Chapter 13: The Accident

Night had fallen, casting long, inky shadows that stretched and distorted the familiar streets. Jimin, despite the darkness, walked with a careful awareness of his surroundings. He was alert, his senses heightened as he navigated the less-traveled route back to the rented apartment.

Even so, the black van appeared with terrifying speed, a sudden, silent predator emerging from the gloom. Its headlights, twin beams of blinding white, sliced through the night, momentarily paralyzing him. Before he could react, the van swerved, its bumper a blunt instrument of violence that sent him reeling.

He hit the ground hard, the impact jarring his entire body. The asphalt was cold and unforgiving beneath him, scraping against his skin as he slid across its surface. Pain exploded in his head, a blinding flash that momentarily eclipsed the already fading light. He struggled to focus, to regain his bearings amidst the disorienting chaos of sounds and sensations.

Through the swirling darkness, he saw a figure detach itself from the van - a shadowy form, cloaked in the inky blackness of night. The figure moved with unnatural swiftness, a glint of metal catching the faint glow of a distant streetlight before the searing pain of the needle pierced his arm. A choked cry escaped his lips, swallowed by the quiet indifference of the night. Then, darkness claimed him.

The steam from Taehyung's shower, a faint cloud clinging to the cool tiles of the bathroom. He emerged, hair damp and plastered to his forehead, a towel loosely draped around his shoulders. Jungkook, already nestled in bed, his phone glowing faintly in the dim light, looked up as Taehyung entered the room.

"Hyung," Jungkook began, his voice soft, "Any plans for tomorrow? Any places you'd like to visit?"

Taehyung paused, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "Not really. I haven't done much research, but Jimin Hyung talked about Insadong a lot, so I was thinking... maybe there?" His eyes gleamed with excitement, a genuine enthusiasm that was both endearing and, to Jungkook, a little unsettling.

Jungkook tapped a few keys on his phone, his gaze fixed on the screen. "Insadong suits you. You love art, right? The atmosphere there... you'd probably love it." He offered a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Taehyung's grin widened, a bright, carefree expression. "Oh, I see! No wonder Jimin Hyung mentioned it so much. He really knows me well, doesn't he?" He giggled, the sound light and airy.

The words innocent enough, yet they sparked a familiar pang of jealousy in Jungkook's chest. Taehyung's admiration for Jimin, his constant references to the man who was, in Jungkook's mind, already as good as dead, felt like a constant, irritating presence. He subtly pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, a small, unconscious gesture of his simmering resentment.

'We could also go to Namsan Tower. You've seen it in dramas, haven't you?" Jungkook shifted the conversation, his voice carefully neutral.

Taehyung's eyes lit up, the mention of the iconic tower instantly capturing his attention. "Yes! I've seen it tons of times. Are we really going there, too?" He crawled onto the bed, his body a whirlwind of restless energy, his eyes sparkling like distant stars.

Jungkook forced a smile, the act feeling strained and unnatural. "Of course, Hyung. We can go anywhere you want before... before you leave." The words, 'before you leave,' tasted like ash in his mouth.

Taehyung, oblivious to the undercurrent of Jungkook's emotions, threw his arms around him, the warmth of his embrace a stark contrast to the chill in Jungkook's heart. He settled onto Jungkook's lap, his laughter echoing through the room.

"Jungkookie, you're the best!" He looked up at Jungkook, his smile radiant and unrestrained.

Jungkook's heart pounded in his chest. He was acutely aware of their position, the intimacy of the embrace, Taehyung's weight nestled against him. He leaned down, his lips brushing against Taehyung's cheek. I'm glad you're happy, Hyung. I'll make sure you enjoy every moment."

Taehyung, finally noticing their closeness, pulled back slightly.

"Jungkookie, don't kiss me randomly," he said playfully, but there was a hint of unease in his voice.

Jungkook, however, pulled him even closer, their faces now just inches apart. His eyes held a dangerous gleam. "What's wrong? It's not like anything bad would happen, right?"

Taehyung's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of apprehension.

"What do you mean? If your wife saw us like this..." he trailed off, his voice barely a whisper.

"Let her see. I don't care." Jungkook's response was sharp, edged with a chilling intensity

A shiver ran down Taehyung's spine.

"Don't joke like that, Jungkookie. It's... strange. We're just best friends." His smile was forced, brittle, devoid of its usual warmth.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just... I hate it when you keep mentioning Jimin. It's annoying." Jungkook's expression softened, but the underlying tension remained.

"There's nothing wrong with that, Jungkookie. She's your wife. It's not like it's an insult." Taehyung's laugh was nervous, unconvincing.

"For me, it is. You know how things are between me and her, right? So please... don't try to make us seem close. It won't work." Jungkook's voice was low, serious.

Taehyung's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, Jungkookie. I really didn't mean to." He rubbed the back of his neck, his discomfort evident.

"Don't worry, baby. Just... don't mention her again, okay?" Jungkook leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung's cheek, near his lips.

Taehyung nodded, a strained smile on his face. The unspoken words hung heavy between them.

"Let's sleep. We have a lot planned for tomorrow." Jungkook changed the subject, his voice regaining some of its usual lightness.

"But I haven't packed yet. I have to get ready to leave this mansion." Taehyung hesitated.

"You don't have to. I'll tell the maid to handle it. Don't waste your time." Jungkook's response was immediate, decisive.

Taehyung's confusion was palpable. "Huh?"

"You don't have to pack. I'll take care of it." Jungkook repeated himself, the reason behind his words clear, unspoken yet powerfully present.

Taehyung simply muttered, "If you say so," and moved to lie down on the bed. Jungkook followed, pulling him close, their bodies intertwined in a silent, complex embrace.

The night held the promise of intimacy, but the shadow of unspoken resentments and simmering tensions lingered between them.