𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔡 : 𝔇𝔢𝔩𝔲𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 𝔲𝔫𝔪𝔞𝔰𝔨𝔢𝔡

2

The dinner table was warm and inviting, with the soft clinking of plates and quiet conversation filling the air. Jungkook sat across from his younger sister, who was engrossed in her phone, occasionally glancing up to grab another piece of bread. His father, reading glasses perched on his nose, was deeply invested in the evening paper, while his mother bustled around, bringing a fresh plate of pasta to the table.

"Jungkook, make sure to eat plenty. Big day tomorrow, right?" his mother said with a smile as she took her seat.

Jungkook looked up, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, my first day at Università di Roma Veritas." He shrugged casually, as if it were no big deal, but there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.

His mother beamed. "I'm so proud of you. It's a great university. You'll do well there—I know it."

His father nodded approvingly, setting the newspaper aside. "Veritas has a solid reputation. And Rome... well, it's one of the best cities in the world. You'll learn so much just by living there."

Jungkook chuckled, picking at his pasta. "Let's hope I can balance all that learning with the actual studies."

"Oh, please," his sister chimed in, rolling her eyes playfully. "You're probably going to spend all your time in coffee shops and hanging out with friends."

His mom laughed, reaching over to nudge Jungkook with a fond smile. "Well, no late nights at the cafes, alright? Remember why you're there."

"Of course, Mom," Jungkook said, his voice warm. "I'm there to study, no distractions."

The whole family laughed at his earnest tone. There was something comforting about this moment—the casual banter, the light teasing. Jungkook soaked it in, grateful for these moments of normalcy.

His dad leaned forward, a gentle seriousness in his gaze. "Just remember, it's a new chapter. You'll meet new people, make friends who push you to grow."

"Yeah, I get that." Jungkook nodded, feeling the weight of his father's words but keeping his smile.

As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to little stories from their day and random family memories. Jungkook found himself laughing, leaning into the comfortable rhythm of family life. He was ready for Rome, ready for this new beginning—even if no one knew what he really had in mind.

—

After dinner, Victoria stepped outside into the cool night air, her usual routine of taking a walk through the narrow streets of Rome helping to calm her restless mind. The cobblestones glistened from a recent rain, and the streetlamps cast long shadows that danced on the walls. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shake off the strange feeling creeping up her spine.

As she walked through the dimly lit alleys, the familiar sounds of the city faded into the background, leaving her alone with her thoughts. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chatter of voices were her only companions. But tonight, something felt off, as if the air was thick with tension.

Turning a corner, she nearly bumped into a figure standing in the shadows. He was tall, and before she could react, he reached out and steadied her with a firm grip on her arm.

"Whoa, careful," he said, his voice smooth and deep, making her shiver.

Victoria looked up, but the dim light hid his face in darkness. All she could see were faint outlines and a shadow that hinted at something both intriguing and unsettling. A chill ran down her back, but she couldn't look away.

"Thanks," she managed to say, her heart racing.

The stranger seemed to study her, his gaze piercing even in the dark. For a moment, the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them in that eerie stillness. Her pulse quickened, and it felt like he could see right through her, as if he knew her secrets.