chapter 5
That night, as Kook was winding down, she heard the familiar ping of a new message notification. It was from *winter_bear*. She quickly unlocked her phone and opened the Instagram chat.
@winter_bear ( tae)
Hey, I was thinking… What about your family? You have any siblings?
Kook smiled softly as she read the message and began typing her reply.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
Yeah! I have a younger sister. She’s still in high school. We get along really well.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
How about you? Do you have any siblings?
The reply came quickly from *winter_bear*.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I have a big brother. He works outside the city, so we don’t see each other much. I miss him sometimes, though.
Kook’s heart softened hearing about Taehyung’s big brother. She could tell from the way she talked about him that there was a bond, even if the distance kept them apart. Kook continued to type.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
It’s great to have siblings. My sister and I are really close. I guess we talk about everything.
The next message from *winter_bear* was a little more serious.
@winter_bear ( tae)
Yeah, I used to be closer with my brother, but now it’s just... not the same. Things change, I guess.
Kook felt a pang of sympathy and wanted to offer some comfort, so she typed back, hoping to ease the mood.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
That’s tough. But no matter what, family is family. You should still love each other, even if things change.
There was a brief pause, and Kook wondered if *winter_bear* would reply. But then, Taehyung’s message popped up.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I guess you’re right. I try. But it’s hard with my dad. Our relationship... it’s just not great.
Kook read that message carefully, her heart aching for Taehyung. She felt she couldn’t leave it there, so she took a deep breath before typing her response.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
I understand. But family should always be there for each other, no matter what. You and your dad should try to work things out. Life’s too short not to.
There was silence for a moment, and Kook wasn’t sure if Taehyung would reply, but then a new message came through.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I’ll try. Thanks for saying that. I needed to hear it.
Kook smiled softly, feeling a sense of warmth in her chest. She didn’t know why, but something about the exchange felt meaningful. Even though they were strangers in a way—having met through a writing app and not yet having met in person—their conversation felt personal, like they were becoming more than just chatmates.
Of course. I’m glad I could say something that helped. We all need someone to talk to sometimes.
Taehyung paused before typing one last message for the night.
@winter_bear ( tae)
I agree. Thanks for listening, Bunny.
@bunny_the_butterfly ( kook)
Anytime, *bear*. Sleep well!
With that, they both signed off for the night. Kook set her phone down with a smile on her face, feeling a strange sense of comfort after their conversation. Even though they were far apart, their words had bridged a gap, and she felt closer to *winter_bear* than ever before.
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