The Innocent and The King

Chapter Eight - In The Line Of Fire

Reva paced the length of the garden, her arms wrapped around herself against the chill of the night. The soft hum of the city below felt distant, as if the world itself held its breath. Jungkook’s abrupt departure had left her with a sinking feeling she couldn’t shake.

The garden, once serene and beautiful, now felt suffocating. The fairy lights seemed dimmer, the vibrant flowers washed out. She glanced toward the stairwell where Jungkook had disappeared, the heavy steel door now ominously silent.

Unable to stay put, she finally decided to head back inside. She knew Jungkook had told her to stay in the garden, but she couldn’t stand the gnawing worry that something was wrong.

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As Reva made her way down the grand hallway of the penthouse, faint voices drifted toward her. She followed the sound, her heart pounding with every step.

She stopped just outside the door to Jungkook’s office, her hand hovering over the doorknob. The voices inside were sharp, almost angry, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open slightly. The scene inside made her heart stop.

Jungkook stood at the center of the room, his posture tense and his jaw clenched. His six closest friends—Seokjin, Namjoon, Yoongi, Hoseok, Jimin, and Taehyung—were gathered around him, their expressions a mix of concern and frustration.

“They’ve crossed the line,” Jungkook growled, his voice low but lethal. “Attacking us on our own turf? It’s a declaration of war.”

“They’re testing your patience,” Namjoon said calmly, though his sharp eyes betrayed his own anger. “They know Reva is your weakness, and they’re using her to get to you.”

Jungkook’s hands curled into fists. “Then I’ll show them what happens when they mess with what’s mine.”

The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down Reva’s spine. She wanted to step forward, to tell him to calm down, but something held her back.

Yoongi spoke next, his voice measured. “We need to move carefully. If we act rashly, they’ll have the upper hand. Reva’s safety depends on us being smart about this.”

At her name, Jungkook’s eyes softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. “I don’t care what it takes,” he said. “They won’t get near her again.”

“Jungkook…” Seokjin began, but his words trailed off as he noticed the door creak open further.

All eyes turned to Reva. She stood frozen in the doorway, feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

“Reva,” Jungkook said, his voice losing its edge instantly. He crossed the room in three long strides, gently taking her hand. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard voices,” she admitted, her voice small. “I was worried.”

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “You shouldn’t have come down.”

“I couldn’t just stay in the garden,” she said, looking up at him. “Jungkook, what’s going on? I heard you say they’re targeting me.”

The room fell silent. The tension was palpable, each of Jungkook’s friends exchanging uncertain glances.

Jungkook cupped her face in his hands, his dark eyes searching hers. “Yes, they’re targeting you,” he admitted. “Because they know you mean everything to me.”

Reva’s breath caught at the raw honesty in his voice. “But why?” she whispered. “Why go to such lengths?”

“It’s about power,” Namjoon interjected, his voice steady. “Taking you from Jungkook is their way of breaking him. They want to prove they can control him by threatening what he loves most.”