BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 25

LONG CHAPTER

Jungkook arrived at Jimin's place, expecting a confrontation, but what he found left him stunned. He opened the door to find Jimin slumped on the couch, tears streaming down his face.

"Jimin?" Jungkook's voice was cautious.

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

Jungkook's resolve wavered. He hadn't expected Jimin to be so vulnerable.

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

Jimin's body shook with sobs. "I don't know what I ever did to Taehyung! He doesn't like me. He called me and said I'm a husband stealer,he told me to stay away from you!"

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

Jimin's cries intensified. "He did! I'm not lying, Kookie! He said awful things!"

Jungkook's heart ached. He hadn't realized Jimin's emotions ran so deep.

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

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

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

Jimin sniffled, his voice shaking. "Other day, Taehyung called your phone. I answered, thinking it was important. I told him you were sleeping, but... but he said terrible things to me." He lied

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

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

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

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

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

MEANWHILE.

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

As the movie played, Taehyung's eyelids began to droop. He checked the time – Jungkook had been gone for hours.

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

He tried calling Jungkook, but it went straight to voicemail. Taehyung's unease grew.

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

The movie ended, and Taehyung's exhaustion took over. He dozed off, surrounded by darkness and unanswered questions.

Hours passed, and the silence remained. Taehyung's sleep was fitful, his subconscious waiting for Jungkook's return.

____________

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

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

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

Jungkook hesitated, sensing Jimin's underlying emotions.

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