Chess: The Assassin's Move

Grace's Night.

The days flew by with the wind, one after another, like the leaves of the old sakura tree, pink and lively until they weren't.

Laira paced in her room, the truth camouflaged as anxiety, eating away her confidence. She could not attend tonight's party and leave that place without being slaughtered by The Park Jimin, her conditional savior.

"Laira, get ready. We'll be leaving in an hour." Came Jungkook's voice along with a few raps on the door. "No matter what you wear, you'll look pretty."

A smile rode up halfway to her lips before it faltered at the cameo of her guilt. All their kindness in rival to her betrayal made her feel exhaustingly lost.

She never knew the feeling of being on the wrong side before. The bad side.

The least she could do was to drop this act as soon as possible, be stern about her decision to Jimin, and find her way back to her home, her real training center.

The duo won't forgive her after learning about her betrayal and Jimin won't forgive her if she gives even a hint to Taehyung about the danger he could face.

Honestly, the latter case is more hazardous. The duo might end her the very second, but Jimin will not. He will not allow her the easy way out.

"What should I wear?" That question lingered in the air momentarily until her eyes fell on the shopping bag sitting near the desk.

That gown Jimin bought for her was kept neatly folded inside.

Is that why he got me this?

His thought process intrigued her. Just how much he knew and how much of this has he planned?

She picked up the glittery Caribbean blue gown, running her fingers over its smooth fabric. The tiny pearls along the waistline were cold against her skin. She breathed the scent of vanilla emitting from the gown and its packaging.

The time on the clock was ticking, and for one, Taehyung wasn't going to be appreciative if she was late.

She hurried to put the gown on, and just like before, it was a perfect fit, embracing her frame at the top and blooming like a blue rose at the bottom.

Its neckline kissed the skin just an inch shy of her collarbones and floral sleeves trailed down her long arms.

She gave a twirl, looking at herself in the mirror, and her heart fluttered in awe at the beauty it embroidered. Never had she worn something put together with so much delicacy and glamor.

She pulled her hair up, allowing the red-tainted streaks to be open in front. The only jewelry she owned was the pair of pearl earrings she received as a gift from Chloe. Fortunately, it was enough to complete her look.

Then came another knock on the door. "Yes, coming." Standing there was Taehyung with a paper bag in his hands.

"I thought you may need this, but-," he said right after taking a good look at her. "Oh, you're already done. You look pretty."

"Thank you," she smiled, taking the bag from him. "you look handsome as well."

He chuckled. "Well, you still have time as Jungkook isn't ready yet. Perhaps, I should go and get him to hurry up." He quickly went away, closing the door behind himself.

Strange.

She opened the bag, revealing a white floral dress with a jewelry box, heels, and a matching purse. Her heart warmed at Taehyung's thoughtfulness. He probably bought all of that thinking she won't have anything suitable to wear tonight.