Destiny's love

Part-60

Author's POV

Hayoung stood before the sink in Jungkook's bathroom, her reflection gone but the image on her phone still burned in her memory. Those marks. Those filthy, unwanted marks. She had cried until her chest ached, but now she forced herself to wipe her tears with trembling hands, splashing cold water over her swollen eyes.

She whispered to herself, voice shaky yet determined, "No one can know. Not now. I... I'll handle this myself."

After steadying her breath, she left the bathroom, her face carefully composed. Inside, her heart felt like it was shattering piece by piece, but she wore a faint, practiced smile as she stepped back into Jungkook's room.

Jungkook, who had been folding the blanket near her side of the bed, immediately straightened up. "You okay? You look pale."

Hayoung shook her head lightly, forcing a little laugh. "I'm fine. Just... a little restless."

Nayoung entered with a tray, Taehyung following behind her with plates. "We were thinking of making lunch soon. Do you want anything special?"

Hayoung shook her head again, the smile still fixed on her lips though her chest tightened. "Actually... I was thinking I should go home for a while."

The room went silent. Jungkook froze, his brows knitting together instantly. "Go home?" His tone was sharp with disbelief.

Nayoung quickly put the tray down, her voice firm. "No, Hayoung. You need to rest. What if you get dizzy again?"

Taehyung crossed his arms, his expression mirroring Nayoung's worry. "You shouldn't be alone right now. Stay here with us. We'll take care of you."

Hayoung felt their concern press against her like a heavy blanket. It made her want to break down again—but she couldn't. She needed space, she needed to hide her pain. She lowered her gaze, keeping her voice soft but steady. "I just... I need to pick up some of my clothes, maybe some skincare stuff. I'll come back here afterward."

"You don't need to," Jungkook said immediately, stepping closer. "Tell me what you need. I'll bring it all to you."

Hayoung's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly steadied it. She looked into his worried eyes and whispered gently, "Jungkook, I appreciate it. Really. But there are things only I can find. Please. It won't take long."

Nayoung shook her head, refusing. "Still, it's not a good idea. Let Jungkook at least go with you."

"Yes," Taehyung added firmly. "We can't let you wander around like nothing happened."

Hayoung felt cornered, her chest tightening as she scrambled for a believable reason. "If Jungkook comes, he'll wait. Then I'll feel pressured to rush and forget things. I'll be fine if I go alone—it's just a quick trip. Please... trust me."

Jungkook's jaw tightened, his eyes searching her face. She looked so fragile, yet she was putting on a brave front. He hated the idea of letting her go alone, but something in her tone—so gentle, almost pleading—made him pause.

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Hayoung..."

"Please," she cut him off softly, almost whispering now. "Just this once. I'll call as soon as I get there. I promise."

The silence in the room stretched. Nayoung and Taehyung exchanged worried glances, both sensing Hayoung's stubbornness. Finally, Taehyung sighed and muttered, "Fine. But don't take too long."

Nayoung added quickly, her voice filled with concern, "Call us if you feel even the slightest bit off. Understand?"

Hayoung nodded quickly, grateful tears burning behind her eyes though she didn't let them fall. "I will."