Raw Marks | KOOKV✓

Chapter 42

The thunder outside crashed through the early morning silence, its deep rumble shaking the air and illuminating the dark, cloudy sky. The sudden noise jolted Jungkook awake, pulling him from the depths of his restless sleep. His swollen eyes blinked against the dim light filtering through the curtains, and as he moved his mouth, his cheeks felt dry and tight, the remnants of dried tears pulling at his skin His hair was a wild mess, sticking out in all directions, and he looked utterly miserable

On any other day, Jungkook would have pulled the covers back over his head and tried to steal a few more minutes of sleep, but today felt different. There was a heaviness in his chest, a suffocating pressure that made it impossible to lie still. It was as if something was squeezing his heart, making it hard to breathe. Without thinking, he rolled out of bed, standing on shaky legs as he rubbed his chest, trying to soothe the uncomfortable sensation. His eyes filled with tears once more, and the familiar ache settled deep in his bones. He had thought that sleep would make everything better, that he'd wake up and the pain would be gone. But it wasn't-it was worse

Slowly, Jungkook made his way to the window, his feet dragging as if weighed down by the overwhelming sadness that clung to him. When he looked outside, his breath hitched in his throat. The sight of Taehyung's empty house sent a fresh wave of emotion crashing over him. His expression crumbled, and tears spilled down his cheeks, turning into quiet, desperate sobs. The house, once full of warmth and life, now stood dark and empty, a painful reminder of everything he had lost. Taehyung's car was still parked in its usual spot, and the sight of it twisted the knife in his heart even deeper. On any other day, Taehyung would be there, standing by the car with a smile that was always meant just for him. The thought broke something inside Jungkook, and he fell to his knees, pressing his hand over his mouth to muffle his cries "T-Taehyung," he whimpered, his voice cracking as the tears flowed freely

By 6:45 a.m., Mrs Jeon had already woken up, ready to start her day. She tied her hair into a neat bun and was about to head into the living room when she caught sight of Jungkook coming down the stairs. Her heart skipped a beat. He was fully dressed in his school uniform, his backpack hanging loosely off one shoulder. It was two hours earlier than he usually woke up, and the sight of him so disheveled and red-eyed made her frown in concern "Jungkook, why are you up this early?" she asked, stepping closer. Her eyes widened in alarm when she saw the telltale signs of his recent crying-his face was puffy, his eyes bloodshot

"Oh, son!" Mrs Jeon's voice was thick with worry as she pulled him into a comforting embrace. But instead of finding solace, Jungkook only felt that suffocating sensation tightened its grip around his chest

"E-Eomma, I just want to go to school early... to study" he managed to choke out, his voice weak and trembling

"No, Jungkook. Today, you'll be resting at home. That's all" she insisted, her tone firm but gentle, trying to protect him from further pain

"Mom, please. I want to distract myself from everything" he pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation

Mrs. Jeon sighed, realizing how much her son was struggling "Okay," she relented softly "Your hyung will take you to school. Sit at the table, okay? I'll make you some breakfast"

Jungkook nodded silently and did as he was told, dragging himself to the kitchen table. He rested his head on the cool surface, trying to keep his tears at bay, but they wouldn't stop. His heart felt like it was made of lead, weighing him down with each breath. He bit his lip hard, trying to push the overwhelming emotions away, at least for a little while. Soon, Aoi joined him, greeting him with a big smile, but Jungkook couldn't bring himself to return it. The family of four sat down to breakfast, but the usual warmth was absent. Jungkook remained silent, picking at his food without appetite, unable to finish even half of what was on his plate