𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙸𝙽 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

𓆩♡𓆪;14

Jungkook woke up early the next morning, feeling a mix of concern and determination. He prepared breakfast, trying to focus on the task at hand while his thoughts were occupied with Jimin. After setting the table, he called his PA to arrange two first-class tickets to LA, hoping to get there as soon as possible. He tried calling Jimin again, but there was still no answer. The worry gnawed at him—Jimin hadn't picked up any of his calls in the last three days. He remembered the last conversation they had, where Jimin mentioned he was busy with work, trying to forget everything by immersing himself in it. Jungkook had believed him at the time, but now the silence was unsettling. Something didn't feel right, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Jimin might be in more trouble than he let on.

Just as Jungkook was lost in thought, he heard a loud yawn. Turning around, he saw Airene, her hair a mess and eyes still heavy with sleep, walking into the room. Jungkook couldn't help but laugh, startling her. "What the fuck!" she screamed, annoyed and surprised. Jungkook, still laughing, teased her, "You look like you just fought a pillow and lost!" Airene's eyes narrowed in playful anger. "You're dead, Jungkook!" she shouted, and ran towards him to give him a good smack. But Jungkook, with his reflexes still sharp, dodged her by running around the table, keeping just out of her reach.

 
As they continued to chase each other around the room, Airene suddenly tripped over the mat that had slipped on the smooth tiles. With a yelp, she tumbled forward but landed safely on top of Jungkook, who had instinctively caught her. She quickly realized that his body, though soft to the touch, felt as hard as a rock due to his muscular build. "Ouch! Are you made of stone or something?" she joked, still catching her breath. Jungkook smirked, tightening his arms around her in a playful embrace. "Maybe I am," he teased, pulling her closer. Airene, feeling trapped, started to struggle. "Let me go, you big lug!" she protested, trying to wriggle free, but Jungkook only laughed and held her tighter.

Desperate to escape, Airene resorted to a last-ditch effort—she bit his chest. Jungkook yelped in surprise and pain, instantly releasing her. "Ow! What the—Airene!" he exclaimed, rubbing the spot where she had bitten him. Airene scrambled to her feet, a triumphant grin on her face. "That's what you get for messing with me!" she declared, leaving Jungkook lying on the ground, still nursing his sore chest. Jungkook looked up at her, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face. "That was cheating," he muttered, still grinning despite himself.

As Airene stood over Jungkook, still teasing him about his exaggerated reaction, her phone suddenly rang. Startled, she glanced at the screen and saw that it was Taehyung calling. A wave of uncertainty washed over her. She hadn't spoken to Taehyung since she left for Italy, and the thought of talking to him made her feel conflicted. The phone rang again, breaking her hesitation. With a deep breath, she answered, "Hello?" On the other end of the line, Taehyung's voice was filled with joy. "Airene! I'm so glad to hear your voice. How are you? Are you okay?" 

Hearing the warmth in his voice made her heart ache. She hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I'm... I'm okay, Taehyung. I just... got your call. I'm sorry I missed it." Taehyung's relief was palpable. "It's okay. I just wanted to check in on you. I've been thinking about you and wondering how everything is going." Airene felt a pang of guilt as she tried to keep her voice steady. "It's been... a lot to handle. But I'm managing." Taehyung's voice softened. "I miss you, Airene. I hope things are going well. I wish I could be there with you." She swallowed hard, emotions welling up inside her. "I miss you too, Taehyung. I'm... figuring things out." As they continued their conversation, Airene could feel the weight of her decisions pressing down on her. She looked over at Jungkook, who had now stood up and was watching her with a concerned expression, and realized just how complex her feelings had become.

As Taehyung continued to ask about her well-being, Airene felt a growing sense of guilt and self-reproach. His questions about whether she was eating well and if she was happy made her reflect on how much she had been struggling with her emotions and choices. "I've been eating okay, just trying to stay healthy," she replied, her voice faltering slightly. "And, uh, I'm managing." Taehyung's voice was filled with concern and care. "That's good to hear. I just want you to be happy. I miss you and hope everything is going well." Airene's heart ached at his words. She knew she hadn't been entirely honest with him, and the guilt weighed heavily on her.