Collision of Verdicts

A Breaking Point

The next morning dawned heavy with unspoken words and lingering heartbreak. Jungkook and Taehyung both woke with red, swollen eyes, the silent reminders of their argument etched across their faces. They moved through their morning routines mechanically, each wondering if the other would be the first to bridge the distance between them. But when it came time to leave, they both walked silently to their separate cars, too proud and too hurt to reach out.

In the office, their teams immediately sensed the tension. Usually inseparable, Jungkook and Taehyung now sat on opposite sides of the meeting hall, avoiding each other's eyes. Both teams tried to act normally, but the change in the atmosphere was palpable, creating a rift that no one could ignore.

Namjoon, ever the observer, couldn’t watch his friend in pain any longer. He pulled Jungkook aside, his tone firm yet gentle. “Kook, this drift between you two? It’s not just affecting your relationship. It’s affecting the whole team. You’re both too professional to let your personal issues bleed into work, but I can see it’s eating you up inside.”

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, Hyung. It’s just... I’m scared for him. And he doesn’t understand that.”

Namjoon placed a hand on his shoulder. “I get it, but pushing him away isn’t the answer. Taehyung’s strong, and he loves you. Don’t let fear ruin what you have.”

Meanwhile, Jin and Jimin approached Taehyung, who had been avoiding everyone during lunch. Jin nudged him gently, voice filled with concern. “Tae, I know you’re hurt, but maybe it’s time to let go of this pride. Jungkook only wants to protect you.”

Taehyung’s expression softened, the anger he’d been holding onto finally beginning to dissolve. “I know, Hyung. I just... I don’t want him to think I’m weak. I want to be his equal.”

Jimin nodded, his voice quiet. “Then show him you’re his equal, Tae. But don’t let this ruin what you both have.”

The advice from their friends stayed with both of them throughout the day, and as evening approached, they found themselves contemplating how much they missed each other. Each could feel their heart softening, ready to find a way to bridge the gap.

That evening, as a surprise, Hoseok invited both teams and the senior members to an official team lunch. Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged stolen glances, every moment bringing back memories of how easy things had once been. The smiles, the laughter of their friends, and the casual conversations were a welcome distraction, momentarily easing the tension between them.

Every now and then, Taehyung would catch Jungkook looking at him, his gaze lingering with that familiar warmth, and Taehyung’s heart would skip a beat. Jungkook felt the same, each glance from Taehyung feeling like a spark reigniting the flame they both tried to suppress.

After lunch, the team made their way back to the car park, the atmosphere light with laughter and filled with a sense of camaraderie. But as they reached their cars, everything changed in a flash. A shadow moved behind Taehyung, fast and menacing, and before anyone could react, a figure lunged forward with a glinting knife aimed at Taehyung.

Time seemed to slow as Jungkook, without a second thought, threw himself forward, catching the blade with his hand before it could reach Taehyung. Blood dripped from his hand, and Taehyung’s horrified scream pierced the air.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung’s voice was filled with terror, his eyes wide as he saw the blood pouring from Jungkook’s wound.

Suddenly, more figures appeared around them, surrounding the team. Jungkook’s jaw clenched, and he shouted over the chaos, “Taehyung, get in the car! Now!”

But Taehyung was frozen, torn between fear and the need to stay by Jungkook’s side. Yoongi and Namjoon quickly stepped forward, joining Jungkook in fighting off the attackers, their eyes blazing with determination. Soobin and Taehyun rushed to guide the rest of the team members to safety inside the car, then turned back to help defend their friends.

The fight was chaotic and intense. Jungkook moved with fierce precision despite the pain in his bleeding hand, each move powered by his need to protect Taehyung. The sight of Jungkook’s bloodied hand only fueled Taehyung’s desperation to reach him, but he held back, trusting Jungkook’s instructions.

Just as the fight seemed to reach its peak, the sound of sirens filled the air, and within moments, the police arrived, capturing the remaining goons. The chaos died down, leaving the team shaken and exhausted.

Taehyung finally broke free, rushing to Jungkook’s side. His hands trembled as he took Jungkook’s bleeding hand, his eyes filling with tears as he looked at the wound. “Jungkook... why did you do that? You could’ve...”

Jungkook gave a faint smile, the adrenaline fading as he looked at Taehyung with weary eyes. “Because I’d do anything to keep you safe, Tae.”

The exhaustion and blood loss caught up with Jungkook, and he started to sway. Taehyung’s heart clenched as he held Jungkook up, his voice choked with worry. “Kook, stay with me. Don’t close your eyes. Please.”

But Jungkook, too drained to fight it, finally let himself surrender to the darkness, his body going limp in Taehyung’s arms. Taehyung held him close, the fear and love he’d tried to hold back finally spilling over as he whispered, “Please... don’t leave me, Jungkook. I need you.”