Chapter Text
Jeongguk spared a quick glance at his brothers, catching the bewildered look written all over their faces. He was certain of one thing now, Jimin might come off as soft and gentle in appearance but he possesses a surprisingly fierce temper when he gets irritated. He had already witnessed a much worse phase of Jimin back at the café, the way he chained down that demon was something Jeongguk had never seen a human do before. The possibility that Deahyun allowed that to happen only because he holds some affection towards Jimin is quite high. But he can let such a scene be unleashed in front of everyone here.
“Baby,” Jeongguk stepped closer, positioning himself before Jimin. In this way, he effectively blocked Jimin’s view of the servant. The moment that happened, all of Jimin’s attention was on him and Jeongguk carefully observed how all the anger melted off, giving way to a much calmer expression. An almost childlike innocence instantaneously replaced the fierce look he had on his face. Jeongguk took that as a chance and gently held Jimin’s hands in his own, “You haven’t had anything since yesterday evening.” Jeongguk spoke gently with a smile, “Come with me, I’ll take you to your room. While you freshen up, I’ll get something nice for you to eat. Is that fine, my angel?”
Jimin nodded as he bit his lower lip, his gaze dropping to the floor. A flicker of confusion and regret crossed his mind, he wasn’t entirely sure why he had reacted the way he did. The anger seemed to have risen from somewhere very deep, a depth he couldn’t seem to fathom. He was also feeling quite a bit disturbed.
Jimin’s heart raced as he stood before Jeongguk, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on him. He longed to voice the questions that plagued his mind, yet, a strange force kept him from speaking up. Despite his eagerness to return home, every time Jeongguk spoke, Jimin found himself nodding along, caught in a web of unspoken words and emotions. He felt his throat constrict as his heart demanded him to agree with all that Jeongguk asked of him.
“Baby, I know that a lot is going through that little head of yours, right now. You are probably confused and you might also have a lot of questions you need to ask. I promise we’ll talk about it all, but first I want you to eat something.”
Jimin found himself unable to resist Jeongguk, it felt as if some kind of force was trying to keep him tethered to the man. Every part of him was attracted to this man whom he barely knew but wanted all to himself with everything that he had. He has never felt so much pull towards someone ever before. It was like he wasn’t even in control of himself.
When Jeongguk draped an arm around his waist, Jimin felt like he belonged there. Right beside this man, like that’s where he was meant to be all along. With Jeongguk guiding him, Jimin reached back to the room with his gaze fixated on the man. Jimin was desperately trying to figure out the ground where all these emotions were rising from.
“Angel, that’s the washroom. You’ll find everything you need in there. While you freshen up, I’ll bring you your breakfast.” Jeongguk reached out and caressed Jimin’s cheek lovingly with a smile, before walking out of the room.
As soon as Jeongguk was out of view, Jimin felt as though he had emerged from some kind of trance. He questioned why he couldn’t say no to the man. When he’s with Jeongguk, Jimin finds himself willing to give him everything he desires. He senses that he loses a part of himself when he's around Jeongguk, and that feels unnatural. He shouldn’t be placing his trust in a stranger so easily, a voice inside him argued.
He shook his head with an exhale and stepped inside the bathroom. He was simply left in awe by what he saw inside. The claimed bathroom is double the size of his room back at home. A large rectangular bathtub is positioned against a wall of wooden panels. A large window behind the tub gives off the view of the lush green forest. The bathroom was filled with the scent of Jasmine and sandalwood. The countertop was arranged with an array of toiletries, scented soap, lotions, perfumes and many more. A small round table occupied by books, sat beside the bathtub. This bathroom definitely beats one in those five-star hotels, he thought.
Jimin made his way to the sink, atop a wide grey countertop. He stared at his reflection in the mirror attached to the wall, and all of a sudden he felt out of place, like some discordant note. His hair stood in all directions as if a tornado had hit there overnight and there was drool sticking to the side of his mouth. To top it all off, a pair of crusty eye patches stuck to the corner of his eyes. The fact that everyone in this mansion, including Jeongguk has seen him in this mess, was making him tremendously embarrassed. Even the dress he was wearing was something he had put on the previous morning. Jimin could almost feel the layers of sweat sticking to him like a second skin
He took a quick shower, brushed his teeth and dried himself with the fresh towel he found folded inside a cabinet. Jeongguk really did arrange everything for him. But, it was a bit too late when he noticed that he didn’t have a change of clothes, and the one he wore was lying on the bathroom floor, partially damp.
“Great, just great. Now, what the hell am I going to do?” Jimin groaned as he looked around. That’s when his eyes caught a sumptuous white bathrobe, adorned with intricate gold threads, hanging on a hook. “Even the damn bathrobe here has got a class and then there is me,” He grumbled as he picked it up. Wrapping it around himself, he noticed how it draped loosely, the hem falling just below his knees.
Jimin cautiously peeked out through the bathroom door with the towel casually thrown over his head. A crease took over his brows as he noticed that the room was empty. There was no trace of Jeongguk or anyone else in the room and the door was also firmly shut. With a sigh of relief, Jimin tiptoed his way out of the bathroom and that’s when he noticed a set of clothes neatly folded atop the bed. He quickly grabbed the clothes and dressed himself up, to his surprise the clothes fit him perfectly and they clearly looked expensive, but also very much comfortable.
It was a pair of sleek, dark-wash denim shorts, the fabric soft against his skin. The hem frayed and faded, adding a touch of coolness. The mid-rise waistline hugged his hips perfectly, accentuating his lean figure. As he moved, the shorts shifted, revealing glimpses of tanned skin. It was paired with a soft chambray shirt, the fabric cool and crisp against his skin. The light blue hue complemented his complexion, adding a touch of effortless charm. The shirt slightly oversized hung loosely around his frame.
A knock on the door shifted his attention from the dress. “It’s Aera. Can I come in, Jimin?” the voice asked.
“Please,” Jimin replied as he awkwardly stood beside the bed.
“Hello, darling.” The woman who had introduced herself earlier entered the room and stood in front of Jimin with a friendly smile, “Thank goodness, I was unsure about the size when I purchased the clothes for you. I was quite concerned that they might not fit you well. To be honest, Jeongguk did hurry me this morning to go get something nice for you to wear. I also picked out a pair of shoes for you, which is right next to that table. Please check if they fit you. And, Jeongguk might take you out shopping this evening, so you can pick everything you need. He is determined to ensure your stay here is comfortable.”
“What do you mean by ‘stay here’? I’m not going to stay here. I need to return home. My brother gets really anxious when he can’t reach me. Plus, my friends, Tae and Hobi hyung, are probably just as worried. Why am I even here? How did I end up in this situation? I can’t even locate my phone.” Jimin collapsed onto the bed, the weight of his frustration pressing down on him. He gazed up at Aera with a look of defeat, waiting for answers.
“You can’t go back home, Jimin. I can’t let you go.” Jeongguk entered the room, followed by two of his servants, carrying a trolly full of all varieties of food.
Jimin was surprised by Jeongguk’s decisive response. It seemed like a choice had been imposed on him, expecting him to comply without much resistance. He had never been one to take orders, and if Jeongguk thinks he can boss Jimin around, that misunderstanding needs to be corrected.
“And why is that?” Jimin stared at Jeongguk looking deadly calm.
As Aera sensed the growing tension, she looked at Jeongguk and gave him a discreet nod, which he acknowledged. She motioned for the two attendants to set the food trolley down and follow her out of the room. After offering a polite bow to Jeongguk, she closed the door, providing Jeongguk and Jimin with some privacy.
“What if that Daehyun comes back looking for you? He might hurt you again, and I cannot allow anything to happen to you, baby.” Jeongguk said as he settled on the floor next to Jimin’s leg, gazing up at him with concern evident in his eyes.
“Jeongguk, please, I was taking care of myself even before you came into my life, I am pretty sure I am way beyond the age of babysitting now. So, please don’t make me out to be some damsel in distress. And besides, other than your name, I know nothing about you. What made you think I’ll blindly agree to stay here in this place, amongst strangers?” Jimin isn’t going to deny the things he feels whenever he looks at Jeongguk. He isn’t going to say he doesn’t like having Jeongguk around him either. He feels like a moth attracted to a flame whenever he sees the man but that doesn’t mean he is going to agree to everything Jeongguk asks of him.
“I am not a stranger to you now, am I? But I understand that you are not familiar with others in this place, but that’s nothing to be worried about. I am right here for you, I’ll take care of everything you need. And, about getting to know each other, we have all the time in the world. Being protective of you doesn’t mean I see you as some kid, I know you can take care of yourself. I trust you on that, but I don’t trust that Deahyun. He is not someone you should take lightly, I am just being cautious, what if tries to bother you again? I don’t ever want him to linger anywhere near you, I don’t want him to be in the same space as you.” Jeongguk stood up and took a seat beside Jimin on the bed. That’s when he noticed that the first two buttons of Jimin’s shirt were undone, laying slightly askew, the fabric slipping off his left shoulder, revealing an expanse of his smooth skin.
Jeongguk gently placed both his hands on Jimin’s shoulders, urging him to look at him. As their eyes met, Jeongguk’s touch became more deliberate, his thumb tracing a slow, feather-light path along the delicate curve of Jimin’s exposed collarbone. The simple brush of skin sent a jolt of pure bliss through Jimin. A sudden heat had spread across his cheeks, making his breath catch in his throat. He felt a wave of warmth inside him, strong enough to dissolve the very bones in his body. In that very instant, the world narrowed down to the touch of Jeongguk’s thumb and the intensity of his gaze.
“I have a life beyond this, Jeongguk. There are things that I find joy in, like my passion for dancing. I enjoy attending university, socializing with my friends, and playfully arguing with them just to tease them. They might be worrying about me right now. I apologize, but I cannot let you take away my freedom, I don't want to live a life separated from the things that bring me happiness.” Jimin spoke with a softer tone, his eyes pleading for Jeongguk not to force him to remain here, away from all that he cherishes. He is afraid that he might easily give in to everything the man suggests without a second thought, which is quite frightening for someone like him, who has always lived life on his own terms.
“Alright, but under one condition. Promise me that you’ll agree to stay by my side. At the end of the day, I want you to return to me. Let’s be together, Jimin, for eternity.” Jeongguk was hesitant to let Jimin move even a step away from him, but he also didn’t want to keep Jimin there against his wishes, as that would only lead him to unhappiness. He wants Jimin to find joy in every moment from now on, and he is prepared to do anything to keep that smile on his beloved angel’s face. But, he needs to figure out a way to confront that malicious demon first.
“How can I stay at your place like that, Jeongguk? What are we? It’s not even been 24 hours since we met.” Jimin stood up and took a step away from Jeongguk. He looked around the room as if he realised something. Jeongguk is asking him to move in with him and they have only known each other for a few hours. That was the reality of their relationship. Jeongguk claims to have strong rooted feelings for him but what if all this is just an infatuation? Though his inner voice is claiming otherwise, his brain really can’t comprehend it right now.
“Jimin, I don’t know if you are sure about me, but I am. I am very much certain that you are the one for me. I have never harboured such intense feelings of want for anyone else. If you ask me what you are to me, I would say you are the end for me. Till yesterday, I believed that it was impossible to find a place for someone in my heart but look at me today, It feels like I don’t even have a heart anymore. You stole mine the very moment our eyes locked for the first time.” Jeongguk moved with a fluid grace, a single, swift motion that brought him to stand directly in front of Jimin. The sudden closeness stole Jimin’s breath, the air between them charged with unspoken anticipation. Jeongguk’s hands, warm and sure, settled on Jimin’s hips, his fingers gently curving around the soft contours of his waist. With a subtle pull, he drew Jimin closer, their bodies almost touching, their gazes locking. The intensity in Jeongguk’s eyes held Jimin captive, a depth of emotion that mirrored the flutter in his own chest.
“For me,” Jeongguk began, his voice low and resonant, filling the space between them, “you are the one I want to link my soul with forever and ever, a bond so strong that no one in all the universe could break us apart.” His words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity, each syllable held the depth of his feelings. He paused, his gaze unwavering, “Now, my question to you is, do you want me like I want you, Jimin?” The question was delivered softly, yet it held a certain weight.
Jimin was utterly spellbound, lost in the depths of Jeongguk’s eyes. They were dark pools that seemed to hold his very soul captive. The words Jeongguk had spoken echoed in his mind, with a sincerity that touched him to his core. No one had ever spoken to him with such meaning, such raw vulnerability. It was as if Jeongguk had peeled back his own heart and offered it to him, beating and exposed.
Looking at Jeongguk, Jimin felt an overwhelming sense of safety, a feeling of being enveloped in a warm, protective cocoon. He imagined sinking into that embrace, staying there for the rest of his life. It was more than just physical comfort; it was a place where he could finally let go and be completely himself. Beneath that comforting sensation, a powerful, almost primal force tugged at him, an insistent urge to close the remaining distance between them, to be as close to Jeongguk as physically possible. It was a magnetic pull, a deep-seated yearning that resonated within every fibre of his being, compelling him to surrender and give up his soul for the man who was eagerly begging for it.
“Weirdly enough, I do, Jeongguk. Does that make any sense to you? Every cell in my body is screaming to leave everything behind and just stay beside you. But the rational part of me seems to think otherwise. I don’t know how to make you understand this, It feels like I am split into two, I do want you but I am not ready to leave my life behind for you.” The confession hung in the air between them, a raw and honest declaration of his conflicting feelings. The battle between his heart’s desire and his mind’s hesitation was laid bare, leaving him exposed and vulnerable before Jeongguk.
"Then don’t, baby. You can do everything you want, but I want you to include me in your life. I want to be a permanent part of it. However, I understand what you are going through, so let’s take this slow, one step at a time. Is that okay, sweetheart?" A warm hand gently caressed Jimin’s cheek, the touch feather-light. The other hand, which had been resting possessively on Jimin’s hip, began to move, tracing a slow, deliberate path along his side. The fingers, warm and firm, glided over the smooth fabric of his shirt, sending shivers down Jimin’s spine. The hand eventually settled at the small of Jimin’s waist, the gentle pressure there drawing him even closer to Jeongguk. The warmth of the man’s touch radiated through Jimin’s body, a comforting heat that seemed to melt away any lingering hesitation.
Jimin simply nodded, unable to meet Jeongguk’s gaze. His eyes flickered away, his attention drawn to some unseen point on the floor. He felt a telltale warmth spreading across his cheeks, a blush creeping its way upward, staining his skin with a delicate shade of pink.
“Alright then, let’s have your breakfast now. After that, we can head out for some shopping. You could use some new clothes, and if there's anything else you need, I’ll buy it for you. And just so you know, I won’t accept ‘no’ as an answer, so don’t even consider arguing with me about this.”
The realisation sent a shiver down his spine. The pull he felt towards Jeongguk was unlike anything he had ever experienced, a feeling that Jeongguk was becoming the very centre of his world. He felt drawn to him with an almost gravitational force, as if Jeongguk were the pivot of his entire existence, slowly but surely becoming the sole point around which his life revolved. The thought itself terrified him. He really needs to control himself and his thoughts. Nowadays, his emotions feel like a threadless kite wandering in the expanse of the sky
“Also…” Jimin began the word catching in his throat. He gently pulled away from Jeongguk, creating a small but necessary space between them. He knew that if he didn’t do that, he was likely to do something utterly stupid, something he might later regret. “I want to talk to my brother, Can you give me my phone back?”
"Of course, you can, sweetheart. However, the issue is that this location is quite far from the city, and there is absolutely no network connectivity here. You won't be able to make or receive calls or messages. I have your phone and will return it to you, but it won't be of any use to you here." Jeongguk simply replied. With a smooth motion, he reached into the pocket of his pants and retrieved Jimin’s phone. He then extended his hand, placing the device gently into Jimin’s outstretched palm.
“What? How do you even manage to live in such a place?” Jimin murmured, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief. His gaze had drifted towards the room’s attached balcony, and what he saw there was a breathtaking panorama of trees and greenery stretched out before him, an expanse that seemed to go on forever. There was no sign of civilization, no other buildings or structures to break the illusion of being deep within a secluded forest. “Who are you, Jeongguk?” Jimin continued, his voice barely above a whisper, his gaze still fixed on the view outside. “Apart from our names, we know nothing about each other.”
“That’s not true Jimin. I know everything that I need to know about you. I am sorry, I wanted to know every little detail of your life before I came into the picture, so I arranged for one of my men to collect all the information about you. I know I could have asked you myself, but you were sleeping and I got a bit too curious.” Jeongguk's expression was a mixture of apology and guilt as he rubbed his nape a bit sheepishly.
“What! You did not just do that.” Jimin stared at Jeongguk, his eyes wide in disbelief.
“Not only that…” Jeongguk shifted his gaze, avoiding eye contact with Jimin. “I also paid off all your debts and bought the rented house in your name. Starting today, you are free from the debts your father owed to those loan sharks. You no longer have any liabilities except for the two people you call your parents.”
“What the hell, Jeongguk?” Jimin’s voice was a mixture of shock and dawning horror. He stared at Jeongguk, his eyes widening, pupils dilating as the full weight of the confession crashed down upon him. “Who said you could do that? I haven’t even asked my own brother for help, so what makes you think you can just jump in and solve everything in a few hours? This is my life, and the problems within it are mine to handle. I don’t need anyone’s pity, not even yours. Just because I like you doesn’t mean I’ll allow you to take control of my life.” Jimin spat angrily at Jeongguk. The words weren’t just spoken; they were propelled from him like venom, an expression of his fury. His eyes, previously wide with disbelief, now narrowed into slits, burning with a cold fire. This was a line Jeongguk should never have crossed.
“You might consider me just as a stranger, a nobody who just crash-landed in your life. But, I don’t see you the same way, Jimin. Now that you have become a part of my life, I consider your problems as mine as well. Not just for now, but even in the future if I ever see you in any kind of trouble, I’ll do whatever it takes to rid you of that issue. No one, not even you could stop me from doing that.” Jeongguk stood his ground, his back now turned to Jimin, his arms folded across his chest in a posture that conveyed a kind of resignation. It pained him deeply to look into Jimin’s eyes, eyes that moments before had held a spark of something akin to affection, but now were filled with a burning anger directed solely at him. The words that had just left Jimin’s mouth felt like physical blows, like arrows aimed with deadly precision straight at his heart. Each syllable found its mark effortlessly, piercing deep within him.
Until this moment, Jeongguk had only known the intoxicating highs of love. Now, however, he was being confronted with the other side of the coin, the sharp, agonizing pain that accompanied being irrevocably in love. It was a pain he had never anticipated, a raw and visceral ache that resonated through his entire being. This was uncharted territory for Jeongguk, a harsh introduction to the complexities of being in love. This was the first time he had experienced this kind of pain.
“No, you will not.” Jimin reached out and gripped Jeongguk’s arm, his fingers digging in with surprising strength, forcing him to turn around and face him. Jimin’s gaze was sharp, and intense, like a drawn sword ready to strike. “My debt is still there. If I was debited to the loan sharks before, now I am debited to you. I am going to make sure I pay every last penny of that debt with interest, along with the money you paid to buy that house. And, if you dare to raise any kind of objection, I am going to walk right out of this place and your life right now and I swear you’ll never see the sight of me ever again.” Jimin’s voice continued to rise in pitch, the volume increasing with each word, and Jeongguk could clearly see a fiery storm brewing within him. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, and the air around him crackled with raw energy.
"Thank you for making me realize how easily disposable I am to you, Jimin. Let me be clear, I won't promise something I'm not willing to fulfil. I have no intention of taking any kind of money from you, I don’t need it. You don’t feel indebted to the people you consider yours, but I guess I truly mean nothing to you. It was foolish of me to think that there was something pure and unbreakable between us. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.” Jeongguk’s lips curved into a sorrowful smile, a painful twist of his features that conveyed the depth of his disappointment. He held Jimin’s gaze, the sadness in his eyes very much visible. Jimin’s anger faltered slightly under the weight of that look, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. The intensity of his rage softened for a fleeting moment, replaced by a flicker of something akin to guilt. However, despite the momentary wavering, his posture remained rigid, his expression still guarded. He didn’t look ready to back down from his stance, nor did he seem willing to accept Jeongguk’s help.
"Are you saying you would let me walk away rather than accept the money I want to return? If you truly know me, then you should understand that I won’t accept anything from anyone for free, regardless of how close we are." Even as he spoke those words, Jimin could feel a strange sensation stirring within him, a subtle shift was happening inside of him. It was as if something dormant, some powerful force that had been lying in wait, was beginning to awaken. It felt like an external entity, a separate consciousness, was trying to assert control, attempting to influence his thoughts, his words, and his actions. It clearly did not like the look of sadness in Jeongguk’s eyes. It was clawing at his chest, a physical ache that urged him to stop what he was doing, to retract his harsh words, and to simply accept whatever Jeongguk was offering.
The conflict within him was tearing him apart. He did feel bad for speaking to Jeongguk so harshly. He could see the genuine hurt in the man’s eyes, and it caused a pang of guilt to resonate deep within him. But the strong aversion to accepting favours from anyone held him firmly in its grip.
“Jimin, if you want me to be by your side, you will have to throw your stupid pride away. Because, once you decide to be mine, I am going to interfere in anything and everything related to you. I will not ask for your permission before doing something for you. Since you don’t know me, let me tell you this, I am the type of person to go all in, there is no halfway for me. So, take all the time you wish to decide whether you want to be with someone like me or not. If you don’t, say the word and I’ll be out of your hair in no time.” Jeongguk took a step back, creating a physical distance that felt far greater than the mere inches it represented. The intensity that had been burning in his eyes just moments ago was now replaced by a chilling emptiness. His gaze was now veiled by a thick curtain of indifference. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and all warmth had been abruptly cut off. There was an almost palpable air of indifference surrounding him, a sense of emotional withdrawal that choked Jimin. It destroyed him to see Jeongguk looking at him with such a distant gaze. It was worse than anger, worse than disappointment.
“And,” Jeongguk added, his voice flat and devoid of any emotion, “I don’t intend to take back the money, no matter what happens.” The statement was delivered with an air of finality, leaving no room for argument. He paused for a few seconds, the silence stretching between them, thick with unspoken tension. Then, in a slow, deliberate movement, his hands found their way into the pockets of his pants. “I hope I have cleared my side. This conversation is over, now have your breakfast and come downstairs. Since you have decided to walk out from my life, I’ll take you to your brother and friends. I’ll ask Aera to inform your family that you are safe and that you’ll meet them at your friend’s café. I’ll drop you right where I have taken you from. From there, you are free to go your way.”
Jeongguk’s tone was clipped and precise, each word delivered with a cold detachment that effectively locked away any trace of emotion from Jimin’s sight. It was as if he had erected an impenetrable wall around his feelings, refusing to let Jimin see even a glimpse of the turmoil within. Without sparing a second glance, Jeongguk turned sharply on his heels and strode out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him, the sound was a sharp, resounding thud that echoed through the room, startling Jimin.
Jimin was completely at a loss for words. The cold indifference that Jeongguk had projected, the complete lack of emotion in his eyes and voice, felt like a sharp, blow to his heart. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. It was true that he had been adamant about returning home to his family. But the moment Jeongguk had so readily agreed to his demands, a strange feeling had taken root. He no longer wanted to go. The prospect of leaving suddenly felt unbearable. The intensity of his reaction didn’t make sense. He had only known Jeongguk for a short time, yet the thought of never seeing him again, filled him with a sense of dread.
Aera entered the room just a few moments after Jeongguk left. The air was thick with tension. Aera, clearly sensed that something was off. However, she refrained from probing into the matter. She didn’t ask any questions, didn’t pry for details. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, she wheeled the trolley laden with food closer to Jimin, the gentle rattle of the wheels the only sound that broke the heavy silence. “What would you like to have, Jimin?” she inquired, her voice gentle and soothing. A warm, reassuring smile graced her lips as she ran her eyes over the variety of dishes and fresh fruits arranged on the tray, presenting them to Jimin as if offering a distraction. Her actions were a subtle attempt to diffuse the tension without directly addressing the obvious conflict.
“Nothing,” Jimin replied, his voice flat and devoid of any inflexion. He didn’t even glance at the food, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the walls of the room. “I’m not hungry anymore.” Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room. Beneath the surface, a storm of emotions raged. The thought that Jeongguk would so readily let him go, that he would simply walk away without a fight, without even trying to understand, was nagging him. That single, devastating thought was the only thing occupying his mind.
~
Silence filled the car as Jimin and Jeongguk sat in the backseat, separated by a divide. Neither of them was willing to talk. As the car began to move, Jimin turned his gaze to the window, trying to place his focus on anything but the tension inside. He was immediately captivated by the dense forest that stretched so far like there was no end to it. Towering trees, their trunks cloaked of moss and lichens. Drawn by the earthy scent of damp soil and vegetation, Jimin lowered the window and took a deep inhale, the cool, fresh air filling his lungs.
The road ahead was a pristine ribbon of white tiles, snaking its way through the lush foliage. Each tile was impeccably smooth and gleaming, reflecting the filtered sunlight like a thousand tiny mirrors. As the car glided effortlessly along the pathway, it felt as if they were floating through a dreamscape, detached from the outside world.
The anticipation built with every passing moment, culminating in the sight of the massive gate that marked the end of the private road. It was a grand structure. The entire experience, from the secluded road to the majestic gate, felt like a journey right through heaven. Jimin couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer scale of it all. He couldn’t even imagine how rich Jeongguk would be to have all of this to himself.
Throughout the entire ride, Jimin found himself stealing occasional glances at Jeongguk. However, Jeongguk’s gaze was firmly fixed on the road ahead, his expression unreadable. It was painfully obvious that Jeongguk was deliberately avoiding any interaction, any eye contact, any acknowledgement of Jimin’s presence. A stubborn pride too kept Jimin from breaking the silence that filled the car.
A frustrating internal battle raged within him. He knew, deep down, that there was only one way to truly resolve the issues between them, to hand over the reins of his life to Jeongguk. But the very thought of it felt absurd. The idea of surrendering that much power to another person, even someone he was beginning to care for, was simply unthinkable.
It didn’t take much longer for them to reach the café. The familiar storefront came into view. Once the car was parked a few meters away, both Jimin and Jeongguk stepped out, the silence between them as thick and heavy as ever. The tension that permeated the air was irritating Jimin to the core. He was starting to deeply regret the harsh words he had spewed at Jeongguk. The memory of his angry outburst now filled him with a gnawing sense of remorse. He hadn’t meant to hurt Jeongguk so deeply, but in a state of pure anger, he had inadvertently pushed him away.
As they approached the café door, Jimin noticed the ‘closed’ sign hanging limply. However, through the glass pane, he could clearly see his friends and brother gathered around a table inside. Jin, Tae, and Hobi were all present, and even Daehyun was there. Their faces were etched with worry, they all looked tense, and Jin’s brows were furrowed in deep concern. The sight of them tugged at Jimin’s heart.
Jeongguk reached the door first and gently pushed it open, holding it ajar for Jimin to step inside. It was a small gesture, but it felt strangely nice. As he entered, Jeongguk followed silently behind, his footsteps barely audible on the tiled floor. The moment they stepped inside, the low murmur of conversation ceased, and all eyes turned towards them. The atmosphere in the café shifted instantly.
“Jiminie!” Jin exclaimed, his voice thick with relief and emotion. He was the first to rush towards Jimin and engulf him in a bone-crushing hug. Jimin could clearly see the signs of distress in Jin and Tae’s eyes. They were red and swollen, the skin around them puffy and irritated. It was obvious that they had spent countless hours crying. The dark circles under their eyes, further confirmed their sleepless night, a clear indication of the hours they had spent waiting and worrying. The sight of their distress tugged at Jimin’s heart.
“Hyung… It’s alright. I am here, right? You don’t need to worry anymore.” Jimin said softly, his voice laced with reassurance. He gently returned the hug, trying to offer comfort to his distraught brother. With a gentle hand, he began to caress Jin’s back in a slow, comforting motion, hoping to soothe his brother.
"You cannot imagine what went through us since the moment you got kidnapped. I feared I would never see you again, Jiminie. We even reached out to the authorities, but they completely turned us away and offered no assistance. It seemed like they were unwilling to get involved at all. I have never experienced such helplessness in my entire life." Jin cautiously pulled back from the embrace, his gaze remaining fixed on Jimin’s face. His eyes then began a slow, careful scan of Jimin’s body, moving from his head down to his feet, searching for any signs of injury. A visible wave of relief washed over Jin’s features when he found no physical injury. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and the tension in his face eased. However, despite the absence of visible harm, a lingering worry remained in his eyes. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still amiss. “Please tell me you are alright, Jimin.”
“I am perfectly fine, hyung. Just look at me, there is nothing to worry about now.” Jimin’s gaze swept across the faces of Jin, Tae, and Hobi, offering each of them a reassuring glance. However, as he moved his gaze, he deliberately skipped over Daehyun, completely disregarding his presence. He didn’t so much as flicker an eyelash in his direction. Jimin couldn’t fathom why the man was even there, intruding at that moment. “And, hyung… I wasn’t kidnapped. There seems to be a misunderstanding.”
“Of course, you were kidnapped, Jimin,” Tae stated, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and concern. He stepped forward, his gaze locking onto Jeongguk, who was silently standing beside Jimin. The glare he directed at Jeongguk was intense. “Dae said he saw this man taking you away in his car somewhere. And, I am certain that he has some influence, why else would the cops refuse to help us? It was like they were terrified to lay their hands on your case.” he finished, spitting out the words as if they were a bitter taste in his mouth. Hobi and Dae stood on either side of Tae, their postures mirroring his, their gazes fixed on Jeongguk with the same intensity.
“So, it’s you,” Jin stated, his voice low and dangerous, each word dripping with barely suppressed rage. He stepped forward, his movements swift and protective, pulling Jimin behind him and effectively shielding him from Jeongguk’s view. “How dare you stand before us after making us suffer a night in hell? You didn’t consider the people who might have been waiting for him to return home.” The accusation hung heavy in the air. Jin’s jaws were clenched tightly, his lips pursed in a thin, rigid line, his entire posture radiating fury. For the first time, a look of genuine apology flickered across his face.
“You have every right to be angry with me, but please believe that it was all in Jimin's best interest. I was only trying to protect him from certain people who could pose a threat to him.” Jeongguk’s gaze snapped towards Daehyun. The look he directed at the demon was intense, piercing, and held a distinct coldness that sent a shiver down the spines of those who witnessed it. Then, with an almost imperceptible movement, his gaze shifted to the other figure standing on the opposite side of Jimin’s friend. The same cold, assessing look was mirrored in his expression as he took in the presence of the other Demon. A realization dawned on Jeongguk, this place is definitely a camp for demons. The thought echoed in his mind, a stark confirmation of the unsettling energy he had been sensing since entering the café. He could clearly feel a massive amount of demonic energy emanating from this place, a force that vibrated in the air around him.
“The only threat here is you and only you.”Daehyun stepped forward, his expression twisting into an evident scoff. It was a clear sign that Daehyun was not buying whatever Jeongguk was trying to sell and that he held him in utter contempt. "You really think I’m the one trying to harm Jimin, don’t you? But the truth is, it’s you. We are the ones protecting Jimin from people like you. You need to stay far away from him. This is not a request, it’s a demand. If you have any sense, which I doubt you do, you will keep your distance from both Jimin and us."
“Dae, stop,” Hoseok interjected. “There is no need to fight. Now that Jimin is back, everything is fine. Let it go” Hoseok, sensing the escalating tension and understanding the true nature of the situation far better than the others, attempted to cool the conflict. He clearly recognised what, or rather who, Jeongguk was and understood his purpose in this realm. He had seen enough to discern the clear traces of infatuation on Jeongguk’s face, a genuine affection that was undeniable. Hoseok knew that Jeongguk had no intention of hurting Jimin now, but, he couldn’t say the same for what might happen in the future, especially when the Deity, realizes the truth behind Jimin’s existence.
If what Daehyun had said is true, the prince too holds some kind of affection towards the God of Love. Then the situation is far more dangerous. Such a connection is strictly forbidden. Hoseok knew that for Jimin’s own safety, he needed to be far away from Jeongguk. The longer they remained connected, the greater the risk became, not just for Jimin, but potentially for everyone involved.
“Fine. I hate being in the same space as him. He is a pretentious and prideful prick. I am letting him walk out of here unscathed only because you asked me to, I have no intention of creating chaos like the one he deliberately created yesterday. But that won’t be the case if I ever see him lingering around Jimin again...” The threat hung heavy in the air. It was a clear declaration of his intentions, a promise of swift action should Jeongguk dare to cross paths with Jimin again.
“What in the world are you spatting out, Daehyun and you all seem to agree with him. I don’t understand-“ Jimin tried to speak but was cut short by Tae.
“You better keep your mouth shut, Jimin. I don’t want to see a repeat of the version of you that I witnessed yesterday.” Taehyung said, his voice firm and unwavering. His tone left no room for argument or discussion. It was a direct command, delivered with an air of authority that Jimin rarely saw from Taehyung. Jimin frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion. He understood that Taehyung was coming from a place of concern, but now they were all being over dramatic. He didn't understand what Taehyung meant by ‘the version of you that I witnessed yesterday,’ further adding to his confusion. What really happened yesterday?
Jimin felt discontent with the way everyone was treating Jeongguk. The barrage of accusations and insults being hurled his way created a knot in Jimin’s stomach. But what bothered him even more was Jeongguk’s silent acceptance of it all. The way he simply stood there, absorbing all the negativity without uttering a single word in his own defence, didn’t sit well with Jimin at all. It felt wrong, deeply unsettling.
A dark, unfamiliar feeling began to swell in Jimin’s chest, something ugly and insidious. It was a possessive rage, a primal protectiveness that he had never experienced before. It was accumulating inside him like dark storm clouds gathering in the sky, threatening to unleash a violent thunderstorm. A fierce, possessive thought took root in his mind, he is the only one who can get angry at Jeongguk, the only one who has the right to lash out at him. No one else had that privilege. Not his brother, not his closest friends, and certainly not that “moron” named Daehyun. The very idea of anyone else directing such hostility toward Jeongguk ignited a burning fury within him, a possessive anger that threatened to erupt at any moment.
“We will handle it from here; we don't need any new issues. It would be great if you could leave.” Jin stated firmly. His grip on Jimin’s arm tightened slightly. He gestured Jeongguk towards the door with a curt nod of his head, a clear dismissal. The words were polite on the surface, but the underlying message was unmistakable, Jeongguk was no longer welcome, and his presence was actively unwanted.
“I realize now that I was the uninvited guest in your life, Jimin. You made that pretty clear to me. Out of everyone here, I am the least important to you. Your silence while others criticized me was a clear indication of that. It was foolish of me to think you would reconsider your decision and choose to stay with me. Throughout the entire ride here, I was hoping you would say something, anything. But you didn’t utter a single word.” He paused, a deep sigh escaping his lips, heavy with disappointment. The emotion was etched clearly on his face, a raw and undeniable display of the hurt he was feeling. The confident facade he usually wore was completely gone, replaced by a heartbreaking vulnerability. “That’s it. I have embarrassed myself enough out of my love for you. I won’t take this anymore, I don’t want to be the black spot in your peaceful life, Jimin.”
“Jeongguk,” Jimin began, his voice low and dangerous, a clear warning laced within each word. The shift in his demeanour was sudden and startling. The previous hesitation and internal conflict were gone, replaced by a fierce determination that radiated from him. “I swear. If you dare to walk out on me right now, I am going to break both of your legs and tie you up so that you won’t ever be able to get away from me. And,” With a swift, decisive movement, Jimin forcibly pulled his hand out of Jin’s grip, freeing himself from his brother’s hold. He then stepped forward, positioning his body protectively in front of Jeongguk, effectively shielding him from the storm of emotions that raged around them. It was a bold and unexpected move. His hand then firmly rested upon Jeongguk’s, a possessive gesture that spoke volumes. The action was both protective and possessive. "I am not a child. I have matured enough to understand the difference between right and wrong. I don't want anyone trying to educate me on anything. Let me be clear, Daehyun and I will never happen. So, my hyung and friends can stop with the matchmaking.”
“Alright, we won't pressure you anymore, Jimin. If you don't want to be with Daehyun, that's completely fine with us.” He offered a small, weary smile, trying to convey his understanding. It’s not like anyone in this creation can force anything on someone who holds the power of all of creation. Jimin is untouchable, a force that defied any attempt at control or manipulation. “But, that doesn’t mean we will give you permission to be with him.” He glanced at Jeongguk, a flicker of warning in his eyes. The underlying message was clear, while they wouldn’t force Jimin into a relationship he didn’t want, they would readily oppose any connection between him and Jeongguk. If the Demon Prince has been stirred awake, as Daehyun claims, then it’s not safe for the Prince to be around the bearer of the Dagger of Demise. Such a connection was too dangerous to ignore. A silent vow forms in Hoseok’s mind, if he has to fight the Prince himself on this, he will.
“I’m sorry, hyung,” Jimin said, his voice soft yet laced with an undeniable firmness. His gaze now held a newfound intensity. “But, I don’t think I need anyone’s permission to do anything in my life.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, a subtle warning flickering within their depths. “I’m sure you don’t want to get in between me and what I want.” The words were delivered with quiet confidence.
A single spec of pitch black, an abyss of pure darkness, flashed within Jimin’s eyes. It was like a void that seemed to absorb all the light. The sudden appearance of this darkness startled Hoseok, sending a chill down his spine. He had seen darkness before, of course, in the eyes of countless demons. But this was different. This wasn’t the familiar darkness of demonic energy, this was something else entirely. It was a darkness that predated even the oldest of demons. It was a kind of darkness that was new to existence, something Hoseok had only ever witnessed in the Prince himself. The chilling realization sent a wave of unease through him. The implications were clear, to not get in the Prince's way.
It’s often said that your eyes are the windows to the soul, reflecting the hidden depths within. In Jimin’s case, the fleeting glimpse of absolute darkness was a chilling confirmation of the power resting in him. The force that lay dormant within him was clearly something far beyond anyone’s imagination, a power that dwarfed even the strongest demonic energies Hoseok had encountered. It was a power that seemed to be steadily growing stronger with each passing day like a volcano slowly building pressure beneath the earth’s surface.
Hoseok could sense the growing intensity, the increasing restlessness of the force within Jimin. He could almost feel the precise moment when the last remaining chains of restraint would snap, unleashing the full extent of its power. That moment, he knew, would mark the beginning of Jimin’s true transformation into something terrifying and unstoppable. And a creature of such profound darkness, a being imbued with such immense power, was undoubtedly going to unleash hell upon this realm.
Hoseok could feel it in his bones, a deep, instinctive certainty that resonated through his entire being. There wasn’t much time left. The clock was ticking, the countdown had begun.