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Chapter 17 - YOONGI

Yoongi's Comfort Scene

Outside, in the quiet evening air, Yoongi finally speaks.

"You okay, kid?"

You exhale shakily.

"I… I don't know."

Yoongi nods like he expected that.

Then he sits on a bench and pats the spot next to him.

You sit.

He hands you a cold bottle of water—

when did he get that?

He always knows what people need before they ask.

"You don't have to love anyone right now," he says calmly.

"And you don't have to run away either."

You stare at your hands.

"I hate hurting people."

Yoongi gives a small, gentle laugh.

"You didn't hurt them."

He looks at you sideways.

"They hurt themselves by falling for you without asking your permission."

Your eyes widen.

He shrugs.

"Not your fault, Y/N."

Silence.

Soft.

Comforting.

Then Yoongi adds:

"And just so you know… I've got your back.

Even if the whole world flips."

Your throat tightens.

You lean your head on his shoulder.

He lets you.

No questions.

No pressure.

Just quiet presence.

Your head is still resting on Yoongi's shoulder, the air around you quiet and warm.

You whisper softly:

"I wish none of this happened, Yoongi…

I wish things stayed simple.

I wish I didn't feel responsible for everyone's emotions."

Yoongi shifts slightly, turning his head toward you.

His voice is low, warm, steady:

"Y/N… you didn't start this."

He gently wipes a tear at the corner of your eye.

"You're just someone people care about. That isn't a crime."

You nod, but your breath shakes.

Another tear slides down.

You rub your hands against your face.

"I feel like I'm breaking all of them."

Yoongi:

"You're not breaking anyone. They're just finally realizing they can't control how you feel."

You look up at him, eyes glossy.

"Then why do I feel guilty?"

Yoongi sighs softly, almost smiling.

"Because your heart is too soft.

And you're too good."

And right then—

Footsteps.

Fast. Heavy. Restless.

You freeze.

Yoongi looks up first.

Jungkook.

He stands there… chest rising and falling, eyes dark, jaw tight…

like he ran full speed to find you.

His gaze drops to where your head was on Yoongi's shoulder just seconds ago.

His fists clench.

"Of course," Jungkook says under his breath.

"Of course she's with you."

Yoongi raises an eyebrow, completely unfazed.

"Well, someone had to calm her down," he replies casually.

You sit up straight, wiping tears from your cheeks—

but Jungkook sees them.

His expression softens painfully.

"You were crying…"

His voice cracks a little.

"Y/N… why didn't you just call me?"

You don't know what to answer.

Yoongi answers for you:

"Because you're one of the reasons she's overwhelmed."

Jungkook shoots him a glare.

"And you're what? Her savior?"

"If she needs one," Yoongi replies calmly.

Jungkook scoffs.

"I care about her too, hyung. More than you think."

Yoongi tilts his head.

"Then act like it. Give her space instead of suffocating her with feelings she never asked for."

Jungkook goes silent.

You whisper, voice trembling:

"JK… please… don't fight."

He turns toward you, eyes softening instantly.

"I'm not here to fight."

He steps closer.

"I just wanted to know if you were okay."

You look away, unable to speak.

 

At That Exact Moment… Taehyung's Message Arrives

Your phone vibrates.

Taehyung.

A long message.

You open it with trembling hands.

 

Taehyung:

Y/N… I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to walk away like that.

I'm not angry. I was just hurt.

I know you're confused. I don't blame you.

You don't have to choose anyone right now.

And you don't owe me anything.

But please… don't shut me out.

I meant what I said— I'll wait for you.

Even if the answer never becomes me.

Even then… I just want you to be happy.

Tell me you're safe. Please.

 

Your eyes fill again.

Jungkook notices.

"What did he say?"

His voice is tight, jealous, worried.

Yoongi rolls his eyes lightly.

"Let her breathe, kid."

Jungkook ignores him.

"Y/N… talk to me," he pleads gently.

You look between the two men—

Yoongi's calm protection

and

Jungkook's emotional desperation.

Both watching you.

Both wanting you to choose their version of safety.

And you break again.

"I'm tired," you whisper.

"I'm tired of being careful, tired of walking on eggshells, tired of choosing sides I never wanted to choose."

You wipe your tears with your sleeves.

"I didn't want anyone to fall for me."

Jungkook's voice turns soft—almost heartbreaking:

"Too late."

You look up.

Jungkook's eyes soften, full of emotion he can't hide.

Taehyung's messages still sit unread below the last one.

Yoongi places a gentle hand on your back.

"Let's go home," he says.

"You don't need to talk to anyone right now."

For the first time, Jungkook doesn't argue—

because even he knows…

You're breaking.

Yoongi stands up first, gently helping you to your feet.

"Come on," he murmurs. "You need rest."

Jungkook immediately follows, refusing to stay behind.

"I'm coming with you," Jungkook says firmly.

Yoongi sighs.

"Kid, she needs peace, not extra tension."

Jungkook looks directly at you.

"Do you want me to come?"

His voice is soft—almost pleading.

You look at him…

at his worried eyes,

his trembling breaths,

the way he's trying so hard not to take a step closer.

You whisper, tired:

"…come."

Jungkook breathes out, relieved.

Yoongi doesn't argue this time.

He simply says, "Stay quiet. Don't stress her."

Jungkook nods.

All three of you begin walking through the quiet street…

but your body is slow, heavy, unsteady.

Yoongi keeps a hand on your back, supporting you.

Jungkook walks beside you, watching every movement, eyes full of fear.

"Y/N," Jungkook says softly, "you don't look good."

"I'm fine," you mumble.

But your steps drag.

Your vision blurs.

Your fingers tremble.

Yoongi glances at you sharply.

"Hey… look at me."

You blink slowly.

"Yoongi… I'm just… tired."

Your voice is too weak.

Jungkook's expression changes instantly.

"Tired? Y/N, you're pale."

"I'm okay," you whisper again—

—but the world tilts.

Yoongi reacts first, grabbing your arm.

"Y/N—"

Jungkook steps forward—

And your knees buckle.

 

You Collapse

You fall forward—

—but Jungkook catches you before you hit the ground.

"Y/N!!" he shouts, voice cracking in panic.

Your head rests against his chest, eyes barely open.

Yoongi kneels beside you, checking your pulse, his face suddenly serious.

"Damn it—she's exhausted. Overheated. Probably dehydrated."

"Why didn't she say anything!?" Jungkook's voice breaks.

Your breathing is shallow.

Your eyes flutter.

"Y/N… hey… stay with us—please," Jungkook whispers, desperation filling every word.

He gently cups your face with trembling hands.

"You're okay. You're okay. You're okay," he keeps repeating, voice shaking.

Yoongi speaks sharply:

"Jungkook, lift her. We need to get her inside now."

Jungkook doesn't hesitate.

He scoops you into his arms—like you weigh nothing—and holds you tight against his chest.

Your head falls against his shoulder.

He whispers near your ear, voice cracking:

"Don't scare me like this… please."

Yoongi walks fast beside him, guiding.

"This is why I told you idiots to back off earlier," Yoongi mutters.

"She's too overwhelmed."

Jungkook looks destroyed.

"This is my fault," he whispers.

"I upset her. I stressed her. I—"

"Stop blaming yourself," Yoongi snaps.

"Right now the priority is getting her safe."

 

Inside Your Apartment

Jungkook lays you gently on the couch.

He keeps one hand on your cheek—

his thumb shaking—

as if afraid you'll disappear.

Yoongi gets water, a cold cloth, checks your breathing again.

"Her pulse is better now," Yoongi says quietly.

"She'll wake up soon. She just needs rest."

Jungkook sits on the floor beside you, refusing to move.

His voice breaks.

"She was crying because of us… because of me."

Yoongi sighs.

"Jungkook… you care about her.

But caring doesn't mean pushing."

Jungkook lowers his head.

"I just… I can't stand seeing her with someone else. I can't stand not knowing what she feels. I can't stand—"

Yoongi pats his shoulder.

"That's love, kid. It's messy."

You breathe softly, still unconscious.

Jungkook grabs your limp hand with both of his.

"Y/N… please wake up.

I'll be better.

I'll give you space.

Just… don't leave like this."

His voice trembles so hard it almost breaks.

Yoongi looks at him silently—because even he sees it now:

Jungkook is falling harder than he should.

Maybe harder than he can survive.

 

The Rooftop That Changed Everything"

The elevator doors slide open with a soft ding.

Cool night air sweeps in as you step onto the rooftop, clutching the small paper bag of snacks you bought on the way home.

The city sparkles below, but your eyes go straight to Taehyung.

He's sitting on the edge—legs dangling, headphones in, back facing you.

You exhale.

Y/N:

Tae… you're going to fall one day.

He flinches, pulls one headphone out and looks back quietly.

Taehyung:

"…You came."

Y/N:

"You texted me 'come or I'll disappear forever'.

What was I supposed to do? Ignore that?"

Taehyung laughs weakly.

Taehyung:

"I didn't mean it like that."

Y/N:

"You better not. Sit properly."

He obeys immediately—like a kid caught sneaking chocolates.

You sit beside him and hand him the paper bag.

Y/N:

"Here. Chocolate milk and chips. Your mood-lifters."

Taehyung's expression softens.

Taehyung:

"You really know me too well."

Y/N:

"I have to. You act dramatic like it's a part-time job."

Taehyung smirks but there's sadness behind it.

A moment passes.

He finally speaks.

 

Taehyung Opens Up

Taehyung:

"Why does he keep hovering around you?"

Your heart stops.

Y/N:

"Who?"

Taehyung scoffs.

Taehyung:

"Jeon Jungkook."

You look away.

Y/N:

"He's… concerned about me. That's all."

Taehyung turns fully to you now, eyes sharp.

Taehyung:

"And what are you concerned about?"

You blink.

Y/N:

"Huh?"

He leans a little closer.

Taehyung:

"Do you… want him to be around?"

You freeze.

But you remember your line—the one you chose.

You take a deep breath and smile softly.

Y/N:

"He's just concerned about me, Tae.

But I'm still a straight line for him. Don't worry.

You're overthinking."

Taehyung looks at you for a long moment—eyes searching for something.

Then…

His shoulders relax.

He sighs.

Taehyung:

"…Okay. If you say it, I'll believe it."

You pat his head.

Y/N:

"Good. Because if you stress more, you'll become 65 years old by next week."

Taehyung laughs for the first time tonight.

 

Sudden Moment

The wind picks up.

Your hair blows over your face.

Taehyung reaches out slowly—hesitantly—and tucks it behind your ear.

Your breath catches.

Taehyung:

"…You always look pretty during evenings."

You blink quickly.

Y/N:

"Tae—"

He pulls back immediately, waving his hands.

Taehyung:

"No! I—I didn't mean… I mean I did mean—but not like that—or maybe I did—oh god—"

He hides his face in his hands.

You burst into laughter.

Y/N:

"Tae, calm down. I get it. Thank you."

Taehyung lowers his hands slowly.

And his voice gets softer.

Taehyung:

"Just… don't leave me behind, okay?"

Your expression melts.

You take his hand gently, squeezing.

Y/N:

"I won't. You'll never be alone, Tae."

He nods, eyes shiny but he smiles genuinely.

 

Meanwhile… JK

Downstairs, in the hallway…

Jungkook stands frozen at the top of the stairs, holding a bottle of water he came to give Taehyung.

He saw you two sitting close…

He saw Taehyung tucking your hair behind your ear…

And he saw you smiling.

He swallows hard.

Jungkook (whispers):

"…Right. They're clearing things. I shouldn't interrupt."

He turns and walks back downstairs slowly—

But a tiny frown lingers on his face.

Not jealousy.

Not yet.

Just something confusing. Something new.

Promises, Glances, Texts & Trouble"

The rooftop wind calms down, the night turning softer as Taehyung swings his legs back and forth like a kid thinking deeply.

You munch on the chips in silence until he suddenly speaks.

 

 Taehyung's Small Promise

Taehyung:

"…Y/N."

You hum, mouth full.

Y/N:

"Hm?"

He looks surprisingly serious now, the city lights reflecting in his eyes.

Taehyung:

"Promise me something?"

You blink.

Y/N:

"What kind of promise?"

Taehyung:

"Promise me you won't disappear from my life.

Even if you make new friends… even if someone else becomes important to you."

He looks down, a little embarrassed.

Taehyung:

"I… I just want to know you'll still be somewhere close."

Your heart softens.

You reach out and gently squeeze his hand.

Y/N:

"Taehyung. I promise.

I'm not going anywhere."

He lets out the breath he was holding—relieved.

Taehyung:

"Good… good. Because I don't think I'm strong enough to lose another person."

Your chest tightens at his honesty.

Before you can reply, the rooftop door opens slightly.

A shadow appears.

But it slips away quickly.

You ignore it.

(You don't know Jungkook was there a minute ago.)

 

Next Morning — Jungkook Acting Strange

The dorm kitchen is unusually quiet.

You enter, yawning, hair messy.

Jungkook is standing there, stirring ramen that clearly doesn't need stirring.

He's been stirring for 5 minutes straight.

Y/N:

"Kook? You okay?"

He jolts slightly, then forces a smile.

Jungkook:

"Oh—yeah. Good morning."

But he doesn't look at you.

Not even once.

He keeps staring at his ramen like it's the most interesting thing on Earth.

Y/N:

"You're acting weird."

Jungkook:

"Weird? No, no. Just tired."

He laughs awkwardly.

You narrow your eyes.

Y/N:

"Did you stay up all night playing games again?"

Jungkook:

"…Something like that."

But his shoulders are tense.

He finally hands you a water bottle without meeting your eyes.

Jungkook:

"You should drink more water."

Y/N:

"Okay but you're avoiding eye contact like I'm a ghost."

Jungkook:

"Huh? No! I'm just—never mind. Eat breakfast."

He walks away too fast.

You watch him leave, confused.

Y/N:

"…What's wrong with him?"

From behind the wall, Jimin whispers to Hoseok:

Jimin:

"Jungkookie is jealous."

Hoseok:

"Nope. He's conflicted."

Jimin:

"Hyung he's literally sulking with ramen."

Hoseok:

"Okay yeah he's jealous."

 

Yoongi's Truth

Yoongi:

"Because you entered our world.

And like it or not… you became important to more than one of us."

Your heart skips.

You look away.

Y/N:

"I didn't ask for that."

Yoongi:

"I know. That's why I called you here."

He folds his arms.

Yoongi:

"Listen carefully, Y/N.

Rumors don't start because of you.

Rumors start because the guys aren't subtle."

You blink.

Yoongi continues.

Yoongi:

"Jungkook watches you like you're gravity.

Taehyung follows you without realizing it.

And I…"

He pauses.

A tiny smirk.

Yoongi:

"…I treat you like someone I trust. That's enough for people to talk."

Your throat goes dry.

Y/N:

"So what should I do?"

Yoongi stands up, walks closer, and places a gentle hand on your head.

Soft. Warm. Comforting.

Yoongi:

"Nothing. Don't change. Don't panic.

I'll handle the chat."

Your eyes widen.

Y/N:

"You'll tell them to stop?"

He shakes his head.

Yoongi:

"No. I'll redirect them."

Your confused look makes him chuckle.

Yoongi:

"Trust me. I know how to kill rumors without killing people."

Then his tone becomes serious again.

Yoongi:

"But Y/N…

if you want to protect yourself…

you need to understand something."

You swallow.

Y/N:

"What?"

Yoongi meets your eyes directly.

 

Yoongi's Final Confession

Yoongi:

"Jungkook and Taehyung…

both are getting attached to you.

Fast. And deeper than they realize."

Your heart stops.

Yoongi places a hand on your shoulder.

Yoongi:

"I'm telling you now…

because the industry is watching.

The boys are reacting.

And you…"

He touches your chin lightly so you face him.

"…you're standing right at the center without noticing the storm."

You whisper.

Y/N:

"Yoongi… what do I do?"

He smiles softly.

Yoongi:

"You choose who you let close.

Before someone gets hurt."

Your breath hitches.

Then Yoongi steps back and opens the studio door for you.

Yoongi:

"Go. Jungkook's been pacing outside for ten minutes."

Your eyes widen.

You turn—

Jungkook is standing there, leaning on the wall, fists clenched, eyes dark, jaw tight.

The second Yoongi lets you out, Jungkook steps forward.

Jungkook:

"Y/N… we need to talk."

And the hallway goes quiet.

The studio door clicks shut behind you.

Yoongi stays inside.

You step into the hallway…

and Jungkook is already standing there—

shoulders tense, jaw tight, eyes full of questions he can't hide.

He takes one step closer.

Another.

His voice is low… almost shaky.

 

Jungkook:

"Y/N… did Yoongi-hyung… say something about me?"

Your heart thuds.

You blink.

Y/N:

"Why—why would you think that?"

Jungkook laughs once, bitter and breathless.

Jungkook:

"Because he called you in suddenly.

Because he stared at me when you walked past.

Because he knows something I don't."

He's too close.

Too intense.

Too emotional for someone who was "not interested."

You try to step back—

He steps forward.

Jungkook:

"Just tell me what he said."

You inhale slowly.

Y/N:

"He didn't say anything about you."

Jungkook's brows pull together.

Jungkook:

"Y/N, don't lie. I can see it on your face."

His hand almost reaches for your wrist—

almost—

but he stops himself, fingers curling into a fist.

His voice lowers, rough.

Jungkook:

"Did he… tell you I like you?"

Your eyes widen.

Your breath freezes.

He instantly looks away, realizing what he said.

Jungkook:

"I mean— not like that— I just—

I just need to know if Yoongi is filling your head with things about me."

You swallow hard.

Y/N:

"Jungkook… why does it matter?"

He looks at you like you asked the most painful question.

Jungkook:

"Because EVERYTHING about you matters."

Your chest tightens—

But before you can respond—

A deep voice echoes behind you.

 

Taehyung:

"Everything about her matters to who?"

Both you and Jungkook turn sharply.

Taehyung stands at the end of the hallway, hands in his pockets, expression calm…

Too calm.

The kind of calm that means danger.

He walks toward you—slow, confident, unreadable.

His eyes flick to Jungkook.

Taehyung:

"You're standing too close to her."

Jungkook scoffs.

Jungkook:

"She's not your property, hyung."

Taehyung steps in between you two, facing Jungkook directly.

Taehyung:

"No. But she's uncomfortable.

And you're not seeing it."

You weren't uncomfortable—

you were confused and overwhelmed—

but Taehyung said it deliberately.

To protect you.

To challenge Jungkook.

To cut the moment.

Jungkook clenches his jaw.

Jungkook:

"Hyung… this isn't your business."

Taehyung:

"Actually, it is.

When someone I care about gets dragged into rumors…

and when someone starts acting possessive."

Jungkook's eyes flash with something wild.

Jungkook:

"I'm NOT possessive."

Taehyung tilts his head.

Taehyung:

"Then why do you care what Yoongi told her?"

Silence.

A deadly one.

Jungkook steps closer, practically nose-to-nose with Taehyung.

Jungkook:

"I asked Y/N.

Not you."

Taehyung doesn't blink.

Taehyung:

"And she doesn't want to answer you."

You stare at Taehyung—

he's lying, but he's protecting you.

Jungkook's voice cracks.

Jungkook:

"Y/N… please… just tell me.

Did Yoongi say something about me?

Just tell me the truth."

But before you can open your mouth—

Taehyung places his hand gently on your elbow.

Warm.

Protective.

Taehyung:

"Let's go, Y/N.

You don't owe him an explanation."

Your breath skips.

Jungkook's eyes darken with hurt.

Jungkook:

"Y/N… don't go with him."

Your heart is pounding so loudly you can hear it echo in the hall.

Taehyung doesn't wait.

Taehyung (softly):

"Come."

You look once at Jungkook—

his fists trembling, chest rising and falling too fast.

You look at Taehyung—

steady, calm, quietly furious on your behalf.

You choose to walk.

With shaky steps… you move toward Taehyung.

Jungkook's voice breaks behind you.

 

Jungkook:

"Y/N…

please don't walk away from me."

You stop.

Just for one second.

But you don't turn around.

And Taehyung leads you away.

Leaving Jungkook alone in the hallway, breathing like he's been punched in the chest.

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