Sugary Compilation

progress} JiKook

Pretend it makes sense lol

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Trauma.

It's amazing how your brain can hold onto a terrible memory that drastically changes your ability to operate. modifies your relationship with everything and everyone. How an experience can both totally transform you and break you in the most agonising way is mind-boggling.

Three Four Five Six Seven Eight -

Jimin gasped as he withdrew. His trembling hands withdrew, and his eyes fluttered open in an instant. His eyes were broken as he fixed them on the man in front of him.

"I'm sorry." Jimin spoke a weak whisper. He apologised beyond words. More than "sorry," what word would best describe this situation? Though he was unaware of it, he felt it.

"Hey sweetie, it's all right. Never apologise." With a comforting smile, Jungkook's fingers tingled to reach out and grasp his beloved  in his arms. But he couldn't.

We're just holding hands! I should be able to do it! I should be able to hold your hand without—without—" Jimin's voice cracked, the panic in his tone escalating. His breaths became short and labored, chest heaving with the effort to control the rising anxiety.

"Hey, look at me, baby." Jungkook moved as close as he could, his eyes locked on Jimin's face, trying to convey calmness and support. But still, Jimin tensed up, his whole body rigid with fear. "You're doing good—"

"You're lying!" Jimin croaked, his voice breaking. Tears were already shimmering in his eyes, threatening to spill over.

"No, I'm not. Look." Jungkook picked up the smartwatch from the bed beside them, the small device a beacon of hope in his hand. He flashed it at Jimin, who stared at it with teary eyes. "It's two more seconds than yesterday. That's progress, baby."

"Yeah?" Jimin mumbled, a mixture of disbelief and hope in his voice as he sniffled, trying to stem the tide of his emotions.

"Yeah. You're doing great, and I'm so proud of you." Jungkook's smile was warm and genuine, his eyes filled with unwavering affection. "Don't beat yourself over it, okay? We have all the time in the world."

"Why are you so patient with me? It's been four years already. Why are you still here?" The tears spilled over, running down Jimin's cheeks. Jungkook sighed softly. They've had this conversation so many times now that he had lost count.

"Because I love you, Jimin." Jungkook's voice was steady and full of love, his gaze never wavering from Jimin's.

Yeah, but why? I feel so useless in this relationship. I feel like I'm trapping you when you could be happy with someone else. Someone who isn't broken or dirty or closed off. Someone who doesn't shudder at the thought of you touching them, someone who actually satisfies your needs and—"

Jungkook pulled his large sweater sleeves over his hands and placed them gently just a millimeter away from Jimin's face.

"Don't do that, baby. I want you and I love you. I'm going to wait for you patiently until you're ready. I'm not rushing you, so why are you rushing yourself?" Jungkook gently scolded. Jimin sniffed, trying to blink the tears away.

"I'm scared, Kookie." And he was. He was truly terrified.

"Of what, baby? What are you scared of?" Jungkook inquired, keeping his hands in place. He wished he could touch his baby and make all the pain go away, but even his clothed hands couldn't make contact without Jimin flinching.

"Of losing you." Jimin cried, his voice small and dejected. "But I'm more scared of keeping you trapped in an unhappy marriage. It's not fair to you."

"Happiness is overrated anyway." Jungkook chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.