Our Story

Chapter 24: Fractured Time

After finally returning from their emotionally draining yet loving trip to London, they were able to settle back into their routine. Jungkook had thrown himself into the role of a supportive husband, tending to Taehyung's needs with a tenderness that did not go unnoticed by those around them. The Kim family remained oblivious to the truth, as Taehyung chose to keep his condition a secret for now.

At King's Department Store, the atmosphere had subtly shifted. As CEO, Taehyung's presence was always commanding, but now it was underlined with a vulnerability that endeared him even more to his staff. Jungkook, as the Legal Director, maintained his usual professionalism, but his interactions with Taehyung were now tinged with a visible softness. The office buzzed with whispered speculation about the rekindling of their relationship.

In the sleek confines of the CEO's office, Taehyung and Jungkook worked side by side. Papers and contracts were strewn across Taehyung's desk, but they often found themselves drifting into shared glances and gentle touches. Taehyung's secretary, Jimin, watched through the glass partition, his heart warming at the sight of Jungkook tenderly brushing a stray lock of hair from Taehyung's forehead.

Secretary Min said softly to a colleague "Have you seen them lately? It's like they're falling in love all over again."

Colleague nodding "It's beautiful. I hope everything's okay between them."

Jungkook's fingers lingered on Taehyung's cheek, his eyes filled with an affection that seemed genuine. Over the past two weeks, Jungkook had found his carefully constructed facade crumbling, replaced by a profound realization. The more time he spent with Taehyung, the more he remembered why he had fallen in love with him in the first place. What started as a forced effort to care for a dying husband had transformed into a genuine rediscovery of their bond.

The days were starting to blur for Taehyung. His mind often felt like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces, leaving him disoriented and frightened. At first, it was subtle things—forgetting names, misplacing items—but now, there were moments where entire chunks of time seemed to vanish. He'd find himself in one place, only to suddenly be somewhere else, with no memory of how he got there.

After another long day at the office, they returned to the Kim compound. Taehyung, exhausted but content, decided to visit Jungkook in his room. He wanted to surprise him with a dinner invitation, hoping to keep the warmth of their renewed connection alive. He went to their now shared bedroom and didn't see Jungkook, but then went to Jungkook old bedroom. He knocked lightly and, hearing no response, entered Jungkook's room.

The room was neat and organized, a stark contrast to the turmoil within Jungkook's heart. Taehyung's eyes fell on the divorce papers laid out on the table. His heart sank, a cold wave of dread washing over him. The papers were a cruel reminder of the distance that had once existed between them.

As Taehyung stood there, staring at the documents, Jungkook walked in to the bedroom seeing someone in it. He froze at the sight of Taehyung, his eyes darting to the papers and then back to his husband's stricken face.

"Taehyung... what are you doing here?" He's been meaning to throw those papers away just never had a chance to.

Taehyung turned to face him, his expression a mix of sadness and anger. The pain in his eyes was palpable, and Jungkook felt a pang of guilt for ever considering those papers.

Taehyung voice trembling "I came to ask if you wanted to go to dinner. But now... what is this, Jungkook?" he gestured to the divorce papers "Were you planning to leave me all along?"

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Taehyung, where did you find these?" Jungkook asked gently, trying to stay calm.

"On the table! Why would you have that? Are you planning on leaving me?" Taehyung's voice cracked, his eyes searching Jungkook's for answers.

"Taehyung, we talked about this," Jungkook said softly, stepping closer. "We decided to start over, remember? I've been meaning to throw them away. We're working on us."

Taehyung's eyes filled with tears, his confusion deepening. "I... I don't remember," he whispered, looking lost. "How could I forget something so important?"

Jungkook's heart broke at the sight of Taehyung's anguish. He reached out to take Taehyung's hands in his own. "Hey, it's okay," he said gently. "It's the tumor, remember? It's making you forget things sometimes."

Taehyung pulled his hands away, his expression turning cold and distant. "If you're going to leave, just do it," he said, his voice hardening. "I don't want to be strung along."

"Taehyung, I'm not leaving," Jungkook insisted, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I love you. I'm here for you, no matter what. We can get through this together."

But Taehyung shook his head, his frustration mounting. "I can't trust you. Not when you're hiding things from me." He turned away, walking towards their bedroom, his steps heavy with a mixture of sorrow and anger.

Jungkook stood there, the crumpled papers still in his hand, feeling helpless. He knew the tumor was robbing Taehyung of his memories, but seeing the person he loved most turn into a stranger, even momentarily, was devastating.

As Taehyung retreated to the bedroom, Jungkook followed him quietly, determined to make things right. He found Taehyung sitting on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands.

"Taehyung," Jungkook began softly, sitting down beside him. "I'm not hiding anything from you. Those papers... they were from a time when we were struggling. But we've moved past that. I want to build a future with you, not walk away."

Taehyung looked up, his eyes filled with tears. "I don't want to lose you," he whispered, his voice breaking. "But... I'm scared, Jungkook. I don't know what's real and what's fake anymore." His voice trembled as he spoke, revealing the depth of his fear and confusion.

Jungkook's heart ached for Taehyung. He gently cupped Taehyung's face in his hands, forcing him to meet his eyes. "Taehyung, I'm real. We're real. And I'm here, by your side, every step of the way."

Taehyung's eyes searched Jungkook's, desperate for some anchor in the storm of his mind. Slowly, he nodded, a glimmer of hope breaking through the fear. "Okay," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "We'll try. Together."

Jungkook smiled, a tear slipping down his cheek as he pulled Taehyung into a gentle embrace. They sat there for a long time, holding each other, finding comfort in their shared love and the hope that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.