Chapter 5: Burning Proof

Past – The Night of the Deal

Rain drenched the alley behind the gallery.

Jungkook stood trembling beneath a flickering streetlamp, the USB clenched in his palm like a curse.

Across from him stood the man in white — a smile like a blade, his gloves spotless despite the blood that lingered on his breath. Behind him, two men held a bound figure: Taehyung. Bruised. Dazed. Weak.

> “You give us the files, we give you your lover.”

Jungkook didn’t speak. He only stepped forward and extended his shaking hand.

The USB was taken. A nod exchanged.

Then they dropped Taehyung to the pavement like garbage.

Jungkook ran to him, cradled his face, sobbing into his neck.

> “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

But Taehyung didn’t respond.

He was already slipping away.

And when he woke up two days later, the last face he remembered before blacking out was Jungkook’s.

And he remembered nothing else.

Present – Estate Garden, Midnight

Taehyung lit a cigarette with shaking hands.

He hadn’t smoked in years. Jungkook hated it.

But tonight, he needed the burn in his lungs.

He stared at the torn half-photo of Jungkook. Something in his chest throbbed — not love, not quite. A ghost of it. Something raw and unfinished.

Then came the knock.

Soft. Timid.

Jungkook entered the courtyard, barefoot, hair tousled, robe hanging loosely.

> “You’re awake,” he said quietly.

Taehyung exhaled smoke. “Couldn’t sleep. Memories.”

> “The bad ones?”

> “Aren’t they all?”

Silence stretched between them. Cold. Familiar.

Jungkook stepped forward.

> “Why do you keep punishing me if you don’t even remember what I did?”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “Because you lied.”

> “I lied to save you.”

Taehyung laughed. Bitter. Hollow. “Then save me now. Tell me the truth.”

Jungkook hesitated.

Then he said:

> “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

Jungkook’s Room – Moments Later

Jungkook knelt beside the floorboard, lifted it, and pulled out the envelope Hoseok gave him. The map. The photo. The contract.

He handed them to Taehyung with trembling fingers.

> “I didn’t give them the files because I betrayed you,” he whispered. “I gave them the files because they had you.”

Taehyung stared at the documents, his expression unreadable.

Then:

> “This is real?”

> “Yes.”

> “Why now?”

> “Because you were going to destroy me for something you never understood.”

> “And now I do?”

> “Now you know the truth.”

Taehyung was silent for a long time.

Then, without warning, he threw the documents into the fireplace.

Jungkook gasped. “What are you doing?”

> “Erasing it.”

> “But—”

> “If this gets out, we’re both dead,” Taehyung said coldly. “You think you were protecting me? Then let me protect you for once.”

Jungkook lunged toward the fire, trying to grab what he could, but it was too late.

The map was gone. The proof turned to ash.

Jimin’s Apartment – Same Night

Jimin poured another glass of wine, fingers trembling.

He had seen Hoseok leave the estate earlier — no doubt carrying secrets. Secrets Jimin used to die to know. Now? He just wanted to burn them all.

His phone buzzed.

Yoongi:

> Meet me. One hour. Don’t bring anyone.

Jimin stared at the message.

Then deleted it.

Taehyung’s Room – Later

Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, watching the flames in the fireplace burn low.

Taehyung paced behind him.

> “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

> “Because you hated me. Because I thought you'd never believe me.”

> “I did hate you,” Taehyung admitted. “But not because you lied. Because I believed you did. And it broke something in me I never knew was breakable.”

Jungkook looked over his shoulder.

> “Do you still hate me?”

Taehyung walked closer.

Stopped inches behind him.

Then he whispered:

> “No. But I wish I did.”

His fingers slid into Jungkook’s hair. Not rough. Not violent. Just… there.

Jungkook leaned into the touch.

> “Then why does it still feel like you’re trying to destroy me?”

Taehyung leaned down.

Pressed his lips to Jungkook’s neck. Soft. Almost reverent.

> “Because it’s the only way I know how to love you now.”