FORELSKET ( ✔)

26- Whispers in the Wind

In the present moment, Jungkook found himself in a church, the serene ambiance offering a moment of solace amidst his turmoil. The gentle breeze flowing through the open window brushed against his face as he closed his eyes, allowing the sensation to envelop him. As he stood there, the wind seemed to carry with it the echoes of memories, and one particular memory surfaced vividly in his mind.

He remembered a day at the beach, where Taehyung, with his characteristic warmth and a hint of playful mischief, had spoken to him. The sunlight danced on the water, casting a golden glow on their surroundings as Taehyung, holding his cherished diary of wishes, had looked at Jungkook with a serious expression.

"Jungkook," Taehyung had said, his voice both tender and resolute. "You've helped me fulfill so many of my wishes. There's one more I need you to complete."

Taehyung had handed Jungkook the diary, its pages filled with dreams and desires. Jungkook, his heart heavy with the weight of the task, met Taehyung's gaze, absorbing the gravity of his words.

"If I leave this world before all of my wishes are fulfilled," Taehyung continued, his voice tinged with both hope and resignation, "make sure to complete the rest of them."

Taehyung's hands, holding the diary, had gently closed around Jungkook's. He looked at Jungkook with a reassuring smile, his eyes conveying a deep, unspoken trust. "But don't worry. Even after I'm gone, don't think that I will abandon you. I will always be with you, like the air around you."

With that, Taehyung had placed his hand over Jungkook's eyes, closing them gently. "Just close your eyes and feel this air. When you feel it brushing against your face, you will understand that I am still here."

The memory was a vivid contrast to the quiet church, where the breeze now felt like a tangible connection to Taehyung. As Jungkook stood there, the sensation of the wind against his face brought a bittersweet comfort. It was as if Taehyung's presence was woven into the very air around him, a silent promise that he would always be with him, even in moments of solitude.

Jungkook settled into one of the wooden pews near the aisle of the church, feeling the quiet embrace of the sacred space. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a well-worn diary, its pages filled with captured memories and heartfelt letters. As he leafed through the diary, he immersed himself in the images and notes, each page a reminder of the promises and dreams shared with Taehyung.

Amidst his contemplation, the gentle creak of the church door caught his attention. A young boy, no older than ten, entered the church. Clutched in the boy's small hands was a paper fan craft, meticulously folded and colored. The boy walked with purpose, his eyes focused on the altar. Jungkook watched with a curious gaze as the boy approached and knelt before the statue of Jesus.

With a heartfelt voice, the boy began to speak, his words laced with sincerity and hope. "God, thank you. Everything at my house is fine. My parents don't fight either. Please keep everyone happy like this. And I promise to come here nine more times. Thank you."

The boy's paper fan gently fluttered in the air, stirred by the soft breeze that flowed through the church. Jungkook's eyes were riveted on the boy and the delicate craft, a pang of recognition hitting him. He watched as the boy carefully took something from his bag and placed it on the ground beside him, continuing his silent prayer. The serene moment held a profound sense of connection and familiarity for Jungkook, as he reflected on the shared journey of wishes and promises that bound them together.

The boy, clutching his favorite toy car, approached the altar with purpose. His small face was set in determination as he aimed to place the toy on a high shelf—the only free space left atop the display.

As he reached up, trying to place the car on the shelf, his tiny hands fell short. He jumped several times, his frustration evident as he struggled to reach the shelf.

Jungkook, observing the boy's efforts with a detached gaze, decided to intervene. "Need a hand?" he said, his tone flat but practical. The boy glanced up, visibly relieved, and nodded in response.

Jungkook moved towards him and grabbed the boy firmly, lifting him up to the shelf. His eyes remained fixed on the fluttering paper fan as he held the boy steady. The boy placed the toy car on the shelf with a satisfied smile.

As the boy placed the fan on the shelf, Jungkook inquired, "Did someone give you this fan?" His voice carried a blend of curiosity and concern, his eyes following the boy's actions closely.

The boy paused, glancing at Jungkook with a thoughtful expression. He shook his head, the answer clear in his eyes. "No," he replied, his voice soft but resolute. "It was given to me by my father."

Once the boy's task was completed and the fan was placed securely on the shelf, Jungkook set him down. The boy beamed with satisfaction and scampered out of the church, his happiness evident in his joyful departure.

Jungkook's attention, however, stayed on the fan. He reached up and carefully took the craft down from the shelf. The fan fluttered slightly in his hands, and as he examined it closely, Jungkook's eyes narrowed in recognition. The craftsmanship—the precise details, the choice of colors, and the overall design—bore an unmistakable resemblance to Taehyung's distinctive style.

A wave of nostalgia washed over Jungkook as he studied the fan. He could vividly recall the way Taehyung's creations had always stood out, marked by a personal touch that made them uniquely his. The fan was not just an ordinary craft; it was a piece of Taehyung's soul, a tangible connection to the past and a reminder of the time they had spent together.

Jungkook's heart ached as he traced the intricate patterns on the fan. It was a small but powerful reminder of Taehyung's presence and the wishes they had shared. The fan, with its delicate craftsmanship, served as a poignant symbol of Taehyung's creativity and the enduring bond they had formed.