EREMOPHOBIA

CHAPTER 16

"What are you doing here?" Y/N asked, her voice calm but with an underlying edge that only those who knew her well could detect.

The person smirked, clearly unfazed by her question. "I just wanted to catch up. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Y/N stiffened, but before she could respond, Jungkook spoke up, his voice firm. "If you're here to cause trouble, you should leave."

Taehyung nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable but his stance protective. "This isn't the place for whatever you're trying to do."

The tension in the air was palpable, but Y/N, flanked by the two hybrids she loved, felt a surge of strength. She knew she didn't have to face this alone—not anymore.

"We're here to enjoy ourselves," Y/N said, her voice gaining confidence. "If you have something to say, it can wait. Tonight is not the time."

The person's smirk faded slightly, and they glanced around at the group, realizing that Y/N wasn't the same person they once knew. Surrounded by people who cared for her, she was no longer vulnerable to whatever they had planned.

"Fine," the person muttered, taking a step back. "We'll talk later."

As they walked away, Y/N let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Jungkook and Taehyung were immediately by her side, their concern evident.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung asked softly, his hand gently squeezing hers.

Y/N nodded, though she still felt a bit shaken. "I'm fine now. Thank you, both of you."

Jungkook leaned in, pressing a reassuring kiss to her temple. "We've got you."

In a concerned tone, Namjoon asked, "Y/N who was it?"

Namjoon's expression darkened as Y/N explained. "Choi Minho," he repeated, the name heavy with distaste. "He used to bully me for being chubby," Y/N continued, her voice quieter now as the memories came flooding back.

Jin, who had been listening closely, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to worry about him anymore. We're here now."

Yoongi, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "If he tries anything, he'll have to answer to all of us."

Jimin and Hoseok exchanged a glance, their usual playful demeanor replaced with seriousness. "We'll make sure he doesn't bother you again," Jimin said firmly.

Y/N felt a wave of gratitude for her friends. The encounter had rattled her, but knowing that she wasn't alone made a world of difference. She managed a small smile, feeling more at ease with their support.

"Thank you, all of you," Y/N said, her voice stronger now. "It means a lot to me."

Jungkook and Taehyung stayed close, their protective instincts still on high alert. "He's not going to ruin tonight," Jungkook assured her. "We're going to have a good time, no matter what."

"Exactly," Taehyung added, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're not that same person anymore. You've got us, and you've got yourself. That's what matters."

With the support of her friends and the love of the two hybrids by her side, Y/N felt a renewed sense of strength. No longer the vulnerable girl from her past, she was ready to face whatever challenges came her way. The party was still in full swing, and Y/N was determined to enjoy it, surrounded by the people who truly cared for her.

As the evening continued, Y/N tried to push the encounter with Choi Minho out of her mind. She focused on the celebration, engaging in light-hearted conversations with her friends and enjoying the festive atmosphere.