Chapter 5: Echoes of the past
The atmosphere remained tense even after the meeting ended. The members of Eclipse and Stratos had parted ways for now, but the weight of the collaboration hung over them like an impending storm.
Taehyung sat on the balcony of their dorm, the city skyline stretching before him. A cool breeze played with his hair, but his thoughts were far from the dazzling lights. His phone rested on the small table beside him, the screen still open to an old photo—a younger version of himself and Jungkook, arms slung over each other, laughing in their school uniforms.
Jimin stepped outside, a cup of tea in hand.
Park Jimin
Couldn’t sleep?
Kim Taehyung
Too much on my mind.
Jimin took a sip before sitting across from him.
Park Jimin
You didn’t say much after the meeting.
Kim Taehyung
There wasn’t much to say.
Park Jimin
You and Jungkook... you used to be inseparable, Tae.
Taehyung’s grip on his phone tightened.
Jimin sighed, placing a hand on Taehyung’s knee.
Park Jimin
I know you, Taehyung. Whatever happened between you two... you never really moved on, did you?
Taehyung exhaled through his nose, staring at the city below.
Kim Taehyung
Some things are better left in the past.
Meanwhile, across the city, Jungkook was in the practice room, sweat dripping down his face as he punched the choreography over and over again. The others had gone to bed, but sleep was the last thing on his mind.
Seokjin entered the room, arms crossed.
Kim Seokjin
You’re going to wear yourself out before we even start rehearsals.
Jungkook barely glanced at him.
Jeon Jungkook
I need to be ready.
Kim Seokjin
For the collaboration?
Jungkook nodded, grabbing a towel and wiping his face
Jeon Jungkook
We need to be perfect.
Seokjin walked over and placed a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder.
Kim Seokjin
Or are you trying to prove something to someone?
Jungkook’s jaw tightened.
Jeon Jungkook
I just want to get this over with.
Seokjin gave him a long look before sighing.
Kim Seokjin
You know, avoiding the past doesn’t erase it.
Kim Seokjin
Jungkook didn’t respond, but his grip on the towel tightened.
The next morning, Eclipse and Stratos gathered at the company’s joint practice studio. The massive mirrored room was lined with staff members, cameras ready to document the beginning of their collaboration.
Jungkook walked in with Namjoon and Jackson, his expression unreadable. Across the room, Taehyung stood with Jimin and Yoongi, his gaze flickering toward Jungkook for the briefest moment before looking away.
The moment of silence stretched between them until the instructor clapped his hands.
Instructor
Alright, let’s get to work!
They were idols. Professionals. No matter their past, they had a job to do.
But as Taehyung and Jungkook stepped into formation, eyes locking for the first time since their school days, one thing was clear—
The past wasn’t done with them yet.
Author
Thank you for reading the chapter.
Author
Hope you’ll liked it
Author
Please like and comment
Author
See you in the next chapter.
Comments
Alfi...💜
it's good 👍
2025-02-27
1