Sora's POV
I ruffled my hair to loosen my sore scalp while crawling onto my mattress, groaning softly as I massaged my injured back and slowly laid face first on the bed to avoid the discomforting ache over my spine. I snuggled against my pillow in exhaustion and tried to sleep, only to realize the room wasn't fully dark yet. Shit. I need to switch off the lights- But I'm too comfortable in this position. I grunted and turned my head over the pillow to stare at my yolky lamp with a slight grimace. I can reach it.
I extended my arm from the bed in an attempt to switch off the lamp without moving, but the switch was still an arm's length away. Pouting, I dropped my hand in defeat and stared at the dim light in annoyance. Did they have to fracture my spine over a fortune of cash?! Knock. Knock. I lifted my head to stare at the door until it slid open and Taehyung appeared in his loose pajamas.
"Oh-? What are you doing here- Ah~!" I groaned, trying to force my body upward but feebly collapsed back onto the mattress once I felt the uncomfortable throb on my lower back.
"Stay in your position. I visited the medical room earlier, but the nurse told me you insisted on resting in your own room," Taehyung sighed, approaching me with a cream bottle.
"The mattress in the medical room is too stiff," I muttered, slumping back down to lie on my stomach with my gaze on the stupid switch I failed to reach. My room was already dim. I only needed to turn off the warm radiant by my bedside.
"You can't skip the massaging treatment," He sighed, carefully sitting by my side and ruffled my hair, making me groan again.
"Leave the cream here and please switch off the light for me," I muttered, sleepily snuggling against the pillow.
"I'll do it for you," Taehyung offered, crawling onto the bed to sit over my lower thighs.
"You can summon the nurses," I turned my head to look at him as he settled over my blanket.
"Let me see your bruise," Taehyung muttered, tugging the blanket down to my hips to cover my lower body and gently pushed my thin nightgown upward to expose my bare back. I gripped the pillow when he lightly caressed my sore skin with his fingers.
"Is it bad?" I mumbled. Taehyung remained over me as I lay on my stomach.
"The bruise faded," He exhaled. I heard him opening the cream bottle, so I closed my eyes to let him rub the substance over my injury. It was soothing at first... until my skin crawled at his touch. Taehyung tenderly massaged my hips and lower back to relieve my discomfort as I remained stiff over the mattress with a racing heart. My face suddenly flushed red, so I buried it into the pillow as he handled the sensitive nerves on my back, cluelessly applying the cooling cream to places that made me feel the arousing tingles.
"That's enough-"
"Why? Does it hurt?" Taehyung paused when I suddenly turned to grab his hand. He froze over my back at my withdrawal, so I shook my head at him and huffed in annoyance. I wanted to turn on my back, but he was holding me captive with his body weight.
"No. I'm just uncomfortable," I muttered, releasing his hand and turned away to face the lamp again.
"Uncomfortable? With my touch...?" Taehyung asked, gently pulling my nightgown down to cover my back and pushed the blanket up my body again. He crawled off my back thighs, so I quickly rolled onto my back as he sat on the bed with a curious smile.
"Yeah. It makes me feel weird..." I tugged the blanket up to my cheeks to cover my flushed face. The alpha stared at me from under the dim radiant with a slight smile as he rubbed the remaining cream between his slender fingers. I gulped at his smug expression while hiding under the sheet. Isn't he leaving?
"But I'm your boyfriend. Remember?" He smiled at my flustered face.
"I forgot I had a boyfriend," I replied.
"You forgot?! Me?! Kim Taehyung?! That's a bit offensive," He scoffed at my neglect in disbelief.
"Our relationship was a bit hasty-"
"You were the one requesting to label our relationship!" He snapped when I tried to make up an excuse. I gripped the blanket guilty as he cutely frowned at me. Right. I wanted to be his lover... but I'm not quite used to his presence yet because we accepted our relationship status before we actually developed heartfelt feelings for one another.
"Then... do you want to sleep with me?" I asked, reaching out from under the blanket to pat the space beside me. Taehyung blanked out at my words as he sat frozen on the mattress. Why is he stunned?-
"S-Sleep? As in having sex-"
"No! What are you thinking? Just sleep! We can share the bed!" I gasped, flinging the blanket off my face to glare at his absurd assumption. What is he thinking?! Taehyung glanced down at my pushed-up gown with flushed cheeks, so I quickly tugged the fabric down to cover my stomach and exposed panties in embarrassment.
"Why are you so reactive?! What's wrong with having sex with me-"
"I didn't mean it like that! You're the one misinterpreting my words- AH?!- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I whined in annoyance when he suddenly leaped over my body, hastily pinning me down with his firm grip on either side of my shoulders.
My eyes flung open in shock as Taehyung trapped my vulnerable body beneath his. I tried to force his solid chest away but he effortlessly grabbed both my wrists and pressed them beside my head to prevent me from wiggling free. Badum! I stared at him with a racing heart as the man hovered his fuming face above mine.
"I wouldn't know if you're teasing me on purpose..." Taehyung narrowed his suspicious gaze and glanced down at my lips. Why am I panicking?! I don't remember being this nervous around Seokjin! I sucked in my breath, quickly screwing my eyes shut in anticipation as he lowered his face to nudge his lips against mine, so I curled my toes at his assertiveness... until I felt my heart choking on the swelling tension within my chest.
"I-I'm not teasing you-" I stuttered, refusing to open my eyes. Taehyung suddenly released my clenched fists and sat up on my body without putting his entire weight on me, so I immediately opened my eyes to find him sitting over my stomach with a slight smile. I slightly flinched when the man suddenly reached out to cup my face between his massive palms. Pause. I swallowed the discomfort while staring at up him as he funnily squished my cheeks without speaking.
"Aigo~! This is problematic~!" He muttered as he intensely examined my face.
"P-Problematic?" I blinked. Taehyung tilted his head to the side while pinching my cheeks.
"You're not the annoying dumpling anymore~!" He mumbled as he squeezed my cheeks until my lips puckered up at the pressure of his warm palms. He looked almost disappointed as he scanned my dumbfounded face.
"Dumpling? What-"
"I used to do this to you often when we were young because I liked your chubby cheeks... but it's all gone now. Your soft face chubs," Taehyung frowned as he observed my rosy cheeks. I gulped in confusion, unable to speak until he gently ran his thumb over my lips.
"What are you saying? Are you having fun taunting me?" I asked. I'm sure he's doing it on purpose to tease me! Taehyung suddenly huffed at my face and leaned forward to peck my lips again, causing my heartbeat to leap out of my goddamn ribcage at his constant affection. Why's my heart so crazy for him?! This is unacceptable! I need to remain calm!
"You're no longer the little dumpling I loved to annoy... because right now... when I'm staring at you like this... I realized... you're a grown woman and my feelings aren't the same anymore," Taehyung sighed, shifting his ardent gaze to my restless pupils.
"Is that a bad thing...?" I asked innocently.
"Hmm... it's worrisome," He answered while grazing my cheek with his index finger.
"Why?" I asked as I uneasily gripped his pajama pants. The alpha wouldn't stop studying my facial expression... until I felt my body muscles stiffening at his attentive gaze.
"Because... you're... provoking my manly side. Our interaction isn't as innocent as it used to be because... I can feel my body... physically... shifting towards yours," He muttered, slowly lowering his body as he spoke. I didn't close my eyes this time... and watched him part his lips over my face. Taehyung gently rested his lips on mine again... but he didn't pull away. Slowly... very... softly... he nibbled my lips until I closed my eyes and kissed him back to accept his invitation. Taehyung's breathily made out with me on my bed as I encircled my arms around his neck to draw him closer.
"Can we save it for later?" I whispered, gently pushing his face away to break the steamy kiss. Taehyung searched my gaze with a questioning look.
"Save what?" He asked, lowering his moist lips to kiss my lower lips again. I gulped and let him stroke his lips over mine.
"I'm too sore to make love right now," I anxiously whispered between our kisses. Taehyung suddenly chuckled against my lips, making me smile at the ticklish vibration of his body over mine.
"I didn't plan on making love with you this early," Taehyung smiled, drawing his face away to beam at me. I flushed red beneath him.
"My back is still stiff," I giggled. Taehyung leaned down to peck my forehead before rolling onto his back. Hah~! I can breathe again! He's heavy! Taehyung slipped his arm under my head to let me rest on his bicep and turned on his side to smile at me as I remained on my back.
"Did you honestly think I'd pressure you to sleep with me with a fractured spine?" Taehyung asked, gently caressing my hair to tuck it behind my ear. I chuckled and shook my head. Of course not. I was just afraid the make-out session would escalate into a full-on body workout.
Taehyung smiled and scooted over the mattress to shorten the gap between us, making me cower away from him but he firmly held my back and drew me against his heated chest. The alpha didn't leave my room and stayed to hold me in his arms throughout the night.
I didn't feel as uncomfortable in his presence anymore, so I gradually lowered my guard... to let him embrace me without... the fear of being harmed. And surprisingly... he was a warm soul. The Taehyung I was always so afraid of... wasn't as scary as I had imagined.
His familiar comfort... my body is beginning to recognize it again.
Sora... maybe this isn't so bad at all?
_______________________
One by one... the alphas would turn their head to inspect the newcomer in the lecture room. Mira disappeared from class after the council, and her presence was substituted by a powerful second-rank heir, Min Yoongi. I heard the Mins settled for 10% of the Lee's overall assets as a compensation fee. The drastic reduction in their household is enough to plunge Mira to the weakest fifth-rank alpha among the others. Yoongi didn't seem like himself... ever since he entered the class this morning. He didn't talk to anyone. He didn't even greet me and would sit blankly like an empty shell.
A moment later.
Sighing, I drew the empty chair from the study lounge desk to sit opposite Min Yoongi in the quiet room. We both have no schedule for the second class. Yoongi didn't look up at me and kept his eyes on the opened textbook with his arms crossed.
"Are you seriously ignoring me?" I asked, leaning over the table to observe his pale face. He sighed and shifted his gaze to me.
"My mother told me to avoid the alphas," He cautiously muttered. I frowned at his timid response and turned to scan the empty room.
"It's just us here," I pointed out. Yoongi straightened his back and finally softened his expression.
"Wah~! What the hell is this~? Is it a cult~?! I'm so fucking nervous it makes me sick!" Yoongi furiously whispered, leaning forward to question me with a bewildered look. Oh. So it was all an act to bypass undesirable interactions with the other alphas.
"Sort of. A cult of wealthy and deadly households. Yes," I answered. Yoongi's face drained in fear.
"This is unbelievable! The society is crazy-"
"Don't trust anyone. Trust no one... at all," I warned Yoongi with a worried frown. He's still in shock and given his... obliviousness... it indicates... he was clueless about his status.
"Not even you?" He blinked at me in confusion.
"I do not intend to hurt you, but you shouldn't trust my household either. Are you really clueless?" I asked him unsurely. How can he be so clueless when he's the second most powerful alpha?!
"My parents never told me anything. They barged into the hospital after I was threatened by the thugs and brought me to this gigantic luxurious hotel! They keep talking about the council and the attacks or something! My father was especially irritated," Yoongi grimaced as he rubbed the bandage on his knuckles.
"They hid your status from you and the society to protect you. Yoongi, you're a second-rank alpha," I explained. He won't last if he's this dense.
"Second-rank? What-"
"You're the second most powerful household! After me! There are five ranks, and you're the second most powerful!" I explained. Yoongi fired me a 'What the fuck is this madness?' look.
"If I'm so powerful... then why should I be wary-"
"Because the alphas destroy each other for power! You're your parents' only pillar! Yoongi you have to stay alive no matter what! I'm sure your parents will handle the political side of the society... but you have to be cautious around everyone. You can be friends with the alphas but never... ever... entrust your life in their palms. They might backstab you, so I believe your parents are right. Avoid everyone for now... until you establish a trustworthy alliance," I sighed, bitterly staring at Yoongi. He's too new to the game... The other household will target him because he's gullible.
"What about Lee Mira? Who is she-"
"Her parents are the only alphas involved in the dark side. Drugs. Thugs. Illegal operations... you name it... it's all operated by her family," I answered. Yoongi rubbed his lower lips with an uneasy feeling and looked back up at me.
I spoke with Yoongi the entire hour and we eventually headed to the canteen together so I could show him around. People kept eyeing us weirdly, so I assured him the unwanted spotlight was a normal experience in the society. They love to orchestrate dramas with their delusional minds. We were eating in peace when Yoongi suddenly looked past me with a startled expression, so I turned around- just in time to find Haerim storming towards me with a cup. SPLASH.
"Sora!-" Yoongi gasped when Haerim angrily threw the milk at my face. I sat frozen in my seat as the sticky substance dripped from my hair... soaking my clothes. Ah... My blood is boiling again. Sora- Right. I can't do shit because I'm a shadow student... and if I respond to her violence... I'll only be in deeper trouble. The entire canteen grew hushed upon witnessing her aggression.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Jungkook snapped, suddenly storming toward my table to confront Gae Haerim as Yoongi grabbed a handful of tissues to dab my face.
"Stay out-"
"What's the matter with you?! Why do you keep on provoking Sora like this!?" Jungkook snapped at Haerim. Minah smirked from her table as she enjoyed the drama between us.
"She's a fucking monster! Did you think you could cast me out of the top rank with your stupid threat?!" Haerim seethed as she gripped the empty cup. My head is swaying from the extreme anger I was trying so damn hard to contain- No. Taehyung will get in trouble with her if I snap back.
"What are you talking about?" I calmly asked, rising to my feet in my drenched clothes. Jungkook wildly turned to stare at my stained clothes in irritation.
"Don't pretend to be clueless! You stole-"
"Why do I ought to forcefully take anything from you when I already have everything, Haerim-shi? Are you really upset with me because your parents lost 10% of their assets to my household to compensate for my injuries? Then you should've known better than to send those sick thugs after me! What is it that you want from me this time? You wanted Kim Seokjin... so I let you have him! What else do you want from me?!- I will not fight with you over a stupid love affair! Grow up, will you?! You're fucking pathetic!" I snapped at her in irritation. She's upset because my household disabled hers with the evidence they had during the thug incident. And she's unleashing her anger on me when it was her who sent the motherfuckers after me and Yoongi?!
"You couldn't have Seokjin, so you got with Kim Taehyung to make Seokjin jealous and to annoy me! Did you think I was dumb?! And now you're trying to shatter my alliance with Seokjin by blaming me for a crime-"
"Mira claimed it was you who wanted to hurt me! How can you shamelessly twist the truth to make me a monster?! And I have nothing to do with Kim Seokjin! I'm sorry if you're not enough for him! I'm sorry if he doesn't give you enough attention because he's not into you! I'm sorry you're a pathetic bitch that nobody wants! Fuck- stop dragging me into this ridiculous boy's problems like a middle schooler. You should worry about other things rather than shamelessly fighting for the hard cocks you want to fuck!" I screeched at her face in annoyance while rubbing the milk from my face. She's behaving like those annoying drama characters on TV! Fighting over a man!? That's ridiculous!- I was a fool to fall for her stupid drama once, but I won't be involved again!
"You know I can easily destroy you and Kim Taehyung, right?" Haerim tearfully clenched her jaws. I laughed at her stupid face and shook my head in disbelief.
"If you want to fight... a real fight... then do it outside campus. You know I can't resist you in here, so if you're so brave... then come to me so we can fucking fight without the academy's authority. I'll let you challenge me," I smirked, walking up to her until we were eye to eye in the tense atmosphere. Haerim gulped at my invitation, fearfully turning to glance at the other alphas.
"Sora, let's head home," Jungkook nudged me as he fired Haerim a bitter glare. Huff. I followed him... but halted when I almost forgot something. Oh right! One more thing! I turned to face Haerim again as she glowered at me with a resentful glare.
"Ah. I'll send my dirty clothes over to your household. It's a piece Taehyung recently got for me, so please restore the fabric to its original quality. Ah~! I won't fuss over a piece of cloth~ because I do not wish to get expelled for setting the school on fire again~!" I smugly smiled at her as I dabbed the soaked cashmere sweater with a slight pout. Haerim gripped her fist at my calm response, so I smiled at her and turned to stroll away with Jungkook.
It doesn't make sense how Haerim is endlessly... triggered by everything I do. It's very suspicious now. There's something she's afraid of... and I don't know what it is. She can't be seriously irritating me like this for Seokjin? For a man? That's absurd.
Oh well. I was forced to leave the university early after the fight with Haerim to wash up at home and didn't return because I was sick of seeing her face. Taehyung was dead worried and contacted me to check if I was alright after Jimin told him about the incident. I assured him of my condition. Haerim is trying to expel me again. That's for sure. I'm staying low... not because I'm weak but because I need to be wise about her obvious scheme to get rid of me.
Taehyung's right. Only a threatened dog will bark.
I blinked out of my thoughts when I found myself... standing in front of the president's lounge. Taehyung asked me to grab a file for him. The corridor was vacant, so I glanced at the exclusive card on my palm and slowly scanned the door for access. Beep.
I carefully turned the handle and stepped inside the empty room. Seokjin and Haerim aren't here. That's a huge relief. Sighing, I approached Taehyung's desk to search for the blue envelope he specifically instructed me to withdraw. I grabbed it and was about to walk away when I noticed a paper bag on Haerim's desk. It was a coffee brand, but I didn't know what it was since it was securely sealed. Was she here earlier?
I warily approached her desk out of curiosity and glanced at her unattended laptop. Click. I pressed the key until it powered up but of course... there was a passcode lock. She wouldn't leave confidential information on her school device. I aimlessly tugged on her locked drawers until I heard something dropping... under the desk. Thud. I frowned and knelt down to find... an outdated phone. Huh? Why is she using an old model? I slowly got back onto my feet and tapped on the phone- It suddenly unlocked. Curiously... I scrolled through the old software on the phone... but it was very... strange.
There was no contact. No games. No applications. Just a bunch of files.
November 01 2020. SJI.
I stared at the most recent folder and clicked on it until a few more files popped up. The room suddenly grew tense when I found a few folders about Song Jae-Il's information profile. His personal schedule... and everything about... his household. BEEP. A jolt of panic bolted through my body when someone suddenly unlocked the door, so I quickly dropped the phone beside the coffee bag and scurried towards the exit... just as Kim Seokjin opened the door. I halted with a flustered face once his handsome face appeared before me.
"How did you get in?" Seokjin asked dully as he stood in my way to stop me from leaving.
"Taehyung handed me his card so I could grab his files before his class ended," I shrugged, raising the card between my fingers to show Seokjin. I tried to walk past him but stopped dead when Seokjin placed his hand on my shoulder to push me back. Why is he blocking my way?
"It's unlike Kim Taehyung to let anyone in our private lounge. I'll give him a call to confirm your errand," Seokjin dawdled, withdrawing his phone from his pocket and quietly typed on the screen with his thumb. I glared at his smug expression in annoyance.
"So annoying..." I grumbled, lowering my face to stare at the floor as Seokjin waited for Taehyung to answer his call.
"Oh. Did you send the supreme alpha into our lounge?... Yeah. The blue file?" Seokjin questioned Taehyung through the phone. He sideways-eyed the file in my arms as I tightly hugged it against my chest and shifted his pretty brown eyes back to mine before lowering his phone to end the call.
"You may leave," Seokjin stepped aside to let me pass him.
"Seriously~? Do I look like a thief to him?! How rude!" I purposely sneered out loud as I strolled out to ensure he heard my words. Thud. Seokjin closed the door before I could mock him any further, so I turned to glare at the door in annoyance and pretended to bang my fist on the door in anger.
"I can see your activities through the camera footage. You better calm your temper, or I'll report your inappropriate behavior to the principal," Seokjin's voice suddenly beeped through the monitor, causing me to jerk in a panic. I covered my mouth in shock and glanced at the red camera beam on the top right corner of the door with my clenched fist hovering before the door.
"So annoying!" I snapped at the camera, knowing he was watching me, and hurried off in embarrassment. Did he forgive me? I scratched my head as I made my way down the building. He used to ignore me all the time... but he's speaking to me again. That's right. Seokjin isn't the type to hold grudges. I shook my head and jogged toward Taehyung as he waited for me by the exit. We left the campus together after I handed him the file and got into his car.
A moment later.
"Haerim? Her phone?" Taehyung asked, gently brushing my hair as we sat on my bed. We had dinner together earlier and we were getting ready for bed... but Taehyung insisted I should detangle my loose hair... so I'm facing away from him while flipping through a book.
"Yeah. It was an old model phone... with many... files. The most recent one is related to Song Jae-il," I nodded. Taehyung sighed. He suddenly stopped combing my hair. Taehyung got off the mattress to put the brush away and carefully crawled back onto the bed to sit facing me.
"I'll deal with Haerim. Sora... stay out of her way... or she'll lash out at you again. We both know you have no choice but to stay hush because your student privilege is restricted by the principal," Taehyung sadly stared at me.
"What can you do against her when she's constantly using your past against you like this?" I pouted. I'm alright with her abusive acts, but it's tiring to run in the same cycle. She'll never stop threatening Taehyung with his past and I'll have to endure her random strikes every time.
"That's the difference between you and her. Sora, you're a forgiving soul with so much love to offer despite witnessing my dark side. And Haerim? She's using it against me," Taehyung smiled, gently squeezing my hand. I warmly smiled at his tender gaze until my cheeks flushed red again. That's because I know it wasn't his intention to hurt anyone. Kim Taehyung is a good man.
"I'm serious when I said I saw the files-"
"It's probably for investigation purposes. I'm sure every alpha retains the files related to Jae-il because we're curious about the attack. Even our household obtained his death record to study his passing," Taehyung chuckled, turning to rest on my bed and tucked his arms under his head. I sat beside him with an unconvinced frown. I'm sure Seokjin... chatted with me about considering... an alliance with Jae-il before we broke up.
"Whatever," I muttered, turning to stare at my files.
"Are you mad?" Taehyung asked, suddenly sitting up to catch my eyes.
"No," I said shortly.
"Why are you sulking-"
"Ah!" I gasped when Taehyung suddenly tickled my waist, causing me to jerk in distress. I smacked his chest and shoved him away as he circled his arms around my waist and gently tugged me onto his lap to make me sit on him. I glared at him in annoyance as he firmly held my body over his thighs.
"Give me a kiss," Taehyung puckered his lips as I sat facing him on his lap.
"No," I refused and turned my face away.
"Give me a kiss- or I won't let you breathe in the count of three. One... two-" Taehyung threatened. I fired him an irritated glare but panicked when he started counting, so I leaned down to peck his lips.
"Stop it!" I whined. Taehyung chuckled at my irritated look.
"I'm investigating Haerim... so trust me, okay...? You can't give her more reasons to give you a difficult time," Taehyung smiled, gently stroking my hair as I quietly stared at his sincere expression. I finally nodded and leaned forward to hug him, so he secured his arms around my back and gently rubbed my lower bank- Creak.
"Uh- Oh! I'm sorry!" Mrs. Kim gasped once she entered my room without knocking to find me sitting on Taehyung's lap. Our parents appeared by the doorway with stunned expressions after they caught us together.
"What brought you to my room?" I asked, frantically scrambling off Taehyung's lap to sit on my bed as Taehyung cleared his throat with a red face.
"Don't be shy! It was rude of us to barge inside without a notice~!" Mrs. Kim giggled at our flustered reaction.
"Eomma~!" Taehyung groaned when she wouldn't stop winking at us. I shyly exchanged eye contact with Taehyung and glanced back at the elders as they settled on my couch.
"We need you two to sign a transfer document," Eomma smiled as appa yawned beside her.
"A transfer document?" I asked, getting off the bed with Taehyung to sit on the carpet as the elders remained on the couch before us.
"The Kim is transferring the Lotte Tower to us," Eomma smiled.
"The Lotte Tower?! But that's-" Taehyung gasped, lifting the documents to stare at the terms in disbelief. My jaws dropped in shock. That's worth it... 10% of the Kim's accumulated assets.
"Aigo~! It's our gift to the Jang to secure your lovely bride! Her parents can't just marry her off to us without some... sort of offering in return! The tower alone isn't worth Sora's priceless value- but it's a small token of appreciation to express our earnest commitment to her household," Mrs. Kim smiled at Taehyung's pale expression. He turned to stare at me before shifting his gaze back to the document. Why is he hesitating? Taehyung unsurely glanced at my mother until she raised her eyebrow to question his behavior. He gulped and lifted the golden fountain pen from the velvet box.
"Of course. Anything for my bride," Taehyung nodded, lowering the pen to sign the document. I took the pen from him to sign the contract as the elders intensely watched us.
"Well. Good night to you two," Eomma smiled, snatching the document from us, and got up to leave my room with appa. Mrs. Kim wouldn't stop giving us a funny look as we walked them to the doorway.
"Oh. Don't get Sora pregnant yet- not until you graduate from the academy- and NOT- Until you secure your position at the tower. Be an honorable man, son, and use protection at all costs if you love her! Oh- And I am definitely not ready to be called a grandfather yet! I'm not done enjoying my youth- so be careful with my daughter-in-law," Mr. Kim suddenly turned to speak with his son.
"Abeoji!" Taehyung gasped in embarrassment.
"Yeobo~! Stop embarrassing the couple! Let's leave them alone!" Mrs. Kim giggled, grabbing her husband's arm to drag him out of my room. Taehyung's parents left us with a smug smile after teasing us until we were too stunned to speak.
"That's a bit too much," I whispered, closing the door in defeat, and strode back to my bed with a discouraged expression.
"Too much?" Taehyung asked.
"Eomma must've forced your parents to transfer your assets so you wouldn't turn your back on me. I'm sorry," I nervously eyed him. Taehyung got onto the bed with me and shook his head. I saw the look on eomma's face. She doesn't care about her household. Or me. Or the Kims. It's power... that she wants and she will do anything to have it.
"All of our assets will merge once we're married. Whatever... I own... will become yours by law, so it doesn't matter," Taehyung smiled, gently kissing my forehead to assure me.
____________________
Third Person POV
Flash Back: After Sora left the private lounge.
Kim Seokjin quietly typed on his keyboard as Haerim attempted to stifle her chronic coughs. She cleared her throat in discomfort while rubbing her neck and lifted the latte to take another sip. Seokjin glanced back at his screen... but she wouldn't stop clearing her throat.
"I think I should head home early. I'm feeling unwell," Haerim clenched her aching stomach as she stared at Seokjin from her desk.
"Get yourself treated," Seokjin nodded without a glance as she got up from her seat to collect her things to place in her designer bag until Haerim started coughing louder and harder. Cough! The alpha gasped in shock when a blood clot suddenly splattered onto her palm.
"W-What the hell-?" Haerim gagged as her intestine twisted and turned in pain. She suddenly lost her balance and collapsed against her desk, causing Seokjin to straighten his back in confusion.
"Haerim!" Kim Seokjin frowned. Thump! The alpha slumped weakly by her desk. The second-rank alpha immediately shot from his seat to assist Gae Haerim, who was whimpering on the floor in pain. GAG! She suddenly burped again- causing a warm splatter of blood to spill from her lips.
Kim Seokjin's face drained in extreme fright as the terrifying white foam... bubbled from her opened mouth. Haerim tried to speak but lost her voice and twitched over the floor as she battled the killer pain within her aching organs, so the school president firmly secured her body in a sitting position with a racing heart.
"Shit-" Seokjin immediately lowered Haerim onto the floor and sprinted out of the lounge in a hurry to alert the medics of her alarming seizure.
The infirmary staff immediately rushed after Seokjin until they found the alpha... sprawling on the tiles with a foaming mouth and unconscious body. They hastily lifted her motionless body and hurried out of the room as Seokjin chased after the medics until he arrived at the lobby entrance. A crowd of lower ranks swarmed around the exit as they watched the medics rush Gae Haerim's lifeless body away... on the medical cart.
Kim Seokjin rubbed his lower lips with his eyebrows furrowed... and hurried back to the lounge to contact Haerim's parents and finally slumped in his seat with a slight grimace. He was panting heavily from the shock he was in and his heart was pounding hard against his chest.
Kim Seokjin had no idea what had happened to Haerim. Pause. He lifted his sweat-drenched face to stare at the door with a dark frown. The alpha was suddenly reminded of Sora's shaken behavior when he found her in the room. Seokjin nervously chewed his thumb as he stared at the almost empty latte cup and glanced back at the door to recall... Jang Sora's questionable behavior inside the room with an... intense scowl.
_____________________
Present
Sora's POV
As anticipated... The peace I savored didn't last when we received tragic news the... very next morning. Gae Haerim was severely poisoned by an unknown source the afternoon before. It should be good news for me, but the Gae somehow claimed I was the culprit... answerable to the incident because I was last seen leaving the president's lounge before she drank the latte. Troubles will always follow me wherever I go!
"-Sora! You have to speak the truth!" Eomma pressed, causing me to snap out of my thoughts. I lifted my eyes to find the elders staring at me with worried frowns.
"I didn't do it," I muttered, giving them the exact... same answer. My parents are interrogating me because The Gae is demanding justice.
"You were last seen in the room!-"
"But I didn't do it!" I whined, finally exploding in annoyance. Why won't they believe me?
"The Gae will never settle-"
"But they don't have any evidence against me! I'm innocent!" I shrieked in distress. Eomma pursed her lips at my tearful eyes and turned to rub her fuming face.
"What were you doing in there-"
"Taehyung sent me to fetch his files!" I snapped, turning to glare at Taehyung, who was weirdly muted... ever since he received the news about Haerim's unfortunate condition.
"It's only natural for the Gae to accuse Sora because she was never on good terms with Haerim. She was last seen at the lounge... and Kim Seokjin has confirmed your presence. It's difficult to refute Sora's involvement when The Gae has proof to counter us," Mr. Jeon sighed in defeat.
"But she said she didn't do it. The drink could've been poisoned even before it was brought to the lounge," Jungkook sighed as he calmly defended me. I stared at Taehyung's muteness with a an annoyed frown. Why isn't he speaking? He immediately ran to Haerim the instant... he heard the news when he promised to take me on a date! I got ready for him- only to be ghosted!
I'm not trying to be childish here, but he should at least try to defend me for putting me in the wrong place at the wrong time! I got frustrated, stormed out of the living room, and banged my bedroom door shut when everyone refused to believe me. That's right! No one will believe me! For all I know- She might be the one poisoning herself to dump the crime on me!
Taehyung didn't speak to me for a few days after Haerim collapsed. He didn't actually think I poisoned her, did he? Whatever. I didn't go to school after the incident because I didn't feel like dealing with their gossip and hawk-like stares. Knock. Knock. I sighed and got off my bed.... after rotting in bed all day to open the door for whoever was disturbing me.
Taehyung stood in the doorway with a neutral expression.
"The medication-"
"I'll take it. Thank you," I nodded, coldly taking the medication pack from Taehyung's hand and tried to close the door when he suddenly grabbed the door to hold it open.
"I need to speak-"
"Okay. Speak from the doorway then," I nodded, taking a step backward to maintain an appropriate distance between us. Taehyung sorely observed my withdrawn attitude.
"What happened to Haerim-" Taehyung sighed but was cut short when I snorted.
"Whatever. You can assume whatever because I've already given my statement too many times, and no matter how many times you ask me... the answer will remain the same. Can you leave now?" I sighed, staring straight at Taehyung in irritation.
He's clearly not over Haerim yet for him to suspect me like this after she got hurt. I won't make assumptions either, and he can do whatever he thinks is appropriate because I couldn't care less. Did I really believe love would bloom naturally between us after all the shit we went through? Well. That delusion died just as quickly as it came.
"I'm not trying to blame you-"
"I don't want to speak. Close the door before you leave," I shook my head, walked away to crawl onto the bed, and tucked the blanket up to my chin.
Taehyung finally released a deep sigh at my stubbornness before closing the door as I demanded. I kept my eyes closed but couldn't sleep that night, so I tossed and turned on the bed until I felt really stuffy from all the wild thoughts. Should I visit Do-hwan? Maybe he's still awake at his office?
I kicked the blanket off my body and hurriedly got off my bed, carefully opening the door to greet the dim hallway. Everyone is asleep. I exhaled and walked towards the front door when I heard weird thudding sounds from the corridor leading to the kitchen. I froze and glanced in that direction when I found a shadow of a person approaching me. Thud.
"What are you doing?" I asked. Jungkook suddenly emerged from the dark hall with rosy red cheeks. His hands were occupied with a wine bottle and a glass. He paused to stare at me with his dazed face, sleepily raising his arm to rub his wrist over his eyelids.
"Wanna drink?" He chuckled, raising the glass in the air. I stared at his damp cheeks unsurely and back at the wine bottle.
"Are you drunk?" I asked.
"Yeah. Come on, drink with me~!" Jungkook beckoned and wandered off.
Jungkook surprisingly didn't walk to his room, so I followed him around unsurely until we arrived on the dark rooftop. He carefully circled the pool to sit on the clear terrace, drunkenly placing the wine bottle down and dusted the ground with his bare hands before slumping on the opening in his casual clothes. I sat on the floor beside him and glanced up at the full moon above us.
"Is it because of Minah?" I muttered. Jungkook pouted and lowered his face. My eyes widened in horror when he started whimpering... and before I knew it... The alpha was weeping in distress.
"Why are women so complicated!" Jungkook snapped, lifting his pained eyes to me.
"What happened? She wouldn't have broken up with you over a minor problem," I sighed. Jungkook has been keeping his personal problems to himself, and I noticed that. He used to overshare everything with me when we were young, but not anymore... and it's natural because we've both grown apart. We don't feel as comfortable expressing our raw feelings to each other.
"She- She was seeing another guy-" Jungkook sniffled.
"What?!" I gasped, lowering my face to catch his eyes. He refused to look at me and shook his head.
"But I don't have the evidence. I know- she cheated- she asked to get back together yesterday, but I refused because I was upset. She wouldn't admit it... even if I knew she was seeing another person... so I refused her proposal," Jungkook choked as he shook his head. He hastily chugged the wine from the bottle instead of drinking from the glass.
"So you... regret rejecting her?" I asked. Jungkook suddenly lifted his puffy face to glare at me in irritation.
"You're acting like you've never been a victim of a heartbreak!" Jungkook snapped.
"I'm trying to console you-"
"I don't know! I want to be with her- but I don't want to deal with her anymore! I'm internally conflicted! I've done everything she wanted! I got her everything she asked for! I did everything I could to impress her! Oh?! I even work out days and nights to maintain a hot body for her! And this face! I groomed it so she'd have a handsome boyfriend- but I wasn't enough for her! It's upsetting!" Jungkook whined, cutely pointing at his face. I helplessly smiled at his puffy eyes and tilted my head to stare at the luminous moon above us.
"Maybe... it's not about the materialistic things or physical looks... maybe it's about what's inside of you," I sighed, shifting my gaze to him.
"Are you saying Minah's innocent for betraying me-"
"No. Of course not. If Minah... really cheated... then that's awful, and you deserve to be upset. You seemed conflicted. You want her... but you're torn by the fact she preferred another man... over you. Her unfortunate betrayal will scar you forever, even after you reconcile... I think you should make up your mind first. You're right... Jeon Jungkook is hot and handsome. There are many women... that would die to be with you. I doubt you'll have a difficult time meeting new people, but are you ready to let go of your memories with Minah? You love her... I saw your effort," I weakly patted his shoulder. Jungkook rubbed away his tears to think about my words and slowly looked up at me.
"Don't you hate me... for betraying you?" He whispered.
"I was hurt, but given our circumstances... It's not like we had the opportunity to be with each other. People change... and it sucks. We both changed, Jungkook-ah. And that's natural... I can't hate you for growing to be a better person. Of course, I wished you had told me in advance," I shrugged. I was hurt by Jungkook's choice to be with another woman after I endlessly yearned for him, but after my return... the young Jungkook I used to love was no longer the same. He has grown into a decent man... and even if... he was still the same person... I realized... I was only in love with our memories and not him.
"What if I told you... I still love you. And that the reason... I chose to see Minah was... because I needed a distraction from the misery of missing you. I'm a selfish person," Jungkook gulped, painfully staring at me. I felt an intense stir in my chest as I watched the warm tears leak from his eyes.
"I terribly missed you too when I was away, and I understand why you chose... to embrace another woman. You're not in love with me anymore... not when you're this torn over Minah. It's probably just your guilt of choosing to let me go," I shook my head and gently reached out to hold his hand. Jungkook blinked the tears from his eyes and glanced down at our hands.
"I've been feeling restless... ever since you returned to my life..." He muttered, averting his torn gaze to me.
"I'm fine now. You don't have to feel too guilty. Our... friendship is worth saving... so let's not allow a little misunderstanding to ruin us," I smiled. Jungkook nodded and rubbed his tears.
"Taehyung is a prick..." Jungkook grumbled, lifting the wine bottle to drain it.
"Suddenly?" I asked, smiling at his bitter frown.
"You've been sulking for days because of him! Did you think I didn't notice?" Jungkook grunted bitterly after lowering the wine bottle.
"He thinks I poisoned Haerim," I shrugged. It makes me sad thinking about how much he still cares about her. He loved her... and he probably still does...
"To be honest... I was lowkey... rooting for you and Seokjin. Not Taehyung. I knew he'd only hurt your feelings with his unresolved relationship with Haerim," Jungkook muttered, looking up at me with an anxious frown.
"Taehyung has been treating me well since we returned-"
"Does the wounds ever stop aching after he seals the rift with a few bandages to stop it from bleeding? I know he's trying to make up for his wrong acts towards you, but he'll never change. He loves to give you the cold treatment... and it's hurting you even more," Jungkook sighed.
"He'll come back when he's ready-"
"I know it isn't my position to meddle with your love affairs... but... I believe Kim Seokjin... is the best love candidate for you. The man has a clean past... and even if people were against your relationship... He went out of his way to hold you close. Soekjin was really... heartbroken when you left his side. Everyone knows that. Sora... I know your parents want you to marry for power... but are you sure you'll be happy with Taehyung? Seokjin is just as powerful-"
"I've already agreed to marry Taehyung," I shrugged.
"The reason your love failed... is because you chose to push Seokjin away.... because you were afraid of hurting him," Jungkook sighed. I grew hushed to contemplate his words.
"Seokjin did take great care of me, but I felt guilty because it wasn't his duty to deal with my childish nature," I shrugged.
"Yeah, no doubt. My condoms kept disappearing from my drawer whenever Kim Seokjin visited the mansion," Jungkook suddenly sniggered. My face flushed red at his unexpected confrontation.
"Yah!-"
"At least you were smart enough to use protection! Was he good? Kim Seokjin! You never really told me!" Jungkook funnily nudged my shoulder.
"Stop it! You're drunk-"
"We must be the same size, huh? Since he fits into my condoms? You saw mine as well- Are we the same size~?" Jungkook chuckled, leaning forward with an eager smile... until my face burned red.
"Stop reminding me!-"
"Ohoh!? Do you react the same way when Seokjin strips naked in front of you? I doubt it! I bet you drooled at his hard muscles so why did you give me a disgusted look when you saw my body? What does he have that I don't have~?!- Tell me~! I'm curious~!" Jungkook grabbed my wrist, so I quickly shoved his annoying face away.
"You're being weird!" I whined in annoyance when he wouldn't stop pressuring me to compare the size of their private parts.
We eventually grew hushed after the heartfelt talk on the rooftop and sat under the dim radiant to gaze at the clear sky. Side by side... we stared at the moon above us with weak smiles. He's still the same Jungkook I can forever rely on when I'm down like this. There's just something about him that soothes my soul, and no one can ever give me the same comfort.
_______________________
"Oh! You're up early today, my lady!" A maid greeted me as I strolled into the living room in my nightgown to find her admiring a pretty tulip bouquet on the couch.
"What's this?" I smiled, nodding at the flower.
"I think Master Taehyung got it for you!- Oh no! Maybe this is a surprise gift?!" She gasped with a startled expression. Did he get it for me...?
"I'll pretend not to see it!" I giggled and walked off to have breakfast alone in the dining room.
Jungkook joined me with his eyes half open and sat grumpily to slurp the warm soup. He had a bad hangover yesterday, so he stayed home to recover... but he looks better today. I excitedly headed back to my room to get dressed at the thought of Taehyung's considerate gift for me and quickly pulled on my clothes. Maybe he's going to apologize? Sora! You shouldn't fuss over it too much! Just accept his apologies! The maid beamed at me once I returned to the living room. The bouquet disappeared. She told me Taehyung left earlier with it.
"Do-hwan!" I waved, skipping towards him in my feminine floral dress as he waited by the car to escort me.
"You look happy today," He uneasily eyed my cheery mood while holding the door open for me. I shrugged and got into the back seat.
"Taehyung got a flower bouquet for me as an apology! He'll probably surprise me at school!" I smiled, turning to look at the city as Do-hwan calmly drove down the road. He briefly glanced at me through the mirror but didn't say anything.
"You should focus on causing less trouble at school," Do-hwan spoke shortly... just as I stepped out of the car. I nodded at the man and scurried inside the campus- but immediately neutralized my smile when I realized... I was back at the shitty place. The bright beam on my face... instantly overshadowed by an emotionless expression... as I strode toward the alpha building.
I eagerly sat at the back of the class as the alphas filled the room... but Taehyung and Haerim's seats remained empty. I frowned at his absence and glanced out the window. Maybe... he'll surprise me after class??? I shrugged and diverted my attention to the professor once he started speaking.
The first class ended and Taehyung still didn't show up for the second class until it was over. I gloomily dragged my feet across the tiles and entered the canteen to sit alone. The flower will be withered by now. I blinked out of my thoughts when Jungkook suddenly slumped at my table with his sleepy face. I thought he was staying home today? He looks sick again!
"Appa ordered me to attend school~! Ah~! My head aches~!" Jungkook complained while pulling his hair in annoyance.
"You should rest at the lounge then," I shrugged.
"Yah! Where have you been!? I needed to discuss the assignment with you during our second period!" Namjoon scolded Hoseok, who had only shown up to school during lunch break.
"Mian~! I visited Haerim earlier because eomma insisted on bringing her gifts! Kim Taehyung was there- He went to visit her with a bouquet," Hoseok chuckled at Namjoon. My heart dropped at Hoseok's words... so I gulped and glanced at my cold stew. The two alphas cluelessly chatted as they passed by my table to sit at the usual place at the far end of the canteen as Jungkook snored softly with his head rested on his arms.
"Uh-? Aren't you eating?" Jungkook suddenly jerked from his brief nap and straightened his back to stare at me with his droopy eyes.
"I'm not hungry," I muttered, fighting the urge to burst out crying. Why am I suddenly so sensitive? I was alright the entire day! He must've noticed my sullen expression because Jungkook suddenly dimmed his concerned frown on my gloominess.
"Is it because of Taehyung? He asked me to order a bouquet yesterday. I thought it was for you... but I guess... not..." Jungkook turned to look at Hoseok and Namjoon, who were laughing over their meals as Seokjin ate in silence beside them. Seokjin suddenly got up to leave the canteen.
"It doesn't matter!" I snapped, hastily getting up from to seat. My emotions are all over the place. One moment I'm happy, and then I'm upset-! And then I'm suddenly angry for no apparent reason! It's frustrating to deal with the confusion!
"Oh?" Jungkook cluelessly stared at my sudden outburst with his mouth half open. This isn't right! I'm innocent- so why am I treated as the predator? I did not poison Haerim! Thud. Thud. I angrily stormed after Seokjin until he disappeared into the president's lounge. He knows I'm innocent that day! Why did he tell everyone I was the culprit responsible for the incident when he knew I never touched Haerim's bag!
"Kim Seokjin! Open the door!" I snapped, angrily banging on the door in irritation. I panted heavily and took a step back to glare at the closed door, but there was no response.
"Kim Seokjin! I said open the fucking door!" I screeched, kicking the door in distress when he ignored my demand. I snapped my face to glare at the stupid beaming camera over my head, knowing he was watching me.
"Don't be a coward and open the door! You stupid jerk!-" I yelled at the camera when a hand suddenly extended over my shoulder from behind. BEEP. I froze in shock once I noticed the person holding the access card over the screen.
"You'll get in a lot of trouble if you break the door," Seokjin calmly spoke beside my ear as he stood behind me. My heart skipped a beat at his startling appearance, so I wildly spun around to find Kim Seokjin... staring at me with a poker face.
"You-"
"Kicking the door isn't a courteous manner to announce your presence," Seokjin sighed, grabbing the handle to push the door open for me. I gulped in embarrassment and stomped inside with my arms crossed. I thought he was inside! Kim Seokjin calmly followed me and closed the door behind his back.
"Why did you twist the truth?!" I impatiently snapped.
"What truth-"
"The coffee bag was sealed that day! You knew that! I couldn't have poisoned her without damaging the seal!" I snapped, pointing at Haerim's organized desk in irritation.
"Okay?" Seokjin responded with an unfazed expression as he loomed over me, causing me to tense my body muscles at his dismissive reaction.
"O-Okay?!- Okay?!- You told people I was involved-"
"Who am I supposed to tell on... when you were the only person in the room? I'll become an accomplice in the crime if I hid the truth from everyone," He shrugged, rudely cutting me off. My blood started boiling at his thoughtless words until tears filled my eyes.
"Are you doing this on purpose? Because I broke up with you?! How can you be so childish!?" I snapped, stepping forward to glare at his blank face. He's angry. His ears are turning red... yet he didn't dare lash out at me.
"Leave. I have work to complete," Seokjin spoke lowly while maintaining a deadly eye contact with me. I gripped my fist as I glared at his burning red eyes.
"Move out of my way!" I demanded, shoving him aside, sending Seokjin stumbling to the side. I angrily grabbed the door handle and yanked it open with all my might, but it wouldn't budge. The fuck...? I frowned and tugged on the cold handle with both my hands. I couldn't open it. I awkwardly glanced sideways at Seokjin and tried to pull it again. Thud. No movement. I'm stuck.
"Are you seriously messing with me right now-" Seokjin snapped, storming forward to grab the handle when he couldn't stand watching my dumb behavior. He tugged it with all his might, but the door remained locked. The second-rank alpha frowned in confusion and tried to tow the door open... but no matter what he did... it wouldn't open.
"I think... I broke it..." I muttered, nervously staring up at Seokjin's bright red ears.
"Argh!" Seokjin suddenly roared in frustration and kicked the door with all his might, causing me to stiffen in shock at his violent outburst. The lights in the room suddenly died... and we were suddenly standing in a dim room.
"Is there a blackout?" I whispered, turning to stare at the tinted window unsurely as Seokjin panted heavily by the door. Thud. He softly banged his clenched fist against the door with his head hung low.
"Be quiet-"
"Should I call someone-"
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Seokjin screamed at me with his strained neck. I sucked in my breath upon noticing his raging pupils as we stood in the dim lounge. The room wasn't too dark because they had a window. His face is red. Even his neck is red. He's literally boiling and I'm dumbfounded by this side of him...
"Did you think I want to be here with you?" I asked coldly. Seokjin hardened his face at me as he shakily clenched his fist.
"We're stuck in here because of your foolish actions! You never change!" Seokjin snapped in my face. I was frightened of his harsh behavior but stood my ground.
"Is this seriously about our past?-"
"Oh! The nerves to show up before me after dumping my ass over a ridiculous problem! Did you realize how much pain I was in when you fucking ran off without telling me?! I tried- so desperately to love you- but you tossed me away like a trash bag! I thought- I could love you, but you stabbed me instead! It's in your nature, isn't it?! To ruin those who are genuine towards you! Maybe- That's why everyone hates you so much! Because you never really appreciate their efforts because- of your stupid past-" Seokjin angrily snapped at me.
"Don't you dare! You know nothing about my past-"
"Yeah! That's what you keep claiming! Did you think it's appropriate to bleed on me with your past?! Is that a valid justification!? Does it make sense!? To hurt me just because you're hurt when it was my sole intention to embrace your wounded soul?!" Seokjin angrily towered over me. I swallowed at his hurtful words with a pained expression.
"Araso! You're the perfect man, and I'm a nuisance! I'm a nightmare, and I'm sorry I can't be the perfect lover you desire! I warned you I was not a good person- and yet you begged-"
"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? I KNEW YOU'D BE TROUBLE, BUT MY HEART WAS FUCKING YEARNING FOR YOU! TELL ME! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? IS THERE A WAY TO AVOID FALLING IN LOVE? IF THERE'S AN ANTIDOTE TO FUCKING FALL OUT OF LOVE THEN GIVE IT TO ME! I'LL TAKE IT EVEN IF IT KILLS ME! I'M A FOOL FOR FALLING FOR A THORN LIKE YOU! SURE! IT'S MY FAULT FOR PURSUING YOU! BUT DID YOU HAVE TO PRICK ME SO BADLY WHEN ALL I WANTED WAS FOR US TO BE HAPPY?!" Seokjin screamed in my face. A bolt of pain suddenly wrenched my chest. I stared at him in tears.
"O-Open the door- OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR!" I screeched, violently yanking on the broken handle in tears. I grew frustrated and angrily thumped on the solid wood with my fist. THUD. THUD. THUD. I don't want to see him! I don't want to speak with him! His presence is fucking suffocating me! I banged the stupid stubborn door harder until my fist grew numb from the violent impact.
"Yah! Stop it-"
"Don't touch me! Don't fucking touch me!" I snapped, thrusting Seokjin away when he tried to grab my bruised fist. He didn't listen and tried to draw me away from the door, but I refused and shoved him in anger.
"WHY ARE YOU SO FUCKING STUBBORN?!" Seokjin roared in my face when I wouldn't stop trashing the door. I pursed my lips in shock when I felt the heat of his anger blasting against my body. Seokjin panted furiously with his razor-sharp eyes fixed on mine. I opened my mouth to speak... but the hot lump had entirely blocked my sore throat, so I gulped and blinked at him until silent tears filled my eyes. I tried to hold in my misery... but my emotions got the best of me.
"Hik-" I suddenly hiccuped so I quickly covered my mouth as a tear stream flooded from my eyes. Seokjin blinked at me in confusion.
"Hik-" I hiccuped again.
"Hik-" I pouted in frustration when I couldn't silence myself and began to bawl in distress once I failed to contain my frustration. The discomfiting emotions suddenly flooded my entire body... and I ended up weeping like a child as Seokjin bitterly watched me break down before him with a sore frown.
"Don't cry-" He stuttered, reaching out to dab my cheek.
"Don't touch me- you heartless jerk!" I sobbed, pushing him away.
"I said don't cry-"
"Go away!" I whined when he repeatedly told me to shut up.
"I SAID DON'T CRY! ARE YOU DEAF?!" Seokjin bellowed at my face. I immediately sucked in my breath with my tears-filled eyes fixed on the strained veins over his muscular neck. Sora- Breathe! You can't behave like a child!- The room suddenly grew silent again as I intensely resisted the urge in my chest to suppress my stupid whimper... until my cheeks inflated up like a hamster from the swelling pressure. An angry and aggressive hamster ready to screech and bite whoever tries to poke me!
"Hik-" I hiccuped again. Seokjin glared at me in irritation when I wouldn't stop making the weird noises, so I immediately covered my mouth because I didn't want Seokjin to scream at me again. But I failed. Seokjin's eyes grew even wider when I unexpectedly exploded and howled even louder. I bawled at the top of my lungs until the room echoed with my ear-bleeding screams. I cried in distress as he glared at my childlike behavior.
"Ah! You're unbelievable!" Seokjin turned to kick the broken door in annoyance after failing to calm me. Thump! Thump! Thump! He angrily stormed to his desk and slumped down to grab his hair in distress. I sobbed and whined endlessly, but Seokjin didn't threaten me anymore... so I kept weeping until I lost my voice and collapsed weakly in the corner of the room. Sniffling, I hugged my knees beside Taehyung's desk.
"Hik..." I sulked in silence. Seokjin grew hushed after a while as he sat in his seat with his head tilted back on the headrest. He had his eyes closed... and arms crossed over his chest, trying his best not to lash out at me as he listened to my bothersome whimpers.
"Hik-" I whimpered, blinking away my tears, and buried my head against my knees until I felt my eyes growing heavy. I tried my best to stay awake but... I was extremely depleted after squeezing out the tormenting emotions and slowly... I plunged into a deep sleep.
A moment later.
Third Person's POV
Kim Taehyung hurried down the empty corridor until he found Do-hwan inspecting a few technicians as they knelt by the broken door to repair the automatic system. The principal was worriedly waiting outside to free Kim Seokjin and Jang Sora from the room.
"What are you doing here?" Taehyung asked Do-hwan, who was worriedly waiting with the principal.
"Seokjin told me Sora passed out in the room after throwing a tantrum," Do-hwan shrugged.
"Why was she throwing a tantrum?" Taehyung turned to stare at the door unsurely.
"Maybe because a specific somebody decided to bring flowers to his ex-girlfriend. It's natural for her to complain to her ex-boyfriend about it, right? There's nothing wrong with it," Jungkook dawdled as he approached the guard and his cousin. Taehyung fired Jungkook a sharp glare.
"Sora isn't the type to get jealous over-"
"She was in a great mood today... until she realized the flower wasn't for her. She was willing to forgive you... but aigo~! You really screwed up this time," Jungkook shrugged. Taehyung frowned at his smug cousin and glanced back at the door worriedly.
"She must be in a serious condition... for her ex-boyfriend to call Do-hwan," Jungkook continued.
"Eomma sent me to bring the flowers-"
"Don't complain to me. Sora is the one dealing with the emotional abuse," Jungkook shrugged rudely, causing Taehyung to snap his head toward his cousin in anger.
"Yah-" Taehyung tried to speak. Beep.
The technicians successfully unlocked the door and pushed it open. Everyone tensed up in anticipation as Kim Seokjin stepped out of the room with Jang Sora's lifeless body in his arms. Do-hwan immediately hurried over to recover Sora's body as Seokjin worriedly transferred the supreme alpha to her trusted guard.
"If you really knew Sora... you'd know... that she doesn't always sulk in silence. Because when she's extremely frustrated... she loses control of herself and gets really sick afterward... and once it happens... she will withdraw from the source of discomfort... and you'll have a difficult time... earning her trust afterward. But you never knew, did you? Because I was always the one she vented her anger on whenever she was upset with Taehyungie oppa~!" Jungkook sighed.
Taehyung averted his startled gaze to Sora's burning red cheeks... damped eyelashes and striking messy hair. The supreme alpha was unconscious, but she was whimpering under her breath. Kim Taehyung glanced at Kim Seokjin's anxious grimace. The second-rank alpha kept eyeing her with so much... trouble in his eyes.
He knew... right then and there...
Kim Seokjin... was still in love with Sora.
And that was an uncomfortable realization for... Kim Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung thought Sora would forever favor him because he was there with her the longest, so he took her feelings for granted... not until he realized... another alpha... a powerful man... from a prestigious family... could treat her better than him.
And there's a high possibility... of her favoring... Kim Seokjin... over him.
________________________
Hey! I'm back with another update~ I'm trying to update as often as I can before my finals in June so I'll probably take a short hiatus after publishing a few more chapters! I can't promise for sure but I'll be back after the exam! I hope you're enjoying Alpha! Have a good day~ And thank you for the endless support! I love you guys!!! <3