Chapter 12 | Training or Torture?

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Taehyung, October 31, 1985, Royal Palace of Azura

My eyes shoot open when I hear the familiar clang of the cell bars, a sound that always brings a sense of anticipation tingling through me. As a smile starts to tug at the corners of my lips, I turn around, my heart racing in hopeful expectation, fully prepared to see Jimin—my usual visitor in this desolate place. However, to my surprise, it's Jungkook.

He meets my gaze with a piercing intensity, his eyes seeming to search for traces of my thoughts in the lines of my face. "Good Morning." He says. "It's been awhile."

"I thought you finally forgot about me and wanted to send me back." I say and get up, running a head through my messy hair.

Jungkook's response comes in the form of a dry chuckle, a sound that lingers in the air. "I could never forget about you," he finally admits, his gaze holding mine for a moment too long before flickering away.

"So," I start. "What do you want?"

"So blunt," Jungkook mutters with a hint of amusement, his expression laced with mirth. "It's crucial for you to continue your training. Are you in need of a break to freshen up?"

"No," I reply softly, feeling a light blush rise to my cheeks. I find it frustrating how everyone constantly questions me about needing a restroom break. I think to myself that I will mention it if necessary.

"Great. Let's go." Jungkook says and goes through the protocol. He rests a hand on my arm and gently guides me to the arena.

Jungkook removes the blindfold and steps away from me, his expression earnest and determined. "You're running today," he announces firmly, his gaze fixed on me. "You need to get into shape."

"I have my powers. I don't need to be in shape," I argue, raising my hands in protest and trying to make him understand the strength I possess.

"Nevertheless, you can't always be reliant on your abilities." Jungkook says, pushing my hands away. "Now, run."

Letting out an exasperated huff, I begrudgingly begin to jog around the expansive arena. The arena's vastness is overwhelming, stretching out endlessly in all directions. I struggle with each step, feeling the strain in my muscles and the shallowness of my breath after just a single lap. My legs protest with each movement, threatening to give way under the intense physical exertion.

"Is that enough?" I say, catching my breath.

"You've done 1 lap, Taehyung." He exclaims. "Do not waste my time. Go!" Jungkook pushes me and I roll my eyes, starting to run again.

I thought I was in pretty good shape but I guess not. I start running again, trying to keep my legs moving.

○○○

As I collapse onto the cold, hard floor, the overwhelming urge to vomit consumes me entirely, forcing me to expel the contents of my stomach in a violent and uncontrollable manner. In the midst of this bodily upheaval, my cheeks flush with heat, my breathing becomes labored, and my entire body is drenched in a sheen of sticky sweat. Despite the discomfort, Jungkook, with a mixture of concern and tenderness, slowly makes his way towards me, gently clearing my hair away from my face with a caring touch.

"It's okay," he whispers softly, his words a soothing balm to my distressed state. The drastic shift in his demeanor surprises me greatly, as his actions oscillate between a portrayal of a dark, foreboding figure and a comforting angelic presence in the blink of an eye.

A wave of embarrassment washes over me as I realize the vulnerability of my current situation, particularly in the presence of Jungkook. The mere thought of being witnessed in such a weakened state tightens my stomach in knots, leading to another bout of nausea and subsequent retching. Yet, amidst these distressing moments, Jungkook remains steadfast by my side, holding back my hair and offering a reassuring pat on my trembling back.

With a mixture of disgust and self-deprecation, I mutter a word of frustration, using the back of my sleeve to clumsily wipe my clammy face. The realization of my current physical state dawns on me then - a stark reminder of how out of shape I have become, as evidenced by this unfortunate display of weakness.

"It's fine. I'll take you back, hmm." Jungkook says. "You did good for exercising after such a long time."

"C-can I shower?" I mutter lowly as Jungkook wraps the blindfold around.

"Of course, dear." Jungkook says. "I'll get you a fresh set of clothes, too."

Jungkook is being too nice.

Way too nice.

We arrive back at my cell and Jungkook slides the blindfold off.

"Go shower. I'll bring you some clothes." Jungkook says. "Call me if you need any help."

The thought of finally being able to cleanse myself in the shower brought about a profound sense of relief. It had been an eternity since I last indulged in a refreshing shower, and the anticipation of washing away the accumulated grime filled me with joy. Hastily shedding the noxious, bile-stained garments that clung to me, I eagerly made my way to the inviting steam of the shower cubicle. With a decisive twist of the handle, cascades of warm water embraced me, washing away not only the physical dirt but also the mental weariness that had weighed me down for days.

I moan softly as the soothing sensation of the water caressing my skin envelops me, prompting a sense of tranquility to wash over my tense body. Standing stationary beneath the cascading water, I embrace its warmth, allowing it to create a comforting cocoon around me. I reach for a creamy bar of soap, its delicate fragrance sending waves of vanilla scent swirling through the steam-filled air as I lather it onto my now dewy skin. Memories stir of a time at home when my mother let me use some soap once a week for my body and hair. With nostalgia tugging at me, I take a portion of the soap and gently work it into my scalp, the rinse of water washing away the suds in mere moments.

"Taehyung! I'm coming in!" I hear Jungkook yell, his voice echoing through the door, and an immediate sense of panic begins to grip me tight.

"Wait! No! Give me just a moment," I urgently scream in response, my heart pounding as I hastily step out of the warm cascade of the shower. With a quick, almost frantic motion, I reach for the nearby towel, its plush fabric offering a quick shield against the impending intrusion. Wrapping it snugly around my damp skin, I brace myself mere moments before Jungkook's sudden entrance.

As the door swings open, revealing Jungkook with an intensity in his gaze that sends a shiver down my spine, I find myself instinctively taking a step back, the vulnerability of my exposed form laid bare before his searching eyes. Suppressing the overwhelming urge to physically shield myself from his unwavering scrutiny, I maintain a shaky composure, feeling every fiber of my being on edge under his searing gaze.

"Here you go," Jungkook finally speaks, his voice cutting through the charged silence, yet his eyes refusing to release their hold on my figure, leaving me with an unsettling mix of discomfort and awareness. Handing me the neatly folded clothes, his close presence lingering a moment longer than necessary before retreating, I gradually release the breath I hadn't realized I was holding, a small sense of relief flooding over me.

 I quickly dress myself into a maroon long-sleeved shirt, black trousers and a cozy brown sweater that I decide to not wear because I'm already pretty warm.

I run a hand through my wet locks and walk outside. To my surprise, Jungkook is still there.

"Oh good. You're dressed." Jungkook exclaims. "We can get back to work now. I was thinking 100 push ups and 200 pull ups after some swimming lessons?"

Fuck my life.

~

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