Chapter 12: (Scarlet's POV)

Through the small gaps in the cover, I saw Taehyung's face, his Sinister Smile visible through the edges. His eyes gleamed with a cold, calculated satisfaction as he watched the water level rise. The sight of his Sinister Smile sent a shiver down my spine, and the reality of my predicament hit me with full force.

Taehyung: I'm right outside of the bathtub, baby.

His voice was almost mocking, the words a chilling promise of what would happen if I didn't find a way out. The water was now halfway up the tub, and I could feel the pressure of it against my body. My attempts to move were becoming increasingly difficult as the water crept higher, enveloping me in its cold embrace.

Taehyung: You see, Scarlet, this is what happens when you try to hide from me.

He leaned closer, his face mere inches from the tub. I could see the dark satisfaction in his eyes, the enjoyment he took in my fear and helplessness. The water was now rising past my waist, and I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, making it harder to breathe.

Taehyung: Die here, if you must.

His voice was a cruel whisper, his words a final taunt before he pulled back slightly, still watching with that same chilling Smile.

Taehyung: Or I'm outside of the bathroom.

He added, his tone now a bit more detached, as if he was simply commenting on the weather rather than sealing my fate. The water was nearly at my chest now, and I could feel the cold seeping through the tub cover, making my skin numb.

The water continued to rise, each inch adding to the cold pressure that was beginning to overwhelm me. My breaths came in short, panicked gasps as I lay in the tub, the cover above me a suffocating barrier. The chill of the water was relentless, creeping up my chest and forcing me to fight against the mounting dread.

The sound of the water filling the tub was a constant, cruel reminder of my impending doom. I could barely move beneath the heavy tub cover, my attempts to push it away met with little success. My hands were growing numb, and each breath felt like it was becoming harder to take.

Taehyung: Oh, Scarlet, I have to admit, you're quite resourceful.

His voice echoed through the bathroom, a sinister lilt that made my heart race even faster. I could almost feel his gaze upon me, his eyes watching my every move with a chilling intensity.

Taehyung: I never thought you'd be so determined to evade me.

The water was now at my shoulders, and I could feel the pressure of it pushing against me. My movements were becoming sluggish, my strength waning as the cold and the water took their toll. I tried to calm my breathing, but the fear was making it nearly impossible.

Taehyung's footsteps approached the tub again, and I could hear him moving around, his voice growing nearer.

He said with a mocking tone, his words a twisted commentary on my predicament. I could hear the faint sound of him adjusting something, perhaps the faucet, as the water continued to rise.

I could feel the water creeping closer to my chin now, each breath becoming more labored as I struggled to stay afloat. The tub cover felt heavier with every passing moment, its weight pressing down on me as the water level rose.

Taehyung: You must be feeling quite helpless right now.

His voice was almost conversational, as if he were discussing the weather rather than the dire situation I was in. I could hear the amusement in his tone, the satisfaction he took in my fear and struggle.

Taehyung: I must say, this is quite a unique experience for me.

The water was now at my chin, and I had to fight to keep my head above the surface. The cold was seeping through the cover, making my entire body feel numb. I could feel the panic rising, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

Taehyung: You know, I've always enjoyed a good challenge.

He said, his voice taking on a darker edge. I could hear him moving closer, his presence almost palpable as he leaned in to observe me more closely.

Taehyung: It's not every day I get to see someone struggle so beautifully.

The water was now on my lips, and I had to tilt my head back to avoid swallowing it. My movements were becoming increasingly difficult, the weight of the water and the tub cover making it nearly impossible to free myself.

Taehyung: You're doing such a good job of staying hidden, though.

His voice was almost admiring, as if he were genuinely impressed by my attempts to evade him. I could hear the subtle shift in his tone, the mix of admiration and cruelty that made my fear even more intense.

Taehyung: But I'm afraid this game has to end eventually.

The water was now at the edge of my nose, and I could feel the panic rising as I struggled to keep my head above the surface. My breaths were becoming shallow and rapid, the fear of drowning making it hard to think clearly.

Taehyung: I do have to admire your tenacity, though.

He said, his voice now a low, soothing murmur that was almost more terrifying than his taunts. I could feel the water creeping up to my eyes, and I had to fight to keep myself from slipping under.

Taehyung: But even the most resourceful of people have their limits.

His footsteps moved away from the tub, and I could hear him pacing around the room. The sound of the water filling the tub was now the dominant noise, a relentless reminder of my precarious situation.

Taehyung: I wonder how long you'll last.

He mused, his voice carrying a note of detached curiosity. I could hear him moving around, perhaps adjusting the faucet or checking the water level. Each sound made my fear spike, the anticipation of his return adding to the tension.

Taehyung: It's fascinating, really.

He said, his voice drifting through the bathroom. The water was now just below my eyes, and I had to fight to keep my head tilted back. The cold was numbing, and my limbs were feeling heavy and unresponsive. I could hear Taehyung's footsteps growing fainter, as if he were preparing to leave.

Taehyung: It's not every day I get such an interesting challenge.

The last of his footsteps faded away, and I was left alone with the rising water. The silence that followed was almost deafening, the only sound of the relentless flow of water filling the tub. I could feel the cold water pressing against my face, making it harder to breathe.

I struggled to keep myself afloat, my strength waning as the water level rose. My movements were becoming increasingly sluggish, and the fear of drowning was making it hard to think clearly. I had to find a way out, but the water and the tub cover, and Taehyung were making it nearly impossible.

I glanced around the tub, trying to find any possible escape route or solution. The water was now at my eyebrows, and I had to tilt my head back even further to keep from slipping under. My breaths were becoming shallow and rapid, the panic rising with each passing second.

As the water continued to rise, I could feel the cold seeping through the tub cover, making my entire body feel numb. The situation was becoming more dire with every passing moment, and I knew that if I didn't find a way out soon, the consequences could be fatal.