#taehyung sol

[bbingustheoctopus]

*grabs her hand and takes her somewhere quiet* "What is it? What is this about?" "I was going to wait a bit longer but- I don't think I can hide it anymore" "what?" "Do you know what I despised the most? - the rain. I would get irritated and annoyed by the dampness in the air but... it rained when I saw you for the first time - I liked it that day. I didn't think I could suddenly like something I hated my whole life. I just thought that day was perhaps just an exception; But I was wrong. I still don't hate them I don't think I will ever hate them - the rain...and you. Sol,I like you...a lot." "You should go" "I'll come back tomor-" "No. Don't come back."

[chimcess]

→ Chapter Nine: Landscapes Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags: Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre: Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, Word Count: 10.2k+ Synopsis: Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the south and known as the “land of magic.” It is also home to the Bridd, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the newest Bridd, a young girl who was given her position too early. Now a woman, Y/N is revered amongst the wolves as the most powerful witch they have ever known, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: ANGST, strong language, PTSD, flashbacks, self-hate, self-depreciation, talks of death, nosey birds, Moland is a lot of fun to write about, (sorta) theft, home sickness, magic, very tame A/N: Don't know how I feel about this chapter. It was a bit difficult to write. I think you'll understand why in a moment. Thanks for reading!

prev. || masterlist || next

Namjoon pov

I stood in the cramped boat house, the scent of Bridd lingering faintly but unmistakably fresh. It was a small concession I could offer Jimin, a flicker of hope in a sea of frustration. Hoseok had instructed me to search outside and follow the trail, a task I’d already performed yesterday. Jimin, in his usual manner, insisted on a double-check. Today’s search yielded better results; I could discern the subtle shifts in the scent. Bridd had stood exactly where I was standing no more than forty-eight hours ago.

“She’s long gone,” Hoseok’s voice echoed clearly in my mind, despite the distance between us—five miles at least. “Wonder where she went.”

“Taehyung mentioned Viridi Gramine,” Hyuna interjected, her focus sharp and unyielding as she scanned for any trace of Bridd. “Do you think she might be headed that way?”

“Doubt it,” I said, tracing the scent from a small cot on the floor to a rusty fridge. “I don’t think she was ever planning to visit our cousins.”

Hyuna mulled over this, while Hoseok wrestled with guilt. We had all chided him for it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that if he had been able to speak to Bridd and Jimin, none of this would have happened. Apologizing for his perceived failure, the younger wolf returned to pondering Bridd’s whereabouts.

“Not far,” Hyuna mused thoughtfully.

“She could be out of Moland by now,” I said, my tone edged with concern. “I have no clue which direction she might have taken. She could be lost out there.”

The thought unsettled us all. Hoseok, knowing Bridd’s limited experience with the outside world, worried about her lack of navigational skills. Without a map, she was likely adrift. Hyuna, however, believed in Bridd’s survival instincts. If she had to fight, she could, and her shifting abilities would serve her well. Most likely, she had flown over the swamps and into Clarcton—an efficient and practical choice.

“That makes the most sense,” Hoseok agreed, his mental voice tinged with resignation.

Following her scent outside, it abruptly stopped at the small deck adjacent to the house. She must have shifted from there. We had hit a dead end. Hoseok let out a frustrated huff, while Hyuna attempted to calm him. I could now catch my sister’s thoughts, fraught with anxiety and worry. Yeong-Mi had always been prone to migraines and panic attacks; her stress was palpable.

“Shut up,” she snapped at me, her irritation clear but tinged with underlying stress. “He’s right, oppa,” she addressed Hoseok. “You can’t blame yourself. We all know who’s really to blame for this.”

Sol’s face flickered in her mind—distorted and unfamiliar. Yeong-Mi’s memory of Sol was tainted, a far cry from reality. She had no intention of facing the Luna again anytime soon, a sentiment Hyuna echoed with a delighted giggle. Hoseok mumbled something about Sol only trying to help, but none of us paid it much mind.

“Sol can’t bear all the responsibility,” I gently rebuked my sister. “Bridd still made the choice to run off.”

“If she had just minded her own business,” Mini barked, her frustration boiling over, “Bridd wouldn’t have fled! God, how could she say that to Jimin Oppa when we all know how stressed he’s been?”

“An idiot,” Hyuna snapped back, her anger flaring once more. “Between Bo, his brother, and the copiae, the guy hasn’t had a moment’s peace.”

I had tried to remain neutral but found myself agreeing with Hyuna. Sol had overstepped her bounds. Taehyung’s reaction to her misjudgment offered some solace. The boy had yet to touch his mate since Jimin’s frantic panic the night he discovered Bridd’s empty bed. Rumors of their constant arguing since her disappearance were spreading through Bangtan.

“Eun-Jin mentioned that Jimin said Bridd was heading to the Ozryn mountains alone,” my sister added. “I haven’t been around him since she left, so I don’t know the full story, but he’s devastated.”

Hoseok growled at Jimin’s name. Mini defended her favorite alpha while I reminded him of the bigger picture. Sol’s misleading information had set off a chain reaction. Jimin’s reaction, driven by incomplete information, had resulted in his current turmoil. Hoseok vehemently disagreed until Hyuna asked him how he would have reacted if he had believed she was going off to harm herself after recovering from an injury.

“She’s alone out there,” Hoseok grunted, his resolve wavering in the face of his wife’s reasoning. “He should have never let that happen.”

“It’s not his fault,” Jong-Hyun, Jungkook’s older brother, chimed in, having returned from his eastward search. “They’re both stubborn, and I doubt Bridd would have allowed him to come along. Ji-Hyun mentioned they had an argument the afternoon she left. He feels partly responsible for what’s happened.”

I growled, “That boy’s attitude is going to get him hurt. Is that why Callisto’s been even more irate than usual?”

Mini laughed, “I think that’s just how she is around you.”

We shared a laugh, the tension briefly easing. Hyuna and Hoseok had found each other, and my sister was their next stop. She was almost to Syrena, and the couple wanted to go for a swim. We declined their offer—I had no desire to be a magindara’s next meal. Yeong-Mi chose to wait with us, keeping an eye out for any elves.

I drowned out the cacophony of voices, focusing instead on the faint, elusive trail I was following. The swamps were vast and treacherous, a labyrinth where finding Bridd seemed almost impossible. Fear gnawed at me. I hoped to God she was out there, safe and vigilant, though I knew she wasn't invincible.

I sat by the murky water, staring into its depths as if it might offer some answer, until Hyuna’s voice broke through. Taehyung was looking for me. My father was worried about a group of elves spotted in the northwestern corner of Moland and needed me out of the forest. Jimin, stubborn as ever, refused to come home. Taehyung needed my help to strategize. Hyuna had looped back to meet me near Bridd’s now-destroyed cottage.

“We’re leaving him out here alone?” I asked, a hint of disbelief in my voice.

“Of course not,” Hyuna replied, her small red form bristling slightly. “Jong-Hyun and Hoseok are keeping an eye on him. He’s deep in the forest somewhere.”

She was disappointed about their postponed beach trip but chose not to dwell on it. I tried to offer some comfort, imagining them swimming and laughing together another day, but she waved it off. She was grateful, but the thought of discussing it further would only trouble Hoseok.

“And he hasn’t found anything?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Hyuna confirmed.

As I stepped into Bridd’s clearing, the sight of the wildflowers struck me. Her garden was a riot of colors, an oasis of beauty amidst the desolation. Her cottage, surrounded by a lush garden of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, seemed almost surreal. A porcelain birdbath stood at the front, perpetually full, as though enchanted. The perfect, curated meadow seemed a divine attempt to keep Bridd from sinking into despair. Hyuna lay in the grass near the ruined house, her face etched with sadness. Taehyung had said an elf caused the damage. Bridd’s scent still clung to the remnants of her home, but it was fading.

“I wanted to go inside,” Hyuna said, her gaze fixed on the gaping hole in the cottage’s front. Her sadness was palpable. “But I don’t think Jimin would appreciate it. This is the only place that still smells like her.”

“He’s been here,” I said, noting the strong, fresh scent of Jimin. “Is he sleeping in there?”

She nodded. “I think he’s trying to fix things up. Jungkook mentioned it to Cadoc. Jimin’s obsessed with getting everything right before she comes home.”

We exchanged a look. Neither of us held out much hope that our little bird would return soon. I had more faith in Bridd’s survival skills than Hyuna did, but neither of us knew when—or if—she would come back.

Hyuna recalled her trips to Bangtan when she lived in Viridi Gramine. The Ozryn mountains were harsh, unforgiving, and lethal. Despite her royal lineage and traveling with the most skilled guides, there was always a risk she might not return. After finding Hoseok, the thought of crossing those mountains had never crossed her mind until her mother fell ill.

I had never traversed the Ozryn myself, but Hyuna’s memories sent a chill through me. Bridd might very well perish out there, and no one could prevent it. I considered suggesting that Jimin and I abandon Foxglove to search for her, but a single glance from Hyuna wiped the thought clean. We couldn’t leave the village without more information.

Bridd’s death would shatter Jimin, and Taehyung and Sol’s marriage—already strained—would likely fall apart completely. The Park family would never be the same. I desperately hoped she would return to her senses, but deep down, I knew she wouldn’t. The fierce determination in her eyes when I visited her cottage after Sol’s birthday spoke volumes. Bridd had more fire in her than Hyuna realized.

“She’s never seen so much of the world before,” Hyuna whispered, her voice as if confessing a forbidden truth. “How can she know where to go if she doesn’t even know what to look for?”

“She has maps—”

“Maps that predate the industrial revolution,” Hyuna cut me off sharply. “That girl is lost, and you know it.”

I didn’t need to say more; we were in agreement. I reminded her of Bridd’s tenacity when threatened, recounting our fight outside the cottage. Hyuna chuckled, acknowledging Bridd’s fighting spirit but still worried. When Bridd was in the infirmary, the witches had mentioned her fainting spells. How could we be sure she wouldn’t collapse out there?

“We don’t,” I admitted. “We just have to have faith. For Jimin’s sake. For her friends’ sake.”

“And Bridd’s,” Hyuna added.

“And Bridd’s,” I agreed.

A distant howl pierced the forest, signaling it was time to move. Taehyung rarely shifted anymore, so it had to be urgent. Hyuna decided to accompany me and wait for her husband at the Temple, her thoughts wandering to the prospect of confronting Sol, though I chose to ignore it.

As we neared the village, I heard the voices of the other copiae joining the search. Ji-Hyun’s loud complaints about his sister-in-law’s dramatics stood out. Hyuna fought to suppress a snarl, her thoughts simmering with anger. The younger wolf quickly dropped the subject, but my distaste for him remained. Taehyung shared my sentiments and told the Park boy to head home for the day. Ji-Hyun managed to keep his thoughts to himself long enough to change, severing our connection.

“Irrumator,” Hyuna grunted, her thoughts shifting from Ji-Hyun to Sol.

I chuckled. “He’s young. Cut him some slack.”

“He’s older than Taehyung!” Hyuna snapped. “He should know better. What he said to Bridd was out of line. How can you defend him?”

I bowed my head, conceding. I respected Hyuna enough to avoid an argument, especially with the looming threat of war. Disagreements with her would mean disagreements with Hoseok, and that was something we couldn’t afford right now.

“It’s not defending him,” I said, trying to keep annoyance out of my voice. “I just think this is a time for unity. Arguing over something we can’t change is pointless.”

Hyuna huffed but let it go. I felt a small victory in that, knowing we needed to focus on more pressing matters. Taehyung’s thoughts reflected his inner turmoil. While he agreed on the need for unity against our shared threat, he was hurt and betrayed by his closest friend’s disappearance.

Sol stirred complex emotions within me. My yearning to lead had once blinded me to her true nature. When Taehyung was chosen over me, I was disappointed, but any lingering romantic feelings vanished. I was genuinely happy for him, even if my actions didn’t always reflect it.

Sol had always been obsessed with Jimin, her infatuation apparent in her teenage ramblings. Ahn had asked me to escort her while she shifted, and her incessant daydreams about Jimin were the last thing I wanted to hear. I found myself wanting to be at her side, to lead, and her thoughts of me were less than flattering.

Sol’s heartbreak over Jimin’s lack of interest was palpable. She had desperately sought his affection, willing to overlook her mates. Jimin, though kind and cordial, had rejected her advances. I understood now, and it made sense. He was deeply devoted to another.

Sol’s life took a nosedive into chaos the moment she found herself wrapped in Taehyung’s arms. At first, confusion and disbelief painted her world in shades of gray, but soon, that confusion melted into something pure, almost ethereal. It was as if she had been in love with him all along, as if it was written in the very fabric of her being. For Taehyung, the feeling was a mirror image of hers. Before Sol, his heart had been tethered to a local girl named Minji. But love, it seems, has a way of changing the script.

Still, Sol’s obsession with Jimin was almost automatic, a reflex she couldn’t control. They were closer in age than most of us (except Taehyung), though Jimin was still seven years her senior. He was always kind and thoughtful, qualities that drew her in like a moth to a flame. When she heard he might be in danger, she rushed to his side. What she told him, which I knew only because Jimin couldn’t stop replaying that night in his head, was meant to soothe him. Yet, she shoved her friendship with Bridd aside, put her trust with Taehyung on the chopping block, and risked straining her bond with Jimin himself—all to protect his fragile heart. It would have been admirable if she’d taken a moment to think, rather than barreling into his house like a bat out of hell, spewing melodramatic, and frankly, distorted versions of the truth.

The fallout was catastrophic. Jimin’s argument with Bridd was fueled by Sol’s words. The man was already on edge. His pack of fifteen had dwindled to seven, the newer recruits too green to be of much use. Stress and frustration boiled over the moment Sol’s dramatic tale hit his ears. She painted Bridd as a suicide-bound lunatic, claiming the witch was deceiving everyone about her intentions, determined to atone for her past sins. It was absurd, though not entirely untrue, but it came from a teenage girl who hadn’t truly listened. To Jimin, all he could hear was his mate marching to her death to atone for her silence.

The whole situation with Bridd was surreal. I was irritated by her reluctance to share her visions, but that frustration faded when I realized the depth of her fear and helplessness. We weren’t on good terms. Foxglove had distanced itself, and Ahn had been vocal about his plans to visit her cottage. I couldn’t blame her for hesitating to speak up when the threat was uncertain. Ahn might have had her killed.

“He would have been a fool,” Hyuna mumbled, breaking the silence.

“When wasn’t he?” I shot back, my tone dry.

Everyone shared my sentiment. Bridd was the last person to blame. Her actions, once she understood the gravity of the situation, revealed her true care. Cadoc’s account of waking up to find the little witch, broken and bloodied, but still determined to reach Foxglove, was enough to reduce even the toughest to tears. The second her eyes opened, all she could think about was getting back to Foxglove. Any lingering doubts about her intentions evaporated. Only a few, Ji-Hyun among them, remained wary, but they were making an effort for the pack’s sake.

At the village’s edge, I parted ways with Hyuna. She gave me a brief farewell before I shifted. I was more private than the others, especially Hoseok and Hyuna, and they were accustomed to giving me space during the shift. It was my most vulnerable moment, and I loathed feeling exposed.

Bangtan had various items of clothing stashed away, none of them tailored or particularly stylish, but they were functional. My mother was responsible for keeping the copiae clothed and cared for, a job she took very seriously. It was one of the few things my father felt proud of. He often demeaned her, telling her she needed to do better, be better, spouting the same old demeaning slogans the older men in town were fond of. I could never see the faults in any of the women, especially not my mother, but she never commented on it, and neither did I.

I found a pair of large, baggy pants and shifted. After putting on the cotton garments, I decided to forgo a shirt and made my way to the Temple. Taehyung was waiting for me, and I didn’t want to add to his burdens. I felt I had done enough of that already.

As I walked through the town, I saw Jimin’s mother, Mi-Jeong, helping Jungkook’s father chop wood for his roof. The Parks were an unusual family. Mi-Jeong was outspoken, fierce, and refused to bow to men’s expectations. Her stubbornness was rivaled only by her youngest child. My own family often criticized her ‘atrocious’ behavior, but I had always been fond of Mi-Jeong.

Ji-Hyun, on the other hand, was a quiet boy, favoring his mother with his sharp features and moss-brown eyes. He followed his brother around for years without complaint. That quietude lingered into his teenage years, but when he fell for a human girl, it sparked a fierce possessiveness. He fought for her, both verbally and physically, a devotion that changed him. His attitude was often defensive and quick to judge, but his love and loyalty for his family were unparalleled, even surpassing his older brother.

Jimin had always fascinated me. From the moment he was born, he had the village at his feet. His father had been a formidable figure, embodying the strength our people revered. His choice of bride was unusual, but everyone believed Ji-Won was up to the challenge of handling Mi-Jeong. Jimin, like his father, possessed all the traits of a Park: charm, wit, courage. What set him apart was the hidden sweetness he kept from the world. I saw it. I had always seen it.

The first glimpse I got of that sweetness was when he chased butterflies in his backyard. He was no older than four, but even at that age, boys were expected to show maturity. In public, Jimin was the epitome of a perfect child. Yet, watching him blow bubbles and giggle as he chased a monarch butterfly, I knew his public persona was an act.

Now, that same sweetness was on display once more, though in a far more public and painful manner. Jimin had shut himself off, avoiding conversations and shunning his closest friends, hiding away and waiting for the other piece of his heart to return. It was a strange sight: Park Jimin, usually so strong, now weak and in agony.

As Mi-Jeong’s eyes met mine, I saw the same sadness and worry reflected in her. I hoped her family would pull together, but I doubted it would happen until Bridd returned, if she ever did. The thought of the Park family’s fate if she didn’t come back sent a shiver down my spine. 

I didn’t stop to talk to anyone, as I usually did. My mind was too scattered, and frankly, I was done with conversation. A constant stream of thoughts and voices in your head will do that. Fortunately, no one seemed put off by my silence. We were all grappling with uncertainty since losing one of our strongest fighters.

“Anything new, dog?”

The voice slithered through the air, smooth and grating, a rasp that scraped against my nerves. I clenched my teeth, trying to ignore the familiar sting. With a deep, slow breath, I turned to face the source of my irritation.

Seokjin was there, of course. He had become my personal Dante’s Inferno over the past few days. The man had a grudge that could outlast a vampire’s curse, and he still hadn’t forgiven me for taking a swing at his friend. His face was a storm cloud, eyes dark with disdain. Beside him, Yoongi was a ghost of his former self. He looked worse than ever—thin and ragged, like a paper doll battered by the wind. His hair was a disheveled mess, and his once vibrant blue eyes had dulled further, his pupil barely visible.

“Unfortunately not,” I said, keeping my voice even, though I wanted nothing more than to escape this confrontation. “A few are still out searching, but I was pulled away.”

“Hmft,” Seokjin crossed his arms, a gesture that seemed to tighten the knot of irritation on his face. “Figures.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped, irritation bubbling up.

I never did like much about him.

“You don’t give a damn if you find her or not,” Seokjin’s voice was thick with anger, each word dripping venom. “None of you do.”

My patience was fraying, “That’s not true—”

“It’s that bitch’s fault she’s gone,” Seokjin shouted over me, his voice cracking like a whip.

“Stop yelling,” I said, struggling to keep my composure. The scene we were causing was spiraling out of control. My father would lose his mind. “I know what Sol did. None of us are happy about it, but I’m not a god. I can’t rewind time or bring her back. What’s done is done.”

“Yet you still follow her orders like some lapdog.”

“I follow Taehyung,” I corrected, my voice tight with restrained frustration. “By extension, that means I follow his wife. We’re at war, Seokjin. I’m sorry about Bridd, truly, and I hope she’s safe, but my life doesn’t revolve around her. I have a village to protect, a village she isn’t in. I won’t abandon it to chase shadows.”

Seokjin’s face was a furnace of rage now, tears brimming in his eyes. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for him. Bridd was a close friend of his, and she had abandoned them—harsh words, but accurate in the rawest sense. The others had voiced their disgust when she vanished, their anger directed at our governing bodies. Sol had barred them from the Temple after one of Seokjin’s entourage had lashed out. Since that night, they’d remained cloaked in silence, not a whisper of their departure from the Park house.

“You’re going to let her die,” Seokjin’s accusation was a punch to the gut, raw and brutal.

Yes, if it meant saving my own. Bridd was a distant concern compared to the stakes at hand. I barely knew her; respect didn’t equate to prioritizing her over my sister. In this high-stakes game, I had to trust that she could handle herself and accept it.

“Jin,” Yoongi’s voice cut through the tension, soft yet firm. I had almost forgotten he was there. “Let it be. Namjoon has done what he can. Let’s return to Mi-Jeong’s.”

I was relieved that Yoongi seemed more composed than Seokjin. I sneaked a glance at him and was glad to see his hair growing back, a sign he was getting enough to eat. It was a small comfort, considering the grim reality of his condition. Yoongi’s blindness wasn’t just a loss; it was a nightmare. I remembered how his pain had been described—a brutal assault on his senses, panic attacks ripping through him like storm winds. Samanya had said the spell should have killed him, and his survival, with only his eyesight lost, was a cruel twist of fate.

“But—”

“Drop it,” Yoongi said, his voice a low rumble, stopping Seokjin before he could unleash another tirade. Without turning his head, he addressed me. “I apologize for his callousness. We’re all on edge. I hope you understand.”

This was the most I’d heard Yoongi speak, even during our time at Bridd’s cottage in the Spring. “It’s not an issue. I hope you’re feeling better.”

It was unnerving to talk to someone who couldn’t meet my gaze. Yoongi’s eyes, unseeing and vacant, stared blankly at the village’s edge. His voice was gruff and monotonous, a strange contrast to the depth of the situation.

“I am fine,” he replied. “We’re here because my mother wanted to know how far you believe she could have gone. I’ll tell her that she must have shifted and lost her scent.”

“Thank you,” I said, relieved by his ability to keep Seokjin quiet. “She was on a houseboat for a few hours before she left. Any ideas?”

“Thelma,” Seokjin grunted. “She must have rested and then taken off. Was anything missing?”

I shrugged. “I couldn’t say. Sorry.”

Seokjin shook his head angrily, a futile gesture.

“No need to apologize,” Yoongi said, raising a hand in a dismissive motion. It was unclear what he intended, but I chose not to dwell on it. “We’ll leave you alone now.”

Seokjin opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it. I smirked, feeling a bit of triumph. Yoongi’s presence was a useful deterrent for the annoying one. Scowling, Seokjin wrapped an arm around Yoongi and turned towards the residential district, their figures fading into the distance.

Taehyung was pacing when I finally found him in the Temple library. Books were strewn across the tables like fallen soldiers, pages ripped from their bindings stacked haphazardly at the edge of a massive oak table that had seen better days. His blonde hair was a shaggy mess, the back grazing his neck while the front hung just past his ears. Thick, wavy bangs spilled over his eyebrows, so long they were kept at bay by a headband.

The sight of him worried me. Taehyung was unraveling, a fraying thread in a tapestry of stress. He managed to keep it together during the elder meetings, putting on a brave face to avoid giving Ahn any satisfaction. But anyone could see the cracks beginning to show. Jimin was doing his best to keep Taehyung from falling apart, but he had his own demons to battle.

I had taken it upon myself to pick up the slack where Taehyung faltered. I owed it to both him and Jimin after my role in their exile. Taehyung, ever the forgiving soul, was more generous with grace than Jimin. But I knew I was skating on thin ice. Others might have taken my head for the disrespect I’d shown. Jimin might have if he wasn’t so focused on keeping the peace with his mate.

I needed to focus on the task at hand. Taehyung had summoned me for a reason, and I had to be there for him. His pacing showed no signs of stopping as I entered, a bad omen for the kind of conversation I was about to have. He seemed to find a semblance of calm when we discussed strategy, a fleeting solace in the chaos.

“Sorry for the delay, Tae,” I said, my voice soft and steady, hoping to cut through his distress.

He paused, his eyes bloodshot and glossy, cheeks flushed like someone had poured a pot of boiling water on them. His lower lip quivered despite his best efforts to steady it. Taehyung’s emotional rawness was always a puzzle. He was kind, gentle, a giant child who laughed at his own clumsiness and played with his younger siblings as if he were still a child himself.

He never shied away from tears. When Jimin’s father died, neither he nor Ji-Hyun shed a tear in public, though I knew better than to believe they didn’t grieve privately. Their show of stoicism was celebrated, a mask of bravery they wore for the town. Taehyung struggled to wear that mask as seamlessly as Jimin had.

Taehyung’s father hadn’t died in a blaze of glory. No heroics, just illness. Ahn had called him weak for succumbing to an infected wound, a sentiment not widely shared but unchallenged. My own mother, a loyalist to Ahn, had called him cruel for further tormenting a grieving family.

“I didn’t realize it had been so long,” Taehyung mumbled, resuming his restless pacing.

In that moment, he looked more like his father than ever. Dong-Min had been respected and wise, but he wasn’t the sort to attract crowds. An artist from Viridi Gramine, his works were beautiful, but he remained in the shadows. He’d found his muse in Hana, who had come from an abusive home. They had fled Withertusk together, and their troubles had melted away in Foxglove.

“You’re upset,” I said bluntly. Taehyung preferred directness. “What’s wrong?”

“Have I done something wrong?” His voice cracked, the tremor betraying his tears. “I want your honesty, Namjoon. Have I done anything horrible to her?”

“To who?” I asked, stepping closer to comfort him. His shoulders shook with quiet sobs, an effort to hide his pain from the world. It never occurred to me that he was trying to conceal his suffering so well. I had always misread him. He could only shake his head, eyes squeezed shut as new tears poured forth.

I wrapped him in an embrace, feeling the weight of his grief pressing into me. The last time he had cried on my shoulder was at his father’s funeral, a day when Ahn’s cruel words had cut him to the bone. Taehyung had stumbled out of the building, bleeding and torn, begging me to hold him. My father, showing rare kindness, had taken him home to clean up.

“You could never wrong her,” I said, not great with comfort but hoping my words would help. “Whatever happened between you two is just a wrinkle in time. Sol is angry with herself. She loves you, and she knows how much you love her.”

Tae sniffled, his cries muffled against my shoulder.

“Not Sol,” he sobbed. “Y/N.”

That was a harder pill to swallow. I could spout meaningless platitudes about his mate all day. Their love was a given. Taehyung had been furious with her for talking to Jimin behind his back, but I knew they’d work through it. Their bond was strong. His relationship with Y/N, though, was a different matter. I had never witnessed it firsthand, but I knew it was meaningful. Taehyung saw her as the older sister he never had, but I felt ill-equipped to guide him through this grief.

“You didn’t do anything to her, Tae,” I reasoned. “She made a choice to leave. She didn’t harbor ill will towards you. She even left you a note with your necklace. Doesn’t that say something?”

The red gem from Bridd’s gift pressed against my skin, a bittersweet reminder of her kindness. Taehyung had worn the necklace since reading the note, a gesture he hadn’t truly earned but had been given nonetheless. I had my own connection to Bridd through that journal she gave me, which had turned into a poetry book. I respected her, and that respect guided me in my attempt to console Taehyung.

“I told Sol,” Taehyung whimpered. “I told her after she asked me to keep quiet. It’s all my fault—”

“I’m done with the blame game,” I sighed, gently pushing him back to arm’s length. I gripped his shoulders. “Everyone’s been wallowing in self-pity. Y/N left to find help. No one forced her to do that. You and I both know she’s capable. Stop acting like she’s dead. She’s out there trying to help us. We need to stay focused.”

“What if she…” His voice faltered, unable to utter the word “death.”

“Then we make sure her sacrifice isn’t in vain,” I said, releasing him. “We plan, strategize, and fight tooth and nail against those things. For Bridd.”

I didn’t relish invoking her name this way, but I knew Taehyung would cling to it. Her name was a beacon of hope in this dark time. His eyes ignited with a renewed fire, the heat returning to them.

“For Bridd,” he echoed, as if making a solemn vow.

Inside, I prayed for her safe return. I was unsure how long this newfound fire would last, or what would happen if it burned out of control. Taehyung was obsessive by nature. As a child, he painted like his father, sculpted like our grandmother, and later, dived into gardening. Now, I feared his focus would be consumed by this war. He wasn’t ready for what was coming, but I had to believe in his strength.

“You should go see your mom,” I said sincerely. “I’m sure Jong and Jin miss you.”

I left unsaid my concerns about him being cooped up in the Temple since his return.

He nodded, “I will. Let one of the maids know I’ve left. I don’t want Sol to worry.”

“You’re not telling her you’re leaving?”

He frowned. “We’re not on speaking terms at the moment.”

Oh, Bridd, why did you have to leave? Why did Sol have to stir things up? Seeing Taehyung so defeated was a blow. The fire I had ignited in him didn’t soothe my worries. He was still adrift, and I feared my attempts at comfort had done more harm than good. Maybe it would have been simpler to let him cry it out. Navigating whether I’d said or done the right thing was a far more daunting task.

The day slipped through my fingers like a handful of sand, the minutes eroded by the grind of endless work. After my talk with Taehyung, he had gone off to find his siblings, while I remained buried in the heavy silence of the library. Despite our grim business of war, we still had our East Coast obligations to handle. Hours ticked by as I drafted warnings and travel advisories, scribbling frantically until my hand ached. 

When the time came to face the maps spread across the tables, I hoped the change in scenery would spark a breakthrough. The library was a cavern of paper and ink, and I dived into its depths, searching for something—anything—that might tip the scales in our favor.

But the talk of war had become a cacophony of angry voices. My father and Jimin were at each other’s throats, each stubbornly clutching their own version of strategy. My father wanted to march straight into Northorn, to meet our enemy head-on. Jimin, with his uncanny knack for seeing beyond the obvious, thought it was nothing short of idiocy. He argued that the elves would have the upper hand on unfamiliar ground. Our pack knew the forest better than anyone; it was our home turf, and it should be our advantage. 

Jungkook and I were on the same page, much to my relief. We didn’t want to die, but if the situation demanded it, we would. He leaned towards Jimin’s strategy, favoring a defensive stance in Bangtan. It made the most sense—until the elves found a way to stir up trouble.

The witches from Syrena arrived in the late afternoon, a storm of anger and despair. Their leader had fallen during the attack, leaving them in the care of the swamp witch. I felt a pang of sympathy for them, as they stumbled into our midst. Their rage was palpable, their grief a raw wound that bled into everything they did.

Yoongi was on my mind again. He was adjusting to his blindness, but the idea of him fighting was laughable. He was a fantastic fighter when he could see, but now he was little more than dead weight. It was a shame—he had been a force to be reckoned with, even if a spell had temporarily taken him out. I had no doubt he’d be back, even if it meant defying orders. His death, when it came, would be a dignified one.

Then there was Seokjin. He surprised me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Despite my dislike for the witch, I had to admit the man could fight. He had defended his girlfriend, taken down countless elves, and even saved his father’s life. I hoped we could set aside our differences and train together. It was crucial that we learned to fight as a unit. I planned to discuss this with Jimin later.

Before I could lose myself further in thought, I caught her scent. The sweet, cloying aroma of Sol was unmistakable, a stark contrast to the damp, cold air of the library. Her bare feet were a whisper against the marble floor, and I braced myself for the encounter. Sol’s attempt to mask her natural scent had always been a losing battle, but I couldn’t fault her for it. Ahn had stripped her of her self-confidence, leaving her to second-guess everything about herself.

She appeared before me, her small figure framed by the ornate grandeur of the library. Her hair, unbound and flowing, was a cascade of dark waves, a sharp contrast to the cold sterility of the surroundings. I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with her exposure. Modesty was an old relic, but Sol had been taught its importance, and Ahn had made sure she lived in its shadow.

“Luna,” I greeted, my voice tentative. “Your hair…”

She sighed, as if resigned to my reaction. Her tone was edged with annoyance, but I couldn’t decipher why. Ahn had instilled in her a warped sense of propriety, and the way she wore her hair now seemed to mock it.

“Does it matter?” she murmured, a hint of bitterness in her voice. “We all know I’m no longer virtuous.”

I frowned. “Your virtue isn’t tied to your virginity, Sol.”

I could feel the discomfort between us, the unspoken boundaries crossed. Sol’s presence was like a weight on my chest, and I had to force myself to remain composed. Taehyung would be devastated if he caught us in such an awkward position. I stood up, putting a respectful distance between us, and turned my attention to the doorframe, trying to look anywhere but at her.

“What’s bothering you?” I asked, keeping my voice steady. “Aside from the obvious.”

I leaned against the doorframe, peering into the hall, grateful for the distance it offered. I heard Sol take a seat in the chair I had vacated, the sound of her movements marking her presence more than her words.

“You must think I’m pathetic,” Sol’s voice was a fragile whisper.

“Why would I think that?” I countered, genuinely puzzled.

She laughed, a hollow sound that resonated with self-deprecation. “You’ve been a constant in my life longer than anyone. You were there before Taehyung. You and I were almost betrothed, according to my father.”

The mention of Ahn made my skin crawl. He was no father of hers. The real truth was darker—Ahn had taken her from her real parents, Cho Haneul and Bong Ha-Yun, who had vanished from the village under suspicious circumstances. Whispers hinted at banishment or worse, but I’d always taken my mother’s word that Ahn had been behind it all. 

“I’ve never been fair to you,” Sol continued, her voice trembling. “I was mean, rude, and cold. I wanted Jimin so badly that I mistreated you. I’m sorry for that.”

I listened, indifferent. Sol’s words were a weak balm to old wounds. I knew her well enough to understand her manipulations, her selfishness veiled under layers of false remorse. 

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“You knew me before Taehyung did. I know you didn’t like me, but I trust your opinion. I know I don’t deserve your kindness, but I’m asking for it anyway.”

Her voice was weary, and I found myself disenchanted with her pleas. I reminded myself of her age and the naivety that came with it, but it didn’t soften the irritation I felt. She had made mistakes, breached boundaries, and caused chaos, all while thinking she could remain unscathed.

“Am I a bad person?” she asked, her voice barely more than a breath.

“No,” I said firmly, though it was hard to mask my irritation. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll lie to make you feel better. You’ve caused enough damage, and it’s your responsibility to deal with the consequences.”

Her soft sniffles were a distant echo to my frustration. She had stirred trouble and failed to take responsibility for it. I wasn’t here to placate her. I was here to get through the day.

“I’m not the one to offer you comfort,” I said, turning away. “Seek solace from your maids. They’re trained to dry tears; I’m not.”

With that, I left the library, my mind already set on finding a place to rest. The Temple was no refuge from the turmoil of the day, but it was all I had. Maybe Sam would be around, and her company would be a welcome distraction. Her beauty and confidence had always been a bright spot, even if I wasn’t ready to entertain any advances. Tonight, though, I’d take any semblance of normalcy I could get.

I had no desire to return to my family home. Spending too long around my parents was like slowly going mad. The pretense I maintained with my father was exhausting, and my mother—well, she never had the backbone to stand up to him. My childhood was a grim carousel of beatings, with my mother watching, her own misery forgotten as long as she avoided the brunt of his rage. By the time Mini arrived, those days were behind us, and my father had stopped drinking. Our relationship had improved, but the bitterness lingered, festering like a wound that never fully healed. Sometimes, I wondered if I truly hated them both.

Lately, I had been crashing at Hoseok’s place. But he’d asked for some space, and I was buried in work, too tangled up to find another spot to crash. It was a far cry from the opulent room I had at the Temple, but the Temple had become a place I loathed. I’d have joined Jimin and the rest of the copiae, but the weight of my responsibilities kept me tied down. Stepping down as head council would mean my father or Bo would handle public relations, and the thought of that was enough to make me want to gnaw my own arm off. Taehyung would go berserk if those two were left in charge.

I racked my brain for other friends to stay with. The Parks would welcome me, but their home was overflowing with guests. Yoongi and the swamp witch’s families were still there, Jin’s group was with Taehyung’s family, and the Syrena witches were scattered among the wolf families and humans. They’d planned to stay at the Temple, but Sol had made a mess of that arrangement. Everything had spiraled out of control faster than I could keep up with.

“Lost in thought?” Jimin’s voice cut through my musings. 

I stopped in my tracks, realizing I had wandered into the copiae grounds. Jimin lounged on his porch, a large glass in hand, his face shadowed by a dark expression. The sharp scent of alcohol reached me even from the street. I approached him, trying to ignore the tumultuous thoughts of my father.

“You’re drunk,” I observed, taking the glass from his hand and sniffing it. Mead, probably from Jungkook’s stash. “This isn’t going to help.”

He shrugged, a gesture of defeat. “I know. Just needed a distraction.”

Here I was again, being dragged into someone else’s emotional wreckage. Even if Jimin hadn’t asked outright, I knew I’d end up hauling him inside and making him sleep. At least, I could crash here afterward. Tomorrow, I’d make sure he ate something and then convince him to help me go over documents at the Temple. He was the battle strategist, after all.

“I’m not in the mood for a heart-to-heart,” I said bluntly. “I’ve already dealt with two sob stories today, and my patience is shot. So you’re going to let me help you, and we’ll talk in the morning.”

Jimin leaned back, sweat glistening on his forehead and his hair a tangled mess. He looked uncharacteristically disheveled. I rubbed my face in frustration.

“Fine,” I sighed, “how about this: I need a place to sleep. I can’t stand Taehyung and Sol right now, and you—” I gestured at him, “—look like hell. Obviously, you’re a mess, but the pack needs you to pull yourself together so we can get through this.”

Jimin didn’t move. He remained like a statue, eyes fixed on something distant. “I’ll stay the night. Tomorrow, we’ll talk feelings or whatever. Then, we’ll come up with a plan to get you back in the game. Sound good?”

He rolled his eyes, a humorless laugh escaping his lips. “What’s the point?” His face crumpled in despair. I felt lost at sea, unable to handle his sorrow. Thankfully, he composed himself, though the heaviness lingered. “What’s the point of anything? Without her... it just doesn’t matter.”

I sat down beside him, the cold, rough wood against my legs. I tried to focus on this as a conversation between friends. Jimin had never asked me for anything before. When Taehyung was chosen, Jimin had been the first to urge me to stand firm against Ahn. I had been foolish, ignoring his advice. Now he needed me to be the rock, and I couldn’t let him down.

We couldn’t keep going like this. Jimin wasn’t in the right frame of mind, and I knew the only way to get him back on track was to think of something drastic. My mind was already spinning a plan, one that had seemed hopeless earlier, but now felt like a desperate gamble. Maybe, just maybe, giving him a glimmer of hope might help him pull himself together. Feeling a pang of guilt, I decided to go for it and face the consequences later.

“I know you’re hurting,” I said, trying to soften my tone, unsure if it worked. “I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. When you and Taehyung were gone, the guilt nearly ate me alive. It must be worse for you.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he started to protest, but I brushed it off.

“I think I do. No one else seems to be,” I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We’re in deep trouble right now, Park. We need you.”

Jimin shook his head. “I wouldn’t be much help right now, Joon.”

“I don’t believe that,” I replied. “Honestly, anything you do would be better than the mess you’ve got going on. And by the way, your girl’s on my side. She’d be furious if she knew how much you’ve been slacking.”

That made him chuckle softly.

“That’s fair,” he said, a wan smile spreading across his flushed face. “She’s such a little firecracker, isn’t she?”

I nodded. “She once tried to set me on fire.”

We shared a laugh, remembering that day. Truth was, she scared the hell out of me. If she had really wanted to hurt me, she could’ve. I’d barely escaped with just a few scratches and bruises. Jimin had beaten me senseless when she got hurt, but I had a lifetime of memories that made me untouchable. Bridd, however, was another story.

“What if I made you a deal?” I asked, catching his attention.

He perked up. “What kind of deal?”

“If we make it through the next wave on top, I’ll help you find her.”

His eyes sharpened, a flicker of hope lighting up. “Really?”

Guilt twisted in my gut. I didn’t truly believe we’d reach that point. The elves were everywhere, their grip tightening on Northorn with each passing day. We were far from ready, and with traitors in our midst, the situation was dire. The alliance with the quietus was fragile, and the witch problem was something only Jimin could fix. It could be weeks or even months before we could search for Bridd. Still, I had to use her as leverage. We needed strong leadership, and the witch was the best motivation I could offer.

“I’ll go with you,” I said, doubling down. “We can take a small group. I’ve got connections with a quietus who knows the lay of the land. Finding her could be straightforward.”

“You’d do that for me?” He looked genuinely surprised.

I nodded. “If we’re in a position to do it, why not?”

I watched as he mulled it over, the distant look in his eyes dissolving into something clear, almost serene. He was on board. Hope unfurled in my chest like a fragile flower reaching for the sun. With Jimin on my side, dealing with Taehyung would be a breeze. The older alpha’s desire for redemption would give us a leverage, and if Jimin and Taehyung could join forces, we’d have Hoseok back in the mix too.

Things were starting to tilt in our favor. Soon, the elementals and witches would be joining our discussions, the elder council would be edged out by a new generation of leaders, and the war would start to feel like something we could actually manage. I might even be able to recruit a fresh wave of warriors to the copiae once the village saw Jimin’s renewed determination.

“Stay here as long as you need,” Jimin finally said, and I was doing a mental victory dance. “You can crash on the couch.”

I sprang up, ready to hit the sack, and gave his head a playful shove. He chuckled, swatting my hand away. We used to mess around like this all the time as kids—Jimin always had a knack for winning our wrestling matches. He was slippery as an eel.

“Let’s go, kid,” I said, stretching my arms above my head. “We’ve got an early start tomorrow. Council meeting.”

He nodded, reaching out for my help to stand. He must have imbibed more than I realized; it took a lot for alcohol to hit us this hard.

“Hopefully, Taehyung will deal with the two ancient relics in the Temple,” he slurred, stumbling inside and mumbling about how his bed felt like it had swallowed him whole.

A/N: So Joon pov??? How do we like? He's not the only pov switch we're going to have, but we will be seeing a lot of our favorite (to hate) alpha joining our main squad. I thought he would be a good outside mind to get inside of since he's not as emotionally connected to Bridd as the others. Any guesses as to who our other switches might be?

p.s. These pov chapters will be a bit shorter than our normal, reader pov ones, but not by much.

Taglist: @greezenini@adventures-in-bookland@kthstrawberryshortcake-main@zae007live@jimin-neverout@nikkiordonez12@canarystwin@yamekomz @chimthicc@michiiedreamer@amorieus@mima795@yunki-yunki-yunki

© chimcess, 2024. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[boobear061]

Always Been You, 03 🔥 | Jungkook

Synopsis: Tae Seol had a one night stand with a mystery guy, but turned out he is her brother Taehyung's best friend Jungkook.

Pairing: Jungkook x Tae Seol

Genre: smut

Rating: 18+

WC: 4,486

Warning: daddy kink, kissing, swearing, nipple play, oral ( m&f receiving ), hand job, blow job, fingering, hair pulling, doggy style, grinding, face sitting, 69 position, choking, thigh riding

Index | Next

**

* Saturday, 12:30am *

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

I am here laying down in bed watching a movie, I can't sleep, all I could think about is what happened in the living room with just me and Jungkook.

I paused the movie, got off the bed, put on my slippers, walked out of my bedroom to the kitchen, I grabbed a cup, poured some water, drank it and heard from behind me " What are you doing up? "

I turned around, looked at Jungkook and said " I can't sleep and I wanted some water. What about you? You can't sleep? "

Jungkook shook his head and said " No. "

" Why not? "

He walked over to me, stood in front and said " I couldn't sleep because you're all I could think about. "

I blushed and said " Me too. "

Jungkook tucked my hair in the back of my left ear, looked into my eyes and said " Can I kiss you? "

" Please. "

He leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, wrapped my arms around his neck, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me closer to him, deepened the kiss, I pulled away from the kiss when I heard Taehyung's loud sneeze coming from the hallway.

I rushed over to my room, closed the door behind me, rest my back on the door, let out a sigh, walked over to my bed, laid down and played the movie.

~ Jungkook's POV ~

When Tae Seol left, footsteps walked to the kitchen, I saw Taehyung and he said " Hey, what are you doing up? "

" I got thirsty. " I lift up Tae Seol's cup.

He nod his head and said " Me too. "

Taehyung walked over to the fridge, got out a water bottle, looked at me and said " Good night Kook. "

" Good night. " I drank Tae Seol's water.

He walked away, I didn't move until I heard his bedroom door closed, I set the cup down on the counter, walked over to Tae Seol's room and softly knocked.

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

I heard the door knocked, I paused the movie, got off the bed, walked over to the door, opened it, looked at Jungkook and he whispered " Hey, can I come in? "

I nod my head, moved aside, he walked in my room, I closed the door behind him, looked at him and said " What are you doing in here? Taehyung's room is two doors away. "

" I just wanted to spend some time with you, I'm not sleepy. * Looked at the tv * What movie are you watching? "

" ( Movie Name ) " I said and walked to my bed.

Jungkook nod his head and said " I love that movie. Mind if I join you? "

" Sure. I can start it in the beginning if you want? "

" Yeah, sure. "

We laid down in my bed, I restarted the movie, as we are watching it I started thinking about the kiss we had back in the kitchen, I looked at Jungkook who is watching the movie, I looked at his lip piercing, wanting to feel it on my lips again.

I looked at the movie, a few minutes later, from the corner of my eye I saw Jungkook looking at me and he said " Sol? "

" Hm? " I looked at him.

" I'm gonna be completely honest with you. I can't stop thinking about that kiss. "

I blushed a little and said " Me either. "

" Is it okay if I kiss you again? "

I nod my head, he leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, cupped his left cheek with my hand, he rest his hand on my hip, deepened the kiss, I pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and whispered " I want you, right now. "

Jungkook caressed my cheek and whispered " I want you too. I want you to do one thing for me. "

" What's that? "

" You need to keep quiet, you can moan but not too loud, okay? "

I nod my head and whispered " Okay. "

He leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he deepened the kiss, something came over me that I straddled his lap, I rest my hands on his chest, Jungkook bring his hands on my hips, our tongues fought for dominance, I pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and whispered " Touch me, please. "

Jungkook cupped my boobs with his hands, squeezed them through my shirt, we both looked at each other with lust in our eyes, I slowly grinded on him, felt him get hard underneath me, Jungkook ran his tongue against his lip piercing, I kissed his lips, he kissed me back, bring his hands down and squeezed my ass.

I bring my hands inside his shirt, felt his abs, moved my hands slowly up to his chest, pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and said " Let's take this off. "

He took off his shirt, threw it across the room, I bring my hands up and down his chest, grind on him faster, Jungkook squeezed my ass, leaned his head back, and whispered " Oh fuck.. "

I leaned in, leave wet kisses up and down his neck to his chest, I moved away, looked at him, took off my shirt leaving my boobs exposed, Jungkook looked at them, cupped them with his hands, and gave them a squeeze.

Our eyes didn't leave each other, he pulled on my nipples, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, we both let out a moan against the kiss, and he squeezed my boobs again before wrapping his arms around my waist.

He flipped us around, my back is on the bed, he hovered me, pulled away from the kiss, leave wet kisses up and down my neck to my chest, licked and sucked on my left nipple, with his other hand he squeezed my right boob and pulled on my nipple.

I ran my fingers through his hair, gently pulled on it, bite my bottom lip, he bring his hand down, rubbed my pussy through my shorts, I bite my bottom lip and whispered " Fuck, Daddy. That feels so good. "

His mouth left my boob with a pop, looked at me as he's rubbing me and whispered " You're so fucking wet for me baby. Remember to keep quiet for me, can you do that for Daddy, hm? "

I nod my head and whispered " Yes, Daddy. "

He flicked his tongue on my nipple, sucked on it, rubbed my pussy faster, I bite my bottom lip to hold my moans in, his mouth left my boob, leave wet kisses down to my stomach, and moved his hand away from my clothed pussy.

" Let's take these off. " He whispered and took off my shorts along with my thong.

He threw them across the room, looked at the door, got off the bed, walked to the door, locked it, walked back to the bed, looked at me as he took off his grey sweatpants leaving him in his black Calvin Klein boxers, I saw his hardness through his boxers which made me soaking wet.

Jungkook got on the bed, hovered me, looked into my eyes as his hand went down, insert two fingers inside my pussy, slowly finger fucked me and I whispered " Oh fuck, Daddy. "

He nod his head slowly, rubbed my clit with his thumb, I bring my hand to the back of his head, kissed his lips, he kissed me back, my moans muffled against the kiss as he's fingering me, he pulled away from the kiss, moved his fingers away from my pussy, bring his fingers to his mouth, licked and sucked on them.

His fingers moved away from his mouth, licked his lips and whispered " Fuck, you taste so good. "

I blushed, Jungkook took his lip piercing off while making eye contact, set his piercing down on the nightstand, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, our tongues fought for dominance, he pulled away from the kiss, leave wet kisses down to my chest, licked and sucked on my nipples.

Leave a trail of kisses down on my stomach, got in between my legs, kissed my thighs to my inner thighs, he spit on my clit, looked at me, flicked his tongue on my clit, I bring my hand to the back of his head, with my other hand I squeezed my boob and pulled on my nipple.

Jungkook spit on my clit again before sucking on it, I gently pulled on his hair which made him let out a moan against my clit, he moved his head side to side, insert two fingers inside my pussy, moved them in and out, I leaned my head back and whispered " Oh fuck, Daddy. "

" Mhmm. " Jungkook moaned against my clit.

I looked at him, he fingered me deeper and faster, I grind against his fingers, he opened his mouth, flicked his tongue on my clit, smacked his lips, the wetness of my pussy echoed the room, he moved his mouth away from my clit, looked at me and whispered " Fuck, you're so fucking wet for me. "

I let out a low moan, he licked his lips, spit on my clit, went back to sucking on it, I arched my back, covered my mouth with my hand, moaned against it, he moved his mouth away from my clit, hovered me, I moved my hand away from my mouth, he leaned in and kissed me.

I kissed him back, he rubbed my clit with his thumb, insert a third finger inside my pussy, I wrapped my arms around his neck, moaned against the kiss, he pulled away, looked into my eyes and whispered " Fuck, Sol. I can't wait to feel that pussy wrapped around my dick. Having you underneath me taking me like a good girl calling me Daddy. Do you want that baby? "

" Yes, Daddy. " I whispered.

Jungkook fingered me faster, I moaned lowly, he leave wet kisses down to my chest, licked and sucked on my nipples, his mouth left my boob with a pop and leave wet kisses down to my stomach.

He moved his hand away from my clit, got in between my legs, spit and flicked his tongue on my clit, sucked on it, fingered my pussy even faster, I fisted the bed sheets, felt my legs start to close a little, he tapped my right thigh, I spread my legs open, and he moaned against my clit.

A few minutes later, I felt my pussy clenched against his fingers, he moved his mouth away from my clit, looked at me and whispered " Are you gonna cum for me baby? "

I nod my head and said " Yes, Daddy. "

Jungkook rubbed my clit faster and said " Cum for me Sol, cum for Daddy baby. "

" Daddy, oh fuck. I'm gonna cum. "

He nod his head and said " Yes, baby. That's it, cum for Daddy. Cum all over my fingers baby. That's a good girl, come on. "

I cummed on his fingers, he pulled them out, moved his fingers away from my clit, leave wet kisses up and down my inner thighs, sat up, bring his fingers that was in my pussy up to his lips, licked and sucked on them, I bite my bottom lip.

Jungkook let out a low moan against his fingers, moved them away from his mouth, got back in between my legs, wrapped my legs around his shoulders, licked my pussy to my clit, sucked on it, I bring my hand to the back of his head, he lift me up a little, and didn't let go of my legs.

His mouth left my clit, insert his tongue inside my pussy, moved his tongue in and out, I covered my mouth with my hand, moaned against it, he let out a moan, lift me up a little more, his hands are on my ass, he changed his position on his back, I am sitting on his face, he bring his hands up and squeezed my boobs.

Pulled on my nipples, I let out a low moan, he sticked his tongue out, I grind on him, felt his tongue on my clit to my pussy, and I whispered " Fuck, Daddy. "

I changed my position, I am now facing the headboard, Jungkook squeezed my ass, gave it a light spank, he sucked on my clit, I looked at his hard on through his Calvin Klein boxers, cupped it with my hand, gave it a gentle squeeze causing Jungkook to moan against my clit.

I moved my hand up and down slowly, felt his dick twitched against my finger, leaned down, gave his hard on a kiss, Jungkook squeezed my ass, insert his tongue in my pussy, I moved my mouth away from his hard on, moved my index finger up and down his hard on and said " Let's take these off. "

I took his dick out from his boxers, wrapped my hand around it, licked the shaft to the head, sticked my tongue out, slapped his dick on my tongue before spitting on it, I spread it around his shaft and start jerking him off.

Jungkook moaned against my pussy, squeezed my ass again, giving it a light spank, with my other hand I moved it up and down his left thigh and gently raked my nails down leaving a light red trail, I felt Jungkook's dick twitched on my hand, I jerked him off faster and said " You're so hard for me Daddy. Did eating my pussy and fingering me, turned you on? "

Jungkook moved his mouth away, insert two fingers inside my pussy, fingered me, kissed my inner thighs and said " Yes, I've been craving to taste you ever since I saw you again. I love the way how your pussy clenches against my fingers. I'm obsessed with the way you taste and the way you sound when you moan my name. It turns me on so fucking much. "

I clenched my pussy against his fingers and said " Like this? "

Jungkook lightly spanked my ass, let out a low moan and said " Yes, like that baby. I can't wait to feel your pussy clenched on my dick. Would you like that baby? "

" Yes, Daddy. " I jerked him off faster and moaned lowly.

" Fuck, * Moaned lowly * Keep going baby, you're doing so good. "

Pre-cum oozing out of his dick which made my mouth water, I licked it slowly, swallowed it, kissed the head, moved my mouth away and said " I'm thinking of a number between one to ten. If you can guess it, I'll give you a blowjob. "

" 7. "

" Correct. " I stopped jerking him off, licked the shaft to the head, insert his dick in my mouth and gave him a blowjob.

" Fuck, Sol. "

I relaxed my jaw, insert his dick more into my mouth, felt him at the back of my throat, let out a moan against his dick as he fingers me faster and deeper, I grind against his fingers, with my other hand I gently squeezed his balls and Jungkook moaned lowly.

A few minutes later, we both cummed, I moved my mouth away from his dick, swallowed his cum, bite my bottom lip, licked the shaft of his dick to the head, gave it a kiss and heard Jungkook said " Come here. "

I got off him, hovered him, he bring his fingers to my mouth, I licked and sucked on them, we didn't leave eye contact and Jungkook whispered " You look so fucking hot tasting yourself on my fingers baby. Tell me baby, does it taste good? "

I nod my head, he moved his fingers away from my mouth, wrapped his hand around my neck, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, our tongues fought for dominance, he unwrapped his hand away from my neck, flipped us around, he is hovering me, intertwined our fingers, put our hands above my head, he pulled away from the kiss and leave wet kisses up and down my neck.

He sucked on the skin gently, let go of our hands, I ran my fingers through his hair, gently pulled on it, he leave wet kisses down to my chest, licked and sucked on my nipples, I lowly moaned his name, he kissed his way back up to my neck, moved his mouth away, looked at me and said " I don't have a condom with m- "

I shook my head, wrapped my arms around his neck, kissed his lips, he kissed me back, I pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and said " I'm on the pill. "

He kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he deepened the kiss, I moved my hands up and down his back, he pulled away from the kiss, looked at me as he's slowly rubbing my clit and said " You remember your safe word? "

" .. P-Purple? "

He nod his head and said " Good girl. "

Jungkook kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he moved his fingers away from my clit, squeezed my boobs, pulled on my nipples, I moaned against the kiss, he pulled away, looked at me and said " You ready baby? "

I nod my head and said " Yes, Daddy. "

" Just say the word if you feel uncomfortable and I'll stop. "

I nod my head again, he insert his dick in my pussy, thrust his hips slowly, intertwined our fingers, he looked into my eyes and said " Fuck, you feel so good. "

I spread my legs wider for him, he fucked me a little deeper and said " How are you feeling? "

" So good Daddy, keep going please. "

He let go of our hands, cupped my face with his hands, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he bring his hands down, squeezed my boobs, pulled on my nipples, I moaned against the kiss, he wrapped his hand around my neck, choked me a little and pulled away from the kiss.

Jungkook pulled away from the kiss, looked at me, with his other hand he caressed my thigh, my boobs bounced up and down with every thrust he made, I bite my bottom lip to hold in my moans, he stopped, and unwrapped his hand away from my neck.

I was about to say something, he mouthed " Shh " covered my mouth with his hand, we heard a door open, Taehyung walked down the hallway, we looked at the door, Jungkook uncovered my mouth, pulled out, grabbed some pillows and put them behind the headboard.

I gulped and whispered " What if Taehyung heard? "

Jungkook looked at me, shook his head, caressed my hair and said " No, we weren't loud. He couldn't hear us, trust me. "

I nod my head, he got back in bed, hovered me, made sure that the pillows were secured, I bring my hands up and down his chest down to his abs, he looked at me, leaned in, kissed my lips, and I kissed him back.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss, I pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and said lowly " Are you sure those pillows are going to work? "

He smirked and said " How about we test it out, hm? Shall we continue? "

I nod my head, he kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he insert his dick back in my pussy, thrust his hips, fucked me slowly, I moved my hands to his back, moved them up and down, he pulled away from the kiss, looked at me and said " Your hands on me feels amazing. Would you mind running your fingernails down my back? "

" Are you sure? "

He nod his head and said " Yes. "

Jungkook wrapped my legs around his waist, fucked me deeper, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, raked my nails down his back, he moaned against the kiss, we heard Taehyung walking down the hallway, we didn't bother stopping, and Jungkook pulled away from the kiss when we heard Taehyung closed the door.

" Oh fuck, Sol. " Jungkook lowly moaned on my neck.

" Daddy, fuck. Go faster, please. "

Jungkook fucked me faster, those pillows really worked on keeping the headboard banging on the wall, I raked my nails down on his back again, the wetness of my pussy echoed the room, Jungkook grabbed my wrists gently, and pinned them above my head.

He wrapped his hand around my neck, choked me, with his other hand he rubbed my clit faster and I whispered " Oh fuck. "

Jungkook nod his head, I let out a whimpered and he whispered " Fuck, Sol. Shhh, you have to s-stay quiet * Moaned lowly * I know baby, Daddy is fucking you so good that you can't have c-control of what's coming out of that mouth of yours but you need to be a good girl for me and stay quiet. "

He caught me off guard when he squeezed my neck a little hard, I bring my hand to the back of his hand and whispered " P-Pur-"

Jungkook immediately let go of my neck and said " Sorry. * Kissed her forehead * I'm sorry, I got carried away. "

" It's okay. " I whispered.

He kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he deepened the kiss, we both moaned against the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulled away, leave wet kisses on his neck and heard him whispered " Fuck, Sol. "

A few minutes later, we both cummed, he moved his fingers away from my clit, pulled out of my pussy, looked at me, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he pulled away from the kiss, looked at me and said " Go on all fours for me baby. "

He got off me, I go on all fours, felt him leave kisses on my back, he insert his dick in my pussy from behind, thrust his hips, his hands go up and down my back, I fisted the bed sheets, he rest his hands on my hips, I let out a low moan and said " Fuck, Daddy. "

~ Jungkook's POV ~

Hearing Tae Seol moan my name is so fucking hot, it's like music to my ears, it turns me on so much. Ever since that one night stand, I couldn't stop thinking about her. It was worth the wait.

I leave wet kisses up on her back to her neck, wrapped my hand around her neck, choked her not too hard, whispered sweet nothings in her ear, watched as she's fisting the bed sheets and holding in her moans, and I kissed her cheek before moving back.

I unwrapped my hand away from her neck, spanked her ass lightly, grabbed a fist fold of her hair, pulled on it, fucked her deeper, I leaned my head back, lowly moaned her name, the way how her ass bounced got me so turned on.

" Am I pulling your hair too hard? "

" No, Daddy. "

" Good. "

I fucked her faster, let go of her hair, couldn't help myself but to spank her ass hard which echoed the whole room, I looked at her red ass, squeezed it and said " Fuck, look at that red ass. "

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

" Daddy, fuck. " I moaned lowly.

Jungkook unwrapped his hand away from my neck, covered my mouth with his hand, fucked me rougher, I moaned against his hand, he kissed my temple and whispered sweet nothings in my ear.

" Fuck, Sol. "

**

We both cummed, he pulled out of my pussy, squeezed and spanked my ass and said " Come here, face me. "

I turned around to face him, he tapped his lap, I straddled him, he cupped my face with his hands, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me close to him, he pulled away from the kiss, looked at me and said " I want you to do something. "

" What is it? "

" I want you to ride my thigh. "

Flashbacks from the one night stand where I was riding his thigh came to mind which caused me to blush, I sat down on his thigh, began grinding on it, our eyes didn't break contact, Jungkook nod his head and said " Yes, baby. Just like that. Fuck, I love the way how your wet pussy feels on my thigh. Keep going. "

I keep grinding on his thigh, he squeezed my boobs, pulled on my nipples, I let out a low moan, he bring his hands down to my ass, squeezed them and gave it a spank.

" Oh fuck. " I whispered.

I leaned in, kissed his lips, he kissed me back, I moved my hands up and down his chest, pulled away from the kiss, looked at him and said " I want you inside me, please. "

He nod his head, I fixed my position, insert his dick in my pussy, rode him up and down, wrapped my arms around his neck, Jungkook kissed my neck, I insert more of his dick in my pussy, he bring his hands down to my ass, and squeezed it.

Jungkook grabbed my arms, put them behind my back, thrust his hips, we both moaned, he let go of my arms, leaned his head back, I leave wet kisses up and down his neck, grind on him, and I rode him faster.

A few minutes later, we both cummed, he leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he deepened the kiss, pulled away, looked at me and said " That was so good. "

I blushed hard and said " Yeah, it was. "

" Come on, let's go take a shower. "

I nod my head, got off him, we got out of the bed, walked over to the bathroom, I turned on the water, we got in the shower, Jungkook has his back facing me, I looked at the red lines on his back, ran my hands up and down his back, and gave it a kiss.

I moved away, Jungkook turned around to look at me, the water is hitting our bodies, he leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he pulled away, looked at me and said " Let me wash your body. "

I nod my head, he grabbed my loofah and body wash and began washing my body.

**

We walked out of the bathroom, we changed, changed the bed sheets on my bed, I let out a yawn, Jungkook walked over to me, caressed my hair and said " You look tired. Get some sleep. "

I nod my head and said " Okay. "

We walked over to the door, he looked at me, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he rest his hands on my hips, pulled away from the kiss, looked at me and said " Sleep well, okay? "

I nod my head and said " I will. "

He gave me one last kiss before he leave my room, I closed the door behind him, walked over to my bed, took the pillows away from behind the headboard, blushed hard at what we just did.

I hope Taehyung didn't heard what happened..

[lucuslavigne]

Cantigas.

V (Taehyung) × Leitora.

๑: strangers to lovers, cantigas brasileiras, fluffy.

notas: essa daqui tá há um bom tempo nos meus rascunhos, não está revisada, PORÉEEM tenho um certo apego com essa 🥹☝🏻

Espero que gostem.

Estava com Lucy, a filha de seu primo mais velho, cantando na calçada enquanto os outros parentes comemoravam algo dentro de sua casa. Lucy era pequenina, apenas três anos de idade, mas adorava cantigas.

— O cravo brigou com a rosa, debaixo de uma sacada... — cantava com a pequena Lucy, girando e dançando pela calçada.

— O cravo saiu ferido e a rosa despedaçada. — Lucy terminou o verso e se jogou em seus braços, te abraçando como se aquele fosse o último momento que ela teria com você.

— O cravo ficou doente, e a rosa foi visitar. — cantou, percebendo um rapaz te olhar do outro lado da rua.

— O cravo teve um desmaio, e a rosa pôs-se a chorar. — Lucy se sentou na calçada, brincando com algumas pedrinhas que tinham alí.

— A rosa fez serenata, o cravo foi espiar. — se sentou com a criança. — E as flores fizeram festa... — levantou o olhar, encontrando o rapaz bonito ainda te encarando. — Por que eles vão se casar. — terminou de cantar baixinho, presa no olhar do desconhecido.

O rapaz acenou amigavelmente para você, com um sorriso tão perfeito quanto sua aparência, te arrancando um sorriso também. O mesmo ficou ali, com seu cachorrinho, sentado, te observando cantar com Lucy, essa que se quer havia percebido a presença do outro.

— Eu quero água. — Lucy falou.

— O filtro 'tá cheio amor. — apontou para o filtro de água que tinha no quintal. — É só pegar seu copinho e beber.

Lucy então bebeu um pequeno copo d'água e se sentou ao seu lado de novo, dessa vez, nenhuma de vocês falou algo.

— Filha. — a mãe de Lucy a chamou. — Vamos embora.

— 'Tá bom mamãe! — respondeu. — Tchau prima! — te abraçou.

— Tchau Lucy, até outro dia. — a abraçou de volta.

Voltando ao seu próprio mundo, continuou cantarolando algumas cantigas. Gostava de algumas como alecrim, tororó, rosa amarela... Sentia falta de sua infância.

— Se essa rua, se essa rua fosse minha... — escutou uma voz profunda cantando. — Eu mandava, eu mandava ladrilhar... — de repente se lembrou que o belo rapaz ainda estava te observando, então olhou na direção que ele estava, o vendo sorrir para você. — Com pedrinhas, com pedrinhas de brilhante... — se levantou, começando a caminhar. — Para o meu, para o meu amor passar. — se sentou do seu lado.

— Nessa rua, nessa rua tem um bosque. — sorriu para o rapaz, parecendo muita coincidência morarem numa rua sem saída, na qual tinha um bosque. — Que se chama, que se chama solidão. — chegou mais perto do rapaz. — Dentro dele, dentro dele mora um anjo... — olhou os lábios desenhados. — Que roubou, que roubou meu coração.

Sentiu uma das mãos grandes do homem em seu rosto, te fazendo carinho.

— Se eu roubei, se eu roubei teu coração. — cantava olhando para você. — Tu roubaste, tu roubaste o meu também. — chegou mais perto. — Se eu roubei, se eu roubei teu coração. — fechou os olhos. — É porque, é porque te quero bem. — e te beijou.

Um beijo suave, carinhoso, delicado, com receio de que em algum momento você fosse se afastar. Mas isso não aconteceu. Você o puxou pela nuca, aprofundando o beijo, escutando um suspiro do rapaz do qual você ainda nem sabia o nome. Quando se separaram do beijo, encarou os olhos do belo moço, vendo um brilho lindo neles.

— Eu não perguntei o seu nome. — o disse.

— Taehyung. — suspirou, hipnotizado pela sua beleza. — E o seu?

— Meus amigos me chamam de Rosa. — sorriu. — Mas meu nome é _____.

— Não acho que seremos como o cravo e a rosa. — brincou.

— Com certeza não. — sorriu.

— O sol 'tá indo embora. — comentou. — Quer cantar mais uma cantiga? — te perguntou.

— Claro. — falou enquanto pensava em uma cantiga. — Que tal alecrim?

— Pode ser. — passou um dos braços pelos seus ombros.

E cantaram como um belo dueto.

“ Alecrim, alecrim dourado

Que nasceu no campo

Sem ser semeado

Alecrim, alecrim dourado

Que nasceu no campo

Sem ser semeado

Foi meu amor

Que me disse assim

Que a flor do campo é o alecrim

Foi meu amor

Que me disse assim

Que a flor do campo é o alecrim ”

Quando perceberam, o sol já havia ido embora, dando espaço para a lua brilhar lindamente.

— Te vejo amanhã, Rosa? — te olhou cheio de expectativa.

— Claro que sim, Cravo. — deram risada.

[haroldsonlyangel]

I finished lovely runner today ! I’ve never been a K-drama person and never felt the urge to watch one except of Hwarang which I started mainly because of Taehyung but ended up loving anyways. Lovely Runner has been the first proper k- drama that I’ve seen. And omg this show has been so fun to binge it had so many tropes which I love , the story was so well written with the perfect balance of all emotions and I love all the characters they all were so entertaining! And omg sun jae is so cute like I love his level of simp and down-badism I want someone like him irl and sol and him are so so cute they had me smiling soo much 💗

[koqabear]

Hmmm, I'm really into fantasy. As for groups, I stan a lot (probably too many), so you could recommend any 😭

Also, what do you mean?!😭 Your personality is just so 💜💜💜!! Like I have never admired a stranger so much in my entire life 😭😭😭

-Lvlee

hi loveee !! so as it turns out,,, making a rec list is very hard. very. i've read a lot less fics than i thought omg (which is why all the ones i listed are on the older side LMAO), so i am here with some txt and bts recs 😭 they're mostly supernatural/fantasy, but you can always check out my main blog (@/michipan) if you wanna see anything else!

also 🫠 please.... im sobbing rn u are the cutest ever </3 i am nothing but a silly little normal person i promise

to anyone who decides to check out these recs, pleeeeaaase support the authors!! please im genuinely begging you!!! leave a little review and a reblog and show them love bc they're amazing <3

BTS Recs

☆ Beastly Gods by @lemonjoonah

✧ hybrid!taehyung x fem!reader x ???

wc: 8K // genre: hybrid au, thirller, drama, smut, potentially dark and triggering content so read the warnings carefully!

Summary: ‘Don’t leave the forest,’ a rule that you’ve been forced to follow since birth, but you are tired of living in this wooden cage. Out of desperation you cut a deal with Taehyung, who claims to be the only one who can get you out safely, even though he might be just as dangerous as the god you’re trying to escape.

sol's personal notes:

oh. my. GOD. this was one of the first few fics i read when i joined this site, and it's literally stuck with me ever since. i can't say too much about it without spoiling it, but the worldbuilding and pacing was just. immaculate. the storyline is so well done and just. everything about it is perfection omg. there's another part that goes along with this story, but i can't link it bc ofc... spoilers 😖i wish i had more to say about this fic, but i read it years ago and forgot to write a review for it T_T

☆ Treasure by @sombreboy

✧ faerie dragon hybrid!jimin x fem!reader

wc: 4.7K // genre: pwp smut, hybrid, yandere, fairytale, again potentially dark and triggering content so read the warnings carefully!

Summary: Jimin loves to collect sparkly riches and playthings. You just happen to be the next treasure that ignited his obsessive desires.

sol's personal notes:

(fucking explodes into a million pieces) i can't. i had to reread this story real quick to get a refresher on it and just. jimin's character in this is literally so perfect and mischievous and evil!! and i love it... <3 he is characterized so well and the descriptions are just so well done... ouuu i just read over the smut again and i teared up a little. the dialogue is genuinely so insane im not normal abt this fic sorry.

TXT Recs

☆ the prince and the jackal by @gyuluster

✧ prince!beomgyu x woodcutter!metalbender!reader

wc: 11.8k // genre: fantasy au, fluff

Summary: ��in the Kingdom of Terrae, you, a metalbender, believe in the deforestation to modernise the land. As a member of the Lumberjackals, you thrive on cutting down trees and stealing resources until you get caught by the Crown Prince, Choi Beomgyu, a lover and embodiment of the nature you wish to destroy. However, instead of imprisoning you for your crimes, Beomgyu decides to show you the beauty and wonders of nature, leaving you to doubt your beliefs, your identity, and your very feelings for the certain boy determined to change you for the better.

sol's personal notes:

unfortunately the author is no longer active on this account (💔💔💔💔) but like. this story literally changed my brain chemistry i dont think you guys understand. it's been so long since i read this but even so, it lives on in my mind... the world building and characters are so well done and from what i remember, beomgyu's character was literally so charming T_T such a pretty story, i might go reread this bc like... the fantasy was executed so well and i love me a good royalty au <3 not to mention the whole concept of the powers is so cool!

☆ Swimmin' in a Mirror by @bangchanswolfpelt

✧ soobin x2 x fem!reader (stay with me here)

wc: 2.5K // genre: magical school au (not a harry potter au) smut

Summary unavailable.

sol's personal notes:

this one's like a whole 180 from the last fic LMAO but GOOD GOD. this author isn't active anymore from what i know of but like. they were literally revolutionary and this fic is just. never seen anything like this before but )#%(&#%??? it's genuinely so impressive how they managed to pull this off alkghadg so hot so insane so creative

☆ that's the spirit! by @agustdiv1ne

✧ sixth sense/ ghost hunter! soobin x fem!reader

wc: 14.6K // genre: high school au, fluff, angst, some elements of horror

Summary: a couple weeks before halloween, you find the quiet boy from your high school staring up into your bedroom. you're a little creeped out, and miles more scared, but then he shows you something that changes how you see, well, everything.

sol's personal notes:

are we surprised. i don't think so. i literally never shut up about this fic ever like i'm such a sucker for unique stories and this is definitely one of them! the pacing, supernatural elements, and environment was written sooo well, and the worldbuilding and explanations that comes along with the plot is so perfectly executed and well thought out. such a cool story, with a banger playlist to go along with it :]

☆ Dirty Little Secret by @petrichor-han

✧ vampire! yeonjun x gn!witch!reader

wc: 4.0K // genre: angst, dark fantasy, vampire!au, witch!au, enemies to lovers

Summary: yeonjun is one of prince seungmin’s most trusted bodyguards. born as a low-class vampire, he worked his way to the top and is proud of his accomplishments, beginning to adapt his friends’ classist mindsets and forgetting where he came from. but when his brothers come to visit one day, exposing his poor ancestry, everyone turns against him except for one: a lowly servant whom he’d picked on in the past—you.

sol's personal notes:

are you kidding me. DARK FANTASY. yeah that's literally all it took for me to fall in love with this story; the imagery is beautiful and the storytelling is so heart wrenching and good and i am literally clawing at the bars of my enclosure rn btw. this fic is sososo good and i'd literally kill to get another morsel from this universe !

⭒⭒⭒

✧ again, make sure to show all these lovely authors some love!! if any of you manage to see this (unlikely. for the most part) i literally cherish these stories sm and would literally die for them idcidc u guys truly made some masterpieces over here ✧

[bts-scenarios-br]

Hii sweetheart ♡ (aqui para participar do joguinho)

★ ela/dela

★ 1,65

★ castanho meio dourado, longo e cacheado, simples

★ dark academia

★ ler, estudar, fotografar, pintar, desenhar e praticar esportes

★ médica ou neurocientista

★ The Neighbourhood, Mitski, Vlad Holiday, Flower Face, Girl In Red Cage The Elephant e Chase Atlantic

★ black swan

★ infp, sou uma pessoa calma, determinada, sonhadora e curiosa

★ gosto de café, doguinhos, dias de chuva, sexta-feira, ler e escrever, escutar músicas, estrelas, cheiro de canela e baunilha, manga e abacaxi, viajar, praia, pôr do sol, noites de verão, filmes de terror, astronomia, orquídeas.

beijinhos de luz ♡

eu te shippo comigo <3

brincadeira aksejjsndnssh MAS OLHA A RESPOSTA VEIO TAO CLARA PRA MIM

TAEHYUNG

se casem.

é sério.

MAS VAMOS LA

Meu deus vocês seriam um casal saído de um filme de romance.

Viagens inesperadas até cidades românticas, voltas de carro no meio da noite pra apreciar o céu, roupas combinando, dançar coladinhos na cozinha às 2 da manhã... essa seria sua rotina, minha amiga.

O Tae é um tremendo romântico incurável, e você aparenta ser uma também. Seriam o tipo de casal perdidamente apaixonado um pelo outro, mas não de um jeito nojinho, e sim de um jeito genuíno, onde estariam sempre se esforçando para deixar os seus dias mais e mais especiais.

Seus tempos livres seriam gastos da forma mais aconchegante possivel: os dois no apartamento dele, o Tannie correndo por aí, e vocês explorando a arte das mais diversas formas. Seja ele aprendendo um novo instrumento e você o fotografando, ou até mesmo ele posando para que você fizesse uma pintura dele (que ele amaria independente de como saísse).

Mas não se engane pela tranquilidade, vocês também se aventurariam muito. Como eu disse, viagens seriam uma necessidade para ambos! Fosse a pequenas cidades na Coreia ou um país cheio de prédios históricos e românticos para se perderem por entre. O importante seria estarem juntos, e terem liberdade para conhecer e explorar o lugar como bem entendessem.

Seriam um casal muito ativo também, sempre experimentando novas experiências, novos restaurantes, novos hobbies, enfim, sempre atrás de atividades interessantes para poderem aproveitar juntos.

O Tae seria uma pessoa extremamente carinhosa e cuidadosa com você. Ele estaria sempre atento ao que você gostava ou tinha interesse por para poder encontrar meios de te agradar, assim como prestaria muita atenção em se estava bem e confortável com novas experiências. Se não estivesse, não importa o quão importante fosse, ele te tiraria de lá no mesmo instante, sem pensar duas vezes.

Mas ele também seria um tanto quanto manhoso, tenha isso em mente. Todos os dias quando fosse tentar se levantar para trabalhar, ele te seguraria por ao menos cinco minutos porque não queria que saísse do lado dele. E quando pudessem permanecer na cama, como aos fins de semana ou viagens, ele iria se aconchegar no seu calor e olha levaria muita insistência para o fazer te soltar, viu. Mas no final, tudo valeria a pena <3

Espero que tenha gostado!

Beijinhos <3

[seoul-italybts]

[✎ ITA] W Korea : V, Intervista per il Rilascio di 'FRI(END)S' | 21.03.24⠸

__ “Tornerò presto”

Taehyung x W Korea

- Intervista per il rilascio di 'FRI(END)S' -

d. Dicci, come sono andate e cosa ne pensi delle promozioni per il tuo primo album solista?

Taehyung: Spero le persone che amano la musica lo apprezzeranno. Sono molto soddisfatto delle promozioni.

d. C'è qualche motivo particolare dietro al rilascio singolo di ognuna delle tracce?

Taehyung: Credo di aver infuso un po' della mia storia in ognuna delle canzoni, quindi invece che raggrupparle tutte insieme, spero le ascolterete individualmente, una ad una... Invece che tutte insieme in un sol colpo, tipo ta-ta-ta-dak!

d. Riguardo 'FRI(END)S'

Taehyung: Inizialmente, 'FRI(END)S' doveva essere inclusa in 'Layover', ma ho pensato sarebbe stato meglio rilasciarla separatamente. Quindi l'ho messa da parte ed è stata lì per circa 2 anni. Ecco perché l'ho rilasciata solo ora. È un brano che risveglia molti ricordi. L'ho ascoltata con gli amici e gli hyung più stretti e ho detto loro che volevo assolutamente rilasciarla, prima o poi. E ora è uscita.

d. La tua parte preferita [in 'FRI(END)S']?

Taehyung: “But once we cross the line / There's no denying you and / I can never turn around” [* Ma una volta superata quella linea / Non possiamo più negarlo, tu ed / Io non potremo più tornare indietro]. Sono versi dalla seconda strofa. In questa parte, c'è un vocalizzo che non uso spesso, e c'è anche un leggero cambio di tonalità che però fa una gran differenza, stilisticamente. È come una boccata d'aria fresca, quindi mi piace molto.

d. [Domande con la compitazione di 'FRI(END)S']

F per FIRST __ Cosa ti viene in mente quando senti la parola 'first ( primə)''?

Taehyung: La nostra prima esibizione, il nostro showcase... Abbiamo debuttato attraverso uno showcase. Non ci saranno state neppure 100 persone, quel giorno. E non esisteva neanche ancora il nome ufficiale 'ARMY'. Sul serio, mi piacerebbe tornare a quel periodo. Non ho mai provato tanta agitazione come quel giorno.

d. R per RE-(wind) __Il momento cui vorresti tornare?

Taehyung: Mi piacerebbe tornare alla mia infanzia, al primo anno di scuole medie. Ero un tale testone. Vorrei tornare ad essere quel ragazzino impertinente e sregolato.

d. I per IDENTITÀ __Che differenze ci sono tra V e Kim Taehyung?

Taehyung: Credo fondamentalmente la personalità sia la stessa, desideriamo e lavoriamo entrambi per realizzare obiettivi simili e la pensiamo anche allo stesso modo. Ma V è come una sorta di personaggio, è un alter ego creato da Kim Taehyung. Cioè, V ad esempio non mangia.. V esiste solamente sul palco. Quando scendo dal palco, torno ad essere Kim Taehyung.

d. E per EGO __ Qual è il punto di forza del tuo io interiore?

Taehyung: Il mio orgoglio. Ciò di cui vado fiero: il mio lavoro, il gruppo e le/i fan... Ogni volta che ci esibiamo, lo faccio con orgoglio. Amo me stesso così come amo ciò che faccio.

d. N per NEED (bisogno) __ Di cosa hai più bisogno al momento?

Taehyung: Di tempo. 24 ore al giorno non bastano. Nei giorni lavorativi, non faccio altro che lavorare e non mi rimane molto tempo per rilassarmi. Ho poco tempo anche per riposare e dormire. Di tanto in tanto, mi chiedo come sarebbe avere più tempo in una giornata.

d. D per DRAMA __ Se la tua vita fosse un drama, che genere sarebbe?

Taehyung: Credo sarebbe una commedia nera.

d. S per SPECIALE __ Ciò che vorresti dire a qualcuno di speciale?

Taehyung: [ai BTS] Al momento siamo distanti e manca ancora parecchio, ma fino al giorno in cui ci riuniremo, cerchiamo di riguardarci, essere felici e raccogliere le energie e allenare il fisico così da non restare senza fiato quando ci esibiremo in concerto. Quello che mi preoccupa di più, in tal senso, però sono io. Farò del mio meglio.

⠸ ita : © Seoul_ItalyBTS ⠸

[winerys-collection]

Winery's Collection Shelf

See the group your writng for? Want to expand your list? Please Feel Free to read here and see what we accpet.

Aespa- Yu Jimin (Karina), Uchinaga Aeri (Giselle), Kim Minjeong (Winter), Ning Yizhou (NingNing)

ATEEZ - Kim Hongjoong, Park Seonghwa, Jeong Yunho, Kang Yeosang, Choi San, Song Mingi, Jung Wooyoung, Choi Jongho

ACE- Park Jun-Hee (Jun), Le Jiham (Donghun), Kim Seh-Yoon (Wow), Kim Byeong-Kwan, Kang Yu-Chan (Chan)

Big Bang- T.O.P, Taeyang, G-Dragon, Daesung

BLACKPINK - Kim Jisoo, Kim Jennie, Roseanne Park (Rose), Lalisa Manobal (Lisa)

BTS- Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (J-Hope), Kim Namjoon (RM), Park Jimin, Kim Taehyun (V), Jeon Jungkook.

DPR -DPR IAN (Christian Yu), DPR LIVE (Hong Da-bin), DPR CREAM (Kim Kyung-Mo), DPR ARTIC

EXO - Kim Jun Myeon (Suho), Kim Min Seok (Xiumin), Baekhyun, Kim Jong Dae (Chen), Chanyeol, Do Kyung Soo (D.0), Kim Jong In (Kai), Sehun

GOT7 - Mark Yi En Tuan, Lim Jaebeom (Jay B), Wang Jia Er (Jackson Wang), Park Jinyoung, Choi Youngjae, Kunpimook Bhueskul BamBam (BamBam), Kim Yugyeom

(G)I-DLE - Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, Shuha

ITZY - Hwang Yeji, Choi Jisu (Lia), Shin Ryujin, Lee Chaeryeong, Shin Yuna

IVE - An Yu-ji, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-Young, Liz, Leeseo,

KARD - Kim Taehyung (J.Seph), Matthew Kim (BM), Jeon Somin, Jeon Siwoo

LE SSERFIM - Nakamura Kazuha (Kazuha), Kim Chaewon, Miyawaki Sakura (Sakura), Huh Yunjin, Hong Eunchae

MAMAMOO - Kim Yongsun (Solar), Moon Byulyi (Moonbyul), Jung Wheein, Ahn Hyejin (Hwasa)

NMIXX - Haewon, Lily Jin Morrow (Lily), Seol Yoon A (Sullyoon), Bae JIn-Sol (Bae), Jiwoo, Kyujin

NCT DREAM - Mark Lee, Hwang Renjun, Lee Jeno, Lee Donghyeok (Haechan), Na Jaemin, Shong Chenle, Park JIsung

NCT 127 - Johnny Suh, Lee Taeyong, Nakamoto Yuta, Kim Dongyoung (Doyoung), Jeong Yuno (Jaehyun), Kim Jungwoo, Mark Lee, Lee Donghyeok (Haechan)

ONEUS - Hwangwoong, Seoho, Xiaon, Keenhee, Leedo

P1HARMONY - Keeho, Intak, Soul, Jongseob, Jiung, THEO

RED VELVET - Bae Juhyun (Irene), Kang Seulgi, Wendy Son, Park Sooyoung (Joy), Kim Yerim (Yeri)

SEVENTEEN - Choi Seungcheol (S.coups), Yoon Jeonghan, Joshua Hong, Wen Junhui (Jun), Kwon Soonyoung (Hoshi), Jeon Wonwoo, Lee Jihoon (Woozi), Lee Seokmin (DK), Kim Mingyu, Xu Minghao (The8), Boo Seungkwan, Jansol Vernon Chwe (Vernon), Lee Chan (Dino)

SF9 - Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyeon, Yoo Taeyang, Hwiyoung, Chani, Lee Sang Hyuk (Dawon), Baek Ju Ho (Zuho)

SHINEE - Taemin, Lee Jin Ki (Onew), Minho, Kim Ki-Bum (Key)

STRAY KIDS - Christopher Chan Bang (Bang Chan), Lee Minho (Lee Know), Seok Changbin, Hwang Hyunjin, Han JIsung (Han), Felix Lee, Kim Seungmin, Yang Jeongin (I.N.)

SNSD - Taeyeon, Soon Kyu (Sunny), Stephaine Young Hwang (Tiffany), Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun, Jessica

TWICE - Park Jihyo, Im Nayeon, Yoo Jeongyeon, Hirai Momo, Minatozaki Sana, Myoui Mina, Kim Dahyun, Son Chaeyong, Chou tzuyu

TXT - Choi Yeongjun, Choi SOobin, Choi Beomgyu, Kang Taehyun, Kai Kamal Huening (HeuningKai)

WAYV - Qian Kun, Chittaphon Leechaiyaponrkul (Ten) Dong Sicheng (WinWin), Xiao Dejun (Xiaojun), Wong Kunghang (Hendery), Liu YangYang

XDINARY HEROS - Goo Gunil, Kim Jungsu, Kwak Jiseok (Gaon), Oh Seungmin (O.de), Uan Hyeongjun (Jun Han), Lee Jooyeon

[hurrem123]

One shots de fantasía

Aquí vas a descubrir tú mundo de fantasía.

Series de anime

Series de anime

(demon slayer)

Matrimonio arreglado

Rengoku

Dragón Ball

El regreso del guerrero

Goku x Tn

jujutsu kaisen

Mí Luz

Toji x reader

Mí amado cazador

Zero Kiryuu x reader kuran

BTS

Historias de la fantasía del amor

En otro lado

Kim Taehyung

Series de kpop

( Jeon jungkook)

Far away.

[ldenbdtk]

wattpad'e atmaktan çekindiklerimden:

"bir sorun mu var?"

sessiz kaldım. gözlerimi kaçırdım, o an endişeli bakışlarının tamamıyla bana odaklandığını hissettim.

"dinliyorum."

biraz duraksadım, sanki ne diyeceğimi düşünüyordum zihnimde. ama sonra zihnimle dilim arasındaki o bağ koptu aniden,

"kendimden nefret ediyorum."

"jeongguk-"

"hayır, hayır çok uzun süredir. bunu değiştiremezsin. kendimden nefret ediyorum. çok, çok nefret ediyorum. o kadar berbat bir insanım ki; kafanda oluşturduğun o melek gibi, iyi kalpli jeongguk değilim ben. yanında hep güler yüzlü olan jeongguk değilim. yaşamak istemiyorum ben, yaşam izin vermiyor yaşamama. ben senin bildiğin o hayat enerjisi yüksek jeongguk değilim, hiçbir zaman olmadım. ne kadar berbat bir insan olduğumu bilmiyorsun tamam mı? ne neler yaşadığımı ne de ne denli kendimden nefret ettiğimi bilmiyorsun. hiçbir şey deme, hiç kimse değiştiremez bunu. yaşamak istemiyorum, ölmek istemiyorum. nefes alan bir ölü gibi dolanıyorum burada ben. ben bu dünyaya ölmek için geldim. taehyung, ben kendimden nefret ediyorum. öyle çok nefret ediyorum ki kendimden, babamdan nefret ettiğimden daha çok nefret ediyorum. anlıyor musun?"

nefes nefese, bakışlarımı gözlerine doğru çevirirken boş gözlerle bana bakmasını bekledim, çekip gitmesini bekledim. bir hayal kırıklığı, bir acıma duygusu aradım yüzünde, gözlerinde ama o sadece sıkıca sarıldı bana. gözlerimden bir damla yaş dahi akamazken, sıkıca sarıldı bana. ağlamayı unutmuş, boş gözlerle güneşin neredeyse battığı gökyüzüne bakarken, sıkıca sarılıyordu bana. karşılık vermedim, sadece omzuna yasladım kafamı yavaşça o daha da sarmalarken vücudumu. hissettiklerimin bir tarifi yoktu. yoğun duygular içerisinde değildim o an, kafamı omzuna yaslayana kadar da hiçbir şey hissetmiyordum. sadece omzuna yaslandığım an bir yorgunluk hissettim, çoktan hissetmiş olmam gereken. bedenim uzun bir süre sonra ağır geldi bana. kulaklarım çınlıyor, bir yandan kuş sesleri dolduruyordu kulaklarımı. ben yaşamak istemezken yaşamın içine çekiyordu beni.

tüm gücümün tükendiğini hissediyordum. nasıl yaşardım, nasıl devam ederdim? arafta kaybolmuşken, yaşam ve ölüm arasında dolanırken nasıl geri dönerdiniz yaşama? nasıl yaşardınız ölümün kıyısında? ben yapamıyordum. pes etmek değil bu, seni tamamıyla tüketmiş yaşamın ruhunu emmesi ve hislerle dolu dünyada hissiz bırakmasıydı. yaşam, savaşlarla dolu dünyanın barış dolu limanı olmanı istiyordu senden. öyle bir yer mi var?

kendimle barışmamı, kendimle yaşamamı söylüyordu. yalnız yaşam her ne kadar savaşlarla dolu olsa da, ben bir barış limanı değildim. ben savaşlarla dolu yaşamın fırtınalarında kendini kaybetmiş, ıssız okyanusun ortasında umutsuzca dikilen bir gemiydim. lâkin insanlar umudu getirdiğimi söylüyordu.

insanlar bilmiyor.

bedenimin kendisini tamamıyla bedenine bıraktığını hissediyordum. dizlerimin üzerine çökerken o da çöktü benimle, biraz daha kendine çekti beni, vücudunu salıncağın direğine yasladı, biraz daha sarmaladı bedenimi. biraz daha, biraz daha...

konuşmadık, dakikalarca dinledik sessizliğimizi. kuşların sesi azalmaya başladı, güneş bıraktı gökyüzünü karanlığına, hava soğudu gitgide, ben biraz daha sokuldum göğsüne.

uykum yoktu, yorgundum, üşüyordum biraz. gözlerimi kapattım, yaşadığımı hissetmek istiyordum çünkü. ama nefret ediyordum yaşamaktan. ben nefes almaya çabalarken hareketlendi yerinde, ceketini üzerimde buldum az sonra. biraz daha sarmaladı bedenimi, biraz daha...

biraz daha sarmaladı ruhumu, biraz daha...

"jeongguk..." diye fısıldadı. cevap vermedim. küçük bir mırıltı bıraktım, dinlediğimi bilmesini istermiş gibi. aynı, biraz yorgun ses tonuyla; fısıltıyla devam etti.

"yaşadıklarının, yaptıklarının, düşündüklerinin hepsini bir kenara koyuyorum. ben şu an kollarımda olan, başını omzuma yaslamış, göğsüme sokulmuş jeongguk'la yaşamak istiyorum."

sol eliyle yanağımı kavrarken kaldırdı başımı omzundan, gözlerimin en derinlerine baktı sanki o an; "gözlerinde gördüğüm o küçük jeongguk'u yeniden yaşamanı sağlamak istiyorum, hiç yaşayamamış olan o çocuğu yaşatmak istiyorum. tüm hatalarını, tüm yaptıklarını bir kenara bırakıyorum. biliyorum, sağlıklı değil. ama biraz aykırılık istiyorum,

sessizleşti, derin bir nefes aldı. söyleyeceklerini düşündü sanki o an,

seni seviyorum."

dolan gözlerimle bakarken ona, alnını alnıma yasladı. devam etti gözlerime bakmaya; sanki o baktıkça artıyordu gözlerimdeki yaşlar, ama hâlâ süzülmüyorlardı. gözlerim kapandı sonra yavaşça; sonrasını görmek değil, hissetmek istedim. hissetmek istedim; hissizleşmek için çabaladığım tüm anlarımı bir kenara bıraktım, tüm düşüncelerim uçup gitti zihnimden, tüm bedenim teslim etti kendini bedenine.

zihnim boş, saçlarım dağınık, onun sıcaklığında üşüyorken devam etti,

"jeongguk," duraksadı. gözlerimi açtım, o gözlerimin içine bakarken. gözlerinden bir damla yaş süzüldü ve fısıldadı, "seni seviyorum."

benim de gözlerimden bir yaş süzüldü.

[kaesficrecarchive]

darling you could you give me more fluff fluff taekook fics ??? ( btw your work is amazing and am always happy to see an update from ya !!!)

i feel like i've recommended all the fluffiest fic already ;-;

Sol by VeryGhost (1/1 | 3,511 | G)

Taehyung doesn’t like summer until he meets a certain lifeguard who makes his heart skip a few beats.

Lover Boy, Listen! by mlojo (1/1 | 14,560 | M)

Kim Taehyung is in love. Jeon Jungkook is most certainly not.

Just say the word, you know I'm yours by lovingit (1/1 | 17,145 | E)

Jeongguk hires Taehyung to babysit his son not expecting his life to change so much, for the best.

Of Black Scales and Soft Sheets by pocketggukie (2/2 | 18,523 | E)

Riders are supposed to be matched with their dragons soon after their twenty first birthdays. It's been two years and Taehyung was still very much dragon-less while all his friends had long since happily found theirs. Just when he had given up on ever finding his match, he was introduced to a beautiful Night Fury with eyes that rivaled the stars.

wondering, where you’ve been by fromthesub (milaskv) (2/2 | 19,362 | E)

Alpha Jeongguk and Omega Taehyung have known each other all of their lives being in the same pack, but never really crossed paths. That is until Jeongguk’s little brother grows attached to the daycare worker and Jeongguk begins to understand why.

He is the cause of my euphoria by Nenaiwenor (11/11 | 66,066 | E)

Jeon Jungkook, a Korean expat, works as a software designer in San Francisco and as he goes to pick up his best friend's daughter from school, he meets her P.E. teacher, Mr. Kim. There's something very familiar about the teacher and Jungkook is instantly drawn to the man.

Fall Right Into You by alwayswithyou320 (8/8 | 123,286 | E)

Kim Taehyung, one of Seoul’s most eligible bachelors, runs head first into a stranger in an alleyway, effectively ruining his outfit and his ability to make it to work on time. When the insistent stranger offers to repay him for his damages, Taehyung cashes in by asking him to be his fake date to an upcoming wedding, not realizing that the man he asked is Jeon Jungkook, the world-famous singer, household name, and absolutely gorgeous heartthrob.

(* tagged light angst)

[chimcess]

→ Chapter Three: Harboring a Fugitive Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags: Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre: Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, Word Count: 10.3k+ Synopsis: Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the south and known as the “land of magic.” It is also home to the Bridd, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the newest Bridd, a young girl who was given her position too early. Now a woman, Y/N is revered amongst the wolves as the most powerful witch they have ever known, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: Long haired Jimin, Strong language, blood, main character injured, main character beaten (not explicit), fighting, argument, near death experience, angst, fluff, backstory time, flashbacks, I’m putting PTSD on all of these because poor reader is suffering, I love Taehyung so much, I forgot how much I missed his playful attitude, brooding Jimin as always, crying, hurt/comfort, I hate Ahn, let me know if I missed anything A/N: This rewriting has been more fun than I thought it would be. I think the next chapter will have the most changes thus far, but I am still trying to keep everything as close as possible. Thanks for reading!

prev. || masterlist || next

I was jolted awake by a frantic pounding on the front door. My eyes cracked open, and the sting of exhaustion made them burn like hot coals. As I surveyed the room, I realized I’d been changed and cleaned, but Yoongi’s presence was conspicuously absent. Jimin, too, seemed to have vanished, though I couldn’t recall when Yoongi had arrived. Sleep was already slipping through my fingers, the relentless knocking dragging me back to wakefulness.

With a groan of protest from every muscle, I limped to the living room. Shiloh’s gentle breathing from her nest was the only sound beside the incessant banging. It struck me that she must have been utterly spent to have slept through it all. At last, I reached the door and threw it open, only to be greeted by one of the most heart-wrenching sights I’d seen in ages.

Kim Taehyung stood there, a broken mess. His hair was a tangle of knots and his body was a bruised and battered mosaic of purples and blues. I forced myself to straighten up, though my exhaustion made it a struggle. As I guided him inside, my heart shattered at the sound of his sobs.

Ahn had clearly done a number on him, and the rage that simmered beneath my surface was nearly overwhelming. But Taehyung was in no state to handle my fury. His suffering was both physical and emotional, and I needed to tend to him first. As he choked out the details of his ordeal, I listened with clenched teeth.

After we left, Ahn had dragged Taehyung into a secluded room at the palace, where the beating began. It was as if the old man believed he could pummel the boy into submission. The thought nearly made me scream. Soon, three others from the council joined in, and though some had protested, none had the courage to stand against it. Sol had been taken from him, her screams echoing in his ears.

“I’ve got your face,” I muttered, dipping back into a jar of salve. I’d already applied two jars to his face and neck. “Strip down. I need to check for infections.”

Taehyung nodded through his tears. I didn’t let myself stare too long, though it was impossible not to see the condition of his battered body. I focused on his stomach, my hands working with a rough, frustrated rhythm.

“I can’t believe this,” I grunted. “Why did you let them do this to you?”

Taehyung winced as I pressed too hard on a tender spot. “I didn’t want to fight,” he said. “I don’t want to rule with violence. Fighting and shouting… it’s uncivilized.”

I laughed, though it was devoid of humor. “So, you let them do whatever they want with you? You’d let them kill you?”

He was silent, unable to answer. 

“If you want to be taken seriously,” I said, opening another jar of salve and rubbing it into his chest, “you have to stand up for yourself. Your idea of civility doesn’t align with the old guard.”

Taehyung’s expression darkened, and he looked genuinely troubled. His naivety struck me hard, and I felt a surge of anger. If Ahn were here, I’d deal with him myself. How dare he orchestrate such cruelty? The thought of him parading around while a child suffered made my blood boil.

While I agreed with Taehyung’s ideals, the others would never accept them easily. He needed to fight if he wanted respect. Chief Ahn would never allow a different kind of leadership. My anger flared again—Kim Taehyung was far more worthy of leadership than that miserable excuse for a man. An epiphany hit me: no one else was as suited to rule Foxglove as Taehyung, with his diplomacy and kindness.

“I understand,” I said, wincing as Taehyung flinched away from my touch. “But you can’t let them push you around. Their views of manhood are archaic, and though your village knows it, fear makes people cling to the familiar. Ahn exploits that fear to boost his own ego.”

Taehyung’s gaze was inscrutable, his eyes following my every movement but revealing nothing. He seemed to be weighing my words carefully.

“I wanted to fight,” he confessed, his voice a whisper of shame. “I wanted to kill them all, but then they’d win. I’d become the man they wanted me to be, but the village would fear and resent me like they fear Ahn.”

His introspection was unexpected but not unwelcome. I’d never heard him speak with such depth before. His voice, deep and smooth like molasses, carried a melancholy tune. It was a stark contrast to his youthful charm, making me remember he’d only turned eighteen a month ago.

“Isn’t running away also letting them win?” I asked gently.

Taehyung sighed. “I had no choice. Ahn was trying to stir up enough trouble to force someone to challenge me for Sol. No one took the bait, so I managed to slip away. Jong-gyu helped me get out, and Eun-jin told our mother I was leaving.”

Taehyung’s siblings always seemed to feature in his stories, and their importance to him was clear. Jong-gyu, only eleven, and Eun-jin, just six, were his little anchors. The thought of them plotting an escape for their eldest brother was heartbreaking.

I wiped my hands on my nightgown and stood up. Taehyung was smeared in salve, and the bruises were already fading. His ribs would need more time, so I headed to the kitchen, searching for a healing potion. I didn’t have the energy to make one from scratch at this hour.

“Why did you come here?” I asked softly.

Taehyung sighed. “Because I knew you’d help me.”

The pity I felt for him returned with a vengeance. Imagining him hurt and abandoned, unable to trust anyone else, made my heart ache. I found an old potion in the back of a cupboard, checked its scent, and decided it was still good.

“You can stay as long as you need,” I said, handing him the potion. “Sol is my friend, and I’ll do my best to keep you safe.”

Taehyung seemed relieved. He drank the potion, curled up on the couch, and was asleep almost immediately. The sight of him, so utterly exhausted, made me stifle a laugh. I began extinguishing the candles and tidying up the used salves. I’d need to prepare more soon.

Exhausted and still recovering from the ceremony, I dragged myself back to bed. Shiloh was waiting for me, her feathers ruffled in disapproval.

“How many times do I have to tell you to take your bedrest seriously?” she chided.

I groaned and collapsed into my bed. It was warm and inviting. Shiloh flapped to her nest, feathers drifting onto my sheets, but I ignored them. I was used to the constant cleaning by now.

“It was Taehyung,” I protested weakly.

“I don’t care if it was Fenrir himself at the door, you need to stay in bed—”

“Shiloh,” I warned, “Swîgian âstillian.”

The owl grumbled, but I was too far gone to listen.

The pounding at my front door was relentless, dragging me from a restless sleep. Groggy and stiff, I rolled over with a groan, my body protesting every move. Outside, a cacophony of angry voices pierced the morning quiet, and among them, someone was calling for Taehyung. That was the spark that ignited my fury. Furious and aching, I summoned my magic to lift myself out of bed and threw on my robe.

Taehyung was curled up in a tight ball in front of the sofa, barely stirring as I stormed past him to the door. Shiloh’s frantic screeches filled the air, demanding I retreat back to bed and let the wolves handle their own mess. But when their politics come knocking at my door, I had every right to give them a piece of my mind.

With a deep breath to steady my rage, I squared my shoulders and thrust my arms forward. The front door exploded off its hinges and crashed into whoever was standing behind it. Namjoon barely flinched as he shoved the door aside with a practiced swipe, his eyes wide with shock. But I wasn’t finished. I began to sing, a storm of objects swirling around the room in a chaotic dance. Namjoon staggered back, but this only fueled my anger further. Shiloh’s voice cut through the chaos as a fierce blue flame erupted from my palm and hurtled towards the wolf.

“Hwæt−hwugu ðrîstian êow?” I roared, the magic dissipating as my singing ceased. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

Hoseok and Jimin flanked their brother, their expressions a mix of concern and annoyance. I knew I’d regret attacking them eventually, probably the moment they left, but in this moment, I couldn’t bring myself to back down. No one was going to come here and intimidate me. The rational part of my brain screamed for me to stop, breathe, and listen, but the louder, angrier voice wanted to shatter them all. Taehyung had been battered and bleeding last night, and yet none of these so-called protectors had lifted a finger to help.

“Bridd—” Hoseok began.

I cut him off, my gaze locked on Namjoon. He stared at the ashen spot where the flames had struck, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. My anger burned hotter, and I felt a fresh wave of pain in my back—clearly, I had overextended myself with the magic. My body was struggling to heal, blood seeping from old wounds.

“Sê ðafian êower m¯ægð teohhian êower weorðfulnes?” I roared, my eyes blazing. “Sol chose him. The Gods chose him! Do you think you’re somehow superior to them now? Are you so blinded by your precious Chief’s biases that you’d let this happen?”

Namjoon swallowed hard, his eyes finally meeting mine. “Of course not. I—”

“You listen to me,” I sneered, cutting him off. “If you ever have the audacity to come banging on my door again, I swear, I will not show you the same mercy.”

Namjoon stammered, unable to form a coherent response. I could feel my strength waning, the red haze in my vision receding. Shiloh’s persistent shouts to come inside and let Taehyung handle things himself were drowned out by my determination. No one else was here to protect him if things turned violent, and I’d never forgive myself for leaving him exposed. I stood tall, though my stance was more relaxed now, my anger still simmering beneath the surface.

“We’re here to speak with Taehyung,” Hoseok pleaded. “We have no intention of fighting with you or him. Namjoon needs to deliver a message.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but Taehyung’s voice cut through the din. 

“I’m fine, Bridd,” he said, his tone calm but wary. He stayed behind me, peering cautiously at the intruders. “What’s the word?”

“Don’t be angry with me, cousin,” Namjoon began, stepping forward.

I instinctively moved to defend Taehyung, taking up a protective stance. Namjoon halted, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender while Hoseok stood beside him, and Jimin remained still, his gaze fixed on me with an unreadable expression. If I was thinking clearly, I might understand his wary posture, but in my agitated state, it only stung.

“I have challenged you,” Namjoon said, and all thoughts of Jimin vanished.

“Quare?” Taehyung’s voice was thick with disbelief and hurt. “What have I ever done to you?”

Namjoon’s expression softened, but I readied myself to protect Taehyung at all costs. No one was going to harm him—not while I had breath in my body. Sol was my friend, and I wouldn’t let anyone, especially not someone like Ahn, destroy their lives. I knew Namjoon well enough to anticipate his attempts to play both sides for peace, a trait I despised.

“So no one else would,” Namjoon said, trying to convince Taehyung. “We’re trying to buy time to come up with a plan. I swear, I have no intention of fighting you.”

“Putasne me stultum esse?” Taehyung hissed, his body radiating heat. “You’re trying to take Sol from me!”

Namjoon’s face went pale. I felt a surge of pride for Taehyung, agreeing with his rage. Namjoon’s arrogance, coupled with his obsession with Sol, made it hard to believe that the challenge was solely for Taehyung’s benefit. The other two wolves’ skeptical expressions confirmed my doubts.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Taehyung,” Namjoon pleaded, his agitation growing. “I mean what I say, even if you’re too dense to understand it.”

Taehyung growled, and I had to steady my racing heart. I needed to shield him inside. Namjoon could leave, and I would be exposed to the sun if he chose to exploit that. Still, I held my defensive posture. Taehyung was done talking, and both Hoseok and Namjoon waited for his next move.

Suddenly, Shiloh burst out of the house with a loud screech. The chaos unfolded in a flash. Shiloh lunged at Namjoon, who transformed into a wolf mid-air. Taehyung’s massive frame surged forward, and before I could react, I was thrust into the sunlight. My face slammed against the front steps, and the sun’s rays seared my back. Pain shot through my ankle as metal cut into my skin.

My skin felt like it was on fire. Screams erupted uncontrollably from my throat as I struggled to focus on Shiloh. I saw her turning towards me just as a large, russet wolf nudged her aside. Hands grabbed me, pulling me back inside. My body trembled with pain, my vision filled with white as I screamed. All around me, voices clashed, but the pain consumed me.

“Quid irrumabo facimus?” Hoseok shouted.

“Nescio,” Taehyung’s voice sounded choked with tears.

My eyes rolled back, the agony overwhelming my senses. The ceiling came into view as I raised a trembling hand. Black feathers had pierced through my skin, and I cried out in fresh distress.

“Recedite ab ea!” someone screamed, but the words were indistinguishable.

“Licuitne futura est?”

Something was happening nearby, but all I could focus on was the searing fire inside me. I knew the pain would eventually subside, but I needed something to help ease it. My mouth opened to speak, but only screams escaped.

“It burns,” I managed to grunt through the convulsions.

Hands touched me, but my vision blurred. Sleep was impossible, and my body was in its worst state yet. Between the ceremony, the magic use, and the sun exposure, I’d be out of commission for a week—or more.

“Move,” Shiloh’s voice cut through the chaos.

Through my half-opened eyes, I saw not an owl but a radiant woman standing before me. Her fiery hair shimmered like it was underwater, and her skin glowed with a diamond-like brilliance. She looked like an ethereal vision, and I reached out to her. Her tears sparkled as she gently touched my hand.

“Slêpte,” she whispered, her fingers brushing my arm.

A wave of relief washed over me, and I sighed deeply. I closed my eyes, curling up next to Shiloh. Exhaustion hit me all at once, and I could hear growls and frantic voices, but they were far away. Someone was crying, but I was too tired to identify who it was.

“I’m going to put you to bed,” the woman whispered softly. “Where you belong.”

When I finally dragged myself back to consciousness, the smell of cooking food was like a beacon in a fog of confusion. I was back in my bed, with memories of the night before slipping through my fingers like sand. Shiloh had been there in her spirit form—so ethereal, so beautiful I imagined her future self would be just as mesmerizing. With a groan, I forced myself upright, my body protesting with every movement. No one would harm Taehyung while I still drew breath, and I clung to the hope that he was safe and sound somewhere in my house.

Stumbling into the kitchen, I grabbed the door frame for support. The stove was ablaze, a pot bubbling away on top, filling the room with the rich, smoky aroma of applewood. The kitchen sparkled, cleaner than it had ever been, as if someone had swept away not just dirt but the very chaos of my life. The scent of lemon mingled with the sharp tang of onions, a strange comfort in the midst of this turmoil.

“You should be in bed.”

The voice, coming out of nowhere, made me jump. I whipped around to find Jimin sprawled in my recliner, looking unusually somber. Taehyung stood by the fireplace, his gaze fixed on me with a mix of concern and something else I couldn’t quite place. Hoseok and Namjoon were absent, and my heart sank at the lack of familiar presence.

“Where’s Shiloh?” I demanded, stumbling forward and clutching the kitchen island.

Taehyung was at my side in an instant, his touch gentle but insistent. “Please, don’t push yourself, Bridd,” he said softly, guiding me to the small loveseat.

Jimin, ever the thoughtful one, draped a blanket over me as if I were a child. He must have been busy while I slept, rummaging through my things. Glancing at my hands, I saw the feathers had been replaced by jagged scars, a cruel reminder of the price I’d paid. My heart sank at the sight, a pang of sorrow tightening in my chest. Jimin’s hand covered mine, offering a silent comfort.

“She stepped out for a while,” Jimin said, his voice rough, like he’d been yelling. 

I remembered my anger towards him and Namjoon, but now it seemed distant, irrelevant. Seeing Jimin’s weary face, I knew he’d been affected deeply by the events. He was no longer the faceless alpha from my anger-fueled memories but someone I felt genuine empathy for. Taehyung’s presence, however, still rankled. Namjoon’s arrogance had hurt him deeply, and no matter his intentions, the challenge he issued had only made things worse.

“Is everyone alright?” I asked, trying to focus on the present.

Jimin shrugged, “Everyone but you. Namjoon and I had a disagreement before he left, but he’ll be fine.”

I scowled at Jimin. “I don’t like the idea of you fighting.”

Jimin’s grin was faint but reassuring. “Don’t worry, amica. I won.”

“Doesn’t change my feelings.” I grumbled, turning to look at Taehyung. His face was a mask of confusion, his eyes betraying an inner turmoil. The fleeting glances he shot between Jimin and me hinted at a struggle to make sense of it all. He winked at me, and I looked away, wondering if he’d caught onto my feelings.

Was it possible he had seen more than I intended? I knew Taehyung was perceptive, his mischievous nature hiding a sharp awareness. But right now, I was too exhausted to dwell on it. Jimin’s presence was a balm to my troubled mind.

“If it’s alright with you, I’d like to stay here until Taehyung decides what to do,” Jimin said, surprising me.

“What for?” I asked.

“I’m sorry for pushing you,” Taehyung interjected. “I didn’t realize you were so close, and I was overwhelmed.”

I shook my head, dismissing his apology. “It’s not your fault, Taehyung.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung scoffed. “You’re covered in scars because of my actions, and now my cousin is angry with all of us because of the fight. Hoseok said it’s best if we stay away from the village for a while. We can’t go back home.”

This news didn’t surprise me. I had no intention of letting Taehyung leave my cottage anytime soon, but Jimin’s exile was either a self-imposed punishment or Hoseok’s attempt to cool Namjoon’s temper. It made sense—challenging Taehyung was hardly a diplomatic move. 

Jimin suddenly produced a letter from his pocket, catching me off guard. “I found the letter your friend sent you.”

A spark of recognition flickered. “Wendy!” I exclaimed.

Jimin looked almost bashful, his discomfort evident. I tugged my arm free and hurried to my coat rack, desperate to retrieve the letter. But before I could make it, Taehyung’s arms encircled me.

“Taehyung, let me go,” I demanded, struggling against his hold.

“Sit. You’re hurt,” he pleaded, guiding me back to the sofa.

Frustrated, I bit his arm, causing him to yelp and release me. I landed on the floor with a thud, glaring up at him.

“This is ridiculous,” I complained. “You come into my home, rifle through my belongings, and now you won’t let me read my own letter? She’s my friend! If it’s important, I need to know.”

Jimin sighed, frustration etched into his features. “If you’d had a bit more patience, I could have handed it to you. It’s in my pocket.”

“If you’d just said that instead of staring at me like I’m an idiot—” I retorted, hobbling back to the sofa and grabbing the letter from his hands. “—I wouldn’t have gotten up.”

Jimin’s glare was sharp but silent. I settled into my spot, Taehyung’s weary gaze fixed on me. The need to apologize for my earlier actions was there, but I fought it. He had overstepped, and I had reacted. Still, the urge to make amends lingered.

The letter from Wendy was a balm to my troubled thoughts. Her words painted a picture of her own struggles, and as I read, my heart sank. She was thinking about not coming back hom after her sister’s wedding. She didn’t think Jin would take her back and that she had ruined his and Yoongi’s friendship. Shiloh must have gone to find her after reading the letter. I mentally thanked her and began to draft a reply.

Wendy, darling,

I’m relieved to hear from you. The events here in Bangtan have been tumultuous, and I’ve hardly had a moment to breathe. The ceremony has left me weary, and I hope you can help me unwind once you return. 

Forget the fools who have caused you distress. Remember the things that truly matter: your mother, the sisterhood, the coven, and the forest. No one else can tame a magindara or purify the sea like you. Don’t let trivial matters deter you from enjoying life. I’m thrilled about Nixie’s engagement and wish I could be there with her.

But life has charted a different course for both of us. I’m scared, Wendy—every day brings new fears—but I embrace it all, the sunshine, the flowers, the wind. As Aldara said, “Fear reminds us that we’re alive.” So, don’t give up just yet. Keep swimming and return home. Talk to Seokjin; he will understand. Yoongi holds no ill will. Release your fantasies and root yourself in reality.

We’ve all made mistakes, but we can mend our friendships if nothing else. If you truly wish to be with Jin, then go for it. He has long pursued you while you focused elsewhere. I want our circle whole again, with everyone finding their happiness. So go ahead. Even if I’m afraid, you need not be.

Missing you dearly,

B

I watched as the letter dried, my body easing into a more bearable state. With renewed energy, I rummaged for an envelope. Shiloh would usually handle sending things, but I was alone in this. Grabbing my ceremonial bag, I sifted through it until I found my meteor powder. Taking a deep breath, I began sketching Wendy’s face. My hand moved with practiced ease, though my heart pounded with anxiety. 

With a final incantation, I threw the powder onto the parchment. The paper vanished in an instant. I mumbled a hope that it reached her safely.

“That was so cool!” Taehyung’s voice broke my reverie.

I chuckled. “Not as cool as my own magic, but it will have to do. I can hardly feel anything in my body.”

Returning to the couch, I curled up beside Jimin. He looked worried, a sentiment I hadn’t expected from him. I had probably done more harm than good with my earlier actions, but for now, I would let it be. 

“She seemed upset,” Jimin said, his voice laced with concern. “I hadn’t realized your friends were involved in this way.”

I was taken aback by his empathy. “It’s been a thing since we were children. Don’t worry too much; she’ll come back, and they’ll figure it out.”

“Why aren’t they together now?” Taehyung asked.

“Because,” I sighed, “they don’t truly know what they want.”

Jimin served us a bowl of cabbage stew, plain but comforting. As I ate, I drifted into a restless sleep on the small couch, the unsettling dream I woke from fading as Jimin gently returned me to bed. I didn’t wake again until after sunset, finding solace in the quiet as the world outside continued its chaotic spin.

Taehyung was a surprising guest. He took care of the space, cleaned up after himself, and was generally a delight to have around. He was like a new breed of house guest, one who didn’t leave a trail of destruction in his wake. The supplies I had been sending to Foxglove had stopped—something Taehyung and Jimin didn't quite agree with, but that was their problem. They didn’t deserve my help if they were going to squander it. No one had come for anything lately, leading me to believe they were either boycotting my services or simply too intimidated by the presence of the wolves to make an appearance.

Wendy’s letter arrived the next morning, confirming she was on her way back. She’d even written to Jin, though I could only guess what she had said. Seokjin was notorious for spilling secrets, so I expected to hear all about it sooner or later.

I took a deep breath, opening my eyes to the sight of my altar. My magic had returned a few days ago, but I’d let it rest. Today was the first time I’d performed a ritual spell in days. I glanced over my shoulder, offering a soft smile to Jimin, who was napping on my sofa.

Our conversations since that night had been sparse, but Jimin was doing his best to help Taehyung devise a plan to win over the town. I thought it was a foolish endeavor, but I supported it nonetheless. Jimin’s reputation in the community was invaluable, and having him on Taehyung’s side significantly boosted his chances. I knew the pack missed both of them, and I hoped Namjoon would make an appearance soon. We had much to discuss, and I wanted to apologize for my loud outburst. No matter what anyone else said, I took much of the blame for that disastrous encounter.

“What’s a cah-dee-jo?” Taehyung’s voice cut through my thoughts, loud and inquisitive.

“A cadejo,” I corrected, rolling my eyes, “are spirits that guide worthy travelers.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “And if they’re not worthy?”

“They’ll eat them,” I replied with an ease that bordered on nonchalance.

Taehyung had taken a keen interest in my books after discovering something I’d written about the magindara as a child. He devoured them so quickly that I found myself fetching more from the cellar just to keep up. Despite his naivety, Taehyung was a bright young man with an insatiable curiosity. He never settled for a single answer and listened with rapt attention.

“Why?” he asked.

“Why not?”

Taehyung fell silent, returning to his reading. I found myself growing fond of him, wishing he could go back home. The way his eyes lit up when he spoke of his siblings tugged at my heart. His parents must be in a constant state of worry.

After spending most of the morning sitting, I decided to make lunch. Shiloh was due back later that day. Wendy had mentioned that my familiar had arrived at her inn just before sending the letter, so I knew Shiloh was safe. Thinking about her stirred a mix of emotions in me. Exposing her spirit form was a dangerous risk, one I’d never have asked of her, but she had done it anyway.

I approached the kitchen window, whistling loudly as I began pulling out a pot and pan. Tomato soup seemed like the perfect choice, and I could whip up a quick loaf of bread to go with it. Moments later, Delinah appeared at my window. I glanced up from dicing onions, smiling at the deer.

“Morning, Dee,” I greeted.

She dipped her head. “Glad to see you up and about. You gave us all quite a scare.”

I hummed in response, tossing the onions into the pot along with three heads of garlic, some fresh herbs, and a splash of oil. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jimin stirring on the sofa.

“I’m as good as new,” I joked, using a spell to light the stove. “Would you mind fetching some tomatoes from Seokjin’s garden? I’d ask Shiloh, but she’s out of the forest for the day.”

“Where did she go?” Delinah asked, tugging the cloth tote from the windowsill with her mouth.

“Northorn,” I replied.

“Northorn? What’s so important in that dreadful place?”

I laughed, helping her secure the tote around her neck. Delinah nuzzled my hands, and I promised her carrots upon her return.

“To answer your question,” I said, returning to the counter, “Wendy’s trying to run away, so Shiloh’s bringing her back.”

Delinah laughed, “Oh, that Wendy Byrd. She’s a wild card, that one.”

“But we love her.”

Jimin got up as soon as Delinah left, and Taehyung remained engrossed in my book about magical beasts. I took over the task of roasting onions and garlic, letting them caramelize over the open flame. The tomatoes would soon follow. I could hear the two men conversing quietly, but I chose to ignore them. Privacy in this house was a rare luxury.

Delinah returned swiftly, and I sent her off with a bundle of carrots. After roasting the tomatoes, I used my pestle and mortar to blend everything into a smooth puree before adding it to the pot.

“Bridd,” Taehyung called out. “Can I get your opinion on something?”

I nodded. “Ask away.”

“I want to write a letter to Namjoon, but I’m unsure how he’d take it.”

I paused, contemplating. A letter might not help much. Ahn and his tricks made it unlikely that any letter would reach Namjoon. With people actively looking for him, showing his face might only stir up more trouble. Namjoon’s challenge was official, and only revoking it would end the conflict. I had faith in Taehyung’s ability to defend himself if necessary, though his reluctance to fight was apparent. Namjoon’s determination was formidable, but I doubted it would come to a lethal confrontation.

“I don’t think it would help much,” I said. “You know Ahn’s methods. A letter might not even get through.”

Taehyung sighed in defeat, and I felt a pang of sympathy. I understood his predicament all too well. I remembered Aldara’s lessons in defensive magic, though I had never been able to strike her. It wasn’t until that fateful night that I realized my potential for harm. I shuddered at the thought, wishing no one, especially Taehyung, had to face such a fate.

“I’m sorry it has to be this way,” I said, mixing the soup.

“Me too,” Taehyung replied.

We ate lunch in silence. Jimin was unusually quiet, his mind clearly occupied. Being away from his pack for three days must have been weighing on him. Wolves were creatures of family, and the silence must have been particularly hard for him.

Taehyung didn’t ask anything more after that. He spent the rest of the day sprawled on the floor by the fireplace, devouring book after book, while Jimin gazed out of the windows and scribbled in a journal. They stayed inside, avoiding the outdoors. I managed to complete a few chores, practice some new spells, and jot down notes in my grimoire. The atmosphere was stifling, and it wasn’t until Shiloh returned at sunset that the house stirred with activity.

In a flurry of feathers and screeches, the barn owl flew through my bedroom window, her voice echoing off the walls. I hastily threw my pen onto my grimoire, the black ink smearing across the pages in a ruinous streak. I didn’t care; Shiloh was back, and that was enough.

“Between those wolves and you witches,” she complained, “I’ll never catch a break.”

“Oh, Shiloh,” I cooed, opening my arms to her.

My familiar dove into my embrace, letting herself be fussed over. I petted her head, smoothing down her feathers. She leaned into my touches, and I couldn’t recall the last time I had smiled so broadly.

“You’re so strong and mighty, little one. I missed you dearly.”

She laughed, “I’m glad to see you up and moving again.”

“Where’s Wendy?” I asked, releasing her from my hug.

Shiloh flew into the kitchen, and I followed. She pecked at the leftover bread from lunch and took note of the wolves still lounging in the living room. She seemed pleased they were still there and gave a nod of approval to Taehyung. I chuckled at her antics.

“She’ll be back after her sister’s wedding.”

“Oh, wonderful!” I clapped my hands together in delight.

“Another pain in my ass,” Shiloh muttered.

And I laughed. I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Transformation was always an adjustment. Even now, after all this time, I still felt disoriented by the process. On Taehyung’s first night here, he nearly broke down my bedroom door in his panic to check on me. If Jimin hadn’t reassured him, I was sure Taehyung would have been deeply traumatized. Tonight was the fourth night, and Taehyung slept soundly through my night terrors. Shiloh had gone to bed early, leaving Jimin as the only one awake when I flew in through the kitchen window.

He wore the same clothes he had for days—something I had hand-washed twice but he refused to part with. I had made clothes for Taehyung, but Jimin’s

 rejection of them stung. I never brought it up again, simply washing and magically drying them. Tonight, Jimin had removed his usual long cape, his socks and shoes were missing, and his belt was nowhere to be seen. His hair fell loose, cascading to his waist, and a simple headband kept his bangs out of his eyes. He sat at the kitchen island, engrossed in whatever he was writing.

“Hello,” he greeted, offering a tired smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

He looked worn out, more so than usual, and Taehyung snored loudly on the floor, rolling over without a care. Jimin continued to scribble on the papers, unperturbed. I hopped closer and peered at the writing, recognizing the familiar scrawl.

It was the paper I had used during my visit a few weeks ago. Seeing it brought a wave of emotions, my heart swelling with affection. The fact that he had kept it, carried it around, left me breathless.

I’m feeling better.

Not if it’s something you like.

I love blueberries.

You did nothing wrong, Alpha. I promise.

“It brings me comfort,” Jimin whispered, his voice trembling in the dim moonlight. “Knowing that you’re out there.”

I turned toward him and saw the tears streaming down his face, illuminated by the pale, ethereal glow of the moon. For the first time since I’d known him, there was a clarity in my own heart. I fluttered my wings and landed softly in his lap, pressing my face against his stomach. The warmth within me radiated, and I could feel the tension in his body slowly dissolve.

He clutched me tightly, his sobs coming in ragged gasps. What sorrow gnawed at him, I wasn’t entirely sure, but it was clear it had something to do with the turmoil around us. I melted into his embrace, his openness a balm to my weary spirit. I found myself yearning for him to hold me as a lover would, but I pushed the thought aside. Greed felt like a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it came to the emotional exchange I saw before me.

“I don’t know what to do,” he whimpered, his voice breaking. “I understand them both, know that neither of them are happy with the way they left things, but I can’t do anything about it. I don’t want to leave Taehyung, but I don’t want to watch my friends tear each other apart over a misunderstanding.”

And oh, how angry I was with Namjoon, how much I wanted to slam him against a wall and scream until my lungs bled. But the truth was, I didn’t wish him dead. We were friends, after all, even if it was a strained, bloody friendship. The alpha allowed himself only two minutes of tears before he wiped his face and set me gently back on the island. He apologized profusely, his voice hoarse and filled with regret before he left the cottage, seeking the solace of the night.

I wanted to follow him, but I knew he needed his space. I glanced at the letter at my feet, feeling a shift in my resolve. What if a letter was considered offensive? They had beaten Taehyung senseless, exiled him, and made his family think he needed to be challenged to keep the pack in line. If a simple letter was the spark that ignited their fury, then I was ready to be the villain. I knew the chances of someone else intercepting Namjoon’s letter were high, but I had to try. I couldn’t bear to see Jimin’s tears again. 

Resolute, I gathered paper and ink, and began to write.

“Y/N,” Auntie whispered, her fingers tangling gently in my hair.

The sun was just a whisper on the horizon, the sky still a deep shade of purple. I struggled to pry my eyes open, moaning as I rubbed my face. Another yawn escaped me, my eyes fluttering shut once more.

Aldara chuckled softly, “Wake up, sleepyhead. Let’s make breakfast together.”

I shook my head, flipping over the pancake on the stove. In the dining room, Taehyung, Jimin, and the witches discussed the best fishing spots in Bangtan. Seokjin and Yoongi had dropped by unannounced, and while I was puzzled by their sudden visit, I assumed it had something to do with Wendy. Jin looked surprised by the presence of the wolves and asked to speak with me privately once breakfast was over. I heard Taehyung questioning whether vegan pancakes could taste good, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I had adopted a vegetarian diet after Aldara passed. With the inability to leave my home, meat became a distant memory. Four years ago, after growing closer with the critters around me, I’d eliminated animal products entirely. It felt wrong to consume a creature I could have known.

“They’re not that different from ‘normal’ ones,” I explained, plating the fresh pancake. “I just use oat flour, bananas, and flaxseeds mixed with water. Everything else is the same.”

I could imagine Taehyung’s disgusted face, though it was hidden from view. His expressions of confusion, disgust, and anger were all shades of the same emotion. Yoongi laughed, and it brought a smile to my face. Yoongi and I shared similar lifestyle choices, though he indulged in fish with Seokjin from time to time.

“Why mix flaxseeds and water?” Taehyung asked, his bewilderment dripping from every word.

I handed him a plate, “It replaces the egg. You mix it with the banana and let it sit to thicken. A boy named Enver taught me. He lives in Moland and doesn’t have regular market access.”

Jimin’s curiosity perked up, “How do you get your supplies?”

“I go often,” Seokjin answered. “I always pick up things for Yoongi and Y/N when I go. Yoongi does the same.”

I nodded, “I have great friends.”

After breakfast, Yoongi invited Taehyung and Jimin for a walk in the forest. Taehyung’s newfound fascination with the local beings had piqued Yoongi’s interest, and he offered to show him a jackalope borough nearby. Jimin chose to join them to keep an eye on Taehyung. I could tell he was giving Seokjin and me the space to talk. As they left, I began clearing the dishes with Jin’s help.

We worked in silence, the rhythm of our tasks speaking volumes. Jin’s hesitation was palpable, a strange thing for someone so usually forthright. His mouth opened and closed as if he was trying to find the right words, but I remained patient. Wendy had a knack for throwing him off balance, and it was evident in his struggle to articulate his thoughts. 

Once the dishes were done, I wiped down the table and put away the toppings. Jin lingered, focusing on the dishes while I finished. Finally, he spoke, breaking the silence.

“Wendy wrote to me,” he said quietly.

I hummed, not quite ready to delve into the contents of her letter. Privacy was paramount, and I kept many things to myself. We were all too intertwined, and Wendy’s tendency to overshare made things complicated. Seokjin’s habit of spilling secrets didn’t help either. 

“She said she wants to be with me,” he continued.

I sighed, “How do you feel about that?”

He ran a hand through his hair, looking lost. “It’s… complicated.”

I perched on the kitchen island, nodding, “I’m sure I can keep up.”

“For as long as I’ve known her, I’ve liked her in some way,” Jin said, his voice tinged with regret. “She’s never really felt the same about me, at least not as much as I liked her.”

Wendy had always looked away, said one thing and done another, never fully opening her heart to Jin. She admitted liking him, but her gaze often wandered to Yoongi. Initially, I thought Seokjin was reading too much into it, but the pattern was clear. Wendy’s infatuation with Yoongi had always overshadowed her relationships with others, including Jin. 

“I knew she meant it when she said she liked me,” he said. “But how can I be sure she’s serious this time? She’s been away, hasn’t seen anyone in months, and now she says she’s in love with me. What happens when she sees Yoongi again? Will her feelings still hold?”

I felt a pang of sympathy for Seokjin. His heart was true, but his seclusion had left him vulnerable. The world outside Bangtan was vast and filled with possibilities. Telling him there were other options wouldn’t help, though. 

“I don’t want to get hurt again,” he whispered.

“I know,” I replied, holding him gently. “I wouldn’t want that either.”

“How can I trust her words?”

I shook my head, “I’ve always seen you two as stubborn. You care deeply, but the toxicity is unbearable. If you want to try, see what happens. Maybe her time away or seeing her sister’s wedding changed her. Think about what she said and how it resonates with your own feelings.”

“She said she loves me,” he murmured, a hint of relief in his voice. “She said that after talking to you, she felt more confident to speak to me. It was the first time I felt her apology was genuine.”

Silence enveloped us as Seokjin looked down, deep in thought. After a moment, he asked to borrow paper and a pen. I obliged, hoping for a resolution that would bring him some peace. 

He sent off his letter soon after. I resumed sweeping and planning the day, knowing I had to address the supply chain blockage to the sea coven. With Shiloh still recovering from her trip, I would need to wake her for the delivery. Seokjin agreed to write to Cordelia to see if anyone could pick up the supplies. 

In the rare moment of quiet, I could sense Seokjin’s anxiety. I feared the worst but gave him the space he needed. When he finally spoke, his voice cracked.

“I rejected her,” he said.

“Oh, Jinnie,” I cooed, embracing him. “That was a hard choice, but I’m proud of you. You did what was right for yourself.”

“I can’t do it again,” he sobbed. “I just can’t.”

I understood his pain. Wendy’s emotions would simmer, and I’d deal with her later. Seokjin had alluded to remaining friends, but I knew it was a fragile hope. The past had carved deep scars, and I wasn’t naïve enough to believe things could return to how they once were. Still, I hoped for growth and reconciliation, even if it seemed unlikely. 

“I know. I know,” I whispered, soothing him. “We’ll get through this.”

Seokjin clung to me, crying as if his heart would break.

For the next three days, Jimin and Taehyung began to drift further from the confines of the house, venturing into the outside world with an almost frantic urgency. I hadn't heard a word from Wendy or Seokjin, but Yoongi made sure to check in daily. He was obsessed with the idea that I might be facing another unexpected encounter with the wolves, a notion I couldn't entirely dismiss but was resolutely prepared for. It felt as if Hoseok was staying clear to maintain some uneasy peace, though Jimin hinted that he was trying to sway Namjoon. So far, that attempt had fizzled, with Namjoon remaining as grumpy and resentful as ever. Taehyung, on the other hand, was steeling himself for a potential clash, spending his evenings in intense sparring sessions with Jimin.

Shiloh's waking hours had been creeping earlier each day. It wasn't the ungodly hours I was accustomed to, but noon was a far cry from eleven at night. Taehyung and Jimin were still grappling with my late risings. My magic, potent yet taxing, was stretching my limits, and I could sense my body struggling to keep up. My childhood had taught me that magic was a draining force, especially defensive spells. The incident with Namjoon had thrown me off balance, making it difficult to regain my footing.

Aldara used to fret over my fainting spells after our lessons. She said it was unnatural for a witch to be so overwhelmed by their own power, but over the years, I’d come to understand that my magic was an endless well, ever-flowing and never entirely under my control. Unlike other witches, who could regulate their magic output, I was left perpetually vulnerable and weakened. The constant possession and lack of control were the harsh trade-offs of my power. Still, a small outburst no longer left me as depleted as it once did. The last time I’d fainted from magic was the night I discovered the cottage on fire.

As I thumbed through my grimoire, searching for the potion I’d made to reduce anxiety, frustration gnawed at me. Wendy was due back tomorrow, and Cordelia had asked if I could send some to Syrena. I’d only brewed this particular potion twice, and it was still too fresh in my memory for me to recall the exact details. Wendy’s luck would have it that I’d send a shifting potion instead of a mood stabilizer, but I trusted Griselda’s recipe.

My worry for Wendy was growing. Though it was normal to go weeks without communication, I feared she might be upset over the situation with Jin. She must have suspected we’d talked and perhaps thought I’d instructed him on what to do. Or worse, she might have convinced herself that Yoongi had something to do with it. Wendy had a tendency to skew reality, and while I empathized with her, I refused to choose sides between my friends. I loved and respected them both and wished desperately to extricate myself from this web of conflict. After all, Wendy was the one who’d divulged our conversation to Jin in the first place.

My search for the potion left me exasperated. The cluttered chaos of my notes and haphazard scrawl made me wish for a clean slate. Whoever would inherit this mess of a grimoire would need a Rosetta Stone just to decipher half of it. In frustration, I slammed the book shut and decided to write to Enver. He was the only witch I knew who might have such a potion on hand. Rolling the paper carefully, I chanted a spell I’d learned from Pippa’s grimoire and watched as the paper turned to ash and vanished.

Pippa was a true oddball, her methods unorthodox to the point of absurdity. Her spellbooks, filled with incomprehensible diagrams and bizarre ingredients, were a testament to her brilliance. Aldara had always teased me about my fascination with Pippa, calling me the next “nutcase” and mocking my own disorganized grimoire. Still, no one could deny Pippa’s talent. The spell I’d used was a favorite of mine—simple, minimal energy expenditure, and highly effective. I was grateful to be done with meteor powder, even if I had invented that one myself.

The front door slammed open, jolting me upright and sending my heart into a racing frenzy. For a split second, my vision swam in black and white, but I quickly regained my composure. I shot a venomous glare at Taehyung as he swaggered into the cottage, followed closely by Jimin, who offered a sheepish bow before entering.

“It’s such a beautiful day!” Taehyung announced, flopping onto the couch with a dramatic flourish.

My eye twitched.

“Try that again,” I said with icy detachment.

Taehyung’s confusion was palpable. Jimin stood in the doorway, an amused smirk playing on his lips. He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, his gaze lingering on me. I struggled to keep my eyes from lingering on his toned back and refocused on Taehyung.

“Try what again?” Taehyung asked, genuinely bewildered.

“Walking into my house like a civilized person,” I retorted. “You act as if you’ve never been taught manners. First, you put your filthy, muddy boots on my counter, and now this? Thin ice, Tae. Thin ice.”

Taehyung scratched his head sheepishly and made the necessary adjustments, gently opening and closing the door. Satisfied, I hummed and returned to my grimoire, mentally cursing the disorganized mess it had become. I longed to slap the younger version of myself who had thought this system would work. Groaning, I stood up and decided to relocate my work to the cellar.

“What are you looking for?” Taehyung asked, his face lighting up with curiosity.

The wolf enjoyed accompanying me and peering over my shoulder, even if he barely understood the Latin script. Jimin hadn’t asked to join but I suspected his silence was his way of being considerate. I wished he would just speak up.

“I need to find a spell for a friend,” I said. “One I wrote when I was twelve. It’s hardly legible now, a testament to my childish carelessness.”

Taehyung laughed and followed me without hesitation. His curiosity was endearing, a stark contrast to Jimin’s restrained demeanor. I wondered about their own childhoods—Jimin had been brave and reserved when we first met, his innocence a distant memory now. Seeing him again, after all these years, was like rediscovering a forgotten chapter of my own life.

“May I join you?”

I paused and looked up at Jimin, who had already begun descending the stairs behind Taehyung. I nodded. The connection we had shared the other night was still fresh, unspoken but undeniable. Jimin’s presence felt like a gentle thawing of the ice that had previously encased him.

After lighting the sconces in the cellar, I found Taehyung curled up in a corner, absorbed in one of Aldara’s monster books. She had been a legend in her own right— the first to defeat a Quietus, the monster slayer of yore. Her stories had become folklore, tales of bravery and struggle. The book Taehyung was engrossed in was one of her own, a collection of short stories about her adventures.

“It’s bigger than I thought,” Jimin whispered.

“It grows whenever we need a new bookcase,” I replied.

Jimin didn’t press for more details, his restraint a byproduct of the alpha etiquette he’d been taught. Taehyung, however, was a novice in those lessons, having barely started them before his exile. I sighed, thinking of Namjoon and my unanswered letter.

“Who was the first Bridd?” Jimin asked.

I smiled as I recalled the tale. “Her name was Rosette.”

“How did this family tradition even start?” Taehyung asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

Settling into my small desk, I gestured for them to sit. I remembered Aldara’s stories vividly, her hands large and comforting as she spoke of Rosette, the legendary Bridd. Rosette was a figure of beauty and resilience, her story a foundation for our lineage.

“Rosette came from the Foxglove Village, a place once teeming with shifters. She was the daughter of a merchant, loved and admired by all. Life was harsh in Bangtan, but relatively peaceful until the Quietus stories began spreading south.”

Quietus, those ancient air elementals, were the first settlers of Lustra, driven out by the Sarkans over a millennium ago. The attack on Bangtan was retribution for not aiding them, though they had soon reclaimed their territory.

“After the Century War with Etelin, the Quietus were reduced to living in swamps, their numbers dwindling. The few that ventured into the forest were either vengeful survivors or driven mad by starvation.”

Jimin’s expression showed recognition, while Taehyung remained enraptured. I continued, my voice carrying the weight of history.

“These creatures were unknown to the shifters, whose people had only arrived in Lustra after their island was destroyed. Their treaties were new, their numbers sparse. They had no knowledge of the siege until their village was ablaze.”

“The Quietus queen, Nerezza, had lost her youngest child to the Sarkan invasion. Her grief drove her to attack, wrongly believing the Reikans were complicit. In truth, the Reikans were skittish, lacking the courage for true conflict.”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” Taehyung interrupted, defensive of his ancestors.

“Yes,” I said, “your ancestors were strong, surviving the loss of their homeland and finding refuge here. But the Reikans were different, their settlers blending into your cultures, while the Quietus were formidable. Only one emerged as significant.”

“Rosette,” Jimin murmured.

“Yes, Rosette. A beautiful girl, her blonde hair and green eyes striking. She was a bird shifter in love with a fox. At just sixteen, she and a few others escaped the village’s destruction. Rosette, familiar with military strategies, directed them to safety.”

“She found herself in this very clearing, calling to the gods for aid. Despite the blizzard, she was enveloped in warmth. The gods offered her help in exchange for a solemn promise. She vowed to protect her sister’s life and, in return, her bloodline would become guardians of the forest.”

“And that’s when we lost our freedom,” I continued. “She woke up in this cottage, chained and imbued with new magic. After a century of solitude, she was given Jordana. We’re assigned a pupil and have sixteen years to train them before our transition to the spirit world.”

“Why can’t you shift freely, then?” Taehyung asked, curiosity piqued. Jimin smacked his arm, but I waved off the gesture.

No harm in asking.

“Our transformations are tied to the cycles of the sun and moon. The gods have a special fondness for watching us dance across the skies, like wayward comets caught in their eternal dance. We’re fortunate we managed to keep that part of ourselves as part of the bargain. Magic and shifting? They’re practically myths beyond these woods.”

Taehyung’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “Is it the same for real werewolves? The sun and moon stuff?”

I let out a laugh, sharp and dismissive. “No, silly. Werewolves are shackled to the full moon. Their first transformation turns them into mindless beasts. They’re as good as dead within three months. Nothing like what you and I are.”

Taehyung seemed mollified by this explanation. He often referred to himself as a werewolf, much to Jimin’s annoyance. I understood why Jimin would bristle at that. Real werewolves were born into their condition, their bloodlines ancient and unbroken. Werewolves, on the other hand, were made, not born, and their kind was dwindling in the Ozryn Mountains, starved out and hunted down. The last outbreak had been decades ago, swiftly contained by the dwarves of Idris.

When the story ended, Taehyung returned to his reverie with Aldara’s book, and I resumed my fruitless search for that infuriating potion. I hadn’t heard back from Enver; his response times were always abysmal.

Jimin wandered the cellar, tracing the spines of the books. The sheer volume was staggering. Aldara had penned over forty grimoires in her lifetime, each a testament to her expertise in defensive magic. Rosette had authored 120, Jordana had 205, and Griselda held the record with 223. I could hardly fathom such productivity. I’d managed only three grimoires so far, and was plodding along on a fourth. My youthful exuberance for magic seemed a distant memory now, replaced by a more somber approach. Overwhelmed by self-doubt, I decided to take a break.

“Your aunt was pretty amazing,” Taehyung remarked.

“Yeah, she was,” I replied, the word "was" hanging in the air like a specter.

As the evening darkened, we had spent hours in the cellar. Jimin skimmed through books with the quiet diligence of a scholar, while Taehyung absorbed stories from Aldara’s collection. I flipped through Pippa’s spell books, making small talk with Taehyung. His constant chatter was a refreshing distraction from the oppressive silence of the house.

Taehyung had gone up for a nap over an hour ago, leaving Jimin and me alone. He was huddled over a book, his brow furrowed in concentration, his tongue sticking out slightly. I couldn’t help but steal glances at him, though he remained silent about my furtive glances. It was a rare sight to see him so relaxed, so unguarded. Shiloh had mentioned she was visiting Morla to update her on Wendy’s situation. Mumbling to myself, I let the pen and ink I’d brought down write in my spell book. Sometimes it was easier to let magic handle the tedious parts.

Amid the grimoires and dusty tomes, I made notes of potential experiments. They might not be as thrilling as Pippa’s wild concoctions or as direct as Griselda’s precise spells, but they were my own. I was rediscovering the joy of magic, a pleasure Aldara would have appreciated.

“Bridd?” Jimin’s voice broke the silence, soft and inviting.

I looked up, noticing how his hair caught the candlelight, turning dark gray with stray wisps floating around. I wanted to smooth them down, but restrained myself. Jimin’s expression was a carefully maintained mask, a necessity for someone in his position. Yet, I glimpsed a fleeting smile, a rare crack in his stoic facade.

“Why don’t you have anything here?” he asked.

“Everything I own is upstairs,” I answered. “It’s too much trouble to haul it all down here every time I need to work.”

He chuckled. “So, you do have a diary?”

I flushed. “All of us do. It’s the best way to keep track for our successors.”

I wouldn’t let him read mine. It was filled with thoughts I’d long preferred to forget. During my more turbulent years, I’d penned five separate volumes of angst and sorrow. The idea of anyone reading them—especially Jimin—was mortifying. They were raw, unfiltered, a record of my darkest fears and desires. Thankfully, they had gone unnoticed until now.

“Yours must be very interesting,” Jimin mused.

I shook my head. “Not really. Mostly just teenage angst. Nothing worth reading.”

I tried to sound convincing, but Jimin’s probing gaze made me uneasy. I began tidying up, stacking grimoires, knowing it was nearing sunset. I needed to get back to my room soon.

As I turned, Jimin’s arms encircled my waist, surprising me. My heart leaped into my throat. He was so close I could count the freckles on his nose, see the length of his eyelashes, feel his warm, heavy scent envelop me. His proximity was overwhelming. I gripped the desk, struggling to speak.

“Jimin?” I managed, my voice trembling.

“Can I tell you something?” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

Our bodies pressed together, his hands behind my back, though his grip remained on the table. I glanced at his hands, one resting on the other. Shaking with nervous energy, I forced myself to meet his gaze.

“Can I?” His eyes were as dark and intense as a stormy night.

A shiver crawled up my spine. I nodded, breath catching in my throat. Jimin’s smile was tender, almost ethereal.

“I enjoy your company.”

I could only manage another nod, my heart pounding, my throat dry. Jimin’s face inched closer to mine. I held my breath, searching for meaning in his eyes. This was not the man who had been absorbed in reading moments before. This was something different, something potent and unsettling.

“I like being close to you. Is that alright?”

“Yes,” I whispered, barely audible.

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked, his breath barely brushing my lips.

I knew I should have resisted, should have acknowledged the impossibility of our situation. Our lives were too tangled, our paths too divergent. He had a mate somewhere, and he’d forget me soon. Yet, despite all that, I shook my head.

“No.”

The kiss was unlike anything I’d ever known. Jimin’s lips were warm and insistent, igniting a fire within me. The heat was searing, electrifying, igniting every nerve ending. I clung to him, his embrace all-consuming. Everything I had feared, everything I had regretted, melted away. It didn’t matter anymore. Jimin was here, and he was mine.

When he finally pulled away, his gaze was soft, full of warmth and care. He nuzzled into my hairline, his touch a balm against the chaos. 

“Thank you,” he whispered.

I was dazed but managed to nod. As if drawn by an invisible force, I sought his lips again. Jimin’s hands cradled my face, pulling me closer. Any gentleness evaporated when my tongue brushed his bottom lip. A low growl rumbled from him as he hungrily explored my mouth. His grip tightened, his leg gently prying mine apart, lifting me onto the desk. My fingers dug into his shirt.

A sudden chill shot through me, yanking me out of the haze of passion. I pulled away, and Jimin stepped back, understanding dawning in his eyes. I choked out a “go” and stood up from the desk. The first feather burst through my skin as Jimin fled the cellar, leaving me alone with my searing heart and the cold void of my own fear.

Translations:

Swîgian âstillian. - Be quiet.

Hwæt−hwugu ðrîstian êow? - How dare you?

Sê ðafian êower m¯ægð teohhian êower weorðfulnes? - Who do you people think you are?

Yfel am sorig. - I am so sorry.

Thither is êower hygd? - Where is your mind?

Belāda mē - Sorry.

Quare? - Why?

Putasne me stultum esse? - Do you think I'm stupid?

Sol a me auferre conaris! - You are trying to take Sol from me!

Quid irrumabo facimus? - What the fuck do we do?

Nescio. - I don’t know.

Recedite ab ea! - Get away from her!

Licuitne futura est? - Is she going to be alright?

Taglist: @greezenini​ @adventures-in-bookland​ @kthstrawberryshortcake-main​ @zae007live @jimin-neverout @nikkiordonez12 @canarystwin​ @yamekomz @chimthicc​ @michiiedreamer​ @amorieus​ @mima795​

© chimcess, 2023. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[boobear061]

Always Been You, 02 | Jungkook

Synopsis: Tae Seol had a one night stand with a mystery guy, but turned out he is her brother Taehyung's best friend Jungkook.

Pairing: Jungkook x Tae Seol

Genre: fluff

Rating: 18+

WC: 3,249

Warning: fluff, swearing

Index | Next

**

Sunday

1:20 am

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

Jungkook kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he cupped my boobs with his hands, squeezed them which made me moan against the kiss, he pulled away, looked at me and said " Are you ready? "

I nod my head and said " Yes, Daddy. "

He insert himself inside my pussy, he thrust his hips, I let out a moan, my boobs bounced up and down with every thrust he made.

" Oh fuck, Sol. " Jungkook moaned.

I suddenly woke up, sat up, felt myself blush, I gulped, cleared my throat, shook my head to get that image out of my mind, and got off the bed. Put on my slippers, walked to the bathroom to rinse my face, fanned myself with my hands, looked at myself in the mirror and thought to myself: What was that?! Why did I dreamt of him?

I walked out of the bathroom to the kitchen to get some water, got a water bottle from the fridge, I walked back to my room, sat down on the bed, and took a sip out of the water.

Set the bottle down the nightstand, laid down on the bed, grabbed my phone from the nightstand, go on Instagram, and saw a photo of Taehyung with his friends that he posted hours ago. He tagged all of them, curiosity got to me so I tapped on Jungkook's name which leads me to his profile.

I looked through his photos, a recent photo of him shirtless in the gym with his back facing the camera caught my eye.

Damn, he looks so good..

I zoomed in on the mirror door, saw his chest, blushed, my thumb accidentally double tapped which left a like on the photo, my eyes widened and I said " Oh no. "

I quickly unliked the photo, exit out of his page, got out of Instagram and said " Oh gosh, I hope he doesn't see that I liked his photo.. I would be so embarrassed.. "

~ Jungkook's POV ~

I am in my home office doing a zoom meeting with two companies from overseas, my phone vibrated from the desk, I grabbed it, and saw from my lockscreen that Tae Seol liked a photo of mine on my Instagram.

I unlocked my phone, go on my Instagram to see what photo she liked, it's me in the gym with my back facing the camera, it doesn't show that she liked it so I'm guessing she unliked it.

Hmm.. You liked that, don't you?

I exit out of my Instagram, locked my phone, set it down on the desk and continued with my meeting.

**

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

I felt my eyes getting heavy, I locked my phone, set it down on the nightstand, about to go to sleep until I heard my phone vibrated, I grabbed it, unlocked it and saw that Jungkook send me a message.

When I saw his message, my eyes widened and jaw dropped at what I saw, it's a photo of him shirtless wearing black Calvin Klein boxers, it looked like he just got out of the shower due to the water droplets on his chest and abs, his hair is also wet.

Oh myyy...

He sent another message:

Jungkook: I saw you looking at my photos.. figured I'd give you something better to look at. 😉

I let out a gasp, quickly sat up, my eyes didn't leave the photo can't believe what he sent me, I read the message again, my phone slipped out of my hand landed on my lap and thought to myself: Oh shit, he saw that I liked his photo!

My phone vibrated again, I grabbed it and saw that he sent me another message:

Jungkook: What do you think? Don't be shy, I won't bite.

I blushed hard, don't know how to respond back, I got too shy so I left the message on seen, I exit out of the message, locked my phone and set it down on the nightstand.

~ Jungkook's POV ~

I smirked when I saw that Tae Seol left the message on seen, I wonder what's her reaction when she saw the photo. I can imagine her blushing hard and being shy.

I walked over to my bed, laid down and said to myself " Sleep well Sol. " I put my phone on the nightstand and went to sleep.

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

9:20am

I woke up, grabbed my phone, went to Jungkook's photo message, I blushed hard, exit out of the message, locked my phone, charged it and get ready for the day. I walked out of the bathroom, grabbed my phone, walked out of my room to the kitchen, saw a note on the fridge, I walked over to it and read Taehyung's note:

Out with Min-Jung, be back later. Be safe!

- Taehyung

I feel like going out to eat, so I went to my room to grab my bag and book, put the book in my bag, walked to the front door to grab the keys, walked out of the house and I walked over to the Cafe that isn't too far away from the house.

**

I arrived at the Cafe, the smell of coffee beans filled my nose, I stand in line, ordered my drink and a muffin, sat down to wait for them to call my name, I got out my Twisted Love book from my bag and started to read.

My name been called, I put my bookmark in, closed the book, got up and grabbed my coffee and muffin, walked back to the table, sat down, ate the muffin and drank my coffee.

Once I'm done with the muffin I put on my airpods, put on my playlist, opened the book and continued reading it.

~ Jungkook's POV ~

I arrived at my favorite Cafe, I parked my motorcycle, took off my helmet, fixed my hair, got off the motorcycle, put the helmet away, looked at the window inside the Cafe and saw a familiar face.

Tae Seol is sitting down reading a book, I walked in the Cafe, ordered my coffee, looked at Tae Seol, I gotta admit, she looks beautiful.

I walked over to the table next to her, sat down, looked at the book she's reading, she put her bookmark in, closed the book, dranked her coffee, she looked at me, took the airpod away from her right ear, smiled and said " Hi, Jungkook. "

I smiled back at her and said " Hey Sol, what are you reading? "

I looked at the cover, she put her book in her bag and said " Nothing, just a book.. "

Mmhmm..

I nod my head and she said " How long have you've been sitting there? " She put her airpods away.

" Not that long, I just got here. "

She nod her head, I heard them called my name to get my coffee, I looked at Tae Seol and said " I'll be right back. "

I got up, grabbed my coffee, walked back to her and said " Have you ate? "

" No, all I had was a muffin. Why? "

I sat down next to her and said " Wanna go get something to eat? My treat? "

" It's okay, you might be busy. "

I drank my coffee, shook my head and said " Actually, I'm free all day. "

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

I nod my head and said " Okay. "

We got up, I grabbed my bag and empty coffee cup and Jungkook said " Did you come alone? "

" Yeah, I walked here. "

" Alright, let's go. "

I followed him to the exit, I threw away my coffee cup, we walked out of the Cafe, I followed him and stopped when I saw him walked to a motorcycle.

" Wait, you got here in that? "

Jungkook looked at me and said " Yeah. " He put his coffee in the cup holder.

" Um, c-can we rain check on the food? I-I remember I had something to do. " I said nervously.

" Is it everything okay? You look nervous. "

" Y-Yeah, I'm fine. "

" Sol.. "

" Hm? "

" You've ever ridden on a motorcycle before? "

I shook my head and said " No, I haven't. "

" Come on, you're going to love it. I promise I won't let anything happen to you, I'll drive safely. "

I stood quiet and he said " What do you say? "

" You promise you'll be careful? "

Jungkook nod his head and said " I give you my word. "

" Okay. "

" Okay? "

I nod my head and he said " Are you sure? "

" Yes, I'm sure. "

" Okay, come here. "

I walked over to him, he grabbed a extra helmet, put it on me, he got on the motorcycle, looked at me and said " Come on. "

I got behind him, he put on his helmet, I put my hands on his hips, he grabbed my wrists, wrapped my arms around his waist which made me blush a little and he said " Keep them right there and you'll be okay. "

" O-Okay. "

He let go of my wrists, put his hands on the handles, turned on the engine, drove off, as we were driving he said " Am I going to fast for you? "

" No, you're good. "

" If I'm going to fast, let me know. "

" Okay. "

He stopped at a red light, bring his hand down to my hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, rubbed circles with his thumb, I blushed, he moved his hand up to the handle and drove off when the light turned green.

**

We are here in the restaurant sitting down next to the window waiting for our food to come, I fiddled my fingers which I do whenever I'm nervous or shy, I looked at Jungkook who softly smiled at me and said " You okay? "

I nod my head and said " Yeah, I'm okay. "

Why do I feel nervous around him?

" Do I make you nervous? "

I shook my head and lied " No, you don't make me nervous.. "

" Are you sure? Cause Taehyung fiddle with his fingers too whenever he's nervous. "

Crap, he does..

His phone rang, he took it out of his jacket pocket, looked at me and said " Excuse me, I'll be right back. "

I nod my head, he walked away to answer the call, I looked around and heard from behind me " Tae Seol, is that you? "

I turned around, saw my friend Hyunjin, I smiled and said " Hi, Hyunjin. "

I got up, we hugged, he pulled away, looked at me and said " How you been? It's been so long. "

" I've been good. How are you? "

We pulled away, he looked at me and said " I've been good as well. You look beautiful. "

" Thank you. "

~ Jungkook's POV ~

While I'm on the phone with Jimin I saw some guy walked over to Tae Seol, she smiled at him, they hugged, I clenched my jaw, poked my tongue on my cheek, shook my head and said " Jimin, I gotta go. "

I hanged up before he could say anything, walked over to them, Y/n looked at me and said " Oh Jungkook, this is Hyunjin, a friend of mine. Hyunjin, this is Jungkook. "

Hyunjin smiled at me and said " Hi, Jungkook. It's nice to meet you. "

He offered his hand, I shook it, gripped on it a little and said " Nice to meet you too. "

I let go of his hand, he cleared his throat, looked at Tae Seol and said " I gotta get going. I'm meeting Felix at the movie theater. "

Tae Seol nod her head and said " Okay, tell him I said hi. "

" I will. "

They hugged, I glared at the back of his head, they pulled away, said bye to each other, Hyunjin looked at me and said " It was nice meeting you. "

" You too. "

He walked away, I looked at Tae Seol and said " Let's sit down, the waitress is coming with our food. "

We sat down, the waitress set our food down on the table, we thanked her, she walked away, I looked at Tae Seol who is looking at her food and said " It smells so good. "

I nod my head and said " It does. Let's eat. "

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

As we are eating we are getting to know each other a little more, we have some things in common, when we are done eating we walked out of the restaurant and decided to take a little walk. A few minutes later my phone rang, I took it out of my purse and saw that Taehyung is calling:

Me: Hello?

Taehyung: Where are you? I just got home and you're not here.

Me: Oh, I am with a friend.

Taehyung: What time are you coming home?

Me: I'll be home later.

Taehyung: At what time though?

Dammit Taehyung, I said I'll be home later!

Jungkook tapped my shoulder, I looked at him, he mouthed " One hour. "

I nod my head and said to Taehyung:

Me: I'll be home in one hour.

Taehyung: Alright, see you at home. Bye.

Me: Bye.

* Call Ended *

I put my phone in my purse, looked at Jungkook and said " Let's go. "

He nod his head, we walked, I saw one of those crane claw machines and heard him said " You want one? "

I looked at him and said " Huh? "

He point at the machine and said " I can get you a plushie if you want? "

I nod my head, he smiled and said " Come on. "

We walked over to the machine, he looked at me and said " What plushie do you want? "

I pointed at the white bunny holding a carrot with carrot prints on it's feet, it is so cute.

Jungkook smiled, nod his head, put in the change, I watched as the crane moved, he got the bunny, got it out of the machine, gave it to me, I smiled, bring the plushie to my chest, it feels so soft and said " Thank you. I love it. "

" You're welcome. It looks so cute. "

We continued with our walk, Jungkook took off his jacket revealing his tattoos, thoughts about our one night stand came to mind, that tattooed hand wrapped around my neck, I shook those thoughts out of my head.

I can't stop thinking about it.. The way how he made me feel, his moans, me screaming his name, I need to make my decision..

**

Jungkook dropped me off a few houses away from mine and Taehyung's, I stepped out of his motorcycle, took off the helmet, gave it to him and said " I had a great time. "

" Me too, we should hang out again soon. "

I nod my head and said " Sure, I'll love too. "

He smiled and said " Great, just let me know when. "

" I will. I gotta get going before Taehyung calls me. Bye. "

" Bye Sol. "

I walked over to the house, got in and heard Taehyung said " Tae Seol, is that you? "

" Yes. " I locked the door behind me.

I walked over to the living room where Taehyung is sitting down watching tv, he looked at me and said " Hey, where did you get that plushie? "

" From the claw machine. "

He nods his head and said " Looks  cute. "

I smiled and said " I know right? I'll put it in my room. "

" Okay. "

I walked over to my room, sat down on the edge of the bed, set the plushie down in the middle of the bed and thought about my day with Jungkook.

* Friday *

I have made my decision, I couldn't get Jungkook out of my head, he's all I could think about..

I grabbed my phone and called him:

Jungkook: Hello?

Me: Hey, are you busy right now?

Jungkook: No, I'm not. I just got home from work.

Tell him!!

Me: Can you come over? I have something to tell you. Taehyung isn't home.

Jungkook: Yeah, sure. I'll be right over in a couple minutes.

Me: Okay, see you there.

Jungkook: See you.

* Call Ended *

I feel a bit nervous about telling him..

**

I heard the doorbell rang, I gulped, walked over to the door, opened it, Jungkook smiled at me and said " Hey Sol. "

I smiled back and said " Hey Jk, come in. "

He walked inside the house, I locked the door behind him, we walked over to the living room, I looked at him and said " Do you want anything to drink? "

" No, I'm fine. Thank you. "

I nod my head and he said " Where's Taehyung? "

" He's with Min-Jung. "

He nod his head and said " So, what do you want to tell me? "

Okay, here I go..

" With a lot of thinking, I have made my decision. I am ready to do it again. "

He tucked in my hair behind my right ear and said " Really? "

I nod my head and said " Yes. "

" Are you sure? I don't want you to feel pressured- "

" Yes, I'm sure. No, I don't feel pressured. "

He looked into my eyes and said " I promise you won't regret it. * Leaned in, looked at her lips, looked into her eyes * Is it okay if I kiss you? "

" Go for it. "

He leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, he pulled away and said " You don't know how badly I wanted to kiss those lips again. "

I smiled and said " Me too. I'm sorry I kept you waiting for my decision. "

He shook his head and said " It's okay, it's worth the wait. "

I cupped his face with my hands, I leaned in, kissed his lips, he kissed me back, he deepened the kiss, wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him.

He lift me up, I wrapped my legs around his torso, he walked over to the couch, sat down, I straddled his lap, our tongues fought for dominance, I pulled away from the kiss, he leave wet kisses up and down my neck.

I bring my hand to the back of his head, he moved his lips away from my neck, looked at me, leaned in, kissed my lips, I kissed him back, and quickly pulled away when I heard the front door opened.

" Oh shit. " I whispered, got off Jungkook's lap and ran to my room.

I gently closed the door, paced back and forth, freaking out a little that we almost got caught by Taehyung.

~ Jungkook's POV ~

When Tae Seol ran to her room, I ran my fingers through my hair, played with my lip piercing, Taehyung walked to the living room, looked at me in confusion and said " Jungkook? What are you doing here? "

" It's our game night, don't tell me you forgot? "

" Of course not. Where's Tae Seol? "

" She's in her room. "

He nod his head and said " I'll be right back, I'm going to put these groceries away. "

" Go ahead. "

Taehyung walked to the kitchen, Tae Seol walked in the living room, we looked at each other and she said " Where's Taehyung? "

" In the kitchen. "

She walked to the kitchen, I looked at her, blushed a little, cleared my throat, got up from the couch, walked to the kitchen, saw Tae Seol getting a water bottle from the fridge and said " Can you get me one too? "

" Sure. "

She gave me a water bottle, our fingers touched, I thanked her, opened the cap, drank the water and she said " You're welcome. "

I looked at Taehyung who has his back facing us, I felt a little frustrated that he interrupted us but that fine, we'll try again later.

~ Tae Seol's POV ~

Dammit Taehyung, way to ruin the mood..

[byeolwonhq]

mods, tem algum fc que vocês conectem com alguma alcateia específica?

Ok, questão interessante, nony... Vai ser uma postagem mais longuinha para justificar meu pensamento e porque eu simplesmente amo todas as alcateias que criei, gosto muito de falar sobre os detalhes (e quero ver vocês criando mais). Coloquei no Read More para não atrapalhar a navegação!

CHOSEUNGDAL

Eu os imagino com um ar régio e bem dentro do padrão coreano. Não seria uma surpresa para mim se eles exigissem que os membros andassem sempre bem apessoados e com suas melhores roupas, já que são a alcateia mais rica e poderosa da região e devem demonstrar esse status.

YangYang, Rowoon (ex-SF9), Cha Eunwoo (Astro), Jaehyun (NCT), Haerin (ONEWE), Jin (BTS), Jeonghan (Seventeen), Yoojung (OnlyOneOf), Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Beomgyu (TXT).

Irene (Red Velvet), Moon Gayoung, Jisoo (Blackpink), Tzuyu (Twice), Saebom (Nature), Yuna (Itzy), Chaeyeon (DIA), Naeun (Apink), IU, Minnie (G-Idle).

GENYUAN

Não imagino que haja uma construção de aparência específica entre eles, já que acolhem todo mundo que passa pela porta... Particularmente, eu não consigo imaginar qualquer padrão entre as aparências... Acho até que seria divertido brincar com isso. Por exemplo, um cara gigante, cara fechada, tatuagem, piercing, jaqueta de couro e... Você quer uma florzinha? KSKSKSKSKS Seria adorável tanto quanto uma mocinha camponesa com coragem de mil exércitos e sorriso encantador.

INVICTUS

Intimidadores, basicamente. Acredito que os Invictus sejam, também, os mais afeitos a modificações corporais e estejam ok com a pessoa se expressar da forma que desejar - mas, no geral, imagino os queridos meio punks, com uma bela de uma presença (ou parecendo uns vagabundinhos pé de chinelo, é 8 ou 80).

Hongjoong (Ateez), Taeyong (NCT), Jisung (Stray Kids), Hanse, Jaehyeong (The Rose), Bambam (Got7), Woodz, Lee Jaewook, Christian Yu, Bobby (Ikon).

Soyeon (G-Idle), Jiwoo (Kard), Sunmi, Seungyeon (ex-CLC), Yves, Lisa (Blackpink), Ryujin (Itzy), Miya (WJSN), Yena, Natty (Kiss of Life).

LASOMBRA

Quando penso neles, enxergo algumas pessoas meio engomadinhas, mas aquelas pessoas com olhos felinos, ou que tem uma aura poderosa. Não sei se consigo explicar... Fora isso, temos nossos latinos (risos) do k-pop, que é sempre bom lembrar.

Kai e Sehun (EXO), Wooyoung (Ateez), Jake (Enhypen), Younghoon (The Boyz), Huta (BtoB), Taemin (SHINee), Mingyu (Seventeen), Jackson (Got7), Keeho (P1Harmony).

Hwasa (Mamamoo), Yeji (Itzy), Siyeon (Dreamcatcher), Yiren (Everglow), Soojin, Jung Hoyeon, Kazuha (Le Sserafim), Karina (aespa), Jihyo (Twice), Kyulkyung.

PULSARES

Beleza física é algo fundamental aos Pulsares, como apreciadores de tudo que é estético, então todos se parecem com modelos sem o mínimo esforço. Não sei porquê, mas imagino vários deles com cabelo loiro? Talvez seja por causa do símbolo dos queridos (sol).

Mark (Got7), Kai (TXT), Taehyung (BTS), Seonghwa (Ateez), Felix (Stray Kids), Shotaro (RIIZE), Matthew (Zerobaseone), Minhyun (Monsta X), Sunghoon (Enhypen), Baekhyun (EXO).

Somi, Tiffany Hwang (SNSD), Luda (ex-WJSN), Krystal (f(x)), Esther Yu, Rosé (Blackpink), Kim Lip e Jinsoul (ARTMS), Sana (Twice), Solar (Mamamoo).

STARGAZERS

Então... Eu imagino feições suaves e acolhedoras, no geral. É claro que não é uma regra, mas considerando o estereótipo de ômegas, é a primeira imagem que vêm à mente.

Chanhee (The Boyz), Suho e Kyungsoo (EXO), Daehwi (AB6IX), Hyeongjun (Cravity), Yeonjun (TXT), Yeosang (ATEEZ), Kihyun e Shownu (Monsta X), Wonho.

Eunha (Viviz), Eunbi, Hani (EXID), YooA (Oh My Girl), Nayeon (Twice), Heejin (ARTMS), Tsuki (Billlie), Miyeon (G-Idle), Yeri (Red Velvet), Gahyeon (Dreamcatcher).

[lileuph-milkybanana]

Capítulo 5

Yoongi estaba creando un agujero de tanto caminar en la tienda, desde la puerta hasta la caja registradora y de vuelta, una y otra vez. Jungkook quería acercarse y tomar su muñeca, detenerlo, pero la ansiedad construía una barrera alrededor de Yoongi, impidiendo que lo intentara.

Todos estaban ansiosos. Su impresión, sorpresa y la inseguridad crepitaba contra su piel como pequeños e invisibles rayos.

Corrió hasta la estación en Harlem, no pudo quedarse quieto en los veinte siete minutos de viaje y luego mandó un mensaje al grupo mientras tropezaba en los escalones de la estación en East Village, pidiéndoles que fueran cuanto antes a la tienda. Les tomó un tiempo poder reunirse todos desde los diferentes lugares de la ciudad, pero ahora estaban todos aquí, bajo la luz dorada de la puesta de sol a través de las cortinas cerradas.

Namjoon tomó un respiro profundo y lo dejó salir lentamente en la tensa quietud. —¿Estás seguro? —preguntó —¿Estás seguro de que era la magia de Yoongi la que sentiste?

—Sí —respondió Jungkook sin ninguna duda —La reconocería en todos lados.

Yoongi se detuvo en la puerta y le dio una sonrisa pálida a Jungkook.

—Mierda —dijo Hoseok desde el perchero en el mostrador, frotando una mano en su cara.

Yoongi hizo señales de algo demasiado rápido como para que Jungkook lo entendiera, pero pudo entender algo solo por la cara de determinación en Yoongi y la mirada de frustración que Namjoon le envió.

—Lo sé, pero tenemos que ser cuidadosos sobre esto. Si realmente es una tienda de magia negra...esa es mierda seria, hyung.

—¿Crees que no sabemos eso? —escupió Hoseok antes de que Yoongi pudiera responder —Pero esta es la voz de Yoongi. La hemos buscado durante tres años, Joonie. No podemos ignorarlo. Las tiendas de magia se mueven. Si perdemos esta oportunidad...

—Lo sé —respondió de vuelta Namjoon —lo sé. Pero no quiero que nadie salga herido. O muerto.

Taehyung, Jimin y Seokjin habían estado en silencio todo ese tiempo, quizás sintiendo que era una batalla para las tres personas más cercanas a la tragedia original, quienes estuvieron allí al comienzo de la guerra. Pero Jimin levantó su cabeza, viéndose imperturbable, como si estuviera frente al fantasma violento. —Lo sabemos, hyung. Todos estamos conscientes de los riesgos. Pero Hoseok tiene razón. No podemos ignorar esto.

Yoongi se giró para fruncirles el ceño. Dijo algo en lenguaje de señas de nuevo.

Taehyung sacudió su cabeza. —Sí lo haremos. Vas a necesitar todo el refuerzo que puedas tener, hyung. No vas a hacer esto solo.

—Somos familia —dijo Jin —así que definitivamente no estarás solo.

Los ojos de Yoongi se posaron en todos, con su ceño fruncido más fuerte, y luego aterrizó en Jungkook. Y no, Jungkook ya sabía que iba a decir, tú te quedas aquí Kook no te vas a meter en esta mierda y no.

—Iré, también —dijo con todo el valor que pudo reunir —Jin dijo que soy parte de esta familia, así que no pueden dejarme fuera de esto.

La expresión de Hoseok igualaba la de Yoongi —Pero Jungkook-ah, nunca te enfrentaste a la magia negra antes. Sería mejor si-

—No —lo interrumpió Jungkook, un poco sorprendido por su atrevimiento. Pero era Yoongi. Jungkook estaba bastante seguro en este punto, que enfrentaría lo que fuese por él, tiendas de magia negra incluidas. —Me quedaré atrás, pero iré —sus ojos encontrarlos los negros de Yoongi, sus hombros tensos —Iré, hyung.

Yoongi hizo un sonido frustrado, pero no discutió.

—Mierda —murmuró Namjoon, al igual que Hoseok antes —Haremos esto, entonces.

Yoongi asintió y Hoseok cerró su mano en un puño tenso contra su muslo. Se veía feroz, seguía siendo como el sol, pero como todas esas imágenes donde podías ver la inmensidad de él, la intensidad de su fuego. Aquellas con la descripción que advertían sobre que podía abrasar la tierra. —Claro que sí.

El estómago de Jungkook dio un vuelco en una mezcla de miedo y emoción. Podía sentir una chispa de ello hacer eco en la habitación mientras todos se ponían de pie, tomando su propio coraje. Y en medio de todo, Yoongi elevó su magia, expandiéndose hasta que envolvió casi toda la habitación.

Elementales, pensó Jungkook con algo cercano al asombro, viendo el fuego revoloteando en sus dedos y brillando brevemente en sus ojos.

Ahora mismo, no podía imaginar a nadie entrometiéndose en el camino de Yoongi.

—Hagamos esto, entonces —dijo Namjoon, sombrío.

——

El viaje en el metro de vuelta a Harlem fue tenso. Todos tenían sus caras de batalla, pensó Jungkook. Incluso Jimin se veía rudo e impávido.

—Yoongi irá al frente —dijo Namjoon sobre el ruido del tren —es el mejor en magia ofensiva. Hobi y yo lo apoyaremos. Todos los demás se quedarán atrás con los escudos listos. Taehyung y Jimin, mantengan a Jungkook a salvo.

Quería protestar y decir que podía cuidarse solo, pero no tenía idea de cómo hacer ni un escudo, así que Namjoon probablemente tenía razón.

Taehyung le dio palmaditas en su hombro —No te preocupes, nos aseguraremos de que no pase nada.

—Toda la razón —dijo Jimin.

Ambos sonaban más confiados de lo que se veían, pero el tren avanzó hacia adelante, por los túneles de Nueva York y ya no había vuelta atrás.

——

Odiaba la sensación de la magia negra, decidió cuando llegaron a la tienda. Se detuvieron en las escaleras. Se sentía como si hormigas estuvieran subiendo por su espalda, como arañas debajo de su piel. Siseaba como las serpientes en sus oídos y se envolvía alrededor de su pecho.

Le impresionaba que algo que se veía tan inocente pudiera sentirse tan siniestro.

—Mierda —dijo Hoseok, frunciendo el ceño —es algo poderoso.

—Pero puedo sentir la magia de Yoongi —Seokjin dio un paso adelante, hacia la entrada, con las manos brillantes. El aire brilló brevemente, de un azul reluciente. —Son hechizos fuertes, sin embargo. Denme un minuto.

Probablemente parecían idiotas, parados allí en grupo bajo la luz de los faroles, pero no había otros peatones a la vista. Quizás todos podían sentir la oscuridad que había allí, usuarios de magia o no, y sabían que debían quedarse lejos cuando el sol se escondía.

El aire brilló de nuevo, mucho más que antes y la pared azul se volvió cenizas y se desvaneció por completo.

—Hechizos abajo —anunció Seokjin. Yoongi pasó por su lado, con una expresión demacrada y concentrada. No se detuvo al bajar las escaleras y llegó a la puerta. Buscó en el bolsillo de su abrigo un trozo de papel como el que Taehyung usó fuera del teatro y lo pegó en la agrietada puerta de madera.

Una cerradura sonó.

—Manténganse alerta —dijo Namjoon, mientras Yoongi entraba.

Intentando recordar, Jungkook seguía sin saber qué fue lo que pasó exactamente después. Cruzó el umbral dos pasos más atrás de Jimin y Taehyung y obtuvo un vistazo de un interior muy distinto al que estaba esperando: un espacio cavernoso con un alto techo abovedado, con baldosas de colores bajo sus botas, puertas empotradas cubiertas por... ¿un arco? Creyó ver una encimera o algo así cerca de la pared trasera, pero luego alguien (¿Namjoon?) gritó y magia que se sintió como la de Yoongi lo golpeó, casi botándolo.

Se tambaleó hacia un lado, jadeando y el mundo se inclinó. Se puso borroso.

Se volvió negro.

——

Despertó solo, sobre el suelo de madera agrietado de una habitación cerrada. Las hormigas aún escalaban, más insistentes que antes y en lo profundo de sus huesos había un tirón. Como si algo estuviera intentando atraparlo, la oscuridad acercándose.

Se dio cuenta de dos cosas al mismo tiempo, mirando alrededor de la habitación.

Esto no era real. La magia estaba jugando con su mente, de alguna manera. Distorsionando todo.

Tiene que escapar. Ahora.

El resto, sin embargo. Tenía que encontrarlos. ¿Dónde estaban? Yoongi debió darse cuenta de que había algún tipo de trampa, empujó a Jungkook lejos. ¿Eso lo salvó de algo?

No importaba. Tenía que encontrarlos, antes de que las sombras que se acercaban lo alcanzaran. Se lo llevaran.

Piensa, se dijo así mismo a través del pánico que sentía en su garganta. Concéntrate.

Su magia era sobre conexión, hilos invisibles que lo conectaban a los demás. Que lo ataba a ellos. Por meses los había sentido; sus alegrías, sus tristezas, sus esperanzas, sus miedos. Vivian en su cabeza cada vez que los tocaba. Pensaba, a veces, que se habían convertido parte de su sangre, su corazón. Quizás incluso un poco de la tela de quién es, de quien se estaba convirtiendo, de quien sería algún día.

Y seguro eso era más fuerte que la magia negra.

Se arrodilló en el centro de la habitación y utilizó su propia magia, buscando, buscando, buscando hasta-

Ahí. Un faro desvaneciéndose.

Yoongi.

Se puso de pie. Sintió las paredes hervir a su alrededor.

Jodete, pensó hacia la magia furiosa y corrió, empujando la puerta deteriorada hasta un pasillo.

El piso cedió, comenzó a colapsar y aceleró el paso, corriendo con todo hasta la luz donde podía sentir a Yoongi, aquel hilo ondulante delgado. No miró hacia atrás mientras giró en otra esquina y una lámpara cayó desde el techo sobre su cabeza, rozándolo antes de romperse en miles de fragmentos en el piso.

Casi estaba allí, estaba tan cerca...

Por otra puerta y en una habitación más grande que antes. Espejos de vidrio a lo largo de una pared y reflejados en ellos, más allá, estaba Yoongi. Estaba suspendido en el aire, sostenido por una fuerza invisible, y Jungkook podía sentir la magia siendo drenada de él. Vió los zarcillos oscuros hundiéndose en el pecho de Yoongi.

No.

Corrió hacia los espejos, presionando sus manos contra ellos, las orillas rotas cortaban sus palmas.

No pueden tenerlo.

No de nuevo. No esta vez.

Rechinando sus dientes, reunió toda la magia que pudo y la lanzó hacia el espejo, haciendo más grande las grietas y la dirigió directamente hasta Yoongi. Más allá de su piel, sus músculos, su sangre y nervios, hasta que encontró el destello de la magia de Yoongi que seguía peleando.

Despierta, rogó mientras mezclaba su propia magia con la de Yoongi, intentando darle su poder. Despierta, te necesitamos.

Los ojos de Yoongi se abrieron y su magia apareció, aferrándose a Jungkook. Jadeó, como si fuera su primer respiro, o su último, y el espejo se rompió.

Jungkook levantó sus brazos para protegerse de los vidrios que volaban hacia él. Algo rugió, en la parte trasera de su cabeza, en el techo sobre él y en el suelo bajo el. Las tablas de madera en el suelo se rompieron y cayó en otra habitación.

Se quedó allí por un momento, aturdido por el dolor que se esparció por todo su cuerpo, pero todavía no terminaba. Una mano estaba agarrando su camiseta y lo tiraba hacia arriba. Yoongi, con cortes de los vidrios en su cara y el brillo del fuego en sus ojos.

Jungkook-ah.

—Tenemos que encontrar a los demás —jadeó Jungkook —Nos estamos quedando sin tiempo.

Hilos, pensó mientras Yoongi asentía. Seguir los hilos.

Se tropezó ante la oscuridad de la habitación. No había ventanas, pero había una rejilla en el suelo y podía sentir a Jimin. Jimin estaba cerca.

Se arrodilló frente a la rejilla y miró a través de ella lo que parecía ser un tipo de sótano. Paredes y suelo de cemento, luces parpadeantes y Jimin...rodeado por los mismos zarcillos oscuros.

Jungkook tomó un respiro profundo, peleó con el ardor en sus costillas y entrelazó sus dedos con los de Yoongi.

Ayúdame.

La magia de Yoongi y la suya, todavía entrelazada y lo suficientemente poderosa para alcanzar a Jimin, para cortar los zarcillos y unirse a su magia. Jimin se sacudió, jadeó y dio un paso, apoyándose en la pared.

¿Jungkook-ah?

Encuentra a Taehyung, dijo Jungkook. Envíame una señal. Ten cuidado.

Jimin asintió, con su magia vibrando, reforzada por la de Yoongi y Jungkook. Lo haré.

Jungkook tomó la mano de Yoongi de nuevo. —Vamos.

Encontraron a Hoseok después, atrapado en una habitación inundada y lo liberaron de la misma manera. Jungkook podía sentir la cadena de toda su magia, unida, conectada a el. Hizo más fácil encontrar a Seojkin en una habitación larga llena de ventanas rotas y lo pusieron a salvo. Jungkook tomó una parte de su magia, también, haciendo crecer el poder, dejando que corriera a través de todos ellos.

Iban camino a Namjoon cuando Jimin gritó ¡encontré a Taehyung! Y Jungkook lo unió a la cadena. Luz se filtraba en la casa, las sombras se proyectaban en la pared y el techo, elevandose desde el suelo, pero Jungkook siguió corriendo, su magia combinada era suficiente para mantenerlas bajo control.

—Aquí —dijo Hoseok, parando frente a una puerta con candado.

Yoongi levantó un pie, con la suela de su bota brillando y la estrelló contra la puerta. Se agrietó y colapsó. La casa rugió y las sombras se retorcieron.

No puedes tener a ninguno de ellos, pensó Jungkook, feroz, y fue hasta donde Namjoon estaba suspendido en el centro de la pequeña habitación. Unió la magia de Namjoon, también, y era tan poderosa ahora, que pensaba que la fuerza de ella podría romper sus costillas. Podía sentirlos a todos, reverberante en su mente, sus células.

A la cuenta de tres, peleamos.

Seokjin, Yoongi y Hoseok asintieron. Namjoon se puso de pie, con la mandíbula tensa y los ojos brillosos. Asintió, también. Una respuesta afirmativa provino del extraño lazo que formaron, Taehyung y Jimin.

Uno.

Jungkook respiró profundamente. Lo sostuvo. Sintió la magia elevarse.

Dos.

Las sombras se juntaron bajo sus tobillos, clavándose en su piel.

¡Tres!

Dejó que la magia acumulada explotara, sintió a los otros haciendo lo mismo, toda su magia mezclada en una poderosa y exhaustiva ola. Un ensordecedor crack se escuchó en el aire y luego Jungkook estaba colapsando y cayó en sus rodillas, de vuelta en la habitación cavernosa en la que habían comenzado. Estaba más brillante que antes, aunque la fuente de la luz era imposible de determinar.

Los demás estaban allí, también, jadeando.

—Mierda —hipó Jimin, temblando —Mierda.

—Todavía no termina —dijo Namjoon mientras Yoongi se ponía de pie.

En la otra parte de la habitación, las sombras se condensaron en siete figuras con capucha, todas usando máscaras sacadas de una película renacentista.

—Qué mierda —susurró Hoseok.

—Guardianes —dijo Seokjin, también de pie. —Los dueños debieron instalarlos.

—¿Se supone que deben ser nosotros? —preguntó Taehyung con sus ojos bien abiertos por el terror.

—Son energía mágica pura —dijo Namjoon —infundida con intención. Mi suposición es que deben imitar a quien sea que llegue tan lejos como nosotros.

—Mierda —dijo nuevamente Jimin.

Yoongi hizo una seña, pero Jungkook sintió el eco en su cabeza, por el hilo de su magia que seguía conectada.

Déjenme manejar esto.

—Hyung —dijo Namjoon, protestando, pero Yoongi sacudió su cabeza e hizo una seña para que todos se quedaran atrás.

Las figuras estaban avanzando, la oscuridad se acercaba a ellos como algo viviente.

—Lo escucharon —dijo Seokjin, poniendo de pie a Taehyung —tenemos que levantar una barrera. Ahora.

El corazón de Jungkook estaba en algún lugar en la parte trasera de su boca. Yoongi no podía decirlo en serio, ir solo. Dio un paso adelante, determinado a ayudar, pero Namjoon lo tomó de la camiseta y lo hizo detenerse.

—Está bien, Jungkook. Déjalo manejar esto.

Jimin, Taehyung y Hoseok tenían sus brazos elevados y estaban murmurando un conjuro, sus voces mezclándose. El mundo de pronto tomó un ligero matiz morado, como un velo descendiendo. La barrera, separándolos de Yoongi. Dejando a Yoongi allí, solo con la oscuridad.

Pero Yoongi estaba brillando. Se veía imponente.

Su magia era una tormenta, cargada por toda su magia y se arremolinaba a su alrededor, fuego, furia e inundación.

Esto, pensó Jungkook, viendo las llamas floreciendo de las manos de Yoongi y bailando en sus brazos, era Min Yoongi con todo su poder. Y el hombre que le robó su voz solo vivió, solo tuvo éxito porque Yoongi lo amaba.

—¡Mantengan esa barrera arriba! —gritó Namjoon cuando Yoongi golpeó con sus manos en llamas en el suelo y el mundo explotó a su alrededor.

Jungkook podía sentir el calor del infierno incluso a través de la barrera protectora. El suelo tembló bajo sus pies, como si un terremoto hubiera sacudido la tierra y sobre el rugido del resplandor, la magia negra gritó, lo suficientemente fuerte y estridente para que sus dientes dolieran. Jungkook jadeó y cubrió sus orejas, encorvándose por la fuerza insistente del poder de dos batalles. El sonido se juntó y el fuego ardió y luego, de pronto, hubo otro crack y-

Silencio.

Jungkook abrió un ojo.

Estaban en una habitación pequeña y que parecía inocente.

Estantes llenos de adornos siniestros, pero pegajosos y un mostrador con un registro largo de la pared posterior, la verdadera tienda. Jungkook estaba dos pasos delante de la puerta cerrada y la magia negra opresiva se había ido, aunque todavía podía sentir huellas persistentes.

Lo hicieron. Mierda.

—Mierda —dijo Jimin y bajó sus manos. La barrera se rompió. Se disolvió.

—Somo unos idiotas —dijo Hoseok jadeante, como si hubiera corrido en una maratón —cayendo en una trampa como esa.

—No creo que fuéramos los primeros —señaló Namjoon sombríamente.

La voz de Yoongi quizás nunca estuvo aquí, se dio cuenta Jungkook. O, si lo estuvo, era simplemente un señuelo. Un faro que pretendía atraer a los usuarios de magia para ser atrapados y drenados.

—Mierda —susurró, furioso y con el corazón enfermo.

Le dio esperanza a Yoongi, esperanza falsa, y ahora...

—¿Hyung? —dijo Taehyung y la mirada de Jungkook se dirigió hacia Yoongi, quien seguía de pie en el centro de la habitación, mirando lejos de ellos. El fuego se había ido y Yoongi era meramente Yoongi de nuevo, incluso casi pequeño en el estrecho espacio de la tienda. Pero algo andaba mal con su magia.

Estaba crepitando. Como una llama apagándose.

—No —dejó salir Namjoon y se apresuró hasta él, justo a tiempo para agarrar a Yoongi mientras se desmayaba, dejándolo lentamente en el suelo. —Tú, idiota —dijo, ahogadamente —maldito idiota.

Con un ataque en sus pulmones, Jungkook se tiró al suelo y se arrodilló junto a Namjoon. La piel pálida de Yoongi bien podía ser transparente y había sangre en la orilla de su boca, deslizando un pequeño riachuelo por su barbilla. Sus ojos estaban cerrados, sus pestañas aleteaban y Jungkook apenas podía ver el subir y bajar de su pecho.

—¿Qué pasa?—preguntó, el pánico lo golpeó con la fuerza de un tren.

—Usó demasiada magia —dijo Namjoon, su voz apretada por el miedo, un dedo contra el pulso de Yoongi —se está muriendo.

—Llamaré una ambulancia —dijo Seokjin, pero sonaba amortiguado, muy lejos. Todo lo que podía ver Jungkook era Yoongi. Todo lo que podía escuchar era la respiración lenta de Yoongi. Todo lo que podía sentir era la disminución de su magia.

No. No no no no-

Así no es como terminaba. Jungkook no lo iba a perder así.

El hilo todavía estaba ahí, conectándolos. Quizás Jungkook podía darle más magia, lo suficiente para que se aferrara, para que le sirviera de ancla.

Estiró su mano, presionando sus dedos en la sien de Yoongi.

—¡Jungkook, no! —le advirtió Namjoon, pero Jungkook lo ignoró. Abrió el lazo lo más grande que pudo y se lanzó de cabeza.

La tienda desapareció, las voces frenéticas de los demás se desvanecieron y-

——

Se sentó sobresaltado, con el pecho pesado y le tomó un momento entender dónde estaba. Había un sofá bajo él, los resortes se clavaban en su espalda y el aire estaba pesado con partículas de polvo, bailando en la luz que venía del techo arruinado.

Toda la habitación estaba carbonizada en consecuencia, se dio cuenta. Chamuscada y arruinada, podía saborear las cenizas de fuego en su lengua. Pudo haber sido una habitación viva alguna vez, juzgando por los detalles que podía ver; el sofá, los restos de una chimenea, una puerta que llevaba a algún lugar, luces parpadeantes en las paredes dañadas. En la esquina estaba la cáscara ennegrecida de un piano y sentado en la banca había una familiar figura.

—Yoongi —dijo Jungkook y se puso de pie.

No se parecía al Yoongi actualmente inconsciente en los brazos de Namjoon. Su cabello era negro ahora y el suéter suelto que estaba usando era blanco, salpicado de hollín en algunas partes. Su converse abolladas descansaba en un pedal del piano, pero no lo estaba presionando y sus dedos no se movían en las teclas. Las cicatrices en su muñeca estaban rojas en vez del blanco que Jungkook estaba acostumbrado y su vista estaba en algún lugar muy lejano.

—Hyung —dijo Jungkook, miedo se asentó en su estómago cuando se sentó en la orilla de la banca, con su hombro presionado al de Yoongi.

—Jungkook-ah —le respondió Yoongi sin mirarlo. Y era extraño, ver sus labios moverse y escuchar su voz salir de ellos. La cabeza de Jungkook se sintió vacía sin el eco de ella, pero aquí, en ese extraño lugar, no podía sentir para nada a Yoongi, ni siquiera su magia. —¿Puedes escucharlo?

—¿Escucharlo?

Yoongi inclinó su cabeza, como si estuviera escuchando algo. —El canto. Alguien...está cantando.

Está muriendo, dijo Namjoon en la tienda. Está muriendo.

—No —dijo Jungkook, el miedo se enterró profundamente, ahogando sus pulmones y cayendo como hielos por su espalda. Tomó la mano de Yoongi y estaba fría al contacto, como si su vida estuviera abandonándolo. Aun así, entrelazó sus dedos. —No, no lo escuches, hyung. Yoongi. Quédate aquí conmigo.

Yoongi finalmente lo miró y había sombras bajo sus ojos, profundas como un abismo. —Estoy tan cansado.

—Lo sé —dijo Jungkook a través de su corazón roto —Lo sé, pero necesito que te quedes conmigo, ¿está bien? Solo...solo por un poco más.

(Hasta que puedan llevar a Yoongi con un sanador, a un hospital. Hasta que detengan todo esto.)

Le echó un vistazo al piano y no se veía como si fuera a funcionar, pero este era un sueño, ¿cierto? —Toca algo para mí —dijo, sin poder quitar la desesperación de su voz —Toca Claro de Luna.

Y allí hubo una pequeña sonrisa, levantando las esquinas de la boca de Yoongi. —Claro de Luna, ¿uh?

Jungkook se alzó de hombros. —Me encariñé.

La mirada de Yoongi estaba enfocada en el ahora, por lo menos, más presente de lo que estaba antes, incluso si su piel aún estaba congelándose bajo la de Jungkook, y asintió. —Bueno, mocoso. Claro de Luna.

Se movió y Jungkook quitó su mano, viendo como los dedos de Yoongi comenzaban a bailar por las teclas y la música se elevaba del piano quemado, tan claro y fresco como la noche en que se besaron por primera vez. Jungkook presionó su boca en el hombro tapado de Yoongi ahora, saboreando más ceniza, e intentó no llorar mientras Claro de Luna llenaba cada rincón de la habitación.

Te amo, pensó, con algo cercano a dolor. Te amo tanto.

Yoongi tocó y tocó mientras Jungkook cerraba sus ojos para escuchar, para atrapar las lágrimas que querían caer, y luego...se detuvo. De pronto. Estruendosamente.

Los ojos de Jungkook se abrieron y miró la cara de Yoongi. Su expresión era distante de nuevo, y sus dedos estaban inmóviles en las teclas. —Yo... —susurró —no puedo recordar el resto.

Otra fisura en el pecho de Jungkook, abriéndose abriéndose abriéndose.

—Está bien —dijo, levantando las manos heladas de Yoongi del piano —eso está bien, hyung.

Quizás si los llevaba lejos de aquí, de esta habitación devastada y la oscuridad de los recuerdos de Yoongi. Quizá eso...

—Ven conmigo —dijo, levantando a Yoongi y no tenía idea de si esto funcionaría, pero Yoongi estaba muriendo y Jungkook nunca sabría cómo dejarlo ir sin pelear. Así que cerró sus ojos y tomó un fuerte respiro, buscó con su magia y tomó la primera ancla que encontró.

Tiró.

El mundo giró violentamente y estuvieron de pie en el Washington Square Park. Justo frente de una banca familiar, a un lado de una familiar fuente. Las hojas todavía morían en las ramas, sin ser invierno todavía, y Yoongi tenía una gorra azul en su cabeza. Jungkook sabía, sin mirar, que el celular en su bolsillo diría que era cerca de la medianoche.

—¿Qué...? —susurró Yoongi, mirando a su alrededor.

—Lo siento —dijo Jungkook —Esto...amo este lugar —tocó la madera barnizada de la banca con su mano enguantada —Sentí que te conocí por primera vez. Aquí.

La expresión de Yoongi se suavizó y se entristeció. —Estoy muriendo, ¿no es así, Jungkook-ah? —no se sentía como una pregunta, no con el repentino conocimiento en sus ojos, el cansancio, sus hombros encorvados.

—No —dijo Jungkook, porque no podía. La idea de un mundo sin Yoongi en él... —No todavía —se sentó en la banca —Solo vamos a sentarnos y a hablar. Tú y yo. Eso es todo. No estás...no me vas a dejar todavía.

(no todavía no nunca por favor...)

Yoongi se sentó a su lado. —No estoy seguro de tener opción. Estoy tan cansado.

—Lo sé —dijo Jungkook, tomando su mano de nuevo. Las lágrimas volvieron, hormigueando insistentemente en sus ojos y parpadeó para que desaparecieran antes de que cayeran. —Lo sé, pero por favor...

Yoongi se giró para rozar sus nudillos en la mejilla de Jungkook y el cariño en su mirada le quitó el aire de los pulmones a Jungkook. —Estarás bien, Jungkook. Lo prometo. Estarás bien sin mí.

—No, no lo estaré —insistió Jungkook. Las lágrimas atacaron otra vez. Comenzaron a caer por sus mejillas. —No lo estaré. ¿Crees...? No hemos terminado aún. No quiero hacer nada de esto sin ti.

—Pero no estarás solo —insistió Yoongi.

Jungkook sacudió su cabeza. ¿Cómo podía hacer que Yoongi entendiera? —Ninguno de ellos es tú.

Yoongi lo besó y tenía sabor a sal, a cenizas, a final, y las manos de Yoongi en su piel estaban frías frías frías y esto era lo que se sentía un corazón roto: visceral e insondable y consumidor, todo su pecho se abría, sus costillas, sus pulmones, sus huesos.

Pensó que ahogarse era doloroso, pero no era nada comparado a esto.

—No —dijo Jungkook cuando Yoongi retrocedió. Cuando Yoongi le sonrió, triste y quebrado y con un adiós sin palabras. No podía aceptar eso. No iba a aceptar esto.

Se acercó de nuevo, una tercera vez, con toda la magia que le quedaba. La depositó en Yoongi, ignorando el jadeo de Yoongi cuando dijo Jungkook y tiró.

El mundo se volvió borroso y giró de nuevo. Cayó brevemente antes de volver y...

Estaba en una playa. No, espera, esto era...

La playa Haeundae. Busan.

Se giró y tomó una respiración ante la familiar ciudad frente a él, los rascacielos brillando con la luz dorada de la puesta de sol y las montañas verdes elevándose y la oscuridad tras ellas. Podía sentir el océano en su pecho y luego, más profundo, la muerte. Intentando alcanzarlo ahora, también.

Lo último de su magia y los trajo aquí.

Los trajo aquí para morir.

Casi quiso reírse, pero la vida generalmente era cíclica, ¿no? Quizás había algo que encajaba en esto: terminar su vida en la ciudad de la cual quiso huir por tanto tiempo.

Se concentró de nuevo en el océano, en la silueta de Yoongi parado en el agua, y caminó hasta él, la arena moviéndose sin descanso bajo sus botas y luego la mordida del océano mientras entraba. La mirada de Yoongi estaba en la distante línea del horizonte.

—La marea está llegando —dijo.

—Lo sé —podía sentirlo. Como un gancho en su pecho. La marea estaba llegando y la muerte se acercaba, murmurando en su oído como una canción: déjate llevar ven conmigo déjate llevar ven conmigo déjate llevar ven conmigo...

Lo ignoró por un momento, solo por un momento.

—Supongo que este lugar todavía me tiene atado —dijo. ¿Por qué si no su magia lo habría traído aquí, incluso si era solo un sueño? —Solía venir aquí cuando era niño —miró la luz en el agua la cara de Yoongi. La gorra del parque se había ido y el viento revolvía su cabello en su pálida frente. Las cicatrices estaban tan rojas que de igual forma podrían estar sangrando. —Podía sentir el océano en mis huesos.

—Puedo sentirlo ahora —dijo Yoongi y finalmente lo miró, y su cara era un estudio del corazón roto que Jungkook todavía podía sentir en su pecho. ¿Por qué estás aquí?

Significaba: ¿por qué me seguiste? ¿por qué no me dejaste ir?

—Porque te amo —respondió Jungkook y las palabras salieron fácilmente ahora, al final. En esta playa vacía con el agua más arriba de sus rodillas, de sus muslos, casi hasta sus cinturas. —Te amo y quizás sepas eso, pero necesito decirlo. Perdón por no decirlo antes. No soy...soy un asco en esto, pero te amé en nuestra primera cita y te amé cuando me besaste por primera vez y probablemente te amé en aquella banca en Washington Square Park, todos esos meses atrás.

Yoongi hizo un sonido herido, como si hubiera sido golpeado, pero Jungkook continuó. Podía sentir el agua casi hasta su pecho ahora y necesitaba decirlo antes de que fuera demasiado tarde.

—No creo haber amado a nadie como te amo a ti, hyung. Y eso era aterrador. Se sentía como saltar de un acantilado, solo que no podías ver el suelo, no podías ver dónde aterrizarías, pero no tengo miedo ahora.

Se acercó a Yoongi, envolvió su cara en sus manos. El rugido del océano era casi ensordecedor y en el horizonte el sol estaba hundiéndose rápidamente. Atrás de ellos, la misma ciudad comenzaba a derrumbarse, grietas aparecían en los rascacielos, pedazos de concreto y vidrio caían en el mar, pero el mundo de Jungkook era Yoongi. El brillo mojado de sus ojos negros; el temblor de su cuerpo bajo las manos de Jungkook; el temor y la devastación en su cara.

—Estoy donde necesito estar —dijo Jungkook, feroz y triste al mismo tiempo —No tengo ningún arrepentimiento, Yoongi.

De todos los finales que podría haber escogido, este no parecía ser uno malo.

Yoongi sacudió su cabeza, abrió su boca, pero fuese lo que fuese que iba a decir fue robado por la ola que cayó sobre sus cabezas, empujándolos hasta el mar turbulento. Jungkook perdió el agarre en Yoongi mientras el agua se abalanzaba sobre ellos y la oscuridad llegó después.

Se estaba ahogando.

Era extrañamente pacífico. Solo él y el agua entrando en sus pulmones.

——

No esperaba despertar. Se despidió, encontró la paz, dejó que el océano lo tomara, pero, de alguna forma imposible, sus ojos se abrieron y la luz lo inundó. Fue cegador al principio, agudo, y cerró los ojos por la fuerza. Gradualmente, el mundo comenzó a tomar forma: un techo de color crema y paredes; una ventana con las cortinas abiertas y el horizonte de Nueva York más allá del vidrio; una cama bajo su adolorido cuerpo; el estable y bajo sonido de las máquinas a su derecha; una mano sosteniendo fuertemente la suya; y una familiar cabeza rubia descansando en el colchón cerca de su brazo.

Miró la curvatura de los hombros de Jimin por un largo momento, el subir y bajar de ellos. Taehyung estaba desparramado en una silla en la esquina, también dormido. Ambos vestían bata de hospital sobre unos pantalones, pero no tenían ninguna herida visible a primera vista.

Tomó un profundo respiro, consciente del dolor progresivo que avanzaba lentamente por sus venas. Se sentía exprimido, hueco. Y más allá de eso, nada, nada de Tae o Jimin o cualquier persona fuera de su habitación. Ni una emoción, ni una vida, nada. Era peor que cuando bloqueaba su magia. Incluso entonces, obtenía destellos a veces, que irrumpían por sus paredes cuidadosamente construidas en su mente. Ahora solo había un gran y aterrador vacío.

Respira, intentó decirse a sí mismo, pero el siguiente respiro fue ruidoso en el silencio de la habitación. Jimin se movió y levantó su cabeza de un sobresalto. Su mirada inmediatamente encontró la cara de Jungkook y debió leer el pánico allí, porque estiró su mano para tocar la mejilla de Jungkook.

—Está bien, Jungkook-ah. Estás bien. Están amortiguando tu magia ahora mismo, para que puedas construir reservas de nuevo, pero estás a salvo.

A salvo. Estaba a salvo.

Debía estar en el área mágica del hospital, los cuales eran raros, pero iban creciendo, diseñados para tratar específicamente a pacientes mágicos y anomalías.

Taehyung estaba despierto ahora, también, casi se cayó de la silla mientras se sentaba.

—Jungkook —dijo, y se apresuró para atravesar la habitación —Estaba malditamente preocupado, bastardo —presionó su frente contra la de él y Jungkook cuidadosamente no entró en pánico ante el vacío donde sus pensamientos y su alivio debía estar.

—Todos lo estamos —dijo Jimin, presionando la mano inmóvil de Jungkook —déjame llamar a la enfermera-

—Espera —graznó. Había algo que se estaba perdiendo. Algo importante. Luchó para poder hacer que su cerebro todavía borroso se concentrara. Recordaba, vagamente, Busan y antes de eso un piano quemado. Hábiles dedos tocando Claro de Luna...

—Yoongi —jadeó, intentando sentarse —¿Dónde está Yoongi?

Oh Dios, el agua, el océano, Yoongi hundiéndose en la oscuridad. No podía haberlo perdido, no podía...

Jimin lo empujó hacia atrás, frunciendo el ceño —Tranquilo, tranquilo. Solo esta unas cuantas puertas más allá. Están preocupados sobre su control cuando recupere la magia suficiente, así que lo mantienen aislado por ahora.

—Sí —dijo Taehyung, volviendo para tomar la silla y llevarla a un lado de la cama —toda nuestra magia está actuando extraña. Nos dejarán en la noche para observarnos.

—Odio los hospitales —murmuró Jimin y por primera vez Jungkook notó lo pálido que estaba, lo derrotado que se veía.

Los hospitales, imaginó, estaban llenos de fantasmas.

Taehyung acarició el hombro de Jimin. —Yo llamaré a la enfermera.

Se puso de pie y desapareció por la puerta en el tranquilo pasillo. Jungkook lamió sus labios partidos. Intentó que su cerebro se enfocara cuando todo lo que quería hacer era volver a dormir. Sus huesos se sentían como si estuvieran llenos de plomo y el dolor era más insistente ahora, docenas de agujas se enterraban en su abdomen, en su espalda, incluso en sus piernas.

—¿Cuánto tiempo...estuve afuera?

—Casi doce horas —dijo Jimin —tuvieron que estimularte para que no entraras en coma.

—¿...estimularme?

—¿Cómo una transfusión? Solo que mágica. —sacudió su cabeza —usaste demasiada, idiota, intentando traer de vuelta a Yoongi. Te quemaste a ti mismo.

Cierto. Recordaba eso, el sentir que sus últimas reservas se iban después de arrastrar a Yoongi a la playa Haeundae.

—Oh.

Jimin bufó. —Sí. Oh.

Antes de que Jungkook pudiera contestar, Taehyung volvió con lo que se sentía como un ejército de personal médico y todo descendió a caos. Perdía y recuperaba el conocimiento mientras alumbraban sus ojos, tomaban su presión, le sacaban sangre, revisaban datos y sus reflejos. Le preguntaron su nombre y el año en que estaban y cuánto podía recordar. Le repitieron lo que dijo Jimin, pero con una jerga mucho más médica.

No podía seguir el ritmo, pero entendió que iba a estar en observación por lo menos esta noche, que aún estaba débil y tomando analgésicos y con bloqueo mágico y que aparentemente algo más raro (anormal era el término que usaron, pero sospechaba que solo querían ser respetuosos) pasaba con su magia y querían mantener un ojo en aquello.

Básicamente, sospechó, querían asegurarse de que a) no fuera a morir y b) no se volviera una amenaza inestable.

—Está bien —se las arregló para decir y luego el ejército del personal médico se fue tan rápido como llegó.

Taehyung y Jimin lo ayudaron a sentarse y le dieron trozos de hielo ("Los amo" murmuró mientras el agua fría tranquilizaba su boca y garganta) y luego lo acostaron cuidadosamente y le dijeron que durmiera.

Quería ver a Yoongi, estaba casi desesperado por ver a Yoongi, pero su cuerpo se rindió antes de que pudiera pedirlo y la familiar oscuridad llegó.

——

Cuando despertó por segunda vez, estaba oscuro y estaba solo. Entró en pánico por un momento, hasta que vio una nota en la mesa con la escritura desordenada de Taehyung, explicándole que él y Jimin fueron forzados a volver a sus dormitorios y que lo visitarían por la mañana.

Se preguntó, de pronto, dónde estaban Namjoon, Hoseok y Jin. Con Yoongi, quizás. Aunque, si también habían sido enviados a sus habitaciones...

Debería dormir, sabía eso. Lógicamente. Debería acostarse allí y dejar que el distante sonido de la ciudad lo durmiera. Pero Yoongi estaba cerca, solo unos cuantos metros lejos y necesitaba verlo. No podía sentirlo, así que necesitaba...

Cierto. Podía hacerlo.

Todavía tenía una intravenosa, pero con cuidado logró sentarse y descolgar la bolsa de suero.

Primer paso listo.

El segundo paso era llegar a la silla de ruedas que podía ver en la esquina. Probablemente la dejaron allí para poder transportarlo en la mañana, pero bien podría tomar ventaja. Ponerse de pie, sin embargo, le tomó un esfuerzo gigante y todo pasó en pequeños pasos, tomando muchas pausas para recuperar el aliento o pelear contra las náuseas y mareos. Eventualmente, estuvo de pie, sosteniendo la bolsa de suero en una mano y apoyándose en la cama con la otra.

Cinco pasos. Seis a lo mucho.

Fácil.

Sacudió su cabeza y deslizó su pie derecho hacia adelante. Medio se tambaleó y medio se arrastró por el suelo con piernas temblorosas hasta que pudo tomar la parte trasera de la silla de ruedas. Se sentó lentamente, con los dientes apretados por el dolor que se esparció por su cuerpo, el cual protestaba, y dejó cuidadosamente la bolsa de suero en su regazo.

Listo, listo. Solo tenía salir al pasillo y bajar.

Fácil.

Le tomó unos minutos frustrantes poder llegar a la puerta de su habitación y poder sacar la silla de ruedas al pasillo, con sus dedos torpes y tiesos, con sus brazos doliendo como si hubiera pasado muchas horas levantando pesas en vez de estar casi en coma en la cama, pero al menos era libre. El piso fuera de su habitación estaba piadosamente vacío. Recordó tener diez años en un área mágica en Busan, la única vez que sus padres lo llevaron a una, desesperados para encontrar una forma de deshacerse de lo innatural...de su hijo. Había estado silencioso allí, también. Menos personal, más habitaciones aseguradas...

Tembló y decidió no pensar mucho en ello, enfocándose en empujar la silla de ruedas hacia adelante. Su ritmo era lento (si alguno de los chicos estuviera allí, seguramente se reirían de él) pero firmemente logró abrirse paso. Un nuevo problema se había presentado, sin embargo; no tenía idea en qué habitación estaba Yoongi y no podía simplemente abrir puertas hasta que encontrara la correcta.

Mierda.

Jimin dijo "unas cuantas". ¿Cuántas son? ¿Tres? ¿Cuatro?

Miró los números y el pánico crecía hasta que vio, bajo la placa de la habitación 608, una pequeña pizarra con un nombre escrito en ella: Yoongi Min.

Oh, Gracias a dios.

Dejó salir un suspiro largo de alivio y tomó la perilla de la puerta. Unos cuantos minutos más de maniobras y estuvo dentro. La habitación de Yoongi era un espejo de la suya: una cama, ventanas largas, máquinas, sillas vacías en la esquina. Jungkook las ignoró y fue directamente hasta la cama de Yoongi. Se veía pequeño y pálido, pero Jungkook se sintió aliviado al ver que alguien le puso un suéter, para cubrir sus cicatrices y para mantenerlo cálido. El color se fue de su cabello, drenado con el resto de su magia y sus mechones negros casi tapaban sus ojos.

Seguía siendo una de las cosas más hermosas que Jungkook había visto. Y su pecho subía y bajaba y cuando Jungkook presionó cuidadosamente su mano en el, pudo sentir el latir de su corazón bajo su piel: vivo vivo vivo.

Lágrimas de alivio llenaron abruptamente sus ojos y las limpió con un bufido molesto. Ya había llorado lo suficiente recientemente, probablemente lo suficiente por lo que le quedara de vida. Ambos estaban vivos, ambos (esperaba) iban a estar bien y el resto vendría. Por ahora, entrelazó sus dedos con los de Yoongi, sufriendo por el vacío donde los sueños borrosos de Yoongi deberían estar y lo sostuvo fuerte.

Minutos u horas pasaron así, no estaba seguro, pero Yoongi finalmente se movió. Tosió. Y entonces sus ojos se abrieron y su cabeza se giró y estaba esbozando una palabra, Jungkook-ah, con la mirada cruda y aturdida.

—Hola —susurró Jungkook, con los ojos llorosos de nuevo.

Yoongi se movió, arrastrándose a sí mismo para envolver su mano en la mejilla de Jungkook. Y no había nada, nada, solamente un horrible vacío.

—No puedo escucharte —explicó Jungkook cuando Yoongi frunció el ceño en confusión —Lo siento, hyung. Tengo esos bloqueadores raros. No puedo escucharte.

Su pecho dolía. Todo este esfuerzo, todo este casi sacrificio y no si quiera pudieron devolverle su voz a Yoongi. —Lo siento —repitió —lo siento.

Yoongi sacudió su cabeza, testarudo y juntó sus frentes, enroscando su mano temblorosa en la bata de hospital de Jungkook. Jungkook lo respiró, su calidez, y cuando Yoongi se alejó, estaba pronunciando algo.

Le tomó un momento a Jungkook entender, el poder leer las palabras en los labios de Yoongi: Te amo.

Se río, con las lágrimas aun cayendo, y acunó la cara de Yoongi como lo hizo en el océano. —Te amo, también. Dios, te amo.

Yoongi lo besó; su mandíbula, su cuello, sus mejillas, su sien y finalmente su boca. Cada uno de ellos fue ardiente y cariñoso y Jungkook no quería soltarlo nunca. Yoongi parecía pensar lo mismo, porque tiró la mano de Jungkook y asintió hacía la cama.

Jungkook se quejó mientras se paraba de la silla, ignorando la preocupación de Yoongi e incómodamente se arrastró hasta la cama, agradecido que ninguno de los dos era muy grande mientras se acomodaba junto a Yoongi.

Oh, espera.

—Mierda, espera —se movió y se esforzó hasta que logró dejar su intravenosa en el mueble junto a Yoongi. —Listo.

Yoongi bufó, divertido y luego ayudó a Jungkook a meterse bajo las delgadas sábanas. Encajaron el uno con el otro como si fueran dos piezas de un rompecabezas, con las piernas entrelazadas, el brazo de Yoongi alrededor de la espalda de Jungkook y el brazo de Jungkook alrededor del estómago de Yoongi, con la mejilla de Yoongi sobre la cabeza de Jungkook y la cara de Jungkook enterrada en el hombro de Yoongi.

—Pensé que te perdería —susurró en el cuello de Yoongi —cuando desperté, yo... —no podía encontrar las palabras para el nivel de desesperación, pero Yoongi hizo un sonido de comprensión. Presionó un beso en su cabello. —Nunca más hagamos eso.

Yoongi tocó su espalda dos veces, un acuerdo silencioso.

La cabeza de Jungkook todavía se sentía vacía sin la voz de Yoongi en ella, pero ser sostenido por él era más que suficiente por ahora.

Lentamente, se durmió por tercera vez, arrullado por la respiración calmada de Yoongi.

——

Y fue despertado por una muy furiosa enfermera, acompañada de cinco chicos muy preocupados. Se tomaron turnos para darle un sermón, primero la enfermera, luego Jin y Namjoon, por escabullirse de su habitación y provocarles un ataque al corazón, pero mantuvo su mano en la de Yoongi y no pudo lamentarlo realmente.

Namjoon y Jin debieron sentir esto, porque se dieron por vencidos con dos bufidos de frustración casi iguales y se tomaron turnos para abrazarlos.

—Gracias —murmuró Namjoon en su oído —por salvarlo.

—Siempre —susurró de vuelta y Namjoon sonrió.

Y luego Jimin interrumpió con un sonoro —Jungkook-ah, ¿quieres matarme?

Todavía se veía muy pálido mientras Jungkook se acercaba para abrazarlo fuertemente, también. —Estoy bien, lo prometo.

—Odio los hospitales —susurró Jimin, enterrando sus dedos en la bata de hospital de Jungkook antes de moverse para abrazar a Yoongi, también.

Yoongi acarició su espalda, murmuró una melodía tranquilizadora y Jungkook los miró con su corazón lleno.

Iban a estar bien. Ese fue el primer momento en el que estuvo cerca de estar seguro.

——

El personal médico a regañadientes lo movieron a él y a Yoongi a una habitación doble luego de que Namjoon les informara que Jungkook probablemente iba a escabullirse nuevamente, o Yoongi, si eran separados. Este sí tenía un sofá, al igual que una fila de sillas, así todos estaban cómodos: Jimin con su cabeza en el regazo de Taehyung en el sofá, Hoseok, Jin y Namjoon en un semi círculo.

La tarde pasó borrosa entre dormir y una conversación tranquila. Hablaron sobre la tienda mágica, sobre las consecuencias. Jungkook supo cómo se desmayó en el suelo de la tienda y como Jimin pensó que iba a perderlos a ambos. Lo aterrado que Taehyung estaba mientras esperaban que la ambulancia llegara. Cómo Hoseok los mantuvo con vida con su magia. Cómo Namjoon fue el que los acompañó en el hospital y como Seokjin los convenció de no llamar a los padres de Jungkook e insistió en cubrir todos los gastos del hospital.

—Gracias —susurró Jungkook, asombrado de nuevo por la profundidad de su cariño por él.

—Por supuesto —dijo Jin como si no fuera nada, sus dedos se hundieron en su cabello de forma cálida y reconfortante. —Eres familia, ¿recuerdas?

En la fresca tarde, los doctores volvieron. Querían quitar los bloqueos, les explicaron y revisar el estado de la magia de Jungkook y Yoongi.

—Necesitaremos aislarte —le dijeron a Yoongi y Jungkook odió la expresión resignada que tomó lugar en la cara cansada de Yoongi —considerando la naturaleza de tu magia.

Yoongi asintió, ignorando las protestas de Hoseok y se dejó ser sacado de la habitación. La piel de Jungkook se sentía fría sin su toque, pero tenía que concentrarse en el doctor que actualmente estaba insertando un líquido azul oscuro en su intravenosa.

—Esto suprimirá el bloqueo —explicó.

Jungkook asintitó. Esperó. Un minuto, dos.

Luego, de pronto, muchas cosas pasaron al mismo tiempo:

El mundo lo golpeó: la preocupación de Namjoon fuera de la habitación de Yoongi y Jimin junto a él y a Jin, quien bajó para llenar más papeleo en el primer piso; el constante alivio corriendo a través de los seis chicos que estaban aquí y vivos; los nervios de Yoongi acerca de su magia, su miedo de perder el control de nuevo; el agotamiento de la enfermera pasando por fuera, recorriendo la duodécima hora de su turno.

Voces se escucharon, mezclándose en un mareante remolino: no puedo perder el control no puedo perder el control y dios odio tanto los hospitales demasiada muerte déjenme solos, no pueden ver que no puedo ayudarlos aquí y por favor Yoongi tienes que estar bien por favor estarás bien esta vez estoy aquí siempre estaré aquí y sobrevivimos sobrevivimos pero todos necesitan estar bien por favor que Jungkookie y Yoongi estén bien y maldita magia negra por qué todavía puedo sentirla siempre seré capaz de sentirla es así cómo se sintió Yoongi después de- y esto no es suficiente esto no se siente suficiente pero es lo menos que puedo hacer mierda cual es el número de mi seguro por qué siempre lo olvido -

Jadeó y agarró su cabeza por la intensidad abrumadora de ello. No estaba tocando a ninguno de ellos, pero podía escucharlos a todos en su cabeza y ¿cómo era eso posible? DETENGANSE DETENGANSE POR FAVOR.

Silencio aturdidor. Luego, en una cacofonía de voces: era ese Jungkookie cómo puedo escuchar a Jungkookie y a los demás puedo escuchar a los demás también qué está pasando mierda esto es demasiado mi cabeza va a explotar que mierda está pasando mi magia se siente rara cómo hago que esto pare cómo hago que esto pare-

El doctor gritó una orden que no pudo escuchar por el remolino mental y muchas enfermeras entraron. Jimin, Tae y Hoseok, quienes seguían en la habitación con él, lo estaban imitando, se dio cuenta, encorvados con sus dedos presionados en su sien y con sus hombros temblando y jadeos saliendo de su boca.

Todo se detuvo. Se cortó tan rápido como comenzó y se tiró en la cama con un quejido. Jimin y Taehyung colapsaron en unas sillas cercanas con pequeños gemidos y Hoseok pasó una mano temblorosa por su cara.

—Algo anda mal —anunció el doctor.

—No me digas —explotó Hoseok, con sus ojos todavía con lágrimas.

Se decidió que más pruebas eran necesarias y todos fueron llevados a la misma habitación. Incluido un pálido e inestable Yoongi, aferrándose a la mano de Namjoon fuertemente. Namjoon tenía chamuscado la manga de su sudadera, pero insistía en que no fue culpa de Yoongi. Lo había estado haciendo bien hasta que...bueno, fuera lo que fuese eso. Los doctores y las enfermeras los alinearon y tomaron muestras de sangre, de ADN, de magia e incluso de orina. Luego los pusieron en una habitación cerrada y se apresuraron en salir como hormigas.

Por un acuerdo sin palabras, todos se metieron a las camas de Yoongi y Jungkook. —Tengo miedo —susurró Taehyung en la habitación y Jungkook apretó su mano. Esto era su culpa de alguna forma, estaba seguro y podía sentir el peso de la carga como plomo en su estómago.

Les hicieron pruebas. Y pruebas. Y más pruebas. Pusieron a Jungkook en una máquina de resonancia magnética y luego hicieron un segundo escáner creado para analizar la energía mágica. Le sacaron más sangre. Les quitaron los bloqueos y vieron el mismo resultado: el remolino, el dolor. Les sacaron más energía mágica. Los conectaron a muchas máquinas. Usaron libros y escanees y no podían acercarse a una respuesta de por qué la habilidad de Jungkook se había vuelto loca, incluso después de cuatro días.

Jimin prácticamente estaba subiendo por las paredes en este punto y por fin le pusieron bloqueadores, también, para darle un respiro de los persistentes fantasmas. Todos estaban exhaustos, sin embargo y Jungkook podía sentir un grito frustrado formándose en la parte trasera de su garganta cuando los doctores finalmente cedieron y llamaron a una arcaísta.

(—¿Una qué? —le preguntó Jungkook a Seokjin.

—Alguien que se especializa en magia antigua y anomalías mágicas complicadas —le explicó Seokjin.

—Significa que de verdad no saben qué es esto —dijo Namjoon desde donde estaba perdiendo por quinceava vez ante Taehyung en un juego.

—Y están desesperados —añadió Hoseok, quien descansaba en uno de los sofás boca abajo porque en este punto todos ellos se estaban volviendo un poco locos por estar encerrados. —A la medicina moderna tiende no gustarle el arcaísmo.

—Sí porque se niegan a admitir lo impredecible que es la magia —refunfuñó Taehyung.

—Bueno, esperemos que sepan algo —murmuró Jimin, acurrucado entre Yoongi y Jungkook —quiero irme de aquí.)

La arcaísta era una pequeña mujer con el cabello corto, pero su magia se elevaba, al igual que la de Yoongi y su acento británico afilaba todas las palabras que salían de su boca. En cinco minutos, tenía a todo el personal médico a su entera disposición, trayéndole los resultados de las pruebas realizadas y, en algún punto, té.

—Bah, máquinas —les refunfuñó, apilando los papeles en la mesita a un lado de Jungkook —No pueden decirte todo. Ven aquí, niño —hizo un gesto para que Jungkook se acercara al centro de la habitación donde había dos sillas frente a frente. —Siéntate.

El personal médico se desvaneció y los demás pidieron darle espacio a Jungkook mientras se sentaba en la silla, feliz de que al menos sus piernas se habían estabilizado un poco y el dolor había comenzado a desaparecer por completo. La arcaísta puso su taza de té en las manos de Jungkook y se sentó en la otra silla. Observó, nervioso, como levantaba unos lentes desde su collar alrededor de su cuello y se los puso. Hacían que sus ojos azules se vieran gigantes y de otro mundo y tuvo que intentar no retroceder cuando ella estiró un dedo huesudo para presionarlo contra su sien.

Podía sentirlo, entonces, el poder de su magia. Antigua, pensó. Insondable.

—Relájate —le dijo —solo estoy echando un vistazo.

Se forzó a sí mismo quedarse quieto y a relajarse mientras la sentía hurgando gentilmente en su cabeza, examinando su magia con la suya. Era una sensación extraña, pero no desagradable y el té estaba caliente de forma reconfortante en sus manos.

Eventualmente, volvió a sentarse con un murmullo contemplativo.

—¿Qué? —preguntó Hoseok, junto con los otros un par de metros más allá —¿Qué es?

—No estoy segura todavía. Paciencia. —y luego a Jungkook—ponte de pie, querido. Uno de ustedes tome su lugar, chop chop.

Hoseok fue el siguiente, luego Namjoon, luego Seokjin, Tae, Jimin y finalmente Yoongi. Tomó sus manos con las suyas, levantando sus mangas para poder examinar sus muñecas con cicatrices. Tocó su garganta. —Vaya, has pasado por mucho, ¿no es así, mi chico?

Yoongi asintió y Jungkook sufrió ante la curva cansada de su espalda, por la forma en que su mirada se quedó en su regazo. La arcaísta apretó sus manos y movió sus dedos hasta su sien, tarareando suavemente mientras trabajaba. La magia brillaba en sus dedos contra la piel pálida de Yoongi y su cabello negro. Cuando se sentó un rato después, estaba frunciendo el ceño.

—La tienda de magia negra —dijo y ninguno de ellos se atrevió a preguntarle cómo es que sabía eso —cuéntenme qué pasó.

Seis pares de ojos se giraron expectantes hasta Jungkook. Tragó saliva, de pronto nervioso y jugó con el dobladillo de su suéter mientras explicaba, de la mejor manera en que podía, intentando navegar por el laberinto de la tienda, intentando salvarlos a todos. Expandiendo y atando su magia a lo de los demás y luego la magia de ellos entre todos, esperando que les diera la fuerza para pelear de vuelta.

—Y lo hizo —añadió Jimin cuando el ceño fruncido de la arcaísta se acentuó y el estómago de Jungkook dio un vuelvo —Salvó nuestras vidas.

Taehyung entrelazó su brazo con el de Jungkook, juntando sus hombros en un gracias silencioso, pero no hizo mucho para calmarlo. Hizo algo, en esa tienda y ahora los estaba dañando. Los estaba dañando a todos, tal como sus padres siempre insistieron.

—No tengo ni una duda de eso —dijo la arcaísta, cortando sus pensamientos. Se giró para mirar a Jungkook, sujetándolo con su mirada penetrante. Sintió como si estuviera quitándole sus capas, una por una. —Tienes una magia poderosa, niño. A pesar de que eres imprudente.

—¿Imprudente? —preguntó Namjoon, posando una mano protectora en el hombro de Jungkook.

La arcaísta los escaneó a todos y sacudió su cabeza. —Idiotas imprudentes, todos ustedes. Intentando pelear contra la magia negra, entrando a cosas sin entender las consecuencias de ellas.

Los dedos de Yoongi rozaron la delgada tela de sus pantalones mientras cerraba sus manos en puños en sus muslos. Su cabeza seguía agachada y Jungkook deseaba estirar su mano y tocarlo, pero no estaba seguro de ser bienvenido. No estaba seguro si quiera si podía moverse ahora, con el miedo enroscándose en su estómago y con su corazón en la garganta.

—¿Qué hice? —susurró —Por favor, dígame e intentaré arreglarlo. Haré todo por arreglarlo.

Renunciaría a su magia, si eso era necesario. Los dejaría para siempre, si no podían seguir estando seguros a su alrededor, incluso si destruía su corazón en un millón de pedazos. Cualquier cosa por ellos, quienes lo habían amado tanto y tan fácilmente.

La arcaísta suspiró. —No puedes arreglarlo. Formaron un círculo.

Las palabras no significaban nada para Jungkook, pero Seokjin jadeó, como si le hubieran dado una cachetada y la boca de Hosoek se abrió.

—Eso es imposible —dijo Jimin, frunciendo el ceño —No ha habido un círculo en décadas.

—En cincuenta años, exactamente —dijo la arcaísta mientras asentía —Que nosotros sepamos. Pero siguen siendo posibles de crear. La magia de ello no ha cambiado, simplemente las circunstancias que solía necesitarlos.

Junkook miró a su alrededor, a las caras pálidas, a la forma en que Yoongi se había hundido más en su asiento y se sentía muy confundido. —¿Qué...qué es un círculo?

La arcaísta parpadeó. —¿No sabes?

Jungkook se sonrojó por la vergüenza mientras negaba. Dios, era estúpido, ¿no es así? Pensando que entendía la magia ahora. Pensando que podía usarla bien.

—Jungkookie es nuevo en este mundo —explicó Namjoon, apretando fuertemente el hombro de Jungkook.

La arcaísta murmuró algo como "imprudente e ignorante juventud" y dejó sus lentes en su cuello nuevamente —Necesitaré otra taza de té para esto.

Presionó el botón para llamar en la cama de Jungkook y demandó una taza de té fresca. Y luego les dijo a todos que se sentaran mientras esperaban y Jungkook tomó la oportunidad para arrastrar su silla junto a la de Yoongi. No estaba seguro de qué tipo de intimidad sería permitida aquí, con una extraña, así que no besó el hombro de Yoongi como quería, simplemente puso su mano sobre la de Yoongi. Yoongi dejó salir una respiración temblorosa y abrió su mano, girándola para poder entrelazar sus dedos con los de Jungkook.

—Lo siento —susurró nuevamente Jungkook. Yoongi se veía tan agotado, tan exhausto y no sabía qué hacer para arreglarlo.

Yoongi sacudió su cabeza. Logró sonreír débilmente.

Jungkook extrañaba su voz.

—Está bien —anunció la arcaísta cuando la enfermera regresó con su té —solo voy a explicar esto una vez, así que por favor presten atención.

Habló por mucho tiempo, hasta que la cabeza de Jungkook comenzó a dar vueltas. Explicó que la magia era más fuerte cuando no estaba aislada. Los usuarios de la magia estaban atraídos a otros usuarios por eso, y era la razón por la cual comunidades y vecindarios eran construidos. Y la magia era incluso más fuerte cuando estaba conectada a otra magia. Hace siglos, décadas atrás, cuando quemaban a quienes sospechaban que eran brujas en Salem, cuando llevaron al chamán bajo tierra, cuando purgaron comunidades y prohibieron libros y prohibieron los rituales, la gente estaba desesperada por protegerse a sí mismos, por pelear. Así que formaron aquelarres, lo que requería un lazo de sangre a cambio de más poder, y algunos, los más desesperados, los más atrevidos e imprudentes, formaban círculos.

—Los aquelarres necesitan sangre para ser efectivos —explicó la arcaísta —pero esos lazos pueden ser rotos cuando el aquelarre ya no es necesitado, o cuando alguien quiere irse. Los círculos son diferentes. Es un lazo de magia. El mismo núcleo de quienes son, atado a otra persona. Esto hace los círculos permanentes e irrompibles. Si alguno fuera a quebrar su lazo con el resto del círculo, la reacción mental resultaría en la muerte. De todos los miembros y de uno mismo.

Es por eso, siguió explicando, mientras el pecho de Jungkook lentamente se restringía con pánico, que los círculos eran raros. Casi se habían extinguido. Nadie quería pagar un precio tan alto, hacer un compromiso tan profundo y duradero, donde la única manera de salir era la muerte; la tuya y la de quienes estaban atados a ti. Los dedos de Taehyung se enterraron en su brazo a través de su manga y no se atrevió a mirar a nadie.

Oh dios oh dios oh dios, los encadenó a todos a él de por vida.

—Ahora, esta es solo mi teoría —dijo la arcaísta, tomando calmadamente su té como si no acabara de dar vuelta su mundo por completo. —Pero probablemente la razón por la cual todos ustedes pueden escucharse mentalmente es por las habilidades de Jungkook —su nombre sonaba raro en su boca y lo pronunció mal: JONG-KOOK. Quería vomitar. Los encadenó a todos de por vida a él. —Él formó el círculo, así que él es la ancla. Lo que significa que su habilidad se esparció a todos ustedes, en cierto grado. Si, por ejemplo, el señor Min hubiera sido el ancla, probablemente habrían tenido un poco de su magia elemental.

Un silencio aturdido, tan pesado que lo ahogaba. Jungkook cerró sus ojos, deseando que la tierra se abriera y lo tragara. Solo que eso significaba que todos morirían, también, porque estaban...estaban atrapados a él. Por siempre. Los atrapó sin darles una oportunidad y sus padres tenían razón. Nunca debió abrirse, dejar que su magia creciera. Debió mantenerla en la caja hasta que lo matara...

—¿Qué hacemos ahora? —preguntó Seokjin, notablemente calmado.

La arcaísta se alzó de hombros. —Aprender a usarlo para que no los mate.

Yoongi apretó su mano, pero Jungkook seguía sin poder respirar. No podía respirar. Era un monstruo, les robó sus futuros. Todo lo que pudieron ser, cualquier lugar al que quisieran ir, los envolvió en una cadena mágica y los ató a él y-

La silla rechinó contra el suelo cuando se puso de pie. No podía mirarlos, no podía respirar, necesitaba salir salir salir.

—Jungkook-ah —ni siquiera supo quién lo dijo, quién lo llamó mientras corría hasta la puerta y se tropezaba al pasillo con sus calcetines deslizándose contra la cerámica.

——

Terminó en el techo. Alguien dejó la puerta abierta y salió a la calidez del aire primaveral con sus piernas adoloridas y el pecho pesado. El sol brillaba sobre su cabeza y se sentía como si hacía años no hubiera visto el cielo. Bebió la extensión de el sobre su cabeza, el destello de los rascacielos cercanos e intentó calmarse con ello.

No creía haber arruinado tanto algo antes y lo iban a odiar ahora, estaba seguro.

Todo ese amor que le dieron tan generosamente y él...

Se hundió en el suelo de la orilla del techo, presionando su espalda contra el cemento y presionó sus manos contra sus ojos hasta que dolieron.

Todo este esfuerzo desperdiciado. Yoongi seguía sin voz e intentó salvarlos, pero solo los condenó.

Estaba llorando, se dio cuenta distantemente, lágrimas escapaban de sus ojos cerrados por sus mejillas. Tragó el sollozo que subía por su garganta e intentó pensar más allá de esta desesperación enorme. Quizás había una forma de romper el círculo sin morir. Buscaría en todos lados, si tenía que hacerlo. Incluso si era el único que tenía que morir, ese sería un precio pequeño a pagar para asegurarse que los demás fueran libres. Lo pagaría sin pensarlo, sin dudar. Cortaría su propio corazón de su pecho si eso significaba...

Pasos. Apenas audibles, pero se acercaban. Y se acercaban.

Hundió su cara en sus piernas dobladas y alguien se arrodilló frente a él, un dedo familiar se enterró en su cabello.

Yoongi. (Siempre, siempre Yoongi.)

Yoongi hizo un sonido susurrante, un por favor mírame sin palabras y Jungkook le debía esto, así que levantó lentamente sus ojos para mirar a Yoongi. Debía verse como un desastre, lleno de lágrimas y mocos, pero Yoongi simplemente limpió la humedad de las mejillas de Jungkook con su suéter.

Jungkook deseaba, desesperadamente, poder sentir lo que Yoongi sentía, incluso si también deseaba no tocar su propia magia nunca más.

Yoongi tomó su mano, quitándola de donde apretaba su rodilla y depositó un papel en ella. Articuló un léela. Luego sus labios rozaron la mejilla de Jungkook, la orilla de su boca y luego se puso de pie, retirándose para darle privacidad.

Jungkook-ah.

Perdón si mi letra es terrible, estoy intentando escribir esto lo más rápido que puedo. Nadie puede encontrar mi maldito teléfono.

Estoy asustado. Todos lo estamos. Esta es la parte de la magia que siempre es aterradora. Antigua, una atadura, más poderosa de lo que podemos imaginar. Se siente como una paradoja, ¿cierto? La magia puede matarte, pero moriríamos sin ella. Aunque supongo que es cierto para muchas cosas.

Perdón. Lo que intento decir es que no te culpo. No creo que los demás lo hagan, tampoco. Salvaste nuestras vidas. Recuerdo la playa en Busan. Recuerdo la forma en la que me sostuviste. Perdón por no decírtelo todavía, lo mucho que significó. Nunca nadie me había amado así antes.

Y nunca había amado a nadie así antes.

Y eso no cambiará por esto. Puedo prometerte eso al menos.

Así que toma una respiración profunda. Todos abajo están preocupados porque te aman, también. No dejes de creer en eso, incluso si no puedes sentirlo como lo hacías usualmente.

El fin del mundo es usualmente temporario. Pensé que todo había terminado cuando perdí mi voz, pero la vida continuó. La vida incluso se volvió buena de nuevo. Este es uno de esos momentos: estás en caída libre, como si nada fuera a estar bien de nuevo. Pero estos momentos terminan y vuelves a estar bien y te das cuenta de que eres más fuerte de lo que crees.

Toma otra respiración. Ven a buscarme cuando termines de leer. Cualquiera sea el siguiente paso, lo tomaremos juntos.

Con amor,

Yoongi.

Jungkook leyó la carta dos, tres veces y la presionó contra su pecho y respiró, justo como Yoongi le pidió que lo hiciera. Estaba llorando de nuevo, no sabía cuándo iba a parar, pero estas lágrimas lo limpiaban en vez de destruirlo.

(Iba a comprar una caja, pensó, donde guardaría todas las cartas de Yoongi para poder seguir leyéndolas hasta el día en que muriera).

Cuando ya no sentía que iba a romperse de nuevo, se levantó. Yoongi estaba un poco más allá en la azotea, mirando la torre del Empire State en la distancia y Jungkook envolvió sus brazos alrededor de la cintura de Yoongi por detrás, apoyandose en su espalda.

—Gracias —susurró en el oído de Yoongi —Te amo. Gracias.

Yoongi se giró para besar su mejilla, dejó que Jungkook llorara en su hombro hasta que se sintió hueco y casi calmado.

Abajo, fue arrastrado en un abrazo de cinco personas casi de inmediato, tan rodeado que no sabía dónde comenzaba una persona y dónde terminaba la otra. Eran solo miembros y calidez de cuerpos y cinco voces intentando darle seguridad, a la vez, de que lograrían superar esto.

—No te sientes mal, Kook —dijo Jimin —estamos vivos gracias a ti.

—Sigues siendo familia —insistió Jin.

—Te amamos —dijo Taehyung con un beso en su cabello.

—Eso podría ser épico, de hecho —dijo Hoseok.

—Y beneficioso —añadió Namjoon.

Jungkook hipó. Sacudió su cabeza. —Por favor no me hagan llorar de nuevo.

Y todos se rieron.

Se sentía como esperanza.

——

La arcaísta se quedó cerca, aparentemente para ayudarlos a aprender a controlar el nuevo lazo que habían formado.

Los bloqueadores se fueron de a poco. Hacia que Jungkook se enfermara, el tener su magia siendo liberada y encerrada una y otra vez y los demás se tomaban turnos para acariciar su espalda mientras se arrodillaba frente al retrete.

Después de dos días, Yoongi pisó fuertemente el piso y exigió, por medio de Hoseok, que el hospital quitara el bloqueo permanentemente y que dejaran que los seis intentaran descifrar todo por su cuenta. El personal médico aceptó, a regañadientes, con la condición de que se quedaran para una última observación de veinticuatro horas.

Las primeras tres horas de esas veinticuatro fueron un caos doloroso, pero gradualmente, lentamente, aprendieron a controlarlo. Aprendieron a separar las voces de los demás, aprendieron a hacer más lentos sus pensamientos. Eventualmente, según la arcaísta, serían capaces de apagar, temporalmente, su conexión, pero eso tomaría tiempo. Por ahora, era solo ruido, pero también habían lágrimas en los ojos de Jimin y un grito emocionado de parte de Tae cuando escucharon la voz de Yoongi por primera vez. Estaba la forma en que Namjoon presionó su frente contra la sien de Yoongi y parecía apunto de llorar cuando susurró "puedo escucharte". Estaba la expresión asombrada y abrumada de Yoongi cuando abrazó a Namjoon de vuelta.

Estaba el sonido de la risa de Seokjin resonando en sus cabezas tres pisos más abajo mientras veía un vídeo tonto que una de las enfermeras le compartió. Hubo llantos de indignación cuando Hoseok dejó una canción pop en sus cabezas. Estaba el peso de todos ellos en el pecho de Jungkook, su felicidad, su miedo, su amor.

Su cabeza estaba llena, a punto de estallar, llena de dolor, a veces, pero no estaba solo y eso era la cosa más importante.

——

La arcaísta dejó una guía teórica antes de irse, escrita en una hoja de papel con letra elegante:

Jungkook es el ancla de su círculo. Solo podrán escuchar los pensamientos de los demás cuando esté cerca. Queda en sus manos descubrir qué tan cerca debe estar para que tome efecto.

Por al menos los primeros meses, necesitan estar cerca. La separación hará que el lazo empeore y les causará dolor. Eventualmente, su magia debería asentarse y no será un gran problema, pero no podrán vivir separados permanentemente.

Más control vendrá con más práctica. Cada círculo es único, deberán descubrir las peculiaridades del suyo.

Su magia será más fuerte ahora y todos deben estar atentos para prevenir la pérdida de control.

Recuerden, si uno de ustedes rompe el lazo, resultará en la muerte de todos ustedes. Traten esto como porcelana delicada y SEAN CUIDADOSOS

No hay mucha investigación en los círculos, pero deberían ser capaces de encontrar investigaciones en el archivo mágico. La librería de Nueva York tiene una grande.

Si alguna vez necesitan ayuda o consejos, dejé mi tarjeta. Estoy fuera de Brooklyn así que siéntase libres de visitar. Haré lo que pueda.

—Esto parece ser muy vago... —murmuró Jimin, quitándole la lista a Jungkook.

—Estamos en territorio desconocido, creo —dijo Namjoon, frotando su sien.

—Está bien —dijo Taehyung, con una sonrisa casi sabia —Vamos a estar bien

—¿Oh? —Hoseok preguntó con una ceja alzada.

La sonrisa de Taehyung creció y miró hacia arriba para mirar el techo. —Tengo un presentimiento.

——

La noche anterior antes de irse, tuvieron una conferencia en el techo. Jungkook prometió servir como un cuidador mental mientras se juntaban en un círculo en el suelo, con sus rodillas tocándose en una larga cadena. El lazo estaba silencioso ahora, lo suficientemente para que Jungkook no se sintiera ahogado, como si lo estuvieran ahogando.

—Así que —comenzó Namjoon, siempre el líder —No hemos tenido tiempo de hablar en la última...semana. ¿Cómo se están sintiendo? Sé que nos podemos escuchar al otro ahora, pero pensé que sería bueno hablar.

—Lo siento —soltó Jungkook antes de poder detenerse —Sé que siguen diciendo que estaremos bien, pero sigo sintiéndolo. Yo...ninguno de ustedes pidió esto. Actué imprudentemente y lo siento.

Jimin lo empujó. —Tú no pediste esto, tampoco. Y supongo que seré el siguiente, en respuesta a Kook. Estoy asustado. Esto es...grande. Quiero decir, no tengo miedo de que alguno quiera romper el lazo, pero, aun así. Tenerlos a todos en mi cabeza es algo grande de procesar. Pero estoy...miren, los amo a todos —dijo, haciendo un gesto por la vergüenza —y no me importa, en serio, de que vayan a estar en mi vida por siempre. Hubiera querido eso de todas maneras.

—Lo mismo —dijo Taehyung, apretando la mano de Jimin —Si fuera a elegir a alguien para compartir mi cabeza, serían todos ustedes.

—Solo estoy anticipando la cara de mi familia —dijo Seokjin, ya riéndose —va a ser genial —sorbió ligeramente —pero estoy bien. Cosas peores pudieron pasar.

—Mucho peores —concordó Hoseok.

—Yo solo... —Jungkook tomó un hilo suelto de la tela de sus pantalones. Miró a Yoongi sentado frente a él. —Siento que no recuperáramos tu voz, hyung. Yo.... Esperaba que pudiera ayudarte, esperaba darte eso.

Yoongi inclinó su cabeza y una sonrisa se dibujó en su rostro, suave y tan cariñosa que golpeó a Jungkook como un puño. Lo hiciste, sin embargo.

Resonó en todas sus cabezas, tan claro como campanas y Hoseok envolvió un brazo alrededor de los hombros de Yoongi mientras Jungkook apenas se contuvo para no cruzar el círculo y besarlo.

Y es por eso que estoy feliz, continuó Yoongi alzándose de hombros. Todos son malditamente ruidosos, pero esto es...bueno. Más de lo que esperé.

—Así que, en conclusión —dijo alegre Taehyung —por si alguien está tomando notas: resolveremos esto y estaremos bien y geniales. Así que podemos dejar de lloriquear o de sentirnos culpables y toda esa mierda. ¿De acuerdo?

De acuerdo, dijeron todos a la vez, un coro llenando la cabeza de Jungkook.

—

Se quedaron allí otra hora, a pesar del frío , pretendiendo que podían ver las estrellas bajo el brillo de las luces de la ciudad.

——

—¡LIBERTAD! —gritó Taehyung la mañana siguiente, cuando se detuvieron fuera de la puerta del hospital bajo la luz de la primavera, girando en círculos y casi chocando con dos personas inocentes que simplemente intentaban llegar a casa.

—Gracias a Dios —respiró Jimin, cerrando sus ojos y balanceándose —No quiero poner ni un paso en un hospital nunca más.

—Considerando que vivimos con Joonie eso es poco probable —dijo Seokjin.

—Solo he estado en el hospital dos veces este año, sin contar esta —argumentó Namjoon, mirándolo.

—Siguen siendo dos veces más que nosotros —señaló Hoseok con una sonrisa.

—Como sea —suspiró Namjoon —solo vamos a casa.

Casa, pensó Jungkook, un poco mareado, un poco borracho por la felicidad y el alivio. Tenía un hogar.

Los dedos de Jungkook se entrelazaron con los suyos. Los apretaron fuertemente. ¿Está bien?

Esta vez, Jungkook le respondió a través del lazo. Sí. Más que bien.

Yoongi besó su hombro. Bien. Ah, por cierto, deberíamos ir a una cita. Tenemos que hacerlo por estar a punto de morir.

Jungkook se rindió ante la sonrisa que intentaba apoderarse de su boca. Sí. Me gustaría eso, hyung.

Ugh. La voz de Jimin, entrando en sus cabezas. Consíganse una habitación, ustedes dos.

Jódete, respondió Yoongi de vuelta sin perder el ritmo y Jungkook se rió.

Se sentía brillante en su pecho. Como el sol. Fuegos artificiales. El comienzo de un nuevo día.

No sabía qué iban a decir sus padres sobre esto, o cómo iba a arreglar la semana de ausencia en la escuela o qué iba a hacer con su departamento cuando probablemente necesitaba estar más cerca del resto, pero justo ahora, nada de eso importaba.

Justo ahora, la mano de Yoongi estaba cálida contra la suya y los demás estaban hundidos profundamente en sus huesos, como el mar, y no estaba solo.

Sea lo que sea que viniera, no tendría que enfrentarlo solo.