~~YOONGI'S POV~~

I slowly carry the pot of boiled water back into the house, placing it on the table where Sanghee is sitting, tears still visibly running down her face.

"I promised myself I wouldn't cry again," she sniffs, glancing up at me with her swollen eyes.

I feel as though a little knife is jabbing at my heart from the inside. I don't like seeing her like this. I hate the fact that she beat up that woman because of me. Her current state is my fault.

I was shocked. Utterly shocked that Sanghee did that. I didn't know she had it in her. Worst of all, I noticed it all to late. I could have stepped in earlier.

Min Yoongi, what on earth has gotten into you? You're softening up to her... Don't try and deny it. Why do I feel this way right now? Why is it paining me to watch her suffer? Why did I let her cry into my shoulder? Why did I speak to her with such a soft tone? Why?! What is happening, Yoongi? What are you doing?

Not able to decipher my feelings quite yet, I shove them away, pulling out a seat beside her.

"It's not a sin to cry, Sanghee," I respond, dipping a cloth in the hot liquid.

"B-but I promised myself," she wipes her eyes but it's no use; large tears immediately resurface, "I'm tired of loosing things. I lost my freedom. My life. I lost my family. I lost Sumi. All because of Jiun, all because of him. I hate him. I hate him."

I slowly lift up her bleeding hand, trying to calm down my thoughts once her skin brushes agaisnt mine, silencing her immediately with my sudden actions.

I gently rub the cloth agaisnt her skin, trying to be as gentle as possible. I try to ignore the shocked expression on her face. It slightly bothers me that she seems so starstruck. Does she really think I'm completely heartless? That I woudlnt help her?

I suppose she has every right.

I bite my tongue once I feel her wince ever so slightly, presumably attempting to cover up the pain.

"Why did you do that?" I demand, my voice coming out a lot harsher than intended, "Why did you fight her?"

"I-" she begins, her voice retuning to its normal tone as the tears begin to dry away, "I'm not sure... I was just angry..."

"Don't ever do that to yourself again. I'm supposed to protect you, remember? Remember my little promise? You can't become to well-known here. Don't tell people your name. What if my brother really is looking for you? And stay away from people like Muhyeok. Don't let him see you, he's only seen you once but I don't want you anywhere near him--"

"--And I'm supposed to help you, too..."

"Getting into a fights isn't of much help," I frown, particularly annoying that she didn't respond to the rest of my rant. She should be more fearful. The people in Changu won't just excuse her actions.

"I couldn't stand it anymore, okay? The things they were saying... It was disgusting. It wasn't true. I couldn't listen to it any longer."

I narrow my eyes, wanting to get my point across, "Be careful. Don't hurt yourself like this again."

It's just for revenge, Yoongi, just for revenge. That's the onto reason your keeping her alive.

But why can't I convince myself that's the only reason?

I sit up from the table, placing the pot in a corner out of the way. I can feel her eyes pericing through my back, watching my every movement.

"I have to go visit Jungkook now. I'll be back soon. Make sure you get some rest," I utter seriously, but before exiting the door, I feel compelled to say...

"Oh, and Sanghee?"

"Yes?" she responds.

"If you ever need to cry... I am here--."

~~MUHYEOK'S POV~~

Yes, it was indeed a very elaborate plan Jiun had orchestrated. It included various people, necessary contacts, trust worthy sources, and sneaking out to borders to talk and relay messages with security and soldiers.

But after a week, everything had been set in place.

We both benefit extremely well from this plan. I can finally be the best, and Jiun can finally finish his brother. It all ties together so well. No more being compared with the glorious "August D" and having to constantly claw my way up to the top.

But it must all be done discreetly.

Jiun keeps asking about this "Sanghee" person, but no one knows who she is. Yoongi is my first priority anyway. The woman is of no benefit to me.

I briskly walk down the dark street, knowing exactly who will be waiting for me around the corner. And if he isn't, then boy, will I make him suffer.

"Jimin," I smirk wickedly, sliding up beside the toned and slender man, trying to hide the jealousy in my voice. It's no secret I'm a bit envious of his breath-taking visuals, "You came."

"W-what do you want from me?" he demands breathlessly, memories of his sisters death pouring in.

"Hmmm, nothing much.." I coo, a menacing tone vibrating from my throat.

"I don't want to play games, Muhyeok," Jimin chokes, "Plese just tell me what you want or leave me alone. You've already taken enough from me."

"Fine. I'll get straight to the point," I snarl, kicking him to his knees and pulling out my pistol. I aim directly for his head.

The smell of pure fear is so obviously filling the air. Jimin trembles, his fingers digging into the soil.

"I need you to do something for me," I whisper.

"W-what?" he shivers, a singular tear escaping his eye.

"Kidnap Jung Hoseok. Lock him up at the old Haeme Mill on the eastern side. Wait for me there. You have four days. Keep him alive."

"Wh-hy?"

"It's called bait," I snicker, "The only practical way to catch a predator..."

"No... Why should I do this for you?" he pronounces, hatred seeping through his words.

"Because..." I smile, kneeling down beside him, "If you don't... I'll take Jangmi until the baby is born. And once it is, I'll kill it right before he--"

"Stop!!" Jimin screams, trembling and holding back a mental attack with all his might, "I'll do it, I'll do it, I'll do it."

He rocks back and forth, repeating the same words. It seems the death of his sister has caused quite the pain.

"Good. Get it done, then."

~~SANGHEE'S POV~~

My eyes slowly flutter open...

A dark and dim light fills my vision. I groggily peer around, realizing I fell asleep on the table with the fireplace still cracking in the dark.

I gaze in front of me, surprised to find Yoongi sleeping soundly with his head tucked in his arms. A small smile forms on my thin lips at the sight of him finally sleeping peacefully.

However, a frown overtakes my expression once I notice a bottle of alcohol beside his elbow. He must have wasted himself in order to sleep properly. My stomach churns with sadness. The amount of pain he emdures seems unbearable.

I slowly rise from the chair, taking the bottle and placing it somewhere out of reach.

I slowly reach out an arm, about to gently poke his shoulder...

Wait.

Should I just leave him?

He's asleep.

Won't he get mad?

If he stays like this all night, it will result in noting more than a busted back. I proceed, softly shaking his shoulders. His heavy chains rattle agaisnt his chest, causing him to arise to consciousness.

"Yoongi," I utter quietly, "Come on, you need to sleep on your bed."

A low groan escaped his lips. I sigh.

"Come on..." I whisper, "You can't sleep on a chair."

"Are you going to sleep with me, too?" he responds in a low and disoriented voice, causing me to chuckle, surprised by his words.

"You're drunk. And no," I respond quickly, yanking on his arm.

He quickly jolts up, tipping on lopsided angles.

"You're pretty~~" he hums, trying to stroke my hair. I shove him towards the bed, ignoring his druken remarks even though my heart is still fluttering like a savage butterfly.

Stop Sanghee. STOP. He doesn't mean any of this... And... Why do you care anyway? He would never say these things if he was perfectly conscious. NEVER.

But why is my heart reacting like this? I can't describe this feeling. It's...

Indescribable.

"Stop," I protest, "No--Yoongi--I'm sleeping over there--"

"Stay with me," he murmurs, yanking onto my wrist.

"No," I pull away, sighing with relief when he sinks into the matress.

"I like you Sanghee."

"---No," I laugh faintly, saddened by the fact that he's so completely deluded that he'd even mention this, "No, Yoongi, you don't... And you'll realize that in the morning. Everything will be normal then."

What if wrong with me? Why do I wish his words were true? Why am I adjusting to life here? Why, why, why? I've never felt so conflicted by my own thoughts in my entire life. I never been so confused.

It can't...

No...

It can't possibly be happening? Right? Right?

I place a hand over my chest, feeling the rythmn of my rapidly beating heart. I gaze down at Yoongi who is now asleep. My eyes travel to his face.

I'm not...

I'm not...

Falling for Min Yoongi, am I?

A/N

Hello besties <333

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Feel free to share, comment, and vote if you'd like:))

I'm sorry if I've been delayed reading your books! I've just been quite busy lately and only finding the time to update late into the night... I've been playing in an orchestra every day this week for six hours per day-- so that takes much of my time 😑😑 Its almost over, and then I'll be back to reading!

Super excited for the new BTS X SNOOP DOG X BENNY collab!

Love you all!!💜💜