Secrets Of The Shadows | On Hold

Ch•9

The dawn broke softly over the forest, casting a gentle light through the trees as Taeyong stirred from her slumber. Disoriented, she blinked against the dappled sunlight, struggling to piece together how she had found herself in this unfamiliar place. The tranquility of the morning was abruptly shattered by the sound of rustling leaves, a harbinger of danger drawing closer. Panic surged through her veins, and she bolted, her heart racing as she sensed a presence pursuing her.

In her frantic escape, her foot caught on a root, sending her sprawling to the ground with a resounding thud. The figure that had been chasing her loomed ominously above, brandishing a knife that glimmered with a sinister sheen, its handle seemingly crafted from the skin of a serpent. As the shadow drew nearer, Taeyong felt the chill of impending doom, the blade poised to strike.

Meanwhile, Jungkook awoke with a start, the remnants of a haunting dream fading from his mind. He turned to his side, his gaze landing on Taeyong, who lay peacefully asleep beside him. A sigh escaped his lips, a mixture of relief and admiration as he took in the serene beauty before him. Her features were soft and delicate, and he fought the impulse to reach out and touch her sun-kissed skin.

Just then, Taeyong stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet Jungkook's gaze. An unspoken tension filled the air, a silence thick with unacknowledged feelings. It was a moment suspended in time until realization dawned on Taeyong, and she shot up, her expression fierce as she glared at Jungkook, as if he were the source of her confusion.

"What brings you here?" she inquired, her posture straightening as she awaited his answer. Jungkook, still lost in the spell of her presence, chuckled softly and gently tugged at her wrist, causing her to tumble forward, landing against his chest with a soft thud that made her wince.

"I asked what you were doing here," she managed to murmur, her voice muffled by the firm embrace of his grip.

"I had a nightmare," Jungkook confessed, drawing her closer still, the warmth of his body enveloping her. A flush crept across her cheeks as she remained silent, allowing the moment to linger in the air between them.

"Alright, that's enough. I should go before your mother walks in," Jungkook declared, rising to leave the room. Taeyong, sitting up, felt a sudden urge to break the silence.

"About the nightmare..." she began, her voice trailing off as she caught his attention.

"It’s just a nightmare. Don’t dwell on it," she replied, slipping away to freshen up before breakfast. Jungkook remained behind, lost in thought.

Not merely a nightmare.