Quiet Fear
The rain had finally stopped, but the sky was still heavy with clouds. Taehyung walked through campus, the chill in the air brushing against his skin. Students around him laughed, planned projects, lived normally. But Tae’s world didn’t feel normal anymore. Not after last night.
He could still feel Jungkook’s grip on his wrist. Still hear his warning: “If you cross this line… there’s no going back.”
Why did those words feel less like a warning… and more like an invitation?
Yuna waved him over to their usual corner. Her eyes were tired, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail. She looked like she hadn’t slept.
Yuna
(firmly) We need to talk.
Taehyung
(sighs, sitting down) About what?
Yuna
Don’t play dumb, Tae. Soojin hasn’t come to class since that night. She’s not answering calls. No one knows where she is.
Taehyung
(frowning) Maybe she just… went home?
Yuna
Without telling anyone? Without her bag, her sketchbook? That girl never goes anywhere without it.
(Tae’s chest tightened. He remembered Soojin’s wide eyes that night in the hallway… had she seen too much?)
Taehyung
(hesitant) You think… it’s connected to Jungkook.
Yuna
(leans closer, whispering) I don’t know who that guy is, but he’s not safe. And if you don’t step back, Tae, you won’t be safe either.
(Tae looked down at his coffee, hands trembling slightly. He wanted to tell her she was wrong… but part of him feared she was right.)
Jungkook stood alone, overlooking the city. The wind tugged at his jacket. His phone buzzed. Minho’s name lit the screen.
Minho
(text) “The girl’s gone. Problem solved.”
(Jungkook’s jaw clenched. He typed furiously.)
Jungkook
(text) “What did you do?”
Minho
(text) “Don’t act innocent. She was poking around. You should thank me.”
(Jungkook’s hand shook with rage. He hurled the phone against the wall, shattering it. His reflection stared back at him in a broken piece of glass. For the first time in years, his control slipped.)
He wanted to keep Taehyung safe. But every step closer he took… the shadows swallowed someone else.
Taehyung painted silently, each stroke heavy. The image forming on canvas was unintentional—Jungkook’s eyes, dark and unreadable, staring back at him. The door creaked. His heart stopped.
Taehyung
(whispering) Jungkook?
(But it wasn’t him. Jimin peeked in, smiling gently.)
Jimin
There you are. I knew I’d find you hiding here.
(Relief and disappointment warred inside Tae. Jimin walked in, setting down two cups of tea.)
Jimin
(softly) You’ve been distant lately. Not even answering my calls.
Taehyung
Sorry… just busy.
Jimin
Busy painting shadows? (he gestures at the canvas) Looks intense
(Tae quickly covered the painting, embarrassed. Jimin tilted his head, concern flickering in his eyes.)
(Tae wanted to say yes. Wanted to lie. But instead, the words slipped out, raw and quiet.)
Taehyung
I think I’m falling for someone I shouldn’t.
(Jimin froze. His smile faded. He didn’t ask who—it was written all over Tae’s face. Instead, he placed a gentle hand on Tae’s shoulder.)
Jimin
Then promise me one thing… don’t let that someone break you.
Outside the art building, hidden by the shadows of the trees, Jungkook leaned against the wall. He had been there the whole time, listening. His eyes were unreadable, but his hands were clenched tight, veins standing out. As Jimin left, JK stepped out just enough to catch a glimpse of Tae through the window—alone, lost in thought.
He told himself to leave. To disappear. But his feet refused to move.
Because no matter how much he fought it… he was already bound.
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