Ch 7 – The Beginning of the End

[Present Day – University Café]

“You’re staring.”

Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts. Across the table, Jimin raised a brow before sipping his iced coffee.

“I wasn’t,” Taehyung muttered, stabbing at his croissant with unnecessary force.

Jimin smirked. “You so were.” He tilted his head toward the counter. “Honestly, if you’re going to make heart eyes at Jungkook, at least be subtle about it.”

Taehyung stiffened.

Jungkook stood at the café counter, talking to the barista, his usual confidence in every gesture. He wasn’t even looking their way, and yet Taehyung felt exposed.

Jimin sighed. “Tae, if you like him, why not just tell him?”

Taehyung gave a hollow laugh. “It’s not that simple.”

Jimin frowned. “Why?”

Because I’ve loved him before. Because I’ve lost him before. Because no matter what, he always dies in my arms.

But Taehyung couldn’t say that.

So he just shook his head.

Jimin didn’t push, but the concern in his eyes was enough to make Taehyung look away.

Jungkook, however, chose that exact moment to turn. Their eyes met.

And Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat.

\[Past Life – A War Camp\]

The tent was dimly lit, the candle flickering in the cold night air. Taehyung sat on the cot, trying to suppress a shiver.

The war was getting worse. The battles were taking a toll. And Jungkook—

Jungkook stood before him, silent.

Taehyung didn’t know what to say. The blood on Jungkook’s hands wasn’t his, but it still made his stomach twist.

“Do you regret it?” Jungkook finally asked. His voice was rough, tired.

Taehyung looked up. “Regret what?”

“Choosing me.”

Taehyung’s breath caught.

Jungkook was a prince. A warrior. A man who had given up everything—his title, his kingdom—for Taehyung.

And yet, there was doubt in his eyes.

Taehyung stood, stepping closer. “No,” he whispered.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched. “Even if it kills us?”

Taehyung swallowed. “Even then.”

And just like that, Jungkook kissed him.

It was desperate, rough, like a man trying to hold onto something that was already slipping away.

Taehyung kissed him back, knowing that in every lifetime, Jungkook would always be his greatest love—

And his greatest loss.

[Present Day – Outside the Café]

Taehyung needed air.

After paying for their drinks, he had made an excuse and stepped outside, pressing his palms against the cold metal railing.

His heart was pounding.

It wasn’t fair. He had spent so long avoiding Jungkook, trying to keep distance, and yet…

“I don’t like being ignored, you know.”

Taehyung tensed.

Jungkook leaned against the railing beside him, hands tucked in his pockets. “Every time I try to talk to you, you run.”

Taehyung inhaled sharply. “I don’t run.”

Jungkook gave him a look. “You do. And I don’t get it.” He tilted his head. “Did I do something to you?”

Taehyung’s throat tightened.

Yes. You loved me. And you died for it.

“No,” Taehyung whispered. “You didn’t.”

Jungkook studied him, his gaze sharp. “Then why do you look at me like that?”

Like you’re a ghost. Like you’re someone I was never meant to have.

Taehyung forced a smile. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Jungkook’s jaw ticked. “Liar.”

Taehyung flinched.

Jungkook sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but I’m not going anywhere.” His voice softened. “So stop running, Taehyung.”

Taehyung’s breath hitched.

Because deep down, he wanted to believe him.

Even though he knew how this story would end.

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