You narrowed your eyes in irritation when Taehyung unexpectedly stepped into your path as you made your way toward Mingyu's cabinet. A mischievous grin played across his lips, which made you uneasy as he unabashedly scrutinized your mouth.
"That damn piercing is distracting," he remarked, his voice low and teasing. Without warning, his fingers brushed against your cheek, and he traced the curve of your lower lip with a deliberate slowness that made your skin prickle.
Instinctively, you swatted his hand away, anger flaring within you. In retaliation, you stomped the heel of your shoe firmly onto his foot, relishing the surprised groan that escaped him.
"Damn," he chuckled, shaking his head as if amused rather than hurt. His gaze was still fixated on you, the playful glint in his eyes revealing an undeniable attraction. "Indeed, you are something else," he added, licking his lower lip as if savoring the moment. Suddenly, his arms found their way around your waist, pulling you closer against him.
"What the heck are you doing? Are you crazy?" you gasped, trying vainly to wriggle free from his grasp.
"Why wouldn't you be my baby instead?" he asked, his tone slightly more serious, eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. "Leave that freak's side and be mine. I like you." The unexpected declaration hung in the air, leaving you breathless and conflicted as you processed his words.
A rush of emotions swirling within you as you struggled to find the right words. You narrowed your eyes at the boy with the fiery red hair standing before you, disbelief etched across your features.
"You can't possibly be serious," you stammered, trying to process the gravity of his statement. "Why on earth would I want someone who likens himself to a sick boy? You realize that you're talking about someone who stood and watched a person dying, his eyes devoid of any warmth, yet filled with a chilling indifference."
The memory of the doctor's chilling words replayed in your mind like a haunting melody. He had explained how Jungkook had fought desperately against the confines of his cell, struggling for each breath as the seconds ticked by mercilessly. The thought of that day, trapped and gasping for air, sent shivers down your spine. "More than 20 minutes he spent in that agonizing struggle," the doctor had said gravely. "Five more minutes, and he would have succumbed to the darkness." The weight of those words hung heavily in the air between you, wrapping around your heart like a vice.
"He gets what he deserves. He is just a filthy criminal who killed his own family before burning them. A fucker who is screwing everything that is moving and has two legs and a crack. And you are telling me that he deserves help and sympathy?
Of course, I am way better than him."
"I can see that you're upset—maybe even deeply hurt—by what he put you through, especially considering how close he came to ending your life. However, I want you to understand that simply standing there with your arms crossed, unable to act while watching someone struggle for their life, isn't the answer. By doing so, you might find yourself becoming a monster in your own right.
"Jungkook is not just an offender; he is a human in distress. Right now, he is battling his own demons and desperately needs assistance. Whatever mistakes he made in the past, those actions do not negate his humanity or his deserving of a second chance. We should remember that he is not fully aware of the impact of his behavior. His mind is not operating in the same way ours does, clouded by pain and confusion. It's important to approach this situation with empathy and understanding rather than allowing anger to consume you."
"I think that he had more than a second chance though."
"I think your brain must be damaged as well." You talked above him, this way earning a glare from his part.
"I think that you are trying to find excuses for his behavior. Don't you think that you are the one having a problem instead? "
"Stay away from me. If you approach me or touch me ever again, I will make your life a hell." You threatened before pushing him away from you.
***
You found yourself unable to fathom the darkness that lurked within that boy's mind. Yet, as unsettling as he was, you couldn't ignore the strong sense of foreboding that enveloped you whenever he spoke about Jungkook. The way his eyes burned with a seething hatred, each word laced with disdain, sent chills racing down your spine. It ignited a primal worry deep within you, and you felt an urgent need to confide in Jin. Protecting Jungkook became your priority, and you resolved to find a way to ensure those two boys never crossed paths again.
As you pushed the door open wide, a sudden rush of anxiety constricted your chest. Your breath hitched in your throat when your gaze fell upon Jungkook. There he sat in a solitary chair, looking lost and vulnerable, handcuffed as he faced Mingyu. His usually bright eyes were cast downward, fixated on his hands resting helplessly in his lap.
The memory of the harrowing events from two days ago flooded your mind with startling clarity, each detail etched in your memory as if time had sharpened them. You recalled the last time you saw him, the mix of fear and determination swirling in the air, and your heart ached at the thought of what he must have been enduring. The urgency of the situation pressed heavily on you, and you knew you had to take action before it was too late.
Flashback
Jungkook's heart raced as he regained consciousness, his body trapped in a haze of panic. The moment his eyes fluttered open, he became acutely aware of the warmth radiating from your body beside him. Instinctively, he struggled against the confines of his restraints, fear coursing through him like electric currents.
"Where am I? Let me go! Please, just let me go!" he shouted, his voice rising in desperation. "I swear I won't do anything! Please, I'm begging you... I won't hurt anyone!"
His pleas echoed through the sterile room, filled with the sharp scent of antiseptic and the faint hum of medical equipment. Before long, the doctor and several nurses rushed in, their presence amplifying his sense of entrapment. You moved closer to him, desperately trying to convey reassurance, but his frantic eyes were filled with terror, drowning out your words.
Jungkook was caught in the grips of a panic attack, his breaths coming in shallow spurts as he fought against the invisible chains of his fear. Realizing the need for immediate action, you joined the medical team, working in tandem to restrain his movements, ensuring he wouldn't hurt himself in his wild struggle. With great care, you helped administer the antidepressant, your hands steady and firm, while the others held him gently yet securely.
Slowly, as the medication took effect, you watched as the frantic light in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a sense of calm. His breathing became more even, and finally, as he slumped back onto the bed, you let out a sigh of relief. The tension in the room began to dissipate, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake.
Once the chaos had subsided, as you reflected on Taehyung's earlier words, the moment Jungkook's gaze met yours became a revelation. You sensed it then, the unspoken truth Taehyung was hinting at: you had a problem, and not just any problem—a significant one.
You realized you could no longer bury your feelings deep within. Each time Jungkook was near, every gentle brush of his hand against yours, every playful word exchanged, your heart raced uncontrollably. His presence cast a spell over you, wrapping you in a whirlwind of emotions.
You loved him.
There was no denying it.
Yet, this love felt illicit, twisted in its intensity.
It felt like madness.
But it wasn't just a fanciful notion; it was your reality.
You couldn't help but wonder: What was it about him that captivated your heart so completely?
"Come in, Y/N," Mingyu called, breaking you from your thoughts. "I summoned you here because I need your help to get this stubborn boy to open up. But first, I have some crucial information that I intentionally kept from you and everyone else. Honestly, I doubt even Jungkook himself knows that I'm aware of it."
Mingyu's words hung in the air, thick with mystery. Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise as he abruptly lifted his head, a flicker of agitation crossing his face. Something unsettling was brewing beneath the surface, and curiosity clawed at your mind as you stepped closer, eager to uncover what secrets lingered in the space between them. You remained silent, anticipation bubbling inside you as you waited for Mingyu to unfold the layers of this unknown truth.
"Jungkook was abused by his own father. When I brought him to the hospital in the same night his family was killed, I found bruises on his skin, fingertips on his wrists and around his neck. He had drugs in his blood, as well... his father's cum inside... "
"Stop it. Shut the fuck up!" Jungkook yelled as he covered his ears with his hands. "It's not true. All of you are bunch of liars. So stop saying things that aren't true!"
"Stop playing with my mind! "
You couldn't say a word. Somehow in a corner of your mind, everything had sense. Now you had an idea of how everything happened. Why he was like that. And who was at fault for his damaged brain. But on the other hand, you couldn't accept Mingyu's words. It was too cruel for a 14 years boy.
"Now, it's your turn to talk to him," Mingyu said in a low voice, ensuring no one else could hear. "There are no security cameras in here, so it will just be the two of you. He has his doubts about me, but I'm hoping you can gain his trust and encourage him to open up. We need to figure out if he's truly dangerous. Yes, he hurt Taehyung—there's no denying that—but we need to consider the context. After all, Taehyung's girlfriend was involved with Jungkook, and she had a role as a guardian here. Perhaps Taehyung's actions were driven by a sense of betrayal or a desire for revenge."
Mingyu paused, his expression serious. "It's worth noting that Jungkook made a choice during that altercation—he avoided stabbing Taehyung's vital organs. We need to determine whether that was a deliberate decision or just a lucky happenstance.
I also know he has a weakness when it comes to you. He patted your shoulder as he walked out of the room locking the door behind him.
You couldn't bring yourself to meet Jungkook's intense gaze. A shiver ran through your body, and your legs felt as though they might give way beneath you at any moment. The weight of the conversation hung heavily in the air, and you were acutely aware of your racing heart, pounding in your chest like a drum. The silence stretched uncomfortably between you, and you were at a loss for words, unsure of how to bridge the chasm that had formed.
He seemed impossibly distant, a look of disbelief etched on his face as he grappled with the truth you had just revealed – a truth that shattered everything he had ever known. It was hard for you to absorb too, the very notion that his father could commit such atrocities against him loomed large and terrifying.
"Jungkook…" you began, your voice barely above a whisper, tinged with concern.
"I don't want to hear you," he shot back, his tone laced with anger and pain. Jungkook's eyes narrowed, glinting with distrust as they bore into you. "I don't care how much you want to… help me." The scoff that followed was a bitter sound, full of skepticism, as he turned his gaze away from you.
You took a deep breath, summoning a gentle resolve. "Okay, I won't say anything more about that. I get it. You're not ready to trust anyone yet," you replied softly, your heart aching for him. You forced a sad smile that didn't quite reach your eyes. "I understand that you have your reasons for keeping everyone at arm's length. After all, when those who are supposed to love and protect you have hurt you instead, it's a hard pill to swallow. It's not easy to open yourself up to someone you barely know."
Your words hung in the air, fragile and vulnerable, like a thread that could snap at any moment. You hoped he would see the sincerity behind your intention, even if the scars of his past still held him captive.
Tears welled up in your eyes, each drop threatening to spill over as your heart felt heavy, lodged like a lump of stone in your throat. You sat there, utterly powerless, unable to stem the tide of your emotions. Confronting him felt like an insurmountable challenge, as if a vast, impenetrable wall had been erected around his heart, and you were left standing on the outside. The thought of giving up gnawed at you, a persistent and terrifying whisper. If you surrendered now, he would remain lost in that labyrinth of pain and darkness forever.
"I just want to be left alone," he spat out, each word laced with bitterness. "Why can't you and those people... why can't you just close your eyes and forget about my existence? I did nothing wrong to any of you. So why? Why do I have to endure all of this over and over again? I am so tired. I don't know anything—I don't know what happened that night. I don't know if I killed them or not... I don't know. So please... just leave me alone."
Your chest tightened at his desperate appeal, but something deep within you stirred, igniting a flicker of defiance. "And what if I take you away from here? If I take you with me... will you come?" The words slipped from your lips before you could think them through, borne of a deep-seated need to pull him from the darkness that enveloped him.
"Why would you do that?" His tone was incredulous, almost mocking.
"Why would I want to get away from here?" He continued, determination rising within him.
"Why would I want to come with you?" His eyes reflected a mixture of disbelief and curiosity, a slight vulnerability peeking through the cracks of his hardened exterior.
Then, unexpectedly, a small smile flickered across his features, though it held a tinge of sadness. "I don't want you. Just so you know."
Your lips pressed into a thin line, and your heart sank. The weight of his rejection settled heavily in your chest, a sharp pain that took your breath away. "I never implied anything. I... I just..."
"I don't know how the other me is like. But from what you told me, I'm sure you must have developed some kind of feelings. You mentioned that you kissed twice already. But... I am not him. I feel nothing towards you. I don't want you as a lover. I don't want you as a friend. I don't need you. I don't need anyone. All I want is to disappear."
"But I will not let you," you said fiercely, your resolve growing stronger against his despair.
"Didn't you understand what I just said?" His voice was low, filled with frustration.
"I did. But like I said, I'm not hoping to get that close to someone. Especially someone who are locked in a prison. I am not that crazy. I'm not that brave," you added with a small, bitter laugh. "I don't have feelings for anyone. Regarding that kiss I had with... it was a mistake. It wasn't real. So you don't have to think too much about it."
The words felt like a threadbare lie, and deep down, you knew even Jungkook could see through it. He smiled slightly, an expression tinged with warmth as his gaze lingered on you, catching the way you nervously bit your bottom lip, your eyes avoiding his piercing look.
"Where would you take me? Someone like me... how could you live with someone like me?" he asked, tilting his head to the side, his sadness palpable.
"I would take you to my house," you replied, a smile breaking through the tension, offering a glimmer of hope in the heavy air between you.
You smiled back at him, the gesture a fragile bridge between your two worlds. As you reached for the keys on the desk, your heart raced with adrenaline, and in a spontaneous act of trust, you released Jungkook from his restraints without a second thought.
"Can I trust you?" You asked, your eyes contemplating the handcuffs now lying abandoned on the floor at your feet.
He stood slowly, his expression darkening as he met your gaze. Then, without warning, he stepped toward you, gently but firmly grabbing your waist and pushing you against the cold wall, boxing you in and restraining your movements.
"Jungkook?" you managed to whisper, confusion and concern flooding your thoughts.
Before you could comprehend the shift in his demeanor, his lips crushed against yours, silencing any protest that bubbled to the surface. In that moment, the world faded away, your senses overtaken. But just as suddenly, he pulled a syringe from his pocket and plunged the needle into your neck.