TEMPESTUOUS TIES

DELAYED

Backstage, Jungkook wiped the tears from his face, trying to regain composure after the emotional performance. But something gnawed at him-he hadn't seen Taehyung's reaction. He couldn't leave things like this. With determination, he rushed out of the backstage area toward the group of friends gathered near the entrance.

When Jungkook approached them, the atmosphere was tense. His friends exchanged awkward glances, unsure how to react after witnessing such a deeply personal performance. Jimin was the first to speak, his tone light but laced with concern. "Jungkook, that... was intense. Are you okay?" His smile was meant to reassure, though it couldn't mask the worry in his eyes.

Jungkook, still catching his breath, nodded as he looked around. "I'm fine... where's Taehyung?" His voice trembled slightly, betraying his anxiety.

Seoyoung stepped forward, glancing toward the door Taehyung had exited just moments earlier. "He left. He said he's going home." Her voice was soft but direct, her eyes mirroring Jungkook's worry.

A ripple of unease passed through the group. Jimin exchanged a concerned look with Seokjin, who had been quietly observing the situation unfold. "He seemed really upset," Seokjin added gently, his voice filled with empathy.

Jungkook's heart sank. "He... left?" He could barely process the words. Panic surged within him as his mind raced through everything that had just happened. He had bared his soul on that stage, and now, Taehyung had walked away. Without another thought, Jungkook turned toward the door, desperate to find Taehyung and make things right.

"Jungkook, wait!" Seoyoung called after him, but he was already gone, his footsteps echoing in the distance as he ran out of the venue. His friends exchanged worried glances but didn't stop him. They knew this was something Jungkook had to face on his own.

---

Outside, Taehyung walked along the dimly lit streets, the cold air biting at his skin. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions-confusion, sadness, anger, and longing. Jungkook's song had reopened wounds he thought had long since healed.

As Jungkook rounded a corner, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps ahead. His heart pounded, desperate to call out, 'Taehyung!' But the words got stuck in his throat. He was breathless, desperate, but he stopped himself, hiding behind a nearby pole.

Taehyung stopped in his tracks, his heart pounding. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing, the weight of everything unsaid between them pressing down on him. He collapsed to his knees, crying quietly. Jungkook stayed hidden, watching in silent torment, unsure whether to approach him.

After what felt like an eternity, Taehyung stood up, wiping away his tears. He took a deep breath and started walking again. Jungkook followed him silently, staying out of sight.

When Taehyung finally reached home, he walked in, unaware of the presence trailing him. He settled on the sofa, pulling out his phone, ready to distract himself. Suddenly, the door swung open, and there stood Jungkook, framed in the doorway.

Taehyung immediately shot to his feet. "Why did you leave?" Jungkook's voice was raw as he closed the door behind him. Taehyung, though surprised, quickly composed himself, sitting back down and pretending to be unfazed.

"Can't you hear me?" Jungkook asked again, moving closer. Just then, a loud bang on the door startled them both.

"Open the door, boys! I warned you, no more practicing that loud music here! The neighbors are complaining, and I had to pay a fine!" the owner shouted from outside.

Taehyung's eyes widened. The door wasn't locked, and if the owner came in, not only would he make Taehyung pay the fine, but he'd also discover a guest in the apartment, something strictly forbidden. Without hesitation, Taehyung grabbed Jungkook's hand and pulled him toward the storeroom.