Book2

Chapter 46: Red blossoms in a Swallow's nest

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A/N: welp hi :)♡

Music rec:
• 3:00AM - Losing Hope
• Wait - M83
• Say - Ruel
• Astronomy - Conan Grey
• Anchor- Novo Amor
• Sunsetz - Cigarettes after sex

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Happy Reading ily♡

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Life, was indeed such a frail little thing. Hold it up too close and it would shrivel to dust. Hold it out too far and it would trample itself without a flicker of knowledge.

Such fragility. Such danger. All for but a gentle blossom.

There were no more far-fetched stories of the West or intricate poems of the East, to glaze the lips of those deceased.

The dead, would remain dead.

And Kim Taehyung was a dead man.

Atleast, that's what he believed, for this calmness, this purity, this moment of clarity and peace, couldn't be a part of him if he were still alive.

He certainly should be dead.

He should be.

But his nerves tingled. A nostalgic string of white, sewing him up tediously without a break.

Taehyung lowered his heavy eyelids, hand reaching out to the string that shied away from his touch, quivering and recoiling, as if complaining for its work being interrupted.

Amused, Taehyung put his hand away, snickering lightly to himself.

He pushed himself to sit upright, his ribs releasing an awful sound and the white string began dancing wildly, hissing and recoiling, wanting him to lay down to rest, but Taehyung readily ignored the glow string, swatting his hand over.

He struggled to reach to his feet and when he finally did, he wobbled like an infant learning to walk. It didn't hurt, but it was just as frustrating to waiver with each step, trapped in a frame no better than a leaf in a storm.

His legs shook under the weight of his torso, unable to hold up anymore, his knees buckled, toppling over and landing on his face- or so did he imagine.

The murky dark colored ground underneath his feet, rose to half of his height within the split second and cushioned his fall. The very same ground that had grappled his legs and swallowed him, in all those countless nightmares before, seemed to be a lot more tamer than it ever appeared.

Taehyung raised his head and his eyes immidiately darted to the flicker of red around his slender wrist. The red flicker ran down back to the ground and spread far away into the abyss ahead.

Taehyung clutched onto the faint red, examining the stationery glow that didn't shy away from his touch unlike the white string. He gently caressed it, coiling the soft, pliant crimson thread between his fingers.

He then looked up, the abyss painted to a small patch of fields that Taehyung held too dearly in his little heart. A memory, he couldn't afford to erase.

The murky abyss disappeared behind his back, brightness invading his vision. The green rice crops moved in a haze, sunlight glistening off of its slender blades. The air, felt just the same as he remembered it. Light and pleasant, filled with a calming scent of earthy mud and fresh grass.

Taehyung walked down the familiar narrowed path, the sounds of water gushing past the riverbank flowing into his ears.

"Hyung..."

Taehyung froze.

"Ah Hyung...."

He took a stiff step ahead, his throat full, yet lips dry. His eyes wide, yet glazed.

"Taehyung Hyung!!!" The voice yelled, annoyed.

"What?" Another voice snapped, just as annoyed.

"There's no fish here! You lied to me, didn't you?"

Taehyung ducked under a branch, pushing away the stray obstacles before his vision and stepped onto the bank, his eyes first landing onto the scrawny figure seated in the shade few feet ahead of him, rolling a thin leaf blade between his fingers. His frame small with slender milky arms and legs, aged barely 12. His head, full of dense black locks of hair, uneven and ruffled.

Taehyung's gaze next immidiately darted over to another scrawny little figure standing a few meters ahead with a wooden stick in his hands. Hair, just the same, but frame even smaller than the boy seated on the banks.

"There is fish. Open your eyes to see them-" the fairly older of the two by age, groaned not wanting to step out into the sun.

"Taehyung hyung is so lazy that this hill weeps for him." The younger boy cajoled with his typical 'old-man's intelligent words' way of speaking, stoking fire in hopes of attention.

The boy resting in the shade, craned his neck "Brat. Do you want a beating?"

"Ah but hyung!!! There really is no fish in this river! Stop sitting there in the shade like those frogs in Grandma's well and come help me-"

The older boy of the two, seated on the pebble River bank, let out an exasperated groan.

"If I find even one fish by the time I come over there, I'll ask Grandma to roast you over the fire instead-" the older threatened, with no real heat in his tone, but it still put the little scrawny kid in terror, whipping around to face the river to catch a fish before the older would show up.

However, the older of the two didn't scowl anymore and shot up to his feet, a silly grin on his lips as he dusted his pants and skipped over the pebbles to reach out to his younger brother.

"Aiya- throwing an empty hook. Tch tch.. Do you think these fishes will willingly swim up to you with no bait hm?" The older reprimanded, taking hold of the wooden pole, with a thread tied down to its end.

"But those worms make me feel icky-" the younger boy grimaced, lips tugged.

The older boy scoffed lightly, shaking his head and then proceeded to bait the hook silently. He took a step back, pulling the stick behind and throttling it ahead, so that the threaded hook from the make-shift fishing pole would fall to a more deeper end.

"Always having me bait the hook... How can you fish like this?"  The older clicked his tongue, his tone teasing and the younger boy crossed his arms, in rebuttal.

"Hyung.... its not like I'm going to be a fisherman when I grow up-"

The older boy peeked down at his brother "oh yeah? Then what do you wanna be when you grow up?"

The scrawny kid pressed his fingers to his chin, eyes squinting into the distance, thinking hard for a bit and a bright expression bloomed onto his features.

He immidiately straightened up, his back firm and straight with his feet drawn closer in a position of 'attention'. He then, raised his arm to do a quick salute and looked up at his older brother, with bright shining expectant eyes for his approval.

The older didn't say anything outloud, but his expression remained fond even as he turned his gaze away.

"But you're still going to be bad at fishing!" He remarked instead, chuckling and the younger frowned, shoulders slumped.

This made the older laugh out even more and the younger, in a fit clamped his scrawny arms around the older from behind.

"Stop laughing!! As long as you bait the hook, I can still be good at fishing Hyung!"

"Ah ah- that tickles! Stop!"

"Not letting go! Not letting go!!"

"HyunWoo- the fish took the bait- hahah wait stop! Its going to swim away- stop tickling me!"

"Hahaha not letting go!"

Taehyung blinked slowly and the image disintegrated into bits of white, eyelids heavy with pearls threatening to fall, pitiful yet effortlessly beautiful.

A small smile graced his pale lips, the tear cascading down his cheeks as he shut his eyes, lashes fluttering.

Even in death, he was granted to watch something so beautiful one last time, before he'd depart and it was enough for him.

A memory, he so dearly treasured.

Taehyung opened his eyes, still hunched over the murky ground that faintly moved underneath his fingertips. Feeling the familiar heat, behind his back, he swept his gaze around catching the flaming red sun of an eye looming so closely to him.

The crimson ball of fire, flared bright, red lillies dancing amongst them.

But for some reason, it didn't tear his skin open and snap his bones, neither did it burn him alive and nor did it drain him of blood. The red sun didn't do anything, unmoving and watching him up close.

Taehyung wasn't sure, what to do of this change of his tormentor. He wasn't sure if he could even run, if he wanted to, so he sat instead.

Seemingly hypnotized, Taehyung lift his hand up to the ball of flame and just as he did, Taehyung caught hold of the faint red glow from earlier, only now to be coiled around his wrist, in a thick band of twists and knots. He frowned a little, not having noticed it before and subtly yanked at it, only for the band of twisted red to taut over.

Taehyung raised his eyes, towards the other end to which the band of red threads was tied to, only for his gaze to meet up with the blazing red sun staring into the depths of his eyes, no longer hostile, its flames warm.

Warm enough to melt the frost.

Warm enough to give birth to spring in his heart.

Warm... he was warm all over.

But dead people can't be warm.

When Taehyung opened his eyes next, it was neither a murky swamp of his nightmares nor was it any hidden treasure of his memories that greeted him, rather it was the heavy scent of the very source of the warmth in his heart.

Taehyung's lazy eyes fell on the gaudy black ceiling, his mind hazy with the familiar place, yet not so sure as to believe it.

But after blinking rapidly, several times and pressing his fingers to his chest, feeling the rigorous rhythm of the muscle in his chest, he could assure, that he was infact alive.

Dazed, Taehyung pushed the duvet off of his chest and struggled to sit up, a sharp ache spreading to his ribs and the mortal winced, drawing a breath through his teeth.

He looked down and around, more carefully this time, his expression embracing more confusion with each fleeting second.

This was Jungkook's room.

Jungkook's room.

What was he doing in Jungkook's room? In his bed?!

Taehyung stiffled a low groan when he tried to move, pain shooting up his arms and all the way to his neck, twisting and tingling, but it wasn't enough for Taehyung to rid him off his momentary panic and confusion.

However, a clear knock interrupted his little expedition of escape, stilling him to his bones, stiff.

Taehyung's eyes once more, met those raven irises, pure and dense than any night, not carrying a single hint of the crazed crimson from the time he had last seen them.

Taehyung averted his gaze, a little startled and flustered, when he found himself staring for far too long. His eyes landed on his own hands instead, his nails picking a stray thread off the cuffs of the cotton shirt wrapped around his torso, that indefinitely didn't belong to him and looked very much similar to the plain white button-up Jungkook was currently wearing.

Taehyung felt restless. His nerves jittery, his heart palpitating. He didn't raise his gaze straightforwardly, watching silently under his thick lashes instead as the raventte walked over, placing a tray beside the bed- a delicious heavenly scent wafting into the air.

"I made some soup for you, the ginger will help you re-energize. " Jungkook spoke, his tone low and soft, yet a little distant.

Taehyung looked up and it was only then he noticed that Jungkook looked rather sickly. His face had grown a little thin, with faint traces of heavy underlids, as if he had been skipping his rest.

Taehyung lowered his gaze, glancing at the bowl, he raised his hands towards it, his fingers trembling a little. "Uh- I-"

"Allow me.." Jungkook interjected, sitting down on the edge of the bed, maintaining a clear distance from the other and took hold of the bowl, turning to Taehyung.

He picked up the wooden ladle and gently dipped it into the creamy soup, the chopped scallions and beautiful slices of Ginger garnished at the top, sinking with the stir. The broth was white and creamy, neither too thick nor too light, just right in terms of texture, to warm both the stomach and soul.

Steam arose to heights alongside the gentle stirring.

Jungkook drew the ladle to the edge of the bowl, to prevent any spillage and brought the spoon close to Taehyung's mouth.

Focusing solely on the delicious soup and to quench his hunger, Taehyung silently accepted the incredulous manner of being fed at his age.

But the soup was truly marvelous, infact unlike any other he had eaten in all of his life. It was light and refreshing, the thin slices of ginger complimenting the chicken just too well. The broth was both creamy and tangy, with the right amount of spices and cooked to perfection.

However, Taehyung couldn't dare to look at Jungkook as the raventte spoon-fed him, finding the situation way too inappropriate no matter how he thought about it.

Comforting silence had succumbed between the two for some time, as the soup in the bowl, went from full to half to almost empty.

"You're... not gonna ask me anything?" Jungkook finally asked outloud, his thoughts imperceptible, yet his eyes harboring heavy guilt.

Taehyung licked his lips, chewing on them, anxious. "I don't know where to begin...."

Jungkook didn't reply.

"How long... how long was I out?" Taehyung braved his words in.

"Two days." Jungkook responded, his tone honest.

Taehyung looked up, feeling some sort of nostalgia creep in.

A year and a half

Taehyung could finally find some amusement in those words, but then he quickly pushed it away from his head.

"And- Hoseok? How is he?!"

Jungkook didn't reply immidiately, his expression turning a little sour hearing the name slip out of Taehyung's mouth.

"He's still hospitalized... but he's doing fine."

"And the rest? Jin- and those from-" Taehyung hurried, with the momentary selective memory loss that he had infact checked up on them in the hospital, but Taehyung felt too lost to remember any of it with anxiety coursing through his veins.

"Everyone's alive. Hospitalized, but alive."

Taehyung lowered his gaze, almost saying 'thankgod' on the Devil's face. He zipped his lips, letting out a small "oh..."

"If you're uncomfortable with me, I'll have someone take you back to your-"

Taehyung's lips parted, blurting out "No! it's- I..." Taehyung swallowed a lump in his throat "can you help me up... I.. I want to walk around for a bit.."

Taehyung noticed the raventte's adam's apple bob, hands hesitating to reach out to touch, but finally gave in, drawing his hand forth to let Taehyung to hold onto.

Taehyung gingerly wrapped his fingers around Jungkook's hand, slowly pulling off the duvet to set his feet on the ground and just as he did, he winced, feeling an ache rise up in his chest.

His eyes fell on the unfamiliar pants, hugging his thighs.

Now Taehyung wasn't some silly wimpy teen to point and squeal in shame... but, when you wake up in a place you least likely expect, in a pair of clothes that certainly weren't yours, it would still strike a bell or two in the head even if you are a grown adult. Especially... if you're a grown adult.

Jungkook, quickly caught onto the skeptical confused look and cleared his throat "uh- I- I had someone else change your clothes- I didn't- I didn't see anything if that's-"

Someone else?

Taehyung felt even more out of place.

He wasn't sure, what was worse... Jungkook seeing him naked. Or someone else seeing him naked.

"No! I didn't mean it like that. That person's not-.." Jungkook sighed "he just helped around a bit and... I thought you'd certainly feel a lot more safer with someone who's not.. not me..." Jungkook lowered his gaze, voice going soft "not...my kind..."

Taehyung blinked, not knowing how to respond to that. He put his feet down and pulled his weight to his legs, standing up.

"So.. I'm guessing that must have been one of your... brothers?" Taehyung asked, recalling a tall man with gentle but stoic striking features. Taehyung's eyes ran down to his clasped hand around the other's arm, warmth seeping into his skin.

Jungkook hummed softly "yes.. you've met him once before... not too long ago"

Wheels ran around in Taehyung's head.

If that man... was indeed unlike... Jungkook's kind...

Perhaps... maybe, he was definitely an Angel? (He did think about it, but it was solely a castle built on assumption)

Taehyung didn't prod his thoughts outloud, not fully understanding how the Devil and an Angel could walk alongside the same plank?

It didn't make much sense... but then again, anything that had to do with Jungkook never did.

Taehyung looked up, the spacious living room coming in view. Although it was no longer battered with broken walls and furniture strewn around, it still remained empty. The holes in the wall from before, were filled with cement and white plaster patches, not constructed all the way, leaving it unfinished. The windows were fixed too and pulled aside, to let fresh air into the penthouse.

Taehyung felt the strength gradually return in his legs. Awkwardly, he let go of his hold letting his hands return to his side and carried forth, a step ahead with the raventte behind.

The two walked up to the window, the golden rays of the setting sun running long across the floor, shining against the black marble.

Taehyung slowly settled down on the ground, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed.

"Sit... we.. we have to talk..." Taehyung spoke, eyes gazing into the distance outside the orange and yellow hues of a splatter across the vast canvas

Jungkook, didn't respond, half dreading at the thought of 'the conversation' but resorted to sit down nonetheless, with his eyes lowered unable to meet the Detective's gaze.

"What happened that night?" Taehyung asked, the momentary silence breaking apart. "At my place... back then- you..."

Jungkook gulped softly, his arm propped over his folded knee, fingers fiddling thin air.

"I... I attacked you." He replied, his tone grim.

Taehyung stiffened.

"I'm not going to blame the contract, the summoning or it's toll on me... I'm not going to give any excuses for my actions... it's all me. It was my fault. I was overconfident, infact too overconfident that I lost my head over what I was..." Jungkook paused "I don't expect you to forgive me... I would rather have you not forgive me, but I still must say... I'm sorry Detective Kim."

"What I did, can perhaps never be pieced back and what you've lost... I can't ever possibly return no matter how much I try..."

Taehyung remained silent, unable to think.

He was a little over the edge, with everything going about, but the words relayed to him didn't go over his head.

Ofcourse he felt a bit weaker than usual and he could even feel some sort of fabric tightly wrapped around his chest, underneath his shirt. The bandages plastered down the side of his neck, were also quite visible.

With all of the evidence and his memory perfectly intact with the particular events that had gone down, connecting two-to-two wasn't really that hard.

Infact, it became quite obvious to what 'what you've lost' could possibly mean.

But if he was still very much alive then-

"What I've lost... I.. aren't I alive?" Taehyung frowned slightly, a little confused.

Jungkook once more lowered his gaze, exhaling. He put his hand forward, palm open and fingers spread apart.

Taehyung watched keenly, but nothing happened.

"Detective Kim? If I may?" Jungkook requested, slowly stretching his other hand out.

Taehyung wasnt sure of what to expect, so he hesitated a little but Jungkook remained patient to the end until the Detective gave in, placing his hand on the Devil's palm.

Nothing happened.

Apart from the burning warmth of the man's skin, Taehyung could feel no changes, but the more he blinked, the more he could see a small white orb, glowing faintly in Jungkook's outstretched palm.

It looked like a little wispy ghost, almost alive but then without any conscience, like that of a simple burning wick, the flame shuddering.

Taehyung squint his eyes, mumbling "..this is ??"

"A small part of your soul." Jungkook replied.

Taehyung stilled, a little startled, a shiver running down his spine and his fingers giving out a faint tremor. He turned around to look at the raventte on impulse and Jungkook was already looking at him.

Jungkook's depthless eyes were clear, devoid of any humor or lie in them, laced with nothing but his honesty "A part of your soul that I reaped from that night..."

"... before I managed to stop myself..." Jungkook mumbled, moving his outstretched palm closer to Taehyung. "But I was too late... I..  still hurt you..."

Taehyung swallowed a lump in his throat, raising his idle hand towards the ball of white glowing in Jungkook's hands.

Taehyung couldn't feel anything particular as he touched it, infact it wasn't any different than plain air.

Stumped, Taehyung retreated his hands, pulling both to his side. He lowered his gaze, unable to decide on his thoughts.

The man he was sitting beside, would have certainly killed him that night.

Taehyung exhaled, eyebrows stitching up, eyes confused to the thoughts that raced through his mind.

Because Taehyung knew...

That he should have been dead, quite long ago...

It was a miracle that he could live this long- a miracle granted by none other than the Devil himself....

And Taehyung was fully aware, if it was all about wanting to truly kill him... then the Devil would have done so a long time ago.

Taehyung didn't know what to say anymore.

His rational mind was pleading him to consider his options and take the run, whilst his mortal heart was looking for reasons to stay.

Taehyung didn't word out a sound, his expression conflicted.

"I still must sound pathetic to your ears, committing a sin so grave that can't be undone and begging you for forgiveness here like this... I... Detective Kim... I am stubborn and shameless.."

"I'm selfish.... even after everything that I did, I can't let myself part from you.. but I know I don't deserve it. I never had in the first place, but when I realized I could atleast keep you at an arm's length, I have never felt so greatful..." Jungkook paused, eyes searching to meet the mortal's who had hid away from his gaze "now...now I don't deserve any of it.... but Detective Kim, please, allow me to stay by your side until I can heal you completely..."

"I can't mend what I have taken away from you... but please, allow me to do as much as I can to repay what you've lost, even if it is to exhaust me to numbness... Detective Kim.." Jungkook's voice trailed off, noticing no reaction elicited by the mortal.

"Please..." Jungkook whispered, the strange feeling in his chest spreading to clutch his ribs and squeeze tightly from hearing no response from the mortal.

"You don't have to stay by my side... if you want me gone, I'll be gone... but just allow me to heal you first..."

"Detective Kim..."

More silence followed, hearts bleeding, numbness spreading.

"Detective Kim... please answer me... I-...I'm.."

"Please..." the Devil pleaded. Tone growing softer with the harsh silence delivered.

"...I'm sorry..." he whispered.

The skies changed its hues, the Yellow slowly receding to the horizon as Purple embraced the vast lengths overhead.

"...you.." Taehyung mumbled after few good minutes "...have I... always been just a mere motive for my soul?"

Jungkook hadn't expected this question, he sputtered a little "no! I- yes, in the beginning, yes. It did start off like that, I was curious about your soul and that was everything that drove me closer to you- but that was all in the beginning..." Jungkook averted his gaze, a little awkward "as I got to know you... I no longer wanted to lay my hands on your soul... I... I just... truly wanted to be acknowledged by you... that was why I still hung around.."

Taehyung looked up, eyes wide but then quickly hid away, not able to keep up with intensity radiated from the raventte's dark irises.

Acknowledged by you

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Wasn't he the Devil himself?

What gives or takes to being Acknowledged by a mere mortal????

A mere mortal who initially held no regards to him, whatsoever.

Taehyung shivered. He didn't dare to think any further, feeling the sheer whiplash against his skin.

He slowly looked up to the faint orange and purple hues stretched onto the sky. Soft air, ruffling up his hair and Taehyung momentarily closed his eyes.

"I was perfectly aware of what I was doing when I took the knife... " Taehyung confessed, eyes still shut "it was because I was aware, I did it. Because I knew the consequences and in that moment, it didn't matter to me if it'd cost me my life...."

Taehyung swallowed a little harshly, burning the images from the night in his head.

"..but now when I think over all these past events... I can't help but feel a little scared. There... there are things, that I wasn't supposed to know and now that it is... right infront of my face... I... I can't help it at all. Hell..  Heaven... they are all equally scary... And I... I'm not like you all.."

Taehyung paused, gulping softly "I'm just human... and my courage only goes so far. I can't fake my courage... I can only be brave, to an extent where my understanding can reach..."

"But this... this is beyond my limits... all of this is just.." Taehyung chuckled humorlessly "enough to drive me insane..."

Jungkook didn't dare to raise his gaze or interrupt. He didn't have enough strength in him left to withstand such looks and words of spite and scorn, from Detective Kim.

It wouldn't have mattered if it were anybody else...

But when it came from him, it pierced a nail or two.

Clueless to the inner turmoil, Taehyung continued regardless "...And I dont know... for all those countless documented books that tell to condemn you... I..."

Taehyung pressed his hand into his face, not sure whether to laugh or cry "I.. I must be either extremely stupid or senselessly brave to say all of this sitting beside you... hah.."

Taehyung lowered his hand, his crushed eyebrows smoothing over. He exhaled deeply.

"But thankyou."

Jungkook's head snapped up, eyes startled and pupils dilated.

"Thankyou... for saving me... all those times. Saving me openly and discreetly all the time. For being beside me-" Taehyung paused, chuckling in his head with the 'Devil walks beside' hitting his mind. He cleared his throat "for being patient with me.... for just... being there..."

"What?" Taehyung paused, looking at the shocked expression etched onto Jungkook's face

"That's... you- you are not going to say anything else?"

Taehyung frowned, oblivious "what else do you want me to say?"

"No you're- I tried to kill you and you- why are you thanking me?-"

Taehyung lowered his eyes, fingers playing "it was on me... I was ready to give my life away, if it meant I could save Hoseok... besides, I was the one who summoned you.. both the times...didn't I?"

Baffled at the response, Jungkook continued "Yes but, I had the choice to not accept- and I still.."

"But at that time it wouldn't have been any of your concern, so you're not responsible for my deeds." Taehyung replied, not willing to let go from his end.

"But I put your life in danger-"

"but you saved me.. didn't you?"

"I couldn't have this time!" Jungkook shot out, chest heaving slightly with frustration at its peak. He then lowered his guilt stricken face. "I barely managed to snap out at the very last moment, otherwise you... I..  I would have killed you.... I would have pulled out all of your soul..."

"You don't understand Detective Kim..." Jungkook mumbled "there's nothing I fear more than your blood on my hands..."

"It scares me that I will do this again and I won't be able to stop myself... I can replace things I have broken, retrieve things I have lost... but I can't retrieve a soul that I kill from my hands and I certainly cannot replace you Detective Kim..."

Red crawled up Taehyung's neck and face and the Detective turned his face away. Embarrassed and flustered, but then slowly doubt tugged his heart.

How can he say something like this so casually?

Does he not realize?

Is he simply throwing words?!

What sort of audacity-

Taehyung felt a lot more annoyed at this, the subtle-but-obvious rejection thrown at his face on the Conference night, remained fresh in Taehyung's mind.

If he can't, they why would he say something like this?!

Taehyung pursed his lips, fingers curling.

Is he really this pitiful? To be having coaxed like this?

Taehyung grit his teeth.

"Detective Kim?" Jungkook's soft voice reeled in.

Taehyung cleared his throat feeling a little prickly and pushed the words delivered, away from his heart "You said, you had a choice to not accept... what does that mean?"

Jungkook didn't respond immidiately, but then softly replied, as if giving away a hidden secret "I have the choice to accept the summoning... if I ignore it, there will be no changes- I go about my way and the person goes about their own... but if I accept it, a blood contract will be forged. For a soul, a single wish will be granted."

"With no limits?" Taehyung asked.

"Ofcourse there are limits..." Jungkook responded, a wary smile on his lips "I'm just the Devil... I'm not my Father..." he lowered his eyes " I cannot grant a mortal to see the Silver Gates or any of the deceased souls regardless they're worthy of it or not."

"And I can't create life, nor can I be a part of it... I can't revive someone who is already dead.."

Taehyung blinked, eyes solemn  "so.. I'm- I wasnt-"

"No... neither were you nor was Detective Jung dead. Dying yes... but not dead."

Taehyung hummed softly, carefully looking at the raventte's face "what if... the person you held the contract with... no longer wanted to be on the contract??"

Jungkook turned to look at him, lips pulled taut, his expression a little glum.

"They forget."

"What?"

"Dissolving the contract will make the mortal forget about their encounter with the Devil. They'll forget me, my face, my name... they'll forget everything."

Taehyung's throat dried up.

To forget Jungkook...

To forget him...

Taehyung stretched his limbs on the floor, his elbows straightened and hands propped up behind him.

He exhaled "you said, making a wish would take me to hell... I'm going to hell aren't I?"

Jungkook didn't respond.

Taehyung smiled painfully, drawing his hands forward, his back slightly hunched "it's okay... you warned me enough... besides, my hands are already stained with blood- both good and bad.... I killed a person the other day..." Taehyung exhaled, a lot more calmer than he should have been "I don't even know what the person looked like... nor did I know their name... I still don't... and I must feel guilty- I know... but when I saw the knife they held, plunged deep into Hoseok's chest... I couldn't think anymore... all I could feel was.. anger and pain... and I-"

"I shot that person." Taehyung swallowed a heavy lump in his throat "I shot a person... and I killed them..."

The Detective's fingers let out a low tremble, lips quivering.

"I killed someone- Someone whose name I didn't even know... but I don't feel the guilt, which I think is somehow even worse... because if I hadn't killed, then somebody I cared about would have died... but then- this thought- they had been probably thinking about the same thing, wouldn't have they?"

"I.... I am- I'm horrible aren't I? To think of this... to be okay with this- I" Taehyung clamped his mouth shut, breeze ruffling his hair.

Jungkook inhaled deeply, an odd air of respect and superiority revolving around him. "...Each one of us is a Sinner, Detective Kim... mortal or immortal... we are all sinners of crimes of both big and small..." Jungkook paused a little, his eyes gleaming deeply "we are bound to make mistakes... small mistakes, grave mistakes, intentional, accidental... with a reason or with no reason..."

Jungkook drew in a breath "we are not molded into perfection, Detective Kim... creations have their flaws, and, if we were all made as perfect as we aspire to be, wouldn't that just make us God? And who would want 7.9billion Gods? Old man upstairs would wake up with a fit enough to cough away the world if that were to happen-"

Jungkook glanced over, pressing his fingers to the tip of his nose, the mischievousness taking over the wise-aura. He gently rubbed his nose, a little playful "Besides, look at me.. I doomed the entire human civilization with my existence. I personally think, you're a far better creation than me..."

Stunned at the airy-ness of such intense words, dropped the frantic heartbeat in Taehyung's chest, igniting a faint chuckle from his lips and Jungkook smiled, eyes fond.

Jungkook sighed softly, eyes moving towards the purple sky "Atleast death humbles mortals... but for me... that's something I can't even hope to choose from... immortality is a disease.. not fatal enough to kill you, but it still weighs down on your bones as time passes..."

An air of gloomyness surrounded Taehyung, he hummed softly, a little thoughtful at the words delivered, his fingers fiddling and he finally looked up "How.. how long have you been here?"

"A long time... a few centuries maybe..."

A few centuries.

Taehyung paused.

The man beside him was probably older than his ancestors.

Taehyung didn't know what to do with this information, he pulled himself close, back hunched.

"Um... don't mind me asking... but.. you- you're the King of Hell aren't you?" Taehyung peeked up his lashes, the lingering feelings of the realization-bomb unyielding to be erased.

Jungkook blinked, an air of amusement lingering within them. He responded "mn."

"So... if, thats- you.. you're here???" Taehyung gestured vaguely

Jungkook shrugged nonchalantly "Hell's too cold for this King, Detective Kim." He chuckled, a deep reverbating sound rippling through his chest.

Hell's too cold? Taehyung wanted to ask, but held himself back.

Ofcourse, this is something only Jungkook would say.

Jungkook cracked up a small smile "and.. I'm on a- well... an overtime break."

"I find the mortal realm more interesting eitherway."  Jungkook gloated, eyes gleaming.

Lemme guess, Taehyung thought to himself.

Alcohol. Women. Drugs?

They probably don't have all of that in hell-

And to prove his point, Jungkook continued "you get to have different tastes amongst the mortal world. Whether it be alcohol or desires. And for the most, I could parade around the mortal streets saying, I'm the Devil and face no repercussions, however, the same couldn't be said for Hell.... well... it sure gets a little too chaotic when I show face..."

"Besides... Hell has no Detective Kim, Detective Kim. How could I think of going back when you're here?"

Taehyung frowned, that was obviously a silly joke, but the receded red on his neck returned, the wheat-tan of his skin embracing the sheen blush that crawled up.

Taehyung scoffed, giving a light roll of his eyes "well I guess in few years you will indeed return to your Kingdom then."

This was a supposed to be a snarky joke too- it was for Taehyung, he has long accepted his fate and he was okay with it. Mortals can't have choices like that, and some things can't be changed, so it's better to accept it than throw a tantrum.

But the raventte's expression immediately fell, as if bitten by a poisonous viper, his pupils constricted in a fit of subtle unbirdled fury, his teeth in a grit, seeming to have swallowed a storm that raged within himself.

Taehyung felt slightly alarmed, stiffening a bit and the Devil closed his eyes, and when he open them next, the raven irises appeared a lot more gentle than it were a second ago.

The flames extinguished, the brow creases long disappeared behind the strands of raven hair.

"Mm... I'll let you have the special token. No sufferings, no torture." Jungkook perked up, humming a little "let's call it uh .... what do we call it? Ah- Limited Edition, the Devil's mercy-"

Taehyung chuckled awkwardly, hand wrapped around his nape "I'm greatful-"

The Detective drew in a breath, chewing his bottom lip, a little jittery. He sighed, his gaze lowered, he then continued recalling the cloaked figures "that night... uh- those people... were they trying to summon you?"

"Yes..." Jungkook replied, carefully observing the Detective's face "sacrificial blood, runes, incantations.. apparently yes..."

He shook his head, sighing a little "it's a misconception about me... I'm not very proud of this side. Sandwich and ketchup works just as fine."

Taehyung's eyes widened, skin flushed, embarrassed.

He cleared his throat "You told me the murderer might not be a human... this... if you knew then, why tell me- I, I can't do much against them eitherway?"

Jungkook hummed "I did tell you this, but I didn't mean it like that... the murderer is a human indeed... the person behind it, is most likely to not be..."

"I still wouldn't be of much help eitherway... you're obviously more capable than me." Taehyung craned his neck sideways.

Jungkook smiled. "it is because the murderer is a human, I cannot interfere directly Detective Kim. Us, immortals, cannot interfere with any matters that has to do with a mortal. Even if we were to know who and how to catch a murderer or a terrorist, we aren't allowed to step in. There's a line that holds balance in the mortal realm, too much pressure on either side, it will tip the scales..."

Taehyung pulled onto the stray string from his cuffs "so- a contract doesn't mean... that you're interfering then?"

"It does. That's why it's frowned upon." Jungkook pointed out up to the sky, a faint smirk on his lips "they don't like it when they lose their fans."

He chuckled a bit "I only accept summons when I'm either idle or purely intrigued. And when that happens, you could say the heavens shake a bit, everyone's a little too prissy to handle." Jungkook cajoled.

Taehyung huffed, eyebrows a little creased "you must have been idle outta your mind then..."

"Intrigued outta my mind Detective Kim." Jungkook teased, correcting the Detective's words in reference to their first meet and Taehyung averted his gaze, unable to keep up with the amusement dancing in the raventte's eyes.

A smile danced on their lips, eyes averted, but chests warm. The air carrying a sweet pleasant scent with it.

Silence followed for few more minutes and Taehyung took the liberty to break it, his voice soft "I... I still can't believe everything that has happened till now.... you.. Jimin-" Taehyung paused, remembering a pale skinned man "Dr.Min... all of you-"

"Do you hate it?" The raventte asked.

Taehyung exhaled, chest rising and falling "what's there to hate?"

"I'm greatful. Demon on not. Never once as agonizing as some humans are..."

Jungkook's eyes sparkled, a toothy grin making its way on his lips that he had to hide away with the back of his hand.

Unaware of the pleasant smile, Taehyung continued "In the span of these last few months, I've seen a lot of things... things I'm not sure what to do with it- some unexplainable, some scary..." Taehyung shut his eyes remembering the hollow-eyed creature that chased him when trapped in the tunnel.

"... but its okay... I'm okay." He sighed out.

Jungkook watched it with his careful gaze, raven eyes glimmering a bit and then lowered his chin.

"Detective Kim..." Jungkook called out, his voice carrying a soft ring. "You... do not wish to ask me of my face?"

Taehyung peered up his lashes "I feel it's not my place... to ask you of that."

"But I want to..." the Devil whispered "I want to show you who I am... no more veils... no more lies. I want to have you decide for yourself, if you truly want me walking by your side..."

Taehyung gulped. It wasn't easy to digest the horrible image of the hurtling creature he had encountered before.

And now Jungkook-

How worse could it be?

Not that bad right?

Maybe he would have the eyes from his nightmares..  that was okay. Nothing too much he couldn't handle.

"If you insist... I have nothing to deny." Taehyung replied.

He watched the raventte, clench his jaw. His eyes gleaming, his chest puffed as of holding back his breath, seeming to battle himself on revealing such a great card under his sleeve. He exhaled softly, and black mist poured out of his palms.

Taehyung watched with the same enthralled gaze as he had the very first time, except for with almost no fear this time.

The black mist swirled, the grainy and coarse texture of that of black sand, skittled softly when it came in contact with Taehyung's skin.

Taehyung held his breath, when the black mist receded revealing its owner amongst its hues of shadows.

A stark red glimmered, the crimson lilly dancing wildly in its obsidian enclosure.

The flawless smooth skin bygone, revealing scaly-protrutions of red and white around the hairline and covering the edges of the forhead. Raven hair, slightly longer in length and pulled back ladened with a shiny grease.

Flayed skin made its way to the sight, revealing the red muscles where once smooth unblemished skin had remained, looking as if ominously gashed by a knife and hacked to pieces.

Taehyung felt the lump in his throat grow.

Unable to say anything, he lowered his gaze, his breathing a little labored.

Couldn't be that worse?

Taehyung felt stupid to even think of that when it was literally the King of Hell he was talking about.

It was terrifying.

Truly. Terrifying.

He opened his eyes, gathering courage to meet the raventte's patient gaze, that now harbored warm red irises floating in the blacks of his eyes.

Jungkook didn't say anything.

Neither did Taehyung.

But Taehyung, couldn't keep quiet for too long. He averted his gaze, coughing a bit.

"Its not too bad" he addressed, clearing his throat.

Jungkook shook his head, a bitter chuckle leaving his lips "I'm but the Devil, Detective Kim... I can't look like an angel anymore. I... really don't blame your reaction, if I were you, I'd hate it too-"

"No!" Taehyung cut in, frowning at the unfamiliar self depreciation pouring out of the Raventte's mouth.

Jungkook watched with eager eyes, the red lillies dancing in his depthless rims of black.

Taehyung felt his heart squeeze in his chest.

What should I say? Taehyung brainstormed.

That, He shouldn't be saying that?

Or maybe, He's beautiful?

Taehyung frowned.

He's pretty- no-

Taehyung's frown deepened. The Detective comically shook his head, lowering his chin.

Taehyung flushed a little, averted his gaze then looked back at the raventte once more, a little awkward.

"You.. are not that bad." Taehyung squeaked out, embarrassed that he was caught hold at his neck to give away compliments. He cleared his throat, hand cradling his nape, not being too blatantly shameless or dishonest, he continued "I mean... I've seen worse"

Jungkook's eyebrows rose, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

He had hoped for some sweetness, but seeing the Detective trying to be honest without wanting to hurt his feelings, swelled the Devil's heart, warmth pooling into the blazing inferno of his embodiment.

Jungkook smiled sweetly, his threatening canines seeming harmless and eyes fond as ever. A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest.

"Well... if I'm not that bad, then I can only fear for whatever worse you’ve seen Detective Kim" Jungkook cajoled and Taehyung burned another shade of red under the collapsing dusk.

Taehyung hid his gaze, silently cursing to himself in his head. He peeked open an eyelid, his eyes running to the cloak of bronze and black he had failed to take a note earlier.

Taehyung eyed widened, when he realized what they were. A breath remained stuck in his throat, his hands itching to run through it, but he held himself back.

His eyes ran back to the raventte's face, that had transformed back to a normal. The red lesions no where to be seen, showing a perfect flawless skin of milky white instead. The black of his eyes had been drained away, showing the usual white, except for his iris faintly glimmered red amidst the raven shade.

"Go on.." Jungkook ushered, a smile dancing on his lips.

Recieving the green signal, Taehyung gently rose his hand towards the cloak of feathers that garnered the raventte. The feathers weren't soft like he had imagined them to be. They were coarse and fine, a little too stiff to touch. The colors varied though, the greater tips were metallic bronze, followed by raven blades that slowly split to ash and greys, up to the conjecture where the wings met the shoulder blades were stark white.

It almost seemed like a rhetorical story ingrained into the wings, from the beginning of purity, to the fall, to the darkness and finally, to the crowning of gold.

Taehyung petted the wing tediously, finding few softer feathers hidden beneath the stiffer ones as if he were petting a domesticated animal.

"You can fly!" Taehyung exclaimed, excitement laced into his tone.

"If you like it that much, I can take you on a ride sometime..."

That should have been a harmless gesture.

But Taehyung found his mind spiraling.

Smack. Smack. Smack.

Such shamelessness. Shut the hell up.

Taehyung visibly grimaced.

Thank all entities Jungkook couldn't read his mind.

But Jungkook was already grinning ear to ear, faint color dusting on his milky cheeks.

"What are you smiling for?!" Taehyung snapped, flustered and irritated.

Jungkook stiffled his laughter, eyes gleaming "its nothing, it's nothing. I'm happy..."

"Happy? Happy for what?" Taehyung scowled, the teasing stirring up his heart.

Jungkook looked at him "Mm... because you acknowledge me. You accept me. It makes me happy."

"Even with who I am.. and with everything I've done... I'm still being pardoned to experience this moment. I'm greatful..." Jungkook exhaled deeply.

"I thought you would never accept me Detective Kim... I was... well... a little worried. With the way we parted the night you discovered what I was, I was worried that would be the last I ever saw of you..."

Taehyung's expression dimmed, gulping softly.

"...you've truly chained me down Detective Kim. You can't say you are incapable of greater things now.." Jungkook chuckled to himself, shaking his head.

The Detective turned to face him, knees tucked under and back straightened. Jungkook looked over, a little confused at the posture.

"Jungkook I..." Taehyung began, eyes casted low fingers curling around the fabric over his thighs.

Jungkook straightened up as well, sitting upright, whilst facing the mortal.

"I... that night- I didn't mean to..." Taehyung gulped "I didn't mean to shoot you... I... I'm sorry."

Jungkook frowned. "Its nothing to apologize Detective Kim... I've long forgotten it and I'm not hurt-"

"No!" Taehyung blurted out, hands digging into his thighs "I.. I hurt you.. you... you were bleeding-"

"I'm sorry..." Taehyung apologized "I was scared..."

Jungkook drew in a breath.

"Scared... that I hurt you... that I.. I killed you.."

Jungkook exhaled, the stiffness receding.

"Mortal weapons can't hurt me Detective Kim..." Jungkook smiled, a little delighted.

"But you- you seemed like you were in pain-" Taehyung looked up, eyes laced with worry

"It was a moment of carelessness. Nothing that is your fault..." Jungkook replied softly, his tone warm "I cannot help to not lay down my guard around you... that night's events aren't your fault. None of it is..."

Flabbergasted, Taehyung was unwilling to comply. He fidgeted around a bit, but immediately went slack when the raventte took hold of his wrist, pressing his hand firmly against the broad chest of thrumming warmth.

"See? It doesn't hurt." Jungkook grinned and  Taehyung felt a little out of place. Like a cat with its claws cut, he was rendered helpless even whilst hissing at the hands, the powerlessness of his docile belly and fluffy paws projected stronger.

Jungkook's eyes glinted with further mischief.

[A/N: play,  "Sunsetz- Cigarettes After sex" from here for the feels 😔♡]

"You can inspect, if you still don't believe me-"

"I believe you!" Taehyung squeaked out, embarrassed and flustered, attempting to yank his hand away, in fear of Jungkook feeling his escalating pulse.

But Jungkook remained still, not letting go and drowning the mortal with his tantalizingly mischief-ridden amused eyes, that spread warmth to every inch of his skin.

"Let go-"

Taehyung struggled a little, panic and shyness racing upto him, however he felt his whole world align to a pause when he heard a set of familiar words.

Taehyung looked up, eyes wide with surprise, breath hitched in his throat.

Jungkook looked the same, his face warm, his gaze fond and his lips- his pliant lips, that so dearly beckoned him.

But right now there was something different. Under the palm of his hand, he could sense the beating warmth that didn't sound any different from his own.

Jungkook repeated.

"May I kiss you, Detective Kim?"

And Taehyung forgot to move. He forgot he had years of training to slip away from something as simple as a grasp of a hand. He forgot he even had limbs to twist away from.

Nothing remained, except for his heart in this pile of jelly that he now comprised of.

A part of him wanted to run straight through the window and leap from storeys above. Another part of him wished Jungkook didn't put forth such shameful requests and kissed him until he ran out of breath.

Sure consent was pretty.

But Taehyung felt embarrassed.

He truly believed, Jungkook didn't have to talk so much, for something like this. Just get it done and over with.

But Jungkook didn't make a move any of that sort, despite being a blatantly obvious whore to the eye, he retained this odd gentleman behaviour with the Detective.

And this was one hell of a turmoil for Taehyung- an upright gentleman on face, but secretly a whore underneath his skin, who had pretty much turned into a stone sculpture.

Jungkook waited, patient.

And Taehyung flipped into vibrant shades of red.

"Det-"

"Stop it." Taehyung barked, embarrassed and frustrated.

Throwing away the last bit of rationality lingering in his drunk-dazed mind, Taehyung crept closer to Jungkook and leaned in close.

With eyes furiously clenched shut, Taehyung couldn't see what Jungkook's face looked like- or more like, he couldn't really see where Jungkook's lips even were, so when he planted his lips to the raventte's skin, he unceremoniously kissed Jungkook's chin.

As embarrassed as he already was.

This feat, sky-rocketed Taehyung's embarrassment to a point where he desperately wished for the ground to open and swallow him.

Much for his mortification, a deep chuckle left Jungkook's lips above and Taehyung followed his gaze.

"Here, let me guide you a little..." Jungkook took hold of his face, careful at touch and trained it upwards where their lips met.

Ice against fire.

Fire against ice.

Pliant lips pressed against each other, gentle and unmoving as if glued into place.

Taehyung still had his eyes clenched shut, although curious of what Jungkook's face looked like- he didn't have enough courage to open them, frozen to his very last nerve.

But same couldn't tell for his hands, with fingers clenched around the hem of his own shirt, they slowly left its place and voluntarily snaked around Jungkook's nape, pulling himself closer to the source of warmth.

Sweetness permeated into the air.

Feeling the pad of thumb across his cheek, Taehyung cracked an eyelid open, breathless- both at the kiss and the sight before his eyes.

Beautiful.

Jungkook was just.... so beautiful.

And then he smiled, not the snarky smirk or the manic grin, but a soft tug of the lips that accentuated his angelic (as ironic as it sounds) features.

Taehyung flushed, chest heaving, and his skin betraying him with the sheen red blooming across.

The raventte hummed softly and straightened his back, with his knees folded beneath him and leaned in towards the Detective, taking the initiative to kiss the mortal.

Warm hand cradling the cooler skin, Jungkook held the Detective in his hands, cupping his cheek and delivering a deeper press to the lips, their backs almost arching over.

The sun dipped below the horizon behind them, their silhouettes aligning and fusing.

Lips parted and a stream of warm air invaded the mortal. It was warm... infact too warm, that Taehyung felt like he was burning all over.

A burn, that felt so achingly good. So foreign, but so good.

The raventte tugged Taehyung's pale lips, as if pulling onto a honeysuckle, eliciting a subtle moan from the mortal but Taehyung's brain was too muddled to address the embarrassing slip, solely focusing on returning the gesture, by taking the raventte's lips into his mouth.

But this sweet little slip, had the King of Hell beaming over. His hands ran down, feeling the spine underneath his fingers, stopping a little above the lumbar region where he applied a gentle pressure and Taehyung's legs went slack. The pile of jelly were absolutely useless as they already were but under the strike of shock rebounding through his entire system, the mortal could no longer hold himself up and buckled forward, crashing into the firm chest.

"Easy there" Jungkook chuckled, his chest vibrating a little. His one hand soothingly running down the expanse of Taehyung's back whilst the other, remained firmly clamped over the mortal's waist.

"I will give my life away willingly for you Detective Kim, you don't have to forcefully suck it out from me." Jungkook teased and Taehyung squirmed out of the embrace with embarrassment.

Why was he the only one catching onto the short stick?!?!!?

He pushed the raventte away, flustered beyond repair.

With the back of his hand pressed against his mouth, Taehyung glared at Jungkook- or more like, attempted to glare because no matter what he did, Jungkook was full of taunting and teasing smiles.

"I'm- I'm going!" Taehyung announced, scrambling away.

"Ah- you never run out of this tactic, now do you, Detective Kim?" Jungkook laughed heartily.

Taehyung pretended he could no longer listen and stiffly walked towards the elevator, fingers curled.

Jungkook's sighed out, muttering something about 'a Cinderella tale' in a woeful tone but there was nothing but mischief laced into it.

Taehyung impatiently pressed onto the panel, wanting to run away already, his heart all over the place, warm and jittery.

The doors dinged open and Taehyung skipped in, not turning around to look at Jungkook anymore who had also beelined his way to the elevator, following the trail.

"Atleast, may I know if Cinderella will allow me to drop him home?"

Taehyung whipped around, face still red but evidently glaring.

"What Cinderella?!" He snapped, embarrassed "put your feet away! I have to go!"

Jungkook grinned, nodding and stepped into the elevator.

"Do you remember the first time we rode the elevator? Do you remember what I said?" Jungkook asked, his eyes gleaming, playful.

Taehyung squirmed to the edge, huffing "no I don't remember! Now get out!"

"Oh ho?" Jungkook's breath was close. "Well that's too bad, some things shouldn't be forgotten-"

"Jungkook!!!" Taehyung hissed, steam blowing from his ears.

Jungkook laughed airily, putting his hands up in a surrender "alright- alright, I'm sorry."

Shaking his head, he proceeded to pick something from his pockets and placed it into Taehyung's hands "here, take this to the reception. They will arrange a car for you, if you don't want me dropping you." Jungkook smiled.

"Can't have you walking home now, hm Precious Cargo?"

Taehyung chewed his lips, nerves tingling all over.

"Y-You-!!" Taehyung managed to squeak, but froze on spot when he felt warm lips on his forhead.

"I'll see you tomorrow, yes?" Jungkook spoke against the mortal's forhead, his voice soft, as if begging for a confirmation.

Taehyung gulped at the foreign warmth embracing him, his skin tingling on the contact.

The warm breath above, tickled his skin. His heart lurching in his chest, and the confirmation sinking deep into his bones.

Taehyung blinked, inhaling the familiar scent of expensive cologne to his heart's content, the patch of flowers retained in his soul growing beyond compare, stretching to lengths the mortal never once expected to. They bloomed, vibrant and colorful.

Taehyung smiled faintly, succumbing into the warmth, like a Swallow returning to its home in the late evening, curling down in its cozy nest.

He then meekly replied, his fingers curled around the hem of his shirt.

"Yes."

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Author's Note:

Yall lucky that I'm in love with yall to update despite the said Hiatus and not leave this chapter at a cliffhanger-

Also, I believed yall deserved a treat for sticking to me this far- even with all the shit I put yall through 😔👋💕

Like I said, it'll get better.... it does.

But, mind you, that was just Book1 angst. Book2 is well..... hahah... I'll let you decide.

Anyway, thankyou for all the love and patience. I hope this patience will extend for a bit, since the next update will take a while...

Until then, stay safe and take care♡

Love,
Jaye