04

Jungkook’s footsteps grew closer. Taehyung pressed himself tightly against the car, holding his breath as if that would make him invisible. His heart pounded in his chest, so loud he was afraid Jungkook could hear it.

“Who’s there?” Jungkook’s voice was cold, almost threatening.

Taehyung closed his eyes briefly, trying to think. Should he run? No, that would be too obvious. Stay put? But what if Jungkook found him?

Jungkook’s steps were almost upon him, and Taehyung knew he had to act fast. Without thinking, he began crawling to the other side of the car, hoping to evade Jungkook’s line of sight. But as he moved, his shoe accidentally scraped against the gravel, creating a small sound—just enough to draw attention.

“Come out,” Jungkook commanded. His voice was low and authoritative, sending a shiver down Taehyung’s spine.

Reluctantly, Taehyung stood up from his hiding spot, trying to feign innocence. “Hey, Jungkook-ssi,” he said awkwardly, raising a hand as if nothing was wrong.

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. “What are you doing here?”

Taehyung opened his mouth to answer, but no words came out. He knew he couldn’t come up with a plausible excuse.

“Answer me, Taehyung,” Jungkook said again, stepping closer until only a few feet separated them.

“I… I was just curious,” Taehyung finally said, his voice small.

“Curious?” Jungkook repeated, his eyebrow arching. He didn’t seem impressed. “Do you think this is a game?”

“No! I just…” Taehyung hesitated, unsure how to continue without making things worse.

Jungkook sighed, rubbing his temple. “You don’t know what you’re doing, Taehyung. This isn’t a place for you.”

“I just want to know what’s going on,” Taehyung said softly, though there was determination in his tone.

Jungkook’s sharp gaze pierced through him, but beneath the cold exterior, Taehyung saw something else. Was it worry? Fear? He wasn’t sure, but it was enough to make him stay put.

“Get in the car,” Jungkook finally ordered.

“What?”

“Get in the car,” Jungkook repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll explain later.”

Taehyung hesitated but eventually obeyed. He walked over to Jungkook’s sleek black car, and Jungkook followed closely behind. Once inside, Jungkook started the engine and drove off without another word.

---

The ride felt endless. Neither of them spoke, the only sound being the hum of the engine. Taehyung stole glances at Jungkook, trying to read his expression, but his face remained impassive.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Jungkook stopped the car in a secluded area. The city lights shimmered faintly in the distance, and the two of them were alone under a star-filled sky.

“Explain now,” Taehyung demanded, trying to sound firm despite his racing heart.

Jungkook turned off the engine but didn’t speak immediately. He sat there, gripping the steering wheel tightly. After a moment, he finally broke the silence.

“That woman…” Jungkook began, his voice low. “She’s no one you need to worry about.”

“That’s not an answer,” Taehyung shot back, narrowing his eyes.

Jungkook turned to him, his gaze intense. “Why do you care?”

The question caught Taehyung off guard. Why did he care? He didn’t have a clear answer, but he knew there was something about Jungkook that pulled him in, something he couldn’t ignore.

“I just do,” he finally replied, though it sounded weak.

Jungkook let out a dry laugh, though there was no humor in it. “You’re a fool, Taehyung.”

“Then give me a reason not to care,” Taehyung challenged, his voice steady.

Jungkook stared at him for a long moment, as if weighing his options. Finally, he leaned back in his seat, exhaling deeply. “The world I’m in isn’t one you can understand. It’s dangerous, dirty, and full of lies.”

“Then why are you in it?”

“It wasn’t a choice,” Jungkook said, his voice suddenly cold. “It was an obligation.”

Taehyung wanted to ask more, but he knew this wasn’t the right time. Instead, he turned his gaze out the window, staring at the distant lights. But the silence between them grew heavy again.

“Are you afraid of me now?” Jungkook asked suddenly, his tone laced with mockery.

Taehyung turned back to him, raising an eyebrow. “Should I be?”

Jungkook didn’t answer, but something in his eyes shifted. He leaned closer, closing the distance between them until only inches remained. Taehyung could feel Jungkook’s warm breath on his skin, and his heart raced uncontrollably.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook said softly, but there was a weight in his voice. “You don’t know what you’re getting into.”

“Then show me,” Taehyung replied, though his voice trembled slightly.

In an instant, Jungkook’s hand cupped Taehyung’s cheek, his touch firm yet gentle. Taehyung’s breath hitched, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let himself sink into the warmth, letting Jungkook take the lead.

This kiss was different. There was no hesitation, only a raw, burning desire. Jungkook’s other hand found its way to the back of Taehyung’s neck, pulling him even closer. Taehyung’s hands instinctively landed on Jungkook’s chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart.

But then, just as quickly, Jungkook pulled away, his breathing uneven. “I can’t,” he said, more to himself than to Taehyung.

“You always say that,” Taehyung replied, his eyes searching Jungkook’s face. “But you don’t really believe it, do you?”

Jungkook didn’t respond, instead turning his face away. But his silence was answer enough for Taehyung.

“You think you can keep holding everything in, Jungkook-ssi,” Taehyung continued, his voice soft but firm. “But I know there’s something more inside you. You’re just scared to show it.”

Jungkook looked at him again, and this time, something broke in his expression. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes.

That night, they didn’t say anything more. But the silence between them felt different—warmer, more understanding.

---

To Be Continued...

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