Caramel Macchiato (Jungkook's perspective)

Chapter 45 (Final chapter)

I can't believe I'm enlisting today. I just went live and told the ARMY I'll miss them. The comments were flooding in, all the hearts and well-wishes, but honestly, it didn't hit me until now. Standing in front of Minseo's house, my heart races with a mix of excitement and dread. I've got a buzzcut now- my hair is practically gone- and I can't shake the nervous feeling in my gut about how she'll react.

As soon as the door swings open, I'm met with Minseo's wide eyes, and there's that moment of silence that stretches on forever. She takes a step back, her hands covering her mouth in shock. "Jungkook!"

"Surprise?" I give her a lopsided grin, trying to keep it light.

Her laughter breaks the tension, and she rushes forward, inspecting my new look. "You look so cute!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth.

I can't help but chuckle. "Cute? I was aiming for fierce, but I'll take it."

She shakes her head, her expression turning serious as the weight of the moment hits us. "I'm not ready to say goodbye," she admits, her voice dropping.

"Me neither," I say, feeling the heaviness in my chest. "But I guess it's part of serving the country, right?"

Her expression shifts, anger sparking behind her eyes. "As if you haven't already served with your popularity and music." She mumbles, "Why couldn't they consider you seven for exceptions?"

I can feel her hurt hiding behind that fire, and it twists my heart. She's scared, and I get it. This isn't just about me leaving; it's about everything we've built together and how it might change.

"Minseo," I start, taking a step closer. "I know it sucks. But I promise I'll be back. It's not forever."

She crosses her arms, looking away, but I can see the sadness lurking just beneath the surface. "Yeah, well, I wish it didn't have to happen at all."

With a heavy sigh, I nod, understanding that sometimes, anger is just a mask for hurt. "Let's not mull on that right now. How about we just enjoy the time we have left?"

She finally gives me a small smile, one that makes my heart skip a beat. "Fine, but I'm dropping you off at the airport. I need to see you off properly."

I raise an eyebrow, half-joking. "Are you sure? I thought you'd want to avoid the media circus."

"Like hell I'm letting you go without saying goodbye!" She grabs my arm, pulling me toward my car, determination etched across her face.

As we drive toward the airport, the air between us is thick with unspoken words. I glance at her occasionally, and my heart aches at how sad she looks.

"Jungkook," she finally says, breaking the silence. "You know you're going to be missed, right? Like, the entire world will feel it."

I chuckle softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, but I'm more concerned about how the ARMY will cope without me stealing their hearts every other day."

She smirks, rolling her eyes. "You mean stealing the spotlight with your ridiculous dance moves?" she teases.

"Hey, those moves are iconic!" I protest, laughing.

But the laughter fades quickly as we approach the airport. This is it. My heart sinks as I realize the media will be everywhere, and Minseo can't go outside without getting swarmed.

"Shit," I mutter. "What are we gonna do? You can't go outside because of the media."

Minseo's eyes widen in realization, and she slumps back in her seat. "Ugh, why does this always happen?"

I quickly think on my feet. "What if I tell them you're my makeup artist? They won't bother you if they think you're part of my team."

Her brow furrows, but then she smirks. "You make me sound like I'm some sort of celebrity."

"Hey, you are!" I reply, grinning. "You make me look good every day."

As we park, I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of what's to come. "Are you ready for this?"

"Am I ever?" she jokes, trying to lighten the mood, but I can see the worry in her eyes.

We step out of the car, and I pull her close for a hug, my arms wrapping around her waist, feeling her warmth against me. "I'll be okay, you know? I'll keep in touch."

She nods, but I can tell she's still holding back tears. "You better, or I'll find a way to sneak in and drag you back."

"Deal," I chuckle, but inside, my heart is heavy.

Just then, Jimin strides up to us, looking a little nervous himself with his own buzzcut. "Hey, you two! How are we feeling?"

Minseo steps back, her smile returning as she looks at Jimin. "You look cute too! Buzzcuts all around, huh?"

"Thanks! It's like a brotherhood now," he jokes, bumping my shoulder. "We're all in this together, right?"

"Right," I say, forcing a smile.

Minseo steps between us, pulling us both into a group hug. "I'll miss you guys so much. Take care of each other, okay?"

We all squeeze her tightly, the reality of the moment sinking in. It's a bittersweet goodbye, the kind that pulls at your heartstrings.

"Promise we'll be back before you know it," Jimin says, pulling away.

I glance at Minseo, my heart aching with everything left unsaid. "I'll be counting down the days."

"Just don't lose your mind in there," she adds, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Never," I promise, giving her one last squeeze before stepping back. "And remember, I'm just a call away. Even if I'm not physically there, I'll be thinking about you."

With a final wave and a nod from Jimin, I turn to walk into the terminal. My heart feels heavy, but I can't help but turn back for one last look. Minseo stands there, a mix of sadness and strength on her face, and in that moment, I know this isn't goodbye forever.

I'll be back before she'll even start to miss me, and when I am, we'll pick up right where we left off.

To be continued...