Fragments of fragile heart

The next morning, Jungkook woke up with a pounding headache and a heavy chest. His body felt weak, his limbs trembling as he pushed himself out of bed. He hadn't eaten properly, hadn't slept well. The events of the previous day lingered like a storm cloud over him, and his mind kept replaying Taehyung's words, his parents' harshness, and Junghwon's manipulation.

Dragging himself downstairs, Jungkook barely noticed the tense silence in the air until it was shattered by a sharp slap across his face. His mother stood before him, her expression filled with anger and disappointment.

"How dare you to slapped your younger brother and you act like this in public?" she scolded. "Do you have any idea how much shame you've brought to this family? Hitting your own brother? Embarrassing us in front of everyone?"

Jungkook held his stinging cheek, staring at her in disbelief. His father joined in, his voice cold and stern.

"You're completely out of control, Jungkook. We've given you everything, yet you repay us with this kind of behavior? Why can't you be more like Junghwon?"

Junghwon appeared at the top of the stairs, his face painted with an innocent sadness. "Mom, Dad, please don't be so harsh on him," he said softly, descending the steps. "I know Jungkook doesn't love me, but it's okay. I still love him because he's my brother."

Jungkook clenched his fists at the blatant act. He could see the faint smirk tugging at Junghwon's lips, but his parents were blind to it, completely enamored with their younger son's facade.

"Why do you always take his side?" his mother snapped, her voice rising. "We're trying to discipline him because he needs it!"

Junghwon shook his head, looking at Jungkook with mock concern. "Hyung, please don't be upset. I only ever wanted your love and approval, but I guess I've always been a disappointment to you."

The bitter laugh that escaped Jungkook's lips startled everyone in the room. His parents glared at him, while Junghwon's expression shifted to one of feigned hurt.

Jungkook's voice was low, trembling with emotion. "Disappointment?" he said, his eyes flickering between his parents and Junghwon. "Do you even know what disappointment feels like? Do you know how it feels to work yourself to the bone, to be criticized and insulted at work just to make sure you're not a burden, only to come home and be treated like this?"

His parents froze, their expressions wavering for the first time.

"I've spent my whole life trying to earn your approval," Jungkook continued, tears streaming down his face. "But no matter what I do, I'm always wrong. You never ask me why I act the way I do. You never listen to me. Do you know how much it hurts to be treated like I don't matter? Like I'm not even your son?"

The room fell silent. Junghwon, for once, looked uncertain, his smirk fading as he realized the gravity of Jungkook's words.

Just then, the front door opened, and Jin, Jimin, Namjoon, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Taehyung stepped inside. They had come to check on Junghwon after about the incident at the cafeteria. What they walked into left them stunned.

Jungkook didn't notice them at first, too consumed by his emotions. "If you hate me this much," he said, his voice cracking, "if I'm such a disappointment to you, then why did you even have me? Why didn't you just get rid of me before I was born?"

His parents stood frozen, their faces pale with shock. Even Junghwon seemed unsettled, his usual confidence faltering.

"I can't take this anymore," Jungkook said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If my existence brings you so much pain, then just... end it. Kill me. Because I can't keep living like this."