Second Chance (Taekook)

CHAPTER - 64

Shattered Reverie

This chapter will highlight key moments from Jeongguk's journey, beginning when he first returned to the past and continuing to the present. The timeline will differ between him and Taehyung—while for Taehyung, there was a gap of five years between Jeongguk's death and his return to past life, for Jeongguk, only five months have passed. Let's begin.

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"Tae... you are my life. Promise me—you... you will live on and be happy; you will not let my death be in vain." Jeongguk stammered. The words came out broken, like pieces of his soul slipping away with each syllable.

"NO! You will survive; you have to... you must... Please, for me." Taehyung's voice cracked as hot tears welled in his eyes, blurring his vision. His hands trembled as they clung to Jeongguk, his every word a desperate plea. His heart screamed in pain as he watched his husband slip further from him.

In the silence of the moment, Jeongguk's mind raced—I don't want to die; if I die today, who will take care of him? Who will protect him? Those thoughts looped endlessly in his mind, the weight of them crushing his heart even more than the blood pooling around him.

With every ounce of strength he had left, Jeongguk lifted his cold, bloodied hand and gently cupped Taehyung's tear-streaked face. His thumb brushed over Taehyung's cheek, trying to wipe away the tears that flowed like rivers. As his hand moved, Taehyung instinctively gripped it, clutching it with a desperate intensity as if it were the last thread of connection to the world that was slipping away from him. Taehyung's forehead fell against his hand, and he nuzzled into it, as if seeking comfort in the last remnants of Jeongguk's warmth.

Taehyung's eyes, the hazel that Jeongguk had come to love so dearly, were full of sorrow, full of a love so fierce that it radiated from them like a beacon. He looked at Jeongguk—his husband, the love of his life—knowing that this moment would be their last.

Without hesitation, Taehyung lowered his head. He moved forward, his actions unspoken but driven by a deep, instinctual need. Their faces hovered so close now, a mere breath separating them. Jeongguk could feel the warmth of Taehyung's breath mingling with his own. Then, without any more words, their lips met.

It was a kiss—slow, tender, and full of the weight of everything they had shared. A kiss that held the promises they could never fulfill. Jeongguk could feel the sorrow, the longing, the undying love in it, and he couldn't help but let his tears fall.

His heart shattered as he realized that their first kiss, the one that should have been filled with beginnings, was now laced with endings.

The world around them seemed to fade away as they clung to that moment, as though it was the only thing that mattered. Jeongguk poured every ounce of his love, his regret, and his devotion into that kiss, wishing he could keep Taehyung safe, wishing he could fight for their future. The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. When their lips finally parted, they gazed deeply into each other's eyes—silent, understanding, and full of emotions words could never convey.

Jeongguk's chest heaved, and a painful cough broke through, a sharp reminder of the life that was leaving him. His body was failing. His time had come. He felt his breath become more labored, and he knew deep down that it was the end. He was about to leave Taehyung alone—unprotected, vulnerable. Though he had ordered his men to ensure Taehyung's safety, nothing could give him the peace of mind he would have had if he could personally watch over him, hold him, and protect him with his own hands.

Please, just keep him safe. Let him find happiness, whatever it may be. That is all I ask. In every lifetime, no matter where I am, bring him back to me—let him live the life he deserves, even if it means he won't remember me. Just... let him be happy.