"Some say it's painful to wait for someone, some say it's painful to forget. But the worst pain comes when you don't know whether to wait or forget"

Chapter 19: Give Up

Taehyung sat in his dimly lit room, his phone vibrating incessantly in his hand. The screen displayed Jungkook’s name once again. This time, it was the 40th missed call, each one a silent reminder of the love Taehyung had been trying so desperately to distance himself from. Tears streamed down his face as he stared at the screen, unsure of what to do.

“Answer it, Taehyung. It’s late in Seoul, and I’m sure Jungkook might have something important to say,” Jin urged gently, his voice filled with concern as he stood by the door.

Taehyung remained motionless, hugging his knees to his chest. “I’m afraid, hyung,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jin stepped closer, his eyes softening with empathy. “Just talk to him. You don’t have to say everything, but at least explain. He’ll understand you.”

With a heavy sigh, Taehyung looked down at the phone in his hand. His fingers hovered over the screen, trembling as he contemplated answering.

Meanwhile, Jungkook stood in his office, his posture tense. The office lights were dimmed, with only a few staff members left working. He tapped his foot anxiously, his cigarette burning slowly in his left hand as he watched the phone in his right. Each time the call went unanswered, his frustration grew, but he refused to give up. When the call finally went to voicemail, Jungkook exhaled a long breath and placed the phone down on his desk, defeated. Just as he was about to turn away, his phone rang again. Without hesitation, he picked it up.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice cracked as he spoke, a mixture of hope and longing in his words.

Taehyung’s voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. “Huh... hi.”

Jungkook’s heart raced at the sound of his name, but he kept his voice steady. “Finally, you answered. How are you?”

Taehyung didn’t answer the question. Instead, he got straight to the point. “What is it? Why did you keep calling me?”

Jungkook felt a pang of sadness. “Why haven’t you been answering? You’ve been reading my messages, but you won’t reply. What’s going on, Taehyung?”

Taehyung’s response was simple, but it cut deep. “I’m busy.”

Jungkook’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Are you sure that’s the only reason? You can talk to me about anything, you know that, right? I want to help.”

Taehyung hesitated, his voice shaking as he spoke. “I feel like we’re just not meant to be together. This love... it’s hurting us both. We’re only causing each other pain, and we’re dragging others down with us too.”

Jungkook’s heart dropped at his words. “What do you mean? Is there someone else?”

Taehyung’s reply was soft, but it carried the weight of his inner turmoil. “No... there’s no one else. But it doesn’t matter. We’re not good for each other anymore. I’m just so tired, Jungkook. I want to give up. I can’t keep fighting for something that’s just going to end in failure.”

Jungkook’s chest tightened. “Is this because of her? Did she threaten you?” His voice was urgent, desperate for answers.

Taehyung shook his head, even though Jungkook couldn’t see him. “Whether she did or not, I’ve made my decision. This... this relationship between us has to end. We shouldn’t have started it in the first place. We’re ruining our lives. I can’t handle this pain anymore, Jungkook. I don’t want anyone to suffer because of us. Please... let’s just stop.”

Jungkook’s voice trembled as he spoke, the weight of Taehyung’s words sinking in. “Is that really what you want? Will it make you happy if I do that?”

Taehyung’s voice broke as he spoke, his tears falling freely. “Yes, Jungkook. Please... if you really care about me, then do it. Let me go.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, feeling a sharp ache in his chest. “Okay. If that’s what you need, I’ll do it. I’ll set you free, Taehyung. I hope this is the right decision... the one that makes you happy.”

Taehyung’s sobs were barely audible through the phone. “You’ve made me happy... you’ve made me happy all these years. Please, don’t try to find me again. Don’t call or message me. I’ll delete your number. It’s better this way.”

Jungkook wiped away his own tears, his voice filled with finality. “I’ll do it. I won’t try to contact you again. But know this... I hope you find someone who will treat you right. Someone who will never let you cry. Someone who will protect you, because you deserve that. You’re precious to me, Taehyung. Always.”

Taehyung could barely breathe through his sobs. “You don’t have to delete my number. I’ll change everything... so you can forget me completely. Thank you for answering my call... I love you.”

The line went dead with a beep, and Taehyung collapsed onto his bed, his heart shattering. The weight of the decision, the pain of letting go, felt unbearable. He had just lost the love of his life, and it was all his fault.

Jungkook stood by the window in his office, staring out into the night, the tears continuing to fall from his eyes. His heart felt heavy, but there was a strange sense of relief in his decision. At least, he thought, he had done what was best for Taehyung. He took a deep breath and reached for the bottle of wine on his desk, drinking to numb the ache inside him.

In Taehyung’s room, Jin entered with a tray of food, only to find Taehyung crying uncontrollably. He dropped the tray and rushed to Taehyung’s side.

“Tae, what happened? Why are you crying?” Jin asked, his voice filled with concern.

Taehyung stood up and threw himself into Jin’s arms, sobbing into his shoulder. “I gave up, hyung... he set me free. It hurts so much... it hurts.”

Jin held him tightly, whispering soothing words as he gently stroked Taehyung’s back. “Shh... it’s okay, Taehyung. I’ll support you, no matter what. I know you have your reasons. I understand, Taehyung.”

Through his tears, Taehyung whispered, “I love him, hyung. I love him so much. But I can’t have him. My life... it’s a mess. I want to tell him how much I love him, but I can’t. I’m weak, hyung. I don’t deserve him.”

Jin’s voice was calm but firm as he comforted Taehyung. “You’re not weak, Taehyung. You’re strong for making this decision. I know it’s hard, but everything will be alright. They will regret doing this to you. You’ll heal, I promise.”

Taehyung clung to Jin, wishing he could be stronger. He wished he could fight for his love, but his parents’ control over his life was suffocating. They had always treated him like a puppet, pulling the strings of his heart. And now, all he could do was cry, letting go of the one person he loved more than anything.

Jin kissed the top of his head, offering a small comfort. “You’ll be okay, Tae. You’ll find your strength.”

But deep inside, Taehyung wasn’t sure if he ever would.