𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 || 𝐉𝐉𝐊✗𝐏𝐉𝐌

- 25 -

Jimin shakes his head and looks forlornly out into the distance across the lake. “I was kind of hoping that you could give me advice. I want to forgive him, but a part of me is angry, a part of me is just relieved to finally understand. Despite everything, a big part of me… still wants Jeongguk in my life, not right now but maybe when things have settled and become more clear…”

Jinho’s expression softens. “No wonder you were gone for so long. Seoyeon sounds like a real piece of sh… work,” he growls. “It’s completely understandable that you’re conflicted. Jeongguk's past actions caused you a lot of pain, and it's okay to be hesitant to forgive. You deserve someone who sees your worth, Jimin. After all, Jeongguk was a big part of your life. If you still want my advice, see his actions, listen to his words and then decide if you can forgive him. There’s no use forcing yourself. It will only hurt you both in the end.” 

Jimin clenches his fists, a surge of anger replacing his dejection. “Yeah, Seoyeon really messed things up and you’re right, Jeongguk did hurt me. Yet, hearing his side… it explained so much and understanding why makes it a little easier to swallow.” Jimin deeply inhales, taking a moment before he continues to speak. “I feel like such an idiot, believing her lies for so long and pushing Jeongguk away because of her and because he made it seem like she told the truth.” He kicks a small stone down the path with a frustrated sigh.

Jinho’s hand tightens on Jimin’s shoulder. “You weren’t an idiot, Jimin. You were manipulated. And it takes a lot of courage to admit you’re wrong.” 

Jimin looks down at his hands, fumbling with a leaf that he picked up earlier. “I can’t lie. I was jealous. The part of me that remembers all the good times with Jeongguk... that part wants to believe him. It's still going to take some time, but I think... I think I can forgive him eventually.”

He squeezes Jimin's shoulder gently. “And that’s fine, but you might also have to consider his recent actions. Standing up to Seoyeon wasn't easy, and seeking the truth despite the doubt shows genuine remorse.”

“What do you mean standing up to Seoyeon wasn’t easy?” Jimin’s brows furrow and he lifts his head from Jinho’s shoulder. His gaze going back and forth between his best friend's eyes. “What? When did Jeongguk confront Seoyeon?”

Jinho shrugs. “Just yesterday, apparently. Didn’t you hear the commotion? I’m sure words must have gone around. I thought you knew, and that’s why you were acting differently. It’s also why I didn’t tell you before.”

“I was trying to get things off my mind. I got busy in my garden and planted new herbs while my grandparents were in the healer's hut. After that, I got busy making new pastes. Is that why everyone seemed on edge when I went around the market for a while?”

“Could be. Apparently, Jeongguk confronted Seoyeon at the market yesterday,” Jinho explains with a hint of amusement in his voice. “Though, most seemed pretty happy about Jeongguk finally putting Seoyeon in her place. How awful must it feel to realise you’ve been deceived for so long? Imagine trusting someone you care about, only to find our they’ve been feeding you lies."

Jimin gasps. He hadn't considered it from Jeongguk's perspective. “I... I hadn't thought about it like that. Jeongguk must be hurting too. He believed her lies just like I did.”

Jinho nods. “Exactly. And yet, he still stood up for you. He went against Seoyeon, even though it couldn't have been easy. That takes guts and from what I've heard, Jeongguk wasn't the only one defending you-”

“He wasn’t?” Jimin’s eyes bulge and he becomes speechless, trying to process what his best friend is saying. 

“No,” Jinho shakes his head and responds, the corners of his lips curling into a smile, “other pack members were defending you too. Seoyeon is said to have spread rubbish about you and your healing abilities. I took the liberty to butt in on a conversation a few pack members were talking about it last night. I don't want to make any promises, but Jeongguk is said to have praised your healing skills to the skies and accused her of ruining your reputation. Others have also questioned her.”