Threads of fate

Chapter 13

One evening, as they sat on the couch, Jungkook leaned his head on Jin’s shoulder. “Hyung, this is the best gift anyone has ever given me. It feels like… home.”

Jin kissed the top of Jungkook’s head. “That’s because it is home, Kookie. Our home.”

It was a quiet evening in their apartment, the kind of evening Jin loved. The lights were dim, the air smelled faintly of buttered popcorn, and an emotional anime played on the TV screen. Jin sat cross-legged on the couch, his eyes glued to the screen, while Jungkook sprawled beside him with a bowl of popcorn balanced on his lap.

They were halfway through the finale when Jin suddenly sniffled. Jungkook turned his head, surprised to see tears streaming down Jin’s cheeks.

“Hyung?” Jungkook asked softly, trying to hide the amusement in his voice.

Jin didn’t look at him, too absorbed in the scene. “It’s just…it’s so unfair,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “They’ve been through so much, and now this? Why do they have to suffer like this?”

Jungkook bit back a laugh, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. He reached out, gently wiping away a tear with his thumb. “Hyung, it’s just a story. You know that, right?”

Jin finally turned to look at him, his expression a mix of heartbreak and indignation. “Just a story? Jungkook, it’s art! It’s life! How can you not feel anything watching this?”

“I feel something,” Jungkook said, setting the popcorn aside. “I feel worried that you’re going to flood the couch with your tears.”

Jin swatted his arm, though a small smile broke through his sorrow. “You’re impossible.”

Jungkook grinned, pulling Jin closer so he could wrap an arm around his shoulders. “Come here, drama king. Let’s fix that sad face.”

He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on Jin’s temple, then another on his cheek. Jin tried to push him away, half-laughing, half-protesting, but Jungkook didn’t relent. He peppered Jin’s face with kisses until the older man couldn’t hold back his laughter anymore.

“Okay, okay, stop!” Jin said, his voice shaking with laughter.

Jungkook pulled back, satisfied. “See? Much better.”

Jin shook his head, though he was still smiling. “You’re such a kid sometimes.”

“And you love it,” Jungkook replied smugly, pulling Jin down onto the couch with him.

They lay tangled together, the anime long forgotten as they talked about everything and nothing. Jungkook’s fingers traced lazy patterns on Jin’s back, and Jin’s head rested on Jungkook’s chest, the sound of his heartbeat steady and comforting.

At one point, Jin tilted his head up, capturing Jungkook’s lips in a slow, tender kiss. It was a moment of pure warmth, of unspoken love and reassurance.

“I could stay like this forever,” Jin murmured against Jungkook’s lips.

Jungkook smiled, his voice soft. “Me too, hyung. Me too.”

And so they stayed, wrapped in each other’s arms, the outside world fading away as they found solace and joy in their little bubble of love.

Their bond grew even stronger as they navigated their busy lives while cherishing the little moments of peace in their apartment. The members, always supportive, respected their space and ensured the couple could maintain their privacy.

For Jin and Jungkook, this wasn’t just an apartment. It was a symbol of their love, their commitment, and the safe haven they had built together amidst the chaos of their lives.

Even the most mundane tasks became moments of joy. Cleaning day turned into a dance party, with Jin blasting old-school pop songs and Jungkook spinning Jin around the room.

“Hyung, you’re terrible at this!” Jungkook laughed as Jin tried to mimic his moves.

“Hey, I’m an excellent dancer!” Jin countered, striking a dramatic pose.

“You’re an excellent cook and boyfriend” Jungkook teased, pulling him into a bear hug.

Their laughter echoed through the apartment, filling it with warmth and love.

As the days turned into weeks, Jin and Jungkook’s secret apartment became more than just a physical space—it was their emotional refuge. Here, they weren’t idols or public figures; they were simply two people in love. They spent quiet evenings cooking meals together, often laughing when Jungkook insisted on taste-testing everything Jin made.

One evening, as they sat on the balcony overlooking the city, Jungkook leaned against Jin. “Hyung, do you think we can keep this up forever? The secrecy, the sneaking around?”

Jin looked at Jungkook, his gaze steady. “I don’t know about forever, Kookie, but I do know that as long as we have each other, we’ll find a way. And we’re not alone—we have the members, our families. That’s all that matters.”

Jungkook smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

While the apartment was primarily Jin and Jungkook’s space, the other members were occasional guests. They respected the couple’s privacy but couldn’t resist the cozy charm of the apartment, often jokingly referring to it as “the love nest.”

One evening, Taehyung and Jimin dropped by with snacks.

“Yah, Jungkookie,” Taehyung teased, plopping onto the couch, “how does it feel to have your own house with Jin-hyung?”

Jungkook flushed. “It’s not a house—it’s our home .”

Jimin grinned. “Ooooo, it’s cute. And we’re happy for you both. But don’t forget, we’re always a call away if you need help.”

Jin chuckled. “We know, Jiminie hyung. Thanks.”

Despite their happiness, Jin and Jungkook remained mindful of their roles in BTS. They worked tirelessly during practice, poured their hearts into performances, and maintained a professional front. The members often joked about how seamlessly Jin and Jungkook could switch between being doting partners and hardworking professionals.

During one particularly grueling practice, Jungkook noticed Jin struggling with a dance move. He discreetly guided him, their hands brushing briefly. Though the moment was subtle, the members caught it and exchanged knowing smiles.

Namjoon later patted Jungkook on the back. “You’re good at supporting him, you know. That’s important.”

Jungkook smiled. “He supports me too, hyung. More than he knows.”

One night, as they lay side by side in bed, Jin turned to Jungkook. “You know, sometimes I wonder if all this is worth it. The secrecy, the risks… but then I look at you, and I realize I’d do it all over again.”

Jungkook took Jin’s hand, his voice soft but firm. “Hyung, you’re worth everything to me. No matter how hard it gets, I’ll always choose us.”

Jin leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Jungkook’s forehead and then his lips. “Me too, Kookie. Always.”

Though their love story unfolded in the shadows, it was no less beautiful. With the unwavering support of their members and the strength of their bond, Jin and Jungkook continued to navigate the complexities of their lives with grace and determination.

For them, love wasn’t about grand gestures or public declarations. It was about the quiet moments, the shared smiles, and the unspoken understanding that no matter what, they had each other.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜