Stay With Me

Chapter One

In a room where the air was thick with the sweet, haunting notes of a piano, a man poured his soul into each keystroke. The walls, lavishly adorned with masterpieces from renowned artists, seemed to come alive, whispering tales of creativity and passion. 

In the center of this artistic sanctuary sat a plush sofa, inviting guests to sink into its embrace and unwind as soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow throughout the space. It was a haven of tranquility—but not for him.

Suddenly, that serene atmosphere shattered like glass. He sprinted toward a man who stood menacingly with a gun pointed directly at him. With adrenaline surging through his veins, he executed a swift kick to the man's knees, sending him crashing to the ground. 

In one fluid motion, he seized the weapon from the fallen assailant and began firing at his enemies with practiced precision. The chaos erupted around him as gunshots echoed through the room, each bang reverberating in his chest. 

Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he refused to falter. Spotting another adversary lurking in the shadows, he took cover behind the sofa and steadied his aim. With a sharp exhale, he pulled the trigger again, silencing that threat.

Just then, a burly figure charged at him, shouting in panic. Rolling his eyes at such foolishness, he shot him down without hesitation, using the fallen body as a shield against incoming fire. But amidst the chaos, something caught his eye—a flicker of movement that drew him away from the fight. He raced toward it, knowing deep down that he was already too late.

Kneeling beside the fallen figure, tears streamed down his face as despair washed over him like a tidal wave. He had failed to save them; hopelessness gripped his heart. Suddenly, pain pierced through his body—a searing heat spreading across his chest as crimson stained his shirt. He collapsed onto his back, enveloped by an all-consuming numbness that promised no return to consciousness.

With a jolt, he awoke gasping for breath as sunlight streamed through his window, illuminating his porcelain skin. The silence of the room was punctuated only by the sound of his heavy breathing. Glancing at the clock, he reluctantly swung his legs over the side of the bed and shuffled to the bathroom.

In the mirror stood a strikingly handsome man—his long curls framing dark eyes that held untold stories. He shook his head to clear away the hair obscuring his vision and took in his reflection: a straight-edged nose and thin lips complemented by an innocent mole below his lower lip contrasted sharply with his muscular physique. 

Tattoos adorned his left arm like badges of honor; one on his chest stood out like an intricate piece of art. After completing his morning routine, he rummaged through his closet. Fashion wasn't exactly his forte—he preferred comfort over style—but he still had standards. He pulled on a crisp white shirt and comfortable black sweatpants that showcased his Greek-like physique.

Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply—the air was fresh in this quiet neighborhood he'd chosen to escape the ghosts of his past. A sleek black Mercedes and a vibrant yellow Lamborghini gleamed in the sunlight outside his home.

To one side lay a garage where two workers were busy tinkering with cars—his domain of design and engineering. 

"Good morning Jeongguk-ssi," one greeted him with enthusiasm.

"Morning! Have you seen Yeon?" Jeongguk asked.

"He took Jerry's car for a test drive," Mark replied.

"Alright then," Jeongguk said before heading towards "Kim's and Min's Café," which proudly stood across from him—a place that always brought a smile to his face.

Inside, chaos reigned as Seokjin berated Namjoon for meddling in the kitchen. Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle at their antics—the tall man in an apron scolding another with blue hair who looked utterly defeated.

"Come on Jin-hyung! He was just trying to help!" Jeongguk interjected with a grin.

"Good morning, Gguk! You have no idea what he's done!" Jin shot back and went inside.

Jeongguk laughed softly as Namjoon rushed to hug him in gratitude for intervening. "What did you break this time?" Jeongguk teased.

"Just... all of Jin's cups," Namjoon admitted sheepishly.

"Seriously? All of them?" Jeongguk exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes," Namjoon replied quietly.

"I know Jin hyung overreacts sometimes, but this time I think he has every right to be upset," Jeongguk said gently. 

"You know it becomes difficult to control him when he gets angry."

"Actually," chimed in another voice from behind them, "I kind of enjoy when Jin hyung gets angry." 

They turned to see Yoongi approaching with a smirk on his face. Namjoon huffed while Jeongguk started laughing again.

"Don't you think it's your responsibility to help your best friend?" Namjoon asked Yoongi.

"I love seeing you squirm," Yoongi replied nonchalantly before settling onto a nearby bench.

As their banter continued, Jeongguk felt an ache deep within him—a longing for connection that had eluded him since that fateful day ten years ago when everything changed. Despite being surrounded by friends who cared for him deeply, an emptiness lingered in his heart—a reminder of what he had lost and what could never be replaced.

"Are you okay, Gguk?" Namjoon asked gently, breaking through Jeongguk's reverie.

"I'm fine," Jeongguk replied softly, though doubt lingered in their gazes.

Yoongi spoke gently but firmly: "It's time to let go."

Jeongguk inhaled sharply; memories flooded back—each one sharp enough to cut deep. The shadows of that day loomed large in his mind as he grappled with feelings that refused to fade away.

"It has been ten years since that incident happened," Namjoon added softly but insistently. "You've got to move on now."

Jeongguk took another sharp breath; those words echoed painfully within him. He remembered every detail of that day—the chaos and heartbreak—and how it had irrevocably altered the course of his life forever.

As laughter rang out around him and warmth enveloped him like a comforting blanket, Jeongguk couldn't shake off that gnawing feeling deep inside—an unshakeable sense of solitude amidst companionship—a reminder that some wounds never truly heal and some scars are meant to stay forever etched in your heart.