Chapter 3: The Hunt Begins

The dense forest surrounding the eastern lake was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of leaves beneath their feet. Moonlight barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting long shadows that twisted and stretched with every movement.

Jungkook walked ahead, his posture rigid yet fluid, his senses sharpened as he scanned the surroundings. Beside him, Taehyung moved with a relaxed grace, his eyes gleaming with excitement rather than caution. Behind them, Yoongi trailed lazily, his hands tucked into his sleeves, while Namjoon led the group with calm authority.

“There have been three attacks so far,” Namjoon said, his voice steady. “Each victim was found unconscious, their spiritual energy nearly drained. If we don’t stop this Water Ghost soon, it will grow too strong.”

Jungkook nodded but remained silent, his mind focused.

Taehyung, however, glanced at him with a smirk. “You’re awfully quiet, Jungkook. Are you nervous?”

Jungkook exhaled through his nose. “No.”

Taehyung tilted his head. “You sure? Your face is even stiffer than usual.”

Jungkook shot him a look—one that promised silent retribution—but before he could reply, Namjoon stopped in his tracks.

“We’ll need to take the boat,” he said, gesturing toward the wooden vessel tied to the dock. “The Water Ghost doesn’t come near the shore—it lurks in the deeper parts of the lake.”

Without hesitation, the four of them boarded the boat. Namjoon took the helm, guiding them toward the center of the lake. The water was unnervingly still, the mist curling around them in an almost sentient manner.

Yoongi reached into his robes, pulling out a talisman. He pressed it against the boat’s edge, infusing it with spiritual energy. “This should keep us stable if it attacks.”

Jungkook kept his gaze on the water, his grip tightening on his sword. “It’s close.”

A gurgling sound rose from the depths.

Then—

The water beneath them exploded.

The boat rocked violently as a monstrous Water Ghost surged from the depths, its translucent form towering above them. It had hollow, glowing eyes and jagged, shifting features. Its long, liquid body slithered around the boat, encircling them like a predator playing with its prey.

It began circling them, moving faster and faster, stirring up massive waves that threatened to overturn the boat.

Yoongi cursed under his breath. “If we stay here, we’re sitting ducks.”

Namjoon’s eyes flashed. “Then we take the fight to the sky.”

In one swift motion, all four of them leapt into the air—landing atop their swords as they floated above the lake.

Jungkook balanced himself effortlessly, his sword glowing beneath his feet. Taehyung stood beside him, one hand casually resting on his hilt, looking completely at ease.

Namjoon, hovering slightly above them, brought his flute to his lips.

The first note pierced through the air.

A shockwave of energy rippled outward, forcing the Water Ghost to halt its movements. The creature screeched, its form trembling as Namjoon’s melody held it in place.

Jungkook seized the opportunity and lunged forward, sword aimed for its core—

But the Water Ghost retaliated faster than expected.

A clawed hand shot forward—straight for Jungkook.

Jungkook barely had time to react before a strong arm wrapped around his waist and yanked him back.

Taehyung moved first.

With one smooth motion, Taehyung spun Jungkook behind him and raised his sword, slashing through the Water Ghost’s attack. The impact sent a wave of spiritual energy rippling through the air, pushing the creature back.

Jungkook, caught off guard, stumbled slightly. His heart pounded—not from fear, but from the sudden realization that Taehyung had protected him.

Taehyung turned his head slightly, his voice low. “You okay?”

Jungkook swallowed, his pride bruised. “I didn’t need your help.”

Taehyung smirked. “Sure you didn’t.”

The Water Ghost roared, its body reforming instantly. It coiled around them, its tendrils lashing out violently.

Namjoon’s melody grew sharper, weaving through the air like a blade. Yoongi threw his talismans, each one burning upon contact, weakening the ghost.

Jungkook moved to strike—but the ghost suddenly lashed out, knocking him off balance mid-air.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung called, eyes widening.

Jungkook barely had time to react before the Water Ghost’s clawed hand shot forward, aiming straight for his chest.

Time slowed.

A flash of silver—

A rush of wind—

And then—

Jungkook was there ---

He moved in a blur, grabbing Taehyung’s wrist and pulling him onto his sword. At the same time, he twisted his blade, deflecting the ghost’s attack with a precise, deadly arc. The sheer force of his spiritual energy sent the creature reeling backward.

Taehyung landed against Jungkook’s chest, their balance shifting for just a moment before Jungkook steadied them both.

For a brief moment, Jungkook felt the warmth of Taehyung’s breath against his cheek.

“ why are you holding my waist ?” Taehyung murmured.

Jungkook scowled, quickly pulling away. “Tch. Focus.”

Taehyung smile but obeyed.

Namjoon, still playing his flute, shot them a knowing look. “You two can fight later.”

Yoongi smirked. “Or not. It’s fun watching them.

Jungkook ignored them, tightening his grip on his sword. “Let’s just end this.”

With a sharp cry, the Water Ghost lunged one final time, its entire form twisting into a monstrous tidal wave.

This time—

They all moved.

Namjoon’s melody reached its peak, freezing the ghost in place. Yoongi’s talismans ignited, burning through its defenses.

And in the final moment—

Taehyung and Jungkook struck together.

Their swords glowed with golden energy as they sliced through the Water Ghost’s core. A deafening wail rang out as the creature disintegrated, its form melting into the lake like mist under sunlight.

Silence fell.

The water calmed. Their swords hovered above the now-still lake.

Jungkook let out a slow breath, stepping back onto his own sword. Taehyung turned to him, a victorious glint in his eyes.

“You’re welcome, by the way,” he teased.

Jungkook clicked his tongue. “You just happened to be in the way.”

Taehyung smirked. “Right.”

Namjoon sighed, lowering his flute. “Let’s head back before you two start bickering again.”

As they soared toward the shore, Jungkook couldn’t shake the memory of Taehyung’s arm around him, the way he had instinctively protected him.

For the first time, Jungkook found himself watching Taehyung—not as an annoyance, but as something else entirely.

Something dangerous.

Something he wasn’t ready to name.

To Be Continued ------

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