The night wrapped around Seoul like a velvet cloak, its embrace devoid of moonlight, casting the city into deeper shadows.
On the balcony of his apartment, Taehyung slouched against the railing, a half-empty bottle of soju clutched in one hand and a cigarette dangling lazily between his fingers.
His movements were sluggish, his thoughts clouded by the haze of alcohol and nicotine. Taehyung took a long drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing bright against the backdrop of the city lights, before exhaling a cloud of smoke into the cool night air.
"It's been six months," Taehyung murmured to himself, the words heavy with the weight of time and longing. Each day seemed to stretch on endlessly, a relentless cycle of waking up with a throbbing headache, dragging himself through work, and returning home to the same routine of eating, drinking, and smoking.
And all the while, trapped within his thoughts, Taehyung endlessly questioned himself, his decisions, and his very existence, consumed by regret and plagued by unanswerable 'what-ifs'.
What if he had never considered the thought of selling his bike? What if he had found the courage to express himself more clearly? Each hypothetical scenario tormented him, driving him deeper into the abyss of despair.
A sudden cold breeze cutting through the night air jolted Taehyung into a semblance of awareness. His grip tightened on the bottle of soju. The remaining contents burned his throat as he gulped it down in one desperate swig.
Then, as if in slow motion, the glass slipped from his fingers, crashing to the floor with a shattering echo that mirrored the fragments of his shattered thoughts.
His heart ached with the weight of numbness and denial as the realization of their broken relationship hit Taehyung like a tidal wave.
Despite the passage of six long months, the wound still felt raw and gaping, the pain refusing to diminish. Tears finally spilled from his eyes, a testament to the agony he had been suppressing for so long, and the pain felt all too real.
For half a year, Taehyung had clung to the faint hope that Jungkook would reach out and that they would reconcile, but it never happened. His phone had been his constant companion, a lifeline to the possibility of reconciliation. But today, as he left it behind in his office, a sense of finality washed over him.
As Taehyung walked back into his apartment, an eerie clarity swept over him. The absence of his phone felt freeing in a way as if he were finally unshackled from the hope of reconciliation.
In the dim light of his bedroom, he searched for a new pack of cigarettes. Finding one tucked away in a drawer, he retrieved it, fingers trembling slightly, as he lit a cigarette. The ember glowed softly, a tiny beacon of comfort in the room.
Lying back on his bed, Taehyung allowed himself to drift back into memories of the past. He recalled the first time he laid eyes on Jungkook.
Looking at him, the first word that came out of his mouth was 'cute'. He remembered losing to the very same cute boy and teasing him about it. That was the start of their banterful rivalry, which lasted a year.
But what stood out the most in his mind was the night they ended up in jail, caught by the police raiding the illegal racing circuit. Taehyung still remembered the feeling of frustration as Jungkook blamed him for their predicament, despite all other bikers managing to escape.
Taehyung's frustration intensified as Jungkook's accusations echoed in his mind. He sat up abruptly, his hands reaching for the bottle of soju that rested on the bedside table. With a sharp twist, he uncapped it and took a long, deep swig, the fiery liquid burning a path down his throat.
"Why did you choose a different route from everyone else?" Jungkook's words reverberated in his head, each syllable like a dagger stabbing at his conscience. Taehyung could still feel the weight of Jungkook's blame, the bitterness of it lingering on his tongue like the taste of alcohol.
"Why did you follow me, Jungkook?" Taehyung's voice lingered in the dimly lit cell, the question hanging in the air like an unspoken accusation. Taehyung looked at Jungkook, searching for answers in the depths of his eyes.
Jungkook met his gaze, his expression a blend of defiance and frustration. "Why does it matter to you?" he snapped back, his tone tinged with irritation. "You think I wanted to be stuck in this mess with you?"
Taehyung's lips tightened into a thin line, his eyes flashing with anger. "Stop dodging the question, Jungkook," he snapped, his voice sharp with irritation.
Jungkook's jaw clenched, his hand shooting out to grab Taehyung's collar tightly. "You think this is easy for me?" he growled, his frustration palpable. "You want the truth? Fine. The truth is, I don't know what I feel, alright?"
He stared into Taehyung's eyes, his voice strained. "I followed you without even knowing why, Taehyung," he admitted, his tone laced with uncertainty. "It was as if I acted impulsively, without thinking."
Taehyung stood frozen, his mind struggling to process Jungkook's admission. Before he could respond, Jungkook's hand tightened around his collar, pushing him against the cold, rough cell wall. Their bodies pressed together, the proximity sending a jolt of electricity through Taehyung's veins.
As their eyes met, Taehyung searched for any sign of hesitation in Jungkook's intense gaze but found none. Instead, he saw only raw emotion swirling within those dark depths—a mixture of longing, frustration, and something else, something deeper that Taehyung couldn't quite name.
As Jungkook's grip loosened slightly, Taehyung's gaze flickered down to his lips, a subconscious reaction to the charged atmosphere between them. He couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, an unspoken desire stirring within him amidst the tumult of his thoughts.
In that moment, time seemed to freeze, the world around them fading into insignificance as they stood on the brink of the unknown. Taehyung's heart raced with anticipation, uncertainty mingling with the undeniable pull he felt towards Jungkook.
And then, as if guided by an invisible force, Taehyung's impulses took over, propelling him forward without a second thought.
His lips crashed against Jungkook's in a sudden, urgent kiss, while his hand instinctively reached up to grasp Jungkook's jaw, pulling him closer in an embrace.
In the timeless embrace of their kiss, Taehyung and Jungkook felt the weight of a year's worth of unspoken desire unfurling between them.
Each brush of their lips was a testament to the battles fought for the other's attention, the teasing that masked deeper emotions, and the stolen glances laden with unexpressed longing.
After that impulsive kiss, Taehyung and Jungkook found themselves locked in a moment of uncertainty. The air crackled with tension as they pulled away, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. What had just happened between them? Was it a mistake, a reckless impulse fueled by pent-up emotions, or was it something more?
Taehyung's heart hammered in his chest as he searched Jungkook's eyes for any sign of regret or discomfort. But to his surprise, he found none. Instead, he saw a flicker of something deeper, something raw and unguarded that mirrored his own feelings.
Jungkook's lips still tingled from the touch of Taehyung's, his mind reeling with the intensity of the moment. It was as if a dam had burst within him, unleashing a torrent of emotions that he had long tried to suppress.
And yet, despite the uncertainty swirling within him, there was a sense of rightness in the way Taehyung's hand lingered on his jaw, in the way their breaths mingled in the space between them.
Wordlessly, Taehyung reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against Jungkook's cheek. It was a silent question, a plea for understanding, for confirmation that what had passed between them was real.
And in response, Jungkook leaned into the touch, his eyes closing briefly as he savored the warmth of Taehyung's hand against his skin.
There were no words needed between them, no explanations or justifications. In that moment, all that mattered was the undeniable truth of their connection, a bond that transcended words or labels.
As Taehyung sat alone in the present, the weight of the past hung heavy on his shoulders. The memory of that electrifying moment with Jungkook lingered in his mind, a bittersweet reminder of their first kiss and the initial step of their relationship.
He took a final swig from the soju bottle, feeling the familiar burn trailing down his throat, before setting it aside on the bedside table.
He switches off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness, before reclining back. He gazes at the emptiness of the ceiling, as his throbbing headache makes him dizzy. Exhaustion overcomes his tired body as he succumbs to the weight of his heavy heart, seeking solace in sleep and the oblivion it brings.
*
The first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold as Jungkook revved his bike, the engine growling beneath him. The empty streets stretched out before him, bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun, offering a fleeting sense of serenity amidst the chaos of the waking city.
With a distracted mind, Jungkook maneuvered his bike down the familiar road that led to his gym, attempting to be as mindful as possible while riding.
For the past six months, he had relied on the bus for transportation, but today, a missed bus forced him back onto his bike after a long hiatus. But the feeling of riding the bike overwhelmed him completely.
He tried to remind himself to breathe, to reassure himself that this was his bike and that biking was as familiar to him as breathing. Yet, at that moment, drawing in the air felt as difficult as navigating through a storm.
He reached up and opened the visor of his helmet, allowing the rushing wind to caress his half-exposed face. The wind whipped at his hair, while the rhythmic purr of the engine filled his ears.
Though he tries his best to focus on the present moment, memories of carefree rides with Taehyung flood his mind, each turn and bend of the road reminds him of moments they had shared.
He clenched his jaw, attempting to push aside the ache in his chest as he rode on. Yet, despite his efforts, glimpses of the years spent with Taehyung kept resurfacing, each memory a painful reminder of their time together.
Resentment brewed within him as he recalled the heartbreaking day he ended their relationship with his own stupid mouth, as he so often does.
As he reached the intersection, his mind still ensnared by thoughts of Taehyung, he failed to notice the traffic light flicker from green to yellow. Oblivious to the warning, he pressed on, the ache in his chest growing more intense with each passing moment.
Suddenly, the blare of horns shattered his reverie, and he looked up just in time to see the car hurtling toward him. Panic surged through him, but it was too late.
The screech of brakes filled the air, followed by the sickening crunch of metal as the collision sent him flying from his bike.
In the chaos of twisted metal and shattered glass, he lay dazed on the pavement, pain coursing through his body. Reality crashed over him like a wave as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
The intersection, once a mundane backdrop to his thoughts, was now the scene of a life-altering moment.
As sirens wailed in the distance, drawing closer with each passing second, Jungkook's thoughts turned to Taehyung once again, like clockwork. Regret gnawed at him, a tidal wave of anguish and self-recrimination washing over his senses.
Each blaring siren seemed to echo his own inner lament, a haunting reminder of the irreversible consequences of his choices.
In the haze of pain and fading consciousness, fragments of that day played before him, vivid and relentless. Where he found himself at his worst, hurting his boyfriend without understanding his side or offering an explanation of his own.
He cried out loud in pain and misery, consumed by his own foolishness, blinded by pride and stubbornness, unable to see the truth until it was too late.
Now, as darkness crept around the edges of his consciousness, Jungkook desperately grasped at the fragments of his past, wishing for a chance to rewrite the script. But inevitability, unyielding and relentless, had already determined his fate. With a final, agonized whisper, Jungkook uttered Taehyung's name, as his regrets reverberated in the silent void that surrounded him.
lTaehyung grimaced as he pressed his fingertips against his temples, feeling the dull throb of a headache pulsing through his skull—a relentless reminder of last night's endeavors.
He struggled to recall the events that had led him to this state, his memories fragmented and blurred by the fog of alcohol and smoke.
Yet, in a bittersweet irony, he knew all too well what had happened, the same old routine playing out over the past six months, burned into his memory.
The room spun slightly as he sat up, his senses overwhelmed by the lingering scent of liquor and stale cigarette smoke.
Rubbing his temples in a futile attempt to alleviate the pain, Taehyung winced against the harsh light filtering through the curtains, his thoughts muddled and disjointed, mirroring the daze from the night before.
He pushed himself upright, swinging his legs off the bed as he squinted, attempting to shake off the haze of sleep completely.
Suddenly, a nagging feeling tugged at the edges of his consciousness, a sense that something was amiss, something he couldn't quite grasp, jolting him fully awake.
Shaking his head and shrugging off the lingering unease, Taehyung stumbled into the bathroom to cleanse himself of the telltale scent of a drunkard. However, the feeling of wrongness persisted, refusing to dissipate even after freshening up.
With a sigh, Taehyung dressed hastily, his mind racing as he tried to pinpoint what was causing his gut to sink.
Despite his persistent thinking, he couldn't find what was out of order. In the end, he had to push his feelings aside, chalking it up to the aftermath of a restless night.
Skipping breakfast, with no appetite, Taehyung gathered his essentials with purpose, guided by a quiet resolve. Eager to leave the disarray of the house and the uneasiness behind, he stepped out into the fresh air and made his way to his car.
Sliding into the driver's seat, he started the engine, the familiar hum filling the space around him. As he pulled out of the driveway, he made a conscious effort to clear his mind and concentrate on the road ahead.
By the time Taehyung reached his office, the feeling of unease resurfaced with a vengeance, creeping into the corners of his mind like shadowy whispers. Try as he might, he couldn't shake the feeling this time.
Walking into his cubicle with an anxious heart, Taehyung grabbed his phone, hoping for some distraction from the relentless churn of his thoughts. However, what he found only deepened his sense of dread—three missed calls from Jungkook and ten missed calls from an unknown number.
His heart lurched in his chest, a heavy realization settling upon him like a shroud. Since the break of dawn, an insidious sense of foreboding had gnawed at him, each passing moment only deepening his unease.
It started with a subtle prickling at the back of his mind, a whisper of doubt that refused to be ignored.
As the morning wore on, the feeling intensified, his gut twisting with an unsettling certainty that something was amiss. Taehyung tried to dismiss it as mere paranoia, but the nagging sensation persisted, growing stronger with every passing minute.
And now, as he stood in his office, the weight of his premonitions crashing down upon him, he realized with chilling clarity that his gut feeling had been right all along.
Frantically, he dialed Jungkook's number, his hands trembling as he waited for the call to connect. Yet, his efforts were met with silence, the call diverted straight to voicemail, amplifying his growing panic.
Desperate for answers, he hesitated only momentarily before dialing the unknown number that had also haunted his missed calls. His breath caught in his throat as he held the phone to his ear, the anticipation of a response leaving him on edge, his mind racing with countless possibilities.
The call is picked up, and with a nervous exhale, Taehyung hesitantly asks, "Hello?”
"Hello, this is Seoul Central Hospital," a calm voice greeted from the other end of the line.
"Sorry?" Taehyung responded with a hint of confusion.
"Is this Mr. Kim Taehyung?" the voice asked, sending a shiver down Taehyung's spine as he braced for the worst.
"This is him," he replied, his breath catching as panic engulfed him.
"We regret to inform you that Jungkook has been involved in a serious accident," the voice says solemnly. "He's currently in surgery, and his condition is critical.”
Taehyung's breath catches in his throat, shock and fear gripping him like an icy hand. "Wh-what happened? Is he going to be okay?" he stammers, his voice cracking with emotion.
"The details are still unclear, but Jungkook sustained multiple injuries," the voice explains gently. "It's best for you to come to the hospital and speak with the doctor directly for more information on his condition."
Taehyung's mind churned like a turbulent sea as he grappled with the weight of the news. With a shaky voice, he managed to respond, "I'll... I'll be there right away." As he struggled to maintain composure, he added, "Thank you," expressing his gratitude for the hospital's consistent effort to reach out to inform him about Jungkook's condition, before cutting the call.
Without a moment's hesitation, Taehyung quickly informed someone in the office of the emergency before bolting out the door.
The fact that they were broken up meant nothing if Jungkook dies; he couldn't let their last conversation be truly their last, especially if, by chance, Jungkook doesn't make it. With his heart heavy with the weight of possibility, he raced towards his car.
With shaky hands, he fumbled for his keys, his mind consumed by thoughts of Jungkook and the irrevocable consequences of his own inaction.
Taehyung's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he drove towards the hospital, his resolve wavering amidst the onslaught of fear, regret, and disbelief.
The news of Jungkook's accident had hit him like a ton of bricks, shattering the fragile semblance of normalcy he had clung to since their breakup. Each passing second felt like an eternity as he navigated through the maze of streets, his heart heavy with worry and guilt.
Despite their breakup, the thought of Jungkook in pain stirred something deep within him. It wasn't just about their past together; it was about the person he still cared for, no matter what had transpired between them.
As he sped towards the hospital, a sense of urgency overpowered his doubts and fears. This wasn't about dwelling on what could have been anymore; his love for Jungkook ran too deep for him to turn away.
As he pulled into the hospital parking lot, Taehyung's pulse quickened with a sense of concern. Ignoring the dull ache in his chest, he sprinted towards the entrance, his footsteps resounding through the corridors bustling with activity.
With each passing moment, the gravity of the situation weighed heavier on his shoulders, threatening to suffocate him with the weight of uncertainty.
Finally reaching the reception area, Taehyung stumbled forward, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked for Jungkook's room. The receptionist's sympathetic gaze only served to fuel his rising panic as she directed him toward the elevators.
As the doors slid open, Taehyung stepped inside, his heart pounding in his chest. Each floor felt like an eternity as he ascended toward the unknown fate awaiting him on the surgical floor. His mind raced with a million possibilities, each more terrifying than the last.
Arriving at Jungkook's room, his breath stilled as he pushed open the door. What he saw before him was a stark reminder of the fragility of life, as Jungkook lay unconscious on the hospital bed, surrounded by beeping monitors that seemed to be keeping him alive. Tubes and wires snaked from his body, connecting him to various machines. A ventilator gently rose and fell with each breath, while IV drips delivered crucial medications to his weakened body.
Taehyung's breath caught in his throat as he took in the scene before him. After six months of silence and distance, seeing Jungkook in such a vulnerable state filled him with a mix of emotions.
Memories of their past flooded his mind, mingling with the anguish of their breakup. Yet, amidst the chaos of his thoughts, one thing remained crystal clear – his love for Jungkook, constant and unwavering.
Taehyung's steps faltered near Jungkook's bedside, his heart weighed down by worry. With cautious movements, he moved to sit on a nearby chair.
His gaze fixed on Jungkook's still form. With hands that trembled slightly, he reached out to brush a strand of hair away from Jungkook's face, his touch gentle and tender, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace of the moment.
In that instant, all the reasons for their separation seemed trivial compared to the overwhelming need to be there for the person he still loved.
Taehyung's fingers lingered on Jungkook's cheek, the warmth of his skin a complete contrast to the sterile chill of the hospital room. He fought to hold back tears, his emotions threatening to spill over at any second. This surreal moment felt like a cruel twist of fate, a reminder of how fragile life truly was.
As Taehyung caresses Jungkook's skin, a tear or two slips from his eyes. he swiftly moves his hands to wipe them as a knock on the door preempts his action.
The door creaks open, revealing a middle-aged man in a white coat.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Shim," the man says as he enters the room. "I'm the attending physician who operated on Mr. Jeon. I'd like to discuss his condition with you, if it's alright."
Taehyung, visibly distressed, nods silently. "What happened? How did it happen?" he inquires, his voice tense with worry.
"Mr. Jeon was brought into the emergency room after an accident that occurred nearby," Dr. Shim explains. His voice maintains a steady demeanor as he continues, "Upon initial examination, we identified internal bleeding, which necessitated immediate surgical intervention."
"I want to assure you that we acted swiftly, and the operation was successful in addressing the internal bleeding," Dr. Shim continues, his tone reassuring. "As a result, Jungkook is currently stable and under close observation."
"In addition to the internal bleeding, Jungkook also suffered from a facial laceration, a shoulder dislocation, femur fractures, and unfortunately, several rib fractures that affected his breathing by putting pressure on his lungs. However, everything is taken care of. These injuries were promptly tended to, and he has undergone the necessary procedures to stabilize the fractures and address the dislocation and laceration."
After listening attentively, visibly concerned but relieved to receive detailed updates about Jungkook's condition, Taehyung simply says, "Thank you," his voice filled with gratitude.
Dr. Shim nods with a gentle smile. "It's my duty," he says warmly. "And yes, if you have any further questions or if anything comes up, please don't hesitate to reach out to me."
Taehyung agrees in understanding before asking the question weighing heavily on his mind. "When do you think Jungkook will wake up?"
The doctor offers a reassuring smile. "If there are no complications, Mr.Jeon should regain consciousness by tonight," he replies optimistically. "We'll continue to monitor him closely to ensure a smooth recovery process."
Taehyung breathes a sigh of relief, gratitude evident in his expression. "Thank you, Doctor Shim," he says sincerely. "I appreciate all that you're doing for Jungkook."
Doctor Shim gives a slight smile before preparing to leave the room, pausing as he realizes he forgot to ask a crucial question. "I completely forgot to inquire about this earlier," he admits, his expression thoughtful. "Does Jungkook have any history of mental illness or psychiatric conditions? Witnesses of the accident reported to the paramedic that Mr. Jeon drove into the car."
Taehyung's brow furrows with concern at the question "What?" he pauses. "No, Jungkook doesn't have any history of mental illness," he replies firmly. "He's always been mentally sound."
Doctor Shim nods, taking note of Taehyung's response. "Thank you for clarifying," he says, his tone appreciative. "It's important for us to consider all aspects of the situation."
With that, the doctor exits the room, leaving Taehyung to ponder the implications of the last conversation.
After the doctor's departure, Taehyung sat in silence, his mind churning with the doctor's words. The phrases echoed in his head like a haunting melody, each one carrying the weight of doubt and fear.
"Critical condition... stable... close observation... injuries... surgery..." The words danced before his eyes, blurring together into a cacophony of worry and tension.
Despite his best efforts to focus, Taehyung found himself fixating on one phrase in particular: "Mr. Jeon drove into the car." The implications sent a chill down his spine, stirring a storm of questions and doubts. Could it have been an accident? Or something more deliberate.
As his mind raced with questions and doubts spawned by those words, Taehyung's anxiety peaked, compelling him to grasp Jungkook's hand instinctively, seeking comfort and distraction from his swirling thoughts.
Squeezing Jungkook's hand tightly, Taehyung felt a sense of grounding wash over him as if the physical connection provided a brief respite from the chaos within.
However, as he shifts his gaze to Jungkook's pale and still face lying amidst the plain surroundings of the hospital room, the comforting feeling begins to crack.
His hands instinctively reach for his pocket, where he keeps his cigarettes, but he stops himself mid-motion. A surge of guilt washes over him as he scolds himself for even considering leaving Jungkook's side to calm his nerves and satisfy his craving for a smoke.
Restraining himself from smoking inevitably dredges up memories he desperately wants to avoid, especially with Jungkook beside him in this vulnerable state.
Each urge to reach for his cigarette is a cruel reminder of their situation. After their break-up, would Jungkook even want him here? What if Jungkook hated him? What if Jungkook asked him to leave as soon as he woke up?
These haunting questions gnawed at Taehyung's resolve, amplifying his inner turmoil as he struggled to reconcile his desire to be there for Jungkook with the fear of rejection.
As he wrestled with his own demons, Taehyung made a silent vow to push past his insecurities and stand unwaveringly by Jungkook's side, whatever the outcome. All he could do now was wait, holding onto the fragile thread of hope that their love stood on.
*
Jungkook slowly opens his eyes and is momentarily blinded by the brightness of the white space. Blinking, he tries to make sense of his surroundings.
His mind is foggy, memories fragmented, yet the sensation of his body hurtling through the air, the sudden jolt as he's thrown off his bike, lingers-a vivid replay of the accident that occurred before he woke up here.
Struggling to sit up, he takes in the emptiness around him. No walls, no floor, just an endless expanse of white. Panic starts to rise within him as he realizes he has no idea where he is or how he got here.
Then, as if in response to his unspoken plea for clarity, the white space begins to shimmer and fade, like a mirage dissipating in the desert heat. Slowly, the emptiness transforms into the familiar surroundings of his own living room.
Confusing Jungkook as he floats weightlessly in the air, his mind struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in reality. Before he can process what's happening, another version of himself storms into the room with an angry expression on his face.
"Where is your bike, Taehyung?" Another version of himself screams, the words resonating with a bitter familiarity. Jungkook's heart clenches as he immediately recognizes those words as the beginning of the end of their relationship.
Taehyung steps out of the kitchen, his brows furrowed in a deep frown. "I've sold it," he states simply, his tone matter-of-fact.
"What? How could you?" the other Jungkook exclaims, his voice filled with disbelief and anger.
"We already talked about this, Jungkook," Taehyung explains, his tone unwavering. "I needed the money, and someone was willing to buy it at an unreasonably high price."
"Of course, it sold for a high price. It was a limited edition bike, Taehyung, one you cared for with so much money," the other Jungkook replies, frustration evident in his voice.
"The bike meant a lot to me, and I know it did for you as well, but it's okay. It was my decision. I wanted the money " Taehyung responds.
"Why the sudden need for money? You could've just asked me," he said, his tone laced with a hint of accusation.
"I..." Taehyung muttered under his breath, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "It's a gift, well sort of," he added.
"Gift? What do you mean?"
"It's a car, I bought it for us,"
"What? Why would we need a car?"
"I know it might seem sudden," Taehyung began, meeting Jungkook's puzzled gaze with determination. "but I have been thinking about buying a car for months-"
"But you never discussed that with me," the other Jungkook cut in, his tone betraying a hint of hurt mixed with surprise.
"Because I wasn't sure if you would agree with me," Taehyung admitted. "After all, you love biking so much, and change isn't exactly your thing," he continued, his tone gentle yet firm."But I believed it was time for a change, for both of us,"
"W-wow," Jungkook managed to utter, his voice barely above a whisper, his astonishment evident in his wide-eyed stare. "So, you decided for both of us, huh?" he added, a hint of incredulity coloring his tone.
"That's not true, you're misunderstanding me," Taehyung clarified, his tone earnest. "It's kind of a gift for our relationship, so we can try something new like road trips-"
"We could just go on road trips with our bikes like usual," Jungkook interjected, cutting off Taehyung's explanation.
"Yes, with two bikes, where we need to pay attention to the road while driving, and where we can never talk without stopping," Taehyung explained, his voice tinged with frustration.
"I want to go on car rides with you, talk with you while driving, and hold your hand. Can't you understand? And It's not like I sold your bike; you can still use it." he emphasized.
"That's not the point," Jungkook countered, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "You sold yours, Taehyung. That bike meant everything to us, to me. Riding together was our thing." he expressed, voicing his concern.
"Jungkook, I get it, those memories mean a lot to me too. But can't you see our relationship has become stagnant because of it?" Taehyung's voice quivered with a mix of frustration and desperation. "I just wanted to add some excitement into our lives. Why is it so difficult to make you understand?"
"Did you just say our relationship became stagnant, Taehyung? How dare you!" Jungkook's voice crackled with indignation and hurt.
"It's the truth, Jungkook, don't even think of denying it. Our lives have become like a routine; we do the same thing every weekday and weekend," Taehyung replied sharply.
"Maybe it's routine for you, but I don't see it that way," Jungkook retorted, his tone defensive. "We've had plenty of adventures together, Taehyung. Don't discount that,"
"There you have it.. 'had'," Taehyung replied. "When was the last time we did something different on the weekend other than either being at home or you dragging me on bike rides?"
"Dragging you? Don't you enjoy biking?" Jungkook replied defensively, his tone revealing a touch of hurt.
"I do, I did," Taehyung trailed off. "I just don't enjoy them so often anymore," he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of regret.
"So you sold your bike because of that?" Jungkook queried. "Shouldn't you still hold onto it for memories, even if you don't want to ride anymore?"
"I have you for our memories together, Jungkook. I love you, and yes, the bike brought us together. But I chose to sell it for our sake too. You matter more to me than the bike. I just wish you feel the same way about me," Taehyung confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Well, there is no 'us' anymore," Jungkook says cruelly. As The floating Jungkook repeats after him, with tears in his eyes, filled with regret.
Taehyung's eyes widened in shock, The words hitting him like a sudden thunderclap, shaking him to his core. "You didn't just say that," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Jungkook nods on a whim to reply, while the floating Jungkook furiously shakes his head.
"You can't break up with me right after I said I loved you and wanted to improve our relationship," Taehyung protested, his voice pleading and filled with desperation.
"You stopped enjoying biking and then sold the bike, something that brought us together. Who knows what else you'll sell without telling me or stop liking?" Jungkook said without thinking, the words tumbling out of his mouth impulsively.
"Jungkook, I didn't sell the bike to hurt you or diminish what it meant to us. But Sometimes change is needed, and it doesn't mean I'll start selling everything we love. I still care about our relationship deeply, and I wish you'd trust me on that."
"How can I trust you when you sold the most important part of our relationship? What else could you even sell after this?" Words flow out of Jungkook with no mercy.
"Okay, I understand," Taehyung murmured, clenching his fists, his voice heavy with heartache. "If you feel that way, maybe it's best if we take some time apart to figure things out," he added, his patience with the argument wearing thin.
Looking at the face Taehyung makes, the Floating Jungkook sobs, guilt eating away at him as he flies towards Taehyung, who is packing his essentials. He tries to grab him to stop him from leaving, but his hands pass through him, making him feel miserable. Then, he glares at his past self, which remains fixed in place, contemplating all he said, unable to move or react.
"Call me when you trust me again," Taehyung says through gritted teeth as he leaves, slamming the door behind him.
Darkness envelops the floating Jungkook as tears blur his vision, mirroring the space around him as it fades into an abyss of blackness, swallowing him whole as unconsciousness consumes him.
He opens his eyes again after what feels like a journey through memories, greeted by the sterile embrace of white walls encircling him. The rhythmic beeping of medical equipment fills the air, intertwining with the sharp scent of antiseptic.
As he shifts, he feels the gentle pressure of someone's hand grasping his own, a comforting presence amid uncertainty. Blinking against the harsh brightness of the room's fluorescent lights, he tries to piece together his surroundings. The hospital bed beneath him feels foreign, its stiff sheets are unfamiliar against his skin. Tubes and wires snake from his body to various machines, their hum punctuating the silence.
With a furrowed brow, he turns his head to the side, catching sight of a figure sleeping with his head resting on their hands, their fingers intertwined with his own. Recognition floods his senses as he realizes the figure is Taehyung, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of his familiar face.
Attempting to speak, he finds his throat constricted, a tightness gripping him with an invisible force. Panic wells up within him as he struggles to utter Taehyung's name, but the words catch in his throat, silenced by an unseen obstruction. Gasping for air, he fights against the constriction, the urgency of his need to communicate overwhelming him.
Taehyung's eyes snap open suddenly, startled by the choked noise emanating from Jungkook. Panic grips his chest as he quickly assesses the situation, realizing the distress Jungkook is in.
"Jungkook, baby, hey, it's okay," Taehyung murmurs softly, his voice urgent yet gentle. "You're on a ventilator, don't panic. Just breathe normally, okay? Calm down."
Taehyung locks eyes with Jungkook, his gaze emitting reassurance. His touch is tender as he cradles Jungkook's cheeks, the warmth of his palms a comforting presence against Jungkook's skin. With each gentle stroke, Taehyung seeks to ease the tension etched on Jungkook's face, calming him down with a whispered assurance, "I am here."
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