A Taste Of Midnight

81

Jungkook sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, staring at the faint glow of the fireplace. His thoughts swirled like smoke, hazy and heavy with questions. The events of the day replayed in his mind-Taehyung's overwhelming power, his crimson eyes burning with fury, and the terrifying ease with which he had brushed everyone aside.

"How is he so strong?" Jungkook muttered, his voice cutting through the quiet room.

Jimin, leaning casually against the mantle, glanced at him. He swirled the glass of blood in his hand-thick and rich, drawn fresh earlier that night-before taking a slow sip. "Who? Taehyung?"

"Obviously," Jungkook said, shooting him a look. "He's like... a force of nature. And he walked through sunlight like it was nothing."

Jimin chuckled softly, setting his glass down on the mantle. "You've got a lot to learn about us, kid." He crossed the room, flopping onto the armchair across from Jungkook. "Taehyung isn't just strong-he's lethal. And it's no accident."

Jungkook frowned. "What do you mean?"

Jimin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Taehyung drinks blood-lots of it. Not just human blood but vampire blood, too. You know what that does to a vampire?"

Jungkook shook his head.

"It amplifies us," Jimin explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "Every vampire he drinks from gives him a fraction of their strength, their abilities. Over time, it builds up. Taehyung's been doing this for centuries-feeding, fighting, taking. He's a predator among predators."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "Wait... so he's been drinking vampire blood this whole time? Isn't that... dangerous?"

Jimin shrugged. "For most vampires, yeah. Too much vampire blood can fry your brain, mess with your instincts. But Taehyung? He's built different. He's pushed his body to limits most of us wouldn't even dare. That's why he's so strong."

"And the sunlight?"

"That's the kicker," Jimin said, smirking faintly. "Back when Taehyung was with Seokjin, they followed a strict animal-blood diet. No human blood, no vampire blood. It kept their eyes golden and their powers... restrained. But it also made them less vulnerable to sunlight."

Jungkook tilted his head. "Wait-so he was weaker back then?"

"Not weaker," Jimin corrected. "Just... different. Animal blood kept him grounded, more connected to his humanity. But now?" He gestured vaguely. "Human blood, vampire blood-it changes you. Makes you faster, stronger, but also darker. Sunlight doesn't affect Taehyung the same way anymore because he's consumed so much power. His body's adapted."

Jungkook let out a low whistle, leaning back against the sofa. "So, what you're saying is... he's a monster."

Jimin laughed, a short, dry sound. "Aren't we all?"

Jungkook shot him a look. "You know what I mean. He's... something else. It's like nothing can stop him."

"Well," Jimin said, stretching lazily, "Taehyung's not invincible. Strong, sure. But strength like that comes with a cost."

"What cost?"

Jimin's playful expression faltered, replaced by something more serious. "The more blood you drink-human or vampire-the more you lose yourself. It's a trade-off: power for humanity. Taehyung gave up a lot to become what he is now. And trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be."

Jungkook frowned, his gaze dropping to his hands. "Do you think he regrets it?"

Jimin shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. That's the thing about Taehyung-he's been at this a long time. He's had centuries to make peace with what he's done... or maybe to let it fester. Either way, it's not our problem."