FORGET-ME-NOT | kth

Chapter 14- The End?

Amid the energetic ambience of clanking weights and determined grunts echoing through the gym, Taehyung walked slowly on the treadmill, his movements lacking intent.

Monday marked the beginning of another workweek and Taehyung had resumed his job, a welcome distraction from the turmoil within his thoughts. His job kept him occupied, preventing him from sinking into the depths of overthinking that threatened to consume him if left alone.

 Despite staring at the mirror ahead, his gaze seemed distant, disconnected from the bustling atmosphere around him. The treadmill's digital screen displayed numbers that he paid no attention to, his mind drifted aimlessly through a maze of thoughts.

Suddenly, waves of laughter pierced through the rhythmic noise of the gym. Startled, Taehyung's gaze shifted to the mirror again and he noticed Jungkook entering the gym, accompanied by one of the regular members. Their carefree demeanor and animated conversation stood in stark contrast to his own detached state.

Taehyung gradually slowed down the treadmill until it came to a complete stop, and stepped off the machine. His body felt weighed down, but he made himself walk over to his friend. As he neared Jungkook, he couldn't ignore the twinge of envy he felt towards his friend's carefree demeanor and visible happiness.

"Hey, Tae," Jungkook greeted, his smile gradually vanishing as he noticed the grumpy expression on his friend's face.

"Hey," Taehyung replied, his voice lacking its usual energy. Jungkook narrowed his eyes, sensing something was off.

"What's wrong?" Jungkook asked, concern lacing his voice.

Taehyung sighed deeply. "I need to talk."

They walked over to a bench in one corner of the gym and sat down. Jungkook remained silent, observing his friend, waiting for him to begin.

"Do you remember when I was freaking out about Maya possibly having a boyfriend?" Taehyung began, shooting Jungkook a glance to gauge his reaction.

"Yeah, I remember," Jungkook replied, looking utterly perplexed yet oddly intrigued.

"Well, it has been turned out that she's married and has a husband—"

"What the heck—" Jungkook blurted out, eyes widening in disbelief.

"And she's seeking a divorce," Taehyung added, and Jungkook's expression changed from shock to relief.

Jungkook breathed a sigh of relief, running a hand through his hair. "Tae, you got me good there." Taehyung shot his friend a frustrated look. 

"I said she's married," he stressed, enunciating each word.

"You also mentioned the divorce part, so what's the catch?" Jungkook responded, still trying to piece it together.

Taehyung scoffed, shaking his head. "Dude, she's married."

"And seeking a divorce?" Jungkook insisted, trying to grasp Taehyung's point.

Taehyung sighed and stood up from the bench, pacing a bit. "I don't know if you'll get this. I was-" there was a pause before he continued. "this whole time, I was thinking about a married woman."

Jungkook wanted to say, who is also seeking a divorce, but he sensed it wasn't the right time. Instead, he stayed quiet, giving Taehyung the space to express his feelings.

Taehyung paced back and forth, running a hand through his hair. "I was caught up in her, Jungkook. I really liked her, and now I've found out she's married. Even if she's seeking a divorce, it feels... wrong," he said.

Jungkook watched as Taehyung moved restlessly, the tension hanging heavily in the air. He remained silent, understanding that his friend needed time to process his thoughts and emotions. But when Taehyung stopped pacing and turned to him, Jungkook could see the plea in his eyes, the silent cry for reassurance.