Unbreakable Strings

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Friendship

Days passed, and the tension between Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook grew heavier. It was as if all three of them knew something was about to break — but no one wanted to be the first to say it.

One evening, they decided to have dinner together at their apartment. Taehyung cooked, Jimin set the table, and Jungkook sat quietly, observing them both.

As they ate, the silence was deafening.

“Why are we all so quiet?” Taehyung finally asked, breaking the tension. His voice was light, but his eyes betrayed his seriousness.

Jimin forced a smile. “Just tired, I guess.”

Taehyung wasn’t convinced. “Is that it, Jungkook? Are you just tired?”

Jungkook glanced at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

Taehyung leaned forward, locking eyes with Jungkook. “I mean, you’ve been distant. Avoiding us. What’s going on?”

Jungkook’s chest tightened. He knew this moment was coming, but he wasn’t ready for it.

“I’m not avoiding anyone,” he lied.

Jimin sighed softly, his gaze falling to his plate. “We’ve been friends for too long to lie to each other, Jungkook.”

Jungkook stood up abruptly, pushing his chair back. “I need some air.”

“Running away again?” Taehyung’s voice was sharp.

Jungkook froze. Slowly, he turned to face Taehyung. “I’m not running.”

“Then stay and talk to us!” Taehyung’s voice cracked with emotion. “Why are you pulling away? Is it because of us?”

Jimin stood as well, placing a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “Tae, calm down.”

“No!” Taehyung shrugged Jimin off. “I’m tired of pretending everything’s fine. It’s not! We both know why things have changed.”

Jungkook’s heart pounded. “What are you talking about?”

Jimin’s voice was soft, but his words hit like a hammer. “We’re in love with you, Jungkook.”

The room fell silent.

Jungkook stared at them, his mind racing. “What?”

Taehyung took a step closer. “We’ve both been in love with you for years. And it’s tearing us apart.”

Jungkook shook his head, backing away. “No. You… you’re my best friends. This can’t be happening.”

Jimin’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “We never wanted to hurt you, Jungkook. But we can’t keep hiding it anymore.”

Jungkook’s back hit the wall. He felt trapped, suffocated by their confessions.

“I need time,” he whispered. “I can’t… I don’t know how to handle this.”

With that, he grabbed his coat and left the apartment, leaving Taehyung and Jimin standing in stunned silence.

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