Episode 17: Searching for Something Invisible

Jungkook sat by the tall windows of the Jeon Clan’s staycation house, the sunlight reflecting on his unfinished school assignments. He had finally decided to focus on homeschooling, taking his father’s advice to step away from the school environment for a while. Only Hoseok, Jimin, and the principal knew about his academic break and his new address.

He was finally moving forward, even if the past still lingered in the corners of his mind. Hoseok and Jimin often visited to keep him company, ensuring he wasn’t completely isolated. Though Jungkook appreciated their presence, his heart still felt heavy with the memories of Taehyung’s betrayal.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was falling apart. His once bright, confident demeanor had disappeared. He had lost his signature warm smile, the spark in his eyes dimmed, and he was barely eating. His groupmates noticed his drastic weight loss and how his usual rich, captivating voice faltered during practice.

Yoongi and Namjoon exchanged worried glances during another session where Taehyung failed to sing his parts.

“Taehyung,” Yoongi said softly after practice, “you’re not okay. Talk to us.”

Taehyung shook his head. “I’m fine,” he mumbled, avoiding their eyes.

“You’re not,” Namjoon pressed, stepping closer. “You’re slipping away, Tae. Let us help you.”

But Taehyung couldn’t respond. The guilt and pain were too heavy to put into words. All he could think about was Jungkook—how he had ruined everything with his selfishness, how he had driven the one person he loved away.

Jimin, on the other hand, was navigating his complicated feelings. His initial love for Jungkook was slowly fading, replaced by confusion as Yoongi’s persistence stirred something new in his heart.

One afternoon, Yoongi caught up with Jimin in the school courtyard.

“Hey,” Yoongi said, his tone soft but determined.

“Yoongi,” Jimin greeted, offering a small smile.

“I know this might feel sudden, but... I want to ask you something,” Yoongi began, his voice steady. “I’ve liked you for a while now, Jimin. I know you’ve been dealing with your own feelings, but I care about you—a lot. I’m not asking for anything more than a chance.”

Jimin looked at Yoongi, his heart conflicted but touched by Yoongi’s honesty. After a moment of silence, he sighed. “Yoongi, you’ve been so patient with me, and I don’t want to keep you waiting anymore. I’ve thought about it, and... I’m willing to give you a chance.”

Yoongi’s face brightened with a rare smile. “You won’t regret this, Jimin. I’ll do my best to make you happy.”

Later that day, Bang Chan approached Jimin in the hallway.

“Jimin!” he called out, jogging to catch up.

“Oh, Bang Chan! What’s up?” Jimin asked with a cheerful smile.

“I’ve been worried about Jungkook. I can’t reach him—do you know where he is?”

Jimin hesitated for a moment before answering. “He’s doing homeschooling now. He needed some space, so he’s staying at his family’s staycation house. It’s better for him there.”

Bang Chan nodded, relieved. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll visit him. He’s been on my mind a lot lately.”

When Bang Chan arrived at the Jeon Clan’s staycation house, he was greeted by the serene, grand estate. Knocking on the door, he was met by a startled Jungkook.

“Bang Chan?” Jungkook asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

“You didn’t think I’d just forget about you, did you?” Bang Chan teased with a grin.

Jungkook stepped aside, letting him in. “It’s been a while.”

As they sat in the cozy living room, Bang Chan studied Jungkook closely.

“You’ve changed,” Bang Chan remarked, a mixture of relief and curiosity in his tone.

“In a good way?” Jungkook asked, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Definitely,” Bang Chan said. “You look... lighter. Happier, even.”

Jungkook’s smile faded slightly as he looked down at his hands. “I’m trying to move on. Some days are easier than others, but... I’m getting there.”

Bang Chan placed a reassuring hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. “That’s all that matters. You’re allowed to take your time, Jungkook.”

Back in the city, Taehyung was spiraling further. Every attempt to contact Jungkook ended with the same automated message, and the emptiness in Jungkook’s apartment only deepened his regret.

Sitting on the floor of the apartment, Taehyung clutched his phone tightly. “Why did you leave, Jungkook?” he whispered into the silence. “Why did I let you go?”

His father’s growing impatience didn’t help. “Taehyung, you need to stop wasting time,” his father scolded during another lecture. “Focus on your responsibilities.”

But Taehyung couldn’t focus on anything. His heart and mind were consumed by Jungkook, by the life he had thrown away, and by the person he had hurt the most.

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