Eclipse Of Shadows

chapter 6

**The Next Morning**

Sunlight streams through the windows, gently waking up the group from their slumber. The house is quiet, with the weight of the previous night’s events still lingering in the air. Today is the last day before everyone returns to their respective houses, and the atmosphere is bittersweet. As the friends slowly begin to wake up and gather in the kitchen for breakfast, the tension between some of them becomes more apparent.

**Taehyung** is unusually quiet, avoiding eye contact with **Jungkook**, who watches him carefully, concern etched on his face. **Jin** and **Namjoon** steal glances at each other across the table, their feelings for each other unspoken but clear in their eyes. **First** and **Khaotung** are sitting together, but the awkwardness between them is almost tangible. **Xiao Zhan** and **Yibo** sit on opposite sides of the room, pretending to be engrossed in their phones, but they’re secretly glancing at each other, their unspoken feelings creating an invisible barrier between them.

**Bella** is the first to break the silence, trying to lighten the mood.

**Bella:** (cheerfully) So, what’s everyone planning to do today? It’s our last day before school starts again. We should make the most of it!

**J-Hope:** (smiling) I was thinking we could go to the park, have a little picnic, and just relax before heading home.

**Jin:** (nodding) That sounds nice. It’ll be good to get some fresh air.

**Namjoon:** (glancing at Jin) Yeah, I’m in. We could use some time to unwind.

As everyone agrees to the plan, **Taehyung** suddenly stands up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. The sound startles everyone, and they all turn to look at him.

**Taehyung:** (nervously) I... I need to talk to Jungkook. Alone.

The room falls silent. **Jungkook** looks surprised but nods, getting up from his seat. The two of them leave the kitchen, heading outside to the garden. As they walk away, **First** and **Khaotung** exchange worried glances, while **Jin** and **Namjoon** watch them go, concern evident on their faces.

**Outside, in the Garden**

**Taehyung** and **Jungkook** stand facing each other, the tension between them thick. Taehyung takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

**Taehyung:** (softly) Jungkook, I’ve been thinking a lot since last night... and I’m scared. I don’t know if I can handle this... handle you being a demon.

**Jungkook:** (hurt) Taehyung, I’m still the same person. I’m still the same Jungkook who cares about you, who... who loves you. I would never hurt you.

**Taehyung:** (shaking his head) But what if you can’t control it? What if something happens? I don’t know if I can live with that fear.

Jungkook’s heart sinks. He knew Taehyung was scared, but hearing it out loud makes it all the more real. He steps closer, reaching out to touch Taehyung’s arm, but Taehyung flinches, taking a step back.

**Jungkook:** (desperate) Please, Tae. Don’t push me away. I need you. You’re the only one who makes me feel... human.

**Taehyung:** (tears welling up) I’m sorry, Jungkook. I just need some time... I need to figure things out.

**Jungkook:** (voice breaking) How much time?

**Taehyung:** I don’t know...

The uncertainty in Taehyung’s voice cuts through Jungkook like a knife. He takes a step back, nodding slowly.

**Jungkook:** (defeated) Take all the time you need... I’ll be here when you’re ready.

Taehyung nods, wiping away his tears. Without another word, he turns and walks back into the house, leaving Jungkook alone in the garden, his heart aching.