Apricity//Jungkook fanfiction//

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

⊰᯽⊱┈──╌❊ - ❊╌──┈⊰᯽⊱

          Adjusting the leather bag on her shoulder, Y/n inhales a sharp breath before getting off the bus. The doors close behind her and she grimaces when dirty water splashes her white sneakers. She didn't realize that, as soon as she would get off the bus, she would step in a puddle. And now she has to clean her shoes again. Rolling her eyes, Y/n walks towards the nearest bench and pulls a tissue out of her bag, huffing when she bends over her stomach and wipes away the dirt from her brand new shoes.
          The person she's meeting this morning is very special. And she needs to look presentable since their separation left her numb. It created a vortex of thoughts inside her brain and it never let her breathe in peace ever since. It feels like this person left her behind an eternity ago, yet the pain still persists inside her chest. It still grows with every day which passes and makes them part even more. She decided to put an end to this separation. They were meant to be together ever since the creation of the Universe and Y/n is going to make sure that nothing is going to separate them again. She is going to make sure that things go just as they were supposed to do since the very first moment they've met.
          Walking down the street with her white shoes clean, Y/n stops in front of a shop and ponders whether she should buy a present for this special someone. Tilting her head, her eyes travel over various souvenirs, clothes, flowers and ceramics. Yet, she changes her mind in the last second, stopping with her hand on the doorknob. Maybe it's better if they just talk. It's been a long time. A present isn't that important right now. She nods and turns on her heel, walking down the street with her chin lifted. She pulls the GPS out of her pocket and follows the instructions since she isn't that familiar with this area of the city and doesn't want to get lost. She should arrive on time.
          "Turn left." — says the GPS assistant and Y/n follows the command, arriving in front of her destination in no time. Sighing, she reads the name of the place out loud. "Seoul Rehabilitation Hospital" — says Y/n and turns off her phone before entering the clinic. She is finally going to meet her mother, the person she's been missing since forever, and she doesn't want anything to interrupt their reunion.
          "Hello! How can I help you?" — says the nurse at the front desk in a kind voice and Y/n shows a smile. "I am visiting my mother. Jang Da Eun." — replies Y/n and the nurse nods shortly before typing something on the computer in front of her. "Mrs. Jang Y/n?" — asks the nurse as she takes a look at Y/n's ID card that the latter has put on the desk. "Yes." — answers Y/n and takes back her ID, following another nurse down the hall. She smiles, but, deep inside, she feels nervous. What if her mother doesn't recognize her? What if she doesn't even want to see her? Maybe it wasn't her wisest decision to come here, but now she has to do it. She has to meet her mother. There is no way of turning back.
          "Mrs. Da Eun is having her morning tea in the garden" — says the nurse in a soft voice and Y/n holds back from gulping when she bows her head. Why are her palms sweating all of a sudden? "Thank you!" — she exclaims and pushes open the door which leads to the garden, feeling her pulse increasing with every step.
          "Mother?" — mumbles Y/n as she stops beside the woman's chair, but clears her throat as soon as she realizes that the lady didn't hear her. At the sudden sound, Y/n's mother winces and she almost spills the tea on her clothes, but Y/n catches the cup before it gets the chance to fall. Placing it on the table, she laughs nervously. "I apologize if I scared you, ma'am." — she says and bows her head, taking a seat beside her mother since her knees feel weak. "Oh!" — exclaims the lady and waves her hand in the air. "I'm just a scaredy cat, that's all! Don't you worry, dear." — she says in the warmest of voices and Y/n smiles sincerely as her heartbeat calms down. Jang Da Eun looks around for a few moments, seemingly looking for someone, but her eyes return upon Y/n's features and she frowns. "Have I seen you before? You look familiar." — she states and Y/n almost tears up. "I... No, we've never met before." — she says, biting her lip right after. Why is she so reluctant about telling her mother the truth? Is she scared?
          Her mother tilts her head. "I'm pretty sure that I know you from somewhere." — she says and caresses Y/n's cheek. "You look a lot like my late husband." — she adds and tears form inside her eyes. Y/n gulps painfully. She has to tell the truth. Otherwise, she's going to burst. "That might be because I am his daughter." — she says as she takes her mother's hands in hers and shows a reassuring smile. "I'm Y/n, mother. It's nice to see you again."
          Y/n's mother seems to stop breathing for a moment and, as soon as she wipes her tears and gets a better look of the young lady, she recognizes her husband in her daughter's features. Tears prick her eyes again and she covers her mouth as she whispers breathlessly. "Y/n?"
          The two women hug tightly. Y/n gets emotional too and she feels her eyes stinging before the very first tears have the chance to roll down her cheeks. Pressed against her mother's chest, she finally feels fulfilled. She feels like one of her childhood wishes has finally come true. She's been dreaming about this reunion. She's been hoping that one day they would finally meet. Mother and daughter. Just like it should have been from the beginning. "Well, look at you!" — exclaims her mother and smiles as she hugs Y/n once again. "You've grown so much." — she adds and lets go of her daughter only to embrace her once again almost immediately. "You look wonderful." — admits Y/n. Her mother is everything she's ever dreamed of. She's beautiful and warm and has a sweet, calming voice. Everything a child would need.
          For hours upon hours, they just talk. The sun rolls in the sky and they keep on talking. Through tears, through laughs, they recall the lifetime they've spent apart. And it feels good. It feels better than Y/n has ever imagined. And it strengthens the bond between the two of them.
          "And do you have a partner, my dear?" — asks the mother in a playful tone and the daughter almost shudders. She shakes her head as an answer, but her mother doesn't pay attention to her when she smiles over Y/n's shoulder at someone who has just entered the garden. Y/n feels somehow relieved, since she didn't really want to think about Jungkook on such a nice day, however, the sky shatters over her when she turns around and sees him walking in her direction. Her pulse increases again and she feels like she is going to faint when she notices the flower bouquet and the gift bag he is carrying. His smile fades when he notices her too and Y/n tucks a strand of hair behind her ear as she turns back around. What is Jungkook doing at her mother's rehabilitation clinic?
          The tea she drank and the lunch she had with her mother earlier riot inside her stomach and Y/n covers her mouth, trying to contain the result of her brain damage inside her own body. There is no need to make a fool of herself. In the corner of her eye, she notices her mother hugging Jungkook and accepting the bouquet and the gift bag and Y/n closes her eyes, trying to calm down before her mother grabs Jungkook's hand and pulls him towards her daughter. "Jungkookie, this is Y/n, she is my daughter. You probably don't know her, but I'll tell you a secret." — says her mother and leans towards Jungkook. "You two used to hang out together a lot when you were little." — she whispers in his ear and Jungkook's eyes sparkle as a sad smile spreads on his face. "She's beautiful." — he says as his eyes stare into Y/n's and shakes her hand with a smile, acting as if he doesn't know her. Y/n does the same. She isn't aware of how much her mother knows about the two of them or about anything that goes on in Jungkook's life. And she clearly doesn't know what Jungkook is doing here, but she is soon going to find out.
          "Ever since your father died, this lovely young man visited me almost every weekend." — says Y/n's mother and ruffles Jungkook's hair. Something about her words makes a feeling writhe inside Y/n's stomach. Is she feeling thankful towards him? For taking care of her mother. Or is she just feeling uncomfortable that he is around? The truth is that she hasn't heard from him in two weeks. "How is your girlfriend doing, Jungkook? Did you try to reach back to her?" — asks Y/n's mother and Y/n feels a lump in her throat when Jungkook steals a glance of her face. "She's fine." — he says with a smile and Y/n almost scoffs. "But I'm not talking to her anymore, mother. It's better like that." — he says and something about Jungkook calling her mother 'mother' makes Y/n wince. The lady shakes her head and grabs Jungkook's hand between her palms. "My sweet boy, I've already told you. That girl is everything you have. I saw it in your eyes when you talked about her. Don't be a fool! Don't lose her!" — says Y/n's mother and Y/n bites her lower lip as she tries her best to hold back her tears. However, a stubborn one rolls down her cheek as soon as Jungkook's eyes meet hers. Jungkook shakes his head. "I've hurt her enough. I can't keep on hurting her. I would be too selfish." — he says and bites his lower lip too as he looks away.
          For a moment, they both suffer in silence until Y/n's mother stands up, still holding Jungkook's hand, and talks in one of the most soothing voices Y/n has ever heard. "Love means sacrifice. We sacrifice everything and even more for our other half. Being selfish is a must in a relationship, Jungkook. Would there ever exist passion, would there ever exist fights, the ups and downs of a relationship, would there ever exist that sweet reunion after a break up if both sides were selfless? This is what makes up a relationship. Both partners fight like knights for each other's attention." — states Y/n's mother and her words strike a nerve, causing Y/n to burst into silent tears which choke her almost as much as the feeling of longing for Jungkook's touch does. "Don't be a fool! Danger is something that makes us all stronger. And, believe me. If you are truly meant to be, even if you were the brightest flame and she was nothing but an ice cube, fate would bring you together eventually. Trust me!" — she says and kisses the back of Jungkook's hands before turning around. "Let's see if the boys are up for a match. They haven't played football in ages. They say that it isn't as much fun if you aren't here." — she says over her shoulder and starts walking towards a playground which roams with the joy of children, contrasting with the pain both Y/n and Jungkook feel.
          "Pass it to me!" — yells a boy, who looks about sixteen, to Jungkook and the latter does just as he's told, his action leading to cheers and applause when the boy scores a goal. The team that is led by Jungkook wins the game and the players shout happily, hugging the one that scored the goal. A sad smile blooms on Y/n's lips. What did these children go through? Why are they in rehab? "These poor boys were sold by an orphanage and used by a gang for drug tests and transportation." — says Y/n's mother, as if she could read her daughter's mind and Y/n takes a deep breath in, exhaling only after a few seconds. "Jungkook isn't visiting only me when he comes here. All the people here love him. He's a very good person." — says the mother and Y/n clenches her jaw as she gets emotional again. Her mother's palm covers her hand and Y/n looks at the woman with heavy tears pricking her eyes. "You two should try and go out one day, Y/n." — she says and Y/n nods, biting her lower lip so hard that it starts bleeding. They tried. It didn't work out.
          Giving Y/n a water bottle, the middle-aged woman rubs her forehead. "Can you please give this to him? I feel a bit too light headed to do it myself right now." — says Y/n's mother and Y/n nods, taking the bottle in her hand and standing up. "Yes, mother." — she replies politely and starts to walk towards Jungkook's direction, whose face is glistening with sweat. He sees her approaching him with the bottle of water and smiles, jogging towards her. She picks up her pace too, gluing her eyes to the ground as she realizes that he must be thirsty. Almost losing her balance, Y/n yelps when two teenage girls rush past her. Taking a second to become steady again, she clenches her fingers around the bottle. Did they really have to hit her on their way to the playground? No. On their way to Jungkook, Y/n realizes as she notices one of the girls handing a guitar to the sweaty man.
          "Can you play a song for us?" — she asks as Jungkook takes the guitar from her. "Please!" — begs the other. Jungkook chuckles. "Let's sit down somewhere and I'll play it for you." — he says in a rather tired voice and the girls squeal at the same time, running past Y/n again. Another group of girls follow them and they sit down on a bunch of chairs in the distance, keeping one empty for Jungkook. He starts walking into the direction where the excited girls wait and steals a glance of Y/n as he passes by her. Scoffing, Y/n grabs his arm and stops him in one place, pulling a napkin out of the pocket of her jacket and wiping the sweat off of Jungkook's neck and face.
          "You'll catch a cold if you stay like this." — she says, without clenching her jaw. Jungkook smiles and looks into her eyes. "Your presence warms up everything around me. I don't feel cold at all." — he says and smiles right after. Y/n returns the smile and places her hand on his, almost hissing at how cold it is in comparison with hers. "Your blood circulation says something else." — she says and he scoffs. She tilts her head towards the group of girls. "Now go! They are waiting for you." — says Y/n and Jungkook raises one eyebrow. "Aren't you coming?" — he asks as he starts to walk away. "Do you want me to?" — she asks and bites her lip right after. He throws a charming smile over his shoulder. "I'd love you to."

          The song Jungkook sings makes Y/n cry. She knows that every lyric is meant for her and, when she looks into Jungkook's eyes, all the whispers and giggles around her fade away. He's singing 'Never Not' by Lauv and, as much as the song touched her when it was first released, it makes her sob now as, under Jungkook's loving gaze, she feels all the cracks that have ever formed inside her heart filling up with joy. She feels like he makes a promise through this song. And she wants him to keep it. She wants him to love her again just the way he did before they broke up. Because she too will never not think about him. Not when he literally became the reason why she's breathing. The reason why her heart is beating.
          For the rest of the evening, Y/n walks around with her mother, listening to her with half of her heart, the other half staying turned around stubbornly, stretching its arms towards Jungkook. Y/n wants to do that too. He wants to hug him closely to her chest and tell him how much she missed him. And that's why, when dinner comes, she shares her food with him, showing him that she still cares. He accepts it and fills her glass with juice whenever it gets empty and, just like that, they take care of each other. And Y/n laughs wholeheartedly when Jungkook pulls her in the middle of the improvised dance floor and spins her around, holding her close to his chest when the beat drops and wrapping his arms around her waist when people form pairs, dancing quietly in the middle of the cafeteria. "Jungkook." — whispers Y/n and tears prick her eyes again. "Yes." — he whispers back. "I missed you. So much." — she says and bites her lower lip right after. Jungkook nods, resting his forehead on hers. "I know. I missed you too." — he whispers as he hugs her waist tighter.
          "I promise to visit you again next week, mother." — says Y/n and her mother smiles when the daughter kisses her forehead, pulling the blanket up to cover the woman all the way to her chin. "I can't wait to see you again, dear. Take care of yourself!" — she says and caresses Y/n's hand before the latter starts walking towards the door. "Y/n?" — says the mother. "Yes?" — answers the daughter with her hand hovering above the doorknob. "You've both suffered enough. Get back together with him and put an end to the torment you're both enduring." — says Y/n's mother with a smile and Y/n nods before she gets out of the room.
          Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Y/n stumbles on her way to the exit. Sobs shake her shoulders and she suffocates with her own tears as painful thoughts only gather to whip her ruthlessly. She feels beaten down. She wants to make things right, but will she ever be able to do that? Lifting her face, she stares at the moon. When everything and everyone wants them apart, will they be able to get back together? Another tear slides down her cheek and she wipes it as soon as she hears footsteps approaching her.
          Seeing Y/n crying in the empty garden, Jungkook walks towards her. His heart hangs heavily inside his chest and it breaks as he remembers seeing her cry before. He's seen so many tears trailing from those beautiful eyes of hers. Sad tears, happy tears, pleasure tears. So many ways of expressing herself, yet, right now, she looks... lost. Staring at the moon, she looks like she doesn't know what to do next. "Hey." — says Jungkook, praying that he won't scare her. Luckily, she doesn't wince. She just wipes her tears and looks at him. "Hey." — she answers in a croaky voice. Jungkook doesn't say anything. He just reaches one hand towards her, but she steps away from him. He frowns. "What's wrong?" — he asks, concern growing inside his chest as she starts to cry again.
          For a few good moments, Y/n just stands there and cries. She lets her head fall downwards and allows her tears to fall on the ground. Mr. Jeon's words replay inside her head and they roar like thunder when Jungkook hugs her. Sobbing, she jerks herself from his hold and walks away. "Y/n..." — he says breathlessly. "My father wanted me away from you." — she talks through tears and Jungkook clenches his jaw as her shoulders twitch. "Your father wants us apart too. It feels like the whole world is against us." — she adds, crying even harder and Jungkook walks towards her without thinking twice. He cups her face and wipes her cheeks, kissing her forehead and almost sighing when he feels her calming under his touch. "Yet, against all odds, fate made us meet again today." — he says and accepts Y/n's kiss when she stands on her tiptoes and presses her lips against his.
          Under the moon's protective gaze, the two lovers reunite and the stars seem to shine brighter when Jungkook pulls Y/n closer to him, tasting her tears when she cries again. However, this time he knows that they are different. They aren't sad tears anymore.