The walk home felt longer than usual.
The campus pathways were familiar, the streetlights casting golden pools of light onto the pavement, but tonight, everything felt heavier.
Namjoon and Yoongi's words played on a loop in Taehyung's mind, each sentence carving deeper into the uncertainty already settled in his heart.
"If you want to ease his pain, then confess."
"You think Jungkook buried his feelings because he stopped loving you? He didn't. He still loves you. He's just convinced that you don't love him back."
Taehyung swallowed hard, his fingers curling into fists in the pockets of his coat.His heart ached at the thought of Jungkook believing, even for a second, that he wasn't loved.
He thought back to every time Jungkook had looked at him with soft admiration-back then, when Taehyung hadn't known what it meant. The way Jungkook had always put him first, the way he had smiled even when he was hurting.
He thought about the accident, the moment he had almost lost Jungkook for good.
The blood.
The way Jungkook had smiled even then, in pain.
The way Taehyung had screamed his name, his heart stopping in terror.
He clenched his jaw, shaking his head.
"What if I fail him again?"
What if he confessed, and it wasn't enough?What if Jungkook had buried his feelings so deeply that he wouldn't allow himself to love Taehyung again?
The thought made Taehyung's chest feel too tight.
Love wasn't something he had ever feared before. He had dated, flirted, broken hearts, and had his heart broken. It was always easy. Always fleeting.
But this-this was different.
This was Jungkook.And Taehyung had never wanted anything as much as he wanted him.He exhaled shakily, rubbing a hand over his face.
His mind was messy, conflicted.
His heart already knew the truth.
He loved Jungkook. Completely, painfully, irrevocably.
He just didn't know if he still deserved to.
Would Jungkook even let him?
When Taehyung arrived home, he found Jungkook sitting in the living room, a soft blanket draped over his legs, absentmindedly flipping through a book.
For a moment, Taehyung just stood there, watching him.
Jungkook looked so peaceful, yet so distant.
It was strange.
Jungkook was right there, yet Taehyung felt like he was already losing him.
Taehyung clenched his fists.
"Not again."
Not again.
He wouldn't let himself lose Jungkook again.Jungkook noticed him then, blinking up with his wide, doe-like eyes. "Tae? You're late."
His voice was soft, careful. Like he was still afraid to let himself be too close.
Taehyung swallowed the lump in his throat and forced a small smile. "Yeah... I got caught up in some things."
Jungkook nodded but didn't ask. He never did anymore.
There was a time when Jungkook would have pestered him endlessly, demanding to know everything about his day.Now, he just accepted the silence.
Taehyung hated it.Hated how much had changed between them.Hated how much of that was his fault.Without thinking, he moved forward and sat beside Jungkook on the couch, their shoulders almost touching.
Jungkook looked at him in quiet surprise. "What?"
Taehyung shook his head, staring at the pages of Jungkook's book. "Nothing."
A silence stretched between them. Not awkward, but not comfortable either.
Just full of things neither of them knew how to say.
Taehyung turned slightly, watching Jungkook as he pretended to read.He knew Jungkook wasn't paying attention to the words.His fingers weren't moving to turn the page. His eyes weren't focused.
He was thinking.
And Taehyung would bet everything he had that Jungkook was thinking about their conversation earlier. About what he had said in the cafeteria.
"Just friends."
Taehyung's stomach twisted.
Did Jungkook still believe that?
Did he really think that was all they would ever be?
He wanted to ask. He wanted to tell Jungkook, "I love you. I love you so much I don't know what to do with it."
But the words felt heavy on his tongue.Because he didn't just want to confess.He wanted Jungkook to believe him.
To truly, deeply believe that Taehyung would never hurt him again.And so, Taehyung bit his tongue and stayed silent.
Even as his heart screamed at him to speak.
Jungkook shifted beside him, his mind just as loud as Taehyung's.He knew Taehyung was acting differently.
Softer. More careful.
He knew Taehyung looked at him differently now.
But Jungkook had buried his feelings long ago, convinced that they would never be returned.
And now, even if he sometimes felt like Taehyung might feel the same...
He was terrified of hoping.
Because Jungkook knew what it felt like when hope was shattered.And he wasn't sure he could survive it again.So, he forced a smile, nudging Taehyung's arm.
"I'm tired," Jungkook said, though they both knew it was a lie. "I'm going to sleep."
Taehyung's face fell for a split second before he quickly covered it up with a nod. "Okay. Sleep well, Kookie."
Jungkook hesitated.For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes-like there was something he wanted to say.
Something he needed to say.But then, he swallowed it back.Because hope was dangerous.
And Jungkook had already learned not to wish for things that would never be his.
So instead, he simply whispered, "Goodnight, Tae."And with that, he left.
Leaving Taehyung sitting there, staring at the empty space beside him.
As the night stretched on, Taehyung remained on the couch, his thoughts racing.
Jungkook had always been so expressive, so full of warmth.
But now...
Now, Jungkook looked at Taehyung like he was trying not to love him anymore.
And Taehyung couldn't stand it.
He pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the erratic pounding of his heart.
"I love you."
"I love you so much, Kookie."
"But how do I make you believe me?"
As he sat there, staring at the closed door to Jungkook's room, Taehyung made a silent vow.He wouldn't stop.He wouldn't stop proving his love.
He wouldn't stop showing Jungkook, every single day, in every single way, how much he meant to him.
Even if it took weeks, months, years.Even if Jungkook never believed him.Because for Taehyung, loving Jungkook wasn't a choice anymore.
It was his whole heart.And he wasn't going to let go.
-------
Days turned into weeks, and Taehyung made sure that Jungkook never spent a single moment doubting his worth.
He wasn’t ready to confess—not yet.
Because love wasn’t just words. It was action.
Taehyung wanted to show Jungkook that love wasn’t something fragile, something that could be easily lost. He wanted to prove, in every little way, that he would always be by Jungkook’s side.
He made sure Jungkook never missed a meal, subtly placing his favorite dishes on the table without making a big deal of it.
He reminded him to take breaks, to rest when he needed to, even if Jungkook stubbornly insisted he was fine.
He walked with him to and from college, ensuring that Jungkook never had to go anywhere alone.
He shielded him from unnecessary interactions, subtly keeping people away when he sensed Jungkook was overwhelmed.
And, unknowingly, he fell deeper and deeper in love.
One evening, after dinner, Taehyung suddenly turned to Jungkook with a hopeful glint in his eyes.
“Let’s watch a movie tonight,” he said, voice casual but laced with a strange excitement. “Just us.”
Jungkook, who had been sipping his banana milk, blinked in surprise. “Just us?”
“Yeah,” Taehyung nodded, leaning forward slightly. “No hyungs, no distractions. Just me and you.”
Jungkook hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Okay… What kind of movie?”
Taehyung hummed, pretending to think, before he said, “Horror.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “You like horror movies?”
“Of course!” Taehyung grinned. “I love them.”
Lie.
Jungkook studied him for a second before a small, amused smile played on his lips. “You’re lying.”
Taehyung gasped dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. “Excuse me?”
Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. “Tae, I’ve known you for years. You hate horror movies.”
Taehyung opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it when Jungkook’s knowing gaze softened into something gentle.
“Why are you doing this?” Jungkook asked, voice quiet but curious.
Taehyung hesitated, then shrugged with a small, sheepish smile. “Because I know you like them.”
Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat.He didn’t know why, but that simple sentence sent warmth flooding through him.
Because I know you like them.Taehyung… was doing this for him?
Something about that made Jungkook’s throat tighten, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside.
“Alright,” Jungkook said, standing up. “Horror it is.”
The night was quiet, the soft glow of the laptop illuminating Taehyung and Jungkook’s faces. They were seated on bed, a bowl of popcorn between them as the horror movie began playing.
“Are you sure you want to watch this?” Jungkook asked, a faint teasing smile on his lips.
Taehyung gulped but nodded, determined. “Of course. You love horror movies, and I thought it’d be fun.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, noticing the slight tremble in Taehyung’s hand as he reached for the popcorn. “Alright, let’s see how long you last.”
The eerie music set the tone, and Taehyung was already shifting nervously in his seat. He kept glancing at the screen and then at Jungkook, who seemed completely unfazed, munching on popcorn and enjoying the movie.
When the first jump scare came, Taehyung visibly flinched, his hand gripping the blanket tightly.
He tried to act unaffected, but his shoulders were stiff, his breath slightly uneven.
Jungkook chuckled. “Tae, are you okay?”
“I-I’m fine,” Taehyung stammered, straightening his back and trying to appear nonchalant. “That wasn’t even scary.”
Jungkook smirked, leaning closer. “Really? Because it looked like you almost threw the popcorn.”
Taehyung pouted, feeling his pride take a hit. “I’m not scared! I’m just… focused.”
“Sure, Tae,” Jungkook said, his tone dripping with amusement.
As the movie progressed, the scenes became more intense. Taehyung jumped at every sudden sound, his nerves clearly on edge.
When a particularly terrifying scene came on, Taehyung yelped, grabbing the edge of the blanket and holding it up as if it could shield him from the horror.
Jungkook paused the movie, turning to Taehyung with a concerned look. “Tae, are you sure you’re okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine,” Taehyung insisted, though his voice wavered. “Keep playing the movie.”
Jungkook sighed, clearly unconvinced but resumed the film.
Another jump scare came, and this time, Taehyung jerked back so hard he almost fell off the bed.. His cheeks turned red as he realized how obvious his fear was. Jungkook paused the movie and looked at him, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Tae, are you really okay?” Jungkook asked softly.
Taehyung straightened up, trying to appear composed. “I’m fine, Kookie. Really.”
Jungkook didn’t buy it. Slowly, he opened his arms, his expression soft and inviting. “Come here, then.”
Taehyung froze, his eyes widening. “W-What?”
Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat, his mind racing. Can he hear my heartbeat?
“You’re scared, right? Just come here. I’ll make you feel better,” Jungkook said, his tone so genuine it made Taehyung’s chest tighten.
Taehyung hesitated, his palms sweaty. He tried to refuse, shaking his head slightly, but Jungkook gently grabbed his wrist and pulled him closer. Taehyung landed on Jungkook’s chest, his ear pressed against Jungkook’s steady heartbeat.
“See? Not so bad,” Jungkook said softly, his hand moving to rub soothing circles on Taehyung’s back. “You’re safe, Tae. It’s just a movie.”
Taehyung felt like his heart was going to explode. The warmth of Jungkook’s embrace, the gentle touch on his back—it was too much.
His breathing quickened, and he tried to steady himself, but the proximity was overwhelming.
Jungkook, noticing Taehyung’s rapid heartbeat, frowned slightly. “Tae, are you still scared? Your heart is beating so fast.”
Taehyung froze, his mind scrambling for an excuse. “Uh… y-yeah. The movie is r-really scary.”
Jungkook smiled faintly, his voice soft. “It’s okay. I’m here. Just focus on me, alright?”
Taehyung nodded, his head resting on Jungkook’s chest . He felt like he was in heaven, Taehyung bit his lip, trying to calm his racing heart.
Jungkook adjusted his hold slightly, pulling Taehyung closer “Do you feel better now?” Jungkook asked, tilting his head slightly to look at Taehyung.
“Y-Yeah,” Taehyung managed to say, though his voice was shaky.
“You’re so silly,” Jungkook teased lightly. “Why did you even pick a horror movie if you’re this scared?”
“I… I just wanted you to enjoy it,” Taehyung admitted softly.
Jungkook’s gaze softened,his hand coming up to rub slow soothing circles on Taehyung’s back. . “You don’t have to do things that scare you just for me, Tae. I like spending time with you, no matter what we’re doing.”
Taehyung’s heart swelled at the words . As he lay there, pressed against Jungkook’s chest, Taehyung felt an overwhelming sense of peace.His face was buried against Jungkook’s warmth, his hands gripping Jungkook’s hoodie as if letting go would send him spiraling.
Jungkook’s fingers brushed through his hair, gentle, careful, protective.
“It’s okay, Tae,” Jungkook murmured. “You’re safe.”
Taehyung couldn’t speak.He just closed his eyes, savoring the moment.How can someone who has endured so much still be this kind?Taehyung thought about everything.
The day in the cafeteria when Jungkook had said, “We’re just friends.”
The accident.
The years Jungkook had spent loving him silently, without expecting anything in return.
And Taehyung realized, with painful clarity—He didn’t just love Jungkook.
He was utterly, hopelessly, irreversibly in love with him.
This wasn’t just admiration. This wasn’t just guilt.This was love.The kind of love that stayed.The kind of love that Taehyung was never going to run from again.
He wanted to tell Jungkook.Wanted to whisper, “I love you.”Wanted to kiss his forehead, hold him closer, make sure he never doubted it again.
But instead, he just tightened his arms around Jungkook, burying his face into his chest.
Jungkook didn’t say anything.Didn’t move away.
He just kept running his fingers through Taehyung’s hair, his voice soft.
“You’re safe, Tae. I’m here.”
And for the first time in his life, Taehyung believed it.Jungkook was here.And Taehyung was never letting go.
To be continued...
The next chapter of" Forced Marriage to Love "is out— it's on YouTube!✨ Don't miss the emotional twists and heart-stopping moments
Watch it now:- [ https://youtu.be/0csm9Oufz-k?si=F9WkyfhbxHVIhX0G ] 💖