Teach me how to love

31

Taehyung sat alone in a quiet corner of the café, his hands trembling as he held his phone tightly to his ear. The usual buzz of chatter and clinking cups around him felt distant, drowned out by the overwhelming weight on his heart. Jungkook was in class, but Taehyung couldn't hold back anymore. He needed to talk to someone—someone who could understand.

"Mom," he began, his voice shaky. "I don't know what to do. Everything is falling apart." His breath hitched as he tried to hold back his tears. "Jungkook is... I love him so much, but he's not okay. He's been acting so—"

The dam broke, and Taehyung couldn't finish his sentence before the sobs took over. He pressed a hand to his mouth, trying to stifle the sound in the bustling café, but the pain was too deep. All of the fear, confusion, and helplessness he had been bottling up spilled out in that moment.

His mother's gentle voice came through the phone, warm and understanding. "Taehyung, sweetheart, take a deep breath. I'm here, just talk to me."

Taehyung sniffled, wiping at his eyes as he tried to pull himself together. "I... I don't know how to help him, Mom. Jungkook's changed so much. He's controlling, paranoid, and—" his voice wavered, "he won't listen to me. I tried suggesting he see someone, a professional, but... he got so angry. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm losing him, but I don't want to give up on him."

There was a brief pause before his mother spoke, her voice calm and filled with love. "Honey, you did the right thing by suggesting he see a psychologist. You're worried about him because you love him, and that's what people who care about each other do—they help each other through difficult times. But you can't fix everything on your own."

Taehyung closed his eyes, letting her words wash over him. It was a comfort, but the knot of anxiety in his chest remained tight.

"Jungkook is going through something that's affecting his mind, Taehyung," his mother continued. "You've already shown how much you care by being there for him, by standing by his side. But sometimes, love isn't enough to heal everything. You were right to offer him help. Even if he doesn't want to hear it now, he needs it. And you can't carry this burden alone."

Taehyung sniffled again, feeling slightly more grounded by his mother's words. "But what if he never agrees? What if... what if things keep getting worse?"

His mother's tone remained steady. "You can't force him, but you can be patient and persistent. Don't let his fears push you away. And remember, your well-being matters too, Taehyung. You can't lose yourself trying to save him. You need to take care of yourself, even if it means stepping back sometimes."

Taehyung's heart ached at the thought of stepping back, but deep down, he knew his mother was right. "I just don't want to lose him," he whispered.

"You won't," his mother reassured him softly. "But you also can't lose yourself in the process. Keep loving him, keep trying, but don't be afraid to get help for yourself too if you need it."

Taehyung wiped at his eyes, his tears finally slowing as his mother's words sank in. He felt a little less lost, a little less alone. "Thank you, Mom," he whispered.

"Anytime, sweetheart. I'm always here for you. And remember, you're doing everything you can. That's all anyone can ask."

As the call ended, Taehyung sat there in the café, his heart still heavy but his mind a little clearer. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but maybe—just maybe—there was still a way to help Jungkook and keep their love alive.

As Taehyung left the café, his mind still spinning from the conversation with his mother, he almost didn't notice Minho standing a few steps ahead. Minho looked hesitant, shifting on his feet as if unsure whether to approach or not. Their eyes met, and Minho gave a small, tentative smile.