Raw Marks | KOOKV✓

Chapter 53

Winter arrived with a gentle touch this season, as if it intended to soothe rather than sting. The air carried a sharp bite, freezing to the skin, yet the warmth of the sun still seeped through, battling the dense fog of cold that enveloped everything. Beneath the bridge, the water seemed to flow more slowly, its surface glittering under the pale sunlight, a mirror of tranquility that felt dangerously still. Jungkook stood above it, his eyes fixed on the simmering water below. The icy wind tousled his hair, his nose and cheeks flushed red from the cold. Snow had not yet fallen, but the chill in the air was unrelenting

His gaze deepened as he focused on the pond, where delicate purple waterflowers floated atop invisible waves. Their bright green stems were vibrant against the wintry backdrop, their petals glowing in contrast to the cold, stark water. Jungkook imagined how Taehyung would react if he could gift him these flowers. The thought of seeing the older male's face light up brought a small, wistful smile to his lips

"So, you confessed, and for three whole months, he hasn't replied or even brought it up?" Misang's voice broke through the quiet, his words muffled by the large bite he took from his chicken burger. Jungkook's attention shifted as he frowned slightly, glancing over to his right where his best friend stood

"I guess... who would bring that up? He's still healing" he replied softly, his voice gentle but sure. He turned his gaze back to the waterflowers, the calmness of the scene contrasting with the emotions he carried "He'll talk about it when he's ready"

Misang blinked, trying to contemple the words. After a moment, he nodded slowly, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes "But how many more days are you going to stay single? What if... what if he doesn't want to be with you? What if he's just leading you on?"

Jungkook's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering across his face "He's not like that, Misang. Hyung isn't cruel. If he didn't have feelings for me, he would have told me by now. The fact that he hasn't means... he's trying to process things in his own time"

Misang stopped chewing, his brows furrowing in concern. He trusted Taehyung, but seeing his best friend in such emotional limbo made him anxious. He didn't want Jungkook to get hurt again, not after everything he had already been through. The thought of Jungkook facing another heartbreak was too much for him to bear. Selfishly, he just wanted Taehyung to either ask Jungkook to wait or tell him outright that he couldn't return his feelings. It seemed only fair

"So... what about Byun hyung? Did he stop chasing after you?" Misang asked, trying to lighten the mood

Jungkook chuckled softly, tracing invisible circles on the railing of the bridge "Not really. He still sends me gifts and acts all... effeminate. I used to think it was cute, but not in a romantic way. I guess I never realized how much I needed that kind of affection" he murmured, his voice tinged with a quiet sadness. His grip on the bridge tightened slightly as he stared out at the water again

It had already been three months. Three months since he had confessed his feelings to Taehyung. In that time, the two of them had grown closer-more comfortable, more intimate in their own way. And even Byun had somehow become a more constant presence, always trying to win his affection, though Jungkook's heart never wavered from Taehyung. Every gesture, every moment, was for him

Jungkook had poured everything into making Taehyung happy. He would go out of his way to do little things that brought a smile to his face, and each time the older laughed or blushed, it felt like a victory. He succeeded in his mission when one day, out of the blue, Taehyung had said "Jungkook, I'm happier these days" Those simple words had fueled Jungkook's determination to do even more. He wanted to give Taehyung the world, to make him feel loved in every way he deserved