Unloved | tk

ch53

Just when you think you have everything figured out, when you start to picture a promising future, when you believe that your long wait is finally coming to an end—that's when life tests your patience the most. This was exactly how Jungkook felt a year ago.

Back then, Jungkook was truly happy. He had Taehyung by his side, held him in his arms, and they were surrounded by love. It felt like happiness was within their grasp, something tangible and real. Everything seemed perfect, almost like a dream.

But just as things seemed to be falling into place, Taehyung uncovered a hidden truth about Jungkook. This revelation changed everything, turning their world upside down. The journey that followed was filled with challenges and heartache, and it became a significant part of their history.

Now, a whole year has passed since that fateful day when Taehyung was shot while protecting him. The world around them has shifted dramatically, yet the relationship between Jungkook and Taehyung remains frozen in time. They stand in the same emotional place they were a year ago, as if the events of the past year never happened. Taehyung's coma has robbed them of the opportunity to mend their bond, leaving Jungkook trapped in a cycle of guilt and longing.

Countless nights have been spent by Jungkook at Taehyung's bedside, gazing at his unconscious form. He would whisper stories, sharing every detail about himself, clinging to the hope that Taehyung might somehow hear him. Each night, he imagined Taehyung waking up, forgiving him instantly, and embracing him as if the past 365 days of heartache and silence had never occurred. Jungkook yearned for that moment, desperate to feel Taehyung's love once more, to erase the pain and to start anew.

The court case had left a trail of devastation. Kim Mooyoung's properties were all seized, and Jung Empire was completely shut down. Although Jung Yewon's Sensui Inneum managed to stay operational, it too had suffered significant losses. Despite these hardships, it was still managing to stay afloat. Mooyoung remained in jail, fighting to prove his innocence, desperately trying to shift the blame onto Taehyung. He claimed that it wasn't him but his adopted son who committed all the crimes under the guise of Kim Corp. The most heartbreaking part was that Taehyung, unable to defend himself, remained in a coma. Doctors were baffled by the severity of his condition; he should have recovered within a month or two. But a whole year had passed, and Taehyung had yet to show any signs of consciousness.

Every day, Jungkook, with his raven-black hair, silently wished for a miracle that would bring the love of his life back to him. The words Taehyung had said on their last meeting echoed in his mind relentlessly: "Probably this is the last time you'll see me. Goodbye." He couldn't shake the haunting thought—was this truly the end of their love story?

Perhaps it was.

Jungkook had never considered himself a quitter. Yet, the look of betrayal and disappointment in Taehyung's eyes had shaken him to his core. For the first time, Jungkook doubted whether their relationship was something Taehyung would want to salvage. Initially, this uncertainty terrified him, but as days turned into weeks, he resigned himself to the possibility that he might have to let Taehyung go if that was what he desired. Jungkook vowed to respect Taehyung's wishes, no matter how painful, even if it meant never seeing his face again.

Over the past month, there had been moments of fleeting hope. Taehyung's body, lying still and unresponsive, would sometimes jerk unexpectedly. Each movement sent a surge of hope through Jungkook's heart, leading him to believe that maybe, just maybe, Taehyung was coming back to him. He vividly remembered the first time it happened. He stayed by Taehyung's side for 20 straight hours, eyes glued to his beloved's face, waiting for him to wake up. When the doctor finally examined Taehyung, he explained that the movements could be a sign that Taehyung's body was trying to recover. However, he warned that it might also be a false alarm, offering no guarantees.