𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 (𝙑𝙠𝙤𝙤𝙠)

35: Wretched

ignore the mistakes please

Author's pov:

Jeongguk's voice echoed through the room, a desperate mix of terror and love. Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself. Slowly, he turned around. There stood Jeongguk, his chest heaving from exertion, as if he'd sprinted all the way here. relief washed over Taehyung, followed by a wave of apprehension as his gaze swept over the others – Soobin, Yeonjun, a concerned Wooshik, and Seokjin.

Jeongguk rushed towards him, but his steps faltered when he saw the two figures standing behind Taehyung. his parents. A deep furrow etched itself between his brows as he approached, his movements cautious now. he stopped directly in front of Taehyung, cupping his face in his calloused hands. His gaze searched Taehyung's, as if seeking reassurance that he was truly there, safe and sound.

"Thank God," Jeongguk breathed out, their faces inches apart. "You scared the living daylights out of me." His voice was laced with a raw vulnerability that tugged at Taehyung's heart.

"Did you cry?" Jeongguk asked softly, his eyes drawn to Taehyung's swollen, red-rimmed eyes. Concern etched itself onto his face.

Taehyung closed his eyes again, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. He reached for Jeongguk's hand, his touch a silent plea for comfort. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss onto the palm.

"Take me home, please," Taehyung whispered, his voice thick with emotion. tears welled up again, overflowing as he saw the pain reflected in Jeongguk's eyes.

Jeongguk didn't hesitate. he wrapped his arms around Taehyung in a fierce embrace, his hold a silent promise of protection. His gaze darted towards his parents, a storm of questions brewing in his eyes. His heart plummeted as he saw them turn and begin to walk away. As they brushed past, his mother reached out and patted Taehyung's back comfortingly before they disappeared down the hallway.

"Mom! Dad! Wait!" Seokjin and Soobin called out, chasing after them, but the couple didn't stop.

Jeongguk's confusion turned to anger. he glared at Wonho, who stood there with his head bowed, silently gathering Taehyung's belongings.

"Did they say something to you? Baby, please tell me," Jeongguk pleaded, his voice tight with worry. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Taehyung's temple.

Taehyung simply shook his head against Jeongguk's chest, his voice muffled. "Just take me home," he choked out, his body trembling.

Jeongguk didn't need to be told twice. with a final glare at Wonho, he scooped Taehyung into his arms. Taehyung buried his face in the crook of Jeongguk's neck, seeking solace in his familiar warmth. Without another word, they left the room, the weight of unspoken questions and unresolved issues hanging heavy in the air.

                                                        ***********

Felix sprinted down the bustling streets of Itaewon, his lungs burning. The man he'd been chasing had vanished like a wisp of smoke, leaving no trace behind. Frustration gnawed at him as he scoured every alleyway and backstreet, the grainy photo clutched in his hand a constant reminder of his elusive target – Yugyeom's accomplice.

He stopped a group of teenagers, shoving the photo under their noses. "Have you seen this guy?" he barked, his voice hoarse from exertion. A chorus of "no" echoed back, punctuated by confused stares.

Information gleaned from Chunga had led him here, the tip-off suggesting Yugyeom wouldn't have pulled off that car theft alone. Now, with the lead gone cold, a knot of anger tightened in Felix's gut. He slammed his fist against a nearby wall, the impact leaving him wincing but the brick wall unscathed.Pulling out a photo of the suspect, he approached random people, hoping for a shred of recognition.