To The Edge Of The Sky| VMinKook

Chapter 3

**Taehyung's POV**

The once serene sky now roared angrily, flashes of lightning slicing through the dense, darkened forest. Each crack of thunder reverberated in my chest as I forced my weary legs to keep running, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I could feel my strength fading, each desperate step becoming heavier than the last. It wasn't long before my body succumbed to exhaustion, and I collapsed onto the slick, rain-soaked ground.

"Ah!" A pained cry slipped from my lips, but I quickly pushed myself up, relentless in my need to escape. Out of nowhere, a door—strikingly red and seemingly drenched in blood—materialized before me. Confusion clouded my mind as I limped toward it, my hands trembling as I gripped the cold knob and turned it. To my astonishment, when the door swung open, I was met not with another dark forest, but rather an eerie intersection illuminated by flickering streetlights.

"What the—?" I muttered, stepping through the door and into this strange, unknown place. I looked around, panic rising as the door vanished behind me. "Where am I?"

Suddenly, laughter began to tingle in my ears. I turned to see a group of small children running toward me, their hands tightly clasped together. As I scanned the street, I noticed that what had appeared deceptively normal was now dissolving into the torrential downpour that surrounded us.

The children dashed across the remnants of the disappearing street, and I hastily followed. The world around us transformed into a surreal spectacle; the rain ceased, replaced by a captivating foggy sky glowing with an unnatural purple light. The vibrant hue twisted and danced into a river that snaked along the bank of fog. The children erupted into joyous giggles as they sprinted into the purple waters, beckoning me to join them.

With a mixture of trepidation and intrigue, I stepped onto the shimmering surface of the river. To my surprise, it felt solid beneath my feet, almost like walking on water, though the sensation was utterly surreal. The children splashed and laughed, their bright clothing glowing like stars against the dark backdrop of the night. But my gaze was drawn away from their bliss to the dazzling lights floating all around us.

The purple glow enveloped us, illuminating the essence of the scene; it wasn't mere light but broken petals that sparkled enchantingly, drifting gracefully across the water's surface.

Once again, I was left breathless as I peered into the river below. From its roots, flowers erupted, floating into the misty atmosphere, illuminated in shades of purple. The river shone with an otherworldly radiance, reminiscent of a sky studded with stars.

It was so enchanting that I felt as if I were in a dream, unable to tear my eyes away from the beauty before me. But then, a child appeared at my side, the mesmerizing lights swirling around us suddenly dimming, the river's sheen fading into dullness. The child grasped my hands, tugging me along until we reached an expansive garden that seemed to thrive in contrast to what we had just left—a lush expanse of vibrant greens, dotted with familiar red, pink, and blue flowers.

The child led me deeper into the watery surroundings until we reached a house constructed entirely of water. The home was beautiful, encircled by the splendor of blooming flowers. Inside, whimsical wooden frames divided the airy rooms, seemingly supported by nothing at all. The child let go of my hand and rejoined the others, their laughter ringing throughout the garden.

I couldn't help but laugh along, captivated by their innocent joy as they chased one another, inviting me to join their playful antics once more. The moment I did, the enchanting purple lights returned, lighting up the space with a magical glow.

Then, as if summoned from the depths of my nightmares, a car appeared out of nowhere, shattering the serene atmosphere. Two tall figures in uniforms stepped out, brandishing machine guns, their expressions menacing. They shouted before lowering their weapons and opening fire into the water.

Panic surged through me as the children screamed and scattered in all directions—terrified by the chaos unfolding before us. I tried to retreat, but one of the men was hot on the heels of the fleeing children. The once tranquil water turned a horrifying crimson, swirling with the echoes of despair.

Desperate, I stumbled backward, only to find myself surrounded by more armed men ready to corner me. I stepped back, my breath quickening, only to feel a sharp sting at my neck as I fell, the world around me disintegrating into darkness.

I was trapped, confined within the confines of a mundane house, menacing figures towering over me, guns pointed threateningly. One of them leaned closer, a sinister grin curling on his lips as he uttered chilling words, "Sensitive and weak child." Then, as if shutting a curtain on my consciousness, everything went black.

"TAEHYUNG!" My name echoed through the darkness, pulling me from the abyss. Fear gripped me—I was too terrified to open my eyes or move.

"Tae, wake up, please. It's okay; we are here," a soft voice broke through the suffocating fear that clung to me like frost on the ground.

"Tae!"

With a jolt, my eyes shot open, heart racing as I looked around, met with worried faces that surrounded me.

"Hyung." I gasped, my voice trembling.

"It's okay, Tae. I'm here," he reassured me, his presence anchoring me in that moment. I shuffled closer to his side, desperate to avoid the clutches of my nightmare and the loneliness it promised.

"Calm down, Taehyung, it was just a nightmare. It's not real; nothing will happen to you, I promise," he whispered soothingly, his warmth enveloping me as he wrapped his arms around me.

"I-I am scared, hyung," I confessed, tears spilling down my cheeks.

"Shh, there's nothing to be scared of, Tae. Nightmares are just visions that won't last. You have nothing to fear; we are all here to protect you," he comforted, his voice a gentle balm against my frayed nerves.

I nestled my head against his chest, closing my eyes tightly as the others looked on, their expressions laced with sympathy, reminding me that I wasn't alone.