Jinkook Short Stories: Echoes of Love

16

The art exhibition buzzed with a soft hum of voices, the air fragrant with hints of wine and floral arrangements.

Jin stood near the entrance, hesitant, his gaze roaming over the elegant gallery walls adorned with colorful canvases. It had been five long years since he last saw Jungkook, and here he was-unexpectedly, as if drawn by an invisible thread-back in the world he'd left behind.

His heart thudded as his eyes fell on a familiar face. There was Jungkook, laughter lighting up his expression as he spoke with a small child beside him. Jin's breath hitched. So... he has a family now?

A pang of regret and bittersweet happiness settled in Jin's chest. He had always wondered about the life Jungkook would lead, but seeing it unfold before him brought a wave of memories he wasn't sure he could handle. He had left for good, or so he thought, his career as a musician calling him across oceans. But even after all this time, his heart stubbornly clung to the one person he could never fully leave behind.

Then, Jungkook looked up, and their eyes met. Surprise registered on Jungkook's face, then something softer-a warmth that stirred something deep within Jin's heart. He approached cautiously, each step feeling like a bridge between the past and the present.

"Jin... is that really you?" Jungkook's voice was soft, almost disbelieving.

Jin managed a small smile. "Yeah, it's me," he replied, a touch of vulnerability in his tone. "I... couldn't stay away forever."

A long silence stretched between them, filled with unsaid words, unshared moments. Jin's gaze flicked to the child beside Jungkook. The boy looked up with innocent curiosity, and Jin's heart sank just a little further. So, he's moved on.

"He's adorable, Jungkook," Jin said, forcing his voice to sound steady. "You... you have a family now?"

Jungkook's eyes widened, then softened in amusement. "No, no," he laughed, ruffling the child's hair. "This is my nephew, Jaehyun. I'm just watching him for the day."

A surge of relief washed over Jin, though he tried to mask it. "Ah... I see." But his smile was real this time, fragile yet hopeful. "You look happy, Jungkook."

Jungkook's expression grew thoughtful, and he took a step closer. "I am," he murmured. "But there's something I've missed all these years... someone."

Jin's heart stuttered, and he felt the familiar warmth spreading through him, the one he'd felt so long ago. Could it really be...?

Jungkook's gaze never wavered. "Then don't go again, Jin. Stay... stay for good this time."

The weight of those words settled into Jin's chest, making it hard to breathe. But for the first time in years, he felt alive, anchored to the one place he'd always belonged. He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips as Jungkook's hand reached for his.

The gallery around them faded, the art and the noise and the people becoming mere shadows. In this moment, they were alone, reunited in the heart of a love that had never truly left.

•••••••••••••

As they lingered together in the soft lighting of the gallery, the world around them blurred into insignificance. Jungkook's hand remained lightly clasped around Jin's, a simple touch that felt electrifying after so many years apart. Jin could feel his heartbeat quickening, every unspoken word, every feeling held back all these years, flooding to the surface.

Jungkook looked into Jin's eyes, his gaze soft yet intense. "I used to wonder," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "if you ever thought of me... if you missed me even a fraction as much as I missed you."