Caramel Macchiato (Jungkook's perspective)

Chapter 37

(A/N: Charlie Puth fans here???)

The walk to Taehyung's house feels cold. I don't know if it's the weather or my internal thoughts, but either way, I feel so broken. My heart is heavy, and no matter how much I try to rationalize it, the fear of losing Minseo won't leave me alone. A break? The word echoes in my mind like a bad dream.

I reach Taehyung's building, the familiar place giving me a small sense of comfort. As soon as I knock on the door, I hear the sound of little paws skittering toward me. The door opens, and before I even see Tae, I'm greeted by the fluffy ball of joy that is Yeontan. He's barking excitedly, wagging his tail so hard his whole body shakes.

"Tannie!" I say, picking him up. His warmth instantly soothes me, even if just a little. He licks my face, and I let out the first genuine smile I've had in days. At least someone's happy to see me.

Taehyung appears behind Yeontan, grinning. "Come in, man. You look like you need a drink." He gestures for me to enter, and I follow, still holding Tannie close.

The living room is cozy, as always, with soft lighting and blankets strewn across the couch. Taehyung flops down and pats the seat next to him. "So, how was Budapest? You look tired."

I sit, Yeontan now curled up in my lap, and exhale deeply. "The shoot was good, actually. I worked with Kid LAROI and Central Cee. It was... amazing, honestly." I should feel happier talking about this. The shoot was everything I could've hoped for, but right now, all I can think about is Minseo.

Taehyung studies me for a second, his playful grin fading into something more serious. "But that's not what's on your mind, is it?"

I hesitate, fingers absentmindedly stroking Yeontan's soft fur. Should I even tell him? But then again, I've always been able to talk to Tae about anything, and right now, I need advice. I need to hear something that makes sense.

"There's... a rumor," I start, the words catching in my throat. "A stupid, baseless rumor. About me and a girl from the crew. The media twisted it into something it's not, and now..." I sigh, pressing a hand to my face. "Now Minseo's pushing me away. She says she needs a break."

Taehyung leans forward, his brows furrowing in concern. "She saw the articles?"

"Yeah, and she didn't take it well. I tried explaining to her, but she's just... distant. I went to her office today, and she barely looked at me. I told her I'd never cheat, and she seemed to understand, but she still wants space. I don't know what to do, Tae. I feel like I'm losing her." The words feel heavier the more I speak them, and I can't shake the pit forming in my stomach. Is this it? Is this the beginning of the end?

Taehyung stays quiet for a moment, his face unreadable. Then, to my surprise, he doesn't throw out one of his usual random facts about sea turtles or clouds. Instead, he leans back and speaks in a calm, measured voice. "Jungkook, listen. Sometimes, girls just need space to process things. It's not always about logic or facts. It could be how she's feeling, especially if it's that time of the month. You know, my sister, Eunjin, used to get really snappy around that time. She'd get upset over the smallest things, and none of it made sense to me. But it wasn't about what I said or did. She just needed time."

I blink, processing his words. That time of the month? I've never really thought about that. I never had sisters, or even close female friends growing up, so this is all new territory for me.

Taehyung continues, his voice soft but firm. "Minseo's probably overwhelmed with everything- work, the rumors, being apart from you. It doesn't mean she doesn't love you, and it definitely doesn't mean she's going to leave. She just needs a little space to figure it all out. My sister always came around eventually, and Minseo will too. Trust me."

I glance down at Yeontan, who's now dozing in my lap, his little body rising and falling with each peaceful breath. So... it's not the end? Tae's words give me a strange sense of relief. Maybe I've been overthinking everything, spiraling into worst-case scenarios because I don't understand how she's feeling.

"I've never thought about it like that," I admit, leaning back against the couch. "I've been freaking out this whole time, thinking she's slipping away. But maybe she just needs some time to get her head straight."

Taehyung smiles, the familiar glint of reassurance returning to his eyes. "Exactly. You just gotta be patient, bro. She'll come back to you. In the meantime, don't drive yourself crazy thinking the worst. You're good at doing that."

I laugh softly. "Yeah, I guess I am." He's right. Minseo isn't going anywhere. I just need to give her space, trust her, and stop letting my own fears get the best of me.

Tae leans back, his expression lightening. "You know, speaking of relationships, did you know that penguins mate for life? They pick one partner, and that's it. They stick with them through thick and thin."

I smile, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. There it is- the random fact I was waiting for. "Penguins, huh? Maybe I need to channel my inner penguin."

"Exactly!" Taehyung grins. "Be a penguin, Jungkook. Minseo's your mate for life, and she'll come back to you. Just don't let the noise get to you."

I nod, feeling lighter for the first time in days. Maybe Tae's right. I've been letting my fear cloud everything, but Minseo's worth waiting for.

As I sit there, with Yeontan snoozing in my lap and Taehyung's words replaying in my mind, I start to feel a sense of hope. This break isn't the end. It's just a pause, and I'll be here when she's ready to come back.

"Thanks, Tae," I say quietly, meaning every word.

"No problem, man," he replies with a soft smile. "You've got this. And hey, anytime you need a pep talk or a penguin fact, you know where to find me."

His phone buzzes and he checks it. He giggles, and shows the message to me.

Eunji pabo: I can't believe you sent gifts for mom and dad and forgot about me. How cruel can you go?! Where's my chocolate?

"See? This is her being pissy. You can just sense through the text- she's not in control of her emotions. Guess I need to send her some chocolates." He says and quickly orders some online for her.

I chuckle, feeling like maybe, just maybe, things will be okay. I should try giving Minseo chocolates too. Holy offering for her monthly sacrifice.

Jeez Jungkook, you don't even believe in God.