Chapter 28:  The Helmet

The drive back to the cabin was quiet, the only sound the rhythmic hum of the engine and the occasional crunch of gravel under the tires. Jungkook felt a simmering unease, the near-miss with the car bomb a reminder of the danger they were in. He decided to stay awhile, to ensure Taehyung's safety, though the rustic charm of the cabin offered little solace against the chilling reality of the situation. He poured himself a glass of ice water, the coolness doing little to alleviate the knot of tension in his gut. The sharp ring of his phone cut through the silence, Yoongi's name flashing on the screen.

"Hyung," Jungkook answered, his voice calm but firm, betraying none of the apprehension he felt. "What's up?"

"Confirmed," Yoongi said, his voice devoid of unnecessary drama, his tone businesslike. "Homemade bomb in your car."

A flicker of acknowledgement, not fear, crossed Jungkook's face. "And?" he pressed, his voice was filled with curiosity.

"We're investigating further," Yoongi continued, his tone measured. "Showed the police the cabin's CCTV footage, but the culprit was wearing a full-face helmet."

"A helmet," Jungkook repeated, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. The image of a helmet sparked a chain of associations in his mind, a connection he was rapidly piecing together.

"Yes," Yoongi replied, his voice betraying his own growing interest. "Why the interest in the helmet? Is there something you know?"

"Send me a picture," Jungkook said, his tone indicating a precise purpose. "I need to see it for myself."

Yoongi, sensing the direction of Jungkook's thoughts, immediately complied. The image arrived moments later – a clear photograph of the helmeted figure. Jungkook studied it intently, his expression serious and focused. The confirmation was immediate, undeniable. It was the same helmet, the same distinctive style, the same almost imperceptible chip on the visor – the helmet worn by the individual who'd delivered the pizza laced with sleeping drugs to Taehyung. The pieces were falling into place, a complex puzzle taking shape before his eyes.

"Hyung," Jungkook said, his voice low and controlled. "That's the same helmet. The one from the pizza delivery."

A brief silence hung between them, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Yoongi's response, when it came, was devoid of emotional outbursts, his voice reflecting a keen analytical mind.

"Sleeping drugs," Yoongi observed, his tone analytical rather than alarmed. "Unusual. Poisoning would seem more straightforward. Or was this person attempting to kidnap Taehyung?"

"Kidnapping attempt, I think," Jungkook agreed, his thoughts moving swiftly. "But the plan was flawed. They only sedated him. Taehyung was alone; they could have easily taken him, I was bit far from him. They had the opportunity, but they didn't."

"Intriguing," Yoongi mused, his voice betraying his own intellectual curiosity. "Why sedate him then? Did Taehyung do something beforehand that might explain this?"

Jungkook searched his memory, trying to recall any unusual events preceding the incident. "He signed something," he finally said, the memory surfacing like a half-forgotten detail. "That's all I can remember."

"Forging his signature for some scheme?" Yoongi questioned. "That's odd. Taehyung isn't a major player in any industry. It would seem pointless unless they needed something specific from his signature...something we haven't yet identified."

"Tell the police to continue their investigation," Jungkook instructed. The puzzle was incomplete, but he felt confident they were on the right track.

"I will," Yoongi replied. "But the bomb was in the driver's seat. You were the target, not Taehyung. I've advised them to investigate anyone with a possible grudge against either of you. This might be personal."

"Thanks, Hyung," Jungkook said, his voice expressing gratitude without sentimentality. "Keep me updated."

"Will do," Yoongi responded, and the call ended.

Jungkook hung up, the silence of the cabin suddenly heavy with unspoken implications. He was only beginning to grasp the complexity of the conspiracy, but he was resolved to unravel it, piece by piece. He set down his glass, the ice clinking softly against the glass, a small sound in the face of the large, looming mystery. As he prepared to consider his next move, a sharp knock echoed from the door, breaking the tense quiet.

"Pup, expecting company?" Jungkookcalled Taehyung upstairs.

"No," Taehyung's voice drifted down, laced with a hint of confusion. "Why?"

"Don't come down," Jungkook warned.

Taehyung, still unaware of the potential danger, hesitated but complied. Jungkook approached the door slowly, his hand steady on the knob. He opened it, his gaze instantly assessing the woman standing on the porch – a woman he recognized, yet couldn't quite place. A woman who exuded an aura of unsettling familiarity and veiled menace. 

"Who are you?" Jungkook asked, his expression serious and assessing.

"Oh, come on, Jungkookie," the woman chuckled, her tone smooth and disarming. "It's me, your childhood best friend. You've forgotten me, haven't you? How amusing."

"Am I supposed to find this amusing?" Jungkook retorted.

"Kim Yana," she stated, her smile widening. "Remember the name. Your childhood best friend."

"What do you want?" Jungkook demanded, his patience wearing thin. "And how did you find this place? Don't tell me Mom was your source."

"You're right," she admitted, her eyes gleaming with a disturbing mixture of amusement and calculation. "She was."

"Just leave," Jungkook said, his hand tightening on the doorknob. "You're wasting your time. I have things to deal with, and you're not one of them."

"Oh, but I heard about the attack," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I can help you find the person behind it. All you have to do is marry me."

Jungkook stared at her, his mind assessing the situation, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, that sounds…cool," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. The nonchalance was a carefully constructed facade, a way to buy himself time to assess the situation.

Yana’s grin widened, revealing a flash of sharp, predatory teeth. "Of course, I know what I’m capable of, Jungkook," she said, her voice confident, bordering on arrogant. "You won’t regret marrying me. I can give you everything you want.  Power, influence, the resources to find whoever attacked you."

Jungkook’s amusement was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating assessment. He saw the desperation lurking beneath her confident exterior.

"For real" Jungkook asked, his voice devoid of emotion. His smile was gone, replaced by a chillingly calm expression. "Then get your face out of here. I’m not interested in anything you’re saying. Thank you for your…offer."

With that, Jungkook slammed the door shut, the sharp sound echoing the finality of his decision.