A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 13: THE TONE OF LIFE.

After the visit, Jimin felt utterly exhausted. His body ached from the long day, but his mind refused to rest, consumed by thoughts of Jungkook. He couldn't understand Jungkook's strange reaction earlier, and it gnawed at him, leaving him restless and anxious.

Back in his room, Jungkook was equally tormented. He couldn't fathom why seeing Jimin with Hoseok had affected him so deeply. Was it the long absence from the palace that had stirred old wounds? Was it his hatred flaring up once more? Or was it the undeniable truth that he was jealous? Shamelessly jealous of seeing anyone else touch or command Jimin's attention.

A soft knock interrupted his turmoil, followed by the gentle creak of the door opening. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as Jimin stepped into the room, looking more regal and immaculate than ever, his presence commanding yet tender.

Jungkook jumped slightly at the sound of Jimin's voice, which was laden with a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Can we talk?"

"What do you want?" Jungkook's voice was a mixture of anger and confusion, his emotions raw and exposed.

"Jungkook, please," Jimin's tone was soft, almost pleading. He took a step closer, careful not to provoke any distress or aggression.

"I don't want to talk to you." Jungkook's voice was defensive, his guard still firmly up.

Jimin approached slowly, his eyes scanning Jungkook's face for any sign of willingness to engage. "Hoseok is in love with Taehyung, but Taehyung is still hesitant."

"Why are you telling me this?" Jungkook's tone was suspicious, wary of Jimin's intentions.

"Because you're upset. Do you like Taehyung?" Jimin's question was gentle, probing, his eyes never leaving Jungkook's face.

"No," Jungkook replied firmly, his voice tinged with frustration. "I am not upset because of that."

"Then why did you storm off like that? Why did you leave the palace without any protection, Jungkook?" Jimin's voice grew more urgent, desperate for an answer.

"Because..." Jungkook stuttered, the words caught in his throat. He took a deep breath, mustering the courage to speak the truth. "Because I wanted to see you." His voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of his hidden emotions.

"You wanted to see me?" Jimin's surprise was evident, his eyes widening slightly.

Jungkook nodded, unable to meet Jimin's questioning gaze. His heart pounded in his chest, fear and vulnerability, making it hard to breathe. "I wanted to thank you for the temple," he added, his voice faltering as he struggled to find a plausible excuse for his behavior.

"The temple?" Jimin echoed, his confusion deepening. "You went to the temple? Jimin could not believe it. And you wanted to thank me for that?"

Jungkook nodded again, swallowing hard. "Yes. It meant a lot to me. It's... it's a place where I can remember my family, where I can find some peace. Thank you for giving them such a beautiful final resting place."

Jimin's expression softened, a hint of a smile touching his lips as he found more courage to move even closer to Jungkook. "I'm glad you found comfort there."

"Why, Jimin? Why must you be so kind to me? I have tried to kill you a number of times. I could even be trying to do so right now, and god knows I may flare up in the future. Why are you being this kind to me?"

"Because I can see you, Jungkook." Jimin raised his hand to caress the right side of Jungkook's face. Jungkook startled at the first contact, his eyes widening in surprise, but he didn't stop Jimin. So Jimin took that as his cue to continue.