Still With You ?

49

Tae forced a small smile, though his eyes were already glossy. "S-Sure. Take all the time you need, Kookie."

Jungkook gave a small nod before turning around and walking away, disappearing into his room. Again

As soon as the door closed behind him, Tae could no longer hold it in. His tears finally fell. He wiped his face harshly, sighing as he whispered to himself, "I just hope everything will be fine."

But little did he know... fate had something else planned for them. More secrets were waiting to be unraveled, more truths that could shatter everything.

And the person Tae loved the most... was going to become the one drowned in hate and anger.

Meanwhile, with Jungkook

Jungkook entered his room, shutting the door behind him with trembling hands before locking it. He pressed his back against the cold wood, his breath hitching as a lump formed in his throat. His glistening eyes could no longer hold back the tears, and they spilled freely down his cheeks. Slowly, he slid down to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest.

"H-he... they really don't hate me?" he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. Tae's words replayed in his mind over and over again, like a cruel loop that made his heart ache. He was torn, drowning in the confusion of his own thoughts.

Jungkook shook his head violently, gripping his hair. "No... even if they say they love me, even if they promise to protect me... I can't- I won't get close to them," he muttered, his voice laced with despair. "I can't be a burden to them. I won't be their problem. I won't destroy them like I-" His breath hitched as he clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.

A choked sob escaped his lips as he shut his eyes tightly. "I don't need anyone. I-I have myself, and that's enough. It has to be enough," he whispered, his voice barely audible, breaking into silent cries.

But deep down, he knew he was lying to himself.

He wasn't enough.

He had never been enough.

And the worst part was, he believed anyone who got too close to him would end up suffering-just like Hyesuk and Suho died.

Just like everyone he ever loved.

With Jin and the Others

Everyone was gathered in the meeting room, waiting for Jin to arrive. Haein had just joined them, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense yet expectant.

"Umm... H-haein-ssi, h-how old are you?" Yoongi asked hesitantly, his voice slightly unsure.

"I'm 28. What about you all?" Haein responded, her tone neutral.

"I'm 27, and Namjoon is 26... so we're younger than you," Yoongi replied.

Haein hummed in acknowledgment. "You and Jin-hyung are the same age, then," Namjoon pointed out, to which Haein simply nodded.

Sighing, she leaned back slightly in her chair. "When will your busy hyung arrive? Will he come today or next year?" she asked sarcastically, her patience clearly wearing thin.

"Ahem. I'm here," Jin's voice echoed through the room as he finally entered.

Jin walked in with an air of authority but carried a slightly apologetic expression as he took his seat across from Haein. "Sorry, I got caught up in a meeting," he said, adjusting his laptop in front of him.

Haein simply hummed in response. "Can we start now?" she asked, her tone all business.

"Yeah, sure," Jin nodded, opening his laptop.