BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 25

LONG CHAPTER

Jungkook arrives at Jimin's place, expecting a confrontation, but what he finds leaves him stunned. He opens the door to find Jimin slumped on the couch, tears streaming down his face.

"Jimin?" Jungkook's voice is cautious.

Jimin's head jerks up, his eyes red-rimmed. "Kook..."

Jungkook's resolve wavers. He doesn't expect Jimin to be so vulnerable.

"What's going on, Jimin?" Jungkook asks, his tone softer.

Jimin's body shakes with sobs. "I don't know what I ever do to Taehyung! He doesn't like me. He calls me and says I'm a husband stealer, he tells me to stay away from you!"

Jungkook's expression turns skeptical. "Taehyung doesn't call you, Jimin. That's not true."

Jimin's cries intensify. "He does! I'm not lying, Kookie! He says awful things!"

Jungkook's heart aches. He doesn't realize Jimin's emotions run so deep.

"Jimin, we need to talk," Jungkook says gently. "We'll figure this out together."

Jimin's gaze pleads for understanding. "Why would someone say that, Kookie? Why would they hurt me like this?"

Jungkook's expression softens, holding Jimin close. "Hey, what's really going on? You're scaring me."

Jimin sniffles, his voice shaking. "Other day, Taehyung calls your phone. I answer, thinking it is important. I tell him you are sleeping, but... but he says terrible things to me." He lies.

Jungkook's brow furrows, concern for his friend and husband warring within. "What exactly does he say?"

Jimin's tears resume. "He... he tells me to stay away from you, that I'm a bad influence. And worse..."

Jungkook's grip on Jimin tightens. "I'll talk to Tae about this. He doesn't hurt you intentionally."

Jimin's gaze pleads. "Be honest with him, Kook. Ask him why he's being so cruel."

Jungkook nods, resolve firm. "I'll talk to Tae about this."

MEANWHILE.

Taehyung settles into the couch, scrolling through movies on his phone. "Something light-hearted," he thinks, selecting a romantic comedy.

As the movie plays, Taehyung's eyelids begin to droop. He checks the time – Jungkook is gone for hours.

"Where is he?" Taehyung wonders, a pang of worry creeping in.

He tries calling Jungkook, but it goes straight to voicemail. Taehyung's unease grows.

Taehyung's thoughts drift to Jimin, wondering if Jungkook is still with him. He can't shake off the feeling that Jimin wants to take Jungkook away from him.

The movie ends, and Taehyung's exhaustion takes over. He dozes off, surrounded by darkness and unanswered questions.

Hours pass, and the silence remains. Taehyung's sleep is fitful, his subconscious waiting for Jungkook's return.

---

Jungkook stands up to leave, but Jimin grasps his arm. "Stay a little longer, Kook. You're always rushing back to him."

Jungkook's eyes narrow slightly. "Jimin, I need to go home. Taehyung will worry."

Jimin's gaze pleads. "Just a few more minutes. For me."

Jungkook hesitates, sensing Jimin's underlying emotions.

Unbeknownst to Jungkook, Jimin's thoughts whisper: "If only he'd stay with me, forget Taehyung, and love me instead."