Sylvania || jjk

31

The rooftop was quiet - not silent, just... removed. Distant clatter from the dining hall floated up in waves, the kind of background noise you could ignore if you wanted to. Up here, it felt like the day hadn't really started yet.

Chaeng sat on the ledge with her knees pulled up, arms wrapped around them. She didn't say anything, just kept staring out like she was waiting for something to rise out of the horizon.

Jungkook leaned against the wall nearby, arms folded, occasionally glancing at her like he wanted to say something but couldn't figure out what.

Then, finally-

"When does she leave?"

Her voice was low. Not dramatic. Just tired.

Jungkook exhaled. "Today. Evening."

Chaeng pressed her lips together, gripping the edge of the railing. "Maybe we shouldn't have gone to Columbus."

Jungkook turned to face her fully. "You're saying that now?"

She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I don't know. Maybe Harley would've handled it differently."

Jungkook studied her expression, then shook his head. "Would she, though? I mean, it's not like Yoojin didn't deserve some kind of consequence."

Chaeng let out a frustrated breath. "I just-ugh. Her parents looked so... angry. But also scared. Like they didn't know if she'd ever come back."

Jungkook was silent for a moment before he nudged her arm. "You feel bad for them?"

She hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Look, I get it. The Tower of Reflection sounds like actual hell. I wouldn't wanna be sent there either." He hesitated, eyes fixed on the stone tiles in front of them. "But Columbus... he's not the type to do things just to be cruel."

Chaeng glanced at him, skeptical. "You sure about that?"

He let out a small laugh. "Nope. But I want to believe it."

She shook her head, a humorless smile tugging at her lips. "God, you're such an optimist."

Jungkook bumped his knee against hers. "And you overthink everything. Perfect balance, right?"

Chaeng exhaled, resting her head on her folded arms. "I just... I keep thinking maybe we ruined her life."

Jungkook reached over, brushing her hair back behind her ear, letting his fingers linger for a second. "We didn't ruin her life, Chaeng."

She gave him a look, quiet and unconvinced.

"She won't be locked up forever," he said gently. "She just needs time to figure herself out."

"Easier said than done," she muttered.

"Yeah," he admitted. Then, after a beat, he nudged her shoulder, voice low but teasing. "Hey. When you start spiraling again, just remember she tried to kill you like... not long ago."

Chaeng gave him a dry, unimpressed stare. "Inspiring."

Jungkook grinned. "That's me. Always romantic."

She snorted, but the edge in her voice had softened. "Such a charmer."

"Only for you," he said, and this time, he meant it without the joke.

Just then-

"There you guys are."

Robin's voice echoed through the rooftop as he stepped in, his expression a mix of relief and mild irritation.