Whispers of Submission jjk

Chapter 25

The weight of the day sat heavy on my chest, a suffocating presence I couldn't shake off. I should've been used to this by now—Jungkook and his relentless ability to upend my world at every turn. But no amount of preparation could've steeled me for this.

His hands cupped my face, fingers pressing into my skin with a desperation that sent a shiver down my spine. His dark eyes held mine, a silent plea flickering within them. "I'm so sorry, Y/N." His voice was raw, almost fragile. "I never gave Aria the right to use those photos. They're old, meaningless. You're the only one I want."

Lies. His words were like a silk thread, soft yet suffocating. I wanted to believe him, to drown in the illusion that I was the only one that mattered, but the proof was there. Those pictures weren't fabrications. Aria had wielded them like a dagger, aiming straight for the cracks in my armor.

"If they mean nothing, then why does she still have them?" My voice wavered, the betrayal slicing through me. "Why does she have the power to humiliate me?"

Jungkook tensed, jaw clenching, but before he could respond, another voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Well, well. Trouble in paradise already?"

I turned, my stomach twisting at the sight of Taehyung, leaning against the wall like he owned the room. His smirk was lazy, eyes flicking between us with amusement, but there was something else lurking beneath it—concern.

I stepped away from Jungkook, putting space between us, desperate for air that didn't carry his scent. "Do you know about this too?" My voice was sharper than intended. "About his history with Aria?"

Taehyung tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he was piecing together. "Aria always plays her games," he said nonchalantly, but then his gaze slid to Jungkook, the smirk dimming. "But Jungkook? He's not as innocent as he looks."

Jungkook's body stiffened, and when he turned to Taehyung, his expression was carved from stone. "What the hell are you trying to say?"

Taehyung pushed off the wall and took slow steps toward me, his voice lowering. "Let's just say there are things about Jungkook's past you wouldn't like, Y/N. Secrets he hasn't told you yet."

My pulse spiked. "What secrets?"

Jungkook moved faster than I could react, stepping between us, his voice a low growl. "That's enough, Taehyung."

Taehyung smirked but didn't back down. "If you want the truth, come find me later. I'll tell you everything."

Before I could respond, the school bell rang, the walls vibrating with the rush of students pouring into the halls. I barely registered Taehyung slipping away into the crowd. My world had already been knocked off its axis.

That night, my fingers hovered over my phone. The weight of Taehyung's words clung to me like a second skin. I wasn't stupid. I knew Jungkook was hiding things, but the way Taehyung had said it... It wasn't just some schoolyard drama. It was bigger. Darker.

I inhaled sharply and texted him.

Y/N: What did you mean earlier?

His reply came almost instantly.

Taehyung: Meet me at the old library. Some things are better said in person.

Everything in me screamed that this was a bad idea, but I needed answers.

The old library was nearly deserted when I arrived, the dim lighting casting long shadows along the bookshelves. Taehyung was already there, leaning against the desk, his usual smirk absent.

"I wasn't joking," he said as soon as I approached. "Jungkook's family? They're not just rich, Y/N. They're dangerous. The kind of power they have isn't clean."

My stomach clenched. "What are you talking about?"

Taehyung's gaze darkened. "His father is involved in the mafia. Jungkook's life has always been about loyalty, control, power. Aria? She wasn't lying when she said she shared something with him. But what she didn't tell you is that she's still useful to his family."

My breath hitched. "Useful how?"

"She's the daughter of one of their associates. Their connection isn't just personal—it's business. Jungkook might want you, but his family? They won't let her go."

A cold wave crashed over me, drowning out my thoughts. It wasn't just Aria being a jealous ex. She was a chess piece in something far bigger, far more dangerous. And if she was still in the game, where did that leave me?

Jungkook had been calling. I ignored every single one.

The next day, I finally confronted him, my anger bubbling over. "Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded, my voice shaking. "About your family, about Aria... about everything?"

Jungkook sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. "I wanted to protect you. The less you knew, the safer you were."

"Safe?" I laughed bitterly. "I deserve to know what I'm walking into."

Jungkook stepped forward, voice low. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Y/N. Even if it means going against my family."

Before I could respond, the air shifted. A hush fell over the hallway. Then, footsteps. Heavy. Purposeful.

Aria appeared, flanked by two men in dark suits. The tension in the air thickened, pressing against my skin like a vice.

One of the men stepped forward, holding a folder. "You might want to see this."

My fingers trembled as I took it, flipping it open. My breath caught in my throat.

Documents. Financial records. My parents' debts—debts tied directly to Jungkook's family. My blood ran cold as the realization hit me.

They owned us.

Aria smirked, stepping closer. "Still think you have a future with him?" Her voice was silky, venom dripping from every word. "His family owns you, Y/N."

Jungkook moved in front of me, his stance rigid, protective. "Leave her out of this, Aria."

Aria's smile widened. "Oh, sweetheart, this is just the beginning. You can't save her, Jungkook. Not from them."

Her gaze flickered to me, something wicked in her expression. "Not from me."

I had been drowning in a storm of uncertainty before, but now? Now I was sinking. Because the terrifying truth was crystal clear.

I wasn't just fighting for my freedom anymore.

I was fighting for survival.