Savior

Y/n (sternly): "Don't you dare to touch me"

Taehyung scoffed, frustration flashing in his eyes. “I just saved you, and this is how you thank me?”

You exhaled sharply. Y/N: “If you weren’t here, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Taehyung stepped closer, voice lower. “Oh? You really think that?” His gaze darkened. “Forget it. Now, come with me.”

He reached for your wrist again.

You stepped back. “Didn’t I tell you not to touch—”

Taehyung: “And do you really think I care what you say?” He let out a bitter chuckle. “You’re my servant. Not the other way around. So you either come with me willingly… or do I need to remind you of Eunah?”

Your stomach twisted. You shut your eyes, feeling trapped.

You had no choice.

Y/N (whispering): “Fine… I’m coming with you.”

And just like that, you walked beside him—heart heavy, mind conflicted.

But deep down, you knew—this wasn’t over.

____________

You sat in the car beside him, arms crossed, tension crackling in the air like an unspoken challenge. Taehyung silently fastened his seatbelt, deliberately avoiding your gaze.

Y/N (huffing): "What do you want now, huh?"

He ignored you completely, turning the ignition as if your words were nothing more than background noise. You rolled your eyes, leaning back against the seat in frustration.

Taehyung (flatly): "I was hungry, but thanks to you, I lost my appetite."

Before you could respond, he tossed something onto your lap. You looked down—your phone.

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion as you picked it up. "Where did you get this?" you asked, flipping it over to check if it was really yours.

Taehyung (casually, eyes on the road): "You either left it in my room or dropped it there. Not my problem."**

Then, after a beat, his voice took on a strange, almost hesitant tone—one that didn't quite fit his usual arrogance.

"Don't think I came all the way just to return it because I was worried about you or something."

You scoffed, shaking your head. "I know a person like you never worries about anyone but himself."

Your words were meant to be indifferent, a simple statement of fact. But you didn’t see the way his jaw clenched, how his fingers briefly tightened around the steering wheel.

Taehyung: "You know me so well, huh? That’s why you walked into my room this morning without permission?"

His lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes held something sharper—something unreadable. You balled your fists, your frustration bubbling to the surface.

Y/N (furious): "I went there to inform you I was leaving for work! But what did you do instead, huh?"

Your voice trembled slightly—not with fear, but with the effort of keeping your emotions in check. You exhaled, forcing yourself to speak more calmly.

"I don’t know what kind of girl you think I am, but let me make one thing clear, Taehyung—I am not someone without dignity or self-respect. I value my pride more than anything."

For the first time, he didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stared ahead, his expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, he muttered under his breath:

"That’s what everyone says—dignity, self-respect, all those pretty words. But in the end, it’s always about money. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were the same."

His tone was flat, as if he was simply stating a universal truth. But his words cut through you like a blade.

Your stomach twisted in anger, hurt, and disbelief. How dare he?

Your patience snapped.

"Stop the car."

Your voice was cold. Unyielding. It wasn’t a request—it was a command.

Taehyung shot you a glance but, sensing the change in your demeanor, pulled over to the side of the road. You wasted no time, pushing the door open.

"Thanks for the ride, but I’d rather walk home than listen to any more of your nonsense."

Without waiting for a response, you stepped out and walked briskly toward the buildings nearby.

Taehyung didn’t drive away immediately. He sat there, gripping the steering wheel, replaying your words in his mind. He knew he had crossed a line.

Deep down, a part of him regretted what he had said. But another part—the stubborn part—refused to admit it.

He let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair, trying to push down the uncomfortable weight in his chest. He didn’t like it. This feeling. This frustration. This guilt.

His phone rang.

Taehyung exhaled sharply when he saw the caller ID. Dad.

Reluctantly, he picked up.

Taehyung (flatly): "Yes, Dad?"

Mr. Kim: "Why weren’t you answering? Your mother called too, but you ignored her."

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. His voice dropped into a low, cold murmur.

"She’s not my mother. She’s just your wife."

There was silence on the other end. Then, his father sighed.

Mr. Kim: "We just want you to have dinner with us tomorrow."

Taehyung let out a bitter chuckle. "I’ll pass. I have other plans."

Without waiting for a response, he ended the call, tossing his phone onto the backseat. He didn’t want to deal with this. Not his father. Not his so-called "family."

And yet, as he drove off, his mind kept drifting back to you—your voice, your anger, the way you walked away without looking back.

And for the first time in a long while… he felt something he couldn’t quite put into words.

___________

2 Days Later – The Unexpected Trial

You were gathering your books from your locker when a familiar voice called your name. Turning around, you found Eunah rushing toward you, her face bright with excitement.

Y/N: "What's in the bag? Did you bring something for me?"

Eunah let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head.

Eunah: "Aishh! You forgot, didn’t you? Today’s the trial for the university’s swimming team! This is my swimming costume!"

Your eyes widened as realization hit you.

Y/N: "Ahhh… Oh, right! I seriously forgot! All the best, Euni!" (You gave her a quick hug, squeezing her shoulder encouragingly.)

Eunah pouted playfully.

Eunah: "I wish you could participate too, but… well, you don’t know how to swim." (She sighed dramatically, then clasped her hands together.) "At least come cheer for me? Please, Y/N, please?"

You hesitated, biting your lip.

Y/N: "But what about class?"

Eunah: "Mrs. Kang isn’t coming today. So, no excuses!"

Rolling your eyes at her persistence, you finally gave in.

Y/N: "Fine, fine! Let’s go!"

Laughing, you both walked toward the swimming pool, unaware that someone had overheard your conversation from the shadows.

Stacey (smirking): "So Y/N doesn’t know how to swim? Perfect… I’ll make sure she learns today."

At the Poolside

The pool area was buzzing with students—some participating in trials, others cheering on their friends. The energy was contagious. You scanned the crowd and, to your surprise, spotted Taehyung standing with his group of friends. Your chest tightened slightly.

For the past two days, he hadn’t called, texted, or even shown up at your workplace. It was unusual. You were confused but not entirely ready to forgive him for what happened last time. Eunah noticed you staring at Taehyung with a thoughtful expression.

Eunah: "Everything okay between you two?"

Startled, you turned to her.

Y/N: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Eunah gave you a knowing look.

Eunah: "Did something happen between you both?"

You quickly shook your head.

Y/N: "No. What would happen? You’re overthinking, Euni. Now go change before your trials start!"

You nudged her toward the locker rooms, eager to avoid more questions. You hadn’t told her about what happened over the weekend. You didn’t want her to worry before an important trial.

An announcement echoed through the pool area, calling the participants. Your eyes landed on Minsoo, one of Taehyung’s friends, who was stepping up for his trial. Meanwhile, Taehyung, who had been staring at you from a distance, hesitated before taking a step toward you.

But before he could reach you, someone else got there first.

Jisung: "Hey, Y/N! What are you doing here?"

You turned to see Jisung, his usual friendly smile in place.

Y/N: "Oh, hi! I came to support my friend; she’s participating in the trials."

Unbeknownst to you, Taehyung had stopped a few steps away, listening to your conversation, his jaw tightening.

Jisung: "Why aren’t you participating?"

Y/N: "I don’t know how to swim. Actually… I’m a little afraid of it." (You admitted hesitantly.)

Jisung’s face lit up.

Jisung: "Ohh, is that so? Then why don’t you participate in something you’re good at? Like… helping me at the radio station!"

You blinked at his sudden enthusiasm.

Y/N: "Huh?"

Jisung clasped his hands together dramatically.

Jisung: "Please, Y/N! I really need help! You’re my last hope!"

You chuckled, shaking your head.

Y/N: "Jisung, what are you doing? Stop being dramatic!"

Jisung: "I’m serious! Say yes!"

Y/N: (Sighing) "Fine, but only in my free time. I can’t miss my classes."

Jisung’s face lit up as he quickly pulled you into a hug in excitement.

Taehyung’s fists clenched tightly.

Y/N: (Shoving Jisung lightly) "Yahh! What are you doing?!"

Jisung quickly stepped back, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

Jisung: "Ah, sorry! Got carried away!"

Y/N: (Sighing again) "Just don’t do that again."

Taehyung’s blood was boiling, but he said nothing. He just watched, his fingers curling into a fist, jaw tightening.

Jisung quickly excused himself to attend to his duties. Meanwhile, you started looking for Eunah.

Y/N: "Where is she? She should be back by now..."

The boys' trials began, and the atmosphere grew even more energetic. Minsoo was swimming at an incredible speed, securing his place in the team. The crowd erupted in cheers.

You looked around, trying to find Taehyung, but he was no longer standing where he was before. Unbeknownst to you, he had stepped back, watching you from a distance, his emotions tangled.

Fifteen minutes later, the girls’ trials were about to begin. You finally spotted Eunah, now in her swimsuit, waving at you excitedly. You smiled and waved back.

That’s when it happened.

You didn’t realize how close you had moved to the pool’s edge. Suddenly, a girl beside you was pushed—whether by accident or on purpose, you didn’t know. She lost her balance and collided with you, sending you straight into the water.

The pool was deeper than you expected.

Your body hit the cold water, and panic took over instantly. Your arms flailed as you tried to keep yourself afloat, but the water pulled you down. You gasped, only to choke on the water flooding into your lungs.

You couldn’t breathe.

You couldn’t scream.

You were drowning.

Gasps and screams filled the air as students realized you weren’t coming up. For a moment, everyone hesitated, unsure if you were just acting or actually struggling.

But Taehyung didn’t hesitate.

The second he saw you sink, his heart dropped.

Without thinking, he jumped in.

The world blurred as strong arms wrapped around you, pulling you to the surface. You coughed violently, clinging to the warmth pulling you away from the water. Within seconds, Taehyung and his friends pulled you out of the pool.

Taehyung laid you down on the ground, his face pale.

Taehyung: "Y/N! Y/N!" (He gently patted your cheek.)

You coughed again, water spilling from your lips as you gasped for breath.

Eunah ran to your side, crouching next to you.

Eunah: "Y/N! Are you okay?!" (Her voice was shaky.)

You blinked up at them, dazed. Taehyung, breathing heavily, noticed the way your soaked clothes clung to you uncomfortably. Without hesitation, he grabbed Joel’s jacket and covered you.

Your eyes met his.

You didn’t understand why he saved you.

Why he was looking at you like that.

Eunah tried to help you stand, but your legs trembled too much to hold your weight. Your body was weak, drained from the struggle in the water.

Y/N: (Softly) "I’m fine, Eunah… You should go back to your trials."

Eunah: "No way! I’m taking you to the medical room first!"

Before you could argue, Taehyung suddenly crouched in front of you.

Taehyung: "Go for your trials." (His voice was calm but firm.) "I’ll take her."

Without waiting for a response, he lifted you into his arms. Gasps echoed around the poolside.

You didn’t have the strength to protest.

Your head rested against his shoulder as he carried you away, leaving behind a stunned crowd—especially one girl named Stacey, whose plan had just backfired completely.

____ AT MEDICAL ROOM ____

The room was quiet except for the soft pattering of rain outside. You lay on the bed as the doctor had instructed, but your thoughts refused to rest. Taehyung stood near the window, his back to you, gazing out into the darkened sky. His posture was rigid, his hands clenched slightly as if holding back something unspoken.

Joel and Sehun had left to fetch dry clothes for both of you—your soaked garments clinging to your skin, a reminder of everything that had just happened. The doctor, too, had stepped out, leaving only the two of you in the room.

You slowly sat up, your fingers reaching for the damp jacket Joel had draped over your shoulders. As you started to slip it off, Taehyung turned sharply, his voice breaking the silence.

"What are you doing?"

You looked up at him, meeting his intense gaze.

"Can't you see?" you responded, a hint of defiance in your tone.

His brows furrowed. "Why are you taking it off?" His voice was edged with irritation.

You scoffed, your emotions getting the best of you. "Why do you care? Shouldn't you be happy? You already got to see me through this transparent top."

His expression darkened in an instant. Before you could react, Taehyung strode towards you and grasped both sides of the jacket, pulling it back around you. His fingers worked swiftly, buttoning it up, his touch firm yet careful.

Your breath hitched. The sudden proximity, the intensity in his gaze—it was enough to still you completely.

"Don't you dare remove it until your dry clothes arrive," he commanded, his voice low, unwavering. "And that’s an order."

His words sent a strange shiver down your spine. You gulped, looking away, embarrassment creeping in from the events that had led to this moment.

You needed to leave. You couldn’t stay here, not like this. Just as you moved to stand, a strong grip encircled your wrist, halting you in place.

You turned to him, eyes flashing with frustration. "Why are you doing this? Why did you save me?" Your voice wavered, the emotions from earlier still raw. "I know you're not the kind of person who would—"

"Can you just shut up?" Taehyung’s voice was sharp, cutting through your words. "Or I'll make you shut your mouth."

Your breath caught. "Answer me first," you challenged, but your words trailed off as he suddenly leaned in—too close, too fast.

Your body stiffened. His breath was warm against your face, his dark brown eyes holding you captive. The world outside faded, leaving only the sound of your own heartbeat pounding in your ears.

You instinctively leaned back until your back pressed against the headboard. But Taehyung didn’t move away. His expression was unreadable, different from his usual indifference. There was something else there—something intense, something unfamiliar.

"Tell me," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable. "Why did you go near the pool when you knew you couldn't swim? What if something serious had happened to you?" He exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching. "Do you even know how much I was sca—" He stopped himself, shaking his head. "Forget it. You wouldn’t understand."

You stared at him, stunned. For a moment, you thought you had imagined it—the almost-confession in his voice.

Did he just—? No. It couldn’t be.

You forced yourself to look away. "Why does it matter to you?" Your voice was quiet now. "It doesn't, right? So stop scolding me."

The words left your lips, but a flicker of something in his eyes made your stomach twist.

Taehyung’s expression hardened. "Fine. It doesn’t matter to me," he said, though you could tell he was lying. "But your life… it should matter to you, at least."

The weight of his words hung between you, unspoken emotions thick in the air.

Just then, the door swung open, breaking the tension. Taehyung stepped back abruptly as Joel and Sehun walked in with dry clothes.

"Hey, Y/N. Here, change into this," Joel said, handing you a neatly folded set of clothes.

You nodded, but your gaze flickered back to Taehyung. He wasn’t looking at you anymore. His jaw was tight, his eyes distant as if trying to suppress something.

Then, Eunah rushed in. "Y/N! Are you okay?" She hurried to your side, concern evident in her voice.

Taehyung exhaled sharply, shoving his hands into his pockets. "She’s fine now. Let’s go," he muttered, his voice cold once more. Without another word, he turned and walked out, his friends following behind.

You watched him go, something inside you twisting uncomfortably. He was different today. More serious. More... affected.

Why did that bother you so much?

"Y/N?" Eunah’s voice snapped you out of your daze.

You blinked and turned to her. "Huh? Oh… nowhere."

She sighed in relief and pulled you into a gentle hug. "You scared me, you know?"

A small smile touched your lips. "I’m fine now. Don’t worry. Tell me about your selection—did you make it?"

Eunah brightened instantly. "Yes! I got second place, and they selected me! I have to start training after classes now."

Your eyes lit up. "That’s amazing! Congratulations!" You pulled her into another hug, feeling genuinely happy for her.

Eunah grinned. "Let’s celebrate!"

You hesitated. "Now?"

She tilted her head. "Are you still feeling unwell? We can do it another day if you want. For now, let’s just go home."

You nodded, grateful for her understanding. After changing into the dry clothes, you both stepped out of the room.

But as you walked away, your mind lingered on Taehyung—on his words, his closeness, the flicker of something in his eyes.

And for the first time, you wondered—had you been wrong about him all along?

_____ In the Hallway____

Stacey: "Today was fun, wasn’t it, girls?!" she said, flipping her hair with a smirk. "I felt so relaxed watching her struggle in the water. Hopefully, this time, Y/N will finally learn her limits."

Lia shifted uncomfortably, her voice barely above a whisper. "But… what if she had drowned? You knew that was the deep side of the pool, Stacey. It could’ve gone too far."

Soohyun, who had been quiet until now, sighed and crossed her arms. "Honestly, I don’t think we should have done that. Messing with someone is one thing, but risking their life? What if something had really happened to her?"

Stacey rolled her eyes, clearly unbothered by their guilt. "Oh, come on! I had to make her understand her limits with Taehyung. She needs to know where she stands."

A voice suddenly cut through the air, low and sharp.

???: "And what about your limits, Stacey? Did you set any for yourself?"

The three girls froze. Their bodies stiffened as they slowly turned around, and their faces paled when they saw who stood behind them.

Stacey: "T... Taehyung...?"

To Be Continued...

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