chapter 4: Small Breakthroughs

sorry, this chapter is going a little bit lengthy but it's interesting

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[ Mid-afternoon, inside a practice studio. The atmosphere is less tense now, but there's still a sense of distance between Jimin and Jungkook. They're in the middle of a rehearsal, but it's much smoother than before, with fewer disagreements. Jimin, after finishing a quick run-through of a dance routine, looks over at Jungkook, who is sitting with his guitar, absent-mindedly strumming some chords.]

Jimin: (wiping sweat from his forehead, his voice light but sincere)

    "Hey, you know... I’ve been thinking. You’re really good at this whole guitar thing." (gestures toward the guitar in Jungkook’s hands)  "You’ve never told me how you got into playing."

Jungkook: (glancing up at Jimin, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips)

   "Hmm, you think so? Well, I’ve been playing for a while now... It's kind of my escape, you know?" (his fingers hover over the strings as if lost in thought for a moment)  "It helps me focus. Gets my mind off... things." (his smile fades slightly, and his gaze momentarily darkens, but he quickly shakes it off and gives Jimin a casual look)

"Why? You interested in learning?"

Jimin: (shrugging with a playful grin)

    "Maybe. I mean, I’m not exactly a guitar expert, but I could give it a try. You never know, it could be fun." (he sits down beside Jungkook, clearly wanting to make an effort to bond, though there’s still a bit of hesitation in his voice) "You’re always so calm when you’re playing. It’s like you’re in your own world."

Jungkook: (his smile softens, a touch of warmth in his voice as he looks at Jimin)

    "Yeah, it’s my quiet place. Helps me clear my head. Not everything has to be loud or fast, you know?" (pauses, looking at Jimin for a second, and then adds teasingly) "You, on the other hand... you’ve got enough energy for both of us." (chuckles lightly)

Jimin: (laughs, nudging Jungkook with his shoulder, but there’s a hint of vulnerability in his eyes)

   "I guess that’s true. But... it’s not always easy to be this... out there all the time, you know? Sometimes, I wish I could just... focus and zone out like you do." (he fidgets with his shirt sleeve again, almost absentmindedly)

 "It’s hard, always feeling like you have to keep the energy up. Sometimes I just want to... breathe."

Jungkook: (glances at Jimin, his expression softening as he picks up on the weight behind his words)

    "I get that. I’ve always been the one to... keep it together, too. But sometimes, it feels like if I stop for a second, everything I’ve been holding back... comes rushing in." (his gaze grows distant again for a moment, before he refocuses on Jimin)  "You don’t have to always be ‘on’, Jimin. It’s okay to let your guard down sometimes."

Jimin: (looking at Jungkook for a long moment, surprised by the sincerity in his tone)

   "Yeah, I guess... I’ve been trying to be perfect for so long that I forgot what it feels like to just... relax." (he smiles, more gently this time)  "You know, I think I’ve learned something from you. Your focus when you play guitar... it’s kind of calming."

Jungkook: (his eyes flicker with a touch of something deeper, a hint of gratitude)

   "Well, maybe you can teach me something, too." (pauses, slightly awkward but sincere)

  "Like how to let loose more. You’ve got that part down." (his voice carries a trace of admiration now, showing         how much he respects Jimin's energy and passion)

Jimin: (smiling warmly, feeling a sense of mutual respect growing between them)

   "I’ll show you some moves if you teach me a few chords." (laughs lightly, his energy a bit lighter now, as he sits closer to Jungkook)  "Deal?"

Jungkook: (grinning, clearly feeling more comfortable around Jimin, his voice filled with genuine amusement)

   "Deal. But no promises on how quickly I’ll be able to teach you anything." (he strums a few notes on the guitar, a small chuckle escaping him)  "Let’s see if you can handle my rhythm."

Jimin: (teasing, giving Jungkook a playful look)

   "Yeah? Well, don’t underestimate me." (his tone is light, but there's an edge of challenge, as if he’s genuinely excited to learn something new, and willing to push through his own discomfort)

[Later that night. Jimin lies in his bed, tossing and turning. He’s clearly restless. The conversation from earlier keeps replaying in his head. Something about Jungkook’s tone, the way he deflected when Jimin asked about his past... it’s all starting to feel a bit off. Eventually, unable to sleep, he pulls out his phone and sends Jungkook a message.]

[Later that night, Jimin lies in bed, unable to sleep, tossing and turning. His thoughts keep racing. He can’t shake off how strange Jungkook’s behavior felt earlier. He finally grabs his phone, his fingers hovering over the screen.]

*Jimin**: (texting nervously)

   Hey... Can I ask you something?*

*Jungkook**: (replying almost instantly)

   Yeah, what’s up?*

Jimin : (pauses, uncertain, before typing)

  It’s just… earlier today, when we were talking about the guitar... something felt weird. Like, you were avoiding something. Is everything okay?

[A long silence. Jimin’s eyes remain glued to the screen as he anxiously waits for Jungkook’s reply.]

*Jungkook**: (after a long pause, finally texting back)

   It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.*

*Jimin**: (frowning, he hesitates before texting again)

   I don’t know… It just feels like you're hiding something. Why do you keep avoiding things when I ask? It’s starting to scare me, honestly.*

*Jungkook**: (replying slower than usual)

   I didn’t mean to make you feel that way… it’s just… I’m not ready to talk about everything.*

*Jimin**: (his heart skips a beat, feeling unsure but needing to know more)

   But it’s making me anxious, Jungkook. You’re being distant, and I don’t know if I can just ignore it. Why won’t you just tell me?*

*Jungkook**: (his response feels distant, almost guarded)

  Jimin, it’s not that simple. You don’t have to worry about me. Let’s focus on the work, okay? We’ll figure it out together.*

*Jimin**: (feeling uneasy, sitting up in bed, texting back slowly)

   I wish you would trust me more… I don’t know what to think anymore. It’s just… hard to shake this feeling that something’s wrong.*

*Jungkook**: (his reply comes after a long pause, much calmer than Jimin expected)

    I’m sorry if I’m scaring you. I’m just... dealing with stuff. But don’t let it get to you, okay? Get some sleep, Jimin. It’s not as bad as it seems.*

*Jimin**: (reading the message, his thoughts racing, feeling conflicted, unsure whether to trust him completely)

   Okay… but I’m still worried. I’ll try to sleep. Just… please don’t shut me out.*

*Jungkook**: (last message, a bit softer)

    I won’t. Sleep well, Jimin. just go and let me sleep  bye. *

[Jimin stares at the screen, still restless. The unease lingers, but he finally places his phone down, his mind unable to quiet. He wonders what Jungkook is hiding, and why he’s so guarded.]

Next day in practice room

 A quiet corner of the rehearsal space. Jimin and Jungkook have been practicing for hours. The tension is still there, but it’s a little less heavy now. Jimin picks up his phone, a small smile forming as he notices a new melody on Jungkook's guitar.

Jimin: (Grinning slightly, trying to break the ice)

  "You know, you never told me you could play like that. That's… pretty impressive."

Jungkook: (Looking a little bashful, not used to compliments)

  "Ah, well… I don’t really talk about it much. I just play when I need to clear my head."

Jimin: (Nods, still smiling, but with a more understanding expression)

    "I get it. Music’s like that for me too. Sometimes I just lose myself in it. I’ve been thinking… maybe I could help you out with some of your stuff? With the performance, I mean. You’ve been so focused on the guitar and your own sound, maybe we could find a way to make it flow more… together?"

Jungkook: (Raises an eyebrow, skeptical but intrigued)

   "You want to help me with my music? You’re a dancer, not a composer."

Jimin: (Chuckles softly, a playful grin on his face)

    "I might not be a composer, but I know a thing or two about rhythm. Besides, we’re working on this as a team, right? If we’re going to make this work, we need to bring both of our strengths into it."

Jungkook: (Pauses for a moment, looking at Jimin with a hint of doubt, but slowly nods)

   "Yeah, I guess we do. But… I’m not sure if mixing what I’ve got with your style is going to work."

Jimin: (Eyes soften, trying to reassure him)

    "Let’s not think of it as mixing. Think of it as finding something that blends. I’ve seen your hands on that guitar. You’ve got this incredible depth when you play. If we just… balance it with my energy, I think we could make something really unique."

Jungkook: (Sighs, looking at Jimin, hesitant but willing to try)

   "It’s just... I’m not used to having someone else in the process. It’s easier when it’s just me and the music."

Jimin: (Leans in slightly, his tone sincere but playful)

  "I get that. But sometimes, you gotta trust the people around you. Especially when they’re trying to help you, not control you. We don’t have to make everything perfect right away. Just… little steps. You let me into your world with the guitar, and I’ll share some of my world with you, too. Deal?"

Jungkook: (Looks at Jimin for a long moment, then nods slowly, a small, tentative smile tugging at his lips)

   "Deal. But no making fun of my guitar skills, okay?"

Jimin: (Laughs lightly, genuinely pleased with this small breakthrough)

  "Wouldn’t dream of it, Jungkook. You’ve got talent. I’m just here to add some rhythm to it."

Jungkook: (Softly, his expression shifting to something more open)

   "Alright… Let’s see what happens."

Jimin: (Nods, giving him an encouraging look as he sits down beside him)

    "Let’s start with a simple beat, and I’ll try to follow your vibe. Trust me, it’ll work."

(Jungkook hesitates, then begins playing a soft, flowing melody on the guitar. Jimin taps his foot along to the rhythm, his smile growing as he starts to match the beat with small, subtle movements. The moment feels light, but there’s an undeniable connection growing between them as they create something together.)

Later that night, in the living room of their shared house. The space is quiet, save for the distant sound of a soft rain against the window. Jimin is in the kitchen, preparing a snack, humming to himself. The atmosphere is peaceful, but Jungkook sits alone on the couch, his guitar resting beside him. His thoughts are far away, heavy with emotions that he keeps locked inside.

Jungkook’s inner monologue: (His hand lingers on the guitar strings, but he doesn't play. He’s staring into space, the weight of his past sinking in.)

Jungkook (thinking to himself):

  “Why did I agree to this? To let someone in. Jimin’s... different. He’s trying, I get that, but I don’t know if I can let him see all of me. It’s too much. It’s too painful. The more I open up, the more I risk getting hurt again. I can’t... I can’t let myself trust him. Or anyone. Not after what happened."

(He closes his eyes for a moment, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. He’s recalling something from his past. His fingers clench into fists for a second as if holding back the flood of emotions that threaten to spill over.)

Jungkook (thinking to himself, his voice barely a whisper):

   “I tried once… and it almost destroyed me. They said they understood. They promised they wouldn’t leave. But they did. In the end, they always leave. I can’t make the same mistake again. I’m not going to let myself be vulnerable. Not to Jimin. Not to anyone."

(His hand grips the guitar again, but he doesn’t play. He’s lost in his memories.)

Flashback:

(The scene shifts to a distant memory: Jungkook as a child, standing in a dark hallway, watching as someone important walks away. The person leaves without looking back, and the door shuts quietly behind them. Jungkook’s small hands press against the door, his expression one of helplessness and pain.)

Jungkook (thinking to himself, voice breaking in the memory):

           “Don’t go. Please... don’t leave me."

(The memory fades, and Jungkook shakes his head, snapping back to the present. He sighs deeply, pushing away the lingering emotions. He glances over at Jimin, who’s still busy in the kitchen, unaware of what Jungkook is truly feeling. Jungkook’s lips press into a thin line.)

Jungkook (thinking to himself, a hint of bitterness in his voice):

     “He doesn't know. He doesn’t see how much I’m hiding. How much I carry inside. I can’t let him in. Not now.            Not ever.”

Jimin (from the kitchen, calling out cheerfully):

   "Hey, you okay over there? You’ve been kind of quiet."

Jungkook (snapping back, forcing a smile, his voice steady but cold):

    "Yeah, just thinking. It’s nothing."

(Jimin doesn’t notice the strain in his voice and continues what he’s doing. Jungkook stands up slowly, walking towards the window to look out into the rain. He crosses his arms over his chest, his posture tense.)

Jungkook (thinking to himself):

   “I can’t do this. I shouldn’t have agreed to this project with him. But I can’t back out now. I have to keep going. Just... one step at a time. Don’t let anyone get too close. Don’t trust them. Especially not Jimin."

(His eyes narrow as he watches the rain fall. The outside world is blurred, just like the emotions he’s trying to hide inside. He feels a cold distance creeping in, but it’s something he’s used to by now.)

  Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Jimin hums to himself as he prepares a simple snack. He’s unaware of Jungkook’s internal struggle, lost in his own thoughts. As Jimin sets the plate down on the counter, his face softens, and he gazes over at Jungkook, sensing a shift in the air. He knows something’s off but can’t quite place it.

Jimin (gently, trying to reach out):

   “Hey, you sure you're alright? You’ve been a little distant since we finished practicing.”

(Jungkook doesn’t respond immediately, his back turned to Jimin. He’s hiding behind a wall of silence. Jimin’s expression softens with concern, but he knows better than to push too hard.)

Jimin (sighing softly to himself):

   “I just... I wish you would open up. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself, you know? But if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay too. I’m here... whenever you're ready.”

(Jimin’s voice is soft, full of warmth, but Jungkook doesn’t hear it. He’s too lost in his own head, unable to respond, afraid that any moment of vulnerability might make him lose control. Jimin doesn’t press further but watches Jungkook with a quiet understanding. He can feel the weight of the unspoken words in the air, and his heart aches for the other man.)

Alone again in his thoughts, Jungkook watches the rain as if it could wash away the scars he keeps hidden. He clutches his guitar tighter, as if it’s the only thing he can truly hold onto. In the silence, he mutters to himself once more.

Jungkook (whispering under his breath, almost like a vow):

    “I’ll never let anyone in. Not again. Not after everything.”

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