Hate To Want You | YoonKook {COMPLETED}

30

As the months dragged on, the oppressive shadow of Mr. Ji loomed over Yoongi like a dark cloud that refused to dissipate. Graduation was approaching, and while his classmates buzzed with excitement about the future, Yoongi felt trapped in a silence that suffocated him. The memories of Mr. Ji's manipulations haunted him, but he couldn't bring himself to expose the truth. He had evidence—text messages, recordings, photos—but each time he thought about turning it over to anyone, a paralyzing fear gripped him.

In the wake of his fight with Jungkook, the loneliness settled into Yoongi's bones like a chill that wouldn't leave. He had effectively burned that bridge, pushing away the one person who had dared to care. He walked the halls of his school alone, an island in a sea of laughter and celebration. The friends he once had drifted away, unable to reach him through the walls he had built.

As graduation day approached, Yoongi felt a mix of relief and dread. He would finally be free from the confines of high school, but at what cost? He stood in his cap and gown, watching as his classmates celebrated their accomplishments, while he felt like a ghost, simply passing through. When his name was called, he walked across the stage mechanically, accepting his diploma with shaking hands. The moment was bittersweet; it marked an end to a chapter that had been filled with pain, yet it was also a beginning he couldn't fully embrace.

After the ceremony, he slipped away before the celebration could engulf him. He had chosen to go to college in Seoul, hoping that a new environment would help him escape the memories that clung to him like a shadow. He packed his things and left his hometown, determined to leave the past behind, but the scars remained.

—

Three years passed in a blur of classes, late nights, and new experiences. College became a sanctuary where he could reinvent himself, where the weight of Mr. Ji's abuse faded into the background noise of life. He focused on his studies, determined to carve out a successful career, and in doing so, he also stumbled upon friendships that felt genuine and freeing.

Namjoon and Hoseok had been a lifeline, their friendship rekindled through chance encounters and shared passions. They had grown close, providing Yoongi with the support he desperately needed. Namjoon's wisdom and Hoseok's infectious laughter brought light into the darker corners of his mind. They shared late-night talks about dreams and aspirations, and for the first time in years, Yoongi felt a sense of belonging.

Yet, there were still moments when the past would creep back in—shadows of memories would flicker at the edges of his mind, reminding him of the pain he had endured. There were nights when he would wake up, chest tight with anxiety, heart racing from nightmares. But Namjoon and Hoseok were there, grounding him when he felt like he was slipping away.

Despite his progress, Yoongi still hadn't confronted Mr. Ji. He had come so close on several occasions, the evidence still tucked away in a hidden folder on his laptop. But each time he thought about taking that step, a part of him hesitated. It was easier to bury it all, to push it down and pretend it didn't exist, than to face the reality of what had happened.

One evening, after a long day of classes, Namjoon and Hoseok invited Yoongi out for dinner. They ended up at a cozy café, laughing and reminiscing about their college adventures. As they talked, Yoongi felt the warmth of their friendship wrap around him like a comforting blanket.

"Hey, Yoongi," Namjoon said, his tone turning serious. "I know we've all got our histories, but you don't have to carry your burdens alone. If there's something weighing on you, you can tell us."

Yoongi's heart raced at the invitation, the urge to share the truth bubbling just beneath the surface. But the fear of vulnerability held him back. Instead, he offered a small smile, grateful yet hesitant. "I appreciate that, really. I'm just...working through some things."

Hoseok leaned in, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. "We're here for you, no matter what. Just remember that."

As they continued their conversation, Yoongi felt a flicker of hope spark within him. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally begin to confront the ghosts of his past—on his own terms, with the support of the friends who had come to mean so much to him. The journey was far from over, but he wasn't alone anymore, but he desperately wanted to find the last puzzle piece.

"You know... Jungkook asks about you all the time." Namjoon said softly.

Yoongi's eyes sparkled. "What? Really?"

Namjoon nodded before he looked over at Hoseok. "Maybe you should reach out to him." Namjoon said.

"No... I really hurt him, he's probably just being nice-"

"He's still in love with you!" Hoseok exclaimed.

Yoongi looked between them before his eyes settled on Namjoon. "He is... and whatever happened between you guys happened so long ago. You guys are in your twenties now, no longer stupid teenagers..."

"Just— ugh PLEASE reach out to him!" Hoseok said.

Yoongi sighed. "No... I... I can't you guys... anyways, when are you two getting married?"

His change of topic worked in his favor as they gushed about wanting to be together forever, Yoongi smiled although he felt pain in his heart as he thought about Jungkook.