"You took my breaths away"

_

Jungkook's Pov :

"How is she doing now?" Jimin asked from the other line.

"She's in so much pain, but she's sleeping now," I said with a sigh on the call. "How's everything going in Seoul?"

"Ju-Jungkook... I want to tell you something," Jimin paused, his voice serious.

I listened carefully and sighed. "That sick old man can go to any lengths to get what he wants," I muttered through gritted teeth.

"I... just can't help it. I-I... she's innocent, and I can't put her in this danger," Jimin said, his voice filled with pain.

"Jimin, trust me, man. I'll take care of it, but you have to spill everything about her," I said.

"Huh, I will, okay? It's just not that serious with us," he stuttered. I shook my head in disbelief. This damn guy is being blackmailed by my father, and here he is stuttering about his love life.

"Come on, don't be a snot. Just do whatever you like and tell me what he wants now," I urged.

"He asked about you and her location."

"Hmmm, I'll be there by tomorrow morning. Before that, I need to assign a nurse for Moon and some guards in the area," I replied, planning my next steps.

"Jimin, I trust you, okay?" I said with hope in my voice.

_

"You're going?" Moon said sleepily, her eyes half-closed and her hair a tangled nest on the pillow. The medication was making her drowsy.

"Yeah, I have to. Um..." I sighed, gently smoothing her hair. "A nurse will be here soon. If you need anything, just ask her. I'm leaving my card here. If you want to order anything, use the landline. There are menus from restaurants on the table. Hmm, make sure to take your medicine, okay? I'll try to come back from Seoul as quickly as possible," I assured her.

"Is everything okay with you, Jungkook?" she asked in a sleepy voice. My heart skipped a beat; no one had ever asked me that before. I looked down at her. She seemed so tired and frail. I sighed, determined to make everything okay for her.

"Y-yeah, everything's okay, my love," I paused, gathering my thoughts. "My father wants to talk to me, so I have to be in Seoul by tomorrow morning."

"Take care," her voice creaked with sleepiness. "Don't get hurt and come back soon."

Again, my heart skipped a beat. "Don't get hurt..." Just those three words. My own family had never told me this my entire life. And here was my love, telling me to take care, not to get hurt, and to come back soon.

"I will, I promise, my love," I assured her softly, leaning in to gently kiss her forehead before reluctantly leaving the room.

The long drive from Daegu to Seoul had worn me down. By the time I reached home at six in the morning, fatigue weighed heavily on me. I hoped to slip in unnoticed, but my mother, sipping tea and reading the newspaper, had other plans. Her gaze snapped up as I entered, setting aside her cup with a clatter of porcelain.

"Jungkook!" she exclaimed, rushing towards me. "My son, where were you? Your father has been trying to reach you for days. What happened, son?"

"Work," I replied tersely, my voice strained with unspoken tension. I knew my mother could see through my lie, but I offered it anyway. A heavy pause hung between us, thick with unsaid words. "Out where?" she prodded gently, her tone betraying concern.

"Nowhere," I muttered, avoiding her gaze and glancing towards the staircase. "It doesn't matter."

The thud of my father's footsteps echoed down the stairs like a looming storm, his presence filling the room with authority. His narrowed eyes swept over the scene: me standing awkwardly, Mother looking worried and teary-eyed. "What's going on here?" he demanded sharply.

"Father," I acknowledged quietly, bowing my head slightly.

He chuckled darkly, and suddenly, I felt the sting of his palm against my cheek. I remained silent, jaw clenched, enduring another sharp blow. My head spun a metallic taste of blood in my mouth.

"Yeobo, please!" Mom pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion, but Father's anger was unrelenting. Another slap landed on my already sore cheek, and I stood firm, jaw tight with resolve.

He stepped closer until we were eye-to-eye. "Do I need to draw my gun to get an answer, or will you tell me where you've been for the past three days?" His voice was low, dangerous.

"Somewhere that doesn't concern you," I retorted coldly.

He tsked disapprovingly. "Hiding with Kim's daughter or messing around with her, huh?" His voice rose with anger. "Do you think you can betray your own father, the King of Seoul? Tell me!" He yelled, delivering a punch to my jaw.

Mom's cries filled the room, pleading for him to stop. "Stay out of this," he snapped at her. It was then I noticed Jimin standing in the corner, silent yet visibly distraught.

"She's gone," I finally managed to say.

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

"She escaped," I repeated bitterly. "I had her, but she slipped away."

Father's grip on my arm tightened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Escaped?" he echoed, voice low and threatening. "How?"

Meeting his gaze defiantly, I replied, "Do you really think I'd tell you if I had her? She's smarter than your entire operation combined."

His hand drew back, and I braced myself, expecting another blow. Instead, he studied me intently, searching for answers in my expression. "Why?" he asked, his voice softer now. "Why would you help her?"

"And why would I help her?" I asked, carefully concealing my emotions.

"Jeon Jungkook!" My father's voice boomed, reverberating through the room. His eyes bore into mine with a mix of suspicion and fury. "You dare defy me?"

"I'm not defying you," I replied calmly, though inside, turmoil churned. "I'm just being cautious. You know I wouldn't disappear without reason."

He scoffed, his demeanor hardening. "Reason or not, I don't trust you," he stated bluntly. "So you better not disappear anywhere."

"I won't," I assured him, forcing a neutral expression. "You have my word."

His gaze held mine for a long moment, assessing. "Good," he finally grunted, releasing his grip on my collar. "Because I won't tolerate any more of your reckless behavior."

"I understand," I said, inclining my head slightly in acquiescence.

"Now," he continued, his tone brooking no argument, "tell me everything you know about her disappearance."

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "She managed to escape during the transfer," I explained, keeping my voice steady. "I had her, but she slipped away."

His jaw tightened, nostrils flaring in frustration. "You had one job, Jungkook," he muttered darkly. "One job."

"I know," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "I'll find her again. I promise."

"You better," he warned, his eyes narrowing. "Because if you don't, there will be consequences."

I nodded solemnly, inwardly steeling myself for the battle ahead. As much as I appeared to be on my father's side, my true allegiance lay with Moon. Protecting her was my priority, even if it meant deceiving the very man who raised me.

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