectively—it all felt like a dream, a life he was never destined to live.

“Why?” Jungkook whispered to himself, his steps slowing. “What did I do wrong? Was it something I said? Or maybe... I was just born wrong.”

Yesterday’s words from Taehyung still haunted him, but they paled in comparison to the lifelong ache he carried. His parents’ coldness, his brother’s hatred—these were wounds that never healed, only deepened.

---

By the time Jungkook reached home, the streetlights had begun to flicker on, casting long shadows on the pavement. He opened the front door quietly, hoping to avoid attention, but his parents’ sharp voices greeted him before he could escape.

"Why are you so late, Jungkook?!" his father barked, not even glancing away from the television.

"I was working," Jungkook replied softly, keeping his gaze down.

"You should be grateful we even let you stay here," his mother snapped. "Don’t think you can come and go as you please."

Jungwon stood in the corner, watching the scene with a smirk hidden behind his innocent façade. To the world, he was the perfect son, but Jungkook knew the truth. His brother thrived on his misery, and the satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable.

After enduring another barrage of harsh words, Jungkook retreated to his tiny room—a converted storage space. The walls were bare, and the floor was hard, but it was the only place he could call his own.

---

After freshening up, Jungkook stepped out onto the small balcony attached to his room. The moon hung low in the sky, its light soft and comforting.

"Hey, Moon," Jungkook said quietly, his voice trembling. "You’re the only one who listens to me. You’ve seen everything, haven’t you? The good... and the bad. Mostly the bad."

He chuckled bitterly, tears threatening to spill. "If I can’t take this anymore... maybe I’ll come and meet you." His bunny smile appeared, but his eyes betrayed the depth of his pain.

The moon didn’t respond, but its light seemed to hold him gently, as if saying it was okay to feel what he felt.

-------

To Be Continued...🫂🤧