Love Candidate - Bad Dreams - Chapter 27

Trigger Warning: Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts.

Flashback: Before Jiyoung committed suicide.

Seokjin clutched firmly onto my hips to hold me against the front door as he softly traced his lips over mine in a soothing tempo. I gripped his shirt with a stiff response as he sucked out my breath until I completely ran out of oxygen. I muffled in difficulty against his lips when Seokjin refused to give me a break from the draining make-out session. He suddenly halted when he noticed I was struggling to keep up with his kissing marathon. I nervously opened my eyes to stare at his rosy cheeks as he gently pulled away to gaze at me. Seokjin lowered his gaze to my soaked lips again. I'm struggling to regulate my labored breathing! This is embarrassing!

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Seokjin whispered, gently rubbing my moist lips with his thumb before lifting his tempted eyes to mine. He wants me to invite him inside? Does he want to hook up again???

"You should go home," I shook my head, slightly dazed by his assertiveness. I didn't know Seokjin is a dominant man. Maybe he has been holding back all these times.

"Okay. Good night," Seokjin muttered, gently kissing me to bid his goodbye. I nervously nodded after receiving his overwhelming affection before turning to enter my house as he stood in the doorway with his gaze fixed on me. I weakly smiled, locked the door, and stood anxiously by the door until I heard Seokjin striding away.

A surge of remorseful emotion suddenly tore through my chest as I slowly walked toward the living room, heavily slumping on it to lay down until a flood of tears streamed down my cheeks. What's going on with me!? I feel so trapped! Appa- is this what you want for me!? I violently grabbed my own hair and thrashed on the couch in distress. I've lost control of my life! I gripped my fists in anger, hastily launching onto my feet and stormed up to my room to yank the drawer open.

"WAE? WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT FROM ME!? ISN'T IT ENOUGH NOW? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAKE AWAY THE PERSON I LOVE!? WAE?! YOU'RE DEAD SO STOP INTERFERING WITH MY LIFE! YOUR FUCKING ANGEL STALKER WILL NOT MAKE ME FEEL BETTER!" I screamed angrily at appa's picture until another jolt of pain thumped against my aching chest. My lips began trembling the longer I stared at appa's cheerful smile, suddenly dropping to the floor in defeat with a loud thud. I thought I could be happy! For once! I found the right person- and you took him away from me! It's unfair! It's my life, so why am I being restricted like this?! I shakily sobbed in agony as I clenched onto appa's photograph when I felt my head spinning like a whirlpool from the extreme anguish. How can I live like this? I don't have the energy to fight for my life. I grew super exhausted after bleeding my remaining energy to my despair and fell asleep on the cold floor. I woke up the next day with a dreadful soreness all over my body. My eyes were too puffy to even open properly, and my throat felt like sandpaper due to the scarcity of moisture. I went downstairs to cook the single pack of ramen I found in the dusty cabinet... but couldn't eat it, so I dumped it in the sink and headed back to my room. I don't feel like eating or drinking, and my stomach is upset.

I thought a shower would relieve the depressing hollowness in my chest, but it wouldn't go away no matter what I did. As a matter of fact, it made me feel even more awful. I gloomily sat on the bed edge to stare at the photograph of Taehyung kneeling before me in the snowy park with my tearful eyes. I took the picture from Seokjin's room. It was the only picture I wanted to keep, so I brought it home. I stared at the captured moment in grief as the beautiful memories filled my mind. The warmth... the love... our love... his smile and jaw-dropping visual... it's all so blurry now. But I can still feel his presence... somewhere... in my cold heart.

"I'm sorry," I whispered as unconscious tears slipped down my cheeks. I took your love for granted, Taehyung-ah. The reason I'm in this much pain... is because I'm guilty. I took our relationship for granted. I'm a bad person and I'm terribly sorry for using you to hurt your older brother. I've never admitted to it... but the reason... I agreed to accept your love because I wanted to get back at Seokjin. I took you for granted. That's the truth. I liked you. I did, but I was uncertain about my feelings. I didn't know if it was purely love between us or if I enjoyed sleeping with you.

You always assumed it was a healthy relationship between us... but I didn't. I only saw our relationship as a good distraction because the sex was good. I stayed with you... because I wanted to beat your mother in her game. I held you because I knew I had a firm grip of your vulnerable soul. It was wrong of me to love you like this because... I lowkey enjoyed it. To have you beg me for attention and love. I swore to never use mind games with people I love, but I ended up... manipulating you. I used you to oppose your own family, and now you're the victim of my greed to prove my worth. You were all I needed to be happy- but I was too blind to see that.

"I'm so sorry, Taehyung-ah," I sobbed in distress with the photograph gripped tightly in my hand. I doubted your love even after you showed me your devotion to love me. I didn't realize I was madly in love with you until I lost you. It must be unfair for you, and I'm sorry. I don't deserve your love because I'm a fucking worthless person. I'm dying to tell you... that I'm sorry, but you're already gone, and I'm drowning in the remorse of not loving you hard enough. How can I live like this? I should've loved you better.

The unpleasant emotions wouldn't free my soul from its suffocating grip no matter how desperately I tried to resist it, so I gave up. I'm the blame, and I can't avoid the consequences of my actions. Why should I live on when I know I'll only live like a dead corpse? I slowly sat up on my bed in tears and strolled downstairs to grab a charcoal grill before returning to my room. I lit the charcoal on the floor, slowly turning to look at the drawers. Calmly, I drew out the duct tape from the drawers to tape the door and window frame until I sealed the airflow in and out of my room. I carefully sat on the mattress to search for a gap with an empty mind before laying down with the picture clenched tightly over my chest.

"I'll just die. Wait for me Taehyung-ah. I'll find you, so wait for me," I whispered, slowly closing my eyes to inhale the burnt odor until I felt my room growing warmer as the ember crackled in the grill. The air inside the room suddenly grew heavier after the smoke devoured the air molecules within the room. It won't hurt, so I'll just fall asleep, and hopefully... I'll see him again after I wake up. It got more difficult to breathe, but I remained in my place, calmly inhaling the poisonous gas as warm tears leaked from my closed eyelids. Appa. You raised me to be a fighter... so I fought. I lived for you even if you've given up on me. I'm tired of living that way. I don't want to fight for people who didn't fight for me, so just this once. I want to stop fighting. Just this once, I want to surrender to the pain, so don't stop me. My mind suddenly grew heavier as I lay down and slowly... I started to lose consciousness on the bed until I plunged into a deep sleep as the gas filled my system, paralyzing my body with its poison.

End of Flashback

Present

Jiyoung's POV

Just as I anticipated, I had no control over my life. They woke me up against my will. I wanted to rest, but here I am... listening to the dull monitor in the medical room with all kinds of tubes and injections on my body. I'm on life support. How long did I pass out for? I can't tell, but I feel slightly better now because my chest is finally numb again. They're wasting so much energy on a person who doesn't even want to live. I didn't kill myself to be saved, but according to them, I deserve to live. It's funny, isn't it? How everyone has the right to keep you alive, except for yourself? I lived alone for a year after everyone gave up on me, and not a single person came to check on me. But the moment I try to leave this miserable life... all of them... every one of the people around me appeared after one another to visit me with their disappointed faces. They think I betrayed them. How dare I kill myself? My life isn't mine to control, amusing, right?

"You should move in with me," Jungkook insisted as he sat on the bench beside me after taking me out for a walk in the hospital's garden. I was in a coma for a week after I lost consciousness. Jungkook told me it took five hours for the doctors to fully flush the poisonous gas from my internal system with fresh air.

"That's what Seokjin told me this morning," I muttered. They're asking me to stay with them because they know my mind is a mess. I'm not a mess. I know that. I just have no purpose in life anymore. It's pointless, but I know they'll never agree with me, so it's better to stay hushed.

"Jiyoung-"

"How many months have I been pregnant? Did the doctor tell you?" I asked with my eyes fixed on the swaying tree with a blank gaze. Jungkook sideway turned to examine my parched lips with an uptight frown before turning to look at the other patients with a sore expression.

"Three months," Jungkook answered while rubbing his fingers. My heart clenched at his words, but I remained motionless on the bench. I'm too tired to even react to the brutal reality right now.

"So it's Taehyung's child," I whispered.

"He didn't use protection when he was with you?" Jungkook asked, turning to stare at me.

"He did, but I didn't use birth control pills. It was probably an accident," I replied. Three months ago... was some time before he passed away. It was probably the day Taehyung passed out on the bed. I was carrying our child ever since he passed away without realizing it.

"Jiyoung, listen. Let's just live together, and I'll take care of you. I don't want you to be with Seokjin anymore," Jungkook sighed, reaching out to hold my hand. If I knew... I was pregnant... would I have taken the same approach to end my misery? If only I knew earlier... would I have hung on to save my child?

"What about Hyeri? You can't do this to her just for me. I can live on my own," I muttered, averting my eyes to his pained expression. He knows I can live on my own. I don't need anyone to care for me.

"But-"

"I want to go back inside," I interrupted, averting my eyes away from him. The conversations are meaningless, and I don't want to listen to anyone. Jungkook pursed his lips at my rude dismissal, but he didn't argue and got up to help me back onto the wheelchair. We didn't speak as he pushed me back into the hospital lobby. I watched a mother cuddling her child with her husband in silence until we entered the elevator and the door slid close. I had a miscarriage. I lost Taehyung's child because I decided to kill myself without knowing I had a child in me. I killed my own child. My life isn't getting any better. We entered the VIP suite to find my parents sitting inside the room with anxious expressions. Why are they still here? I don't want to see their faces. Jungkook carefully lifted me onto the bed with his strong arms to rest me down as Changwon checked my condition with his medical clipboard. Changwon found me, and he's been monitoring my health ever since I recovered. It must've been traumatizing for him to discover me in my room.

"Considering your condition... You'll have to move back in with us," My stepfather sighed from the couch.

"What?" Jungkook frowned, turning to look at my stepfather with a disapproving look.

"Jiyoung needs someone to look after her so she can't live alone. I'll prepare a team to look after her at the villa until she recovers," Jaehyun replied.

"You're not taking her with you-"

"I'll leave," I answered, interrupting Jungkook. He wildly turned to look at me in horror.

"Jiyoung, you can't-"

"I'll go back to the villa," I repeated, causing Jungkook's eyes to widen in disbelief. I am not in a good position to be swarmed by anxious people. I need solitude. I don't want to see anyone, and they won't stop bothering me if I choose to return to my house. The villa will keep everyone away under my parent's watch. Jungkook and Jimin were against me returning to my stepfather, but I refused to listen to them. I'm so fucking tired of being told what to do, and I don't want to run away from my past anymore, so I'll return to the fucking villa and live there until I overcome the trauma.

Fast Forward

"Aigo~ You poor thing! I left you alone for a few months, and you're sick again!" Ajumma sadly rubbed my cheeks as I sat in the wheelchair by the hospital entrance.

"I'll visit you when I'm better. Thank you for the side dishes," I weakly smiled while gazing at ajumma's wrinkles as I hugged the lunchbox on my lap. Ajumma stared at me with her tender yet pained eyes until tears swelled over her sad pupils. It pains me to see her like this. She must've been dead worried about me. I slightly opened my arms for her, so she bit her lower lips with a weak smile and lowered her frail body to embrace me against her. She's my mother, even if we're not blood-related. She is the mother I always needed.

"I'll take care of her, eomma," Changwon patted ajumma's shoulder when she started crying after pulling away from me. The hospital assigned a standby doctor to care for me at the villa, and Changwon volunteered to attend to my needs. I turned to find Jimin, Jungkook, and Seokjin eyeing me with a sore expression as I waited for my stepfather's car to pick me up. They're all upset with my decision.

"I'm going to kill your stepfather the moment he touches a strand of your hair again," Jimin whispered in my ear while giving me a crushing hug.

"Take care of Yoongi," I smiled, pulling away from Jimin. He bitterly eyed me when a black car suddenly arrived at the entrance. The secretary stepped out to open the backseat for me. Seokjin didn't say anything but watched me in silence with his arms crossed.

"I'll visit you often. Don't hesitate to call me," Jungkook sighed as he helped me out of the wheelchair, carefully placing me in the back seat. He didn't talk to me days after I agreed to live with my parents, and I thought he wasn't going to speak with me before I left, but he did.

"I'll be fine," I reassured him. Jungkook grimaced at my response and gently gave me a soft kiss on my forehead to bid his farewell. Changwon got in the backseat with me as ajumma waved at me from outside the window. I reached out to hold her warm hand as she stared at me in tears.

"Come to me when you have nowhere else to go," She smiled as the car slowly drove forward until my fingers slipped from her grasp. The secretary rolled up the window, so I exhaled and leaned back to find Changwon smiling beside me. At least he'll be by my side.

A moment later...

"Careful," Changwon muttered as he helped me onto the wheelchair after we arrived at the property. He slowly pushed me toward the villa with a heated blanket over my legs to keep my body warm. Eomma was bossing the maids around when we entered the living room.

"I renovated your room," Eomma turned to smile at me. She did? Changwon carried me up the stairs in his arms as my mother instructed, and we finally entered my old bedroom. I was a bit nervous at first because I knew it was a room filled with past memories- but halted with a dumbfounded expression when I saw the room. The interior was completely transformed. The cabinets. The bed. The desk. The shelves. Everything in my past memories was replaced with a new interior. There was even a window seat with plenty of cushions.

"You replaced everything?" I asked, turning to look at my mother as she leaned against the doorway with a weak smile.

"I figured you didn't want to see the old things, so I gave it an update," Eomma nodded. Changwon helped me to the couch in the room, so I sat down to scan the bright room in shock. It doesn't feel like my old room at all. Even the entire carpet floor was replaced.

"I like it," I smiled at the refreshing room as Changwon opened the window to let the breezy air inside my room.

"Changwon, I've prepared a guest room beside Jiyoung's room for you to reside in. There's a voice monitor so you guys can contact each other through it," Eomma nodded at the device on the nightstand.

"Thank you," Changwon smiled at eomma.

"I'll head to work now and welcome back home," Eomma smiled and left the room, leaving us alone in my bedroom.

"I didn't know your parents' pockets were this deep," Changwon smiled.

"You should unpack your things," I nodded at his luggage. He'll be staying with me for a while until I recover. Changwon excused himself to put his things away, so I limped toward the window to sit on the seat and glanced out at the pretty view of the other villas beside ours with a faint smile.

The thoughts of living with my stepfather were terrifying at first, but it was oddly peaceful, and I wasn't so scared since Changwon was always by my side to look after me. He made sure to deliver my pills on time and made me consume a healthy diet to recover my health. He'd also push my wheelchair around the property a couple times a day to help me get my proper dose of fresh air. My stepfather visited me a few times... but he couldn't do anything with Changwon around me. Jungkook and Jimin would come by very often to check on me, and I would reassure them I was fine at the place. Seokjin tried to see me a few times, but I instructed Changwon to tell him I was resting every time he visited. I'm not ready to see him.

"Did you have dinner?" Changwon asked after entering my room in his casual outfit with the usual pills for me as I sat on the bed in my nightgown.

"I did. I ate with my parents," I nodded as he sat beside me. My parents invited me to the dining room with them today. I took the pills and gulped them down with a glass of warm water.

"I was a bit occupied at the hospital today since the head doctors asked us to remove the old patient documents from our information archives. I actually found your father's file while sorting the old folders," Changwon smiled as he got up to switch on the diffuser in my room.

"My father?" I blinked at him unsurely.

"Lee Hyun Seung, right? Your mother told me he was a former chairman of a mining corporation. I came across his medical records in the confidential archives," Changwon nodded, sitting down beside me with a weak smile.

"Can you bring me his files?" I blinked at Changwon.

"I don't think that's allowed, but I'll try before they dispose of it," Changwon nodded. Knock. Knock. We both turned to look at the door when it suddenly slid open, and my mother appeared in her nightgown.

"Can I have a moment with Jiyoung?" She asked.

"Neh. Good night, Jiyoung," Changwon smiled, getting up to lower his head at my mother before leaving the room. She closed the door behind her back and strolled over to fix the cushions on the couch before sitting down as I remained on my bed.

"Your stepfather isn't home," Eomma sighed, finally averting her eyes to me.

"So?" I raised my eyebrow unsurely.

"You should consider getting married," Eomma advised.

"I tried. My fiancé passed away," I shrugged, turning to look at Taehyung's photograph on my shelf with a dim expression.

"His brother is available. Kim Seokjin," She shook her head. Here we go again. This endless cycle of shit talk about selling my soul to the wealthy heir.

"That's the problem. Do you expect me to marry Taehyung's brother after I agreed to marry him-"

"Kim Taehyung is dead. You can't hold back your life like this for a dead person," Eomma frowned at me.

"Appa wasn't dead when you left him," I whispered. She left us after he lost everything. My mother fired me a disappointed glare.

"Will you keep blaming me when you know I had a valid reason to leave his side? I begged him not to take the risk, but he didn't listen to me. He lost everything because of his greed. I did everything I could to help him become successful- only to have him ruin everything. How can you side with him after he destroyed your life? I never abandoned you. You know that. I asked you to leave with me because I knew he would keep on repeating his mistakes," Eomma frowned at me. Eomma was from a wealthy family, and appa was an amateur businessman. They met at a business conference and got together afterward. It was Eomma who funded my father's business until he became successful.

"Why do you keep urging me to marry? I don't want to be your husband's instrument in the corporation-"

"Are you that foolish!? The reason I want you to get married is because I don't want you to live here!" She suddenly snapped.

"Moh?" I turned to stare at her in disbelief.

"Jaehyun will never leave you alone if you don't get married. Do you really want to live in this villa after what he did to you? Why am I the bad mother when I'm desperately trying to protect you from him? He might lose control again, so leave before he hurt you," Eomma glared at me in irritation. I grew hushed at her words with my angered expression fixed on hers.

"Changwon-"

"I can't even stop him! What makes you think an outsider can stop him? Jaehyun is eyeing your father's assets! If you don't marry- He will do anything to snatch Hyun Seung's will from you! That means killing you!" Eomma glared at me.

"What?" I blinked at her. My stepfather found out?

"He knows about your father's unclaimed shares in Seokjin's mining corporation. If it's anyone, only Seokjin can protect you from your stepfather, so marry him and leave this place before it's too late," Eomma pursed her lips at me. I glanced away from her in frustration. The monster is after my father's money now? Fucking greedy man! Urgh! Eomma left afterward when I refused to speak with her. I slumped back on the mattress in exhaustion to stare at the ceiling in silence.

Fast Forward

"You look well," Namjoon smiled when I strolled into the Kim's mansion with Seokjin to join dinner with the Kims. Eomma is right. I can't stay at the villa for long- my stepfather might plot a scheme to snatch my assets. I have to be with Seokjin to repel the sick man. Seokjin was seeing me protect me from my stepfather.

"I'm better now," I smiled at Namjoon. My parents suddenly entered the Kim's mansion in formal clothes, so Seokjin led us to their dining room as I chatted with Namjoon. Mrs. Kim didn't look pleased with my presence but wore the pretentious mask as usual to greet my parents.

"I was so excited to welcome your family! I have been keeping the maids busy all day to prepare for your arrival," Mrs. Kim smiled at my parents.

"Ah. We were also excited to visit your family! My husband brought you a gift from his business trip! It's a high-quality medicinal herb!" My mother beamed at Mrs. Kim.

"I'm glad you two decided to see each other again," Mr. Kim nodded at Seokjin. I smiled when I felt Seokjin placing his arm around my waist to give me a comforting pat as we sat side by side.

"I hope everything works out this time," Seokjin nodded at our parents. I chuckled and nodded at them before lifting my face to find Namjoon staring at me from across the table. He weakly smiled at me and lowered his face to eat his food. The dinner was pretty calm, and there wasn't any tension, but Mrs. Kim kept eyeing me suspiciously. I eventually excused myself to get some fresh air since Changwon recommended I get proper respiratory ventilation a few times a day to ease my mind. I quietly sat outside the mansion by myself to watch the stunning property in silence when I noticed movement from the upper left window from the corner of my eye. I glanced in the direction, but there was no one there but fluttering curtains.

"It's cold. Come back inside," Seokjin suddenly appeared to check on me. I turned to find him walking up to me.

"Did your parents have other guests over?" I asked.

"No? Just your family. Why?" Seokjin raised his eyebrow as he led me back inside the mansion.

"Nothing- Oh? Hyeri?" I blinked in confusion when I found Hyeri strolling down the staircase in her nurse attire.

"Oh? Jiyoung!? You're well!" Hyeri gasped in shock and rushed forward to give me a hug.

"What are you doing here?" I blinked at her in confusion.

"Ah! Jungkook didn't tell you? Namjoon asked me to stand by at the mansion a couple of times a week to care for Mr. Kim because of his chest pain," Hyeri nodded at Mr. Kim's portrait on the wall with a bright smile.

"Ah. Is that so?" I smiled at her.

"I have to fetch something from my room. Be right back," Seokjin smiled and walked up the stairs to leave me in the living room with Hyeri.

"What about you? It's been a while since we last met. Jungkook told me about the incident," She anxiously stared at my face to inspect my condition.

"I'm well. Tell Jungkook I said hi," I shook my head with a reassuring smile.

"If you really need someone to speak with... you can call me, okay? I'll be available for you," Hyeri gripped my hand with a worried frown.

"Sure," I nodded at her.

"I'll get going now. There won't be any taxis left if I stay overtime," Hyeri smiled. I gave her a warm hug before she left the mansion and sat down on the couch to wait for Seokjin when I suddenly noticed a shadow on the upper staircase. I glanced at the upper floor unsurely and decided to get up.

"Seokjin?" I called, tilting my head upward to look at the massive chandelier, but there wasn't any response, so I slowly walked up the staircase and turned toward the left corridor beside the stair landing. Why is it dark down that corridor? I glanced to the right hallway... and it was lit up brightly, unlike the left side. Creak. I glanced back at the dark corridor... to find a door to a room left slightly open. I blinked and walked in the direction out of curiosity. What's taking Seokjin so long?

"Seokjin?" I called again, gently pushing the door open but halted when I found someone sitting on an armchair by the window. My heart dropped when I recognized his body structure and messy wild bangs. I stood frozen in my place when my eyes landed on his pale expression under the moonlight rays between the fluttering curtains. He was as fair as a ghost, and his eyes were vacant. As if he's an empty shell. Taehyung? I couldn't process the situation and kept my gaze fixed on his shadow in fright...

"Jiyoung? What are you doing here?" Seokjin called. I blinked and quickly turned to find Seokjin standing at the bright staircase with a questioning look. He switched the lights on to illuminate the dark corridor, making me squint my eyes at the sudden glare of brightness.

"I was looking for you. The door was open, so I thought-"

"It's Taehyung's old room," Seokjin replied when he got to me. I glanced back at the dark room to search for Taehyung's presence, but the room was empty. The armchair was vacant.

"Oh," I muttered, unsurely scanning the room. Seokjin eyed my startled expression and glanced at the empty bedroom to inspect it.

"Do you want to have a look around? I don't mind. Come in," Seokjin sighed, strolling inside the room with his hands in his pocket. I followed him after he turned on the lights in the room.

"There are many toys," I smiled when I found rows of toys on the shelves and turned to stare at the bed crowded with stuffed animals. Seokjin picked up a fallen teddy bear on the mattress to position it with the others.

"He loves them. We used to have a playroom filled with his collections. You can keep one of his items if you want," Seokjin shrugged, turning to shut the window as I stared at the frames of Taehyung's younger self with a faint smile. He's so cute. I didn't know he was a chubby child. He grew up skinny though.

"It's fine," I shrugged, turning to find Seokjin staring at a robotic toy on the shelves with a sad face. We left Taehyung's room afterward because the atmosphere was getting grim. Seokjin took me back to my stepfather's villa, so I strolled inside to sleep in my room since my parents were still with the Kims. I collapsed onto my bed in dread. Why am I seeing things now? I imagined Taehyung in his room!

I stirred on the bed after falling asleep when I felt the mattress sinking, so I opened my eyes with my blurry vision focused on a figure sitting at the edge of my bed. I lifted my head to narrow my eyes at the person in confusion.

"Taehyung?" I whispered, sitting up to scratch my head when I found Taehyung staring at me with a sad expression. His face was pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He stared at me with his struggling gaze, so I scrambled toward him with my eyebrows furrowed.

"What's the matter? Baby?" I stared at his frightened expression in shock. He tried to open his mouth, but it seemed like his lips were sealed shut, so I grabbed his cheeks in terror as he desperately stared at me. He suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug.

"Are you alright-" I asked, pulling away to stare at his beaten expression but halted in shock when I found my stepfather staring at me in his loose night robe. My body turned stiff at his presence.

"You're dreaming about your dead boy again?" My stepfather smirked, gently massaging my exposed thighs. My heart thumped against my rib when I realized what was happening. I stared at my stepfather with my eyes wide open in horror. My body is paralyzed- I- I can't move! The man suddenly slid his hand upward between my thighs as I sat frozen before him. Just then, the door opened and Changwon came strolling in.

"I forgot to give you your pills-" Changwon halted unsurely when he noticed my stepfather sitting on the bed with me. I averted my eyes to Changwon in terror and quickly scrambled off the bed to stifle my nervousness.

"She doesn't seem well. Please give her medication on time," My stepfather exhaled, getting up to stroll out of the room. I shakily gripped my fists and turned to look out the window in fear.

"Are you alright? You look sick-"

"I keep hallucinating!" I snapped, turning to look at Changwon with a frightened expression. He slowly closed the door behind him and walked toward me.

"What do you mean? Sit down," Changwon questioned, tugging me down to make me sit on the bed.

"I keep seeing Taehyung in my sleep- And recently- I've been seeing him around me. I can hear his voice too," I shook my head in distress. I'm losing my mind.

"It's the side effects. That's why I'm giving you medication to calm your mind," Changwon exhaled, handing me the medication with a glass of water. I averted my troubled expression to the white pill and took it without hesitation.

"Can you stay here tonight? I don't want to sleep alone," I whispered, fearfully averting my eyes to the door in fear. I'm afraid my stepfather might return again.

"Okay. I'll sleep on the couch. Get some rest," Changwon nodded before walking towards the couch to arrange the cushions. I stared at him restlessly and slowly laid back down with an edgy emotion. I swallowed the lump in my throat, slowly averting my eyes to the door again before glancing at Changwon as he lay on the couch with his arm tucked under his head.

"Jiyoung. Wake up," A chilly voice whispered.

My eyes swung open at the sudden whisper in my ear, so I quickly sat up to find myself... laying on a snowy field. I glanced around the dark park in fear before glancing up to find Taehyung smiling at me. How did I get here?

"Taehyung?" I blinked, reaching out to hold his hand. He pulled me upward and gently lowered his face to peck my lips.

"You're here. I've been waiting for you," Taehyung smiled, gently pulling away to beam at me as he rubbed my cheek with his warm hand.

"Waiting for me?" I frowned in confusion. Taehyung didn't respond and slowly leaned forward to kiss me again, so I gripped onto his waist as he lowered his hand to place it under my chin. I suddenly felt him wrapping his fingers around my neck. I cleared my throat uncomfortably as he applied pressure around my windpipe.

"I'm waiting for you in the afterlife," Taehyung whispered, pulling away to stare at me with a devilish smirk. My eyes grew wide open when I noticed black veins wiggling under his rotting skin, spreading all over his swollen face. His eyes were bloodshot red and his lips were dark purple. I coughed in confusion when I felt a weird texture in my mouth, so I spat out... mud. The damp dirt dripped from my lips, splattering only my hand, causing my heart to thump in disgust. Why is there dirt in my mouth-

"Taehyu- urk!" I gasped and tried to push him away when he angrily sneered, tightening his grip around my throat before I could react to the alarming situation. I gagged in shock at the sudden strain around my neck and repeatedly slapped his forearm in distress when I lost my balance and fell back onto the snow. SPLASH. I turned my head to the side in horror to find- not snow- but the dirty pavement on the sidewalk.

"You took my love for granted! I did everything to please you!" Taehyung snarled above me with his hands gripped tightly around my throat. I choked in horror when the freezing rain started pouring onto us as he pinned me on the soaked ground.

"Tae- I can't- b-breathe-"

"I LOVED YOU! I LOVED YOU! YET YOU DARED SLEEP WITH MY BROTHERS! YOU'RE AN UNWORTHY WOMAN! I DIED BECAUSE OF YOU!" Taehyung screamed in a low demonic tone, mercilessly thrusting the pressure on my vulnerable throat. I whimpered in fright in response to his painful clutch while thrashing my limbs on the muddy ground to free myself, but he was too strong for me. I helplessly gripped his trembling hands with my tearful eyes fixed on his rotting skin in shame.

"I'm sorry-" I whispered while thrashing my legs on the puddle in difficulty when I felt my chest swelling for air. Taehyung grunted at my apology without a hint of mercy as he compressed his grip around my throat until I felt my eyes bulging out of my sockets-

"AH!" I gasped, frantically bolting up on the bed in a cold sweat with my hands clasped over my neck. I fearfully scanned at the bright room in tears, finally bursting into a loud wail when my heart wouldn't stop thumping against my aching chest. The door suddenly swung open, and Changwon appeared in the doorway.

"Jiyoung! Are you okay?!" Changwon immediately placed the food tray away and rushed toward me as I screamed on the bed in distress.

"Taehyung! He was- strangling me! He said-"

"It was a nightmare! Jiyoung! It's not real!" Changwon snapped, tightly gripping my shoulders as I stubbornly jerked on the mattress with my fingers clutched tightly around my own throat. I can still feel the cold trace of Taehyung's fingers around my neck! Changwon firmly pulled me into a comforting hug, so I gripped his shirt and bawled at the top of my lungs. I'm fucking losing my mind!

A moment later...

"I'll get you a stronger medication. The current dose isn't working," Changwon nervously watched me eat in silence. I chewed the tasteless food with a blank expression before averting my tired eyes to him. Changwon managed to calm me down after my mental breakdown in the morning- I was still terrified. But I simply didn't have the energy to cry anymore, so I eventually bit my lips to bury my pain.

"W-wae...? Why am I... seeing things?" I whispered, glancing at my plate in tears. Why was Taehyung so upset?

"It's probably the effect of your guilt. Jiyoung, his death wasn't your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself," Changwon shook his head. I gripped my spoon and turned to look out the bright sky with a weary expression. It is my fault. Taehyung is upset with me. Am I being haunted by his ghost? Knock. Knock. Changwon and I turned to stare at the door. He quickly got to open the door for the person.

"Oh. Anneonghaseyo," Seokjin greeted Changwon with a few gift bags in his hands.

"Jiyoung was just finishing her breakfast. I'll leave you guys alone," Changwon greeted Seokjin, then turned to lift my food tray as I sat on the carpet in my nightgown and loose hair.

"What are you doing here? I haven't showered yet- I'm a mess," I muttered, awkwardly turning away to brush my messy hair as Seokjin settled the bags on the table. I've got snot all over my face from crying earlier! He turned to scan my room with a weak smile as I rubbed my face with the silky sleeves of my nightgown.

"Does my presence make you conscious of your appearance?" Seokjin averted his eyes towards mine. I abruptly stopped combing my hair and turned to look at him until my cheeks flushed red.

"No- it's just-"

"You used to wake up with me in the morning all the time," Seokjin chuckled. I pursed my lips at his easy going mood.

"What are you doing here? You could've called me in advance-"

"Your parents invited me for dinner at your place, so I figured I'll visit early to spend some time with you," Seokjin replied as he scanned my rosy cheeks. I want to be alone.

"Okay," I nodded in defeat. It's not like I can kick him out of my room.

"I'm also here to clarify the misunderstanding between us because it's been troubling me. You deserve a proper explanation," Seokjin finally confessed after holding back his thoughts.

"What misunderstanding?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I must've driven you mad after I told you I was stalking you all these years," Seokjin sighed, slipping off the couch to sit on the carpet, facing me from across the coffee table.

"Oh. There was too much to digest- I went mad and chose not to accept it," I nodded. If I could go back... I'd still choose to end my life, but I can't anymore because they've all got their guards up after the incident. I can't do anything under their watch.

"I have been watching over you- stalking... if that's how you interpret it, but I promise there weren't any bad intentions. I miscommunicated that night because I was lost in lust, and I'm sorry. I should've given you time to digest the information," Seokjin sadly stared at me from across the table. As much as I resent Seokjin... I'm tired of fighting with him. It's pointless.

"It's not something anyone would be comfortable with... to have people invading their privacy... digging into their pasts without their knowledge. It's uncomfortable," I nodded.

"I know, but I promise there weren't any malicious intentions. I was torn after your father passed away because he was a man I highly respected. I felt responsible after realizing your father was the victim of Taehyung's reckless driving. I did not pity you, Jiyoung. I've never pitied you- instead, I felt like I owed you an apology. I wanted to make things right, so I was determined to watch over you- but that habit- it went out of control. I became obsessed and started collecting more information than I needed. I was just- curious about your whereabouts and what you were doing, and despite knowing you were struggling with your life- I never interfered. I knew it was your life, and I'm a coward for not helping you sooner because I didn't know how to explain the truth to you- about your father's passing. I knew you'd react this way. Anyone would feel uncomfortable if a stranger approached them to introduce themselves as your stalker. It's creepy," Seokjin sighed in guilt after emptying his feelings.

"That's the reason why you were so angry when I tried to break into your private room?" I asked, dimly scanning his embarrassed face.

"Yeah. I was frightened because I knew you weren't prepared to face the truth. Everything related to my unhealthy obsession and your father's passing. I wasn't ready to tell you the truth," Seokjin nodded while chewing his lower lips.

"So you treated me harshly?" I sighed. He spat hurtful words at me afterward.

"I was an asshole. I thought I could reveal the truth to you, but I couldn't. I couldn't bring myself to tell you the truth, so I backed away like a coward. I did everything I could to make you hate me afterward... so that- I didn't have to feel too guilty about lying to you. I purposely ignited the fights between us because I needed valid reasons to hate you. I tried to justify my remorse by despising you- but it didn't work," Seokjin confessed. We grew hushed as I quietly thought about his words. He couldn't tell me the truth, so he... made me a fool?

"Is that all you have to tell me? Is this the real truth? Or is it another version of your lies?" I spoke in a tired tone. The truth and the lie are so identical- I can't tell them apart. Why do people have to twist the truth?

"I was jealous of Taehyung. That's the main reason I was acting like a jerk. I know it's stupid of me, but I was envious because I felt like- I deserved your love more than he did. It was me who endured the pain and took responsibility for his actions. I know. I sound like the bad guy, and I know I am in your eyes. But that was the reason I was harsh with you. I was jealous because I couldn't have you," Seokjin guiltily stared at me from across the table.

"The man you're jealous of is dead at your mother's hands," I huffed, weakly shaking my head in disbelief. She couldn't stand watching her child's depression over a mere woman, so she got rid of Taehyung to free me for her son.

"I cherish Taehyung, and I know my mother was wrong for hurting him. She didn't just hurt my little brother but you too. She hurt the woman I love, and yet I couldn't do anything to stop her. You should know by now she's not an ordinary woman. My mother will go through all the storms to achieve her desire, and I don't want you to get hurt, so I'm begging you... please- just don't provoke her. I've already lost my brother... I can't lose you too," Seokjin pleaded to me with a worried expression.

"I just want to live in peace now. I've learned my lesson and I understand your viewpoint on this entire situation. I'm tired of this drama between us so let's stop fighting," I exhaled. I don't have the energy or mentality to deal with any more betrayals or heartbreaks.

"I feel the same way. It's meaningless to hurt each other when I care about you, and I know you haven't sorted out your personal issues yet, but I am asking you to give us another chance. Let's start over," Seokjin nodded at me. I stared at him in silence. I can't stay at this villa for long. I need to leave as soon as possible before my stepfather finds an excuse to kill me.

"Okay. Let's start over, but I don't want to have a relationship label yet," I finally sighed.

"What do you mean?" Seokjin raised his eyebrows.

"I'm still a mess and I'm still figuring out my feelings so I don't think it's appropriate to call it a relationship with you unless I'm fully devoted to you. Right? I don't want further misunderstandings or arguments so let's not call it a relationship. Not yet. Not until I'm ready," I explained. It's unsettling to be lovers when we both know there's nothing between us.

"Okay. I get you. Let's get to know each other again... slowly. At your pace. I'll respect your decisions. Are we on good terms now?" Seokjin smiled from across the table.

"No more sex," I nodded, placing out my hand for his.

"Moh?" Seokjin frowned at my statement.

"I don't want to have sex with you until I'm ready!" I shrugged, brightly smiling at him.

"Why not? What's the matter with me? Am I not good enough-"

"It's not about you! You want us to focus on building our relationship, right? We're starting from scratch so let's not have sex! It'll only complicate the healing process because we wouldn't know if we're enjoying each other's company or if we're only horny. So let's keep it platonic," I shook my head. Seokjin cutely frowned at my condition in silence.

"Fine. I'll let you save it for our honeymoon night then," Seokjin teased, reaching out to shake my hand.

"Honeymoon-?!" I widened my eyes in shock and tried to pull my hand free.

"If this works out... we'll get married, right? So let's save the fun for later," Seokjin smirked until my face flushed red.

"You're so creepy-"

"Araso. Araso. If you're uncomfortable with my creepy stalking document- then I'll burn it all. If it makes you feel safer around me," Seokjin chuckled, finally releasing my hand.

"You don't have to burn it. I want to go through everything- especially the things related to my father, so give me access to the room," I shook my head. I need to investigate my father's death- so the articles might be helpful.

"You know my house's pin," Seokjin raised his eyebrow, accompanied by a smug smile.

"Stop being weird!" I whined, hopping onto my feet when he wouldn't stop teasing me. Seokjin laughed at my shy attitude after I left to shower while he waited in my room to speak with Changwon about my health conditions. I shouldn't be too focused on my hurting wound! I'll try to be better! It worked before, and it wasn't so hard! I can do this again! Let's not live in the dark anymore and walk forward! My real enemy isn't Seokjin! It's my stepfather and Mrs. Kim, so I'll stay low until I gather enough evidence to disable them. I won't repeat my mistake again.

After Dinner

"Jiyoung?" Eomma knocked on my door while I was getting ready for bed. I quickly got up to open the door to find Seokjin leaning weakly against my mother with a flushed face.

"Is he drunk???" I gasped as my mother dragged Seokjin into my room to settle him on the couch.

"He drank too much with your father. I don't think he can drive home, so let him stay," Eomma grimaced before walking out of my room. I turned to find Seokjim grumbling on the couch and knelt down to undo his shirt in silence.

"Ohoh? Why are you undressing me? You said no sex!" Seokjin giggled, poking my cheek with a wide smile.

"I'm just helping you get changed," I shook my head and left my bedroom to find Changwon's spare clothes in the guest room before returning to help Seokjin change into the comfortable nightwear.

"I can't sleep on the same bed, right? I guess this is my bed today!" Seokjin laughed while patting the couch, suddenly slumping down after losing his consciousness.

"Good night," I sighed before switching off the light and got back on my bed to sleep. Seokjin didn't move on the couch and quietly snored, so I turned on the mattress to sleep when I felt my bed sinking.

"What-"

"The couch is uncomfortable! Let me sleep with you! Scoot!" Seokjin mumbled while taking off Changwon's hoodie to expose his torso. He drunkenly shoved me away, so I rolled over in shock to watch Seokjin crawl onto my bed. He grabbed my pillow and laid face first on the mattress with a dazed expression.

"We're supposed to be platonic- ah!" I complained when he suddenly pulled me down with him to slip his arm under my head and swung his leg over my body to hug me against his shirtless body.

"I won't do anything," He whispered. I scrunch my nose at the heavy liquor odor with a flustered expression as he gently breathed against my face. Seokjin fell asleep on the spot, so I remained stiff as a board against his warm body until I finally found the courage to remove his limbs from my body. After sharing my blanket with him, I scooted away from Seokjin and turned on my side to face the wall until I fell asleep.

Clack. Clack. Clack. I slowly walked into the cremation house in the middle of the night to find a strange light flickering from my father's memorial section. A wave of heat suddenly blasted in my direction, causing me to halt in shock. I swallowed in fear, finally mustering up the courage to walk forward until I found a man standing before my father's section with blood dripping from his fingers. My eyes bulged open in terror when I realized the entire memorial wall was on fire.

"Appa- No!" I gasped, hurrying toward my father's burning picture to grab his urn- when the person violently yanked me back from the burning shelf. I shrieked and turned to glare at the person in tears- only to find- Taehyung glaring fiercely at me with his glowering red eyes.

"You deserve to rot with him!" Taehyung growled in a demonic voice as dark veins bulged all over his skin. His face began to rot before my horrified eyes until flesh slid off his face muscles... and insects were crawling out of his milky white eyeballs. The disturbing sight was so nasty- it made my inside lurch in distress.

"Taehyung-"

"DIE!" He screamed, shoving me hard into the burning wall. I howled in fear when I felt the flame catching on my clothes to burn my flesh with its scorching heat. I wailed in agony when I felt the fire engulfing me as Taehyung pinned me against the walls of flames until I felt every inch of my body stinging with the unbearable heat-

"Fuck!" I cursed, bolting up into a sitting position in a cold sweat. I keep having recurring nightmares! What's the matter with me!? My head was throbbing with a dull ache, so I lowered my face to grip my hair in distress as I sat on the bed. I didn't have the nightmare before! Is it because I'm not using alcohol or sex as a distraction? Gulping, I turned to find Seokjin fast asleep on my bed and glanced at the glowing clock. 1:23AM.

"I'm thirsty," I mumbled, quietly crawling off my bed to leave my room. I went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, then returned to the main room when my heart suddenly skipped in panic. I halted in the dark living room when I noticed a silhouette sitting on the couch- Shit! I'm seeing things again! Sweats began to form all over my neck and forehead as I stared intensely at the imaginary shadow.

"What's wrong??? Are you alright?" The shadow turned to look at me in confusion, making me jerk in fright.

"Oh! It's you. What are you doing down here?" I mumbled when I recognized Changwon's voice and slowly approached him.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came down to have some warm water," He nodded at the mug on the coffee table. I exhaled and sat down beside him to tilt my face backward with the bottle clutched tightly in my hands.

"I need stronger medication," I whispered, keeping my tired eyes on the crystal chandelier in the room.

"You had the nightmare again?" Changwon anxiously turned to look at me.

"I saw... Taehyung... burning my father's memorial. Every time I see him- He's always so angry with me," I whispered, slowly averting my guilty eyes to Changwon. Maybe Taehyung is really upset with me? He died because of me! If only I wasn't greedy-

"Do you want to visit your father's memorial then? You must be restless. I can't sleep anyways, so I'll drive you. Let's get some fresh air," Changwon exhaled as he got onto his feet, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at him with a dreadful expression, finally agreeing to leave the villa with him since I didn't want to fall asleep. I don't want to have a nightmare again!

"Head inside first. The engine is making weird sounds," Changwon frowned when the vehicle kept making odd noises once we arrived at the empty cremation house. I got out of the car in my nightgown with a wool cardigan over my shoulder, slowly walking up the stairs to enter the dark building. My palms began to sweat as I walked toward my father's memorial in silence. The room was chilly, cold and somber. I glanced at the rows and rows of ash urns with my frightened eyes as I walked past the decreased memorials. Maybe... I should visit Taehyung's grave to appease him? I couldn't bring myself to visit his resting place because I didn't want to accept his death.

I halted in shock when I found someone sitting before my father's memorial. Seokjin?! No! He's at my place! Jungkook? He only visits during the day! My blood turned cold when I recognized the man and his defined facial structure... Taehyung. He was staring unblinkingly at my father's photo under the shaded moonlight glow. My heart started racing at the sight of his presence as I stared at this gloomy side profile and messy dark hair in fright. Squeak. I took a step back in fear when he slowly turned his head to stare at me with a lifeless gaze.

"Jiyoung? Where are you- Whoa!? What's the matter?!" Changwon called from behind as he searched the building when I lost my shit and turned around to run for my life, slamming right into Changwon's solid body.

"Let's leave! I don't want to be here!" I insisted, fearfully grabbing his forearm to drag him away.

"Yah! What's wrong-"

"I keep seeing him! I'm scared! Let's leave!" I cried in fear as Changwon frowned at my spooky reaction in confusion while glancing around the dark building.

"Araso. Let's head back," He sighed, placing his arm around my shoulder to lead me away as I fearfully glanced around the dark property. We got back in the car, and Changwon drove me back home five minutes after we arrived at the cremation house. I didn't talk with Changwon and hurried back to my room to sleep with Seokjin. I drew the blanket over my head and gripped it tightly because I was scared of seeing Taehyung again. My guilts are driving me crazy!

"Are you alright?" Seokjin grumbled, sleepily lifting his head to stare at me as I shakily huddled under the blanket.

"I'm f-fine-" I stuttered, but my body said otherwise... I was trembling like a lost puppy. Seokjin didn't say anything and scooted closer to hug my shuddering body in his comforting embrace. I gripped the blanket tightly, refusing to poke my head out of the opening with my eyes screwed shut in fear.

"You'll suffocate under the blanket. Face me if you're scared," Seokjin whispered in a hoarse tone, gently tugging the blanket off my head, so I looked up to find him staring at me with his sleepy eyes. Seokjin scooted closer to press his shirtless body against mine as he slipped his arm under my head and drew me forward to hold me against his warm flesh. I was very shaken at first but after a moment of listening to his calm heartbeat... my breath eventually matched his. My heart rate eventually fell into the same rhythm, and I finally dozed off again, but this time... I didn't have any nightmares.

Changwon strolled in with my morning medication as usual with something in his hand as I brushed my hair before the mirror. Seokjin went downstairs to have breakfast after he woke up, so I took a warm bath and got dressed.

"You dropped your ring last night," Changwon placed the engagement ring on the coffee table along with my medicine.

"My ring?" I frowned, glancing at Changwon through the mirror.

"Yeah. I went back to the cremation house after losing my phone last night. It must've slipped out of my jacket's pocket when you bumped into me- fortunately, I returned. Your ring was left on the floor," He exhaled, placing his cracked phone screen on the table. I stopped brushing my hair and slowly turned to frown at the ring on the table.

"It was there? Did you find it in the building? My engagement ring?" I uneasily approached the ring and lowered my hand to pick it up with a slight frown to examine the design in silence.

"Oh. It was under a bench in the lobby. Is it not your ring? I'll return it to the cremation house if it's not yours," Changwon nodded. I blankly stared at the detailed engravings around the center diamonds and claws, carefully inspecting inside the ring loop to find the initial... J&T... carved on it.

"It's mine, but... How did it end up there?" I whispered, lowering the ring to stare at Changwon with a startled expression.

"I don't know. Maybe you accidentally brought it with you???" Changwon stood up to scratch his hair with a clueless expression.

"That's impossible..." I whispered while staring at him.

"Why not?" Changwon raised his eyebrows. I slowly walked toward my jewelry drawer to pull it open and carefully took out a black velvet case. I opened it to find the engagement ring inside it, carefully taking the jewel out from the box to show it to Changwon.

"This doesn't make sense," I muttered as I intensely stared at both rings.

"What? Do you have two? It's not yours then-"

"I switched our rings," I whispered with my frightened eyes fixed on the rings.

"Moh?" Changwon frowned, stepping forward to inspect the rings in my hand before glancing at me for explanations.

"I switched my ring with Taehyung- before they buried him. This ring- The one you found- it's supposed to be on his pinky finger. I- I kept his ring with me, so how did my ring end up at the memorial house?-" I uneasily explained- abruptly halting when something struck me. I gave Taehyung my ring, and I took his... and if he's buried with my ring then- How did this ring- I froze in my place as the vivid flashes of earlier memories flooded my head. Last night- it wasn't a ghost!

It was Taehyung. He was there that night-

"Where are you going!?" Changwon gasped when I suddenly dashed out of the room in horror and ran down the stairs to find Seokjin speaking with my mother.

"Where's Taehyung!?" I snapped, grabbing Seokjin's arm to get his attention. My mother turned to stare at my unexpected interruption in confusion.

"What?-"

"Taehyung is alive! Where is he!? Where are you hiding him!?" I confronted Seokjin's startled reaction as Changwon strolled down the stairs in a hurry to catch up with me.

"Honey. Taehyung is dead-"

"If he's dead- then why is my ring not in his grave?!" I gasped, lifting up my ring before Seokjin's face. He frowned at the engagement ring and glanced at me with an uneasy expression.

"Jiyoung- I don't understand-"

"I saw him last night! Taehyung was there! He visited my father! Where is he?!" I screamed in distress. It was Taehyung last night! This doesn't make sense, but a ring can't run on its own!

"Jiyoung sweetie- Did you take your medication-"

"He's at your mother's place, isn't he? I saw him too! That night in his room! Taehyung was in his room!" I gasped, wildly turning to stare at Seokjin's dumbfounded face with my eyes bulging open like a madman.

"Jiyoung. You need to calm down. He's dead-"

"Take me to your mother's place! He's there! I want to see him!" I snapped, roughly yanking Seokjin's arm forward.

"JIYOUNG!-"

"TAKE ME TO YOUR MOTHER'S PLACE! I WANT TO CONFIRM HIS EXISTENCE!" I raised my voice at Seokjin's terrified face. Everyone grew hushed as he stared at my abnormal behavior with a restless expression.

"I think you need your medication-"

"NO! I KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING!" I turned to scream at eomma in anger. How can they do this to me!? Taehyung is alive! I saw him with my own eyes!

"Alright- Alright. Let's visit my mother's place- Stay calm, okay? You might have a seizure," Seokjin sighed, firmly gripping my shoulders with a concerned expression. Seokjin took me in his car, and we left to visit his parent's place right away. I quickly rushed inside the mansion without any invitations.

"Oh! My lady! The elders aren't home-"

"Where is he!? Kim Taehyung! Where is he!?" I screamed, impatiently grabbing a maid's shoulders to question her.

"W-What? What are you talking about, my lady?" The maid searched my outraged eyes in fear. I roughly released her and ran up the staircase just as Seokjin stepped inside the living room

"Jiyoung! Be careful!" Seokjin gasped when I missed a step and stumbled on the stairs, but I caught the railing to stabilize my balance and scurried up to the first floor. I turned to the left corridor and ran toward Taehyung's room. THUD. THUD. THUD. I hastily stormed toward the door and banged it open to find a maid wiping the window. She jerked in panic at the sudden disturbance and turned to look at me as I barged into the room to search for Taehyung.

"Where is he!?" I screamed in distress as I frantically searched the room. I broke into his closet room before slamming his bathroom door open to check the tub.

"My lady? What are you- ah!" The maid gasped in panic when I suddenly dropped to the floor to look under the bed, but no matter where I searched- I couldn't find him. I angrily shoved the photo frame off the drawers and turned to glare at the frightened maid in anger.

"Jiyoung! Stop!" Seokjin scolded, quickly gripping my arms to stop me from trashing his younger brother's bedroom.

"No! I know he's here! TAEHYUNG?! TAEHYUNG, I'M HERE!" I screamed for him in distress as the maids stared at my deranged behavior in shock.

"Stop! You need to calm down-" Seokjin sighed, firmly tugging my arm back to hold me when I tried to trash the bed. I abruptly stopped grabbing Taehyung's stuffed animals when we heard an odd sound from above us. Creak. Creak. Everyone grew hushed at the sound of the creaking floor, so I slowly glanced up at the ceiling with a suspicious expression.

"Who's up there?" I whispered.

"The 2nd floor is the elder's chamber-" The maid informed me, but I didn't let her finish her sentence and bolted out of the room. Seokjin shouted after me in irritation as I hurriedly climbed the staircase to the next floor and bolted in the suspicious direction when the door to a room suddenly opened... and Hyeri stepped out in her nursing uniform.

"Oh! You scared me! What are you doing here???" Hyeri gasped when I suddenly burst into the corridor. She closed the door unsurely, so I stopped running and halted in my position to stare at her. Seokjin and the maids chased after me from the lower floors, finally appearing beside me. They were also out of breath.

"Jiyoung! You have to stop!" Seokjin panted in difficulty as he struggled to catch his breath beside me. He leaned against the wall, then turned to look at Hyeri's uptight expression with sweat beads all over his forehead.

"Oh, nothing. I'm here to visit Mrs. Kim because she's sick," I suddenly softened my tone with a weak smile. Seokjin and the maids glanced at me with baffled expressions because of my sudden calmness.

"Ah. She is feeling unwell. I was just checking on her health a moment ago," Hyeri replied, walking up to me with her hands clasped together. Seokjin frowned at Hyeri's response as he straightened his back against the wall. Bingo. The corners of my lips curved up into a weak smile.

"She's resting in her room?" I asked, pretentiously staring at Hyeri with a concerned expression.

"Neh. I just gave her medication-"

"Moh? But eomma and appa aren't home," Seokjin muttered, turning to look at the maids for explanations.

"Neh! The elders left early this morning," The maids bowed at Seokjin. I didn't look away and kept my eyes fixed on Hyeri with a composed smile. Blood drained from her face at the maid's claim.

"Then why is eomma in her room-"

"Because it's not her in that room. It's Kim Taehyung," I whispered, keeping my eyes fixed on Hyeri's shaken reaction. Her eyes slightly widened in horror as I smirked at her. The entire corridor grew quiet as we stared at Hyeri's startled face.

"That's absolute nonsense. Taehyung passed away- Jiyoung!" Hyeri scoffed, trying to play it cool- when I suddenly sprinted forward. She gasped and tried to reach for me, but I hastily shoved her aside and ran towards the wooden door.

Time dramatically slowed down as I hastily reached out for the golden knob. I forced the heavy door open to barge inside- only to be greeted by the blidning sunlit room as I stumbled inside with my racing heart. I halted in place when I found a person sitting by the wide-open window... in a wheelchair.

Seokjin dashed after me, abruptly stopping just behind me when he found the dead man... sitting inside the room. My heart stopped beating, and my mind turned blank as I stared at his sick expression and blank face in horror. Seokjin's mouth dropped open in disbelief at the sight of his younger brother's presence as he slowly stepped into the room with me. Hyeri appeared behind us with horrified eyes as we both gawked at Taehyung in shock. No one dared to utter a single word as the curtain delicately fluttered on the sides of the window frames.

He is alive.

Kim Taehyung is alive.

__________________________

Hello! I'm so sorry for the late update! <3 I have been occupied with school T_T How's everyone doing? I hope you enjoyed the chapter! He didn't die! Yay! Thank you so much for your support and I am beyond grateful to have you guys by my side! I will be back soon! I love you! <3 Stay safe and healthy!