Dragon King's Beauty (jikook)

Chapter 24 (I) - Symphony of Acceptance

Jungkook slipped out of his room that night like he'd been doing it for years-quick, smooth, and without a second thought. He was sure he'd gotten away unseen, unaware that someone had been quietly watching him from the shadows the entire time, tracking every step as he got into his car and drove off.

Meanwhile, back at Jimin's, she was trying to ignore the disappointment eating at her. She'd been waiting for what felt like hours, wrapped up in her soft, baby-blue nightgown with its tiny floral print, her leg propped up on pillows. The dull ache from her injury only made her feel more restless. She tried to push away the worry creeping in-Is he really coming? Or was he done with her already?

The moment she heard a noise at the window, she jumped a little, her heart doing a flip. She sat up as fast as her injured leg would allow, and when Jungkook's face appeared, she practically melted with relief. "Jungkookie..." she murmured, her voice filled with equal parts happiness and frustration. She reached out, her arms open, drawing him to her the second he was close enough.

Jungkook slipped quietly into the room, his black shirt loose and just unbuttoned enough to hint at the hard lines of his chest, paired with some worn black sweats. He moved toward Jimin, seeing the sadness in her eyes and feeling a pang of guilt deep in his chest. "Hey, hey... I'm here now, okay?.... I'm sorry, my love," he murmured, his voice soft as he leaned down close, wrapping an arm around her waist thighly and other brushing his fingers through her hair.

Jimin didn't say a word at first-she just clung to him, holding him like she was afraid he'd disappear. She buried her face in his neck, her body shaking as she whispered, "Jungkookie... I... I..." she mumbled into his neck, voice shaky, and then it all came pouring out. She broke down, her quiet sobs muffled against him as she held on tightly, afraid he might slip away again.

Jungkook's heart twisted painfully. He held her tighter, pressing his cheek to hers, feeling the warmth of her tears. "Baby, please... don't cry. I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice rough and full of regret. "I messed up... I'm such an idiot for making you feel like this. I never wanted you to feel alone, I swear." He held her closer, his hand moving gently along her back, as if he could somehow comfort her just by being there.

Jimin just kept crying softly against him, letting all her hurt spill out, and he let her, knowing she needed to get it out. He felt the weight of her sadness, the way her small hands gripped him like she'd fall apart if she let go.

"D..don't do that ever again, p..please," she whispered through her tears. "When y..you ignore me, it r..really hurts..."

Jungkook's heart shattered hearing her words. "Never. I swear I'll never do that again," he said, his voice rough and choked with emotion. "Please, baby... forgive your stupid boyfriend... I'm so sorry," he pleaded, his own eyes filling with tears he hadn't let out in a long time.

Jimin didn't respond right away. She just kept crying softly, her head buried against his chest, as if letting out all the hurt she'd been holding back. He held her tightly, his hand stroking her hair, trying to offer any comfort he could.

After a few minutes, they finally eased apart, though it felt like neither of them could bear the distance. Jungkook's heart twisted seeing her tear-streaked face, her cheeks flushed and damp, eyes rimmed red from crying. His hand moved gently, almost hesitantly, as he brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the last traces of her tears. He let his thumb linger there, feeling the warmth of her skin, as if trying to erase every mark of the hurt he'd caused.

He held her gaze, his own eyes full of regret, saying nothing but silently begging for her forgiveness. But instead, Jimin looked at him, her voice soft and almost trembling as she whispered, "You still haven't given me an answer."