Chapter Text
Chapter I
It’s been five years since Namjoon and Seokjin conducted the experiment, and it’s also five years since Jin was last found. After the experiment, Namjoon stayed in the hospital for a week after being hit by a part of the machine during the explosion. Namjoon also experienced trauma and depression from the accident. He can’t help but blame himself for what happened to his best friend, and because of that Namjoon started going to therapies from the day of the accident until now. Jin’s parents also found out what happened but they all remained positive that one day Jin will come back, and they never lost that hope even though Seokjin had been long gone.
Even though everyone was trying their best to cope up and hope for the better, there was still Jungkook. Jungkook did not feel guilt, sadness, or hope. He felt nothing. He was shocked, he was in denial—even depressed is almost an understatement. For him, his whole world stopped when he lost Jin. He felt like he lost his will to live—his reason to live, because Jin was no longer with him. But after a month, everyone was surprised; Jungkook no longer wore that lifeless look, nor that cold soul he used to have during the previous month. It all started when he read the letter Jin left him saying, “If you ever feel like you’ve lost me, I’ll always be by the stars looming over you.” Since that day, Jungkook was determined to do what Jin had told him to.
Jungkook thought that there is still a chance that maybe—maybe Jin is still alive. Taking note of the fact that Seokjin’s body was never actually found, Jungkook believed that maybe was just trapped in an unorthodox universe or a dimension that is yet to be found. Others might say that he is insane but that was his only hope of surviving every day without his beloved by his side. And ever since that day, Jungkook aimed for nothing but to reach for the stars.
With determination, Jungkook graduated with a degree on Aerospace Engineering at Stanford University. Now, he is only a few more months from reaching the stars.
“Good morning everyone, my name is Lee Kihong, the commander of Project Hermes,” he introduced to them and Jungkook shook his hand, “I’m Jeon Jungkook, your command module pilot for this Project,” and on his right a man spoke, “Im Kim Taehyung, Lunar Module Pilot.” They shook hands with each other and Jungkook both of the intently before their commander spoke again, “Our mission is to fix the data disruption from the space stations from our moon. It has also been reported that the Lunar Roving Vehicle has been experiencing malfunctions for the past few years. I believe in this crew, and the South Korean Government spent a lot for this mission so let’s all work hard,” he said, everyone giving their silent agreement to their commander.
The team trained and prepared with each other for the mission and they are only a few more days away from their flight to the moon. It's also undeniable that the team already formed a bond with each other, especially between the two young adults, Taehyung and Jungkook.
Jungkook was disrupted from his restless stupor by an unexpected phone call. He furrowed his eyebrows, knowing that it's impossible that it was from his family since he knows that they are all busy since they were in the middle of a business trip. He was even more surprised to see the one calling him.
"H-Hyung?" Jungkook answered immediately. "Jungkook-ah, h-how are you?" He asked seemingly restless. "I'm fine. How about you hyung? I missed you..." And Jin hyung, he wanted to add. "I'm good. Uh, I finished the therapies. I'm feeling better since—you know," Namjoon said awkwardly "And I also realized that he wouldn't like me wasting my life and shit. I'm sure Seokjin hyung would kill me," Namjoon added, making Jungkook's breath hitch as he heard his name. "I'm glad hyung. What are you gonna do right now?" Jungkook said trying to fight the tears forming in his eyes. It's been far too long since anyone talked about Jin—hell, it's been years even, but up until now, Jungkook knows that his feelings still haven't changed. He still love Seokjin. He always will. "I'm back in the lab. I guess I'll continue our studies, I mean it's what Seokjin hyung would like. And maybe, I'll find answers or even bring him back. I don't know, everything's just different, you know? It's weird without Seokjin hyung with me. It's been five years since he was gone but I was with him almost all my life. It's too hard to live without him here," Namjoon said in between of his sobs. Jungkook bit his lips, not wanting to cry too. "Hyung, I'm going to the moon," Jungkook said followed by a surprised what from Namjoon, "Seokjin hyung told me that he would always be by the stars hyung, I'm going to chase him so we would be together again. God, I sound stupid, but I'm desperate. So damn desperate to have him back." Jungkook said, tears spilling from his eyes. Namjoon gave him a dry chuckle, "I knew it, you were never a science enthusiast. I remember how you'd just sleep on Jin's lap whenever we'd talk about our projects," he tried saying cheerfully but that just made Jungkook and him cry harder. "We'll bring him back hyung," Jungkook said determined. "We will." Namjoon replied and both of them bid their goodbyes with more determination to find Jin.
Jungkook was still silently crying after the call, but he was more hopeful now that he has Namjoon helping him find his beloved. "Jungkook-ah, are you alright?" His roommate, Taehyung, asked him as he entered their room. "Ah, it's nothing. I'm just missing my boyfriend," Jungkook said sorrowfully. "Oh you have a boyfriend. W-What's his name?" Taehyung asked awkwardly, sitting down on his bed. Jungkook was reluctant at revealing his private life at first but he realized that he's been with Taehyung everyday and it's just fine too tell him about Jin, "Kim Seokjin." Taehyung's eyes widened then his expression turned to a weird expression, "Isn't he the missing MIT graduate?". Jungkook nodded, "I'm trying to find him. Hopefully, I could find him soon," Jungkook said gloomily but Taehyung suddenly stood up, "He's gone! You wouldn't be able to find him," Taehyung said almost angrily but he calmed down immediately. "Excuse me?" Jungkook said, glaring at him. "I mean, it's just impossible. He's probably dead," Taehyung said bitterly. Jungkook clenched his fist, wanting to punch the latter but he just decided to utter an annoyed "shut up" and go to sleep. He told himself that if he wants to go to the moon successfully, he needed a good relationship with his crew mates.