In the dark, deserted hallway, Suga stood like king. A man was kneeling before him, surrounded by Suga's bodyguards. The place was silent except for the faint hum of a flickering light-it was midnight, the perfect hour for twisted fates to unfold.
Suga: Nice move. But the problem is your gun.
(He snatched the gun from the man, checking it calmly.)
Man: Don't think you'll always win, Suga. You might kill me, but not everyone. If you don't back down, they'll make sure you lose everything-your mother, your brother... (Before the man could finish, Suga's hand moved faster than thought. He pressed the gun to the man's forehead, eyes burning cold)
Suga: What's your problem, huh? We worked hard for this place, no shortcuts like you. If you want to beat me, do it in business-not in the dark. Touch my family, and I won't hesitate to end you.
(He shoved the man away. As Suga turned to speak to one of his guards, the man cut the tie binding his hands with a hidden knife. He lunged-but Suga blocked him effortlessly. The bodyguards pinned the man down and beat him until he fell silent.)
Guard: Boss, your hand's bleeding.
Suga: I'll handle it. Do what I said.
(Ignoring the pain, Suga walked toward the main road. The street was lifeless except for one faint lamp casting light over the cracked pavement. He sat on the curb, staring at the half moon. Seeing the blood on his hand, he tore a piece of his tie and wrapped it tightly. Just as peace began to settle, a small cat brushed against his leg. Without thinking, he scooped it into his arms.)
Suga: Who are you, little one? Did you lose your owner? Got any collar?
(Before he could check, a soft voice behind him made him freeze. He turned-and time seemed to stop. A boy stood under the lamp's glow, black hair gliding in the wind, ocean-blue eyes reflecting the moonlight.)
Ocean Eyes: Juju... I told you not to run off.
(He gently took the cat-Juju-from Suga's hands, then gasped.)
Ocean Eyes: Blood... are you hurt, Juju?
Suga: No. It's mine.
(He showed his wounded palm.) Without hesitation, the boy pulled a small first-aid kit from his bag. He sat nearby, carefully dressing Suga's wound, while Juju purred on Suga's lap.
Ocean Eyes: Thank you... for taking care of my cat.
Suga: Your eyes are... stunning. What's your name?
(The boy didn't reply. He stood, but before he could leave, Suga caught his wrist and pulled him closer.)
Ocean Eyes (nervously): Sir, you shouldn't hold so tightly. Your hand will hurt.
Suga: I can take it. Tell me your name.
Ocean Eyes: I will... but please, let go.
(Suga hesitated, then released him. The boy ran off into the night without looking back. For the first time, Suga felt something unfamiliar-someone had slipped through his grasp. His anger melted into a smirk as he glanced at the bandaged hand.)
Suga: We'll meet again, Mrs. Kim... soon.
Next day, JK woke up feeling tired and went to the washroom, which was outside the house like in a village. When he arrived, he saw Laila making hot water for his bath without his knowledge. His gaze fell on her for a second, but he snapped out of it when she gave him a toothbrush.
Laila: "Instead of looking at me, put a ring on my finger."
JK: "didn't i tell you to do this, Laila. Please stop."
(Saying this, he took the brush from her hand with blank eyes and walked toward the bathroom.)
Laila: "You can act like a stone-hearted person to others, Jungkook, but not with me... Do you understand? And don't forget, I prepared breakfast for you, so don't waste it. Also, Dad wants to see you."
(She left while JK gave a small smile that faded as his mind hit fate.)
Tae's side
After freshening up, Tae went to the dining table for breakfast where Jackass had prepared a healthy meal and served everyone with a soft smile. Tae's face changed when he saw the food.
Tae: "What's this, Mom?"
Jackass: "Breakfast. Why don't your eyes work properly?"
Jhope: "Baby..."
Jackass: "This is what I made today. Eat it before it gets cold."
Tae: "I can't. Don't you know I don't like this kind of food, huh?"
Jackass: "So what? Didn't you say the same at your in-laws' house?"
Tae: "Why are you always tracking that? If you say this one more time, I will definitely stop this marriage."
(Saying this, Tae pushed the plate away and left, while Jhope looked at him angrily. Suga remained blank.)
Suga: "You know, Mom, he doesn't like this kind of food. Why do you force him to eat it?"
Jackass: "Stop supporting your brother, Suga. He's mature now; he needs to understand some things or else..."
Suga: "Mom-"
(Before Suga could finish, his phone rang, forcing him to leave. Jhope also left silently, which hurt Jackass more.)
Tae's side
With an angry face, Tae went directly to Alex's office and sat in his chair. Alex came in after finishing a meeting, but Tae's exhausted face calmed when he saw Alex with closed eyes in the cabin.
Tae: "Stop looking at me, idiot."
Alex: "Why? Are you feeling anything in my starv-"
Tae: "Foot."
Alex: "Okay, okay, but tell me what happened this morning. Did you fight with Jackson's mom again?"
(Tae said nothing and started playing a game on Alex's laptop while Alex shook his head and sat beside him.)
Alex: "Tae."
Tae: "If you going to talk for her, then stop."
Alex: "No."
Tae: "Then-"
(Without a word, Alex put his lunchbox in front of Tae, surprising him.)
Alex: "I'm not asking you to change yourself, but please respect her and the food she prepared with love. Please don't skip meals."
(Tae silently looked at Alex, who looked back with full love.)
Tae: "Don't you think I'm aggressive and not worthy of you in any way? Then why do you still love me and want to be with me?"
Alex: "When you feel that, you will understand why. Now eat."
(Nodding, Tae started to eat while Alex watched him lovingly.)
Tae's Long Drive tae took the wheel, eyes fixed on the endless highway. Neon signs blurred by as the car sped past rows of bustling shops and patches of nature, but his mind stayed elsewhere. On one side of the road, makeshift shelters came into view, home to families struggling to get by.
Ani: Tae, what's wrong? You look distant. Don't you like the drive?
(She peeked at Tae, concern in her voice.)
Tae: It's nothing, Ani. Just... curious about something, that's all.
Ani: What is it, Tae?
Tae: I'm fine. Let's drop it, okay?
(Maguire gazed thoughtfully at the shelters, watching a mother cradle her three children.)
Maguire: They can't even afford food, but have three babies...
David: Just like your boyfriend, huh? Couldn't control it, I guess.
(Tae's expression hardened, voice cold as steel.)
Tae: If you say one more word about my brother, it won't end well for you, David.
David: Relax, I meant Maguire's
finances, not your brother.
(Tae glared at him, then reached for a beer with one hand and drank in silence while the others enjoyed the ride.)
Maguire: Still, can't let him tease me about my boyfriend,
Tae: You can tease-but not about my family. Got it?
Ani: Focus on the map, Tae.
(Tae sped up, lost in thought-until suddenly, a little girl darted onto the road. The car screeched to a halt.
Tae's heart raced. For a second, he considered driving off, but Ani grabbed his arm.)
Ani: Tae, stop! You need to check on her.
Maguire: No way, Tae, just go. If your hyung hears about this, I'm dead. Please, Tae!
(Before Tae could decide, angry knocks shook the car door. Tae exited, frustration written all over his face.)
Girl's Father: Do you even have eyes? Is this how you drive?
Tae: Your daughter ran into the road. Maybe teach her some basic rules before yelling at me.
(As his temper flared, Ani tried desperately to calm the scene.)
Girl's Mother: How can you talk like this? My baby. is bleeding and you show no responsibility.
(Tae scoffed, reaching into his pocket.)
Tae: So you want money, right? Take it!
(He flung the notes on the ground, the gesture more insult than charity. Just then, another figure arrived-confused, then furious seeing the child in pain.)
?: What's going on?
Girl's Father: Jungkook! They hit my baby and then threw money at us!
Tae: Don't be dramatic. There's more money here than you'll ever see. Take it and shut your mouth before your daughter goes to heaven.
(Jungkook's jaw clenched. Anger darkened his eyes.)
Jungkook: Do you really think money solves
everything?
Tae: Of course. Money is everything.
Jungkook: Greed like yours rots the brain.
Tae: How dare you-
(Before Tae could finish, Jungkook whipped out a small knife, nicking Tae's finger. Tae screamed, stunned, as Jungkook tossed the cash at him.)
Jungkook: Take this. Treat your wound, you witch.
(He walked away, leaving Tae humiliated. Tae held his hand, refuse his friends help. He dialed his hyung, rage and pride burning inside.)
Tae: Hyung...
Police Station Scene
Tae leaned back in the chair, a piece of chocolate melting slowly on his tongue as his eyes lingered on the cell. Inside, Jungkook was beaten and bruised, his hands tied behind his back - yet not a single sound escaped his lips. The silence disappointed Tae a little, but he couldn't deny how much he enjoyed the sight. Jungkook's quiet defiance made the entire scene strangely captivating.Moments later, the police officer threw aside the broken stick, wiping his sweat.
Officer: "Sir, we can't hit him anymore. He'll die if we continue. But if you want, we can still file a case against him."
Tae: "No need. I'll handle him myself."
(Tae stood and walked toward the cell. Jungkook sat slumped in the corner, his body trembling with pain.
Tae smirked, stepping closer.)
Tae: "This is what happens when you cross someone like me."
(Jungkook slowly lifted his head, his blank stare turning into a faint, daring smile that made Tae stiffen.)
Tae: "Why are you laughing? Wasn't that enough? Huh?"
(Without uttering another word, Jungkook let out a shallow breath - bloody saliva dripping from his lips.)
Jungkook: "With money, people like you can only buy power, not strength. Rich cowards - you just proved it."
(Tae's jaw tightened. He reached out in anger but stopped midway, disgust flashing in his eyes.)
Tae: "Breathing the same air as you feels like a disease. Even wasting time here... in your presence... is beneath me."
(Jungkook's expression hardened. He suddenly grabbed Tae's wrist, his grip trembling yet fierce. Before Tae could react, Jungkook pressed his lips against his - a forceful, defiant kiss that froze him in place.)
Jungkook (softly): "If you try to destroy everything we had, you'll end up losing far more."
(He stood, grabbed his torn shirt, and limped out of the cell. Tae remained silent - trembling with fury and confusion. Minutes later, Tae stormed into the car where his three friends waited in the air conditioning. Without a word, he lit his lighter and brought the flame close to his lips until the heat burned him. His friends panicked.)
Ani: "Have you lost your mind, Tae?! Why would you do that?"
Mayire: "your hyung going to kill himself one day at this rate!"
David: "What happened inside? Why do you look like that?"
(Tae didn't answer. His hand trembled as tears welled in his eyes. He couldn't bear the thought of someone like Jungkook - someone he considered beneath him - daring to touch him. Through clenched teeth, he muttered,)
Tae: "I'll make your life hell... you'll regret ever crossing my path. You platform