Ch 1

Inside bar - Night

The bar is dimly lit, with a warm, inviting glow. The sound of jazz music mingles with the murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses. It's a busy nght, and the bar is filled with a mix of regular patrons and new faces. Taehyung, a young bartender with a kind but weary expression, is wiping down the counter, moving with practiced ease.

TAEHYUNG: (muttering to himself) Another long night...

He glances around the room, his eyes catching on a group of rowdy customers in the corner. He sighs, knowing trouble is brewing. As he turns back to the counter, the door swings open, and a cold breeze sweeps in.

Jungkook, a sharply dressed man with an aura of authority, steps inside. He pauses, scanning the room with a calculating gaze before heading to a secluded corner table. He sits down, his eyes lingering on Taehyung for a moment before he signals for a drink.

Jungkook's presence is magnetic; people notice him, but they also instinctively keep their distance.

Taehyung approaches, setting a glass of whiskey on Jungkook's table.

TAEHYUNG: (politely) Anything else I can get for you?

JUNGKOOK: (smiling slightly) No, this will do.

Taehyung nods and returns to the bar. As he does, a DRUNK MAN stumbles up to the counter, leaning in too close for comfort.

DRUNK MAN: (slurring aggressively)

Hey, pretty boy! Another drink, now! And make it a double!

Taehyung tenses visibly but maintains a calm exterior. He sets down the glass he was cleaning and turns to face the drunk man.

TAEHYUNG: (calmly, but with a slight tremor in his voice)

I'm sorry, sir, but I think you've had enough for tonight. How about some water instead?

The drunk man's face contorts with anger, his bloodshot eyes narrowing dangerously. In a sudden burst of movement, he lunges forward, grabbing Taehyung's collar and yanking him halfway across the bar.

DRUNK MAN: (shouting, spittle flying)

Who the fuck do you think you are to tell me when I've had enough? You little shit!

Taehyung's eyes widen in fear, his hands instinctively coming up to try and loosen the man's grip. The other patrons watch in stunned silence, some edging away from the confrontation.

In his corner, Jungkook's eyes narrow, a cold fury settling over his features. He sets down his glass with deliberate slowness and signals to his men with a slight nod.

JUNGKOOK: (voice low and dangerous)

Deal with him. Now.

Two burly men in dark suits materialize from the shadows, moving with surprising grace for their size. They approach the drunk man from behind, their faces impassive.

BODYGUARD 1: (firmly) Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to let go of the bartender and leave the premises.

The drunk man whirls around, momentarily releasing Taehyung who stumbles back, gasping for air.

DRUNK MAN: (belligerently)

And who the fuck are you? This ain't your business!

Without another word, the bodyguards efficiently restrain the drunk man, one on each arm. Despite his struggles and curses, they easily overpower him and start dragging him towards the exit.

DRUNK MAN: (shouting as he's removed)

You can't do this! I'll be back, you hear me? I'll fucking sue!

The bar falls silent for a moment, the tension hanging in the air.

Taehyung straightens his shirt, his hands shaking slightly. He looks over at Jungkook, who meets his gaze calmly.

TAEHYUNG: (softly, with a nod) Thank you.

JUNGKOOK: (nodding, emotionless) Don't mention it.

Taehyung returns to his work, his mind preoccupied. He feels a mix of gratitude and unease. He knows who Jungkook is-a powerful figure, one not to be crossed. But why would someone like Jungkook bother to help him?

Outside the Bar - Night

The night air is cool and crisp. The street outside the bar is quiet, with only a few people passing by. Taehyung steps outside to take a breather. He leans against the wall, his thoughts still on the incident inside. Suddenly, the door opens behind him, and Jungkook steps out, lighting a cigarette.

JUNGKOOK: (casually) Rough night?

TAEHYUNG: (surprised, but trying to play it cool) You could say that.

Jungkook takes a drag from his cigarette, studying Taehyung.

JUNGKOOK: (nonchalantly) You should be more careful.

TAEHYUNG: (defensively) I can handle myself.

JUNGKOOK: (smirking) I can see that. Still, it's good to have friends in high places.

Taehyung shifts uncomfortably, unsure of Jungkook's intentions.

TAEHYUNG: (cautiously) Why did you help me?

JUNGKOOK: (shrugging) Maybe I like this bar. Or maybe I don't like seeing pretty faces get roughed up. Take your pick.

Taehyung doesn't respond, unsure how to read Jungkook. He feels both drawn to and wary of the man in front of him.

JUNGKOOK: (taking another drag, his voice turning serious) You're too soft for this world, Taehyung. Sooner or later, someone's going to break you. Better to have someone like me on your side.

TAEHYUNG: (firmly) I don't need saving.

Jungkook chuckles, flicking the ash from his cigarette.

JUNGKOOK: (softly) Everyone needs saving, Taehyung. Whether they admit it or not.

Jungkook turns and walks away, leaving Taehyung standing there, a mixture of confusion and curiosity on his face. Taehyung watches him go, feeling a strange pull toward Jungkook. There's something about him that's both dangerous and alluring.

TAEHYUNG: (to himself, quietly) What are you after, Jungkook?

Inside- Taehyung's Apartment - Late Night

Taehyung's apartment is small and modest, reflecting his simple lifestyle. He sits on the edge of his bed, deep in thought. His phone buzzes on the nightstand, and he picks it up to see a message from his mother: "Just checking in. Hope you're safe."

Taehyung smiles sadly, typing a quick reply: "I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me."

He sets the phone down, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts drift back to Jungkook and the events of the night. He feels a mix of gratitude, confusion, and a nagging sense of vulnerability. He doesn't know what to make of Jungkook's words, but he can't shake the feeling that his life is about to change.

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