FORELSKET ( ✔)

15- Last Wishes and Tears

Jungkook directed Minghao, “Just park here.” Minghao complied and maneuvered the jeep to the side of the road, coming to a stop in front of the cemetery gate. As he looked around in confusion, trying to make sense of their location, Jungkook was already on the move, stepping out of the vehicle and heading toward the gate without waiting for Minghao to catch up or ask any questions.

Left alone, Minghao sat in the driver’s seat, uncertain of what to do next. He glanced around, the cemetery gate looming in front of him, and decided to stay put, waiting for Jungkook to return or explain the reason for their stop.

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Jungkook had noticed Taehyung heading into the cemetery, and he realized he needed to return a book that he had found. Understanding the urgency, he instructed Minghao, “Just park here.” Minghao followed the direction, carefully parking the jeep in front of the cemetery gate.

As soon as the vehicle was stationary, Jungkook quickly exited the jeep, making his way toward the entrance of the cemetery, intent on catching up with Taehyung and handling the book return. Minghao, left behind, was unsure of what to do and decided to wait in the vehicle, observing the surroundings and hoping for further instructions or an explanation from Jungkook.

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When Jungkook arrived at the cemetery, he saw Thomas standing quietly by the casket, his eyes brimming with tears. The somber scene before him was one of grief and solemnity.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was on the other side of the burial site, snapping pictures with his camera. Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a wave of discomfort and disapproval as he watched. To him, Taehyung's actions seemed not only disrespectful but also deeply inappropriate given the context of the funeral. The juxtaposition of Thomas’s heartfelt sorrow with Taehyung’s invasive photography struck Jungkook as both troubling and distasteful.

Jungkook made a beeline for Taehyung, his frustration palpable. Without a word, he threw the book he had come to return at Taehyung’s feet. Taehyung looked up in surprise, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity as he tried to make sense of Jungkook's sudden outburst.

Without waiting for any explanation or response, Jungkook turned on his heel and stormed away from the cemetery. His anger propelled him forward, but Taehyung, clearly unsettled by the encounter, quickly decided to follow. He hurried after Jungkook, seeking to understand the reason behind the sudden confrontation and to perhaps address the tension between them.

Taehyung caught up with Jungkook, his voice tinged with confusion and concern. “What are you doing here? Why don’t you stay a little longer?” he asked, trying to understand why Jungkook had left so abruptly.

Jungkook’s response was sharp and filled with disdain. “I’m not heartless like you,” he retorted, his tone brimming with frustration. “Taking pictures during such a sad and private moment—how can you be so disrespectful?” Jungkook’s words were a clear indication of his disapproval of Taehyung’s actions at the funeral, and his anger was evident in every syllable.

Taehyung looked puzzled and replied, “What are you talking about?”

Jungkook’s irritation flared as he responded, “Don’t play innocent. Do you think they’re just putting on a show for your camera? This is a serious, emotional moment, not some drama that you can capture for your pictures.”

Taehyung tried to defend himself, his voice steady despite the confrontation. “It’s not like that,” he said, attempting to clarify his intentions and address the criticism leveled at him.

Jungkook’s frustration surged as he asked sharply, “Then what are you playing at—”

Before he could finish, Taehyung interrupted, his voice breaking with emotion. “My fate is already playing with me,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes. The weight of his words and the visible distress in his expression struck Jungkook deeply. Silenced by Taehyung’s emotional revelation, Jungkook found himself at a loss for words, unable to continue his confrontation.

Taehyung's voice wavered as he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. “My own death feels like it’s laughing at me,” he said, the pain evident in his tone. “I’m just here, facing the end, and these are the things I hoped to achieve as my last wishes.” He took a deep breath, the reality of his situation weighing heavily on him. “I don’t even know if I’ll be able to fulfill these wishes before my life ends.”

He continued, his voice breaking with emotion, “All I want is to live fully. When death finally comes, I hope it will join me as if at a feast and then take me away.”

As he finished, Taehyung’s laughter mixed with his tears, the sound reflecting the deep sadness and irony of his situation.