Threads of fate

Chapter 8

Despite being a bit of an unofficial roommate, Jungkook felt perfectly at ease in the room with Jin. It wasn’t just the physical space—it was the feeling of belonging. No matter what had been going on in the outside world, within the walls of their shared room, Jungkook always felt supported and understood.

Jin and Jungkook’s bond continued to grow in this new dorm. It wasn’t just about their shared moments of laughter and teasing; it was about the silent understanding between them. Jin, who often acted as the eldest member of the group, had an innate ability to comfort Jungkook without saying much. He could tell when Jungkook needed space and when he needed someone to talk to.

One night, as the group gathered in the living room to unwind after a long day of shooting, Jungkook found himself sitting beside Jin, his head resting on the older’s shoulder. Jin didn’t say anything but smiled, a soft and contented smile.

Suga, from the other side of the room, noticed this and couldn’t help but smirk. "I guess we really do have an unofficial third roommate."

Jin shot him a playful glare. "He just likes to be near us."

Jungkook, half asleep, mumbled, "I just like being with you."

The group burst into laughter at Jungkook’s half-hearted response, but Jin couldn’t help but feel a warm pride swell inside him. This small, simple moment was a reflection of the unspoken bond that had been quietly growing between them all.

In the new dorm, despite the bigger space, it was the shared laughter, the late-night conversations, and the quiet moments together that made them feel more like a family than ever before. And for Jungkook, being with Jin made this new chapter feel just right.

As BTS entered their third year and began to solidify their place in the music world, Jungkook found himself looking at Jin in a way that felt… different. He had always admired Jin for his kindness,  unwavering support, but lately, his feelings seemed more complex—deeper, more confusing.

It was the little things about Jin that caught Jungkook’s attention. The way Jin stayed up late to practice choreography even when he was exhausted. How he made sure everyone ate well, even if he had to skip his own meal. The way his laughter could light up the entire dorm, making the stress of the day fade away.

One evening, after a grueling rehearsal, Jungkook watched from a corner of the practice room as Jin stayed behind, repeating a difficult move over and over.

“Hyung, it’s late,” Jungkook finally said, approaching him. “You should rest.”

Jin turned to him with a tired but genuine smile. “I’ll rest when I get this right. I don’t want to be the one holding the team back.”

Jungkook felt a pang in his chest. Jin always put so much pressure on himself, even though everyone in the group saw him as their pillar. “You’re not holding anyone back,” Jungkook said softly. “You’re the one who keeps us going.”

Jin chuckled, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. “Thanks, Kookie. That means a lot.”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the simple gesture, and he quickly looked away, confused by the sudden warmth spreading through him.

As the days passed, Jungkook found himself thinking about Jin more often. He noticed the way Jin’s voice, though not the most technically perfect, carried a warmth that resonated deeply in their songs. He admired how Jin always tried to lift everyone’s spirits, even when he was clearly struggling himself.

But along with admiration came questions. Why did he feel a sense of comfort and safety whenever he was near Jin? Why did his heart race whenever Jin smiled at him?