Arranged marriage

Chapter 14

The footsteps grew louder, cutting through the tense night air like a blade. Y/N's heart raced, pounding in her ears as she clung to Jungkook's arm, her pulse quickening with every second. She didn't know whether to feel safer in his presence or more afraid. The weight of his words, still hanging in the air, was drowned out by the approaching danger.

Jungkook, however, didn't flinch. His body was tense, eyes narrowed as he scanned the shadows. His grip on her arm was firm but not gentle, as if she were more of an inconvenience than someone to protect. Despite everything that had happened, he still treated her with the same coldness, and Y/N couldn't understand why.

The footsteps slowed, and in the eerie stillness, a familiar voice called out.

"It's me," Taehyung stepped into the clearing, his expression full of concern. Relief washed over Y/N like a wave, her shoulders sagging as she realized they were no longer in immediate danger. Jungkook released his hold on her without a word, stepping away as if her presence were nothing more than a passing thought.

"I couldn't just leave you two out here alone," Taehyung said, his gaze flicking from Y/N to Jungkook, reading the tension between them. "We should go back."

Jungkook nodded, his jaw tight. Without another word, he turned and started walking back toward camp, his silence more cutting than anything he could have said.

Y/N lingered for a moment, her emotions swirling in a confusing mess. She was grateful for the protection, but Jungkook's coldness, his refusal to explain himself, gnawed at her. She looked up at Taehyung, searching for some kind of reassurance.

"I don't understand him," she whispered, her voice shaky. "He acts like I don't matter."

Taehyung offered her a small, understanding smile, his hand resting briefly on her shoulder. "Jungkook... he's complicated. But that doesn't mean you deserve to be treated this way."

Y/N sighed, feeling the weight of his words. She nodded, though her heart was still heavy with confusion. She knew Taehyung was right—she shouldn't allow herself to be pushed around by Jungkook's coldness—but something about him kept her tethered, unable to break free from the tangled emotions he evoked.

As they made their way back to the camp, the darkness of the forest seemed to lift slightly, the weight of the night easing with every step. Y/N walked quietly beside Taehyung, the two of them trailing behind Jungkook, who remained a few paces ahead, his figure silhouetted against the dim moonlight.

The silence between them was thick, unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. Y/N's mind was still racing, replaying the events of the night, the danger, the fight, and Jungkook's cryptic words before they were interrupted.

"There's something you need to know."

What had he meant? Was he finally going to explain his behavior? Why had he acted so protectively one moment, only to retreat into cold indifference the next?

As they reached the camp, Y/N felt a strange mix of relief and tension. The fire still flickered weakly in the center of the clearing, casting long shadows across the ground. Jungkook didn't stop—he moved to the edge of the camp and leaned against a tree, his back to her.

Taehyung glanced at Y/N, his eyes filled with unspoken concern. "You should rest," he said gently. "You've been through a lot tonight."

Y/N nodded, exhaustion suddenly washing over her. But even as she lay down, wrapping the blanket around herself, her thoughts refused to quiet. She watched Jungkook from across the camp, his silhouette barely visible in the fading firelight. Why was he keeping his distance? Why wouldn't he just talk to her?