Between Love and Trust

chapter - 4

 ~University Classroom, A New Day~

Jennie sat beside Jungkook, her attention occasionally flickering toward him as she noticed the hurtful glances he kept sneaking in Taehyung and Irene's direction. She could see the pain in his expression, but she remained silent, not wanting to pry before he was ready to talk.

During class, the teacher announced that Jennie would need to catch up on everything she'd missed from the previous semester and recommended that she take Jungkook's help. "He's one of our top students," the teacher said. "Jungkook, would you mind helping Jennie after university?"

Jungkook nodded, giving Jennie a small, reassuring smile. "Of course, I'd be happy to help."

Later, during the lunch break, Jennie approached Jungkook, her expression hopeful. "So, would it be alright if I came over to your place after classes? That way, you could help me with all the material I missed."

Jungkook agreed, grateful for the chance to be distracted. As they left campus together after university, an uncomfortable gaze followed them from across the parking lot—Taehyung, his expression unreadable, a flicker of something close to anger in his eyes as he watched them walk away. they arrived at Jungkook's apartment, he offered Jennie some snacks and drinks. After a bit of chatting, they dove into their study session, with Jungkook explaining concepts and helping Jennie catch up. Hours flew by as they worked through pages of notes and assignments, taking only a small coffee break to recharge.

During their break, Jennie looked at him thoughtfully, her tone gentle. "Jungkook, I know we haven't known each other long, but... I can't help but notice something's going on between you and Taehyung."

Jungkook froze, his heart thudding as her words brought all his recent pain back to the surface.

Jennie continued softly, "If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. But if you need someone to listen, I'm here."

Taking a deep breath, Jungkook found himself opening up to her. Despite knowing her for only a short time, he felt safe with Jennie, her calm presence putting him at ease. Slowly, he recounted the story, explaining how Taehyung had called him out of the blue to break up, offering no explanation, leaving him confused and heartbroken. He spoke of how, for four years, Taehyung had been his everything, and now he was suddenly with Irene, acting as if their relationship had never existed. By the end, Jungkook's voice wavered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Jennie listened attentively, her expression one of deep empathy. When he finished, she reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Jungkook... I'm so sorry you went through that. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially after giving so much love to someone."

He looked down, his heart aching, but Jennie's words felt like a balm over the raw wound. She continued, her voice firm yet compassionate. "Sometimes... people come into our lives, and no matter how much we love them, they're not meant to stay. But that doesn't mean you should let go of your self-respect. You deserve someone who'll value you, who'll respect the love you give. Don't sacrifice your dignity for someone who doesn't see your worth."

Jungkook felt a profound impact from her words. They made him realize how he'd been chasing Taehyung, hoping for answers, for a change of heart—only to lose himself in the process.

After Jennie left, her words lingered in his mind. He thought about how he'd been letting his pain and desperation control him, all the while letting go of his own sense of worth. That night, for the first time, he resolved to reclaim his self-respect. He promised himself that he wouldn't let his life revolve around Taehyung anymore. He wouldn't be the naive, desperate Jungkook who'd follow someone blindly, even if that someone was his first love.