391.

Tears couldn’t stop falling down his eyes. He thought he was so tired for that already, but now, now as he read his mother’s letter, he couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart.

“She knew all along but she didn’t tell me because she know I’ll feel anxious...”

He was shaking in tears, and it fell right onto the paper. I created stains that no one would know how much emotions were stuck in there.

“Mom...I miss you so much...” he muttered under his breath.

Oh how he wish he could still feel the warmth of her hug right now.

He held the letter close to his heart as he cry everything out.

Everyones safest place, comfort zone, and resting ground would always be the love of a mother.

And it was very unfortunate that Tae lost the same mother twice.

How cruel of fate.

Legs pressed near his chest, he leaned his head above it.

“I’ll make sure to give you justice mom, and I’ll also make sure that its worth saving me.”

He spoke as tears fell, “I hope you know that I’m glad that ur my mother too.”

[ TIME SKIP BECAUSE IM EXCITED ]

392.

Sun down from the horizon, it was around 11 in the evening.

Tae was already sleeping — well, everyone was already sleeping in their tents.

Some soldiers were awake to guard their territory, its like changing shifts.

The light of the moon shone in Tae’s face, and he was woken up.

He knew that the tent front opened, and it now closed cuz the light disappeared.

But he felt presence lying from behind him, and arms encircling on his waist like its hugging him.

Tae felt odd, he opened his eyes and tried to feel everything behind him.

“Jungkook?” He called, he’s backfacing the person so he didn’t know if its actually him.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?” By the voice, he knew its him.

Tae closed his eyes back, feeling secure now.

“Hmm, its okay.” Tae answered, “What brought you here? Did something happened?”

He felt Jungkook’s embrace getting tighter, but still enough to give him comfort.

“Nothing, I can’t help but overthink. And I can’t sleep, so I came here.”

“How does that connect?”

“Your my safe place.”

Tae smiled at his words, his heart jumped to be honest. “What we’re you thinking?” He asked.

“A lot, so much. And you’re one of them.”

Tae turned to face him, “Are you flirting with me, sir?”

Jungkook laughed, “Maybe.”

Tae pinched his nipples and Jungkook groaned as he laugh. “This isn’t the right time for that.” He chuckled.

“Sorry, I was trying to stress out. My mind is really a mess right now. I’m scared.”

Tae felt sad.

Because of course, as a Captain, everyone had so much faith an trust in you. He couldn’t imagine all the pressure that Jungkook is feeling right now.

“And that Hugo, he’s up to something. I don’t think we can trust him.”

“I want to move everyone in the capital, but its a lot messy there. The people are being enslaved, lots of murders are happening. Fuck, I know they’ll find us soon.”

The worry was evident in Jungkook’s face.

I mean, its one of the reasons why I hate being a leader.

Jungkook was so lost in thoughts that he didn’t realize that Tae was staring at him.

With all the love in his eyes, Tae admired his features. He thought his eyes were so beautiful as it hit the light of the moon.

“The universe must’ve adored you so much...” Tae started, and Jungkook looked up to him.

“Why?”

“Because it placed all the stars in your eyes.”

Jungkook was flustered that he looked down to hide his eyes.

Oh how he wish they’ll last like this, how he wish the peace will be much longer.

Because at this moment, he’s not sure if they’ll even survive tomorrow.

“Can I sleep here?” Jungkook asked, pleading with his eyes.

And how can Tae say ‘no’ from those puppy eyes? “What else? You know i’d say ‘yes’ now idiot.”

And the night ended like that.

But the next day wasn’t quite merciful.

393.

394.

As the last scoop of soil was placed, they finally finished burying the dead body.

Everyone was sad, but mostly anxious because they didn’t actually know what happened.

“This is all bullshit.”

Sergeant Min spoke.

“Everything is bullshit. I don’t think I can trust any of you now.”

The Sergeant said, “Sergeant would you please lower your voice—“

“YOU!” Sergeant Min pointed at Jungkook.

“I’m so tired of all your orders thinking that it will make anything less worse!”

Jungkook just stood there, listening to his words that he know it may hurt him.

“You told us to trust each other but now do you see this?!” He pointed at the grave.

“You’re the worse Captain, the worse leader.”

Everyone was silent, shocked at the words thrown out. But some of them though he had a point.

“I only said trust each other. But I did not say ‘let them fool you’. You can trust people, thats not your fault. But the blame is on you if you let them fool you.”

Jungkook said, expression still as hard as stone but Tae knew how much he’s hurting inside.

He’s still a person after all.

“Are you saying that I’m dumb?!”

Sergeant tried to attack and come at him, but some trainees stopped it.

“What if you’re just setting us up? What if you’re actually the one causing this?”

Tae felt angry, he knew it was behind the line. “Stop it! How dare you blame people?”

Sergeant shook everyone that’s holding him.

“Everyone, if you believe in my words that Captain Jeon is the actual suspect, cross the line and go to my side.”

Since they were standing in both opposing directions, it was easy to tell.

Some hesitated to take a step, but as soon as one did, many did too.

“Are you insane?!” Namjoon cried, feeling so hopeless at the amount of soldiers who crossed the line.

Sergeant Min smirked, “See? Lots of people suspect you.”

But Jungkook was thankful for those who stayed behind him, even if its just a few.

“Then go,” Jungkook spoke, and Sergeant raised a brow. “What?”

“Go. Leave MY territory.”

Sergeant couldn’t utter a word for that, and the people on his side felt a bit nervous.

“Let’s live on our now. Good luck on surviving.”

395.

394.

It was a quiet afternoon, maybe because of what happened earlier.

There are still some soldiers left with Jungkook, and luckily, they’re enough to protect each other.

Tae can walk a bit now, but he still needs support. And he’s glad that everyone is willing to help him.

“Thanks, hyung.” He told Seokjin as he help him sit down on the ring of the tree.

“I don’t really get those trainees who crossed the line.” Seokjin said, he wanted to talk about it to give Tae assurance that he trusts Jungkook.

“Do you trust our Captain?”

Seokjin chuckled. “I wouldn’t be here if I don’t.”

“And I told you, I know Jungkook even before I become a trainee. He’s really dedicated and honest. I know he’ll never do those kind of things.”

Tae was silent, and he noticed. Seokjin patted his back.

“Don’t worry, I talked to the others, and thats what they thought too. We’ll trust Captain no matter what. Besides, he’s the reason why most of us survived.”

Seokjin left, giving Tae privacy as Jungkook finally arrive.

“Hyung, I think I know who the traitor is.”

Jungkook guided him into the tent, they need some talk.

“Who?” Tae asked, feeling nervous. He’s been wanting to know who and Jungkook was really amazing if he’ll know.

“There are two, actually.”

Tae’s eyes bawled. “Two?!”

Jungkook nodded and placed his index finger in front of Tae’s lip to make him quiet.

“The other one is a coward, and I don’t think he’s sticking to what he’s asked to do. And the other is just an obedient as a dog.”

Tae’s brows furrowed.

“So who?”

“Its Hugo and Sergent Min. Hugo was tasked to lure us and kill us but he’s not doing it and I don’t know why. And Sergeant Min, he’s trying to put the blame on me so that he won’t be suspicious. But he just lured himself out.”

Tae felt scared of what might happen.

“Why are we still not getting rid of Hugo?”

“I believe he has a reason why he’s not killing us yet. And I think we can use him.”

“Use him? For wh—aH!”

Tae felt that throbbing pain in his head again, the same thing he felt before the bomb explodes.

“Hyung, what’s happening?” Jungkook felt worried as he watch Tae hold his head.

“Shit, agh!” Tae cried, his tears forming in the side of his eyes out of pain.

“Doctor Hye!” Jungkook called as he held Tae in his arms. The doctor came quickly.

“He’s getting headaches again.” Jungkook said.

Tae couldn’t take the pain anymore, it was like its crushing his head and he can hear some signal like in his ears.

He remembered what the fairy said.

“T-the eye is the m-mirror...of the s-soul...” he whispered.

Some of their medical soldier staffs came in to check on Tae.

“Hyung?” Jungkook asked, not hearing what he said.

“The eye is the mirror of the soul!” Tae cried, saying it in a fast way because his head is hurting so much.

Jungkook went blank for a second, and it hit him.

Jungkook quickly got up and left the tent. The doctor and nurses were holding Tae as they try to calm him down and ease the pain.

“Hagh!” Tae cried, eyes shut forcefully.

Jungkook came back in, holding a mirror. He knelt down, and showed it to Tae.

“Tae, open your eyes!”

But Tae did not listen, because he was much in pain to even listen to his surroundings.

“KIM TAEHYUNG OPEN YOUR EYES!” Jungkook shouted, & Tae knew he needed to open his eyes even if it hurts.

He forced to open the hoods of his eyes, meeting his own reflection in the mirror.

But even if Tae saw himself, he knew it wasn’t him.

Because his reflection was staring back at him with surprise in their eyes.

It was the other Tae.

Tae looked at him straight, and he saw that he’s slowly groaning in some specific pain.

It was like its mirroring his pain, and at some certain point, Tae can feel that the headache was slowly fading away.

The other Tae was holding onto his head now, like how Tae was holding it earlier.

Did he just give him headaches too?

Did he just control him now?

395.

396.

397.

398.

It was around 9 in the eve, and Tae was still looking at the mirror.

He was thinking of what was happening in the future, or how was his family there? His aunt? His younger brother?

He sighed, he missed them, so much.

But he was still wondering, how could he take over that other Taehyung like how he did earlier?

Or is that other Tae still doing fine there?

Thoughts were a mess on his head, but who can blame him? Everythings a mess now.

The parting of the tent opened, the light of the moon shone inside.

“How are you doing now?” Jungkook asked, stepping inside and sitting beside Tae.

“I’m doing quite fine...for now.” He sadly said, fidgeting the mirror. He feels a bit anxious.

“What...actually happened earlier?” Jungkook carefully asked, not wanting to press the wrong buttons that can make Tae feel more anxious.

“I think, every time he’s trying to control me, my head aches. And it hurts so bad.”

“But thank you for helping me out awhile ago, I know you could solve the riddle.”

Jungkook looks distracted, he was just holding Tae’s hand, caressing it. And he’s quietly staring at the blank.

Tae knew there was something wrong.

He held his hand too, and that made Jungkook jump out of his thoughts.

“Something you wanna tell me?” He asked. And Jungkook thought, that maybe he’s bad at hiding his emotions when it comes to Taehyung.

He just make him feel so weak and soft.

“I just...I feel like exploding.” Jungkook started.

“With what happened earlier, I feel like they all suspect me now, that they don’t trust me anymore. I think I’m really a bad leader af—“

Tae squeezed his hands tight that It made Jungkook flinch. “Ouch!”

Jungkook cried. “Don’t you ever say that again because its not true! If you’re a bad leader then you could’ve not brought us this far!”

Tae knew Jungkook would doubt himself after that, and he just hate that he doesn’t realize his worth.

The younger sighed.

“I’m so tired hyung, I wanna cry.”

Jungkook leaned his head onto Tae’s shoulder, and hugged his arm.

Tae felt the pain in there, he forgot that Jungkook is also a person. Who’s meant to get tired, to do stupid things and to have limits.

And that makes us a person.

“I have a lot in my head, I feel so angry that my anger turns to tears. I hate being pressured, & all my life I was. I’m trying to act tough because I don’t want my people to see their own Captain in a weak state.”

Tae felt the cloth on his shoulder getting wet. He’s crying.

Tae had no words, he just let him cry like that and hold his hands to comfort him.

They both fell asleep in that state, thinking that everything would be less worse tomorrow.

But tomorrow hasn’t even came and yet its getting even worse.

An explosion was heard from outside the tent, and the trainees were making a fuss outside.

Sounds of gunshots, knives, swords and groans were heard.

Jungkook was woken up, feeling his surroundings. And he finally realized it.

“Fuck they found us.”

Tae raised his head up, eyes fluttering as he adjust to the light. He just woke up.

“What’s goin—“

“Baby, I need you to run.”

Tae’s brows furrowed. “I can’t run yet, what’s happen—“

An explosion was heard near their tent.

Jungkook held Tae’s hand and looked at him eye to eye.

He was trying to think of some other way that can save Tae because he knew that he can’t fight yet.

“Jung—what are you doing?!” Tae cried.

Jungkook suddenly grabbed the sharp stone from the small opening of the tent.

Jungkook’s arm was now bleeding, and he quickly wiped his blood and damped it on Tae’s clothes.

“What-?” Tae asked, feeling so confused.

“Pretend you’re dead.”

Jungkook continued damping his blood onto his clothes and even arms to make it realistic.

“You can’t run, & I won’t let you fight yet. They need me out there, & this is all you could do to be saved.”

Jungkook said as he lay down Taehyung.

“Please be careful.” Tae cried in a shaky voice.

Jungkook leaned forward & placed a kiss on his forehead. “I’ll be back.”

And those were Jungkook’s last words before he went out, and Tae did not know what happened next.

He just laid there, feeling so scared.

Like what if something explodes near him? What if the opponents check the tent and see him?

Well fuck.

Because even while he’s just thinking of that, a bullet suddenly hit the tent and it flew just right above his head.

It was very near that he’s thankful it did not hit him. He’s suspecting its a sniper because of the bullet.

What a dumb sniper, I guess?

While Tae was inside the tent acting for his life, Jungkook had already fought some opponents even if he just came out.

The whole territory was a mess, and some were on fire. There are also dead bodies around and he’s afraid that its some of his people.

But they were lucky that those people had backed out already. Maybe because a lot of their people died now.

A lot were injured, some unfortunately died. And Jungkook had a shot in his arm.

“Captain, they’re gone.” Ta soldier came running, its their watch-man.

Jungkook was panting for breath, and feeling his shot aching.

“That’s not a good news. They found us already, there’s a big possibility that they’ll come back. We’re not safe here anymore.”

Jungkook stood up, holding his bleeding arm.

“Everyone! Gather all your belongings and anything useful. We’re leaving this place before the day rise.”

Jungkook said, and thought that he shouldn’t have let his guard down. Because its very predictable that they’ll attack at the time that they’re most vulnerable.

Tae came out from the tent, hearing Jungkook’s announcement.

He forced himself to stand up, even though his injury still stings. And its was more than enough for Jungkook to see him alive and safe.

He felt so drained in overall, but he can’t give up now.

After getting ready, they left the place with heaviness in their hearts. They lost some people again, and they knew they might lose more in the future.

It was just scary that they didn’t know who they’ll lose next.

“We’re running out of stored food sir.”

“The bullets and equipments also. We still have some of them but I don’t think it will be enough to protect us anymore.”

Lieutenant Jung said, feeling worried.

They were walking towards no one knows where. They just need to get away from that place as much as possible.

“We can hunt some animals in the way.” Jungkook said.

The soldiers from behind were surprised when one of them flopped on the ground.

Doctor Hye checked his pulse, and looked at them with disappointment in his eyes.

“He’s dead. He didn’t make it anymore.”

Jungkook sighed, he looked at his people, one by one. And his heart just ached at their looks, stained with wounds and blood, and they look overly drained.

“Let’s walk until over there, then we’ll take a short rest after that.” He ordered.

But even before they could go there, a huge group of people were in front of them — point out their spears and torches onto them.

The soldiers were alarmed and took out their guns, pointing it to those people too.

Fuck, did they just run into rebels?

399.

Everyone was alert and still, not wanting to be taken advantage of again.

Those people were on their casual everyday clothes, but stained with some muds and blood. I mean, its world war so nothing new.

Its just scary that they don’t know if they can trust them.

But that person, who looks like the leader, slowly placed down his spear.

“Captain Jeon?” He spoke.

Jungkook’s brows furrowed, still not letting his guard down. “Who are you?” He asked.

The person removed his hat that was covering his face.

Jungkook immediately remembered him. “Lieutenant Lee?”

He was so surprised to see him here, because he was actually trying to find him in the camp but he couldn’t. Since Lt. Lee was relocated out of misunderstandings.

“I’m glad you still remember me.”

Jungkook raised his hand, showing his people that its okay, and put their guns down.

“How can I forget the person who took care of me when I was a trainee?” Jungkook placed back the gun in his pocket.

He was glad to see him again, he was like a father to him.

Lt. Lee signaled his people behind him to put their spears down now.

Jungkook has a lot of questions, but he needs to fix them in line for now. “What happened to all of you?” He asked.

Lt. Lee sighed, “They didn’t actually relocate me to a new camp.”

“They just fired me out. It was unjustifiable.” He said, feeling a bit angry about those people he served for the longest and yet they did not even treat him well.

“Who are they, sir?”

Sergeant Kim asked, being familiarized with their Lieutenant.

“We’re in one neighborhood. We escaped the place where a lot of people we’re still jailed. Some were killed, and most of the women are used for pleasure.”

Jungkook noticed that Lee’s grip on the spear was tightened.

“They killed my daughter.”

Jungkook would never know the pain of losing a child, because he’s never been a parent. But he knew how much it hurts to loose a loved one.

“I’m sorry sir.” Jungkook apologized.

Suddenly, a kid from Lee’s side ran towards Taehyung.

“Taehyungie hyung!”

The kid gave him a gentle hug, he was stained with mud and some bruise.

“Taehyeol?” Tae smiled when he realized that it was that kid from the arcades.

He felt so touched that Taehyeol still remembered him.

“I’m so glad to see you again!” Tae cried.

But Tae also felt sad for him, because this kid doesn’t deserve experiencing things like this.

He’s so strong.

Everyone felt touched too, but they need to get on the business.

“Captain, would you like to go with us?” Lee asked.

“Where?”

“We’re on the way to the capital to try and save some people. And the president, they trying to make him surrender his position.”

Jungkook somehow felt something when he heard the word ‘president’.

“Who are we actually gonna save? The president, or the people?”

“Both, if possible. The president is useless without the people, and the people is in danger without a president.”

Jungkook sighed, his thoughts are unhelpfully scattered.

“But sir, if we’re gonna do that, we need more & stronger equipments.”

“We need more people and a concrete plan before we attack.” A soldier spoke.

“The equipments are easy to get. Just shoot the opponents and steal their guns. But the people and plans, we need to talk about that first.”

Lieutenant Lee said, and Jungkook accepted the offer.

Not just for himself, not just for his people, but its because that’s his job.

They temporarily stopped in where they are to get a bit of rest and heal. And also, to have some plan.

“What happened to your leg, hyung?” Taehyeol asked, curiously looking.

“Oh this?” Tae held his leg that’s bandaged. “I ran into an accident, but I’m okay.”

He ruffled the kid’s hair. They were sitting under the tree. Some were talking to each other and sharing food like a family.

Some were offering help. Tae smiled.

400.

THE BEST AUTHOR OF THIS AU IS ARTSEOULVK🍓

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