Cracks in the Armor
The next morning, Taehyung woke with a start, sweat clinging to his skin.
His fingers were clenched tightly around the edge of the blanket, his breathing ragged. Shadows clung to the corners of the room like ghosts from his past. He rubbed his eyes roughly, forcing himself to sit up, grounding his senses.
It was just a dream. Just a dream…
But the sound of the chains—echoing in his mind—was all too real.
He was back in Jungkook’s penthouse. Still trapped. Still watched.
And still somehow… safe?
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung dragged himself to the mirror and stared at his reflection.)
Sharp eyes. Bruised cheek. Barely-healed wound. He was fine.
He was always fine.
So why did he feel like something inside him was cracking?
Kitchen – Later that morning
Jeon Jungkook
Didn’t expect you to sleep in.
(Jungkook remarked as Taehyung shuffled in.)
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung rolled his eyes.)
Didn’t expect you to still be alive.
Jeon Jungkook
(Jungkook smirked.)
Cute.
Kim Taehyung
Not trying to be.
Jeon Jungkook
I know.
( Jungkook poured him a coffee.)
You don’t try. You just are.
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung squinted at him.)
You woke up on the creepy side of the bed again.
Jeon Jungkook
And you woke up looking like you saw ghosts.
Taehyung’s smirk dropped for a second.
Just a second.
Then he shrugged and reached for the coffee.
Kim Taehyung
If I tell you to mind your business, will you listen?
Kim Taehyung
Didn’t think so.
He sipped, grateful for the distraction.
Jungkook watched him quietly, the way someone would study a volatile storm—beautiful but dangerous.
Jeon Jungkook
You’re tense today.
( Jungkook murmured.)
Kim Taehyung
No kidding. Maybe because I’m still being held in a penthouse with more cameras than a bank vault.
Jeon Jungkook
You can leave.
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung’s eyes flickered up.)
Can I?
Jeon Jungkook
(Jungkook leaned forward slowly.)
Only if you promise to come back.
Taehyung scoffed, but his fingers trembled slightly around the mug. Jungkook noticed. Again.
Jeon Jungkook
You had a nightmare, didn’t you?
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung looked away.)
Kim Taehyung
I said I don’t like people touching me.
(he said.)
But I didn’t say I never need it.
The admission slipped out so quietly, it stunned even Taehyung.
Jeon Jungkook
(Jungkook set his own mug down gently.)
Come here.
But Jungkook didn’t touch him. Instead, he sat beside him and pulled his own hoodie sleeve up.
Jeon Jungkook
I’m here. That’s all.
Taehyung stared at the bare skin. Then at Jungkook’s expression. Calm. No pressure. Just… offering.
He hesitated, then reached out slowly, brushing his pinky finger against Jungkook’s wrist. Barely a touch. Barely there.
But Jungkook stayed still. Silent.
Taehyung let out a shaky breath.
And then, for just a few seconds, the tough street gangster disappeared.
His knees drew up slightly to his chest as he leaned in, letting his head rest lightly against Jungkook’s shoulder—not cuddling. Not clinging.
Just needing.
Jungkook didn’t move. Didn’t breathe too loudly. He just sat with him. Present.
Jimin
Are you telling me Jeon Jungkook has Taehyung curled up in his penthouse?
( Jimin exclaimed.)
Yoongi(Suga)
(Yoongi nodded.)
Apparently he’s not just holding him hostage—he’s feeding him breakfast and patching him up like some mafia housewife.
Seokjin
(Jin grinned.)
Should we send flowers?
Namjoon
(Namjoon was less amused.)
We need to figure out Minjae’s next move. He’s tracking Tae. And Jungkook doesn’t even realize it.
Yoongi(Suga)
Wanna bet he does?
( Hoseok said.)
The guy’s not dumb. Just distracted. Very distracted.
That Night – Jungkook’s Penthouse
Taehyung stepped out of the shower, hair dripping, towel slung low on his hips.
He stopped when he saw the door cracked open.
Kim Taehyung
Do you not understand boundaries?
( he asked, voice hardening.)
Jeon Jungkook
(Jungkook looked up from the chair near the window.)
You said you get triggered. I was listening in case.
Kim Taehyung
You were watching.
Jeon Jungkook
Same difference when it comes to you.
Kim Taehyung
(Taehyung clicked his tongue and turned away, dragging on a robe with sharp movements.)
You’re lucky I didn’t slip and fall. Or punch you.
Jeon Jungkook
I would’ve caught you.
The words made Taehyung freeze mid-tie.
Jungkook stood and walked over, his steps slow, predatory. His fingers brushed over Taehyung’s hand, gently finishing the knot of the robe.
Jeon Jungkook
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
Kim Taehyung
Because if I’m not, no one else will be for me.
Jeon Jungkook
(Jungkook’s jaw clenched.)
You don’t get it, do you? I’m not everyone else.
Taehyung’s gaze lifted. Their eyes locked. Jungkook leaned in, slowly.
Their breaths mingled.
Taehyung didn’t pull away. But he didn’t move forward either.
His body was tense. Caught between fight and… surrender?
Then a loud bang echoed through the building.
Jungkook cursed, pulling a gun from the drawer.
Taehyung was already grabbing the knife he’d hidden under the bathroom sink.
They exchanged a look.
Enemies outside could be dealt with.
But the war inside their chests?
That was far more dangerous.
In the shadows of the city…
A figure watched the building through binoculars.
unknown
I found him.
(they whispered into the comms.)
He’s with Jeon Jungkook.
Kim Minjae
Good.
(came Minjae’s voice.)
Begin phase two.
unknown
(The figure smirked.)
Say goodbye to your little prince, Kook.
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