collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•twenty-two• before

~~~~~Jimin

Today we leave for the North American leg of our Love Yourself tour and honestly I can't wait. We have spent so much time perfecting our performances, and I'm looking forward to being on stage again. At the end of our last tour, Jungkook and I went back to Busan for a visit. We stayed by the beach at my parent's new house, and relaxed alot.

The whole time we were there, I watched as my friend searched everywhere for Haerin. Every place we went, every corner we turned... He asked everyone we met from school about her, and never found anything. I miss her too, but I can't bring myself to believe anything but that she's fine, and living her life. I know we must have hurt her, but she has always had everything, and is probably off enjoying all the money her family has.

Somehow, Namjoon Hyung convinced Jungkook to go out on a date with his cousin a few weeks ago. I feel like it was a risky move, but it seems to have worked. Jungkook has been happy again, and they've gone on a few dates. She's a pretty girl, and shy like Jungkook. It's actually really cute to see them together. Namjoon Hyung seems thrilled, and I'm just glad he's not obsessing over Haerin anymore.

"Jimin-ssi! Where's Jungkook?"

"I'm not sure Tae... Maybe Namjoon Hyung knows?"

"He's the one asking, so he doesn't... We're leaving in an hour, so he's freaking out!"

"Did he text his cousin? Maybe they're together."

"You didn't hear?"

"What?"

"They decided to stop seeing each other... Kookie told Namjoon Hyung that he couldn't continue because he doesn't want to hurt her. He said that he can't fall in love... Because..."

"Because of Haerin... Damn... This kid! Maybe if he would get laid, he'd forget her... What the hell?!?"

"He did Jimin... But don't tell Hyung... He will hurt Jungkookie..."

"Shit!"

Tae and I continue to talk about how to help Jungkook forget Haerin, and move on. The problem is that we both know how stubborn the younger is. We also don't realize that his heart really is taken by the only girl he ever loved. Maybe if we'd had that, we would know.

"Hey! Are you guys packed and ready? Where's Kook?"

"Jin Hyung... We don't know where he is. And yes we are both packed."

"I really need to talk to him... Aish... Alright... Get yourselves downstairs. We're heading out soon."

We followed Jin to the living room where everyone, except Jungkook, is. Everyone is on edge about the fact that he won't answer our calls, and noone knows where he went. When it's time to go, we head down to the vans. Namjoon is trying to call him again, but not getting any answer. I watch Jin Hyung walk away from the group and make a call. I only heard part of what he said, but now I'm curious... Getting closer, I hear something that makes my heart stop.

"Jungkook-ah... I know you're going to regret it if you miss the tour... Come back... I'll stall them as long as possible. She wouldn't want you to give up your dream Jungkook. From everything you've told me, she wanted this for you. My guy has a lead, but you need to be here so I can tell you."

When Hyung turns around, I'm staring at him and he flinches.

"Jin Hyung... Is Jungkook quitting?"

~~~~~Naeun

After I met Chul, we started messaging every day. We let each other know when Haerin was 'actually' Haerin, and when we thought she wasn't. It's been difficult because I now understand that her brain split into another whole person to protect herself. I've done some research to see what can be done to help her, but the treatments are expensive, and she has to be willing to do them.