The Innocent and The King

Chapter Six - The Shadow Close In

Reva woke to the soft glow of morning light streaming through the thick curtains of Jungkook's penthouse. She stretched lazily, momentarily forgetting the chaos her life had become. But as her eyes adjusted, the unfamiliar surroundings reminded her she wasn’t in the peaceful comfort of her home in India anymore.

Her hand instinctively went to the small pendant she wore, a gift from her late grandmother. It was the only thing she had brought with her that still felt like home. The warmth of it grounded her, a faint reminder of simpler times.

The sound of muffled voices in the living room caught her attention. Quietly, she slipped out of bed, pulling on the soft robe Jungkook had given her. As she approached the door, the voices grew louder, their tones tense.

“It’s not just about her anymore,” Namjoon’s deep voice said. “They’re escalating. Last night’s attack was too close for comfort.”

Reva’s stomach twisted. She pressed herself against the wall, peeking through the barely open door. Jungkook stood at the center of the room, his posture rigid, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“I don’t care how close it was,” Jungkook growled. “I won’t let them touch her.”

Yoongi, leaning against the far wall, spoke next, his voice calm but firm. “You need to think clearly, Jungkook. This isn’t just about protecting her anymore. They’re testing you. If they find any weakness—”

“She’s not a weakness,” Jungkook snapped, his voice low and dangerous.

The room fell silent. Even from her hiding spot, Reva could feel the tension thick in the air.

“She’s your priority,” Jimin said gently, breaking the silence. “We get that. But if we don’t move strategically, we’ll lose more than just control of the situation.”

Reva’s heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t understand the full scope of what they were discussing, but she knew enough to realize that her presence here was putting them all at risk.

Unable to listen any longer, she stepped into the room. The group turned to look at her, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

“Reva,” Jungkook said, his voice softening immediately. “You should be resting.”

“I’ve rested enough,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. “What’s going on? I deserve to know.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened, but it was Seokjin who spoke first. “We’re dealing with a threat. The people who attacked you—they’re not just after you. They’re using you to get to Jungkook.”

Reva swallowed hard, her hands clenching the edges of her robe. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me,” she said quietly. “Maybe I should just—”

“No.” Jungkook’s voice was sharp, cutting her off. He crossed the room in a few long strides, his hands gently gripping her shoulders. “Don’t even think about leaving. You’re safest here, with me.”

“But—”

“There’s no ‘but,’” he interrupted, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “I’ve made my choice, Reva. You’re staying, and I’ll protect you no matter what.”

Reva’s throat tightened. She wanted to argue, to tell him she didn’t want to be a burden, but the determination in his gaze stopped her. For better or worse, Jungkook had made up his mind.

---

Later that day, Jungkook insisted on showing her around the penthouse. It was a subtle attempt to distract her, and while Reva wasn’t sure how she felt about being coddled, she appreciated the effort.

The place was far larger than she had realized, with rooms she hadn’t even explored yet. Jungkook led her to a private library, its walls lined with bookshelves that stretched up to the ceiling.

“You read?” she asked, surprised.

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “Mostly when I need to clear my head.”

Reva smiled, running her fingers along the spines of the books. “I wouldn’t have guessed.”

Jungkook smirked, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

She turned to face him, her expression softening. “Then tell me.”

For a moment, Jungkook seemed to hesitate. Then he stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. “I wasn’t always like this,” he said quietly. “There was a time when my life was… simpler. Happier.”

Reva tilted her head, waiting for him to continue.

“My parents were kind people,” he said, his voice tinged with an unfamiliar sadness. “They wanted me to have a normal life. But after they were killed… everything changed.”

Reva’s chest ached at the pain in his voice. She reached out, her hand resting gently on his arm. “I’m so sorry,” she said softly.

Jungkook shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. “Don’t be. It’s just the way things are. I had to grow up fast. Learn how to survive in a world that doesn’t forgive weakness.”

“But you’re not weak,” Reva said firmly. “You’re strong, Jungkook. And no matter how dark your world is, I can see the good in you.”

His eyes softened, and for a moment, the mask he wore slipped. “You’re the only one who does,” he admitted.

---

That evening, as Reva sat on the balcony, Jungkook joined her. He carried a blanket, draping it over her shoulders before taking the seat beside her.

“Thank you,” she said, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.

They sat in silence for a while, the city lights twinkling below them. It was a rare moment of peace, and Reva found herself wishing it could last forever.

“Jungkook,” she said after a long pause, “why are you so protective of me? I mean, we barely know each other.”

Jungkook’s gaze remained fixed on the skyline. “Because you’re different,” he said simply. “You’re kind and innocent. You remind me of everything I’ve lost. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t lose yourself in this world.”

Reva’s throat tightened at his words. She didn’t know what to say, so she reached out, her fingers brushing against his. He didn’t pull away, and for the first time since she’d arrived in his world, she felt a flicker of hope.

Hope that, despite the danger, they might find a way to survive this together.

---

But even as they sat there, a storm was brewing. Far below the penthouse, in the shadows of the city, figures moved with purpose. Plans were being set into motion, and the name “Reva Sah” was on more than one person’s lips.

And while Jungkook would burn the world to protect her, the question remained: would it be enough?