Fragments of fragile heart

Jungkook's fingers barely traced over Taehyung's cheek before they moved downward, brushing along the curve of his lips. His touch was featherlight, hesitant as if he was afraid that with one wrong move, this moment would shatter like a fragile dream.

Then, beneath his fingertips, Taehyung stirred.

Jungkook barely had time to react before Taehyung let out a small sigh, his brows furrowing slightly. In the next breath, Taehyung's arms tightened around Jungkook's waist, his chest pressing even closer against Jungkook's back. His face, buried in the crook of Jungkook's neck, nuzzled deeper as he hummed sleepily.

Jungkook breath hitched, and he froze, quickly shutting his eyes as if he had been asleep the entire time.

A few seconds later, he felt the slow shift of Taehyung waking up. His breath was warm against Jungkook's skin, and then- Warm fingers gently brushed through his hair, smoothing down the strands in a delicate, almost reverent touch. Jungkook had to fight to keep his breathing even, his heart hammering against his ribs.

Then, in a voice heavy with sleep, Taehyung murmured, “I will prove it to you every single day, Jungkook. My love isn’t fleeting. It will never fade. Even if the world changes, even if everything falls apart, I will hold onto you. Always.”

Jungkook’s throat tightened, his fingers curling into the sheets. His heart ached, and he didn’t even know why. Maybe because he had never expected someone to love him like this—so deeply, so unwaveringly.

"I' II make you believe in love again." Taehyung's voice dropped to the softest whisper, almost like a sacred vow. "Because you' re it for me, Jungkook. You always have been."

Before Jungkook could react, he felt the warmest, softest press of lips against his forehead. A lingering, reverent kiss that left his skin tingling long after Taehyung pulled away, his voice soft.

“Sleep a little longer, love. I’ll make your coffee and breakfast.”

Jungkook stayed still, listening as Taehyung moved around the room, the faint rustling of fabric and the soft padding of footsteps disappearing into the hallway. Then, he cracked his eyes open, staring at the ceiling.

His fingers drifted to the bracelet on his wrist. A connection. A promise.

For the first time in years, Jungkook allowed himself to believe in love.

-----

The sun had barely risen when Jungkook and Taehyung left for college. The air was crisp, a gentle breeze brushing against their skin. The warmth of Taehyung’s hand in Jungkook’s felt new yet familiar, like something they should have been doing all along.

Jungkook didn’t pull away.

Taehyung squeezed his fingers, his heart pounding as he stole a glance at Jungkook’s face. The younger looked ahead, seemingly unbothered, but the slight pink dusting his ears gave him away.

They had taken their first step.

And Taehyung… Taehyung never wanted to let go.

As they walked through the college gates, a voice broke through the morning calm.

“Well, well, well.”

Jungkook sighed before he even turned.

Yoongi stood there, arms crossed, a slow smirk creeping onto his lips. Beside him, Namjoon was already chuckling.

“Looks like our advice worked,” Namjoon teased, glancing at their intertwined hands.

Jungkook blinked. “What?”