Price of Freedom: Taekook's Dark Deal

Ch 3

After few days

INSIDE - JUNGKOOK'S MANSION - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The living room is a blend of dark, sophisticated tones and plush, luxurious furniture. The lighting is subdued, casting long shadows that accentuate the grandeur of the room. Expensive artworks hang on the walls, and a large window reveals a view of the city skyline.

Jungkook sitting in a large leather armchair. He is dressed in a tailored suit, but his appearance is slightly disheveled, as if he’s been lost in thought for too long. His fingers trace the rim of a glass of whiskey, which he swirls absentmindedly.

JUNGKOOK: (muttering to himself):
What is it about him? I’ve never been this... affected.

The whiskey glides in the glass as Jungkook’s hand shakes slightly. His eyes are fixed on the amber liquid, but his mind is clearly elsewhere.

JUNGKOOK (frustrated):
I can’t stop thinking about him. Why is he getting under my skin like this?

Jungkook leans back, rubbing his temples in frustration. He takes a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he tries to collect his thoughts.

JUNGKOOK (thinking aloud):
He’s nothing but a bartender. But there’s something... different about him.

FLASHBACK: Quick flashes of Taehyung’s face, his tired eyes, and his resilient but broken demeanor. The flashes are accompanied by the sounds of Taehyung’s distressed pleas and the harsh words from the debt collectors.

JUNGKOOK (softly, almost to himself):
I’ve never felt like this before. Not like this... obsession.

Jungkook’s face hardens as he wrestles with his emotions. He stands up abruptly, pacing across the room. His movements are sharp and deliberate, reflecting his inner turmoil.

JUNGKOOK: (into call to his man)
Bring him here. I want to talk to him.

Taehyung is escorted into the room by one of Jungkook's men. He looks around, overwhelmed by the luxury.

TAEHYUNG:
(hesitantly)
You... you wanted to see me?

Jungkook stands, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's face. He approaches slowly, like a predator stalking its prey.

JUNGKOOK:
(voice low and intense)
Taehyung. I've been thinking about your... situation. I have a proposition for you.

Taehyung swallows hard, a mixture of hope and fear in his eyes.

TAEHYUNG:
(cautiously)
What kind of proposition?

JUNGKOOK;
(firmly)
I'll pay off all your debts. Every last cent. I'll cover your mother's medical bills, ensure she gets the best care possible. I'll make sure you never have to worry about money again.

Taehyung's eyes widen in disbelief. For a moment, hope blazes in his expression, but it's quickly tempered by suspicion.

TAEHYUNG:
(warily)
And what would you want in return?

Jungkook steps closer, invading Taehyung's personal space. His hand comes up to cup Taehyung's cheek, the touch both gentle and possessive.

JUNGKOOK:
(softly, but with an undercurrent of steel)
You. Your body, your time, your loyalty. You'll belong to me, Taehyung. Completely.

Taehyung jerks back as if burned, his face a mask of shock and anger.

TAEHYUNG:
(voice rising)
What? No! I'm not for sale! I won't be part of your world, your... your criminal empire!

Jungkook's expression hardens, his eyes growing cold.

JUNGKOOK:
(coolly)
Think about it, Taehyung. If you refuse, the collectors won't stop. They'll come after you, after your mother. You'll end up worse off than you are now.

TAEHYUNG:
(defiantly, but with a tremor in his voice)
I won't be your property. I'll find another way.

JUNGKOOK:
(with a hint of dark amusement)
Will you? And how many more beatings will you take before you realize there is no other way?

Taehyung falters, the weight of his situation crashing down on him. Tears begin to well in his eyes.

TAEHYUNG:
(brokenly)
Please... there has to be another way. I can't... I can't do this.

Jungkook's expression softens slightly. He reaches out again, this time gently wiping away a tear from Taehyung's cheek.

JUNGKOOK:
(softly)
I can protect you, Taehyung. I can give you a life you've never dreamed of. All you have to do is say yes.

TAEHYUNG (with resolve but breaking down):
I refuse to be part of your world.

Jungkook’s face shows a flicker of sadness and determination. He looks at Taehyung, who is visibly distressed, his resolve wavering.

JUNGKOOK (after a pause, softly):
Think it over. You know where to find me if you change your mind.

Taehyung’s eyes are filled with tears as he turns to leave. Jungkook’s gaze follows him, a mix of regret and longing evident in his expression.