Lost Love [ Taekook FF ]

Chapter 33

Taehyung's pov :

Taehyung lay motionless in his bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, barely noticing the soft morning light spilling through his window. His mind was still roaming in last night, replaying every word, every vulnerable confession he’d whispered to Jungkook. He had let him in—truly let him in, beyond the guarded smiles and carefully controlled gestures. For the first time, someone had seen his scars, his past, and the aching weight he carried every day. And it was Jungkook.

Taehyung took a shaky breath, fingers clenching the sheets as waves of self-doubt washed over him. He'd shown Jungkook everything, stripped himself bare, exposing the shattered pieces he usually kept hidden. He remembered the look in Jungkook’s eyes—soft yet determined, filled with a love so pure it made his heart ache. But no matter how desperately Jungkook wanted him to believe in that love, he couldn’t shake the doubt gnawing at his chest. How could someone like Jungkook, so gentle yet resilient, so full of light, truly want him?

He deserves someone better, Taehyung thought, bitterness filling into his mind. Someone who hadn’t been broken by life’s cruel hands, who hadn’t endured the things he’d been through. Jungkook deserved a person who could reflect his joy back, not one weighed down by shadows and regrets. The truth felt sharp, an uncomfortable reminder that he was bound to hurt Jungkook in ways he couldn’t bear to see.

But Jungkook had insisted. “I love you, Tae. Only you.” The memory of those words made Taehyung’s chest twist painfully. He wanted to believe it—he wanted to accept that maybe, despite everything, he could be enough for Jungkook. But the fear was relentless, whispering doubts into his mind, repeating the same words again and agan: You’ll ruin him. He’ll regret this. You’re only going to hurt him. Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut, the silent battle of it all pulling at his heartstrings.

How could he explain this to Jungkook? How could he make him understand that his love—pure and overwhelming—was both a balm and a burden? Taehyung’s fear of hurting him, of staining that beautiful love, weighed heavier than any longing he felt. He couldn’t stand the thought of seeing hurt in Jungkook’s eyes one day, or worse, watching him slip away, broken and disappointed.

Laying there in the quiet morning, Taehyung wrestled with his inner turmoil, his heart torn between love and fear. He wanted to reach out, to let Jungkook’s warmth drown out the doubts. But he couldn’t. Not yet. Because loving Jungkook meant protecting him—even if that meant keeping him away from himself.

And so, Taehyung remained in silence, a battle going within him, unsure of which path would bring them both the peace they deserved.

♡♡♡

Time skipped :

Jungkook's pov :

Jungkook’s eyes scanned the campus, heart pounding as he searched for that familiar figure. He’d been dying to see since the moment he woke up, but Tae had slipped out early without a word, leaving Jungkook with an ache he couldn’t shake. Finally, as he turned a corner near the library, a smile crept onto his face as he spotted Tae, alone, lost in his own world, but close enough for Jungkook to catch a glimpse of him. Relief washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by an unsettling feeling as he approached. Taehyung wasn’t looking at him.

“Good Morning.” Jungkook greeted, trying to keep his voice light, hoping to catch that easy smile. But Taehyung barely looked up, his gaze darting away almost immediately, shifting uncomfortably. Jungkook felt a pang in his chest, his steps slowing as he neared. “Hey, why did you leave so early? I looked everywhere for you…”

Tae glanced up, his expression shifting briefly, a flicker of something unreadable. Taehyung’s answer was a barely audible mumble. “I… I had some things to take care of”. The words were empty, an obvious excuse, and they both knew it.