Fragments of fragile heart

The café was lively with chatter, laughter, and the occasional playful argument. Despite the energy around him, Taehyung’s focus was solely on Jungkook. As the others bickered and teased, Taehyung’s mind drifted to moments from their shared past—memories of Jungkook’s cheerful bunny smile, his teasing remarks, and the way he always lit up the room.

One memory surfaced vividly. They had been in school,  Taehyung had been playfully disturbing Jungkook during class. The younger boy pouted, glaring as he whispered, “Stop it, hyung!” But Taehyung only grinned mischievously and continued.

Finally, Jungkook smirked and raised his hand, calling the teacher over.

“Taehyung is disturbing me miss,” Jungkook had said innocently..

Taehyung’s eyes widened, scrambling to defend himself. But the teacher didn’t listen and sent Taehyung out of the classroom as punishment. Jungkook, seated by the window, giggled quietly as he watched
From his spot outside the window taehyung standing outside, Taehyung could see Jungkook giggling at him. Taehyung had glared back, silently vowing revenge.

As soon as class ended, Taehyung cornered Jungkook. “Now, where will you run, Bunny Boy?” he teased.

Jungkook’s eyes widened in mock fear before he bolted out of the classroom, with Taehyung chasing after him. “Stop running, Bunny!” Taehyung shouted, laughing as he closed the gap.

Students watched the two with amusement—some laughed, others admired the duo’s playful bond. Eventually, Taehyung caught Jungkook on the rooftop, pinning him down. Jungkook’s heart raced as Taehyung teased him, the older boy’s grin full of mischief, their laughter echoing in the open air. Finally, they collapsed on the rooftop, lying side by side and gazing at the sky, their laughter fading into comfortable silence.

The memory brought a smile to Taehyung’s face, but it was quickly replaced with concern. Jungkook always seemed so happy… so why did he say he feels lonely? Taehyung couldn’t shake the thought.

---

Meanwhile, Junghwon sat quietly, his eyes distant. Jin and Jimin noticed his unusual behavior.

“What’s wrong, Junghwon?” Jimin asked, concern lacing his voice. Jin ruffled Junghwon’s hair affectionately. “Yeah, you’ve been quiet. Is something bothering you?”

Junghwon hesitated before answering, his voice soft. “It’s just… it hurt when Kookie-hyung talked to me like that. He’s never spoken to me that way before.”

Yoongi sighed. “He was just frustrated. We didn’t give him a chance to explain himself, Junghwon.”

Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts, nodding in agreement. “Junghwon, Kookie wasn’t himself. We kept questioning him without letting him explain. That’s why he lashed out. Don’t take it to heart,” he said, his hand gently resting on Junghwon’s cheek.

He gently cupped Junghwon’s cheek, trying to console him. Jungkook, watching from his seat, felt a pang of hurt in his chest.
. Taehyung’s gentle touch and soft words stirred something painful in him. But he said nothing, his eyes dropping to his lap.

Junghwon seized the opportunity, wiping a fake tear. . “I know Kookie-hyung doesn’t like me. He’s always cold toward me, but today it really hurt.”

Jungkook remained silent, his head bowed. He didn’t have the energy to defend himself.

Taehyung frowned, his voice firm as he defended Jungkook. “That’s not true, Junghwon. Kookie doesn’t hate you. He just got overwhelmed.”

Junghwon sniffled dramatically, leaning into Jimin’s hug as the older boy comforted him. “Stop crying, Junghwon,” Jimin said soothingly. “What if Kookie says sorry? Will that make you feel better?”