Episode 11: Heartaches

It was late afternoon when Jungkook walked toward the music room, a place that had become a second home for him. As he approached, he heard familiar voices coming from inside—Namjoon, Yoongi, and Taehyung.

“…I only wanted to see how he’d react. It’s just a game after all,” Taehyung’s voice said, followed by a dry laugh.

Jungkook froze, his heart stopping for a moment. A game? He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The person he had trusted, who had made him feel special, was only toying with him?

The words echoed in his mind, drowning out everything else. His fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms as he fought back the tears threatening to spill. Without waiting to hear more, Jungkook turned and left, his footsteps hurried and uneven.

Inside the music room, Taehyung continued speaking, oblivious to Jungkook’s departure.

“But…” Taehyung’s voice softened, no longer laced with amusement. “It’s not just a game anymore. I didn’t expect this, hyungs, but I’ve fallen for him. For real.”

Namjoon and Yoongi exchanged surprised glances.

“You’re serious?” Yoongi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Taehyung nodded, his expression conflicted. “The night at the bar, when I saw his face—it broke me. Seeing how hurt he was made me realize I can’t keep doing this. I love him. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“But there’s more,” Taehyung added, his brows furrowing. “I’ve been piecing things together. The expensive cars, his attitude, how the school head treats him. I’m almost certain Jungkook is part of the Jeon clan. If that’s true, then…”

Namjoon tilted his head. “Then what?”

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “My family’s arranged marriage deal… It might not even be with him. What if it’s not Jungkook? What if I’ve ruined everything for nothing?”

Yoongi frowned. “So what’s the plan now?”

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. “I don’t know. All I know is that I can’t lose him.”

Jungkook rushed to an empty classroom, his legs giving out as he collapsed onto a chair. His chest heaved with the weight of what he had just heard.

It was all a game? All those smiles, all those moments—none of it was real?

His vision blurred as tears streamed down his face. The pain was unbearable. He had trusted Taehyung, let him into his heart, only to be betrayed.

The sound of approaching footsteps jolted him. Jimin appeared in the doorway, concern written all over his face.

“Kook, what’s wrong?” Jimin asked, rushing to his side.

Jungkook looked up, his face streaked with tears. “Jimin… he was playing with me. From the start, it was all a game to him.”

Jimin’s eyes widened. “Who? Taehyung?”

Jungkook nodded, his voice trembling. “I overheard him talking with Namjoon and Yoongi. He said it was all a game to see how I’d react. I… I trusted him, Jimin.”

Jimin knelt in front of Jungkook, taking his hands in his own. “Kook, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You don’t deserve this.”

Jungkook shook his head, his voice breaking. “And it’s not just that. He’s supposed to marry someone from the Jeon clan. That someone… might not even be me.”

Jimin’s heart ached seeing Jungkook like this. He pulled him into a tight hug, letting him cry on his shoulder. “You’re stronger than this, Jungkook. I know it hurts, but you’ll get through it. I’ll be here for you.”

Jungkook clung to Jimin, his sobs echoing through the room. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t face him. I just want to disappear.”

That evening, Jungkook sat in his apartment, replaying the events of the day. His father’s words from their last phone call echoed in his mind: “If you need a break, son, you can always take an academic leave or try homeschooling. Your well-being comes first.”

The idea seemed more appealing now than ever. He couldn’t stay in the same school, surrounded by the same people who reminded him of his pain.

Jungkook made up his mind. He would take a break from school. It wasn’t about running away—it was about finding himself again.

The next day, Jungkook submitted his application for an academic leave. Only Jimin knew about his decision, and he promised to support Jungkook no matter what.

As Jungkook packed his things that evening, he heard a knock at the door.

He froze, his heart pounding as he slowly made his way to the door. “Who… Who is it?” he asked, his voice trembling.

There was no answer at first, only the faint sound of someone shuffling outside.

“Jungkook, open up,” a voice finally said, low and unfamiliar.

Jungkook’s breath hitched. He hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob.

Who could it be?

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