Arranged marriage

Chapter 15

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest as she faced the man who had attacked them the night before. His twisted grin made her blood run cold, and every instinct screamed at her to run, but her feet felt glued to the spot. The forest seemed to close in around her, the fading light casting long shadows that danced menacingly around them.

"Miss me?" His voice was laced with malice, each word dripping with menace.

Y/N swallowed hard, backing away slowly. Her mind raced—where was Jungkook? He had just walked ahead a moment ago, but now he seemed too far, lost in the thickness of the forest. She knew she couldn't call for him; it would only draw this man's attention more aggressively. But she also knew she couldn't face this threat alone.

"You got lucky last night," the man continued, stepping closer. "Your bodyguard saved you. But he's not here now, is he?"

Y/N's pulse quickened as she continued to retreat, her back brushing against the rough bark of a tree. Panic surged through her veins, but she forced herself to stay calm, knowing that showing fear would only fuel his sick enjoyment.

Just as she felt cornered, something flickered in her peripheral vision—a swift, shadowy movement cutting through the fading light.

Jungkook.

Before Y/N could fully register his presence, Jungkook surged out from the trees, his expression dark and lethal. In one swift, fluid motion, he tackled the man to the ground, pinning him with an arm twisted behind his back. The attacker let out a sharp cry of pain, but Jungkook didn't flinch, his eyes burning with fury.

"I warned you once," Jungkook growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't touch her."

The man struggled beneath Jungkook's weight, but it was no use. Jungkook's grip was unyielding, his anger barely contained. Y/N watched, frozen in place, her breath shallow as the tension between the two men reached its peak. She had never seen Jungkook like this—so fiercely protective, so... enraged. It was terrifying and mesmerizing all at once.

"You should've stayed away," Jungkook spat, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on the man's arm. "Now, you'll pay the price."

The man whimpered, his bravado evaporating in the face of Jungkook's raw power. "Okay, okay! I'm done! I won't touch her again!"

Jungkook's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing dangerously. For a moment, Y/N wasn't sure what he was going to do—whether he would unleash the full extent of his wrath. But then, just as suddenly as it had flared, Jungkook's rage seemed to subside. He shoved the man roughly to the ground, standing over him like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Get out of my sight," Jungkook hissed, his voice cold as ice.

The man scrambled to his feet, fear written all over his face. Without a second glance, he bolted into the forest, disappearing into the shadows from which he had come.

For a long moment, there was silence. Y/N's heart was still racing, her body trembling from the adrenaline coursing through her. Jungkook stood motionless, his back to her, his breathing heavy and labored.

When he finally turned to face her, his expression was unreadable—his usual cold mask slipping back into place. He didn't say anything, just stared at her with those dark, impenetrable eyes.

Y/N took a tentative step forward, her voice soft, uncertain. "Jungkook..."

But he cut her off, his tone sharp. "You should have been more careful."

His words stung more than they should have, the icy distance between them reopening a fresh wound in her chest. Y/N recoiled slightly, her heart sinking. She had expected—hoped—for some kind of warmth after what had just happened, but instead, he was retreating back into the shell of indifference that always seemed to surround him.