Collision of Verdicts

Breaking the Silence

The drive home was cloaked in silence. Jungkook kept his hands tight on the wheel, stealing glances at Taehyung, who was staring out the window, his expression unreadable. Neither wanted to revisit the tension from the meeting, but the heavy silence hung over them, unspoken words weighing down the air. As soon as they stepped into their home, Taehyung slipped his hand out of Jungkook’s grip and made his way to the guest room to freshen up.

Jungkook sighed, feeling the sting of Taehyung’s withdrawal. He knew Taehyung was angry, but this silent treatment only heightened the unease that was gnawing at him. Every time he thought of Park Wonrae’s threats, a chill crept up his spine. He could handle the danger himself, but Taehyung was different. Taehyung wasn’t trained for this level of risk, and the thought of him being hurt was something Jungkook couldn’t bear.

After a while, Jungkook moved to the kitchen, deciding to make something simple. He put together bowls of ramen, carefully adding toppings just the way Taehyung liked. When he finished, he set one bowl in front of Taehyung, who had come back and was sitting on the couch, flipping aimlessly through his phone.

“Here, eat something,” Jungkook offered, his voice soft.

Taehyung looked at the steaming bowl in front of him and shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”

“Taehyung,” Jungkook insisted gently. “You’ve barely eaten today.”

“I said I’m not hungry,” Taehyung repeated, a slight edge to his tone.

Jungkook’s patience snapped. He put down his own bowl, his eyes fixed on Taehyung. “Can we talk about this? You’ve been acting like I’m the enemy.”

“Maybe you’re the one treating me like I’m weak!” Taehyung shot back, voice rising.

Jungkook’s heart ached, but his frustration surged to the surface. “Taehyung, I’m just trying to keep you safe. You and your team… you’re not trained for this, not like we are. This case is dangerous.”

Taehyung stood up, facing Jungkook, anger flashing in his eyes. “So you don’t think we’re capable? That’s what you’re saying?”

Jungkook took a step forward, his voice desperate. “I’m saying that I don’t want to lose you. You don’t understand how dangerous Park is.”

Taehyung crossed his arms, his voice trembling with emotion. “I do understand, Jungkook. I know the risks. But just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you can decide what’s right for me.”

“I’m scared because I love you!” Jungkook’s voice broke as he met Taehyung’s gaze, his own eyes misty with tears. “Can’t you see that? I couldn’t handle it if anything happened to you.”

A moment of silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken fears and misunderstandings.

Taehyung’s voice softened, his anger wavering. “I love you too, Jungkook. But you have to trust me… trust us. We’re not just here to be protected. We’re in this together.”

Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his own tears now blurring his vision. “It’s just… every time I see you involved in this, it terrifies me. I can’t lose you, Taehyung.”

“And you think I don’t feel the same way?” Taehyung whispered, his voice choked. “You think I don’t worry about you every single day?”

They both fell silent, tears rolling down their cheeks as they stared at each other, overwhelmed by their emotions.

After a long, painful silence, Jungkook broke the quiet, his voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe… maybe we need some space.”

Taehyung’s lips trembled, but he nodded, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. “Maybe we do.”

Without another word, they both retreated to separate rooms, each one feeling the sting of the other’s absence. The night passed in quiet, but their hearts felt louder than ever, beating painfully with regret, love, and a longing that neither could escape.