Fragments of fragile heart

Fragments of fragile heart part:-38

Taehyung hated it.Hated how much had changed between them.Hated how much of that was his fault.Without thinking, he moved forward and sat beside Jungkook on the couch, their shoulders almost touching.

Jungkook looked at him in quiet surprise. "What?"

Taehyung shook his head, staring at the pages of Jungkook's book. "Nothing."

A silence stretched between them. Not awkward, but not comfortable either.

Just full of things neither of them knew how to say.

Taehyung turned slightly, watching Jungkook as he pretended to read.He knew Jungkook wasn't paying attention to the words.His fingers weren't moving to turn the page. His eyes weren't focused.

He was thinking.

And Taehyung would bet everything he had that Jungkook was thinking about their conversation earlier. About what he had said in the cafeteria.

"Just friends."

Taehyung's stomach twisted.

Did Jungkook still believe that?

Did he really think that was all they would ever be?

He wanted to ask. He wanted to tell Jungkook, "I love you. I love you so much I don't know what to do with it."

But the words felt heavy on his tongue.Because he didn't just want to confess.He wanted Jungkook to believe him.

To truly, deeply believe that Taehyung would never hurt him again.And so, Taehyung bit his tongue and stayed silent.

Even as his heart screamed at him to speak.

Jungkook shifted beside him, his mind just as loud as Taehyung's.He knew Taehyung was acting differently.

Softer. More careful.

He knew Taehyung looked at him differently now.

But Jungkook had buried his feelings long ago, convinced that they would never be returned.

And now, even if he sometimes felt like Taehyung might feel the same...

He was terrified of hoping.

Because Jungkook knew what it felt like when hope was shattered.And he wasn't sure he could survive it again.So, he forced a smile, nudging Taehyung's arm.

"I'm tired," Jungkook said, though they both knew it was a lie. "I'm going to sleep."

Taehyung's face fell for a split second before he quickly covered it up with a nod. "Okay. Sleep well, Kookie."

Jungkook hesitated.For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes-like there was something he wanted to say.

Something he needed to say.But then, he swallowed it back.Because hope was dangerous.

And Jungkook had already learned not to wish for things that would never be his.

So instead, he simply whispered, "Goodnight, Tae."And with that, he left.

Leaving Taehyung sitting there, staring at the empty space beside him.

As the night stretched on, Taehyung remained on the couch, his thoughts racing.

Jungkook had always been so expressive, so full of warmth.

But now...

Now, Jungkook looked at Taehyung like he was trying not to love him anymore.