"I thought we had it all-the sunsets, the kisses, the nights that felt perfect."
"We 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 happy."
"Then one morning, I wake up, and all I want is for it to end... to jump, to stop the pain."
"To make everything go away."
"Then do it."
They fall into step behind her, the grandeur of the palace unfolding around them as they pass through arched doorways and opulent corridors. The walls are adorned with tapestries that tell tales of old conquests and forgotten lore, and columns carved from rare marble rise to meet the ornately gilded ceiling. High above, majestic chandeliers glimmer like constellations, casting an ethereal glow over the richly adorned halls.
Jimin, ever the charmer, seizes the moment, casting a sidelong glance at the young woman walking beside him. “Your name?” he inquires smoothly, his voice laced with easy charm.
She glances up, her face framed by the soft glow of torchlight. “Aisha,” she replies, her tone gentle. She pauses, then reciprocates, “And yours?”
“Jimin,” he answers, flashing a brilliant smile that makes her cheeks tinge with a faint blush. “A lovely name,” she murmurs, smiling shyly. “Sounds… angelic.”Jimin’s eyebrows arch slightly in amusement, but his reaction is swiftly cut short as Taehyung, on his other side, delivers a light but unmistakable smack to his arm.
“Enough with the flirting,” Taehyung whispers, his tone a mix of reproach and exasperation. “Lest you forget, you’re a married man.”
Jimin stifles a chuckle, leaning in to murmur with a hint of cheek. “Please, Taehyung, I’m not flirting. I’m… building rapport. You know, an ally in case things go awry. Or…” He grins, leaning closer. “Could it be someone’s a touch jealous?”
Taehyung scoffs, rolling his eyes, though a faint hint of color rises to his cheeks. “You’re insufferable,” he mutters, quickening his pace to stride ahead, putting some distance between himself and Jimin.
As Taehyung’s eyes wander upward, he catches sight of the chandeliers once more, the intricate crystal formations capturing and refracting light in a way that seems almost magical. A whisper of awe escapes him. “By the gods… utterly magnificent.”
Jimin, still brimming with excitement, sidles up beside him. “Listen, Taehyung,” he whispers conspiratorially, his voice alive with unbridled anticipation. “Once we find Jungkook, let’s convince him to stay. We can bring the others along, make this place our own…”
Taehyung gives him a withering glance, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “And here I thought you possessed some semblance of wisdom,” he mutters dryly, barely concealing his mirth.
Jimin halts, narrowing his eyes with mock offense. “Excuse me? Did you just question my intelligence, Jeon Taehyung?” he whisper-yells, his voice laced with feigned indignation, though his eyes sparkle with mischief.
Ignoring him, Taehyung rolls his eyes once more, his steps quickening as he attempts to shake off the rising sense of unease. His trust remains guarded, a protective shell against the unknown dangers lurking within the palace walls.
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