A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 10: THE TONE OF SILENCE.

The palace halls were cloaked in an uneasy quiet. Jungkook moved through them like a shadow, his mind replaying the events of the confrontation with Jimin. Despite the severity of the situation, Jimin had not sought him out, had not tried to explain or reconcile as he had done in the past. Instead, Jimin avoided him completely. This was new and unsettling.

Days turned into weeks, and Jimin's absence grew more pronounced. He spent most of his time with Mirae, who now visited the palace more frequently. Jungkook loathed her presence, her high-pitched laugh grating on his nerves. He found himself lurking in the background whenever she was around, straining to catch snippets of their conversation, searching for more reasons to justify his growing hatred for her.

One afternoon, Jungkook was in his usual hiding spot, just outside the garden where Jimin and Mirae sat on a stone bench. The sun cast long shadows, and the air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers.

"You know, Jimin, you should take some time for yourself," Mirae said, her voice laced with concern. "All this stress can't be good for you."

Jimin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Mirae. It's just... complicated."

"I'll always be here for you," she said softly, her hand resting gently on his arm.

"I know, Mirae, and i appreciate you. I am here for you, too, anytime."

"You mean a lot to me, Jimin," Mirae continued, her eyes locking onto his. "I care about you more than you know."

Jimin looked at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you, Mirae. You always know how to make me feel better."

Mirae blushed slightly, her hand lingering on Jimin's arm. "It's because you deserve to be happy, Jimin. I just want to see you smile more."

Jimin's gaze softened as he looked at her. "You're amazing, Mirae. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Maybe we could spend more time together," she suggested, her voice hopeful. "Just the two of us. I think it would do you some good."

Jimin nodded, seemingly considering the idea. "That sounds a plan. I'd like that."

Jungkook's fists clenched at his sides. He couldn't stand the sight of her touching Jimin, of her being so close to him. It made his blood boil in a way he couldn't understand. He hsted Jimin, but it hurt like hell, not being able to have his attention, his concern. He missed him just being up in his space, annoying him. He just wanted him back, and he didn't even know why.

As the days passed, Jimin continued to distance himself. Mirae's visits to the palace became more frequent, and rumors began to spread through the palace. Whispers of a favored court lady reached Jungkook's ears, each one like a dagger to his heart.

One evening, Taehyung approached Jungkook with a somber expression. "Have you heard the latest news?"

Jungkook looked up from his drink, his eyes narrowing. "What news?"

"Jimin is taking Mirae on his next trip abroad," Taehyung said, his voice low. "I am convinced he loves her."

Jungkook felt a surge of anger and confusion. "Why should I care?" he snapped, though his heart pounded in his chest.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "You can't fool me, Jungkook, i have been watching you. You may not understand it, but you're affected by this. More than you realize."

Jungkook stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. "I don't want to talk about this," he muttered, storming out of the room.

He wandered the palace grounds, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. Why did it bother him so much to see Jimin with someone else? Why did he care who Jimin favored or spent time with? He didn't have the answers, and that only fueled his frustration.

The days stretched on, each one more unbearable than the last. Jimin's absence was a constant ache, a reminder of the distance growing between them. Jungkook found himself longing for the days when Jimin would seek him out, and he would try to bridge the gap between them.

Late one night, unable to sleep, Jungkook wandered the darkened halls. He found himself outside Jimin's chambers, hesitating for a moment before pressing his ear to the door. He could hear faint voices inside-Jimin and Mirae, their conversation muted by the thick wooden door.

Jungkook felt a pang of jealousy, a sharp and bitter emotion that he couldn't ignore. He turned away, his mind racing. He didn't know how to fix this, how to not care again. Had Jimin finally broken him? What about his parents? He felt so confused at what was going on inside him. All he knew was that he couldn't stand the silence any longer.