DECEPTIVE SHADOW (Tk) ✔

Chapter 17: Closer in Shadows

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Morning light spilled into the room, delicate and golden, casting an ethereal glow across the soft linens tangled around Jungkook. His lashes fluttered as he woke, the remnants of a dream fading into the warmth of the new day. For the first time in what felt like ages, he hadn't woken in a panic. He blinked a few times, trying to process the unfamiliar sense of comfort that washed over him, slowly remembering the reason.

The chair by his bedside, usually vacant, now had a blanket folded neatly over it-a silent testament to the fact that Taehyung had kept his word. He had stayed with him all night, watching over him like some sort of silent sentinel. The sight brought a small, almost imperceptible smile to Jungkook's lips. His gaze lingered on the chair for a moment, a warmth blooming in his chest. For the first time in days, he had slept through the night without nightmares clawing at his mind.

Maybe Taehyung is the safety I've been missing, he thought, his fingers absently tracing the edges of the sheets, the softness calming him. But before the comfort could fully take hold, his phone buzzed on the nightstand, snapping him back to reality. The tension in his body returned instantly, his heart picking up its pace as his hand hesitated before reaching for the device.

The screen illuminated, displaying a new message:

You looked so peaceful last night. I could have watched you forever.

The blood drained from Jungkook's face. His fingers tightened around the phone, feeling as though the walls of the room had begun to close in around him. It wasn't just fear-it was something darker, more invasive. The sense that whoever this stalker was, they were getting bolder. Closer.

His breath hitched as his mind raced. How do they know? How can they be so close?

The thought sent chills down his spine. Were they watching through the windows? Were they already inside the building? Jungkook's grip on his phone became white-knuckled as he stared at the screen, unable to tear his eyes away from the message.

A knock at the door broke through his spiraling thoughts. Taehyung stepped into the room, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the floor. Even in the dim morning light, his presence was undeniable-strong, unwavering. He didn't need to ask. He already knew something was wrong.

Jungkook handed him the phone, his fingers trembling slightly as Taehyung took it from him. His usually composed expression darkened as he read the message, his jaw tightening, a quiet storm brewing behind his eyes.

"Another one?" Taehyung asked, his voice controlled but cold, the undertone of anger unmistakable. His grip on the phone was so tight it seemed like he might crush it.

Jungkook nodded, his voice caught in his throat. He hated feeling so vulnerable, but the overwhelming sense of violation made it impossible to mask his fear.

"They're getting closer. They know things... details," Jungkook muttered, his voice shaky as he looked down, running a hand through his hair. "It's like they're always watching me."

Taehyung stepped forward, closing the distance between them. His hand brushed against Jungkook's arm, a grounding touch that momentarily pushed back the fear gnawing at him. "We'll figure this out, Jungkook. You're not alone in this," Taehyung said softly, but his voice held an edge-sharp and protective. There was a certainty to it, like Taehyung had already made up his mind. No one would get past him.