Fragments of fragile heart

The usual hum of college life filled the hallways, students lost in their own world of lectures and assignments. In their respective classrooms, everyone was accounted for-except for one person.

Taehyung.

Jungkook, engrossed in his notes, didn't notice at first. But something felt slightly off. The usual warmth of Taehyung's lingering gaze wasn't there. The quiet, reassuring presence at the edge of his vision was missing.

Meanwhile, somewhere outside the classroom walls, Taehyung was running.

His breaths were heavy, his hands fumbling as he adjusted his clothes. He barely had time to straighten his shirt before reaching his usual waiting spot outside Jungkook's class.

He couldn't let Jungkook know.

Seconds later, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Jungkook walked out, his eyes immediately finding Taehyung in his usual spot. His lips curled into a soft smile before his expression shifted

Because, without warning, Taehyung pulled him into a tight hug.

Jungkook frowned slightly, his hands instinctively settling on Taehyung's waist. "Tae?"

Taehyung buried his face in the crook of Jungkook's neck, inhaling deeply. "Just... let me hold you for a second."

Jungkook hesitated, sensing something was off. His fingers curled around the fabric of Taehyung's jacket. "What happened?"

Taehyung tightened his grip, as if grounding himself. "Nothing, Kookie."

Jungkook pulled back slightly, studying Taehyung's face. His eyes were filled with something unreadable-something deep and unspoken.

But before he could press further, Taehyung smiled, brushing a stray hair from Jungkook's forehead. "I missed you," Taehyung murmured, burying his face in Jungkook's neck. "That's all that matters."
----

Later that evening, Taehyung took Jungkook's hand, a playful glint in his eyes. "Come with me."

Jungkook tilted his head. "Where?"

Taehyung grinned. "You'll see."

The car ride was quiet, filled with comfortable glances and soft smiles.
Jungkook blinked in confusion as they arrived at Han River, the gentle waves shimmering under the soft glow of streetlights. The air was cool, the night still.

Jungkook turned to Taehyung, his lips slightly parted. "You brought me here?"

Taehyung stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Jungkook from behind. "I wanted to share something with you."

Jungkook melted into the embrace, feeling Taehyung's warmth envelop him. "What is it?"

Taehyung rested his chin on Jungkook's shoulder. "Do you know why I love the Han River?"

Jungkook shook his head.

Taehyung whispered, "Because it never stops flowing. No matter the storm, no matter the season, it keeps going. Just like my love for you."

Jungkook's breath caught, his heart pounding.

"This," Taehyung whispered, his voice low and filled with something raw, "is what I've always wanted."

Jungkook swallowed. "Tae..."

Taehyung tightened his hold, pressing a soft kiss to the side of Jungkook's neck. "I want to love you like this river. Steady. Endless. No matter what comes our way.To hold you without fear. To love you without hesitation. To stand by you in the open, without running away."