"Bound by Love: The Seven Kims". (Jk Centric)

**Chapter 9: Shadows of Concern**

         The days following Taehyung's confrontation with Jungkook's bullies were a mix of relief and growing concern for the brothers. Jungkook felt slightly more at ease knowing that Taehyung was looking out for him, but the weight of his depression still hung heavily over him, making it difficult to truly open up to his hyungs about what he was going through.

Taehyung, on the other hand, had become even more protective of Jungkook. He didn't hover- he knew that would only make Jungkook feel smothered-but he was always close, subtly checking on him, ensuring he was safe and not too overwhelmed. The cold exterior that Taehyung showed to the world seemed to thaw a little more each day as his concern for Jungkook grew.

One evening, as the brothers were finishing dinner, Jungkook noticed that Taehyung kept glancing at him, his gaze filled with worry. Jungkook did his best to smile and act normal, but he could feel the tension building inside him. He knew he couldn't keep pretending everything was fine forever, but the thought of burdening his hyungs with his problems was terrifying.

After dinner, Jungkook excused himself to go to his room, claiming he had homework to finish. The truth was, he just needed to be alone. His thoughts were a tangled mess, and he felt like he was drowning in his own mind. As he sat at his desk, staring blankly at his textbooks, the familiar urge to hurt himself crept in, stronger than ever.

He tried to fight it, but the pain inside was too overwhelming. Desperate for some kind of relief, Jungkook reached into his drawer and pulled out the small, sharp object he'd been hiding. His hands trembled as he stared at it, tears blurring his vision. He hated himself for doing this, but it was the only thing that made the numbness go away, even if just for a moment.

As he was about to press the blade against his skin, there was a knock on his door. Startled, Jungkook quickly shoved the object back into the drawer and tried to compose himself.

"Come in," he called out, his voice shaky.

The door opened, and Taehyung stepped inside, his eyes immediately locking onto Jungkook's face. He noticed the way Jungkook's hands were trembling, the redness around his eyes, and the slight flush in his cheeks. Taehyung's heart sank, but he forced himself to stay calm.

"Kookie, can I talk to you for a minute?" Taehyung asked, his tone gentle.

Jungkook nodded, his throat too tight to speak. He watched as Taehyung walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, facing him with that same worried expression that had been haunting him for days.

"Hyung, what's wrong?" Jungkook asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Taehyung sighed softly, his gaze never leaving gaze never leaving Jungkook's. "I should be asking you that, Kookie. I've been watching you, and I can tell something's not right. You don't have to tell me everything if you're not ready, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever it is, we'll face it

together."

Jungkook looked down at his hands, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to tell Taehyung everything, to let out all the pain he'd been hiding, but  the words just wouldn't come. Instead, he felt the tears welling up again, spilling over before he could stop them.

Taehyung moved closer, his voice soft and full of concern. "Kookie, it's okay. You don't have to hold it in. I'm not going anywhere."

Jungkook's shoulders shook with silent sobs as he finally broke down, unable to hold back any longer. Taehyung's heart ached as he watched his younger brother fall apart in front of him. Without a word, he reached out and pulled Jungkook into his arms, holding him close as the younger boy cried against his chest.