Cell No. 9 | TaeKook

13 | New start.

The day that taehyung left without being able to say goodbye, the atmosphere was unusually quiet. The absence of Taehyung was palpable, and Jungkook felt an emptiness he couldn't shake.

He sat on the floor, staring out of the small, barred window, the world outside seeming so far away. The sun cast a golden glow through the bars, but it did little to warm the cold ache in his chest. All he could think about was Taehyung.

Daejung, noticing Jungkook's despondent state, observed him for a moment. The usually stoic Jungkook had been different ever since Taehyung's arrival, and now, his departure had left a noticeable void. Daejung stood up and walked over to a small shelf where he kept his few belongings. He rummaged through it and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

With a sense of purpose, Daejung approached Jungkook and sat down beside him. "Why the face?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Jungkook looked down, avoiding Daejung's gaze. "Nothing, just... thinking."

Daejung sighed, recognizing the deeper turmoil in Jungkook's eyes. "Did you know that? You've changed a lot since Taehyung came here."

A small, bittersweet smile played on Jungkook's lips. "Is that so?"

Daejung extended the folded paper to Jungkook. "This is for you."

Jungkook glanced at Daejung, confusion evident on his face. "What is this?"

Daejung placed the paper in Jungkook's hand and stood up, moving to sit on the other side of the cell. "Just read it," he said simply.

With a sense of apprehension and curiosity, Jungkook unfolded the paper. His eyes scanned the handwritten words, immediately recognizing Taehyung's familiar name on the end of the paper. His heart pounded as he began to read.

---

**Dear Jungkook,**

I hope this letter finds you well. There are so many things I wanted to say to you, but time and circumstances didn't allow it. So, I'm writing this letter, hoping it reaches you.

First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for being my strength and my silent support.. Without you, I don't think I would have survived the past few months. Your presence gave me hope when I had none, and your kindness reminded me of the goodness that still exists in this world.

Jungkook, there's something I need to tell you, something I've kept in my heart for too long. I love you. I don't know when it started, but your unwavering support and the way you always looked out for me touched my heart deeply. You showed me a side of life I thought I'd lost forever.

I know our circumstances are difficult, and we are both facing our own battles. But I want you to know that I'll be waiting for you. I'll wait for the day when we can meet again, free from these walls and chains that bind us now. Until then, I'll carry your memory with me, holding on to the hope that our paths will cross again.

Take care of yourself, Jungkook. Stay strong, and don't lose hope. I believe in you, just as you believed in me.

With all my love, 
Taehyung

---

A tear fell onto the paper, smudging the ink slightly. Jungkook's hand trembled as he held the letter, emotions overwhelming him. He covered his eyes with his back hand, trying to hold back the flood of tears, but they came anyway, slowly and silently. He had known Taehyung meant something special to him, but seeing his feelings reflected back in such a heartfelt letter was more than he could have ever expected.