The Silent Vows | VSOO (18+)

The car swerves violently as Jungkook grips the wheel, his knuckles white. The city lights blur past us, neon reflections streaking against the windshield. Tires screech as he takes a sharp left, barely avoiding an oncoming truck.

I'm in the backseat, pressing down on Jisoo's wound as she winces, her body slumped against me. Her breathing is shallow. Blood seeps through my fingers, warm and sticky, soaking into my already ruined hoodie.

"Hold on, Jisoo," I murmur.

She exhales sharply, a weak laugh slipping past her lips. "You say that a lot."

My jaw clenches. "Yeah, well, you don't listen a lot."

Jisoo manages a half-smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. She's pale—too pale.

Jungkook glances at us through the rearview mirror, his brows furrowed. "We need to stop the bleeding before she passes out."

"No shit," I snap, my voice sharper than intended.

Jungkook exhales through his nose, barely suppressing his irritation. "We're going to the safe house. It's about ten minutes from here."

Jisoo lets out a shaky breath, her fingers gripping the fabric of my hoodie. She's losing strength.

I tighten my hold on her. I won't let her go.

Not now. Not ever.

——

Jungkook parks behind an abandoned convenience store, the neon sign above flickering, half-burnt out. It looks like nothing—exactly the point.

We get out, moving fast.

Jisoo stumbles as she tries to stand, her legs barely supporting her weight. I catch her immediately.

"Easy," I murmur. Her body is burning up.

She lets out a breathless chuckle. "You gonna carry me or something?"

I don't hesitate. I scoop her up, ignoring her weak protests, and push inside.

The safe house is nothing special—a small, rundown apartment with peeling wallpaper and a musty scent. But it's safe.

For now.

Jungkook disappears into the bathroom, returning a moment later with a first aid kit. He tosses it to me.

"Fix her up," he mutters, running a hand through his hair. "I'll keep watch."

I nod and carry Jisoo to the couch, gently laying her down.

Her fingers clutch my wrist as I pull away.

"Stay," she whispers.

My heart stutters.

I kneel beside her, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. She's burning up.

"Just a little longer," I murmur, reaching for the medical supplies. "Then you can yell at me for not leaving you behind."

Jisoo lets out a soft laugh, but her eyes flutter closed.

I feel something cold grip my chest.

"Jisoo."

She doesn't answer.

Panic flares in my veins.

I shake her shoulder. "Jisoo, wake up. Stay with me."

She groans softly but doesn't open her eyes.

I move fast.

Ripping her jacket open, I assess the damage. The bullet grazed her side, tearing through flesh but missing anything vital. It could've been worse.