CHAPTER - 34

Taehyung sat by Jungkook’s grave, the world unusually quiet, as if even the wind feared disturbing the moment. His trembling fingers reached into his pocket, pulling out a single pill. He stared at it for a long while, then swallowed it dry. No hesitation. No regret. Only a strange, relieved calm.

He placed his palm flat against the cold stone of Jungkook’s grave and whispered, voice breaking into a smile.

Taehyung - Hi, baby… how are you? Are you mad that I never showed up in these five years?

A gust of wind brushed against his face, sharp and cold. His smile trembled.

Taehyung - Don’t be mad, bunny. I wasn’t ignoring you. I was… busy. Busy tying up every loose end, busy punishing myself the way you would have wanted. I wanted to finish everything first, so that when I came to you… it would be forever. No more work. No more burdens. Just us.

Another wave of wind hit him harder, making his eyes water.

Taehyung - Koo, don’t be angry. I had to do it. I had to put Kai, Jack, and Jennie behind bars—for destroying what little we had left. And I couldn’t come then, because… I had to settle my mom. I had to make sure she was safe. How could I run to you so easily without paying for what I did? So, I lived. I survived. One thousand eight hundred and fifty days… without you.

His voice cracked. His face contorted as the tears he had held back for years finally spilled, burning his cheeks.

Taehyung - Do you know what that feels like, bunny? Every morning waking up alone… every night reaching for you and finding nothing but air? There wasn’t a single day I didn’t miss you. Not one. I thought so many times about giving up, about ending it… but I couldn’t. I couldn’t leave her. I couldn’t leave my mom behind, not until she was safe. But God, Koo, I was already dead the day you left me.

He choked on his sob, pressing his forehead against the gravestone as if trying to climb inside, as if the cold marble could somehow bridge the gap to Jungkook’s warmth. Then, gently, he felt a softer breeze caress his face, like a hand wiping away his tears.

A laugh broke from his trembling lips, fragile and desperate.

Taehyung - So… you forgive me? Just a little? You know, everything’s fine now. My mom… she finally divorced Mr. Kim. She married Jimin’s uncle. He loves her, he protects her the way I never could. She’s happy now. Can you believe it? My mom is happy.

He smiled, broken but genuine, tears still streaming.

Taehyung - Your parents are okay too. I visit them every week. Your dad, Koo… do you remember? You always wondered if he loved you. He did. He still does. I saw him cry, holding your picture. He’s hurting, just like the rest of us. You shouldn’t have left like that. You shouldn’t have carried your disease all alone. Do you even realize what it did to him when he found out?

Silence. No breeze this time. Just stillness.

Taehyung chuckled faintly, wiping his face with the back of his sleeve.

Taehyung - Okay, fine, let’s not talk about sad things. Tell me, how do I look in this jacket? Hm? You used to love this one. I wore it today just for you. To seduce you again. So? Are you seduced, Jeon Jungkook?

A sharp wind struck, wild and strong. His laugh cracked into a sob.

Taehyung - I knew it. You still want me, huh? But tell me, Koo… don’t you wanna kiss me today? Don’t act shy now. I know all your little secrets… all those dreams you had about me. You thought I didn’t know?

Suddenly, his body convulsed with violent coughs. Blood sprayed from his lips, staining his hand, his clothes, the soil beneath him. He wheezed, clutching his chest, yet forced himself to keep speaking, words spilling out with the last fragments of strength.

Taehyung - Koo… listen to me… you were never just a side character in my story. You were… you are… and you will always be the hero. The only hero. In this life, in the next, in every single life I’ll ever have—

He screamed, voice raw and desperate, echoing through the cemetery.

Taehyung - I LOVE YOU, JEON JUNGKOOK! I LOVE YOU—

Another cough tore through his throat, blood dribbling down his chin. His vision blurred, the world dimming around him. He leaned back against the gravestone, sliding down slowly, his body growing heavier with each breath.

Taehyung (whispering) - Let’s meet again, bunny. Next time… I’ll be better. I’ll be the best boyfriend in the whole world. No, not just your boyfriend. I’ll be your husband… the bestest husband ever.

His shaking hand rose weakly, his pinky finger extending toward the grave, trembling.

Taehyung - I promise.

Tears streamed endlessly down his face, but his lips carried the softest, most peaceful smile he had worn in years.

Taehyung (fading) - This isn’t the end, Koo…

And with that, Taehyung lay down beside the grave, his body curling protectively toward it as though Jungkook were still lying there. His eyes fluttered shut, the final tear rolling down his cheek as his soul, aching and desperate, finally broke free—racing toward the only place it ever longed to be.

Beside his bunny.

~ Not every story deserves a happy ending. Some endings are meant to break us, to carve emptiness into our chests—so that when happiness does come, we finally understand its worth. ~

                             THE END