The steam-filled air envelopes you as you sit in the sauna, the heat seeping into your pores, soothing your weary body. Your eyes trace the droplets of sweat that trickle down your bruised arms, a silent reminder of the recent events that have unfolded.
The women around you cast curious glances at your injuries, their gazes filled with concern and intrigue.
In an attempt to distract yourself, you pick up a plate of steaming eggs, but you can't help but notice the lingering stares. Your sister, sitting beside you, nudges you gently and suggests moving to the steam room for some privacy. Nodding in agreement, you leave the prying eyes behind and step into the soothing mist.
As the warm mist wraps around you, Seon-hye breaks the silence, her voice laced with a mix of anger and concern. "How long has this been going on, y/n?" Her eyes search yours, demanding answers.
You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the truth pressing upon you. "Since we came back to this town. Yoongi... he's been tormenting me," you confess, your voice heavy with the weight of the secrets you've carried.
Seon hye's eyes flicker with a mixture of anger and guilt. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asks, her voice trembling with annoyance and worry
A surge of frustration rises within you, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. "Why should I tell you anything? You never share anything with me either!" you retort, your voice tinged with bitterness.
"I've seen you getting into cars with strange men, and what about Jin? You knew I had feelings for him, yet you got together with him. Do you hate seeing me happy that much?"
Seon-hye's eyes widen, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. For a moment, she remains silent, her gaze averted. And then, in a soft, almost whispered voice, she says words that cut through you like a knife.
"I hate you, y/n. I hate you because if it weren't for you, I could have lived a more comfortable life. Instead, I've had to support you, to survive. I hated seeing you so giddy because of Jin. I wanted you to be as miserable as me."
A surge of hurt courses through you, tears welling in your eyes. But then, amidst the silence, she continues, her voice filled with conflicting emotions.
"But I also care for you because you're my sister. I couldn't abandon you. I've been waiting for you to become independent so that we can part ways.
" I want you to be able to stand on your own. In a week, I'll gather enough money, and then we'll run away again."
Your heart sinks at her words, the heaviness settling within you. Running away seems like the only solution, the only way to escape the nightmare that this town has become.
But as you step into the washroom, gazing at your reflection in the mirror, a single tear rolls down your cheek. The weight of leaving behind everything, including Jeon Jungkook, feels like an unbearable loss.
Jeon Jungkook, the one person who had brought a glimmer of light into your darkness, may now be left behind forever. The thought fills your heart with sadness, a longing for what could have been. But you know deep down that this is the best choice for both of you, despite the ache it leaves behind.
As you gather your emotions, you step back into the sauna, the steam embracing you once more. The complicated relationship with your sister lingers in the air, a mix of harshness, care, and the unspoken understanding that you are all each other has.
It is a bond built on necessity, survival, and the hope that one day, both of you can find the happiness
***
The dimly lit room is adorned with expensive furniture, exuding an aura of power and authority. Seated behind a grand wooden desk, the imposing figure of the Mafia Boss gazes at his son, Namjoon. The Boss's hardened expression betrays years of experience in the criminal underworld.
Mafia Boss: (gruff voice) Namjoon, listen carefully. I don't want you to incapacitate Jungkook to the point where he becomes useless. He's the best damn dog I've ever raised, and I won't have him go to waste.
Namjoon, standing tall with an air of confidence, nods his head in acknowledgment.
Namjoon: Don't worry, Father. I'll take care of him. I'll make sure Jungkook remains on a leash, obedient to our every command. Killing two birds with one stone is my specialty.
The Mafia Boss leans back in his leather chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
Mafia Boss: I'm trusting you with this, Namjoon. Remember, it's just this once. We can't afford to lose such a valuable asset.
Namjoon's eyes narrow, his determination shining through.
Namjoon: You won't be disappointed, Father. Jungkook will regret the day he crossed our path. I'll make sure he's taught a lesson he'll never forget.
The Mafia Boss grunts in approval, his eyes piercing through Namjoon.
Mafia Boss: Good. But tread carefully, my son. Jungkook may be a pawn, but he's a pawn with potential. We don't want to break him entirely.
Namjoon's face contorts into a sinister smile, a hint of darkness gleaming in his eyes.
Namjoon: I understand, Father. I'll ensure Jungkook remains a valuable asset to us, even in his submission.
**
The darkness enveloped the small room where you lay, hiding in the safety of your makeshift hideout. It had been four long days since you left the sauna, taking refuge with your sister in this temporary sanctuary.
The plan was set, the funds were gathered, and tonight, under the cover of darkness, you would escape this nightmare to.
Yet all your thoughts were consumed by one person-Jeon Jungkook. It had been two agonizing days since you last saw him, and the longing in your heart grew with each passing moment.
Despite the danger that lurked outside, the desire to catch a glimpse of him, to ensure his well-being, became unbearable.
Silently, you slipped out of the room, your body covered in a cap and mask, ensuring your identity remained concealed. The night air was cool and crisp, adding a layer of uncertainty to your steps.
The deserted streets were shrouded in darkness, a stark contrast to the vibrant city they once were. Shadows danced and whispered around you, as if warning you of the risks you were taking.
Walking through the dimly lit alleyways, your heart raced with anticipation and a touch of fear. Every corner turned, every sound amplified your senses, reminding you of the perilous situation you were in.
The familiar path to Jungkook's hideout felt longer than ever, your mind teeming with questions and worries.
**
There was an undeniable urgency within you to find Jungkook, to ensure his safety despite the risks that lurked in the darkness.
As you approached his place, your steps cautious and muffled, a sense of unease settled over you. The air felt heavy with tension, and a foreboding presence lingered in the atmosphere. Ignoring the warning signs, you sneaked in, a mixture of fear and longing propelling you forward.
The place stood before you, its facade silent and still. It was in this very place where you had shared laughter, secrets, and stolen moments of solace. But tonight, it held an air of danger, a chilling reminder of the world that threatened to tear you apart.
With each careful step, you navigated the familiar corridors, your senses heightened in search of any sign of Jungkook. And then, as if the darkness itself had come alive, a figure emerged from the shadows, gripping your hoodie and slamming you against the wall.
Fear coursed through your veins as you met the cold and threatening gaze of the intruder. But in an instant, his demeanor shifted, his eyes softening as he caught sight of your face. Recognition flashed across his features, mingling with anger and surprise.
"Y/N... What are you doing here?" Jungkook's voice was a mixture of concern and frustration.
Your breath hitched as you took in his appearance. His usual handsome face was marred with bruises and cuts, making him almost unrecognizable.
Your eyes traveled down to his bandaged chest and his limping legs, and tears welled up, betraying the worry and pain that consumed your heart.
Jungkook gently wiped away a tear that cascaded down your cheek, his touch soothing yet tinged with his own anguish. "Why are you crying?" he asked softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
The question caught you off guard, and amidst your sniffles, you managed to choke out, "Is this my fault? Is Yoongi behind this? Namjoon?"
Jungkook's expression softened further, his voice laced with reassurance as he pulled you into his arms. "No, none of this is your fault," he whispered, his fingers tracing comforting circles on your back. "You need to understand that."
The words were a balm to your wounded soul, but the depth of your emotions threatened to overwhelm you. Love, concern, and a sense of helplessness swirled within you, a cocktail of feelings that you struggled to contain. You longed to express the depths of your heart, but the unspoken boundaries between you held you back.
A soft chuckle escaped Jungkook's lips, surprising you in the midst of your tears. He looked down at you, his eyes studying your face, the warmth and coldness intermingling in his gaze. "You cry so often," he teased, his voice almost endearing. " don't cry in front of another man like this"
You shot him a slight glare, baffled by his ability to find amusement in such a grave situation. Yet, there was something in the way he looked at you, something that conveyed both tenderness and resilience, that kept you captivated.
In the midst of your silent exchange, Jungkook reached into his pocket, retrieving a bundle of money. He pressed it into your hand, his touch lingering, before taking hold of your arm firmly. His eyes turned serious and intense, a raw determination burning within them.
"Run away, Y/N," he urged, his voice laced with urgency. "Don't come back here again. It's not safe for you."
Your heart ached at his words, at the thought of leaving him behind. Desperation welled up within you, and you mustered the courage to ask, "What about you? Why don't you run with me?"
Jungkook's lips quirked into a bittersweet smile as he leaned in, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "I can't, Y/N," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination. "They'll find me wherever I go. This is my life now. But you, you can escape."
Frustration and anger coursed through your veins, your fists clenching at your sides as you bit your lip until it bled. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on your shoulders, the knowledge that Jungkook was trapped, unable to break free from the dangerous world he had become entangled in.
Jungkook's hand brushed against your lips gently, his touch a plea for you to stop hurting yourself. His eyes held an intensity that tore at your heart, a look that conveyed his resolve and fear. "Don't make this harder on yourself, Y/N. Don't stay here any longer ", he whispered
His words pierced through you, striking you like an arrow to the heart, and you realized that it was futile to argue. The walls that separated you from each other seemed impenetrable, a reminder of the world that kept you apart. You choked back a sob, your heart aching in despair.
The warmth of his fingers on your cheek made you turn towards him, his dark eyes filled with emotion as he leaned in and pressed his lips to your forehead. His touch burned your skin, a mixture of love and sorrow coursing through your veins.
" a farewell kiss", he whispered softly, his breath warming your skin. He lingered for a moment, his fingers tenderly brushing your hair away from your face. His hand found yours, lacing your fingers together, and you gripped his palm tightly, wanting to engrave the feeling into your skin.
Jungkook took a step back, his grip on your hand loosening as he reluctantly let go. "It's time for you to go now, Y/N," he said softly, his voice cold yet you could see the pain within him. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just please, stay safe."
Your eyes blurred with tears, the lump in your throat threatening to choke you. The sense of urgency consumed you, an overwhelming desire to stay by his side.
"Goodbye, Y/N," he whispered, his fingers tracing down your cheek gently before he turning.
You grabbed his collar, the fabric crumpling in your hands as you pulled him back. Your press your lips against his, wanting to drown yourself in the sweetness that enveloped you.
His body stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by your boldness, before he reciprocated your kiss. The sweetness of his lips took your breath away, a hint of bitterness tainting his mouth.
His arms wrapped around your waist as he deepened the kiss, his hand tangling in your hair. His desperation matched your own, a floodgate of emotions that was bursting to be released.
Jungkook's body was pressed against you, his skin hot to the touch, his scent intoxicating you with every inhale. His soft moans filled the air, mixing with your own as you allowed yourself to surrender. You pulled him closer to you, desperate to feel more of him, his soft hair brushing against your skin.
His hands were on your waist, tracing the curve of your body, and then they slid under your shirt, his fingers roaming over your skin. You shivered at his touch, his heated gaze meeting your own, desire swirling within them.
His lips moved up to your ear, and then they lingered there, your breathing hitching as you felt his hot breath.
"leave. NOW"
"Because I won't be able to hold myself back"
His voice was a whisper, a blend of desire and sorrow, as he spoke.
Jungkook pulled away from you, his hands gripping your arms firmly. He took a few steps back, his gaze cold yet full of longing.
You look down, clenching your fist wondering if your sister had noticed your disappearance. You... Should get back..
He didn't want you to leave. Not now, and maybe not ever. But the only way to ensure your safety was to disappear.
His heart was torn as he watched you disappear, the faint sound of your footsteps echoing in the night air.
**
As you stepped back into the familiar confines of the sauna, your mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Your sister's stern gaze met you, her voice cutting through the air as she confronted you about your whereabouts.
"Where were you?" she demanded, her tone laced with worry. "You can't just run off like that. We need to stick together."
You took a moment to gather yourself, the weight of your actions settling upon your shoulders. It was time to face the consequences of your decisions, to find the strength to explain the inexplicable connection you felt toward Jungkook.
"I needed to see him," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't bear the thought of leaving without saying goodbye."
Your sister's eyes narrowed, her disappointment palpable. She scolded you for your recklessness, reminding you of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
With a heavy sigh, she reached out to grasp your hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "We have to be careful," she cautioned, her voice softening. "Our lives depend on it."
But before you could delve further into the complexities of your feelings, the clock struck midnight, signaling the time for your planned escape.
Your sister's resolve solidified, and together you snuck out of the sauna, your hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anxiety. The streets were bathed in the soft glow of streetlights as you made your way to the train station, each step carrying the weight of uncertainty.
***
Jungkook sat across from Namjoon in a dimly lit room, tension thick in the air. Namjoon leaned back in his chair, a sly smirk playing on his lips.
"Looks like I kept my end of the deal," Namjoon said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You should loosen up a bit, Jungkook."
Jungkook's eyes narrowed, his expression hostile. "What about Yoongi?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger. "You promised to take care of him."
Namjoon chuckled, leaning forward with a predatory glint in his eyes. "Yoongi? Oh, don't worry. I'll handle him. But I have to admit, it was quite amusing to see both you and Yoongi so captivated by that girl, y/n," he taunted. "Perhaps I should have had a taste of her myself."
Jungkook's fists clenched, the sound of his hand slamming onto the table reverberating through the room. "Don't you dare say another word," he warned through gritted teeth. His eyes burned with a dangerous fire.
Namjoon raised an eyebrow, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Ah, look at you, Jungkook. Such a wild dog," he sneered. He stood up and walked to a nearby shelf, grabbing a crystal glass and pouring a golden liquid into it.
Without hesitation, Namjoon pushed the glass toward Jungkook. "Here, have a drink. It might calm you down," he suggested mockingly.
Jungkook's nostrils flared with anger as he stared at the glass. His grip tightened on the edge of the table, but he refrained from lashing out. He knew he had to keep his composure, at least for now.
"I'm not interested in your games," Jungkook growled, his voice laced with defiance. "Just remember, Namjoon, this won't last forever. One day, I'll make you pay for everything you've done."
Namjoon chuckled again, raising his glass to his lips and taking a sip. "We'll see about that, Jungkook," he replied, his tone filled with arrogance. "But for now, you're still on a leash. Remember that."
With those words hanging in the air, Jungkook clenched his jaw, his gaze fixed on Namjoon. The room fell into an unsettling silence, the weight of their twisted relationship palpable.
Neither of them knew what the future held, but the animosity between them was undeniable. In the shadows of their conversation, a power struggle brewed, each of them plotting their own course in this dangerous world.
The sound of their unspoken words echoed through the room, a reminder of the brewing storm that threatened to consume them both.
**
Inside the train, as the rhythmic motion of the tracks became your companion, you couldn't shake the image of Jungkook's face from your mind. It haunted you, his unfamiliar expression etched into your memory.
The vulnerability you saw in his eyes was like a crack in a porcelain vase. It was fragile, delicate and could break at any moment. As he told you to run away, his eyes pleaded with you to stay.
The heaviness of the invisible shackle that bound him was suffocating. You could feel the weight of it on your own shoulders. But despite everything, his spirit remained unbroken. It was like a flicker of light in the darkest of nights, refusing to be extinguished.
You had your sister by your side, but who did he have? He stood there alone, a solitary figure in a sea of chaos. His heart was aching, his soul was weary, and yet he kept on fighting.
The thoughts swirled in your mind, a tempest of doubts and desires. You reached your breaking point, unable to bear the weight of uncertainty any longer.
The train came to a halt, and you stepped out, seeking solace in the form of a bottle of water. As the cool liquid flowed down your throat, you tried to calm your racing heart, but the turmoil within only intensified.
It wasn't the first time you had run away, but something was different this time. You couldn't ignore the pull in your heart, the yearning to face the unknown, to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
What if he needed saving too? What if you could be the one to lift him up from the depths of despair? Perhaps together, you could conquer the demons that haunted him.
Perhaps together, you could find a way to break free from the chains that bound you both.
You looked at your sister waiting by the window, urging you to hurry, her worry etched on her face. But you couldn't comply. A smile tugged at the corners of your lips, and you mouthed the words "I love you" as the train started moving, leaving her behind.
You made a choice.
This time, you wouldn't run away.
You would fight.
Fight for yourself, for Jungkook,
and for the possibility of a different future.