𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐉𝐉𝐊

ɑׁׅ֮⨍tׁׅꫀׁׅܻꭈׁׅ ꩇׁׅ݊ɑׁׅ֮tׁׅhׁׅ֮

That gunshot echo hung in cold air, a pulse seeming to vibrate the entire dockyard. In one, scant moment, time seemed to hold its breath while the world teetered precariously between life and death. Y/N's breath held fast as her gaze locked into Jungkook's outstretched hand, his gun still full-on pointed at Minho.

Minho stumbled backward, his face contorting in disbelief as he clutched at his shoulder, his shirt quickly staining with blood. Jungkook had aimed precisely, not to kill him but not to miss either. He was far from done with Minho. Not by a long shot.

"Next time, I won't miss," Jungkook warned in a low, deadly voice, his eyes never leaving Minho's pale face.

The smirk on Minho's face faltered, the arrogance not quite dissolved. He grimaced; the pain was there, but he wasn't done playing his games. "You think this is over, Jungkook? You've just made the biggest mistake of your life. You can't protect her forever.".

The expression on Jungkook's face darkened, and before Minho could utter another word, he was enveloped by the men of Jungkook, who restrained him forcefully. His arms were yanked behind his back, the result of this maneuver one that contorted his face in agony.

He took a step closer to his former friend and ally, all this while keeping his voice cold and firm. "You have made one fatal mistake, Minho-you dared threaten her and escape. But then, you show up empty-handed. No empire. No leverage. And no mercy."

Minho struggled, eyes ablaze with hate, as Jungkook was now leaning in, his voice almost a whisper. "I am gonna make sure you live long enough to regret crossing me."

With that, Jungkook retreated a step backward, his hand gesturing to his men to drag Minho away. The air was thick with strain, Minho disappearing in the dark as his threats could still be vaguely heard until he was finally out of sight.

Y/N huffed out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, the beat of her heart racing in her chest. She could still feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins as the enormity of what had just happened began sinking into her.

Jungkook turned to face her, his eyes softening as they locked onto hers. He reached for her hand, his touch soft against a sharp contrast to the violence that had just unfolded. "Are you okay?"

Y/N nodded, though her voice shook. "I'm fine, but what now?

Slowly, Jungkook exhaled loudly, his hand running across his hair as deep thought furrowed his brow. "Minho isn't the only threat out there. The fight isn't over. But as long as you're with me, I'll make sure no one ever touches you."

Y/N's heart clenched at the words, knowing he meant it, but all of a sudden, the danger surrounding them weighed heavier than ever. She couldn't just stand by while Jungkook fought this war alone; she had to be part of the solution.

We need a plan, Jungkook. Something that will finally put an end to this, she said, moving closer to him, and though her voice did not shake, it was easy to tell from the way she talked that a storm raged inside of her. You cannot just keep reacting to threats. We have to take control.

Jungkook looked at her, a mixture of admiration and concern flashing in his eyes. He knew that she was right, but the thought of involving her deeper in this life made his chest tighten. He wanted to protect her and keep her safe from this dark world he lived in, but he knew very well that Y/N would not sit on the sidelines.

I won't let you get hurt," Jungkook whispered, pulling a strand of hair out of her face. "But if we're in this together, you need to trust me."

"I do," Y/N whispered, laying her hand on his chest, and feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm. "And I'm not going anywhere.