nighthawk | tk ✔️

19

the moment i stepped into his apartment, he was there, rushing toward me like a frightened animal seeking shelter. his arms wrapped around me tightly, his body trembling against mine. for a second, i stood still, savoring the moment. this was what i wanted—his trust, his dependence.

"jungkook," he whispered, his voice cracking. "i’m so scared."

"i’m here," i murmured, gently rubbing his back. "nothing will happen to you, taehyung. i won’t let anything happen."

he pulled back, his wide eyes searching mine, desperate for reassurance. "what if they come back? what if they’re still here?"

"they won’t," i said firmly, my tone leaving no room for doubt. "i’ll check the entire place, just to be sure. but for tonight, you’re safe with me."

he nodded, his shoulders sagging slightly as relief washed over him. "thank you, jungkook. i don’t know what i’d do without you."

i smiled softly, the perfect mask of concern and care. "first thing in the morning, we’ll get your locks changed," i told him. "but it’s too late for that now. until then, i’ll stay here. i’ll keep watch. you don’t have to be alone."

"are you sure?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

"of course," i replied. "there’s no way i’m leaving you like this."

he gave me a small, shaky smile before stepping aside to let me in.

"let me check the apartment first," i said, scanning the room with a critical eye. "just in case."

taehyung nodded, hovering near the door as i moved through the space. i checked every corner, every closet, every potential hiding spot. i didn’t rush; i wanted him to feel the weight of every moment, the fear of what could have been lurking.

when i returned to the living room, he was sitting on the couch, his knees pulled up to his chest.

"it’s clear," i told him, my voice calm and steady. "no cameras, no signs of anyone still here."

he let out a shaky breath, his head falling into his hands. "thank god."

"you should get some rest," i said, sitting down beside him. "i’ll stay out here and keep watch. it’s the least i can do."

"but you’ll be awake all night," he protested, his brows furrowing.

"i don’t mind," i assured him. "i wouldn’t feel right leaving you alone like this. just knowing you’re safe is enough for me."

his lips trembled, and for a moment, i thought he might cry. instead, he reached out, placing a hand on my arm. "thank you, jungkook. really. i... i don’t know what i did to deserve your kindness."

"you don’t have to thank me," i said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "i just want you to feel safe."

he nodded, standing up slowly. "okay. i’ll try to sleep, but... if anything happens, you’ll wake me, right?"

"of course," i said. "go rest, taehyung. i’ll be right here."

he hesitated for a moment before heading to his bedroom, closing the door softly behind him.

---

i sat on the couch, staring at the darkened room. his scent lingered in the air, faint but intoxicating. the image of his vulnerable expression, the way he clung to me like i was his lifeline—it replayed in my mind, fueling the fire inside me.

he trusted me now, more than anyone else. and that trust would be his undoing.

but it wasn’t enough.

he wasn’t scared enough yet, not truly. he still thought he could rely on me, that i was his savior. but i needed him to break, to crumble completely, so that he’d have no choice but to let me pick up the pieces.

i glanced toward his bedroom door, the faint sound of his restless movements reaching my ears.

soon, i thought, a slow smile spreading across my lips.

he would fall deeper into his fear. and when he did, i would be the only one left to catch him.