Live or Die?
Jeon Taehyung
*Walking on the streets silently*
Jungkook sits on the floor for what feels like hours, his body shaking with sobs. Finally, he manages to stand, his legs weak. He looks around, disoriented. He remembers Tae walking out the door.
Jungkook takes his phone in hand to call Taehyung.
He realizes Tae has taken nothing with him - no phone, no wallet. For the first time, he truly understands how serious Tae's leaving was. He runs out into the street, calling his name...
Jeon Jungkook
Tae...
*His voice is raw, desperate. He doesn't know where Tae has gone.*
He doesn't know where Taehyung is. He's running around the neighborhood like a madman, calling his name, his voice growing hoarse. He's starting to get scared. Really scared.
Meanwhile, Taehyung is standing over the bridge looking down at the river. The cold wind's playing with his hair.
Jeon Taehyung
I wish I never had met you, let alone marry you... *mutters to himself*
The cold wind blows through the streets, carrying Jungkook's desperate shouts. "Tae! Tae!" He's searching every alley, every park, every shop. He's asking strangers if they've seen Taehyung. He's losing his mind, piece by piece.
Jeon Jungkook
Taehyung...where are you...
He's running blindly now, his mind racing with the worst possible scenarios. Tae's words from earlier echo in his head—"Your love actually hurts." He stumbles, catching himself on a lamppost.
Jeon Taehyung
*warm tears rolling down his cheeks*
Jungkook leans against the lamppost, panting heavily. His eyes are wild, desperate. He wipes sweat from his brow, smearing the tears he didn't realize he was crying.
He looks up at the sky, at the stars beginning to twinkle. He remembers the night he first saw Taehyung, under those same stars. He remembers the vow he took while marrying him, to love him forever. He buries his face in his hands and sobs, the sound echoing through the empty street.
He lifts his head, sniffling. He looks around, his mind suddenly flashing with an idea - the bridge. Taehyung always liked the bridge, the way it reflected the city lights on the river below. He runs towards the bridge, his heart pounding in his chest.
He skids to a halt at the edge of the bridge, his breath catching in his throat. He sees Taehyung standing there, the city lights dancing on the water below, and his heart stops. He takes a hesitant step forward, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jeon Jungkook
Tae... *Another step.*
His voice breaks as he takes another careful step towards Tae. His hands are trembling, but his voice is surprisingly gentle - not the violent tone he usually uses. He moves slowly, deliberately, like he's approaching a frightened animal.
Jeon Jungkook
Don't you dare...
Jeon Taehyung
*looks at him*
He freezes as Tae's eyes meet his. He sees something there that terrifies him. He sees death. Tae's eyes are empty, lifeless.
Jeon Jungkook
*He swallows hard, his voice dropping to a near whisper.*
You're not going to...
*He can't finish the sentence.*
He releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding. His shoulders relax slightly. He sees the tears rolling down Tae's cheeks. He sees the goosebumps on his arms from the cold. He sees his bare feet. He realizes something -
Jeon Jungkook
You didn't take your meds.
Jeon Taehyung
I don't need meds. I need break, from you. *voice breaking*
His breath catches in his throat at Tae's broken voice. The pain in those five words cuts deeper than any physical wound he's ever inflicted - "I need break... from you". He stands there, his hands clenched at his sides, fighting the urge to just grab Taehyung.
Jeon Jungkook
Then... what do I do?
He freezes. He didn't expect that answer. He expected "Hit me less", "Stop being violent", "Buy me flowers". He didn't expect "Divorce".
Jeon Jungkook
*He swallows hard, his voice tight -*
You want a divorce?
*His voice is dangerously soft.*
Jeon Taehyung
*Nods*, I need freedom. I need 'life'. I want to live.
He stares at Tae, disbelief and anguish warring across his face. His chest heaves with barely suppressed emotion. A bitter laugh escapes his lips, sounding almost manic.
Jeon Jungkook
Freedom? Life? You want to live?
*He takes a step closer, his voice growing louder.*
Jeon Taehyung
*Nods with tears streaming down on face*
He takes another step, his eyes blazing with a mix of emotions - anger, hurt, desperation. He points a finger at Tae, his hand shaking.
Jeon Jungkook
You want to leave me? You want to walk away from this marriage?
*He pauses, his mind racing.*
Jeon Taehyung
This is not marriage for me. This is torture, this is cage.
Jungkook's finger drops, his hand falling limply to his side. The words "torture", "cage" hit him like physical blows. He stumbles back, his face contorting in pain. He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood.
He looks at Tae, his eyes wild, unrecognizable. He feels a surge of anger, hot and overwhelming. He takes a shuddering breath, his mind reeling.
Jeon Jungkook
Fine. You want freedom? You want life? You want to live?
*He takes another step forward.*
Jeon Jungkook
*His voice drops to a Dangerous whisper.*
Then do it. Jump. End your fucking life, because it's the only way you'll get away from me.
*He stands at the edge now, inches from you, his breathing ragged.*
Jeon Taehyung
So, you'll not give me divorce?
Jeon Jungkook
*Jungkook turns towards Taehyung slowly, his face a mask of cold fury*
I'd rather watch you jump than sign those divorce papers.
*The words come out harsh, brutal. He means every single one. His voice drops lower*
I'd rather you be dead than with someone else.
Jeon Taehyung
Fine. I'd rather die than endure your torture all my life. *wipes tears*
Jungkook watches Taehyung wipes his tears, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he reaches out and grabs Tae's arm. He pulls him towards the edge of the bridge, his grip like a vice.
Jeon Jungkook
Then jump.
*He shoves Tae forward, his hands releasing his arm at the last second.*
Jeon Taehyung
*Steps forward without a second thought*
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