SECRETS & LIES | VKOOK ✓ [EDITING]

four.

The winter wind cut sharply through the cemetery as Jeongguk and his friends arrived, the bitter chill a stark contrast to the warmth of their memories. Jeongguk's mansion had been a battleground of arguments and unresolved tensions, with Jimin storming off and leaving a thick layer of resentment in the air. Jeongguk had barely acknowledged Jimin's departure, too wrapped up in his own turmoil and the significance of the day.

Seokjin had called Jeongguk multiple times, but his patience was wearing thin. " Jeon Jeongguk, c'mon, why are you taking so long?" Seokjin's frustration was evident, his voice strained through the phone. When Jeongguk finally responded, his voice was clipped and irritable. "Fuck, just wait a minute. I'm coming." He ended the call abruptly, leaving Seokjin to shake his head in disappointment.

"Jeongguk, the heck, just don't go!" Jimin's voice carried frustration and pain, a recurring argument bubbling to the surface. "It's easy for you to say that you'll go, but you're never there when it counts. Why do you act so cold out of nowhere?"

Jeongguk's eyes narrowed as he faced Jimin, his tone sharp. "Easy for me? I've been going to Taehyung's grave for two years. Two years. And I'll go for a third time if I want. Heard me?"

Jimin's face darkened, his anger palpable. "I don't care. If you want to go, go. I'll meet up with Taemin instead." With that, Jimin grabbed his coat and keys, storming out of the mansion.

Jeongguk laughed bitterly, the sound lacking genuine amusement. "Oh, so now you're going to talk about business while I deal with this? At least I'm trying to honor Taehyung's memory."

Jimin's dark-red car sped away, leaving a trail of anger and confusion. The remaining friends looked on, bewildered by the exchange. Yoongi broke the silence, watching the car disappear. "Pfft, what's his problem? Guess they had a fight again—"

Jeongguk interrupted, stepping out of the mansion with a steely resolve. "Shall we go?" His face was a mask of anger and determination, but today was about Taehyung, not Jimin's complaints.

Namjoon, ever the peacekeeper, asked with concern, "You two good?"

Jeongguk simply walked to the car, his silence answering the question. "Whatever. Let's go." He opened the front door of Namjoon's vehicle, sliding into the seat with a curt "Want a special invite or what?" as he glanced back at the confused group.

With everyone settled in, the journey to the cemetery began. The mood was somber, the air thick with unspoken words and the weight of loss.

The cemetery was a place of quiet reflection, a stark reminder of the finality of death. The group had gathered there for three years, each December 13th marking another year without Taehyung. The grave was a somber reminder of their friend's absence, the black roses they left a testament to Taehyung's fondness for them. They had all cried on their first visit, but now, they had hardened themselves, believing that maturity meant not showing emotion.

Namjoon knelt by the grave, speaking to Taehyung as if he could hear. His voice was thick with emotion, his tears a stark contrast to the cold December air. Seokjin stayed close, offering silent support.

"Pfft, these fuckers don't even clean you up," he muttered, frustration seeping into his voice as he wiped the dust with his sleeve. The action felt almost futile, as if trying to erase the marks of time could somehow bring Taehyung back. He felt a pang of guilt for the lack of care, for the way life had moved on while this place remained a constant reminder of loss.

"It's been three years," Jeongguk said awkwardly, his voice trembling as he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. The words felt hollow in the vast expanse of the cemetery, like an empty declaration against the weight of his emotions. "Fuck... I'm sorry. I know you hated seeing me cry." The confession came out in a choked whisper, his voice cracking under the strain of unspoken grief.