Ch 10 : A Love That Shouldn’t Exist

[Present Day – Taehyung’s Apartment]

Taehyung locked the door behind him and leaned against it, his heart hammering in his chest. His fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palm as he squeezed his eyes shut.

Why?

Why did Jungkook always have to come back?

No matter how many times he tried to run, no matter how many lives passed between them, Jungkook always found him.

And Taehyung was always the one left behind.

He exhaled shakily and moved toward the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. His hands trembled as he lifted it to his lips.

His mind was a mess. Flashes of the past haunted him—Jungkook’s bloodied armor, his fading smile, the warmth of his fingers slipping from Taehyung’s grasp.

"Find me in another life."

Taehyung let out a bitter laugh.

How many times had they found each other?

How many times had they lost?

A knock at the door startled him. He knew who it was before even checking.

For a moment, he debated ignoring it. But the knocking continued—firm, persistent.

With a sigh, Taehyung set his glass down and walked to the door. He hesitated before opening it.

Jungkook stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes filled with something Taehyung didn’t want to name.

“I told you to let it go,” Taehyung said quietly.

Jungkook tilted his head. “And you really thought I would?”

Taehyung sighed. “Jungkook—”

“Can I come in?”

Taehyung hesitated.

He knew he should say no. That if he let Jungkook in, things would spiral even further out of control.

But despite everything, despite the fear curling in his chest—

He stepped aside.

Jungkook walked in, his presence immediately overwhelming the small apartment. Taehyung swallowed as he closed the door behind them.

Jungkook turned to face him. “Are you going to tell me why you’re running from me?”

Taehyung leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “You’re imagining things.”

Jungkook scoffed. “I’m not an idiot, Tae.”

Taehyung flinched at the nickname, old emotions surfacing before he could push them down.

Jungkook sighed. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I—” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to fight you. I just want to understand.”

Taehyung looked away. “There’s nothing to understand.”

Jungkook took a step closer. “Then why do you look at me like you know me?”

Taehyung’s breath hitched.

Jungkook was too close. His scent, his warmth—it was all too much.

Memories flooded his mind. Jungkook smiling at him under cherry blossoms. Jungkook reaching for him across a battlefield. Jungkook whispering his name with his final breath.

Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut. “You should go.”

Jungkook didn’t move.

“Tae—”

“Please,” Taehyung whispered.

A beat of silence.

Then, finally, Jungkook sighed. “Fine.”

Taehyung didn’t open his eyes until he heard the door close behind him.

And only then did he let the tears fall.

\[Past Life – A Darkened Room\]

The candle flickered, casting shadows against the walls.

Jungkook sat on the floor, shirt stained with blood, his breathing shallow.

Taehyung knelt beside him, pressing a damp cloth against the wound. “You’re reckless.”