Innocent (TaeKook) - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

"Wake up. Please wake up. I just found you; I can't lose you so early."
Jungkook was incensed. The scene before him ignited a blazing fury within. It was 9 in the morning; he rose from his slumber and navigated to his laptop. The events of the previous night lingered in his thoughts, urging him to ascertain the younger man's condition. The reason eluded him, but a strange concern had taken hold.
He accessed the stored video recordings, specifically last night's footage from Taehyung's room. Swiftly forwarding through the remembered scenes, he halted at the point where he exited. The video commenced, with Jin and Jackson steadfastly watching over the still-unconscious Taehyung. Their presence contrasted sharply with his own departure.
His gaze fixated on the pale figure lying on the bed. Echoes of their conversation reverberated in his mind, causing his fists to clench involuntarily. Hastening the video, he skipped over Jin and Jackson's vigil, landing on the moment he believed to be the end. However...
The timestamp read 2 in the morning. "He hasn't stirred all night. Unbelievable. Is he genuinely this sensitive?" He muttered, addressing no one in particular. As he prepared to close the video, Jackson's words reached his ears, eliciting further indignation.
"Jackson!" His voice resounded, summoning Jackson. Breathing heavily, Jackson arrived, evidence of his sprint evident. "W-what? Calm down. Everyone's asleep," he managed between breaths.
"Everyone or just HIM?" Jungkook's rage was inexplicable, but his self-control waned. "Stay away from him. I didn't kidnap him to sate your desires," Jungkook declared, his grip tightening on Jackson's collar.
"What are you talking about, JK? And please, release me," Jackson feigned nonchalance, though he comprehended the implications. "Of course he knows. Cameras. How could I forget?" He scolded himself internally.
"Do you genuinely believe, Jackson, that I'm oblivious to this act?" Jungkook's arched eyebrow betrayed his skepticism. Jackson's head hung low; Jungkook's authority was unassailable. After all, he was the revered Allrounder for a reason. "Your excessive care and proximity to him isn't arbitrary. I recall your fascination with beauty. And he's a prized possession for you. Allow me to clarify for the first and last time: STAY AWAY FROM HIM," Jungkook's firm push signaled Jackson to leave, pointing to the exit.
Following his customary morning routine, Jungkook eventually approached Taehyung's room. The house was tranquil; only a handful of cooks and guards were active while the main members of the gang slumbered. Jungkook stood at a distance, the door to Taehyung's room creaking open slowly. He observed Jin exiting, subsequently making his way to the kitchen—a clear indication that Taehyung was awake.
As Jin's form vanished from sight, Jungkook entered the room. There, he found Taehyung still lying on the bed, gazing blankly at the ceiling. Jungkook advanced, moving silently. He leaned over the bed, his presence unmarked until the fragrance of his cologne reached Taehyung's senses.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
"What on earth, Jimin?" Hobi stormed into the room to find Jimin engrossed in a phone call. "I expected you to be ready; I'm already 20 minutes behind schedule. Come on, man." Jimin's brow furrowed as he turned to face the disgruntled figure, who was nearly yelling.
"He's not answering my calls. I've been trying all morning," Jimin's tone held genuine concern. Since morning, he had been dialing Taehyung's number, only to be met with continuous ringing and no response.
"This is unprecedented. He always answers on the first ring. Something's amiss," Hobi grumbled, his irritation at Jimin's behavior evident. He stepped closer, taking hold of the phone and ending the call. "Enough. He's not a child. He can manage for a few more days, as can you. We'll be back there soon; then you can spend as much time with him as you want. For now, get ready—the ceremony has already begun."
Hobi's words irked Jimin, triggering a fiery response. "You don't understand him; you barely know me. Stop treating me like your subordinate. We've only met a few days ago. I can handle things on my own. Leave." Jimin pointed firmly to the exit, but Hobi clutched his hand, attempting to placate him.
"Okay, okay, I apologize. You can call him after the ceremony. Just don't let your temper get the best of you. Don't let it ruin your mood. Get ready; you can take the wheel. Is that acceptable?" Hobi's gesture of allowing Jimin to drive was rooted in understanding; he knew that Jimin had recently acquired his driver's license. With a huff, Jimin relented and eventually smiled, heading towards the washroom to change.
"JIMIN-SSI...!" A piercing scream echoed, followed by the screeching of tires. "What's happening?" Jimin queried, aghast.
"Jimin, you obtained your license just two days ago, but my car is still vintage. Exercise restraint. If even a scratch appears, I won't ever get another car. My dad will have my head," Hobi's anxiety stemmed from Jimin's impulsive driving.
Jimin chuckled, nodding in understanding. Igniting the engine, he drove off. Arriving at the hall, they joined the already assembled crowd. "Greetings, Mr. Park. Oh, no need for formality; we're friends, aren't we? Hello, Jimin." A tall, sharp-jawed young man approached Jimin, his smile genuine yet sly.
"Hello, Mr. Chea—oh, I mean Choi. Ani, friends, as you say. Hello, Min-ho," Jimin's mimicry dripped with irritation. Minho's playful demeanor prompted Jimin's frustration. "Ouch. Your attitude stings," Minho feigned hurt, eliciting a small smile.
"Enough, Minho. Let's get this over with. I'd rather not see your face again," Jimin's curt response left no room for ambiguity.
The ceremony commenced; awards were bestowed upon the deserving. As Minho received an award, he smirked and directed a wave towards Jimin, who struggled to conceal his anger. "Minho has never been a favorite name of mine. There's a history attached," Jimin muttered, his hand running agitatedly through his hair, earning a chuckle from Hobi.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Taehyung's gaze met Jungkook's, prompting a startled flinch. He instinct
ively attempted to withdraw, only for Jungkook to seize his arm and draw him near. Their faces were mere inches apart; Taehyung couldn't muster the courage to meet Jungkook's eyes.
"Look at me," Jungkook's command shattered the silence. Taehyung's eyes remained averted. Jungkook grasped his chin, angling his face upward. "Control yourself. You're not here for a vacation; I didn't bring you for pampering. Overcome your insecurities. And no interaction with others." Jungkook delivered his message without acknowledging the tears welling in Taehyung's eyes, leaving the room promptly.
Taehyung hugged his knees and buried his head, his sobs muffled by his posture. The door creaked open once more, revealing Jin's gentle smile. He approached, his voice soft. "Tae, my dear, what would you like for breakfast?" Taehyung didn't respond, nor did he lift his head. "Taehyung, are you alright?" Jin's concern deepened, and he placed a comforting hand on Taehyung's head, ruffling his hair.
"Go... JUST GO. LEAVE ME ALONE. I DON'T WANT ANY OF YOU. JUST GO, GO, go, go..." Taehyung's voice quivered, breaking at the end. Jin's heart sank at the outburst, caught off guard by the sudden shift from Taehyung's previous demeanor. "It's okay, rest. I'll return later," Jin attempted, but Taehyung cut him off again, his voice carrying the weight of his anguish. "No, don't come near me. Just leave me alone."
With his bag in hand, Jin left the room, Taehyung's anguished words reverberating in his ears. Taehyung's eyes followed the door as it shut, then locked. He mumbled to himself, sinking back onto the bed, unaware of the observant figure that continued to scrutinize his every move.
"Good boy," Jungkook's murmur resonated, his gaze affixed to the screen. He leaned back in his chair. "This boy possesses an unusual allure."
Days passed in the same manner, with Jungkook's eyes steadfastly trained on the brunette. The boy remained silent, scarcely eating. He confined himself to his bed, oblivious to the passage of time. Jackson had briefly visited, but after the incident, he hadn't returned. Instead, it was often Yoongi or Namjoon who came to attend to him.
Then, one day, the door creaked open slowly, admitting a figure that moved with cautious steps.
"Taehyung, are you awake?" The voice was soft, tentative. Taehyung didn't respond, nor did he turn. "Taehyung, Jin is here. He needs to check your wounds. Can I invite him in?" Again, silence. This time, a nod signaled the doctor's entrance, and Jin began his examination.
"Why hasn't he woken up? His pulse... Has he eaten anything?" Jin inquired, casting a querying look at the figure beside him. No words came in response; instead, a subtle shake of the head provided the answer.
"Unbelievable," Jin's frustration was palpable as he stared at the medical device in his hand, releasing a sigh. "What's wrong?" Namjoon's concern was evident. "His blood sugar levels are critically low. That's why he's unresponsive. He fainted," Jin explained, recording the readings on his device. "Fetch something sweet for me," Jin requested, returning his focus to Taehyung. Namjoon quickly retrieved a piece of chocolate, which Jin fed to the unconscious boy. "He'll regain consciousness soon," Jin reassured, pressing a gentle kiss to Taehyung's forehead before leaving the room.
"May I come in?" Namjoon's knock was followed by Jungkook's invitation. As Namjoon entered, he didn't waste time in expressing his concern. "Jungkook, he's not eating properly. He barely communicates with anyone. At this rate, he'll deteriorate. He might even lose his life." Namjoon's worry fell on seemingly deaf ears, further intensifying his frustration.
Stepping closer to Jungkook, Namjoon implored, "For the sake of your revenge, remember that his survival is crucial. His death won't serve your purpose." Namjoon's final plea appeared to penetrate. "Alright. Engage with him, involve him with others, but he mustn't leave that room," Jungkook's reluctant concession brought relief to Namjoon. "And send Yoongi here," Jungkook added. With a nod and gratitude, Namjoon exited the room, leaving Jungkook to lean back in his chair.
"What secrets are you harboring, beautiful boy? What kind of promise binds you to your wretched father?"