Devastated.

That's how Jungkook felt when he opened the first page of the newspaper.

It was confirmed, that government officers would come around each house with records that day, informing soldiers and men above the age of 25 of their day of departure.

Eunbi was still at work, and Jungkook sat on the sofa with his head in his hands. A knock on the door startled him, and he treads to it, opening it cautiously.

He exhales in relief when a blonde haired man stood before him with the same distraught look as him.
They collide in each other's arms, patting each other on the back.

[Play audio]

"Thank god, I thought you already left."
The man says in relief, sitting down on the sofa. He runs his hand through his hair, shaking his head.

"Did you tell Eunbi?"
He asks, and Jungkook shakes his head, a sullen look draped over him.
"She's still at work."
"I haven't told Ellen either."
He groans, ruffling his blond hair.

"Fuck this. Our lives were going perfectly fine, and this happens."
Jungkook says, gritting his teeth in frustration.
"This is something that isn't in our control."
The man beside him says, and Jungkook lifts his gaze to him.

"What about you, Jimin? Aren't you afraid?"
He shudders, replying to his friend.
"Of course I am. I'm afraid that I won't come back to Ellen and our child. I'm afraid I won't be a part of the important stages of their lives, when they need me the most."

Jimin and Jungkook had met when they arrived at army camp three years ago, and their friendship blossomed since then. He married his girlfriend Ellen and had a baby boy with her, just like Jungkook married Eunbi.

The door jerks open, and a thump of shoes being left on the shoerack is heard. Jimin and Jungkook look at each other, startled. As expected Eunbi emerges around the corner, stretching with a groan.

Her eyes fall on Jimin and she stops her stretches, standing straight.

"Oh! Hi Jimin!"
He gives her a heart-hearted smile, looking back down at his fidgeting fingers.

Her smile fades as she senses the tension in the room, and lack of eye contact. Jungkook sat with his head hung low, and her heart races in her chest.

"K-kookie?"
Her voice barely above a whisper. His glassy eyes meet hers and his lips trembled. Her eyes fall to the open newspaper, and the large bold letters on the front.

"South Korean Government confirms recruitment of soldiers and men fron the age of 25-35 for the upcoming war with dictator-ruled North Korea."

She purses her lips into a straight line, frozen in her place. She knew this moment would come, but she never prepared for it. The full fledged reality of situation hits her like a truck, and she trembles in her place.

Her husband would be leaving to war, a ruthless war that left 60% of the soldiers dead on the battlefield. Her mind lands on Jimin, who would be leaving his wife and child behind.

Her heart ached for them, knowing that his child would grow up without his father for 3 years in the least, and she would stay alone in this dreary house. A repeat of history.

Jungkook takes long strides, engulfing her in his arms as she holds on tight to him, not wanting to let go.
"Oh god.."
She wails, burying her face in his chest.

Before they could have a chance to contemplate anything, a firm knock on the door jolts them out of their moment. Jimin stands up immediately, and Eunbi noticed the red lines that lined his caramel orbs.

He opens the door, and their hearts drop to their stomachs when they see three men clad in uniform. The man in front with a serious face scanned them, pulling out some papers.

"Jeon Jungkook?"
Jungkook steps away from trembling Eunbi and bows to the man.
"You are a soldier that has partaken in the war of 2020, the first war between the North and South in 50 years."
Jungkook nods, his scarlet rimmed eyes glancing at Jimin.

"I'm sure you know the rules. Your departure will be at the train station tomorrow, at 4 p.m. There will be severe consequences if you don't show up."
The man states firmly, and Jungkook's heart shatters inside him.

The man's eyes land on Jimin. A look of recognition hits him as he rummages in his bag for another folder.
"Park Jimin?"
Jimin gulps, bowing.
"Your departure is tomorrow, at the same time. May I remind you two gentlemen, that your partaking in this war is absolutely necessary for the future of this nation. That's the duty every soldier holds on their shoulders. Sacrifices will have to be made, in order to attain peace. We'll take our leave now."

The three men walk away, leaving the three people in the house dumbstruck and numb. Jimin slowly turns to Jungkook, and puts his hand on his shoulder.
"I-i need to go home, I have to tell-"
"Go.. go tell her. You might not get another chance."
Jungkook says in a low voice as Jimin hugs him, running down the road with tears in his eyes.

Jungkook turned around immediately, eyes darting around the area.
"Eunbi?"
He yells, looking through every room. He opens the bedroom door, and he slowly approaches the figure that sits on the bed with folded legs, her back facing him.

Her bloodshot red eyes meet his, and he kneels down, looking up at her.
His hand reaches upto her cheek, cradling her jaw in his.
"Tomorrow.."
He whispers, voice cracking.
"Tomorrow at 4."