Sylvania || jjk

29

Chaeng glanced at Robin, then at Jungkook.

Robin was definitely the logical choice. He was the head boy, well-spoken, and had already met Columbus before. But Jungkook... he had been there through everything. From the moment Yoojin started her mind games to the marbles on the dance floor-he had seen it all.

And, deep down, she knew she wanted him beside her.

"I think... Jungkook should go with me," she said finally.

Jungkook's head snapped toward her, surprised. Then, his lips curled into a small, satisfied smirk.

Robin, though not offended, gave a nod. "Makes sense. Just don't mess this up."

Jaemin snickered. "Yeah, Jungkook, try not to threaten the man. He's not your high school rival."

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Ha ha. Very funny."

Rosé patted Chaeng's shoulder. "You'll be fine. Just tell him everything."

Eun hummed. "You think he'll actually do something?"

Jimin leaned against the desk, grinning. "If he doesn't, we riot."

The man at the desk cleared his throat, clearly tired of their back-and-forth. "Are you people done?"

Jungkook placed a firm hand on Chaeng's back, gently guiding her forward. "Yeah. We're ready."

The massive stone doors creaked open, revealing the dimly lit corridor leading to Columbus.

As they stepped through, the doors shut behind them with a heavy thud.

The man led Jungkook and Chaeng through the arched entrance of the secluded tower, the air growing noticeably colder as they stepped inside.

The walls were made of dark stone, the torches casting long, flickering shadows as they walked.

Chaeng glanced at Jungkook, who looked around with mild curiosity. "Didn't expect a whole haunted aesthetic," he muttered.

The man ahead ignored him. "This way."

The spiral staircase before them stretched high, disappearing into the darkness above. Each step was made of worn-out stone, smooth from centuries of use. Chaeng gulped.

This was going to be a long climb.

As they ascended, the silence settled in, broken only by the soft echo of their footsteps. One floor passed. Then another. Then another. The endless winding of the staircase was disorienting, the repetitive motion making it feel like they were going nowhere.

After what felt like an eternity, Chaeng exhaled sharply. "How high is this tower?!"

The man didn't even turn. "As high as it needs to be."

Jungkook scoffed. "That's not an answer."

The man ignored him again.

By the time they reached the tenth floor, Chaeng was done. She slowed down, placing a hand on the cold stone wall for support. "I swear, if he doesn't do anything about Yoojin, I'm pushing her down this staircase myself."

Jungkook, walking beside her, chuckled. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Another turn. Another endless stretch of stairs.

Jungkook sighed dramatically. "Maybe he's testing our patience. Survival of the fittest type of thing."

Chaeng shot him a glare, wiping a thin layer of sweat from her forehead. "If that's the case, I'm out."