Ecstacy of Love (vsoo)

31. I forgave you because I owe you once.

Edited

" He must have gone alone," Namjoon groaned, his face cold and serious. The tension was palpable as the members of Bangtan searched relentlessly for Taehyung, who had gone off on his own. He should have taken someone with him—never underestimate the enemy. After all, no one dares to cross Bangtan unless they are powerful enough to match them.

" Hyung, what should we do now?" Jungkook asked, his voice laced with concern as he glanced over at Namjoon, who was frowning deeply.

" Where is Taehyung’s shadow guard? He must know where he went," Namjoon demanded, his eyes fixed on Jimin. Jimin, however, appeared just as clueless, his expression blank. He hadn’t been around when Taehyung left, and he never usually left Taehyung’s side—except when he was tied up at the Military Camp.

But without any answers about Taehyung’s whereabouts, they shifted their focus. Saving Gunju became the priority, even though Taehyung's disappearance was also troubling. They knew they were dealing with someone unexpected, and now the most suspicious figure was Sehun.

If Sehun knew where to lead them, this could be their chance to strike at the heart of the rebellion—two birds with one stone.

" Vice General Jimin, Miss Park is here," a military guard announced after bowing slightly to all the Bangtan members exiting the discussion hall.

Jimin, frowning, shook his head in refusal to meet her. It wasn’t the right time. But his indifference was clear. Jimin had never seemed interested in meeting her, even when it wasn’t urgent. He was always aloof, especially when it came to things that didn’t concern him directly.

But then Chaeyoung spoke, halting everyone in their tracks.

" I’m not here to see you, though. It’s about Sooyaa unnie." She walked closer to the group, her gaze meeting Jimin’s, who still appeared unfazed.

" Sooyaa unnie didn’t come back yet, nor Gunju... I’m worried about her," Chaeyoung said, her voice laced with concern.

" We know," Jimin muttered, his tone almost dismissive. " We’ll find them... You don’t have to come here."

He shifted his body forward, preparing to mount his horse, his impatience evident. The others looked at him, blinking in surprise at his bickering with Chaeyoung, but no one dared to say a word. Everyone knew Jimin well enough to keep their mouths shut.

" Let me join you. I’m so worried about unnie… please," Chaeyoung begged, stepping closer.

Before Jimin could refuse again, Jin spoke up, grinning as he saw an opportunity to tease Jimin even more. The mood was growing heavier with the setting sun, and he couldn’t resist.

" Let her join... We’re going ahead, Jimin. Just follow us with Miss Park," Jin said, signaling the others to follow him, with the military men at their heels. Jimin sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation, but he reluctantly nodded.

Hopping down from his horse, Jimin walked over to Chaeyoung, who met his gaze with an intensity that seemed like a staring competition. There was a quiet challenge in her eyes, and Jimin couldn’t help but be a little amused.

" I'm not taking any responsibility for protecting you," he said, his tone firm but with a hint of reluctance. " You’re coming at your own risk."

He helped her mount the horse, watching as her lips pouted cutely, which Jimin found himself resisting. He turned away quickly, trying to focus on the task at hand.

As they followed the other members, the ride was peaceful but filled with an awkward silence. No one spoke a word, each lost in their own thoughts. The tension hung thick in the air, and it felt like the calm before a storm.