𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙸𝙽 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

𓆩♡𓆪; 15

Airene's heart raced with the sudden realization that Jimin could be her lost love, her Mochi. She turned to Jungkook, her voice trembling with urgency. "Please, Jungkook... I have to know. If Jimin is really him, I need to find out. Maybe he remembers something. Maybe that's why he wanted this marriage in the first place. He's seen me before, and that's why it all feels so... familiar." Jungkook's eyes softened as he watched her, seeing the desperation and hope in her eyes. He hadn't expected any of this when he first agreed to take her to LA, but now the pieces seemed to fit in a way that made sense. Jimin's obsession with Airene, his relentless search for her when she disappeared—it all aligned with this possibility. 

"Maybe that's why he was so obsessed with you," Jungkook said, voicing his own thoughts. "He never talked about it, but it would explain a lot. All those nights he spent trying to find you... Maybe he felt he lost you once and didn't want to lose you again." Airene nodded, her emotions swirling. "I can't wait any longer, Jungkook. I need to know. Please, take me to him." Jungkook hesitated, glancing down at his phone. He had been trying to reach Jimin for days with no response. What if they couldn't find him? What if Jimin didn't want to be found? He looked back at Airene, her face filled with a mix of anxiety and determination. Even though he still felt conflicted about her and his growing feelings, he couldn't deny her the chance to uncover the truth. "Alright," he said with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll go to LA. I don't know where Jimin is since he hasn't answered my calls, but we'll find him. One way or another."

Airene's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Jungkook. I don't know what I'd do without you." Jungkook gave her a small, reassuring smile, though deep down, the thought of her running back to Jimin tugged at his heart. He pushed those feelings aside and focused on the task ahead. "I'll make sure everything is ready. Just pack whatever you need. We're leaving as soon as possible." As Airene rushed off to gather her things, Jungkook looked at his phone once more, hoping Jimin would answer this time. But the screen remained silent, leaving a heavy uncertainty hanging over them both.

LATER...

Jungkook purchased the last two first-class tickets for the 11 p.m. flight, and they prepared everything in a rush. As they boarded the plane, he could sense Airene's growing anticipation to find Jimin. She hadn't stopped fidgeting since they got to the airport, her eyes reflecting a mixture of hope, fear, and longing. Sitting beside her, Jungkook couldn't help but notice how much she needed to see Jimin. It wasn't just curiosity; it was something deeper. As much as it hurt him, Jungkook accepted the reality of the situation. He had grown feelings for her, but after hearing her story, he knew he had no place in her heart. Airene was still in love with her Mochi, and no matter how much he cared for her, he couldn't compete with that kind of love. Jungkook leaned back in his seat and sighed softly, watching her out of the corner of his eye. She looked exhausted but determined.

The way she talked about Jimin—about her lost love—it was clear she'd do anything to find him, to uncover the truth. That kind of devotion was rare. He closed his eyes, trying to push away the ache that had been building in his chest. This might be the end of the chapter he never thought he'd start. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and it tore him apart to know that he'd never get the chance to show her how he felt. As he opened his eyes slightly, he saw Airene finally close hers, trying to relax. She seemed peaceful, but he knew the storm raging inside her heart. With a heavy sigh, Jungkook closed his eyes again, accepting his fate. It wasn't his story to tell, and in the end, all that mattered was that she found her happiness—even if it wasn't with him.

It took 12 long hours to reach LA, even in first class. Airene couldn't have asked for a more comfortable flight, thanks to Jungkook's careful planning. But comfort couldn't quiet her mind or settle the storm inside her heart. As the hours passed, her thoughts raced faster, her heartbeat pounding in her chest. The excitement of seeing Jimin again filled her with both anticipation and dread. What would he say? she wondered, gripping the armrest tightly. What would he feel when he saw her? She had left him when he had asked her to stay, and that guilt had been eating at her ever since.