SCARRED AFFECTIONS

Chapter 14

The silence in the hospital corridor was thick and heavy. Taehyung sat on one of the cold plastic chairs, his gaze locked on the doors to the operating room. His hands were clenched tightly, his jaw set as he waited, every second dragging out into an eternity. Jungkook's parents sat across from him, Jungkook's mother holding tightly onto her husband's hand, her face pale with worry. The ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound, counting down the agonizing moments until they would hear about Jungkook's fate.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, the double doors swung open, and a doctor stepped out, still in his surgical scrubs. Jungkook's parents jumped to their feet immediately, Taehyung close behind, unable to hide the worry and desperation in his eyes. His heart thudded, his pulse loud in his ears.

The doctor offered a small, tired smile. "The surgery went well. He's stable now and out of immediate danger," he announced. Relief washed over all of them, the tension easing ever so slightly from their shoulders.

Jungkook's mother brought a trembling hand to her mouth, tears filling her eyes. She turned toward her husband, clinging to him as the weight of the last few hours finally caught up to her. "He's... he's okay?" she whispered, voice thick with emotion.

"Yes," the doctor reassured. "He'll be transferred to a private room soon. Once he's there, you can see him."

Jungkook's mother let out a shaky sigh, her shoulders trembling as she buried her face in her husband's chest. Jungkook's father wrapped a steadying arm around her, his own expression softened with gratitude. Turning to the doctor, he nodded appreciatively. "Thank you...thank you so much, Doctor."

The doctor gave a reassuring nod before excusing himself, leaving the family to process the news.

Taehyung closed his eyes, a wave of relief washing over him. It felt as though his heart, which had been clenched in a vise, could finally beat freely again. He's safe, he thought, and for the first time in hours, his breathing steadied.

About thirty minutes later, a nurse approached them. "You can see him now"

Jungkook's parents were the first to move, their steps hurried and frantic as they rushed to their son. Taehyung stayed back, not wanting to crowd the room or intrude on their moment. He let them go in alone. This was their time.

As they entered Jungkook's room, Taehyung turned away, steadying himself. He had things to take care of. Taehyung walked to the billing desk, each step purposeful as he paid for every expense Jungkook's recovery required, signing off paperwork, handing over his card without a second thought. For him, anything.

When he was finished, Taehyung's focus shifted, his face hardening. He knew what had to be done next. His car was already waiting, his men standing by. They exchanged brief nods, knowing exactly where they were headed next.

———

The drive to the warehouse felt longer than usual. Every second stretched out, Taehyung's thoughts dark and menacing. Carlo Rizzo had dared to go after Jungkook. He'd made the worst mistake of his life. Taehyung's mind wasn't thinking clearly anymore—it was clouded by anger, by the hunger for revenge.

When they arrived, Taehyung stepped out of the car, his expression a mask of ice. The basement was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the walls. Carlo Rizzo was already there, bound to a chair in the center of the room, his face bruised and bloody from previous interrogations. He was a mafia leader, yes, but here—under Taehyung's control—he was nothing more than a terrified man.

Carlo's eyes flickered with fear as he looked up and saw Taehyung standing before him. His face twisted into a smirk, trying to mask the fear, but it didn't fool anyone. His arrogance was merely a thin veneer over the terror lurking in his eyes.