"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere far, where you'll be safe?"

Jungkook frowns, looking down to the flame on the palm of his hand, leading him down the dark road, "I doesn't look promising."

"Trust in me."

"But it's scary. What if I get hurt?"

"I will protect you."

"Why go through here? Why not somewhere brighter and easier?"

The flame began to dim on his hand, just as Jungkook turns around, "Oh my child, sometimes the scariest roads are the ones that lead to paradise on the other side. Don't stray away from me."

Jungkook frowns, looking around, but sees only dark trees, "I'm just trying to find a short cut."

"Trust in me."

"I can't," Jungkook exasperates, feeling everything around him growing darker, "I won't risk it, I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

Once again Jungkook snaps his eyes awake from his deep slumber, but this time he felt a heavy weight on his chest as the fragments of his dream circulates his head. He lets it run for as long as his emotionless eyes stares at the ceiling, just as it all faded in his memory.

Back to nothing, just as he felt for a moment.

Something about this dream in particular felt different, as in the aftermath felt different.

That dark road.

The flame.

The voice.....

A voice that quivered with Jungkook's body to the bleeding disappointment that laced within the words.

I'm sorry too.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Jungkook let that heaviness of guilt weight his chest. He doesn't know why he feels guilty, but he is. 

And he can't seem to find a stop button to it the more he thought about it.

But he was quickly strayed from his thoughts when a body moves beside him on the bed, suddenly a familiar blonde hair emerging from under the covers with eyes still closed against the pillow. Jungkook slowly looks at the male, eying the hickey marks on his neck from his own teeth that he made last night, right before looking to his sleepy face as his eyes slowly flutters open.

And he sighs heavily, "Should've went easy on me last night."

His voice is deeper yet tender in the mornings, unlike how it sounds like in the day.

"When do I ever?"

Karma purses his lips with a nod, suddenly twitching a grin, "Can't deny I love it," And he sits up sluggishly, stretching his arms. Jungkook stares at his lean and slim back, smooth and fresh to the eyes, so tender to stare and touch on, especially when pampering with his own lips.

Didn't take long after the performance for Jungkook and Karma to find themselves on each other, which definitely got a lot of talk from publicity on their 'close' friendship. After that performance, Karma ended up getting contracted by the agency, and since then they've been casually hooking up whenever their schedules are free.

Well, at this rate, with who hasn't Jungkook mingled with? But ever since he met Karma, they've been consistent since he's just around often.

And loves sex as much as Jungkook does.

Jungkook is obsessed with his body, he loves lusting over him.

Karma isn't vocal about how he feels, but if Jungkook always ends up on his bed ever so often, can't say he hates their moments.

However, there's this small problem that Jungkook wasn't so keen on about him.

Right on cue, Karma reaches over his drawer and grabs a tray with a familiar sleeve of white powder on top of it. He's quick with dabbing a bit of the powder on the tray and easing it into a line, rolling a sleeve of paper before snorting up the thin line easily through the nose.

Jungkook watches as he did this in seconds, not having it be the first-time seeing Karma take out his cocaine tray in front of him. Remembering it fresh as daylight how Jungkook decided to give him a little treat in the dressing room before Karma had to go out there for a photoshoot, and after their little moment, he was shocked to see Karma pulling out the sleeve from his pocket and snort a dab from his finger before he had to go out there. 

Not like Jungkook is against it, but these are new waters for him to witness and see. Sure, he has heard of some bizarre cases from celebrities who handle drug addiction while under the spotlight, but he never expected it be from someone like Karma.

Yet it gets the job done because while he's under that influence, he's so charismatic and beaming with that energy from the performance - which is perfect for his stage presence.

If only he didn't have to take that to get to that level.

By now this has become a normality for Jungkook, seeing the relief on Karma's face as he closes his eyes after snorting that up, nodding to himself, "That's better."

Jungkook didn't say anything, more so since he didn't know what to say, but then Karma peels an eye towards him, smiling, "By the way, you've got to give me some tips on how to swoon some of the girlies, I'm losing my charm since I've met you."

Moving a hand to eases the chaotic mess of Karma's blonde hair, Jungkook hums, "Someone caught your eye?"

"Oh yeah," He grins back, a twinkle in his gaze, "Her name is Minnie, and she's on the type of singer, but with a beautiful voice. I saw her singing at a bar one night, and I've casually been visiting there just to hear her sing. Looks like she lives there because one night by accident, I saw her bathing on the roof when I was looking to speak to her. Oh, how awestruck I was - You should've seen how beautiful the moon hit her."

Jungkook continues to ease through his hair, finally finishing before looking at him in the eye, "Not you being a little creepy and seeing her bathing."

"It was by accident, I left right away!" Karma wines, but then a blushing smile spread his lips, "I always prayed about meeting my one true love, and I think this is the proof I needed that I'm being heard. She's the one."

Now Jungkook's ears perked, tilting his head to the side, "I'm sorry, prayed? You praying?"

Karma smile is still soft as he nods, playing with Jungkook's hands now, "Oh yeah, I do all the time. I have strong faith."

Jungkook blinks at him, a sarcastic chuckle escaping his lips, "Cut the shit."

"But I'm serious."

"You?" Once again Jungkook laughs, eyeing him, "I don't particularly believe in that stuff, but from the little knowledge I know, I don't think sleeping with a man, sniffing cocaine and singing unholy songs while dropping it down is considered as being a good church boy."

Karma didn't seem offended by the commentary, but he did seem deep into thought, intensely looking at Jungkook's hand, "Yeah, I know," He mutters, then he looks at him, "You do what you gotta do to get to where you need to be, right?"

What?

Now Jungkook was baffled, eyes squinting, "So you just dropped the Jesus act for fame?"

"Hey, respect his name," Karma bellows, serious now, "I didn't abandon him, I just.... I still have strong faith, but I'm doing what I can to get through to where I need to be. Who I am out there isn't the same person who's alone. I just play the part as I was told."

"Are you still playing the part now?"

Karma drops Jungkook's hand, looking at him with a hand on his chin, "What's my name Raven?"

"Karma?"

"My real name?" He says drily, eying him, "What's my real name?"

Now thinking about it, Karma has never told Jungkook his real name. Ever. It's been a while now that they've known each other, and not once have they told each other their real names. 

Their stage name has just become too real, even Jungkook for a moment forgot his name wasn't Raven.

Jungkook's silence spoke for itself, making Karma smile with a nod, "See, two different people."

"So you're telling me you don't be snorting when you're alone?" Karma's smile slowly drops, "Or get tempted for a next round when you text me?"

Karma sits up, moving his body to the side of the bed, "I'm not perfect, I know that, but my faith is still strong."

"Having faith is useless," Jungkook mutters back, laying back down on the bed, "Yours is weak. You clearly always need proof for you to have faith. As far as I know from those church believers, their faith is blinding."

Karma is frozen for a moment, his body language clearly heavy. Jungkook can't see his deep frown as the words get to his head, the light now escaping his eyes, "I guess I'm just a logical believer."

"Right, keep telling yourself that," Jungkook says back, facing the feeling once again, "If I got to where I am, it's because I did it. I worked for it. If I want to get wasted, I will. If I want to have sex, I gladly will too. And I will not feel a single ounce of regret for what I had to do to get here. You should start giving yourself more credit. You got here because of your choices; you don't have to believe in a God to force a false faith where there never was."

Still silent in his position, Karma let's his mind be weighed by Jungkook's words, the light now completely gone from his gaze, nodding back to him, "Yeah, perhaps you're right," And he gets to his feet, "I'm going to shower, feel free to join me if you wish."

And that's how quickly the shift in ambient changed.

Jungkook head perks up immediately, making Karma giggle to such reaction as the ravenette is quickly on his feet, following after him like a desperate dog.

After their quick morning activities, they start to get dressed for the day. Today Jungkook is going to meet his parents, after so long since he has seen them. He actually has a good relationship with his parents, especially his mom.

She's so supportive of his career path and choices he has made to reach where he is now, meanwhile his dad still believes he could've done something other than this. He doesn't discredit his singing, but perhaps the whole heathen and demonic theme is too much for him.

Anyways, they're coming to Seoul before Jungkook goes on his North America Tour. Within that time period, he's going to go to that Balenciaga fashion event towards the end of his tour, which it's all aligning quiet well. He's going to put on some shows, attend more interviews - it'll be perfect.

And the best part is that Karma is coming along too as his opening act, just to help him be exposed to more of an audience before his debut.

Besides, it'll keep their names in the loop of potential scandals, their agency knew what they were doing.

There's a lot of preparation before all this happens, that's why Jungkook is in need of seeing his parents before his schedule takes a hold of him before he comes back. 

At the moment, Jungkook made a reservation to an exquisite restaurant to have lunch with his parents. They didn't really have many opportunities to go out on fancy dinners in the past, but now Jungkook takes advantage of the time to treat his parents.

Waiting outside the restaurant, he waits anticipatingly to see the faces he hasn't seen in about a year, looking both ways as he waits. His parents live in Busan, so it's quite the drive to come here.

As if his parents would miss this out before their son goes on tour.

"Jungkookie!"

Immediately Jungkook's heart is filled with warmth as he turns around, smiling widely as he sees his mother running towards him with arms outstretched. Quickly Jungkook meets her halfway and wraps his arms around her waist, spinning her around in his arms. He hears his mom giggling as he finally puts her down, just as she pecks multiple kisses on his face.

"Oh my boy is so big! Look at you!" She beams so brightly, smiling as she looks at him, holding onto his hands, "It's been too long!"

Jungkook could cry upon seeing the woman before his eyes, but then his eyes strays to his father, who's standing there with a genuine smile. He couldn't hold himself back from bringing his dad quickly in his arms, the familiar scent of his purging into his nose - making him feel so safe and warm while being in his arms. 

His dad.

"Alright, didn't know time away can make you get all emotional," His dad jokes, patting his back, "I'm hungry, so you better wrap this up."

Jungkook laughs at him, looking at both of his parents before eagerly taking them inside the restaurant. Didn't take long for the host to take them to a secluded area, away from the public possible eye. 

Looking around with dazzling eyes, Jungkook's mom smiles before looking at him, "Who knew we'd even have lunch at a place like this!"

Feeling like a child who finally got his parents to be proud of him, Jungkook nods with an eager smile, "Well, you guys deserve it. You raised me and took care of me, now it's time for me to give back."

"If only it wasn't through your demonic music."

An awkward shift waved the atmosphere now, Jungkook's smile dropping as his mom pats her husband's arm, scolding, "Hey, we talked about this. He's just doing as the agency instructs him to do."

His father didn't seem fazed, but upon looking at his wife's pleading expression, he softens his own and looks at Jungkook, "I'm sorry, I know you didn't have a choice for your debut. I just wish you had more freedom with your artistry."

Jungkook fiddles with his fingers, looking between them, "Well I'm liking the direction things are heading towards. My tour is coming up, sold out tickets."

His mom's face illuminated, beaming, to such news, "Really? Oh I'm so proud of you! I know you worked so hard -"

"Here's your water, I'm sorry for the wait."

Jungkook looks up at the server and his heart drops to the familiar face, remembering it being the same man that accompanied Jimin to his birthday party. The one with the smokey eyes and face filtered of emotions. He looks no different now than he did before, but those eyes are still sheltered of emotions, especially when his gaze found Jungkook's.

And even then, his gaze seemed as though he didn't see a single soul in front of him.

He didn't say any remark, only pulls out his pen with a notepad, "Hello, my Seokjin and I'll be your server for today! May I accommodate you with any beverages, or appetizers?"

Now Jungkook is at a loss of words, the man not sparing a single look to him as he focuses his attention on Jungkook's parents with a kind stare. 

Jungkook's father spoke out first, "Water is fine, could you give us a moment to decide on food?"

"Of course. Take your time!"

And then he leaves, going to attend other tables. Jungkook eyed him, for some reason feeling nervous by his presence being around his parents - almost like going to parent/teacher conferences and being terrified of what the teacher may say to your parents.

He hasn't said anything bold, or tried anything, but his presence doesn't help Jungkook's anxiety.

Doesn't help that now he knows his name.

And Jungkook's mom quickly noticed as she opens the menu, "Do you know him?"

Jungkook chews on his lip piercing, shaking his head to relieve himself of the stress, refusing to let this man come in the way of his parents bonding time, "No, have you decided what you'd like?"

After some time discussing over food options, Jungkook has seemed to relaxed a little more, the edge being chipped off from his father. They were discussing about his tour and how exciting it'll be for him to experience going to different parts of the world and attending these events. Jungkook promised to bring back a little souvenir from each state he visits and go to Busan directly when he returns. His father seemed more at ease to how Jungkook wants to be around them more often, and now that Jungkook has the money to travel, he's able to make that happen. 

Seokjin returned once again to take their order, now Jungkook not really minding his presence as he continues to talk to his parents. His mother was going on about how her clothing store business is going well, not really expecting much from a small business, but she's doing a lot better than how it was before. 

Just as she was about to go into details on the latest gossip with the workers there, Seokjin returns with the tray of food. He professionally sets it on the table, casting a smile to Jungkook's father complimenting his good customer service skills. 

How a simple smile completely changed his entire aura in seconds.

He practically glowed.

"You're too kind sir, I appreciate it."

"May God bless your soul, you're still young and have a long way to go."

Seokjin's face illuminated now, just as Jungkook's down casted to such words, "God is always taking care of me, I'm well and moving through his path as he wishes for me to go."

Jungkook's mother smiles enchantingly to him, "It's nice to see young people being a believer," Another stab to Jungkook's gut, "We are about to eat now, do you mind praying for us?"

Huh? 

Since when does his mom pray before eating?

Furrowing his eyebrows, about to interject, but his parents closed their eyes as Seokjin began to pray, "Father in heaven, please spread your grace and presence onto this family. Let's your light shine upon them, protect their souls and spirits, and guide them to your way. Let this food gift them all the nutrients and health they need to prosper forward in this life you blessed us with, in the name of your son Jesus Christ, Amen."

Throughout the entire time, Jungkook kept his glare towards his parents, not understanding where this suddenly came from. Sure, he knows his father is quite religious, which explains his whole point of view with Jungkook's debut, but his mom?

She was never the believing type, ever.

When Seokjin finished, he only casted a brief stare to Jungkook and goes to attend other tables.

The second he left, Jungkook didn't waste time, "Mom, since when were you into this whole Jesus thing?"

His mom was taking a sip of her soup when Jungkook asked this question, smiling at him, "Well, one night in distress, he heard my prayer."

"What prayer?"

"To help you achieve your dream," Jungkook's heart drops, "I knew you were so stressed about not debuting, and of course I'd worry about you. So, for the first time, I prayed. Now look at you! He does listen to prayers."

Jungkook's eye twitches to this, his food not appetizing to him anymore, "To God? If I reached my dream, it's because of me."

"But he listened to me -"

"There is no God!"

"But -"

"Just leave it," Jungkook's father softly interjects, not looking at him, "He doesn't believe."

Something about those words didn't sit well with Jungkook, and he doesn't know why since it is the truth.

He doesn't believe.

And he won't either.

Jungkook now looks down at his food, a heavy weight on his chest now suffocating him - that same familiar feeling like how he felt this morning - but he dismisses it and starts to eat.

He has had enough listening about Jesus and God for a day, and hopefully for this tour, he'll get to be away from that conversation for a while.

___________________________

A/N:

Oof.... Lots of scenes going on hereeee.

Any predictions?

Thank you for reading!!

I PURPLE YOU!! <33