[ONGOING] ENDURING LOVE (JIKOOK)

17; Enduring The Tempest

✧༺♥༻∞⋆˚｡⋆୨୧˚✧༺♥༻∞˚୨୧⋆｡˚⋆✧༺♥༻∞

JIMIN

As the evening unfolds, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Jungkook's concern is both a source of comfort and a reminder of the lies that now weave a tangled web around us. I want to confide in him, to share the burden of the truth, but the fear that gnaws at the edges of my consciousness holds me back.

We spend the evening in each other's company, attempting to create a semblance of normalcy. Jungkook cooks a simple dinner, his efforts aimed at bringing a sense of routine to our disrupted lives. I appreciate his gestures, but the weight of my own secrets casts a shadow over the warmth of our shared moments.

As we sit down to eat, I force myself to push aside the haunting thoughts and engage in the conversation. Jungkook talks about his day, his voice a soothing melody that temporarily distracts me from the turmoil within. I manage to share a few lighthearted moments, a facade to shield him from the storm brewing beneath the surface.

After dinner, we settle on the couch, the glow of the television casting flickering shadows across the room. Jungkook's arm wraps around me, a silent reassurance that I'm not alone. But even in his embrace, the echoes of the ominous messages linger, a constant reminder of the invisible threat that lurks in the shadows.

"Baby," Jungkook murmurs, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us. His gaze is searching, filled with a concern that I can no longer ignore.

I meet his eyes, attempting to conceal the storm within. "Hrmm?"

"You're not telling me something," he says softly, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "I can feel it. You still don't want to talk to me about it?"

I hesitate, the weight of my unspoken truths pressing down on me. "It's just... I can't shake off the fear, you know?" I admit, choosing a sliver of truth to share. "The incident shook me more than I thought. I keep replaying everything in my mind."

"Of course, it is," Understanding flashes in Jungkook's eyes, and he tightens his grip on me.

"Probably because that was my first time being assaulted?" I try to crack a joke to lighten up the mood only to mentally cuss myself when Jungkook's eyes get glassy again.

"I'm sorry. I should've been there to help you. I'm sorry...for not being there to protect you..." His voice is barely above whispers as he keeps chanting the apology.

I feel a pang in my heart at his words, and for a moment, I consider revealing everything. But the fear that someone might be watching, waiting for any sign of weakness, restrains me.

"What are you sorry for, hrmm? It's not your fault," My hand reaches out to wipe his tears away. "I'm really fine now. Don't be sorry, please." I can feel my heart breaks into pieces.

I lied to him...

"I just need some time to process everything. It's a lot to take in," I add further. "Stop crying, please...it makes me sad..."

"Right... Take all the time you need. If anything, I'm here for you." He pulls me into his arms, making me snuggle closer into his chest. "I'm here for you..." He repeats again, making me almost burst into tears as I bury my face even closer into his chest if it's possible, breathing in his intoxicating scent that always helps me to calm down.

The night unfolds a delicate dance between the lies that shield us and the truth that threatens to surface. As we retire to bed, I find myself staring at the ceiling, the shadows playing tricks on my restless mind.