Devil's Eyes

Fast Forward 

Yoongi's POV

Leaning back against the armchair, I turned and gazed at the cloudy skies. Just two years ago, I was only an ordinary guy delivering pizzas for cash. I thought life sucks because all I knew while growing up was hardship. My parent never abused me, but they were never there for me either. They were always away... and I was always left alone to fend for myself. I'm sometimes envious of not being able to live a comfortable life or being cared for by my family. Until... Sora came along. You see, I lived an isolated life... devoid of affection... and life was dull. No light nor warmth was meant for a person like me. Sora... she's like a little sparkle of light. It was just a small spark at first but I soon realized she was always the one to brighten up my pitiful life. She's the definition of a pure soul, the one who is consistently optimistic even during the darkest times. She was my comfort.

But I lost everything when I came to Seoul. She did too. The good thing was I no longer had to take out the trash for people when I delivered pizzas. I didn't have to worry about being broke. I didn't have to worry about my future at all. It's the life I dreamed of living, carved by my own hands. But instead, it was already given to me. Born to be an alpha. I couldn't help but ponder the purpose of my existence when I first found out about my real identity, and the thought was so foreign I even tried to escape the game, but I couldn't. Sora and I, we tried to desert our privileged life because we were traumatized by the cult's evil. But we couldn't escape, we were sucked right back into it, and there was no way out. The only escape is death, and even if I wanted to die, they won't let me. They'll keep on reviving me, over and over again.

People change when they enter this society. Sora was no longer the pure soul I thought she was, but it wasn't her fault. It's the cult. I changed too, we all evolved. I let her go because it was the only way to protect her, as my parents claimed. I thought I could fix everything and return to her, but it never happened. Of course, I was desperate at first because I hated drowning in the sorrowful pit. I needed my comfort. So naturally, I resisted my parents. The result? They drugged me. Over and over again. At first, I hated it, but eventually, I felt a little at ease. It was their way of chaining me down. I live every single minute of my life daydreaming about the life I left behind in Busan. But it's long gone, the place and the happiness... it's all abandoned there. Even our love, it ended ever since Sora left. It was the last piece of us. And that's the reason why I decided to give up on Sora. No matter what I do, we'll never be the same. We've seen too much, felt too much, and suffered too much to mend the broken crack between us. We're both different versions of ourselves now, so I figured it was best to let her go. As long as she's happy, I'm happy.

Well, at least that's the excuse I used to persuade myself. To hold on to the good memories and let go of the bad ones. I felt alright after time passed but during my low times... the feeling emerges... desperately begging for warmth again. Though it passes just as quickly. It lasts for a day or two or when I'm high or drunk. I felt like shit, but it was bearable. I got used to her being happy with another person. How can I be jealous? We're now different people, we can't love each other the way we used to. So I let go. I did. Until the engagement news came out. I felt really uneasy but figured it was just one of my low times. Therefore, I dismissed it. But then... I saw her facial expression. It was dreary... dead inside... even if she's a completely different person now... she was still the girl I once loved. I knew her, better than any of the assholes she dated. I knew her, just one glance and I knew... it wasn't her choice.

She can love anyone as long as she's happy, I won't mind, but I will not let her live a life she doesn't desire. She needed help, and I saw that. Right there, right at that point... all of my false emotions went down the drain. For the first time, I was awake and hopeful. I knew what I wanted... but there was an obstacle hindering my pathway. My parent's foul play. I lived quietly under their control after they broke me... mentally and physically. And now they're trying to mend it... they're trying to fill in the bottomless void in my chest. They wanted to offer me happiness to make up for the pieces they damaged. They tried materialistic things, but I grew up running barefoot through the fields... they tried offering power, but I knew it was a trap... so they offered me a girl. A nice, pretty, and decent woman. They thought she could replace Sora. Funny, really. They didn't make it official yet but after playing their games for a while... I was able to predict their next moves. They cherished the girl... just like they cherished Sora when she was still anonymous. Maybe I'm overreacting? I thought I was... until I found out the truth. The girl was selected even before Sora revealed herself. My parents... my own goddam parents... had it all planned out... they were going to eliminate Sora regardless of her innocence... but of course, they couldn't do it on their own. They received help... from their favorite little puppet. Jo Eungjung. She was the reason Sora got hurt in the accident. She's responsible for my shattered happiness and endless suffering. She's the witch whispering dark sorceries into my parent's ears. So... I eliminated her. Indirectly.

"Tsk. What happened to your face?" I scoffed, eyeing the person as he came striding into my room with a messed-up face.

"Shut up, and hand it over," Jimin spat, sitting down in front of me, so I chuckled at him in disbelief.

"She's not dead," I shook my head at him.

"They claim she isn't dead, but her brain is dead. So she's dead. Give it to me!" Jimin slammed his fist violently onto the table. Why is Sora willing to protect this monster? Wae?

"I guess I overestimated you," I chuckled, pulling out a flash drive and slid it across the table. Jimin quickly snatched it and shoved it into his pocket.

"Why? What's the reason?" Jimin asked, dully looking up at me as I admired the view of the bustling streets below us.

"Let's say she took a lot of things from me," I nodded, turning to look at Jimin, who was eyeing me suspiciously.

"Why didn't you kill her yourself? Why threaten me?" Jimin asked while staring sharply at me with his bruised eyes.

"Why should I get my hands dirty?" I laughed at Jimin, who was staring at me with a straight face. I might have entered the game late... but I already knew how to play with the top players. 

"Without a doubt. You're nothing under your parent's control. Weak, that's what you are," Jimin smirked at me with his split lips, causing my blood to boil. Is he provoking me?

"Yah. I could've ended you-"

"But you didn't. You couldn't. Why? Because of Sora. I knew you were going to give it to me because you're willing to protect her. So, I played along- it wasn't as bad because I was going to kill the girl anyways. Wae? I did it to protect Sora as well. It's the things we do for love, isn't it?" Jimin sneered as he got onto his feet. I glared at him in anger. Has Sora ever seen this side of Park Jimin? I doubt it. The alphas... they love to disguise their corrupted self with innocence. 

"I understand why you want to protect her. And you know why I want to protect her. But why in the fucking hell is she protecting a fucking animal like you!? You... you don't kill to live... you kill to satisfy," I snarled at Jimin, making him stop dead just before he reached the door.

"People usually leave after witnessing the dark side of a person. But Sora didn't leave. Wae? Because she's learned to love that side of me. She might not realize it consciously, but if you refuse to leave a person after seeing their worst self- It's love. She says I don't own her heart anymore, but her action says otherwise. I didn't lose the war yet. I'll reclaim what I lost," Jimin spoke in a low tone as he turned to look at me in the eyes with a devilish smile. Not a genuine one, a psychotic smile. Despite the bright day... I could sense the evil around Jimin. His eyes... it was lifeless and empty... I knew... I knew what he really was.

A devil, hiding under the human skin. The kind of evil that slaughters everything within its path just to obtain what it desires.

Park Jimin is the definition of obsession.

_____________________________

Present

Sora's POV

The stifling heavy silence of the vacant floor weighed down on me as I sat staring at the body lying motionlessly on the stair landing below. I couldn't comprehend what had happened, so I remained in my position with my eyes bulging open in terror. My body violently shook in terror as I fell back onto my butt in shock. I roughly grabbed onto the side of my head and began sobbing in agony. What have I done? Sora... What have you done!? My chest churned and twisted in distress as tears formed in my eyes. I could've saved her!

"ARGGHHHHHHH!" I wailed at the top of my lungs while grabbing a handful of my hair in guilt.

"Sora-" Someone called out, but I was too drenched in the pain to even acknowledge the voice. I wanted to scream louder, but no sound came out. So I squalled and buried my face into my knees. Just then, I felt a strong grip on my shoulders.

"I d-didn't mean to- I-I tried-" I choked, looking up into Taehyung's dark eyes in panic. Taehyung briefly glanced down the stairs and turned back to me.

"Sora... Look at me- I know. It's okay. We have to go," Taehyung cupped my cheeks and shifted my face towards his to stop me from looking at the dead girl. He kept his eyes locked with mine as he helped me onto my feet. I tried to stand, but my legs wobbled, so Taehyung swiftly caught me before I fell. I shakily turned my head towards the stairs again when Taehyung grabbed onto my chin and turned my face towards his.

"Sora. Listen to me. I need you to stay strong right now. Please. We have to get out of here," Taehyung pleaded, firmly holding onto my jawline as he leaned forward to prevent me from looking away. I bit my lower lips and nodded at him as Taehyung gently rubbed my cheek with his thumb.

"Argh..." Jungkook grunted, limping out of the apartment with his hand pressed against his open wound. Jungkook's lips were pale as he leaned against the wall for support.

"I'm fine now," I gulped, quickly brushing my tears away.

"Help Jungkook down the stairs. Just don't look down," Taehyung sighed, turning to look at Jungkook, who was clenching his jaw in pain as he slightly bent down in discomfort. His hands and shirt were soaked in blood.

"Where are you- going?" Jungkook whispered at Taehyung as he walked towards the apartment.

"We can't leave him," Taehyung pressed his tongue against the side of his cheek and hurried back inside, so I went over to Jungkook. I placed Jungkook's arm around my shoulder and firmly held him up as I wrapped my arm around his waist. Carefully... I lead him towards the edge of the stairs. Jungkook slowly limped forward, but abruptly halted when his eyes landed on the bloody mess below us. I gulped down the hard lump in my throat and turned away as he stood staring at the body.

"Come on. Keep your heads up," Taehyung called as he carried Jimin's lifeless body in his arms, and made his way down the stairs. Jimin's face was a bloody mess. His head flopping to the side as Taehyung heaved him. Taehyung must've knocked him out. Jungkook and I slowly followed Taehyung down the stairs. I bit my lips when we got to the bloody landing of the stairs. We circled our way around the corpse. I tried not to look down, but I could still see the dreary body on the floor... twisted at an odd angle... and the red blood flowing from underneath it.

"I-It's okay... it's not your fault," Jungkook whispered hoarsely turning to glance at me with his droopy eyes. I quietly stared at Jungkook, who was barely awake. I felt a little bit of comfort from his words.

"Let's get you home," I nodded, glancing away from the body, and helped Jungkook down the remaining flight of stairs. Taehyung heaved Jimin into the back seat of Jungkook's car and hurriedly rushed back towards us. He lifted Jungkook's arm off mine and helped him into the backseat with Jimin. I quickly got into the passenger seat as Taehyung started the engine, and we drove off. Taehyung called someone on our way home. I assumed it was a person he trusted because he directed the person to clean up the mess at Jimin's apartment. I leaned my head against the side of the window as I listened to Taehyung... instructing his people to stage the accident... as always... he's cleaning up my mess. I can't feel myself. My head was completely blank... and my chest... it's just vacant. Nothing was left inside me. No matter how hard I tried. I couldn't stop blaming myself... it was my fault. I killed the girl.

We got home late at night, waking up all the elders, so they came rushing out in their night robes. The medical team took Jungkook, who was now unconscious and hurriedly rushed Jimin away as well. Taehyung ordered a few bodyguards to patrol the medical room to keep Jimin away from Jungkook. Mrs. Park almost fainted when she saw Jimin's condition... and Mrs. Jeon... Jungkook's stepmother... shrieked in shock when she saw Jungkook... despite her reaction... I could see how pretentious she was. Of course, my parents were nowhere to be found... as always. The Kims and Mr. Jeon turned to us as the Park, and Mrs. Jeon followed their sons inside the mansion.

"Taehyung... you're hurt you should-"

"It's not bad. I'll get it treated later," He dawdled, cutting off his mother, who was eyeing his wounded palm anxiously.

"What happened? Why do you keep on coming home a mess? Is this some type of sick joke? Don't you value your life? You're putting Sora in danger!" Mr. Kim snapped angrily at Taehyung, so he licked the corner of his lips in irritation.

"Let him explain, I'm sure he has a reason," Mr. Jeon calmly averted his eyes to mine. I bit my lips in guilt.

"Don't blame him. It was my-"

"I was fighting with Jimin... it went a bit out of control, and Jungkook got stabbed while trying to break the fight," Taehyung sighed in defeat as he stared at his parents from under his wild bangs.

"He tried to stab you???" Mr. Kim asked, snapping his head towards us in shock. I turned to look at Taehyung with my eyes wide open. Why is he protecting me? Ani. Why is he protecting the truth? Jungkook kick-started the problem by setting Jimin up with a girl, and Jungkook got stabbed to save me. He fought with Jimin because he tried to kill a girl... and lastly... it was me who killed her.

"No. It was an accident. I hurt him first because he wouldn't leave Sora alone," Taehyung gulped, taking the blame for Jimin's crime.

"Taehyung-"

"We're tired. I'll explain further tomorrow," Taehyung softened his voice and dragged me away before I could even utter a single word. He led me past my room and pulled me inside his room.

"Taehyung- you don't have to defend me-"

"Can I have a hug?" Taehyung suddenly turned to me with a beaten expression. I immediately pursed my lips and grew silent. 

"O-Of course," I nodded, opening my arms for him so Taehyung wrapped his arms around my waist. He sighed and pressed his face into my shoulder as he tightly held onto me. I was so lost in my own pain- I've failed to realize the misery Taehyung was also battling. The one who is suffering the most amongst us... is Kim Taehyung. I've always been whiny about my pain... but Taehyung... he's always been so strong. Always covering his pain with his mask. He was really upset with Jimin's actions- he almost killed him. He could've abandoned his one and only friend and left him to die... but instead... he carried Jimin back home after knocking him out... and to make it even worse... he's going through all of this misery because of the entangled chaos of love between Jimin and I. It was all our fault... but he refuses to blame us. Instead, he took it all upon himself and shielded us. Taehyung... his darkness made him appear intimidating to people, but when it comes to the people he cares for... he'd rather take the pain than let it hurt them. And this made me realize... that I shouldn't burden him with my problems anymore. I've done enough to hurt him. He held back the overflowing pain thrusting against the door... only letting a pinch of pain onto me, and yet I threw a tantrum and complained about it. Little did I know... my pain is nothing compared to his. I should be ashamed of myself.

We eventually broke apart, and Taehyung let out a sigh of relief. I left his room to wash myself and headed to the medical room to check on Jungkook and Jimin. The doctor informed me Jungkook's stab wasn't severe, it ripped his muscle tissue, but it'll heal. He lost a lot of blood, so they're supplying him blood to balance his blood pressure. And Jimin... he's alright too. He had a few bad bruises and cuts from the quarrel with Taehyung. Sighing, I went up to Do Hwan, requesting him to watch over Jimin and Jungkook. I don't trust the other bodyguards, except him at this point. I just don't want to wake up the next morning to find them choking each other. I asked the nurse to fix Taehyung's palm as well. It was almost morning when everything calmed down. The memories of the incident kept on replaying in my head, but I brushed it off. Taehyung did what he could to protect me. I shouldn't trouble him. It was an accident for me... but Taehyung, he purposely killed to protect us... like I said... my pain is nothing compared to his.

"Why don't you stay over tonight?" Taehyung asked, looking up from the bed as he leaned against his bedhead in exhaustion.

"Will it make you feel better?" I weakly smiled at him while leaning against the door frame with my arms crossed.

"It's okay. I don't want to push you-"

"I'll stay over. I can't run forever, can I? You'll be my spouse soon. I might as well get comfy with you," I smiled and strode towards him. From now on, I will bury my unnecessary emotions to avoid stressing him any further. It's the least I can do for him. 

"Sora, you don't have to do it if you aren't ready..." Taehyung sighed as he watched me slide into his bed. No more of my bullshit. I will not let my feelings take control of me anymore.

"I wonder if you'll keep on saying it for the rest of our lives?" I chuckled, turning towards him, then wrapped my arm around his waist. Smiling, I snuggled against his warm chest as he sat staring at me with an uneasy expression.

"Of course not. Once we're married, I won't even give you the chance to breathe," Taehyung laughed, leaning over to turn off the lamp, and slid his arm around me so I could rest my head on his upper arm.

"What do you mean you won't let me breathe?" I laughed, looking up at him as he wrapped his other arm around my waist.

"You'll see. It's a secret," Taehyung chuckled in the dark, causing my cheeks to heat up in embarrassment. I bit my lips and screwed my eyes shut to keep the weird thoughts out of my head.

"Why are you quiet?- Are you asleep... I flustered to you again, didn't I?" Taehyung softly chuckled, tugging my face against his upper collarbone, and softly patted my head... making my heart race like crazy. He left me speechless... it's better to stay quiet.

I couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried to shut out the thoughts. My mind kept on wandering back to the incident and the thought of Jimin hurting the girl. When I first met him he was just a bright soul... when I got to know him he was the most kind-hearted person and when we got together... he was the most caring and gentle human being I've ever been with. He was so pure... until I broke him. I'm responsible for his darkness... sure, it was he who killed, but I'm the trigger. I am responsible for all the deaths he caused. If only I knew that side of him... maybe I wouldn't have- Sora. Why are you like this? You can't blame yourself for his crimes. Maybe he had it with him all along. You know every alpha possesses the darkness. Even you. Stop defending him, it's dangerous.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I tilted my head upward to find Taehyung snoring softly. He wasn't hugging me anymore. Instead, he was lying on his back as I rested my head on his upper arm. His arm must be numb. I bit onto my lips and slowly lifted my head off his bicep, then laid on the pillow instead. I carefully pulled my hand off his chest and shifted to the opposite side, so he wouldn't feel too cramped. I quietly exhaled with my back turned to him as visions of the incident came streaming into my head again. I tried hard to shut it out... but it wouldn't stop. I don't want to think about it, but I have no choice. These types of things... it stay with you. Namjoon's right, it isn't easy to kill. I mean- it only takes a split second to end a life... but the guilt that comes afterward... it doesn't kill you... it doesn't hurt you... but it's there... the heaviness... feasting into you... draining your soul with guilt. If it's pain, I can wash it away with tears... but this feeling... you can't remove the dread within you. It's just there- I turned stiff when I felt an arm sliding under my neck while another arm slithered around my waist. Taehyung made me rest my head on his arm again and spooned me against his body. 

"Gwaenchana. My arms are not numb. Get some sleep," Taehyung drowsily whispered into my ear in a husky voice, sending chills down my spine as he pressed his nose against the side of my neck. I was too paralyzed by his sudden touch- I couldn't say anything.

"It'll pass, trust me," Taehyung continued hoarsely, sliding his fingers into mine... pulling me closer to him as he back-hugged me on the bed. I could feel his steady breathing as he pressed his chest against my back. His humid breath... brushing softly against the side of my ear. I stayed still and didn't respond to him. The thoughts... it was all gone. The flash of visions disappeared, and my chest felt lighter. The warmth of his body made my eyes heavy and before I even knew it... his embrace puts me right into a deep sleep. I felt as if I could sleep for days.

Hours passed by when I suddenly woke up thinking it was dawn, but it was still dark. Taehyung's fingers were still interlaced with mine. But something was off... our hands... it was sticky... maybe it's just sweat. Exhaling, I pulled my hands free from his, and that's when I saw the odd color on my hand. It was dark, so I couldn't see it well. I took a closer look at it and suddenly sucked in my breath when I smelt the rusty smell... blood.

"Taehyung... your wound's bleeding," I groggily turned to him, but my heart stopped beating, and my body turned completely cold. There was no one sleeping beside me. I quickly turned to look at the arms around me, but it wasn't there anymore. My heart began beating in fear as I stared at my bloody hands in horror.

Drip... drip... drip... a faint dripping sound came from the foot of the bed. Confused... I slowly looked up and held my breath. My eyes bulged open in fright and my heart hammered so hard against my chest- I thought it was going to burst through my ribs. I gripped tightly onto the pillow as I stared at the... glowing red cat-like eyes... So-young. She stood in a crooked position with her head slightly tilted to the side and the silhouette of her messy hair striking grimly in the dark. She- She's dead- I saw her dead body with my own eyes.

"You killed me," A thrilling voice whispered beside my ear, causing me to snap my head towards the sound in panic, but there was no one there. Trembling in fear, I pushed myself up against the bedhead and turned to look at the foot of the bed again. And to my horror... I was face to face with So-young. She was hovering over me... her burning red eyes piercing into mine. The side of her head was completely smashed. Her skin had holes in it as small maggots dug their way into her rotten flesh... half of her face was peeling off...

"YOU KILLED ME!" She screamed so loud my ears rang in pain. My heart pounded in my throat in fright but there was nothing I could do. I couldn't scream, or move but stare at her in terror. Why is she here?! She looks terrifying! I muffled under my breath in fear because I couldn't scream. I was suffocated by her frightening presence. I wanted to cry for help, but my mouth was sealed shut. All I could do was stare at her glowering vengeful eyes as she drifted closer and closer toward me. Muffling in fear, I pressed my back against the bedhead and tried to shut my eyes. Sora! It's just your imagination!- I stopped breathing the moment I felt her blood-soaked hair grazing against my face. I screamed internally with all my might... gripping my fists tightly when I felt a piercing cut across the side of my neck. I thrashed hopelessly... when I felt her slitting my throat open. It stings so bad- I began banging my head against the bed head repeatedly... begging for the pain to stop, but it wouldn't-

"SORA!" Someone shouted, causing me to sit up in shock. I frantically panted for air while gripping my throat as tears streamed down my cheeks. The room was brightly lit by the sunlight beaming through the large glass window. I glanced around in panic but So-young was nowhere to be found. My hands weren't bloody anymore... yet I still felt the icy cold touch around my neck. I sobbed uncontrollably and lowered my head in fright.

"It was just a nightmare. Sora- look at me. You're okay," Taehyung spoke in a worried tone as he cupped my cheeks and lifted up my face to face his... firmly gripping my hands to stop me from clawing my own neck.

"She said I-I killed her," I choked, looking up at Taehyung in tears, who was worriedly staring at me.

"You didn't kill anyone. It's okay. Calm down. I'm here- I'm here for you... it's okay...," Taehyung quickly pulled me into a tight hug, so I pressed my face into his chest. He placed his hand on my head and tugged me closer to him as I tightly gripped his shirt. After a while, I managed to calm down. I felt drained and exhausted. Taehyung told me to get some more rest, but I refused because I was too scared to fall asleep again. I don't want to see her. The pain... it felt so real... is that what she went through when Jimin killed her?

_____________________________

I spent most of the day blanking out because of the traumatizing nightmare I had. I couldn't feel myself... it's as if my soul left my body. I felt like a zombie. I went to visit Jungkook and Jimin, but they were still unconscious, so I crashed onto the living room couch instead because I was too afraid to be by myself. I blankly hugged my knees as I stared out the mansion's bay window with my hand wrapped around my neck. Am I going crazy?

"Oh. Taehyung," I quickly turned when he came striding into the mansion. He left this morning to take care of the incident, so I was pretty much alone the entire day.

"Are you okay? How are you feeling?" Taehyung questioned, walking up to me with a worried expression. 

"I'm okay. The girl-"

"She's alive," Taehyung gritted, glancing away in frustration.

"Oh," I whispered when I felt the heaviness inside my chest easing at the news. She didn't die... I didn't kill anyone... I didn't kill her.

"I thought she died. Made my people stage her accident at some night bar, but she was revived after being rushed to the ER," Taehyung sighed, then leaned against the couch in exhaustion. As much as I'm relieved to hear that she's alive... I was very anxious... she's a witness. She saw everything Jimin did to So-young. She can potentially destroy us if people uncover the truth.

"Fucking bitch. I-I'm gonna kill her-"

"Young Master, you're not well-"

"Don't you fucking touch me!- I'm gonna finish her-" I quickly turned to find Jimin limping towards the exit in his medical gown as Do Hwan tried to stop him.

"You cannot leave the mansion-"

"Let me go! I'll kill you too if you don't release me!" Jimin roared, yanking his arm out of Do Hwan's grip in rage. His face was severely bruised... split lips... swollen eyes... broken nose... and scratches all over his pale face.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked, slowly getting onto his feet. Jimin suddenly halted and turned to look at Taehyung with his rageful eyes.

"You fucking piece of shit!" Jimin growled, limping towards Taehyung, who stood calmly staring at Jimin.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Taehyung snapped, effortlessly shoving Jimin away when he tried to strike Taehyung.

"I will fucking kill you too after I kill her-"

"She's brain dead! She can't do shit anymore! She can't talk! Can't move! Can't even open her eyes you asshole! Are you happy now?!" Taehyung howled angrily at Jimin, who was holding himself up against the couch for support. Do-Hwan stood staring at us in disbelief, so I signaled him to leave and keep watch to ensure no one overheard us.

"I'll still kill her-"

"What the fucking hell?! Just because you're heartbroken doesn't mean you can go around butchering innocent people! You're a fucking psychopath!" Taehyung bellowed at Jimin. In response to Taehyung's confrontation, Jimin started to chuckle and shook his head... infuriating Taehyung even more.

"Is that what you think it is? You think that's the reason I'm massacring them?!" Jimin roared angrily at Taehyung.

"I don't fucking care! Hurt another person, and I'll make sure to snap your fucking head off!" Taehyung threatened Jimin and quickly stomped off in fury, leaving Jimin and I alone in the living room while Do Hwan scanned the empty mansion. Jimin seethed in disbelief and leaned against the couch, but he abruptly stopped when he spotted me sitting by the window.

"Aren't you going to chase after him? You're his fiancée," Jimin sarcastically spat, nodding towards the hallway.

"You know... after you pass out from the fight... he didn't abandon you. He lifted you up... carried you in his arms. And brought you back here. You're his friend no matter what," I gulped sadly while staring at him, causing Jimin to pause for a second. I understand that he's hurt because of Taehyung... but he has to understand that Taehyung is his most loyal friend... his family.

"He could've killed me. But he didn't. He almost killed me, but he stopped. Instead, he chose to revive me back. It's the cruelest thing a friend can do to you," Jimin pulled his lips into a thin line and tilted his head upward in frustration.

"Jimin. You're the most important person to Taehyung. He might not show it, but he cares," I shook my head weakly.

"Sora. I'm sure you understand pain, right? Dying is easy. Snap. And you're gone. No more pain. But living...? That's real pain. You keep on suffering. If he was my friend, he would've stopped me from suffering and ended me," Jimin growled as he pushed himself off the couch.

"No. We all saw your real self. And out of all people, it's Taehyung who's most hurt by your actions. Not me, but Taehyung. He's been by your side for so long, and to see you committing such things- it's hurting him... it angers him. And that's why he hurt you. With every strike you took from him that night... he wasn't trying to kill you... he was trying to wake you up- bring back his best friend because he thought he lost you. He's giving you a chance to make it right," I said locking my exhausted eyes with Jimin's as he stood staring at me in silence.

"Yeah? You do realize it's his way of showing love, right? Tell me Sora, how long will it take for him to do the same to you? If harm is his way of showing affection, then what'll happen to you? Hmm? Tell me. How are you sure he won't hurt you? I know him. There's a reason why people leave him just like Haerim did, and I pray to God- you'll never find out why because if you think I'm a psychopath just for what I did to protect us... you haven't seen the fucked up side of him yet, and when you do, you'll realize that I was always right," Jimin snarled, tilting his head dully at me.

"Do you think I have a choice?" I questioned, looking up at him sullenly. Even if I wanted to run far... far... far away... I couldn't. And I won't because I promised to stay by his side. I've already seen the worst of him.

"Of course, you don't," Jimin scoffed, glancing away in disappointment.

"She's brain dead. It's enough, you don't have to go any further. I can't bear to be responsible for another death. And Taehyung... he covered you," I sighed, getting off the couch dismissively as Jimin stood staring at me in silence. I left Jimin in the living room by himself and made my way down the hallway. I wanted to check on Taehyung, but I figured he needed some time alone, so I went to the medical room instead. I quietly sat down beside Jungkook and stared at him. I felt really restless to see him so weak. If I didn't rush towards Jimin he wouldn't have gotten hurt. Sighing, I lightly squeezed his cold hands and left the room. There's something between Jungkook and I. Why do I feel like we've met before even before I came to Seoul? He just feels so familiar whenever I look, talk, or touch him, but I can't seem to remember anything about us.

It was almost midnight when I heard a soft knock on my door. I quickly got up and pulled open the door to find Taehyung leaning against the door frame with an opened bottle of wine in his hand. His cheeks were slightly red as he stood in his long silky night robe.

"Are you okay?" I asked, averting my eyes to the bottle of wine in his hand.

"Come on," Taehyung whispered, grabbing my wrist, then dragged me out of the room.

"Where are we going?" I asked as Taehyung raised the bottle to his lips and drank from it as we walked down the hallways... towards the secondary stairs leading to the upper floors of the mansion. Taehyung didn't say anything and continued to lead me up the stairs with him. I bit my lips anxiously as I watched Taehyung drown his misery with the bottle of wine. He must be upset with Jimin. We arrived at a huge wooden door leading to the rooftop of the mansion. Taehyung pushed it open and dragged me out into the cold breezy night. To my surprise, we round the rooftop to find... a huge pool gleaming brightly under the dark starry sky. We have a pool? How did I not know about this? Taehyung strode over to the power generator and flicked on the lights. The pool lit up, and so did the lighting decoration on the entire rooftop.

"How come no one told me about this place?" I chuckled, glancing at the city view below us in awe.

"Jungkook, Jimin, and I used to hang out here often when we were younger. But as we grew... we drifted apart... busy with our own life," Taehyung muttered, carefully placing the wine bottle on the pool bench.

"Wah~ I could've come here to destress myself," I smiled, turning around to face Taehyung, who was standing right in front of me. My face flushed red when I realized he was undoing his robe.

"It's a bit humid," Taehyung mumbled as he loosened the silky belt of his robe while staring unblinkingly at me.

"Ah- I didn't bring-... any...- I guess I won't be swimming..." I trailed off nervously when Taehyung's robe slid off him and dropped onto the ground... revealing his ripe torso. He was shirtless... in tight swimming pants.

"Gwaenchana," Taehyung muttered, taking a step closer to me. I sucked in my breath and shyly glanced away. Taehyung suddenly leaned forward... making my entire body tense up. He paused right beside my ear and tilted his head towards me from the side in silence.

"Are you drunk? It's freezing cold," I coughed, awkwardly turning to look at him dead in the eyes.

"Ani. Just tipsy," Taehyung chuckled lowly against my ears, causing goosebumps to spread all over my body. He wrapped one of his arms around my back, leaned over me to grab the wine bottle, and gradually pulled away from me. He stood up straight and smirked as I bit my lips with a dumbfounded look. He took a sip from the bottle, placed it on the rim, then dived into the pool. Taehyung began freestyle stroking across the swimming pool, so I kept my eyes trained on his defined back muscles as he swam to the opposite side.

"How refreshing," Taehyung gasped softly, emerging out of the water... sexily running his fingers through his dripping wet hair. He shook his head repeatedly to get the water out of his eyes before looking up at me with his sensual dark pupils. I carefully sat down on the edge of the pool and slid my shins into the surprisingly warm pool water as Taehyung leaned against the opposite side of the pool with his arms spread out over the edge.

"It's pretty warm," I muttered, looking down at the sparkling crystal-clear water. I softly splashed the water with my feet, then leaned back to press my hands against the tiled ground. 

"Join me," Taehyung's lips slowly curved up into a seductive smile as he tilted his head backward... revealing his deep collar bones and thick neck. Instead of looking away... I sat speechlessly staring at him. This is what Kim Taehyung is like when he's tipsy, huh?

"Make me," I teased, grabbing onto the bottle of wine and gulped down a mouthful of the wine. I've always held myself back because I was always debating the rights and wrongs of my actions. But for once, I wanted to shut out all the voices in my head and leave it as it is. I wanted to feel something... I wanted to breathe... I wanted to be free from the pain.

"Oh... that's a very dangerous statement," Taehyung chuckled as he watched me with a tempted smile.

"Is it?" I smirked, tilting my head at him. I chugged down another mouthful of the wine to numb my head. Taehyung pushed himself off the pool wall and slowly swam toward me. I leaned backward to drain the wine bottle, making my throat and chest burn so good while I kept my eyes trained on Taehyung. I'll let everything go tonight. I will grab onto his hand.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Taehyung bit onto his lower lips when he reached me. He placed his hands on either side of my hips to prevent my escape.

"What are you gonna do?" I laughed, playfully splashing the water in Taehyung's face causing him to turn away in disbelief.

"Hajima..." Taehyung warned, pressing his tongue against the side of his mouth. He turned to stare right at me with his deadly eyes from under his dripping wet bangs. I softly giggled at him, then proceeded to tease him with the soft splashes.

"Ah! Taehyung! I didn't bring any extra clothes!" I shrieked when Taehyung suddenly grabbed my hips and pulled me into the pool. Splash! I fell into the pool with him... soaking my clothes and hair in the pool water.

"I warned you, didn't I?" Taehyung fired me a devious smile, so I shot him a joking glare in return.

"Imo won't be happy if I head back into the mansion with my soaked clothes. It's hard to clean the carpet," I whined, brushing messy hair out of my eyes just as Taehyung moved towards me.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure it'll never happen. Stop splashing... you'll regret it..." Taehyung chuckled- smugly approaching me, causing my heart to race in panic. I turned away when I felt my cheeks flushing red like a tomato.

"Stay away! I'm serious!" I laughed, splashing at Taehyung to stop him from reaching me, and quickly swam away. I quickly pushed myself out of the water when I thought I was far enough from him and searched for Taehyung, but he was nowhere to be found. Where did he go?

"Oh? Did he-"

"Geu ttae nahante wae geuraesseo? (Why did you do that to me then?)" A low voice whispered beside my ear, sending shivers down my spine just as I felt a pair of arms slithering around my waist. I slowly turned to find Taehyung towering over me... staring mischievously at me with his razor-sharp eyes. (Stigma lyrics)

"Mian (sorry)," I whispered quietly locking my eyes with his.

"I told you, I won't go easy on you anymore," Taehyung whispered, raising one of his eyebrows before averting his eyes to my lips... slowly leaning forward with his slightly parted lips. Taehyung drew my waist closer to his and gently pressed his lips against mine, causing a weird spasm of heat to expand across my chest. He slowly pulled his lips away to examine my eyes in silence. I bit my lips and continued to stare at the droplets of water trickling down his hair. He must've gotten his closure because he suddenly pressed his lips against mine again and slid his arms down my legs to massage my flesh. He lifted me up to place my legs around his hips then pinned me firmly against the pool wall. Taehyung was a bit rough at first, but he quickly softened his grasp when he noticed my tensed muscles. I shuddered when I felt him running his slender fingers along my jawline... down to my neck, then tugged me forward. I wrapped my arms around his neck as Taehyung caressed his lips against mine in a sensual rhythm. His heated breath... panting heavily against my face.

"Hmm," I softly moaned while gripping Taehyung's soaked hair as he continued to move his tongue over mine. His every touch was foreign to my flesh... making my nerves shudder from the pleasing sensation. Oddly, I felt as if I was being sucked into him. Maybe it's the way he secures his arms around me, or maybe it's the way he's kissing me... as if it's our last.

"Neoneun naegeoya (you're mine)," Taehyung exhaled heavily at my face as he rubbed his moist lips over mine. He lifted me up a little higher in the water, then pressed his bare chest against mine while he rubbed the side of my waist with his thumbs in a slow circular motion, triggering a surge of pleasure to radiate through my body. Taehyung was rough... but it didn't hurt. Instead... it felt so... so good. He ran his fingers down the side of my neck... to my collarbones... sending yet another cold jolt down my spine. I breathed heavily and shoved my lips against his while I held onto his face as he ran his fingers over the bare flesh beneath the soaked fabric of my shirt. 

___________________________

A few days later

After the heated night, I eventually let Taehyung pull me out of the painful whirlpool. I always thought it was impossible to cut the past loose because of the blinding pain I felt. But to my surprise, it was a lot easier to pluck out the piercing thorns. My soul is still throbbing from the infected wounds, but I no longer felt the relentless stabbing pain of the thorns digging into my chest. The only pain I felt afterward was the healing scars. My wound never healed because I left the needle digging in my rotten chest but now that it's out... I can finally heal for good. Why was I so scared to let go?

"Wait for me. Don't go anywhere, okay? I'll be back," Taehyung whispered, leaning over to peck me on the lips, so I nodded when he pulled away. He weakly stared at me in silence as he ran his thumb over my lips, then quickly left the study lounge to attend his class. I watched him disappear out of the door before letting out a huge sigh, then rested my head on my forearms in exhaustion. I'm getting there, I just need to try a little harder. I felt a lot better after accepting Taehyung's love, at least for now. I'm a little happier now, that means I'm healing, right? I don't feel as shitty lately, that means it's working, right? No matter how hard I thought about it... I was still uncertain. I didn't want it to be false hope, yet I had no way of confirming my feelings. Sora... it might be a bit blurry, but you are taking a step closer to Taehyung. Let's not overthink and just appreciate the peace from within. You feel less pain now... what does that mean? You're healing. Am I?-

"Ah~ Long time no talk," Yoongi suddenly appeared out of nowhere and sat down in front of me.

"Did you get hurt?" I asked, eyeing the bandage on his upper left forehead. It's been a while since I last saw him. Our path somehow... separated as we descend deeper and deeper into the cult.

"Just a scratch- I got from trying to secure your little secret," Yoongi chuckled as he unfolded his arms.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows in confusion. Yoongi blankly turned to look at me.

"I know the truth," Yoongi sighed, tilting his head at me. What? About what?

"I don't understand-"

"Why are you protecting that monster?" Yoongi suddenly leaned forward in irritation.

"Monster? Yoongi-"

"Park Jimin, Sora. You shouldn't be protecting him!" Yoongi gritted fiercely at me, causing me to suck in my breath in shock. H-how did he know? The incident- it was confidentially sealed between Taehyung and I...

"Yoongi. I-I don't know what you're-"

"Jo Eunjung. Drunkenly fell off the stairs at an underground nightclub in Hongdae. Severe head injury. Braindead. Last seen on a date with Park Jimin," Yoongi spoke lowly at me, causing my body to turn cold. How in the fucking hell does Yoongi know about this?!

"Jimin is innocent! He was with us that night-"

"Ryu So-young. Brutally attacked in her own living room. A cracked skull and multiple stabs around the neck and chest area. Dead. Last, seen? With Park Jimin," Yoongi pressed... slowly balling his hands into a tight fist as I sat gaping at him speechlessly. I don't u-understand-

"Where did you hear such ridiculous rumors?" I huffed at Yoongi... trying to play it cool. It's probably just a rumor amongst the lower ranks...

"Ah... I don't understand why you're risking everything to protect that asshole. Sora. I didn't hear the rumors. I saw it with my own eyes. I heard So-young's frightened scream with my own ears right before he smashed her head into the glass table. I fucking heard her faint- painful squirm as she desperately begged for air. I heard her take her last breath. And to make it even worse, I saw everything with my own eyes!" Yoongi seethed, panting heavily at me... deadly staring into my eyes. He's serious. My entire body was paralyzed as I sat staring at him in shock. H-how- he's a witness- should I kill- Sora! You are not a murderer!

"You- you were a witness?" I stuttered, nervously leaning against the table with my hands clasped together. Countless questions were flooding through my head.

"Are you admitting to it now?" Yoongi asked, gulping at me in disappointment.

"How did you know?!" I angrily slammed my hand against the table, causing the other students on the other side of the room to turn and look at us. I anxiously scanned the place before turning back to Yoongi.

"He's gotten you too-"

"Yoongi don't make me-"

"Sora. Are you going to kill me to protect Park Jimin? Hmm?" Yoongi cuts me off, leaning back in disbelief.

"N-No. Just please explain-"

"Fine. Jo Eunjung. One of the weakest 5th-rank alpha. No one knows her because of her negligible power. My parent's favorite toy. How do I put it... a spy? Since no one really paid attention to her, she could easily make her way around the cult without being suspected. Her specialty is retrieving information to satisfy my parents," Yoongi sighed and folded his arms across his chest.

"She was the witness," I muttered, pressing my hands against my forehead in disbelief. She must've reported it to the Mins. Fuck.

"It was a coincidence. She was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time the night he killed So-young. She wanted more power, you see. And to be able to obtain that power, she had to satisfy my parents. She told us about what happened, but my parents were doubtful because they thought she was just making up the tale to deceive them. So, she tried to retrieve the camera's footage-"

"We destroyed it-"

"You did, but the original footage still ended up in her hands. I told you she's good, that's why my parents favor her. Sadly, she's a bit too naive, instead of bringing the footage herself. She sent it to my driver. And I happened to be on my way home, so as the loyal peasant he was, the driver handed the flash drive to me, expecting me to forward it to my parents. The footage of the murder," Yoongi shakily exhaled.

"Where is it? And who else knows about this-"

"Don't worry. It never got to my parents. And I killed the poor and innocent driver. Choked him from the back while we were heading home. He steered right into a pole- that's how I got the scratch," Yoongi chuckled, pointing at his forehead.

"W-why didn't you-"

"I couldn't stand watching her manipulate my parents. That girl... she was young and graceful, but despite her pure image... her mind... is evil-infested. She'd whisper disastrous things into my parent's ears... inhuman proposals... I lost it... tried to kill her one day, but I was caught. You might be wondering, why on earth would a parent drug their own child? It wasn't my parents. She was angry at me... I was useless, and she was useful you see... all it took was a suggestion, and my parents went mad... trapped in her spell. They began injecting filthy things into my bloodstream. To tame me as if I'm a wild dog. The pain I had to go through... the things I lost because of her... it was her who plotted your car accident. Because of her... I lost my happiness... I had to let go of you, and I lost myself," Yoongi gritted, clenching his fist angrily as he spoke.

"Yoongi...," I whispered while staring at him in disbelief. I was never aware of... the pain he went through. The girl... she wasn't innocent at all. I felt sorry for what happened to Yoongi.

"It's okay. She's gone now. Still alive, but that's the greatest punishment she deserves. She used to spit out her poisonous words to satisfy her greed... but she can no longer do that. She's awake and conscious, but her venomous lips will no longer move. Alive... but useless. Her chest will swell... desperately clawing to spit out her venom... but she can't. Instead, it'll spread through her own soul and kill her... slowly. I wanted her to die, but that was too easy, so I'm kinda glad Jimin did what he did to ensure her eternal misery," Yoongi smirked, averting his eyes to mine. That's when I saw it... the darkness... his darkness. The kind that seeps quietly below you and attacks you without any warning... the darkness that rises from beneath.

"It wasn't Jimin. It was me," I gulped at Yoongi emptily as the flashes of memories flooded my head.

"Moh?" Yoongi asked, raising his eyebrows at me in confusion.

"We were fighting... She lost her balance on the stairs and fell to her misery. I didn't help her. I just sat there... and watched her bleed. You say Jimin is a monster, but I am too. It kills me. Do you know why? Because as much as I felt guilty for her death... I was relieved she died. I was relieved she fell down the fucking stairs and killed her fucking brain!" I gritted quietly as I felt anger boiling inside me. I am upset at myself for feeling good about her death! How can I feel reassured to see someone die by my hands?! It's not what I crave, yet I was thankful for it! I'm so fucked up.

"Ah. That asshole. It was his job," Yoongi scoffed, looking away in disbelief.

"Job? What job?" I questioned, tilting my head at Yoongi.

Flash Back: Before the Incident.

Third Person POV

Sora quickly slid away from Jimin and strode off in a hurry, leaving Jimin by himself in the empty hallway. Jimin clenched his jaw in agony as he turned to watch Sora disappear around the corner. All he wanted was to hold her in his arms, but he couldn't, and it killed him. The hushed hallway began pondering against his crumbling soul, so Jimin hastily rubbed away his tears and walked off in defeat. He simply gave up. He was lost. Hurt. Desperate. Jimin slumped on the armchair in the alpha's lounge with a sulky expression and blankly turned to look out the glass window with the view of the university's field. On the left side of the field... was a huge oak tree, and underneath it was a petite, black-haired girl. She was reading something as she sat on the bench... but she wasn't actually reading. Her eyes... it was staring into the distance... lost in her own mind.

"Jo Eungjung," Yoongi mumbled, sitting down opposite Jimin. Jimin glanced at Yoongi with an unbothered look before averting his eyes back to the girl.

"I don't care," Jimin muttered, sternly keeping his eyes on the girl.

"She's been spreading rumors. Saying you murdered So-young. Your girlfriend. She's trying to convince everyone. Still not interested?" Yoongi continued, crossing his legs at Jimin.

"I don't care," Jimin responded shortly.

"She was So-young's assignment partner. She was there the night So-young died," Yoongi pressed... irritating Jimin, who was aching to be left alone.

"Will you shut up?" Jimin snarled angrily at Yoongi.

"The girl has the footage of So-young's murder. But I'll stop now," Yoongi sighed, getting onto his feet, causing Jimin to tense up.

"What did you say?" Jimin asked, straightening his back as fear loomed over him.

"Whatever-"

"What. Did. You. Say?" Jimin pressed... slowly getting on his feet... furiously glaring at Yoongi.

"She saw you. And she has the footage. She handed it over to me because only I could help her expose you. Sora won't be happy to hear she's defending a murderer," Yoongi smirked at Jimin, who suddenly launched at Yoongi and gripped onto his collar... shaking in fury.

"Don't you fucking mess with me-"

"I'm not. I don't have it with me, so if you decide to kill me the way you killed So-young in the living room. You'll never find the footage. It really took a lot of nerve to slit a throat open, huh?" Yoongi smiled blankly at Jimin's raging expression.

"What do you want?! If you're so keen to expose me, then why don't you do it already?!" Jimin angrily shoved Yoongi away with all his might.

"What I want is simple. Eliminate the girl, and Sora will never find out," Yoongi sighed, averting his eyes to the girl sitting under the tree.

"Sora knows. She covered it up for me, why? Because she loves me," Jimin claimed, turning to stare at Eunjung. Convincing himself that he still had Sora's heart... it was the only way to keep him sane. Yoongi froze in his position as he stared at Jimin with a fixed expression... lost in his own thoughts. He couldn't believe what he heard but decided to play it cool.

"I see. Eliminate the girl, and I won't expose the both of you," Yoongi nodded, dully snapping out of his thoughts. Deep down... he knew, threatening Sora's safety was the only way to get the psychopath to do his dirty work.

"Oh, you're going to expose Sora?" Jimin laughed smugly at Yoongi, who had on a cold expression.

"Do not test me," Yoongi sternly walked away.

"Bring me the footage after it's done, or I'll expose you too," Jimin smiled, raising up his phone to show the running voice recorder. Yoongi gulped nervously at Jimin as he slid his hands into his pocket and quickly walked out of the lounge without another word.

They both had their own motives, it had a different approach but they both had one specific target in common and one solid reason for her elimination. Jo Eunjung was the target, Jimin's murder witness, and Yoongi's killjoy, who took away his happiness.

Either way, she wasn't going to survive the game anyways. It was her end. She made only one mistake and that is to be born weak.

End of flashback

Sora's POV

Yoongi left the study hall after he filled me in on the matter. He didn't look pleased when he left. He tried to warn me. So... Jimin didn't try to kill the girl for me... he did it because Yoongi threatened him, and he did it because she was a witness of his murder. The day he left the mansion engulfed in his darkness... he already knew she was going to be his blind date. He knew everything, yet he kept it to himself and suffered quietly. Wae? Why didn't he try to explain himself when Taehyung attacked him? Why did he let Taehyung beat him? Is it because he didn't want to involve Taehyung? I defended Taehyung the day Jimin recovered... but little did I know Jimin also had his reasons. I chose to believe he lost himself to the darkness instead of thinking logically. I was so desperate to cut Jimin loose. I turned him into the antagonist. Ah... my head hurts. I quickly snapped out of my thoughts when my phone began ringing. Bogum...

"Yeoboseyo?" I answered the call.

"Oh, Sora. It's been a while," Bogum's voice echoed through the line.

"What's up?" I asked. I quickly got up as soon as the call ended and quickly headed out of the university. Bogum asked to meet up with him because he wanted to return Yangcha's keychain. I was excited, so I left the university without any thoughts. And headed to our usual pork belly restaurant to find Bogum sitting by himself.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, staring at Bogum's bandaged head in shock.

"Ah, nothing. I got into a minor car accident," Bogum smiled at me.

"Ah... everyone around me is getting hurt," I muttered to myself as I sat down. Bogum kept on staring at me awkwardly.

"Wae? Do I have something on my face?" I asked in confusion when he wouldn't stop examining me.

"Oh. Ani. Nothing," Bogum bit his lips and handed me Yangcha's key chain.

"Oh my god. Thank you!" I grinned, rubbing onto the keychain happily until I noticed the odd sewing pattern along the side of the keychain. Oh?

"Well... I'm sorry about that. It wasn't exactly in good shape when I found it the next day. It was ripped apart, so I tried to sew it back together," Bogum smiled apologetically.

"Ani. It's okay. I'm grateful," I shook my head and shoved the keychain into my pocket. Bogum and I had a good meal together. I was able to live an ordinary life for a moment with him. Whenever I'm with him, I don't have to worry about any of my problems. I got to pretend to be an average, and it's what I needed to get away from the stupid society.

"Oh shit. Taehyung," My body turned cold when I noticed 21 missed calls and 13 unread messages on my phone.

"What's wrong?" Bogum asked, putting his cup down. He curiously glanced at me as I tried to dial Taehyung, but my phone suddenly died.

"No no no!" I groaned, smacking my phone repeatedly...

"Why didn't you charge your phone?" Bogum chuckled as I nervously put my phone away. He asked me to wait for him, but I was too excited and left without telling him! The memories of me dashing out of Jimin's mansion to hide from Taehyung in a cafe came rushing into my head. I can clearly remember how furious he was... fuck.

"I-I have to go! I forgot I-" I quickly got up and shakily took out my purse when Bogum reached out to stop me.

"I'll treat you. Give me a second. It's a bit late, so I don't think it's safe for you to head home by yourself. I'll drive you home," Bogum nodded reassuringly at me. I wanted to refuse at first, but heading home alone is very risky... especially after the constant attacks... it's okay. I'm sure Taehyung will understand. Let's calm down.

"Araso. I'll wait outside," I nodded at Bogum as he got up to the cashier. I pushed open the door of the restaurant and stood quietly waiting for Bogum. I turned to my left and quickly froze when I saw a pretty calico cat.

"Awee... you pretty little thing," I smiled, slowly walking up to it. I crouched down and reached out to scratch its chin, causing it to purr cutely, and began rubbing itself against my legs.

"YAH! Let's go to the karaoke room and have a blast!" A group of young adults came pouring out of the restaurant, laughing happily. I quietly stared at them as they made their way down the street. I wish I could hang out with friends... get drunk and have fun... just like them. They seem happy. Sighing, I turned back to the cat, but it was gone.

"Oh? Where did it go?" I whispered, walking forward to look for the cat.

"Meow" I quickly turned to my right to find the calico cat down a small alley and it was sniffing in a small card box.

"There you are," I smiled, making my way down the small alley, but gasped in surprise when I saw what was in the box. It was a litter of tiny kittens...

"Are they your babies?" I pouted, squatting down before the newborn kitties cooing in the box as the mama cat licked its front paws. I reached out to pet them excitedly when I heard footsteps approaching from behind me.

"Bogum! Look at the kittens- MMMMMHHHP! MMMMMMHHHHHMMMMM!" I turned excitedly, expecting to see Bogum, but it wasn't him. A huge chubby man stood smiling at me. I quickly backed away when someone suddenly covered my mouth and nose with a cloth. I tried to fight at first but as soon as I inhaled the sharp gas like the smell on the cloth- my head suddenly grew light. My visions grew blurry as I felt the world twisting and spinning violently around me. I lost my balance and collapsed onto the ground. I couldn't remember anything but a pitch-black space.

My eyes slowly opened after what felt like an eternity. I couldn't see anything but a blurry light source above me. My eyes... it's covered. I could see movement in front of me, but I couldn't make out what it was. As soon as my head cleared up- my heart began racing in fear as I attempted to free myself. My hands were tightly tied behind my back, and my legs were tightly bound to the chair. I started crying and muffling for help. What's going on?! Why am I here?!

"Shut up!" A croaked voice yelled. My head suddenly snapped back painfully when the person yanked my hair, causing my scalp to throb in discomfort.

"Oh. Hyung. We've got her-" Another voice spoke up. He was talking on the phone. I can't recognize any of the voices! I feel like I've heard it before, but my dazed mind can't seem to comprehend it!

"Can't you guess? The girl, of course! We kidnapped her near a pork belly place in Incheon-" The guys continued talking. Breathing heavily, I tried to make out the faces through the tiny hole in the cloth over my eyes. Who are they? The alphas? Gangs? They seem to know who I am.

"You're the first person I called Hyung! I haven't called your uncle yet. I thought I should let you know first-" I began thrashing wildly again to free myself. Fuck! I clenched my teeth in pain when someone struck the side of my head hard, causing my head to flop down weakly. I whimpered when I felt the throbbing pain expanding across my entire skull.

"Stay still, you fucking bitch!" A voice snapped at me as I began to lose consciousness again.

"What? Don't call them yet? Araso, let's just bring her to your uncle when you arrive. We're at an abandoned rubber factory in Seocho... araso Hyung! You better hurry!" The person chuckled excitedly and hung up on whoever was on the phone. I blacked out once again from the blow against my head.

"Mmmmm! MMMMHHHMMMMM!" My eyes suddenly flew open when I felt something cold splashing on my head. I quickly looked around in panic but I couldn't see anything. I'm still at the same place...?

"Our Hyung will arrive soon. We've waited all our lives to get you," A croaked voice dawdled, yanking my head around, causing me to sob in pain. It was difficult for me to stay focused because of the stabbing pain in my head... and the weird distorted noise in my ears. All I could think of was... Who? And why? Hyung? Who's the guy?! What's their purpose?

"It's unfair how you get to live a luxurious life after murdering our family and friends. A bitch like you don't deserve happiness-" CRASH. A loud metallic sound collided on the ground, cutting the man off as I dreadfully peered through the thin layer of the cloth.

"What's that? Maybe Hyung-nim arrived. I'll go and check," One of the guys hurried off. His gradual footsteps... echoing throughout the factory... and a second later the entire place fell dead silent as the other guy stood waiting for his partner's return. I couldn't hear anything but my own raggy breathing. I felt a sharp stinging pain against the side of my head... and warm fluids were trickling down my neck. Am I bleeding?

"You'll die the most painful death. Whatever you did to our family, you'll suffer a thousand times worse- Jae Geun? Is that you?" The guy suddenly let go of my hair and turned towards the scraping sound of the metal bar being dragged across the ground.

Kraaaaaak.... cling..... Kraaaaak... cling... The earsplitting sound of the metal bar echoed dully throughout the entire factory.

"Hyung nim? Jae Geun! This isn't funny!" The man snapped angrily as I looked up to find a dark figure appearing at the end of the factory. I couldn't see clearly because of the fabric blocking my view... but the person was dressed in a black hoodie... and black jeans... with a cap covering his face.

"Who are you!?" The guy growled nervously at the person as he continued to walk forward... dragging the screeching metal bar in one hand... while dragging a loaf of something chunky in the other arm. A body. Even if my sight wasn't clear- I could see the bloodstain of the body as the guy dragged it slowly towards us. I squinted my eyes at the body... something was off about it... where's the he-head? What the fuck. I panted heavily when my eyes bulged open in realization at the terrific scene of a headless body being dragged by the guy in the black hoodie. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. So I began thrashing around, tugging my arms with all my might in fear. Whoever the person is... I don't want to be the last person he beheads. Sweat was beading on my forehead as I hastily yanked my feet and arms.

"J-Jae Geun? What did you do to my brother?! You f-fucker-" The guy stammered in shock as he stood gawking at the corpse. With every passing second, the guy got closer and closer to us... making my heart pound in fear as tears began streaming down my cheeks. I felt like puking when I finally saw the disturbing condition of the headless body. The head looked like it was snatched off by a giant bear trap.

"ARGHHH!" The man angrily charged at the guy in the black hoodie. Nervously sucking in my breath, I watched the silhouette of the kidnapper dashing towards his own misery. The kidnapper swung what looked like a long metallic tool at the guy but the black hoodie guy effortlessly dodged the blow and kicked the shin of the man's leg making him tumble forward-

"I WILL KILL- ARK- GLURG-GLURG" My entire body turned cold when the kidnapper stopped screaming- He began to make weird gurgling and squirmy sounds. I bulged my eyes open in horror at the terrific scene in front of me... blood drained from my face when I saw the tilted mental bar... submerging through the kidnapper's lower chest. The end of the mental bar speared right through the back of his neck. I couldn't process what I was seeing at first, but it eventually hit me hard, causing me to tremble in fear.

I began screaming in terror, but no sound came out but muffled cries. I thrashed harder and harder against the chair, causing the zip ties to cut into the flesh of my skin. I didn't care how bad it hurt, so I frantically tried to free myself. The last kidnapper finally collapsed on the floor with the metal bar punctured through his chest and neck. The black hoodie guy eventually let go of the headless corpse and began walking towards me. Sweats began beading on my forehead... my muffled screams grew louder and louder as the person approached me. No! NO! I DON'T WANT TO DIE IN VAIN! WHOEVER HE IS... HE'S NOT HUMAN!

I shakily held in my breath and hopelessly stared straight at the person as he slowly knelt down in front of me. Tears heavily streamed down my cheeks as I sat staring at the person but couldn't see anything since the cap hid his face. He slowly reached down to untie my legs... before moving to my arms. I was free, yet I couldn't move. I was paralyzed... shaking violently before the man. He gripped my hands and pulled them forward before reaching behind my head to untie the cloth securing my mouth. I gripped tightly onto my fist as he slowly lifted the last cloth off my head. My eyes were blurry from the wall of built-up tears inside my eyes. I couldn't utter a single word as I sat staring at the person in immense fear. How can he k-kill in such an inhumane w-way?

Slowly... the person tilted his head upward and took off his cap. I stopped breathing as soon as I saw the familiar eyes. My heart sank, and my inside flipped upside down as I stared at his face. I wanted to scream at him, but nothing came out. I tried to voice out my words while searching his eyes for comfort... but my lips only trembled in fear. I didn't know what to say or how to react as I sat shuddering at his cold eyes.

"I asked you to wait for me, why didn't you listen?" He spoke in a slow and deadly tone... roughly snapping the zip ties off my bleeding wrists. I was wordless... frightened... and traumatized. I said nothing but stared into the vacant... dark... dilated pupils of the devil's eyes.