The Silent Vows | VSOO (18+)

The sound of my footsteps echoes down the dimly lit street as I walk home, the night air pressing heavy against my skin. My mind is racing, replaying today's events—Jungkook's warning, Jisoo's reaction, the way the entire cafeteria stared when I didn't back down.

I should be more careful.

I know that.

But something in me refuses to let this go.

I turn the corner onto the quieter part of my neighborhood, a shortcut I always take. The streetlights flicker, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. Too quiet.

That's when I feel it.

The weight of someone's gaze.

I don't look back.

I keep walking, forcing my breathing to stay even. My pulse pounds against my ribs. Is it Jungkook's guys? Minhyuk? Someone else?

I chance a glance at the reflection of a store window as I pass.

A black car.

Slowly rolling behind me.

Shit.

I don't run.

Running would mean I know.

Instead, I turn down an alley—narrow and dark, barely wide enough for a car. If they follow, then I know for sure this isn't a coincidence.

The engine hums.

I keep walking, resisting the urge to break into a sprint.

Then—the headlights flicker on.

They're coming.

Panic spikes through my chest. I bolt.

Gravel crunches beneath my feet as I sprint down the alley, adrenaline drowning out my exhaustion. The car tries to inch forward, but the narrow walls slow them down.

I spot a chain-link fence up ahead. Too high to scale quickly—but I don't have a choice.

I jump. My fingers grip the cold metal as I hoist myself up, my arms burning as I scramble over. Just as I swing my legs over, I hear a car door slam.

Then—footsteps.

They're on foot now.

Shit. Shit.

I drop down on the other side, hitting the ground hard before pushing forward. The sound of pursuit grows closer. I don't dare look back.

There's a storage unit lot ahead. I duck into the rows of metal doors, weaving through them, trying to lose them in the maze.

Think. Think. Think.

A set of heavy boots scuff against the pavement behind me.

I press myself against the cold metal, forcing my breathing to slow.

Then—

A voice.

"Taehyung."

I freeze.

It's not Minhyuk.

Not Jungkook.

This voice is deeper. Older.

It sends a chill down my spine.

"Come out."

I stay perfectly still.

A pause.

Then, in a voice so casual it makes my skin crawl, the man says,

"I knew your brother."