Author's Note:

Hey everyone...😔

I know I can't say this enough but I'm sorry.

I was gone for WAY longer than expected.

University (if anyone is wondering) 😭

Y'all don't know how much I missed this but I had to focus on my exams.

This semester is almost over so wait for me a little bit longer...please. 😔🙏🙏

Just three more weeks to finish up all my finals and I'll be free. ☺️

I'll make it up to you guys for waiting so long.

As for now, I bring you this chapter that I actually had half of for a long while and have managed to finally finish today.

To anyone that celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, I hope you had a good holiday.

To those that didn't, I hope you had a good day either way.

I know I've been getting a ton of new readers and comments and I'm thankful for you guys. 😭☺️

Don't worry, even if I'm very late I'll read every single one no matter how long ago it was and reply to your comments when I have the time.

They fuel me so I'm grateful.

Love you guys! 😊💖

Enjoy!

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Jimin's mouth opened and closed with the intent to call out Chaeyoung's name as she ran out of the room. However, all that came out was a weak whisper that left him absolutely disgusted with himself. He didn't feel like he was functioning at that moment, the only thing working too well was his racing mind as he replayed Chaeyoung's hurt expression and broken words on loop.

He didn't mean to hurt her. He didn't mean to move away. He hated himself for it. He had done exactly what he had promised Chaeyoung he would never do. He was supposed to be different. He was supposed to chase after her, pull her into the tightest hug, and tell her just how serious he was about being different than the others. He wouldn't be afraid. He wouldn't leave her alone. He would stick to her like glue even though he knew the consequences. But now she was gone because of him and he couldn't go after her. He was weak.

His mother's room had become even more suffocating and he could hear distant voices outside that had suddenly grown louder. Before he could react, he felt a strong grip on his shoulders that began to shake him. He looked up in a haze and found Jin who had now frozen with wide eyes as he took in his surroundings. A police officer nearby pulled Jin away from him, a Jin with bulging eyes whose skin had turned a pale and sickly shade of green. He saw as his friend clamped a hand over his mouth before he couldn't hold in his shock and threw up on the floor. He also heard a hysterical scream coming from the door. His eyes slowly dragged themselves to the familiar figure that had frequently visited his mother with him for a long time.

Seulgi collapsed immediately, a police officer instantly catching and carrying her away. It was a complete mess and Jimin felt absolutely helpless. He could hear people shouting but he couldn't decipher their words. Everything was spinning all of a sudden and he felt his body shiver before breaking out into cold sweat. All amongst the chaos he could feel an intense gaze out of the corner of the room. Jimin's senses focused solely on the feeling of that gaze as his eyes came in contact with the young guy he had been shocked to see before. The same guy that was in the picture with Chaeyoung, the same guy she had said had died because of the demon; the ghost of Jungkook. Jungkook's eyes were intense but his face showed no emotion. He was emanating a dark presence that made Jimin gulp.

Jimin could see Jungkook's lips moving, mouthing out something to him but a bark of orders that erupted from Detective Song interrupted them. "Get everyone out of this room this instant! This is a crime scene and anyone unauthorized is not allowed in! I want everyone out and I want Park Chaeyoung found! Send a team to go out to look for her...NOW!" Jimin flinched at his loud tone, quickly noticing how all of the officers in the room scurried off to do what the man had asked for. He felt himself be pulled out of the room as well, the feeling of an intense gaze still glued to his being.

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He slumped down on the seat he had been taken to, sitting just a few rooms away from where his mother's dead body was laying. A sudden feeling of nausea took over him and he instantly tumbled over and hurled on the ground below his feet. He could hear the officer besides him cursing before patting Jimin on the back. His head felt like it was being compressed by two powerful hands until the point of popping. His throat burned from throwing up bile once the little food left in his stomach had ran out.

Jimin wiped his mouth clean once he was completely finished and moved away to a different seat. He had a horrible taste in his mouth and his body felt like it had been crushed by an airplane. However, that pain paled in comparison to the pain he felt in his heart. Jimin had not only lost his mother but Chaeyoung as well. He didn't think he was capable of facing her after what he did to her. He had promised himself to stick to her like glue and help her no matter what. A sad smile made its way to his lips when he saw the ring she had gifted him resting nicely on his finger. He felt like such an idiot. The biggest idiot that could ever exist. You're an idiot and a coward, Park Jimin.He thought.

He could recall Chaeyoung's soft smile and her light giggles as well as determined face when they promised each other that they could get through everything together. Jimin would help Chaeyoung get rid of the demon and Chaeyoung would make sure his mother would be saved. His mother didn't make it though, and now everything was ruined. That memory shattered away like a broken mirror. Jimin didn't feel any sort of blame towards Chaeyoung at all. Chaeyoung was just an innocent pure soul that was given away to a dark entity by the greed of her parents.

She had always believed herself to be a monster that scared everyone away, deciding to remain alone than put her trust and affection into people that would leave her just like her parents did. Never would he have imagined that the girl with the guarded heart he had sought after to befriend would become something much more essential and meaningful in his life than that. Chaeyoung had unknowingly stolen his heart, mind, and soul since the first time their eyes met. He was completely and utterly devoted to the girl with the puffy cheeks that squealed when food was served, smiled shyly every time he flirted, or pouted when she was upset. He felt so in love with Park Chaeyoung it hurt.

He clenched his fists, bringing the one with the ring closer to his lips. He kissed the ring gently, a sudden wetness rolling down his cheeks. He sighed sadly, his hands covering his face as he allowed himself to cry some more. He was crying for so many things that he didn't really know which one made him feel worse. He would never see his mother's pretty smile ever again. She was gone. She was dead. She was the only thing he had left to call a family and now she had been taken away from him so brutally. He wasn't prepared for that. He didn't think he had to prepare for that. He knew his mother would eventually pass away as he wasn't in the mindset where he blindly told himself his mother would last forever. But he didn't ever think she would get stolen so soon. Just the day before they had spent such a happy time together and now her room screamed bloody murder.

Just thinking of her room made him feel sick again. He didn't even want to see what was underneath that white sheet that covered her body. He wanted to remember his mother as the beautiful and strong woman she was. The mother that protected him till the very end. The mother that loved and cherished him so much she gave her own life away for him. Little by little she let herself fade away just so he could be protected and live the happy life he didn't deserve. Not after causing the love of his life and his mother to suffer. He had always prided himself in helping others and making people happy. Yet he hadn't done anything for the people he most cared about. How dare he call himself a man. He wasn't anything but a coward. A disgusting coward. He was afraid of who he realized he actually was. What had happened to that big mouthed Jimin with confidence oozing out of him? That Jimin always ready to do everything and anything for the people he loved?

Right as Jimin's thoughts entered a deeply dark state of self-hatred he felt a familiar hand patting the top of his head. Jimin forced himself to look up, Jin's warm eyes staring back down at him. "Hey..." he started, sending Jimin a small smile. Jimin didn't react at first, his eyes turning slightly to the left to see Jungkook gazing at him with the same intense stare he had before they were removed from his mother's room. Jimin gulped and looked back at Jin, trying his very best to give the guy a smile. Jin sighed, ruffling Jimin's hair before sitting down next to him. Jimin just lowered his gaze to avoid Jungkook's intense eyes as he stood before him.

"Just so you know, Seulgi was taken home so it's just us now. How are you feeling, Chim?" Jin asked softly, a comforting hand gently squeezing Jimin's thigh. Jimin found it hard to express how he felt with words so he just turned towards Jin and sank onto his body, wrapping his arms tightly around his torso. He felt selfish for wanting to be comforted when there was someone extremely important to him out somewhere probably crying her eyes out with no one to comfort her at the moment. He didn't deserve any of this. Jimin could feel how his hug was reciprocated almost immediately. "I-I hate myself so much, hyung." he choked out, loud and powerful sobs taking over him as Jin soothed his back.

Jin looked up at the officer that stared at them, he silently asked for a moment of privacy to which the officer hesitantly agreed to. Jimin heard Jin whisper that they were completely alone now and once he managed to calm down enough, he pulled away from Jin and looked downward. "I hate myself so much, hyung." he repeated. "I-I couldn't protect e-eomma nor Chaeyoung. E-eomma is gone forever and I...I hurt C-Chaeyoung..." His words were a mere whisper but both males could hear everything as clear as could be.

Jungkook was seething and Jimin could sense the darkness surrounding him increase, apparently Jin felt it too as he heard his hyung tell Jungkook to calm down. "Why? We all had faith in this jerk and look what happened! I can't even go after Chaeyoung because I'm stuck with you and this idiot too!" Jungkook huffed, looking away from the males sitting on the chairs. "I swear I would beat this guy to a pulp if I was allowed to." He muttered. Jin sighed and turned back to a Jimin who flinched when he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"No. Jimin, what happened to your eomoni was out of your control so don't you dare blame yourself. As for Chaeyoung, you're hurting right now, Jimin. You are only human and humans do things when they are hurting. You are going through a hard time right now. I'm sure Chaeyoung understands and doesn't blame you for whatever you did. So, please...don't be so hard on yourself."

Jimin shook his head, bringing his hands to cover his face. "You d-don't understand, hyung." He raised his head, looking at Jin with eyes full of regret and sorrow. "I did the one thing she thought I would never do...I pushed her away...hyung...she tried to comfort me and I moved away because I was afraid...afraid of the same fate my mother suffered through to happen to me..." Once again images of Chaeyoung in that moment flooded his mind, making his eyes grow dull with immense self-disappointment. Before Jin could say anything, a growl was heard and Jimin was slammed against his chair, a furious Jungkook wrapping a hand around his neck.

"YOU DID WHAT?!" he growled, making both Jin and Jimin widen their eyes in shock. Jin tried to move Jungkook away but his hands passed straight through him. "Jungkook, stop it!" he glared at Jungkook but Jungkook's grip tightened instead, making Jimin gasp for air. Jimin squirmed around, grasping Jungkook's arm to try and get it away from him. Jungkook was oozing black energy and he was deathly afraid. Jin felt helpless as he watched Jungkook choke Jimin against the hard surface of the plastic chair. "Jeon Jungkook, no...Kim Jungkook, you listen to me and you listen good. You are acting like a bratty child. I don't know what is happening to you but let him go. Chaeyoung wouldn't want you to hurt someone...especially him." Jin's tone softened at the end in an attempt to snap Jungkook out of it but Jungkook became angrier.

"Are you serious?! He's just like the others! He hurt Chaeyoung and now she's gone off to who knows where while we are still here feeling sorry for his ass! Well I don't feel the least bit sorry for him, not after hurting Chaeyoung like that." He inched his face closer to Jimin's who was now a trembling mess who kept gasping for some air. Jin was panicking, eyes looking around to see if anyone could help but he knew that would be impossible. The officers were busy talking amongst themselves and even if they saw what was happening, there was nothing they could do. Jin clenched his fists, the frustration of not being able to do anything other than watch was too much.

His friend was dying by the hands of his step-brother who he knew was not capable of doing something like that. Something was wrong with him and he knew it by the wild look of hatred in Jungkook's eyes as well as the dark smoke emanating from his body. "Chaeyoung and my hyung are the only two people I give any crap about in this world, Park Jimin. I gave my life to save Chaeyoung when she was caught in that fire. I LOVED her and consistently showed her my dedication but, in the end, I willingly let that go to save her. Now she's experiencing "love" of her own for the first time in her life and it's towards a coward like you. I can't accept that, Park Jimin. You don't deserve her." Jungkook's voice was distorting the more he spoke, his eyes became completely white, and a twisted smile formed on his face.

(A/N: WARNING HERE...slightly creepy picture below haha.)

(A/N: Credit to the owner of this edit. Really cool!)

Jimin had tears rushing down his face, feeling too many things at once. Slowly everything was getting harder and harder for him. He felt like his lungs were about to explode and even though he wanted help, no one would be able to help him. Just before everything began to fade to black, he recalled how fondly Chaeyoung spoke about Jungkook, telling him she never told Jungkook himself because she was embarrassed to do so. Jimin thought that this was the only thing he had to maybe snap Jungkook out of whatever he was in or else he would really be dead.

With the last bit of energy and courage left in his body, Jimin spoke up. "Y-you're right...I d-don't deserve her one bit. B-but that doesn't mean I'm going to give her up. T-thank you for making me realize that. I want t-to protect her...." Jimin's breath hitched, once again attempting to unclasp the hand around his neck. "I l-love Park Chaeyoung with all my heart. I promise you t-that. She is my whole world now and I want to s-save her. You d-don't know how much the guilt of hurting her is eating me alive. I-I'm a coward...I'm afraid...but I...I don't want to lose her and I will fight. E-even if I end up dying...I will protect her. T-thank you for making me realize that. Y-you are just as amazing as she told me about. E-every time she spoke about you her eyes would sparkle with affection. She loves y-you so much...she always told me stories about you and how you guys f-fought a lot b-because you're the s-same age..." Jimin could feel the grip on his neck lessen just a little, which motivated him to continue.

Meanwhile, Jin silently wept as he recalled the happy moments he, Chaeyoung, and Jungkook shared. He could tell Jungkook was recalling it too as his eyes had become normal and grown softer with glossy tears. "S-she said she was g-grateful that she met you because she could a-always count on you. You a-are her best friend and s-she loves you more than you could ever imagine. I-I remember her blushing cheeks as she mumbled praises and how she covered h-her face out of embarrassment. S-she t-told me she could never tell you any of that because s-she was too embarrassed and didn't want to m-make you tease her by s-showing her sentimental s-side to you. S-she said you w-were a good person, Jungkook. I b-believe her..." His final words were the last straw into breaking Jungkook down to a sobbing mess that instantly released him.

Jimin coughed frantically, grasping at his neck to soothe his aching skin as he attempted to regain his breath. He felt extremely dizzy and through his haze he could see Jin quietly try to comfort his crying brother as he cried tears of his own. Slowly the black surrounding Jungkook faded away and all that was left was a fragile soul with nothing but good memories and guilt invading his system. "I-I'm sorry, J-Jimin....I d-didn't mean to do it...I'm a-a good person...p-please don't tell, C-Chae." Jimin's heart broke as he watched Jungkook crumble to the ground. He looked like a small kid that had been yelled at by an angry mother after having misbehaved.

"I-I'm a good boy. F-Forgive me...I-I'm sorry..." Jungkook kept mumbling for a while until Jin's sweet comforting words managed to calm him down enough. Jimin had regained a bit more breath and although he was still heaving, his breathing was becoming more normal. "I-I forgive you, J-Jungkook. T-this just shows h-how much you love her and I'm glad for it. I-I w-will become that person for Chaeyoung now, Jungkook. I-I promise you that. I w-won't lie and say I'm not afraid because I am b-but I love her so much and I won't let her be disappointed in me again. I'll p-protect her with all I've got. We'll save her and then she'll live the life she deserves." he spoke, a small smile forming on his lips as he saw the other two males with smiles of their own. "I believe y-you." said Jungkook, getting up from the ground.

Jin approached Jimin and examined his marked neck. "Jungkook's grip on you was hard. Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, voice laced with concern. Jimin just gave his hyung a soft smile and nodded, his fingers ghosting over the pain on his neck. "I'm okay, hyung. I-I may not know about the paranormal stuff or anything related to it but I t-think that being near such a densely negative place full of remnants of the demon and his wrath are what caused Jungkook to freak out. I c-could feel the energy myself. I think we need to leave here as soon as possible..."

Jin sighed, looking back at Jungkook who was rubbing the back of his neck in shame. "I agree with you. I felt it too. What do you think, Kookie?" Jungkook raised his head and nodded. "I felt out of control, like I was sinking further and further into a blackhole. I couldn't get a hold of myself. Your voices sounded muffled as if I was underwater. It felt like something had taken over me and was controlling every part of my system. I'm sorry once again...we should go."

Jimin rubbed his eyes clean, wiping away all the wetness that had formed. He sighed and got up shakily, leaning against Jin who had stood next to him right away when he noticed how unbalanced Jimin was. "I think getting away from here is what's best for everyone. I-I'll talk to Detective Song." Jin agreed with Jimin's words and helped him walk a bit but before they could get any distance at all, Detective Song came stomping towards them with a stained envelope in hand. Everyone gazed up at him in confusion as Song watched them with a stoic expression.

"My team found this while searching for clues. It's from Park Jihyo-ssi to her son. This is meant to be evidence but as her son and to respect her honor, I will give you the option on whether or not you will submit this to us. We have not opened and read its contents as this is meant for you. I hope after reading it you will trust us and give us any crucial information to solve this case. As her son, we understand that you want to know who is responsible for doing this to Park Jihyo-ssi. We promise to uncover that for you so that you can rest easy. As of now, you may return home and rest. We will be calling you into my office to question you further. If you find Park Chaeyoung-ssi, please let us know. She needs to come in for questioning as well out of protocol and if we find her we'll let you know. I'm sorry for your loss, Park Jimin-ssi. Have a good rest of the day." Detective Song handed Jimin the envelope and then patted him on the back before commanding some officers to escort them out and send them to their home safely.

Jimin shakily held the envelope with both hands, staring at the pretty handwriting that covered the front of the envelope. "To my loving son, Jimin." he read out loud, holding the envelope close to his heart. He felt Jin's hand that was holding onto his waist squeeze at him a bit to let him know everything would be okay and Jimin appreciated the gesture. He would read the letter but he wasn't ready to just yet. First, he wanted to get out, have some fresh air, and figure out Chaeyoung's whereabouts. He wanted to know she was alright. He wanted to bring her home where it was warm and where he knew she would be safer. Not out where it was cold and she was alone. Who knew what could happen to her. He gulped and shook away negative thoughts, finally moving forward with Jin's help as they followed the police escorting them out.

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Chaeyoung jolted awake when a loud car door shut close and she started to feel rough hands on her body. Her eyes widened and she wanted to scream but her mouth was covered with some sort of cloth, preventing her from saying a word. Her head was spinning around in circles and she felt nauseous. Thoughts of the man she had met suddenly came to mind and her panic increased. She tried to move but her hands were tied behind her back and her feet were tied together at the ankles. All she could do was squirm, feeling absolutely helpless as the man picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.

"Please do forgive me, Chaeyoung-ssi. You wouldn't cooperate and your parents have been wanting to see you so under their authorization it had to be this way. I am not going to hurt you so no need to panic. I am just going to deliver you to your family that are just a few steps away. You'll be home soon." His voice was calm and he held a firm grip on her as she attempted to squirm off of him. It was hopeless and she was being carried towards the people she wished to have never been able to see again.

Maybe before she wanted to see them to show them just how good she was doing without them but not now. Now she was alone after running away from the people that most cared about her. She didn't have anywhere to escape to as she didn't know where she was. All she could see around her with her blurry vision was trees with little to no leaves, a fancy gold statue located above a massive fountain, frosted over flowers, and intricate bush designs with light blankets of snow above them.

(A/N: Imagine exactly this but like in winter haha)

The man walked up the grand staircase that took them closer and closer to Chaeyoung's parents. Chaeyoung felt like every cell in her body was going crazy, she did not want to see them. The nausea she felt was increasing tenfold. Jungkook...Jin oppa...J-Jimin...please, anybody....save me. Her pleading thoughts were cut short when she heard the man knocking on the door. Soon after she heard a click and the door opened wide. Chaeyoung felt her blood drain from her body, the fact that her back was facing it all was making it worse for her. She closed her eyes, blocking off the voices outside. They were moving once again; the man was walking for a bit until he came to a sudden stop and she was dropped carefully onto a cushioned surface.

"We told you to be assertive if you had to be but not to treat her as if she was being kidnapped, Detective Lee." The masculine voice sent a shiver down her spine and her eyes instantly shot open. She gazed at the two individuals that were sitting on elaborate wooden throne-like chairs. A male and a female. Both were smiling at her brightly, their eyes shining as if they were staring at the most precious and fragile thing in the world. "It's been a long time, Chaengie. Your appa and I have missed you very much. We are so happy you are alive and healthy. We are all together finally...welcome home." The color drained from Chaeyoung's skin and while they gazed at her lovingly, all she could feel was hate and slight fear.

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Author's Note:

So, how was that?

I wasn't happy with this chapter at first but I actually like where it ended haha

Also, hope you enjoy the gifs...I actually figured out to use them today so I incorporated some 😅

That's all I have for today so I hope you enjoyed.

Please wait for me for like three more weeks and I'll bring you lots more 😉

Finals are almost over!

Bye for now ☺️💖