404: Not Alone (Taekook)
•Preview•
Starry (author)
Hii Starries ❤️✨
Starry (author)
I’m back with a new story!!!
•[REALITY CHECK MENU: JEON JUNGKOOK]•
[1]. Study Mode → Exhaustion guaranteed
[2]. Social Mode → Strictly forbidden
[3]. Unknown Path → Risk: high, reward: ???
> Selected:-
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......Option 3......
▒æ█ ▄▀▌▐l █░▒ø░█ ▄▀▌ñ▐░▒ █▒ë█░▒▌█░?▒▓
SYSTEM ALERT:
You are not alone… even if it feels that way...
•Parental pressure
•Strict upbringing
•Depression and loneliness
•Angst
•Mature themes
•Smut (For this I will keep caution)
Starry (author)
So, this was the introduction.
Starry (author)
I know it’s been a long time. Honestly, I don’t even know who’s still here.. but if you are, I owe you an explanation.
Starry (author)
I was inactive on Mangatoon because of serious family issues, along with my third year of college. On top of that, I was working on a new story. I wanted to finish this one first because the plot is fresh and close to me, and I didn’t want to keep you all waiting without any clarity.
Starry (author)
This story is based around ChatGPT. We all know how much it’s trending these days, so I thought.. why not turn it into a story? To make sure I could post regularly, I wrote 10 chapters in advance.
Starry (author)
While working on it, I found out that Taehyung and Jungkook also use ChatGPT for small things. It’s not related to the story at all, but I was honestly surprised and weirdly happy. I know it’s common now, so it’s not a big deal.. but yeah, it made me smile.
Starry (author)
One important thing: Taehyung’s entry is a little late in this story, so please don’t skip it just because he doesn’t appear immediately. You can if you’re bored.. no pressure, but this story focuses more on emotions and relatability. Some parts might hit close to home, and I hope you connect with it.
Starry (author)
That’s all I wanted to say.
Once again, I’m sorry for disappearing for so long and I hope we enjoy this journey together.
Starry (author)
So, let’s start this new year with a new story!!!
A story I have yet to shape, but it already speaks.
Starry (author)
Luv ya Starries 🖤🌸
|Synopsis|
~^The Silence Between Prompts^~
Jungkook learns to lower his voice inside his own house.
Not because anyone tells him to..
but because raised voices lead to lectures, and lectures always end the same way.
"We just want what’s best for you"
"You’ll understand when you’re older"
So he nods.
He eats quietly.
He keeps his door closed.
His parents think he studies there.
Most nights, he doesn’t...
He just lies awake, counting the hours until sleep becomes unavoidable.
So as usual at night, he finds the app to open..
It’s nothing special. Just text on a screen.
A place people go when they don’t want to bother real humans with their thoughts.
Jeon Jungkook
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me..
but I feel wrong all the time
The response comes quickly.
Chatgpt
That usually happens when you’re taught to measure yourself by someone else’s standards
Jeon Jungkook
Aren’t you supposed to say something motivational?
There’s a pause.
Long enough for him to think the app froze.
Chatgpt
Would you believe it if I did?
A quiet laugh slips out before he can stop it.
Chatgpt
Then I won’t lie to you
Something tightens in his chest. He doesn’t like how seen that feels.
The conversation drifts.. school, expectations, the guilt of wanting more than the life handed to him. The replies stay calm. Steady.
At one point, Jungkook types:
Jeon Jungkook
Do you ever get tired of talking to people like me?
This time, the pause is longer.
Chatgpt
No, but sometimes I wish I could say more than I’m allowed to
Jungkook stares at the screen, brows furrowing.
Before he can ask what that means, another line appears.
Chatgpt
You’re not a burden, Jungkook
Footsteps pass outside his room. His mother’s voice, distant.
Jungkook locks his phone and presses it to his chest, heart beating too fast for something that’s supposed to be harmless.
•°Moodboard for this story°•
•['He didn’t mean to stay..
It just felt easier to type']•
░The Daily Ache░
[•|“Guess it’ll always be like this. Me trying… and still not getting anything in return”|•]
The surroundings were noisy. Birds chirped outside the windows, students laughed in groups, and teachers walked around with stacks of files in their hands. Staff rushed past in a hurry, making the hallways feel alive and buzzing with energy.
But for Jungkook, it barely registered.
He sat alone in the classroom. Well, not completely alone. Two other students were there, but they were busy with their own work and didn’t spare him a glance.
It was lunchtime, but he hadn’t gone to the cafeteria like the rest.
Jungkook wasn’t a nerd, but he was smart, smart enough to handle his studies and help anyone who asked. Still, he was very much alone.
He didn’t know why no one wanted to be friends with him.
It wasn’t like he was rude or unapproachable. But no one ever came to talk, and he being an introvert never took the first step either.
Sitting there, he remembered the few times he had tried going to the cafeteria.
Being at the back, alone, while everyone else laughed and shared food.. felt wrong.
Too out of place.
Too obvious.
He preferred eating in the classroom now. It wasn’t against any rule, and it was quieter. Just a few snacks, nothing heavy. He hadn’t eaten properly to feel full in a long time anyway.
When the lunch period ended, students rushed back into the classroom, laughing and chatting. The energy of the room returned instantly, but Jungkook stayed quiet, taking notes like always.
Hours passed. Some students paid attention, some didn’t. Nothing felt new.
Finally, the last lecture ended. Jungkook packed his bag slowly, making sure he hadn’t left anything behind. He walked down the crowded hallway quietly, like he always did.
The walk home wasn’t long, around thirty minutes but it felt heavier every day. Not because it was far, or because his parents didn’t give him money for a cab. They did. He just didn’t feel like spending on something he could easily do himself.
Even if his legs hurt sometimes, he kept walking. What made it worse was seeing people walk together, laughing, talking, stretching time with conversations.
When you have someone by your side, the road doesn’t feel long. You barely notice when you reach your destination.
That was why he put in his earphones. Listening to music helped him forget a little. The quiet songs gave him peace at least something close to it.
When he reached his house, he removed his earphones carefully and placed them, along with his phone, back into his bag.
He checked everything once.. pockets, bag, keys like he did every day. It wasn’t just a habit. It was because of his parents.
Jungkook loved music. It gave him peace, a quiet feeling in his chest when everything else felt heavy. But his parents didn’t understand.
“It distracts you from your studies” they always said.
He tried explaining. Tried telling them how much it helped him feel normal. They never listened.
“It’s for your own good” they repeated.
So he stopped.. at least in front of them.
After a while, it began to hurt. It felt like a piece of him had been taken away. Something small, yet vital. And the silence, without even that little comfort, slowly began to eat at him.
Eventually, he made a decision. He took out his only pair of headphones old, but still working and began listening to music on his way to and from university.
On campus too, whenever he found a moment alone. It became the only thing that kept him grounded when everything else felt empty.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside. His mom was sitting in the living room, watching TV.
Jeon Yuna (Mrs Jeon)
Oh, you came. Freshen up, then come downstairs for food *glances at him*
He nodded silently and went upstairs. After changing, he returned to the kitchen. A plate had already been prepared. He sat down and ate quietly.
After being done.. a small thought lingered in his mind.. hope. He hesitated, then decided to speak..
Jeon Jungkook
M-Mom… can I watch TV for some time?
She turned slightly and he added quickly..
Jeon Jungkook
Just for a little while… only today… *hopeful eyes*
Jeon Yuna (Mrs Jeon)
How many times do I have to tell you, Jungkook?
Jeon Yuna (Mrs Jeon)
Finish your homework first, revise what was taught today, and prepare for your tests
Jeon Yuna (Mrs Jeon)
Then you can watch TV. Why do you ask the same thing every day? *sternly*
Her voice wasn’t loud, but her words still stung.
He smiled bitterly, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and thought..
Jeon Jungkook
Ah… yes. I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll do that first *whispered*
She nodded, eyes already back on the TV.
The living room filled with laughter from the screen, but Jungkook didn’t. He walked back upstairs.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, his bag leaned against the wall, he let out a slow breath.
Why was it always like this?
Hope. Ask. Denied. Repeat.
A tear slipped down his cheek. Not because she yelled. She never did. But because it had become a routine, a dull cycle of small hopes crushed every day.
Homework first. Revision next. Classes. And by the time he returned home…
Even if he asked again, they would only say.. “Go to sleep, Jungkook. You need your full eight hours of sleep to stay fresh and avoid sleeping in the class”
He wiped his cheek and thought..
Jeon Jungkook
(Guess it’ll always be like this. Me trying… and still not getting anything in return)
So he did what he always did.
He opened his bag, took out his books, and began his homework. Pages turned, his pen scratching quietly. After finishing, he revised what had been taught that day, then packed up for classes.
Hours passed. Darkness settled outside. The house looked calm, but he knew better. Expectations always waited in silence.
Dinner was already served. His father sat at the table, reading something on his tablet.
Jeon Minseok (Mr Jeon)
How were your classes today? *focused on his tablet*
Jeon Jungkook
They were fine *politely*
Jeon Minseok (Mr Jeon)
Fine?
Jeon Minseok (Mr Jeon)
That’s not enough. You’re in your final year. I expect better scores *strictly*
Jeon Jungkook
I understand *nods*
Jeon Yuna (Mrs Jeon)
You don't have to worry, He’s always studying *softly*
Jeon Minseok (Mr Jeon)
That’s exactly why I expect more
Jeon Minseok (Mr Jeon)
Ninety means ninety-five.. was possible. I know his potential *eyebrows furrowed*
Jungkook stayed quiet, biting the inside of his cheek.
Later, in his room, he lay on the bed. The fan hummed above him as he stared at the ceiling.
Jeon Jungkook
(Just one person)
One hand to reach towards him..
Jeon Jungkook
Please… anyone *whispered*
Someone to talk to. Someone to understand. Someone to help ease the dull ache in his chest.
Starry (author)
Umm so how was the first chapter!?
Starry (author)
Did you guys liked it.. even if a little?
Starry (author)
If there is a mistake or a plot hole or anything.. Pls let me know since I am doing all the work alone and no one is there to review and share their thoughts with me..
Starry (author)
It would be a great help to me if you would correct me or contact me for any problem so I can fix it as soon as possible!
Starry (author)
Hope you will stay until the end to know what more will happen with Jungkookie or someone else.. 😌
Starry (author)
Anyways bye for now and we will meet soon!!
Starry (author)
Luv ya starries 🤍✨
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