JEON JUNGKOOK

35. The Cry for Freedom

The warm water in the tub did little to soothe the storm inside Y/N. As she sat there, the reality of her situation crashed down on her like a tidal wave. The grand wedding, the forced vows, the sense of being trapped—it was all too much. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Tears streamed down her face, and before she knew it, she was crying—loud, heart-wrenching sobs that echoed in the bathroom, the sound bouncing off the tiled walls.

Jeon, sitting just outside the door, heard every cry. He remained still, his heart heavy with the sound of her pain. He didn’t interrupt or try to console her through the door; he knew she needed this moment to herself. This was her way of releasing the anguish that had built up inside her, and he respected her need for privacy, even though each cry felt like a knife twisting in his chest.

After what felt like an eternity, the crying subsided. Y/N finally emerged from the bathroom, her hair slightly damp, dressed in a comfortable pair of shorts and a t-shirt. She looked fragile, her eyes red and swollen from the tears she’d shed for the past half-hour. She moved quietly, almost as if the weight of her emotions had drained all the energy from her.

Jeon watched her carefully, noting the exhaustion etched into her features. As she sat on the bed, he approached her slowly, his voice gentle. “Are you okay?”

Y/N looked up at him, her expression weary and filled with a mixture of sorrow and frustration. “Do I look okay, Jungkook?” she replied, her voice raw and edged with bitterness.

Jeon stayed silent, her words cutting through him. He had no answer, no quick fix for the pain she was feeling. Instead, he did the only thing he could think of. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. At first, Y/N stiffened, unused to the comfort he was offering. But then, something inside her broke, and she hugged him back.

For the first time since this entire mess began, she let herself find solace in his embrace. Jeon pulled her even closer, lifting her onto his lap as if trying to shield her from the world. Her head rested against his chest, the steady beat of his heart the only sound she could hear. She closed her eyes, finding a small measure of comfort in his arms—a comfort she hadn’t expected to find.

As she relaxed into him, the exhaustion finally caught up with her. The emotional feelings, the physical strain, it all became too much, and she drifted off to sleep, her breathing evening out as she gave in to the need for rest.

Jeon held her close, not daring to move. He could feel her finally letting go, if only for a moment, and it stirred something deep within him. He gently laid back on the bed, cradling her in his arms, careful not to wake her. Her breathing remained steady, her face soft and peaceful against his chest.

With Y/N asleep in his arms, Jeon closed his eyes, the weight of the day settling over him as well. For the first time, he allowed himself to rest, holding her close, their breathing synchronized as sleep claimed them both.

To be continued...