chapter 21

Jungkook was dancing with Lia-his entire focus should have been on the dance and the girl he was partnered with. But instead, his whole attention was on two people standing a little far from the dance floor.They seemed to be interacting so well.While he, on the other hand, was mentally disturbed. Instead of engaging in conversation with his dance partner, his eyes were fixed on those two. And if Lia tried to initiate one, he would only give small replies or nod absentmindedly, having no idea what they were actually talking about.And it seriously pissed Lia off. She knew he had a wife, but at least for a minute, he could focus on her. It wasn't like she was going to snatch him away.Pfftt... lovesick boy.Only if she knew.Jungkook didn't even care what she thought. He wanted to move his gaze away from them, but he couldn't. It was as if his eyes were glued to them, uninterested in seeing anything else.Jungkook saw how Jimin laughed and gazed at Y/N fondly. Though Jungkook appeared calm, in reality, he was churned up inside. The small smile she flashed stirred a strange feeling in his heart.And then, the next scene made him want to rush over and pull Y/N away from Jimin when he saw him extending his hand toward her.Was he asking her to dance? How dare he?But what made Jungkook freeze in disbelief was when she placed her hand in Jimin's.Did she just accept his request? How could she?Anger bubbled inside him.But more than anything... why did he feel hurt? Why was his anger turning into sadness and disappointment?Was it because instead of Lia, he could have chosen Y/N?He could have simply refused Lia's request and asked Y/N to dance with him instead. But then his mind reminded him-he never considered his wife's opinion.How shameful.All he ever did was blame her, give her the cold shoulder, respond with rude remarks, and consider her the reason for ruining his life. Memories flooded back, reminding him of how cruel he had been toward his own wife-a woman who never asked for anything.Wasn't it funny?He had never given her a reason to be happy.And what did all these things tell him?Jeon Jungkook was never a good husband.He never was a perfect husband.The realization made him feel nothing but nauseous and ashamed of his own actions.What was her fault?A lump formed in his throat as he watched the two weave their way to the dance floor.The sight before him pained him.His eyes were so busy roaming over them that he hadn't noticed when his hand slipped from Lia's or when his legs started moving on their own-heading straight toward the exit.His mind completely ignored the girl calling after him.Right now, he just wanted to be alone-to get rid of the suffocation.The cold breeze caressed his face, making him close his eyes.His shaking hands clenched into fists as the scene from moments ago flashed in his mind.How close they were.How her eyes shone.The way he was holding her.How perfectly her hand fit in his.The way she looked so comfortable, so relaxed.Every single detail stung his eyes.Why wasn't he the reason behind her comfort and smile?Why wasn't he in that place?Simple.He never gave importance to this relationship.Jungkook had been so busy living in his past that he never thought about his present.And now?Now, he was drowning in regret.But... did it even matter anymore?He looked down at his hand, wondering how hers would feel in his.Would they fit perfectly?Shaking his head, trying to push away the thoughts clouding his mind, he looked up at the sky and let out an unsteady breath.Inside, Jimin and Y/N returned to their previous spot after dancing.It was her first time dancing like that, and she had truly enjoyed it-all because of Jimin.He had been so friendly that Y/N never once felt uncomfortable. Throughout the dance, he kept complimenting her, appreciating her efforts, and making her nervousness disappear.She was genuinely touched by his patience and kindness.But more than anything, she was surprised.In just ten minutes, Jimin had talked to her like a friend, and she couldn't help but join in.Had they really become friends so quickly?Maybe it was because of Jimin's tender personality and charming smile.She was about to express her gratitude when someone called Jimin's name. He excused himself with a warm smile and a wave before walking away, leaving Y/N alone once again.And with that, her nervousness returned.Her eyes scanned the room, searching for Jungkook. She hadn't seen him in a while-not even Lia.Where did they go?Y/N couldn't find Jungkook, but her eyes landed on someone familiar.Swallowing down her nervousness, she walked toward the person.Thankfully, he noticed her presence before she had to call out to him, making her sigh in relief.A true introvert."Mrs. Jeon, do you need anything?" the old man asked with a welcoming smile."N-No, Mr. Min, thank you. I just wanted to ask... do you know where Jungkook is?"Surprisingly, Y/N didn't stutter as much."Ah, Mr. Jeon? Oh yes, he went outside a few minutes ago. I think something happened-he looked like he was in a hurry. He left in the middle of the dance."Y/N frowned.Why would Jungkook leave in the middle of a dance?Is he alright?She felt an unfamiliar worry settle in her chest. Muttering a quick thank-you, she turned toward the exit, determined to find him.Stepping outside, she noticed there weren't many people-just a few either talking on their phones or enjoying the fresh air.But they weren't her concern.She was here for Jungkook.Her eyes scanned the garden until they landed on a familiar figure sitting on a bench.Without a second thought, she walked toward him and silently sat beside him, maintaining a proper distance.She had no idea what to say.Y/N looked up at the night sky, where the city lights glowed brightly, a pale crescent moon shining in between, and stars stretching into infinity.The view was breathtaking.Unlike her life."What are you doing here?"His voice broke her thoughts.She turned her head slightly, seeing him staring at the sky. The moonlight cast a soft glow on his face, making her unknowingly admire him-completely forgetting about the night view.This is how you behave when you're in love.When you see that one person, you lose everything-everyone, even yourself.And that's the real concern, isn't it?Never lose yourself while loving someone."I didn't see you inside. Mr. Min told me you came out here, so I came to check."It was the first time Y/N spoke so confidently-without stuttering.But neither of them noticed."You noticed?" Jungkook murmured. "I thought you wouldn't."Y/N chuckled softly, lowering her gaze to his hands as he absentmindedly spun his phone between his fingers."I always pay attention to you, Jungkook. It's just you never cared to notice it."Jungkook stopped spinning his phone, his fingers frozen mid-motion. The weight of her words crashed over him like an unforgiving tide, drowning out every other sound in the room.He sat there, numb, his heart hammering against his ribs as he slowly turned his head to the side. His gaze landed on her, sitting just inches away, but it felt like miles stretched between them.Y/n wasn't even looking at him. She hadn't said those words to hurt him, and maybe that was what hurt the most. Her voice held no bitterness, no accusation-just quiet acceptance.And somehow, that cut deeper than any resentment ever could.It was a slap of reality, a cruel reminder of the truth he had spent so long ignoring. He had been blind, selfish, and cruel in ways he hadn't even realized.And yet, she had noticed him.She had always noticed him. The way he preferred his coffee strong and black. The way he tapped his fingers against his thigh when he was deep in thought. The way his jaw clenched when he was frustrated but didn't want to show it.She had seen him, all of him, when he had never bothered to see her.Jungkook exhaled sharply, his hands clenching into fists on his lap. How many times had she waited for him to acknowledge her? How many times had she looked at him with silent hope, only for him to look right past her as if she were invisible?How many times had she cared for him in ways he had never cared to notice?And in return, what had he done?Ignored her. Pushed her away. Let his coldness and bitterness crush her hope over and over again.She had never asked for his love. Never once demanded something he couldn't give.All she had wanted was kindness, respect, and maybe just the smallest sign that she mattered.In which he failed her, miserably. Jeon Jungkook failed this time. How pathetic! Jungkook swallowed hard as guilt coiled inside his chest like a venomous snake.He wasn't a bad person-or at least, he never thought he was. But maybe, in this marriage, in this relationship, he had become one.He had been too caught up in his grief, too lost in his own selfish sorrow over losing the woman he had loved, to see what was right in front of him.The woman he loved was gone. She isn't with him, they were forced to separate leaving him with nothing but shattered dreams, a hollow heart and a bitter feeling for someone. And he had hated it. Hated this marriage, hated this reality where he had been forced into a life he never chose.But Y/n-she had no choice either.She was just as much a victim of this marriage as he was. And yet, while he had spent all his time resenting their circumstances, she had only tried.She had tried to be patient.She had tried to be kind.She had tried to reach him in ways he had never once reciprocated.And what had he given her in return?Nothing.Jungkook let out a slow, shaky breath, his mind screaming at him to say something. To apologize. To fix it.But when your heart is heavy with regret, words don't come easily.And even if they did, what could he possibly say?No apology could erase the past. No words could undo the nights she had cried herself to sleep because of his indifference.Nothing could justify the way he had treated her.But maybe-just maybe-he could make it right.Because for the first time in a long time, Jungkook wasn't thinking about the past.He was thinking about her.And if she had been strong enough to hold on all this time, then he could be strong enough to try.Try to be better.Try to be the husband she deserved.Try to finally see her the way she had always seen him.Because Jeon Jungkook was many things-but today, he refused to be a man who did nothing.At least he can make efforts, because the man is truly sorry.Was it sad? What's your thoughts about this chapter and Jungkook's feelings? He is now realising 🥺Hope you all had liked it 💚✨