Ch 14: The Fine Line Between Desire and Surrender

A Night of Restlessness

Taehyung couldn't sleep.

No matter how much he tossed and turned, his mind wouldn’t stop replaying Jae-hyun’s words.

“You’re not free either.”

The realization clawed at his chest, refusing to let go.

He had spent so long trying to convince himself that he could leave—that he wanted to leave.

But if that were true, why did his heart race every time one of the Jeon brothers looked at him like he was theirs?

Frustrated, he threw off the covers and sat up, raking a hand through his messy hair.

I need air.

Slipping out of bed, he tiptoed toward the balcony, sliding the glass door open. A cool breeze greeted him, brushing against his skin as he leaned against the railing, staring at the vast cityscape beyond the mansion.

It was strange. The world was still running as if the apocalypse weren’t lurking just a year away. As if everything wasn’t about to collapse into chaos.

Taehyung closed his eyes, breathing in deeply.

He had to be careful.

Because if he let himself fall too deep—

He wasn’t sure he’d ever escape.

“You should be careful standing out here alone.”

The voice was low, playful, far too familiar.

Taehyung’s eyes snapped open.

Jungguk.

He was sitting on the railing.

Casually perched like he hadn’t just appeared out of nowhere, his dark eyes gleaming under the moonlight.

Taehyung’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

“What the fuck—?! How long have you been there?!”

Jungguk smirked, swinging one leg lazily. “Long enough.”

Taehyung scowled, crossing his arms. “And you didn’t think to announce yourself?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Jungguk tilted his head, eyes flickering over Taehyung’s form. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Taehyung sighed, leaning back against the railing. “No.”

Jungguk was silent for a moment before he jumped down, landing gracefully beside Taehyung.

And then—he invaded his space.

Stepping close. Too close.

Taehyung barely had time to react before Jungguk’s fingers ghosted over his wrist.

“I think I know why,” Jungguk murmured, his voice dripping with amusement.

Taehyung stiffened. “And what’s that?”

Jungguk leaned in, his breath warm against Taehyung’s ear.

“Because you’re thinking about us.”

Taehyung sucked in a sharp breath.

His fingers curled into fists. “You’re so full of yourself.”

Jungguk only grinned.

“Maybe,” he admitted. “But I’m not wrong.”

Taehyung didn’t respond.

Because the truth was—

Jungguk was right.

Again.

And Taehyung hated it.

But what he hated even more—

Was how much he liked the way Jungguk saw through him.

Jungguk’s fingers trailed up Taehyung’s arm, deliberate and slow.

Taehyung knew he should step back.

But he didn’t.

Couldn’t.

Jungguk noticed.

And smirked.

“So obedient,” he mused. “For someone who claims he wants to leave.”

Taehyung snapped out of it.

He jerked away, glaring. “I’m not obedient.”

Jungguk laughed. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

Taehyung opened his mouth to argue, but—

Another voice interrupted.

“What exactly is going on here?”

Both of them turned.

Jungkook stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his eyes sharp and unreadable.

Taehyung’s stomach dropped.

Jungguk, however, simply chuckled.

“Relax, hyung. Just having a little chat.”

Jungkook didn’t look convinced.

His gaze flickered to Taehyung, scanning him slowly—possessively.

Taehyung suddenly felt trapped.

Caught between two brothers who had too much power over him.

“I see,” Jungkook said, stepping forward. “And did our dear Taehyung enjoy this ‘chat’?”

Taehyung swallowed.

He knew what Jungkook was doing.

It was a game.

A test.

To see if Taehyung would admit it.

That he wasn’t just tolerating them.

That he was falling for them.

Slowly.

Dangerously.

Taehyung lifted his chin. “It was fine.”

Jungkook hummed, unconvinced. “Is that so?”

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook closed the distance.

And suddenly—

Jungguk wasn’t the only one invading his space.

Jungkook was right there, towering over him, his scent overwhelming.

Taehyung’s breath hitched.

Jungkook smirked. “You should be careful, Taehyung.”

His fingers grazed Taehyung’s jaw, tilting his face up.

“You’re playing with fire.”

Taehyung’s heart pounded. “Maybe I like the burn.”

Jungkook’s eyes darkened.

Jungguk chuckled. “Oh, hyung, I think we’ve created a monster.”

Jungkook didn’t respond.

Instead, he leaned in.

Not close enough to kiss—but close enough to make Taehyung crave it.

And then—

He pulled away.

Just like that.

Leaving Taehyung breathless.

Frustrated.

And aching for more.

Before things could escalate further, a new voice interrupted.

“If you two are done playing, there’s something you need to see.”

Jae-hyun stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his usual indifferent expression in place.

Taehyung exhaled sharply, grateful for the distraction.

Jungkook stepped back. Jungguk sighed dramatically.

“What is it?” Jungkook asked.

Jae-hyun’s gaze flickered to Taehyung.

“There’s a problem,” he said flatly. “And it concerns him.”

Taehyung tensed.

Him?

Jae-hyun turned, walking away.

“Come to the study. Now.”

Taehyung exchanged glances with Jungkook and Jungguk.

For once—

They all looked serious.

And Taehyung realized—

Whatever was waiting for him in that study, it wasn’t just about the brothers anymore.

It was about the future.

And whether or not he’d survive it.

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