A Ride to Remember||Jinkook

3. Past

They arrived at the quaint, family-run inn where Jungkook had been staying during his visit to the small town. The inn, with its charming wooden façade and cozy atmosphere, looked almost timeless, like it had been untouched by the passage of years. The glow from the warm lanterns outside cast a soft light across the cobblestone path leading up to the entrance.

Jungkook parked his motorcycle just outside, turning off the engine before hopping off. He glanced back at Seokjin, who still clung to him, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sight of the inn.

"This is where you're staying?" Seokjin asked, his voice a mix of awe and curiosity. His translucent form shimmered faintly in the soft light, though Jungkook noted that Seokjin was becoming more solid by the minute. The ghost's fingers, once cold and barely noticeable, now felt warm as they rested lightly on Jungkook's arm.

"Yeah, it's small, but it's nice," Jungkook replied with a grin, motioning toward the inn's entrance. "It's run by an old couple. They're really sweet."

Seokjin nodded slowly, his eyes roaming over the inn's wooden structure. "It feels... familiar," he said quietly, his voice filled with a strange sense of nostalgia. "Like I've seen something like this before..."

Jungkook's curiosity piqued. "You think you've been here before?" he asked, stepping closer to Seokjin. There was something about the way the ghost stared at the inn that made Jungkook feel like there was more to Seokjin's past than either of them knew.

"I don't know," Seokjin replied, his voice soft and distant. He reached up to touch the side of his head, as if trying to remember something. "Everything is still dark... but some things feel familiar."

Jungkook's heart clenched at the sight of Seokjin's confusion, and he felt a protective urge wash over him. "Come on, let's go inside. Maybe you'll remember something," Jungkook suggested gently, motioning for Seokjin to follow.

The two made their way into the inn, the wooden door creaking softly as Jungkook pushed it open. The interior was cozy and warm, with low wooden beams and soft lighting casting a golden glow over the small lobby area. The air smelled faintly of wood smoke and freshly brewed tea, and a soft fire crackled in the hearth nearby.

The inn was quiet, with no one around at this late hour. Jungkook led Seokjin up the stairs to his small room at the end of the hallway. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, motioning for Seokjin to follow him.

The room was simple, with a wooden bed, a small desk, and a window that overlooked the town's quiet streets. Seokjin wandered over to the window, his fingers brushing lightly against the glass as he gazed outside.

"This place is nice," Seokjin said softly, his voice carrying a tone of wonder.

Jungkook couldn't help but smile at the sight of Seokjin's curiosity. "Yeah, it is. It's peaceful here," he replied, sitting down on the edge of the bed and watching Seokjin. "You seem more solid now. I can... almost touch you," he added, his voice filled with awe as he reached out toward Seokjin.

Seokjin turned to look at him, his translucent form barely flickering anymore. He stared down at his hands, flexing his fingers in disbelief. "I don't understand why this is happening," he said, his voice laced with confusion. "Why am I becoming more solid? Why can you touch me, but no one else can?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I don't know. I've never met a ghost before," he replied with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe I summoned you when I lit that candle at the shrine."

Seokjin frowned slightly, deep in thought. "That shrine... it's tied to me somehow. But I can't remember why," he said, his voice soft and distant. "All I know is my name... because it was written on my grave near the shrine," he added quietly.