Before you read, I would just like to to really thank all the people who have persevered and continuously kept reading and following this book:) You have not idea how much it means to me. Almost a year ago, I started writing here on Wattpad. I started with a silly little fanfiction about the manager of BTS. And after many trials and journeys I released several stories, some of which were just ideas, or some even stories I'm not quite satisfied with.

And now I am here, with several amazing new friendships and a strong community of incredibly talented ARMYS. You have no idea how much you have all impacted my life.

Even if you are a silent reader, or even if you choose not to comment or vote at all, I'm still so grateful you have taken the time to read. I can't believe it's already the 40th chapter!

AUGUST D will be wrapping up shortly, but there is still much to come.

Please hang tight with me! I still have much to learn. But thank you so so much.

Thank you for making my days more bright and giving me a reason to keep writing ♥️

~~

~~ JIUN'S POV ~~

A sly smirk overtakes my once cold expression as Muhyeok grovels at my feet, begging for his life to be spared.

The game has finally begun. The parts have all fallen into place.

According to the muffled sobs that earlier escaped the useless man's mouth, he had insisted on killing August D himself, knowing it would be impossible to capture him.

It's quite hilarious how such a bold and cocky man can bawl and beg beneath my throne; beyond his strong and buff shell is simply a hollow and selfish man.

I would know.

We had a past— before his... "accident."

"I insisted on doing it myself," he whimpers, kneeling before me, "I knew it would be to hard to capture August D, e-especially after loosing Hoseok."

"So you were just going to kill him, and not follow my orders?" I snarl, glaring daggers at him.

"Your highness, it was nearly impossible! I can only assume he found Hoseok— and Jimin— Jimin— that foul creature must have betrayed us!"

"What became of Hajoon?" I demand, waving my hand dismissively in search of the point.

"He went after Yoongi," Muhyeok whispers, "He demanded I shouldn't go— but I brushed him off. So he went immediately. Yoongi killed him. I found his body-y..." Muhyeok breaks down, recalling the horrible moment.

"You've brought this upon yourself," my lips curve into a wicked smile, as I am getting mild amusement from his current state, "You should have followed the orders."

"I-I know..." Muhyeok cries furiously.

"Plus, you couldn't even locate the woman," I utter, emphasizing the last word, "How useless are you?"

   He hangs his head shamefully, avoiding my gaze.

"Luckily for me, I recently discovered she is indeed in Changu," I continue, the conversation with Officer Yoon from a couple nights ago echoing in the back of my mind, "One of the men I sent discovered her in the market before deporting back to the palace. He said her face even matched the drawing... perfectly."

   If my plans works accordingly, I could have both Yoongi and Sanghee in my possession shortly. I just need to be patient. Very patient. Father continuously mentions the constant tension at the boarder, and we all suspect an eventual war. It will be the perfect time to capture them, even if I must go there myself.

    I pull out a thin white paper with an inked drawing of Kim Sanghee. I gaze lustfully at the image before handing it over to Muhyeok.

   His trembling hands slowly reach for the artwork, fingers grasping onto the delicate paper.

   He slowly lifts his head, his eyes widening as he scans the paper. Muhyeok's lips slowly begin to part as a look of shock washes across his face.

    He can't possibly remember her... from before the accident...?!

   No...

    He's probably seen her in Changu.

"You know this woman?" I ask hastily, hoping he hasn't regained any previous memories.

    He lifts his head from the paper, the same shocked yet skeptical expression plastered all over his face.

"Do you know her?" I bark, demanding an answer.

"Y-yes, sir!" he says quickly, looking at the paper again, "She's been in Changu for the past few months..."

   I sigh in relief after realizing his memory is still not regained. I was fearful that her imagine might bring it back.

   He blinks several times, his jaw slightly quivering as though he is hiding something.

"And?" I press, searching his eyes for information, "What else?"

   He gulps, moving back a few inches.

"I don't think you want to know..." he mumbles with wide eyes.

"What do you mean?" I snarl viciously, "What are you hiding? Tell me!"

"Your highness," Muhyeok says seriously, fearing my reaction. 

"She's the wife of Min Yoongi."

~~ YOONGI'S POV ~~

   "Do you want to talk about last night?"

I can feel my breath trap inside my throat, unable to escape. I tilt my head to the side, contemplating her sudden question.

Talk about it?

I don't know how...

I don't know where to start or how to begin. How could I possible get my feelings across?

"I—," I begin, my breath immediately hitching, "I-,"

She intently glances into my eyes, and I find myself drowning in them like I always do. She's like a vast and deep ocean, full of mystery and surprises. I swim deeper and deeper every day; how long before I can't go back? I think I've already swam into the into the twilight zone; there's no resurfacing.

I'm drowning in her ocean.

How can she play with my heart like this? No one has ever caused such thoughts to enter my mind. No one has ever riled me up to this extent.

Last night...

It felt so good; as though all our emotions, pain, suffering, and feelings were colliding through such a powerful moment of contact.

It felt so wrong; Is love a sin? Is everything I do a sin? Is it too late for me to redeem every single sin I've committed? Would she ever truly accept me? Are we both just confused? Are we both falling? Finding love? How can you find love in such a dreary and hellish place?

"Yoongi," she says softly, her delicate voice making me shudder, "I wanted to tell you someth—,"

   I snap my head towards the door as it suddenly bursts open, interrupting her sentence. I quickly jump out of my seat, my eyes widening when Jungkook, Hoseok, Jimin, Jangmi, and Heyra are all positioned outside the door, worry written all over their faces.

"What's going on?!" I demand with a quizzical expression, confused by the sudden spurt of action, "What are you all doing here? Shouldn't Hoseok be resting?" I point a finger at Jimin, "Why is he here?"

"Yoongi," Jungkook says in a serious tone, speaking on behalf of the group, "Muhyeok is coming for us. We're leaving for the forest— you need to come—,"

"Leave? Forest?" I utter, somewhat dumbfounded, "Why would I fear Muhyeok? What's going on?"

"Can you just put your pride away for once?!" Jungkook demands, hitting a little too close to home, "Don't you realize that he's after us? And maybe someone's giving the orders, but regardless it's dangerous. Changu is getting more and more uneasy with every passing day. There's even rumour of a WAR. The reason Sanghee's been hit is because of Muhyeok. Even if it's just temporarily, we need to go. His men are after us, and Jimin. Please come with us."

"I can't," I insist, quickly glancing at Sanghee, "We can't— she can't even walk Jungkook. She's not in proper condition. The forest is dangerous and unclaimed. Who knows what could be in there? I'm staying with her."

"Promise you'll come once she can walk," Hoseok pleads, stepping forward, "Yoongi, please."

   I slowly shake my head, "I can't make any promises. The forest could be worse than Changu itself. There's no solid vegetation. We'd be making far too many round trips— how do you plan on surviving? You should stay here, with me."

"Even you can't protect us all, now," Hoseok says sadly, accepting the truth, "We're becoming outnumbered. You may be the most feared man here, but people are going to go savage if a war really does take place."

"Until the wound is healed," I say, stepping out the door, "We will come."

   Jungkook sighs with relief, embracing me in a warm and solid hug. As I peer to the right I notice Jangmi is quietly crying while gently rubbing her stomach. Hoseok's eyes are brimming with tears as well. Jimin is gazing down at the dirt with a sorrowful expression.

"Take care of yourselves," I say sternly, casting one final glance at my friends.

   Even you can't save us all, now.

   I walk towards Sanghee, realizing the herbal tea I gave her has surely knocked her out clean. I carefully lift Sanghee off the chair, carrying her delicate body towards the bed.

  But I can still protect you. Just you.

   I gaze down at her sleeping figure, draping a blanket across the mattress.

   Until you are healed, I will remain right here.

   And if anyone even tries to touch you, I'll slaughter them and make sure they know exactly how much...

I love you.

A/N

ayooooo ✨
It's been a while....
But I'm excited since the book is somewhat reaching its climax!

40 chapters?! I feel like it's honestly too long 🤣

I have recently started a new book called "Tortured Past," which is featuring Jungkook as the protagonist. Jungkook x Y/N

Do check it out if your interested! Since this one will be done soon 😭😭— I'll be putting all of my focus on "Tortured Past."

I love you all so much and thank you for reading!!💜💜