“Since I can’t be with you right now I will have to be content just dreaming about when we will be together again.”

Chapter 17: Flight

Jin stepped out of the cab with a sense of urgency. The night was still young, but his heart was heavy with the task at hand. He had made a promise to Taehyung to ensure he was safe, and now it was time to act on it. Jin had arranged a ride to the mansion where Jungkook's family lived, knowing that the young man would need to hear what Taehyung had to say before he left for America.

“Sir, we’ve arrived,” the driver said, pulling up to the gates of the sprawling estate.

“Thank you,” Jin responded, handing the driver the fare before stepping out.

The mansion loomed ahead, a symbol of wealth and control, and yet Jin could feel the weight of the emotional turmoil it housed. He walked inside, greeted by Mr. J, Jungkook’s father, who had been waiting for his son’s return.

“Jin, you’re here!” Mr. J exclaimed with a warm smile, but there was a trace of exhaustion in his voice.

“Uncle, it’s already late. Why are you still awake?” Jin asked, concerned.

“I couldn’t sleep. My son is back, and I couldn’t be more relieved,” Mr. J admitted.

Jin nodded, understanding the deep affection Mr. J had for his son. “You should rest, Uncle. Jungkook will still be here when you wake up. Let me help you to your room.”

Mr. J hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly. “You’re right. I won’t argue with you.”

Jin helped him upstairs, carefully guiding him to his room before closing the door with a quiet “Good night, Uncle.”

Once he was sure Mr. J was settled, Jin moved toward Jungkook’s room. He knocked softly on the door, expecting some resistance.

“I’m busy!” Jungkook called out from the other side.

Jin chuckled and knocked again, more persistently this time.

“I’m going to sleep now! Leave me alone!” Jungkook groaned, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Ignoring the complaints, Jin continued to knock, determined to get a response. Finally, the door opened with a reluctant swing.

“I told you I’m going to sleep—” Jungkook began, but he was interrupted by a flick of Jin’s finger on his forehead.

“Shut up, man. People are trying to sleep,” Jin said, stepping inside.

Jungkook rubbed his forehead and sighed. “What is it, hyung?”

Jin extended his hand, holding an envelope out to him. “It’s from Taehyung.”

Jungkook frowned but took the letter. “What’s this about?”

Jin paused, looking at him seriously. “Taehyung and I are leaving for America soon. There’s too much happening here, and he needs to get away. His parents, the pressure, everything—it’s all too much. I forced him to come with me. He didn’t want to go, but he’s not as strong as you think. He needs a break. Before he leaves, he wanted you to read this letter. You should send me your response when you’re ready.”

Jungkook’s face hardened. “When’s the flight?”

“Five in the morning,” Jin replied, turning to leave. “I’ll be off to prepare for the trip. Take care.”

Jungkook sat down on his bed, staring at the envelope in his hands. As he carefully tore it open, he found Taehyung’s handwriting, the words filled with pain, love, and a sense of finality.

─────

Dear Jungkook,

By the time you read this, I’ll likely be gone. My parents have decided to send me to America, and they’ve confiscated my phone. This is the only way I could reach you, though I’m not sure if this letter will even find you.

I heard you’re free now, and for that, I’m grateful. Thank you for helping me get rid of Yohan. I feel safe for the first time in a long time. I don’t blame you for what you did—he deserved it.

But Jungkook, I think we both know that destiny isn’t on our side. We’ve tried, haven’t we? And we failed. Maybe it’s better this way. Maybe we’re only hurting each other by staying together.

If we force this, it will only lead to more pain. You should find someone who can bring you happiness, someone who isn’t tied to the chaos of my family. I love you too much to keep dragging you into my mess.

Please, don’t look for me. If fate wants us together, it will find a way. Until then, live your life, Jungkook. Be free, and don’t let my family’s hatred weigh you down.

Thank you for everything. I’ll always love you.

—Taehyung

Jungkook sat in stunned silence as the words sank in. Tears welled up in his eyes as he read the final line, his heart breaking at the thought of losing Taehyung forever.

Meanwhile, Jin and Taehyung were busy preparing for their flight. Jin packed the last of their bags into the trunk of the car, his mind preoccupied with the departure.

“Are you ready, Tae?” Jin called, glancing over his shoulder.

Taehyung stepped out of the villa, his expression a mix of sadness and resolve. “Yeah, hyung. Let’s go.”

Jin opened the car door for him. “You didn’t forget anything, right?”

“I’m good, hyung,” Taehyung replied, fastening his seatbelt.

The drive to the airport was quiet, the tension palpable. Taehyung knew this was the right decision, but it didn’t make it any easier.

At the airport, they rushed through the terminal, trying to make it to their flight on time. As they passed through security and boarded the plane, Jin turned to Taehyung.

“We’ll be fine, Tae,” he reassured him, though the uncertainty was clear in his eyes.

---

Back at the mansion, Jungkook had made his decision. Determined not to let fate dictate his life, he rushed to the airport, ignoring everything but the thought of reaching Taehyung before it was too late.

His motorcycle roared to life as he sped through the streets, his heart pounding in his chest. He arrived at the airport, running through the terminal, scanning the crowd for any sign of Taehyung. But when he heard the announcement, his stomach dropped—Taehyung’s flight had already left.

Jungkook stopped in his tracks, looking up at the sky as the plane soared far above him.

“Be safe on your flight, my strawberry boy,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Tears filled his eyes as he watched the plane disappear into the distance. He had failed to reach Taehyung, and now he was left with nothing but regret.