Jimin clenched his fists, staring down at the ground, his heart heavy with regret. "I need to fix this, Jungkook. I can't protect her if I don't know what my mom is planning... I thought things would get better when YN reached out to me as doll talking with scribbler, not knowing it was me. She talked about needing to open up to my parents, saying I shouldn't keep everything bottled up. It made me think... maybe I needed to do. So I did."
Jimin's voice dropped, almost like he was confessing a long-hidden truth. "I spoke with my parents. Told them how I felt, what I wanted for myself. For a few days, things seemed normal. They didn't say anything, didn't pressure me... I thought they were finally listening. But no-they were just waiting to see what I would do next, spying on me to see if I'd go against their plans. They had no intention of changing."
Jungkook's brows furrowed as he listened, his gaze full of sympathy. "Jimin, that's... that's messed up. They shouldn't have treated you that way, like you can't even make your own choices."
Jimin nodded slowly, a mixture of frustration and pain evident in his expression. "I need to change things at home first, Jungkook. If I can't stand up to my mom now, I'll never be able to protect YN... and am gonna lose her."
He looked up, a newfound resolve in his eyes. "I can't let her get hurt because of me. She deserves someone who can fight for her openly, without all these secrets. I need to make things right with my family before I can even think about being with her again."
Jungkook placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. "Then do it, Hyung. Make things right, whatever it takes. I'll have your back, and YN... well, I think she'll understand one day. But don't lose yourself in the process, okay?"
Jimin managed a small, grateful nod. "Thanks, kookie. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As they stood there, a new determination settled over Jimin. He would confront his mother, face whatever threats or ultimatums she threw his way. He would carve a path to a future where he could finally be honest with himself-and with YN-without fear.
After a long day of holding back tears, YN finally stepped into her silent home, realizing her parents were still at work. She let herself in with a spare key, trudging up to her room and breaking down as soon as the door closed. Her feelings for Jimin had gone unspoken, and now, they felt hopeless. The betrayal of his silence, his hesitation to stand up for what they could be, left her hollow.
With tearful determination, she packed a small bag, deciding she needed a break to clear her mind. She texted her parents, telling them she was going to visit her grandparents and would return in a few days. As she stepped outside, Bora spotted her on the way.
"Muffin, where are you going?" Bora asked, noticing YN's tired eyes and tense shoulders.
"I just need some space, Bora. I'm going to Busan to see my grandparents," YN replied, trying to sound steady.
"Let me come with you-at least for the ride?"
YN shook her head, managing a sad smile. "Thanks, but I need to be alone for a while."
Bora hugged her quickly. "Just promise me one thing-don't cry the whole time."
YN nodded, her heart heavy. As she got on the train to Busan, a fresh wave of tears filled her eyes, but she didn't hold back this time. She felt her phone vibrate, and it was her mom calling. Taking a deep breath, she picked up, trying to steady her voice.
"Muffin, are you alright?" her mom's worried voice came through the line.
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