Crystal Bond [Jikook]

| Chapter - 29 |

Truths in the Tide

The late afternoon sun was dipping toward the horizon, casting golden light across the sky, painting the beach in warm hues of orange and pink. The waves of the ocean, gentle yet constant, lapped against the shore as the salty breeze played with strands of Jungkook's hair. He walked in silence, his feet sinking into the soft, cool sand with each step. Beside him, Jimin walked quietly, their hands occasionally brushing, but neither of them spoke.

Jungkook's heart raced in his chest, his mind a tumult of emotions he could hardly keep under control. He had brought Jimin here, to this quiet stretch of the coast where the ocean met the land, with one purpose in mind: to tell him everything. Every truth, every secret. To finally reveal who he was—the part of himself he had hidden, the part that wasn't just human, but something far older, far more powerful.

But now, with the ocean before them, Jungkook found his confidence slipping. Doubts, like shadows in the back of his mind, crept forward, making him question everything.

Am I doing the right thing? he wondered, casting a sideways glance at Jimin, who seemed so calm, so unaware of the storm raging inside him. Is Jimin ready for this? What if... what if he's not? What if he can't accept who I really am? What if he hates me ? What if he see me differently after this ?

Jungkook had seen Jimin's strength firsthand—his courage, his determination. He had felt the depth of Jimin's emotions in their moments together, from the way his eyes softened when they locked with Jungkook's to the way his body melted into Jungkook's embrace. But still, doubt lingered like a bitter aftertaste.

The disapproval of the Water Realm, the anger of his people, echoed in his mind. Taehyung's harsh words from earlier in the day played over and over like a broken record: Humans are weak. They will never understand. The weight of his title—Emperor of the Seas, the demigod of water—felt heavier now than it ever had before. His people saw his love for Jimin as a betrayal, as a sign of weakness. And though Jungkook had always believed in his heart that Jimin was different, that Jimin could understand, the fear of rejection had taken root.

But he couldn't turn back now. He had brought Jimin here to reveal the truth, and despite the fear gnawing at him, he knew he owed it to Jimin to be honest.

They walked in silence for what felt like an eternity, the sound of the waves and their soft footsteps the only sounds between them. Finally, as they reached the water's edge, where the ocean kissed the sand, Jungkook stopped. The gentle tide rolled over his feet, cool and inviting, but the heaviness in his chest remained.

Jimin paused beside him, glancing up at Jungkook with a curious expression. He had noticed Jungkook's silence—noticed the tension that seemed to cling to him since they left the mansion. But Jimin, in his usual calm and patient way, waited. He didn't press Jungkook for answers, didn't demand to know why they were here. Instead, he simply stood by Jungkook's side, trusting that whatever was about to happen, he would be ready for it.

Jungkook took a deep breath, the fresh air filling his lungs, and closed his eyes for a moment, gathering the courage he needed. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, but steady. "Jimin, there's something... something I need to tell you."

Jimin tilted his head slightly, the soft breeze brushing his hair against his forehead. "What is it?" he asked gently, his voice filled with that same kindness that always seemed to calm Jungkook's racing thoughts.

But not tonight. Tonight, even Jimin's calm couldn't soothe the storm inside him. Jungkook's throat felt tight, his heart pounding in his chest. He turned his gaze toward the horizon, watching the sun dip lower, casting a shimmering trail of gold across the water. His voice wavered slightly as he continued.