Red Queen

Present

Sora's POV

"Are you okay?" I scrambled towards Jungkook, who was gripping his injured torso in pain.

"I'm fine..." Jungkook nodded. I got up and pulled him onto his feet.

"Someone tried to murder us..." I whispered, cautiously looking down the street.

"No. Not murder. The person is very swift and sharp. He's skilled. He took it easy on me. He wasn't trying to kill us... it's a warning," Jungkook muttered, turning to look in the same direction.

"Warning?" I questioned in confusion.

"I don't know too. I was the target, not you. We should head home," Jungkook shook his head and began limping away, so I quickly hurried after him and secured my arm around his waist. We got back to the mansion, and it was awfully quiet. Seems like everyone went to bed. I was nervous to see Taehyung, but luckily... he was nowhere to be found.

"What happened?" Eomma asked as she strolled down the stairs, looking very baffled. She was in her nightgown.

"Nothing, good night," I shook my head at her and helped Jungkook to his room. After tucking him in, I turned and left just in time to find eomma striding down the hallway with a cup of drink in her hand.

"Give it to him. It'll help him sleep," Eomma insisted, handing it over, causing me to eye her unsurely. Why is she being so nice?

"What do you want-"

"Yah. You ungrateful child. Do you really think I want something from you just because of a cup of ginseng tea? I can't believe you-"

"Araso. I'm sorry," I bit my lips apologetically and took it from her hands. She shook her head at me and strode off. I entered his room again and placed it on his nightstand.

"Drink it before you sleep," I said quietly turning to look at Jungkook.

"Why do I feel like I know you..." Jungkook whispered, narrowing his eyes as he rested in the dark.

"What do you mean-"

"Ah. Nan molla. Go to sleep," Jungkook quickly shook his head and grabbed the drink. I quietly watched him gulp it down before walking out. I got to my room, locked the door, and flicked on the lights but halted as soon as I turned to find a figure standing on my balcony. The person turned around and began walking up to me at a steady pace. Taehyung. My heart leaped to my throat, causing my entire body to turn stiff.

"I'm tired. Please leave," I sighed, avoiding his eyes, and tried to enter the closet when he roughly seized my wrist.

"Are you running away from me too?" Taehyung asked in a low tone, staring at me dead in the eyes. I blinked and turned to look at his upset eyes.

"I didn't run from you. You pushed me away," I exhaled and averted my eyes away. I tried. I tried to get to him- but he won't let me through.

"I didn't push you away. I'm only trying to protect you-

"But this isn't the right way to protect me. You can't-" I angrily snapped at him. He suddenly seized my waist with one hand... drew me towards him... then shoved me against the wall, and firmly pressed his lips against mine. I can feel his body heat. He's mad... really mad... and yet he kissed me? Wae? His steamy breath... brushing against my face as he caressed my lips with his. Cautiously, I slid my hand down to my pocket and pulled out the dagger as he pinned me against the wall.

"Hajima," I warned, turning the dagger's blade towards his throat. Taehyung slowly backed away from me and averted his eyes to the bloody dagger in my hand.

"Oh? Do you think it'll hurt me?" Taehyung chuckled, dully pushing his tongue against the side of his mouth.

"It won't hurt you. But it'll hurt me," I whispered, rotating the dagger around to aim it right at my throat instead, causing Taehyung to stiffen.

"Are you trying to threaten me- hajima!" Taehyung snapped when I suddenly pressed the blade against my neck. I must've really cut myself because I can feel a sharp pain stinging my neck.

"Ka (go). Leave. Do not test me," I warned in tears as Taehyung tilted his head backward in frustration. I will not give in to him unless he tells me the truth. It's the only way to bring my lost memories back.

"No. It's you who shouldn't test me!" Taehyung growled, snatching the dagger out of my hand in fury. Gulping, I pressed my back against the wall in fright as Taehyung clenched the sharp blade until blood trickled between his fingers.

"Argh!" Taehyung roared, violently hurling the dagger out of the window, then stomped out of my room. As soon as the door slammed shut, I slid onto the floor and hugged my knees in tears. I've tried so hard to make it work... I really did. I've restored peace within the society, but my life is falling apart again. Why is it so hard to live? How long must I endure this pain? How many times do I have to adjust to end this pain? I've murdered people, I've hurt souls, and I've used people... just to survive. How far do I have to go? I bawled my eyes out that night and passed out on the cold floor in exhaustion.

I woke up the next morning with a bad headache pounding on my temples. Softly grumbling... I pushed myself off the freezing floor and fixed my eyes on the dried bloodstain on the marble floor. Taehyung's blood. I deeply exhaled and glanced outside the open window. This pain... it'll never end unless I know the truth. Everything about myself... everything about my parents... everything about the past... and Taehyung's aware of it. What is he hiding from me? I pushed myself onto my feet, took a warm bath, swallowed a painkiller, and got dressed when I heard a faint knock on my door, so I paused to stare at it. Is it Taehyung?

"Yah. Open the door," Jungkook's voice grunted from the other side. Exhaling in relief, I unlocked the door to let him in.

"Wae? What's wrong with you? Why are you so pale?" I asked in shock when Jungkook came in looking like a ghost.

"I'm a bit dizzy- I'm fine," Jungkook shook his head at me. I watched him anxiously as he plopped down on my couch. He had dark circles under his eyes... and his lips were all chapped. He was fine yesterday... maybe he shouldn't have gone out.

"We're going to get you checked-"

"I'm fine! Minah called me this morning," Jungkook whispered, pushing my hands away when I tried to lift him up.

"Wae? Why did she call you?" I asked, reaching out to feel his forehead. It's not warm, but why does he look so sick?

"Claimed she couldn't contact you. Asked you to go over to her place to prep for a party or something," Jungkook muttered with his eyes closed just as Imo came strolling in.

"I lost my phone the night I got kidnapped," I bit my lips at him.

"Omo. Who got hurt? Is it Jungkook-"

"No. It's Taehyung. He accidentally cut himself," I said turning to find imo gawking at the bloodstain in shock. Imo nervously glanced at us, quickly rushed to the door, and closed it. Jungkook slowly lifted his head off the couch to look at imo in confusion as she hurried towards us.

"What did you two do last night?! Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to upset Taehyung?!" She grimaced at us anxiously.

"We didn't do anything. I got into an argument, and he overreacted-"

"Everyone in the mansion knows that. We all heard you," Jungkook muttered cutting me off.

"You were lucky he didn't lose control of himself like- he did years ago. My poor heart almost stopped beating when I saw the look on his face last night. He shouldn't be this upset," Imo shuddered in fear.

"Imo... do you know if Taehyung-"

"Ah- nan molla. I'm leaving," Imo quickly cut me off and rushed out of the room, turning very pale as soon as I mentioned Taehyung.

"What's with her...?" I questioned in confusion.

"She knows him the best. Imo and Jimin were the only people he talked to 11 years ago. He stopped talking to me and his parents a few days after my mother's funeral. I don't remember why, but he detached himself from everyone. Haerim showed up 4 years later, and he opened up to her- but she left him, and he isolated himself again for another 2 years. He only talked to me in the past 5 years. Imo's very protective of him," Jungkook mumbled, leaning back against the couch as I stared at him. What's the reason? So there's more to Taehyung? What happened?

"I'll ask the maid to get you some herbal- aish..." I trailed off when I turned to find Jungkook dozing off on my couch. Sighing, I placed the blanket over his body and changed my clothes before heading out to request a medical check-up on Jungkook to ensure he was alright.

_____________________________

Minah's mansion

"Wah. I can't believe you're still alive after pissing off Kim Taehyung," Minah muttered, applying the foundation on my face while I sat crossed legs on her bed.

"He could've killed me if I didn't run," I smiled at her as she did my makeup. Minah begged me to come to Sungho's party with her, so I agreed. I don't want to see Taehyung at home and my head's overflowing, therefore, a party seems like a good opportunity to destress my stuffy chest. Plus, it's Sungho's party... he's our ally. There's nothing to worry about.

"He might hurt you, but he'll never kill you. I saw the way he looked at you- it's as if you're his possession or something," Minah shook her head at me as she began dabbing the foundation into my skin.

"How long have you known him?" I questioned curiously. If it's anyone in this society... Minah's the one with the most stories to tell. She knows all of it...

"Hmm... 12 years ago? I think? I'm not sure, but he wasn't cold when I first met him. He was goofy. We met during the alpha's announcement ceremony... I was the new alpha. He greeted me with a bright boxy smile. He was... about 14-15 years old. I was nine," Minah looked up at the ceiling to recall her memories.

"Goofy? Like out-going?" I asked in shock. Taehyung was goofy?

"Yeah. But not for long. He grew distant and cold a year later. And a few months later... the Jeons revealed themselves as the third-rank alpha. That's when I first met Jungkook too. Cute bunny teeth and huge doe eyes... he was really cute," Minah smiled, causing me to fall silent. So Taehyung became distant after he returned from Jungkook's mother's funeral. Minah doesn't seem to know about Jungkook's average mother either... which means... Jeons household stayed anonymous until Mr. Jeon remarried. No one knows about his birth mother. So what happened during the funeral? What killed Taehyung's innocence?

"How did he meet Haerim?" I asked curiously.

"Oh... digging's into his past love life now 'cause you're going to be his bride?" Minah teased, causing my cheeks to heat up.

"Everyone seems to know about the incident except me. I just want to fill in as much information as I can before marrying him," I lightly smacked her arm while Minah worked on my eyes with her brush.

"Haerim- wait lemme calculate... uh... about 7-8 years ago? I don't remember. But she was the nerd of the class, just like Namjoon. They were academic rivals. She was quiet and very introverted. The other alphas would bully her until one day... Taehyung snapped at them. He didn't talk to anyone for years you see... so everyone was shocked when he defended her. Well... of course... Jungkook got overexcited and mocked Taehyung to keep him talking... he ended up getting a black eye from Taehyung. I remember helping Jungkook to the alpha's infirmary at school," Minah softly chuckled at her old memories.

"What was he like towards her?" I asked, closing my eyes as Minah drew the eyeliner.

"They seem alright at first. He became a lot more cheerful around her. He'd do things all guys do to impress their girls. On a rainy day, he'd hold the umbrella for her. On a cold day, he'd take off his scarf and wrap it around her neck. Oh yeah- he'd always bring her snacks and food. He laughed a lot around her. I was happy for them. He talked to the others again... whatever the situation was... he always put her first. Until one day... I was leaving school late... they were arguing about something by the locker. I didn't know what it was about because Jungkook asked me to meet him after school, so I rushed off. It was when he confessed his feelings. Anyways... Taehyung and Haerim stopped talking for about a week or two...? At first, we all thought they broke up, but then Taehyung slowly went back to her. He bought her flowers... gifts... food... he seemed guilty. Not to be rude or something... it was like he worshipped her. He was desperate. I guess he was scared to lose her or something. Haerim must've taken advantage of it because she started bossing him around... using him in a way to satisfy herself. He'd do anything for her. He once tried to kill Namjoon because Haerim scored a 98 on her math test while Namjoon scored 100. He got into a lot of trouble because of her... and one day... she stopped showing up to school. We all thought she was sick until the professor told us Haerim transferred abroad. We all saw the look on Taehyung's face. It was as if his soul left his body. He just froze. Jimin tried to comfort him, but Taehyung quickly rushed out of the classroom. I don't really know what happened, but Jungkook told me- Taehyung called and texted her over and over again for two weeks straight. Nothing. She never answered. She just disappeared. He was heartbroken and turned depressed... went back to his old self. And has been like that ever since... cold and distant. A year before you arrived... he opened up a little... he came to our parties and had fun... so I figured he healed. Until Haerim showed up again and that's when I saw the look on his face... he didn't," Minah bit her lips nervously as I opened my eyes. As much as I hate to admit it... I felt... a bit jealous. How can he be so caring and gentle with Haerim...? All I received from him was the dead stares and painful grips...

"Wae? What's with that look?" I questioned as she began contouring my cheeks. Minah fired me a playful glare and shook her when she noticed my bitter expression.

"You always look a mess when- Haerim always looks her best. She'd come to school like a doll while you dress like a hobo- no offense. You're pretty, prettier than her and any of us, but you don't put in the effort to make yourself shine," Minah muttered, adding the blush on my cheeks.

"Um... thanks for the passive-aggressive compliment... but I don't get where you're heading...?" I questioned as she finished her touch and leaned back to proudly grin at me.

"Wah... Are you really going to wear this? Are you an ajumma? Sweetie. This isn't how you claim your man," Minah laughed, tossing my dress away. She hopped off her bed and disappeared into her closet.

"Yah. Answer me," I sat watching her when she returned with a sparkly red dress.

"I wasn't going to tell you this- put this on first, and I'll tell you," Minah smiled, tossing the dress at me, so I sighed and quickly changed into it. Minah watched me unblinkingly as I turned towards her.

"Heol. You are on another level. I might even turn gay for you," Minah gasped, getting onto her feet to fix my hair. She let all of my natural wavy curls down and circled me with her mouth dropping open. It was a flaming sparkly red mini v-neck dress... wrapping tightly along my curvy figure... and it ended above my upper thighs. Too short...

"Will you tell me now?" I asked impatiently, so Minah turned me towards the mirror. I couldn't recognize myself at all. I looked so different... it wasn't the makeup. Minah didn't put on heavy makeup. She just made me look... powerful...? bold...? sharp...? Like a bad bitch.

"Although red is my color. You are the ultimate red queen," Mine smiled, staring at me through the mirror as I stood staring at myself in disbelief. I thought I can be a little cute and pretty sometimes... but never this... hot...?

"You're so cringey," I shook my head at her.

"Yesterday. During the third session... I was heading to my locker in the middle of the course to grab my book to find Haerim... kissing Taehyung. And for a second, he didn't hesitate at her touch. He didn't hesitate to resist her. He acts differently when there are people around him, but when it's just the two of them... I'm sure the memories stay. I didn't want to tell you... but you don't deserve it either. So. Be the red queen and show her she's nothing compared to you. And show him, you're not a disposable option. You are the queen of the society, so don't bend your knees for him," Minah whispered into my ears. I felt a heavy thud in my chest as jealousy spread across my body. I was upset... I wasn't sure about my feelings towards Taehyung... but Minah verified it. I do feel something for him. And the thought of him with Haerim... reminiscing their old memories... it makes my inside burns. I always felt guilty for being attached to Jimin, thinking Taehyung was clean from Haerim. I thought he was done with her, and I was the only one lingering on the past. I went through so much pain because of the guilt I felt... I kept on blaming myself for it... but I see it wasn't just me. It's the both of us.

"Kaja," I whispered, feeling the darkness expanding within my chest. He hesitated...? Ah... I'm so upset.

"You will turn all the heads tonight but remember... stay focused. You'll make him realize you're not just another girl to pass his life. He will marry you and you will make him submit to you, so don't leave him fooling with his side bitch. Everyone fears Kim Taehyung but after tonight? Kim Taehyung will fear you. Make him worship you, Sora. So... play well tonight," Minah smiled as she got herself ready. I put on the raging red heels and left Minah's place.

"I'm a bit nervous-"

"Got you covered. Ease up," Minah smiled, pushing a bottle of wine into my hand as we headed to the party. I ended up draining half a bottle of wine to numb myself. We got to the crowded mansion at around 9:00 PM. It was filled with the lower ranks and alphas. Music booming loudly in every direction. Of course, Jungkook and Jimin didn't come because they're still healing.

"Jagi!" Minah called, rushing over to Hoseok, who was eyeing me in shock.

"J-Jang Sora...?" He gasped at me with his eyes bulging open, causing Minah to sharply glare at him.

"You can drool for today, I'll forgive you. But if it happens again- I'll gouge out your eyes," Minah grimaced as she smacked Hoseok's arm.

"Mianhae. You're the prettiest in my eyes," Hoseok winked at Minah, causing her cheeks to flush red.

"Aish," Yoongi grimaced in disgust at the couple and walked up to me.

"Did he hurt you?" Yoongi asked, nodding at my bruised wrist.

"I hurt myself," I smiled at Yoongi.

"What did he do to turn you this way," Yoongi smirked, raising his eyebrows at me. I just shook my head at Yoongi and walked away.

"Minah! Yoongi! Hoseok- Oh my god," Minho gasped, his jaws dropping at me in shock. Mira frowned at her boyfriend's flustered expression and pinched his arm in irritation.

"Many couples will fight today because of you," Yoongi laughed at me as Minho winced in pain. The mansion was turned into a dance floor with dim lighting, so it was like a nightclub. People were jamming around, and couples were hooking up in the dark corners.

"You made it," Sungho smiled, offering me a glass of wine.

"Tease him. Two o'clock," Minah whispered in my ears and quickly walked off with the rest of the alphas, leaving me with Sungho.

"Ah. You look dashing today," I smiled at him as I averted my eyes to the right side of the room. Taehyung... He was dressed in a black button-up shirt with a white print pattern... tight black pants and slightly parted hair (Magic Shop Dimple and Pied Pieper 2019 outfit/look). And he was staring at someone. Haerim... she's walking up to him in a tight black dress.

"Thank you. But I'm merely an average compared to you," Sungho smiled at me as I gulped down the entire glass of wine.

"Do you want to dance?" I asked, putting the glass away while Sungho stared at me with his curved lips.

"Won't your fiance-"

"It's just dancing. Don't worry," I snatched his wine glass and emptied it as well before leading him to the dance floor. Haerim got to Taehyung and tugged him forward just as his eyes landed on Sungho and I.

"I think I'll get in trouble...," Sungho smiled at me when I started swaying against his body. Taehyung tensed up when Haerim placed her hands around his arm to seduce him.

"Oh, don't worry. Not under my watch," I smiled, placing my hands on his shoulders, so Sungho held my waist and tugged me closer to him. Taehyung must've realized I was teasing him because he suddenly grabbed onto Haerim and began dancing with her... keeping his eyes trained on me. I didn't look at him though... instead, I flirtily smiled at Sungho and slid my hands down his chest. Sungho let out a teasing smirk and lowered his face towards mine, causing Taehyung to stiffen. He tried to let go of Haerim, but she placed her hands on his jawline and turned him back to her.

"Did you guys fight?" Sungho leaned in to brush his lips against my ear while I watched Taehyung eyeing us uncomfortably.

"No. But there's a parasite leeching off him," I whispered, sensually biting onto my lips, then averted my alluring eyes to stare at Sungho with a tempted expression.

"Better get rid of it before it ends up draining him," Sungho smiled, leaning forward and lightly brushed his nose against mine. This man... he's smart. I can't believe he knew right away. I smiled at Sungho as he hovered his lips right above mine to tease Taehyung, so I tilted my face upward to shorten the gap between our faces. Taehyung finally lost his patience, shoved Haerim away, and pushed his way towards us... but Haerim was persistent. She chased after him and tried to pull him back... to stop him from reaching me.

"I will. You should get going now. Thanks," I smiled at Sungho and turned to look at Haerim, who was gripping tightly onto Taehyung's arm. The other alphas and lower rank suddenly turned to stare at Taehyung and Haerim in disbelief. Sungho winked at me and walked off. It's time... Minah was gasping dramatically at Haerim to gather more attention as I walked up to them at a steady pace with my chins held high and a smug smirk on my face. Everyone's watching us now. Taehyung tensely gulped as he watched me approach him. Haerim quickly turned to look at me in annoyance. Oh... look at the disappointment on her face.

"What's going on here?" I asked, crossing my arms before them, calmly drifting my eyes to their entangled hands.

"We all know the engagement is fake. You're only using Taehyung to save yourself," Haerim gritted at me. Ah... so that's what she wants everyone to believe?

"Haerim-ah... I'm the supreme alpha. I'm not using Taehyung because we're equally as powerful. The real parasite isn't me... it's you. Why are you holding on to something beyond your reach?" I asked, nodding at their hands, causing her to blink uncomfortably.

"Who do you think you are? I was there with him from the beginning. You're just an evil bitch- using your power to abuse the weak," Haerim snarled angrily.

"But you left him. What are you? I guess you think you're some sort of angel he needs? It's hard to break it to you, but you're just a gargoyle of hell with a pretty face. Now let go of my man," I rolled my eyes at her, causing Taehyung to glance at me in shock.

"Taehyung. You need me. She'll never understand-"

"Why are you so pathetic?" I chuckled, hastily pulling her hands free from Taehyung's.

"He doesn't want you-"

"Is that so... Taehyungie?" I smiled, turning to face Taehyung, and slid my hand into his. He didn't budge but stared sternly at me as I skated my hand over his shirt... slightly grazing my fingers over his exposed chest. I will drug you with my love until you submit to me. 

In response to my touch... Taehyung slowly coiled his fingers around mine. I gradually ran my fingers up to his thick neck and tilted my head upward as Taehyung lowered his head and leaned towards me with his parted lips. Taehyung slithered his free arm around my waist and drew me closer to him, gently brushing his lips against mine. Everyone stood watching us in silence. I will overdose you with the irresistible aftertaste of my affection until it turns into an addiction. Smiling, I slowly pulled away and stared into his sharp eyes. So that's how she did it... that's how she tamed him... just a little bit of intimate touch... enough to make him feel wanted. Ah. Calmly... I turned back to face Haerim with a teasing smirk. She was fuming heavily upon witnessing our steamy intimate interaction. Her eyes gleamed in tears, so she sucked in her breath and started laughing like a maniac.

"Y-You two... I just realized... you're no different from each other. You're meant for each other... because... evil monsters like you... don't deserve a good soul. You're meant to corrupt and destroy one another," Haerim spat angrily at us.

"If I'm a monster. Then what are you? I don't think there's even a place or name for you-"

"YAH!" Haerim screamed, furiously launching at me. I didn't flinch... but stood my ground and watched her bolt at me in fiery. Just before she reached me, I felt a swift movement beside my ear, and Haerim suddenly halted in shock. The entire room gasped in hysteria when I turned to find Taehyung's muscular arm stretching out beside me. He had fingers wrapped firmly around Haerim's fragile neck as she grasped onto his hands in terror. Taehyung stood behind me... towering over me as he choked Haerim... who was struggling to breathe within his deadly grips.

"This isn't your place Haerim-ah. Karma exists for a reason," I smiled, tilting my head at Haerim as she began thrashing around for air. Her eyes bulged resentfully... burning in hatred as she glared at me. She glanced at Taehyung with a pleading look... with tears in her eyes when he effortlessly lifted her off the ground with one arm. Taehyung's face was blank... but his eyes... it was glowering. He's unleashing all of the pain she caused him for the past years. Everyone dropped dead silent as Haerim kicked hopelessly in the air. Sighing, I lightly patted Taehyung's chest, then walked away- so he released Haerim upon my command.

Thud. Haerim collapsed hard onto the floor... gagging and panting in distress as she violently coughed in pain. The room buzzed loudly when Taehyung crouched down before Haerim.

"You're a nightmare dressed like a daydream. What you're feeling right now... it's nothing compared to what you put me through... so don't cry," Taehyung muttered lowly, brushing away Haerim's tears with his thumb. He stood up without a hint of attachment and followed me out of the mansion like a puppy.

"You'll need this~" Minah smiled, handing me a bottle of wine as I passed her. I snatched it from her and strode out of the mansion just as music booms loudly again. People began cheering and screaming excitedly... as if nothing happened. This is the society we live in. I still have one more thing to take care of, but I'll need to drown myself in the alcohol first. 

Taehyung unlocked his jeep and then held the passenger seat open for me, but I didn't get in. Instead, I opened the backseat door and quickly slipped inside to leave Taehyung hanging. He scoffed at my attitude and slammed the door shut in disbelief. I can't let him have me, not so easily. I'll make him crave for me. Grimacing, Taehyung got into his seat and started the engine. I leaned against the window of the jeep... emptying the bottle of wine as we drove home. The entire mansions were already asleep when we arrived. I quickly got off the jeep, headed inside... and made my way towards my room.

"Ah!" I groaned when Taehyung suddenly grabbed my arm. He roughly dragged me into his room and slammed the door shut.

"What?" I asked, gulping down the wine when he turned to glare at me with a disapproving glare.

"What was that for? Was it all an act!?" Taehyung snapped, cornering me against the wall. I laughed dryly as he gritted his jaw in irritation. Wae? What did he expect?

"Do you think it was an act?" I giggled, leaning against the wall to observe his burning expression. Did I upset his poor soul? Did he think I was genuine?

"Sora, don't play with me-" I tried to interlace my fingers with his, but Taehyung immediately pulled his hand away and dropped his arm to the side.

(Taehyung Singularity Intro, where he interacts with the coat hanger ;))

"Do you think I'm playing you?" I smiled at Taehyung and swallowed down another mouthful of wine. I slowly ran my hand up his arm... along his neck and sensually tugged onto the back of his neck. Taehyung then ran his fingers up my arm to hastily pull my hand off his neck... sullenly turning his face away from mine. So I quickly lifted up my arm again to place my fingers over his lips, then turned his upset face towards me. In response, he brought his hand up to mine and pulled my fingers off his lips. (End of the Singularity Intro)

"If it's some sort of game-" Taehyung seethed, pressing me against the wall while glaring at me with his razor-sharp eyes... but before he could finish his sentence- I gently pushed him backward.

"Do you think it's a game?" I kept on questioning him to get on his nerves.

"Answer me-" Taehyung tried to grab me, but I was quicker. I thrust his chest, causing him to tumble onto the couch. Taehyung immediately tried to get back up, but I simply held onto his chin with my index finger to stop him from getting up. Men. How many times did I let them break me? How many times did I let them manipulate me? Kim Taehyung. I finally found your weakness.

"Shhh..." I whispered, slowly tracing my fingers down his throat, making my way down to his chest as I took another mouthful gulp of the wine.

"I swear if you're toying with me-" Taehyung sharply glared at me with his dark eyes, so I gently pushed him back onto the couch. Awe? He doesn't want to be played? What about me? Why wasn't he afraid to fool me when I was trying to be genuine with him? It's unfair.

"Tell me... am I a game to you?" I asked, placing the wine bottle on the coffee table. I turned around and leaned forward with my arms pressed on either side of Taehyung as he glared at me. He was perching on the couch while I held him captive between my arms against the couch.

"Are you drunk?" Taehyung questioned uneasily.

"No. Tipsy. But definitely not drunk," I smiled, slowly sitting down on his lap to face him... securing his lower torso between my thighs as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I leaned against him to pin him back as he sat stiffly underneath me.

"If you're not drunk then what are you doing?" Taehyung asked, sternly staring at me in the eyes as I scooted closer to him until my cleavage was pressed against his chest. I began trailing my finger along his collarbone, down to the hem of his unbuttoned shirt... lightly grazing his exposed chest. What is it that you want? What do you want Kim Taehyung?

"Why didn't you resist... when she kissed you?" I questioned, stroking his chest in a teasing motion, causing Taehyung to spread out his arms over the couch. I adjusted my position over his thighs while I kept my eyes glued to his.

"So that's what you've been so upset about?" Taehyung asked, letting out a soft sigh as I continued to trace my fingers over his chest. We were sitting on the couch with Taehyung underneath me as I sat facing him while he leaned back against the couch. Our bodies pressed against one another.

"Not exactly. But tell me why you never bothered to explain yourself," I whispered, staring into his dull eyes as I slowly undid one of his buttons.

"She isn't worth your headache," Taehyung muttered, lifting one of his arms off the couch to skim my fingers along the side of my thigh... stopping right at the fringe of my dress. I let out a small scoff as I undid another button. Men and their lies. Oh, his lies. I chuckled and lowered my head at his honeyed words.

"Wae? You don't believe me?" Taehyung asked while grazing my thigh with his slender fingers. I didn't respond and gradually undid his buttons in silence. Taehyung suddenly let out a lustful moan when I ran my finger up his chest... over his collarbones and up to his neck.

"How do I know you're not a liar?" I muttered, clasping my fingers around his throat. I lightly secured his neck between my fingers, so Taehyung leaned back to expose his vulnerable neck, then exhaled in pleasure.

"Are you trying to threaten me?" Taehyung chuckled with his eyes closed as I gripped firmly onto his exposed throat.

"Am I a threat to you now?" I whispered, leaning forward and clutched harder onto his throat, but instead of wincing in pain, Taehyung let out another lustful moan.

"I'd never lie to you," Taehyung whispered, biting down on his lower lips in difficulty as I teasingly brushed the tip of my nose along the side of his neck.

"What happens... if I catch you lying?" I whispered, trailing my lips against his neck until I reached his lips. I didn't kiss him though, instead, I teasingly hovered my lips over his. Taehyung slowly opened his dangerous eyes to stare into mine with his head tilted back against the headrest of the couch. He tried to graze his lips against mine, so I placed my finger between our lips to hold him back.

"You'll never catch me," Taehyung slyly smiled at me. He suddenly gripped onto either side of my hips and slammed his lips into mine. I straightened my back and gripped his muscular shoulders when I felt the presence of his soaked tongue.

"But what if I c-catch you?" I pressed, pulling away from him. Taehyung tried to kiss me again but I turned my face away, so he pressed his lips against the side of my neck instead and sucked onto me. I tightened my grip around his shoulders as he shakily breathed against the crook of my neck.

"I'll suffer the consequences," Taehyung whispered, lustfully tugging me forward to rub his lips over mine. He ran his hands up the side of my thighs as he forced his tongue into my mouth, so I gripped onto his wild hair to stop myself from moaning.

"Promise me," I whispered, tilting my head back in pleasure as Taehyung straightened himself and began nibbling on the side of my neck. I slipped my hands down his chest to feel his hard abs with my hands until I felt him tensing his muscles at my touch.

"I promise," Taehyung moaned softly in my ears and trailed his lips back to mine as I sat on him. He suddenly secured my back, pushed himself off the couch, and carried me to his bed. He carefully placed me onto the mattress and leaned down on me... interlacing his fingers with mine while he ran his free hand along my bodyline. He aggressively kissed me on the lips... hastily pulling off his shirt as I ran my fingers down his muscular back.

Taehyung reached down to unbuckle his belt while sitting between my legs, so I held onto his firm hips with my lips pressed against his. He kicked off his trousers before pressing his heated body against mine, causing goosebumps to spread all over my sensitive flesh when I felt his bare chest rubbing against my cleavage. He slid his fingers under the hem of my dress with one hand while tugging the thin dress strap off my shoulders to expose my naked body. I tilted my head back against the pillow when I felt him moving his fingers up to my hips to search for the hem of my underwear... sensually massaging my waistline to warm up my nerves for his untamed temptation. He tenderly kissed my shoulder with his moist lips as I secured his strong hips between my legs while I ran my fingers through his wild hair. I hungrily tugged his face towards mine and pulled him into a deep kiss as our lustful bodies grind over one another at a taunting pace.

Vision

I was running on the port again, pleading whoever it was to come back down but he jumped off the scaffolding platform and plunged right into the sea. And again, I dived into the icy cold sea to search for him but I couldn't find a single soul. I began swimming towards the surface when I suddenly felt something tugging on my feet. My eyes grew wide open in fear when I looked down to find a pair of claws gripped tightly around my ankle. I thrashed and kicked desperately reaching out for the surface but it was useless. I remember drifting down into the ice-cold sea... and just before my eyes drop closed... I saw it... the burning red eyes beneath me... it took me... into the dark pit of the sea.

Vision ends

My eyes suddenly flew open in fright, so I pushed myself off the bed to grip my hair in distress. Softly panting, I ran my fingers through my hair and turned to find Taehyung sleeping naked beside me. He was softly snoring with his arms spread out. Sighing, I turned to look at the clock. 3:30 AM. I tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't, so I quietly got off the bed, pulled on Taehyung's night robe, and left the room. I quietly walked down the dimly lit hallway into the living room and out of the mansion. It was dead quiet and chilly. I took a deep breath of the refreshing air and strutted down the garden, lost in my own thoughts. Taehyung's refusing to tell me the truth. I just have to catch him red-handed-

Clang. I paused to look at the wine cellar. The door was slightly open, letting out a ray of the yolky beam. Jungkook? Why is he in there? I slowly pushed the door open and entered the wine cellar.

"Yah. You shouldn't be drinking, you haven't recovered-" I stopped dead when I saw who it was. It wasn't Jungkook.

"Imo?" My mouth dropped open in shock when I found imo sitting against the wooden cabinet with a bottle of wine in her hands.

"Oh. Sora- I'm sorry-" Imo mumbled, trying to push herself up but I stopped her.

"It's okay. Don't worry," I smiled, helping her back onto the floor, then sat down beside her.

"I shouldn't be-"

"We're humans with feelings. I understand," I smiled, turning to look at Imo, who was guiltily looking at me. She let out a heavy sigh and drank from the bottle.

"That's right, we all have our low times. It'll pass," Imo nodded while staring at her wine bottle, so I leaned my head against her shoulder.

"I thought it was Jungkook. You're the last person I expect to be drunk in here," I chuckled, reaching out to squeeze her warm hands.

"Jungkook looks very sick today. The medical team did a check-up on him and told him to rest. Your mother was nice enough to offer him herbal tea this afternoon," Imo muttered while tapping her fingers against the bottle.

"They had tea together?" I asked, lifting my head off her shoulder curiously. Imo nodded at me, and her eyes drifted off to my clothes.

"Isn't that Taehyung's robe?" Imo questioned, softly rubbing the silky garment. I nodded and sat up against the wooden cabinet.

"That poor boy... he went through so much," Imo sighed heavily, causing me to turn and look at her.

"I heard he didn't talk to anyone after returning from Busan," I whispered.

"Oh. He changed. He was a goofy boy. Bright... he'd always make me laugh. But everything changed when he came back. He was distant from me too. It took him a while to open up to me again. He'd refused to eat or drink anything for days. He's not my child, but it pained me to see a young soul like him... lose all his happiness. It was heartbreaking," Imo shook her head sadly at me.

"What happened?" I asked quietly.

"I don't know. I was a new staff back then. All I knew was... he kept apologizing to someone in his sleep. He'd wake up panting with sweat beading all over his forehead. He was traumatized," Imo shrugged. Huh...?

"It stopped when he met the girl? Haerim?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"Oh, that girl. I knew she was up to no good. She doesn't look at my Taehyung the way he looked at her. All she sees in him is power. But of course, I didn't say anything... Taehyungie was happier. He smiled more often, and I was glad. Until the girl left, he quickly retreated into his shadow once again. Ah... it was hard to watch. It's why I want to ask you for a favor," Imo gulped and gripped onto my hands, turning to look at me dead in the eyes.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Don't break him again. Just please bear with him, it's not something he can control. If you break him again... I'm afraid he'll lose himself to the devil for good. And when he does... we'll never be able to retrieve him. The darkness I see in him... it keeps worsening. Believe me... there's the good in him. It's the last piece of him left... so please don't break it," Imo sniffled, rubbing away her tears sadly as I bit onto my lips. Ah... Imo does know him better than I do... so he's a lost soul...? Whatever happened in Busan it broke him hard... and then Haerim shattered him again... and now? I'm holding onto the last piece of him. Aish... why is it so complicated.

"I'll do my best," I whispered, smiling reassuringly at Imo.

"God please have mercy on his soul," Imo sighed, closing her eyes in exhaustion.

"Come on now. You need to get some rest," I smiled, helping imo onto her feet, then carried her out of the wine cellar. The sun was slowly rising as I helped imo into bed. I asked the maids to bring her some hangover soup, then headed back to Taehyung's room. He was still fast asleep, so I slid back onto the bed and closed my eyes.

"Where did you go?" Taehyung whispered hoarsely, spooning me from behind as he pressed his face against the back of my neck.

"I had some hangover soup," I answered, linking my fingers with his and gently squeezed him. I turned over to face Taehyung, so he sleepily opened his eyes to look at me. He didn't say anything and leaned in to kiss me on the lips. I exhaled and held onto his face as we made out on the bed. Taehyung slipped his warm hand under my robe to feel my flesh, so I kissed him harder to stop myself from moaning out loud when I felt him pleasing me. Taehyung tugged his robe off my body because he wanted to feel my body, so I let him. I turned my back on him after a while because I was feeling a bit sleepy. Taehyung encircled his arm around my waist and tugged my bare flesh against his to engulf me in the warmth of his heated body.

"Hmm," Taehyung sleepily grunted, letting out a steamy breath against my neck. I softly exhaled and drifted off to sleep with our interlaced fingers. I woke up a few hours later on an empty bed. The sun was beaming brightly in Taehyung's room.

"Oh. You're awake. I have to attend a board meeting with appa. I'll be back, get some rest," Taehyung informed me as he strode out of his closet room fully dressed in a black suit and neat push-back hair.

"Do you need help with your tie?" I questioned, groggily watching Taehyung from the bed.

"It's okay. I can do it myself. But I'll need your help undoing it when I return," Taehyung smirked at me, causing my cheeks to flush red in embarrassment.

Taehyung leaned forward to give me a quick peck on my lips as I sat on the messy mattress until he noticed my exposed legs slipping out of the blanket. He gulped and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed with me. Taehyung gently pressed his lips against mine again as he placed his hand on my bare skin, sensually rubbing my thigh with his hand while he caressed his lips over mine. I hugged his waist and pulled him closer to me until I felt him moving his hand up my inner thighs. So, I tugged the blanket over my naked body to stop him from touching me when he tried to escalate our intimacy, making him chuckle under his breath at my sudden withdrawal.

"Take care," I nodded at him, so he got up and walked out of the room after pecking my lips. I restlessly slumped on the mattress and thrashed around in frustration. Imo's words... it's giving me a hard time. Aish. I quickly pushed myself off his bed again and strolled out of his room.

"Jungkook. You seriously don't look okay," I said abruptly stopping in the hallway when Jungkook appeared... looking even more dreadful than he was yesterday.

"They say it's just the process of the healing, don't worry. I feel perfectly fine, just a bit tired," Jungkook shook his head at me and simply walked off without another word. Sighing, I went back into my room and began searching for my phone. Did I really lose it? Aish. I've lost countless phones already. I searched the pocket of my jacket, pulled out some flyers about Daegu's orphanage project, and tossed it aside. Giving up on finding my phone, I strode out of my room and sat on the bench by the water fountain with a book in my hand as I watched Imo talk with the gardener.

"Ah, kamjagiya!" I shrieked when I turned to find Do-hwan standing stiffly beside me.

"I must've startled you," Do-hwan replied in an unbothered tone.

"Why are you here? Did eomma send you to spy on me again?" I scoffed, flipping through the book.

"No, I felt responsible for not coming to your rescue when you were in trouble. So I'm fulfilling my duty now," Do-hwan said sternly, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Omo! Poor thing!" Imo gasped, kneeling over to look at a bleeding calico cat in the garden. I got off the bench and went up to Imo as she examined it.

"It looks like it was bitten by a dog, or maybe it got into a catfight," One of the maids bit her lips sadly beside imo.

"It's still alive! We have to save her!" Imo gasped when the cat suddenly stirred.

"Mam! You shouldn't touch it directly!" The maid warned, stopping imo from stroking the stray cat.

"I'll take care of it," Do Hwan offered, rushing up to the maids... taking off his jacket without hesitation. He carefully knelt down and wrapped the cat with his jacket when my eyes slowly drifted off... to his upper arm. He was wearing a T-shirt... so his arms were exposed... blood drained from my face when I saw it. A deep swollen cut... slashed across his outer biceps. My heart began racing as I slowly averted my eyes back to Do-Hwan... who was cluelessly rescuing the cat. Do Hwan quickly lifted up the cat and rushed it inside the mansion so I followed him. The doctors rushed up to the cat to examine it while I kept my eyes on Do-hwan's wound.

"Jungkook. What was his medical check-up result?" I asked the doctors, so Do-hwan briefly glanced at me.

"He's been recovering quite well. But his immune system suddenly became weak in the past few days. We're keeping an eye on it," One of the doctors informed me as I thought hard about it. Jungkook was totally fine... until he was attacked.

"Do-hwan, where's Jungkook?" I questioned, averting my eyes to him.

"Oh. He's having tea with your mother in the back garden," Do-hwan nodded with his eyes trained on the cat.

"She never asked me to join her tea party. Kaja. I want some tea," I nodded, beckoning Do-hwan with me, then strolled down the hallway and out into the guest's mansion where the back garden was located.

"Did you take care of the maids when I fought with Taehyung?" I asked, folding my arms as I walked into the garden. My mother was sitting with Jungkook.

"You fought?" Do-hwan asked cluelessly. Everyone within the mansion's grounds heard our argument... but he doesn't know about it... which means... he wasn't at the mansion that night.

"I'm a bit hurt. My mother didn't invite me to her tea party," I pouted at eomma.

"Oh Sora, I was just telling Jungkook about our days back in Busan-"

"Why are you giving herbal tea to him and not me? I'm your child," I questioned eomma as Jungkook slowly poured the tea into his teacup and lifted it up to his lips.

"You don't need it. Jungkook-shi's energy is-" Crash. I quickly smacked the teacup out of Jungkook's hand, sending it smashing onto the ground, causing eomma to frown at me in shock.

"Sora. If you want to join us just-"

"Why are you doing this eomma? Wae? Did you think I was a fool?" I questioned with my burning eyes.

"S-Sora, what are you-" CRASH. I angrily kicked the table, sending it shattering onto the ground, startling everyone.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Eomma angrily yelled at me as I stood panting at her in anger.

"I thought I was going crazy! But no! It was you!" I growled, snatching the broken teapot shard off the ground, then thrust it at her- when Do-hwan suddenly launched forward. I quickly turned to face him with my eyes bulging open in anger.

"Kill me. Go on," I smiled, shoving the shard at him.

"Restrain her. NOW," Eomma snapped at Do-hwan, who tried to grab me, but thanks to the self-defense lessons I took with Jungkook- I was able to dodge him.

"Touch me one more time, and I'll tell his father the truth! I'll tell him you're a fucking murderer!" I screamed, pressing the sharp glass against my neck as Jungkook stared at me in shock.

"S-Sora... what are you talking-"

"I MIGHT NOT KNOW WHY YOU'RE TRYING TO HURT JUNGKOOK, BUT I WILL FIND OUT. AND WHEN I DO, I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY IT," I screamed at my mother in rage, causing blood to drain from her face.

"What are you -" Eomma was shortly cut off when Jungkook suddenly pulled up Do-hwan's sleeve... to reveal the swollen cut. Jungkook's face turned pale as he stared at Do-hwan in shock.

"You sent him that night. You knew Jungkook, and I left the mansion. He didn't touch me, but he tried to harm Jungkook. And now you're trying to kill him with your fucking poison!" I screamed, shakily hurling the glass piece onto the ground. I grabbed Jungkook's hand and dragged him away from my mother.

"S-Sora-" Jungkook stuttered, tugging me back, so I turned to look at him in tears.

"I-I'm sorry- I didn't know she was feeding you-" I sobbed in guilt as the pain began ravaging inside my chest. My own mother tried to murder the person I cherish the most.

"It's okay... I'm fine..." Jungkook whispered, pulling me into a tight hug. I can't even trust my own family now! Wae!? Why is this happening to me?! Just then... Jungkook's weight suddenly grew heavier as I held onto him.

"J-Jungkook..? Wae- Jungkook!" I cried in horror when he suddenly collapsed onto the floor. I quickly grabbed onto his upper body to prevent him from hitting the floor.

"Jungkook... yah... don't be like this," I cried, lightly slapping his pale cheeks but he didn't respond. No... no... no... NO! He hasn't recovered yet! I screamed in fear as I tried to wake him up... until Imo found me. She yelped in panic and ran to the medical room. They rushed towards us and led him into the emergency room. I'm sorry... I'm really sorry Jungkook-ah. I slowly stood up with my fists clenched... my blood boiling in resentment. I stomped towards the living room- to where my mother stood eyeing me worriedly as I rushed up to her.

"You took everything away from me once, and yet you had the guts to take away what's left of me as well?!" I bellowed at the top of my lungs and launched at her as the darkness seeped within me. But just as I was about to reach her, Do-hwan suddenly grabbed onto me and yanked me away from my mother just as Mr. Jeon came strolling down the stairs in confusion.

"What's going on?" He asked, watching me thrash angrily between Do-hwan's arms.

"JUNGKOOK-" Do-hwan suddenly covered my mouth, causing Mr. Jeon to narrow his eyes suspiciously.

"Jungkook collapsed... Sora's not feeling well," Eomma awkwardly smiled at Mr. Jeon. Her lies triggered a violent explosion in my chest, making me muffle in anger. No! She's lying! I wanted to scream, but I couldn't when Do-hwan fastened his grip over my lips. Mr. Jeon's eyes flew open in horror upon the unexpected news, so he rushed towards the medical room in a hurry. I furiously turned to glare at eomma as her smile slowly faded away.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung burst into the mansion but halted abruptly when he noticed Do-hwan restraining me. SMACK. I felt a hard blow on the back of my neck, causing my entire body to go numb.

"YAH! WHAT THE FUCK?!" Taehyung roared, sprinting up to us in shock. My visions grew blurry and my legs gave up on me. The last thing I saw was Taehyung slamming his fist hard into Do-hwan's jaw. I toppled weakly onto the floor, so Taehyung reached out to secure my body in his arms. Blank.

_____________________________

I grunted in discomfort while squinting my eyes at the bright beam above me. I scanned the room with my blurry vision, rubbed my eyes a few times, then pushed myself into a sitting position... to feel the dull ache over the back of my neck.

"Yah. Don't get up," A familiar voice murmured, gently pushing me back down. I shook my blurry vision until it focused on the person sitting by my side.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, turning to look at Jungkook, who was sitting beside my medical bed.

"Oh, I'm fine. Whatever your mom gave me was weakening my immune system. I collapsed because I was too dehydrated," Jungkook sighed in a worried tone.

"I'm sorry- didn't know she was-"

"It's okay," Jungkook shook his head gloomily.

"Does your father know about it?" I asked in a concerned tone.

"I didn't tell him-"

"Wae? He deserves to know-"

"It'll put our households at risk. Let's just keep it between us," Jungkook shook his head again.

"It's because she loathes the average," I whispered, biting my lips apologetically.

"What do you mean?" Jungkook asked with his eyebrows furrowed.

"You have your mother's average blood running through you. My mother thinks the average is destined to destroy the alphas," I said in a hoarse tone, so Jungkook pursed his lips and grew hushed.

"That's why appa kept my real bloodline hidden. It's dangerous for someone like me to exist," Jungkook muttered while staring at his hands.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. It's all just some stupid myth," I smiled, reaching out to squeeze his arm. Jungkook weakly smiled at me.

"Taehyung almost killed Do-hwan because he knocked you out. Jimin broke the fight," Jungkook nodded at me.

"I'll fix this and make it up to you. Don't worry," I smiled, pushing myself off the medical bed, tore off the IV fluid, and left the room with Jungkook. We separated our ways. I went into my room to search through my drawers when the door to my room opened, and Taehyung came striding in.

"Why did you leave the medical room so early?" Taehyung sighed, walking up to me as I continued to rummage through the drawers.

"I'm fine now," I shook my head when I suddenly felt his fingers grazing against the bruise on my neck, sending chills down my spine. Taehyung carefully lifted up my hair to examine the back of my neck as I stood staring at him through the mirror.

"What happened? Why were you so shaken? Is it because of Jungkook?" Taehyung whispered dimly, causing my body to tense up as he locked his eyes with mine in the mirror.

"No. I was mad at my mother. She was hurting Jungkook," I shook my head quietly, causing Taehyung to purse his lips in confusion.

"What?" Taehyung questioned as I turned to face him.

"She tried to poison him. And she sent Do-hwan after us the night we fought," I muttered sadly. Taehyung suddenly pressed his tongue against the side of his cheeks in disbelief with hands on his hips.

"Does his father know about this?" Taehyung asked, raising his eyebrows at me.

"Jungkook said we should keep quiet. He doesn't want to cause trouble," I shrugged. Taehyung scoffed under his breath with his hands on his hips.

"What's her motive to hurt Jungkook?-"

"Are you free during the next few days?" I asked, cutting Taehyung off.

"I don't have any plans besides the sessions. Wae?" Taehyung questioned, looking at me in confusion. Smiling, I lifted up the flyers in my hands.

"Do you want to go on a trip? I mean- it's not exactly a trip- but it'll put our minds off this for a while. We've never spent proper time together. Plus, it's in your hometown, so you'll probably like it," I smiled, waving the flyers at him. It's a voluntary program at Daegu's orphanage and elderly home. I want to leave this hell pit for a while and live for a bit. There's too much going on right now... I feel like I'm losing myself...

____________________________

Fast Forward: After the Program

After spending four days and three nights in Daegu, we finally returned to Seoul. We bid the other volunteers goodbye and headed home. Ah. I feel as if I've been revived from the dead. Taehyung, Jungkook, and I chatted about the cute kids as we walked into the mansion.

"-did you see the look on her face?" Jungkook chuckled, so Taehyung, and I nodded at him. She deserves it.

"Moh... what's going on?" Taehyung asked, coming to a halt when we looked up to find the elders sitting in the living room with a drained look.

"Did you enjoy your vacation?" Mr. Jeon weakly smiled at us. The atmosphere was oddly tense.

"Did something happen-"

"Jimin was attacked while you were away," Mrs. Park said quietly, causing the three of us to fall silent. I couldn't believe what I heard. Did I hear it wrong?

"Is he alright?" I asked, balling my hand into a fist.

"He barely made it-" I didn't wait for Mrs. Park to finish her sentence. I quickly dropped my bag... and rushed towards the medical room in a hurry. I pushed the door open and stumbled into the medical room in devastation. Taehyung and Jungkook came rushing in right behind me with their mouth gaping open as I stiffly fixed my eyes on Jimin's lifeless body. Shakily, I slowly went up to Jimin. The Holter monitors were placed all over his upper body. I blinked in shock and averted my eyes to the oxygen tube in his nostrils. My eyes filled with tears when I felt the heavy emotions slamming into me as I stood staring at him in shock.

"What happened?" Taehyung gritted, turning to look at the elders as they filled the room. We all got hurt before... but it was never this serious. Jimin... why is he severely injured?

"We don't know what happened. He went out yesterday afternoon, and- he called for backup at around midnight. We found him... bleeding on the ground of an empty rubber factory in Seocho," Mrs. Kim shook her head at us. I quickly turned to look at Taehyung in horror. It's the same place I got kidnapped.

"There were three attacks last night. It all happened at the same time. Scattered across different locations," Mr. Jeon muttered in a worried tone.

"The other alphas got hurt?" I asked, keeping my eyes on Jimin's gray face.

"Jung Hoseok was trapped in a burning club in Gangnam, and Kim Seokjin got into a car accident in Yongsan. They're all severely injured," Jungkook whispered as he read an article on his phone before looking up at us in horror.

"Who? Who's responsible for this?" I asked, turning to look at the elders in bewilderment.

"Usually, we'd blame the Kims, but three of the most powerful alliances were attacked. Even the Kims are hushed right now because no one knows who did it. Or why. We've been investigating... but... nothing," Mr. Jeon shook his head... eyeing Jimin worriedly.

"Aish... what the hell is going on?" Jungkook groaned, running his hand through his hair in frustration. Taehyung was weirdly quiet, so I turned to find him furrowing his eyebrows at the elders. He was exchanging nervous glances with his mother and Mr. Jeon. Something's not right about this. Taehyung grunted in frustration, then turned back to Jimin... appearing to be... very on edge.

Whoever it was... attacked the Mins indirectly through Hoseok. Attacked Jimin to disable Taehyung and I. And finally, Kim Seokjin himself. The supreme alpha. This person... has an exceeding knowledge of the alpha's confidential information. But who... and why? Why do I feel like it's the calm before the storm? Why do I feel so uneasy? Whatever is happening... it's beyond our control. All I knew was... this wasn't just a small squabble between the households. It's much greater... a bigger threat. And it's only beginning.

"AH!" Jungkook and I suddenly screamed in distress when pain hammered on the side of our heads. It felt as if something was drilling into my head- so I stumbled around... trying to balance myself. My visions grew blurry, and everything began to spin around me. Gripping onto my head, Jungkook and I cried in immense pain. Rapid flashes of visions came thundering into our heads.

Flash. A terrifying fire rage engulfed us. Flash. An ear-bleeding sound of car tires screeches violently followed by a loud crashing sound. Flash. Heavy footsteps echoed around us in the dark hallway. Flash. Blood splattered all over the wooden floor. Flash. Loud wailing of despair screaming loudly into our ears. Flash. Flash. Flash. The distorted visions began speeding up so fast I could no longer make out anything but bright lights flickering repeatedly. My head was throbbing in extreme pain as I desperately tried to hold myself together until my heart raced out of control, making me scream at the intensity of the visions.

Snap.

Everything stopped. The pain disappeared. I was on the floor... sobbing in fright... everything was blurry around me... all I could hear were muffled sounds... still in a wreck... I averted my eyes to find Taehyung hovering above me worriedly as he held onto my hands... breathing heavily... my eyes drifted off to Jungkook... who was also on the floor... panting terrifically as the elders knelt down beside him... slowly... Jungkook looked up... and our eyes met. We sat staring at each other in fright... blood drained from our faces... as we tried to process everything we saw... the pain... the visions... the fear.

Whatever it was... it wasn't just me... Jungkook witnessed it too.