Ch 12 : A Fate Already Written

[Present Day – Taehyung’s Apartment]

The morning light barely filtered through the curtains, but Taehyung was already awake, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. His body felt heavy, like chains from a past he had long tried to forget had wrapped around him once again.

Jungkook was remembering.

That was dangerous.

Taehyung had spent lifetimes running, hiding, trying to break free from the cycle that bound them together. But fate was cruel—it never let them go.

A soft knock at the door made him stiffen. He knew who it was before even standing up.

Still, he hesitated.

If he let Jungkook in again, if he allowed himself to be pulled back into his orbit—

No. He had to be stronger this time.

The knocking came again, firmer.

"Taehyung, open the door."

Jungkook’s voice. Deep, unwavering.

Taehyung clenched his jaw, took a deep breath, and pulled the door open.

Jungkook stood there, eyes sharp, searching. He looked like he hadn’t slept.

Neither of them had.

“Are you going to keep avoiding me?” Jungkook asked, stepping inside before Taehyung could protest.

Taehyung shut the door, exhaling slowly. “I’m not avoiding you.”

Jungkook scoffed. “Then what do you call running away every time I get close?”

Taehyung didn’t answer.

Jungkook took a step closer. “I had a dream last night.”

Taehyung’s breath hitched.

Jungkook studied him. “It felt… real. Like a memory.”

Taehyung forced himself to stay calm. “Dreams are just dreams.”

Jungkook’s jaw clenched. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Lie to me.”

Taehyung turned away, but Jungkook grabbed his wrist, forcing him to look at him. His grip was firm, but not painful—like he was afraid Taehyung would disappear if he let go.

“I remember you,” Jungkook whispered. “Not just from now, but from before. From—” He hesitated. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I know it wasn’t just a dream.”

Taehyung’s chest tightened. “Jungkook—”

“I stabbed you.”

Taehyung froze.

Jungkook’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper. “In my dream… or whatever it was. I killed you.”

Taehyung inhaled sharply.

Jungkook’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Taehyung looked into his eyes—the same eyes that had once been filled with regret as he held Taehyung’s dying body in his arms.

He swallowed.

“You’re not wrong.”

\[Past Life – A Palace Balcony\]

The night was quiet, the stars above shining like tiny witnesses to the tragedy unfolding below.

Taehyung stood with his back to Jungkook, his white robes fluttering in the wind. “It’s funny, isn’t it?”

Jungkook stayed silent.

Taehyung let out a bitter chuckle. “Even when we’re standing together, we’re always on opposite sides.”

Jungkook stepped closer. “I never wanted this.”

Taehyung turned, eyes filled with something heavy. “And yet, it was always meant to end this way.”

Jungkook swallowed hard. “Maybe we can change it.”

Taehyung’s smile was sad, knowing. “We never do.”

Jungkook reached for him.

And just as always—

Taehyung took a step back, beyond his reach.

Jungkook’s hands curled into fists. “Don’t.”

Taehyung’s voice was soft, but unshaken. “You know what has to happen.”

Jungkook’s breath was unsteady. His heart screamed at him to defy fate. But the sword at his waist felt heavier than ever.

Taehyung took one last look at him before whispering, “Find me again.”

And then he fell.

[Present Day – Taehyung’s Apartment]

Jungkook staggered back, his breathing unsteady. “We… we’ve done this before.”

Taehyung nodded. “More times than I can count.”

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, his mind spinning. “Then why? Why do we keep—”

“Because fate is cruel,” Taehyung said quietly. “And we were never meant to have a happy ending.”

Jungkook’s chest ached. “That’s bullshit.”

Taehyung gave him a sad smile. “Maybe. But it’s the truth.”

Jungkook clenched his fists. “Then this time, I’ll change it.”

Taehyung’s eyes darkened. “You say that every time.”

Jungkook stepped closer. “And this time, I mean it.”

Taehyung stared at him for a long moment before whispering, “Then prove it.”

[ guy's don't forget to read the poem ]

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