The Drowned Cathedral: The Unspoken Rule

It was thick in the air, even after Taehyung washed it off. It stuck in his memory, how fast Taehyung had moved, how cold and calm he had looked after killing that creature.

It scared him.

And it made something twist deep in his chest.

He didn’t know what the feeling was.

Fear?

Gratitude?

Something more?

He found Taehyung later in the pool chamber.

The room glowed green. Steam rose off the water. The walls shimmered like pearls. It was quiet.

Taehyung stood waist-deep in the pool.

His robe was gone. His back was bare.

Jungkook stared.

There were scars on his back. Long, jagged ones. Some looked like whip marks. Others were symbols, burned deep into his skin.

He had never noticed them before.

Taehyung didn’t move.

Jungkook walked to the edge of the pool.

His bare feet touched the smooth, wet stone. His breath shook.

Taehyung still didn’t turn around.

Jungkook dropped his robe.

Stepped into the water.

It was warm. It wrapped around him like silk.

He moved until he stood just behind Taehyung. Close, but not touching.

He didn’t speak.

He let his fingers reach out,

Almost to Taehyung’s back.

Almost,

Taehyung turned.

Slowly.

Their eyes met.

Golden and wide.

Hungry. But quiet.

"You’re playing a dangerous game," Taehyung said.

His voice was low. Rougher than usual.

“Then stop me,” Jungkook whispered.

“I told you I wouldn’t.”

“Even if I want it?”

Taehyung stared at him.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for.”

Jungkook stepped closer.

Now they were chest to chest.

Close enough to feel each other’s breath.

His body was already reacting.

The bond throbbed between them, deep and warm.

Jungkook placed a hand on Taehyung’s chest.

His heart was beating hard.

“Why won’t you just take me?” he whispered.

Taehyung’s eyes darkened.

His voice dropped lower.

“Because I don’t want to win like that.”

Jungkook frowned.

“Like what?”

“By instinct.”

The heat swelled.

The air between them crackled.

Taehyung’s hands hovered at Jungkook’s waist, but didn’t touch.

Not yet.

“You think I’m weak,” Jungkook said. “You think I can’t handle it.”

“No,” Taehyung said, finally touching him.

One hand to his cheek. One to the back of his neck.

Gentle. Firm.

“I think you’re strong. That’s why I’m waiting.”

Jungkook’s eyes stung.

He didn’t know why.

“You make me hate you,” he whispered.

“I know.”

Their faces were so close now.

One breath apart.

Jungkook leaned forward.

Taehyung met him halfway.

Their lips brushed, barely.

Not a kiss.

Just a promise.

And still,

Taehyung pulled back.

One inch.

One breath.

“Say the word,” he said.

“I can’t.”

“Then I won’t.”

Jungkook trembled.

“Why do you keep doing this?”

“Because I want more than your body,” Taehyung whispered.

“I want your yes.”

Jungkook looked away.

“Then you’ll wait forever.”

“I already have.”

[ I I I I ]

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