_SHADOWS Of LOVE (Taehyung ff)

Chapter 10: Shadows of grief

Two days had passed since Y/N's visit to Taehyung, and each moment felt heavier than the last. She missed him deeply, the ache in her chest a constant reminder of their connection. However, with Jieun's condition worsening, Y/N felt it was impossible to slip away to see him again.

In her room, she summoned her maid, Yeji. "Please, can you deliver a message to Taehyung for me?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Of course, Miss Y/N. What would you like me to say?" Yeji replied, sensing her distress.

"Tell him that we can't meet for a while. With Jieun so sick, I can't leave," she said, her heart heavy with the thought of the impending separation.

Yeji nodded and quickly made her way out, leaving Y/N alone with her thoughts

The atmosphere in the mansion had grown heavier with each passing day, the shadows of grief lingering like an unwelcome guest. Y/N sat by Jieun's bedside, holding her hand gently. The once vibrant woman was now frail, her breaths shallow and labored. Y/N could see the life slipping away, and it broke her heart.
"Y/N," Jieun rasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've been so good to me. I can't thank you enough for your kindness."
Y/N squeezed her hand tighter, fighting back tears. "You've always been a sister to me, Jieun. I'll always cherish our time together."
Jieun smiled faintly, but her eyes held a sadness that was hard to ignore. "I wish I could have given you a better life, one where you didn't have to bear the weight of my illness."
"Don't say that," Y/N replied, her voice firm. "You gave me love and guidance when I needed it most. I wouldn't trade that for anything."
Jieun turned her head slightly, her gaze searching Y/N's face. "But there's something you need to tell me, isn't there?"
Y/N hesitated, her heart racing. She had been wrestling with her feelings for Taehyung, knowing how complicated it all was, especially now. "I... I care for someone, Jieun. His name is Taehyung."
Jieun's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "Taehyung? The one you mentioned from Love Lane?"
"Yes," Y/N admitted, her voice trembling. "I can't help it. He's been there for me in ways I never expected. He understands me."
A soft smile appeared on Jieun's face, a mix of pride and concern. "Y/N, you deserve to follow your heart. You've carried so much burden for others. It's time you think of your happiness."
"But what about Jungkook?" Y/N asked, her brow furrowing. "He's grieving, and I don't want to add to his pain."
"Jungkook will always want what's best for you," Jieun said gently. "You've already done enough injustice to yourself by suppressing your feelings. It's not wrong to love someone, even in the midst of sorrow."
Y/N felt the weight of Jieun's words. "But Taehyung is... it's all so tangled."
"Love is never simple, Y/N. If you truly care for him, you must be brave. Life is too short to let fear dictate your choices." Jieun's voice was growing weaker, but her spirit remained strong.
Tears streamed down Y/N's face as she nodded. "I just don't want to betray anyone, especially you and Jungkook."
"Following your heart isn't betrayal. It's a chance to find your own happiness," Jieun replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Promise me you'll think about it. Don't let my passing hold you back."
"I promise," Y/N whispered, her heart aching. "I'll honor your memory, Jieun. You've been my guiding light."
As the days turned into hours, Y/N stayed by Jieun's side, recalling their shared laughter, the wisdom she imparted, and the love they cultivated. When the end finally came, it was peaceful. Jieun closed her eyes for the last time, a soft smile gracing her lips as she slipped away, leaving Y/N alone with her grief.
In the quiet that followed, Y/N felt the enormity of her loss. She understood that Jieun had given her permission to pursue her own happiness, but the weight of sorrow still hung heavy in the air. As she mourned, she also realized that she would need to honor Jieun's wishes, both for herself and for the love she held for Taehyung.
Y/N's heart sank as she watched Jungkook, his expression shattered, the weight of grief palpable in the air. She knew she needed to be there for him. When she approached him, he turned to her, tears brimming in his eyes. Before she could say a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Y/N, I don't know what to do," he whispered, his voice thick with sorrow.
"I'm here for you, Jungkook. You don't have to face this alone," she replied softly, wrapping her arms around him tighter.
As he cried, Y/N let her own feelings take a backseat. She focused solely on comforting him, rubbing his back and whispering reassurances until he finally calmed down. They stood together for a long moment, feeling the weight of loss in the air.
After a while, Jungkook pulled back slightly, his hands resting on her shoulders. "Thank you for being here. I don't know what I would do without you."
Y/N looked into his eyes, seeing the pain reflected there. "You're stronger than you think. It's okay to lean on me. We can get through this together."
He took a shaky breath, brushing a tear from his cheek. "You've been so supportive. I'm sorry if I'm being a burden."
"Never apologize for feeling," she said gently. "We're family now. You can share your pain with me.
Jungkook nodded, visibly struggling to hold back his emotions. "I just wish... I wish I could have done more for Jieun. I feel like I failed her."
Y/N shook her head. "You did everything you could. Love isn't measured by what we can do; it's about being there. You loved her deeply."
"Sometimes I wonder if I really knew how to love her as I should have," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Jungkook, you showed her kindness and compassion, especially during her illness. That's what truly matters," Y/N reassured him.
He looked at her, a hint of something deeper flickering in his eyes. "You make it sound so simple. It's just... with you here, I feel less alone. I didn't expect to find comfort in our bond."
Y/N felt her heart flutter at his words, recognizing the intimacy of the moment. "We all need someone to lean on, especially now. Just know that I'm always here for you."
"Thank you, Y/N," he said softly, his gaze lingering on her face. "You have a strength that inspires me. It makes me want to be better, for you and for myself."
She smiled gently, her heart swelling with warmth. "And you are better, Jungkook. Just take it one day at a time."
As they shared a moment of understanding, Y/N realized how much Jungkook meant to her as a friend . Their connection had deepened in the wake of loss, intertwining their lives in ways they had yet to fully understand.
Later that week, the family gathered for breakfast, the atmosphere somber. Y/N joined them, trying to muster a sense of normalcy despite the heaviness in her heart. Namjoon cleared his throat, his gaze fixed on Y/N.
"Y/N, I'd like to discuss something," he began, his tone serious. "I want you to consider joining the company. You could help Jungkook during this difficult time."
She looked at Jungkook, who was seated across from her, his expression unreadable. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "I would be honored to help in any way I can."
Unbeknownst to her, Jungkook watched her with admiration. The strength and confidence she exuded, even in the face of tragedy, drew him in. He felt a flicker of hope amidst his grief, recognizing that she was a pillar of support when he needed it most.