Jimin's gaze darted back and forth between Jin and Hoseok, each time fixing Hoseok with a begging stare, silently urging him to speak. Hoseok, in response, held Jimin's gaze, attempting to communicate through his own stubborn look that Jimin's persistent stare was unnecessary. Despite his efforts, Jimin's gaze was filled with a silent plea, desperate for Hoseok to voice the questions that weighed heavily on both their minds.

Hoseok let out a deep and heavy sigh, the weight of his exhale matching the nervousness in his heart. He pushed away the untouched, now cold coffee and focused on Jin. They had been sitting outside one of the campus cafes and could constantly hear the distant chatter of students who walked by.

Hoseok seated across from Jin, staring at the table as he twirled his finger in invisible circles and finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Jin, I have a question to ask. I've meant to ask you since yesterday but never found the right time."

Jin focused on scrolling through his reels, looking up from his phone and at Hoseok. "What question is that?"

"It's about Taehyung and him living with you. Did you really offer him a place to stay because he didn't have anywhere to live? Or is it more than that? Are the two of you together? I am asking because it just seemed sudden and also unexpected. He is not someone I thought you would have to live with, so it made me and Jimin a bit curious," Hoseok said, taking a deep breath, relieved that he had finally expressed his thoughts.

Jimin frowned when Hoseok unexpectedly brought up his name in the conversation. "I'm not that curious," he mumbled, earning a glare from Hoseok.

Jin's irritation was palpable as he responded to Hoseok. "I thought you had a question, but it seems you had multiple. Try being clearer next time, so I know what to expect. You also don't seem to like the unexpected without having full knowledge of why I make the personal decisions I do," he said, setting his phone down and fixing Hoseok with a stern stare.

"I-"

"I want to answer your questions before you say anything more. There is absolutely nothing romantic happening between Taehyung and me. He's not someone I have any interest in. As you know, I'm already talking to someone. The reason he's living with me is for mutual benefit, and honestly, it's not something I want to discuss right now," Jin explained.

Seeing his best friend's concern, he took a moment, closed his eyes, and continued, "Maybe one day, when I feel comfortable, I will share the details with you and Jimin. But right now, it's not the right time for me. I hope you can understand."

Hoseok immediately nodded after hearing Jin's response, "Of course! Please don't feel pressured or think you must tell us everything. I know if there was something you wanted us to know, you would tell us. I only asked about Taehyung because it's weird."

Jimin couldn't hold back any longer and spoke, interrupting Hoseok. "It's just so strange if I'm being completely honest," he said. "You and him are like polar opposites. I mean, sure, he's good-looking, but you usually look for more than just that. From what I can see, he's just a struggling university student from an average background. I think he's a great guy and quite sincere, but knowing you, I can never imagine you with someone like him. It would be weird."

"I agree with Jimin. He seems really chill and friendly, but he isn't like any guy you would date, however-"

"He and I are not dating. We will never date! So please stop focusing on that. Jimin, if you want him, you can have him. I have to go to class. I'll see you all later," Jin said firmly as he stood up, picked up his phone, and walked away.

Jimin glanced at Hoseok as Jin walked away and asked, "Did he seem upset? Maybe we shouldn't have asked anything."

"I don't think it has anything to do with our questions," Hoseok responded. Deep within, he had many more questions as something told him that more was going on. "There might be something else, but as he had said earlier, he would share when he was ready, so let's not ask any more questions."

"I've noticed a change in him ever since he returned. I'm not the only one who feels this way; you've noticed it, too, right? Maybe we should plan a trip for this weekend; I think he would enjoy that, don't you?"

Hoseok took a moment to ponder Jimin's suggestion before responding, "He most likely would. He loves a good surprise. I think we should go for it."

*****

"I don't like that you're so far away," Sanggyun murmured softly as he gently pulled Jin up from his seat and onto his lap. The next moment, the room was filled with a loud crashing sound as Sanggyun found himself flipped over onto the floor along with the chair. Jin, in a state of panic, had pushed him away and scrambled to create distance between them.

His eyes widened with shock as he locked his gaze on Jin. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that?" he yelled, shattering the peace that once filled the library.

Jin's heart raced as he tried to compose himself, offering a quiet apology. Sanggyun's unexpected touch had caught him off guard and sent a jolt of unease through his body.

Sanggyun stood up with a frustrated exhale and lifted the chair, placing it back where it belonged. He then approached Jin with a reassuring smile. "It's alright. Join me tonight, and we can put it all behind us. I've missed you so much," he said, wrapping his arms around Jin's waist and drawing him close.

Jin felt his chest tightening, making it increasingly difficult for him to breathe. He struggled to break free from Sanggyun's embrace, desperately pleading, "Please, let me go," all the while attempting to regain control of his breathing.

Sanggyun held on to him tightly and inquired, "Why? Did I do something wrong?"

Jin pleaded, "No, just let me go, please," as he strained to push against Sanggyun. His body felt weak, and each breath was a struggle.

Sanggyun's words were abruptly cut off as a firm hand gripped his shoulder, causing him to release his hold on Jin. Startled, he turned to see Taehyung standing there, his expression intense. "Who the hell are you?" Sanggyun cursed, annoyed at Taehyung's interference.

"He has asked you to let him go multiple times. After overhearing and realizing you were incapable of hearing him, I came here to make sure you did as he asked," Taehyung replied, his fist clenched tightly as he stared at Sanggyun.

Sanggyun stood in disbelief as Taehyung let go of him. "I can't believe this fucking loser is trying to tell me what to do. Why don't you mind your own business!" he shouted, delivering a forceful push that sent Taehyung crashing into one of the bookshelves.

As Taehyung was shoved and collided with the bookshelves, he instinctively tried to soften the impact with his hand, but the sudden force caused his wrist to snap, eliciting a pained groan as he slammed into the shelves.

The commotion between them immediately grabbed the attention of many people in the library, prompting them to rush over to see what was happening. Taehyung sank to the floor, clutching his wrist in excruciating pain, but it wasn't the physical pain that hurt the most at that moment. The heart-wrenching sight of Jin taking Sanggyun's hand and watching them walk away together caused him the most hurt.

*****

Sanggyun was seething and angry as he walked outside with Jin. He couldn't shake off the annoyance caused by Taehyung's actions. "I swear," he muttered through gritted teeth, "the next time I see him, I'm going to make him regret it."

Jin released an exasperated sigh and came to a halt, prompting Sanggyun to stop alongside him and shoot a concerned glance his way. "What's wrong? You look upset. Is it because of him? Don't worry," Sanggyun reassured as he reached out to take Jin's hand. "I didn't get hurt."

Jin yanked his hand away and shot a piercing glare at Sanggyun. "When did you become this dumb?" he questioned with a tone of disbelief. "If you had released me when I first asked, none of this would have happened!"

"I know you are not defending that loser-" Sanggyun's words trailed off as Jin seized him by the collar and forcefully pushed him against the wall. "When someone tells you to let them go, you listen! Don't ever touch me again without my permission," Jin yelled.

Sanggyun noticed Jin's distress, and his expression softened as he spoke. "Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were serious about wanting me to let you go. I thought you were joking. I'm not used to being this sensitive. Since you returned from the U.S., you've seemed different and distant. Are you having doubts about us?"

"I'm not in the mood to talk about any of this. I'm frustrated because of the unnecessary drama and annoyance you caused today."

"I know I messed up, but I'm truly sorry. Please let me make it up to you," Sanggyun pleaded as he reached out and clasped Jin's hand. "I remember how much you love surprises. How about I take you out tonight? Let's make some new memories together. I recently got my own plane-"

Jin firmly declined, "No. I think I have seen enough of you for one day," as he withdrew his hand and turned to leave.

*****

"Sorry to hear about your wrist."

"It's fine," Taehyung said, casting a quick glance at his right wrist encased in a cast. "Thankfully, I didn't need any surgery, and the doctors said it should heal within 6-12 weeks." There was a hopeful smile on Taehyung's face as he looked at his boss. "And I really appreciate you covering my medical expenses. You didn't have to do that."

The boss looked at Taehyung with a slight smile and then sighed. "You were injured on the job, and it was our responsibility. I'm glad to see that you're doing okay and that you didn't require surgery."

"Me too. Also, I want to let you know that I won't be taking any time off work. I will be fine."

"Taehyung, I regret to say this, but we are unable to continue your employment at the library. I understand this news may be upsetting, but it is a decision made by my boss following a complaint about your actions. Unfortunately, the incident cannot be overlooked, and we must let you go. I am sorry."

Taehyung was shocked by the news of being fired, as he had been working at the library since he started attending university. "Is there any way I can speak to him? I haven't done anything wrong. Perhaps he will understand if I can clarify things," thought Taehyung. He recognized that losing another job would be a setback, particularly after his previous attempt at working at the gallery didn't unfold as he had hoped.

"He will not change his decision. It is final. If you require a reference or any assistance, feel free to contact me."

******

Taehyung gazed at his boss in the restaurant with a look of desperation in his eyes, "I'm capable of working, you know that."

"Taehyung, you know I like you, but I can't allow you to work with a broken wrist. It's impossible for you to perform at your best while dealing with an injury. It's a risk for our team if I let you work in this condition. Your position will still be waiting for you once you're fully recovered and can return to work."

"Please," Taehyung pleaded with his boss, trying to suppress his shame. "I've already been let go from one job today. I desperately need to work. I'm willing to do anything. I can clean and take on any task you need me to do."

His manager sighed deeply before suggesting, "How do you feel about taking on a hosting role until you recover? It involves less physical movement and lifting. I believe it would be the most suitable option for you. "

Taehyung smiled, "thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me. You are one of our best workers here. As a token of our appreciation, I'd like you to take the rest of the week off with pay. You deserve it!"

*****

"Where are you? What time are you getting home?"

Taehyung gazed at the message on his phone screen, the words from Jin striking a chord within him. He longed to reply, but an overwhelming sense of emptiness made it difficult for him even to move his fingers to type. Setting the phone down, he gazed at the calm river, watching the gentle water flow that seemed to reflect the tears trickling down his cheeks.

Tears streamed down his face as his phone incessantly vibrated, indicating messages from Seokjin. Despite his overwhelming urge to check his phone, he couldn't bring himself to do so. His heart felt burdened; the weight of the situation was painful. At that moment, he couldn't fathom feeling any more discouraged. Losing one of the jobs he relied on felt unfair, especially considering the unfortunate turn of events linked to Jin. If he hadn't intervened, none of this would have happened. His wrist wouldn't be fractured, and he would still have his job at the library.

As soon as another alert chimed on his phone, he swiftly turned it over and tapped on the message notification. Jin's latest message immediately captured his full attention, causing all his previous thoughts to vanish instantly.

"You didn't do anything wrong today."