Threads of fate

Chapter 16

The members didn't notice the subtle shift at first, too caught up in their own routines and challenges. But as the weeks went by, even they couldn't ignore the fact that Jin and Jungkook, who had once been inseparable, now barely spoke outside of rehearsals.

Namjoon approached Jin one evening during a quiet moment in their hotel room. "Hyung," he said gently, "is everything okay with you and Jungkook?"

Jin looked up from his phone and gave Namjoon his best reassuring smile. "Of course, Joon. Why wouldn't it be?"

Namjoon studied him for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't push further. Jin was grateful for that. He didn't want anyone else involved in the mess. This was his burden to carry, and he would do it alone.

As the weeks turned into months, Jin found himself growing stronger in his resolve. The pain was still there, a dull ache in his chest, but he learned to live with it. He threw himself into his work, into his performances, into his role as the eldest hyung. And though the wound in his heart remained, he refused to let it consume him.

Jin had always been the kind of person who put others before himself, and now, with the distance between him and Jungkook growing wider, he buried himself in work. It was the only way he knew to distract himself from the pain that threatened to consume him.

When Jin approached Bang Si-hyuk to discuss his intentions, he presented his decision with confidence. "I want to take on more responsibilities," Jin had said. "I believe I can manage my commitments here while also stepping into my family's business temporarily."

Bang Si-hyuk, though surprised, understood Jin's dedication and granted his request. Soon, Jin was assigned a personal manager to handle the additional workload. Between BTS schedules, rehearsals, promotions, and now overseeing aspects of his father's business, Jin ensured he was constantly occupied.

The members noticed the shift almost immediately. Jin, who had always been the glue of their group, now seemed distant, even if he was physically present. His jokes came less frequently, and his laughter didn't carry the same warmth. He was always on the phone, answering emails, or in meetings whenever they weren't rehearsing or performing.

During one of their rare free evenings, Taehyung finally voiced what everyone else was thinking. "Hyung, are you okay? You've been so busy lately. It feels like we never see you anymore."

Jin smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, Tae. Just a lot on my plate right now. My brother's wedding is coming up, and I want to give him and his wife some time to settle into their lives. Taking care of the business is temporary, don't worry."

The explanation seemed reasonable enough, and though the members were still concerned, they didn't press further. After all, they knew how devoted Jin was to his family.

One evening, as they gathered in the hotel suite for dinner after a long day of rehearsals, Jin barely touched his food. He was scrolling through emails on his phone, his mind preoccupied with a report he needed to finalize.

"Hyung, you're not eating," Jimin pointed out gently.

Jin looked up and offered a small smile. "I'm not that hungry. You guys eat. I'll join you in a bit."

Jungkook, seated across the table, glanced at Jin briefly before looking away. The silence between them was deafening, and the other members exchanged uneasy glances.

"Hyung, you're going to work yourself to death at this rate," Namjoon said, his tone a mix of concern and frustration. "You don't have to do everything alone."

"I'm fine, Joon," Jin replied calmly. "I promise. This is just for a while."

But even as he said it, Jin knew he was lying-to Namjoon, to the members, and most of all, to himself.