Chapter 12:  His tears

The cold, steel bars of the temporary cell seemed to press in on Jungkook, each clang a mocking reminder of his predicament. His anger, a white-hot fury, simmered beneath his skin, manifesting in clenched fists and gritted teeth. The rough shove of the arresting officers, the echoing shouts of his protests swallowed by the indifferent stone walls – all fueled the rising tide of his frustration.

He spent the night in a suffocating claustrophobia, the relentless tick-tock of an unseen clock amplifying his despair. Even as dawn broke, painting the grimy cell window with pale light, he remained imprisoned, his mounting frustration manifesting in desperate tugs at his hair as he replayed the events of the previous night in his mind.

Finally, the metallic rasp of a key in the lock shattered the oppressive silence.

“Jeon Jungkook, your bail has been paid. You can come out now,” a police officer announced, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.

The handcuffs were removed, the cold metal contrast to the warmth of his skin. The officer’s assistance in exiting the cell felt like a humiliating formality. He wasn't surprised to find his father waiting, his figure looming behind a sleek black car. The relief of freedom was instantly overshadowed by the storm brewing in his father’s eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing, harassing and trespassing someone’s house? Have you lost your mind?!” Jeonsu’s voice was sharp, cutting through Jungkook’s exhaustion.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook mumbled, his gaze fixed on the ground, his voice barely a whisper.

Jeonsu’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Huh? Ah, your friend, Taehyung. He’s back at your shared apartment. He has no idea what happened to you. Do you realize how messed up this is?” he sighed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair, the stress etched onto his face.

Before his father could utter another word, Jungkook bolted, leaving Jeonsu standing there, a picture of bewildered exasperation. Jeonsu shook his head, a weary sigh escaping his lips, and climbed into his car, already knowing where his son was headed.

Taehyung awoke in Jimin’s apartment, the events of the previous night shrouded in hazy confusion. He had no memory of how he'd arrived. He’d expected Jimin to insist he stays, to offer excuses to prolong his visit, but instead, Jimin had let him leave with unnerving ease, leaving Taehyung with a growing sense of unease. As he walked away, his heart pounded in his chest – a frantic drumbeat fueled by the fear that Jungkook might be waiting for him at their shared apartment.

He desperately wanted to avoid the apartment, but the potential consequences of staying away loomed larger than his fear. Anxiety gnawed at him, but he forced himself to return, only to find Jungkook’s father standing alone in the otherwise empty space. The sight of Jeonsu filled him with confusion. He was further bewildered when Jeonsu abruptly asked about Jungkook's whereabouts, implying a detention he knew nothing about.

The elder Jeon's questions were utterly baffling. The idea of Jungkook being in prison seemed absurd, a surreal twist in a night already filled with unsettling events. When Jeonsu realized Taehyung’s ignorance, he simply ruffled his hair and left, leaving Taehyung alone with the unsettling silence and the lingering questions.

Now, alone in the apartment, the reality of the night crashed down upon him. It wasn't a dream. He was left grappling with the mystery of his own unconsciousness, the sudden imprisonment of his friend, and the unsettling absence of any clear answers.

“Taehyung,” he flinched when he heard Jungkook's voice.

He stood up from the couch and looked at Jungkook who seemed to be worried about him.

“Are you okay? Did something happen to you? Did he do something to you?” Jungkook's voice was frantic with panic, and he cupped his cheeks.

“What's wrong, Jungkook? What's with your questions like that?” confusion was written on Taehyung's face because he was shocked by Jungkook's sudden appearance.

“He didn't do anything to you, right? You're fine, right?” tears were forming in Jungkook's eyes and the tone of his voice was shaky.

“I-I'm fine, Jungkook, I'm fine.” Taehyung tried to assure him, but he couldn't help but stutter.

“I must kill him,” Jungkook uttered as he gritted his teeth which frightened Taehyung. “I must kill him right now.”

Jungkook turned around to leave but Jeonsu was standing there.

“Jungkook, you need help.” Jeonsu said while looking straight at Jungkook's eyes.

“Uncle...” Taehyung muttered under his breath.

“I'll bring you to a mental hospital to get you help there. Did you understand?” Jeonsu spoke with an authoritative tone.

“No! I need to kill him!” Jungkook shouted.

“You don't want to? Okay, Taehyung, you go inside my car now.” Jeonsu told Taehyung.

Both Taehyung and Jungkook were startled but Jungkook was even more agitated.

“I said now, Taehyung!” Taehyung flinched but he knew he had to obey Jungkook's father.

He started to walk away but when he was behind Jeonsu, Jungkook started to scream.

“Fine! I'll do it!” Jungkook shouted. “I'll do it, trust me, I'll do it!”

Taehyung looked at him and saw Jungkook start to cry while tugging his hair.

“I'll do it, please, don't take him away from me!” Jungkook crouched down on the ground. “I'm begging you, please, don't... don't take him away from me... Please... I-I'll do anything, just... just don't take him away from me... again,” he begged while trembling.

It was one of the worst Taehyung had ever seen in Jungkook's situation. Jungkook usually showed a tough personality. He hadn't seen him cry for a long time; the last time he had seen him cry was when they were kids. Even when Jungkook was rescued that day, he didn't shed any tears. To this day, Jungkook didn't cry anymore.

“P... please... Dad... not again...” He couldn't even complete his sentence because of his tears. He kept choking on his sentence which made it even difficult for him to speak.

Taehyung turned around and hugged Jungkook, attempting to comfort him. Jungkook was crying on his shoulder, tugging his shirt, and pulling him closer as if he didn't want to let him go.