Fragments of fragile heart

The days had started to blend together for Jungkook. Though he still remained distant and quiet, there were small changes. He began to speak a little more, his voice softer, but it was a start.but to Taehyung, it was a step in the right direction.
Taehyung had been patient, always giving him the time and space he needed without rushing him. He never pushed, never asked too much, but was always there-always waiting for that small spark of hope to ignite in Jungkook.

Taehyung took a few days off from college, choosing to stay home and spend time with Jungkook. When Jungkook weakly suggested that Taehyung could go back to class, Taehyung firmly shook his head.

"No, Kookie," Taehyung said, smiling softly. "I'd rather spend my time here with you. College can wait."

Jungkook didn't argue further, though his eyes glimmered with a hint of gratitude that Taehyung noticed immediately.

One morning, as the sunlight filtered through the windows, Taehyung sat beside Jungkook, who was leaning against the headboard of the bed. Taehyung gently cupped Jungkook's face, his warm hands grounding him.

"Kookie," Taehyung said softly, looking into his eyes. "I know it's hard for you to trust again, to open up. But I need you to know that it's okay to take your time. I'm here for you, and I'll wait for as long as it takes. You're not alone anymore, and you never will be again."

Jungkook met Taehyung's eyes, his own gaze filled with uncertainty. He didn't know how to respond, how to process the kindness that was being shown to him. It felt too overwhelming, but it was also what he had longed for without realizing. For the first time in a long while, he felt like someone truly saw him, not just the quiet, distant Jungkook, but the person beneath the surface.

Jungkook blinked, his gaze dropping as he murmured, "I'm trying..."

Taehyung smiled gently, his thumbs brushing against Jungkook's cheeks. "That's all that matters."

Jungkook didn't say anything in return, his heart fluttering at the sincerity in Taehyung's words. Slowly, he began to realize that this-this was what he needed. The assurance, the patience, the understanding.

Later that afternoon, Jungkook managed to sit in the living room with Taehyung's help. Taehyung brought him a cozy blanket and made sure he was comfortable on the couch. Soon after, Jin, Jimin, Yoongi, Namjoon, and Hobi arrived, bringing along a cheerful energy that lit up the house. Jin headed straight to the kitchen, claiming he'd make something special for everyone.

As the others sat down, Eunwoo visited, carrying a small bag from the café. "I brought some fresh pastries," he announced with a grin, holding up the bag. "Thought you'd like them, Kookie."

Jungkook hesitated but accepted a small, warm croissant after some gentle nudging. Eunwoo and Taehyung exchanged a quick smile, both silently acknowledging the small win.

"Don't you think this couch is a bit too old for someone as cool as you?" jimin joked, earning a small chuckle from everyone

Yoongi, who had been watching Jungkook closely, moved to sit beside him. "Hey, Kookie," he said softly. "Do you remember when you tried to bake cookies for us and accidentally used salt instead of sugar?"

Jungkook's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't say anything.

"You were so proud of those cookies," Yoongi continued, a fond smile on his face. "And we all pretended to eat them because we didn't want to hurt your feelings. Except Jin-he couldn't stop gagging."

Jungkook let out a faint chuckle, barely audible but enough to make everyone in the room pause.

Taehyung's heart swelled at the small sign of life in Jungkook's eyes, even if just for a moment.

Namjoon leaned over to Jungkook.
"You know, Kookie, we've been planning a trip to the beach for ages. Once you're better, let's all go, okay? Just us, the hyungs, and lots of good food."

Jungkook didn't respond verbally, but his lips twitched slightly, and namjoon took it as a win.

In the midst of their light-hearted banter, Jungkook's thoughts drifted. He felt a pang of guilt as he looked at the people surrounding him. They were trying so hard to bring him back to life, and he wondered if he even deserved it.

After about an hour, Jungkook quietly murmured, "I want to rest now."

Taehyung immediately stood up. "I'll take you to the room." Without waiting for a response, he gently scooped Jungkook into his arms in a bridal style, eliciting a few playful whistles and teasing comments from their friends.

"Taehyung, you're really leaning into the prince charming role, huh?" Jimin joked, grinning.

Taehyung ignored them, focused on making sure Jungkook was comfortable. "You all better behave while I'm gone," he shot back before carrying Jungkook to his room.

That evening, as the group started to leave, Taehyung noticed Jungkook staring out of the window with a distant look in his eyes.

"Kookie," Taehyung called gently, kneeling in front of him. "What's on your mind?"

Jungkook hesitated before speaking in a barely audible voice. "Why...why are you all here? After everything, I thought..."

Taehyung's heart clenched at the broken tone in Jungkook's voice. "We're here because we love you, Kookie. You don't have to go through this alone. None of us are going anywhere."

Taehyung hesitated, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "I know I've hurt you. I didn't believe you when I should have. I said things I can never take back. And I'm so, so sorry."

Jungkook's gaze dropped to his hands, his fingers nervously twisting the blanket. "It's...fine," he said quietly.

"No, it's not," Taehyung insisted. "I should've known better. I should've seen how much you were struggling, how much you needed someone to stand by you. I failed you, Jungkook. And I hate myself for that."

Jungkook didn't reply, but Taehyung noticed the way his shoulders tensed, the way his jaw clenched slightly.

"I want to make it up to you," Taehyung continued. "I want to be there for you, like you've always been there for me. Please, let me."

Jungkook's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he looked up at Taehyung. "I don't know if I can trust that, tae. Not yet."

Taehyung's heart ached at the vulnerability in Jungkook's voice. He reached out, gently cupped kookie face . "I understand. Take all the time you need. I'll be here, no matter what."

Jungkook nodded slightly, his lips pressing together He didn't say anything, but the smallest nod from him was enough to make Taehyung's chest swell with hope.

That night, when Jungkook was asleep, Taehyung sit by his bedside, brushing his fingers gently through Jungkook's soft hair. He speak to him in whispers, apologizing, and promising to always be there.

"Kookie," Taehyung murmured , his voice soft and full of emotion. "I'll take care of you, okay? I'll make up for all the times I wasn't there. Just... trust me."
Taehyung stayed by his side, watching over him like a guardian. He silently promised himself that no matter how long it took, he would help Jungkook heal, piece by piece.

That night marked a small turning point. Jungkook began to open up more, and though his words were guarded

-----------

Meanwhile, Jungkook's parents and Junghwon sat in their home, the silence between them suffocating.

"I don't know how we let it get to this point," Jungkook's mother whispered, her voice trembling.

Junghwon looked down, his hands clenched into fists. For the first time, he felt the weight of his actions, but his pride kept him from admitting his wrongs.

"Maybe it's too late," Jungkook's father murmured, regret lacing his words.

But deep inside, they all knew they had to face the consequences of their actions. Whether Jungkook would ever forgive them was a question they couldn't answer.

--------
To be continued.....