𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥-𝗜𝗡-𝗟𝗔𝗪

part 42 (In the shadows)

Chapter 42:  in the Shadows

The tension in Jennie's apartment was palpable as days turned into weeks. Despite her recovery, the lingering effects of the poison left her weak and vulnerable. Taehyung was her constant support, never leaving her side, but the shadow of betrayal haunted them both.

One rainy night, as Jennie rested on the couch, a loud knock echoed through the apartment. Taehyung’s brows furrowed. It was nearly midnight—an odd time for visitors.

“Stay here,” he instructed, his tone firm.

He approached the door cautiously, glancing through the peephole. To his surprise, no one was there. Only the sound of the storm outside greeted him. When he opened the door to check, he noticed an envelope on the ground, soaked from the rain.

“What is it?” Jennie called from the couch.

Taehyung picked up the envelope and quickly closed the door, shielding it from the downpour. “I don’t know. It was just lying here.”

He opened it carefully, his hands trembling as he pulled out a single piece of paper. His eyes widened as he read the contents.

“You may have escaped for now, but the truth always comes out. She’s not safe with you.
—A Friend”

Jennie noticed the change in his demeanor. “Tae, what does it say?”

Taehyung crumpled the paper in his fist, his face a mixture of anger and concern. “It’s nothing,” he lied, walking to the kitchen to dispose of it.

Jennie wasn’t convinced. She knew Taehyung too well to believe he’d dismiss something lightly. But she was too exhausted to press further.

-----

The Darkness Unfolds

Later that night, as Taehyung and Jennie slept, an eerie sound broke the silence of the apartment—a faint scratching at the living room window. Jennie stirred, her senses on edge. She sat up, clutching her stomach, listening intently.

Another sound—a soft creak—came from the balcony. Jennie’s heart raced.

“Tae…” she whispered, shaking him awake.

Taehyung opened his eyes groggily. “What is it?”

“There’s… someone out there,” she stammered.

Fully alert now, Taehyung grabbed a nearby lamp and moved toward the balcony door. He peeked through the curtains but saw nothing.

“Stay here,” he instructed again, his voice low and serious.

He stepped out onto the balcony, the cold wind biting at his skin. The rain had stopped, leaving a damp chill in the air. The streetlights below cast long shadows, but there was no sign of anyone nearby.

Just as he turned to go back inside, a figure darted from the shadows, pushing him against the railing. Taehyung fought back, adrenaline surging through him.

“Who are you?!” he demanded.

The figure didn’t respond but threw a punch, narrowly missing Taehyung’s face. In the struggle, Taehyung managed to shove the person into the light. It was a man, his face obscured by a hood.

“Stay away from Jennie!” the man growled before breaking free and disappearing into the night.

Breathing heavily, Taehyung rushed back inside, locking the balcony door behind him. Jennie was waiting, her face pale with fear.

“What happened? Who was it?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Taehyung shook his head. “I don’t know, but someone’s watching us, Jennie. We can’t stay here anymore.”

---

The Dangerous Revelation

The next day, Taehyung reported the incident to the police, but their response was lukewarm at best. Frustrated, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Meanwhile, Jennie couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Her mind kept returning to Jimin. Could he still be involved? Was he the one behind the note and the attack? Or was it someone else entirely?

While Taehyung was out gathering supplies for their safety, Jennie decided to confront her fears. She called Jimin, her hands trembling as she dialed his number.

“Jennie?” Jimin’s voice was calm, almost too calm.

“Did you have anything to do with what’s been happening to me?” she asked directly, her voice shaky but firm.

There was a pause before Jimin spoke again. “Why would you think that, Jennie? I’ve only ever wanted to protect you.”

“Then explain the poison. Explain why someone attacked Taehyung last night,” she pressed.

Jimin’s tone changed, growing colder. “Sometimes, people make mistakes, Jennie. But I only did what I thought was best for you.”

Her heart sank as the realization hit her. “You… you did this?”

Before she could say more, Jimin hung up, leaving her in stunned silence.

---

A Race Against Time

When Taehyung returned, Jennie told him everything. His face hardened with anger, and he immediately started planning their next steps.

“We need to leave Russia, Jennie. It’s not safe here anymore.”

Jennie nodded, her trust in Taehyung unwavering. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t just external. It was closing in, suffocating them, and they had no idea how far it would go.

As the rain poured down outside once more, Jennie and Taehyung packed their belongings, preparing for an uncertain journey. But little did they know, the storm they were fleeing was only the beginning.