𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 || 𝐕𝐊𝐎𝐎𝐊

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Taehyung's breath came in short, panicked gasps as Jungkook's chilling words lingered in the silence. The dim light cast sharp shadows across Jungkook's face, highlighting the dangerous glint in his eyes. Without warning, he reached for Taehyung, who shrank back instinctively, eyes wide with dread.

"I told you, you need to see what happens when someone dares defy me," Jungkook said, his voice low and composed. He pulled Taehyung roughly to his feet. Taehyung struggled, the sheets clutched tightly to his chest as he tried to resist, but Jungkook's grip was ironclad. With effortless strength, Jungkook lifted him into his arms, ignoring Taehyung's weak attempts to pull away.

"Stop fighting," Jungkook hissed, his cold breath brushing Taehyung's ear, sending a shiver down his spine. "You'll only make this worse for them."

Taehyung's heart hammered wildly, a mix of fear and helplessness churning in his stomach. He was powerless against the force that held him, and Jungkook's words promised nothing but torment.

They reached the room where Yoongi and Bogum were kept, and as the heavy door creaked open, Taehyung's vision blurred with tears. Inside, the two figures lay slumped against the walls, restrained and visibly battered. Yoongi's face was pale, sweat glistening on his brow, while Bogum's eyes, though exhausted, still held a flicker of defiance.

Jungkook's smile widened, cold and triumphant. He set Taehyung down but held him close, one arm wrapped tightly around his waist as he whispered, "Look at them, Taehyung. See what loyalty earns them."

"Look at them," Jungkook ordered, his voice sharp. "They tried so hard, Taehyung. For you. And now... this is their reward."

Bogum's eyes, swollen but defiant, met Taehyung's. He attempted a weak smile, a reassurance that only twisted the knife of guilt deeper into Taehyung's heart. Yoongi's gaze, filled with fatigue and silent apology, cut through him like a blade.

"Jungkook, please," Taehyung begged, his voice shaking as tears streamed down his face. "They didn't deserve this. Let them go. I'll do anything... anything you want."

Jungkook's eyes darkened, a flicker of something cold and unyielding glinting within them. "Anything?" He leaned closer, the edge of his smile sending a shiver down Taehyung's spine. "Your promises are as fragile as your spirit, Taehyung. I don't trust them."

He turned to Yoongi, his expression morphing from amused to cruelly focused. "Tell me, Yoongi, what do you think your precious Jimin is doing right now? Wondering where his mate is? Hoping you'll walk through the door any second?" Jungkook's laugh was a hollow sound, devoid of warmth. "Imagine the moment he realizes you're not coming back."

Yoongi's hands clenched into fists despite the chains, a flash of pain and anger breaking through the exhaustion in his eyes. He stayed silent, but the struggle to hold back emotion was palpable.

"And Bogum," Jungkook said, shifting his gaze. "Always so steadfast, always so hopeful. Did you think your courage would be enough to save him?" He motioned to Taehyung with a slight tilt of his head. "Look at what it's cost you."

Bogum's eyes flickered, defiance mingling with fear. "Taehyung... don't," he managed to rasp, voice hoarse and broken.

"Silence!" Jungkook's voice sliced through the room, making Taehyung flinch. He released Taehyung momentarily, only to grip his chin and force him to face Yoongi and Bogum. "You wanted to run, didn't you? You thought you could escape from me. But now, you'll witness what happens when hope falters."

Taehyung choked back a sob, the weight of guilt, fear, and despair crushing him. Jungkook's fingers dug into his jaw, and the threat in his eyes promised even more suffering.

"If you want them to live, Taehyung," Jungkook said, releasing him with a shove that sent him stumbling forward, "prove that you belong to me. Prove that you understand there is no freedom from what I decide."

Yoongi's eyes closed, a silent plea to endure, while Bogum turned his head away, unwilling to let Taehyung see the fear in his expression.

Taehyung's vision swam with tears, his heart pounding with terror and shame as he met Jungkook's expectant gaze. The silence stretched unbearably before Jungkook spoke again, his voice low and dripping with menace:

"Choose wisely, Taehyung. Their lives depend on it."