Chapter 3: Threads of Destiny Part 4: A Bitter Betrayal

Summary: As Jungkook and Taehyung prepare to navigate deeper into the forest, they encounter a figure from Taehyung’s past—Choi Minhyun, his childhood friend turned rival. Though Minhyun initially claims to be an ally, his jealousy and hidden agenda lead to an act of betrayal that puts them in grave danger.

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The forest had grown eerily quiet, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal cries replaced by an oppressive stillness. The grove offered temporary safety, but both Jungkook and Taehyung knew they couldn’t linger.

Jungkook packed his belongings with practiced efficiency, his movements quick and purposeful. Across the grove, Taehyung watched him, his thoughts a swirl of uncertainty and unease.

“How much longer do you think we have before Ryujin finds us again?” Taehyung asked, breaking the silence.

“Not long,” Jungkook replied without looking up. “She’ll have regrouped by now. We need to move.”

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You make it sound so easy.”

Jungkook finally looked up, his dark eyes steady. “It’s not about easy. It’s about survival.”

Before Taehyung could respond, a rustling sound came from the edge of the grove. Both men tensed, their hands moving to their weapons.

“Relax,” a familiar voice called out. “It’s just me.”

From the shadows emerged a man dressed in travel-worn clothes, his dark hair tousled and his expression a mix of relief and weariness. Taehyung’s eyes widened as recognition dawned.

“Minhyun?” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Choi Minhyun smiled, stepping into the light. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

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Minhyun had been a constant presence in Taehyung’s life at the Azure Palace. As children, they’d been inseparable, sharing secrets and dreams beneath the palace cherry trees. But as they grew older, their bond had strained under the weight of ambition and jealousy.

“You survived,” Taehyung said, his tone cautious.

“Barely,” Minhyun replied, brushing dirt from his cloak. “After your exile, everything fell apart. The court turned on anyone who was close to you. I had to flee the palace to save my own skin.”

Taehyung frowned. “I didn’t ask you to do that.”

Minhyun’s smile faltered. “No, you didn’t. But loyalty doesn’t come with conditions, does it?”

Jungkook watched the exchange in silence, his expression unreadable. He didn’t trust this newcomer—his sudden appearance, his smooth words. It all felt too convenient.

“How did you find us?” Jungkook asked, his tone clipped.

Minhyun turned to him, his smile returning. “The forest has its whispers. Word of two fugitives traveling together isn’t hard to come by.”

Jungkook’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. “And yet you’ve come alone. Brave, or foolish?”

“Maybe a bit of both,” Minhyun said lightly. “But I’m here to help. You’re not the only ones being hunted, you know.”

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, sensing his distrust. “Minhyun and I go way back. If he says he’s here to help, then I believe him.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “Trust doesn’t come so easily in places like this.”

Minhyun raised his hands in mock surrender. “I get it. You’re cautious. I would be too. But I can get you out of this forest. There’s a hidden path not far from here, one that Ryujin and her crew won’t know about.”

Taehyung turned to Jungkook, his expression hopeful. “If Minhyun knows a way out, we should take it. We can’t keep running blind.”

Jungkook hesitated, his instincts warring with practicality. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. But we stay on guard.”

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Minhyun led them through the forest, his steps sure and confident despite the tangled undergrowth. Taehyung followed close behind, occasionally glancing back at Jungkook, who brought up the rear with quiet vigilance.

The hidden path was narrow and overgrown, its entrance concealed by a curtain of vines. Minhyun pushed them aside, revealing a passage that sloped downward into darkness.

“This leads to an abandoned cave,” Minhyun explained. “It’ll be tight, but it’s safe.”

Jungkook stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the path. “Why do I feel like there’s more to this than you’re telling us?”

Minhyun’s smile was quick but didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ll have to trust me on this one, shadow boy.”

Jungkook’s hand moved instinctively to his sword, but before he could respond, the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind them.

“They’re coming,” Minhyun said urgently. “We need to move now.”

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The cave was cold and damp, its walls slick with moisture. Taehyung shivered as he stepped inside, the faint light from the entrance quickly swallowed by the darkness.

“This doesn’t feel right,” Jungkook muttered, his voice low.

Before Taehyung could respond, a sharp click echoed through the cave, followed by the sound of grinding stone. The entrance behind them slammed shut, plunging them into total darkness.

“What the—” Taehyung began, but his words were cut off by a low, mocking laugh.

“I’m sorry, Taehyung,” Minhyun’s voice called out, his tone dripping with false sympathy. “But I had to make a choice. And Ryujin’s offer was… persuasive.”

Taehyung’s blood ran cold. “You betrayed us?”

“It’s nothing personal,” Minhyun said. “I did what I had to do to survive. Isn’t that what you’ve been doing all along?”

“You bastard,” Jungkook growled, his sword hissing as he drew it.

“Save your energy,” Minhyun said, his voice growing fainter as he retreated. “You’ll need it.”

The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone in the suffocating darkness.

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Taehyung’s chest heaved as anger and betrayal coursed through him. “I can’t believe I trusted him.”

Jungkook’s voice was steady, though tinged with frustration. “Your mistake was assuming loyalty could survive in a place like this.”

Taehyung glared at him, though he knew Jungkook was right. “So what now?”

“Now,” Jungkook said, his tone grim, “we get out of here. Together.”

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