Chapter 11: (Scarlet's POV)

The urgency of Taehyung's approach spurred me into action. I darted toward the bathroom door, my pulse racing with every step. The silence of the room was now pierced by the echo of Taehyung's footsteps, growing louder and more deliberate. I reached the bathroom door and yanked it open, only to find that, like the other door, it had no lock.

I hesitated only for a moment, my mind racing through possible plans. The bathroom was small and sparsely furnished, with a vintage tub standing prominently in the center of the room. A mirror hung above the sink, its surface fogged and smeared, and a worn, dusty rug lay on the floor.

Without wasting another second, I rushed to the tub, hoping it would provide some cover. I glanced around the room, desperately seeking anything that could help me. My gaze fell on the tub cover, a large, heavy piece that might just do the trick.

I pulled the cover off and slid into the tub, feeling the cool porcelain against my skin. I quickly grabbed the cover and pulled it over myself, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. The cover was a snug fit, and it felt like a flimsy barrier between me and Taehyung's search.

I lay as still as possible, my breath shallow and my heart pounding loudly in my ears. The noise from outside the bathroom grew louder as Taehyung's footsteps approached. I could hear him moving closer, his voice now a sinister whisper through the door.

Taehyung: Oh, Scarlet, where are you hiding now?

His voice was dripping with mockery, making my skin crawl. I could hear him checking other parts of the room outside, opening and closing doors, and muttering to himself. The bathroom door creaked open, and I held my breath, hoping he wouldn't notice me.

Taehyung: Still playing hide and seek, I see. You really are quite the little actress.

He moved around the bathroom, his footsteps growing closer to the tub. My heart felt like it was going to explode as I struggled to remain as silent as possible. I could hear him rummaging through drawers and moving objects, his presence becoming almost tangible.

Taehyung: I'm getting warmer.

He said with a chuckle.

Taehyung: I can almost hear your heartbeat.

His voice was now very close, and I could feel the vibration of his footsteps on the floor. The tub cover felt heavy and stifling, but it was my only shield. I willed myself to stay perfectly still, even as the fear threatened to overwhelm me.

Taehyung: Just a little longer.

He murmured.

Taehyung: I'm sure you'll come out soon. It's only a matter of time.

I could hear him opening the bathroom cabinet, and the sound of clinking bottles and rattling metal made me shiver. The cover above me shifted slightly as he brushed against the tub. I held my breath, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

Taehyung: You know.

He said, his voice now soft and almost contemplative,

Taehyung: I've always been fascinated by people who think they can outwit me. It's a shame you won't get to see how this game ends.

I could hear him rustling around, opening and closing drawers, checking under furniture. His voice was closer now, and the anticipation of his arrival made my fear almost unbearable.

Taehyung: You're not as quiet as you think.

Taehyung called out, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.

Taehyung: It's cute how you're trying so hard. But I can't let you just hide forever. It's not fair to me, is it?

Taehyung's voice continued to taunt me.

Taehyung: Come on, Scarlet.

He said, his tone now a mix of amusement and irritation.

Taehyung: I'm getting bored. If you don't come out soon, I might have to come looking for you myself.

His footsteps resumed, moving slowly but steadily. I could hear him coming closer to the tum. Panic surged through me. I pulled myself together, knowing I had only a few moments before he would be right outside.

Taehyung: Are you there?

He asked, his voice almost too close for comfort.

Taehyung: I can sense you, you know. It's only a matter of time before I find you.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay as still as possible, praying that he wouldn't check the tub again. Taehyung's footsteps paused, and I could hear him sniffing the air, as if trying to catch my scent.

Taehyung: Let's see how long you can keep this up.

He said with a dark chuckle.

Taehyung: I have all night.

The silence that followed was almost more unbearable than his taunts. I could feel the sweat on my forehead, the fear making my entire body tense. I had to be ready for anything, knowing that Taehyung's search was relentless and his patience running thin.

I could feel his gaze searching the bathroom, his presence almost suffocating. The seconds felt like hours as he continued his search, moving around the room with a careful, deliberate pace. I remained hidden, hoping against hope that he would give up and leave.

Taehyung: You're very good at hiding, Scarlet. But remember, I'm patient. I'll find you eventually.

The minutes ticked by with excruciating slowness as Taehyung's footsteps continued their relentless approach. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing loudly in the cramped space beneath the tub cover. The oppressive silence was only occasionally broken by Taehyung's taunting remarks, each one more unsettling than the last.

Then, I heard the faint sound of running water. My breath caught in my throat as I realized what was happening. The sound of water filling the tub was a cruel twist of fate, the only thing standing between me and an inevitable, terrifying outcome. I tried to keep my composure, but the water's increasing volume was a constant reminder of my dire situation.

Taehyung's voice was now close, and I could sense his presence hovering near the tub. His voice was a low, sinister murmur, tinged with the cruel amusement of someone who knew he held all the power in this situation.

Taehyung: Let's see how long you can hold out, Scarlet.

I could barely hear him over the sound of the water pouring into the tub, but his words were unmistakable. My breath quickened, and I could feel the cold water slowly rising around me. I tried to push the tub cover away, but it was too heavy, and my attempts were met with little success.