Chapter 4: Ruins of the Past Part 3: The Pact

Summary: Jungkook and Taehyung come across a deadly trial hidden deep in the forest—a ravine bridged by a crumbling ancient mechanism that requires precise coordination to cross safely. The trial forces them to rely on each other completely, pushing their fragile trust to its limits.

The path ahead narrowed, the thick underbrush giving way to a steep, jagged ravine. A cold wind whistled through the air, carrying the faint scent of damp stone and moss. Taehyung peered over the edge, his stomach lurching as he stared into the chasm below.

“I don’t suppose you know how deep this is?” Taehyung asked, his voice tinged with nervous humor.

Jungkook crouched near the edge, inspecting the makeshift bridge stretching across the gap. It was an ancient contraption of wood and stone, its planks weathered and brittle. Ropes—frayed and barely holding—were threaded through rusted pulleys anchored to the cliffs on either side.

“Deep enough that falling isn’t an option,” Jungkook said, standing and brushing off his hands.

Taehyung frowned. “What is this thing?”

“Looks like some kind of puzzle or trial,” Jungkook said, his sharp gaze sweeping over the ropes and pulleys. “The bridge won’t hold if we cross together. We’ll have to coordinate our movements to stabilize it.”

Taehyung blinked at him. “You’re saying we have to trust an ancient death trap to work perfectly after, what, a few hundred years?”

Jungkook gave him a pointed look. “You have a better idea?”

Taehyung sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not really. But if this thing collapses, I’m blaming you.”

Jungkook smirked faintly. “Noted. Let’s go.”

Jungkook stepped onto the bridge first, testing each plank with deliberate care. The wood creaked ominously under his weight, and the ropes groaned as they shifted slightly.

“Don’t move until I say,” Jungkook instructed, glancing back at Taehyung.

Taehyung hovered near the edge, watching nervously as Jungkook advanced. His heart pounded with every step Jungkook took, the sound of the creaking wood setting his teeth on edge.

“Your turn,” Jungkook called, stopping about halfway across.

Taehyung inhaled deeply and stepped onto the bridge, his movements hesitant. The plank beneath his foot sagged slightly, sending a jolt of panic through him.

“Keep your weight even,” Jungkook said calmly, his voice steady. “Don’t rush.”

Taehyung gritted his teeth, gripping the rope railing tightly as he moved forward. With each step, the bridge swayed, the ropes straining under the combined weight of both men.

“Stop!” Jungkook said suddenly, holding up a hand.

Taehyung froze, his knuckles white against the rope. “What now?”

Jungkook pointed to a section of the bridge ahead, where one of the ropes had frayed to the point of breaking. “We need to shift our weight together to keep it balanced. On my count, lean to your left.”

Taehyung frowned. “You better be right about this.”

“Trust me,” Jungkook said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As they coordinated their movements, the bridge swayed violently, the ropes groaning in protest. Taehyung’s breath came in short bursts, his muscles straining as he clung to the ropes.

“Almost there,” Jungkook said, his voice tight with focus.

Taehyung’s heart raced as he took another cautious step, the end of the bridge finally coming into view. “If I die, I’m haunting you,” he muttered.

Jungkook snorted softly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Just as they reached the last section, a sharp snap echoed through the ravine. One of the ropes had given way, sending the entire bridge tilting to the side.

“Hold on!” Jungkook shouted, grabbing the rope railing as the bridge swung precariously.

Taehyung yelped, his foot slipping on the slick plank. His fingers scrabbled for purchase on the ropes, but the bridge’s violent sway sent him crashing into the side.

“Taehyung!” Jungkook’s voice cut through the chaos as he lunged forward, grabbing Taehyung’s arm just as he started to fall.

Taehyung’s chest heaved as he dangled over the edge, the jagged rocks below a grim reminder of how high they were. “Pull me up!” he gasped, his grip slipping.

Jungkook’s muscles strained as he hauled Taehyung back onto the bridge. They collapsed in a heap, both of them breathing heavily as the bridge swayed beneath them.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked, his voice rough with exertion.

Taehyung nodded shakily, though his hands trembled as he clung to the ropes. “That was… unpleasant.”

Jungkook let out a breath of relief, his grip on Taehyung’s arm loosening. “Come on. We’re almost there.”

The final stretch of the bridge held, and they reached the other side without further incident. Taehyung stumbled onto solid ground, collapsing onto his back as he stared up at the sky.

“I hate this forest,” he muttered.

Jungkook smirked faintly, though his face was still pale from the ordeal. “You did well.”

Taehyung raised a brow, propping himself up on one elbow. “Was that a compliment?”

“Don’t get used to it,” Jungkook said, glancing back at the ravine.

Taehyung chuckled weakly, the tension easing slightly. For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their survival settling over them.

“Why did you do that?” Taehyung asked suddenly, his voice quiet.

Jungkook frowned. “Do what?”

“Pull me up,” Taehyung said, his gaze steady. “You could’ve let me fall and saved yourself. But you didn’t.”

Jungkook’s expression softened, though his voice remained firm. “Because I told you I’d keep you alive. And I keep my word.”

Taehyung stared at him, his chest tightening at the sincerity in Jungkook’s tone.

“Thank you,” Taehyung said softly.

Jungkook nodded, his dark eyes meeting Taehyung’s. “We’re in this together now. Whether we like it or not.”