It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune.
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The Art of War
Sun Tzu

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"Taehyung? Can I ask you a question?" Jungkook's voice pierced the confined space of the car, breaking his eight-minute streak of silence. 

Taehyung really hoped they were going to make it to ten minutes this time. With a sigh, he looked over at the younger, trying to appear disgruntled but not putting much effort into the guise.

Jungkook was eating from a bag of chips, his legs folded underneath him like a pretzel. Every few seconds, he licked crumbs from his fingers, not even aware of Taehyung's attention. But with that pink tongue peeking out from his lips, he completely captivated Taehyung.

That was not good for many reasons. The main reason being that Taehyung was currently driving.

"I have a feeling you're going to ask regardless, so go ahead," he responded, bringing his focus back to the road. 

There were minimal cars on their current route, putting Taehyung at ease for the moment. Like yesterday, he avoided the busier and more direct roads in exchange for an inconspicuous detour. He even backtracked one time, acting over-cautious when he thought another vehicle followed for a little too long. But now, thirty minutes outside of Busan, he was confident no one was on their trail.

"What made you want to become a bodyguard?" Jungkook finally questioned, his tone full of curiosity while he crunched on another chip. "Did you always want to be one?"

"Not really," Taehyung admitted vaguely, swatting away the younger's hand as he put a chip in front of his face.

It felt like the fifty-third time Jungkook tried to feed him. Every couple of minutes, a chip was presented to Taehyung - most likely to annoy the living hell out of him - and each time, he pushed the younger's hand aside. And yet, Jungkook didn't give up.

That seemed to be a growing trend with the younger.

Jungkook hummed, turning in his seat to face Taehyung directly. "Then what changed? Why not do something else?"

Taehyung tried to keep his facial expressions neutral, knowing the younger was intently observing him. But, try as he might, his stoic facade began to crack. His mind filled with memories of screaming and gunshots and tears and suddenly his chest was tightening and hurting and burning and there was the blood -

"Taehyung?"

Taehyung sucked in a breath of air, willing his heart rate to calm the fuck down. When he spiraled, he spiraled quickly and deeply. Thankfully the younger had interrupted his train of thoughts, pulling him out of that dangerous decline before he lost all sense of control.

It made him wonder just how closely Jungkook had been watching.

"I was tired of people dying," he whispered, not yet composed enough to veil his true thoughts.

Jungkook's eyes were still boring into him, still focused on every little reaction. But surprisingly, he let the topic drop. "When you were a kid, what did you want to be?"

"A lot of things," Taehyung said, forcing his mind to think of his childish fantasies rather than his present situation. "A farmer. A saxophonist."

"So you wanted to use your hands and mouth a lot, got it," the younger commented lightly, the sound of a smile in his voice.

And sure enough, when Taehyung quickly glanced his way, Jungkook was smiling. And it was a different smile from the arrogant, cocky smiles Taehyung had grown accustomed to seeing. This one was more genuine, with his eyes crinkled, nose scrunched, and teeth fully on display. 

"Back to the sexual innuendos, I see," he said with a roll of his eyes, but he honestly didn't mind.

These crass comments served as a diversion, an interruption from the painful thoughts Taehyung didn't yet have the capacity to process.

"Always," Jungkook agreed, nodding his head enthusiastically. "If you ever want to put those hands and mouth skills to the test, you have a willing volunteer right here."

"Noted."

"And," the younger continued, "if you ever want to do those things, to become a farmer or musician, it's never too late. Or you can find new passions. But you don't have to be stuck."

"Wise words for a horny little brat like yourself," Taehyung drawled, trying his best not to grin. He failed.

"Yeah, well, if you want me to stop being a horny little brat, you know what you can do."

Yes, Taehyung knew what he could do. And as hard as he tried to deny it, he wanted Jungkook. Fuck, he never wanted someone so badly, not even Bogum. And that fact alone made him hate himself. He couldn't want Jungkook that way; he couldn't share his body with someone he still didn't fully trust. 

And it was true. Taehyung didn't trust the younger, not fully. But to be fair, he didn't trust anyone anymore.

Sometimes, he rarely trusted himself.

Shaking his head, he pushed that all aside for now. He knew he wouldn't give into Jungkook's advances, not if he wanted to keep his integrity.

"What about you?" Taehyung asked, hoping he could get the younger to open up. There was still so much to uncover about him, still so many details he needed to understand about the boy.

"Pro gamer," Jungkook answered, fishing out another chip from the bag. "But I knew that was never going to happen. There were other plans in place for me."

"What do you mean?"

"I was eighteen when Namjoon forced me into hiding. I didn't get to walk across the stage for graduation. I wasn't able to start college with my friends. Sure, I did online programs, but it wasn't the same. I never got to explore what it was I truly wanted to do with my life. It was all already determined for me."

Taehyung detected a note of bitterness in his voice, and it made him desperately curious to learn more. "Well, as someone once told me, it's never too late. You have time to figure out what it is you want to do."

When it remained quiet, he peeked over at Jungkook. The younger was turned away from him now, looking out the window and seemingly lost in thought. Taehyung was preparing to give him some alone time when he spoke again.

"I just wish things were different."

"What things?" Taehyung carefully probed, the sad tone from Jungkook catching him off guard. 

A self-deprecating chuckle pushed past the younger's lips, throaty and raw. "Too many things, Taehyung. Too many things I have no control over. My family. My future. My life."

"You . . . You can talk about it . . . with me . . . if you want," Taehyung offered somewhat awkwardly, not entirely sure why he was making such a suggestion.

Jungkook finally rotated in his seat, eyes fixed on Taehyung's profile. "I'd much rather forget than relive the fucked up shit of my past. I can't afford to think about it now."

And fuck, Taehyung didn't want to understand. He didn't want to empathize. But the truth of the matter was that he did. Everything Jungkook appeared to be feeling - the repressed emotions, the desire to put a lock on the past - Taehyung felt as well.

"Do you keep pushing it down? Running from the memories so they can't consume you?" He guessed, not wanting to sound desperate to have his own struggles understood, but ultimately failing.

"Yeah," the younger affirmed, admitting the word quietly as if in guilt.

And for once since meeting each other, Taehyung knew they were on the same page, that this was their commonality. "Me, too."

Thankfully, Jungkook didn't ask him what demons he was hiding from. Taehyung wouldn't have given him an answer . . . not an honest one at least. 

As they edged the city limits fifteen minutes later, Taehyung broke the silence that had settled between them. It had been a new record. "Are you sure you want to do this? To potentially put your friend at risk? To put us at risk?"

"I don't see any other option at this point," Jungkook let out, uncrossing his legs and stretching them with a groan. "And we've been careful . . . Right?"

Taehyung had been extra diligent today. He knew the importance of remaining as discreet as possible as they neared their final destination. But there was no way of anticipating what their enemies had planned; for all he knew, they could already be two steps ahead. 

He eyed Jungkook, concerned their enemies were closer than expected, but didn't let that uneasiness show.

"I really hope we've been careful. And before you say anything, I know. That doesn't sound too convincing," he stated, watching Jungkook to gauge his reaction.

"I wasn't going to say anything at all," the younger informed, catching his eye. "Surprising, right?"

Taehyung laughed, a small, fleeting release. "I'm pretty sure I've already said you never fail to surprise me. But anyway, once I determine we're in a safe location for the time being, I'll contact my supervisor. Hopefully, he'll have some idea as to what's going on."

"Isn't it weird that he hasn't contacted you yet?"

Taehyung shook his head, mind recalling his meeting with Min Yoongi. "I don't think so. I got rid of all my corporate tech. He has no way of getting in touch with me."

An understanding hum left Jungkook's mouth. "Got it. So how are you going to reach him? I'm assuming flat out calling him isn't possible."

"Look at you learning quickly," Taehyung chuckled again, turning onto a main road to head into the city. "I'll figure out a way, don't worry."

A few minutes later, Taehyung pulled into a gas station and went inside to inquire after lodging in the city. Even though Jungkook knew his friend owned a bed and breakfast, the younger didn't know where exactly it was located. So Taehyung spoke to a cashier, asking vague questions and hinting that he wanted someplace intimate and romantic. The cashier handed over a few tourism brochures, explaining how a few places included might catch his eye.

Taehyung thanked the man before buying a couple of items, returning to the car with a handful of goods. Once seated in the car again, he thrust the pamphlets and another bag of chips in Jungkook's direction. The younger seemed hungry today.

"Hopefully you remember the name of your friend's place," he said, watching as Jungkook filtered through the brochures. "If not, then -"

"It's this one," Jungkook interrupted, pointing to a picture of a quaint-looking building surrounded by floral landscaping. "It's on the other side of Busan, near the outer limits."

After confirming the address and utilizing Jungkook's knowledge of the city, Taehyung headed for the bed and breakfast. Every couple of moments, the younger yammered away, giving directions or pointing out familiar landmarks. It was odd, hearing him talk so animatedly about his hometown. He seemed like an entirely new person to Taehyung. 

"Oh! And see that field there? I got my first blow job right under those bleachers," the younger babbled on, no filter in place as usual. "And then Hoseok -"

"You got your first blow job from the guy we're going to meet?" Taehyung asked, dumbfounded and irritated at the same time.

"What? No!" Jungkook laughed, tossing his head back against the seat. "Ugh, now I have that visual in my mind."

Taehyung had an entirely different visual in his mind, imagining how Jungkook would look with his mouth stretched wide, full of his -

"Anyway, Hoseok is a good guy." Jungkook ripped open the second bag of chips, shoving a few in that seductive mouth Taehyung had just been fantasizing about.

"What's your definition of a good guy?"

"He looked out for me, kept me out of trouble. And he was always so happy, with this energy that made you happy as well," Jungkook gushed, that smile back on his face. "He went away for school, though, so I haven't seen him in four or five years. I hope he still remembers me."

"I'm sure he'll remember you," Taehyung assured, pursing his lips together in a playful pout. "I get the sense you're not easy to forget."

He meant it as a playful comment, teasing the younger in a lighthearted manner - odd for him, he knew - but it wasn't received that way.

"Tell that to my father," Jungkook lamented, slowly lowering his chip-filled hand into his lap. "I'm sure he'd disagree."

"Jungkook . . ." Taehyung started, but he didn't know what to say. He was never very good at expressing his own emotions, so how was he supposed to encourage someone else to open up?

"It's okay," the younger mumbled, "I'll be okay."

Taehyung nodded, but still felt the air of sadness clinging to Jungkook. So he rolled back his shoulders and held out his hand. 

Jungkook eyed him. "What?"

"Chip me."

It felt like a peace offering.

Taehyung didn't know what to make of it.

A short while later, they pulled into a tree-lined driveway that was far outside the bustling center of the city. The closer they got to the bed and breakfast, the fewer cars, businesses, and residences they encountered. It was quieter out here, more peaceful. 

It reminded Taehyung of his last home.

As they neared the end of the driveway, a two-story building that was anything but quaint greeted them. Floor to ceiling glass windows, outdoor balconies, and stunning landscaping came together to form one of the most impressive displays Taehyung had ever seen. 

"Is this the right place?" Taehyung muttered, parking the car and craning his neck to look out the window. "The brochure made it look so . . . "

"Modest?" Jungkook offered, amusement laced in his voice. "Leave it to Hoseok to under-promise and over-deliver."

Looking around the parking lot, Taehyung found a few parked cars but no sign of anyone just yet. He unbuckled his seatbelt, hoping that walking into this lodge wasn't going to be a huge mistake.

He couldn't afford any others this week. 

"Hey," he said to Jungkook as the younger made to exit the car, "we need to have a quick talk."

Jungkook turned towards him, eyes wider than Taehyung had seen before. They were fringed by thick and dark lashes, with a film of alarm clouding out the typically flirtatious twinkle. 

"Until I clear the place and contact my boss, we can't tell your friend what's going on. Got it?" He said, eyebrows raising as he waited for acknowledgment. 

"Okay," the younger agreed, nodding his head a couple of times. "So, what do we say?"

"We don't need to say much. We have matching hickeys on our neck and will be staying in one room. I think your friend will put two and two together." 

A smug smirk pulled Jungkook's lips to the side as he understood. "I think you like pretending we're together. Right, angel?"

"In your dreams," Taehyung scoffed, opening the car door and stepping outside. He stretched his arms above his head, grateful not to be cooped up any longer.

Jungkook got out as well, hoisting their two backpacks over his shoulders and grabbing his duffel. "No, my dreams consist of you naked below me, all spread out and begging to be fucked."

They started walking to the front of the lodging, with Taehyung pushing Jungkook none too gently to the side. "I thought we've moved on from all that."

"You admitted you wanted me, Taehyung," Jungkook reminded with an arrogant grin, falling back into step with him once more. "So now I'm just waiting for you to break."

"I didn't mean it. I was exhausted and -"

The younger stepped in front of him, blocking the path forward. "Save your breath, angel."

Taehyung expected Jungkook to say more, to taunt him more, but the boy just stared at him. His eyes were slowly growing darker as they soaked in Taehyung, tracing over all his features before settling on his mouth.

And fuck, Taehyung wished he never said anything last night. It was another moment of weakness, another slip up that he'd now have to live with. And yes, while things would be so much easier if they just fucked and got that out of the way, he knew he couldn't live with himself if that occurred. 

The guilt would tear him apart. The self-loathing would tear him apart.

So he brushed past Jungkook, admiring the large, flowering bushes lining the entrance to the bed and breakfast. But before he could ascend the stairs, someone sprung up from behind the blooming foliage. Taehyung instantly reached for the gun tucked into his pants, fingers wrapping around the grip.

"Hi, welcome! Are you checking in . . . Jungkook?" 

Taehyung whipped his head towards the younger, keeping a careful watch of his expression. But nothing serious or sinister crossed Jungkook's face. Instead, a blinding smile ripped across his mouth and he dropped the bags to the ground.

"Jimin!"

Jimin. This name was new. This was not a name they discussed before, which immediately put Taehyung on edge.

The younger ran over to this Jimin guy, who was attempting to step out from behind the bush. They met in a mutual hug, arms wrapped tightly around each other as they laughed in glee.

If Taehyung wasn't so apprehensive, he would've found the scene heartwarming. 

"What are you doing here?" Jimin exclaimed, tucking his chin over Jungkook's shoulder. "It's been . . . what, three years? Longer?"

"Too long," Jungkook agreed, stepping back to study the shorter male's face. "You look older."

"And look at you, all muscles and tattoos and shit. Where did Kookie go?" Jimin patted his shoulders, busy appraising his friend. 

"He's still here. Just a little roughened around the edges, that's all."

Jimin finally stepped back, a serene smile covering his face. "But, really. What are you doing here? Does Hoseok know? Oh my god, was this a surprise for me?"

Jungkook laughed, the sound so airy and full of joy. "No, sadly. This was a bit last minute. We were traveling and -"

"Oh, right! This supermodel here," Jimin said, turning towards Taehyung and heading his way. He wore a friendly expression, looking genuinely happy to be meeting one of Jungkook's friends. "I'm Park Jimin."

Taehyung barely had time to introduce himself before Jungkook was pressed against his side, an arm wrapped around his waist.

"Don't even think about it, man," Jungkook intoned a bit possessively, fingers digging into Taehyung's skin. "He's not available. So stop with those flirty eyes and don't smile at him like that."

Jimin raised his hands in front of himself, giggling as he regarded the younger. "Chill, Kookie. I was just saying hello."

"Yeah, sweetheart," Taehyung chided, a rising laugh tickling his voice. "Chill. No reason to be so grabby."

"I'm not grabby," the younger muttered, but he didn't remove his hand from Taehyung's waist.

"I need to finish up out here or else Hoseok will be at my throat," Jimin said with a wave, picking up sheers and getting back between the overgrown bushes. "I'll catch up with you both later."

Jungkook let go of Taehyung's waist to pick up the forgotten bags, grunting as he slung all three over one shoulder. He led the way into the lodge, a renewed energy radiating off of him.

"You didn't tell me about him," Taehyung called out, coming up by his side and glaring at the boy.

"Don't sound so jealous," Jungkook joked, shifting the bags on his shoulders. "And anyway, I had no clue Jimin worked here. I wasn't exactly allowed to keep in touch with my friends while I was laying low."

Taehyung pulled one of the bags off Jungkook's shoulder and tucked it over his own. "I don't like this. I don't want to involve more people than we need to and -"

"Jungkook?"

Taehyung stopped his impending lecture and turned towards an elegant wood desk. Standing behind it was a man, wearing a smile that rivaled the brightness of the sun. He opened his arms wide, waiting for the younger to come to him.

"If it isn't Mr. Bed and Breakfast himself," Jungkook mused, again grinning from ear to ear as he rounded the desk, pulling the man into a hug. "I missed you, Hoseok."

"What are you doing here? Are you on vacation? What are . . . What the hell is on your neck?" The man - Hoseok - quizzed Jungkook, pushing the younger's head aside to get a better look at his bruised skin. 

Taehyung failed at masking a chuckle, knowing the hickeys wouldn't be missed. That drew Hoseok's curious gaze, which then focused on Taehyung's own marked neck. 

"Well, isn't this a surprise? Our Jungkook finally has a boyfriend?" Hoseok crooned, looking between the two boys. "When did this happen?"

"Recently," Jungkook offered, joining Taehyung on the other side of the desk. "Hoseok, this is Kim Taehyung."

"It's nice to meet you, Taehyung," Hoseok greeted, a fond expression washing over his face. "I always wondered when this rascal would settle down. I hope you're taking good care of him."

"Oh, I certainly try to," Taehyung responded, adding under his breath, "even if he makes it difficult."

Jungkook brought his mouth close to Taehyung's ear, lips dancing over his sensitive skin. "I know you like it."

"So, are you guys staying here for a couple of days? Is this a romantic retreat?" The lodge owner asked, pulling up something on his computer. "I don't see a reservation under either of your names."

"It's a little last minute," the younger clarified, sliding his hand to the small of Taehyung's back. "We wanted some alone time if you know what I mean."

Taehyung resisted the urge to elbow him in the gut.

"No problem," Hoseok smiled, tapping away on his keyboard. "We still have some vacancies. And I'll be sure to put you guys at the end of the hall for some added privacy."

Hoseok asked a few more questions - how long would they be staying, any special accommodations needed - before he finalized their booking. Taehyung didn't provide too many specifics, saying they wanted to keep things flexible for now. That posed no issue to the lodge owner, who explained how happy he was to be able to catch up with his friend once more. He didn't even demand for upfront payment.

They chatted idly for a couple more minutes before an idea came to Taehyung's mind. "Hoseok, are there any computers available to your guests?"

Hoseok nodded and jerked his thumb behind him. "Yup. There's a common room with a couple of laptops."

"Perfect. And are there any good restaurants nearby?"

Jungkook looked at him in confusion, but Taehyung didn't clarify his line of thinking.

"Not really. We're pretty far out from anything fashionable. There's a bar down the road, but that's about it. This place is designed to have most amenities needed, with dining, a spa, and athletic courts," Hoseok explained, pride coating his features as he talked about his lodge. "I designed it to be an escape from everything."

"It's beautiful. Really," Taehyung said, hoping this place would remain as peaceful as it was now. 

His one wish was that they'd have a few days of reprieve and rest before shit undeniably hit the fan again.

Hoseok beamed at him."Great. Well, here's your room key - I put you guys on the second floor. Let me know if you need anything. Extra towels, condoms, whatever."

A cough got stuck in Taehyung's throat and he did his best to swallow it down. "There's no need. We're all set."

But Jungkook was running his hand up and down Taehyung's spine, a cocky smirk tilting up his lips. "You know, angel, I'm pretty sure I forgot to pack all our needed supplies. Silly me! Hoseok, we'll take you up on that. Throw in some lube, too."

Warmth crept to Taehyung's cheeks - either in embarrassment or fury, he wasn't sure - but the lodge owner didn't seem affected. In fact, Hoseok looked between the two with a knowing expression.

Taehyung didn't like it one bit.

"Sweetheart," he warned, but his tone didn't deter the younger.

"Unless you want it raw, angel?" Jungkook murmured into his ear, lowly so Hoseok wouldn't overhear. "Do you like it rough?"

Anger - which at this point was synonymous with passion and desire - rose within Taehyung. Fuck, when the younger was acting like this, he wanted to make him submit and bend to his will. He wanted to lose himself in Jungkook's mouth - his body - and forget.

But it was impossible for him to forget who Jungkook was. Who he wasn't.

"I'll get you guys all set up, don't worry," Hoseok chuckled, pressing the key into Taehyung's hand. "Call down if I can get you anything else in the meantime."

Taehyung thanked him before walking towards the stairs, leaving Jungkook to carry all their bags. He was huffing as he neared their assigned room, too worked up to take in their gorgeous environment. 

Jungkook was closing in on him, running to catch up as he balanced the bags on his back. "Come on, Taehyung. Don't be mad at me. I was just having some fun."

His words were ignored, however, as Taehyung pushed open the heavy wooden door to reveal a stunning suite. He gaped in awe as he took a few steps in, eyes wide as he looked around. 

Sunlight streamed in through large windows, which had sheer curtains draped along the side. A canopy bed with matching strips of transparent fabric took up most of the space, with a small couch nestled in the corner of the room. But the focal point had to be an impressive set of double doors, which led to a private balcony with two chairs. 

Before he had the opportunity to check out the bathroom, Jungkook set their bags down and rounded on Taehyung. 

"Taehyung?"

Fuck, Jungkook said his name in such a delicate manner, like he was afraid he pushed Taehyung too far this time. Like he was worried he'd be ignored for hours on end or reprimanded harshly. 

And for some reason, Taehyung didn't want him to feel that way.

"It's fine," he breathed, gaze meeting the younger's innocent, doe eyes. And even though he knew Jungkook was anything but innocent, he wasn't in the mood to argue or be on bad terms with each other. "We're okay."

A soft exhale left the younger's mouth, and a small smile pulled at his lips. "So you're not mad at me?"

Taehyung was and he wasn't. He should be but he shouldn't be. There was too much confusion and uncertainty lingering in his mind at the moment to understand how he truly felt.

"Depends," he settled on, knowing he was going to let this topic go but wanting the younger to sweat it out. "Be more specific."

"Are you mad at me for asking Hoseok for condoms and lube?" Jungkook specified, hands tentatively reaching out and settling on Taehyung's hips.

Taehyung didn't push them off. "Yes."

"Are you mad at me for wanting to sleep with you?" Was the younger's next question, asked genuinely and without any hint of haughty amusement. 

Taehyung paused, debating his response, before answering, "No."

Jungkook's hands tightened on him, palms splayed wide over his sides. "Are you mad at yourself for wanting to sleep with me?"

"This is supposed to be about why I'm mad with you," Taehyung clarified, afraid to say his answer out loud. He was mad at himself. He did want to fuck the boy.

"You didn't answer my question," the younger pouted, giving off his best puppy dog eyes. 

"And I'm not going to."

A tentative hand rose to brush over Taehyung's neck, the touch gentle and fleeting. Jungkook thumbed over the marks there before lightly holding him by the back of the neck. 

Taehyung wasn't sure why he didn't push the younger away, or take two massive steps back at the very least.

"Fine, new question. Would you be mad at me if I kissed you?" Jungkook's fingers were now playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. 

"Yes," Taehyung let out, eyes betraying him and settling on the boy's pink lips. Fuck, that provocative mouth was so close for him to consume.

"Would you let me do it anyway?" The younger's voice was noticeably deeper now, taking on a husky tone as his lips neared Taehyung's. 

"No."

"Liar." Jungkook's nose was almost brushing against Taehyung's, getting closer by the moment.

Taehyung placed his hands on Jungkook's chest, palms flattening over he erratic beating of his heart. "I'm not the liar here."

That caused Jungkook to pause his descent towards Taehyung's mouth, and he pulled back. "Are you insinuating that I am?"

Finally, the weird spell Taehyung was under broke, and he stepped away. "I think we all are."

The younger looked at him, an unreadable expression settling over his usually open features. Brick by brick, he was closing back up.

Taehyung hadn't realized Jungkook was being vulnerable before.

"Whatever," Jungkook said, turning away and exploring the rest of the room in a stony silence.

Running his hands over his face, Taehyung wondered what the hell he was doing. Where was his control? Where was his sense of pride?

Out the fucking window, that's where.

But he found himself immensely grateful to Jungkook at the moment, because if the younger didn't pull away, Taehyung was about to do something he'd forever regret.

He was about to kiss Jungkook. 

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

I'm so curious! Who do you think is going to fall for the other first?

I really hope you guys are enjoying this story! Again, it's very different from what I've historically done and it's pushed me in terms of creativity/writing. But it's been super fun to plan out and write!

T H E O R I E S ↴