the thirteenth | kim taehyung

chapter 16

ANABELLE'S POV

12:11 A.M. read the blinking red lights from the digital clock on the marble nightstand. My eyes wandered and locked on the sleeping boy in the hospital bed. I noticed how peaceful he looked, innocent even. Never, would anyone guess that he had killed more than ten girls in his lifetime. I fought back the urge to caress his hair and crawl into the space next to him. It was as if he were a magnet and I was a paper clip; I longed to be by his side. I knew damn well I may be his next victim, and yet I still insisted on staying with him overnight, just in case something were to happen. He slept only on the right side, as if leaving just enough of the bed empty for someone to join him. I shook my head and mentally scowled myself for thinking such things. Still, I couldn't hold myself back from noticing how beautiful he was. Although there were scratches and stitches on his face and he was wearing a simple, blue patient outfit, he looked as beautiful as ever. Almost a year had passed since the first day I saw him, and it looked as if he hasn't aged since. 

"Hello, I'm Kim Taehyung. I've heard so much about you from Alice and I'm so glad to finally meet you in person." It was the night Alice invited him over to have dinner with us, but I knew she just wanted our parent's blessing. He arrived in a white button up and black dress pants to match with my sister's dress. He was outgoing and made conversation with everyone, even me. I was surprised when he brought up Exo at the dinner table. 

"So I hear you like Exo? Alice told me she could hear you blasting their music at two A.M. in the morning." Taehyung let out a soft chuckle. My face began to burn up and I nodded, not looking up from my mashed potatoes. 

"Let me guess, is Park Chanyeol your bias? Ultimate, maybe?" He asked again, this time catching my attention even more than before. 

"Yes.. How'd you know?" I knew I always talked about Exo at school, but it was only on social media and around my friends. As far as I knew, he didn't have any to stalk me. I guess he noticed how alert I became, so he quickly reassured me. 

"Oh don't worry, I'm not a stalker. I passed by your room on the way to the restroom. You left your door open and I saw the posters. Plus you wear your Park Chanyeol sweater at school pretty often. " this earned a laugh from my parents and Alice. He basically just implied that I was an Exo freak, which didn't bother me a tiny bit. I was proud to be an Exo-L, and I always will be. 

My father stirred up a conversation about the New York Yankees and I excused myself. Before heading back to my room to change out of the uncomfortable dress I was wearing, I looked back at the dinner table. I smiled at the sight of my happy family and went into Alice's room instead. I found a post-it on her desk and wrote "I approve. I'm sure mom and dad do too :)" I stuck the note on her headboard and closed the door behind me, making sure I didn't make any noise. I didn't want to disrupt their ongoing conversations outside. 

I pulled myself back to reality after hearing the clock beep three times, indicating that another hour had passed. It was now 1:00 A.M., and Taehyung still hasn't woken up from the surgery. The doctors had to remove the bullet from his arm and as expected, there was no real damage to his body. I had studied for years in hopes of graduating medical school as a surgeon. 

I checked my phone and saw thirty-five missed calls from my parents. I pressed my finger on the cold surface of the screen and let modern technology do its magic. Within seconds the system had recognized my fingerprint and the message app was opened. I pondered in the uncomfortable sitting chair that acted as my bed for the past four hours. I knew my parents would freak if they knew I was at the hospital with my sister's ex and purposely shot him. So, I decided that the truth wasn't going to come out anytime soon. Not until I avenge my sister's murder, that is. My parents had already been through so much, and I didn't want to worry or stress them out anymore than they already are. I ended up telling them I was invited to sleep over at a friend's house after therapy and accepted the offer. I finished off the lie by wishing them both goodnight in hopes of it softening the blow. I heaved a heavy sigh. This wasn't who I am, but I'd do anything to make sure Taehyung gets the same pain he put us through, even if it means sinking down to his level. What makes my organs shrivel up in disgust is the fact that he chose such innocent people as his victims. Alice had never hurt a single soul in her life, not even a fly, I don't think. 

I looked back at the resting boy and wondered, "Why? Why did you let yourself fall into the cracks?" I knew Taehyung was a strong person, both mentally and physically. But how come he let himself become so corrupted? Why did he give in? I let out a yawn, which had been creeping up my throat for the past few hours. I was exhausted and the worst thing I could do to myself was to think about him and get a headache. I slumped into the chair until I found myself in a comfortable position and let my imagination take it's course . . .

TAEHYUNG'S POV

 I opened one eye and looked to my left, seeing exactly what I wanted to see. Anabelle was right where I wanted her, harmless and weak. Everything  was going just as planned . . 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: 

MICHELLE'S BACK