NEVER LET GO (TAEKOOK)

12 - Balancing on the Edge

It had been three months since Taehyung's sudden departure. The silence from the third family, once terrifying, had now grown unnervingly calm. No attacks. No messages. No plans. But the rift within Jungkook's family was evident, and the tension hung over them like a storm ready to break.

They were gathered for another meeting-Jungkook, Suga, Jimin, Jackson. But it wasn't the same without Taehyung. Jungkook had barely spoken since then, his eyes cold, distant. His silence gnawed at everyone.

Jackson glanced at Jungkook with a smirk, though the frustration was clear in his tone. "You're acting like a goddamn widower, Jungkook," Jackson muttered, leaning back in his chair. "It's pathetic."

Jungkook didn't respond. He sat still, staring at nothing in particular, his fingers lightly tapping the surface of the table. Jimin, seated across from him, shot Jackson a look of warning, but Jackson wasn't going to back off.

"We've been sitting on our hands for three months," Jackson continued. "No moves from the third family, no attacks. But Taehyung's with them, right? Or are we just going to pretend that didn't happen?"

Suga finally broke his silence. "If Taehyung was really working with them, we'd be dead already. They wouldn't wait. Something else is going on."

Jackson scoffed. "Come on, Suga. You're the genius here. Think about it-Tae leaves, and suddenly, the third family goes silent? I'm telling you, he's playing for their team. We all know it."

Jungkook's jaw clenched, and for the first time in days, he looked up at Jackson, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You think I don't know that?" His voice was low, sharp. "You think I haven't thought about it every single damn day?"

Jackson shrugged, unbothered by Jungkook's sudden flare of anger. "Thinking about it doesn't mean you've accepted it. You're still waiting for him to come back."

Jimin leaned forward, trying to diffuse the rising tension. "We need to focus on the fact that nothing's happened. Whether Taehyung is with them or not, the third family isn't making any moves. That's what's strange."

Jungkook leaned back, his expression hardening as the frustration mounted. "What do you want to do, Jimin? Attack them blindly? Walk into a trap? We can't move without knowing what's really going on."

Jackson stood up abruptly, shaking his head. "You're too soft, Jungkook. If you can't see that Tae's turned, you're going to get us all killed. And I'm not sticking around to wait for that."

He stormed out of the room, leaving the rest in heavy silence. Jungkook clenched his fists, his mind spinning with thoughts of Taehyung, the doubt tearing him apart.

_______________________________________

Taehyung had fully immersed himself in his role as the rebellious son-betraying his own family to join the enemy. To everyone within Park headquarters, he was the Jeon-Kim family's deserter, seeking vengeance for their lies and betrayals. His act was flawless, his face cold, eyes steely. But beneath the surface, the weight of his choices pressed on him daily.

Jinyoung, stood beside him, quietly observing. He was supposed to be on the Jackson's side.

"You've settled in well," Jinyoung commented, lighting a cigarette.

"Though I've got to say, you're walking a tightrope, Taehyung. One wrong move, and you're done for."

Taehyung remained silent, his focus on the distant skyline.

Jinyoung glanced at him sideways. "You're playing a dangerous game. The Park family isn't stupid. They'll figure it out eventually."

"I know the risks," Taehyung replied calmly, though his mind was racing.