Fragments of fragile heart

It was a sunny afternoon when Junghwon decided to take a bold step. Over the past few weeks, he had steadily inserted himself between Taehyung and Jungkook, ensuring that every shared moment between the two was disrupted. His confidence had grown as he noticed Taehyung didn't seem to push him away.

Now, standing in the middle of the campus garden, Junghwon adjusted his blazer and held a small bouquet of red roses in his hand. Taehyung was seated on a bench nearby, sketching something in his notebook.

"Taehyung-hyung," Junghwon called, his voice softer than usual.

Taehyung looked up, surprised to see Junghwon approaching with flowers. "Oh, Junghwon. What's up?"

Junghwon took a deep breath, steeling himself. "There's something I've wanted to tell you for a while now."

Taehyung set his sketchbook aside, his brow furrowed. "What is it?"

Junghwon hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "Hyung, I like you. I mean, I really like you. I've admired you for so long, and I think... I think I've fallen for you."

Taehyung's eyes widened as Junghwon held out the bouquet of roses.

"I wanted to tell you this because I can't keep it inside anymore," Junghwon continued. "You're everything I've ever wanted in someone, and I think we could be great together."

---

Meanwhile, Jungkook stood at a distance, having accidentally stumbled upon the scene while heading toward Taehyung. He froze as he watched Junghwon's confession unfold.

His heart clenched painfully, the words echoing in his mind. I like you. I think I've fallen for you.

Jungkook knew he had no right to feel jealous. Taehyung wasn't his to claim, and he had never voiced his own feelings. But seeing someone else take a step he couldn't muster the courage to take felt like a knife twisting in his chest.

He wanted to walk away, to spare himself the pain of seeing how Taehyung would respond, but his feet felt rooted to the ground.

---

Taehyung blinked, processing Junghwon's words. "Junghwon... I'm flattered, really," he began, his tone careful.

Junghwon's face brightened slightly, hope flickering in his eyes.

"But," Taehyung continued, "I don't see you that way. You're a great person, and I've come to care for you as a friend, but I don't think we could be more than that."

The hope in Junghwon's eyes dimmed, and he lowered the bouquet slightly. "Oh... I see," he said quietly. "Is there... is there someone else?"

Taehyung looked at Junghwon and shook his head. "It's not about someone else. It's just... I don't feel that way about you."

Junghwon forced a small smile, though disappointment was evident in his expression. "I understand, hyung. Thank you for being honest."

He set the bouquet on the bench beside Taehyung and excused himself, walking away with slumped shoulders.

---

The day after Junghwon's unexpected proposal to Taehyung was filled with buzzing excitement among their circle of friends. News of the proposal had spread quickly, and everyone seemed eager to hear more about how it had unfolded. Taehyung, although still processing everything himself, found himself at the center of attention.

As their friends gathered in their usual spot, the questions came pouring in.

"Okay, spill! How did it happen?" Jimin asked, practically bouncing in his seat with curiosity.