Love Me Back | Jikook ✔️

Chapter 9

The days stretched on like an unending phase of suffering for Jungkook. Each morning greeted him with the weight of Jimin’s confession, something that had rocked the friendship they once had.

Jimin’s words echoed in Jungkook's mind, a consistent reminder of the fragile thread that now held them together.

Despite his initial shock and confusion, Jungkook couldn’t deny the persistence of Jimin’s feelings. They hovered in the air between them with tension.

Jimin had laid bare his heart, vulnerable and raw, leaving Jungkook grappling with a whirlwind of emotions he had never dared to confront.

As the days turned into weeks, Jungkook found himself drawn to moments of solitude, seeking refuge in quiet corners of the dormitory or long walks under the moonlit sky.

It was during these silent moments that he allowed himself to reflect on his feelings for Jimin, feelings that had always been there, quietly simmering beneath the surface.

He remembered their early days together, when they were just two boys chasing the same dream. Jimin had been the first to reach out before their debut.

His laughter had been infectious, he never doubt Jungkook. Jungkook had admired Jimin’s talent, his dedication to their craft, but there had always been something more, a warmth that Jungkook had only recently begun to recognize as longing.

They had grown closer over the years, their bond forged through countless hours of practice, shared victories, and the inevitable setbacks that came with their demanding profession.

Jungkook recalled moments when Jimin had been there for him, his source of strength during tough times of doubt or exhaustion. Jimin’s smile had been a beacon of hope to him, a silent reassurance that they were in this together.

But now, with Jimin’s confession hanging heavy in the air, Jungkook found himself questioning everything. He replayed their memories like scenes from a movie, searching for signs of his own feelings amidst the familiarity of their friendship.

One evening, as he sat alone in the practice room, Jungkook closed his eyes and let the memories wash over him. He remembered the way Jimin’s hand had lingered on his shoulder during a particularly difficult rehearsal, the way Jimin’s laughter had brightened even the darkest of days.

There had been moments when Jungkook had caught himself staring at Jimin, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of his smile or the softness in his eyes.

Was it possible, Jungkook wondered, that he had been in love with Jimin all along? Had he been blind to his own feelings, buried beneath layers of denial and fear?

The realization hit him like a wave crashing against the shore. He loved Jimin, truly, deeply, irrevocably. It wasn’t just admiration or friendship; it was a longing that had been woven into the fabric of his being, a silent yearning that had grown stronger with each passing day.

But with this realization, came a torrent of emotions—guilt, for not recognizing Jimin’s feelings sooner; fear, of what this revelation meant for their friendship; and hope, that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to fix this mess together.

Days turned into nights as Jungkook wrestled with his emotions, unsure of how to proceed. He watched Jimin from afar, observing the way Jimin had distanced further into himself, his smile becoming more forced, his laughter quieter. It pained Jungkook to see Jimin like this, to know that his own hesitation and confusion were contributing to Jimin’s pain.

One afternoon, as they sat together in the living room with the other members, Jungkook stole glances at Jimin when he thought no one was looking.

Jimin’s eyes were distant, lost in thoughts that Jungkook couldn’t begin to fathom. Their gazes met briefly, a moment of connection before Jimin looked away, his expression unreadable.