Fragments of fragile heart

The morning sun filtered through Jungkook's window, but it brought him no comfort. He lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. He didn't have the strength to face college, the place that had always been his sanctuary.

For Jungkook, college had been the only escape from the harsh words of his parents and the suffocating loneliness of home. It was where he found comfort in Taehyung's gentle care and his hyungs' affection. But now, college felt just as oppressive as home.

Junghwon's words and actions had planted seeds of doubt among his hyungs, turning their love and understanding into suspicion and pressure. Jungkook couldn't bear to see those accusing eyes again.

---

At college, the others noticed Jungkook's absence almost immediately.

"Where's Kookie?" Namjoon asked, concern etched on his face.

Junghwon shrugged. "He wasn't home when I left."

Jin and Jimin exchanged uneasy glances, guilt weighing heavy on their hearts.

"Do you think he's avoiding us because of yesterday?" Jimin asked quietly, his voice tinged with regret.

Jin sighed. "Maybe. We shouldn't have forced him to apologize when it wasn't his fault. I feel awful."

Taehyung, who had been silent all morning, suddenly stood up. His face was tense, his fists clenched.

"I'm going to find him," he announced firmly.

The others nodded, too ashamed to argue.

---

Taehyung wandered the streets, his mind racing. Where could he be? Jungkook had never done anything like this before.

Walking past a park, something caught his eye-a familiar figure sitting on a bench. Jungkook was staring at a group of children playing nearby, his expression empty and unreadable.

Relief flooded Taehyung's chest as he approached quietly, sitting down beside Jungkook. The younger didn't seem to notice him.

"Kookie," Taehyung called softly.

Jungkook flinched at the sound of his name, startled out of his thoughts. He turned to see Taehyung, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Hey, Kookie, it's me," Taehyung said gently, reaching out to caress Jungkook's cheek. His touch was light, soothing.

Jungkook blinked at him, his voice hesitant. "Tae... What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at college?"

Taehyung shrugged nonchalantly. "I skipped class. Didn't feel like it." He didn't want to admit that he had been worried sick and searching everywhere for Jungkook.

"Oh," Jungkook murmured, his lips curving into a small, forced smile. "I see."

He turned his gaze back to the children playing, the blankness returning to his expression.

Taehyung watched him closely, the silence between them growing heavier. He wanted to ease the tension, so he leaned closer and teased, "Why are you staring at those kids so intensely? Are you planning to kidnap them and make money off some secret scheme?"

Jungkook blinked at him in surprise before a small laugh escaped his lips.

Taehyung pouted, crossing his arms. "Why are you laughing? I'm serious! You're plotting to get rich, aren't you?"

Jungkook's bunny smile broke through, lighting up his face. "Tae, you're ridiculous."

Taehyung smacked his arm lightly, still pouting. "What about me, huh? You're planning to get rich all by yourself and leave me behind? How could you?"