Fragments of fragile heart

The morning light filtered through Jungkook's small room as he stirred awake. The determination he had built up the night before lingered, though his heart remained heavy. Today, he had resolved to put on his brightest smile, to shield his secrets with laughter and cheerfulness. He couldn’t afford to let his hyungs discover the truth.

He completed his morning routine in silence, avoiding the dining room where his family’s cheerful voices echoed. He had almost slipped out the door unnoticed when his mother called out.

"Jungkook, wait!" she said, her tone unusually sweet.

He froze, turning around reluctantly. "Yes, Mom?"

"Your brother will be starting college today. Make sure you take care of him," she instructed, smiling fondly at Junghwon, who stood beside her.

Junghwon beamed with excitement, but Jungkook's heart sank. No, no, no… this can’t be happening.

His mother continued, giving Junghwon a kiss on the forehead and ruffling his hair. "Make sure he doesn’t get lost or hurt. And don’t embarrass him in front of his classmates, okay?"

"Of course, Mom," Jungkook replied softly, hiding the dread clawing at his chest.

Junghwon's smirk was barely concealed as he stepped outside with Jungkook. The moment the door closed behind them, the facade dropped.

"So," Junghwon sneered, his voice dripping with malice, "ready to lose your precious hyungs, just like you lost our parents?"

Jungkook stiffened, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the strap of his bag.

"You know they’ll love me more," Junghwon continued. "Just like Mom and Dad. I mean, why wouldn’t they? Who’d want someone like you when they can have me?"

Jungkook's throat tightened, but he didn’t respond. He couldn’t.

"Remember five years ago?" Junghwon said with a wicked grin. "How easily they believed me? How quickly they turned against you? It’ll happen again. Just wait and see."

Junghwon's words were knives, each one slicing deeper into Jungkook's already fragile heart. He tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill, focusing instead on the path ahead.

He loved his brother. Despite everything, despite the lies, the manipulation, the hatred—Jungkook still loved him. He didn’t understand why Junghwon hated him so much, why he seemed determined to ruin his life.

What did I do wrong? he wondered silently.

---

When they arrived at college, Junghwon immediately switched to his "innocent, charming" persona, greeting everyone with a bright smile. It was almost painful for Jungkook to watch.

In class, Jungkook found himself seated with his hyungs, who greeted him warmly.

"Good morning, Kookie!" Jimin said, ruffling his hair.

"Morning," Jungkook replied with his trademark bunny smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

Taehyung watched him closely, noticing the faint dark circles under his eyes and the way his shoulders seemed to slump just slightly.

"Did you sleep well?" Taehyung asked, his voice soft.

"Yeah, I did," Jungkook lied, keeping his tone light.

Junghwon approached the group, introducing himself with a radiant smile.

"Hi, I’m Junghwon," he said, bowing slightly. "Jungkook’s little brother."

The hyungs greeted him warmly, instantly charmed by his polite demeanor. Jungkook felt his heart sink as he watched his hyungs laugh and talk with Junghwon.

---

As the day went on, Junghwon made a point of sticking close to the hyungs, subtly pulling their attention away from Jungkook.

"Wow, Junghwon, you’re so talented!" Jin praised after Junghwon showed off a sketch he had drawn.

"You’re so lucky to have such a cute little brother, Kookie," Hoseok added with a grin.

Jungkook smiled faintly, nodding. "Yeah… lucky."

Taehyung, however, noticed the way Jungkook’s smile faltered. He decided to pull Jungkook aside during lunch.

"Hey, Kookie," Taehyung said, grabbing his wrist gently. "Can we talk?"

"About what?" Jungkook asked, his voice cautious.

"About you," Taehyung replied. "You’ve been acting strange lately. And now, with Junghwon here… I don’t know. Something feels off."

Jungkook shook his head, forcing another smile. "I’m fine, Tae. Really. You don’t need to worry."

Taehyung frowned, unconvinced. "You always say that, but I don’t believe you. Please, Kookie. Let me in."

Before Jungkook could respond, Junghwon appeared, interrupting their conversation.

"Hyung," Junghwon said with a sweet smile, "can you help me with something? I’m having trouble finding the cafeteria."

Taehyung hesitated, glancing between Jungkook and Junghwon.

"It’s okay," Jungkook said quickly. "I’ll show him."

"No need," Junghwon said, his tone still innocent. "I wanted Tae hyung to help me. If that’s okay?"

Taehyung looked at Jungkook, unsure, but Jungkook nodded. "Go ahead. I’ll see you later."

---

As Taehyung walked away with Junghwon, Jungkook watched them go, his chest tightening painfully. He clenched his fists, willing himself not to cry.

It’s starting, he thought. He’s going to take them all away from me.

Despite his resolve to protect his secrets and keep his hyungs close, Jungkook couldn’t shake the feeling that his fragile world was beginning to crumble.

That evening, Jungkook sat in his room, trying to gather his thoughts. He clutched a picture of him and Junghwon from their childhood, memories of happier times flooding back. He didn’t hate his brother—not at all.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that, no matter what he did, Junghwon always wanted to take away the things that mattered most to him.

What if I lose them too? he thought, his hands trembling.

The fear was suffocating, and for the first time in a long while, Jungkook wasn’t sure how to face tomorrow.

---

To Be Continued...