Us two

Your pov

Another week slipped away like grains of sand through my fingers. No one knew about us—our story or our struggles. I took every precaution to ensure my past life didn't follow me into this new chapter; I even got rid of my phone before disappearing from the streets of Seoul. It was essential that my parents remained unaware of where I was.

With a heavy heart, I let go of everything I once cherished—my identity, my dreams, the very essence of who I was before meeting him. All of it faded away because of a feeling that consumed me completely: love.

He became my world, my reason for getting out of bed every morning. Being by his side brought me so much happiness that I had never anticipated. In his presence, I finally felt alive, discovering a part of myself I hadn't realized was missing. For so long, I had wandered through life like a ghost, unaware of my own reflection. But with him, everything changed. It was as if the dull colors of my past gave way to something bright and beautiful.

Embracing this new life became surprisingly easy. It wasn't just my life anymore; it belonged to both of us—more to him than to me. Why? Because I was completely in love with him, and my desire to protect him consumed me. Every part of me ached with the responsibility I felt. How could I keep him safe from the world and the dangers lurking around every corner? I hadn't yet found the answers to those questions, and while every day brought me closer to him, it also tightened a grip of worry around my heart.

Even when I was just inches away from him, lost in our shared moments, that fear never left me. The weight of my responsibility felt heavy on my shoulders. His health and safety rested in my hands, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead felt like a storm cloud ready to unleash chaos. We were both standing on the edge, navigating a tricky path filled with risks and confusion.

Before I got rid of my phone, I made sure to memorize Mingyu's number—a lifeline I couldn't let go of entirely. One fateful day, I found myself at a payphone, a hint of nostalgia in the air, and I dialed his number, my heart racing. When he answered, relief washed over me. Mingyu was recovering, slowly but surely. Despite everything Jungkook had done, he still worried about us. He spoke with warmth, reaffirming his trust in me and promising that if I ever needed help, he would be there in a heartbeat.

Yet, danger was closing in. The police were actively searching for us, and Jungkook's name had become synonymous with fear—a terrifying figure haunting the headlines across South Korea. The police were on high alert, determined to find him. In this precarious situation, I had no choice but to keep him hidden in the small apartment I rented.

To everyone else, Jungkook's struggles didn't change how they viewed him; he was labeled a murderer, a stigma that overshadowed the messy reality of his life. The news of Jin's death echoed like a bell tolling in the distance, a reminder of tragedy. The police had the knife used in the horrifying act—a grim symbol of a moment filled with desperation and fury. Nobody wanted to acknowledge the truth hidden beneath: that Jungkook's actions stemmed from a mix of pain and obsession inflicted by Jin himself. I only knew bits and pieces of Jungkook's story, and he rarely spoke about his past, as if those memories were burdens he preferred to keep tucked away.

Still, I believed in him completely. He had never hurt me, nor had he killed Mingyu, which gave me a strong conviction that Jungkook was not a monster. I was certain that whatever had happened, he never meant to kill Mingyu.

The shadows of his dark past always surrounded us, especially the haunting memories of how he lost his family in a brutal act of violence during his childhood. That tragic history left a mark on those who knew about it, shaping their fears and misconceptions about him. Instead of offering understanding or a chance for healing, society seemed eager to ignore his pain and move on, treating him like a ghost, an unpleasant memory they could forget.

In this world, where he was both a victim and someone who had made mistakes, I was determined to stand by him and face the darkness together.

Sometimes, beneath the blanket of stars, we would wander along the shore or stroll through the quiet streets, just as we were doing now. The soothing sound of waves crashing against the shoreline accompanied us, a calming backdrop to the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind.

I couldn't bear the thought of keeping him confined to the four walls of a room for the rest of his life. My heart simply wouldn't allow it. He had already endured so much suffering; the weight of his past was heavy enough to crush anyone's spirit. I longed to see him experience freedom again, to witness the curve of his lips transform into a genuine smile, if only for a moment... to help him forget, even if it was just temporarily.

Yet, no matter how hard I tried, no matter the lengths I went to ease his pain, he remained ensnared in the hell that was his reality. I could feel his struggles, the way anxiety clawed at him, spiraling into fears that darkened his thoughts. Every night, as darkness enveloped us, his demons emerged—nightmares that haunted him relentlessly, stealing his peace of mind.

Jungkook never once asked me to administer the medication he so desperately needed, even as his panic attacks grew increasingly frequent—almost a daily occurrence. I couldn't wrap my head around it. In those moments of despair, instead of seeking solace in the drug, he would pull me closer, wrapping his arms around me as though I were his lifeline. His grip was tight, trembling, as if he was desperately trying to anchor himself to something real amidst the chaos swirling in his mind.

Sometimes, in the depths of those moments, I could sense the two sides of him battling within. The charming playboy and the sweet bad boy intertwined, locked in an eternal struggle. They were facets of him, and through understanding them, I had begun to grasp the depths of his emotions—his fears, his insecurities, and, more importantly, his true self. It was through these glimpses that I discerned how he felt about me.

Perhaps he was confused. Perhaps fear clutched at his heart, overwhelming him. The pain he carried within and the shadows clouding his mind felt so much heavier than any love he might hold for me. Yet, I knew there was something deeper. I could see it in the way his eyes would linger on me during quiet moments, in the gentleness of his touch as he held my hand, or in how his gaze would often drift toward my lips with an intensity that left me breathless.

One day, unable to shake the curiosity gnawing at me, I finally broke the silence. "What are you thinking about?" I asked after catching him lost in thought, his gaze cast downwards but ever so frequently drawn to my lips. I genuinely wanted to understand what went through his mind during those quiet instances.

However, his response was silence. He turned his eyes away, avoiding mine as if he were trying to escape some unspoken truth. The change in his demeanor didn't escape my notice; his eyes glistened with unspoken pain, a deep sadness dwelling within them, revealing just how much he was struggling to confront his feelings.

It was nighttime, and the moon shone brightly over the sandy beach, where the gentle waves kissed the shore. We walked side by side, but my eyes kept drifting to him, his strong back outlined against the sparkling water as he moved slowly ahead of me. There was a strange energy in the air, making my heart race for reasons I couldn't quite understand. This feeling was becoming familiar; whenever he was near, my heart would thump loudly in my chest, a rhythm I was getting used to, my body responding to him just by being there.

As we walked, I couldn't help but want to reach out and touch him, to run my fingers over the broad, strong shape of his back, to pull him close and hide my face against him. I wanted to tell him how much he meant to me, how deeply I loved him, and the urge felt almost overwhelming.

But just inches away from reaching out, I hesitated. A wave of doubt washed over me. I had promised him that I wouldn't hurt him, and the thought of being selfish made my insides twist. How could I risk pushing him into complicated feelings? I feared I would ask too much, that it might be more than he could handle. What if I made a mistake, and he didn't understand? The chilling thought hit me: he could walk away, leaving me alone for good, and the idea of not having him in my life was unbearable.

In the weeks leading up to this moment, I had become so accustomed to his presence. Waking up next to him each morning, feeling his dark, curious eyes watching me, made my heart swell with emotion. He was beyond adorable; he was captivating, creating a mix of admiration and affection that left me dizzy. A tear slipped down my face as I thought about how different our lives could be if things had gone another way for him.

I longed to hold him close, to love him fiercely and desperately. But how could I do that? I felt lost, unsure of how to bridge the gap from friendship to something deeper. All I wanted was him—every part of him: his body, his thoughtful mind, his kind heart, his very soul. The weight of my hidden feelings was almost too much to handle; the longing for his touch and his kisses filled my mind relentlessly.

With a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts and calm the storm of emotions swirling within me.

***

**His Pov**

I was very aware of your warmth trailing just behind me as we walked along the beach, the cool night air contrasting with the heat coming from you. I looked up at the vast dark sky dotted with twinkling stars. I walked slowly, almost instinctively waiting for you to catch up, my thoughts swirling around me like the ocean breeze. Suddenly, I felt the first drops of rain on my cheeks—soft and surprising.

I turned to find you looking at me with an intensity that made me smile. Without thinking, I reached for your hand. When our fingers touched, a thrill shot through me, leaving me breathless.

"Should we head back?" I asked, glancing at the dark clouds gathering above.

"Can we stay like this a little longer?" you replied, and my heart fluttered at your warm smile.

"Of course," I said softly, tilting my head to meet your gaze while your fingers held mine tightly. I felt a warmth spreading inside me; holding your hand felt so right, and I started to enjoy this closeness.

As I took a deep breath to calm the storm of feelings swirling inside me, my mind raced in every direction, trying to understand this strange new sensation gripping my heart. Frustration hit me, and I found myself getting angry at my own confusion, wishing I could easily figure out what was happening to me.

But then, in that chaotic moment, my instincts took over, pushing away my doubts. I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug with a sense of urgency. The warmth of your body against mine felt electric, and I kissed your cheek, enjoying the softness of your skin and sensing the rhythm of your heart as you relaxed in my embrace. Your fingers found their way around my shoulders, reminding me of the deep connection we shared and anchoring me even more in that moment.

Feeling bold, I ran my fingers through your hair, enjoying its smoothness. I tilted your head back just enough for our lips to meet at last. When our mouths connected, it felt like time stopped. Everything else faded away, leaving just the two of us in that intimate moment. My heart raced wildly, reflecting the mix of emotions as we explored this new depth of feelings together, something I was only beginning to comprehend.