In the morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I glanced at Jasmine, still asleep, as I prepared myself to go jogging.

The endless stream of what-ifs haunted my thoughts, casting a shadow of doubt over every action I took. What if the police stumbled upon the evidence of my crimes? What if they pieced together the puzzle and uncovered the truth behind the disappearances? The mere thought sent shivers down my spine, each scenario more terrifying than the last.

And then there was Taehyung, oblivious to the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of our seemingly perfect lives. What if he somehow uncovered the affair, the betrayal that lay at the heart of our tangled web of lies? The very idea was enough to send my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.

As I laced up my running shoes, preparing for my morning jog, the weight of these unanswered questions bore down on me like a heavy burden. Each step I took felt like a desperate attempt to outrun the consequences of my actions, but no matter how fast or how far I ran, the what-ifs continued to loom ominously in the back of my mind, a constant reminder of the precariousness of my situation.

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As I stood in the dilapidated ruins of the abandoned house, memories of my first murder flooded back with chilling clarity. The air was heavy with the weight of my past actions, each creaking floorboard and crumbling wall serving as a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurked within me.

I couldn't help but wonder what had drawn me back to this desolate place, to confront the ghosts of my past in such a visceral way. Was it guilt, gnawing at the edges of my conscience like a ravenous beast? Or perhaps it was a twisted fascination, an insatiable curiosity to relive the thrill of that fateful night when I had taken a life with my own hands.

Whatever the reason, I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from the scene of my first crime, as if drawn by some unseen force beyond my control. The shadows seemed to whisper my name, beckoning me deeper into the darkness with their siren call.

But as I stood there, enveloped in the suffocating embrace of the abandoned house, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Paranoia gripped me like a vice, squeezing the air from my lungs and sending a shiver down my spine.

In that moment, I realized that I was not alone in the darkness. And as the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the empty halls, I knew that my past sins had come back to haunt me in the most terrifying way imaginable.

"I killed you for good. I want to protect my woman." The words echoed hollowly in the desolate confines of the abandoned house, a grim testament to the dark deeds that had transpired within its walls. With a heavy heart and a haunted conscience, I faced the ghosts of my past, grappling with the consequences of my actions and the relentless pursuit of redemption.

Cautiously, I scanned the surroundings, my senses heightened with a mixture of anticipation and dread. The abandoned house stood silent, its decrepit walls bearing silent witness to the secrets hidden within. With a wary eye, I approached the spot where I had last encountered Daniel, my heart pounding with trepidation. As I reached out to retrieve the phone, a flicker of doubt crossed my mind—was this too easy, too convenient? But my instincts urged me forward, propelling me to seize the evidence before it vanished into the abyss of uncertainty. With a quick glance around, I pocketed the phone, a weighty reminder of the choices I had made and the consequences I now faced.

Despite the encroaching darkness, I pressed on, driven by a relentless determination to see my mission through to its conclusion. The weight of my actions hung heavy upon me, each step forward fraught with the burden of what lay ahead. Yet, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my resolve, I could not turn back. The path I had chosen was set, and I must see it to its end, consequences be damned. With every passing moment, the shadows grew deeper, casting a cloak of uncertainty over my journey. But still, I forged ahead, propelled by a grim determination to face whatever awaited me in the depths of the night.

"In the darkest of moments, our resolve shines brightest, guiding us through the shadows of uncertainty towards the light of our purpose."

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As I parked my car and glanced around Jasmine's house, I found nothing out of the ordinary. The neighborhood was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, and there were no signs of any unwanted visitors lurking in the shadows. Satisfied that everything appeared to be in order, I made my way to my own front door.

The enticing aroma of kimchi fried rice and pumpkin soup greeted me as I stepped inside, instantly lifting my spirits. There's something comforting about the smell of home-cooked food, especially on a chilly autumn evening. And when it came to autumn flavors, pumpkin soup was always at the top of my list.

I followed the scent to the kitchen, where Jasmine was busy at the oven. Her love for baking was no secret, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the delicious pastries she was undoubtedly preparing. Despite the weight of the day's events hanging over me, the sight of her bustling about the kitchen brought a sense of warmth to my heart.

As I approached Jasmine in the kitchen, I couldn't help but admire the way she moved with such grace and purpose. Her hair was tied back in a loose bun, a few stray strands framing her face, and there was a gentle smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Hey," I greeted her, my voice soft as I leaned against the counter. "What's cooking?"

Jasmine turned to me, her eyes lighting up with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Hey, Jungkook," she said, returning my smile. "I'm just trying out a new recipe for some pastries. Thought we could use a little something sweet tonight."

I nodded appreciatively, taking in the tantalizing scents wafting from the oven. "That sounds amazing. You always know how to spoil me."

She chuckled softly, a musical sound that warmed my heart. "Well, you deserve it," she replied, her tone affectionate. "Plus, it's nice to unwind after a long day."

I glanced around the kitchen, noticing the cozy atmosphere and the way the soft light cast gentle shadows across the room. It was moments like these that I cherished the most – the simple pleasure of being home, surrounded by good food and even better company.

"Yeah," I agreed, a sense of contentment washing over me. "It really is."

We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the soft hum of the oven as it worked its magic. I watched as Jasmine moved about the kitchen, her movements fluid and graceful, and felt a wave of gratitude wash over me.

All my worries dissipated the moment I caught sight of Jasmine's face. "I think we need to go grocery shopping," she suggested. I nodded in agreement. "Your house and mine have nothing left in the fridge," she added.

I nodded in agreement, relieved to have a distraction from the weight of my thoughts. "You're right. It's been a while since we stocked up."

Jasmine smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Great! Let's make a list and head out."

We quickly made a list of essentials, from fresh produce to pantry staples, and I grabbed my keys, eager to embark on this mundane yet strangely comforting task. As we walked to the car, the crisp autumn air filled my lungs, invigorating me with a renewed sense of purpose.

The grocery store was bustling with activity, the aisles alive with chatter and laughter. Jasmine and I navigated our way through the maze of shelves, carefully selecting items and exchanging playful banter along the way.

"Should we get some snacks for movie night?" Jasmine suggested, holding up a bag of popcorn with a mischievous grin.

I chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Definitely. And maybe some ice cream for dessert?"

"Sounds perfect," she replied, adding the items to our growing pile.

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We sat in the car, lost in our thoughts. I stole a glance at Jasmine. She was gazing out the window. I smiled softly and turned on the radio. The first song that played was from the neighborhood, titled "Reflection."

"I love the neighborhood," she says. "What?" I asked again. "I said I love the neighborhood," she repeats. "They're a good band." she added.

I chuckled at her response, enjoying the unexpected turn in our conversation. "Yeah, they really are. Their music has such a unique vibe."

Jasmine nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! It's like their songs capture the essence of living in a place like this—full of life and stories."

"Definitely," I agreed, glancing out the window at the familiar sights of our neighborhood passing by. "Their music always seems to resonate with what's happening around us."

"It's like they're singing about our lives," Jasmine mused, a thoughtful expression on her face. "About the ups and downs, the highs and lows."

As we drove on, the melody of the song still playing softly in the background, I found myself reflecting on Jasmine's words. There was something about the way she saw the world, finding meaning and connection in the simplest of moments, that never failed to inspire me.

"Thanks for sharing that," I said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us. "It's nice to hear your perspective on things."

Jasmine smiled warmly. "Of course. Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference, you know?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for moments like these—shared conversations, shared experiences—that brought us closer together, even in the midst of our busy lives.

🌷🌷🌷

We entered the supermarket and started gathering items from our shopping list. As we reached the frozen desserts section, Jasmine turned to me with a question. "Do you prefer mint chocolate ice cream or strawberry shortcake cake ice cream?" she asked.

"Mint chocolate, definitely," I replied, and she nodded in agreement, placing a tub of mint chocolate ice cream into our cart.

Suddenly, someone called out Jasmine's name from across the aisle. "Jasmine!" It was one of her friends, Hanni.

"Hanni? What brings you here?" Jasmine asked, surprised to see her friend in the supermarket.

Hanni's expression was grave as she approached us. "Have you heard the news? Daniel and Alex are missing," she informed us, her voice tinged with concern.

Jasmine's eyes widened in alarm. "Alex is missing? I just heard about Daniel but not about Alex," she exclaimed, her voice filled with worry and confusion.

"His mom called me. She said it's been a while since he last called," Hanni corrected herself.

"That's concerning," I replied, feeling a pang of concern myself. "Do they have any leads on where he might be?"

I cleared my throat, just to make my presence known. Hanni looked at me, clearly puzzled. "Oh, this is Jungkook, Taehyung's friend. He brought me here," Jasmine introduced me. I offered a smile to Hanni.

Hanni's gaze held a hint of mystery as she looked at me. Did she suspect anything? Did she know I was the one who killed their friends? It seemed unlikely, but perhaps she was questioning why I was here with Jasmine.

"Taehyung asked me to take care of his wife. Please don't get the wrong idea," I corrected Hanni, feeling a pang of guilt for lying. She just bitterly smiled at me. "No," she said, turning her gaze back to Jasmine.

"Please be careful, Jasmine. Maybe it's your turn or my turn next. We never know. I pray for the best for both of us."

I know she doesn't believe me. She looked at me suspiciously. "Maybe someone close to you might retaliate. Be safe," she said, her tone filled with concern. She didn't believe me.

🌷🌷🌷

As I gaze at Jasmine, I can't shake the thought of whether she's cognizant of the grim reality surrounding her friends' disappearances and the circulation of her intimate photos on the internet. Despite my attempts to erase the compromising images from the website, the uncertainty gnaws at me, amplifying the burden of the secrets I harbor from her.

Think, Jungkook. If you were Joe from the Netflix series, "You," what would you do? What would Joe do?

If you were in a situation similar to Joe from the Netflix series "You," and the situation escalated and became widely known, Joe would likely take extreme measures to protect himself and his relationship with Jasmine. He might resort to manipulation, deception, and even violence to cover up any evidence of his involvement in the crimes. Joe would prioritize his own interests and the preservation of his relationship, potentially going to great lengths to ensure that he is not implicated in any wrongdoing. He might try to control the narrative, shift blame onto others, or even frame someone else for the crimes if necessary. Ultimately, Joe would do whatever it takes to maintain his façade and protect himself from the consequences of his actions.

Hm, I don't know.

I sat in front of my laptop, but I wasn't in my office or my usual workspace at home. Instead, I found myself in Jasmine's flower shop. It was my first time being there, and the novelty of the surroundings added an extra layer of surrealism to the situation.

I observed her as she meticulously arranged the tulips, each stem delicately placed to form a perfect bouquet. The way she handled the flowers with such care and precision revealed a side of her I hadn't seen before, a side that was both gentle and nurturing. It was as if she had a special connection with the blooms, knowing exactly how to coax them into harmonious arrangements. As I watched her work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her talent and dedication. It was clear that she had a natural knack for floral design, and seeing her in her element filled me with a sense of awe.

As I continued writing my manuscript, I delved into the details of how I murdered Alex and the encounter with Hanni in the supermarket.

The night was dark and silent as I stalked Alex, my target, to his secluded home. With practiced precision, I waited for the opportune moment to strike. When he least expected it, I ambushed him, overpowering him with calculated force. As he struggled beneath my grip, I silenced him, extinguishing his life with a single swift blow.

After disposing of the evidence and ensuring no trace of my involvement remained, I returned to my everyday routine, concealing my dark deeds beneath a facade of normalcy. However, my encounter with Hanni in the supermarket threatened to unravel my carefully constructed facade.

As Jasmine and I navigated the aisles of the supermarket, a familiar voice called out to her. It was Hanni, a friend of Jasmine's whose presence sparked a sense of unease within me. Though I maintained a composed exterior, I couldn't shake the feeling that Hanni harbored suspicions about me.

Despite my efforts to appear nonchalant, I couldn't help but wonder what Hanni knew and what suspicions she held. Was she aware of my involvement in the disappearances of Daniel and Alex? Did she suspect the truth behind my seemingly innocent facade? As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn't shake the feeling that Hanni's gaze lingered a moment too long, her eyes betraying a sense of distrust that sent a shiver down my spine.

As I watched Jasmine move about the flower shop, her grace and elegance casting a spell over the mundane surroundings, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, there was the undeniable pull of my feelings for her, a magnetic force that drew me closer with each passing moment. On the other hand, there was the nagging guilt and moral dilemma of betraying Taehyung, my closest friend.

Lost in thought, I absentmindedly closed my laptop, the weight of the decision I faced pressing heavily upon me. How could I reconcile my desire for Jasmine with my loyalty to Taehyung? It was a question that haunted me day and night, gnawing at the edges of my consciousness with relentless persistence.

Finally gathering the courage to broach the subject, I approached Jasmine, careful not to disturb her delicate work with the flowers. "What do you want to eat for lunch?" I began, attempting to lighten the mood with a touch of playful banter. "Please don't say you want sushi," I added with a teasing grin, knowing all too well her fondness for the Japanese delicacy.

To my surprise, Jasmine's response was tinged with a hint of longing as she confessed her craving for Thai food. Closing the distance between us, I couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, the way she seemed to radiate warmth and light in the dimly lit shop. "The flowers are as beautiful as you," I found myself saying, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

But beneath the surface of our lighthearted exchange, a more serious question lingered, threatening to disrupt the fragile balance of our relationship. "Do you think about divorce?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I broached the topic that had been weighing heavily on my mind. It was a question fraught with uncertainty and vulnerability, yet it was one that needed to be addressed if we were to confront the truth of our situation head-on.

She looked at me with emptiness in her eyes. "I think about it... sometimes... I don't know."

I observed her carefully, noticing the weight of uncertainty in her voice. "It's a big decision," I acknowledged, leaning in closer. "But if it's what you truly want, you shouldn't hesitate." I paused, searching for the right words. "You deserve to be happy, Jasmine. And if that means moving on from Taehyung, then you shouldn't let anything hold you back."

She sighed, her gaze drifting away momentarily before returning to meet mine. "But what about Taehyung?" she questioned softly, a hint of worry in her tone.

I reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. "He'll understand, Jasmine. If he truly cares about you, he'll want what's best for you, even if it means letting go."

Her lips formed a thoughtful frown as she mulled over my words. "I just... I don't want to hurt him," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded in understanding. "I know, but sometimes, holding onto something out of guilt only prolongs the pain for both parties," I explained gently. "You have to do what's right for you, Jasmine. And I'll support you no matter what you decide."

"Will he forgive me?"

"It's difficult to predict how someone will react, especially when it comes to matters as sensitive as this," I replied, my voice gentle yet cautious. "Forgiveness isn't always guaranteed, but it's possible, especially if there's genuine remorse and a willingness to make amends."

Jasmine sighed, her gaze drifting to a distant point as she pondered my words. "I just can't shake the fear of what might happen if he finds out," she confessed, her voice laced with anxiety.

I reached out to place a comforting hand on hers, offering her a reassuring squeeze. "I understand," I murmured sympathetically. "But living with secrets can also weigh heavily on you. It's important to consider what's best for you and for your relationship in the long run."

Her eyes met mine, filled with uncertainty and a hint of desperation. "What do you think I should do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "Ultimately, the decision is yours to make," I began, speaking softly yet firmly. "But I believe that honesty, even if it's difficult, is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Perhaps it's worth considering having an open and honest conversation with Taehyung."

Jasmine nodded slowly, a mixture of apprehension and determination flickering across her features. "I know you're right," she admitted, her voice wavering slightly. "It's just... terrifying."

I offered her a supportive smile, squeezing her hand once more. "I'll be here for you every step of the way," I reassured her. "You're not alone in this, Jasmine. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."