10. 🏆
I'm over the moon to share this with my readers. I won 1st place in smitten kittens awards for kim taehyung category. Hosted by an amazing host prxtty_stvrr . And as a reward for winning first price the host offered me amazing CHARACTER AESTHETICS. Although I didn't create a special chapter for these character aesthetics, I have incorporated them into the story when each character was introduced. Do check them!!...Once again, thank you so much for these amazing character aesthetics, dear!
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As the sky darkened, signaling the late hour of 6 pm, the group arrived at Yuna's grand, foreboding mansion. The taxi driver was paid, and they all stepped out, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. The massive structure loomed before them, its main door a towering presence.
Jin broke the silence, "Finally, we're all here." Hobi stretched, "My ass hurts from sitting for so long." The group chuckled, momentarily dispelling the eerie atmosphere.
Suga's voice cut through the darkness, "Hey, open the door already! I need rest." Jungkook spoke, "Rest? You're just getting started, hyung!" Suga shot him a glare.
Taehyung pressed the doorbell, and the sound reverberated through the night air.
The door creaked open, revealing a shirtless man with a chiseled, athletic build. His tall, handsome frame and charming smile seemed almost otherworldly in the fading light. He eyed the group, "Are you all Yuna's friends?" They nodded in unison.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside. As they entered, Yuna descended the stairs, her voice bright, "You're all here!" She glanced at the shirtless man, "Hey, wear a shirt." He looked irritated, "They kept ringing the doorbell, and I had to answer."
Yuna said, "I told the maids and servants I'd get the door. You beat me to it." The man snorted, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
Jimin whispered to Jin, "Who do you think he is?" Jin whispered back, "Maybe her boyfriend?" Jungkook inserted himself between them, whispering, "But if he's her boyfriend, why would she crush on Taehyung?" The trio exchanged clueless glances.
Yuna's voice interrupted their speculation, "Everyone, this is my brother, Mark." The name sent a shiver down Jen's spine.
Mark's smile seemed to falter for an instant before he extended a charming greeting, "Hello, everyone! Nice meeting you all." The group responded, their voices a mixture of warmth and wariness.
Yuna's voice echoed through the grand foyer, "You all must be exhausted from your journey. Please, go to your rooms first, freshen up, and I'll have the maids serve you food."
Jungkook asked, "Where are our rooms?" Yuna gestured toward the sweeping staircase, "Upstairs, you'll find rooms of various sizes - some for one, two, three, or even ten people. Choose any that suits you." The stairs creaked softly, as if inviting them to ascend.
Jimin chimed in, "We'll take rooms for two." Taehyung raised an eyebrow, "Two?" Jimin nodded mischievously, "Yes!" Jungkook wondered aloud, "So, who's sharing with whom?" The air was thick with anticipation.
Jimin grinned slyly, his eyes locked on Gia, who looked perplexed. "Okay, so... since we're 13, one of us will be left without a roomate ! we'll do a blind match to decide roommates," Jimin explained. "We'll write numbers 1 to 6 on slips. Each person will draw a number. If you get the same number as someone else, you're roommates."
Yuna's eyes sparkled with intrigue, her gaze drifting to Taehyung as she agreed, "Yes!"
The group exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the unpredictable nature of this arrangement.
The group gathered around Jimin, their eyes fixed on the slips of paper in their hands. With a collective nod, they opened their chits, revealing their roommates' fates. Mark's face remained stoic as he read his slip, "I got 'No roommate'." He declared, "I'm okay with this." The dimly lit foyer seemed to grow darker, as if the shadows themselves were closing in.
Namjoon and Jin exchanged relieved smiles, their chits bearing the same number: 4. Hobi and Suga high-fived, their number 1 slips a symbol of their newfound camaraderie. Ina and Jungkook's eyes met, their faces flushing as they realized they shared number 3. The air was charged with an awkward tension as they exchanged shy stares.
Gia and Jimin's slips displayed number 2, prompting Jimin to flash a charming wink. Gia, however, averted her gaze, her cheeks burning. Yuna's eyes widened as she read her slip, her gasp echoing through the foyer. She and Ren shared number 5, their pairing sparking an unspoken unease. Taehyung and Jen's number 6 slips seemed to seal their fate.
Jimin's voice cut through the tension, "Okay, everyone! Go with your roommates!" His gaze flicked to Mark, "And sorry, Mark, you're left out!" Mark shrugged, his tone nonchalant, "It's fine." Yuna's voice trembled, "Can't we take chits again?" Jimin's response was swift and adamant, "NO!! NOPE!!
Gia leaned in close to Ren in the grand, high-ceilinged lobby, its crystal chandelier casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor. She whispered, "Are you okay with being in the same room with Yuna?" Ren reassured her, "Don't worry, I'm all good." Gia nodded, her eyes locked on Ren's.
As Jimin approached, the soft rustle of his tailored suit echoed through the space. "Come with me," he said, his voice low and mysterious. He grasped Gia's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as he led her up the sweeping staircase adorned with golden railings.
Halfway up, Jimin called out to Yuna, who stood poised at the base, her gaze following them. "Miss Yuna! Please send our luggage to our room." Yuna nodded silently, her expression unchanging.
As they reached the top floor, Jimin stopped before a row of doors, each adorned with intricate carvings and gold handles. "So, in which room do you want to be with me?" Gia scoffed, "No room!"
Jimin's grin spread. "Oh, you'll be on the streets then? Don't worry, I'll come and give you necessities!" Gia's glare only fueled Jimin's amusement.
He pushed open a door, revealing a lavish suite bathed in warm light. Velvet drapes, a crystal-encrusted chandelier, and a majestic four-poster bed filled the space. The room's vibrant colors and plush carpets exuded luxury. Gia's eyes widened. "Only one bed?" Jimin smirked, "Yup, one is more than enough for us."
Gia's voice trembled. "No way! I'm going to Yuna and saying I want another bed!" Jimin chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Wae? It's a big mattress. It can fit four people, you know! For now, we'll sleep together. After a while, we can fill this bed with our children." He winked.
Gia scoffed, her eyes flashing with annoyance. The crystal chandelier above cast flickering shadows on the polished marble floor.
Jimin leaned against the wall, "Why? Are you scared to be with me in a room? Are you that afraid of me, Miss Gia?"
Gia scoffed again, her voice dripping with disdain. "Wth! Why would I get scared of a mere person like you? I'm not scared, I'm just annoyed." The soft glow of the lights highlighted the luxurious furnishings.
Jimin chuckled. "I don't believe you! I know you're scared. Prove yourself by being with me." He shrugged, his designer jacket slipping off his shoulder.
Gia rolled her eyes and gathered her belongings. "Fine, I'll be in the room." She strode into the shared bathroom, its marble countertops and gold fixtures gleaming in the soft light.
As Gia closed the door, Jimin knocked on it, his voice teasing. "Need help, Miss Gia? Want me to come in?" Gia yelled from inside, "No need! You stay within your limits, Mr. Jimin."
Jimin giggled and settled onto the plush bed in his lavish bedroom, its softness enveloping him.
As the others retreated to their rooms, the mansion grew quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning. After a while, Yuna emerged from her room, her hair styled perfectly, and slipped into Mark's room.
"Already missing me?" Mark asked, his voice low, as Yuna closed the door behind her.
Yuna smiled. "Nah, but I don't like being with Ren. I thought I'd get a room with Taehyung." Mark chuckled.
"Come on, it's fine. We'll be in our rooms only when sleeping, freshening up, or resting. We'll be out together all the other times, Yuna."
Yuna's expression softened. "I'm relieved for that reason. Anyway, I'm starving." Mark nodded.
"I'll ask the maids if the chefs have finished preparing dinner." Yuna nodded.
After freshening up in their lavish bedrooms, Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung emerged, gathering upstairs , the plush cream-colored couch where they settled. The elegant staircase curved gracefully beside them, its polished wooden banister reflecting the light.
Jungkook spoke, his stomach growling, "I'm already starving! When will Yuna call us?" Taehyung reassured, "Have patience, Kookie! Chefs are preparing a feast in the kitchen below." The aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted up, tantalizing their senses.
Jimin chuckled and teased, "Yeah, Jungkook-ssi, how's sharing a room with a girl?" Jungkook's face flushed, his eyes darting away, recalling earlier moments. Taehyung's curiosity piqued, "What? Something happened?"
The room fell silent, except for the soft ticking of the grandfather clock. Jungkook's face reddened further, his voice barely above a whisper, "N-no... nothing." Jimin and Taehyung exchanged confused glances.
Taehyung and Jimin asked in unison, "Tell us what happened!" Jungkook's eyes met theirs, then dropped, his fingers fidgeting. Jimin, with a mischievous grin, said, "Don't tell me you either saw her naked or she saw you while changing or bathing?"
Taehyung gasped, "What? Omg! Is Jimin correct, Jungkook?" Jungkook vigorously shook his head, "What? Nooooooooo!" Jimin frowned, "Then? What happened?"
Jungkook's voice lowered, "When she went inside the bathroom to shower... my eyes caught her diary. Pages flipped due to the air... I saw my name. Curiosity got the better of me, and I read on."
Jin's sudden appearance startled them. "What the heck? Didn't I teach you manners, Jungkook? Reading someone's diary without permission?" Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung jumped, their hearts racing.
Taehyung asked, "Omo! Jin hyung, when did you arrive?" Jin settled beside Taehyung on the couch, "I came out of my room and saw Jungkook's shyness. I had to investigate."
The fireplace crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls as Jimin urged, "Ahh, whatever! Let Jungkook continue." Taehyung nodded, "Yes, please!"
Jungkook resumed, "Then I read her diary... She's written so much about me. She loves me." Jimin and Taehyung teased, "Well, well, well! Enjoy yourself, all alone with your girl!"
Jungkook's face flushed deeper, "W-what? Um-umm." Jin intervened, "Come on, Kookie! Be a man. It's time."
As they conversed, a maid approached, her crisp uniform a testament to the mansion's impeccable staff. "Miss Yuna requests your presence for dinner," she announced, bowing before departing.
Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Yuna should've called us herself. Why send a maid?" Jin chuckled, flicking Jimin's forehead, "Cuz she's rich! She wants to show off how many maids she has." Jimin smirked. "We're all rich, too. But it's basic manners to assist your guests personally."
Jin said, "Manners? You? Remember when we visited your house, and you flirted with that classmate, ditching us? Where were your manners then?" Jimin scratched his nape, sheepish. "Ahh, that's a very long ago, hyung... maybe before 4 years?"
Jin rolled his eyes. "Whatever!" Jungkook yelled, "Taehyung, come with me! We'll go have dinner. These two will bicker us into starvation!" Taehyung chuckled and took Jungkook's hand, descending the grand staircase, its polished wooden banister gleaming in the soft light.
Jin and Jimin called out, "Hey! Wait for us!" They rushed, joining Jungkook and Taehyung in the dining hall. Yuna, resplendent in a designer gown, smiled as Taehyung approached. "Taehyung, come sit beside me."
Taehyung looked blank before loosening his grip on Jungkook's hand. Jungkook held his hand tight and said, "Nah, Miss Yuna. He'll sit with me. Thanks for your offer." With that, Jungkook dragged Taehyung to sit on a chair between him and Jen. Yuna's eyes narrowed slightly, taken aback. She side-eyed Jungkook but remained composed.
Gia, seated beside Jungkook, chuckled and whispered, "Well done, Jungkook-ssi." Jungkook giggled, his eyes sparkling. Taehyung spoke, "Where is Hobi, Suga, Namjoon?" Ina replied, "They're too tired. They already slept." Taehyung said, "Oh okay!" Ina nodded.
After some time, all finished their food, and Yuna announced, "There's dessert to end the meal." The group's chatter and laughter filled the room as they eagerly awaited the sweet treats.Meanwhile, Taehyung felt an unusual burning sensation on his back. Initially, he brushed it off, but as the pain intensified, he stood up, excusing himself to his room.
Gia whispered into Ren's ear, "What happened to Taehyung? He seemed uneasy!" Ren's expression turned concerned. "I don't know. Let me check on him." Ren stood, and just as he was about to leave, Jungkook also stood, whispering to Ren, "I'll come with you." Ren nodded, and they both headed towards Taehyung's room.
Yuna, oblivious to Taehyung's unease, continued eating her dessert, the sweet aroma filling the air. As Jungkook and Ren approached Taehyung's room, they heard muffled screamd from inside. Exchanging worried glances, they cautiously opened the door.
The room was dimly lit, Ren and Jungkook called out, but there was no response. As they approached the washroom door, they both felt a hand on their shoulder, making them flinch. Jin and Jimin, who had followed them, also flinched, asking, "Hey! Why did you flinch out of sudden?" Jungkook and Ren gritted their teeth, replying, "Who wouldn't flinch when you two suddenly came and put your hands on our shoulder?" Jin and Jimin smiled sheepishly, explaining, "Oh, we're worried about him, so we came with you guys."
Just then, they heard another groan from inside. All four of them opened the washroom door, revealing Taehyung shirtless. Taehyung flinched due to the sudden opening of the door. Jin asked, smirking, "Hey handsome! You just came here to admire your own body?" Jimin chimed in, "You made us all worry!" Ren intervened, "Ush! He's not here for that." Jungkook added, "Yeah! We heard low screams and groans!" Jin's expression turned serious. "What happened, Taehyung-ah?"
Taehyung slowly turned, revealing a fresh tattoo mark on his back shoulder. Taehyung spoke, his voice trembling, "I got a burning pain, so I came here to see what happened! And then I saw this mark in the mirror. I don't have this tattoo before! And it pained a lot before some time. Now it's normal. But... but where did this come from?" Ren's eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, but no one noticed. Jungkook's brow furrowed. "A moon with love symbols? What does this mean?" Jin's expression turned skeptical. "Think first, from where did this come suddenly from?"Jimin and Jungkook gasped in unison, "Yeah!!"
Taehyung turned, his eyes glassy, and spoke, "I'm feeling dizzy!" Ren's expression turned concerned. "Come outside, Taehyung. Rest!" Ren gently took Taehyung's hand, guiding him out of the washroom and onto the plush, velvet bed. The luxurious bedroom, adorned with intricate furnishings and a stunning crystal chandelier, seemed to fade into the background as Taehyung's discomfort grew.
Ren spoke again, "Wait here, I'll bring water for you." Taehyung nodded weakly. Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook sat beside Taehyung, their faces etched with worry. Ren descended the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing through the opulent hallway. He entered the dining hall, where Gia was indulging in her dessert. The sweet aroma of chocolate and vanilla wafted through the air, but Ren's focus remained on Gia. Ren took gia to her room.
Ren spoke after closing door, "Taehyung got the tattoo!!" Gia's eyes widened, and she gasped, "What? Omg!!! Which tattoo?" Ren's expression turned serious. "A moon with 2 love symbols each side." Gia gasped again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I knew it was him." Ren nodded in agreement. "I know right. Now he's feeling dizzy as he should. Let's give him the drink now."
Gia nodded, and Ren retrieved a drink from her bag. The blood-red liquid seemed ominous, but Ren's expression remained calm. Gia instructed, "Make this look like water." Ren nodded and performed a subtle hand gesture, transforming the drink's appearance. The liquid now resembled clear water, and Gia nodded in approval. "I'll be here. You go! Quick!!" Ren replied, "Yup! Bye."
Ren hastened upstairs, the drink in hand. He entered Taehyung's room, where Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung were waiting. Taehyung's eyes, though still glassy, seemed to hold a glimmer of hope. Ren approached him, saying, "Here, drink this." Taehyung took the drink, his hands shaking slightly. "Thanks!" Ren encouraged, "Drink it. You'll feel better." Taehyung nodded, taking a sip. His eyes closed, and a look of relief washed over his face. "Yup! I feel better now."
Ren's expression turned soothing. "Sleep now, Taehyung. Rest well." The others nodded in agreement, and Ren continued, "Let's leave him now, guys. We'll go." As they filed out of the room, Jungkook whispered, while closing the door, "Rest, Taehyung. We'll think about this tomorrow." Taehyung's nod was almost imperceptible, but his eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.As all four emerged from the room, they encountered Ina and Jen in the opulent hallway, adorned with intricate tapestries and crystal chandeliers. Jen's voice was tinged with curiosity. "What are you all doing in my and Taehyung's shared bedroom?" Jungkook was about to respond, but Ren intervened, his tone firm.
"Miss Jen! Can you sleep in Gia's room for today?" Jimin's eyes widened in protest. "What? My room?? No! I want to be with Gia." Ren's gaze narrowed, his voice stern. "Mister. Jimin! You sleep with me in another empty room. There are plenty of empty rooms. If you're scared to be alone, I'll accompany you."
Jimin's face contorted in reluctance, but he eventually acquiesced. Ren's expression remained unyielding. "Let Taehyung rest alone this night, Mister Park Jimin." Jimin nodded, though his eyes still held a hint of discontent.
Jen's curiosity got the better of her. "But why? Why me with Gia? What happened to Taehyung?" Mark's gaze locked onto Jen's, his eyes gleaming with an intense, hypnotic power. Jen's pupils dilated, her expression glazing over as she fell under Mark's spell.
Jen's response was robotic, her voice devoid of emotion. "Ok, I will be sleeping in Gia's room. Bye, guys." She turned, her movements mechanical, and walked into Gia's room. The soft glow of the bedside lamp enveloped her, casting an eerie ambiance. Gia watched, her eyes fixed intently on Jen, a knowing glint in her gaze.
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