After Death |BTS V|
Prologue
𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 he 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾d 𝖿𝗈𝗋.
𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝙝𝙚 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗇.
Almost every faith, myth, and philosophy—
Islam. Christianity. Hinduism. Judaism.
—have their own idea of what lies beyond human breath.
They all begin the same:
God gave humans free will.
Not to trap us in our fate—
but to let us choose it.
So we would not feel choked
by the leash of destiny.
But free will came with consequence.
And thus, humans became good.
And humans became evil.
All by their own hand.
But that’s just the 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 story
Under every action—
beneath every sin or virtue—
there lies a question:
𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭?
𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚?
Some are born kind because they’ve never tasted pain.
Some become kind because it’s all they ever received.
But some—
become kind because they’ve crawled through hell.
And what of those
who become evil
because evil was all they were ever shown?
Not the ones who wanted to destroy—
but the ones who were made into monsters...
and asked to live with it.
Most get their 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.
𝘈 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩.
𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩—
𝘛𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺.
𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥,
𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯.
𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘬𝘺—
𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘵.
𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦—
𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.
𝘛𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.
𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦.
𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.
No flame.
No scream.
Not 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 a plea.
Stone steps emerge before them, spiraling downward, deeper into the abyss. The air grows thicker, the screams fading into a heavy, oppressive silence.
Only a dim, flickering flame casts weak light over a single figure.
Cold gripped the room, snuffing out any fire, while the silence chilled the air.
Chains hang like dead vines from the ceiling, clanking faintly as if whispering secrets.
They stop a few feet away, polished boots gleaming faintly in the dim light.
Death
Still breathing, I see...
Their head tilts. Not in amusement, but curiosity. And they step forward. The light bends around him, dims down and darkness envelopes even further...
Bruised, bloodied, and hollow-eyed, he stares at the man before him.
Death
Why do you look at me? Don't tell me you're... 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴?
His lips part slightly, as though he wants to speak, but nothing comes out.
Instead, he lets out a faint, guttural exhale, the sound of a man pushed beyond mortal limits but still alive.
𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘥...
He looks up.
Death
Very well. If that's what you wish...
The feet circles him, like a 𝘩𝘢𝘸𝘬 𝘨𝘢𝘸𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘺, 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯...
And the prey...𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨...𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦- 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨...
𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝖾𝗍. 𝖧𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝖺𝗓𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗌.
Death
You were born in the womb of fire; raised by the flames around...
Death
That's your privilege...𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦.
Death
So, you learnt to breathe smoke...and we watched.
His voice echoed–and the only sound that accompanied was the rattling of the metallic chains against the floor–𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘺𝘦𝘵...𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥.
Death
You crawled through the ashes–because that was the only option...
As his steps glide, flames recoiled around it, instinctively. As if they recognise an older god...
Death
Then, you made sin your shelter. Even burnt others to keep yourself warm...
𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.
𝘏𝘦 crouche𝖽 down, leveling their gazes; glowing eyes pierc𝗂𝗇𝗀 into the prisoner’s very soul.
Death
And now, you look for answers? What did you think?
Death
𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚?
"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨."
That's something that sinks in, at this very moment–in the broken soul of the mortal before him...reflected in his hollow spaces like a drop in an abyss...
There are no words, following. Not yet.
Death
You've forgotten why you're burning–but I have not.
Let it sink. Let the silence burn. Sting. A deep reverberation that pushes past every layer of mortal understanding...
And all the times he had to pass through them, losing his soul...getting it back.
Death
Hell sentenced the body...
Soundless. Calculated. And stepping back–
Death
I sentence the soul.
The chains shattered–falling on the ground, in shackles– without a metallic sound this time, but rather like a drop of water in the stillness.
His muscles faded–bones stilled–mind resisting and he unravelled.
"I survived everything": Damien Hayes thought.
But for the first time in his existence–
He didn’t know what that meant.
Because there was no body left to survive with. No knife in his sleeve. No threat to counter. No enemy to crush.
Nothing but a truth he’d never met before:
A mutter in the distance.
Not damned.
Not tormented.
Sound filtered in. A drip-tap-drip sound. Stinging in the ears- so irritating, so mundane... So...
Then, warmth.
A blanket? A body? Skin?
Author [OOC]
Heylo.
Hi.
Bonjour.
Arigatou.
Ni hao.
Bhosa–
??
Author [OOC]
Did I just write...?
Author [OOC]
Okay listen. I didn't mean for this to happen okay? I just wanted to... Greet. And... Hey, well atleast, it's unique, y'know.
Author [OOC]
Alright. Back to me being the professional, S-class Author I am.
Author [OOC]
Soo heylloooo bestieeeeessssss~ 🫂💅🏻💋
Author [OOC]
I am your Author. You can also call me "your besssfriend" cuz... Yeah, I'm in my luteal phase.
Author [OOC]
This is not my first book. And hopefully, very hopefully, not my last either. I have wrote countless books before this and this one is basically a rewritten version of the previous book "Deal with Death".
Author [OOC]
So, this time. I'm trying something new. Which is basically writing BTS, WITHOUT the Taekook part.
Author [OOC]
Yeah, I understand. Some of you might get at me like–Taekook is life. Taekook is OTP. I get it. But this is just one of my newer versions of writing. I have, before, written many books on Taekook (and deleted them because I just got a never-ending writer's block which also makes me a person with no credibility but, hey, this time, I'll take full accountability.) And now, I'm here.
Author [OOC]
So, yeah. Enjoy. And... Please, comment and tell me what it is about to you. How do you feel about this new book? What are your thoughts about the characters and other stuffs?
Author [OOC]
And I'll see you in the next one.
Chapter 01
The schoolyard is bustling with the usual energy of students—some laughing, some walking in groups, but there’s a tension in the air.
There was nothing unusual in this sight. At the very far end of the yard, he stands clutching his stomach, where, now, the impact of the hit must've begun to show. But it's hidden, which was good for the both of them: The Bully and the Bullied.
With a deep groan he throws his head back against the fence, huffing and mòaning in the pain.
While he watched from a distance.
His eyes flickered from the bully to the bullied. There's an amused smirk on his face, mirroring the same smile the others of his kind had, when he watched that guy, the bully making his way towards the kid.
They chanted his name like he was some kind of a hero. Well, he was no less, that was for sure.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬...𝘏𝘦'𝘴 𝘢 𝘎𝘰𝘥.
And he walked with that authority, that aura, that confidence–enough to make the heads submit in allegiance...
Like he didn't just thrash that boy, just a second ago.
Choi Mingyu
Tsk... What a sad day!
Mingyu stopped. But the chants didn't.
That was the kind of power, a bully had on them. The kids would once despise him, see him as a symbol of tyranny–the guy who made their life hell.
But they soon came to like him. His aura, power, girls–Mingyu had it all. He had the authorities in his pockets, the rules on his side at the snap of his fingers, and-
Choi Mingyu
Where's my 2,000 Won, Piggy?
-all the money he wanted.
???
(groans, shaking his head and panting, as his eyes meet the sky)
But before he could catch another breath, he felt a large, sudden force hit his jaw–
Like knocking the air out of his lungs.
Choi Mingyu
Hey. I'm asking you something here, y'know?
Choi Mingyu
Where is my 2,000 Won, Piggy?
Choi Mingyu
... Hm? What did you say? (leaned closer, to the boy who was shaking his head and muttering something, incoherently but audible enough for him to understand)
Choi Mingyu
(pulls back, looking at him, with calm eyes and a quiet second, before speaking)... You can't?
Choi Mingyu
SHUT THE FCK UP!
The crowd felt silent, at the loud voice echoing throughout the field, cutting through the breeze–dissipating in mutters and inaudible whispers, now, which were deliberately crafted to be low enough, to not reach Mingyu's ears, at least.
Frankly, he didn't care what the crowd thought about him. They'd worship him, anytime of the day.
Choi Mingyu
(looks back at the boy, lying on the ground, panting with difficulty; his own voice dropping an octave down)
That is not an answer, Piggy.
The silence was palpable.
The fingers of the boy stopped twitching. The incoherent murmurs died down–the loud noise had snatched away even the sound of the spectators' gasps.
For a second, even the other bullies, couldn't move an inch–their eyes widened as they stared at the boy, hoping for a single twitch of his fingers, just enough to at least denote that he was...hopefully still breathing.
Choi Mingyu
(stood up, calmly, looking down at the boy, unbothered before turning around and walking away)
Choi Mingyu
Take him to the infirmary and make sure he brings it tomorrow.
The orders were followed–his lackeys rushing to pick the boy off from the ground, taking him towards the infirmary.
But the praise shouldn't stop. No, the praise remains undeniable, unstoppable. It has to. And so, the chants started off, all over again–
Choi Mingyu
Not you, Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung
(turns around) Huh?
Choi Mingyu
You're coming with me.
As he wishes. I threw a last glance at the pathetic, nerd being picked and taken away to be healed, uselessly. He was only going to get thrashed again–be it tomorrow or some other day.
I fell back into the steps, following behind Mingyu, like one of his other side-kicks.
Kim Taehyung
"Many think of Mingyu as the problematic kid. They think, we're idiots for following around Mingyu."
Kim Taehyung
"But they don't realise that being around Mingyu is...beneficial for both parties: the leader and his followers."
Kim Taehyung
"You get his money–well, not exactly his money, but the money he extracts. You get free passes to many illegal things, like entry to night clubs despite being a minor; get away with drunk driving etc."
Kim Taehyung
"You get the portion of the power he yields, you get part of the fame he has..."
Kim Taehyung
"And most importantly..."
Kim Taehyung
"You get Mingyu's friendship."
Choi Mingyu
I hope you can make him understand.
Kim Taehyung
(snaps out of his thoughts, looking at him) Huh?
Choi Mingyu
Piggy. You know, I know, the importance of money...
Choi Mingyu
And how bad I want it. From him.
Choi Mingyu
So, why don't you just tell him to bring it me?
Choi Mingyu
He was your friend, after all.
Kim Taehyung
... I don't make friends with pathetic weaklings.
Choi Mingyu
(laughs out loud, patting his shoulder) Hey, hey. Are you trying to be strong now, huh? Look at you! Skinny and weak, yourself!
Kim Taehyung
(looked down)"...Of course I know it. I was bullied, a long time ago, because of that, by Mingyu, himself. "
Kim Taehyung
"But I didn't disobey him. I didn't try to protest or revolt. I just did as he told me to. And here I am, now. One among his favoured ones, one of his friends. Mingyu, soon, got distracted by other kids weaker than me."
Kim Taehyung
"In this jungle, there are only three rules you have to follow..."
Kim Taehyung
"Do not disappoint Mingyu."
Kim Taehyung
"Do not disappoint Mingyu."
Kim Taehyung
"Do not disappoint Mingyu."
Kim Taehyung
Yeah, yeah... I will talk to him. I'll make sure it gets through that Piggy's thick, headed skull. You don't need to worr-
Choi Mingyu
No. I wasn't talking of that.
Kim Taehyung
(looked up at him)
Choi Mingyu
Don't abandon him too much.
Choi Mingyu
Who knows, some day, we'll abandon you too? (grinned, chuckling as he patted his shoulder, turned around and left him)
And just like that, I went back home.
But I couldn't take my mind off of it. At what Mingyu said, at what that...Piggy said. My mind flashed with the scene of his body-lying there, almost lifeless- beaten up so bad. I knew, he would be okay, though. Mingyu always has control over his fist. I know....I.. Know.
I kicked the cranky old door of the house and walked inside. This house, build–no, scratch that–"Assembled" was like a tiny speck of dust in comparison to the house of the company I hang around with.
Dingy walls from which the paint was slowly wearing off; broken windows, 'fixed' somehow, with newspapers and old, dusty mattresses lying around–I could barely call it fit for sustenance.
Kim Taehyung
"Sometimes, I think, my old man was even a bigger bastrd than Mingyu. At least, Mingyu gives me money to get myself some stuff. And what did this old man leave behind for his only son? Nothing except this poor, old shed!"
Kim Taehyung
"I cannot even tell Mingyu about my real address. He cannot find out about this. If he does, I won't ever live to tell the tale of it."
Kim Taehyung
"Ah, my life is fcking sucks–"
Kim So-hee
Taehyung-ah? You're back home?
Kim Taehyung
"–to stay with her."
Kim Taehyung
Yeah, eomma... (groaned, tossing his backpack aside, and flops down, leaning back on his palms)
Kim So-hee
Aish... (picked his backpack, placing it in the proper place).. Did something happen at school? Why do you sound so frustrated, Tae?
Kim Taehyung
It's nothing, eomma. Leave it.
Kim So-hee
... (looked at him, sighing softly, as she tilted her head)... I'm sorry, Tae.
Kim So-hee
I'm trying so hard, but sometimes, it feels like, no matter how hard I try, things always slip out of my hands. I keep working shifts, trying to make us a good living but...I fail to pay attention to your problems. I know it, Tae. And I'm very sorry...
Kim So-hee
I promise. Next month, we'll definitely get you the sneakers and a good, family meal at your favourite McD-
Kim Taehyung
STOP IT, EOMMA! I JUST TOLD YOU TO LEAVE IT! JUST LEAVE IT!! (snapped)
Kim So-hee
(flinched, her breath hitching, as she looked at him- stilled.)
Kim Taehyung
... (sighs, running a hand through his hair).. I'm hungry. I just want dinner.
Kim So-hee
(she kept looking at him for a while–her gaze still filled with concern–before she stood up and went inside, fetching and serving dinner for him)
Kim Taehyung
(watched her back, as she disappeared in the small, space of the kitchen)"...My eomma. A hard-working woman, who works both day and night shifts, along with taking care of the house–only to..."
Kim Taehyung
(scoffs, looking down at his lap)"...pay off the loan, that, my bastrd old man left behind on us. She's just another pathetic widow, cleaning up after her husband's mess."
Kim Taehyung
"And how unsurprising, it is that she still chants his name day and night. Tells me that he had his reasons for abandoning us. That I should be like him..."
Kim Taehyung
"I'd rather die."
Kim So-hee
(served him the meal, looking at him, her gaze soft)... Here you go. Dig in, baby.
Kim Taehyung
(begins to dig in, almost immediately. After a few more bites, he speaks up)... I need some money... (chews)... gotta go... (chews)...to the club tonight...
Kim So-hee
(her smile faltered, concern filling her gaze as she looked at him quietly)... Taehyung-ah?
Kim Taehyung
Hm? What? (looked up at her, questioningly) Is it that big of a deal?
Kim So-hee
No... It's not that. (pause.)
Kim So-hee
Are you...getting bullied?
My hands froze mid-air, with the spoon in my hand just, before they could enter my mouth. I couldn't lift my gaze. I didn't know why–I just couldn't.
Even if it was a lie. Of course, it was.. Bullied? Hell, no. I wasn't getting bullied. How the fck can I be bullied? I AM the one who bullied others.
Yes, that's right. I'm the one who bullies others, not the other way around. Besides, I'm friends with Mingyu–the biggest bully of the school. There's no way, I am getting bullied–
Kim Taehyung
What the f–no. No, absolutely not. Who... What gave you that idea that I would be getting bullied at school?
Kim So-hee
... Then why are you spending so much money on them, Tae? They don't seem to spend that much on you.
Kim Taehyung
"They don't spend on me? What utter bullshīt! Mingyu does!"
Kim Taehyung
"Well, yes, maybe he doesn't spend as much as I do! But I get his companionship and the perks that come with being on his good side! Of-fcking-course, he doesn't need to pay me back. His acknowledgement IS the payback."
Kim Taehyung
You're overthinking, again. Just...gimme the money.
Kim So-hee
... I'm so sorry, Tae.
Kim Taehyung
(looked up at her)... What are you–God, will you stop fcking apologising for the same thing over and o-
Kim So-hee
I don't have any money.
Kim So-hee
... I... don't have money on me. (hung her head low in shame) I... It got spent up.
Kim Taehyung
... Spent on what?
Kim Taehyung
SPENT ON WHAT?!!
Kim So-hee
(flinched, bursting out her words)... L-Loan! The... The loan sharks had come. They... They'd been knocking for a while, asking for...only the principle amount. I... I felt like they'd actually do something this time if I didn't give them the money, so I-
Kim Taehyung
(threw the chopsticks aside, in an almost sudden, violent manner–making her flinch for the third time but he didn't care, as he stood up and walked out)
I kept walking and walking, aimlessly, mindlessly, not knowing where to stop. Honestly, sometimes, I wish I could just walk away. Leave everything behind. This sad, miserable life and create a new life, somewhere else.
But then, time and time again, I'm reminded of the blood that I have inside of me. The blood of two bloōdy cowards, infused in me–the biggest coward. The biggest piece of shìt.
The lights from the streetlight lamps glimmer in the dry asphalt, under the dark night sky. My feet halted before the pizza shop, on the sidewalk, still open–the warm, ambient light emitting from the glass walls. I sighed, grumbling under my breath before I walked in.
My eyes didn't take over anything. I went inside and headed straight over to the boss's cabin.
The boss, an old, fat man, scribbled something on his notepad. His gaze lifted when I stood at the door frame and he took me in, placing the pen aside, his chair swirling to face me with a dead panned look.
Pizza Cafè Owner
I told you to come from next Friday.
Kim Taehyung
... I know. But I'm desperate. (stuffed his hands in his pockets, stepping further in)... Please.
Pizza Cafè Owner
(sighed)... There are some deliveries. Grab the GPS from the locker and the keys.
Kim Taehyung
... How much would I have to do for 2,000 won?
Pizza Cafè Owner
... Probably 10 deliveries. Make it on time and maybe you'd get some tips. (turned back to look down at his notepad, as he began scribbling down)
I didn't need to hear anymore. I grabbed the GPS and the keys, and hopped on the delivery bike. For a moment–no, actually. Countless moments. I couldn't stop thinking about the reason why I was doing all this. Why was I running and doing errands, like some desperate guy?
Maybe, because I was desperate. And maybe, whoever I'm doing this for–be it myself or anyone else–maybe they don't comprehend the amount of desperation I have inside me in this moment to earn a few pennies just for them, but sometime... Maybe they would.
I kept knocking on doors, ringing bells, smiling and passing on the boxes, thanking them and asking to leave a review, and a good tip. My mind was in a haze–unknown of what I was doing, of what would all of this reap. But all I knew, that I needed those 2,000 Won.
It was almost the end of the number of orders allotted for me. The final order–placed somewhere at a far away place–was the last one left. I was in a hurry to end all of this, therefore, I sped up in the empty highway road, to the address of the customer.
It was nowhere near my imagination. It was a fcking penthouse, and there was loud music coming from inside. I sighed–typa shit Mingyu would be interested in, I thought, as I walked in towards the door and rung the bell.
But... It definitely wasn't what I expected.
Choi Mingyu
(flung the door open, stilling for a second before laughing)... Hey, Taehyung!
Author [OOC]
Comment, bro. Tell me how you like it.
Chapter 02
I froze. Fck. What the fck was he doing here? I checked my phone again. It was, indeed, his name on which the order had been placed.
Fck, fck, fck. I was in such a hurry to get over with it, that I didn't even pay attention to the name of the person who ordered it.
My head lifted back up, to meet Mingyu's gaze, who was still grinning, amusedly–a cup of beer in his hand.
Choi Mingyu
Why are you standing there? C'mon in! Come! (he flung an arm around his shoulder dragging him inside)
Loud music. So many people. And the smell of booze and sweat from everywhere. The perfect party that your parents tell you to stay away from. But Mingyu was a party lad–besides, his hobby of thrashing people's ribcages by the next morning.
I kept my head hung low, ashamed of anyone recognising my face. But I knew, with Mingyu, it would be impossible. Absolutely impossible.
Choi Mingyu
Hey, everyone! Listen up! (with one flick of his finger, the music was cut off and the DJ focused the spotlight on him)
Choi Mingyu
Look who's heeeereeee! Our little Taetae... As the pizza delivery boy! (laughed)
Although, I knew it was a rule that whatever Mingyu does–it shouldn't be questioned, debated or anything except being obeyed–it still felt embarrassing to stand there before all of the people, and get laughed at.
I still had the pizza box in my hand.
Choi Mingyu
Hey, Taehyung? (shook his shoulders) Why don't you give me my pizza, hm?
Kim Taehyung
... R-Right...(handed over the pizza box to him)
Choi Mingyu
(watched him, with an eyebrow raised) C'mon, Taehyung. Are you really going to give it to me without seasoning it properly?
I looked up at him and then back down.
I could still hear the snickers from the background, but I didn't retort. Retorting meant death. I didn't retort with Mingyu. Matter of fact, no one retorted with Mingyu.
I tore off the small pouches of seasoning, sprinkling it over on the pizza along with the sauce, even as everyone watched me with judging gazes. I was the laughing stock of the party–and I wasn't even a fcking part of it.
Kim Taehyung
There you go, Mingyu. (passed the pizza box back)
Choi Mingyu
Hmm.. Thank you. (smiled keeping the box aside, before pulling out his wallet)
Choi Mingyu
How much do I owe you?
Choi Mingyu
200... (he pulled out a 500 won bill, looking up at him) Oh! Look at that!
Choi Mingyu
God, Taehyung! Consider yourself damn lucky that my wallet only has a 500 Won bill, at the moment. You're getting a 300 Won tip!
The people around gasped and some even snickered. I knew which was the smarter reaction.. This wasn't kindness. This was humiliation wrapped in sympathy.
Choi Mingyu
C'mon, Taehyung. You're not gonna refuse me, are you? (there was an underlying threat in his voice, that didn't need to reflect in his tone)
Kim Taehyung
... Okay. (moved his hand to take the bill)
Choi Mingyu
(pulls it back before he could take it) Ah-Ah. Patience. What's the hurry?
Choi Mingyu
(he grins slyly, stepping back before looking at him) Ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, we have a very special guest with us here. One of my closest friends, Kim Taehyung! Please give a big round of applause for him!
The audience did as he asked them to. I could see it on their faces. They could understand what was going to happen–they could see it all and yet, they were going to watch it.
Seeing their faces, I felt pathetic. I felt like I could jump off of a cliff or bury myself six feet underground. But all I could do was hang my head down in shame, and stare at my boots.
Choi Mingyu
(he laughed aloud, flinging his arm around his shoulder again) Tell me, Taehyung. How does it like to come to my doorstep as a delivery guy?
Choi Mingyu
(raised his brows, scoffing, amusedly).. Aren't you going to answer, hm?!
Kim Taehyung
I-It feels good. I... I feel honoured to be here, Mingyu.
I could hear his laugh, but I could feel the sick amusement behind his gaze. It was that dark sadistic pleasure that he gets from making fun of people like me...
Choi Mingyu
(patted his shoulder)...Hey, whatever. Thanks for the delivery, of course.
Kim Taehyung
It's alright... (moved to take the bill from his hands before Mingyu retraced it back)
Choi Mingyu
... Why do you keep calling me by my name?
Kim Taehyung
(stilled, for a second; gulping)... I...
Choi Mingyu
Shouldn't you be calling me, sir? Hm? You're just a delivery guy, here. (His grip tightened over his shoulder)
Kim Taehyung
I... I'm sorry, S-Sir. I must have mis-spoken.
Choi Mingyu
...(smiled) It's fine. I was just kidding. (patted his shoulder)
Choi Mingyu
Here's your money...
I stopped for a second, feeling the bubbling anger inside me. Every word of his, every action–it was a ragebait. I knew what he wanted. He wanted me to lose my shīt and end up exactly like one of his victims, that he could deliver hell to, anytime of the day.
But I knew, I had to hold it in. I raised my hand to finally-hopefully- take the bill from his hands. Only... Before I could take the notes, he left it, letting it drop on the floor.
Choi Mingyu
Ah, my hand slipped. God, I must've druken a lot...
I crouched down on the floor before everyone, picking the notes from the floor. The quietness of the entire party, despite the amount of people there–and their murmurs and scoffs–it hit deeper than it should.
I didn't know why–I could feel tears stinging my eyes. The warm liquid brimming up to my eyes, until I blinked it away–thanks to the fact that my head was low. All I wanted and focused on, was to grab my money and get out of this place. I pulled to the last note–only to realise that it was stuck to the sole of his shoe.
Choi Mingyu
(he was noticing everything with a smirk) Oh, shît. I accidentally stepped on a chewing gum. It must've gotten stuck there... (lifted his shoe up a bit bringing it closer to his face)
Choi Mingyu
Why don't you pull it out, Taehyung?
Kim Taehyung
(gulped, before raising his hand and pulling the single note out of the sole of his shoe)
I wanted to beat the shít out of this man.
But I didn't say another word.
I only stormed out of there, as fast as I could. Before I would end up doing something, I shouldn't have done.
I quietly drove back to the cafe, handing back the keys and tracker to the Boss. From his expression, I could see the flicker of sympathy in his eyes. He offered to give me some more, but I refused. My pride had already taken a lot of hits today. I didn't want more.
I walked back towards where I came from. The shabby house, at the end of the street, in the place where even the flickering light of the street lamp didn't reach. My hands were in my pockets, clutching tight onto the 2,000 Won.
Before I could step inside, I heard gruff voices from outside the door. Unfamiliar, yet recognisable in a complicated manner.
Kim So-hee
Just some more time. Please. I already...gave you yesterday... (pleads in a begging voice)
Kim So-hee
Look, I-I am not asking for too much, am I? Y-You know, I have my little Tae. He's studying at such a reputed institution. Please, at least think of him...
Loan Sharks
But how long will this go on, So-hee?
Loan Sharks
Look. We already exempted the 22,000 interest off your principal amount. But what about the principal? We can't exempt you from that!
Kim So-hee
I-I know... I know. I'm very grateful for it. Just... Please, please... Give me some more time? Please..
Loan Sharks
... (sighs before standing up) Three weeks.
Kim So-hee
T-three weeks-! Three weeks is enough! I promise, I'll return your money back to you. I promise.
Loan Sharks
...And tell your son to study hard. Can't have our money wasted on a wasted child. (turns to the other men) Let's go. (left)
Kim So-hee
(watched them leave, as the sound of the engine of their jeep passes by and she sighed in relief)... Thank God, Tae wasn't here...
I couldn't look her in the eye after that.
But I did look someone in the eye.
Choi Mingyu
... What does this mean?
Kim Taehyung
... (gulped, holding the bills in his hand, even as they shook)... I am paying on his behalf. So, don't threaten him.
Choi Mingyu
(scoffed, stepping forward)... You're standing up for the Piggy now, eh?
Choi Mingyu
(stands face-to-face, as his words come out, gritted and jabbing at him) Have you forgotten that your hands also hold his blood?
Kim Taehyung
... I haven't. (looked up at him) That's why. I want you to...not do it, Mingyu... P-please.
There was pure, dead silence. I lowered my gaze–couldn't hold his terrifying eyes any longer.
And then–his chuckle broke out. As his hand comes up to my shoulder, patting it.
Choi Mingyu
Oh, Taehyung! C'mon. You really think I'm in need for money? No. Of course not.
Choi Mingyu
(leanes closer, smirking) It's about the pleasure. The fun in seeing the terror in their faces...
Choi Mingyu
Just like I see in yours', now.
Kim Taehyung
(gulped thickly)
Mingyu didn't say anything after that, but the direction of his steps were enough a signal for his lackeys–me, included–to know what was going to happen.
???
(cough out from the impact of the wall hitting his back, as blood splatters out from his mouth)
Choi Mingyu
HAVE I GOT YOUR ATTENTION NOW?!
The classical "Mingyu" method.
There was a limit to his fun and enjoyment–on a general level. It couldn't even be related to you. It could be his annoyance from his mobile charge running out at the most important moment, that could've annoyed him and yet–the repercussions shall be on the shoulders of a random boy he sees in the hallway.
The Rooftop–was the place where he could do anything. Beating, Thrashing endlessly–even giving a near-death experience. Probably... Even death.
And what would happen to him? With the authorities by his side, the witnesses and proofs on his side–there was nothing anyone could do. Nothing.
???
P-Please... Please.. I beg you... (begged, with swollen cheeks, busted lips, bruised eyes, half lidded)
Choi Mingyu
Don't you get it, you fcking Pig?! (grabbed his hair, yanked it up to face him) I don't want you to beg, I want you to learn!
???
P-please... you're the only one... Please...
Choi Mingyu
I'm the only... (frowned in confusion, his grip tightens in his hair).. Hey, Piggy. Don't tell me you really lost your head, alre–
???
... Please... Taehyung...
Kim Taehyung
(looked up at him)
The voice calling out to me, like I'm some sort of saviour. Looking at me like I'm the superhero, who could switch this whole scenario under a few seconds.
Choi Mingyu
Hah... Haha... Hey.. Hey, Taehyung! Did you hear that? He's calling you? (laughed out loud)
But I'm not. I'm... I'm not some saviour. I'm not anyone's salvation or the shield that someone can use as protection. I can't be the person to stand up for someone else, I just am not that person.
Choi Mingyu
(looked back down at him, yanking him by the hair) Hey, Piggy. That boy is not your friend, anymore. He had abandoned you looong ago, did you forget?
I am just a 17 year old boy, born without a father, and a coward mother. Who lives in the most shabbiest house and goes to school, just to attend lectures but end up being everywhere except it. Who can barely make up for his mother, let alone his... Friend...
Choi Mingyu
C'mon, Piggy. You're really getting on my nerves today. Just... Answer me before I end you for good.
???
Please... Brother... (his voice quivered, as his warm tears streamed down his swollen eyes, stinging at the skin but still looked at him with hope)... please...
Choi Mingyu
That's it, then. (stood up) Death it is. I'll remember your audacity, Pig–
Kim Taehyung
He's got a name.
Choi Mingyu
(paused, his hands freezing mid-air as he lifted his head, looking up at him, along with everyone else)... What?
Kim Taehyung
(stepped forward)... Do you know what it is?
Choi Mingyu
(he stilled; his expression freezing, as he yanked off the other boy's collar, letting his body collapse, before turning to face him)... What do you think you're doing?
Kim Taehyung
I'm doing what you told me to do.
Choi Mingyu
(frowned, eyes squinting) What?
Kim Taehyung
...You told me not to abandon him, too much. So that's what I'm doing.
Choi Mingyu
(poked his inner cheek with his tongue, assessing him from head to toe)... I'd rather you stay in your lane, for now. Or... Be my guest, and join him.
Choi Mingyu
(scoffs) You wouldn't want that... Would you?
Kim Taehyung
... Or... (stepped forward)...you lift another finger and this time, it'd be you being taken to the infirmary.
There was silence–dead silence. Except for some gasps, and shivers. Everyone could see, what I was doing. I was sending a personal invitation to Death, to come for me.
But I didn't care, at this point. I didn't fear, him. No, not at all. What do I have to fear? The worst that would happen, is I'd get killed.
Frankly, I 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘦 than be by his side, and fake liking his disgusting company.
But I could see something though–the gears turning in his head, as he looked at me–his fingers and eyes twitching. Like he was considering something–
Choi Mingyu
... Are you trying to be brave–
Kim Taehyung
I am doing whatever the hell I want to, right now. But, since it's being difficult to heed for you... I'd make it plainly clear.
Kim Taehyung
You will take your hands off of him. 𝗡𝗼𝘄.
Kim Taehyung
Or bid them goodbye, forever.
The fear of not being feared anymore. Of standing face-to-face with someone, who doesn't give a fck about the damn consequences. Everyone knew, how this would end, but they didn't know one thing–
That even if I leave today, what I'm doing right now–bruising his fragile ego–is a far bigger deal than any of us being sent to hell.
That it's the constant fear, that you afflict on others, that ends up making them fearless. Because they just...stop feeling it.
Choi Mingyu
(scoffed, stepping forward) So the cub has grown out his claws, now? How interesting.
Kim Taehyung
(tilted his head, unfazed, unflinching) I call them my fangs. Do you see them?
Choi Mingyu
(scoffed out, louder, this time) Oh, yes... Yes, I do. What a snake you turned out to be, Taehyung!
Choi Mingyu
(and then his smirk disappeared, in a flash)... Not for long, though.
And there it was. Countless punches and kicks, coming from everywhere, all at once. I couldn't even get the chance to see it coming, before it was hitting my jaw, my abdomen, my ribs–
And there, I was. Fighting back. Not like a rabbit, stuck between predators. No. I was a wolf. I fought back with all I could, even with that bruised body. Fine. I had learnt to take some hits.
What mattered, was landing his kick right. And it did. Through the small gap between his action and my reaction, I grabbed the opportunity to land a straight kick right to his jaw.
And he was staggering back, holding his jaw, as some blood spattered out of his mouth–on the floor–mixing with the water–
Choi Mingyu
(scoffs, wiping the corner of his lips)... And I'd have taken you to be some fragile body...
Choi Mingyu
(straightened up his back)... What are you doing all this for, Taehyung?
Choi Mingyu
For him? (pointed at the boy, who lied there bruised, watching everything)
Choi Mingyu
(scoffed) Don't act like some saint now. You were once the–
Kim Taehyung
I know. (stepped forward, cracking his knuckles)
Kim Taehyung
I don't need you to tell me what I should do. You didn't see me becoming what I have 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 today, as well, didn't you?
Kim Taehyung
We're enemies, bearing the same blood. So what does it matter, losing some of it, anyway?
Choi Mingyu
𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.
And then–with a swift motion of his fingers–they all charged at me.
I was fighting back–like the wolf that was encountered and pushed back and surrounded by my own pack–that I had turned my back on. And I fought, like the rogue wolf, that I was, fighting for some lamb to rescue–
But I couldn't fight for long. There were countless bruises on my limbs, and my body. I would've even felt the damn throbbing in my internal organs, pulsating, as if they were screaming at me to stop whatever I was doing–
Choi Mingyu
HOW DARE YOU, YOU FCKING SKANKY BASTRD?! HOW DARE YOU GO AGAINST ME?!! (punched his face, kicking his abdomen, repeteadly)
Kim Taehyung
(gritted his teeth, clenching before grabbing his leg from kicking him–but someone else, kicked his hand–and he was helpless all over again)
???
T-Tae.. Taehyung... (cried, raising his shivering hand, stretching it towards him but–they were miles apart)
The bruises were all over my body. I had felt the sound of a rib cracking under the impact, a while ago. And now, it was the heat that travelled my body. My hormones, my throbbing blood was all over my body–trying to keep me pulsating, to keep me working and functioning.
But they were all on me. Even my brain was slowly giving up. Slowly...
I could see the murderous glint in his eyes–the one that I'd seen before, as well. That time, I had stood still and zipped my lips, as if everything would just disappear. Now it was directed towards me. I felt like laughing.. And I did.
I began 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 out aloud-with all the blood that my body could've gathered- I kept laughing.
Choi Mingyu
(paused, stepping back, looking at him–in shock)
Kim Taehyung
(laughed) "How does it feel, Mingyu? To not have the effect of your 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 in others?"
Kim Taehyung
"Do you know what your fear feels like to me now? Like rain drops on a lotus leaf. Completely unfazed..."
Kim Taehyung
(grinned) K-Keep...it.. c-coming, you basta–Oomph!
I was cut off by another kick in my abdomen, knocking the air out of my lungs. And I knew at this moment–this was the last breath that I had in me.
My eyes were half lidded. I don't even know how it was even possible for me to keep them open. But I could see him...the boy I once kept watching get bullied, and the boy I fought for, today.
I could see the tears in his eyes–knowing it'd be burning on his swollen eye. Why was he crying for me? All this time, I hadn't stood up for him. I had abandoned him. In the worst possible way.
So, why? 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳? I don't deserve it.
I don't deserve you begging for mercy for me, brother. I don't deserve you begging for money, just to fulfill my every whim, eomma. I don't deserve any of this–
So, then, why does the rain feel so gentle now?
Kim Taehyung
... Am I... Dead?
I could feel my breath coming back to my body, the pain disappearing all of a sudden and my body feeling lighter, as if it was fluttering in the air–
And I could see his light figure, crouching beside me, running his fingers through my hair–a touch, so gentle, I could feel myself dozing off to sleep. But not before I heard his words to me...
Death
Good job, kiddo. You did great.
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![Author [OOC]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/11948262/avatar/50449433/17619212233.jpeg-s200webp?sign=e2dbbfa8b3d317873449dd31947ff8fc&t=69f2dda7)
