Way to Regret

6.

The tension between them was palpable, a heavy fog that clung to every surface. Their latest argument had left its mark, the tenuous threads of their friendship frayed and weakened. He stood by the window, his gaze lost in the distant horizon, while members kept consoling the second younger.

"Jin hyung! You should say something too,,"

Yoongi's words brought a sad smile on Jin' s face, the whole practice and a whole concert,, they didn't ask him anything and kept contained as a Taehyung supporter.

What was his fault?

He really ran as fast as he could, he tried but,,,,,,,, not a single person came to him and tried to make him feel better. They didn't ask his part, they didn't hug him the way they hugged Taehyung like their life depended on that,,,

"Kim Seokjin and Jin of BTS are not the same person."

"Hyung you should,,,"

"I talked after two days. If any of you like to stop me, do it now. Jimin! You too, when I am talking, don't stop me."

Jimin huffed as he glanced at Suga who asked him to keep quiet for some times.

"I do have my dark sides too. I joke because I feel that makes everyone happy. I am sorry Taehyung, if I have offended you but this was not my intention. I love you as my little brother, maybe a little more than anyone else. If you don't want me anymore it's ok. I won't make fun of those situations anymore. I am doing this for you guys. If you are not happy then,,, it's all useless."

Taehyung's eyes, once bright and full of warmth, now clouded with disappointment and hurt. The tension between them was palpable, a living, breathing entity that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat. He felt a pang of regret, his conscience prickling with the knowledge that he was the cause of his brother's distress.

He searched for Seokjin's face, seeking forgiveness, but found only a deep-seated sorrow. The familiar features, so dear and beloved, now seemed etched with pain, and he knew he was the sculptor.

His gaze dropped, unable to bear the weight of his brother's emotions. The silence between them yawned like a chasm, and he struggled to find the words to bridge the gap.

"I am sorry too."

Jin smiled a little which didn't even reach his eyes. But as usual to mend the peace, he went towards the one who called him
"A burden" last night and patted his back.

"Watching everyone's reactions I know they didn't want you to apologise. But you still did,, I am happy for that..."

"It's not about apologise hyung. It's about the right and wrong."

"It's not about apologise and I know that. But it's a matter of respect Hoseok. I have never used my domination over others, what do you think they would go for,,,if I have asked for crew's help?"

"They go for Taehyung,,,as he is better than,,,,,"

"Hoseok it's enough!!"

"But Joon it's,,,"

"It's a leader's order, Hoseok. We should return to the dorm now."

***********************

The phone's insistent ringing pierced the quiet darkness, illuminating the contours of his room like a sudden flash of lightning.
The car was little dark as they were going home. The bodyguards were following them from behind and Seokjin was driving the car. Jungkook sprawled across the  passenger's stirred fitfully but didn't wake, lost in the depths of a much-needed slumber. He stared at the back, the other five little ones were sleeping too.He gave a single to the bodyguards and stopped the car. He hesitated, weighing the options, his hand hovering over the receiver as if frozen in indecision. Finally, with a gentle touch, he lifted the phone, silencing the jarring sound. His eyes locked onto Jungkook's peaceful face, a mix of concern and reluctance etched on his own as he listened to the caller on the other end.

"No mom, I am fine. Yeah, there was something like,,,,, thank you mumma but that was not Tae's fault too. No they are supporting me too but,,,,Tae is young and,,,,, everything is fine mumma,,,no worries. I am doing well and,,,,, army is okay now. They didn't get me as a culprit,,,no I am okay,,, really!! I will come,,, promise,, okay bye,,,,yes,,,bye"

Jin's whisper rang through the car but the five members were still in deep slumber.
But Jungkook's eyelids slightly open, sensing the tension, and he closed those as soon as Jin turned his head towards him.

"I will have to go for a vacation,,, maybe hometown would be fine,,,, right Kookie?"

Jungkook stayed silent like a vegetable. He didn't know why Jin told him that. But he closed his eyes till they reached home.