𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃

final chapter | resolve

Jimin

The Sage is especially packed tonight because of the New Year. I haven't heard from Nox since yesterday when we had our fight. It takes an incredible amount of willpower to not call her, because our wounds are still fresh, and I think that talking to her this soon might not be any better than adding salt to our scars.

Part of me is irritated that I still care to know about her wellbeing when she's the one constantly putting up more walls, but at the same time I know what she's been through. Nox has been honest with me about the issues she's facing since the very beginning and while I tried to be patient with her and take things slow, I failed at doing the most important thing; to look out for her.

I overlooked all the wavering signs, the drinking and spacing out, her irritability and sizzling temper. I only had one duty as her boyfriend and that was to just look after her and I fucking failed.

She didn't come to the vineyards today and I was forced to attend our gathering with Yoongi. Everyone was wondering where she was, but I had to come up with a quick lie to cover up for her absence. Yoongi on the other hand, knew I was lying, but he didn't try to pry the truth out of me. While I admire how he respects that this is a matter between me and Nox, sometimes I think he knows her better than me.

Yoongi has been there with Nox at her lowest. Yoongi was the one who dug her out of the burial plot Elijah threw her into and here I am effortlessly letting her sink further and further away all because I'm powerless in front of the demons that have seized her mind. I just can't help but think that during this entire relationship, she's the one who managed to break through my barriers and brought me out, yet I can't seem to do the same for her in return. I couldn't do this much for Evelyn either and I had to leave, so what good am I doing in Nox's life?

She's better off without me.

Axel's words are ringing in my head, and I sigh bitterly.

I like how she looks when she's with you. Like she's finally happy.

If she were really happy, we wouldn't be in this situation right now.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting all alone in our table with a half empty beer glass, watching Yoongi play pool with Dylan, Ryan, Namjoon and Cassie and even though he's high as a kite, he's still managed to take their money. Apparently, with every ball they shoot in the pocket, they win ten bucks, but if you miss you have to take a shot of tequila which makes Yoongi rich, and Namjoon and Cassie drunk and broke.

When Yoongi finally pockets the 8 ball in the nominated pocket, he grins, and Ryan begrudgingly hands him over another ten bucks.

"Hey Seven! You coming so I can take your money too?" Yoongi asks with a giddy grin, and I shake my head. "It will help pay rent in my new apartment."

"Not tonight, Yoongs."

I down the last bit of my beer then get off my seat to get a refill. I head over to the bar where I notice Evgenia sitting with her back on the wall.

"Evgenia, I'd like another beer." I tell her, but she doesn't move an inch. Perhaps, she didn't hear me because of all the noise. The only other bartender who works here went over to play pool with Yoongi, so I guess he won't be getting my beer any time soon.

'Highway to Hell' is blasting from the speakers and everyone's busy drinking, talking or gambling. I walk towards the other side of the bar until I see her breastfeeding her one-year-old son Igor.

"Oh, shit sorry I'll just come back later." I stammer and stride the opposite way, but she comes out into the light, holding her kid. She hoists him with one arm as she comes to me.