Arranged marriage

Chapter 11

The light that filled the clearing was overwhelming, cutting through the thick darkness like a blade. Y/N blinked, her vision struggling to adjust as her surroundings swam back into focus. The once menacing figures that had surrounded them were frozen in place, their faces twisted with confusion and fear.

"What... What is that?" Y/N whispered, gripping Jungkook's arm tightly, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jungkook's jaw clenched as he took a protective step in front of her, his body tensing like a coiled spring, ready to strike at any moment. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice low but commanding. There was an edge to his tone, a warning that sent shivers down her spine.

The attackers, who had moments ago been filled with malicious intent, were backing away, their bravado disappearing as they glanced nervously toward the source of the light. It came from deep within the trees, growing brighter with each passing second, casting long shadows across the forest floor.

Jungkook's eyes narrowed, but even he couldn't hide the flicker of uncertainty in his gaze. "Who's there?" he barked into the light, his voice cutting through the tension.

No response. Only the eerie silence of the woods, interrupted by the rustling of leaves in the wind. Y/N swallowed hard, her throat tight as dread pooled in her stomach. Something wasn't right.

And then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the light dimmed, revealing a tall figure standing at the edge of the clearing. Their face was hidden in the shadows, but there was an undeniable presence about them, a force that made even the most fearless hesitate.

One of the attackers, emboldened by the fading light, took a step forward. "Who do you think you are?" he spat, raising his weapon. "This is none of your business."

The figure moved with alarming speed, faster than Y/N's eyes could track. In an instant, the attacker's weapon was knocked from his hand, and he was on the ground, gasping for breath. The figure stood over him, their silhouette imposing, casting a long shadow over the fallen man.

"Leave now," the figure said, their voice calm yet filled with authority. "Before this gets worse for you."

For a moment, the clearing was deathly quiet. Y/N held her breath, waiting for the attackers to retaliate, but instead, something remarkable happened. They hesitated. One by one, they glanced at each other, and without a word, began to retreat into the shadows, their footsteps quick and nervous.

Y/N's body sagged with relief as the threat began to dissipate, but the tension in the air didn't fade. Her eyes flicked to Jungkook, whose gaze remained locked on the mysterious figure. He was still in a defensive stance, his muscles coiled, ready to strike at any moment.

The figure turned slowly toward them, stepping into the moonlight. As they did, Y/N gasped. It wasn't just their commanding presence that had driven the attackers away—it was who they were.

"Taehyung?" Y/N breathed, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Taehyung, a close childhood friend she hadn't seen in years, stood before them. His once soft and carefree features were now hardened with time and experience. His dark hair fell in soft waves over his forehead, but there was a sharpness in his gaze that hadn't been there before. He wore dark, tactical clothing, and the way he carried himself spoke of someone who had seen too much, been through too much.

"Y/N," Taehyung said softly, his voice filled with a warmth that contrasted with his harsh appearance. He took a step closer, his eyes scanning her from head to toe, searching for any signs of injury. "Are you okay?"

Y/N nodded, though her legs felt weak beneath her. "I... I didn't know it was you. What are you doing here?"

Taehyung's eyes flicked toward Jungkook, and a tension settled over the clearing again. The two men locked eyes, an unspoken challenge passing between them. Jungkook's grip on Y/N's arm tightened slightly, pulling her closer to him, as if staking his claim.

"Saving your life, apparently," Taehyung replied, his tone flat as he glanced back at Y/N.

Jungkook's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "We didn't need your help," he said coldly, his voice laced with irritation. "We had it under control."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Right. Because running blindly through the forest and getting ambushed is what you call control."

Jungkook took a step forward, his posture aggressive. "Watch it."

But Taehyung didn't back down. His gaze remained steady, unflinching. "I don't take orders from you."

Y/N stepped between them, her heart racing as she felt the tension rise. "Stop it, both of you!" she snapped, looking between the two men. "This isn't the time for this."

Jungkook's eyes softened slightly as they met Y/N's, but his frustration was still palpable. He didn't like Taehyung's presence, that much was clear. But for now, he kept his temper in check.

"Fine," he muttered, his gaze still locked on Taehyung. "But this doesn't change anything."

Taehyung didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Y/N, concern flickering across his face. "We need to get out of here. There's more coming."

Y/N's blood ran cold. "More?"

Taehyung nodded. "I tracked their movements. They're not just after you; there's a bigger plan in motion."

Jungkook frowned, finally letting his suspicion show. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't have time to explain everything," Taehyung said, his voice urgent. "But there's someone—someone powerful—who wants you both out of the picture. You need to come with me if you want to survive."

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest, the weight of his words crashing down on her. Someone was after them? Someone more dangerous than the men who had just attacked them?

Jungkook's hand slid to his side, resting near the concealed knife he always carried. "And why should we trust you?" he asked, his tone filled with suspicion. "You show up out of nowhere, conveniently saving the day, and expect us to follow you?"

Taehyung's gaze didn't waver. "Because if you don't, you'll be dead by morning."

Y/N swallowed hard, her eyes darting between the two men. Jungkook's distrust was evident, but Taehyung... there was something in his eyes that made her want to believe him.

"I trust him," Y/N said quietly, looking at Jungkook.

Jungkook's jaw tensed, his eyes hard as he glanced at her. "You sure?"

She nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. "We don't have a choice."

For a moment, Jungkook remained silent, his mind clearly weighing their options. Finally, he exhaled sharply, nodding. "Fine. But if this is a trap..."

"It's not," Taehyung interjected. "Now, let's go before it's too late."

As they began to follow Taehyung through the forest, the sound of distant footsteps echoed once more. Y/N's heart leapt into her throat as she glanced over her shoulder, the darkness closing in around them again.

Jungkook reached for her hand, his grip firm and reassuring, but his eyes were filled with a storm of emotions—anger, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite place. Before she could dwell on it, the sound of approaching danger grew louder, and Y/N realized that their fight for survival was far from over.

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