ACATALEPSY I BTS AU

CHAPTER 41

You felt your heart race as the minutes ticked by; your brother had been gone for over twenty minutes, and it was driving you nuts. *What's taking him so long? Should I go look for him? I could always come back for this stuff tomorrow...*

Just as the anxiety began to spiral into a full-blown panic, you caught sight of him barreling through the door, two drinks in hand, a wide grin stretching across his face. Relief washed over you, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of unease.

He skidded to a stop in front of you, handing you one of the drinks. "Here!"

You eyed him suspiciously, tension coiling in your chest. "Why did you take so long? I was starting to worry."

"Sorry, sis! I ran into the big brother!" he chirped, his excitement almost infectious.

A shiver ran down your spine at the mention of "big brother." Your heartbeat quickened. *Is he following me now?* "Where did you meet him?"

Adam beamed, flashing all thirty-two teeth. "Right nearby!"

"Adam, what did I say about talking to strangers...again?" Your voice rose slightly, laced with anxiety. A stern expression settled on your face, but inside, you were a tangled mess of emotions.

He looked at you, confusion swirling in his eyes. *Isn't he your friend?* "The big brother isn't a stranger! He's your friend. He told me you saved his life!"

Your heart sank. *What does he mean by that?* You hugged Adam tightly, grounding yourself in his innocence. "You're a superhero, sis! Way cooler than Superman and Batman!" His words were meant to comfort, but they only intensified your anxiety.

*I know who he is now—the man I saved that night at the bridge. But why is he so secretive? Is he some drug dealer or mafia boss? * The thoughts crashed over you like waves. *Nah...but he was muscular, dressed in designer elegant suit, he looked like a corporate man. Why do I keep thinking the worst?*

But then the memory of his crying face invaded your mind. His deep, sad eyes seemed to hide a dramatic story behind them. You could still feel the warmth of his embrace when he broke down, how he clung to you like you were his lifeline. *He can't be a bad person. Clearly, he needs help. Maybe he has some mental conditions, but what about all the love letters he sent me?*

A part of you felt a growing attachment to him, yet you didn't understand it completely. It felt like a heavy stone in your chest. *He entered my house illegally... but he took care of Adam. He sent me gifts and flowers; maybe this is his way of repaying me for saving his life. But he doesn't need to do all this. It's all so odd.*

Your thoughts raced faster than your heart could keep up, *Should I make it clear to him that I know who he is? But do I really know who he is? I just know his name starts with J. I barely remember his face. What if his reaction is weird? What if I end up in danger?*

You squeezed your eyes shut, *Am I really considering engaging with him? But I like his attention. He hasn't done anything 'bad'... yet. Why does this feel so twisted?*

All this swirling chaos sent you spiraling closer to a panic attack. You started to hyperventilate, clutching your temples, trying to force the anxious thoughts away. *Am I going crazy? Maybe I need some professional help.*

"Hey! Oh! I almost forgot! The big brother said the phone is a gift for you since you saved his life," Adam suddenly chimed in, jolting you from your spiraling thoughts.

A cold shiver ran down your spine. "Are you sure?" Your mind raced again, wondering if this guy is actually a good person.

"Totally! He said it's yours," Adam confirmed, finishing his drink.