Raw Marks | KOOKV✓

Chapter 28

Hopelessness was a powerful force in human lives. Sometimes, it made people feel so vulnerable that they so badly needed someone. Other times, it fueled bitterness and made them stronger. But not everyone could transform such negative emotions into something positive, no matter how mentally strong they believed themselves to be. Taehyung was always positive, especially after that incident in his teenage years. He had been nothing but kind, too kind, even to the point where others felt pity for him. He tried not to be cruel, not to harbour anger. The trauma of his past was too strong for him, forcing him to always be kind toward others. He believed that one harsh action could lead to the death of souls.

But in this situation, he couldn't stay positive. He couldn't even stay kind. He didn't know why or where all these negative emotions were building up within his heart, those sentiments he had tried his best to suppress for years. His eyes were numb from secretly crying for 25 minutes now and his back was hurting because he had been sitting still for too long. His focus was entirely on the sea, the sound of its crashing waves. For a moment, he forgot about his existence and just got lost in that hypnotic scene

"Hyung, let's go" Jungkook swiftly walked toward Taehyung after making sure his friends were fully gone, but the adult didn't respond, as if he were a lifeless stone. The teen frowned before shaking his shoulder rather harshly, annoyed that Taehyung was quiet

"TAEHYUNG!" he shouted, and that worked. Taehyung flinched and looked up at his boyfriend, his expression panicked as if he had woken up from a deep slumber. "Jungkook" he acknowledged the latter before releasing a deep breath, rubbing the tiredness out of his face with his palms

"Were you sleeping with your eyes open?" Jungkook chuckled. Taehyung forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil within "No, just... lost in thought" he murmured, standing up slowly. His legs felt weak and he swayed slightly before regaining his balance

"Let's go home, hyung. It's getting late" Jungkook spoke, his tone softer now, perhaps sensing something was off but not addressing it directly

"Okay" Taehyung replied quietly, falling into step beside him. The walk back to the bus stop was silent, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. The adult's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, battling between his love for Jungkook and the pain of feeling neglected

As they waited for the bus, Taehyung couldn't help but steal glances at Jungkook. The teen seemed so carefree, so unaware of the storm raging inside his heart. When the bus arrived, they boarded and found seats at the back, away from the few other passengers

"Did you have fun with your friends?" Taehyung asked, trying to sound casual

"Yeah, it was good to see them after so long" Jungkook replied, his eyes still glued to his phone. Taehyung nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He wanted to say so much, to express how hurt he felt, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, he stared out the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks as the bus moved through the streets

Back at Taehyung's apartment, the silence continued. He busied himself with small tasks, avoiding looking directly at Jungkook. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to see the latter's concerned face

"Hyung, are you okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice gentle

Taehyung sighed, unable to hold back any longer "Jungkook, why did you leave me alone today? It was supposed to be our date...our first date"

Jungkook looked taken aback "I didn't think it was a big deal. I was just catching up with old friends"

"It was a big deal to me" Taehyung's voice wavered, tears threatening to spill "I felt ignored and hurt. It felt like you didn't care about me"