Fragments of fragile heart

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room where laughter and soft conversations filled the space. Jungkook sat cross-legged on the carpet, carefully stacking his Uno cards, a small but genuine smile tugging at his lips. Across from him, Jimin and Jin were bickering about strategy, their usual playful antics filling the air with warmth.

Seated nearby, Taehyung held a book in his hands, but he wasn’t reading. His eyes kept drifting toward Jungkook—the way his nose scrunched up when he concentrated, the way his fingers toyed with the corner of his cards whenever he was deep in thought. It was a sight Taehyung had seen for years, but it still managed to make his chest tighten with emotions he wasn’t ready to name.

How does he still smile like that after everything?

Taehyung’s grip on his book tightened as Eunwoo’s words echoed in his mind. The stories of Jungkook’s struggles, the years of pain and loneliness—it was too much. He swallowed hard, guilt rising in his throat.

“Taehyung, stop zoning out and come play,” Jimin’s voice snapped him back to the present.

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook turned to him, tilting his head slightly, his wide eyes filled with unspoken curiosity.

“Yeah, Tae,” Jungkook said softly. “Come play with us.”

And just like that, Taehyung felt himself melt.

He didn’t hesitate anymore. He put his book aside and moved to sit beside Jungkook.

“What are we playing?” he asked, pretending not to notice the way his heart pounded in his chest just being this close.

“Uno,” Jungkook answered, lifting his cards slightly, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

He looked so innocent, so trusting, and taehyung was struck by how much he wanted to protect him.

Taehyung chuckled, reaching for his own cards. But as the game began, he found himself letting Jungkook win on purpose. Every time Jungkook laid down a winning card, his eyes flickered toward Taehyung, searching for approval, and Taehyung would only smile, letting him bask in the small victory.

For Taehyung, it was never about winning. It was about seeing Jungkook happy.

Later in the afternoon, while the others were busy preparing lunch, Taehyung found himself alone with Jungkook in the living room.

Jungkook sat on the floor, sorting through his art supplies. His fingers brushed delicately over the paint tubes, his expression relaxed yet focused. Taehyung watched, his heart aching with admiration.

“Kookie,” he called out softly.

Jungkook looked up, eyes curious. “Hmm?”

Taehyung hesitated for a moment before sitting beside him. “Do you… ever get tired of holding everything together?”

Jungkook blinked, taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Taehyung kept his voice light, not wanting to push too hard. “You’re always so strong, Kookie. I just wonder if it ever feels like too much.”

For a moment, Jungkook was silent. His fingers stilled on a paintbrush, his gaze distant. Then, after a long pause, he spoke—his voice quieter than before.

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “But I’ve learned that things get better if you keep going.”

Taehyung felt his heart clench at those words. How can he say that after everything he’s been through?

“You’re amazing, you know that?” Taehyung whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Jungkook’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. “I’m not. I just… try my best.”