Y/N's POV

"Jump," he said with unwavering confidence, his voice carried on the wind as if it was part of the sky itself. My heart thundered in my chest, and I felt every ounce of energy seep from my body.

"Jump?" I whispered, the word barely escaping my lips.

Jungkook sighed, his gaze softening at my hesitation. "Listen, Angel. We’re more human than bird, yes, but our wings—they're part of us, just like they are for them. When a baby bird takes flight for the first time, it’s often pushed from the nest. That’s how I learned, too." He glanced away at the end, his voice dropping into something almost too quiet to catch.

I stepped closer to the edge of the roof, peering down at the daunting drop. My body trembled against the breeze, my feet curling against the rough surface.

"And I’ll be right here," he reassured, his voice a lifeline amidst my fear. "If you falter, I’ll catch you. Just trust me, Y/N. Spread your wings. Let your body guide you."

I locked eyes with him, his steady gaze grounding me. Taking a deep breath, I inched forward until the tips of my toes hung over the edge. The wind rushed against my face, almost daring me to take the leap. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I whispered a silent prayer and jumped.

The sensation was immediate. The pull of gravity dragged me downward, faster than I anticipated. I unfolded my wings in one desperate motion, the air catching and pushing against them. I was falling—too fast. Panic clawed at my chest as the ground approached, but instinct took over. My wings flapped, once, twice, and suddenly I wasn’t falling anymore.

I was flying.

The rush of wind surrounded me as the world spread out below. The sky embraced me, the currents lifting me higher with each beat of my wings. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt free. A laugh escaped my lips as I soared above the treetops, my worries momentarily forgotten. I landed in a small clearing, adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

I brushed my fingers over my wings, marveling at how natural it felt now. They weren’t just a burden—they were mine.

Before I could fully process the moment, I felt a familiar presence behind me. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, and black wings enveloped me like a protective shroud. The scent of his cologne filled my senses as Jungkook leaned in closer.

"Impressive for a first-timer," he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

I smiled at the compliment, stepping out of his embrace to face him. "Thank you, but something tells me that wasn’t the hard part."

His lips curled into a smirk. "Not even close." He folded his wings neatly behind him. "Falling from a height is easy. Now you’ll need to master takeoff—no wind, no ledges. Just you and your wings."

I nodded, determination sparking in my chest. This was about more than flight. It was about control, strength, and proving to myself that I could do this.

---

Hours passed as I tried again and again to launch myself into the air. The sky turned from bright blue to a fiery orange, and eventually, a deep indigo. My muscles burned, and exhaustion clung to me, but I wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet.

Jungkook leaned casually against a tree, his dark eyes watching me with quiet intensity. Occasionally, he offered pointers, but mostly he let me struggle. His silence pushed me harder than any words ever could.

After one final failed attempt, I stumbled to the ground, my wings trembling with fatigue. Before I could try again, Jungkook appeared at my side, wrapping an arm around my waist to steady me.

"That’s enough for today, love," he said softly. Despite my frustration, I nodded, knowing he was right. My body had reached its limit.

---

Back in the mansion, I changed into an oversized hoodie, the scent of lavender clinging to the fabric. I collapsed onto the bed, my limbs heavy but my heart lighter than it had been in days. Jungkook, however, wasn’t resting.

He stood by the closet, pulling on dark clothes—his “work uniform,” as I called it. The sight of his weary expression stirred something in me.

"Where are you going?" I mumbled, my voice thick with fatigue.

"Just finalizing a deal for the gang," he replied, trying to sound casual, but his tone betrayed his exhaustion.

"You need to rest, Jungkook," I said, concern lacing my words.

He glanced at me, his expression softening. "Don’t worry, Angel. This deal is important. For us." He offered a faint smile before disappearing out the door.

I stared after him, my chest tightening. He was overworking himself, drowning in responsibilities, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was to avoid something—maybe even me. Rolling onto my side, I whispered into the empty room, "Talk to me, Jungkook."

---

Jungkook's POV

Leaving her like that hurt more than I’d care to admit. Every instinct in me screamed to stay by her side, to hold her and shield her from everything. But Lorenzo’s words lingered in my mind.

"She’ll become a distraction."

Distraction. Was that all this was?

No. It was more. Much more. I had never felt this way before—this raw, consuming need to protect someone. To be better, not for myself, but for her. And yet, I couldn’t let it show. Not now. Not when I had so much to prove.

Steeling myself, I stepped into the night, forcing my heart to stay silent.