The Innocent and The King

Chapter Four - Beneath The Surface

Reva woke to the sound of soft murmurs and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The tension in the penthouse felt heavier today, though she couldn’t tell why. The night had been restless, filled with fragmented dreams of her life back in India, the shelter she volunteered at, and the stray dog she’d rescued just before leaving for Seoul. Her chest ached at the memory. Everything that had once been her simple, peaceful life now felt like a distant dream, overshadowed by this strange, dangerous reality.

Pulling herself from bed, Reva shuffled toward the living room, drawn by the voices. She hesitated at the doorway, her fingers gripping the edge as she peered inside. Jungkook stood at the center of the room, his six closest friends surrounding him. Even without knowing them, it was clear they were a formidable group. They exuded an air of authority and power that mirrored Jungkook’s, but where his presence was sharp and icy, theirs felt more varied—some warm, others calculating.

Kim Seokjin, the oldest of the group, was seated on the couch with an air of quiet authority. His sharp eyes noticed her first, and he offered a small, reassuring smile that made her feel slightly less intimidated. Beside him, Min Yoongi leaned back casually, his gaze observant but unbothered, as though nothing could ever truly surprise him.

“Who’s the girl?” Yoongi asked, his tone curious but unthreatening.

“She’s not your concern,” Jungkook replied sharply, cutting off any further inquiry.

Reva froze, unsure whether to step in or retreat, but Kim Namjoon, who stood closest to the door, noticed her hesitation and offered a nod. “You can join us,” he said kindly, his deep voice somehow soothing.

Jungkook turned at Namjoon’s words, his eyes softening ever so slightly when they landed on Reva. She hesitated but stepped into the room, her bare feet silent against the cool marble floor.

“This is Reva,” Jungkook said, his tone softer now, but still commanding. “She’s under my protection.”

The declaration sent a ripple through the group. Park Jimin, who had been leaning against the wall, raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Kim Taehyung, who lounged in a chair with the kind of lazy confidence that masked sharp instincts.

“Under your protection?” Jimin repeated, his voice teasing but curious. “That’s rare for you.”

“She’s special,” Jungkook replied simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Reva’s cheeks flushed at his words. She wasn’t sure how to feel about them. On one hand, his possessiveness was suffocating; on the other, the way he said it, like a solemn vow, made her heart flutter against her better judgment.

Seokjin gestured for her to sit, and she cautiously took a seat at the edge of the couch. Jungkook remained standing, his presence looming as though he were shielding her from the outside world.

“What’s going on?” Reva asked quietly, glancing at Jungkook.

“There’s been movement,” Namjoon explained, his tone calm but firm. “The men who were after you yesterday—they weren’t acting alone. We’ve confirmed they were hired by someone targeting Jungkook.”

Reva’s stomach churned. She had assumed as much, but hearing it confirmed made the danger feel even more real.

“Why me?” she asked, her voice small.

“They think you’re my weakness,” Jungkook said bluntly, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “And they’re not wrong.”

The room fell silent at his words, the weight of them settling over everyone like a heavy blanket. Reva’s breath hitched, her mind spinning. She didn’t know how to respond to that. Jungkook’s admission was both terrifying and oddly reassuring—he cared about her, but that care made her a target.

“What do we do now?” Yoongi asked, breaking the tension.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. “We keep her here. She doesn’t leave this building unless I’m with her.”

Reva’s heart sank. The thought of being trapped in this cold, unfamiliar penthouse was suffocating. “I can’t stay here forever,” she protested softly.

“You don’t have a choice,” Jungkook said firmly. His gaze softened slightly as he added, “It’s for your safety.”

Reva bit her lip, wanting to argue but knowing it would be pointless. Jungkook was immovable, his protectiveness as unyielding as steel.

The conversation shifted as the group began discussing logistics—security measures, potential threats, and contingency plans. Reva felt out of place, like an outsider in a world she couldn’t begin to understand.

As the meeting wrapped up, the others left one by one, each offering her a nod or a small smile as they departed. Taehyung lingered the longest, his sharp eyes studying her with a curious intensity.

“You must be special,” he said, his deep voice laced with intrigue. “Jungkook doesn’t let just anyone into his world.”

Reva didn’t know how to respond, so she simply nodded, her hands twisting nervously in her lap.

When the others were gone, Jungkook turned to her, his expression softening in a way that was becoming familiar yet still felt jarring. He sat down beside her, his presence overwhelming but not unwelcome.

“I know this is hard for you,” he said quietly, his voice lacking the usual edge. “But you need to trust me. I’ll keep you safe.”

Reva met his gaze, her brown eyes searching his dark ones for answers. “Why are you doing this for me?” she asked softly. “You don’t even know me.”

Jungkook’s lips quirked into the faintest hint of a smile. “I know enough,” he replied. “You’re kind. Too kind for this world. You don’t belong in it, but now that you’re here, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

His words stirred something deep within her—a confusing mix of fear, gratitude, and something softer, something she wasn’t ready to name.

“I don’t know if I can live like this,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “In this world, with this danger.”

Jungkook reached out, his hand brushing hers. His touch was surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to the hard exterior he showed the world. “You don’t have to,” he said. “I’ll bear the weight of it for you. You just have to stay with me.”

Reva’s heart ached at his words, but she nodded, knowing she had little choice. For now, she would trust him, even if she didn’t fully understand him.

As the sun began to set, casting the penthouse in warm hues, Reva felt a strange sense of calm settle over her. Despite the danger, despite the fear, there was something about Jungkook that made her feel… safe.

And for now, that would have to be enough.