Love or Destiny

Intertwined Paths

Lisa glanced around anxiously. "Where did Jungkook go?"

Hoseok shrugged. "Don't worry. He went to look for Jisoo. He'll be back soon."

Lisa nodded, still uneasy. Outside, the rest had gathered, their expressions betraying worry for both Jisoo and Taehyung.

Jin adjusted his stance. "I think I should go look for Jisoo too."

Namjoon shook his head firmly. "No. Stay here. If you go and they return, who'll search for you?"

Jimin chimed in, nodding in agreement. "And Jungkook's already out, so you should stay put."

Jennie bit her lip. "Then what about V? We should find him."

Namjoon's brows furrowed. "Yes. Let's call them first, has anyone tried?"

Rosé pulled out her phone. "I'll call Jisoo."

Jennie quickly dialed Taehyung.

"Not reachable," Jennie announced, frustration creeping into her voice.

Rosé frowned. "Same here...Jisoo's phone isn't reachable either."

Jimin sighed dramatically. "I'm telling you, they're together."

────୨ৎ────

"How long are we going to keep walk like this?" Jisoo muttered, dragging her feet. "It's been over an hour."

Taehyung gave her a small teasing smile. "Then who told you to take the wrong path?"

"I—" she paused. "Did you just say something?"

"N-no," he replied, eyes forward.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?" she asked, trying to steady her voice.

"Yes," Taehyung replied simply.

Silence settled between them, broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot. Taehyung walked ahead, while Jisoo followed, still clutching the hem of his shirt.

"We're almost there," Taehyung finally said.

"Uhh...okay."

A sudden rustle stopped Jisoo in her tracks. "Taehyung?"

He paused, confused. "Hmm?"

"I heard footsteps," she whispered.

"What? Really?" he exclaimed, scanning the surroundings.

Jisoo's eyes looked around her surroundings in alarm while her hand went to grab his instinctively. He glanced down, a bit surprised, then gently intertwined their fingers with a slight-amused smile.

"Someone's coming toward us," she said, pointing toward the approaching figure.

Right then, Jungkook emerged from the trees, panic written across his face.

"Jisoo!"

"Jungkook?!"

"Thank God you're safe. I was so worried."

Jisoo breathed out, "Yeah...I got lost, but Tae found me."

Both Taehyung and Jungkook froze in surprise.

"What did you just call me?" Taehyung asked sharply.

Jisoo blinked, realising what she'd said. "I...um..."

Jungkook cleared his throat. "Jisoo, everyone is waiting. Let's go."

She nodded but as Jungkook reached for her hand, he noticed her other hand still entwined with Taehyung's.

"Are you going to hold her hand like this forever?" Jungkook murmured, frustration lacing his voice.

Taehyung didn't respond, neither did he released her hand or let go of the silent tension. Finally with a frustrated sigh, Jungkook took her hand from Taehyung and guided her back.

────୨ৎ────

Back at the farmhouse, Namjoon let out a sigh of relief. "They're here."

Yoongi hurried to Jisoo, worry etched across his face. "Are you okay? Where were you? Why wasn't your phone reachable?"

"Oppa...let me explain," Jisoo replied softly.

Rosé rushed forward, worry painted on her features. "Do you know how anxious we were? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Jisoo assured her. "I got lost...but Taehyung was with me."

Jennie's eyes widened. "You two were together?"

Jimin smirked. "I told you they were." The room's glare promptly fell on him.

"And where is he now?" Jennie asked.

Jungkook answered before anyone else could. "Don't worry. He's coming."

Taehyung arrived moments later. Jennie ran forward, embracing him tightly. But he didn't return the hug. His eyes sought Jisoo's, searching for any trace of jealousy, anger, or sadness. But he found none.

"I'm going to serve breakfast," Jihyo said cheerfully. "Everyone's starving."

Taehyung shook his head. "You guys carry on. I'm not hungry." He walked away, leaving a trail of questions behind.

Jimin whispered, "What's wrong with him?"

"Who cares?" Yoongi muttered, earning a sharp glare from Jennie.

────୨ৎ────

Jisoo sat quietly, lost in thought, when a familiar voice startled her.

"Jisoo."

"Wah! You startled me," Jisoo said, spinning around.

"I'm sorry." Rosé murmured softly.

Jisoo offered a small smile, and Rosé tilted her head. "So?"

Jisoo hesitated. "I've tried...I really did. But his actions...they hold me back. Every time I try to move on, he makes it impossible. I...I can't let go, even though I want to."

A tear slipped down her cheek. Rosé immediately embraced her, whispering comfort to her friend.

Unbeknownst to them, Jungkook had overheard everything. Her words pierced him like a dagger. Jisoo's heart belonged to someone else, someone he considered his best friend.

He already knew that.

But frustration flared within him as he stormed toward the person responsible.

────୨ৎ────

Jungkook's voice cut sharply across the room. "Will you stop all your nonsense?"

Taehyung, working quietly on his laptop, glanced up. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean," Jungkook retorted, voice low but fierce.

"I don't," Taehyung replied coldly.

"Stay away from Jisoo," Jungkook demanded, stepping closer.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. A dangerous glim flickering in his eyes. "And if I don't?"

"Then I'll forget we were ever friends." Jungkook's finger jabbed toward him, trembling with anger. "I love her. I want her. And I won't allow you to be near her."

Jungkook paused, then followed Taehyung's gaze and saw someone unexpected.