Threads of fate

Chapter 16

The gap between Jin and Jungkook became insurmountable. Jin kept himself so busy that he barely had time to think about the ache in his chest. He told himself that he was doing the right thing by giving Jungkook the space he seemed to need. But the truth was, Jin missed him-missed the late-night talks, the stolen glances, the quiet moments that had once been theirs.

And yet, no matter how much it hurt, Jin refused to let it show. To the world, he was still Seokjin, BTS's eldest hyung, the one who always had everything under control. But behind the carefully crafted facade, he was just a man nursing a broken heart, trying to hold himself together one day at a time.

Jin threw himself even deeper into his work. Between rehearsals, performances, and his business responsibilities, there was no time to dwell on his emotions. But the ache in his heart never truly went away-it followed him like a shadow, growing heavier with every stolen glance at Jungkook.

Jungkook, too, seemed different. Though he was his usual energetic self on stage and around fans, his eyes lacked the sparkle Jin had once loved so much. The members noticed the growing tension but didn't dare say anything, fearing it might cause a rift in the group.

After an exhausting performance, the members returned to their hotel. Jin went straight to his room, as he always did these days, while the others stayed in the lounge to unwind. Jungkook hesitated for a moment, looking toward Jin's door, before shaking his head and joining the others.

Inside his room, Jin sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone. His lock screen was still a picture of him and Jungkook from their second anniversary-Jungkook's arms wrapped around him, both of them laughing. Jin's thumb hovered over the screen, and for a moment, he considered changing it. But he couldn't bring himself to do it.

A soft knock on the door startled him. He quickly composed himself and opened it, expecting one of the members. Instead, it was yoongi.

"Hyung, can we talk?" Yoongi asked, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.

Jin sighed, closing the door behind him. "What's on your mind, yoongi?"

Yoongi sat down, his brows furrowed with concern. "Hyung, we've all noticed the tension between you and Jungkook. I'm not asking for details, but... it's affecting everyone.

Jin looked away, his throat tightening. "It's nothing, yoongi. We're just... growing. It happens."

Yoongi shook his head. "Not with you two. Whatever's going on, you need to address it. Running away isn't the answer."

"I'm not running," Jin said quietly, though he knew it wasn't entirely true.

"Then fix it," yoongi said firmly. "Whatever it takes, hyung. Because if you don't, this thing between you and Jungkook is going to tear both of you apart."

---

The next night, after another grueling performance, Jin found himself alone on the hotel balcony, staring out at the city lights. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions-memories of Jungkook, the laughter they'd shared, the love they'd built, and the pain of watching it all slip away.

He didn't hear the door open behind him until Jungkook's voice broke the silence. "Hyung."

Jin stiffened, his heart pounding. He didn't turn around. "What is it, Jungkook?"

"I... I just wanted to talk," Jungkook said hesitantly.

Jin finally turned, his eyes meeting Jungkook's. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Jungkook took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. " hyung .....i....m"

Jin's heart ached at the words. He wanted to pull Jungkook into his arms, to tell him everything would be okay. But instead, he said. "Stop don't complete it, Jungkook. We agreed to take a break, remember? And you're the one who wants break not me so don't come here and say that.

The tour had taken its toll on everyone. Between the endless travel, grueling rehearsals, and the weight of their personal struggles, the members were exhausted both physically and emotionally. Each of them was battling their own demons in silence, pushing through for the sake of the group and their fans.

Jin and Jungkook, once inseparable, had grown so distant that their love felt like a memory. It had been months since they had spoken beyond the necessary exchanges during work. The pain of their separation lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable.

The day's practice session had been particularly intense as they prepared for their final two performances in Seoul. Every member gave their all, despite the fatigue etched into their faces. When the session finally ended, the company gave them a few hours to rest.

The members dispersed to their own corners of the rehearsal building. Namjoon and Yoongi sat in the lounge, quietly discussing setlists and arrangements. Jimin and Taehyung were sprawled on the couch, half-asleep but still murmuring about choreography. Jungkook had retreated to a corner with his phone, headphones in, avoiding conversation.

Jin, feeling the heaviness of the day, excused himself and headed to the restroom. He needed a moment to breathe, away from the others.

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