You Never Know [JIKOOK]

48. Missed

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"I don't know what to do anymore, hyung," Taehyung said, his voice trembling as he hung his head low. His hands fidgeted nervously on his lap, unable to hide the frustration building inside him. "She wants to meet Jimin, but we couldn't do anything about it." His voice broke as tears began to roll down his cheeks, leaving wet streaks that mirrored the pain he felt.

Jin swallowed hard, trying to steady himself. The sight of Taehyung's distress hit him deeply, but he fought to remain calm. "Let’s wait a little more, okay?" he said softly, though his own uncertainty seeped into his tone.

"I don’t know, hyung." Taehyung shook his head, his voice cracking with despair. His fingers curled into fists, his knuckles white as he tried to suppress the overwhelming helplessness.

Jin sighed, his hand resting gently on Taehyung's shoulder, offering silent comfort. "I know—" he started, but was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.

Both of them froze, their eyes meeting with unspoken questions. Jin furrowed his brows, hesitating before standing up. "Maybe it’s Dr. Jung," he muttered, forcing calmness into his voice as he walked towards the door.

But when Jin opened the door, his breath caught in his throat. "J-Jimin?" he stuttered, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Standing there was Jimin, his familiar soft smile tugging at trembling lips. Behind him was Jungkook, his hand resting protectively on Jimin's lower back, rubbing small circles as if silently reassuring him.

"Hyung," Jimin said, his voice shaky but warm. His lips quivered, betraying the emotions he struggled to contain. "Long time no see," he added with a faint chuckle, but his moist eyes reflected the weight of everything unsaid.

Jin didn’t waste another second. He stepped forward and pulled Jimin into a tight embrace, his body shaking with sobs. "You came," he whispered, his voice breaking. "You finally came."

Jimin hugged him back, his arms wrapping firmly around his hyung. His own tears brimmed as he closed his eyes. "I’m sorry it took so long," he murmured, his voice thick with guilt and relief.

"We were so worried," Jin choked out between sobs, his hands clutching Jimin’s back as though he might disappear again. "We were worried and—" Jin’s voice cracked, "—sorry we weren’t there when you needed us the most."

Jimin bit his lip, the weight of Jin's words crushing him. "Don’t be sorry, hyung. It was my choice... I chose to be alone," he admitted, his voice laced with regret. He rubbed Jin’s back gently, hoping to ease the older man’s pain.

"Please," Jin whispered, his voice desperate. "Don’t leave us again. It’s too hard not knowing what’s happening to you." His arms tightened, as though afraid Jimin might vanish if he let go.

"I won’t," Jimin whispered, his voice barely audible, but the sincerity in his tone spoke volumes.

A quiet but shaky voice broke the moment. "Chim?"

Jimin’s eyes flew open, and he turned to see Taehyung standing a few feet away. His face was streaked with tears, his wide eyes filled with disbelief and hurt.

"T-Tae," Jimin stammered, his heart clenching at the sight of his best friend’s broken expression. Gently loosening Jin's embrace, he stepped toward Taehyung.

Taehyung didn’t move, his hands shaking as he wiped at his tears, though they kept falling uncontrollably. "Why...?" he choked out, his voice trembling with raw emotion. "Why did you leave?"

Jimin’s throat tightened, and he bit his lip to keep from sobbing. "Tae..." he whispered, his steps quickening until he stood directly in front of him. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Taehyung, pulling him into a firm hug.