Jungkook’s POV

The walk back to the cabin was quieter than I expected. Not the kind of peaceful quiet where you breathe in the crisp air and feel alive—this was the heavy kind. The kind where unspoken words linger in the spaces between footsteps.

I walked beside Sitara, just close enough to notice the small things. Things she probably thought no one paid attention to.

The way her fingers curled into the sleeves of her jacket when the cold bit too hard.

The way she bit her lip when her leg throbbed, but she’d push through without complaining.

The soft sigh she let out when the silence became too much.

Her face was turned away from me most of the time, but I caught her sneaking glances at the mountains, like she was looking for something out there. Escape? Or maybe just answers. I wasn’t sure, but I felt it—the heaviness she carried.

“Is your leg holding up okay?” I finally asked, breaking the silence. My voice came out low, softer than I intended.

She turned her head, flashing a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s fine. I’ve had worse.”

“You shouldn’t have to settle for worse,” I said, not quite looking at her.

She didn’t answer. Just tugged her jacket tighter around her shoulders.

When we reached the cabin, I slowed my pace to match hers, instinctively walking on her bad side so she wouldn’t strain herself.

She noticed. 

Her lips parted like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. 

Instead, her hand brushed against mine for half a second, accidental and light, but it set something off—like a spark in a room full of shadows.

“You don’t have to slow down for me, Jungkook,” she murmured.

I shook my head, my gaze fixed on the path ahead. “I’m not in a rush.”

Meanwhile Taehyung as usual, went ahead in the rush.

[Scene: At the Cabin]

The cabin door creaked open as we stepped inside, the warmth of the fireplace instantly wrapping around us. The scent of something sweet and chocolaty hit me before I saw Minji standing by the small dining table, her face lighting up into a smile.

“There you three are! Took you long enough,” she chirped.

She held a tray in her hands, three mugs of steaming hot chocolate sitting on top.

“Hot chocolate?” she beamed, gesturing for us to take a seat. “I thought you’d all need something warm after that hike. It’s my specialty!”

Taehyung immediately lit up like a kid. He dropped onto the couch with an exaggerated groan and grabbed a mug before Minji could even offer.

“Ah, Minji, you’re a lifesaver,” Taehyung said, already taking a sip. He smacked his lips dramatically.

“Perfect, as always. You know, you should bottle this up and sell it. Best hot choco ever!”

Minji laughed, plopping down next to him. “Oh, please. I don’t need your fake compliments, Tae.”

“No fake compliments here!” Taehyung declared, grinning wide. “You’re just jealous because I have better taste in hot chocolate than anyone else.”

The two of them started yapping away, voices bouncing off each other like kids on a playground. Their laughter filled the cabin, wholesome and lighthearted, a stark contrast to the quiet that hung earlier. I glanced over at Sitara, who was seated quietly on the arm of the couch, holding her mug but not drinking. Her lips twitched up in a small smile as she watched them, but there was something distant in her eyes.

It didn’t take long for me to notice her wince as she shifted her injured leg.

Without another word, I walked into the small bathroom to prepare some hot water. The tub was lightweight, perfect for soaking a sprain. By the time I came back with it, Taehyung glanced up mid-sip, his expression instantly turning into a scoff.

“What’s that for?” he asked, eyes darting to the steaming tub in my hands.

“Sitara’s leg,” I replied evenly.

Taehyung let out a laugh that wasn’t nearly as kind as before. “Seriously? Wow. Sitara, it’s literally day one, and you’re already chasing problems like it’s a full-time job.”

Sitara smiled weakly at his words, like it was all a joke she didn’t want to ruin. “I’ll be fine,” she said quietly, glancing up at him almost apologetically, as though she were the one in the wrong.

“Don’t push yourself,” I said firmly, kneeling by her side to help adjust her leg into the tub. I didn’t even look at Taehyung, but his words grated on me.

There was a loud thunk behind me as Minji set her empty mug down. She cleared her throat sharply, eyes flickering between me and Sitara with something unreadable. Without saying a word, she turned on her heel and marched off toward the kitchen.

I exhaled through my nose, already sensing where this was going. I set Sitara up comfortably and stood, following Minji’s footsteps into the kitchen. She was at the counter, pretending to be busy as she rummaged noisily through some utensils.

“What’s going on?” I asked, keeping my voice calm.

Minji didn’t turn to face me. “Nothing. Why don’t you go back to being the hero? Sitara might need you to save her again.”

I frowned, stepping closer. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She whipped around, a forced smile plastered on her face. “Oh, I don’t know, Jungkook. Maybe you’re just getting too comfortable playing the savior today. It’s cute, really.”

“Minji,” I said, voice sharpening. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I?” she shot back, crossing her arms. “I’m not blind, Jungkook. The way you keep hovering around her. The way you look at her like—like she’s the only person in the room.”

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, trying to keep my cool. “I was helping her. She’s hurt, Minji. What was I supposed to do—ignore it? Like Taehyung?”

“Don’t bring him into this,” she shot back, narrowing her eyes. 

“Okay, I won't, but I was just helping —”

“Right.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Because you’re so selfless, aren’t you?”

I could feel my patience wearing thin. “Why are you making this into something it’s not? You’re being insecure over nothing.” 

She let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head. “Am I? Because it doesn’t feel that way. God, Jungkook, you’re so blind.”

I clenched my jaw. “This isn’t about Sitara. It’s about you and your insecurities.”

Her expression darkened, the accusation hitting home. She turned her back to me again, reaching for a kettle and filling it with water. “Don’t you dare turn this on me.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d stop jumping to conclusions.”

I took a step closer, my fists clenching at my sides. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Me?” She spun back, her hands gripping the counter behind her. “You’re the one making a fool of yourself.”

The kettle whistled loudly as steam erupted from the spout. I reached for it instinctively, trying to move it away from Minji so that she won't burn herself .

“Minji, watch out, the kettle is too hot—”

But Minji’s hand shot out too fast. In the heat of the argument, her elbow shoved into mine, and I felt the scalding splash of water against my hand.

“Shit!” I hissed, stumbling back as the burn seared my skin.

“Serves you right,” she muttered coldly before brushing past me, leaving me standing there, clutching my hand.

I watched her go, my heart pounding—not from the burn, but from the realization that the woman I was saving from the burn, had intentionally burned me.

The pain stung like hell, but at least it was physical—something I could deal with. Unlike everything else spiraling around me.

[Sitara’s POV]

From the living room, I heard the muffled sounds of voices—sharp, tense, and unmistakably angry. I couldn’t make out the words, but I didn’t need to. The loud clang of a kettle and the abrupt silence that followed told me enough.

Minji walked out of the kitchen first, her heels clicking sharply against the wooden floor. Her face was stone-cold, her lips pressed into a thin line as she stormed past me and out of the cabin door. I watched her disappear into the frosty evening air, my fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket draped over me.

Something had happened. I could feel it.

“Taehyung,” I called softly, shifting my leg in the tub of warm water, “what’s wrong with Minji?”

Taehyung didn’t even glance at me. He was lounging on the far end of the couch, his long legs stretched out like he owned the room. He scrolled lazily through his phone before scoffing.

“Why do you care?” he muttered, his tone sharp and uninterested. “You should focus on your foot, princess. Don’t want you breaking anything else.”

Princess. That word hit like a slap.

Before I could react, he stood up with an exaggerated groan, stretching his arms. “Keep soaking your leg or whatever. I’ll go check on Minji. She’s the only one who doesn’t act like glass around here.”

He didn’t even look at me as he walked out, leaving the door open just enough for the cold wind to seep in. 

He didn’t care. I’d sprained my ankle on his stupid plan to hike in the first place, and he didn’t care. My husband was outside chasing another woman while I sat alone, tending to myself like I didn’t matter.

A small, hollow laugh escaped me. Maybe I didn’t.

Just then, the sound of water hissing filled the room. I turned quickly, startled, to see Jungkook walking out of the kitchen. His jaw was tight, his face pale, and he made a beeline for the sink, shoving his hand under the running water.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice shaky.

“Nothing,” Jungkook replied curtly, but I could see the way his shoulders tensed, the way his lips pressed together like he was holding back. “Accident. Burned myself.”

I gasped, sitting up straighter. “Burned? Jungkook, let me see.”

“It’s fine.” His voice was firm, but he winced as the cold water hit his hand. He cursed under his breath, barely audible, but it was enough to push me into action.

Ignoring the dull ache in my ankle, I pulled my foot out of the water, splashing droplets onto the floor. The movement was clumsy, but I didn’t care. I grabbed a nearby towel, drying off quickly before pushing myself up.

“Sitara—”

“Don’t ‘Sitara’ me,” I shot back, hobbling over to him with an ice pack I grabbed from the freezer. “You’re terrible at lying.”

Jungkook turned to me, his dark eyes locking onto mine, but for once, he didn’t say anything. His silence was enough.

“Here,” I whispered, gently holding his wrist and pressing the ice pack against the red, angry mark on his hand. He hissed again, but he didn’t pull away. “It’s already blistering.”

“I said it’s fine.”

“And I’m saying it’s not.” I met his gaze head-on, determined. “Stop acting like you have to handle everything yourself.”

Something flickered in his eyes—surprise, maybe, or just something softer that he didn’t want me to see. I reached for the first-aid kit on the shelf, grabbing the burn ointment and a roll of gauze. My hands shook slightly as I worked, carefully dabbing the cream over his burn.

He didn’t say much, but I could feel him watching me—observing every small movement.

“Done,” I murmured, securing the bandage.

Jungkook flexed his fingers slightly, testing it, before looking at me. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” I gave him a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “But someone had to.”

I limped back to the couch before he could say anything else, sinking down into the cushions with a sigh.

The cabin felt empty again, save for the low crackle of the fire and the occasional howl of wind outside.

In a house where I was forgotten, Jungkook noticed me.

And somehow, that was both comforting and terrifying.

—

[Taehyung’s POV]

I rushed out of the cabin, my breath misting in the freezing air. The wind hit my face like a slap, sharp and unrelenting, but all I could think about was Minji. Her eyes—strained, hurt, and brimming with tears—flashed in my mind like a warning.

Where is she?

I spotted her just down the road, walking briskly with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. 

Her shoulders were shaking, and though she kept wiping at her face aggressively, I could tell she was crying—crying hard. My chest tightened.

“Minji!” I called out, my voice loud against the quiet hum of the evening. 

She didn’t stop. Her steps faltered slightly, but she kept walking, her head down like she didn’t want me to see her.

“Minji, stop!” I shouted again, jogging after her. My heart pounded, part from the run, part from this gnawing worry inside me.

She sniffled loudly as I caught up to her, grabbing her shoulder gently to stop her from walking any further. “Hey,” I said softly, “what’s going on? Talk to me.”

Minji turned her head slightly, and I could see the streaks of tears glistening on her cheeks. Her nose was red, her lips trembling, but she still tried to pull herself together, forcing a weak, watery smile.

“I’m fine, Tae,” she whispered, her voice breaking with every word. “Just… go back inside.”

I frowned, not buying it for a second. “You’re not fine. Don’t tell me that.”

“It’s nothing. Just leave me alone. Please.” Her voice cracked again on the last word, and I swear something snapped in my chest.

“Minji!” I said firmly this time, stepping in front of her. She tried to move past me, but I held her shoulders, forcing her to stop. “Stop pretending. Stop running away. What happened?”

She stood there, sniffling, her hands clenching and unclenching by her sides. She looked like she was holding herself together by a thread, shaking like a leaf in the cold wind.

“Minji—”

Before I could say another word, her face crumpled completely. A broken sob tore through her, and she stumbled forward, her forehead hitting my chest as her whole body trembled. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as she finally let herself cry.

She sobbed into my chest, her hands clutching the front of my jacket like it was the only thing holding her up. Her voice came out in broken, short sentences, words tumbling out between hiccupping breaths.

“Why… why can’t my… married life be happy? What did I… do wrong? I tried so hard—” She choked on a sob, pressing her face further into me. “It’s like… I’m never enough. I don’t understand…”

Each word hit me like a blow, and I felt my jaw clench, my arms instinctively tightening around her small, shaking frame. I ran a hand gently over her hair, trying to calm her, but the anger inside me was building.

Jungkook.

I knew it had to be him. Minji wasn’t the kind of woman to cry over nothing, and seeing her like this—completely broken, so fragile—it was unbearable.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady as I murmured, “Shh… it’s okay, Minji. I’m here. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

She just shook her head, her sobs still wracking her body.

The anger burned hotter in my chest. How could Jungkook do this to her? Minji was kind—sweet, understanding, a literal angel. And yet here she was, broken and crying in my arms while he… what? Ignored her? Took her for granted?

If I were in Jungkook’s place…

The thought hit me hard, settling like a bitter truth in the pit of my stomach. If I were in his place, I’d never let her cry. Never. I’d hold her close every day, remind her of her worth, and make damn sure she felt loved—no matter what.

But I wasn’t in his place.

I sighed, my hand still gently patting her head as her sobs slowly began to subside. “It’s not your fault, Minji,” I whispered. “Don’t think that. You’re… you’re so much more than this.”

She pulled back slightly, wiping her face again as she sniffled. Her eyes were red and puffy, but she managed to look up at me, forcing the faintest smile. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her voice hoarse. “I didn’t mean to—”

Don’t apologize.” I cut her off gently, shaking my head. “You don’t have to apologize for feeling hurt. You don’t.”

Her gaze dropped to the ground, her lip trembling again. I could still see the weight of everything she carried, the sadness clinging to her like a shadow.

I wanted to say more—to tell her she didn’t deserve this, to promise her that things would get better—but the words stuck in my throat. I couldn’t fix this for her, no matter how badly I wanted to.

Minji shivered uncontrollably, the cold biting through her thin sweater. 

Of Course she came out without wearing anything warm.Her arms wrapped tightly around herself as though trying to shield herself from the world, but it didn’t help. 

Without saying a word, I shrugged off my jacket and stepped closer. Her tear-streaked face tilted up to look at me, her brows furrowing slightly.

“Here.” My voice was softer than I intended as I draped the jacket over her shoulders. The size of it swallowed her whole.

“You don’t have to—” she mumbled, her voice trembling like her body.

“I know,” I cut her off gently, my hands resting briefly on her arms to warm her. “But you’re freezing, and it’s not like I’m gonna let you turn into an icicle out here.”

Her lips twitched, just barely. Not a smile, but close enough. I lingered for a moment longer than I should have, noticing how she still sniffled, her breath shaky.

“Let’s go back,” I said softly instead, reaching for her hand. “It’s cold, and you’re freezing.”

“I—I just can’t go back there right now.”

I sighed, stepping back to give her space, though every instinct in me screamed to pull her close and protect her. “Alright, alright. You don’t have to go back,” I said lightly, though I could see her crumbling again. “But you can’t stay out here crying. Or else you're going to turn your nose red like a clown.”

She blinked at me, startled, as if debating whether to cry harder or roll her eyes.

“That’s not—” she began, her voice catching in her throat.

“C’mon,” I said quickly, not giving her a chance to spiral again. I forced a stupid grin, reaching to pat her head like a child. “Don’t cry, Minji. You’re gonna make me cry too, and trust me—you don’t wanna see that. I’m ugly when I cry. Snot everywhere. It’s tragic.”

Her lips quivered, and I swore I saw the faintest hint of a smile. “You’re such an idiot,” she muttered, sniffing.

“True. But I’m an idiot with great ideas.” I bent slightly to meet her eyes. “How about we get a beer instead? You can’t cry and drink beer at the same time. It’s science.”

“I don’t know…”

I straightened, tilting my head dramatically. “Fine, I’ll just go drink alone, then. Leave poor Taehyung all by himself. So sad.”

Minji let out a small, reluctant laugh—just a puff of air, but it was enough. “You’re annoying,” she said quietly.

“Come on. I’ll get you the best cheap beer this town has to offer. Promise.”

She sighed like she was giving in, but I caught the way her steps followed mine, her shoulders a little less heavy beneath my jacket. I grinned to myself as we made our way to the small shop just down the road.

—