Bound by Fate

Chapter 28: Veil of Shadows

Taehyung's first few weeks at the Mage Academy were mostly uneventful. He kept to himself, hoping to blend into the crowd without drawing much attention. Unlike his brothers, Jin and Yoongi, Taehyung didn't have any obvious power or reputation, which worked in his favor. He didn't want anyone to know he was connected to them. The quiet anonymity he enjoyed allowed him to focus on his studies and adjust to academy life without interruption.

But, as time passed, things began to shift.

The academy was full of whispers and rumors about the powerful siblings: Yoongi's ability to control his soul with precision, Namjoon's unmatched power, and now Jungkook, who had recently started attending the academy as well. Jungkook's presence immediately drew attention from everyone, especially the girls who had previously admired Namjoon and Yoongi from afar. Jungkook, with his mysterious aura and raw, untapped power, became the newest target of fascination.

As rumors spread about Jungkook, Taehyung couldn't help but notice that people were starting to look at him differently. He had done his best to hide his connection to his brothers, but the more time passed, the harder it became to remain unnoticed. Girls began to talk, trying to figure out his relationship to Jungkook. They noticed how Namjoon, Yoongi, and even Jungkook seemed to watch over him in subtle ways.

And then, the bullying began.

The group of girls who had bullied Ami, Taehyung's late friend, found a new target in him. They saw that Taehyung lacked power and saw his vulnerability as an opportunity. They began subtly at first—passing sneers in the hallways, whispering cruel words under their breath whenever he passed by. Taehyung pretended not to notice, hoping it would go away if he ignored it.

But it didn't stop.

The bullying escalated. The girls started tripping him in the halls, pushing him into lockers, or whispering insults when no one else was around. Taehyung tried to remain strong, but he could feel the bruises forming, both physicallylalls, which had once been a place of learning, became a battleground he had to navigate every day. He became adept at avoiding the girls when he could, slipping out of classrooms early or taking different routes to his next class. But no matter how much he tried, they always found him.

One evening, after a particularly rough day where they had cornered him in an empty corridor and shoved him into a wall, Taehyung limped back to his room, feeling defeated. His body ached from the blows he had taken, but the emotional toll was worse. The memories of Ami—his friend who had faced a similar torment and paid the ultimate price—came rushing back. Taehyung's heart tightened with guilt, convincing himself that he deserved this punishment for not protecting her when he could.

He lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought when there was a knock at his door. Taehyung quickly wiped his face, not wanting to look weak in front of anyone.

When he opened the door, it was Jungkook.

"Taehyung?" Jungkook's voice was calm, but his eyes carried a quiet storm.

Taehyung immediately tensed, wondering what Jungkook was doing there. They had crossed paths a few times, but Taehyung had done his best to keep his distance from Jungkook, not wanting to attract attention.

"Why are you here?" Taehyung asked, attempting to sound casual.

Jungkook's gaze didn't waver. "I saw them today... those girls. They were hurting you."

Taehyung's heart sank. He didn't want Jungkook, of all people, to know about this. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Jungkook frowned. "It's not nothing. I saw the way they were pushing you around. You don't have to deal with this alone."