IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ABSENCE

CHAPTER 2

Y/N shifted on her feet, unsure of what to say next. She wasn't used to people sticking around when they didn't have to. Jungkook had been the one person who always did... until he didn't.

Taehyung took a small step back, seeming to sense her unease. "I should probably get going. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"

Y/N nodded, her grip tightening around the cup. "Yeah. Thanks, Taehyung."

Without waiting for a response, he gave her a brief nod and turned to walk away, his figure disappearing into the rain. He was just a classmate, a passing face on campus, but for some reason, his simple gesture made the world feel a little less heavy.

As Y/N watched him leave, a strange thought crossed her mind—sometimes the people you least expect offer the comfort you need the most.

The Next Day

Announcement

The college dean's voice crackled through the speakers, grabbing the attention of the bustling campus. "All students are hereby informed that our college has organized a ten-day trip to Malaysia, for an archaeological discoveries inspection. The trip is on Monday of next week. Other than the archaeological activities, we will also host this year's college fest there! Get ready to showcase your talents. Have a great day!"

The hallway buzzed with excitement. "I'm going to sing this time. Last year's group dance was terrible!" a student giggled to her friend.

"Oh, and I'm doing a couple's dance with my boyfriend! It's going to be amazing," another girl chimed in, her voice laced with excitement.

Taehyung overheard the conversation as he made his way towards Y/N. "Hey, Y/N," he called out with his usual casual tone, "What are you planning for the fest this year?"

Y/N hesitated. "I... I don't know. Last year, Jungkook and I did the couple's dance together... but this time..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes drifting toward Jungkook, who stood in the distance laughing with his friends.

Taehyung noticed her gaze, and with a soft smile, he asked, "Why worry? This time, you can make me your partner. What do you think?"

Y/N blinked in surprise. "I... I need some time to think about it," she replied, caught off guard by his offer.

"Take all the time you need. It's worth waiting for a beautiful lady's reply," Taehyung said with a grin, causing Y/N to blush slightly at his words.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, Jungkook had been watching the entire interaction. Taehyung caught Jungkook's brief glance but said nothing, while Y/N remained oblivious.

Jungkook's POV

I saw Y/N blush at Taehyung's comment, and for a brief moment, jealousy tugged at me. But I shook it off. I turned back to my friends, pretending it didn't bother me.

"Hey Jungkook, what's your plan for the fest?" Junwin asked, nudging me with curiosity.

"I don't know... Maybe nothing this year," I said, my voice lacking the enthusiasm that usually came with the college fest.

"You're such a waste of talent, man! Always sitting on your skills," Junwin teased, making me feel slightly awkward.

"I'm just busy this week," I replied with a forced laugh. "Otherwise, I'd be all over it."

My friends exchanged disappointed looks, but I didn't care. My mind was elsewhere—stuck on the memories of last year when Y/N and I danced together. Things were different now.

Y/N's POV

Later that afternoon, I found myself lost in thought as I made my way toward my locker, still unsure of what to reply to Taehyung.

I opened my locker, and something unexpected caught my eye—a small, folded letter resting on top of my books. My heart raced as I picked it up, unfolding it with trembling fingers.

"I bet you have nothing to do this year, and you'll spend the week crying about me, thinking about everything that's happened. I suggest you do something meaningful with your life instead of wasting your time. ~ J"

My eyes widened as I stared at the note, a wave of shock rushing over me. Jungkook? But the words didn't sound like him at all. It felt cold, calculated.

Anger and sadness boiled inside me. How dare he leave a note like this? I crushed the paper in my hand and threw it into the nearest trash can, my chest tightening with hurt and confusion.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my books and headed to class, trying to shake off the heaviness of the message. But no matter how hard I tried, the words echoed in my mind: I suggest you do something good with your life...

I entered the classroom and spotted an empty seat beside Taehyung. Without thinking much, I made my way toward it and sat down. My eyes instinctively wandered around the room until they landed on Jungkook. He was sitting with Lisa, his twin sister, laughing and looking completely unbothered. 

So, he writes that stupid note and now pretends like nothing happened?  I clenched my jaw in frustration. Bitch.

Taehyung's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Hey... are you looking for someone?" he asked, his curious eyes studying my distracted face.

I snapped back to reality, forcing a smile. "No, I was just... you know, trying to overhear people's plans for the fest," I lied, internally cringing at how dumb it sounded. Seriously, Y/N?

Taehyung chuckled softly. "Ohh."

Wanting to shift the conversation, I quickly added, "By the way, Taehyung, I don't mind being your dance partner... When should we start practicing?"

His face lit up with surprise, as if he hadn't expected me to agree so soon. "Really? That's great!" He hesitated for a second before continuing, "We can start today, if you're free. Come over to my place after class, and I'll send you the address."

I nodded, trying to stay composed even though my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about Jungkook.

"Sounds good," I replied, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. A part of me was genuinely excited to practice, but another part was still tangled in the web of emotions Jungkook had left behind.

As the class began, I struggled to focus. My mind kept drifting back to the note. What did it mean? Why would Jungkook say such harsh things? I glanced at him again, and he was still chatting with Lisa, laughing as if he didn't have a care in the world. It felt infuriating.

"Y/N?" Taehyung's voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to him, my expression guilty as if I had been caught daydreaming.

"Yeah?" I asked, trying to shake off my thoughts.

"You okay? You seem a little distracted," he said, concern etching his features.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine, really. Just a lot on my mind."

Taehyung nodded, but I could tell he wasn't completely convinced. I appreciated his concern, but right now, I didn't want to burden him with my drama.

The class continued, but my concentration was shot. I caught glimpses of Jungkook throughout the lecture—his easy laughter, the way he leaned into his sister as she whispered something funny. The ache in my chest deepened. How could he move on so easily?

To Be Continued.....

-------------------------------------------

VOTE , COMMENT AND SHARE

LOVE YOU ALL :)