|Taehyung|

Delivering a few sharp knocks on the door in front of him, Taehyung released a deep sigh as he shifted on his feet. He waited patiently for the door to open, and when he finally saw the handle begin to twist and the door begin to creak open, Taehyung allowed a large grin to spread across his face.

The door opened, revealing the governor. Now that they were standing face to face, Taehyung noticed that the guy was a few centimetres taller than him. He was wearing a grey dress shirt with a dark blue west over it. A friendly smile adored his face and Tae noticed a few wrinkles here and there.

"Come in, come in." The governor smiled, stepping aside to let Taehyung inside.

Taehyung nodded as a thanks and slowly walked in, his eyes immediately running over the interior of the office. The room was average sized, with a wooden floor and dark coloured walls. A large desk rested in front of Tae- two chairs in front of it and a rolling chair behind it. Tae eyed the bookshelves pushed against the walls, wanting to grab a book and read it.

Taehyung has been a fan of books since he was little. With just a few words, he was able to escape reality and jump into a completely different world. Taehyung always viewed reading as having the superpowers to change your appearance or travel through dimensions. But since the apocalypse started, reading wasn't a priority and fighting walkers was what took his mind off of his problems.

The governor shut the door behind him before walking to his desk and sitting behind it, "Please, take a seat." He gestured towards the seat in front of the desk.

Taehyung raised a brow, eyeing the chair before smirking and walking over to one of the bookshelves,"I'm quite curious about this meeting and it's purpose."

The governor's smile didn't falter as he watched Taehyung run the tips of his fingers over the spines of the books,"I think we got off on the wrong foot and it's important that my people can trust and count on me, and you're one of my people now, Taehyung." He shrugged, leaning into his chair as he carefully analysed Tae.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, knowing that the governor wouldn't be able to see him since his back was turned to him. He smirked as he eyed a book before swiftly pulling it out of the bookshelf, "I still don't understand how talking could create trust between two people." Taehyung spoke, his deep voice dripping with amusement before he snorted and turned around to face the governor, "Unless it's bribing someone- offering them food, a bed, safety."

The governor raised a brow, his lips twitching up as he watched Taehyung carefully,"You don't believe I can offer you that?"

Taehyung huffed out a chuckle, walking over to the desk and plopping down in one of the chairs, placing the book in his lap, "Imagine this. We're fighting against walkers, you have an opportunity to escape, but I'm still trapped inside the horde. I beg you to come back and help me, knowing that if you did, we would both get out safely. But why would you risk the opportunity to get away to come back for me and possibly get bit?" Taehyung ran his tongue over his lip before smiling widely, "So no, I don't think you'll provide me safety."

The governor nodded slowly, placing his hands on top of the desk and leaning forward in his seat. He looked into Taehyung's black eyes before speaking, "The reason why I wouldn't go back for you is because I don't know you. But I believe that you could be an important part of my people, maybe even one of my closest men. I truly do see a lot of potential in you, Taehyung, that's why I invited you here to speak to me."

Taehyung placed his elbow on top of the armrest, pressing his finger against his lips to try and hide the devilish smirk resting on his lips, "Are you sure it's not because you feel like your little Utopia is being threatened? Taking in three new people, who don't trust you and who are always whispering among themselves, must be stressful." Taehyung's eyes didn't drift from the governor's as he released a husky chuckle and leaned forward in his seat, "I don't blame you for being paranoid. Hey! I can even suggest some calming teas or some yoga, I heard that helps."

The governor smiled in amusement before tilting his head back and releasing a small laugh. He continued to smile as he leaned into his chair and analysed Taehyung, "I think you'll be a perfect addition to this community, only if you allow me to show you that food and a bed isn't the only thing I can give you."

"That sounds sexual." Taehyung raised a brow, leaning his back into his seat and placing his left leg on top of his right one, so that the ankle was touching his knee, "Are you flirting with me, Mister Governor?"

The governor's smile slipped from his face and his brows furrowed as confusion washed over him. Taehyung smirked as he knocked the control right out of the governor's hands and slowly took it into his own.

"If so, I'm more into younger men, plus, I top, and I don't think you take dick up your ass." Taehyung snickered under his breath, sinking his teeth into his lower lip to try and hide the large grin from spreading across his face.

The governor was rendered speechless as he listened to Taehyung speak, his mind went blank, causing him to not know how to respond.

Taehyung huffed out a small laugh, winking at the older man before speaking, "I believe that the reason why I'm here isn't because you think I'm a good addition to your group of dogs." He gruntled, insulting the governor's followers as he lifted his feet and placed them on top of the wooden desk.

"Are you aware of the saying 'Keep your friends close but your enemies closer'? Oh, I'm sure you are." Taehyung purred, his dark eyes piercing through the governor's. He watched in satisfaction how the governor's expression had changed from a calm smile into a blank scowl, "Well, I believe that you invited me here because you thought that talking to me would convince me to stay and become one of your followers. By convincing me, you hoped that I would go convince Michonne and Andrea, and boom, you have yourself three new soldiers that would be loyal to you."

The governor didn't say anything, wondering why he suddenly felt like Taehyung is the one sitting behind the desk. The governor felt like he's the one that came to Taehyung, instead of how it was in reality.

Taehyung bit the inside of his cheek, snorting under his breath as he watched the governor grow confused. He looked down at the book placed in his lap before opening it and flipping through the pages, "I think that this meeting is over and I have nothing more to say." Taehyung shrugged carelessly, ignoring the governor's intimidating stare burning into his forehead.

"Wait, actually there is something I want to say." Tae perked up, releasing a deep sigh as he pulled his legs off of the desk and sat up straighter. He looked at the governor, pressing his lips into a thin line before sighing in fake sadness,"The reason why I don't want to stay here is because of you. You're the type of person that, when it comes down to you or someone else, you would always choose yourself. You measure people's value by their skills and how compliant they are. For example, if someone expendable was about to die, you wouldn't risk it and you would let them die." Taehyung huffed, rolling his eyes and running his fingers over the book in his hand,"And if you found someone that has the same skillset as one of your closest men, they would become expendable too."

The governor scoffed before forcing a smile on his face, "Maybe, maybe not. The only way for you to know if it's true is for you to stay and find out. Come on runs with me and let me show you that you can count on me just like I can count on you."

Taehyung shook his head, releasing a deep breath through his nose, "You're good, ill give you that." He hummed, shaking his finger in the governor's direction before standing up and placing the book down on the desk.

The governor glanced down at the book, but Taehyung's large hand was placed right on top of it, covering the title of the book. Taehyung drummed his fingers against the book, causing the governor to look up at him with a raised brow.

"This was quite nice. If I didn't have to pack my things, I would surely stay longer. But hey! I'll be sure to come visit and maybe next time you'll even prepare some tea." Taehyung teased, his gaze heavy and sultry as he stared down the governor. Taehyung huffed out a small chuckle before winking and pushing off of the desk, in the process, lifting his hand off of the book, "You should really read what you have in your bookshelves, maybe this'll help."

The governor stared at Taehyung as he shot him a one last smirk before sauntering out of the office. The governor's expression dropped into a dangerous glare before he scoffed and looked down at the book.

'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini'

An annoyed scowl appeared on his face as he pushed the book off of the desk, allowing it to fall to the ground with a thud. He leaned back in his chair, thinking what to do with Kim Taehyung and his inability to bend to someone's will.

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   Taehyung shoved a clean shirt into his bag, placing it in the bottom of the bag so that he could place food and other essentials on the top.

Taehyung ignored the sound of the apartment door creaking open, instead, choosing to zip up his bag and change into clean clothes.

"Tae, what are you doing?" The said Male glanced over his shoulder to look at Andrea, who was staring at his bag, that was laying on his bed, before looking at Michonne's bed and seeing another bag.

Taehyung furrowed his brows, a frown appearing on his face as he pulled a black shirt out of the closet,"Where have you been lately? I rarely see you."

Andrea chewed on her bottom lip, avoiding Tae's heavy stare as she shuffled further into the apartment, "I've been talking to Phillip, and he's not a bad guy, Tae, I really think we should stay."

Taehyung snorted at her words, shaking his head before pulling his shirt over his head, "Phillip? You're calling him by his name now?"

Andrea frowned, eyeing the tattoos scattered across Taehyung's tan skin before shaking her head and looking away, "He's not as bad as you think, you should trust him."

"Trust him? How can you say that?" Taehyung scoffed, pulling a skintight shirt over his head before turning around to face Andrea. He huffed, glaring into her eyes, "How can you trust him when he has done nothing to earn your trust?"

Andrea frowned and looked away, not meeting his eyes. Taehyung pinched the bridge of his nose, shutting his eyes for a second before opening them and walking closer to Andrea with every word he spoke,"Come tell me that you trust him when you've been surrounded by walkers- back to back and without a way out. Come tell me that you trust him when you've been bleeding out with a horde of walkers running after you, yet he refused to leave you behind no matter how much you begged him to do so. Don't tell me that you trust him when you haven't faced the worst situation possible, yet still never turned your backs on each other." Taehyung stepped in front of her, his raven hair falling into his face as he frowned down at her, "It's easy to trust someone when you're living in here, not out there."

"Taehyung." Michonne warned as she marched into the apartment and went straight to her backpack.

Tae huffed and rolled his eyes, stepping away from Andrea and walking back to his backpacks. He ignored Michonne's glances, instead, listening as she sighed and brought her bags over to him.

"We need to leave." Michonne stated, shoving things into her bags.

Andrea watched them both pack without moving from her spot, "Why are you acting like these people are about to come in here and kill us in our sleep?" She scoffed, quickly growing annoyed with the both of them.

"We can't trust them!" Michonne hissed towards Andrea before turning her attention on Taehyung, "We need to pack our stuff and sneak out when it's dark."

"I thought you wanted to try and walk out peacefully?" Tae raised a brow, looking at Michonne as he zipped his bags shut.

"Why are you acting like we're prisoners?" Andrea exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air when they both ignored her.

Michonne huffed and grabbed a bag before turning around to face Andrea and pushing the bag into her chest, "No one that comes here leaves."

"What are you talking about? It's safe! There's food, water, there's people for God's sake." Andrea rolled her eyes, throwing the heavy bag onto Taehyung's bed instead of holding it.

Taehyung glanced at the bag before turning around to look down at Andrea, "That's what they show you but what about all the stuff that they keep hidden?"

"Everyone has their way of surviving and this place has food, water, a bed! They have a bed! How long has it been since you have slept in a bed without worrying for someone showing up to kill you." Andrea raised her voice, her cheeks tinting with red as she gestured towards Taehyung's bed.

Taehyung's expression went blank before he straightened out and stared at her with no expression, "Since I was 7." Andrea's angry expression faltered as she grew confused, looking between Michonne and Taehyung with furrowed brows. Taehyung scoffed out a laugh, turning his back to her as he grabbed his chest harness, "You know what? I'm not about to force you to leave and then listen to you whining about going back here for months. If you want to stay, you can stay, but Michonne and I are leaving."

"Taehyung." Andrea murmured quietly, watching him as he tightened his harnesses around his chest and thigh before pulling on a black jacket to hide them.

Taehyung ignored her, relaxing slightly as he felt Michonne brush her hand against his back in a comforting manner. They both gathered the last of their stuff before pulling their backpacks over their shoulders.

"Wait," Andrea muttered, catching Taehyung's and Michonne's attention. They both turned to look at her, slouching in relief when they saw her grab a backpack and begin to fill it up with her stuff, "I'll come with you." She mumbled with a dejected frown.

Taehyung nodded wordlessly before turning around and walking out of the apartment.

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

The people of Woodbury stared and whispered among each other as they watched Taehyung, Michonne, and Andrea walk towards the gates, that lead to the outside world. But in Taehyung's opinion, they were the gates that led out of a fantasy and into reality.

"Hey, hey, hey, where are you off to in such a hurry?" Taehyung heard Merle call out to them, but he ignored it and kept walking.

Tae could hear Merle running to catch up to them, and Andrea stop walking, only for Michonne to grab her and pull her along.

"Come on, hey, hey, hey! Y'all breaking my heart running away like that." Merle smirked as he stepped in front of Taehyung to stop them from walking any further.

Taehyung sent him a sarcastic smile, "Consider me surprised, I'd never guess you to be the type of guy who has a heart!" He exclaimed in fake enthusiasm before rolling his eyes and trying to sidestep Merle, only for him to step in front of him again.

"We're leaving." Michonne stated, stepping closer to the pair so that she was standing next to Taehyung.

A fake pout appeared on Merle's face as he continued to chew on a peace of apple,"It's almost curfew, I'll have to arrange an escort. I mean, come on, the party's still going on." Merle gestured behind them at the people, who were celebrating.

Taehyung didn't say anything, only stared down at Merle with no emotion. Strands of his raven hair fell into his face, casting shadows over his sharp features and causing his black eyes to appear more demonic.

Merle gulped, hiding the hint of fear with an arrogant smirk. He looked at Michonne's fierce glare before nodding with a sigh, "Alright, wait here."

Taehyung sucked in his cheeks, watching Merle with a piercing gaze as he walked away from them to talk to the guard on the wall. Taehyung watched their mouths moving before looking at Michonne and Andrea. He noticed the way Andrea's face slowly crumbled and her lips tilted down into a heavy scowl.

Andrea pressed her lips into a thin line and hoisted her bag higher onto her shoulder before making her way over to the two men. Taehyung stared at the three, crossing his arms over his chest and shifting his weight from one leg to another.

After exchanging a few words, Andrea turned around and walked back to them. Michonne scoffed under her breath, looking at Merle with bitterness, "See? There's always a reason why we can't leave yet."

Andrea face fell as she looked down at the ground, looking puzzled and crestfallen. Taehyung opened his mouth to say 'Told you so', but he was interrupted by Merle,

"Clear!" Taehyung's face dropped as he watched Merle unlock the heavy gate and slowly pull it open, "Now if I was y'all, I'd find some shelter before the nightfall."

"They knew we were coming, this was all for show." Michonne murmured, shaking her head in disbelief.

Taehyung sighed and pulled his bag higher onto his broad shoulders,"It doesn't matter, we should leave before they change their minds."

Andrea grabbed Taehyung's arm, stopping him from walking towards the gate, "So what? You want to run out there with walkers on chains, eating twigs? Is that...is that right?" She asked with a look of disbelief, looking between Tae and Michonne with wide eyes.

"We held our own." Michonne gritted, her lower lip trembling as she slowly realised what was about to happen.

"8 months....8 months on the road, moving from place to place, scavenging and living in a meat locker. That was no life." Andrea muttered, shaking her head at them, causing strands of blond hair to move long.

Taehyung kept quiet, his expression growing colder and more guarded with every word that left her lips. He pulled his hand out of hers, feeling a sense of betrayal settle in the pit of his stomach. Taehyung stared at Andrea with no emotion, wondering if these past 8 months, when they were together, was she hoping and dreaming to be somewhere else and with someone else?

Tae wondered and wondered until he realised that Andrea was the type of person, who would leave a friend for the comfort of a bed and a belly full of food.

Taehyung could see Andrea's lips moving and Michonne's eyes tearing up at the corners as she listened to Andrea speak. He sucked in a deep breath, eyeing the seemingly perfect town yet again before scoffing and turning around. Taehyung ignored Andrea's gaze on his back as he walked towards the gate, leaving the unspoken question up in the air.

Come with me or stay?

Taehyung ignored Merle's amused gaze as he stopped in front of the gate, looking out in the abandoned road as he waited for Michonne and Andrea. But deep down he knew that he was only waiting for Michonne.

Taehyung stood at the gate, relaxing as the gentle breeze played with his raven locks and ran over his tan skin. He continued to listen to Michonne's and Andrea's hushed murmurs, until he began to calm down and heard one set of footsteps coming his way.

Michonne didn't say anything as she walked past him straight out of the gate. Taehyung nodded to himself, not even looking back at Andrea as he began to follow Michonne.

"Taehyung!"

Taehyung groaned in annoyance before he stopped walking to turn around and look at Andrea. The blonde ran towards him and threw her arms around him, causing his nose to scrunch up in distaste. Taehyung awkwardly patted her back as she pulled him into a tight hug, both of them knowing it was their last hug.

Releasing a soft sigh, Taehyung forced himself to pull away from her and straighten out. No matter how little those 8 months seemed to Andrea, he had actually grown to care for her. Parting ways with her completely shattered his trust and caused him to feel like one day, Michonne would leave him too.

"I'm sorry," Andrea murmured as she pulled away, her eyes tearing up as she looked up at Tae's blank face. She shook her head and chewed on her lip watching as Taehyung turned around to walk away, "Wait."

Taehyung rolled his eyes yet again before releasing an annoyed sight and turning to look back at her. He raised his brows and pursued his lips, eyeing Andrea as she took her bag off of her shoulder and began to rummage through it. After a few seconds, Andrea pulled out a compass.

Taehyung had seen Andrea holding the compass a couple of times- admiring it and looking at it in confusion as she tried to figure out what was written on it. Taehyung never dared to ask about it, but he did catch the sight of Korean letters written on the back of it.

"Here, remember me by this." Andrea muttered through trembling lips and teary eyes, extending the compass towards Taehyung.

Taehyung sunk his teeth into his bottom lip, extending his hand and allowing Andrea to place the compass into his palm. Taehyung pulled his hand away and looked up at Andrea, offering her a one last smile before turning around and walking away.

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

   |Jungkook|

   The warmth of the fire brushed against Jungkook's cheeks and illuminated his features. His brows were furrowed in concentration and his lips were tilted down into a small pout. The sound of fire cracking reached Jungkook's ears and the light coming from it scared away the darkness around them.

Marley was sitting in front of him, leaning her back against his legs as he tried to braid her hair. Jungkook never wanted to do this in the first place, considering that he didn't know how or that it was around 04:00 in the morning and Marley had to go to be asleep already. Unfortunately the only way to convince her to go to sleep was for Jungkook to agree to braid her hair.

"Are you done?" Marley asked through a yawn, her eyes droopy and her head occasionally falling forward.

Jungkook huffed, glaring at the back of her head,"This is bullshit, I'm never doing this shit again."

"Language, I'm a fucking kid." Marley scoffed, punching his leg as a warning.

Jungkook frowned and pushed her head forward, ignoring her huff of annoyance, "I'm older, respect me."

"Give me a reason to respect you and I will." Marley grumbled, not meaning what she said since she already admired and looked up to Jungkook.

Marley shut her eyes, slouching against Jungkook and earning a loud groan from him as she ruined his progress. Jungkook pouted and scrunched up his nose in anger.

"That's it!" He huffed, releasing the hold on the strands of her raven hair before placing his hands on the messily done braids and destroying them.

"Ouch! That hurts, asshole!" Marley whined, her hand flying up to her head as Jungkook accidentally pulled on a strand.

Jungkook rolled his hand and pushed her off of him, allowing her to fall on the leaf covered ground, "I tried, I failed, now I'm giving up, so you have to go to sleep."

The sound of a branch cracking behind Jungkook, caused him to straighten out and his hand to fly towards the gun strapped into his holster. Jungkook's hand froze on the handle of the gun as he felt the cold tip of a gun press against his temple.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Jungkook's breath hitched in his throat before his eyes traveled down to look at Marley, who was staring behind him with wide terrified eyes.

⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙

Who do you think is the person behind Jungkook? What do you think may happen?

~Benikru