DEAD SILENCE

6.

After the group finished dinner, they bid their farewells and headed to their respective homes. Taehyung walked on the road, while others were driven away by their chauffeurs.

Taehyung now found himself on a desolate road, shrouded in darkness. Unlike the bustling main road, this one was eerily quiet, with streetlights nonexistent.

As he walked alone, the chill in the air intensified. The wind howled, sending shivers down his spine. Unbeknownst to Taehyung, a pair of eyes watched him from the shadows.

He continued walking, the cold air biting at his skin. Finally, he reached his cozy home, the warm porch light a welcoming beacon.

On the other hand, Jen stepped out of her car. Her driver drove off to park the vehicle. A pair of crimson eyes observed her from the darkness.

Jen walked into her grand mansion, the soft glow of the foyer lights enveloping her. She stood before the imposing main door when suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her shoulder. The person watching her emerged, their touch sending a shiver down her spine.

Their intention unclear, they vanished as swiftly as they appeared. Jen stood frozen, her mind a blank. She entered her home, greeted by her concerned mother.

"It's already late, Jen. Go freshen up and sleep," her mother advised.

Jen nodded and ascended to her room. As she showered, warm water cascaded down her skin, but a piercing pain returned to her left shoulder. Perplexed, she checked her reflection, finding no visible marks.

She shrugged and continued bathing, oblivious to the bloodshot red eyes watching from the shadows, now twisted into a sinister smirk.

After her shower, Jen prepared for bed, the darkness outside seeming to press in.

The next morning, everyone gathered at Yuna's house, as planned. Jen arrived last, walking into the cozy living room filled with chatter. Suddenly, a mysterious woman appeared before her, making Jen jump.

The woman whispered something in Jen's ear, and Jen's eyes glazed over, hypnotized. The woman took Jen's hand, leading her inside.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the unknown woman beside Jen. Jungkook broke the silence, "Who's she, Jen?"

Jen smiled, "Oh, she's my best friend, Gia, from the States. She arrived today, and I didn't get a chance to mention her."

Gia smiled warmly, greeting everyone. The group returned the greeting, except Yuna, who stared intently.

Taehyung asked, "Where's your grandfather, Yuna?"

Yuna replied, "He's working upstairs. He'll join us soon." She flashed a smile at Taehyung.

Meanwhile, Jin whispered to Jungkook, "Did you see Yuna smile at Taehyung?"

Jungkook whispered back, "Yeah, maybe she has a crush on him."

Hobi interrupted, "Maybe."

Jin and Jungkook exchanged startled glances. Jimin joined in, "What's going on? Share the secret!"

Namjoon approached, curiosity etched on his face.

Jin and Jungkook whispered, "We think Yuna likes Taehyung."

The group gasped, eyes wide with excitement.

Taehyung appeared, "What's going on?"

The others quickly covered, exchanging sheepish grins.

Yuna sat beside Taehyung on the plush couch in the cozy living room, surrounded by warm beige walls and soft golden lighting. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby coffee table.

"What would you like to eat, Taehyung? You must be hungry?" Yuna asked, her voice warm and inviting.

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook teased from the armchair across from them, "Hey, why ask only Taehyung? We're all starving!" The room filled with chuckles, Taehyung's eyes crinkling at the corners.

Yuna's stern expression briefly returned, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you all want to eat?" she asked, surveying the group.

The responses varied: "Pizza!" "Sushi!" "Tacos!" Yuna clapped her hands, calling a maid who stood discreetly by the door.

"Prepare all these dishes quickly," Yuna instructed.

The maid nodded, bowed, and hurried off into the sleek, modern kitchen.

Yuna turned back to Taehyung, her smile radiant. "How are you today, Taehyung?"

"I'm good, thanks," Taehyung replied. "You?"

As Yuna and Taehyung conversed, Jen seethed, her anger simmering, her eyes flashing like embers. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the afternoon sunlight casting a stark contrast to her darkening mood.

Jin and the others whispered among themselves on the opposite couch.

"Yuna clearly has a crush on Taehyung," Jin whispered.

"Definitely," Jungkook agreed.

Suga chimed in, his voice laced with sarcasm, "Wow, you're just realizing that?Are you all blind to not observe jen?"

They glanced at Jen, her eyes blazing with intensity.

"Jen loves Taehyung??," Jimin whispered.

"Maybe," Jungkook whispered back.

Jin whispered, "Let's see who wins Taehyung's heart. The desperation is real."

Hobi whispered, "Popcorn, anyone?"

Gia spoke up from the armchair, "When will your grandfather arrive, Yuna? We've been waiting." She gazed around the room, her eyes lingering on the ornate grandfather clock.

Yuna's response was curt. "Soon."

Yuna and Gia locked eyes, their gazes icy.

Suddenly, a warm voice boomed from upstairs, echoing through the foyer, "Hello, lovely kids! The wait is over. I'm here!"