Velvet Cage (Taekook/Vkook)
Taehyung’s POV
Day 28.
I don't know what hurts more.
The silence after the screaming stops...
or the fact that I’ve started counting the days like I live here.
My wrists are sore again. He tied them too tight last night. Said I scratched him in my sleep.
But he likes it when i look guilty. He calls it cute.
my body still remembers the ache from yesterday...
My soul... it doesn't remember how sunlight felt anymore.
.......
Are you awake, baby?
That sickly soft voice behind the steel door.
My heart jumps to My throat. I freeze.
I press my back against the cold wall. I know what comes next. I've lived it twenty-eight times.
.......
You didn’t eat your dinner last night. That made me sad..
I close my eyes. I wish i could disappear. I wish someone from school would just—
Nobody remembers the golden boy once he loses his shine.
SEOUL INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
"Taehyung-ah! Your Gucci shirt is soooo hot!"
"Oppa, are you free tonight?"
"He's literally the Prince of SIHS."
I used to bathe in their attention.
Every hallway I walked down felt like a runway.
My life? Filtered and perfect. I was the walking fantasy of every envious classmate.
My locker overflowed with gifts, perfumes, love notes.
but none of those notes were even his.
He never left a name. Just letters.
Neatly folded, thick cream envelopes that smelled like ink and danger.
“You have a beautiful smile. I wonder if you know how fragile it looks.”
“Sometimes I want to keep you in a glass box. So no one else sees how precious you are.”
At first, I laughed. Thought it was one of the jealous girls pulling a trick. I showed Jimin.
Kim Taehyung | Student
Creepy, Huh?
Park Jimin | Taehyung’s friend
That's not creepy, Tae. That's psychotic!
Park Jimin | Taehyung’s friend
Throw it out!
I kept every letter. Tucked them under my mattress like a secret.
It was thrilling. Being wanted like that.
Until it stopped being thrilling.
The lock clicks.
The door creaks open.
My breath hitches.
His hair's damp, as if he just showered. He’s wearing grey sweats, no shirt. His arms are tattooed, veins thick, fingers long… too long. The silver chain around his neck glints under the dim light.
He looks at me like I’m his favorite thing to look at.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
You're quiet today, baby.
I don't answer. I just stare at the floor. Don't provoke. Don’t react. Don’t cry.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
Still mad at me?
he asks with a slight pout, crouching before me. his hands rest on my knees.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
you scratched me, remember?
Jeon Jungkook | ???
that wasn't very nice.
I flinched when he touches my cheek.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
you're so fragile. just like i thought you'd be.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
I used to watch you from the back of class, taehyung.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
Everyone else saw your clothes, your money, your fake laugh. but i saw you..
Jeon Jungkook | ???
I knew you were lonely.
I close my eyes. Tears sting.
“I wasn’t lonely…”
I want to scream. “I was happy. I had friends. I had a life. You stole it—”
But I stay silent. That’s how I survive now.
He cups my chin.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
you looked at me once, do you remember?
Jeon Jungkook | ???
You smiled.
He leans closer. our noses, almost touch. I feel his breath. I feel him. Too close. always too close.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
that smile was a promise.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
and i'm just here to collect what's mine.
Flashback: Two Weeks Before
Kim Taehyung | Student
Who the hell is Jungkook Jeon?
I had whispered, holding the envelope that finally had a name on it.
Park Jimin | Taehyung’s friend
I think… he’s the new transfer. Quiet. Doesn’t talk. He’s in Literature class… always staring.
why would someone i dont even know... want me?
Jeon Jungkook | ???
You look scared.
I blink up at him. my voice finally works.
Kim Taehyung | Student
please... let me go..
he stared at me, confused... hurt, even. like i betrayed him.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
Why would I let go of the only thing that ever made me feel alive?
He leans down. Kisses my cheek gently. Like he owns me. Like I’m his.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
You’re mine, Taehyung. And this... this is love.
He gets up. Walks to the door.
Jeon Jungkook | ???
Oh, and don’t forget to smile tomorrow. I’m taking you outside.
Outside?
I look up sharply.
But he’s already gone.
The door slams shut.
Loved by someone I didn't choose.
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