I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 02: Flicker of hope

In their second session, Taehyung tried to create an atmosphere of calmness and safety, hoping it would encourage Jungkook to speak. He began as he had planned, starting small, asking light questions in a calm, conversational tone.

"Do you have any hobbies, Jungkook?" Taehyung asked, tilting his head slightly, keeping his gaze gentle but attentive.

Jungkook's fingers clenched and unclenched around each other, his gaze locked on the floor. "Not really," he replied, voice barely above a whisper.

"Do you enjoy reading? Watching films? Anything to relax?" Taehyung pressed, keeping his tone as casual as possible.

Jungkook offered the faintest nod. "Sometimes," he muttered, his voice tight.

As Taehyung continued asking about Jungkook's daily routine and how he spent his time, he noticed something new - a faint bruise just peeking out from beneath Jungkook's collar, near his collarbone. It was subtle and easily overlooked, but Taehyung's observant eye caught it, and his heart sank. He forced himself to remain composed, though concern pulsed through him.

"Jungkook," he said softly, keeping his voice neutral, "I notice a bruise on your collarbone. I hope you don't mind me asking... is everything alright?"

At the mention of the bruise, Jungkook froze. His entire body tensed, and a flicker of something raw and fearful flashed across his face before he quickly looked away. His lips pressed together tightly, as though he was physically restraining himself from speaking.

Taehyung's instincts stirred, an ache in his chest as he observed the turmoil in Jungkook's expression. He chose not to push further, but the sight of Jungkook's response left an unsettling feeling in him. His mind raced with thoughts, considering the possibility that Jungkook's home environment might not be as stable or supportive as he'd hoped.

Taehyung cleared his throat gently. "It's okay, Jungkook. You don't have to say anything if you're not ready," he reassured him, softening his tone. "But please know that I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll take it slowly, at your pace."

Jungkook's shoulders relaxed, but his expression remained guarded, haunted. Taehyung could sense how tightly Jungkook was clinging to his silence, like a shield against whatever he might be afraid of revealing.

As their session continued, Taehyung shifted the focus back to neutral topics, aiming to coax out even the smallest slivers of Jungkook's thoughts and emotions. His goal wasn't answers but connection, a chance for Jungkook to feel heard, even if words weren't ready to come yet.

After Jungkook left, Taehyung found himself deeply troubled. The bruises, the fearful reaction... Something was terribly amiss. Though he didn't voice his suspicions during the session, he made a note to pay even closer attention moving forward. Whatever Jungkook was hiding, Taehyung resolved to be there, patient and unwavering, until he was ready to let someone in.

As Taehyung left his office, his mind was clouded with thoughts of Jungkook. The images from their last session haunted him; the fear in Jungkook's eyes, the tension in his posture, and the haunting silence that spoke louder than words. He had sensed trauma before, but something about Jungkook struck him deeply, an ache that refused to let go.

On his way home, he stopped by the grocery store, hoping a quick errand would distract him. As he walked in, scanning the aisles absentmindedly, his gaze suddenly landed on a familiar figure.

It was Jungkook, standing a few rows down, clutching a basket and looking visibly tense. Taehyung froze, instinctively holding back, not wanting to be seen. From a distance, he observed Jungkook's behaviour, hoping to gain some insight into the young man's world outside the confines of his office.