Caramel Macchiato (Jungkook's perspective)

Chapter 35

(A/N: Huge drama incoming lol)

The days blur together in Budapest, each one more exhausting than the last. The shoots are grueling; I push myself to the limit, but the thrill of working with Kid LAROI and Central CEE keeps me motivated. FaceTiming with Minseo every night lifts my mood. This is what keeps me going. But those small moments of connection feel fragile lately, like I'm walking on eggshells.

One evening, after a particularly long day of filming, I return to my hotel room, eager to unwind. I toss my bag on the floor and plop down on the bed, ready to scroll through my phone for some much-needed distraction. But when I unlock the screen, I'm hit with a flurry of notifications that make my stomach drop.

Confused, I open my phone, and my heart races. Headlines scream at me: Jungkook Spotted With Mystery Woman in Budapest! Panic rises in my chest as I click through the articles. They're sensational and twist innocent moments into scandalous rumors. The photos show me smiling next to a female crew member, our heads bent together as we share a laugh during a break on set. There's another picture- oh God- it's so well edited. It shows me holding the same woman's waist. This isn't good...

I text Minseo immediately, fingers trembling as I type.

You: Just saw some crazy headlines. Don't believe everything you read. I miss you!

I hit send and stare at the screen, waiting for a reply. The seconds tick by, each one feeling like an eternity, and dread settles deep in my chest.

What if she thinks I'm cheating? What if she believes the rumors? I pace the room, anxiety bubbling like crazy. I know Minseo- she has a good heart but is also sensitive. I can't let this come between us.

Finally, my phone vibrates. I rush to check it, and I read her reply. 

My Macchiato : I'll talk to you later.

The words are cold, lacking the warmth I crave. What does that mean?

I flop back onto the bed, running a hand through my hair. Is she upset? Angry? The uncertainty gnaws at me, and I hate this feeling. I grab my phone again, desperate to hear her voice. I need to see her. I dial her number, my heart racing as I wait for her to pick up.

When Minseo answers, her face appears on the screen, but something feels off. She's wearing a forced smile, and her eyes don't shine like they usually do.

"Hey..." I start, trying to keep my tone light, but the weight of the situation looms over us like a storm cloud.

"Hey," she replies, her voice lacking its usual cheer. This isn't good.

"I saw the headlines. I swear, it's not what it looks like. I was just talking to someone on set. She's part of the crew! And the other photo- It's edited I swear!" I rush out, desperate to explain, hoping my sincerity will bridge the growing distance between us.

Minseo crosses her arms, her brow furrowing. "I get that. But why didn't you tell me? Why do I have to find out from the internet?" 

Why does she sound so accusatory?

God, this isn't how I wanted to do this. "I didn't want to worry you! I thought it was a non-issue. You know how these things go, Minseo. You're in the industry-"

"Right, I'm in the industry, and I know how these stories can escalate," she cuts me off, her tone sharp. "You should have known better. I thought we were honest with each other."

Is this really happening?

"I am! You know I'd never cheat on you, right?" I plead, my heart pounding in my chest. "This is all so ridiculous. You know me better than that."

"But do I? Because it feels like we're not on the same page anymore." Her words hit me like a punch. "I'm out here trying to make a name for myself, and all I see are these photos of you with someone else." Her voice quivers, and I can hear the hurt beneath her anger.

The truth hangs bitterly in the air. I take a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. "You're right. I should've told you. But I thought we had this trust. Why would I risk everything we have for a moment of fun?"

Minseo looks away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I want to trust you, but I can't help feeling like I'm just here, and you're out there... having fun with someone else. It's hard, Jungkook."

My heart sinks. This isn't what I wanted. "Minseo, you're everything to me. I'm proud of you. I want to support you in your career, but you need to know that this doesn't change how I feel about you. You're still my lucky charm."

She takes a shaky breath, the tension shifting slightly. "I'm just... I'm scared we're drifting apart."

"Minseo, we're not drifting." My voice is steady, but my heart races. "We're just... adjusting. I'll make it work, I promise. Let's be more open with each other. I don't want to hide anything from you."

Minseo shakes her head, and I can see the doubt lingering in her eyes. "I need some time."

Please don't say that.

"Minseo, I did not cheat. I will never cheat, I promise" I vow, a fierce determination building within me, along with panic settling in- what if this is our last call and she breaks up? "I'm coming back soon. We'll make this work. Just hang in there a little longer."

The call ends, leaving me feeling unsettled. The air between us has shifted, and now I'm more determined than ever to prove to Minseo that our love can withstand any storm. But as I lie in bed that night, I can't shake the feeling that things are about to get even more complicated.

What if she's right? What if I'm losing her? I stare at the ceiling, anxiety swirling in my mind like a calm yet strong storm.