DEAD SILENCE

4.

Taehyung slumbered peacefully. Beside him, Hyejin rested, her serene face bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the open window.

The wind outside howled, causing the window to rattle and sway, its hinges squeaking in protest. Hyejin's eyes snapped open, and she sat up with a start. She gazed at Taehyung, still oblivious to the commotion.

Concern etched on her face, Hyejin threw off the covers and padded barefoot toward the window. She grasped the window frame, struggling to close it against the gusty wind. But it refused to budge, as if an invisible force opposed her.

Hyejin's brow furrowed in frustration, her arms straining with effort. Finally, she relinquished, her shoulders sagging in defeat. She returned to bed, her eyes fixed on Taehyung's peaceful form.

Though her body yielded to exhaustion, her mind refused to sleep. The open window seemed to beckon her attention. A dark silhouette slipped inside, its presence eerily silent.

The shadow hovered near Taehyung, its gaze fixed on his tranquil face. Then, it glided toward the dresser, its dark form momentarily obscuring the moonlight.

On the dresser, a crumpled paper caught the shadow's attention – the ancient map Taehyung had discovered earlier. The shadow's presence seemed to grow more menacing, its interest in the map palpable.

As morning sunlight hesitantly crept into the room, dispelling the darkness, the ominous shadow vanished.

But its presence still lingered, like a chilling whisper.

Taehyung emerged from the bathroom, shaking off the unease. He approached Hyejin, entwined in slumber, her face contorted in terror.

Her troubled expressions hinted at a disturbing dream. Taehyung sat beside her, concern etched on his face. Hyejin's brow furrowed, her lips trembled, and her body twitched, as if trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

"Hey, wake up," Taehyung whispered, shaking her gently.

Hyejin's eyes snapped open, wide with fear. For a moment, she stared at Taehyung, her gaze unfocused.

"Okay, princess, time to brush and bath," Taehyung said,  reassuring smile.

Hyejin's laughter seemed forced, her eyes still haunted. "Okay, my personal worker."

As they parted ways, Hyejin's voice dropped to a whisper. "Tae, be careful today. I had a bad dream."

Taehyung replied,"Don't worry, I'll be fine ,now go to your college you're already running late"

In the kitchen, his mom seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed on the window.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Taehyung asked.

Her hesitation sent a shiver down his spine. "I thought I saw... something outside the window last night. Watching us."

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. "What was it?"

His mom's voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know. But it felt... malevolent."

The sunlight outside seemed to fade, casting the room in an ominous gloom.

The warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows as Taehyung and his mom finished lunch.

Following their daily routine, his mom retreated to her bedroom for a rejuvenating nap.

Taehyung settled into the plush couch in the hall, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Suddenly, the landline phone pierced the serenity. "Hello, World Wide Handsome here," a cheerful voice said, making Taehyung chuckle.

"What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"We're going out today, and you're coming too. No excuses." The caller rattled off an address and hung up before Taehyung could respond.

Taehyung slipped into his mom's room, where she slept peacefully, a gentle smile on her face.

He left a note beside her bed and locked the door with the spare key, knowing his father and Hyejin had duplicates.

Upon arrival at the destination, Taehyung found six friends already gathered, their lively chatter filling the air.

Jimin's enthusiastic yell, "You're finally here!" drew Taehyung's bright smile.

As he approached, his gaze swept across the group, He saw Jen, yerin and another girl too.

Namjoon made introductions, his warm tone easing the atmosphere.

"Taehyung, meet Jen, Yerin, and Yuna," Namjoon said.

Jungkook added, "Jen's my childhood best friend, Taehyung. Our parents are close family friends."

Jen's cheeks flushed , "Nice meeting you, Taehyung."

Taehyung greeted her with genuine warmth.

Jimin teased, "Okay, if Jen's your best friend, Yerin's MINE!" Yerin's face turned rosy, and Jimin's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Hobi chimed in, "We're all good friends now, Taehyung."

Namjoon explained, "Yuna's Yerin's friend from another class. Her interests differ from ours."

Taehyung nodded, absorbing the information.

Suga's impatient remark, "I'm starving, let's go inside already," sparked laughter. As they entered the cozy cafe, Yuna's gaze lingered on Taehyung, but his attention remained fixed on Jen.