In the dim light of the dance room, Jimin felt as if the air itself was thick with sorrow. The walls, painted in soft pastels, echoed memories that felt almost tangible. Every corner whispered the laughter they had shared, every wooden beam held the warmth of their embraces. It was the room Kai had built for him, a sanctuary, a testament to their love and his courting gift . Now, it felt like a tomb.
As he sat on the polished floor, surrounded by the remnants of their dreams-photos, trophies, and dance shoes scattered like pieces of a broken heart. He hugged his knees to his chest, the coolness of the wood grounding him in a world that felt so disorienting without Kai. The air, once filled with the refreshing scent of Kai's fresh rain fragrance and Jimin's own roses and lavender, now felt heavy, suffocating. It was tainted with the bittersweet residue of grief, a rotten scent that clung to him, a testament to his overwhelming sorrow.
As tears slipped silently down his cheeks, Jimin's mind drifted back to their childhood even thought Jimin was younger than kai by 3 years. They had been inseparable , neighbors and friends turned lovers, weaving their lives together as effortlessly as they danced. He remembered the late nights spent practicing in this very room, laughter echoing off the walls as they attempted to choreograph the perfect routine. Kai's eyes had always sparkled with excitement, his movements a blend of grace and strength, while Jimin's flowed like water, each step filled with emotion. Though Kai was interested in pursuing as a dancer along with Jimin , But due to his father's business getting into losses he decided to take over there family business to continue his father dream though Mr Kim was against his decision in the beginning as he doesn't his son's dream to be scrambled but "Kai insisted that his first priority and love will be his family and loved one only and he can't let go of their family business built by their ancestors . Mr Kim felt proud of his son , though Kai was an alpha, he was down to earth and always soft to his family .
And during those hard times, when Jimin's world crumbled after his parents' accident, that their bond deepened. The memory of Kai's comforting presence wrapped around him like a warm blanket. While others had turned away, focused on the wealth left behind, Kai and his family had taken him in. The Kim's had become his lifeline, offering support, love, and a home when he needed it most. Kai had stood by him, a beacon of light, guiding him through the darkness.
Now, that light was extinguished.
Jimin's chest tightened as he recalled the news-the phone call that had shattered his world. It had come like a thunderclap, ripping through the fabric of his reality. He could still hear the words that turned his heart to ice: " Kai was met with an accident ." It felt as if the floor had opened up beneath him, leaving him suspended in a void where nothing made sense.
Just a three days ago, they had been inseparable, sharing dreams and laughter as they navigated their intertwined lives. Jimin remembered the night before Kai had left for the award function in the USA. He could still hear Kai's soothing voice, urging him to focus on his performance.
As Kai's award function and Jimin's performance were only one day apart , Jimin could not tag along with kai as his performance was his dream and Kai could not decline the award show. Kai's parents and sister decided to stay with Jimin to support him. Even though Jimin insisted to go Kai refused....
"Jimin, you have to go. This is important for your career," Kai had said, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll be fine, I promise. Appa , Eomeoni and Soo Ae will be there to support you. We'll have plenty of moments together in the future."
Jimin had felt a pit in his stomach, unease wrapping around him like a dark cloud. But Kai's enthusiasm and the unwavering support of his parents had convinced him. They had all gathered around, reassuring him that this was just a stepping stone. Little did they know that would be the last time he saw Kai's radiant smile.
The day of his performance had come, and Jimin had poured every ounce of his heart into his routine. Kai had video-called him at night before his performance which was the next day night, his face lighting up the screen with warmth. "You've got this, Jimin! Just let the music take you. I'm so proud of you," he had said, words wrapping around Jimin like a comforting embrace.
With renewed energy, Jimin had danced like never before, losing himself in the rhythm, the audience's cheers fueling his passion. When he received the award, joy swelled within him, a celebration of his hard work and dedication. But as he went to his assigned room where Mr Kim and Mrs Kim along with Soo-Ae were waiting for him a beautiful bouquet which Kai had booked before leaving .But his happiness shattered when Mr Kim received a phone call .
Mr Kim fell on his knees , his phone hit the floor. Jimin , Mrs Kim and Soo Ae were shocked when Mr Kim bursted into tears and shuttered "There's been an accident."
Time seemed to freeze, the world around him fading into a blur. "What do you mean?" Jimin's heart raced, panic rising as he felt the ground beneath him crumble.
"We lost Kai," Mr. Kim's voice trembled. "He... he was on his way back from the awards."
The Kim's were struggling; Mr. Kim was a shell of the man he had been, lost in shock and grief was paralyzed , Mrs. Kim, usually so vibrant, seemed to fade with each passing day, consumed by the loss of her son. Jimin had wanted to collapse under the weight of his sorrow, to join Kai in whatever lay beyond, but he had held on. For them. For Kai's dreams.
He thought of little Soo Ae, Kai's sister, who now carried the burden of their family's grief at just turning twelve years old. Jimin could not allow himself to fall apart-not while she needed him, not while Mr. and Mrs. Kim were lost in their pain. He had promised Kai he would take care of them, and he intended to keep that promise, even if it meant burying his own grief deep inside.
As he sat in the dark, the memories washed over him like waves. The scent of rain that lingered on Kai's skin, the way he would twirl Jimin effortlessly across the floor, their silent conversations spoken through shared glances without words . Each memory was a knife, twisting deeper into the wound that felt impossible to heal.
"I miss you, Kai," Jimin whispered, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "I don't know how to do this without you."
He closed his eyes, allowing the tears to flow freely now, mourning not just for the love they had lost, but for the future that would never be. Yet, in that moment of despair, a flicker of resolve ignited within him. He could hear Kai's voice in his mind, urging him to dance, to live, to push through the pain.
Drawing in a shaky breath, Jimin stood up, the memories of their shared dreams swirling around him. With each step, he let the music of their love play in his heart, channeling the sorrow into movement. He began to dance, every twist and turn a tribute to Kai's spirit, a promise to keep moving forward for him, for Soo Ae, for the Kim's.
And in that dark room, as the shadows shifted with his movements, Jimin felt Kai with him, guiding him, reminding him that love, once shared, could never truly fade.
To be continued.......................................
YOU ARE READING
"Unraveled Hearts"
RomanceJimin navigates the heart-wrenching aftermath of losing his first love, Kai, who was not only his childhood sweetheart but also his fiancé. After Kai's tragic accident, Jimin struggles with grief and the fear of moving on. However, as time passes, h...