unexpected Love

35 Beneath the Surface

As the evening wore on, Jungkook kept up the mask of joy and laughter, but inside, his thoughts spiraled. He held Eunbi close, laughed at her jokes, and shared stolen glances that seemed to light her up. Yet, each time he looked over her shoulder, his gaze inevitably drifted to that corner of the garden, where Mingyu and Yuri stood, far too close, far too familiar.

After what felt like an eternity, the party began to wind down. People gathered their belongings, clinking glasses and exchanging goodbyes. Jungkook felt a swell of relief as the crowd began to thin. Eunbi's laughter filled his ears, her warmth against his side a welcome anchor, but he knew it was time.

"Eunbi," he said softly, pulling her hand to his lips as he glanced around. "Can you wait for me here a moment? There's something I need to check."

She tilted her head, eyes curious. "Are you sure? I can come with you..."

He shook his head, forcing a gentle smile. "It's okay. I'll be right back."

She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll be right here."

Jungkook squeezed her hand before stepping away, weaving through the dwindling crowd until he slipped out into the backyard, his steps swift and purposeful. The cool night air hit him, bringing a clarity he hadn't felt all evening. He glanced around until he spotted them by the garden wall, still talking in hushed voices, their smiles now gone as they looked up at him, their faces registering a mix of surprise and apprehension.

"Jungkook," Mingyu started, his voice faltering as Jungkook approached.

Jungkook's expression was calm, almost eerily so, but his eyes burned with anger. "I think it's time we talk, don't you?" he said, his voice low but intense.

Mingyu shifted uncomfortably, casting a quick glance at Yuri. She looked down, clearly avoiding Jungkook's eyes. Jungkook clenched his fists, taking a steadying breath before continuing.

"You two... care to explain what I saw tonight?" His voice was a controlled murmur, a quiet fury simmering beneath each word.

Yuri finally looked up, her face pale. "Jungkook, it's... it's not what it looked like."

"Then what is it?" he demanded, his tone sharper than he intended. He had tried so hard to push down the hurt, to stifle the sense of betrayal gnawing at him all night, but now it poured out, raw and unfiltered.

Mingyu stepped forward, hands up in a placating gesture. "Look, we never meant to hurt you. We were just talking, that's all. Things between us are... complicated."

Jungkook's laugh was bitter. "Complicated? You're my friend, Mingyu. And Yuri... I trusted you both. I thought I knew you."

Yuri's eyes filled with tears. "Jungkook, please. We didn't want to hurt you or keep secrets. We just... we didn't know how to tell you. This thing between us, it was sudden. Neither of us expected it."

"So you thought hiding it was better?" Jungkook's voice was soft, but the pain was evident. "You knew I would find out eventually. Did you think I wouldn't care?"

Mingyu exhaled, looking down. "We messed up, alright? We should have been honest with you."

"Honesty? Now you want to talk about honesty?" Jungkook scoffed, the anger in his chest flaring hotter. He took a step back, running a hand through his hair. He wanted to shout, to let the betrayal spill out in a torrent of accusations and hurt. But all he could feel was a cold emptiness.

"Jungkook," Yuri whispered, stepping forward, her hand reaching out for him. "I'm so, so sorry."

He pulled back, staring at them both, searching for the friends he thought he knew. "I don't even know who you are," he said quietly, his voice breaking just slightly.

For a moment, none of them moved. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, until finally, Jungkook turned away, heading back to the warmth and light of the party. He left them standing there, tangled in their own remorse and confusion.

When he reentered the house, the lights felt harsher, the music too loud. He scanned the room, heart pounding, until he found her. Eunbi was by the bar, waiting just as she had promised, her face lighting up when she saw him. But as she took in his expression, her smile faded.

"What happened?" she asked softly, reaching out for his arm.

Jungkook's resolve wavered. Part of him wanted to tell her everything, to confide in her about the betrayal that was tearing him apart. But he couldn't bear to bring her into his turmoil-not tonight.

He forced a weak smile, letting her draw him closer. "Just... a bit of a rough conversation. But it's over now."

Eunbi's brow furrowed, but she didn't press further, wrapping her arms around him instead. She pulled him into an embrace, her warmth wrapping around him like a balm, easing the ache that threatened to consume him.

"Whatever it is, I'm here," she whispered, her voice gentle.

Jungkook closed his eyes, holding her close, allowing himself a brief moment of peace. But as he held her, he knew this was far from over. His friendship with Mingyu and Yuri would never be the same, and the hurt of that betrayal was something he couldn't simply bury. Eventually, he would have to confront it, to face the truth and the consequences of what he had seen.

But for now, with Eunbi by his side, he allowed himself a brief, precious respite from the storm brewing inside him.