Arranged marriage

Chapter 21

As they slipped through the back door and into the cool air, Y/N's mind raced with thoughts of what had just transpired. The sound of sirens grew louder, a reminder of the chaos they had just escaped. Jungkook led her into the narrow alley behind their house, his grip on her hand firm and reassuring.

"Where are we going?" Y/N asked, glancing back at their home, which had become a battlefield only moments before.

"Somewhere safe," he replied, urgency lacing his voice. "Just trust me."

Y/N nodded, though uncertainty gnawed at her. Trust had become a fragile thread between them, and she wasn't sure how much longer it could hold. But in that moment, all she could do was focus on the immediate danger. She squeezed Jungkook's hand, silently vowing to stay by his side no matter the cost.

They turned a corner, slipping into the back streets of the neighborhood. The adrenaline began to fade, leaving Y/N feeling raw and exposed. Every shadow seemed to loom larger, every sound amplified in her ears. She felt Jungkook's presence beside her like a protective shield, but she could sense his inner turmoil, his tension radiating through their joined hands.

"Are you hurt?" she asked, concern flooding her voice as she examined him for injuries. He looked disheveled, but aside from a few scrapes, he appeared to be fine.

"No," he said, shaking his head, his eyes focused ahead. "Just shaken. You shouldn't have put yourself in danger like that, Y/N."

"I'm not going to sit back and watch you fight your battles alone," she countered, a hint of defiance creeping into her tone. "You need to let me in, Jungkook. I can handle this."

He shot her a sideways glance, a mix of frustration and admiration in his eyes. "You have no idea what you're dealing with. This isn't just some petty conflict. This is serious."

"Then tell me! I deserve to know what I'm getting into," Y/N insisted, her heart pounding. "If we're going to get through this together, I need the truth."

Jungkook hesitated, his jaw tightening as he wrestled with his thoughts. "I can't... I don't want to drag you into this world. It's dangerous. You have no idea the lengths people will go to protect their interests."

"Maybe not," she admitted, "but I'm not going to be some pawn in your game. I'm your wife, Jungkook. If you want to protect me, you need to trust me."

He stopped abruptly, pulling her to a halt. The urgency in his gaze deepened as he searched her face for understanding. "I do trust you, but love—love can blind people. It makes them reckless. I don't want to see you hurt."

Y/N felt her heart ache at the vulnerability in his eyes, the conflict that raged within him. "And I don't want to be a liability. I'm stronger than you think. I won't let fear dictate my life any longer."

"Maybe you're right," he finally said, his voice softer now. "But we need to get away from here first. They might still be looking for us."

With that, he resumed their hurried pace, and Y/N fell into step beside him. They navigated through the winding streets, their surroundings becoming increasingly unfamiliar. Each turn felt like stepping deeper into a labyrinth, and Y/N could feel the weight of uncertainty settling on her shoulders.

Finally, they arrived at an old, abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Jungkook paused at the entrance, casting a cautious glance around before ushering her inside. The air was stale and thick with dust, remnants of a place long forgotten. Y/N shivered slightly, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"Is this really safe?" she asked, her voice echoing in the empty space.

"It's better than being out in the open," Jungkook replied, his tone more resolute now. "No one will think to look for us here."

As they moved deeper into the warehouse, Y/N caught sight of broken crates and rusting machinery. Shadows danced in the corners, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, even in this desolate place.

"Stay close," Jungkook instructed, his protective instincts kicking in as he scanned the surroundings. "We'll figure out our next move here."

Y/N nodded, trying to push down the creeping unease. "What are we going to do about everything? About the intruders?"

"I need to make some calls, gather intel," Jungkook said, pulling out his phone and stepping a few paces away for privacy. Y/N watched him, the tension between them palpable. The man she loved was becoming a stranger, wrapped in a world she barely understood.

As he spoke in hushed tones, Y/N felt a mix of admiration and frustration. She wanted to support him, to help him carry this burden, but he seemed determined to shield her from the truth.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside, causing Y/N to jump. Her heart raced as panic surged through her.

"Jungkook!" she called out, her voice laced with fear.

He rushed back to her side, his expression fierce and alert. "Stay behind me."

The two of them moved cautiously to a cracked window, peering out into the dim light. A group of men, dressed in dark clothing and masks, were milling about outside, their movements purposeful and intimidating.

"They found us," Jungkook hissed, his voice low and tense. "We have to move, now."

Y/N's heart sank. "Where do we go? They'll see us if we try to leave through the front."

Jungkook glanced around the warehouse, his mind racing. "There's a back entrance we can use. Follow me."

They retraced their steps through the cluttered interior, Y/N's heart pounding in time with her footsteps. As they neared the exit, a sense of desperation clawed at her. Would they really escape? Would they ever find safety again?

Just as they reached the back door, the sound of footsteps grew louder, echoing ominously in the shadows. Jungkook pushed the door open, but before they could slip through, the men outside spotted them, their faces hidden behind dark masks.

"Go!" Jungkook shouted, shoving Y/N through the doorway before following her out into the alley.

They sprinted down the narrow path, adrenaline surging as they raced against the growing threat. Y/N glanced back, her heart racing as she saw the men closing in behind them.

"Jungkook!" she gasped, panic bubbling to the surface. "They're right behind us!"

"I know!" he shouted, determination etched on his features. "Keep running!"

They burst into the open street, their feet pounding against the pavement as they ran. The city was alive around them, but all Y/N could focus on was the chase unfolding behind them. The men were gaining ground, their movements quick and coordinated.

Y/N's lungs burned, and her legs felt heavy, but she refused to stop. She couldn't let Jungkook down.

"Turn left!" he yelled suddenly, pointing toward a narrow alley. Without hesitation, Y/N followed his lead, darting into the shadows as they rounded the corner.

They slowed for a moment, pressing their backs against the cold brick wall, trying to catch their breath. Y/N's heart raced as she listened to the footsteps echoing in the distance, the men searching for them.

"Are they gone?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

"For now," Jungkook replied, his expression fierce. "But we can't stay here for long. They'll come looking."

Y/N nodded, her mind racing. "What do we do next?"

Jungkook's gaze softened for a moment, his hand brushing against hers. "We find a place to lay low. I'll figure out how to handle this, I promise."

As they stood there, hidden in the shadows, Y/N felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. Maybe they could make it through this together after all. But just as that thought crossed her mind, she heard a voice call out from the alleyway.

"There they are! Don't let them escape!"

Y/N's heart dropped as panic surged through her. "Jungkook, we have to move!"

He nodded, urgency returning to his gaze as he pulled her along, and together they dashed deeper into the labyrinth of alleyways.