Fragments of fragile heart

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. Jungkook sat at the edge of his bed, staring at his phone screen, deep in thought. His fingers hovered over a real estate listing—a small apartment, nothing fancy, but enough to call his own.

He sighed, pressing his thumb against the screen, saving the listing for later.

It wasn’t that he didn’t love living with Taehyung. He did. More than he wanted to admit.

But this wasn’t his home. It was Taehyung’s.

He had healed physically, his injuries were gone, and his strength had returned. But his heart—his fragile heart still carried the weight of everything that had happened. He couldn’t stay here forever, depending on Taehyung’s kindness.

He had to stand on his own.

Jungkook took a deep breath and made a decision. He would look for a place, quietly, without telling Taehyung. He wasn’t planning to leave right away, but he needed to start preparing.

And the first person he told… was Eunwoo.

Eunwoo frowned, stirring his coffee absentmindedly as he listened to Jungkook. They sat in their usual café, away from the bustling crowd.

“You’re looking for an apartment?” Eunwoo asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jungkook nodded. “Yeah. I mean… I can’t live at Taehyung’s house forever. He’s done enough for me already.”

Eunwoo studied Jungkook carefully. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

Jungkook forced a smile. “I feel better now. My injuries are gone. I’m fine, hyung.”

Eunwoo sighed. “Physically, maybe. But Kookie… I know you. And I know when you’re lying.”

Jungkook’s smile faltered. “I’m not lying.”

Eunwoo leaned forward. “Kook, listen to me. Moving out isn’t just about having your own space. You need to ask yourself—are you emotionally ready to be alone?”

Jungkook hesitated. He had spent so much of his life alone. Even when surrounded by people, he had carried his burdens silently.

“I’ll be fine,” he insisted, but Eunwoo didn’t look convinced.

And when Eunwoo got home that evening, he called Taehyung immediately.

---

Taehyung sat on his bed, his heart pounding violently against his ribs.

“He’s what?” Taehyung’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Eunwoo sighed on the other end of the call. “He’s looking for an apartment, Tae. He’s convinced that he shouldn’t stay with you anymore.”

Taehyung felt his stomach drop. “But… why? I thought he was okay here.”

“He is,” Eunwoo replied gently. “But you know Jungkook, Tae. He doesn’t want to be a burden.”

Burden. The word felt like a slap.

Taehyung gripped his phone tightly. “Jungkook is not a burden.”

“I know that. And you know that. But he doesn’t.” Eunwoo’s voice softened. “Tae… I don’t think this is just about finding a place to live. I think he’s trying to protect himself. From you. From his feelings. From everything.”

Taehyung closed his eyes, his chest aching.

He had tried so hard to make Jungkook feel safe, to make him feel like he belonged. But Jungkook was still planning to leave.