Chaos of Love

My eyes suddenly flung open in panic, so I quickly turned to find Jimin sleeping soundly beside me. I rolled onto my side and reached over to brush his messy hair as he quietly snored with his arms wrapped around my waist. What have I done? Did I do the right thing? Was it all just a rush of complicated emotions, or was it a genuine feeling...? I doubted him, yet here he is... right beside me once again. Maybe, I overreacted because I let jealousy break our trust... or maybe... he's fooling me again. I'm blinded by love, and this is very dangerous. Sighing, I pushed myself off his bed and pulled on my clothes before covering his bare body with the warm blanket. I pulled out my phone... 8:45 PM... oh no.

I left the apartment.

"Oh? He's not here?" I whispered while searching the area for Taehyung, but he was nowhere to be found. I waited until 9:00 PM, but there was still no sign of Taehyung, so I decided to head home by myself. Since I'll be locked up for the next few days. I wanted to enjoy the city as much as I could before heading home. I didn't take the cab... instead, I walked down the main street filled with people... lost in thoughts. I broke up with Jimin, yet we're still together... I'm so confused right now?

"Yah! I found you!" Someone suddenly grabbed my upper shoulder, causing me to jump in panic. I quickly turned to find... So-young. What is she doing here? I grimaced and was about to walk away when I noticed her stumbling around.

"Are you drunk?" I scoffed in disbelief as she tried to balance herself. Why is she drunk at this hour...?

"What- *hiccup * did you do to my Jimin!?" She snapped drunkenly at me.

"Should I just kill her..." I whispered while staring at her unstable state. She's vulnerable right now...

"I don't understand why they're all into you?! What's so good about you, hmm?! You're weak- *hiccup* -"

"Yah!" I snapped angrily at her as she leaned against the light pole.

"Why does he always have to stare at you with a longing look? I thought he dumped you, but no- he unconsciously *hiccup* says 'Sora likes this Sora likes that'," So-young suddenly let out a forceful laugh.

"What are you talking about?" I asked while staring at her in confusion.

"He might be with me, but he's always thinking of you! Hah! *hiccup* funny, right? I hate it, but I love him. You know... we were getting intimate one night... he moaned- your fucking name! *hiccup* I hate you. Why does he still like you even if he had all the reasons to hate you!? Wae!? He accidentally calls me 'Sora' sometimes too! I swear... I swear to god- he wants you so bad his brain makes him think of me as you!" So-young screamed- suddenly grabbing onto my hair, making me wince in pain.

"Yah! Let me go!" I cried, trying to untangle her grip from my hair.

"Why can't he love me?! Wae?! Oh yeah- I trapped him. He's mine now, not yours. I trapped him. As long as I have the contract, he's mine forever. He can't have you~" So-young giggled. What the hell?!

"Yah! Stop it! I'm going to kill you if you don't let me go!" I snapped, trying to push her away, but she simply gripped harder onto my hair, so I screwed my face in pain. She's stronger than I thought she was!

"I'll keep him by my side until he loves me- Yah! Who are you!?" So-young suddenly released me. I rubbed my head in distress before turning to glare at her but abruptly stopped when my eyes landed on... Bogum.

"Are you alright?" He asked, looking at me worriedly as he tried to stabilize So-young to prevent her from losing balance.

"Do you love her too!? Aish! You took everything from me-"

"Yah! What are you doing?!" Bogum yelped in pain when So-young suddenly grabbed onto his hair and began hauling him back and forth.

"So-young! Hajima! You're drunk!" I snapped, trying to help Bogum as his face twisted in pain.

"I hate you! Why don't you die together!"

"YA- AH! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" I screamed when So-young suddenly snatched my hair again with her right hand while gripping Bogum's hair with her left hand. Bogum and I screamed in pain as So-young drunkenly yanked our hair back and forth. After ten minutes of fighting with her- she finally collapsed in exhaustion.

"Aish! What a crazy bitch!" I groaned while rubbing my sore head. I stood glaring at So-young as she leaned against the pole... dazed from the heavy alcohol influence.

"I'm going to sue her for hair loss," Bogum grunted, pulling out a handful of his fallen hair in annoyance. So-young's driver finally arrived and took her away. Bogum and I stood staring at her blankly with our hair striking out in different directions.

"Is she your friend?" Bogum asked, turning to look at me in exhaustion.

"Nope," I shook my head.

"Let's grab some drinks. My head's hurting," Bogum muttered, walking away, so I followed him. We bought a few cans of beer and snacks, headed to the Han River, and sat on the bench.

"I'm sorry about what happened," I whispered, apologetically glancing at Bogum's messy hair.

"What did you do to her? Yah~ The girl's wrath towards you... It's really bad. Very bad," Bogum muttered, opening the beer can and handed to me. I took it from him and drank it bitterly.

"I guess she didn't like losing to me," I muttered, quietly staring off at the dark river.

"I thought you stole her boyfriend or something," Bogum chuckled at me.

"It's the other way around," I smiled, turning to look at him.

"Jinja?! Then why is she beating you up?" Bogum laughed at me in shock.

"She thinks he still likes me. And she didn't beat me up! I just didn't want to fight a drunk person! I could've knocked her out," I shot him an offended glare.

"I doubt that," Bogum smiled and looked away from me as I glared at him.

"Yah!" I snapped, smacking his arm in irritation.

"Ouch! I'm just joking!" Bogum groaned and grabbed onto his arm in pain.

"How's your cafe doing...? I mean... The explosion-"

"Oh. It was terrific. But your boss paid for all the damages. What happened?" Bogum shrugged, turning to look at me.

"I don't know either. My boss wouldn't tell me anything," I shook my head. Someone tried to kill us.

"Of course. You're not trustworthy. You might slip confidential information when you're drunk," Bogum teasingly nudges me.

"You're so annoying," I grimaced, glancing away before pulling out Yangcha's keychain.

"Oh," Bogum suddenly froze when he saw the keychain.

"Moh?" I asked, turning to look at him curiously.

"I've seen that at the arcade before," Bogum uneasily chuckled at me.

"Yeah. The person got it from the arcade," I nodded sadly. Bogum sat stiffly in his seat and continued to eye the keychain.

"Can I have a look?" Bogum asked, so I handed it to him. He sat examining the keychain in silence...

"If you want it, just go to the arcade," I smiled, taking another sip of the beer.

"Aniya. I just want to look at it," Bogum shook his head. He handed it back to me and bit his lower lips nervously.

"Are you okay?" I asked, turning to look at him. Why does he look so dreadful?

"The keychain-"

"Oh! Hyung! What are you doing here?!" Someone called out from my left, and I was about to turn when Bogum suddenly headlock me and ruffled my head, causing my hair to dangle all over my face.

"Yah! What are you doing?!" I snapped as Bogum secured his arms around my head. I couldn't look up, so all I could see were two pairs of sneakers. Is he out of his mind?! This isn't funny!

"Oh. I'm just drinking with a friend! She's drunk," Bogum forcefully chuckled at the two guys. I tried to push him away, but he wouldn't release me.

"Oh. I see. We're searching for the girl-"

"Oh, you are? Around here?" Bogum suddenly cuts them off.

"Yeah. The GPS says so," One of the guys chuckles.

"Yah! I'm not drunk! Let me go!" I snapped in annoyance as Bogum ruffled my hair repeatedly, causing it to messily cover my face while keeping me in the firm headlock. I wouldn't stop complaining, so he covered my mouth with his hand.

"You better get going before you lose track- AH!" Bogum yelped in shock when I suddenly bit his hand. And yet, he refused to let go of me. What is wrong with him?!

"Hyung, are you-"

"I'm fine-ah- You should go! I'll see you soon," Bogum gritted, holding in his pain as I sank my teeth into his flesh.

"Neh. Goodbye, hyung," The two guys replied and walked away. Bogum abruptly let me go and exhaled in relief.

"Yah! Why would you do that!?" I snapped at him in frustration as I stretched my back since it got a bit sore from bending down for too long.

"N-nothing," Bogum gulped, glancing around the place cautiously.

"Do you want to die? Ah~! My neck hurts..." I groaned while rubbing my neck in discomfort. Why did he have to headlock me so roughly!? And my hair! It's a mess again!

"Yah. You bit me!" Bogum snapped angrily.

"I should be the one complaining- oh shit," I was about to smack Bogum, who quickly dodged me when my phone started ringing. Taehyung...

"Yah! Where are you?" Taehyung snapped through the phone as soon as I answered his call.

"I waited for you until 9:00 PM!" I complained while darting Bogum a sharp glare. I'm going to kill him as soon as this call ends...

"I'm sorry. Something came up- send me your location. I'll be there," Taehyung apologized through the phone.

"Araso. See you in a bit," I hung up on Taehyung.

"Was that your boyfriend?" Bogum asked while smiling at me.

"No. Don't try to change the topic. Come here!" I snapped, trying to smack him, but Bogum laughed at me and playfully ran away.

"Who called you?" Bogum grinned while sipping his beer.

"Someone who likes to dress in black and will beat the hell out of you," I smiled as I glared at Bogum.

"Oh, Kim Tae- He can try to kill me... if he can," Bogum smirked sarcastically.

"Oh? Where did my keychain go?" I asked as I searched my pockets, but it wasn't there...

"Weren't you holding it?" Bogum questioned, looking around the bench and all over the grass.

"Yeah... but... no...," I replied, worriedly searching for Yangcha's keychain. I can't lose it.

"I think we should head home. Come on, I'll take you home," Bogum tugged my arms.

"No. I lost the keychain. It's important to me," I muttered, glancing around in disappointment.

"There's plenty at the arcade. I'll get you a new one. I'll take you home," Bogum insisted since I wouldn't stop searching for it.

"Someone's going to pick me up-"

"Sora. It's getting late-"

"The keychain belongs to someone I cherish, and he passed away!" I cried at him in frustration, so Bogum stopped dead before me, clearly taken aback by my violent reaction. My phone began ringing again. Taehyung... I quickly rubbed away my tears and answered him.

"I see you. I'm waiting by the street," Taehyung stated. I turned to find a black bike parked by the sidewalk as Taehyung stood waving at me.

"I'll be there in a bit," I sniffled and hung up before turning back to Bogum.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine," I shook my head at him.

"Look. You probably lost it when I headlock you. I'm sorry. Head home first... I'll look for it and return it to you once I find it," Bogum smiled apologetically.

"Thanks..." I gulped and hopelessly walked away... towards Taehyung.

"Stay safe! I hope I'll see you soon!" Bogum called loudly, so I turned to wave at him. Taehyung placed the helmet on my head, helped me onto the bike, and we sped off. I can't believe I lost Yangcha's keychain... I'm so clumsy-

"MOHYAH!?" Taehyung suddenly cursed, sharply drifting his bike, making my inside flip upside down.

"Wae? What happened?!" I asked, gripping tightly onto Taehyung when he began speeding down the streets.

"We're being chased. Shit. They're after us again," Taehyung snapped. I turned to find a few light beams of cars chasing us. KIM SEOKJIN!!! I swear I will kill you!- Taehyung suddenly hit the break- almost tipping the bike over just as a truck zoomed past us without any warning.

"Seokjin is really keen to kill us before the meeting," Taehyung gritted as he took a sharp U-turn and raced off. We were speeding twice as fast. I can't even feel my face at this point. I'm too scared to even open my eyes, so I leaned forward and gripped his jacket in fear.

"Sora- get off-" Taehyung suddenly stopped in front of a crowded mall.

"What do you mean-" I asked in confusion as he hurriedly took the helmet off my head.

"It's too dangerous. I need to lose them first, or we'll both die. Stay at a crowded place and call Jungkook. If I don't come back, just leave with him," Taehyung said in a shaky tone and drove off before I could even respond. A second after he left... a few cars raced past me as well. My heart began thumping in fear as I headed inside the mall to call Jungkook.

"Where- Where are y-you-?" I asked, glancing around cautiously as people bustled all over the place. I'm getting dizzy from the strange eyes staring at me. I can't trust anyone-

"Yah. Calm down. Where are you? Are you okay?" Jungkook asked in a worried tone.

"Tae- Taehyung- he's in trouble-" I trailed off when my vision grew blurry, making my head sway from side to side. I'm having a panic attack... I can't breathe. Why are my hands shaking so much? I slumped on the bench and sobbed in fear.

"Sora? I'll be there. Send me your location. Okay?" Jungkook reassured through the line.

"Please hurry," I choked, feeling extremely anxious to the point I felt like puking. Taehyung's out there alone... and I can't do anything to help him. Sora, breathe. He'll be fine, so just breathe. I should've waited for him! It's my fault! I pressed my hand against my face and sat there for god knows how long until my phone rang again, causing my heart to skip in panic. It's Taehyung.

"Tae-"

"I lost them, come out," Taehyung spoke through the line. I quickly rubbed away my tears and dashed out of the mall in relief. Thank goodness he's alright. He's Kim Taehyung after all... no one can hurt him. I impatiently waited by the sidewalk, and sure enough, I spotted Taehyung's black bike on the other side of the intersection.

The lights turned green, and he slowly drove towards me, so I jogged down the street to meet him. He almost crossed the intersection... when I heard a loud honk from my right. I quickly turned in confusion and Flash- I squinted my eyes just as a loud bang echoed across the street, followed by an earsplitting tire screeching sound. The crowd suddenly buzzed noisily. I glanced around at the crowd of people in confusion. What happened?? Where's Taehyung? Was there an accident? My heart began racing in fear...

"Excuse me!" I gasped, pushing past the dense crowds on the sidewalk as I called Taehyung, but he didn't answer the call. Something's not right.

"Omo. Someone, please call the ambulance!"

"The driver must be drunk!"

"Poor guy..."

Dread loomed over me as I fought my way through the crowd of people. It can't be... I finally broke out of the crowd... and my heart stopped beating the instant I saw him. My entire body turned cold as I stood staring at... Taehyung... lying lifelessly in the middle of the road. My eyes drifted to the completely wrecked black bike on the other side of the road- It's his motorbike.

"Tae- no... no... NO! TAEHYUNG!" I screamed and rushed towards his unconscious body in terror. I collapsed onto the ground as people stood watching us from the sidewalk.

"T-Taehyung! Wake up! Say something!" I cried in distress as I lifted his head off the ground. I loosened his helmet in fear and took it off his head, causing him to flop lifelessly in my arms. What do I do?! I can't think properly!

"Taehyung! Jebal... please be okay... I'm sorry," I cried as waves of pain slammed against my chest. I shakily placed my palm on his cheeks... and that's when I noticed the red sticky fluid all over my hands. My lips began trembling in horror when I realized what it was.

"Bl-Blood...?" I stuttered, averting my eyes to Taehyung. I sucked in my breath when my eyes landed on a deep cut on his upper right forehead. He's bleeding too much...

"Andwae- This can't be happening... I'll get you to a safe place," I muttered, trying to suppress the pain in my chest. Sora... he needs you... I have to get him home- VROOM VROOM. A blinding headlight suddenly lit up at the far end of the road across the intersection. I snapped my head in the direction in fear. Don't tell me- The truck jerked forward... advancing towards us at full speed. Whoever it is... is trying to finish their job by killing us. Sora! Focus! You need to get him off the road! I hurriedly turned back to Taehyung and tried to heave him up, but he was too heavy, so I ended up tumbling back onto the road.

"Taehyung! Wake up! Jebal!" I screamed, trying to lift him up again as my heart pounded in fear. He's too heavy! The truck was about 300 meters from where we were. Taehyung-ah... I won't leave you. I won't leave you. I slumped onto the road and sobbed in distress as I weakly tugged him close to me. The truck engine rumbled louder and louder as it got closer to us. I will not leave him here to save myself. Sobbing hysterically... I hugged Taehyung's lifeless body and held him tightly. I won't let you go alone... we're in this together. I hopelessly cried in despair while clenching Taehyung's leather jacket... tears rapidly rolling down my cheeks as my heart churned in immense pain. I guess our pain ends today... I'm really sorry- The crowd suddenly shrieked in shock when another car came zooming through the sidewalk. It crashed into the public benches and stopped right between us and the truck.

"Hurry up! We don't have much time!" Jungkook snapped, scrambling out of his car to lift Taehyung up. VROOM. The truck accelerated towards us at full force. Jungkook and I quickly seized Taehyung and pushed him into the back seat with our eyes trained on the accelerating truck. It's too fast...

"We won't make it!" I screamed in terror when the truck passed the mall and was now only a few hundred feet from the intersection.

"Get in! Hurry!" Jungkook snapped, dashing into his car as the truck crossed the intersection. I quickly leaped into the passenger seat and buckled my seat belt just as Jungkook started the engine. The blinding beam of the truck... illuminating brightly in my face as I looked out the window in horror. We won't make it.

"JUNGKOOK! IT'S GOING TO SLAM INTO US!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as the truck passed the intersection, heading straight towards us.

"FUCK-" Jungkook cursed loudly. I screwed my eyes shut in fear at the bright beam and clenched my fist in fright- CRASH. I flinched in panic, expecting the impact on my side... but there was nothing. Instead, I heard sirens and people screaming. I slowly open my eyes... sweating from head to toe.

The truck disappeared. How is that possible...? It was only a matter of seconds before it ran into us- I immediately sucked in my breath when I saw it. A smaller car... crashed right into the side of the truck in the opposite lane. The truck tried to run us over, but the car slammed right into the truck right before it hit us. I sat staring at the completely damaged car in front of us... a guy weakly crawled out of the car and limped away from the accident site. Who... Who is he....? Jungkook suddenly reversed the car and drove off as I stared at the truck, bursting into flames from being struck by the smaller navy car.

"We're alive. Again," I whispered, turning to stare at Jungkook, who was as pale as a ghost.

"Whoever it was, saved us," Jungkook muttered as he kept his eyes trained on the road. Someone saved us...? Was it a mere incident... or did they really save us...? But who would do that? Everyone hates me.

We safely arrived at the mansion, so the medical team came running out to rescue Taehyung. For some reason, I couldn't cry... I was internally suffering, but no tears came out as I stood watching the doctors rush Taehyung into the mansion. The elders came up to me to ask questions, but I couldn't hear or could I focus on them. I numbly pushed past everyone, made my way into my room, and collapsed onto the couch as tears finally streamed down my cheeks. I balled my hand into a tight fist and buried my face into my knees. I hate myself. In one week... I almost lost everyone I cared for. I lost Jimin to a girl, I almost lost Jungkook to an explosion, and... now Taehyung to an attempted assassination by the alphas. Why? It's all because of me. They're all suffering because of me... I'm a misery to everyone. Just then, I felt someone sitting down beside me, and a pair of strong arms encircled my shoulders. I didn't have to look... the light lily scent was enough. I sobbed and leaned against Jungkook's chest as he held me in his arms. We didn't say a single word, so he held me close as I broke into pieces. I cried and cried until I fell asleep in his arms.

I woke up the next day to find myself resting beside Jungkook on the couch with his arm wrapped around my waist. We were sleeping on our sides... facing each other, so he was the first thing I saw when I woke up. Ah... he must've fallen asleep while comforting me. Jungkook suddenly stirred, tugging onto my waist, then inched his face forward until his lips lightly grazed mine. I tilted my head back in a panic. He's still asleep. I quickly squished his cheeks- making his lips pucker to wake him up, then rolled off the couch to avoid him.

"What time is it?" Jungkook grunted while rubbing his eyes as I pushed myself onto my feet.

"Almost noon," I mumbled, walking into the bathroom to prepare myself, so Jungkook went back to his room, and we finally met up again in the medical room. All of the elders, including my parents, were already there with Taehyung. He was awake, leaning weakly against the bedhead with a bandaged head. The doctor claimed the force of the blast was the cause of the severe cut on his forehead when he hit the road. Taehyung only survived the crash because of his strongly built-body. If not, he would've shattered into pieces. I was about to ask Taehyung if he was feeling alright when he weakly nodded his head at me before I could say a single word. Jungkook and I restlessly sat down on the chairs as the elder gazed at us.

"Since we're all here and alive. It doesn't change the fact that the final meeting will take place in three days," Appa exhaled after clasping his hands together. I tapped my feet nervously, so Jungkook reached out to place his hand on my knee to comfort me.

"The Kims attacked us twice over the span of ten days. I suggest we strike back," Mrs. Kim grits, turning to look at her son's critical condition.

"We can attack them, but we'll fall right into their trap," Mr. Jeon rejected her proposal.

"So what are we supposed to do exactly? My son is still missing," Mr. Park asked while rubbing his face.

"Sora talked to him already. He'll come around," Taehyung spoke hoarsely, reaching out for the glass of water. Jungkook's head snapped in my direction in shock.

"When-"

"Yesterday," I bit my lips nervously as Jungkook grimaced at me.

"So, he's safe?" Mrs. Park questioned in a worried tone.

"Yes. He's doing alright," I nodded with my eyes trained on my fingers. Jungkook unconsciously squeezed my knee as he stared at me.

"We have to deal with the contract, but that's not the most important matter. The two Kims are acquiring the lower ranks and evidence to exterminate us. Their report alone can cast us off the edge, so we need the final votes to win the case," Mr. Jeon sighed with his hands pressed against the bridge of his nose.

"Seokjin already gathered the majority of the households," Mr. Kim shook his head. Even the elders can't resolve the mess I made. I regret letting Seokjin live... I should've killed him.

"We'll either lose a huge chunk of our assets or get exterminated...?" Jungkook questioned.

"Well, we can avoid both. And it's up to the supreme alphas to decide," Eomma chuckled, glancing at Taehyung and I... so the elders stared at her in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked, observing Taehyung when he gulped uneasily at my mother's words. He knows something I don't.

"I think it's only appropriate for Taehyung to explain. We won't pressure you, so choose wisely," Eomma smirked... leaving me very baffled by her words. What...?

"It's the consequences you'll have to face to neutralize your mistakes, either way, you'll have to lose something," Appa agreed and got onto his feet.

"This is the last resolution to disable the Kims permanently, so why don't we let the supreme alphas discuss? I'm craving cake and tea," Eomma smiled, following appa out of the medical room. The elders looked puzzled, but they eventually got up and left us.

"Jungkook. Come on," Mr. Jeon called his son, who was furrowing his eyebrows at us. Jungkook finally got up and left the room, leaving us alone. The room grew dead silent as Taehyung sat staring at his hands.

"What is it?" I asked him unsurely. What is it that he's been hiding from me...?

"Sora... did you ever question... Why your parents make me the supreme alpha?" Taehyung asked as he briefly glanced at me.

"Not really... maybe because you're competent?" I shook my head at him.

"There might be three supreme alphas at the moment, but you're the ultimate supreme alpha with the highest assets. That's why Seokjin is restless. He's your parent's vital mistake. I only had 18%, so your parents added 7 percent to my assets to make me the supreme alpha. Adding up to a total of 25%. You initially had 32% but dropped to 25% after deducting 7% for me. But... Seokjin faked his asset at only 20% when it was actually 25%. So we ended up as the supreme alphas. You, me, and Seokjin, we're tied at 25% now," Taehyung sighed, finally averting his eyes to me.

"So, in return for the title, you made a deal with my parents?" I asked with my arms folded.

"Yeah. I did. I doubt we'll ever need to use the last resolution... but we can't avoid it now," Taehyung chuckled in a defeated tone.

"What's the last resolution?" I asked, tensing up my body at his conflicted expression. Something doesn't feel right about this.

"Marriage," Taehyung exhaled, locking his eyes with mine, causing my heart to skip a beat. What did he say...? I- Did I hear it right...?

"W-what?" I tilted my head at Taehyung's words.

"Female and male living things co-exist in this world to ensure the survival of all species. Wherever there's a king, there's also a queen. A king usually marries the princess of an equal kingdom to strengthen their power. And that's how the alpha society works. Alphas marry one another to increase their assets. But there has never been a case where two supreme alphas marry each other because... there can only be one ultimate supreme alpha," Taehyung explained, staring right into my eyes. I don't know how to react... I'm speechless.

"You don't have to say anything. I know it's a lot to take in. But you've been the supreme alpha for the last ten years. And although the supreme alpha holds the most power, it is also the most dangerous status because everyone desires it. That's why most rulers never live till old age. They often die young due to the weight of their power. Power comes with many consequences. And your parents are afraid of losing the title, so they developed a unique strategy. They created another supreme alpha, me... to stabilize you by sharing your power," Taehyung bit his lower lips.

"So, the last resolution is for you to marry me?" I asked with my mouth hanging open.

"Not immediately. Engagement comes first," Taehyung shrugged awkwardly.

"And why didn't you tell me from the beginning? Why did you let Jimin court me if you were supposed to marry me?" I asked in confusion.

"Well... I thought we'd never be threatened to the point I had to marry you to protect our households. Secondly, I did not know you guys were dating. And that's why I was so pissed when I found out. Thirdly, I wanted it to form naturally. Love. I didn't want to pressure you," Taehyung muttered. So... that's why he's been so protective...? I was supposed to be 'his' from the beginning...?

"I don't get why you didn't tell me. I mean- We can easily fake-"

"No. Sora. No. You cannot fake a marriage. You can fake a relationship, like what you did with Hoseok, but you can't fake marriage. There's no divorce in this society. Once you're married to someone, you're stuck with them for a lifetime. Most alphas abandon their happiness to marry another household for power. So you have to think about it thoroughly because you'll be spending the rest of your life with me," Taehyung shook his head at me with an uptight expression. I must've gotten on his nerves. Right, I shouldn't be careless with my decisions.

"Get some rest, " I bit my lips apologetically and left the room. I hurriedly strolled back to my room to find Jungkook leaning against the door.

"What happened?" Jungkook asked, rushing up to me with a curious look.

"Jungkook," I said shortly, raising my hands up to keep the distance between us. I can't... let him close.

"Wae? Are you okay?" He asked, tilting his head at me. Why does my heart ache when I look at him...? Why do I feel so guilty?

"I need some time alone- I'm fine. I just need to process things, please?" I begged.

"Fine..." Jungkook gulped, backing away from me while nodding, so I unlocked my door and went inside.

I still haven't resolved things with Jimin... our love is very complicated. If I do this... Jimin and Taehyung's friendship will break, and we'll likely lose Jimin as well. And Jungkook... I'm sure he'll understand. But what about you, Sora? What about me? This is a lifetime commitment. What if you don't find happiness with Taehyung? You'll be trapped. A part of you still belongs to Jimin... you know that- if I don't do this, the Jeons, Kims, and Parks will be exterminated because of me. They'll lose everything to Seokjin... I'll be their downfall. The elders made it clear. We can't win the case. Is this the consequence I have to face...? Giving up myself to save everyone else or save myself and lose everyone else? I restlessly twisted and turned on my bed as I thought about it. They claimed I had a choice... but it's a lie. I don't have a choice.

It was around 8:30 PM when I finally left my room and headed down the corridor towards the dining room. I halted when I heard arguments from the workroom upstairs. I slowly walk up the stairs... toward the Kim's office. The door was slightly open, so I could hear everything...

"-No, it has to be-"

"There must be another way! You can't force her to be with me!" Taehyung snapped at his parents.

"There's nothing we can do! And you like her, so what's the problem-"

"Just give them a part of our assets as they requested!" Taehyung argued in anger.

"Give Seokjin our assets? And let him destroy us?! Don't be stupid!" Mr. Kim angrily growled at Taehyung.

"Oh. So you're willing to sacrifice her to save us?" Taehyung slammed his fist on the table.

"Taehyung! We're not sacrificing anyone! I'm sure-"

"Excuse me...?" I interrupted, knocking softly on the door frame, causing the entire room to grow hushed. Taehyung turned to look at me with his eyebrows raised unsurely while the Kims shot me an apologetic smile.

"Is there something you'd like to talk about?" Mrs. Kim weakly smiled at me.

"Can I borrow Taehyung for a second?" I asked, averting my eyes to Taehyung.

"Oh. He's all yours," Mrs. Kim nodded. Taehyung shot her an annoyed glare before following me down the stairs.

"Doesn't your head hurt?" I asked, turning to look at his bandaged head.

"It aches sometimes, but I'm alright," Taehyung muttered. He's in a bad mood... I don't blame him.

"I think you need some fresh air as much as I do," I smiled, pushing the mansion door open, and strode into the garden. We settled in front of the blue water fountain under the dark starry sky.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to push you-"

"It's alright, I understand. I know I'm immature... I always act recklessly," I shook my head at him.

"Look, I'll find another way-"

"You don't have to," I gulped, turning to look at Taehyung in the eyes.

"Sora-"

"You've done enough. Ever since I got here, you were always the one to clean up my mess," I spoke in an apologetic tone. I never understood why he was so possessive of me... but now I know the reason.

"Just trust me, I'll find an alternative-"

"I'll do it," I sighed, cutting Taehyung off. He paused for a few seconds.

"Sora. You can't just make up your mind right away-"

"I said I'll do it. I'm tired of hurting everyone. I always did what I wanted to, and it never ended well. I really screwed up this time," I shook my head, then turned to stare at the fountain.

"I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay. You did the right thing. If I don't do this, you will suffer endlessly because of me, and I won't let it happen again. I've seen enough. Every time you, Jimin, or Jungkook gets hurt, it's always because of me," I swallowed while gripping the bench to ward off the stuffiness in my chest.

"You still have until the last day to decide. Don't act on your impulse. There's no turning back," Taehyung whispered under his breath.

"Maybe that's a good thing. I keep returning to the same position after trying so hard... to move forward. I keep repeating my mistakes. Maybe... I'll be able to move forward now because I can no longer undo my decision. It's better if I don't have a choice," I shrugged and glanced at Taehyung. I've always run wild and free, not knowing my every footstep ruins everything it lands on... maybe marriage is the only chain to confine me for good.

"Why don't we head inside? Don't pressure yourself yet. There are still other possibilities," Taehyung finally smiled after getting onto his feet, so we made our way back into the mansion to find the elders meeting in the living room as they went through stacks of files. Jungkook was discussing something with his parents while my parents flipped through the reports.

"So...? How did it go?" Eomma smiled at Taehyung and I. The entire room grew hushed.

"She hasn't decided yet. It's only appropriate to give her more time," Taehyung nodded at my parents and pulled his lips into a thin line. Jungkook, on the other hand, shot me a baffled look. He's clueless... I'm sorry...

"I don't need more time. I'll do it," I replied sternly. Taehyung snapped his head towards me in shock.

"Sora-"

"It's the only way to disable Seokjin. I've always wanted to live a peaceful life, and I'll get that as a result, so it'll do it," I smiled at my parents.

"Do what... exactly...?" Jungkook asked with his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Sora, you-"

"Well, I guess I'll be busy with the wedding preparation," Eomma giggled happily. The entire living room grew hushed at her sudden exclamation. Jungkook stared at me blankly as he tried to process what he heard.

"And I'll get the news article ready," Appa beamed, clapping his hands cheerfully, and that's when the Jeons and the Park's mouths dropped open in realization.

"Wedding...?" Jungkook whispered, tilting his head uneasily. He still hasn't figured it out.

"Aigo~ the engagement comes first, so we shouldn't worry about the wedding yet," Mrs. Kim smiled at my parents. Taehyung and I slightly bowed at the elders and left.

"YAH! WHAT THE FUCK!" Jungkook's voice suddenly echoed down the hallway. I stopped dead when I heard his voice.

"You should rest. I'll talk to him," Taehyung muttered, turning to me when we heard heavy footsteps stomping down the hallway.

"No. I'll talk to him. I don't want you to get hurt before you can even recover," I shook my head, nudging Taehyung, so he sighed and entered his room.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Jungkook bellowed in shock as he appeared down the hallway.

"Jungkook-"

"YOU DO REALIZE THE ALPHA'S MARRIAGE IS NOTHING LIKE THE AVERAGE'S MARRIAGE, RIGHT?" Jungkook furiously snapped at me.

"I know, I do know," I gulped at his dumbfounded expression.

"And, you're willing to throw yourself away...?" Jungkook asked in a broken voice as he stared at me in tears.

"It doesn't matter at this point. I've already lost myself ever since I was revealed as the supreme alpha," I weakly smiled at Jungkook and entered my room, leaving Jungkook alone in the hallway. I'm tired. I don't want to think about it. I'm really tired. My mind is overflowing... I have to shut it off before it drives me crazy. I don't want to listen to the voices in my head anymore. Softly exhaling, I laid my head on the soft pillow and fell asleep as soon as I closed my eyes.

I spent the next day alone in my room because I didn't feel like doing anything or seeing anyone. I lost a lot of weight since I barely ate for the past few days. Jungkook didn't talk to me, and I know I deserve it. We only have two days left. The elder seems to be at ease ever since the announcement.

But I'm still hurting... my head's still spinning, and my soul's still numb.

The elders arranged a dinner gathering the second night before the final meeting, so we were forced to join them. Jungkook didn't talk to me or Taehyung at dinner. He didn't even look at us. My parents and Taehyung's parents tried to break the ice by discussing the marriage... but little did they know... they were worsening the situation. No one in the room felt comfortable with it.

"Jimin!" Mrs. Park suddenly gasped in shock when Jimin suddenly burst through the door in anger. What's wrong with him...? Why is he out of breath?

"Son, the engagement will tie Seokjin down. You don't have to-"

"Come with me," Jimin hastily grabbed my wrist and tugged me out of my seat, but Taehyung suddenly grabbed onto my other arm to stop me from leaving.

"What do you think you're doing? You signed the contract. Yet you dare to set foot in here?" Taehyung gritted, glaring fiercely at Jimin.

"Let her go," Jimin warned in a dangerous tone, locking his burning red eyes with Taehyung.

"It's okay..." I whispered, tugging my arm out of Taehyung's grip, so Jimin pulled me out of the dining room, through the living room, and into my room before slamming the door shut.

"W-what are you doing..?" Jimin asked in a shaky voice as he turned to stare at me. He knows... did Tae- no, of course, it's not Taehyung... his parents must've told him. It took the marriage to bring him home to me?

"Saving everyone," I gulped sadly at Jimin, whose eyes glowed in tears as he combed his hands through his hair in devastation.

"An alpha's marriage is-"

"I know. I know what it is," I nodded at Jimin apologetically as he paced back and forth with his hands on his hips.

"And you're willing to do it?!" Jimin snapped, turning to stare at me with a pained expression.

"There's nothing I can do," I shook my head at him. The numbness in my chest suddenly subsided... replaced by the usual stabbing pain.

"What about us?!" Jimin roared as tears rolled down his pale cheeks. Stab. It felt as if someone stuck a dagger right into my chest.

"What about us...? We killed us," I whispered, holding onto my left wrist as a surge of pain pounced against my chest.

"I asked you to trust me! Wae!?" Jimin choked, taking a step towards me, so I took a step back in response. Sora... don't cry- I'm hurting... I want to hug- NO! Sora! It's too late!

"I trusted you. And that's why my heart is broken," I sniffled when I felt a hot lump in my throat. I can feel every inch of me breaking into pieces... but I held it in and wore a straight face. I have to do this.

"I'm sorry. I really am. I know you're hurting... but you can't deny the feelings you felt the night you visited... Was it nothing? We both know the truth, Sora. You can deny it as much as you want, but your heart belongs to me. You know that, and Taehyung will not accept it," Jimin sobbed as tears streamed down his pale cheeks. My heart aches to see him in pain...

"You asked me to blindly trust you, claiming you're only trying to save me. So, I'm asking you to trust me this time because I'm trying to save you too. I did it for you. Can't you do it for me too?" I quickly rubbed away my tears before it slipped down my cheeks. Jimin fired me a pained expression.

"Sora, please. I'm sorry. Jebal.. don't do this," Jimin suddenly bursts into tears, desperately grabbing onto my hands. His touch broke me. A surge of pain shot throughout my entire body. I tried to hold back my tears but couldn't- so I ended up whimpering in pain.

"I-I have to-"

"Please. Just give me one more day to fix this. Just one more day... trust me- one more time. Just one more time. Sora- jebal- I love you- please believe me Sora," Jimin begged in a desperate tone while shaking his head in pain as he squeezed my hands to ask for my forgiveness. At this point, my chest was throbbing in extreme sorrow. I wanted to let him go... but this love... this fucking love... is killing both of us. I gave in to the pain and pulled him into a firm hug. I placed my hand around Jimin's head and tugged him into my shoulder, so he wrapped his arms around my waist to hold me tight. I don't know what to do. I'm so broken and lost. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but-... Jimin loudly whimpered in pain as he tightened in grip around me.

"Get out!" The door suddenly burst open, and Taehyung appeared with his glowering eyes.

"Taehyung-" I muttered, pulling away from Jimin before stepping in between them to stop him from reaching Jimin. Jimin sniffled quietly and rubbed away his tears.

"I trusted you. You were the only person I considered a friend. You were my family. I'd trust you with my life, but you turned your back on me and broke Sora's heart for the foolish girl!" Taehyung gritted, fuming in rage as he tried to walk past me, but I refused to let him get to Jimin.

"You know nothing. One day you'll be thankful," Jimin snarled back at Taehyung, causing him to launch toward Jimin in anger and hastily grab onto Jimin's collar.

"You are a traitor. Get. Out. Of. Here. Before. I. Kill. You," Taehyung threatened in rage as he tightened his clutch around Jimin.

"You can't kill me. You know that," Jimin smirked, roughly pushing Taehyung away, then stormed out of the room.

"YAH! I'M GOING TO-"

"Taehyung. Stop," I whispered, slamming the door shut to block Taehyung from chasing after Jimin.

"Sora. Move out of my way," Taehyung warned.

"No. You can't hurt him," I stubbornly shook my head, causing Taehyung's nose to flare in anger.

"I SAID GET OUT-"

"NO! HE WILL FIX THIS! GIVE HIM ANOTHER CHANCE," I screamed at the top of my lungs, causing Taehyung to drop dead quiet.

"What are you talking about- What did he say-"

"He asked for another chance. Just one more day, he'll fix everything," I gulped with my back pressed against the door as Taehyung stood staring at me in confusion.

"Wae? Because he cried? Because he pretended to be in pain...? You're willing to put yourself at risk just because of his tears?" Taehyung scoffed, pushing his tongue against the side of his mouth in disappointment.

"No. I will not put myself in danger for Jimin, but he will get his chance. Tomorrow. By midnight. If he doesn't resolve the problem- I will do whatever you want. I won't complain, and I won't hold you back anymore. I will no longer resist you, and we'll proceed with our engagement, and I'll spend the rest of my life with you. I promise," I whispered as tears filled my eyes. This is the last chance I'm offering to save our broken hearts. Once again, I will let fate decide my path. Taehyung stood staring at me with a bitter expression. He's angry... upset... furious... it's all in his eyes, and I don't blame him. Calmly... he walks up to me... cups my cheeks in his hands, and tilts my head upward... so I was now staring into his deadly eyes.

"Fine," Taehyung whispered as he darkly towered over me.

"Thank you," I whispered, sliding away from the door to let him out of my room. Taehyung quickly stormed out of my room, so I followed him back to the dining room to find the elders waiting for us.

"Where's Jimin?" Jungkook asked as we entered the room.

"He left," I replied shortly, avoiding his eyes.

"What?!" Mr. Parks bellowed in anger.

"Halt the engagement news," Taehyung said sternly, turning to face his mother.

"Wae? What happened?" Mrs. Kim asked while staring at us in confusion. My parents suddenly tensed up.

"Jimin said he'll resolve the problem," Taehyung stated, causing eomma to burst out laughing.

"No offense, but what can he do?" Eomma forcefully giggled at us.

"What the hell is he up to...?" Mr. Park mumbled, stressfully pressing his hand against his forehead.

"We don't know. But we'll give Jimin until midnight. Tomorrow. If he can't do anything about it, we'll announce the engagement," I declared, staring sharply at my mother. She rudely rolled her eyes at me.

"So if Jimin... somewhat manages to resolve the problem... the engagement... won't happen?" Jungkook asked as he eyed me.

"Yes. But I doubt he can do anything so we'll reschedule the news to tomorrow midnight as you requested," Appa smirked while cutting into his steak, unbothered by the sudden changes. The entire dining room fell silent as I numbly stared at my parents.

This will either be a new beginning or the end of our complicated chaos of love.

_______________________________

The Final Night, 11:45 PM.

I slowly strode down the hallways as flashes of memories flowed through my head. Taehyung came out of his room, so we fell into the same pace and quietly strode down the dim hallway. Past memories of Jimin kept on appearing in my head. His beaming crescent eye. His warm touch. His reassuring smile... he asked me to trust him one last time... and I did. We all did. My fate now depends on him. The clock is ticking towards midnight, yet... there's still no sign of him. Taehyung and I entered the living room to find all the elders patiently waiting for our arrival. And on the coffee table sat a tablet... it was the article... ready to be published.

Everything slowed down around me. I kept my eyes on the screen as I sat down on the empty couch. Jimin-ah... Why do I feel like this is the end of us? My chest inflated with the empty hollowness as I softly inhaled. Jungkook sat on the opposite couch as he stared unblinkingly at the tablet. He slowly looked up, and our eyes met. Even if we said nothing, I knew. I knew... I'm not the only one longing for Jimin's return. No one said a single word as we sat staring at the screen on the table.

Written in bold, the headline stated: The First Supreme Alpha Engagement of the Alpha's Society.

Taehyung turned to look at me with his neat pushed-back hair. He dyed his blonde hair black today. He usually lets his bangs cover his eyes but not tonight. He split his hair to the sides, revealing his dazzling forehead. I said nothing and turned away to find my parents staring at me from their seats. Appa's lips curved up to form a sly smile as he locked his eyes with mine. The Parks, on the other hand, were nervously tapping their feet as they waited for Jimin's return. The Jeons and The Kims were calmly sitting in their seats, lost in their thoughts.

11:55 PM

My vision distorted, and I was no longer in the mansion. I was at the mini-mart near imo's tent. I was standing by the ramen cooker as Jimin stood staring at me with his brightly lit eyes.

He slowly pressed his body against mine... cupped my cheeks and leaned forward. His steady and warm breath brushing gently against my cheeks... as our lips met, causing warmth to spread throughout my chest.

11:56 PM

Flash. Jimin appeared down the hallway of the Alpha University in his usual hoodie and sweatpants. He walks up to me with a faint smile as I reach out to ruffle his hair. The feeling of being in love... being happy... being carefree... just him and I.

11:57 PM

Flash. Jimin gasped in pain when my heel suddenly struck him right in his face.

"I know you're upset, but please don't kill me. I don't want to be killed by your expensive heels," Jimin chuckled, bending over to pick my heels. He slowly approached me and placed the heels next to my bare feet as I apologetically stared at him.

11:58 PM

Random memories of Jimin's cheerful smile flashed in front of me. The way he smiled at me by the Han River as I cried. The way his hair flutters around messily as he stares at me on the windy beach. The way he giggled and shyly looked away when I stared at him. The way his cheeks inflate like a hamster as he ate... his smiles... his goddam smiles...

11:59 PM

Jimin sat in front of the mansion with his head hung low as Jungkook drove towards the mansion. He stood up weakly as I slowly got out of the car while maintaining our eye contact. His beaming face was replaced with a dull and drained expression... all the lights in his eyes were gone.

Flash. Crack... lightning lit up the sky, followed by a loud boom. Cold droplets of water splattering all over me as the rain poured onto us. The headlight illuminating Jimin's sullen expression as he stood under the rain. Slowly... he turned and walked away from me as pain filled my chest.

12:00 AM

SNAP. I was back in the brightly lit living room... tears filled my eyes when the elders exhaled in relief. I desperately glanced around the room for Jimin... but he wasn't there. A hot lump formed in my throat as I felt my heart beating in pain. I sucked my breath and turned to find Jungkook lowering his head in despair with his hands pressed against his face.

Jimin didn't make it. It's over now... it's really over.

"It's time," Appa sighed, straightening his back as he averted his eyes to the tablet.

"Maybe he's on his way here," Jungkook objected, shakily rubbing his chin.

"Call him, Sora," Eomma demanded, so I pulled out my phone and pressed on Jimin's contact. My heart began racing as I stared at the 'Ringing' text. Jimin... pick up... jebal. No matter how desperately I begged to hear his voice on the other side of the line... he never answered. I called seven times, and it all went straight to voicemail.

"I guess it's time," Appa announced, getting onto his feet, so Jungkook tensed up his body restlessly.

"Let's wait until 12:30 AM," Taehyung insisted with his arms crossed, so appa fired him a blank look and backed away from the device. No matter how many times we tried to delay time. Jimin never showed up. We waited past 12:30 AM until the clock finally struck 1:00 AM. Still no sign of him...

"Sora-" Taehyung called out when I suddenly launched onto my feet and strode towards the tablet... Everything slowed down. Jungkook looked up at me with his eyes wide open. I shot him an apologetic look as I reached towards the tablet... my index finger landed on the navy blue button... posting... the entire room stopped breathing.

Successfully Published.

Pain... began thundering inside my chest when the article finally showed up on the main page of the Alpha's private community website. My head started spinning as I stood... staring at the headline without blinking. Jungkook's eyes filled with pained tears as he stared at the screen.

Ding... ding... ding... ding... ding...

The sharp notifications exploded on everyone's phone inside the mansion... and throughout the entire society.

"Jungkook-" Mr. Jeon called out when Jungkook suddenly shot onto his feet and marched into the parking lot. A second later, his car engine roared to life- the angry screeching sounds of the tire shrieked loudly as he zoomed out of the mansion.

"Why don't we all get some rest? We have to attend the meeting tomorrow," I smiled at the elders as they sat observing me in silence. I slightly bowed at them and made my way back to my room.

"Sora," Taehyung pushed my door open just as I was about to slam it shut.

"Hey..?" I forcefully smiled at Taehyung. He slipped inside my room and gently closed the door behind him before turning to look at me with his anxious eyes.

"I'm sorry-"

"No. Don't be sorry. I'm fine," I quickly shook my head at him, trying my best to hold back my tears. Taehyung stood gazing at me unsurely. He doesn't believe me.

"Listen..." Taehyung suddenly let out a huge sigh as he reached out to grab my hand. He stared at our hands and slowly looked back up at me.

"I'm serious. I'm completely fine-"

"I know you haven't resolved your feelings with Jimin yet," He shook his head, causing my heart to skip a beat. Of course... I can't fool him... he knows everything.

"Taehyung I-"

"But it's okay. It takes time. So I'll help you," Taehyung quickly shook his head and stared right into my eyes.

"What do you mean...?" I questioned him in confusion.

"I want you to be mine, only mine, and you are mine now. Physically. But not your heart. It's not mine yet. And I understand. Since we'll be spending the rest of our lives together, I will help you fall in love with me. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'll do whatever I can to pull you out of the pain you're in. But you have to do one thing for me. I need you to try. Let me help you ease your pain while you let him go. Can you do that for me...?" Taehyung asked while staring at me straight in the eyes. A person who doesn't want to be saved can't be saved. I can either choose to live my life in misery by dwelling on the painful past... or I can move forward and live a happy life. It's my choice.

"Of course," I nodded at Taehyung.

"Thank you," Taehyung smiled, pulling me into a tight hug as I tried to suppress the thundering pain in my chest. I just have to try... if I try hard enough... I'll eventually find my happiness. My phone started vibrating, so we quickly broke apart. Taehyung and I exchanged nervous glances when I flipped my phone over. Jimin. My heart sank as I stared at his name. Wae... Why is he calling...?

"Answer the call," Taehyung muttered while staring at the call. Gulping... I pressed my phone against my ear.

"O-oh, Jimin-ah," I stuttered shakily when I felt my heart beating like crazy.

"S-Sora... can you come to me? P-Please? I need you," Jimin spoke in a small broken voice, causing my heart to pound in pain.

"Where are you?" I asked, glancing at Taehyung's anxious expression.

"So-young's place. P-Please... I really need you," Jimin cried through the line until unconscious tears filled my eyes. I quickly hung up on him and turned to stare at Taehyung.

"What's wrong? What did he-"

"He asked me to visit So-young's place," I said quietly. I know I shouldn't go to him... but why does he sound so broken...? Why is he crying...? Something is wrong with his voice...

"What? Why? Is it about the contract-"

"He was sobbing. I don't know why, but he said he needed me," I quickly cut Taehyung off, who suddenly took a step back and paused in confusion.

"What did he do...?" Taehyung whispered, furrowing his eyebrows as he tried to figure out the situation.

"I think he's in trouble," I whispered, anxiously biting my lower lips. I promised Taehyung... I can't run back to him... and I won't- Taehyung suddenly glanced at me, so I tried hard not to show him that I was panicking.

"Let's go," Taehyung suddenly grabbed onto my wrist and dragged me out of the room.

"Where are you going?" The elders asked in confusion when they found us rushing through the living room.

"To Jimin," Taehyung said shortly, bursting into the parking lot. We quickly got onto his jeep and zoomed out of the mansion.

"You don't have to do this for me," I whispered as he pressed on the gas pedal, jerking us out of the mansion at full speed.

"No. It's not because of you. As much as I hate to admit it- he's my only friend. I have to help him," Taehyung replied, fiercely glaring at the road as we shot through the empty streets. I fell quiet and glanced out the window.

Taehyung must be guilty about his actions the other day... and before I even realized it... Taehyung suddenly slowed down when we arrived at a modern-looking gate. The property was weirdly dark... and the gate was open too. Taehyung slowly drove inside... the mansion was five times smaller than ours... it's a giant glasshouse. So-young's mansion had this little shallow stream encircling the entire property. Taehyung and I quickly got out of the jeep in silence as we observed the vacant property. We walked over the little wooden bridge and landed on a pebbled path. On our left was the garage and to our right was the seethrough living room... and on the far end was... Jimin. Even if I couldn't see properly... I knew it was him.

"Where's the security team?" Taehyung whispered, glancing around the empty garden and guard posts. Wait... Why's the entire mansion empty...? This is weird... shouldn't there be patrols...? There's no sign of any maids or staff as well. Taehyung cautiously pushed the half-open door open, and we entered the mansion.

I suddenly shivered when I felt the icy cold chills in the hall. Why is the mansion freezing cold...? Didn't they turn on the heater? And what's with the weird rusty scent in the air...? We carefully walked along a brightly lit hallway with a glass view of the glimmering blue streams around the mansion. And at the end of the hallway was the living room... and Jimin.

Thud thud thud. Our footsteps echoed across the dead quiet mansion as we stepped into the living room. Oddly, the living room is designed slightly higher than the actual ground... with a few steps of stairs leading up to it. Jimin was sitting motionlessly to the right side with his head hung low. We couldn't see his face since we were a level lower than him, so all we could see was the upper half of his body.

"Jimin...?" Taehyung called, keeping his eyes on Jimin as we slowly walked up the stairs.

"Oh! Sora! You came! I did it!" Jimin suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and ran up to me with an envelope in his hands. Jimin's eyes were all puffy from crying, and for some reason... he was shaking in tears.

"You did what...?" I asked, searching his frightened eyes as Jimin gripped my hands. Taehyung cautiously stood staring at Jimin... and darted at me with the "something is wrong" look. He's smiling... but his eyes are screaming for help.

"Are you hurt?" I asked in shock when I realized Jimin was bleeding. His entire shirt is stained in blood. I slowly lifted up his hands to find blood all over his fingers as well. He's drenched in blood. Taehyung gulped at Jimin uneasily. He slowly walked up the remaining stairs to get a full view of the living room.

"S-Sora, I-I saved us," Jimin trembled while staring at me with his hopeful eyes... but tears were streaming down his cheeks. Wae-? Why is he shaking so much? Why is he so frightened??

"Jimin, you're bleeding," I whispered, worriedly grabbing his bloody hand as I searched for the wound in panic.

"He's not bleeding..." Taehyung muttered while staring at the living room, so I raised my eyebrows and glanced at him from the steps below.

"What do you mean? He's drenched in blood...," I questioned, walking up the remaining stairs. Taehyung was unblinkingly staring at the coffee table in the living room, so I cluelessly averted my eyes in the direction as soon as I reached the top platform.

"Oh. My. God," I froze in shock. My hair stood up in fright... my jaw dropped open... my eyes widened in terror... chills shot down my spine. I was completely paralyzed by the scene before me. That's when I realized the foul rusty smell in the air... was... blood.

In the middle of the living room... was a pool of murky red blood... it splattered all over the couches... the coffee table... the carpet... everything... just like a slaughterhouse. My eyes slowly drifted to the body sprawling lifelessly beside the couch. The person sprawls face first on the bloody carpet... dressed in a mini white dress. The familiar... blonde hair... completely soaked in blood... So-young.

The upper left side of her head was completely smashed with blood smudges all over her face. I sucked in my breath as goosebumps rose over my entire body when I locked eyes with her wide open petrified eyes... but the thing is... her once catlike eyes are now... soulless... gone... empty.

Silence filled the ominous living room as we stared at her dead corpse without blinking... the thick paste of blood... slowly spreading across the living room's floor...