THE STEPBROTHERS | BTS MAFIA AU | ✔

CHAPTER 51

Y/n's Pov-

The morning light filtered through the curtains, but it did little to chase away the heavy feeling in my chest. My head pounded with thoughts of last night-and the tension that now filled every corner of the house. The silence was deafening as I made my way downstairs, each step feeling heavier than the last.

The kitchen was eerily quiet, only the clinking of utensils breaking the stillness. Jin was there, but the usual warmth in his movements was missing. I glanced around, hoping to see the maknaes, but the chairs they usually occupied were empty.

Y/n: "Where are they?"

Jin didn't look up, his voice calm but distant.

Jin: "They already left."

I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. I couldn't blame them. After last night, it was clear they needed space, but it didn't make the emptiness any easier to bear. Breakfast was a quiet affair-just Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon, Jin, and me. The older ones made an effort to act normal, but the strain was palpable. Every word spoken felt forced, like we were all tiptoeing around a fragile glass that was ready to shatter.

When it was time to leave for school, Jin ushered me towards the car. Usually, I'd sit in the back with the others, but today, Jin gently guided me to the passenger seat beside him. It wasn't lost on me-the need to keep a distance, both physical and emotional.

Y/n: "I can sit in the back-"

Jin shook his head, cutting me off before I could finish.

I didn't argue. What was the point? The message was clear. The drive to school was quiet, the usual chatter and jokes replaced by an unsettling silence. I could feel Jin glancing at me occasionally, but I kept my eyes focused on the road ahead, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. I wasn't thinking about the tests we had today-I could barely focus on anything but the tension that had settled over us like a storm cloud.

As we pulled up to the school, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the day ahead. But as I stepped out of the car, I couldn't shake the feeling that things would never be the same again. The distance was growing, and I didn't know how-or if-I could ever bridge that gap.

The school grounds were usually buzzing with energy, filled with students rushing to class or catching up with friends. But today, it all seemed distant, like I was moving through a haze. As I walked towards the entrance, I could feel the weight of the stares from my classmates, though I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination. Everything felt off, like I was in a different world from everyone else.

I passed by the usual spot where Taehyung, Jungkook, Jimin and I would meet before classes, but it was empty. A pang of sadness hit me, but I forced myself to keep walking. It was better this way, I tried to convince myself. Better to give them space to process everything.

I walked into the classroom, the usual hustle and bustle of students settling in for the day barely registering in my mind. My thoughts were elsewhere, tangled in the events of last night and the chilling message I'd received. As I made my way to my seat, a familiar voice called out to me.

Tzuyu: "Y/n! Over here!"

Tzuyu waved, her smile as bright as ever. She had no idea what had happened, and for a moment, I envied her for that. I forced a smile, pushing down the anxiety gnawing at my insides.

Y/n: "Hey, Tzuyu,"

I greeted her, trying to sound as normal as possible.

Y/n: "Ready for the test?"

She rolled her eyes playfully.

Tzuyu: "As ready as I'll ever be. You know how it is with math."

I nodded, my smile feeling more strained by the second. We exchanged a few more light-hearted comments, but my heart wasn't in it. I couldn't let her see the turmoil inside me, so I kept the conversation going, pretending everything was fine.