𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)

chapter 16

Jungkook’s POV (a few hours ago)

I step out of my apartment, waving goodbye to Jimin, who decided to skip college today. He wasn’t feeling his best, so I made sure he knew to call me if he needed anything. I feel a strange reluctance leaving him alone, but he’s always been pretty independent, even when he’s unwell. I can’t help but smile, thinking about the way he clung to me this morning, his sleepy eyes filled with an adorable pout.

The drive to my office is quick, and as I enter the building lobby, I wait for the elevator to descend. Just then—

“Good morning, Jungkook!” Ava’s voice reaches me from behind.

I turn, flashing her a polite smile. “Good morning, Ava.”

It’s been two months since we decided to be friends again. At first, it felt a bit strange, even awkward, but I’ve done my best to ignore that. Ava’s been nothing but respectful of my relationship with Jimin, and as time has passed, I’ve come to believe her intentions are pure. All she wants, it seems, is to have me in her life—even if it’s only as a friend.

“You’re running a bit late today,” she observes, her brow raised in curiosity. “Did something happen?”

“Oh, Jimin wasn’t feeling well,” I reply, a soft smile tugging at my lips as I remember his clingy embrace. “He wanted me to stay with him for a bit.”

Ava gasps. “Is he okay? You should have stayed with him, you know,” she chides, gently smacking my arm.

“He’s fine, really,” I reassure her. “I told him to call me if he needs anything. He’s a strong guy.”

As we step into the elevator, she sighs, still looking concerned. “You still should have stayed,” she says, pouting slightly.

I can’t help but chuckle at her reaction. “Is he my husband or yours?” I tease, watching as she turns her head away, feigning annoyance. “You’re worrying over nothing.”

She lets out a soft laugh, clearly relieved by my assurance. “Well... Can I… I mean, would it be okay if I came over to see him? I’ve been wanting to meet him for a while now.”

Her request catches me off guard. Deep down, I feel uneasy. I want to keep Jimin away from anything that might disrupt our peaceful life, and if I’m honest, that includes Ava. But she’s my friend now, and I know she means no harm. Besides, maybe it’s best if Jimin meets the people in my life too.

“Alright,” I agree, offering a small smile. “I’ll wait for you in the parking lot after work.”

Her face lights up. “Okay! Thanks, Jungkook. I’ll see you then!”

As the elevator opens on her floor, she waves and steps out, and I’m left with my thoughts as I head to my own office.

When I arrive, Suga-hyung is already there, focused on his computer. I put on my best smile and greet him warmly. “Good morning, Hyung!”

All I get in return is a cold, distant “Hmm.”

This frosty behavior from my best friend shouldn’t surprise me. Ever since he found out about my renewed friendship with Ava, he’s been like this. His disdain was palpable the day he discovered my secret.

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Flashback (One Month Ago)

Jungkook’s POV

It’s been a month since Ava and I rekindled our friendship. Strangely, I haven’t found the courage to tell Suga hyung about it. Every time I think about it, an uneasy feeling settles in my stomach. I know he’d be angry, maybe even disappointed. After all, he was there through everything—he saw the damage, heard my regrets, and probably still remembers the weight of it all. But I didn’t want him to misunderstand Ava’s intentions now. She’s changed… I’m sure of it.