CHAPTER 04 | THE BALDASASSARE "Learn from your enemies, and watch your friends."
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𝑴𝑰𝑵 𝒀𝑶𝑶𝑵𝑮𝑰
I retreated to my garden after sharing some of my history with Nyx. The overwhelming sensation of baring my soul was a heavy burden to bear. I felt both nauseous and strangely relieved, a sensation I had never experienced before. Was it because I had released some of the guilt I had been carrying? Or perhaps just a fraction of it. Regardless, tomorrow would dawn like any other day—a constant reminder of my failure to save her.
My failure to end the life of the woman I love, yet also my inability to shield her from harm.
As I wandered through the rose gardens, I trailed my fingers over the petals of each flower. Thoughts of her consumed my mind, every little detail of her beauty lingering in my thoughts. While my mind urged me towards vengeance, my heart remained tethered to her memory. Since that time, I have been immobilized, bound by chains of sorrow that seem to encompass every part of me. I am trapped in this melancholy, unable to break free from its grip. It frustrates me beyond measure.
I pricked my finger on a rose thorn, feeling a slight hiss as my blood dripped to the ground, sizzling like acid upon contact. Watching the wound begin to close, I couldn't help but feel a strange satisfaction as my skin knit itself back together. Perhaps it was the visceral reaction to witnessing one's own flesh heal, but there was something deeply gratifying about it. Or maybe that's just my own peculiar perspective.
Taking the rose delicately in my hand, I twirled it between my fingertips, being cautious to avoid the thorns that had caused the injury. It was a beautiful flower, yet harbored a dangerous edge, much like her.
Whenever I lock eyes with Nyx, however, I can't help but see her; Y/N. It's unsettling. Despite their obvious differences, they share a striking resemblance. Why does Nyx evoke memories of her, of all people?
Shaking my head to dispel these troubling thoughts, I'm brought back to reality by Jimin's voice. Startled, I meet his concerned gaze. "Are you okay?" he asks, clearly noting my distracted state.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I assure him, casually discarding the rose behind me.
Jimin's scrutiny doesn't waver; he knows something's amiss. "You're thinking about her again, aren't you?" he remarks with a heavy sigh, to which I offer no response except a rueful chuckle.
"Am I really that obvious?" I chuckled weakly.
"Yeah, even the goblins would have seen through it," Jimin teased, his tone gentle yet pointed. "I know you miss her, Yoongi. But it's been ten years. The idea of her being alive feels like an impossible dream and a haunting nightmare, but the reality is what makes it so painful."
