5

OUTSIDE. JUNGKOOK'S MANSION - NIGHT

Taehyung arrives at Jungkook's mansion, his face marked by desperation and exhaustion. He is stopped at the gate by Jungkook's men.

GUARD 1: (sternly) State your business.

Taehyung swallows hard, his voice shaky but determined.

TAEHYUNG: (desperately) I need to see Jungkook. It's urgent.

The guards exchange skeptical looks, sizing him up. Taehyung's desperation is palpable, his eyes wide with fear and anxiety.

GUARD 2: (coldly) He's not expecting anyone tonight. Go home.

Taehyung feels his hope slipping away. He can't afford to be turned away now, not when his mother's life is on the line. He steps closer to the guards, his voice rising with urgency.

TAEHYUNG: (pleading) Please, just tell him Taehyung is here. He knows me.

The guards hesitate for a moment. The desperation in Taehyung's voice gives them pause. Guard 1 nods to Guard 2, who takes out his radio.

GUARD 2: (into radio) We've got a guy here. Says his name is Taehyung.

There's a brief silence before a response crackles through the radio. Taehyung's heart races, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, the radio buzzes back with a voice Taehyung recognizes as Jungkook's

JUNGKOOK (OVER RADIO): (calmly) Let him in.

The guards look at each other, then step aside. One of them pushes a button, and the gate begins to slowly open. Taehyung lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his legs almost buckling with relief. He moves forward, his pace quickening as he enters the grounds of the mansion.

INSIDE. JUNGKOOK'S MANSION - NIGHT

Taehyung is escorted through the lavish interior of the mansion, his eyes flickering around nervously. The luxury of the place feels overwhelming, but he keeps his focus on the task at hand. The guards lead him to a large, imposing door. One of them knocks, then opens it, gesturing for Taehyung to enter.

Jungkook sits behind a large desk, looking up as Taehyung steps inside. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes hold a glimmer of curiosity.

JUNGKOOK: (calmly) Taehyung. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?

Taehyung takes a deep breath, steeling himself. He walks up to the desk, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

TAEHYUNG: (voice breaking) My mother... They've taken her. I need your help, Jungkook.

Jungkook's expression remains neutral, but a flicker of interest crosses his eyes. He leans back in his chair, regarding Taehyung with a calculated gaze.

JUNGKOOK: (slowly) And what are you willing to offer in exchange for my help?

Taehyung's heart sinks. He knew this was coming, but hearing the words out loud still feels like a blow. He takes a shaky breath, his voice barely a whisper.

TAEHYUNG: (defeated) I'll do anything. Just... please, help me save her.

Jungkook's lips curl into a small, satisfied smile. He stands up, walking around the desk to stand in front of Taehyung. He reaches out, lifting Taehyung's chin with a finger, forcing him to meet his gaze.

TAEHYUNG: (voice cracking) Jungkook, please. I'm begging you. I'll do anything. Just help me get my mother back.

JUNGKOOK: (coldly) Anything? You know what that means, Taehyung. Once you're in, there's no turning back. Are you prepared for that?

Taehyung swallows hard, the weight of Jungkook's words pressing down on him. He feels trapped, his options slipping away. His mind flashes back to the call from the debt collectors, the threat hanging over his head. His voice shakes as he speaks, but there's a hint of resolve in his eyes.

TAEHYUNG: (determined) Yes, I understand. I'll do whatever you ask. Just... please, help me save her.

Jungkook's eyes soften almost imperceptibly. He rises from his seat and walks over to a small table, retrieving a contract. He returns to Taehyung and places the contract on the coffee table between them. Taehyung looks at the papers, his heart sinking as he realizes the extent of what he's agreeing to.

JUNGKOOK: (firmly) Sign this. It's a formal agreement. You'll work for me as my personal assistant. You'll need to fulfill all my needs-both professional and personal, and you'll follow my rules. In return, I'll handle the debt collectors and ensure your mother's safety. Do you understand?

JUNGKOOK: (explaining) Here are the rules:

No Contact with Others: You're not allowed to speak or interact with anyone outside of me and my men. No personal phones or meetings.

Strict Adherence to Orders: Follow all my commands without question. Failure to comply will have consequences.

Restricted Freedom: You cannot leave the mansion grounds without my permission. Your movements will be monitored.

No Privacy: Your quarters will be inspected regularly. Expect minimal personal privacy.

Work Obligations: Perform all tasks assigned to you, from personal errands to demanding chores within the mansion.

No Personal Interests: You're forbidden from engaging in personal activities. Your time is dedicated solely to fulfilling my needs.

Behavior and Conduct: Maintain a respectful and submissive demeanour at all times. Any defiance will be met with punishment.

Punishment for Rule-Breaking: Any breach of these rules will result in immediate punishment, which could be physical or psychological.

Taehyung's face hardens with anger after reviewing the strict and dehumanizing rules set by Jungkook. He looks visibly enraged but knows he has no room to negotiate.

TAEHYUNG: (angrily) This is insane. I can't accept these conditions. I-

His voice falters as he suddenly remembers the urgency of his mother's situation.

TAEHYUNG: (pleading) Jungkook, you need to understand. The debt collectors have taken my mother. They're demanding money for her release. Please, I need your help to get her back.

Jungkook's expression softens momentarily, but he remains firm.

JUNGKOOK: (calmly) I'll help you, but the price is non-negotiable. This is the cost of my assistance.

Taehyung nods reluctantly, his resolve hardening as he takes the pen from Jungkook. He signs the document quickly, his hands shaking as he does so.

TAEHYUNG: (whispering) It's done.

Jungkook takes the contract, flipping through the pages to make sure everything is in order. He nods, then places the contract back on the table. He looks at Taehyung, his expression hardening.

JUNGKOOK: (coolly) Good. Now, we can begin. You'll start tomorrow. For now, my men will escort you to your quarters. Get some rest. You'll need it.

Taehyung looks at Jungkook, a sense of dread washing over him. He feels the chains of his decision wrapping around him, tightening their hold. But for the sake of his mother, he swallows his pride and nods. Jungkook motions to the guards at the door, and they step forward to lead Taehyung away.

TAEHYUNG: (quietly, before being led away) Thank you, Jungkook.

Jungkook doesn't respond immediately. He watches as Taehyung is led out of the room, his expression unreadable. Once Taehyung is out of sight, Jungkook lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He walks over to the window, looking out into the night, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him.

He feels a strange satisfaction, knowing Taehyung is now bound to him, yet there's a part of him that's troubled by the depth of control he's exerting over someone so desperate. His fingers tap rhythmically against the windowpane, his mind racing.

JUNGKOOK: (to himself, softly) What am I doing...?

But as quickly as the doubt appears, it vanishes. He turns away from the window, his face hardening with resolve. Whatever he's doing, he'll see it through. He won't let anyone or anything take Taehyung away from him now.

The room falls silent, save for the faint ticking of a clock on the mantelpiece, each tick a reminder of the time Taehyung has sacrificed for his mother's safety.

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