Chapter 19

With Jin

After dropping Taehyung and Jungkook at the university, Jin drove to their BTS agency. His mind was clouded, yet his exterior remained calm and composed as always.

As he entered the building, he noticed an unusual number of guards present, and at the center  stood Yoongi and Hobi, deep in discussion with them. Jin approached the group, and the moment the guards noticed him, they straightened and bowed in unison.

“Hyung, it’s about Mission: Demon-273,” Yoongi informed him, his tone grim.

Jin’s sharp gaze flickered between them. “When is the mission?” he asked, his voice steady but laced with authority.

“In one month,” Hobi replied promptly.

Jin nodded. “Finish the instructions and come inside,” he said before walking calmly toward his cabin.

Yoongi and Hobi exchanged uneasy glances, sensing something was off. Jin’s demeanor was always professional, but there was an unshakable tension in his aura today. They decided to address it later.

Once they wrapped up, Yoongi and Hobi joined Namjoon in Jin’s cabin. Namjoon was typing on his laptop, engrossed in his work, while Jin sat silently, staring blankly at nothing.

“Hyung,” Yoongi called gently.

Jin flinched slightly, snapping out of his thoughts. “What happened, Hyung?” Namjoon asked, concern evident in his voice as he paused his work to look at Jin.

“Huh? Nothing,” Jin replied, shaking his head briefly. He straightened his posture and diverted the conversation. “Any leads?”

The three younger men exchanged nervous glances, already bracing themselves for Jin’s reaction. Namjoon handed him a file labeled Unknown Drug. Jin frowned as he opened it, his expression growing darker with each word he read.

By the time he finished, his eyes were blazing with fury. With a loud thud, he slammed the file onto the floor, startling everyone in the room.

“What the fuck is this?!” Jin roared, his voice reverberating off the walls. “You’re telling me this drug has already killed over 70 people just this year? And not just that— murdering people? How the hell were we unaware of this fucking shit?”

Jin’s hands clenched into fists as he ran them through his hair in frustration.

The room was deathly silent. Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hobi avoided Jin’s piercing gaze, unsure how to respond.

Finally, Jin broke the silence, his voice slightly calmer but still seething with anger. “Any other information?”

Hobi stepped forward hesitantly. “Seventy isn’t the official number of deaths, Hyung. Most of the victims are teenagers and young adults. And… the drug is still spreading. People are suffering from its effects even now.”

Jin punched the table in anger, the force of it echoing in the quiet cabin.

“How the fuck did this happen right under our noses?! How did we miss this?!” Jin shouted again, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and anguish.

“Hyung, calm down,” Yoongi urged, though his own voice was cautious.

Jin shook his head, his voice breaking slightly. “How can I, Yoongi? Just thinking about what those kids must have gone through—it makes me feel helpless. And their families… can you imagine the pain they’re going through?”

Yoongi lowered his head, unable to answer.

Taking a deep breath, Jin stood up, his presence commanding as ever. “Hobi, Namjoon—I want every single piece of information on this case within two months. Form a team “

“Yes, Hyung,” they responded in unison.

“And the murder cases?” Jin turned to Yoongi, his tone sharp.

“I’ll handle it, Hyung. I’ll look into the connections and see if it’s linked to any mafia groups,” Yoongi promised.

“Good. We’re going to bring them down this time, no matter what.” Jin’s voice was laced with determination. He then gestured to Namjoon. “Now, let’s discuss the upcoming mission. Joonie, brief us.”

Namjoon nodded, launching into the details as Jin tried to push aside his frustration for the moment.

—

With Jungkook

Meanwhile, at the university, Jungkook was in class, trying his best to focus on the lecture. But no matter how hard he tried, the throbbing pain in his head refused to let up. He shifted in his seat, his thoughts growing louder than the professor’s words.

By the time the break arrived, the classroom erupted into loud chatter. The noise grated on Jungkook’s nerves. Sighing, he pulled out his earphones, placed them in his ears, and rested his aching head on the desk. Closing his eyes, he tried to escape the discomfort, even if only for a moment.

Eunwoo entered the classroom, his usual bright smile lighting up his face. Spotting the chaos around him, he sighed and made his way to his seat.

Today, he was especially happy—his noona had returned home, and the warmth of her presence lingered in his heart.

Chaeyoung, scrolling through her phone, noticed Eunwoo’s cheerful demeanor. She walked over to him with a teasing smile. “Wow, the pig is actually happy, huh?” she joked playfully.

Eunwoo grinned, unfazed. “Of course. Guess what? My noona made my favorite dish today,” he said proudly.

“Looks like your noona’s the reason you’re smiling like an idiot,” Chaeyoung teased, earning an eye-roll from Eunwoo.

Her gaze shifted toward Jungkook, who was still resting his head on the desk. “That guy—Kim Jungkook—isn’t he… different? He’s so quiet. Is he an introvert or something?”

Eunwoo glanced at Jungkook, his expression hardening. “Who knows,” he muttered bitterly. He said as he don’t even know anything about jungkook and his personality.

Chaeyoung raised an eyebrow. “What’s with the attitude? Should we try to be friend him?”

“If you want to, go ahead. Just don’t involve me. I’m telling you now, you won’t get anywhere with him,” Eunwoo said sharply before standing up and walking away to join his other friends.

“What’s his problem?” Chaeyoung mumbled under her breath. She glanced back at Jungkook, noticing how uncomfortable he looked even while sitting still. With a sigh, she decided to approach him.

“Hey, Jungkook,” Chaeyoung called Jungkook  softly.

Jungkook slowly lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locking onto hers. His face was pale, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

“A-Are you okay? You look like you have a fever,” Chaeyoung stammered, concern evident in her voice.

“What do you want? I don’t have a fever,” Jungkook replied coldly, his voice devoid of any emotion.

“Umm… I was just wondering if you’d like to hang out this evening,” Chaeyoung asked hesitantly, trying to ignore the weight of his glare.

Jungkook stared at her for a moment before shaking his head and slumping back into his previous position.

“I’m just trying to be friends with you,” she continued, her tone hopeful. “Maybe we can have lunch together? Eunwoo will join too, so you don’t have to feel awkward.”

Jungkook sat up straight, his jaw clenched as he glared at her. “Can’t you understand? I don’t fucking want to,” he said, his voice calm but cutting.

“O-Oh, okay. Sorry for bothering you,” Chaeyoung mumbled, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she retreated to her seat.

Behind her, Eunwoo let out a laugh. She turned to him, narrowing her eyes. “What’s so funny?”

“You walked in all confident, but look at you now,” Eunwoo teased, smirking.

“Yah! Shut it, moron,” Chaeyoung snapped, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

Her expression turned thoughtful. “Why is he like that? Is he always this way, or is something going on with him?” she asked, glancing at Jungkook, who was resting his head on the desk.

Eunwoo followed her gaze, his eyes softening for a fleeting moment. “Who knows?” he muttered, though the edge in his voice suggested he knew more than he was letting on.

Chaeyoung tilted her head. “Hey, I heard you two talked on the first day of school. Do you know him from before?”

Eunwoo froze, his grip tightening on the edge of the desk. His mind raced, memories of his past with Jungkook flashing through his head—the laughter, the bond, the unspoken promises that had since shattered.

“Yeah… We were bestfriends. He was with me at my bad. And I was there for him at his bad. We were like brothers. We were soulmates. But now it’s not…. ” he was thinking but stopped abruptly when Chaeyoung called his name again, snapping him out of his thoughts. “No, I don’t know him,” he said, his voice clipped as he turned away.

Chaeyoung frowned but let it go

—

Thee lunch bell rang, signaling a break.

“Let’s go! My treat today,” Eunwoo said, his grin wide.

“Woah, when did you get so generous?” Chaeyoung teased, wrapping an arm around him.

“If you don’t want to come, I’ll happily save my money,” Eunwoo shot back, laughing.

“Like I’d miss free food!” Chaeyoung grinned, tugging him toward the door.

As they exited, Chaeyoung glanced back and saw Jungkook still slumped over his desk. She paused. “Won’t he eat?”

Eunwoo glanced at Jungkook, his face unreadable. “Why does it matter? Leave him,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Yah! Kim Jungkook!” Chaeyoung called out loudly, making him sit up.

His bloodshot eyes glared at her, his voice hoarse. “What?”

“It’s lunch. Aren’t you coming?” Chaeyoung asked.

Jungkook shook his head weakly, muttering, “I’m not hungry.”

Chaeyoung frowned. “It’s lunch don’t you come for lunch?” She asked normally

“I don’t have an appetite.” he snapped, turning his head away.

“The teacher said no one can stay in the classroom during lunch. It’s a rule, all must come” Eunwoo added, his voice carrying a faint concern. Without waiting for a response, he walked away.

After eunwoo left, jungkook looked at chaeyoung. “Is it so?” He asked, voicenwas cold asusual.

Chaeyoung nodded.

Jungkook sighed and slowly stood up. A wave of dizziness hit him, and he stumbled. Before he could fall, Chaeyoung rushed forward and grabbed his arm.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Jungkook blinked at her touch, then jerked his arm away as if burned. “Don’t touch me. I’m fine,” he growled, though his voice was weaker than before.

Chaeyoung watched him leave, frustration bubbling in her chest. “What’s with this fucking annoying moran?” she muttered, storming off to join Eunwoo.

She saw Eunwoo waiting for her. She smiled and walked toward him.

“Guess what? That Jungkook was literally about to faint. I helped him—” she began, but Eunwoo cut her off sharply.

“Faint?” he asked, his tone immediately serious.

“Hmm. I think he’s sick. He felt slightly warm, too,” Chaeyoung said, glancing back at the hallway where Jungkook’s figure was disappearing.

“Guess what? I helped him so he wouldn’t fall, but he didn’t even thank me. He just spoke so coldly. I think he sees himself as some cold-hearted dumbass,” Chaeyoung huffed, crossing her arms.

Eunwoo only hummed in response, but his gaze remained on the path Jungkook had taken, worry flickering in his eyes.

They arrived at the lunch hall, but all the tables were already taken.

“Aish, we’re late. Look, all the tables are full,” Chaeyoung grumbled, scanning the room. She spotted a table where only one person was sitting.

“Let’s sit there,” she said, pointing.

“Let’s go. I’m sooooo hungry,” Eunwoo agreed, following her.

As they approached, they realized the lone boy at the table was none other than Jungkook. He was hunched over, holding his head and staring blankly at the table.

“Let’s go somewhere else,” Eunwoo said quickly, irritation flashing across his face.

Hearing their voices, Jungkook looked up. His glare was sharp, his tone harsher. “Can’t you all just leave me fucking alone?” he groaned.

“Mister, we didn’t come here on purpose. There’s no other place, so deal with it,” Chaeyoung shot back coldly before sitting across from him.

“Eunwoo, go get the food,” she instructed. Eunwoo hesitated, glancing between her and Jungkook, before he could go. Chayoung spoke to Jungkook.

“What about you? Haven’t you eaten yet?” she asked.

Jungkook shook his head silently.

“Why not?” She asked.

“I don’t have an appetite,” Jungkook replied curtly.

“But you have to eat lunch. Skipping meals isn’t allowed,” Chaeyoung said, her voice firm.

Jungkook glared at her, clearly annoyed. “If I want to eat, I’ll eat. You’re so fucking annoying,” he muttered, resting his head back on the table.

Before Chaeyoung could respond, Eunwoo returned, his voice cutting through the tension.

“Mister, she’s just asking because she cares. She’s someone who looks out for others, not like you—too stubborn to even take care of yourself,”

Eunwoo rolled his eyes in annoyance and walked off to buy the food.

Jungkook glared at him and scoffed in frustration.

Chaeyoung stayed behind, scrolling through her phone. She lowered the volume, respecting the tense silence. Jungkook remained with his head resting on the table, his pale face betraying his exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Eunwoo stood at the counter, buying food for himself and Chaeyoung. His eyes wandered back to Jungkook’s slumped figure.

“This idiot doesn’t even know how to take care of himself, then why the fuck he left” Eunwoo muttered under his breath. “Acting like he’s fine when he’s clearly not. Stubborn piece of fucking shit…” Despite his harsh words, he added an extra portion of food to the tray for Jungkook, along with a bottle of banana milk.

For himself, he chose chocolate milk and got strawberry milk for Chaeyoung. Balancing the tray, he made his way back to the table.

When he arrived, he set the tray down, placing Jungkook’s food near him with a deliberate thud that startled Jungkook enough to make him flinch and look up.

Eunwoo sat beside Chaeyoung and patted the table near Jungkook’s plate. “Skipping meals won’t make anyone tougher, you know,” Eunwoo said to no-one, his tone casual but his words pointed.

Chaeyoung glanced at him, confused by the remark, but shrugged and started eating her food.

Jungkook’s gaze lingered on Eunwoo for a moment before he sighed and reluctantly started eating. His movements were slow, and his tears. welled up slightly. “I’m so sorry, Eunnie,” Jungkook thought, fighting back tears. He clenched his jaw, determined not to let his emotions show.

“Hey, look at this. It’s so funny,” Chaeyoung said, holding her phone up to Eunwoo.

Eunwoo leaned over to see the reel, chuckling. “Should we try this?” he asked, still laughing.

“Ahh, why? It looks so stupid,” Chaeyoung whined, making Eunwoo laugh even harder.

Jungkook glanced at the two of them, their easy laughter filling the air with warmth he couldn’t touch. The sound felt distant, like an echo from a life he had once known. His chest tightened, the ache growing sharper as he watched Chaeyoung and Eunwoo’s carefree smiles.

He bit his lip, trying to stifle the wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm him. He dropped his gaze back to his plate, the food before him suddenly unappetizing.

Why can’t I have that? he thought bitterly. Why does it feel like I’m standing on the outside, looking in?

A pang of longing surged through him, so raw it almost hurt. He craved the kind of care that Eunwoo and Chaeyoung gave so freely to each other—those small, effortless moments of connection. The bond remembered about his and eunwoo’s.

Yet, here he was, wrapped in a cocoon of his own coldness, too scared to reach out.

His hands trembled slightly as he picked at his food, the lump in his throat growing heavier. His heart whispered a silent plea: I wish someone would care for me like that… without me having to push them away.

But Jungkook knew better. He had built walls so high that even the most persistent hands couldn’t climb them. So instead, he swallowed the pain, masked it with indifference, and forced himself to chew the food that suddenly felt like stone.

(Friendship breakup hurts the most. We can’t share the bond with someone, and can’t replace the  friendship with someone else)

Hey guys how was the chapter

Comment you thoughts. I changed seokryu to Chaeyoung (BP rosé)

Pls do comment.