--◈◆THE NEXT DAY◆◈--

╰┈➤❝𝔏𝔦𝔰𝔞❞

As I slowly woke up, my eyes fluttered open, immediately meeting Taehyung's soft gaze. There was a warmth in his expression, a quiet kind of love.

I glanced around the room, realizing it wasn't the same one I had fallen asleep in the night before. Confusion crept in.

"You look seductive when you look at me with those eyes," Taehyung whispered, his voice deep with affection.

I felt my cheeks flush as I responded, my voice playful but tinged with curiosity. "I have every right to look at you like that, Taehyung. But... where am I now?"

He smiled gently, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. "I moved you from the secret chamber to my bedroom," he said softly, his tone calm, but it only made my confusion deepen.

My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, questions flooding in from the events of the night before.

Hesitantly, I asked, "Taehyung, I need to ask about last night. Please, don't tease me this time. I really want to understand."

His gaze softened even further, his eyes searching mine. "I can read your eyes, Lisa. Don't worry. I'll answer your questions now." He paused, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his lips. "Go ahead. Ask me."

Taking a breath, I gathered my thoughts before speaking, the words heavy with curiosity and emotion. "Why did you... make love to me in the secret chamber and not in this room? What happened last night? I felt... different."

Taehyung's lips curled into a small, knowing smile as he met my gaze. "I made love to you in the secret chamber because I wanted to. That room holds something special, a significance for us... for our bond. And if you felt different, it's because I've already told you—I've given myself to you, too."

His words washed over me like a wave, leaving me feeling cherished, but also a little overwhelmed. I remembered every touch, and every sensation, but one moment stood out.

"But... you bit me," I whispered, my voice barely audible as I recalled the sharp, intimate sting.

Taehyung's smile widened as he bared his fangs slightly, his eyes gleaming with something primal yet tender. "I bonded with your blood, too, Lisa," he said softly, his voice carrying a strange mix of reverence and intensity.

"That's why. It's part of our bond... our connection."A shiver ran through me as his words sank in.

The intensity of his gaze, and the way he spoke, all made me feel deeply loved, claimed in a way that was both terrifying and beautiful. This bond between us—it was far more than I had ever imagined.

As I shifted slightly in the bed, my eyes wandered around the room, and I finally took in the details that I had missed earlier.

The walls were dark—so dark they were almost black—and the atmosphere in the room felt heavy, charged with something I couldn't quite place.

A symbol caught my eye, carved into the wall, its shape unmistakable: a pentagon encircled in intricate designs that felt both ancient and sinister. It radiated power, almost pulsing with a life of its own.

A chill ran down my spine, not from fear, but from the weight of the realization that settled deep in my chest.

Taehyung wasn't just a man. He was a devil.

But even as I looked at that ominous symbol of his true nature, the darkness didn't scare me. It didn't push me away.

Instead, my heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of love. Taehyung, in all his terrifying power, in all his inhuman glory, was still the man I loved.

I had seen glimpses of his devilish side before, but it was now impossible to deny what he truly was.

Taehyung must have noticed my shift in mood because his voice broke through my thoughts, low and soothing.

"You've seen it now. You understand, don't you?" He wasn't asking me to run; he wasn't trying to hide any part of himself anymore.

I nodded slowly, my fingers curling into the sheets as I looked back at him. There was no fear in my voice as I whispered, "I know Taehyung."

I paused, letting the weight of my confession settle between us before continuing, "And I love you. Every part of you."

His dark eyes softened in a way that only I had ever seen, a tenderness that contradicted the cruel power swirling in the room.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face, his fingers cool against my skin. "I never thought you'd accept this... part of me. But you've surprised me, Lisa, again and again."

I smiled softly, though my heart was pounding in my chest. "You're not just a devil. You're... Taehyung. And that's the man I fell in love with."

Taehyung's gaze darkened, but this time with something akin to desire, something more intense than before.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "You've seen the darkest part of me, and yet you still choose me. There's no going back now, Lisa. Our bond is sealed... for eternity."

The weight of his words wrapped around me like a promise, both exhilarating and terrifying.

I could feel it, this invisible thread that now tied us together—his power intertwined with mine, our souls fused in a way that went beyond anything mortal.

I turned to face him fully, my eyes locking with his, as I let my fingers trail down his arm. "I don't want to go back. I'm yours, Taehyung. No matter what that means."

He smiled, but this time it was different. Darker. More dangerous. "Good," he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction. "Because I won't let you go."

At that moment, as I lay in his arms, surrounded by the shadows of his world, I felt it—the pull of his darkness, the depth of his power. And instead of running, I embraced it.

As Taehyung's words hung in the air, I couldn't help but smile softly. "Sure," I replied, my voice light, still caught in the warmth of the moment.

With a gentle movement, he wrapped me in his thick, dark blanket, pulling it close around my body. The weight of it felt protective, almost like a shield between us and the world.

Then, without missing a beat, he summoned his servants. The air crackled with energy, and they appeared instantly—dark, shadowy figures with glowing eyes, bowing before him.

"Prepare a bath for Lisa and bathe her," Taehyung commanded in a voice that carried undeniable authority. "And make sure our breakfast is ready as well. Now."

The servants responded without hesitation, their voices cold but obedient. "Yes, my lord. It will be done in seconds."

In a blink, they vanished as quickly as they had come. I barely had time to process what had just happened when Taehyung turned his attention back to me, his eyes softening.

"Relax for a while," he said gently, his hand brushing against my cheek. There was something in his tone that made my heart flutter, even in the strange atmosphere of this dark, ethereal room.

But instead of lying back, I found myself crawling toward him, my body moving instinctively. I was naked beneath the blanket, and he was bare-chested, his warmth pulling me closer.

As my skin brushed against him, the sensation was electric, sending a shiver down my spine.

I nestled into the crook of his neck, my face pressed against his skin, inhaling the faint scent of him—familiar and comforting, but with a hint of something dark, something undeniably him.

His hand came up to gently stroke my hair, his fingers weaving through the strands. "Lisa, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and filled with concern.

I paused for a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, feeling the thrum of his pulse beneath my lips.

"I don't know," I whispered, my voice muffled against his neck. "I just... I needed to feel close to you. Everything feels so overwhelming sometimes."

Taehyung's arms tightened around me, holding me close. "You don't have to explain," he murmured softly. "I understand. I'm here."

The simplicity of his words made my heart ache in the best way. In this strange world, he belonged to, with all its darkness and power, I was still finding my place.

But with Taehyung, I felt safe—loved. The pull of his presence, even with all its complexity and danger, was something I couldn't resist. It was something I didn't want to resist.

I pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, searching his dark eyes for reassurance. "You're the only thing that makes sense right now, Taehyung."

His lips curled into a small, tender smile as he leaned down, pressing his forehead to mine. "And you're the only thing that keeps me grounded, Lisa."

At that moment, as we sat there together, our bodies entwined, everything else faded away. It was just us—me and Taehyung—and the undeniable bond that tied us together.

A bond that no one, not even the forces of darkness, could break.

I shifted slightly in Taehyung's arms, the thought of my mother tugging at my mind. My voice trembled just a little as I asked, "What about my mother... that clone of mine?"

Taehyung's gaze never wavered as he looked down at me, his eyes calm and steady. He gently stroked my back, his touch reassuring.

"It's there," he replied softly, his voice low and confident. "Don't worry. Stay calm. She won't notice your absence."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, trying to wrap my mind around the idea. The clone. A perfect copy of me, living my life while I was here with him.

The thought should have frightened me, but there was something about Taehyung's certainty, the way he spoke as if everything was under control, that soothed the fear.

"You're sure?" I asked, still needing reassurance. "She won't realize something's wrong?"

Taehyung's lips curved into a slight smile, his fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin. "I made sure of it," he said, his tone steady. "Your mother won't suspect a thing. The clone behaves exactly like you would, with all your memories, and your mannerisms. To her, nothing is out of place."

His confidence put me at ease, though the reality of it all was still surreal. "I don't even know how you do all this," I murmured, more to myself than to him. "It's like... you've thought of everything."

Taehyung's smile deepened as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I have to," he replied softly. "I would never let anything happen to you, Lisa. Not with your family, not with anyone. As long as you're with me, you're safe."

I rested my head on his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing beneath me.

Despite the dark, dangerous world Taehyung belonged to, despite the secrets and the power he held, I trusted him. Completely.

In his arms, I felt an unexplainable safety, a warmth that defied even the most impossible of circumstances. His touch anchored me in a realm that danced between dark and light.

The room was hushed, the morning's soft glow brushing across us, hinting at a world that awaited beyond these walls.

Taehyung's deep voice broke the stillness, commanding yet tender. "We need to head to college, okay?" His eyes, filled with a playful sternness, locked onto mine.

I pouted at the idea of leaving this moment unwelcome. "I don't have my uniform or bag. I need to go back to the house first."

A sly smile tugged at his lips. With a flick of his wrist, the air around us shimmered, and suddenly, my uniform and bag appeared neatly in front of me.

"Don't you know by now?" he said, his tone teasing. "I am the king of hell, and I have the power to summon anything I desire. Here are your uniform and bag."

He leaned in closer, the proximity igniting a spark between us. "And don't even think about missing my class, or I'll have to punish you," he whispered, his voice low and rich with promise.

A shiver ran down my spine as I met his challenging gaze. "Then punish me now," I whispered back, biting my lip in anticipation.

The look in his eyes darkened, his control slipping for just a moment as he pulled me even closer. His breath warmed my skin, and his voice dropped to a near growl.

"Maybe college can wait a bit," he said, his fingers tracing a path down my arm, sending electric shivers through me. "But I need you now."

The golden rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a glow over the room as his lips met my skin.

A soft moan escaped my lips, the world outside forgotten as we were swept up in our forbidden moment.

TIME SKIP

As I walked to class that morning, the memories of my time with Taehyung clung to me like a warm blanket. The morning had been sweet, filled with his quiet, affectionate gestures.

His female demon servants had bathed me with meticulous care, their cold hands somehow gentle as they attended to me. And then there was Taehyung—always watching, his gaze soft but protective.

Afterward, he helped me into my college uniform, his hands lingering slightly longer than necessary, brushing against my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

We had breakfast together, a quiet intimacy hanging between us as we ate, our eyes often meeting over the table.

When it was time to leave, we drove to college in his sleek black BMW. The ride was comfortable, silent but not awkward, with just the hum of the car and the occasional glance he threw my way, making me smile.

It felt strange—living this dual life, shifting between the dark, powerful world of Taehyung and the mundane routine of college life. But with him beside me, everything felt... right.

Now, as I stood in the women's locker room after the last class of the day, I felt that familiar pull again.

The room was mostly empty; all my friends had already headed to the gym, their chatter and laughter echoing faintly from the hallway.

I always took my time changing in the most remote corner of the locker room, hidden behind bags and benches, avoiding the attention of others.

Even though no one was watching, it was a habit—my own little space away from the noise.

I sighed as I unbuttoned my shirt, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the locker's small mirror. My body had changed so much recently.

I studied myself for a moment, sifting through the curves of my body, my pink bra delicately adorned with beads catching the light.

Back then, I had always been fascinated by these intimate details—my reflection, the way my body shifted and changed, though I could never fully explain why.

Perhaps it was a weird obsession with how things fit together, or maybe it was just the pull of something deeper inside me.

My thoughts drifted back to Taehyung. No matter how much I tried to focus on the present, my mind kept slipping back to him, his touch, his voice.

I want Taehyung again.

The thought hit me harder than I expected, making my heart race.

It wasn't just physical—though that was undeniable—it was the way he made me feel completely seen, completely his.

There was no hiding, no pretense with him. He knew every part of me, and still, he stayed.

I sighed again, the feeling of longing growing stronger with each passing second. Being here, in the ordinary world of college, felt so distant from the intense, consuming connection I had with him.

And yet, even in the quiet moments, amid this normalcy, I couldn't help but crave him all over again.

I froze, the words catching in my throat as Hyuna's grip tightened around my wrist, her fingers pressing into the marks left by Taehyung's ropes.

A flash of pain shot through me, and I instinctively lashed out, hitting her with my other arm. Her touch wasn't just invasive—it was cruel, and calculated.

I saw it in her eyes, that brief flicker of something dark, something dangerous.

"Leave me!" I gasped, my voice rising as panic began to settle in. The suddenness of her actions left me dumbfounded, my body reacting before my mind could fully catch up.

But Hyuna didn't back off. Her grip tightened, and before I knew it, she was on top of me, pushing me back against the locker, her hands grabbing at my breasts.

"What the—what the hell are you doing?!" I managed to sputter out, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind reeled, trying to make sense of what was happening.

I struggled, kicking and squirming beneath her, but Hyuna's strength caught me off guard. No matter how much I fought, she pinned me down, her breath hot against my face as she loomed over me.

"Hyuna! Get off! What are you going to do!?" I shouted, my voice shaky, fear creeping into the edges of my words.

I pushed against her, trying to break free, but her hands remained firm as if she was searching for something—something only she could see.

"I want to understand something..." Hyuna whispered, her voice calm despite the chaos she was creating.

She was too close, her breath brushing against my skin, making me shiver with discomfort. "What is it about you? What makes you so irresistible to Taehyung—the lord of darkness himself?"

Her words sent a chill down my spine, the realization settling in like a cold weight.

This wasn't about attraction. Hyuna wasn't here because of me—she was here because of him.

"Fuck, Hyuna! Leave me!" I shouted, my voice cracking with desperation as I pushed against her with all the strength I had left. But she didn't move.

Her eyes bore into mine, filled with something twisted, something I couldn't quite place.

"I don't do this because I like you," she muttered, her voice low, her words biting. "I have no interest in you. I'm not like the devil or the other fallen angels, drawn to what's pure and innocent. I'm just trying to figure out what it is that makes you so special—what makes you worthy of his attention."

Her words stung, cutting deep. This wasn't about desire—it was about control, about jealousy, about something much darker that simmered beneath the surface.

And in that moment, I realized how deep Taehyung's world ran, how much of it I didn't yet understand.

I finally found my voice, trembling but defiant. "It's not something you can take from me, Hyuna," I spat, my eyes glaring up at her. "Whatever it is you're looking for—it's not yours to understand."

Something shifted in her expression then, a flicker of frustration, maybe even envy. For a moment, her grip loosened, and I took that chance, shoving her off with all the force I could muster.

She stumbled back, her eyes narrowing as she straightened herself, but she didn't come after me again.

"This isn't over," Hyuna said, her voice cold as she stood there, watching me with dark intensity. "You'll see. There's more to this than you know."

Hyuna's grip tightened painfully around my wrists, the pressure sending waves of agony through my torn skin.

I could feel the bruises forming, her strength unbelievable in those slender arms. My heart pounded, and panic rose in my throat.

Where was the energy Taehyung had taught me to control?

I needed it now more than ever, but fear clouded my thoughts, my body trembling as Hyuna leaned in, her lips brushing against mine with a sickening intimacy.

I gasped, trying to pull away, but she was too strong. Taehyung's voice echoed in my mind: "You have to learn to control and move it."

But how? How could I summon that power when everything inside me felt frozen, trapped beneath her suffocating weight?

Hyuna's eyes glinted with a cruel satisfaction, her hold on me relentless. I had to concentrate—focus on something, anything.

I closed my eyes briefly, desperately trying to channel the energy, remembering how Taehyung had shown me to direct it.

My right hand—it was weaker, but the grip there wasn't as tight. I focused everything I had on it.

Heat. I needed heat.

At first, nothing happened. It felt like trying to ignite a fire in the middle of a storm. But then, slowly, I could feel the warmth gathering in my hand, faint at first, then hotter, the energy pulsing through me.

Hyuna didn't notice, too caught up in her twisted obsession, her lips ghosting over mine in a way that made my skin crawl.

With one final push, I yanked my right hand free, the heat radiating from my palm. In one swift motion, I pressed it against her side.

The fabric of her uniform caught fire instantly, and the acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air.

Hyuna let out a blood-curdling scream, the sound inhuman, like something that belonged to a creature of nightmares.

Taking advantage of her pain and shock, I shoved her off me with all the strength I had left.

She staggered back, clutching her side, her face twisted in a mix of rage and agony. I didn't wait to see what she would do next.

I bolted, my feet hitting the floor in a frantic rhythm as I raced down the hallway. My body was trembling, my mind spinning with fear and adrenaline.

I didn't know where else to go, but there was one place I could think of where I might find safety.

Taehyung.

I ran toward the biology lab room, my heart pounding in my chest, hoping—praying—that he would be there.

That he could protect me, save me from whatever Hyuna was planning next.

Behind me, I could still hear her scream echoing through the hall, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't dare look back.

As soon as I burst into Taehyung's office without knocking, my heart raced.

He was seated behind his desk, idly playing with a feather, but his gaze sharpened as he looked up at me, concern flickering in his dark eyes.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I recounted the terrifying encounter with Hyuna, the grip of her hands on my wrists, and the desperate struggle that had left me shaken.

My words tumbled out in a rush, fear evident in my voice as I tried to explain everything." She tried to touch me and...".

A diabolical laugh echoed down the corridor, sending a chill through me like an ancient curse. "Oh Taehyung, I'm very pleased that you think this situation is funny, but it wasn't funny at all!"

I snapped, my frustration boiling over. He laughed even harder, the sound almost manic, like that of a mad psychopath. It was so unsettling that goosebumps prickled along my skin.

Of all the reactions I had expected, this was the last. "You are not very useful to me," I replied dryly, trying to keep my voice steady.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked with a mischievous smile that made my stomach twist.

"I was about to be raped by a psychopathic nymphomaniac, and you're just going to be an idiot!?" I burst out, my nerves fraying.

His gaze softened as he waved me closer. "You're too upset. Come here," he said, gesturing to the elegant chair he had been sitting in.

"No, no," I stammered, feeling lost and confused by his intentions.

"So I'll come to you," he declared, rising gracefully from his seat. He approached me slowly, his presence both intimidating and strangely calming.

Then, without warning, he gently took my face in his hands and kissed me softly, as if savoring a small piece of chocolate.

The moment his lips touched mine, I felt my senses blur, my heart racing wildly. It was as if he had injected me with something potent, a feeling that was both intoxicating and terrifying.

In documentaries, I'd heard about snakes whose venom could paralyze their prey, and for a moment, I understood that sensation completely.

At that moment, I understood that demons must possess something akin to a strange sedative, a power that made their prey more docile and compliant.

I felt a rush of gratitude for those kisses, but that feeling quickly faded when Taehyung began to push me toward his desk.

With a swift motion, he grabbed my hips, lifting me effortlessly and placing me atop the polished surface.

"Taehyung, wait a minute... we're at college..." I gasped, finally tearing my lips away from his.

"And where would the problem be if no one can see or hear us?" He countered, a glint of mischief in his eyes. With a snap of his fingers, a diaphanous bubble enveloped us, shimmering like a protective barrier.

"Now no one will be able to hear your crying and screaming," he added, his voice dripping with dark humor.

"Very reassuring..." I muttered, my heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"No, stop..." I protested, but my words faltered as warmth spread through my entire body, an almost overwhelming sensation as if I were being drawn deeper into him.

He snorted at my protests, clearly unfazed.

"Why do you humans always say the exact opposite of what you think? Lisa, do you think I don't know the human soul?" His voice was low and knowing, his breath hot against my skin.

"Your instincts, your desires—they're very clear to me, and I can smell their scent from miles away. I know what you want and what you don't..."

His mouth traced a path along my neck, sending shivers down my spine, the wood of the desk cool against my back as I struggled to process the flood of sensations.

I felt trapped between the thrill of his touch and the reality of our surroundings, my heart pounding with both fear and desire.

His warm breath made me sigh, the scent of his perfume intoxicating my senses. It was like standing under the nose of an addict trying to detox, a heady mix of euphoria that left me reeling.

I didn't even realize it was happening. With my legs, I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around his strong neck. But despite the heat between us, my cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

"Am I right?" Taehyung whispered, his magnetic blue eyes holding mine as if they were the depths of the sea. I felt exposed under his gaze like he could see every thought racing through my mind.

I had watched countless movies where office managers or professors indulged in forbidden pleasures at work, always thinking they were ridiculous.

I never understood the appeal of such acts. But now, in this moment, I got it. Everything forbidden suddenly felt more enticing.

It was absurd how our brains craved what we couldn't have. Hadn't we all felt that urge to do something we weren't supposed to, only to feel an overwhelming sense of power afterward?

Yet, once that thing was allowed, it lost all its thrill. I thought of the biblical story: if God hadn't forbidden man from tasting the fruit of knowledge, would we have ever dared?

A soft moan escaped my lips, unexpected and revealing. "Taehyung, enough..." I gasped as his kisses trailed down my neck.

I could feel him stiffen for a moment, his gaze darting toward the half-open fire door of the biology lab. It was such a fleeting moment that I almost missed it.

Yet, in that instant, I realized how true his earlier words were: I craved more than anything for his hands not to stop.

But then, without warning, he pulled away. An annoyed moan slipped from my throat before I could hold it back.

"Go back to the gym; the teacher will be waiting for you," he said, retrieving his glasses from the desk, which I had nearly crushed in my distraction.

"Huh?" I blinked, trying to process what had just happened. My heart raced, caught between desire and confusion, still reeling from the intensity of the moment.

"I made you relax, so I release you..." he said with a smirk, his gaze lingering on my flushed face and the mess of my hair.

"What is it? Are you not happy?" His voice dripped with playful mockery. "It seemed like you were opposed to my attention... or was that expression indicating you were enjoying it?"

If I had been blushing before, now I felt like I was on fire. "No, you're wrong," I shot back, leaping off the desk, my breath still heavy and uneven.

I tried to regain my composure, but the heat from his gaze and the memory of his kisses lingered in the air between us, making it hard to think straight.

How could I possibly explain the whirlwind of emotions surging inside me? The confusion, the desire, the thrill of being caught in such an intoxicating moment—it was all too much.

"Really?" he teased, arching an eyebrow, a grin playing on his lips. "Because it looked like you were enjoying every second of it."

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I turned away, pretending to adjust my uniform, desperately trying to mask the chaos of my thoughts.

Taehyung had a way of unraveling me, making it impossible to keep my guard up.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. The warmth of his body immediately soothed the trembling in mine, his familiar scent grounding me.

He placed a gentle hand on the back of my head, pressing me to his chest as if shielding me from everything that had just happened.

"No one will hurt you. I was just wanting you to relax," he murmured, his voice a deep, soothing promise. "Not Hyuna. Not anyone." His touch was protective, but I could feel the storm brewing beneath his calm surface.

I buried my face in his chest, my fingers clutching his shirt as I let out a shaky breath. "Taehyung... she was so strong. I couldn't—" My voice cracked, and I bit down hard on my lip, trying to keep the tears at bay.

"You did well to defend yourself," he interrupted, his tone softening. "You used the power I gave you. That's why you're safe now."

I nodded against him, but the fear still lingered. "Why does she hate me so much? She said... she said I caught your attention because I'm Pure, and she wanted to know why."

I pulled back slightly to look up at him, confusion and fear still clouding my thoughts. "Is that true?"

Taehyung's gaze softened as he cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing gently against my cheeks. "Hyuna is jealous, Lisa. She doesn't understand our bond, and she never will. What we have is beyond what she or anyone else can comprehend."

His words were like a balm, but I could still sense the dark fire flickering behind his eyes. There was something deeper—something more intense—that I didn't fully understand yet.

"You're mine," he continued, his voice low but filled with conviction. "And no one can take that away from us. Not Hyuna. Not anyone."

I nodded slowly, the intensity of his gaze making my heart skip a beat. He wasn't just comforting me—he was making a promise. And I knew Taehyung would never let anyone hurt me again.

"Come," he said, gently pulling me toward the couch in his office. "You need to rest. I'll handle Hyuna."

The way he said it sent a chill down my spine, but I trusted him completely. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. "Now go, Lisa," he instructed, his voice firm yet smooth.

I stumbled a couple of times, my heart racing as I rushed out of the Lab room, desperate to escape the intensity of the moment.

Each step felt unsteady as if the ground beneath me might give way at any second. I was terrified that everything I had printed in my mind would betray me, revealing the chaos of emotions swirling within.

Yet, a small part of me wondered if he had already seen through my defenses.

As I exited, the corridor felt both familiar and foreign, the sounds of laughter and chatter fading into a distant hum. I never knew what happened after I left that classroom.

The encounter with Taehyung lingered in my thoughts like a haunting melody, leaving me both exhilarated and confused. Did I just experience that?

Pushing open the door to the gym, I tried to shake off the lingering heat of our encounter, but the memory of his touch, his breath, and that intoxicating kiss clung to me.

How was I supposed to focus on class after that? I took a deep breath, hoping the rush of reality would ground me, but the ache of wanting more from him was undeniable.

"Miss Lisa!" The sharp voice of the PE teacher rang out, startling me and making my heart skip a beat.

"Yes, Mrs. Atia?" I responded, trying to mask my defiance with a humble, apologetic tone.

She glared at me, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "This is the second time you've skipped my class, and this time, there are no excuses. Out of my sight—head to the classroom in the east wing. Now!"

Her words cut through the air like a blade, and I swallowed, nodding. "Yes, Mrs. Atia..." I said, my voice low as I trudged toward the classroom, each step heavy and reluctant.