Jungkook's silence weighed heavily on Y/N. She turned back to him, her eyes desperate for some sign, any sign, that he hadn't already made up his mind. His expression was still unreadable, and the flicker of fear in his eyes only deepened her concern.
"I don't know if I can do this," Jungkook finally whispered, his voice barely audible. "I don't know if I can keep you safe, Y/N."
The words sliced through her heart. But there was something in his voice, something raw and unguarded, that made her realize just how torn he was. He loved her, but the weight of his world—his past—was something that could destroy them both.
"I can protect myself," Y/N replied, her voice shaking but firm. "I just need you. I need you, Jungkook."
But the distance between them seemed to grow even more. In that moment, Y/N realized just how close they were to the edge—one wrong move, and they could both fall into the darkness.
And the darkness was coming for them, faster than they both realized.