Shattered Bonds
The café was warm, the smell of roasted beans and sugar in the air. Outside, cherry blossoms drifted down with the evening wind, tapping softly against the window. Inside, Jungkook sat with his fingers nervously drumming against the table, his phone screen glowing faintly in his palm. He had been staring at V, waiting — almost desperately — for some sign that he still mattered. When Seo Jun leaned forward, laughing easily with Taehyung, Jungkook’s stomach twisted. V smiled back — that soft, warm smile Jungkook thought was only for him. “Taehyung-ah, remember in middle school? You said we’d always be best friends,” Seo Jun said casually, sipping his drink. The words sliced through the air sharper than broken glass. Jungkook froze. Best friends? His heart sank as if the floor had been pulled out beneath him. He blinked, searching Taehyung’s face, waiting for him to correct it — to say No, Jungkook is my best friend now. But Taehyung just chuckled awkwardly, scratching his neck. “Ah… yeah, I remember.” That was enough. The café’s gentle hum seemed to collapse around Jungkook. The laughter of other customers dulled into background noise, the clinking of cups sounded like echoes in a tunnel. He lowered his eyes to his phone, the glow highlighting the shimmer of tears forming at his lashes. “Best friends…” he whispered under his breath, barely audible, but the ache was heavy. Seo Jun leaned back, satisfied. Taehyung’s eyes flicked toward Jungkook, and for a split second he saw it — the way Jungkook’s hands trembled slightly, the way he bit his lip to stop it from quivering. “Jungkookie—” Taehyung started. But Jungkook stood abruptly. His chair scraped against the floor, the sharp sound drawing everyone’s attention. A few customers turned, whispers spreading like ripples through the café. “I’ll go,” Jungkook muttered, his voice rough, cracking. He didn’t look at anyone. He didn’t dare. He walked out, the bell above the café door chiming cheerfully, a cruel contrast to the heaviness in his chest. Outside, a cherry blossom petal landed softly on his shoulder. He brushed it away quickly, not wanting to feel the weight of beauty when his heart felt broken. Inside, the café seemed colder. V sat frozen, staring at the empty chair where Jungkook had been just seconds before. Seo Jun smirked faintly, satisfied at the crack he’d driven between them. Taehyung clenched his fists under the table, guilt gnawing at him. The warmth in his chest had turned to ice.The night was heavy, clouds covering the stars, as if even the sky refused to shine. Jungkook sat on the rooftop alone, knees drawn to his chest, his hoodie pulled up. His phone buzzed again and again with Taehyung’s name flashing, but he didn’t move. Each vibration only tightened the knot in his stomach. The café scene replayed in his head, again and again, like a cruel film stuck on loop. Best friends… Seo Jun’s words echoed, each time sharper than before. The rooftop door creaked open. Jungkook stiffened, his breath catching. Footsteps echoed lightly against the concrete. “Jungkookie…” Taehyung’s voice was soft, cautious — almost trembling.
