Till death do us part [ j.jk × p.jm ]

chapter 33

As Jungkook exited Jimin's office, a cascade of thoughts tumbled through his mind, each one more unsettling than the last. He paused just beyond the threshold, the polished wooden door closing softly behind him. The corridor was quiet, a stark contrast to the tempest of emotions roiling within him. The walls, adorned with tasteful yet impersonal art, seemed to close in on him, their muted tones mocking his turmoil.

He turned, almost as if compelled by an invisible force, and cast one last lingering glance at the door. It stood there, an unassuming barrier that now seemed to guard a trove of secrets. Jungkook’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination igniting in their depths. The faint hum of office life around him faded into oblivion as his focus sharpened.

"I will uncover the truth," he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper, yet imbued with a steely resolve.

"That's him..." Taehyung's voice held a mixture of admiration and unease as he displayed a photograph of Park Jimin on his laptop. He turned the screen towards Jin, his old friend, seeking both validation and perhaps some comfort.

"Let me see," Jin said, leaning in closer. His eyes scanned the photo, then flicked through several others of Jimin. He paused, struggling to articulate his thoughts. "Well..." he began, searching for the right words. "He certainly looks like someone who takes great care of himself." Jin’s gaze remained fixed on the laptop. "He looks impressive."

Taehyung sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation as Jin continued to praise Park Jimin. Jin zoomed in on the image, scrutinizing every detail.

"I told you so," Taehyung muttered under his breath. An edge of anxiety crept into his voice as he added, "What if Jungkook likes him more than me but just doesn't show it?"

Jin turned his full attention to Taehyung, a slight furrow forming between his brows. "What?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. "Why would you think that?"

"Because it’s obvious!" Taehyung exclaimed, his frustration bubbling over. "Park Jimin is the man everyone desires—rich, attractive, and seemingly always getting what he wants."

"Oh, Taehyung..." Jin’s expression softened, his gaze gentle as he regarded his friend. He placed a comforting hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. "You can't keep comparing yourself to Goldilocks," he said softly. Turning back to the screen, he added with a hint of amusement, "What's with the blonde hair, the porcelain skin like he's made of fine china, and, well... that..he has a bigger ass?"

Taehyung frowned, his frustration deepening. "Do you hear yourself? He has everything men desire!"

Jin blinked, considering his friend’s words. "Well, at least you’re taller," he offered, a touch of lightheartedness in his tone.

Taehyung rolled his eyes and sighed deeply, the weight of his insecurities pressing heavily on his heart.

Jin watched Taehyung's reaction, the tension in the room palpable. He knew his friend's worries ran deeper than just physical comparisons. "Taehyung, you need to remember that Jungkook cares about you for who you are, not for some superficial checklist," he said, trying to offer solace.

Taehyung shook his head, still staring at the screen. "It's not just that, Jin. Jimin has this magnetic charm. When he walks into a room, everyone notices. He has this effortless way of drawing people in. Sometimes I feel... invisible next to him."

Jin sighed, closing the laptop with a decisive click. "Taehyung, you're not invisible. You're vibrant, unique, and you have your own charm. Jimin may shine brightly, but that doesn't dim your light. It's just different."

Taehyung slumped in his chair, the weight of his insecurities feeling heavier than ever. "I just don’t want to lose Jungkook to him," he admitted softly, almost to himself.