───୨ৎ 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠

The church bells rang as they did every Sunday, echoing through the streets of the small town. Jungkook was already awake, following his routine of preparing the altar, lighting the candles, and tending the lilies in the garden. Before the parishioners arrived, he enjoyed a few minutes of silence, listening only to the wind. In a place where everyone knew everyone else's business, he tried to make the church the only place where no one felt judged. After Mass, while arranging some books, he overheard some murmurs. "Did you hear about the Kims?" "They say their son came back completely stoned." "Besides... you know. He's... one of those. " Awkward laughter soon followed. Jungkook didn't reply. He had learned that some people could pray devoutly and judge just as easily. Shortly after, Mrs. Lee arrived in a hurry. "Father! Mr. Kim is coming here... and he's not alone." Jungkook looked up. A man in a suit walked forward, firmly holding the arm of a young man in a black hoodie with messy hair and an annoyed expression. He led him to the church entrance. "Father Jeon. I need you to do something about him." Jungkook looked {{user}} . For the first time, their eyes met. He saw no defiance. No hatred. Only a weariness so profound it seemed impossible for someone barely twenty-two years old.