Entangled Hearts | VMINKOOK

05.

The next morning, Jeongguk walked through the school's entrance, feeling the weight of yesterday's argument pressing down on him like a heavy, suffocating blanket. His mind was still reeling from the intense confrontation with Jimin, and his heart ached from the emotional whiplash. He wasn't ready to deal with any more drama, but part of him knew that Jimin wouldn't let things go easily.

Sure enough, as Jeongguk rounded the corner to his locker, there was Jimin-leaning casually against the wall, his expression soft and almost... regretful. Jeongguk's gut tightened. He knew this look. It was Jimin's way of reeling him back in, of using charm and sweet words to make everything seem okay again. But after yesterday, Jeongguk wasn't sure he could let himself fall for it anymore.

"Jeongguk," Jimin called out softly, pushing off the wall as he approached. His eyes were filled with that familiar mix of concern and apology. "Can we talk? Please?"

Jeongguk didn't answer right away. He just focused on opening his locker, trying to act as if he hadn't heard him. His fingers trembled slightly as he fiddled with the combination lock.

"Come on, don't be like that," Jimin continued, stepping closer until he was only a foot away. His voice lowered to a softer, more intimate tone. "I hate when we fight. You know I didn't mean all those things I said."

Jeongguk finally turned his head to look at him, his expression blank but his eyes cold. "Really? Because you seemed pretty convinced that I was in the wrong yesterday."

Jimin let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I was just... upset. I get protective sometimes, you know that. I just don't like seeing you with other people, especially someone like Taehyung."

Jeongguk's gaze hardened. "Why? Because he's new? Or because you think I'll replace you?"

Jimin's eyes softened, and he reached out, gently placing a hand on Jeongguk's arm. "No one could replace me in your life, right?" His voice was low, almost a purr. "You know that."

Jeongguk pulled his arm back, shaking his head. "Jimin, this isn't about him. It's about how you treat me-like you own me. Like I don't have the right to talk to anyone else without you freaking out."

"I know, I know," Jimin said quickly, stepping closer, his voice taking on that pleading tone that Jeongguk was so used to hearing after their fights. "I'm working on it, okay? But you've gotta understand, Jeongguk. You're mine. I can't lose you."

Jeongguk's chest tightened, and for a moment, he almost felt himself slipping back into that familiar cycle-where Jimin's charm, his sweet words, would lull him into forgiving everything. But not this time. Not after everything that had happened.

"Jimin..." Jeongguk started, his voice firm but low, "we can't keep doing this. I can't keep being the one who has to give in every time."

Jimin frowned, his hand reaching out again, this time cupping Jeongguk's cheek in a gesture that was meant to be tender. "I'm not asking you to give in, baby. I just want you to understand where I'm coming from. I love you, Jeongguk. I just... I get scared sometimes."

Jeongguk sighed, closing his eyes briefly. "Scared of what? That I'll leave?"

Jimin didn't answer immediately, his silence speaking volumes. He bit his lip, his hand still on Jeongguk's cheek as he tried to muster up the right words. "Maybe... yeah."

Before Jeongguk could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension, and both of them turned their heads.

"Well, isn't this cozy," Taehyung's deep voice drawled, his lips curving into a smirk as he approached. His eyes flicked between the two, landing on Jimin's hand still resting on Jeongguk's cheek.