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warning: extremely graphic violence in the latter half of this chapter. reader discretion is advised ⚠
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
as taehyung drew in a breath of the crisp morning air, sunlight danced upon his face, casting a gentle warmth across his skin. amidst the bustling crowd, each person lost in their own world— he found himself enveloped in a surreal moment, disbelief tugging at every one of his senses.
it's been months and the world is still the same, busy and ignorant of him— yet as taehyung gazed upon the familiar sights of the bright sunlit sky, the steadfast structures of buildings, the rhythmic passing of horse-drawn carriages and the people, a wave of emotion washed over him. it was all the same but taehyung knew he had changed a lot.
as he strolled along the bustling street, taehyung couldn't escape the curious glances from passersby, their eyes lingering a moment too long on him. women exchanged hushed gossip, while a few envious glances from men trailed after him. who could blame them though? adorned in luxurious garments, taehyung exuded an air of regal confidence, as if commanding attention with every step he took.
despite his efforts to blend in, taehyung couldn't help but stand out in the crowd, the beige suit and coat adorning his frame perfectly. after all, jeongguk left no effort in providing him with the luxurious lifestyle he had once yearned for— yet now, it felt like a facade.
when jeongguk went through the letters he wrote for jimin, he had been a bit envious of jimin, saying he would also like taehyung to say such sweet words to him. taehyung had laughed, internally so relieved that jeongguk wasn't suspecting as he thought he would.
even when taehyung told jeongguk, he could come along, jeongguk told him he couldn't travel outside when it was daylight so it was better if he went alone. it did make sense and taehyung couldn't be happier seeing how luck was favouring him.
lost amidst the sprawling woods surrounding the mansion, taehyung had no clue how to make his way to town. doubting if they were even close to civilization. so jeongguk helped him out and took him in bridal style, moving at light speed, it didn't take them much time until reaching the riverbank just outside town. then jeongguk told him to come there by sunset and not be late to be picked up again.
jeongguk also told him to not betray him.
and taehyung gave his words.
words he didn't mean.
as taehyung wandered the familiar streets, memories of old times flooded his mind. he couldn't help but reminisce about the days when he was practically a beggar, his state worse enough for him to even spend nights on the streets— unnoticed by those who passed him by without a shred of sympathy, which he never sought anyway.
