Author’s POV

The quiet tension of the cabin was like a coiled spring, ready to snap at the slightest provocation. Jungkook kept pacing the floor, casting watchful glances out the window as he listened intently to every small sound. Y/N stayed close by, her heart racing, both from his presence and from the unease settling in her chest.

They had barely slept since arriving, their nerves stretched thin by every rustle of leaves and whisper of the wind. They knew they were in hiding, but from whom or what exactly, they didn’t know. And it was that uncertainty that weighed on them the most.

Jungkook’s POV

I didn’t trust the silence.

It was as if the whole forest held its breath, waiting for something to happen. My grip on the flashlight tightened as I scanned the room, every corner, every shadow. Y/N was seated on the couch, her knees pulled up to her chest, her eyes wide and alert.

I walked over, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You holding up?”

She nodded, though I could tell she was barely holding back the fear. I felt responsible, knowing that she was in this situation because of me.

“I’ll keep watch,” I told her, trying to ease her worries. “Just… try to get some rest. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

Her eyes softened as she looked at me. “Thank you, Jungkook. For everything.”

Her gratitude made me falter for a second, but I quickly masked it, giving her a small nod before turning back to my vigil.

Flashback to Namjoon’s Warning

As we settled into the cabin, my phone buzzed with another message from Namjoon:

> Namjoon: "It’s worse than I thought. Don’t trust anyone who finds you, not until I give the all-clear."

The words made my blood run cold. I was used to dealing with fans and the occasional privacy breach, but this? This was something else. Something darker. I kept the details from Y/N, not wanting to alarm her further, but I knew we were in more danger than she realized.

Y/N’s POV

Jungkook’s words repeated in my mind long after he had settled near the window, his vigilant eyes scanning the dark outside. There was something he wasn’t telling me—I could sense it. I wanted to ask, to get him to open up, but I held back, trusting that he had his reasons.

Instead, I tried to sleep, though my mind was far too awake. The silence was suffocating, and every creak of the cabin seemed to echo louder than it should. My thoughts kept drifting to Jungkook, to the warmth of his hand earlier, to the way he was so fiercely protective. Despite everything, I felt safe with him.

Hours passed, or maybe it was only minutes—it was hard to tell. Just as I started drifting off, a sound outside the window jolted me awake. A faint scraping noise, like something brushing against the cabin wall.

“Jungkook,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He turned to me immediately, his gaze intense. “Stay here.”

He crept toward the window, flashlight in hand, his steps cautious. I held my breath, waiting for any sign of movement. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the tension in the room thick enough to cut.

Outside the Cabin

Jungkook scanned the darkness outside, shining the flashlight along the wall. At first, there was nothing but trees and shadows, but then—a flash of something metallic caught his eye. A strange, small device lay nestled in the bushes.

He frowned, reaching out to pick it up. It was a recording device, its light blinking faintly. Someone had been watching them, listening to their every word. He felt a surge of anger but pushed it down, focusing instead on protecting Y/N.

Quietly, he turned back to the cabin, slipping the device into his pocket. There was no need to worry her more.

Back Inside

Jungkook’s expression was unreadable as he re-entered the cabin, closing the door carefully behind him. I could see something had changed, a subtle shift in his demeanor, though he tried to hide it.

“Did you find anything?” I asked, unable to suppress my curiosity.

He hesitated, then shook his head. “Just an animal, probably a raccoon or something.”

I didn’t fully believe him, but I didn’t press further. Something about his protectiveness made me feel safe, even if it meant he kept certain things from me.

Later That Night

Sleep evaded us both. We sat side by side, our backs against the cold cabin wall, watching the first hints of dawn peek through the trees. Jungkook’s arm was wrapped protectively around me, a subtle reminder that he was there, that he wasn’t leaving.

“Jungkook?” I whispered, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?”

“If… if something happens, I want you to promise me something.”

He looked at me, his expression softening. “Anything.”

“Don’t put yourself in danger for me,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “I couldn’t bear it if you got hurt because of me.”

He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Y/N, I’d do anything to keep you safe. Don’t ask me to promise that.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I looked away, not wanting him to see. But he reached out, gently tilting my face back towards him. His thumb brushed my cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped.

“You’re worth it,” he said softly.

I didn’t have a response, and I didn’t need one. In that moment, words would only get in the way. The connection between us felt stronger than ever, a silent understanding that whatever lay ahead, we’d face it together.

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To be continued....