Episode 19: Echo of What was Lost

The quiet night air outside the staycation house was refreshing. Jungkook, after much coaxing from Jimin and Hoseok, decided to step out for a quick trip to the convenience store. Bang Chan tagged along, claiming he needed snacks, though his real reason was simply to check on Jungkook.

“Feels nice to be out, doesn’t it?” Jimin said, glancing at Jungkook as they strolled down the empty street.

Jungkook smiled faintly. “Yeah… it’s been a while.”

“Just don’t get too comfortable out here,” Hoseok joked, nudging him. “You’re still technically on ‘academic break.’ If anyone recognizes you, we’ll say you’re on a secret mission.”

Bang Chan chuckled. “Secret mission to buy instant noodles? Sounds about right.”

Jungkook laughed softly, though his mind wandered. The familiarity of the streets and the night reminded him of Taehyung. He shook the thought away and focused on the present.

As the group entered, the fluorescent lights illuminated the quiet aisles. Hoseok and Bang Chan immediately dove into a debate over which brand of chips was superior, while Jimin trailed behind Jungkook, silently observing him.

“You’re quieter than usual,” Jimin said, picking up a bottle of water. “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing serious,” Jungkook replied, grabbing a pack of gum. “Just… thinking about how things used to be, I guess.”

Jimin paused, his gaze softening. “You’re doing better, though. That’s what matters.”

“Am I?” Jungkook asked quietly, more to himself than to Jimin. Before Jimin could respond, Bang Chan interrupted.

“Hey, Jungkook! Should we get these spicy noodles? Or is Hoseok just scared of the heat?”

“Scared?” Hoseok scoffed, holding up a different brand. “I’ll eat these and prove you wrong!”

The lighthearted banter pulled a small laugh from Jungkook, and Jimin felt relieved to see him smile, even if just for a moment.

Not far away, Taehyung wandered into the same convenience store. His mind was a haze, replaying his mistakes for the hundredth time. The ache in his chest had become his constant companion, and his once-vivid world now felt gray and lifeless.

He walked slowly through the aisles, barely noticing the shelves around him. All he could think about was Jungkook. The guilt, the heartbreak—it was suffocating.

As Jungkook and his friends exited the store, Taehyung heard the faint echo of laughter. He didn’t register it at first, but then… that voice.

His heart stopped.

“Jungkook?” he whispered, frozen in place. He turned sharply toward the door, his eyes wide with desperation. Dropping the snack he was holding, he rushed outside.

The street was empty.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung called out, his voice trembling. He spun around, searching frantically, but there was no sign of him. It was as if the universe had played a cruel trick on him.

Jungkook and the others strolled back to the staycation house, the cool breeze brushing against them.

“That was fun,” Bang Chan said, carrying a bag full of snacks. “We should do this more often.”

“Yeah, it’s nice to just… step away from everything,” Jungkook admitted.

Jimin glanced at him. “Speaking of stepping away… are you really serious about going abroad after graduation?”

Jungkook’s expression turned serious. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. It’s a chance to start over, to get away from everything.”

Bang Chan frowned. “But isn’t that like running away? You’ve got people here who care about you, Jungkook.”

“It’s not running away,” Jungkook said firmly. “I need this. I need to figure out who I am, without all the drama and expectations.”

Hoseok nodded thoughtfully. “I get it. But just know we’re going to miss you. A lot.”

Jungkook smiled softly. “I’ll miss you guys too. But this is something I have to do for myself.”

Taehyung returned to his apartment, his heart heavier than ever. He collapsed onto the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling. The faint hope he had clung to—that he might see Jungkook again—was slipping away.

In the practice room the next day, Namjoon and Yoongi exchanged worried glances as Taehyung sat in the corner, silent and detached.

“Taehyung,” Namjoon called gently. “You haven’t been yourself lately. What’s going on?”

Taehyung didn’t respond immediately. He stared at the floor, his hands trembling. “I… I don’t know how to fix this,” he said finally, his voice barely audible.

Yoongi stepped closer. “Fix what? Tae, we’re your friends. Talk to us.”

Taehyung let out a shaky breath. “Everything. Jungkook, my family, this… emptiness I feel. I can’t escape it.”

“You’ve lost weight,” Namjoon said softly. “You’re not eating, not practicing… Taehyung, you need to take care of yourself.”

“How can I?” Taehyung snapped, his voice cracking. “How can I when I’ve ruined everything? Jungkook hates me. My father’s disappointed in me. Even I can’t stand myself anymore.”

The room fell silent. Namjoon placed a reassuring hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “You’re not beyond saving, Tae. But you need to let us help you.”

Later that evening, Jungkook sat by the window, staring out at the starry sky. The weight of his decision to leave hung heavily on his heart, but he knew it was the right choice for him.

“You’ll find peace,” Jimin said, sitting beside him. “I can see it in you. You’re stronger than you think.”

“Thanks, Jimin,” Jungkook said quietly. “I just hope I’m making the right decision.”

“You are,” Hoseok chimed in from across the room. “And we’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

Jungkook smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for the friends who had stood by him through everything.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***