Clash Of Hearts | Jungkook ✔️

29. "Heartbeat"

Authors pov

The first light of dawn spilled softly into the room, painting delicate patterns across the walls as Ena stirred, her lashes fluttering open. She blinked, surprised to find Jungkook lying beside her, his gaze fixed intently on her, almost as if he'd been watching her for hours. His expression held a tenderness she hadn't expected-a kind of silent yearning that seemed to unravel something in the quiet between them.

"What... what are you looking at?" she whispered, her voice catching as she searched his eyes.

A slow, bittersweet smile curved his lips. "You," he replied, his voice rough but warm, as if that single word carried the weight of something he'd been holding back for far too long.

Ena's heart tightened, yet she couldn't bring herself to answer. The ache of what could never be lingered unspoken in her silence. She attempted to sit up, but a sudden, sharp pain tore through her side, and she gasped, clutching her hip.

"Ena!" Jungkook's expression changed instantly, fear flickering in his eyes as he moved closer, his hand hovering near hers, unsure whether he should touch her. The intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, as if the thought of her in pain shook him in ways he could never admit.

And in that fragile moment, she realized the depth of everything that remained unspoken between them. She saw the regret, the love he hid behind careful smiles, and perhaps even the sorrow he tried so desperately to bury.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

She met his gaze and saw something vulnerable in his eyes, emotions he didn't usually show. "It's nothing," she murmured, trying to steady herself. "I just sat up too quickly."

"Where do you want to go?" Jungkook's question broke the silence, his voice low.

"W-What?" she faltered, thrown off guard.

"I... need to go to the restroom," she said quietly, feeling his eyes still on her.

Without a word, he moved to her side and lifted her into his arms, his grip firm but cautious, as if she might break.

"Oh my god..." She clung to his neck, her heart pounding. "What... what are you doing?"

"Taking you to the restroom," he replied, his tone unreadable.

He carried her across the room, setting her gently on her feet in the bathroom But instead of leaving, he stood there, his gaze locked on hers, an intensity simmering between them, unspoken.

"What?" she asked, feeling the weight of his stare.

"Huh?" He blinked, as if snapping out of a trance.

"Leave. I need... privacy," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

A flicker of something crossed his face-reluctance, maybe. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly, his words lingering in the air.

"Jungkook." Her tone was firm, but her voice was soft.

He nodded slowly, his expression unreadable as he stepped back. "Alright. I'll... I'll go." And with a final, lingering look, he turned and walked away, leaving her breathless.
______

Jungkook strode into the kitchen, his thoughts a whirlwind of worry. He instructed the maids to prepare a healthy breakfast for Ena, the image of her pale face and unsteady form lingering in his mind. After what felt like an eternity, he returned with a food tray, but his heart sank as he glanced at the bathroom door.

Thirty minutes had passed since she went inside, and unease twisted in his stomach like a vice. "Ena?" he called softly, leaning closer, his pulse quickening with each moment of silence.