Price of Freedom: Taekook's Dark Deal

ch 4

INSIDE BAR - NIGHT
The bar is dimly lit, with a warm glow from the overhead lights. The usual chatter and clinking of glasses create a lively but chaotic atmosphere. Taehyung, visibly exhausted and disheveled, is working behind the bar, serving drinks with a forced smile.

Taehyung as he wipes down the bar counter, his movements slow and mechanical. He glances nervously toward the entrance as a group of debt collectors storms in, their presence instantly causing a disturbance.

DEBT COLLECTOR 1 (loudly, shoving past customers):
There he is! We need to talk about the money you owe!

Taehyung's face pales as he recognizes the debt collectors. He attempts to keep calm, but his hands shake slightly as he reaches for a bottle of liquor.

TAEHYUNG (forcing a calm tone):
I don't have it. I'm doing everything I can to get the money.

DEBT COLLECTOR 2 (grabbing Taehyung by the collar):
That's not good enough! You think you can just avoid us?

The debt collectors start to push Taehyung into a corner, their aggression escalating. Taehyung tries to protect himself, but they start hitting him.

Taehyung's face shows a mix of fear and determination.

Jungkook, sitting at a corner table with a drink in hand, watches the scene unfold with a cold, detached expression. His eyes narrow as he assesses the situation.

TAEHYUNG (shouting, struggling):
Let me go!

Jungkook's eyes meet Taehyung's. There's a moment of cold detachment before he looks away, his expression unreadable. He seems conflicted but ultimately chooses to ignore the commotion.

YOONGI (irritated, slamming his drink on the table):
I can't stand this.

Yoongi stands up, his expression turning from calm to annoyed. He walks over to the scene, pushing through the crowd with purpose.

YOONGI (to the debt collectors, voice firm):
Enough. Get your hands off him.

Yoongi intervenes forcefully, pushing the debt collectors away from Taehyung. He helps Taehyung up, his demeanor both protective and authoritative.

JIMIN (rushing in, panic evident):
Taehyung! How many times have I told you this isn't a safe place? Why don't you just quit?

TAEHYUNG (defensively, still shaken):
I can't quit. I need the money.

Jimin's face is filled with concern as he helps Taehyung to his feet. Yoongi watches, his irritation softening as he sees Taehyung's condition.

JIMIN (to Yoongi, grateful but worried):
Thank you, He's fine now.

YOONGI (nodding, but with a hint of frustration):
Just make sure he stays out of trouble.

The debt collectors, now subdued, grumble and leave the bar. The atmosphere returns to normal, but Taehyung is visibly shaken, his face bruised and tear-streaked.

JIMIN (to Taehyung, gently):
Let's get you out of here. You don't need to keep putting yourself in danger.

TAEHYUNG (with a shaky breath):
I cqan't stop now. I have to keep fighting.

Taehyung and Jimin leave the bar together. Yoongi watches them go, his concern evident but mixed with frustration.

After few days

INSIDE. BAR - NIGHT

The bar is filled with its usual noise: clinking glasses, murmuring voices, and low music. Taehyung, exhausted but trying to maintain his composure, moves from table to table, serving drinks. Suddenly, his phone vibrates in his pocket. He pulls it out, glances at the screen, and answers quickly.