JUNGKOOK-

It's been a while since I've felt the kind of nervousness that has me pacing back and forth in my living room. Today, I've invited Y/n and Tzuyu to meet me, and though the air between Y/n and me has been strained ever since... well, you know... I needed to tell her this in person. She's my best friend; that hasn't changed and never will. Tzuyu has been a constant, too, like a sister to me. So they deserve to know my plans before anyone else.

A few months ago, my startup was just a concept, a risky venture that was equal parts ambition and anxiety. But things had taken a positive turn, and I was finally in a place where I could call my business a success—or, at least, a promising start. Yet to establish it further, I need to spend some time in the States. How long? I'm not sure. There's a part of me that feels like everything is happening too fast, like I'm being pulled away from the people and life I know here. But I know it's the right decision for me.

After a long, hesitant moment, I sent them the message with the address to the café and a simple, "Let's meet. There's something important I need to tell you."

Within minutes, Tzuyu sent back a thumbs-up emoji and a few firework stickers to match, showing her usual enthusiastic self. Y/n's reply came through a little later, just a simple, "Okay, see you there," with a smiling face emoji. No extra emojis, no questions, just straightforward. I could almost see her neutral expression behind the screen, and it made me a little more nervous. This was the same café where we'd spent so many afternoons, laughing over coffee and homework, talking about our future dreams, teasing each other. The memory of those carefree days suddenly felt more vivid and close than ever.

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When I arrive, I see Tzuyu first. She's waving at me with that big, bright smile, her enthusiasm barely contained. I wave back and settle in across from her, feeling a warmth that eases my nerves a little.

"Jungkook! About time! What took you so long?" she teases, pretending to be annoyed, but she can't keep up the act for long before grinning again.

"Just had some last-minute stuff to handle," I say, chuckling a little. Tzuyu's energy always puts me at ease. But when Y/n walks in, her expression a bit more serious, it's like a wave of memories rushes over me. Things have been different between us lately, quieter, more hesitant. But that doesn't change the fact that she's my best friend.

"Hey, Y/n!" I say, giving her a casual smile, hoping to ease any tension.

She returns my smile, but it's guarded, and I can sense her uncertainty. "Hey, Jungkook," she replies softly, sitting down beside Tzuyu.

As we settle into our seats, I take a moment to look at the two of them, feeling a rush of appreciation. They've been my support system, my confidants, my best friends. Tzuyu nudges me with a smirk, "So, what's this big announcement? Don't tell me you're already taking over the world."

I laugh, but a part of me realizes that what I'm about to say will likely change things for us, maybe forever. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Well... I wanted to tell you both something important," I start, my voice steady but soft. "My startup's doing really well, but to keep it going, I need to go to the States for a while. There's a lot I need to handle personally, and there are investors and partners I need to meet in person."

Tzuyu's smile fades just a bit, her eyes widening in surprise. "The States?" she repeats. "For how long?"

I shrug, glancing at Y/n and feeling that familiar pang of regret that's been sitting with me ever since things shifted between us. "I don't know exactly," I admit. "Could be a few months, could be a year... or even longer. It's hard to say right now."

Y/n's face is unreadable. Her expression is calm, but there's a distance in her eyes, like she's processing this news in her own way. The silence stretches between us for a moment, heavy and filled with all the unspoken words that have built up between us. Part of me wants to reach out and reassure her, to say something that will make everything feel like it used to, but I don't know if that's even possible anymore.

Finally, Tzuyu breaks the silence. "Well, I'm really proud of you, Jungkook," she says, her voice a mix of admiration and sadness. "This is huge, and you're doing something amazing. But... we're going to miss you."

Her words bring a small smile to my face, and I nod. "I'll miss you both, too. You've been my constant through everything, and I'll still be there for you, just... from a distance."

Tzuyu reaches out to give my arm a squeeze, her eyes a little misty. "We'll hold you to that."

Turning to Y/n, I find her looking down, as if lost in thought. "Y/n?" I say gently, not sure what to expect.

She glances up, her face composed but with a slight tremble in her lips. "I'm happy for you, Jungkook," she says softly. "I know how hard you've worked for this, and you deserve every bit of success. Just... just don't forget us while you're out there."

The words seem simple, but there's a depth in her gaze that makes my chest feel heavy. There's something in her tone that reminds me of everything we've been through together—the laughs, the silent moments, the confessions, the heartbreak. I want to tell her that I'll never forget her, that our friendship will always be one of the most precious things in my life. But all I manage is a quiet, "I could never forget you, Y/n."

Her smile is small, bittersweet, and for a moment, it feels like we're saying goodbye to more than just a moment. We're closing a chapter in our lives, one that was filled with dreams and shared secrets.

The rest of our time together is filled with more lighthearted conversation. We talk about our favorite memories, laugh about the silly things we did in university, and share hopes for the future. Tzuyu teases me about finding a "foreign girlfriend" and insists that I FaceTime them at least once a week. Y/n, meanwhile, listens quietly, a gentle smile on her lips, but I can sense she's holding back, keeping a part of herself hidden.

When it's time to leave, we walk outside together, standing under the evening sky. Tzuyu gives me a tight hug, a mix of excitement and sadness in her eyes. "Take care of yourself, Jungkook," she whispers, her voice breaking just a little.

"I will," I promise, patting her on the back.

Turning to Y/n, I hesitate, unsure of what to do. She looks at me with that familiar gaze, filled with warmth and a hint of sadness. I pull her into a gentle hug, feeling the weight of everything we've been through in that one embrace. She holds on tightly, and for a moment, it feels like we're holding on to something that we know can't last.

"Stay safe, Jungkook," she murmurs softly.

"You too, Y/n," I reply, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. "I'll always be here, no matter where I am."

She nods, her smile barely reaching her eyes. "Goodbye, Jungkook."

With that, she turns and walks away, Tzuyu following her, leaving me standing alone in the soft glow of the streetlight. A feeling of emptiness settles over me, a realization that life is taking us in different directions, whether we're ready or not.

As I watch them walk away, I can't help but feel a mix of pride, sadness, and gratitude. This journey, this chapter, is ending, but it's also the start of something new for each of us. And while I don't know what the future holds, I know that these friendships, these memories, will stay with me forever.

That night, as I lay in bed, I think about everything that's happened, all the memories we've made, and the possibilities that lie ahead. I realize that growing up means making tough choices, letting go, and embracing the unknown. And though part of me feels a pang of regret over the way things turned out with Y/n, I also feel a sense of peace, knowing that we've both found our paths.

Wherever life takes us, I know that the bond we share won't disappear, even if distance and time change the shape of it. And with that thought, I close my eyes, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

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