DESTINED LOVE

Chapter 31

"I want to know about Hyungsik hyung and your friendship. I want to know about your college days and how Hyungsik hyung died. Why does nobody know about it? Jimin hyung told me you were the prankster in college and a naughty boy. Then why did you become cold like this?" Kook asked softly while Tae got lost in his thoughts after hearing the question.

Tae didn't say anything, just sat there quietly, making Kook nervous. "It's okay, hyungie, if you don't want to talk. But if you ever want someone to share it with, I will always be there. You said it's not good to hide everything inside. I also want to be your best friend, someone you can share your feelings with," Kook said softly, smiling through teary eyes.

His eyes were red from crying earlier, and his nose was all red like a cherry.
Tae looked at Kook. "It's okay, hyungie, let's go to sleep," Kook said, not wanting to provoke Tae. He stood up from his place and started walking, but before he could take two steps, Tae stopped him by holding his wrist.

Kook stopped in his tracks as he felt Tae’s warm hand wrap around his wrist. His heart pounded slightly, but he didn't turn around immediately. He could feel Tae’s grip tighten slightly as if he was gathering the courage to speak.

After a long silence, Tae finally let out a deep sigh. "You really won’t let this go, will you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kook bit his lip before shaking his head. "I just… I want to understand you, hyungie. I want to know the real you, not just the version everyone sees."

Tae's eyes softened for a moment before he gently pulled Kook back to sit beside him. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly debating whether to talk or not.

"It’s not that I don’t want to share, Kook. It’s just… some things are better left in the past," Tae murmured, his eyes distant.

"But keeping them inside must hurt too," Kook said, his voice gentle but firm. "I don't want you to carry everything alone, hyungie."

Tae looked at Kook, his gaze filled with emotions Kook couldn’t quite decipher. There was hesitation, pain, and maybe… relief? As if he wanted to talk but never had the chance to before.

With another deep breath, Tae finally spoke. "Hyungsik… he was more than just a friend to me. He was like a brother, my partner in crime. We did everything together. College was the best time of my life because of him. We laughed, played pranks, and stayed up all night talking about stupid things."

A small nostalgic smile appeared on Tae’s lips, but it quickly faded. "And then… he was gone. Just like that. Because of 'love' "

Kook sat there quietly, waiting for Tae to continue. He knew better than to rush him.

Tae took a deep breath, his fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of his pants. He had never told this story to anyone. Not to his parents, not to Namjoon, not even to Jimin, who had been with him through everything. But here was Kook, looking at him with eyes full of warmth and patience, waiting to listen.

Maybe, just this once, Tae could let someone in.

"It wasn’t always like this," Tae started, his voice softer now. "I didn’t always hate love. In fact, I used to believe in it. I thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world because of Hyungsik and his girlfriend, Minji."

Kook remained silent, listening attentively.

"Hyungsik and Minji were in love," Tae continued, his gaze distant, lost in the past. "They were the kind of couple of people envied. He adored her, and she adored him. At least, that’s what we all thought."

Kook swallowed. "What happened?"

Tae let out a humorless chuckle. "At first, everything was perfect. We were in college, enjoying life. Hyungsik was always smiling, always laughing. He was the kind of guy who could light up any room. And Minji… she was his world. He used to say that as long as he had her, nothing else mattered. I was happy for him. I truly was. I had never seen him so in love before."