Meanwhile in Bangtan Mansion

The grand hall of the mansion is dimly lit, with the shadows stretching long across the marble floors. The atmosphere is thick with tension as the clock ticks closer to midnight. Namjoon stands by the window, his arms crossed, trying to maintain a calm facade, while Haesoek and Jimin pace back and forth, their anxiety evident in every movement. Jin sits quietly, his eyes flickering with worry as he watches the two.

It's almost midnight, and Jungkook still isn't back! What if something happened to him? Said Jimin

Haesoe on the other hand is clenching his fists. We should have gone looking for him hours ago! This isn't like him at all!

Panicking won't help, Haesoek. We need to think rationally. Jungkook will come back when he's ready.

Haesoek suddenly snapping, his voice rising Rational? Not everyone can be as composed as you, Namjoon! Jungkook isn't like us! He doesn't have the same control!

Namjoon: (firmly) I know he's different, but that doesn't excuse what he did. He crossed a line by laying his hands on Aella.

Suddenly Hobi shouted furiously in frustration , And do you think he doesn't know that? . Not everyone can be as cold and calculated as you, Namjoon! Yes, Jungkook made a mistake by laying his hands on Aella, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be scolded like he's some criminal. You need to understand his situation too!"

He made a mistake, yes, but you can't keep treating him like he's some robot who should always follow the rules! You don't understand his situation, Namjoon. He needs our support, not your judgment!

While Jimin and Jin looked towards them helplessly .

The argument between the two escalates, their voices growing louder as emotions run high.

Jimin looks torn, unsure of how to intervene, while Jin's worry deepens. Suddenly, the door to the mansion creaks open, and Ara steps inside, her face pale and strained. All eyes turn to her, and then they see Jungkook, barely conscious and covered in injuries, staggering beside her.

Jungkook! Jin gasped and ran towards him, Jungkook's eyes met theirs for a brief moment, pain etched across his face. He opens his mouth to say something, but before any words can escape, his legs give way, and he collapses to the floor, unconscious. The room plunges into chaos.

Jimin and Haseok both run towards Jungkook While kneeling beside Jungkook, his voice trembling. We need to get him to the infirmary, now!

Namjoon taking charge, his earlier calm shattered Jin Suga and Taehyung, right now hyung to help me carry him.

As they lift Jungkook, the severity of his injuries becomes clear. Blood seeps through his clothes, and bruises mar his once flawless skin. Namjoon's heart pounds in his chest, the weight of their earlier argument forgotten in the face of their friend's suffering.

It's all my fault , said Ara

Jin's expression softens as he looks at Ara Ara, this isn't the time. We'll figure it out later. Right now, we need to focus on Jungkook.

End of POV

Suga and Layla 's POV

The soft glow of warm, ambient lighting bathes the room where Yoongi and Layla are nestled together on a plush, overstuffed couch. A gentle fire crackles in the fireplace, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Layla is snuggled against Yoongi, her head resting on his chest, as they both bask in the rare, peaceful moment.

Yoongi's arm is draped protectively around her, his fingers gently run through Layla's hair, his usually sharp eyes softened by affection. Layla looks up at him with a gentle smile, her gaze full of warmth and trust. They exchange a quiet moment, the world outside their small bubble seeming distant and irrelevant.

But the peaceful moment is abruptly interrupted by the loud vibration of Yoongi's phone on the coffee table. The name "Jin" flashes on the screen. Yoongi's brow furrows, sensing something is off. He quickly picks up the phone, his tone calm yet alert.

"Hyung?" Before Yoongi could speak Jin interrupted him with an urgent, almost breathless voice "Yoongi, it's Jungkook... He's been attacked."

Yoongi sat up straight, his calm demeanor instantly replaced by sharp focus

"What? Where is he? Is he okay?"

"We don't know the full extent yet. Ara brought him here and she is too frightened to say anything. You need to get back to the Mansion. Now."

I'm on my way." Said Yoongi

Yoongi ends the call, his expression hardening as he processes the gravity of the situation. Layla, who has been watching him closely, notices the drastic change in his demeanor and sits up, her concern growing.

What happened?" Asked Layla

"Jungkook's been attacked. I need to get to the mansion."

Layla's eyes widen in shock, but she quickly composes herself, reaching out to take his hand squeezing his hand reassuringly "Go, Min Just... please be careful."

It sounds bad. I need to get to the mansion."

Layla's breath catches, her hand tightening around his but She tries to mask her own fear with a supportive smile.
She said "Go. He needs you. Just... be careful, okay?"

Yoongi cups her face tenderly, his thumb brushing across her cheek as he nods.

"I will. I'll let you know as soon as I can."

He quickly stands, grabbing his jacket and keys. As he moves to leave, he pauses for a moment, turning back to Layla. He pulls her into a tight embrace, feeling the comfort of her warmth before he has to face the unknown.

"I'll be back soon. Stay safe." Said Yoongi

Layla nods, her voice barely above a whisper. "You too."

With one last look, Yoongi leaves the room, the door closing behind him with a soft click. The room now feels emptier, the tranquility shattered by the weight of Jin's call, as Layla sits back down on the couch, her thoughts now filled with worry for both Jungkook and Yoongi.

End of POV

Taehyung And Aella's POV

The night is calm, and the stars dot the sky like distant dreams. Inside a luxurious bedroom, Taehyung and Aella stirs in their sleep. While Taehyung his expression is peaceful, a faint smile playing on his lips as he dreams of simpler times-times spent with Jungkook, his best friend and brother. The dream is vivid, filled with laughter and moments of camaraderie that seem almost too real.

In the dream, Taehyung and Jungkook are in a field, the sun warm on their skin. They're teasing each other, wrestling playfully as the bond between them is palpable. Taehyung can hear Jungkook's laughter, a sound that brings comfort and joy. But just as Taehyung reaches out to pull Jungkook into a friendly embrace, Taehyung's smile fades as he watches Jungkook's figure blur and then disappear into the shadows.

Taehyung jolts awake, his breath heavy, and a sheen of sweat glistens on his forehead. The unsettling dream lingers in his mind, but before he can gather his thoughts, his phone buzzes on the nightstand. The sudden sound pierces through the silence, making his heart pound.

Taehyung picks up the phone, his hands trembling slightly as he sees Suga's name on the screen.

"Hyung? What's wrong?" Asked Taehyung

"Taehyung, Jungkook's been attacked. He's injured-badly." Said Suga from the other side .

Taehyung's heart stops for a moment. His grip tightens on the phone, his knuckles turning white.

Taehyung 's voice is barely above a whisper "What... how?"

Jin called me and the most important thing was "Ara was the one who found him and brought him in."

The mention of Ara's name sends a chill down Taehyung's spine. He feels a knot tighten in his stomach, a mix of fear and anger surging within him but Suga's voice cuts through Taehyung's spiraling thoughts.

"Listen, don't tell Aella about this. Not yet. Just get to the mansion as fast as you can."

Taehyung glances at Aella, who is sleeping soundly beside him, completely unaware of the turmoil unfolding. He feels a pang of guilt but knows he can't waste any more time.

"I'm on my way." Said Taehyung . He ends the call, his heart racing. Taehyung quickly dresses, his movements hurried but controlled. He takes one last look at Aella, his expression softening momentarily as he leans down to gently kiss her forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn't wake up.

"I'll protect all of you... no matter what."

Without another word, Taehyung slips out of the room, careful not to wake Aella. The night air hits him as he steps outside, the calmness of the world around him a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his mind. He heads to his car, the urgency of the situation pushing him forward as he drives to Bangtan Mansion, his thoughts racing with worry for Jungkook and Ara .

Taehyung drives through the quiet streets, his thoughts consumed with worry. The moonlight glints off his car as it speeds through the night, heading straight to Bangtan Mansion. The tension is palpable as he arrives, parking hastily and rushing inside, his heart pounding with fear for his closest

As Taehyung pulls up to the gates of Bangtan Mansion, he steels himself for whatever he's about to face, knowing that everything could change in an instant.

To be continued