✔Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 140

~help this ch is sooooo fast paced. Good luck understanding it.~

~And pls VOTTTEEEEEEEE and COMMENNNTTTTT~

-Start of Chapter 140-

Taehyung's voice breaks through the quiet, deep and steady. "It's going to be sunrise soon," he says, glancing toward the frost-coated window. The faintest trace of pink glimmers beyond the trees. He turns to Jungkook. "We have to leave before Seorin's men pick up our trail."

Jungkook exhales, jaw tight. "I know."

The witch looks at him — her son — her expression caught between pride and pain. "You have to leave now?"

Jungkook nods once, gaze softening. "Yes. I promise I'll come back when everything's over."

She studies him for a moment, then reaches up and brushes a lock of hair from his forehead. "Very well then" she murmurs. "Be careful, my child. The world outside this forest isn't kind."

I step closer, hesitating before pulling the bracelet from my pocket — the one I'd stolen. The metal is cold against my palm. "I... wanted to return this."

The witch's eyes flick to the bracelet, her expression unreadable.

"I'm sorry for stealing it," I continue quietly. "But without it, I wouldn't have found Jungkook. Or you. So... thank you — for everything you've done for us."

Her lips curve faintly. "It was a fair deal, child. You gave me back my son, and I gave you back your friends. The balance has been restored."

Behind me, Jungwon shifts, his usual calm voice laced with urgency. "We should go," he says, scanning the snow-dusted forest through the open door. "Before Seorin catches up again. Do your farewells quickly."

The room fills with soft movements — Jungkook clasping his mother's hands, whispering something I can't quite hear; Jake and Jay thanking the witch with tired but sincere bows; Sunoo quietly examinign the trinkets on a nearby shelf; Heeseung, Sunghoon, and Riki talking in low tones near the doorway. Jungwon, as always, stands off to the side, silent but watchful.

I turn to gather my things, but before I can, a familiar voice drawls behind me.

"Well then, Princess," Taehyung says, stepping closer with that same lazy smirk, "our job here is done. Do I get anything for this?"

I blink at him, caught off guard by his tone. "Eh?"

He tilts his head. "A reward. You know, for saving your pretty royal life and your vampire boys."

A smile tugs at my lips despite myself. "Very well then. What would you like?"

He leans in slightly, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I know you've got a boyfriend and everything, but what about—"

Before he can finish, a sharp voice cuts through.

"Excuse me?"

Sunghoon stands between us in an instant, jaw tense, his arm brushing protectively in front of me. His glare could melt stone.

Taehyung raises a brow, entirely unfazed. "Relax, vampire boy. I wasn't finished."

Sunghoon folds his arms, voice dangerously low. "Then finish carefully."

Taehyung chuckles, the corner of his mouth curving into a teasing smirk. "Anyway, as I was saying — I know you have a boyfriend and everything..." His eyes flick deliberately toward Sunghoon. "...but maybe, if you ever decide to leave him, a date with me?"