A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 15: KISSING A BEAUTIFUL FROG AND LOVING IT.

That night, as Jungkook lay in bed, he let the weight of the day's events crush him. Mirae's clandestine meeting with Jimin, the enigmatic expression on Jimin's face afterward, it all gnawed at Jungkook's mind, amplifying his guilt and confusion. The ceiling above blurred into an indistinct haze as his thoughts swirled chaotically, dragging him deeper into the abyss of his tormented psyche.

Unable to bear the onslaught of emotions, Jungkook rolled up his sleeves, revealing a patchwork of fresh cuts on his arms. The physical pain offered a fleeting escape from the relentless emotional storm raging within him. With a trembling hand, he reached for the blade in his bedside drawer. The cold steel glinted menacingly under the dim light of his lamp, a grim reminder of his internal struggle. He pressed the blade against his tight skin, the familiar sting accompanying the line of red that blossomed forth. Tears streamed down his cheeks, mingling with the blood that now dripped onto his sheets. The pain was excruciating, yet it momentarily dulled the deeper agony he dared not confront.

Pressing down on the wound to stem the flow of blood, Jungkook's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on his door. The sound was quickly followed by the creak of the turning knob. Panic surged through him. He had to hide the evidence of his self-inflicted pain, to move away from this scene of his private torment. But it was too late.

Jimin stood at the threshold, eyes wide with shock, his expression a tumult of concern and anguish. "Jungkook, what happened?" His voice quivered with worry as he rushed forward, his movements fueled by urgency.

"Nothing, Jimin. Just... leave me alone." Jungkook's voice was barely a whisper, laden with defeat.

But Jimin was not deterred. "No, I won't leave you alone. Let me see." He reached out, trying to take Jungkook's arm, his eyes pleading for understanding.

Jungkook recoiled, attempting to hide his arm, but Jimin's grip was firm, his determination unyielding. "Please, Jungkook," Jimin implored, his voice breaking.

As Jimin's eyes took in the fresh wounds and scars, his heart sank. "What have you done, Jungkook?" His tone was a mixture of sorrow and frustration. "Why would you hurt yourself like this?"

Jungkook averted his gaze, unable to meet Jimin's eyes. "I'm sorry, Jimin. I just... it hurt too much."

Jimin rushed to the bathroom and returned with a first aid kit. His hands worked methodically, cleaning and dressing the wounds, his mind racing to understand the depth of Jungkook's pain. "You promised me, Jungkook. You said you'd come to me if things got too overwhelming."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Why, Jungkook? Why didn't you tell me?"

Jungkook took a shuddering breath. "It's not just one thing. It's everything. The guilt, the emptiness, the feeling that I've lost my purpose. My entire life was built around one goal - to kill you. And now... now I don't know what to do."

Jimin's eyes softened, his own pain reflected in Jungkook's words. "I'm sorry I didn't see how much you were struggling. We can find you a new purpose, something meaningful. But please, don't hurt yourself. It hurts me more than you can imagine. If it gets too unbearable, come to me. Call me if I'm not around. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Jungkook shook his head, his voice raw. "I can't come to you when I feel like this. I don't want to hurt you."

"You would never hurt me, Jungkook. You've had so many chances, justified chances, but you didn't take any of them. Now, you're in a better place. You're doing great, and I admire you for your determination. I want to be part of it, to support you in every way."

"What if I want to fight?"

Jimin's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Then fight me. I promise I'll give you a good run for your money. And when your energy is spent, we can laugh about it over a hearty meal."

Jungkook managed a weak smile in return. "You're crazy, Park Jimin."

"That I am," Jimin agreed, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and sincerity. "But I'm also trying to get a hug from you. Unless you want to fight, in which case, you'll have to catch me outside."

A small chuckle escaped Jungkook's lips. "And what if I want a kiss instead?"

For a brief moment, Jimin's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his expression softening. "Then I would have to oblige you with the utmost earnestness."

Jimin searched Jungkook's face for any signs of hesitation but found none. Instead, he saw eagerness, a longing that mirrored his own. The space between them seemed to shrink, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Their first kiss was tentative, a gentle exploration. Lips brushed against lips, testing, discovering the secrets that lay beyond the surface. The world seemed to fade away as they shared that intimate connection, their breaths mingling, their hearts pounding. They broke apart, gasping for air, their foreheads resting against each other's.

The second kiss was deeper, more urgent, intoxicating. They lost themselves in the moment, their hands wandering, exploring the contours of each other's bodies. Jungkook's fingers tangled in Jimin's hair, while Jimin's hands traced the lines of Jungkook's back. The taste of each other was maddening, a blend of sweetness and desire that left them breathless and yearning for more.

When they finally broke apart, their breaths were heavy, their hearts threatening to beat out of their chests. Jungkook's hands rested casually on Jimin's chest, while Jimin still held him in a loose embrace. They stared into each other's eyes, letting the depth of their feelings shine through.

"Jungkook, you're not alone," Jimin said softly, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll face whatever comes together. You and I. Please let me. Come to me when it hurts. Even if you feel you shouldn't. Come to me, most especially then, please, Ggukie. I promise i will come to you too. I will lose it if anything ever happened to you. So please, no more secrets, no more pain. Just us, supporting each other."

Jungkook nodded, a fragile hope blossoming in his chest. "Together," he echoed, the word a promise, a lifeline.

In that moment, the darkness that had consumed Jungkook's soul began to recede, replaced by the warm glow of hope and love. He realized that with Jimin by his side, he could find a new purpose, a new meaning in life. And perhaps, just perhaps, the future held the promise of happiness and adventure they both longed for.