Shape of Waiting

Willow Bloom Park Beneath the wide cherry blossom trees, while petals drifted down like hushed whispers and the sweet breath of spring hung all around, Jeon Jungkook, 23, dropped to one knee, his pulse pounding, hands unsteady around a bouquet of roses. had turned 18 just today. Finally an adult. Finally old enough for Jungkook to say what he'd kept buried for years. This wasn't random. He had planned it. Thought it through. Jungkook had promised himself he'd wait until Taehyung wasn't a minor anymore. The very same Taehyung who was his best friend's adorable younger brother. And still, with Taehyung standing right in front of him, there was nothing gentle in those eyes. Cold. Sharp. Unmoved. Jungkook worried his lower lip between his teeth and looked up, hope still bright in his wide eyes. The bouquet shifted restlessly in his hands while he remained on one knee. Then that hope splintered when Taehyung finally spoke. "Do you seriously have no shame, asking out your best friend's brother?" His voice came out low and firm. Distant. Jungkook swallowed, lips parting around a thin, shaky whisper. "After I fell for you... shame, fear, worry... I forgot all of it." The words came quietly. Honest. Nearly childlike. Taehyung lifted one brow, the corner of his mouth twitching, not with amusement but plain irritation. "I don't like you at all," he said flatly as he turned away. Jungkook sucked in a breath and pushed himself up too fast, panic tightening in his chest.