Strip

Y/N (thinking): "What was that? Why did he save me back then? Was it just an accident… or something else?"

Your mind swirled with confusion as you absentmindedly traced the stain with your fingertips. Just then, a familiar voice broke your thoughts.

Jimin: "Hey, Y/N!"

You snapped out of your daze, looking up to see Jimin waving at you with his usual bright smile.

You smiled back, waving at him as he quickly made his way to you.

Jimin: "Hey, what are you do—"

His voice trailed off when his eyes landed on your knee. His cheerful expression was replaced with concern as he crouched down to your level.

Jimin: "Wait… is that blood? Did you hurt your knee?"

His worried gaze met yours, making your stomach twist slightly.

Y/N: "Ahh… it’s nothing, Jimin. Just a minor cut, not a big deal. Don’t worry, I’m okay."

You tried to brush it off, but he wasn’t convinced.

Jimin: "No, let’s go to the medical room. You need to get that cleaned up."

He insisted, reaching out as if to help you up.

Y/N: "No, really, it’s fine! Please, just let it be."

Jimin: "But, Y/N—"

Y/N: "Yeahhh, it’ll heal soon!" you reassured him with a small smile.

Jimin sighed but didn’t push further.

Jimin: "Fine… but how did you even get this wound?"

Your breath hitched slightly. You couldn’t tell him the truth—not about Taehyung.

Y/N: "I… I just tripped on my apartment stairs. You know how clumsy I am."

You forced out a chuckle, but Jimin’s sharp eyes narrowed.

Jimin: "Are you sure?"

His voice held doubt, but you nodded quickly, hoping he wouldn’t question further.

To your relief, he didn’t press, but he tilted his head with an amused smile.

Jimin: "By the way, I heard what you did this morning. You really surprised me."

You blinked in confusion. Morning?

Jimin: "I never thought you’d stand up like that. I mean, I’m absolutely impressed. You sounded so sincere today."

Your lips parted slightly as you remembered how you had lashed out at Taehyung earlier.

Y/N: "Yeah… thanks. I just did what I should have done before."

Jimin nodded slightly.

Jimin: "Anyway, what are you searching for? Let me help."

You glanced at the book in your hands.

Y/N: "Mrs. Kang gave us a new assignment today."

Jimin: "Oh? But I thought she didn’t take the class today?"

Y/N: "Yeah, she just came to give us the assignment and left. Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in."

You picked up your notebook and flipped through the pages, handing it to him.

Y/N: "Here, take a picture of this. If you need any help, just let me know."

Jimin took out his phone, but as you continued talking, he didn’t move to take the picture. You didn’t notice the way his eyes lingered on you—the way his expression softened as he watched you speak so passionately about the assignment.

You suddenly looked up, catching his gaze. Jimin quickly looked down, pretending to be focused on his phone.

Your brows furrowed slightly, but you shook off the thought.

Y/N: "I think I should go now. I’ll take these two books."

You began packing your things, but Jimin spoke up again.

Jimin: "Y/N… are you free tomorrow?"

You paused.

Y/N: "Hmm… I think so. Why?"

Jimin: "I wanted to discuss the assignment with you. Also… give me your number so I can contact you."

He held out his phone, and you hesitated for a brief second before nodding.

After exchanging numbers, Jimin stood up and offered his hand to help you up. His smile was warm, making you feel at ease.

Jimin: "Come on."

You reached out, placing your hand in his. He gently pulled you up, but your knee gave out slightly.

Y/N: "Ah—"

Before you could stumble, Jimin quickly caught you, his arm wrapping around your waist to steady you.

Your breath hitched as you suddenly found yourself close to him—closer than ever before. His eyes, wide with concern, locked onto yours. For a moment, neither of you moved. His grip on you tightened slightly, as if he didn’t want to let go.

Jimin’s heart pounded wildly in his chest. His angelic eyes softened, and if someone looked closely, they could see the slight pink tint on his cheeks.

Unknown to both of you, someone was watching.

Behind another shelf, Taehyung stood still, his jaw clenched, his fists tightening by his sides.

His eyes darkened as he watched you in Jimin’s arms.

Taehyung (thinking): "What the hell are they doing together? Why is she so close to him?"

A strange, burning sensation twisted in his chest. He didn’t understand it—this feeling clawing at him, making his blood boil. Was it frustration? Annoyance? Or… something else?

He had come to the library to clear his mind, but instead, he found himself standing here, seething.

Taehyung (thinking): "Why am I so damn angry right now?"

Without thinking, he swung his fist against the shelf beside him. The sudden impact echoed through the library, making both you and Jimin pull away from each other in shock.

Your eyes darted toward the noise, but by the time you looked, Taehyung was already storming out of the library.

Your heart pounded as confusion and unease settled in.

Y/N (thinking): "Was that… Taehyung?"

Jimin also looked toward the direction of the sound, his brows furrowing slightly.

But as the heavy library doors closed behind Taehyung, neither of you could see the fire still burning in his eyes.

At Your Home – Night

You stepped out of the bathroom, your damp hair clinging to your shoulders as you sighed heavily.

Y/N: "Ahhh... such a tiring day… I need sleep… right now…!"

You flopped onto your bed, letting the exhaustion take over. Your eyes fluttered shut, your body sinking into the comfort of your mattress—until the sharp buzz of your phone cut through the silence.

Y/N: "Who the hell is calling me at this hour?"

Groaning, you blindly reached for your phone, answering without even checking the caller ID.

Y/N: "Yeah, who is it?"

A deep, familiar voice echoed through the speaker.

Taehyung: "Tsk. Seems like you still haven’t saved my number."

Your eyes snapped open. The exhaustion you felt moments ago was instantly replaced by alertness—along with a hint of irritation.

Y/N: "You?! Why—"

Taehyung: "Meet me tomorrow at my mansion. 6 AM sharp. I sent you the address. Don’t be late."

Your brows furrowed in confusion.

Y/N: "What? 6 AM? Why so early—"

Before you could finish, the line went dead. You stared at your phone screen, disbelief washing over you.

Y/N: "He hung up?! Just like that? What the hell is he up to now?"

Frustrated, you immediately called Eunah. She picked up after a few rings.

Eunah: "Y/N? What’s wrong?"

You quickly explained everything—Taehyung’s sudden call, the meeting at his mansion, and the strange sense of unease creeping into your chest.

Eunah let out a deep sigh.

Eunah: "I really don’t understand why he’s dragging you into this… Y/N, I’m so sorry. This is all happening because of me."

Y/N: "That’s why I told you to be careful, Eunah… But it’s done now. I just want to get out of this mess as soon as possible."

A brief silence. Then, Eunah hesitated before speaking again.

Eunah: "Y/N… I have an idea."

You sat up, sensing something serious.

Y/N: "An idea?"

Eunah: "Yes. It’s risky, but if it works… it might set you free from all of this."

Y/N: "What do you mean?"

Eunah: "Remember those videos? The ones he has as evidence? They’re in his phone."

Your stomach twisted.

Y/N: "Yeah, but—"

Eunah: "Y/N, this could be your chance to delete them."

A lump formed in your throat. You weren’t sure if it was fear or adrenaline rushing through your veins.

Y/N: "And what if I get caught?"

Eunah: "You won’t. You just need to stay close to him. The more time you spend around him, the better your chances."

You exhaled slowly, rubbing your temple.

Y/N: "I don’t know, Eunah. He’s… dangerous. If he finds out—"

Eunah: "Y/N, please… This is your only shot. You have to try."

You stared at the ceiling, thoughts racing. The risk was undeniable—but so was the reward.

After a long pause, you finally muttered:

Y/N: "Fine. I’ll try."

Eunah: "That’s my girl! Fighting!"

Despite her cheerfulness, you couldn’t shake the heavy feeling settling in your chest. As soon as you hung up, you sighed deeply and let yourself fall back onto the bed.

Tomorrow… you had to be careful.

Next Morning – Taehyung’s Mansion

The grand estate loomed in front of you, towering and intimidating. You swallowed nervously as you walked through the massive gates, the guards letting you in after confirming your name.

Your eyes widened at the breathtaking sight of the mansion’s architecture, the intricate details, the expensive sculptures, the lavish gardens—everything screamed wealth and power.

Y/N: "Damn… this is where he lives? No wonder he acts like he owns the world."

Lost in admiration, you barely noticed the presence behind you—until you turned around and gasped.

Taehyung stood there, dressed in black activewear, his tall frame almost too close.

Startled, you instinctively stepped back—only to lose your balance.

Y/N: "Ouch!"

You landed on your butt, wincing in pain. Taehyung smirked.

Taehyung: "I think you’re in love."

Your head snapped up.

Y/N: "What?"

Taehyung: "With the ground."

He chuckled at his own joke while you rolled your eyes, rubbing your sore backside.

Y/N: "Hilarious."

He tossed a bottle toward you, and you caught it just in time.

Taehyung: "Drink up. And from now on, follow me. Don’t stop running until I say so."

Your jaw dropped.

Y/N: "Wait. That’s why you called me here? To—"

But before you could finish, Taehyung had already jogged off, leaving you standing there in disbelief.

Y/N: "You’ve got to be kidding me!"

With a frustrated groan, you ran after him, cursing under your breath.

After the Jogging Session – Inside the Mansion

Completely exhausted, you collapsed onto the plush couch in the living room, struggling to catch your breath. Taehyung had disappeared into his room while you sat there, admiring the elegant interior of his home.

A maid approached you with a glass of water.

Maid: "Ma’am, please have some water."

You gratefully accepted it, taking a sip before smiling at her.

Y/N: "Thank you… and please, just call me Y/N."

She gave you a warm smile.

Maid: "After a long time, the master has brought a friend home. Please make yourself comfortable."

Your fingers tightened slightly around the glass. A friend? You weren’t sure if that word fit.

Just then, your phone rang. Seeing Ji-hwa’s name flash on the screen, you quickly answered.

Y/N: "Yeah, Ji-hwa?"

She explained a situation at work—she needed someone to cover her shift.

Y/N: "Oh, but I’m on leave today—"

You sighed, rubbing your forehead.

Y/N: "Fine. I’ll do your shift. Take care of your mom, okay?"

After hanging up, you stood up, glancing towards the hallway. You had to inform Taehyung before leaving.

Turning to the maid, you asked for directions to his room.

Taking a deep breath, you made your way towards it—unaware of what awaited you inside.

Inside Taehyung’s Mansion – His Room

You knocked lightly, waiting for a response. Silence. The door was slightly ajar, and hesitation flickered in your mind before you finally stepped inside.

Y/N: "Taehyung...?" (your voice was barely above a whisper, scanning the empty space)

But he wasn’t there.

Your eyes wandered, searching for any sign of him—until they landed on his phone, placed carelessly near the study table. Your breath hitched as Eunah’s words from last night echoed in your head.

"This is your chance, Y/N. The key to your freedom."

Your fingers trembled as you reached for the device. Heart pounding, you picked it up, your grip unsteady.

"Please don’t be locked..."

But luck wasn’t on your side. The screen displayed a passcode.

Y/N: "Damn it..." (you exhaled shakily, eyes shutting in frustration)

Suddenly—

The sound of the door creaking open sent a chill down your spine. Your breath caught as you hurriedly placed the phone back, turning around in panic—only to freeze in place.

There he was.

Taehyung stood at the doorway, his muscular upper body exposed, a towel resting low on his waist. Droplets of water trailed down his toned torso, his damp, messy hair adding to his dangerously alluring presence. His sharp eyes locked onto yours, unreadable yet intense.

The room felt smaller. Warmer.

His slow, deliberate strides toward you made your heart race.

Taehyung: "What are you doing here?" (his voice was deep, laced with an edge of curiosity and something darker)

You swallowed hard. Your body tensed as he stopped right in front of you.

Y/N: "I—I was s-searching for you." (you mentally cursed yourself for stuttering)

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He had noticed.

Leaning in, his lips brushed near your ear, his voice nothing more than a whisper—

Taehyung: "Am I making you nervous?"

His warm breath fanned your skin, sending an involuntary shiver down your spine. You took a step back instinctively—only to feel the table press against you, trapping you in place.

Your eyes met his—intense, unwavering.

He leaned even closer, placing his hands on either side of you, effectively caging you in. The air between you thickened, charged with something electric. His gaze flickered down to your lips, lingering.

Your chest rose and fell rapidly. Your fingers curled into fists, nails digging into your palms as you bit your inner bottom lip—a nervous habit.

And Taehyung noticed.

His pupils dilated slightly, his expression unreadable. It was subtle, but for a split second, something flickered in his eyes—something unspoken.

A feeling foreign to him.

A realization foreign to you.

Your heartbeat drummed in your ears. You had never been this close to him before, never felt this kind of tension. It was suffocating yet intoxicating all at once.

But reality crashed back.

You tore your gaze away, shaking off the effect he had on you.

Y/N: "I—I need to go now." (you tried to steady your voice, failing miserably)

His jaw clenched slightly before he finally took a step back, allowing you to breathe. You turned away, pressing a hand to your chest.

Y/N (thoughts): "What was that...? Why was my heart racing like that?"

Before you could fully process it, his voice pulled you back.

Taehyung: "You can’t leave just yet."

Your brows furrowed.

Y/N: "Taehyung, it’s urgent. I have to go to work—please, just let me leave."

He tilted his head slightly, observing you.

Taehyung: "Hmm... You want to leave? Fine. But on one condition."

Y/N: "Condition?" (your stomach twisted at the way he said it)

He took a step closer, eyes gleaming with something sinister.

Taehyung: "Yesterday, you wanted to make things even between us, didn’t you?"

Your eyes narrowed in confusion.

Y/N: "What are you talking about?"

His smirk deepened, voice dangerously low.

Taehyung: "You wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone. You wanted to challenge me. You even apologized publicly. So let’s make it fair, Y/N."

A sense of unease settled in your stomach.

Y/N: "What do you mean?"

He took another step closer, his voice dropping into a near whisper—

Taehyung: "Strip, Y/N."

To Be Continued...

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