unexpected Love

36 Echoes of Deception

Jungkook’s arms tightened around Eunbi, seeking comfort in her embrace as the music transitioned to a slower, more intimate song. The warm buzz of conversation around them seemed to blur into an indistinct hum, and for a moment, he closed his eyes, willing himself to let go of the gnawing hurt.

But the moment of reprieve was fleeting. Mingyu’s voice echoed in his mind, the words “We didn’t know how to tell you,” replaying on a loop, stoking the anger simmering just beneath his skin. It wasn’t just betrayal; it was the casual familiarity between Mingyu and Yuri, their easy laughter, their stolen glances—it all felt like a dagger aimed at everything Jungkook held sacred.

Eunbi leaned back slightly, looking up at him with a gentle smile. “You’re lost in your thoughts again,” she teased lightly, her eyes searching his face. “Do I need to bring you back to Earth?”

Jungkook forced a chuckle, the sound thin and strained. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Just a bit tired.”

Her eyes softened with concern. “We can leave if you want. You’ve been on edge tonight.” She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, the simple gesture so tender it made his chest ache. For a split second, Jungkook considered telling her the truth—about Mingyu, about Yuri, about the betrayal that was suffocating him from the inside out. But as he opened his mouth, the words caught in his throat.

“No,” he said instead, tightening his hold on her hand. “Let’s stay a bit longer. I want this night with you.” He managed a small smile, the effort it took almost breaking him.

“Okay,” Eunbi said, her voice soft and trusting. She didn’t push, didn’t pry—she simply accepted him as he was, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him.

As the song ended and the night continued, Jungkook couldn’t help but steal glances toward the garden where Mingyu and Yuri stood, now talking more seriously. Every time he looked, he felt a fresh wave of anger and confusion. He was a master at hiding his emotions, at playing the role expected of him, but tonight felt different—like a tipping point.

Eunbi laughed at something one of their friends said, drawing his attention back. She was radiant under the warm lights, her happiness pure and unaffected. Jungkook felt a pang of guilt for the shadow he carried in his heart. She deserved better, he thought. She deserved all of him, not just the fractured pieces.

Determined to find some semblance of control, Jungkook reached for his drink and took a long sip, the sharp burn of the liquor grounding him momentarily. “I need to step outside for a moment,” he said, leaning in close so only she could hear.

Eunbi’s smile faltered. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I will be,” he promised, pressing a kiss to her temple before turning and making his way through the crowd. The cool night air wrapped around him as he stepped outside, each breath calming the racing beat of his heart. He spotted Mingyu and Yuri still talking, their faces etched with an intensity that sent a fresh wave of pain through him.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched as he approached. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice low and firm. Both of them looked up, surprise and guilt written plainly on their faces.

“Jungkook—” Mingyu started, but Jungkook held up a hand to stop him.

“Not here,” he said, glancing around to ensure they were alone. “Somewhere private.”

Yuri’s eyes were wide, shimmering with unshed tears. She nodded slowly, and the three of them moved further into the shadows of the garden, where the party’s noise was only a distant echo.

“Start talking,” Jungkook demanded, his voice cracking under the weight of betrayal.

Mingyu’s eyes met his, conflicted and heavy with regret. “We never meant for it to happen this way. We’re sorry.”

But sorry wasn’t enough, Jungkook thought, as the fragile threads of trust began to unravel before him.