LOST STARS

Chapter 17

As they were returning home, Jungkook's hand found solace in holding the limp sleeve of Taehyung's shirt. When they were on their way to the riverbank for his father's final rites, Taehyung didn't have time or energy to keep Jungkook with him constantly. He grabbed a long sleeve beige chequered full sleeve shirt and tied it loosely around his waist. The loose hem that was hanging around Taehyung's thighs became a link between them.

Their connection was a unique silent symphony, where words were unnecessary and the world finally made sense to both of them. As Taehyung's neighbours were crying over Sunghun's death, Jungkook tagged Taehyung like he was the only way out of this confusing world.

That morning, Taehyung didn't pay much attention to Jungkook, but Jungkook was used to that. One could even say that it would have been hard for Jungkook to deal with all the attention on him. He felt secure just holding the end of the shirt.

It was mid-morning, and the last embers on the pyre were just beginning to fade away. Taehyung whispered a silent goodbye and thank you to his father. Thank you for not treating him differently. Thank you for making him a person that everyone loves, for putting food on the table every day, for being his best friend, and for being the wind beneath his wings. "Ashes to Ashes," Taehyung whispered in his mind. Something his father always said.

Jungkook remained by his side throughout , never causing a commotion, or demanding attention, or becoming anxious. It was just peaceful there. At times, subconsciously or instinctively, his hand would tighten around the edge of the shirt he was holding, causing Taehyung to feel a slight tug; it was a silent plea of sorts - not to let go.

As they left the riverbank, Jimin hugged Taehyung tightly. Jungkook continued walking behind him without hesitation, holding onto the edge of his shirt. The gates to the Jeon Mansion were soon visible ahead. Taehyung's footsteps, still heavy from his father's death, led the way.

He came to a halt at a small bend in the road and began to release Jungkook's hand from the shirt he was holding. Suddenly, Jungkook started shifting his weight back and forth between his feet. He appeared to be in excruciating pain from biting his own lower lip. Still, he persisted in attempting to free Jungkook's hold on the shirt's edge since he was unable to communicate with Taehyung and Taehyung could sense Jungkook's pain.

Taehyung, at a loss for what else to do following numerous unsuccessful attempts, untied the shirt from his own waist and reattached it to Jungkook's. As Jungkook held the cloth in both hands, Taehyung turned Jungkook's body towards Jeon Mansion and urged him to enter with a push on his back.

Jungkook walked hesitantly, looking back at Taehyung for guidance on what to do next. There was a silent, stern message to keep going from Taehyung's fingers and hand dancing in the air.

Jungkook hesitated as he opened the iron gate to the Jeon mansion. Taehyung gave one last gentle nod before turning back and walking away.

However, Taehyung watched from behind the bushes. His gaze fixed on Jungkook, tracking each step, each hesitant shift of weight. Once and twice, Jungkook turned to look for a face that wasn't there.

With his shoulders slumped, Jungkook entered the house by himself.

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Detective Kim Seokjin's desk phone rang, its shrill tone cutting through the police station's hostile air. His face hardened in response as he listened. The call came from the hospital. The cashier verified that a substantial deposit had been received for one of the clients. Seokjin was required to investigate. He needed to ascertain whether any of the deposits bore the marks of bills that were used in the ransom money packet. Soon after he arrived and checked, he discovered that every note matched the ransom amount.