DEAD SILENCE

3.

As Taehyung emerged from the room, he handed Jungkook his phone, interrupting his engrossing conversation with Jimin. Jungkook thanked him with a nod and took his phone, eyes still fixed on Jimin.

Jin's voice echoed through the hallway, "Time's up, guys! Lunch break's almost over!" The group of seven agreed, and together they navigated through the bustling corridor filled with chatter and laughter.

Upon entering their classroom, they were met with a cacophony of students' noises. Jen and Yerin slipped in, taking their seats just as the teacher began wrapping up the break.

Jungkook caught Jen's eye and called out, "Hey, Jen!" She turned, her gaze locking onto his, and approached him. "Why aren't you coming to French class with me today?" he asked.

"I have a pending assignment, Kookie," Jen replied, her voice apologetic. "I won't be able to make it. Tell the teacher I'll catch up tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Jimin observed Taehyung, noticing his unease as he watched Jen. When Jen spoke to Jungkook, Taehyung's eyes darted toward her, his expression tense.

Jimin leaned in, whispering, "Everything okay, Tae?" Taehyung's gaze shifted to Jimin, his response casual, "Just listening to them. Nothing more."

But Jimin sensed more, his eyes narrowing. "Your eyes look fierce, like you're burning," he whispered.

Taehyung chuckled, shrugging it off. "Nah, just focused."

The lunch break ended abruptly as the fire alarm blared, and panic spread. Students rushed to the windows, witnessing flames engulfing a corridor.

Teachers and staff swiftly evacuated the university as the situation escalated. A deafening blast shook the ground, and the university collapsed.

Stunned students watched, mouths agape.

Principal stepped forward, voice laced with regret, "A fire started in the corridor, spreading to the lab's flammable materials, causing the explosion. We apologize and are grateful no one's harmed. We'll relocate you to a new campus soon."

As students dispersed, heading home, Taehyung began his walk.

Jin approached, "Walking again, Handsome?"

Taehyung chuckled, "Daily routine, Mister Worldwide Handsome."

Jungkook approached, his brow furrowed with concern. "Let me drive you home, Tae. No need to walk that far."

Taehyung smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling. "I'm fine, Kookie. This walk does me good."

Jungkook began to protest, but Suga intervened, his voice calm. "Let him be, Kookie. He knows what he's doing."

Jungkook nodded, and Taehyung turned to leave.

"Hey, Handsome!" Jin called out, his voice carrying across the distance. "We don't have your number, and we don't know where you live. How can we reach you during the holidays?"

Taehyung replied, "I don't have a personal phone, Jin. I use the landline. Call this number if you need to reach me."

Jin nodded, his expression thoughtful.

As they bid their goodbyes, Taehyung walked alone, the cloudy sky above mirroring his mood.

The wind whipped through his hair, sending his shirt fluttering back to reveal his chiseled abs. His stride was long and purposeful.

Upon reaching home, Taehyung's expression faltered, weighed down by the familiar dread.

Inside, his mother busied herself with dinner preparations while Hyejin focused on her homework. Taehyung sought refuge in the shower.

Night descended, and his father arrived, but instead of the expected anger, he seemed subdued. He showered and joined Taehyung and Hyejin at the dinner table.

"We're moving tomorrow," his father announced, his gaze locked on his mother. "I met someone who offered me a job as a driver, and he's providing a house for our family."

Taehyung's eyes widened.

His father smiled. "He's a generous employer. He provides housing for all his staff and pays them well. It's a great opportunity for us."

Taehyung, Hyejin, and his mother exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions.

As night fell, they settled into their routine.

Morning arrived, and the household buzzed with activity. Boxes were packed, and belongings were sorted.

While rummaging through old trunks, Taehyung stumbled upon a yellowed, crumpled paper. Unfolding it, he discovered a crude treasure map, etched with mysterious symbols and markings.

His heart racing, Taehyung delved deeper, but his father's stern voice interrupted.

"Taehyung, help me pack! We don't have much time."

Quickly, Taehyung tucked the map into his pocket, his mind whirling with possibilities.

Taehyung assisted his father with the final touches of unpacking, and soon they settled into their spacious new home.

The stark contrast to their old house was striking - this one boasted two bedrooms, a kitchen, hall, and two bathrooms.

As furniture and essentials were arranged, Taehyung's curiosity grew. "If that person provides such a grand house for his staff," he thought, "his mansion must be truly majestic."

Determined, Taehyung vowed, "I'll become a successful person and own an even grander house."

After a satisfying meal, the family relaxed. Taehyung retreated to the shared room with Hyejin and stepped into the bathroom for a refreshing shower.

As he undressed, his fingers brushed against the crumpled paper in his pocket. He retrieved it, studying the cryptic map etched with mysterious symbols.

Perplexed, Taehyung placed the paper on the countertop and showered. Later, he tucked the map into a drawer, his mind still whirling with possibilities.

As night descended, the gentle breeze wafting through the window lulled Taehyung into a peaceful slumber.

Unbeknownst to him, a shadowy figure watched from the darkness, shrouded in silence.