Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 48

Jungkook buzzes with excitement all day. Taehyung has planned their first proper date in months—a surprise dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant, just for the two of them. A night free from cameras, fans, and the pressures of their busy lives. All day, he is a ball of nervous energy, pacing around the apartment and giving Jimin a headache over endless outfit choices. "I can't decide, hyung! Is this too much? Does this make me look too... I don't know, desperate?"

Jimin, exasperated but smiling, rubs his temples. "Jungkook, it's Taehyung. You've been married for how long? He's seen you in sweatpants and drool stains. Trust me, you'll be fine."

Jungkook pouts, ignoring the comment as he continues stressing over the smallest details. He knows Taehyung has gone all out, booking an entire Michelin-star restaurant just for them, which only makes him more eager for the evening. It's meant to be a surprise, Taehyung has told him—something special, something unforgettable.

Taehyung messages him earlier, letting him know he'll be running a little late and will meet Jungkook at the restaurant. At first, Jungkook doesn't think much of it. He appreciates the heads-up and even finds it convenient; it gives him more time to prepare without feeling rushed.

When Jungkook arrives at the restaurant, his breath catches in his throat. The entire place is dimly lit with soft, warm lights casting a golden glow around the room. Only one table is set up in the center, with two chairs and a beautiful candlelit dinner spread between them. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, every detail meticulously planned.

Jungkook's heart swells as he approaches the table, noticing a note with Taehyung's neat handwriting waiting for him.

"To my love, Jungkookie. Tonight's just for us. I can't wait to spoil you."

He can't help but giggle softly, feeling his cheeks warm with a blush. His chest flutters with excitement as he sits down, anticipation making every second stretch longer. This is perfect. So, so perfect.

But as the minutes pass, the warmth in his chest begins to fade.

It starts as a small twinge—impatience, at first. He glances at the clock. Thirty minutes late. Okay, no big deal. Maybe he got caught up in something.

Jungkook tries calling Taehyung, but there's no response. He sends a quick text.

"Hey, where are you? Everything okay?"

Another ten minutes pass. No reply.

Jungkook stares at his phone, his heart beating a little faster now, a familiar unease creeping in. The restaurant is so quiet, the flicker of the candle's flame the only movement in the room. He fidgets with the napkin in his lap, his hands beginning to shake slightly.

It's fine, he tells himself. He's just busy... He'll be here any minute.

But the waiting stretches on. The minutes feel like hours, and the silence becomes suffocating. Every time Jungkook looks at his phone, hoping for a message, his chest tightens further when none appears.

The familiar weight of anxiety starts pressing down on him, like a wave slowly pulling him under. His breath hitches. No... not this again. Not now.

Jungkook clenches his fists under the table, trying to steady the tremors in his hands. Breathe, just breathe.

His heart pounds in his chest, and his vision blurs slightly as his throat tightens. He can feel himself slipping into that dark, familiar place he thought he'd left behind—the place where he feels helpless, abandoned, alone.

It's the same feeling from before, when everything crumbled, and he was left to pick up the pieces of his broken heart. He hates this feeling. He promised himself he wouldn't feel it again.