WORDLESS AFFECTION [NAMHOPE]

{COUSIN-FRIEND}

Every day, Jungkook would observe his friends, feeling envious of their loving relationships. He'd watch Yeonjun and Soobin steal kisses, lost in their own little world. Yoongi and Jimin would be engrossed in conversation, completely absorbed in each other. Hoseok would chat with his husband over the phone, occasionally beaming with joy when Namjoon picked him up from college. Witnessing these tender moments, Jungkook couldn't help but feel a pang of longing.

Jungkook's gaze would then fall on himself and Taehyung, their familial bond contrasting with the emotional distance between them. Despite being cousin brothers, Jungkook yearned for something more. He made efforts to catch Taehyung's eye, but the younger's heart sank whenever Taehyung affectionately called him "cousin brother". Jungkook knew Taehyung's words were innocent, but they stung, highlighting the unbridgeable gap between familial love and romantic feelings. Driven by unrequited emotions, Jungkook strived to impress Taehyung, hoping to awaken a deeper connection.

Sometimes, he would secretly slip away to the washroom, where he'd surrender to the overwhelming emotions. The mirror reflected a fragile soul, as tears streamed down his face, betraying his carefully crafted facade. In those solitary moments, he'd unleash the pent-up sorrow, allowing himself to crumble under the weight of his unrequited love for Taehyung, his cousin brother.

TH: "Kook, you are still studying?" Taehyung asked, waking up in the middle of the night.

Jungkook's eyes, though heavy with fatigue, remained fixed on his books, his mind racing with focus.

JK: "Yeah!" He said, without looking at him.

TH: "Get some sleep."

JK: "I'm fine. Please let me study."

TH: *sighs* "Okay, but make sure to go to bed."

Though, Tae did say that, but in morning, he found him sleeping in an uncomfortable position on the chair.

>>>><<<<

Today, the weight of months-long studying finally lifted as they finished their last exam. Relief washed over Taehyung and Jungkook as they stepped out of the examination hall, exhausted but exhilarated. As they arrived home, the warm glow of the evening sun and the comfort of familiar surroundings enveloped them, a welcome respite from the intense academic pressure.

TH: "The exams have finally ended." *stretches his arms*

JK: "Hmm!" *lowly* He took a step forward, but his vision blurred. Everything went black. The last thing he saw was Taehyung's back.

When the older heard a sudden thud behind him, he turned around, eyes widening in alarm.

TH: "KOOK!" *rushes towards him*

>>>><<<<

Hours later, Jungkook's eyelids fluttered open, greeted by the soft glow of the room. He lay on his bed, a cooling patch pressed against his forehead, its gentle relief a welcome respite from the earlier darkness.

Jungkook's gaze lingered on the ceiling, his eyes clouded with a deep sorrow, as if the weight of his thoughts was crushing him.

The door creaked opened and Taehyung stepped in, a concerned expression on his face, holding a tray with a glass of water.

TH: "How are you feeling?" Setting the tray on the bedside table, he sat beside him on the edge of the bed.