Chapter 37: Selfish Desires aids none

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A/N: sorta love this chapter cause its all fine in the beginning and then fucks up in the midway and all the way to the end just like my life hahamaybeineedtherapy

Fav duo fun fight uwu <°♡°>

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Taehyung squint his eyes open, the light pouring in directly from his window. He lazily shielded his eyes from the warm glaze with the help of his wrist, whilst trying to find motivation to step out of the bed.

He peeked out, staring up ahead at his ceiling.

His mind was calm, same as his heart. He wasn't sweating, nor did his limbs ache.

If anything, Taehyung felt thankful that luck was in his favor for a change, letting him sleep peacefully without putting him through absurd horrifying nightmares.

Exhaling softly, he sat up straight. His fingers gently curling around the soft texture of the blanket.

The atmosphere indeed felt nice, slipping in its early morning rays through the window and shrouding him with a warm golden glaze.

He looked at the window, the clear glass pulled back.

Taehyung frowned a little, not quite recalling having it opened the previous night. He hummed softly, and hoped out of his bed, walking closer towards the window.

He swiped his fingers on the windowsil, inspecting it as he looked down to the street and then back up at his hand. He exhaled softly, discarding the suspicion of an intruder having hopped in whilst he was asleep, concluding with the fact that the windowsil still had dust draped on it and not mud or gravel.

Taehyung shook his head, turning away from the window.

He couldn't help but be cautious anymore... afterall, there was a serial killer out there who did find him exceptional enough to throw games at him.

Taehyung walked around his bed and picked up his phone, but just as he bent over he paused- his senses spiking spontaneously with his eyes naturally narrowing.

Taehyung couldn't point out, but ever since he had awoken something about the room smelled off or- extravagant... familiar even.

He pursed his lips, denying the name in his head but then he pulled the pillow close to his face.

Sniffing lightly, he put it away back to where it was.

Is that not it then? Taehyung thought to himself as more confusion layered over him.

He pulled up the soft blanket to his nose, his eyebrows curving as his eyes shot open.

Taehyung frowned a little holding onto the edge of his blanket that smelled more like him.

Taehyung wasn't really sure, how Jungkook's cologne got onto his bed but the more he thought about it, the more purple lines drew across his face.

Was he here- no what the heck Taehyung?

Maybe it was Jimin- yeah.. that makes sense...

Taehyung clicked his tongue, annoyed at himself for thinking about the Armani Crackhead the first thing in the morning.

All that talk about peaceful mind-

He snorted and walked to the bathroom, gripping onto the blanket tightly between his fingers- letting it slither on the floor as he moved.

He picked up the end tail, as he pushed the door open walking on the tiled floor.

Taehyung wasn't sure what he was exactly mad about but he dismissed thinking over it, simply pushing the tap open. The cold water gushed down, filling the tub.

He picked up the blanket, the familiar scent wafting straight up to his nose. He shut his eyes, subconsciously inhaling it even more, his nerves numbing as a response and falling into a state of calmness.

His fingers curled around the soft fabric, his jaw clenching.

However, when he realized what he was doing, a jolt of electricity shot up his spine and he instinctively threw the blanket in the tub, almost letting out a panicked screech.

A bit of the water splashed out on the collision and Taehyung watched the fabric float for a few seconds before it sunk deep to the bottom.

Driving his fingers through his hair and lightly tugging onto it, he walked towards the basin- a little too frustrated.

He looked at his reflection and then pursed his lips shut, proceeding to brush his teeth and wash his face.

He frowned looking down at his torso, spotting red lines near his waist with having slept with his jeans on. He quickly stripped himself from the suffocating material, planning to take a shower but spotting the duvet in the tub, his frown deepened.

He let out a groan ditching his thoughts and making his way to the ceramic tub.

After some painful 15 minutes of unprofessional laundry work with squeezing the water out of his spontaneous idiocy, Taehyung took a quick shower.

He then proceeded to rip off his sheets and pillow cases and dumping it with the wet blanket that went straight into the washing machine, calling it a laundry day.

He pulled a clean shirt and some pants over his body, shoving his phone into his pockets. He lightly combed his hair and then walked out of his room, his eyes landing on the figure wo was seated on the couch.

He immidiately averted his gaze, proceeding to walk towards the kitchen.

"I've made tea, it's still hot so be careful" Areum's voice rang out and Taehyung hummed in response instead

He carefully poured the steaming tea into his cup and keeping it aside, to let it cool down for a bit.

"Has Jimin returned yet?" He asked nonchalantly, with his back facing the woman.

"No.. I havent seen him" she replied, pasuing for a bit and then continuing "..he's never really here."

Taehyung didn't sat anything in return and moved around, to grab a pan and place it on the stove.

He unclipped the plastic bag, letting the loaf of bread topple over on the counter.

"I'm running a little late today, so it's just toast and fried eggs." Taehyung spoke out loud, with his back still facing to the woman. He didn't care enough to ask, if she'd even like to have toast and eggs for breakfast like he would if it were anybody else- besides, it was not like she had ever opposed him whilst living under the same roof, but then again Taehyung had resorted to closing off his basic courtesy with small things and Areum.

Don't get Taehyung wrong. He was no Saint, to easily forgive and forget with a blink of an eye or a change of heart...

Like every other human being, he had his own virtues and thoughts, some of which were righteous and pure, and then there were others, which bore deep hatred and spite that could burn a thousand fires at once...

Although his hatred to his own life in the past had dimmed the fires in his heart, yet the shimmering golden red embers that had remained were still warm enough to ignite and burn.

If anything, he absolutely hated the idea of having to put up with Areum.

He silently prepared the food and walked out with two plates, placing them on the dining table. He walked back into the kitchen once more to fetch his mug.

Areum had long made her way to the dining table and taken her seat, taking small nibbles off the toast.

Awakwardness bloomed within the silence, but Taehyung did nothing to withdraw it only to bear the pressure without speaking a word.

"I.. I was looking for new apartments- I've found one... I'll move out soon from here. So um-" she paused, looking up at the male, a little nervously ".. thankyou for letting me stay. I'll pay you back s-"

"Its not required" Taehyung coldly cut her off, not sparing a glance and Areum lowered her head.

"Did you look for an attorney?" He asked and Areum looked up, a little shocked that Taehyung was infact initiating a conversation.

Areum bit her lip and let out a sigh, lowering her gaze "no... not yet... I can't face my fami-" she paused, her fingers curling as she corrected herself "them now. I'll move in someplace else and try to settle myself first. My paycheck from my previous work place hasn't passed through yet due to transaction delays... so after I receive that, I'll search for an attorney and file for a divorce.."

She quietly sipped her tea, her fingers wrapped around the mug.

Taehyung nodded, lifting his own mug to his lips.

After contemplating for some time with his inner monologue, he finally looked up.

"I'm a little too busy these days... but if there's anything you'd want me for, then you can just call me up and I'll try to make some time."

Areum's eyes glimmered but soon enough guilt wrapped around her. She retracted her excitement and happiness, bowing her head in a sign of respect and smiled softly instead.

"Okay.."

********

Jungkook let out a yawn, his eyes tearing up a little as he did. He lazily looked up, leaning against the wall within the enclosed space, his eyelids heavy.

Having spent quite some time, draining his energy and transferring it over to another body, was tiring indeed- even for the Devil himself.

Jungkook wasn't sure of what the Detective was even dreaming about, but it was easy to point out that the events had left the man restless, tossing and turning and gasping and mumbling with fear amidst his sleep.

Watching him- feeling him suffer, left Jungkook in a complete state of anxiousness.

He couldn't forget the silent cry of help that had bloomed in his head the previous night, when he was sprawled on the couch lesiure drinking his everyday before-bed share of liquor. It was almost as if his skin had ignited with fire and in no time, he was out and stranded in the familiar suburban neighborhood, already leaping his way in through the Detective's window.

Jungkook wasn't really sure how he was affected, or how he could even feel such a thing in the first place- when there was nobody summoning him...

But still, without being said out loud, he still managed to hear the Detective's distressed subconscious cries and pleads for help.

Jungkook didn't know how to put it into words, but in the end, he made a mental note to talk it over with Namjoon when the Angel returns.

Jungkook hummed along to a tune stuck in his head, his eyes fixated on the increasing numbers illuminated on the panel.

The sleek doors slid open and Jungkook stepped into his penthouse, stretching his arms as he walked in.

He pulled off his suit jacket, lazily throwing it down on his couch. He hooked his fingers under the cuff of his sleeve, unbuttoning it.

"You're here... its been a while." The Devil spoke up, with his back facing to the figure.

He turned around and flashed a smile at the pink-haired demon who had put efforts in concealing his presence but had effortlessly failed in doing so.

"Would you like a drink Jimin?" Jungkook asked, walking around the spacious living room.

"No.. I'm good" Jimin replied, his tone stern and void of any of his usual demeanor.

Jungkook looked up, a little surprised but then he had long expected his answer, already having sensed the cautious aura emitting from the Demon.

The Devil smiled, playing dumb as he continued pouring himself a glass of liquor.

"Where did you go last night?" The pink-haired Demon enquired, his tone firm.

Jungkook momentarily looked up to the wall, the marble wall casting his reflection that looked a lot less playful but more sinister with his tongue dancing between his molars.

"Mm... I should be the one asking that Jimin... where have you been these last few weeks?"

Jimin didn't answer, curling his fingers on his sides.

Jungkook pulled a mask on his features and turned to face the other with his eyes folded into crescents and face as gentle as a pure white Lilly.

Sipping his liquor, he leisurely strode past the Demon, who froze feeling the wave of coldness that swept through him.

"Looks like you won't answer... so I won't ask any further" the Devil announced, his tone sly and mocking, forcing the Demon into a corner with his words and actions.

Jungkook knew well about the Demon's whereabouts, but he had decided that he wouldn't force him into truth. It wasn't fun with all of that.

Besides, looking at the atmosphere Jungkook could anticipate a fight or a friendly brawl heading his way. He licked his lips in anticipation wanting to stretch his limbs already and move into the ring to inspect how better the Demon has grown with his powers.

He placed his glass down on the table and straightened up, letting out a sigh. With his back still facing to the Demon, Jungkook proceeded unbuttoning the first few buttons of his charcoal black colored shirt.

"Why did you do it?" Jimin finally mustered his courage to speak up.

The Devil chuckled, carefully removing the Rolex off his wrist and placed it down next to his glass of liquor.

"Do what Jimin?" He craned his head sideways, looking at the Demon. A tinge of excitement hitting his veins, feeling the pent up frustration and intimidation seeping out of the pink-haired male.

Jungkook could only wonder what crossed by Jimin's eyebrows to throw him into such a fit of rage.

Jungkook grinned, playfully in return.

"You know what I'm talking about" The Demon barked back, his tone venomous but still within the line knowing all too well who he was speaking to.

Jungkook nonchalantly shrugged, throwing his hand in a dismissal-gesture.

"Beats me. I've been accused of so many things lately that I can't quite keep a track of it" Jungkook replied, his tone still playful as he turned to face the Demon.

"You forged a contract with Taehyung"

The light in Jungkook's eyes dimmed.

"And?" The Devil voiced out, holding onto the smirk drawn on his lips.

"Why did you do it?" Jimin clenched his fist, his stance defensive.

Jungkook let out a laugh, throwing his head back.

"Why would you think I'd do it now Jimin?" The Devil lowered his head, his gaze fierce as the 'playful-ness' in his eyes kept dissipating "Haven't you lived with me long enough to know why contracts are made?"

Jimin sealed his lips, stepping ahead to say more but there were no words that managed to spill out of his mouth other than "why him?!"

"Why him out of all the people?!"

Jungkook let out an exasperated sigh, leaning against the couch."One after the other..." he mumbled "Seriously..."

"Say Jimin, aren't you growing a little too attached now? Hm?" The Devil mocked, his hands slithering down to the leather supporting his lower spine. His tone and aura simultaneously changed, freezing an unprepared Jimin to his feet.

"Emotions never did you any good Jimin..." he clicked his tongue as his fingers sunk into the relatively colder material under his palms.

Jungkook smiled, his eyes dark and sinister as he casually walked forth towards the Demon.

"You were taught to close yourself off... to lock away that cold, evil, murderous heart of yours..." the Devil continued, his voice dripping with malice as he circled him "now tell me Jimin... why is it out in the open like that?"

"Complaining and whining and taking a bullet for someone else...." Jungkook whispered, his fingers hovering above the Demon's chest. His tone stable, neither rising nor exploding, yet enough to rein intimidation around Jimin's neck.

"...I might as well believe you want Detective Kim for yourself..." he continued, pausing behind Jimin's spine and peeking over to look at his frozen expression. The Devil grinned, his irises flickering a deep red between the void of darkness.

His hand crawled upto the Demon's throat, hovering over the juncture.

"Wouldn't you like that now Jimin? A person... all for yourself. To hold... to embrace... to love... to torment... isn't that what you want? Don't you love him Jimin? Tell me you love him..."

"N-No!" Jimin gasped out, trembling with the words that left his Master's mouth. For one, he himself was confused as to why he always found himself entangled with the mortal's worries and issues... and Two, he really couldn't find himself denying anything Jungkook had said- and that... scared him.

The overwhelming dark energy surrounding the Demon spiked up.

"No?" Jungkook repeated, his tone ice cold. His hand, that was hovering over the Demon's throat, lowered, cupping the warm throbbing juncture completely in his palm.

"N- Yes! Yes!!" The Demon immidiately replied, panic evident in his tone.

Jungkook let out a chuckle, his thumb caressing the warm skin sensing an artery pulsate.

"You can be honest with me Jimin..."

"I.. I respect him.... I... he's my friend..." Jimin lowered his gaze.

The Devil paused, as if he were inspecting whether the male was lying or spewing the truth.

Jungkook retracted his hand, slithering past the Demon and walking ahead

"Well.. that's good then..." Jungkook praised, picking up his glass and taking a sip of his liquor.

He turned to look at the Demon, who no longer was frozen but once again, held a fierce look in his eyes with his fingers clutched around a sleek black metal.

The Devil chuckled "are you going to stab your Master, Jimin? Don't get me wrong.. I was just trying to search for your intentions..."

"I won't fall for it again." Jimin replied firmly, having already fallen prey once for the Devil's aura.

"Good. Good..." Jungkook grinned, placing his glass aside. "I'm sure, you've got lots to ask... go on... I'm listening now."

"What is Taehyung to you?" Jimin shot out, not once dropping his focus like he accidentally had earlier.

The question ticked Jungkook off but he masked his face once more, and smirked "what do you think?"

"You signed a contract with him.. yet he doesn't know who you are- doesn't know anything- neither has he demanded anything from you nor have you ask him of doing so, yet you're adamant on following him around. What is that you want from him, if not for his soul?!"

Jungkook lazily ran his fingers through his dark locks "who knows? I'm just a passerby tagging along"

"Dont lie to me!" Jimin shot back "all those rumors... they are true aren't they?!"

Jungkook smiled solemnly and then clicked his tongue "since when did you heed to these rumors Jimin? I'm starting to get a little disappointed here..."

"All of these things... the appearance of silver runes of your prophecy, the appearance of HyunHo... and now this... it can't all be a coincidence! It can't be Jungkook!" Jimin cried out, frustrated.

"If its not... then its not." Jungkook shrugged "but what can you possibly do about it?"

"Stop being so carefree! You know the tides are turning into a war. You know it! Even if Taehyung never learns anything about you... and he trusts you to the end.... you know... you know the Coronation Feast will fall upon him whether you like it or not!" Jimin grit through his teeth.

"Coronation..." Jungkook whispered, rubbing his forehead "Jimin.... Detective Kim won't know about the contract, nor will he know about me, I've made up my mind... So don't-"

"Lying to me is one thing- but you're lying to yourself!" Jimin cut in, desperation laced with his voice.

"Namjoon told me about the strings tied down to Taehyung... the only other bond you hold...."

Jungkook grit his teeth.

That Namjoon-

"...even if the contract is not full safe-proof, and you indeed lose your self to it... you know that I can substitute when the time comes for you to collect his soul..." Jimin continued, his voice strained and eyes glazed, yet full of firm unwavering determination.

"... but if it's the bond what's keeping you at bay from revealing yourself then you should know, he will not escape his death on Coronation Feast."

"You will devour him... Jungkook.... flesh and blood. He will die at your teeth and I will not be substituting for that."

Jungkook clenched his jaw, averting his gaze.

"So I will never... never accept him as my Queen. I will never acknowledge it." Jimin breathed out, his nostrils flaring.

Feeling the upper hand tip over his side, Jimin stepped ahead. His breath steady but not once had he let go of his guard, his fingers curling tighter around the hilt of Mortem.

"Free him Jungkook..." the Demon voiced out.

"Dissolve the contract."

Just as the words left his mouth, Jimin could no longer stand, his knees buckled as gravity pulled him down to the marble floor.

A sharp pain shot up his legs making him wince.

Struggling, with the dense killing intent surrounding him, he looked up.

Black mist shrouded the Devil like a sphere and Jimin felt his tendons sweat. His nails curled on the ground, and Jimin could sense them splitting open from being dragged against the cold floor.

There was no sight of Jungkook amidst the black revolving mist, except for a spherical stark red light glimmered his way.

"I've already told it once and I'll tell it just once more...." an inhumane voice crawled out of the dark mist, the chandeliers overhead shaking and the hard marble cracking.

"Dont... tell me to dissolve the contract."

The black mist dissipated, the Devil's frame coming into the view and although the killing intent was lost in the air, it still beamed bright in his scarlet irises.

Jimin staggered back, putting his strength into his feet to stand up.

"So... you want him to die eitherways huh? You're not willing to give him up. You're not willing to let him go!" Jimin shot out, breathing heavily

"Your Selfish Desires aids none!" Jimin barked back, his eyes widening just as soon be sensed the figure before him blur.

Jimin quickly dodged to his side, slashing Mortem, the cursed blade scraping through the surface as dark heavy liquid splashed on the ground.

Jimin looked up, his eyes beaming scarlet with his chest rising and falling.

He gripped onto the hilt of his blade, watching the Devil turn to face him. His eyes hadn't embraced the obsidian yet, but his red irises beamed bright enough to prove his intimidation.

He watched Jungkook raise his arm up to his mouth, licking away the stream of blood that trickled down to his elbows.

"I've let you talk for long enough now..." The Devil spoke, a sinister smile crawling up his lips.

And he charged once more and Jimin simultaneously moved, his pace just as fast as the Devil's, dodging and turning and maneuvering his knife all at the same time.

"Selfish you say? Yeah.. I'm selfish Jimin!" The Devil suddenly cackled, amidst the fight not as fazed as the other.

Jimin let out a groan when he put up his defense, feeling his bones shake in his arm from the collision of Jungkook's own.

Jimin sharply inhaled, maneuvering Mortem to the Devil's gut but a firm chop landed on his wrist, instantly cutting off his circulation and the knife dropped to the floor, which the Devil kicked away.

"I am the Devil... what more can you expect of me hahaha!!" He continued laughing, his tone dripping with malice.

The Demon no longer wanted to listen to what the raventte had to say and pulled his strength into his arms and raised his waist, making it lighter and projecting his energy into his strong legs that firmly landed on Jungkook's chest, kicking him far away.

Recollecting himself, Jimin picked up his knife ready to attack but before he could even stand, a strong hand gripped onto his shoulder and flung him several meters away. His body crashed into the glass shelf, his nerves flaring up from several junctures on his skin being torn open.

He helplessly watched, as the Devil walked closer towards him. Jimin grit his teeth, blood seeping down his nostrils and the edges of his mouth. He looked up, his eyes beaming with hatred.

The Devil crouched before him, his face void of any emotion. As if he were a ghost, as if... he never was the Jungkook, Jimin knew. The Jungkook.... Jimin deeply feared.

"You're naïve... Jimin. Naïve and weak..." the Devil mumbled, lifting up his scalded wrist to caress the Demon's face.

"You pledge your loyalty to me... yet you lift your blade at me for a reason I don't approve... you disappoint me... Jimin."

Jimin bit his tongue, the scarlet in his irises dimming but the pink on his whites remaining, pooling with a sheen glaze as a painful rupture zipped through his heart.

Anger and pain raged through Jimin's head, splitting and gnawing him on the inside. Not wanting to think anymore, he grabbed his knife and drove it straight ahead.

Jungkook narrowly dodged from the cursed blade being pierced straight into his neck- yet he wasn't efficient in dodging it completely and the blade sunk into his left shoulder, bone deep.

A sizzling pain shot up the Devil's shoulder and a horrified expression casted upon Jimin's face.

Jungkook's canines drew longer, his eyes flickered between the white and obsidian whilst his irises raged as bright as an inferno.

Jimin staggered back into the wall, watching the Devil hold onto the hilt of the blade that was pierced into his flesh.

Fear coursed through Jimin's veins, feeling his end near.

He wanted to plead and apologise for his actions, but no words reached his throat.

The pale fingers curled around the knife, as the Devil held his gaze with that of Jimin's.

"Because... I am... evil as I am... and damned... to perish." He worded out, his voice, several octaves deeper than it originally was as he pulled out the knife from the juncture and threw it away, the black metal clattering against the floor.

Jungkook's arm, shot forth pinning the Demon by his neck.

Jimin on the other hand, no longer struggled, accepting his fate and silently stared back at him.

It was then, he saw something fluctuate within Jungkook's irises and features, but it fell too short for the Demon to decipher.

Jungkook reeled his anger in and pursed his lips, watching the pink haired male no longer putting up a fight against him, laying limp and patient under his hands- almost as if he were waiting for Jungkook to crush his throat and take his breath away.

Jungkook noticed the trail of blood seeping down his nostrils and the edges of his mouth. His small eyes, ladened with unshed tears.

Jungkook felt his heart waiver.

He pulled away his hand and stood up to his feet, no longer looking at the Demon he had raised from his own hands, that now were tainted with the said Demon's blood.

"Detective Kim... won't be my Queen." He somberly voiced out, walking away.

Jimin who had staggered to the ground, looked up, glass shards piercing his skin.

"If... if he dies... if Taehyung dies... I'll kill you myself." Jimin rasped with laboured breath.

And once again, he saw the flicker of emotions from the figure who had slightly turned his head to look at him.

Jimin's eyes widened with despair and guilt, a soft gasp leaving his throat.

How could he not notice it?

How could he not notice it and still dare to drive his blade ten folds deep into his skin?

How could he??!!

Not once did his Master draw his claws to tear him.

Not once did he switch to his true strengths, even when he was being slashed by a blade as cursed and lethal as Mortem.

Not once did he...

Not once did he attack....only resorting to dodging and blocking and flinging him around, instead of putting up a real fight, like every other brawl they ever had.

And not once... did Jimin try to look beyond and through the words, that he misinterpreted as a source of riling him up- but which in turn were actually filled with Jungkook's own unspeakable pain and hidden despair.

Jimin felt his world crash, numbness settling deep into his bones on the realization.

Jungkook smiled softly in return, shutting his eyes into crescents to hide away the wisps of pearls that had gathered near his eyelids.

"If my hands... ever come to be stained with his blood... then I won't stop you Jimin..."

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Author's note:

Am I evil? Heck yeah :)

I've been waiting to write this for so long lol...

Okay so the Coronation Feast? Yeah... its sort of a ritual [a fucked up one that too- which I made up :) ] in Hell which commences at the time the Devil (the King) chooses a partner [it has never happened to JK, cause lol he never had a partner. According to this story, it has happened quite a few horrible thousand times in Hell before JK took over the throne...] and the partner has to go through a test to prove their worth on the day of the Coronation to receive the title of the Queen, where the partner submits the virtue of their Body, Soul and Mind to their King.

So basically, if the Partner fails... the King devours their partner. Yep. Straight up Cannibalism.

So... yeah- that pretty much sums up the whole 'Coronation' 'Feast'

Haha lol anyway...

Thanks for all the views and reads

Stay safe yall♡♡♡

Love,
Jaye