[COMPLETED] ENDURING LOVE (JIKOOK)

20; Clash of Convictions

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Jungkook takes a deep breath, absorbing Yoongi's words. Yoongi's words hit Jungkook like a punch to the gut.

He opens his mouth to respond, but no words come out. How could he have been so blind to his own hypocrisy?

"I... I just wanted to protect him," Jungkook admits, his voice wavering with vulnerability. "I thought if I found out what was going on, I could keep him safe. I didn't want to worry him unnecessarily." His expression softens, a pang of guilt gnawing at his conscience as Yoongi's words hit home.

"And that's exactly what Jimin might be thinking too. Sometimes, the desire to protect the ones we love clouds our judgment, leading us to make choices we might not fully comprehend." Yoongi nods, understanding the turmoil in Jungkook's heart.

"But I'm not hiding things to deceive him. I just wanted to make sure he's okay," Jungkook defends his actions, a hint of frustration lingering in his voice.

"I get that, Jungkook-ah. But you need to realize that trust is a two-way street," Yoongi advises, his tone gentle yet firm. "If you want him to trust you, you need to trust him too. Secrets have a way of eroding the foundation of a relationship."

"Yes, I trust him. But no, I won't tell him anything about this investigation," Jungkook's voice laces with determination. "I understand your point, hyung. But who knows what will happen if the shadow finds out that Jimin and I are working together to catch them?"

"Jungkook, keeping secrets from him won't solve the problem. If Jimin finds out you were investigating behind his back, it might hurt him even more. Trust is about being open and honest with each other." Yoongi sighs, recognizing the stubborn determination in Jungkook's eyes. 

Jungkook bites his lip, conflicted between his desire to protect Jimin and Yoongi's advice. The weight of the situation presses on him, the reality of the choices he's made sinking in.

"I know it's risky, hyung, but I can't just stand by and do nothing," Jungkook says, his voice filled with frustration. "I need to find out who's behind all of this. I can't let Jimin face this alone."

"There you go again talking as if you don't understand what I was saying," Yoongi gazes at Jungkook, understanding the depth of his concern. "I'm not saying do nothing, Jungkook-ah. What I'm trying to tell you is to involve Jimin in the process. You both need to face this together. Keeping him in the dark might do more harm than good."

Jungkook runs a hand through his hair, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. "I just don't want him to worry. If he knows I'm investigating, it might add to his stress."

"Jimin is stronger than you think, and he deserves to know the truth," Yoongi asserts, his tone unwavering. "Facing challenges together will only strengthen your relationship. Trust him enough to let him in."

Jungkook's shoulders sag with the weight of his internal struggle. He knows Yoongi is right, but the thought of putting Jimin in harm's way terrifies him more than anything else.

"Right, excuse me if I sound like a dick if I say this but, why should I tell him about this when he doesn't tell me anything about this either?" Jungkook breathes out, looking exasperated. "This investigation I'm about to get into is all because of him. Because of the shadow that has been following him for God knows how long. And I don't even have a clue about it until recently."

"Yah!" Yoongi sighs in disbelief. "Did you hear yourself? Are you taking revenge on him or trying to protect him? Pull yourself together, Jeon Jungkook. You're not this petty, are you?"