Just - MAP OF THE SOUL 7

Jamais Vu

***Note:

Jamais Vu is a French term meaning "never seen," and it represents the psychological phenomenon that is the opposite of déjà vu. While déjà vu is the feeling that you've already experienced something before, jamais vu happens when something familiar suddenly feels completely new or strange.

Jungkook's POV

The harsh light from the window forced its way through my eyelids, pricking my mind awake. The moment my senses caught up with me, I realized two things: first, I was on the floor, and second, my head throbbed like it had been stomped on. Groaning, I barely managed to crack my eyes open before a pair of voices cut through the dull haze.

"Jungkook, what were you thinking?" Jimin's voice, sharp but laced with worry, pierced my foggy mind.

"He really did it this time," Tae's voice chimed in, his tone disapproving but also amused, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

I rubbed my temples, trying to process where I was and why Jimin and Tae were looming over me with twin expressions of annoyance and concern.

"C'mon, up. Let's go," Jimin said, grabbing my arm firmly and helping me stagger to my feet. The room spun, and before I knew it, I was stumbling my way toward the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before the nausea took over.

Jimin held my hair back, patting my back as I emptied my stomach into the bowl. Tae muttered something under his breath about the smell but stayed nearby, handing me a cup of water once I was done.

"Take a sip. Then a shower. You smell like a bar fight," Tae said, wrinkling his nose.

I tried to scowl at him, but it came out as more of a grimace. I felt like death itself, every muscle aching as I leaned against the sink. I met my own reflection, and the guy staring back at me looked nothing short of pathetic. Messy hair, pale face, the remnants of the previous night's mistakes written all over me.

"Take your time, we'll be right outside," Jimin said softly, giving my shoulder a squeeze before stepping out with Tae.

I peeled off my clothes and let the warm water run over me, attempting to scrub away the regret. My mind replayed bits and pieces of the night—a drink in my hand, another, and another until everything was blurry. Jin... Chan-woo... and then...

The confession.

I closed my eyes, letting the hot water sting my skin. I had said everything. All my feelings. I had blurted them out in the worst way possible, without any control. What was Jin thinking now? Was he... disgusted? Angry? Or worse, indifferent?

After what felt like ages, I turned off the shower, dried off, and pulled on some clothes. Stepping out, I found Jimin and Tae waiting for me, seated on the edge of my bed. Their expressions softened when they saw me, but the moment was short-lived.

"Alright, spill. What happened?" Jimin asked, his arms crossed but his gaze filled with genuine concern.

I rubbed the back of my neck, the shame washing over me again. "I... I went out. I needed to clear my head."

"And decided to get completely trashed instead," Tae interjected, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds smart."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their judging stares. "Yeah, maybe not my brightest idea. But after... after what happened at the restaurant, I couldn't stay home."

"So what? You just started downing drinks?" Jimin asked, leaning forward, his expression urging me to go on.

"Pretty much." I exhaled sharply, closing my eyes as the memories rushed back. "One drink turned into two, and then three. By the end, I'd had too many. I tried to forget about Jin and Chan-woo, but it didn't work. Every time I closed my eyes, I kept seeing them together."