Chapter 10: (Aaira's pov)

As I made my way to our chamber, The evening had started with tensions simmering beneath the surface, and now, alone in the dimly lit corridor, I felt a deep unease set in. The air around me seemed to thicken with each step, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.

I hesitated at our chamber door, my hand trembling slightly as I reached for the handle. Would Jungkook be waiting inside, would he be burning in his anger, or would the room be empty, a silent witness to the storm brewing between us?

With a deep breath, I pushed open the door, hoping for a moment of respite, only to be greeted by silence. Jungkook was not there. Relief washed over me briefly, but before I could gather my thoughts, the door slammed shut behind me with a resounding thud.

Startled, I turned swiftly, my heart racing as I found myself face-to-face with Jungkook. His expression was dark, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. Without a word, he struck me hard across the cheek, the impact of sending waves of pain through me.

I stumbled back, my hand instinctively rising to my stinging cheek. Fear gripped me as Jungkook closed the distance between us. He pinned me against the wall, his grip firm as he stared into my eyes, searching for something within me.

Jungkook's voice was low, tinged with anger and hurt.

Jungkook: How could you, Aaira? How could you go off with him like that?

His accusation had always been like this, his words had cut deep into my already frayed soul. I struggled to find my voice, to explain, but fear choked my words, I was clearly not ready for this.

Aaira: I... It was just...

His grip tightening on my arms.

Jungkook: Don't lie to me, Aaira. I saw the way he looked at you. I saw the way you looked at him.

His jealousy was raw, I felt trapped.

Aaira: It wasn't like that...

Tears welled up in my eyes, my heart aching with a pain that seemed to sear through my very being. Jungkook's grip on my arms tightened as he jerked me to face him, his voice rising in anger and accusation.

Jungkook: You enjoy being near him, don't you, Aaira? No matter how hard I try to trust you, you always find a way to betray that trust!

I stared at him in disbelief, the tears streaming down my cheeks as I struggled to comprehend what was happening. How could he think such things of me?

Aaira: Jungkook, please...

Jungkook: Don't lie to me! I see the way you smile when he's around. Do you think I'm blind?

I shook my head, trying desperately to make him understand. But even my words faltered, Jungkook's expression remained the same, his grip bruising as he forced me to meet his gaze.

Jungkook: You liked him, don't you? You enjoy knowing he's thinking about you!

I opened my mouth to protest, but he shook me roughly, his eyes were wild. I knew Yoongi was his weakness. I just looked down, unable to muster any answers to his accusations. Jungkook's grip loosened slightly, his eyes still wild with hurt and suspicion.

Jungkook: If all these things are false, why didn't you refuse Hwasa noona when she asked you to accompany Yoongi hyung?

His voice cracked. I struggled to find the right words, my throat tightening with unshed tears. Yoongi- he was just a painful part of my past, a mistake that haunted me.

── ᯓᡣ𐭩 ──"Just because I love you, does that give you the right to destroy me, to hurt me, to break me, like you did always ?"── ᯓᡣ𐭩 ──

Tears streamed down my face, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. I struggled to find the right words to defend myself. His words pierced through me like shards of glass. I closed my eyes briefly, trying to gather my thoughts.

Jungkook: Spare me your excuses, Aaira. Don't think I didn't notice.

I reached out to him, my hand trembling as I touched his arm, but he jerked me.

Aaira: Please believe me. Yoongi is... he's just someone from my past, I've explained this thing so many times. I never wanted-

Jungkook stepped back abruptly, shaking his head, he would never let me complete, never let me explain.

Jungkook: You never wanted what? To hurt me? Or to make me doubt everything?

His voice rose, his eyes pleading for answers I couldn't give. I felt a lump form in my throat, But he turned away, his shoulders hunched with defeat, my head started hurting so bad.

Jungkook: I can't do this right now. I need time to think.

He started walking away, leaving me standing there, my heart breaking with every step he took. Tears blurred my vision as I sank to the ground.

Aaira: You're the only one I love. I would never...

He stopped as he turned to look at me for some moments, he took some steps back towards me.

Jungkook: Your actions speak louder than words, my dear.

Aaira: Believe me, I would never betray you.

Jungkook: I want to believe you, Aaira. But this jealousy... I can't control it.

Aaira: Trust me, Jungkook. I chose you.

He hesitated, searching my eyes for any sign of deceit. His expression softened briefly, but then hardened again. Without another word, he turned and walked away, the sound of the door closing with a final thud echoing in the empty room.

I sank to the floor, my head throbbing with pain. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I replayed the scene in my mind. Why was I always the one at fault? Why did every argument, every misunderstanding cast me as the villain?

I pressed my hands against my temples, trying to ease the pounding in my head. What had I done to deserve a slap, to be accused like this? I had only tried to be honest, to explain, or to do what Hwasa noona asked me to.

I was tired-tired of fighting, tired of trying to prove myself, tired of being misunderstood, I was tired of this life, this filthy fragile life, but i couldn't even take it, I had Aimin. I slowly whispered to myself.

Aaira: What wrong have I done today to deserve this?

But there were no answers, only the hollow ache of loneliness and regret. I wrapped my arms around myself.

As I walked to the bed, my appetite for dinner had vanished completely. The events of the evening had drained me, leaving me numb and disconnected. I closed all the curtains, shutting out the last traces of daylight that dared to filter into the room. The darkness enveloped me like a shroud as I lay back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

But sleep eluded me. Hours passed in silence, the weight of the evening pressing down on me like a heavy stone. My mind raced with unanswered questions, with hurtful words and accusations echoing in the emptiness of the room.

Then, just as I thought the night would stretch on endlessly, the door creaked open. I turned my head slowly, my heart skipping a beat as I saw Jungkook standing there, holding a bowl of food in his hands.

He hesitated in the doorway, his expression unreadable in the dim light. The silence between us stretched taut with unspoken tension. I swallowed, unsure of what to say or how to react.

Jungkook: Aaira...

His voice was soft, almost hesitant. He took a step into the room, his eyes never leaving mine. Slowly, he approached the bed and set the bowl of food on the nightstand beside me.

Jungkook: I... I brought you something to eat.

His words were awkward, as if he struggled to find the right ones. I watched him silently, the ache in my chest deepening at the sight of his conflicted expression.

Jungkook glanced around the dark room. He walked towards the curtains. With a gentle tug, he drew them open, allowing a sliver of soft moonlight to filter into the room.

The pale glow illuminated the edges of the furniture, casting faint shadows that danced across the floor. Jungkook stood there for a moment, his silhouette framed by the night outside, before he turned back to look at me.

Aaira: Thank you.

My voice was barely a whisper, tinged with exhaustion and a hint of sadness. Jungkook nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor before he spoke again.

Jungkook: Are you... okay?

His question hung in the air. I closed my eyes briefly, gathering my thoughts before I responded.

Aaira: I'm good.

He nodded again, Even though I was not good, My heart was paining so bad, but I was sure I was not telling him about this. His jaw tightening slightly as he glanced around the darkened room.

Jungkook: I'm sorry... for earlier. I shouldn't have...

His words trailed off, filled with regret. I looked at him, seeing the turmoil in his eyes, the conflict that mirrored my own.

Aaira: It's okay, I'm Good.

He nodded once more, a flicker of relief crossing his features. I reached out tentatively, touching his hand briefly.

Aaira: Thank you... for the food.

Jungkook's gaze softened as he looked at me, his hand covering mine gently for a moment before he withdrew.

Jungkook: Get some rest, Aaira. I'll... I'll be here later I need to do some work.

With that, he turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. I listened to his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

I sat up in bed and picked at the food Jungkook had brought. Despite my lack of appetite, I forced myself to eat a few bites. As I finished eating a few bites, I set the bowl aside and lay back down, staring at the ceiling once more.

This time, it felt less suffocating, the atmosphere or everything. Jungkook's gesture, however awkward, had softened the edges of the hurt I was feeling.

It wasn't so long when he returned back to the chamber, as he approached the closet and fetched the first aid kit, then sat beside me on the bed to tend to the wounds he had inflicted. His touch was gentle, each movement careful as he cleaned and bandaged the cuts.

As I looked in the mirror which was slightly visible from the closet, the harsh reality stared back at me. There, on my cheek, was the imprint of his hand. The bruise bloomed beneath my skin.

I touched it gently, tracing the edges as if to understand how something could leave such a lasting mark. I turned away from the mirror, unable to bear the sight any longer.

But again, as I caught a glimpse of me in the mirror, the reflection reminding me of her - Y/n. It was a bitter reminder of the past I couldn't escape. I turned away, unable to meet Jungkook's eyes. Jungkook sensed my discomfort, his voice quiet as he spoke.

Jungkook: Aaira, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...

His words trailed off, filled with remorse and regret. I looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

Aaira: My Lord, It's...

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. The wound on my face was nothing compared to the wounds in our relationship, scars that ran deep.

Jungkook: I know. I promise... I'll do better.... I will be more careful with what I do.

I nodded slowly, As he finished tending to my wounds, I reached out and touched his hand lightly.

Aaira: Thank you.

He nodded, his gaze meeting mine briefly before looking away. Jungkook stood up, returning the first aid kit to its place.

Jungkook: Aren't you... hungry? I brought some food, seems like you haven't even eaten a single bite.

I nodded, He handed me the bowl, and I ate quietly, After I finished, Jungkook took the bowl away, then sat back down beside me on the bed.

Jungkook: Aaira, I... I don't want us to be like this. I don't want you to feel afraid of me.... It just happens...

Aaira: It's okay, I'm not complaining... But...

I hesitated again, grappling with my own talks, I don't think so I can say it to him.

Jungkook: But what?

Aaira: Nothing.

I gestured vaguely, Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration, he was getting angry, but on himself this time.

Jungkook: I know. I've made mistakes, Aaira. I've hurt you, and I hate myself for it.

Aaira: It's okay.

He nodded, then said,

Jungkook: I need to do some things.

And walked out of the room. Exhaustion finally took over, and I slipped into a deep sleep, I was sleeping peacefully. The room was dark and quiet.

In my dreams, there were no arguments, no accusations, just a calm, serene landscape where everything felt right. But as the night wore on, a sense of unease began to creep in, pulling me from the depths of sleep.

I stirred, feeling an inexplicable urgency, and slowly opened my eyes. I became aware of a nagging thought that wouldn't let me rest. The unsettling thought: What if he was near her?

Jealousy surged through me, and I quickly sat up on the bed, my heart pounding. I couldn't bear the idea of him being with her, even if it was to torture her. She looked so much like me, and the thought of them together, even in pain, made my stomach churn.

Why not go and check myself? I thought. The question echoed in my mind, compelling me to action. I slipped out of bed, my movements careful and deliberate. The house was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made every creak of the floorboards beneath my feet sound like thunder.

I descended the stairs, the darkness of the night wrapping around me like a cloak. It was so late-maybe around one in the morning. I tried hard not to make a sound, each step calculated to avoid the creaky spots on the wooden floor.

As I neared the basement, the faint sounds of someone screaming reached my ears. It was a gut-wrenching sound that made me stop in my tracks. My heart raced, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I shouldn't be here, I thought.

This is wrong. The logical part of my mind screamed at me to turn back, to return to the safety of my room and pretend none of this was happening.I stood there, frozen, torn between the urge to see what was happening and the overwhelming fear of what I might find.

The screams grew louder, more desperate, and I knew I couldn't face it. The idea of seeing her, of seeing him with her, was too much to bear. My jealousy and curiosity were no match for the dread that settled in the pit of my stomach.

I turned and started back up the stairs. Each step felt heavier, the weight of my indecision pressing down on me. As I reached the top of the stairs, the screams echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the twisted reality I was living in.

I slipped back into my room, closing the door quietly behind me, and leaned against it, trying to steady my breathing.

I crawled back into bed. I forced myself to close my eyes, trying to block out the images and sounds that threatened to overwhelm me. Sleep would not come easily tonight, if at all.

I tried to sleep hard but couldn't. Every time I closed my eyes, the screams and the unsettling thoughts crept back into my mind. Minutes felt like hours as I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Jungkook walked in, and I quickly sat up on the bed, my heart pounding once more. He looked surprised to see me awake, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Jungkook: You're still up?

He asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

Aaira: I couldn't sleep.

I replied, watching as he started undressing himself, piece by piece. He peeled off his jacket, followed by his shirt. My eyes followed his every action.

Aaira: Where were you?

I blurted out, unable to hold back any longer. He paused, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

Jungkook: Why?

He asked,

Aaira: I want an answer, not a question for a question.

I shot back,

Jungkook: Mind your words, Jeon Aaira.

He said, his tone dangerously low. I was taken aback by the sudden intensity in his voice, but I still pressed on.

Aaira: Where were you?

I asked again, my heart pounding in my chest. He narrowed his eyes at me, a muscle in his jaw twitching.

Jungkook: I was handling some business.

He finally replied,

Aaira: What kind of business?

I demanded,

Jungkook: The kind that doesn't concern you.

He snapped,

Jungkook: Why do you always have to question everything?

Aaira: Because you never tell me anything!

Jungkook sighed heavily and resumed undressing himself. Piece by piece, his clothes fell to the floor, and he came to lay beside me on the bed. His body was warm against mine as he pulled me closer, his hands trailing down my body in a way that was both comforting but unsettling for now.

Jungkook: Let's not talk about all this shit right now.

He murmured,

Jungkook: Let's just sleep.

Aaira: But My lord-

I started, but he silenced me with a gentle kiss on my lips.

Jungkook: Please, Aaira.

He whispered.

Jungkook: I'm tired. You're tired. Let's just get some rest.

He quickly cuddled me, wrapping his arms around me tightly and holding me close. His body molded to mine as he found his sweet spot, resting his head on the pillow next to mine. His breathing slowed and deepened as he drifted off to sleep, his grip on me never loosening.

I lay there, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against my back, the warmth of his breath on my neck. As he slept peacefully beside me, I couldn't shake the thoughts and questions in my mind. But for now, with his arms around me, I forced myself to focus on the steady rhythm of his breathing, letting it lull me into a restless slumber.

I felt my broken heart slowly piecing back together in his embrace. The pain and confusion didn't vanish, but being held by him, even after the harsh words and accusations, brought a fragile sense of comfort. His warmth seeped into me, making the loneliness and fear momentarily bearable.

I nestled closer to him, trying to absorb every bit of the solace his touch offered. Each breath he took seemed to mend a small part of my wounded soul, even as the doubts lingered in the corners of my mind. I didn't know what the morning would bring or if things would be any different, but for now, in the stillness of the night, I allowed myself to find a fleeting sense of peace in his arms.

───────── ᯓᡣ𐭩 ─────────

"He was the one who broke me, but also the one who pieced me back together each night."

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