Till death do us part [ j.jk × p.jm ]

chapter- 62

Jungkook and Namjoon sat side by side on a wooden bench, each holding a can of beer. The bench was nestled within a small, tranquil garden, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. A delicate stone fountain trickled softly in the background, its gentle rhythm blending harmoniously with the occasional chirping of birds. The scene felt almost surreal—like a hidden sanctuary untouched by the chaos of the outside world.

Namjoon exhaled, leaning back slightly as he gazed up at the sky. "I hope things stay this peaceful," he murmured, his voice quiet but firm. "And that bastard rots behind bars forever."

Jungkook took a slow sip of his beer, his fingers tightening around the cold can. "He has to," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. He let out a tired sigh, his breath visible in the cool evening air. "I'll make sure that son of a bitch never gets out."

Namjoon turned his head slightly, studying Jungkook’s face in the dim light. He could see the tension in his Jungkook's jaw, the lingering anger in his eyes. Instead of responding, he simply nodded and took a sip of his own drink.

A comfortable silence settled between them. The breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine and damp earth, adding to the serenity of the moment. After a while, Namjoon broke the silence.

"This place is really nice," he observed, glancing around at the illuminated garden paths and the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the trees. "Do you come here often?"

Jungkook nodded, staring ahead. "Sometimes," he admitted. "When I need to clear my head... when the noise in my mind gets too loud. This place helps me breathe, helps me silence everything until all that's left is the quiet."

Namjoon listened attentively, sensing there was more to Jungkook’s words.

Jungkook’s fingers traced the rim of his beer can absentmindedly. "I used to come here with someone," he said after a pause.

Namjoon didn't interrupt, just watched him, waiting for him to continue.

"Someone who reminds me of Jimin."

Namjoon raised an eyebrow. "A friend?"

Jungkook let out a soft chuckle, though there was a trace of something bittersweet in it. "Yeah… a friend," he echoed. "Though, if I’m being honest, it always felt like we were more than that. Even if we never said it out loud."

Namjoon remained silent, letting Jungkook speak at his own pace.

"He was the one who showed me this place." Jungkook smiled faintly, a distant look in his eyes. "The first time we met, he saved me. I was getting picked on by some kids at the beach in Busan." He chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "He just appeared out of nowhere, this scrawny kid with more guts than sense, and stood up to them—even though they were way bigger than him."

Namjoon tilted his head. "Sounds like he was a brave guy."

"He was," Jungkook said softly. "Brave. Kind. Stubborn as hell." He stared at his beer for a moment, lost in thought.

"What happened to him?" Namjoon finally asked, his voice gentle.

Munhee’s fingers tightened around the can, before he released a deep sigh.

"He left."

Just those two words, but they carried so much weight.

Namjoon studied him carefully, sensing there was more to the story, but he didn't push. Instead, he asked, "Would you want to see him again?"

Jungkook hesitated. His lips parted as if to answer, but then he closed them again. He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "I don’t know," he admitted. Then, after a pause, he added in a quiet voice, "But whenever I look at Jimin, I feel like he's still here."