Speeding Into Trouble || Taekook

13

It was around 3 AM when Jeongguk was speeding down the empty streets on his bike, blood slowly seeping through the sleeve of his leather jacket from the wound on his left arm.

The weapon deal had gone south, leaving him with an injury, but it wasn't the pain that occupied his mind.

His thoughts were clouded with frustration, but all of that came to a screeching halt as he approached the Han River.

Through the dim light, Jeongguk caught sight of someone standing dangerously close to the edge of the infamous 'Dead Serious Bridge.'

He squinted, trying to make out the figure, and his heart began to pound violently in his chest when the familiar silhouette became clearer.

"Taehyung?" Jeongguk's eyes widened in alarm. His grip tightened on the handle of the bike as adrenaline kicked in, and without a second thought, he slammed the brakes.

The bike screeched to a stop, and Jeongguk immediately jumped off, sprinting towards the figure.

Reaching Taehyung in an instant, Jeongguk grabbed him roughly by the arm and yanked him back from the edge.

His voice was raw with panic as he shouted, "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Taehyung?!"

Taehyung stumbled backward, eyes wide in shock. Tears streaked down his bruised, battered face. His lips were split, his cheek swollen, and he looked like he had just been through hell.

Jeongguk's heart stuttered, freezing in place as his anger quickly shifted to a deep, unfamiliar feeling of concern.

His breath hitched, and for a moment, he forgot why he hated this guy so much.

"Jeon..." Taehyung whispered, his voice small and broken.

Jeongguk gritted his teeth, trying to focus. "What the fuck happened to you?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.

Taehyung looked away, his expression closed off as he muttered, "None of your business, Jeongguk. Just go away."

Jeongguk's jaw clenched. "And let you fucking die?" he shot back, his voice full of disbelief. The idea alone made his chest tighten painfully.

Taehyung blinked, confused at first, then his gaze softened with realization. "I wasn't about to jump," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Jeongguk, skeptical, crossed his arms and scoffed. "Oh, really?" he sneered sarcastically.

"So, what? You just like standing at the edge of a bridge looking all dramatic for fresh air?"

Taehyung sighed, too drained to even argue. His body felt heavy, and he didn't have the energy to deal with Jeongguk's sarcastic remarks.

"Jeongguk, please. Just go. I can't deal with your bullshit right now."

Jeongguk's brow furrowed. He had never seen Taehyung like this-so shattered, so utterly defeated.

His tough exterior cracked for a second, and his voice softened. "Are you even okay?"

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. He had never heard Jeongguk speak to him like that-softly, with what felt like genuine concern.

But he couldn't afford to be vulnerable, not with him.

"I'm fine," Taehyung muttered, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I just came here to get some air."

Jeongguk scoffed again, seeing right through the lie. "Sure, because you always get air looking like you just walked out of a boxing ring."

Taehyung closed his eyes, letting out another long, exhausted sigh. He hadn't even looked in a mirror. He didn't care. He didn't have the energy to.