[Song Recommendation# Steal the Show—SHAUN, Jeff Satur]

X: Are you coming today JiAhn?

X: Please hit me up as soon as you see 'em.

X: I'm worried. Could you like let me know If you are okay?

As Venom scrolled through the chain of text messages, she remained conflicted over what to perceive, a very well-set trap like quicksand or a naïve boxy smile drooped from the heavy worry. Oh Come on, that can't be happening, right? The buzzing of the school hallways and the hustle and bustle of students became mere background noise as her mind focused on the words in front of her. She couldn't shake off the contradicting muddle of thoughts that were beginning to take over her mind.

Despite her efforts to hide behind the facade of "JiAhn" Venom's striking figure couldn't escape the notice of those around her. As she tried to navigate through the thick crowd of students, a hoard of humans nearly looking like brain-thirsty zombies headed toward her and she could hear them screaming her name with glittering eyes much brighter than the sun. EW!

Pure panic kissed every fiber of her body and, fear began to intensify. She had never been afraid of anything, not even the thought of blood, death, or murder. But the thought of being trapped in a sea of human race was enough to make her want to flee. As she made her way down the same corridor she came through. A firm grip on her wrist pulled her towards a dark corner. Her instincts kicked in, and she prepared to defend herself with a swift kick to the groin and a punch to the face. But before she could strike, she saw the face of the daring one, it was none other than Taehyung who had grabbed her.

He whispered-screamed, "Ah~ please don't kill me, I'm just trying to help."

Venom's deathly gaze softened, and her fist slowly lowered. She took in the sight before her. Taehyung was no longer the nerdy boy she had seen before. His hair was well-styled and parted to the side, revealing his broad forehead. His big eyes held hazel-green lenses, surrounded by light makeup that accentuated his smooth skin and lips.

But what caught Venom's attention wasn't the boy's striking appearance but the way his gestures exuded affection. It was as though he genuinely cared for her safety and well-being. She couldn't help but feel drawn to his positive virtue, despite her usual aversion to getting close to anyone.

As she stood there, in the dimly lit corner of the school hallway, Venom realized that perhaps she could rather have someone around than be all alone as she had always believed. And maybe, just maybe, having someone like Taehyung by her side wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. Right?

Looks like you have totally lost your head, girl! Get your shit together, he's not in the friend zone for you.

Why is he being so nice to me then? If he is from the foe zone, wouldn't he already know me as not an enemy? Duh, all he sees is a pretty girl around him oblivious to the fact that she's here to kill him, oh once he knows he'd be pressing a gun to your head with those innocent eyes glimmering with malice, mark my words.

Ah yes, he'll surely expose his true self, hate me or fear me and flee like everyone else. Right!

As the crowd passed by, Taehyung pushed Venom further back into the corner, her back gently hitting the wall that gave a gentle tug to her consciousness pulling her out of the palace of her thoughts. Their bodies were barely an inch apart, and Taehyung peeked out to make sure they were out of sight. Only when he was sure they were alone, he turned back to the girl, focusing his full attention.

"Are you okay? Ji Ahn, you didn't reply to any of my texts... I sent you hundreds of them. Do you know how I was on the edge?" He asked concern etched in his voice.

Silence hung heavy in the air, and Taehyung looked around nervously. "Gosh, those freaks... I was scared to death for a second, weren't you?" he continued, hoping to break through the thick suffocating surroundings.

But the former remained silent, lost in her thoughts. Taehyung's worry grew, and he brought his hands up to cup her face, hoping to bring her back to reality. His touch seemed to pull her out of her trance, and she looked into his eyes for what seemed like an eternity.

Yet the eternity vanished into nothingness in the blink of an eye.

Without a word, she removed his hands from her face and walked out of the corner, heading back to her class. The raven head didn't quite understand why she had reacted that way, but he felt a sudden wave of concern wash over him. He followed her into the empty classroom, hoping to find some answers.

Venom made her way to her seat and sat down, her gaze fixed on nothingness. The boy, deeply troubled, sat down beside her, his entire being radiating worry.

"Ji Ahn, are you upset with me? Have I done something wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with anxiety.

No response.

"Ji Ahn-ah?" Taehyung placed his hand on hers, causing her to flinch. She looked at him, sensing the pain and concern that etched his features.

"I sent you countless messages and tried calling you several times," he continued, his voice shaking. "Why didn't you reply? I was so worried. I thought... I thought you had left."

Still no response.

"Ji Ahn, did I do something to hurt you? Please tell me," Taehyung pleaded softly.

"No," she spoke softly. "Are you okay?" Taehyung's gaze searched hers for any sign of an answer. Venom looked away, and Taehyung's concern shifted to anger. He frowned and rose from his seat, slamming his fists down on the table.

"What the hell, Ji Ahn? I was worried sick about you, and all I get is this? Ignorance? Is this how friends treat each other?" His voice raised, making Venom flinch to see this side of the boy.

"Why do you even care, Taehyung? I didn't talk to you because I ain't interested in doing so, can you just fuck off, like just stay away from me," she hissed back.

His face dropped, the worry, the fear everything was replaced by total hurt, and he slowly rose from his seat, his eyes now teary. Silence filled the room. "Fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry for texting and calling you, Ji Ahn. I'm sorry for worrying about you."

Worrying? He was what?

Why would he be worried for me? We barely knew each other for like two weeks? Why would he even care-

"I should have known my place, of course, you wouldn't want to be friends with a guy like me, all I deserve is to be bullied"

His words cut through her frozen soul, and she felt regret seeping in. Why? Why am I feeling like this? This pain... it's unbearable.

She looked up at Taehyung, his eyes were glossy, and again she felt the same guilt engulfing her. If only she hadn't said those things. Just because her emotions and thoughts are all over the place doesn't mean she should have just said whatever lurked on the tip of her tongue.

But, why should I care? Because of the angelic façade, he wears? Never.

Just then, the students began pouring into the classroom, and they rushed towards the girl with hazel eyes, prying for a seat next to her. Taehyung moved away, sitting in his usual spot, where he had always sat alone, branded as the nerd.

Hakyun's absence made him invisible to others, and he remained friendless and now bully-less as well. It was only bland now.

Meanwhile, the former put on a fake smile, trying to ignore the sea of humans swarming around her. The bell rang, and the teacher entered the classroom, initiating the start of the day with the same tedious lecture. Venom stared out the window, ignoring the atmosphere of the space between the four walls, while Taehyung focused on his book, his eyes still glossy from the hurt.

What have I done?

I am destroying my efforts. All this time I wasted to be close to this freak and now it's just all in vain. How can I let my annoyance come in the way of my revenge?

This is so childish! My revenge must not be forgotten in the process. I-I can't just let it slide from my hands like the lost sands when I'm so near. I still need to pry more information.

As Venom sat there lost in thought, she berated herself for her actions. All the efforts she had put in to get close to Taehyung were going to waste because of her annoyance towards him. Revenge was more important to her, and she couldn't let it slip from her grasp, especially when she was so close to achieving it. She needed to make it up to him, to get back in his good graces and get what she needed from him. But first, she needed to apologize.

An apology! Nasty!

--------------------------------

The girl with hazel eyes couldn't help but keep her gaze fixed on the lone boy sitting with his head buried in a book, his bent figure indicated a heavy heart. She knew he was probably shedding tears, but she felt a pang of regret for not approaching him sooner. As she watched, the boy sitting beside her noticed her gaze and became increasingly jealous and annoyed. He had tried to connect with her, but she paid him no attention. All she cared about was the one who was far from her now. That was her type of fetish, between a predator and prey.

"What's so attractive about that nerd that you can't seem to keep your eyes away from him?" The one beside her whispered angrily through gritted teeth, his disrespect towards Taehyung palpable with a sharp hard look as a response.

How dare he speak about Taehyung like that? No one gets to speak ill of what belongs to me.

The thought left her boring holes through his eyes. The boy shrunk back under her perilous gaze, too scared to meet her eyes again. Did he say something wrong? Of course, he did. Venom dug the tip of her tongue against the inside of her cheek in a poke, expressing an obvious glimmer of darkness and angst.

Her gaze then shifted back to Taehyung, and her expression softened at the sight of the raven head unknowingly. And before she knew her hands were working fast as she texted him.

Meet me outside, Now.

Without waiting for a reply, she left the classroom after excusing herself to the teacher.

The buzz of his cell phone against the warm flesh of his thigh left Taehyung to slide his hand into the pocket of his pants and pull it out, he was surprised to receive a message from no one other than the girl with hazel eyes, the one he had been trying to talk to for days, but who had never responded to him before. She wanted to meet him now, but why? He wasn't one to be controlled or summoned by anyone. Being the pampered son of his parents, he had grown stubborn and prideful. As he read the message, he couldn't decide whether to go running to her or to maintain his ego.

Switching the glowing screen off, he slid the cell phone away.

My turn!

Meanwhile, Venom stood outside the classroom waiting, growing increasingly impatient with every tick of the clock. She felt annoyed the more Taehyung took his time to come out and face her. Just as the bell rang, she decided to head back toward the classroom only to see that the raven head had already left. Her frustration boiled over the rim of the vessel of sanity not finding the boy at the lockers either. Slamming her locker shut she stormed towards the cafeteria, causing a commotion as she entered with a fierce expression on her face.

Their eyes met as Taehyung looked up to see who made such a fuss, and he saw the anger simmering in her calm exterior. With firm steps, she walked over and stood before him, not caring about the attention they were attracting, and he couldn't help but feel a nerve pulsating with mixed excitement at her intense gaze.

"I texted you" Monotone face with a death-kissed voice. "So?" The tug at her brow crooking it spoke clearly of how unexpected his response was.

"We need to talk"

"I don't want to" He simply gave her an eye roll and continued to bite another mouthful of the steamy wrap in hand.

Venom felt a prickling sensation on her cheek as she gritted her teeth, seething with anger. Surely he was getting on her nerves now. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed onto the raven head's wrist with a fierce grip, dragging him along with her toward the cafeteria exit. He attempted to pull away from her fragile grasp, as his ego got in the way. Venom tightened her grip, yanking him along with a force that left him no choice but to follow. As they walked through the halls, Taehyung began to feel a small smile creep up on his lips as he noticed the possessive and dominating aura emanating from her. He enjoyed the way she held his wrist tightly, letting her take the lead and drag him toward a silent space.

How many shades do you possess? He couldn't help but think with an exhilarating rush cruising through his veins. The mood shifted immediately as the raven head yanked his hand out of her grasp and leaned forth forcefully slamming the girl against the wall, pressing both hands against the worn-out paint of the wall at her sides peering deep into her eyes, his voice low and commanding.

"What do you think I am to you?"

Venom's anger dissipated instantly, replaced by shock as she looked up at the boy towering above her. Okay, wait what just happened? He doesn't look like the nerd I know. A tingling sensation arose in her stomach, but she pushed it down, refusing to let herself be affected by him.

Silence.

Taehyung continued, his gaze shifting between her eyes and lips while his own tongue ran across the smooth surface of his lips wetting them in the way.

"You want to talk...then talk now. What do you think I am to you?"

Venom's thoughts raced as she considered her answer. Was he a toy? A prey? An enemy? No, she couldn't bring herself to say those things out loud.

Why not? It's not like you are scared of him, you are never scared of anyone or even death then what holds you back if it's not fear? For the first time in her life, she felt her heart betraying her words.

"A friend," she finally spoke, nodding firmly leaving the former's eyes to soften, his lips curling into a small smile as he held her gaze.

"Do friends treat each other like this?" he questioned.

A long minute went by in silence, she wordlessly gazed at him realizing the truth in his words. She couldn't keep making excuses, if she needs to earn back what she lost, an apology is needed for her behavior.

"I'm sorry," she spoke in a low voice, her eyes casting down with a twist of the neck as she hung her head low. Taehyung stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue. This was her chance to make things right, to earn back what she had lost with her foolish actions.

"I'm sorry for not answering your texts or calls. I'm sorry for letting you worry about me. I'm sorry for not fulfilling my duties as a friend." Taehyung's gaze softened even more as he slipped his hand from the wall, caressing her cheek gently.

"I was so worried about you," he spoke softly. The hazel-eyed girl caught his stare again and felt a lump form in her throat, her heart beating a bit too loud by now. She had never felt this way before, and the care he radiated for her was almost too much to handle. How could it be a disguise, if it is then it's way too perfect and he is way too wicked.

"I'm s-sorry," she stuttered, feeling frustrated with herself for being affected by him. "Apology accepted," Taehyung replied with a wide smile, his lips turning into a boxy shape.

"Hey, I missed you" Taehyung spoke with intense eyes glancing down at her lips.

Silence.

"I didn't know I could miss someone this bad but I missed you-"

"You shouldn't have"

"Why not?"

Kim Taehyung was caught off guard as the words echoed in his ears. He looked up into her eyes finding them staring at him with a hint of disapproval in her eyes. "Can't you see, Kim Taehyung," she said softly, "you are showing a bit too much affection." His heart sank as he realized his true sentiments were being exposed, wait what was blossoming inside his heart? He didn't even realize it until now.

He had thought he was being nice, but evidently, that little care bloomed into something else. But, was it his fault to have such feelings? He couldn't help but grow such infatuation with the one who had eyes for him through the crowd. Who prioritized him and held him above the rest. Then, how could he stop himself to feel treasured by her?

"Why do you care so much Taehyung, you shouldn't-"

"Why shouldn't I?"

"You don't have a reason to"

"And what if I say I have one?"

"What if I say" His chocolate brown orbs glittered in pure ecstasy radiating from them. And, she saw where he was headed, she read each and every emotion blossoming in those eyes clearly, the more she saw the more it made her confused and frustrated somewhat scared too...

"What if" He leaned close leaving the girl to press her back into the support behind. "... I say I like you"

"I like you Jiahn"

Three words they were just mere three words and she knew where this all was going exactly - the boy had grown attached to her, and it was only a matter of time before his affection would become a hurdle in her way ending up as their mutual undoing. Venom had always seen him as mere prey, a toy, an enemy to be vanquished. All those fake smiles and feigned affection were just to get close to him, all for the sake of exacting revenge. It was pure, unadulterated revenge that drove her, and she longed to gain his trust only so she could plunge the knife deep into his chest stabbing him in the heart, right before his very eyes, so he could see who did it and why did it.

But now, a strange feeling gnawed at her. As much as she craved Taehyung's trust and attachment to destroy him, she couldn't shake off the other awful emotions creeping up on her. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one that she had never experienced before. Why does it feel wrong now? Why does she suddenly care about the boy's innocence and purity?

It was then that she realized that Taehyung was different from her usual prey. Either he was innocent, pure, and filled with light - just like angels or children or he was a perfect puppeteer. And that was what drew her to him, what made her question her motives and her actions. She was torn between her desire for revenge and her growing conscience, and she didn't know which way to turn.

Was it a perfect disguise or the truth? She didn't know what to believe. Either he is the real innocent or he's a very shrewd player.

"I know."

"You do?" Taehyung was taken aback by the unexpected response.

"Duh! Friends like each other that's why they are friends right? You won't be a friend to a person if you hate them." Venom knew what 'like' he meant, yet she played dumbfounded purposefully. Of course, she didn't want the boy to affect her motives in any way.

Taehyung sighed and after a long settling minute, he converged his gaze pouring it right down in the hazel oceans of her eyes.

"Not just as friends, I like-like you."

Again, the annoying tingling sensation bloomed between the warm walls of her heart, this time a little intense causing a slightly unsteady breath to escape her parted lips.

Again, there was a deafening silence. The two didn't speak but looked into each other's eyes, Venom read what his eyes spoke and knew what was up with him while Taehyung was confused watching that veil-like expression on her face, hiding all the true sentiments. He couldn't read what she was thinking at the moment. He feared and felt hopeful at the same time. It was like he was floating over the raging waters under a storm, every wave pulled him to the depths only to leave him struggling back to the surface with the hope to survive.

"J-Jiahn-ah? I think I-" His ragged breath brushed her lips earning a shuddered breath escaping her mouth, Venom placed both hands on his chest stopping the boy from coming closer, and her head swung to the side pulling in more distance between them.

"Don't" she whispered leaving a frown to crawl up his face, and Taehyung stirred to look at her face

"What do you mean-"

"Don't like me"

"Jiahn? "

"Kim Taehyung you don't know me, you can't like me or grow any sort of attachment to me, do you understand that?"

"But why? Don't you like me? Is it because of something with me, tell me and I shall try to change for better, for you-" He questioned with evident hurt blossoming behind the smooth glasses of his eyes.

"No, I don't want it, Just don't-"

"Gimme a reason, why I shouldn't?"

"Just-"

"Gimme a reason I said"

"No one befriends darkness Taehyung and those who do, fall to its pits with no rising up again"

The sudden change in her tone felt too strange to him, his steps withdrew, while the boy stared at the familiar yet strange face in front of him. This is Jiahn. Is this Jiahn? Eyes saw the same but his heart told him otherwise. It was someone else, someone beseeching to be let out, ripped, twisted, and fuming with pure evil. Her voice even felt strange, that mellow rasp intensifying held a lot beyond his understanding.

"What do you mean darkness?"

"Nothing" Realizing the reckless slip of her tongue, she looked away pulling her back away from the wall, and stepped forth to move away.

"Tell me, Jiahn? I want to know you I-I won't judge I promise" His words nailed chains to her withdrawing steps. She turned to look him in the eye and Taehyung swore he felt a chilly breath brush the nape of his neck leaving that little soft hair to stand up in terror. There was something about her eyes, one minute they would look like beautiful sunsets, and the other they will look like deep pits of burning hell.

"You sure?"

"Yes."

A deep dry chuckle escaped her crooked lips. What an emotional fool! I'm so done with being nice, it's sickening, enough of this shit now!

Yes, I shall show him my true colors and then see his. He's just playing sick and you know that. A very smart player yes! It's time to see it for myself now, show me what you are Kim Taehyung.

Her feet shuffled forth as she stepped up close to him now trapping the raven head against the same wall in the same space.

Ah, why not bring him to my little playhouse he'll love that, right? All of them do. The thought left the corner of her lips to tug up reflecting the nasty evil spewing out of her eyes.

Those pretty eyes and lips fearing death, what an amazing sight it would be, right?

Her switch flipped in a single moment. The little sweet façade of Oh Jiahn was ripped to shreds mercilessly. It was Venom, her true self. Taehyung was blinded to this realization as he heard his own heartbeat deafen his ears to the outside voices with his blood rushing to the upper half of his body reddening his neck all the way up to his face. He feared being caught red-handed by the girl forth to how loud his heart was beating that he felt the rhythm boom till his throat.

Her hands residing on either side of the wall behind him slid closer while she leaned in close, so close that Taehyung felt her sweet hot breath burn the surface of his lips.

"It was nice meeting you, Kim Taehyung. Enjoy your remaining good time before your life becomes hell, mark my words darling, you might not get a chance again" Her being up so close to him left the boy deaf to her words and all he could think was of how beautiful those eyes were and how sweet her breath smelled and how would those lips feel against his-

His chain of thoughts suddenly broke when the former pulled herself away and shuffled on her feet stepping back with that intoxicating tug to her lips.

"Fair well pretty one"

"W-wait, where are you going? Jiahn don't walk away, we are not finished yet" He leaped after her.

"Nuh uh~ Pretty boy, I'm not walking away but letting you in, of course, we ain't finished yet but we will finish this soon don't worry" Her steps never seized to retreat.

"Don't go" Helplessness emitted from his voice while he put aside the confusing words he got bombarded with suddenly.

"We will meet soon Kim Taehyung" Were the last words Taehyung heard booming through the corridor before she stepped out of his sight completely. The raven head felt his feet glued to the ground, maybe the devils underneath grasped onto him to restrict the boy from stepping toward his own death. They too feared he might end fucked up pretty badly.

No matter how many times he called after her, he was left with no response with the hall being left abandoned along with him. No more arguments no more confessions, no more voices only silence and barren walls being witnesses to the opening of a hell door in his life.

ℑ𝔶𝔞𝔫𝔨𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔳𝔬𝔱𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔞𝔡𝔡 𝔱𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔰.
𝔜𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔟𝔢𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔡 𝔞𝔲𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔯
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