Between Love and Trust

chapter - 5

  ~University Library, Late Afternoon~

two weeks went by in a flick

The university library was quiet and bathed in the warm glow of late afternoon light filtering through the tall windows. Jungkook and Jennie walked side by side, their steps echoing softly as they reached the table they'd reserved for their study group. The library was nearly empty, with only a few students scattered around, deeply absorbed in their studies.

Looking around and noticing the absence of their friends, Jennie grinned and set her books on the table. "Looks like we're the first ones here!" she said, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. "Guess we get some alone time before everyone else shows up."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, slightly confused by the remark but smiling politely in response. Jennie's expression softened, and after a brief pause, she looked down, fidgeting with the edges of her notebook. "You know, Jungkook, you're... you're an amazing person. I don't think you realize just how special you are. You deserve so much more than what you went through."

Jungkook's smile faded, replaced by a slight frown as her words began to sink in. He felt a strange tension in the air and realized where Jennie's words might be leading. Taking a deep breath, he finally asked, his voice soft but direct, "Jennie, do you... have feelings for me?"

Jennie glanced down, her cheeks tinged pink as she let out a small, shy laugh. "I do, Jungkook," she admitted quietly. "I know it's fast, and I didn't mean for it to happen, but... I couldn't help it. You're such a kind, resilient person. There's something about you that just draws people in."

Jungkook's heart sank, and a heavy silence settled between them. He respected Jennie deeply as a friend, someone who had been a light in his life when he was going through one of his darkest times. But he'd never thought of her romantically, and now, he was uncertain how to respond without hurting her.

After what felt like an eternity, Jungkook opened his mouth to speak, carefully choosing his words. "Jennie... I—"

Jennie quickly raised a hand, interrupting him with a small, understanding smile. "It's okay, Jungkook. I know you're not over Taehyung. I can see it in the way you look at him sometimes. And I know you're still healing from what happened."

She hesitated, looking down at her hands before meeting his gaze again. "I don't expect you to feel the same way about me, at least not yet. And if those feelings never come, that's fine too. I'll still be here, as your friend. I just wanted you to know how I feel."

Jungkook felt a wave of relief mixed with guilt. He hadn't wanted to hurt Jennie, but her gentle response eased some of his anxiety. With a grateful smile, he reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Jennie. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you understand. You've been an amazing friend, and I'd never want to lose that."

Jennie smiled back, a hint of sadness in her eyes, but a warmth and understanding as well. "I'm not going anywhere, Jungkook. I'll be here, whether as your friend or something more—whatever you're ready for."

Just as they shared that quiet, heartfelt moment, they heard voices approaching. The rest of their friends were finally arriving. Jungkook and Jennie exchanged one last, reassuring smile before turning to greet the others, both feeling a little lighter and a little closer than before.

Unbeknownst to them, just outside the library's entrance, Taehyung had seen them through the glass doors, and a flicker of something strange and unpleasant flared within him. He clenched his jaw, unable to ignore the way Jungkook and Jennie's close, whispered conversation seemed so natural, almost intimate. That strange feeling of jealousy gnawed at him again, leaving him with an inexplicable frustration he couldn't quite shake.

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sorry for the short chapter, but i promise the next one's gonna be interesting <3

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