Chereads / GAME OF TRUST SEASON 2 / Chapter 3 - JUNGKOOK! Who you truly are??

Chapter 3 - JUNGKOOK! Who you truly are??

Y/N was waiting for Sunghoon to call her, she was starving as she wasn't able to eat her dinner and now it's already 10 AM in the morning. The room door opened Sunghoon signaled Y/N to come out. As soon as she came out she was shocked to see that she was actually in the mansion and guards at every corner.

Y/N stood frozen as Sunghoon led her down the stairs, the mansion's cold stone floor echoing under her footsteps. The guards stood still at attention, their presence uncomfortably imposing. She couldn't help but glance over at the expensive-looking paintings on the walls, some abstract, others depicting regal landscapes. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the surreal reality she found herself in. This place, it felt more like a palace than somewhere a kidnapped person would be kept.

Is this how kidnappers operate? she thought, anxiety and confusion bubbling up inside her. The sudden thought of why me? had been growing in her, but now it intensified.

Sunhgoon: Aren't you scared? *looking at her

Y/N: No. Where is your boss? *trying to compose her image

Sunghoon: Wait a bit you will be scared after a while to see him. He's down there. *grinned

They reached the living room, a grand space that looked like something out of a luxury magazine. She was so distracted by the lavishness of it all that she almost didn't notice the armed men standing watch at every corner. She was being watched by all of them, as if she were a prisoner on display.

Sunghoon: Sit (ordered, and she obeyed, her heart racing as she took a seat on the pristine leather sofa. She didn't speak, just kept her gaze fixed on the surrounding men. She tapped her foot anxiously, trying to suppress her growing frustration and fear)

Sunghoon: Where is boss?

Guard: He's taking a phone call.

The guards were standing still, their faces cold and unreadable. Sunghoon's presence loomed near her, but he wasn't saying much. He leaned back slightly against a wall, arms crossed, waiting. The silence in the room felt thick, the anticipation hanging in the air. She wanted to see a painting from close, but every time she opened her mouth, it felt like her voice would be swallowed by the vast emptiness of the place.

A moment later, Sunghoon gestured to her.

Sunghoon: Go ahead, Look at the painting. But don't touch them.

Y/N was caught off guard by the unexpected permission. Still, she wasn't about to waste time questioning it. Her legs carried her over to the closest painting, a large abstract piece with deep blues and fiery reds swirls. She stepped closer, her fingers hovering just shy of the canvas as if the art itself might whisper some secret to her. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, but the sudden thought that she could be stuck here indefinitely made her feel like the walls were closing in.

The time passed slowly as she studied the artwork, until Sunghoon's voice broke through her thoughts again.

Sunghoon: You're wasting time, (he called) Get back here.

Y/N turned reluctantly, her mind still racing. As she walked back to the sofa, she felt like she was walking to her execution. What was about to happen?

Then, the room seemed to shift. The air became heavier, charged with an unseen force. A door opened in the back of the hall, and a man stepped into view. For a second, Y/N froze.

Y/N's mind: Jungkook?

It was him. But this man... he was different. Gone was the familiar warmth, the smile that had once been so comforting. This man was colder, more commanding. His eyes were empty, void of the love they once shared.

Before she could process anything further, her heart leapt into her throat, and without thinking, she rushed toward him, calling his name in a desperate hug.

Y/N: Jungkook!!

Her arms wrapped around him in a desperate embrace. Her body shook from the surge of relief, hope blooming in her chest.

But Jungkook didn't respond, instead he pushed her back, making her stumble and confused. His gaze was impassive, almost... disdainful?

Jungkook: You... (he began, his voice cold) Who are you?

Y/N's heart slammed against her ribs. She tried to shake off the disbelief, but her voice cracked when she spoke.

Y/N: Jungkook... it's me. Y/N. Don't you remember me?

His expression never changed. His eyes—those eyes that once held so much tenderness—were now filled with a distant, cold fury.

Jungkook: I don't know any Y/N, (harshly, stepping away from her) How dare you touch me? (his voice rang out, his words stinging as if they were daggers)

Before she could process his words, one of the men behind Jungkook moved toward her, grabbing her wrist with enough force to make her cry out.

RM: Who are you? (demanded, his voice dangerously low) Are you a spy? A threat to us?

Y/N: No! (whimpered, panic rising in her chest. She struggled to break free from his iron grip, but his hold was unrelenting) I'm not! I swear, I'm not!

The man—RM, she realized from his tone—gave Jungkook a questioning look, but Jungkook just gestured indifferently.

Jungkook: Let her go, (ordered, his cold tone making it clear he didn't care what happened to her)

RM reluctantly released her, and she stumbled, disoriented, her heart still hammering in her chest. Sunghoon stepped forward and roughly dragged her back toward the sofa, pushing her down onto the seat.

Sunghoon: What are you doing? (Sunghoon hissed in her ear) Are you out of your mind? That's him! The boss!

Y/N couldn't tear her gaze away from Jungkook.

Y/N's mind: Why is he acting like this? What's going on? He's Jungkook but why he is so cold and mafia boss? What's wrong with him? Who is he? 

The man she had once known so well was now a stranger, his warmth replaced with an unsettling coldness. And she felt as if her heart was being crushed under the weight of it all.

Her nails dug into her thighs, trembling. The physical pain was a welcome distraction from the emotional agony. She tried to breathe, to calm herself, but the stinging sensation under her nails only intensified. Blood trickled down her leg, but she didn't care. Nothing seemed real anymore. This wasn't the man she loved.

Who are you, Jungkook? she thought desperately, as tears welled in her eyes, but none of the answers she sought came.

The room felt suffocating, and as she stared at the man in front of her, she couldn't shake the feeling that the person who stood before her wasn't the Jungkook she had once known.It was someone else entirely.

Y/N sat rigid, her gaze darting nervously between Jungkook and the others in the room. The air was heavy, laden with unspoken threats. Jungkook leaned back, his dark eyes scrutinizing her with an unsettling calmness.

Jungkook: Miss, I think you've misunderstood. I'm not someone you know.

His voice was smooth, almost too composed, as if he were carefully gauging her every move. Y/N swallowed hard, deciding it was better to play along, at least for now.

Y/N: Yeah... I guess. I'm sorry about the confusion.

Her voice betrayed a quiver, but she steadied herself. Perhaps this wasn't the right moment to confront him. Jungkook leaned forward, clasping his hands together as if he were about to propose a deal.

Jungkook: Well, since you already know my name, let's get straight to business. You—

Y/N interrupted, her voice firmer this time, surprising even herself.

Y/N: I'm not making any deal with you.

The room fell silent. Jungkook's expression shifted, the faint trace of a smirk vanishing. Without warning, he slammed his fist onto the armrest of the sofa. The sharp sound echoed, making Y/N and everyone else flinch.

Before she could process what was happening, Jungkook was on his feet. His hand shot out, gripping her neck and hauling her up with terrifying ease. Y/N's toes barely brushed the floor as she struggled, her hands clawing at his iron grip.

Jungkook: How dare you cut me off?

His voice was low, venomous, each word laced with menace. Y/N gasped for air, her vision starting to blur.

Jungkook: I'm asking you nicely, for now. Give me your warehouse, or I'll take it. And trust me, you don't want to know how far I'm willing to go.

He released her abruptly, and she crumpled to the floor, coughing and gasping for breath. Her chest heaved as she tried to steady herself, her hands trembling.

Jungkook straightened his jacket, his composure returning unnervingly quickly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black gun, leveling it at her.

Jungkook: So, what's it going to be, Y/N? Ready to die, or ready to listen?

Y/N froze, her mind racing. Every breath felt like a countdown.

Y/N's mind was spiraling as she gasped for air.

Y/N's mind: If this is him asking me nicely, how does he demand things when he isn't? He's pointing a gun at me. Maybe I don't even want to survive this. I don't know how to handle this Jungkook. I made him angry. Please, Jungkook… try to recognize me.

Her breaths were shallow, her chest tight, but she forced herself to meet Jungkook's gaze. His impatience was palpable, and the weight of his cold demeanor pressed down on her like a storm cloud.

Across the room, Sunghoon took a step forward, desperation etched on his face. He looked ready to intervene, but Jin's sharp gesture stopped him in his tracks. A silent command: Stand down.

Jungkook's dark eyes narrowed as he waited, his gun unwavering.

Jungkook: Speak, (he ordered, his voice low and menacing)

Y/N finally caught her breath, her voice shaking but resolute.

Y/N: I still won't.

For a moment, silence consumed the room. Then Jungkook smirked—a cruel, bone-chilling curve of his lips.

Jungkook: You're really getting on my nerves, (he said, his tone dangerously soft)

Y/N's heart skipped as Jungkook's finger curled closer around the trigger.

Guard: Boss?

The voice of a guard interrupted, hesitant but loud enough to cut through the tension.

Jungkook's head snapped to the side, his eyes blazing with fury. He spun toward the guard, gun now aimed directly at him.

Jungkook: What?! (Jungkook snarled, his voice sharp enough to make the guard flinch)

The guard gulped, pointing shakily to an injured man being dragged into the room. Blood seeped from wounds all over his body, his face barely recognizable beneath the bruises.

Guard: This is the man who was leaking our information to Mr. Xin, (the guard explained, his voice trembling)

Jungkook's gaze flicked to the man, then back to Y/N. His expression darkened, a twisted smile playing on his lips.

Jungkook: Good, (muttered, his voice dripping with malice. He pointed the gun at the wounded man, but his eyes locked on Y/N) See this, Y/N. Open your eyes wide and watch. This is what happens to those who betray me… or refuse to listen.

Before Y/N could react, Jungkook fired. The deafening sound of gunshots tore through the room as he emptied the entire magazine into the man. The injured figure slumped lifelessly to the ground, blood pooling around him.

Y/N screamed, her voice raw with horror. She clamped her hands over her ears, squeezing her eyes shut, as if trying to block out the gruesome reality before her.

Jungkook's laughter cut through the air, cold and merciless. He turned back to her, his smirk now fully unhinged.

When Y/N finally dared to open her eyes, her gaze landed on the lifeless body sprawled across the floor. Her stomach churned, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. She turned her wide, tear-filled eyes to Jungkook.

Y/N: You… (she choked out, her voice barely audible) You're a monster.

The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Jungkook tilted his head, amused by her defiance, but before he could respond, Y/N's vision swam. A piercing beep filled her ears as the room spun. She staggered, her knees buckling.

Sunghoon: Y/N! (Sunghoon shouted, rushing forward just in time to catch her as she collapsed)

Her world faded to black, leaving only the echoes of Jungkook's laughter and the metallic stench of blood.

Sunghoon stood by the sofa where Y/N lay unconscious, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. He gently adjusted her position, ensuring she was comfortable before turning to Jungkook.

Sunghoon: Jungkook, brother, (Sunghoon began, his tone firm but tinged with disappointment) you shouldn't have gone this far. Now, you take care of her yourself. I'm leaving.

Jungkook's brows furrowed in confusion and annoyance as Sunghoon began walking toward the door.

Jungkook: Yah! Where do you think you're going? (Jungkook called after him) Come back here. Just because you're my brother doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!

But Sunghoon ignored him, waving a hand dismissively as he disappeared through the doorway.

Jung Hoseok, known as J-Hope, stepped forward, his arms crossed and his face serious—a rare sight for the usually cheerful man.

J hope: You really shouldn't have done that, Jungkook, (he said, his voice calm but resolute)

Jungkook: (groaned, running a hand through his hair) Hyung, not you too!

Namjoon, or RM, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his voice authoritative.

RM: Enough, Jungkook. She needs medical attention. Guard, take her to the hospital.

The guard stepped forward, but Jungkook held up a hand, his jaw tightening.

Jungkook: Fine, (muttered, exhaling sharply) I'll take care of the mess I made. Happy now?

He bent down and scooped Y/N into his arms with ease, cradling her as though she weighed nothing. His movements were gentle, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. Without a word, he carried her out to the car and slid into the back seat, still holding her.

Jungkook: Drive to the hospital, (ordered the driver, his tone clipped)

As the car began to move, Jungkook adjusted Y/N in his arms. Her hand fell limply onto his lap, and for a moment, he stared at it, his expression unreadable. Slowly, his gaze shifted to her face. Her features were soft, peaceful even in unconsciousness, but the faint bruising around her neck made his chest tighten.

His eyes lingered longer than he intended, tracing the curve of her face, the flutter of her lashes against her cheeks. Realizing he was staring, Jungkook abruptly turned his head to the window, a faint warmth creeping up his neck.

The car hit a slight bump, making her body stir ever so slightly. But just as he tried to compose himself, he felt a faint tug on his hand. Startled, he looked down to see Y/N's fingers weakly gripping his. She was still unconscious, her breathing shallow but steady. The simple gesture froze him in place.

Jungkook's eyes shifted to the marks on her neck—marks he'd left in his anger. His jaw clenched, and he let out a quiet sigh, the guilt weighing heavier than he cared to admit.

He didn't pull his hand away. Instead, he adjusted his grip, letting her hand rest securely in his. 

In the silence, a thought crept into his mind—a thought he wasn't ready to confront.

Jungkook's mind: What have I done? Instead, he muttered under his breath, What is it about you... that's messing with my head?

The driver glanced briefly in the rearview mirror, noting the uncharacteristic softness in Jungkook's gaze. He quickly looked away, not daring to comment.

As they approached the hospital, Jungkook straightened in his seat, the mask of indifference slipping back over his face. When the car stopped, he scooped Y/N into his arms with practiced ease, careful not to let her head loll too much. She felt so small against him, her weight almost negligible.

Walking through the hospital's entrance, Jungkook barked orders to the startled staff, his tone leaving no room for questions.

Jungkook: I need a doctor. Now.

A nurse hurried forward, guiding him toward a private room. As the staff worked on Y/N, Jungkook stood in the corner, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

His thoughts were a tangled mess. This woman—this stubborn, infuriating woman—had stirred something in him he hadn't felt in years. Something dangerous. Something vulnerable. And he hated it.

From the other side of the glass, she looked peaceful, unaware of his burning gaze. Yet, Jungkook couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than what met the eye. She knew his name, his face. Her reaction to him had been too genuine, too raw to be part of some ruse. But how? How did she know him when he was certain they had never met?

Jungkook: Y/N...(he murmured under his breath, testing the name on his tongue. It felt oddly familiar, like a forgotten lyric to a song he used to hum. His brows furrowed. The way she looked at him earlier—the pain, the hope—it made him feel like he was the villain in a story he didn't remember living)

He straightened, brushing off the thought like it was dust on his sleeve. It didn't matter. She was a problem he needed to solve, nothing more. He would figure out why she knew him, why she dared defy him, and then he'd decide what to do with her.

With a bitter smirk, Jungkook muttered to the empty hallway, his voice low and cold,

Jungkook: Y/N, we will meet again soon... (he paused, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto her unconscious form) ...monster."

Turning on his heel, Jungkook walked away without a backward glance. His footsteps echoed down the sterile corridor, the sound fading as he disappeared into the shadows.

Behind him, Y/N stirred faintly in her sleep, her fingers twitching as if reaching for something—or someone—she couldn't quite grasp.

A few hours later

Y/N slowly opened her eyes, the soft beeping of machines and the sterile smell of the hospital room filling her senses. Her head was heavy, and the bright lights above made her squint. She tried to sit up, but her body was weak, and she could barely keep her eyes open.

Y/N: Jimin... *Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

At the sound of her voice, Jimin, Jennie, V, and Suga immediately stood up from their chairs, their worried expressions softening as they saw her stir. Jennie quickly moved to her side, helping her sit up gently, her hands steady and careful.

Jennie: Y/N, you're awake, (her voice filled with relief. She placed a hand on her shoulder) How are you feeling?

Y/N blinked slowly, still trying to shake off the fog in her head. She reached out weakly and looked up at Jimin, who had already poured a glass of water and was holding it to her lips. She took a sip, grateful for the coldness that soothed her dry throat.

Y/N: Thank you. *mumbled, her voice still faint. 

Jimin: (his brow furrowed, sat down beside her) Someone called us and said you were in the hospital, (he explained, his voice trembling slightly with concern) We rushed here as fast as we could. But Y/N, what happened? Why are you here?

Before she could respond, Suga, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, sighed and rubbed his temples.

Suga: Can you two stop interrogating her for a second and let her speak? (he said, his tone a bit more impatient than usual) She's just woken up.

Jennie: (nodded, glancing at Suga, then back at Y/N) Take your time, Y/N. You don't have to explain everything right now, but... we need to know what happened. 

Y/N's eyes filled with confusion as she processed everything. She thought about the last few hours—Jungkook's face, the gun, the coldness in his eyes. It all felt like a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find the words to explain.

Y/N's voice wavered as she spoke, but she forced herself to stay calm, even as the weight of the truth pressed on her chest. She removed the blanket, her hands shaking slightly, and pulled the fabric of her hospital gown up just enough to reveal the red, raw nail marks on her thighs and tracing her hands on her neck.

Y/N: It wasn't a dream, (she whispered, her eyes not quite meeting the group's gaze. The room fell into a heavy silence as the others processed her words, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and concern)

V leaned in closer, eyes scanning the marks on her skin, the evidence of her struggle.

V: Who did this, Y/N? (His voice was gentle, but there was a harsh edge to the concern in his tone) These marks... they're from someone. Who did this to you?

Y/N swallowed, the lump in her throat growing larger. She could hardly believe it herself, but the truth was undeniable.

Y/N: Jungkook... (she said softly) Jungkook is alive.

At the sound of his name, the room seemed to freeze. Everyone's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, it felt as if time itself had stopped. They also felt a wave of happiness in them. Jimin's face went pale, and his eyes darted to the others, as if to confirm that he hadn't misheard.

Jimin was the first to speak, his voice edged with doubt.

Jimin: If he's alive, then why isn't he here with you? You must be dreaming, Y/N. It's not possible.

Y/N shook her head, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of fear and certainty.

Y/N: No, it's not a dream. (She pointed at her neck as she traced the marks) He did this to me. I—I couldn't escape. He... (She closed her eyes for a moment, her mind racing as she recalled the confrontation) He's different. He's not the same person. He's in some kind of mafia now. He doesn't remember who I am. He didn't even recognize me.

The room fell into another heavy silence. Suga spoke first, his voice low and thoughtful.

Suga: I don't think Jungkook would react like this, Y/N. He's not someone who would hurt you. Something's wrong.

Jimin's expression hardened, the lines of worry etched deeper across his face.

Jimin: I think something happened to him—maybe an accident or something. The way you're describing him, Y/N... I'm sure he lost his memory.

Y/N: (nodded slowly, trying to process everything) I think you're right. He—he's cold. He's ruthless. He didn't even seem like the Jungkook I knew. (Her voice cracked at the last part, the realization cutting deep) And he pointed a gun at me, Jimin. He threatened me... and I don't know if he's capable of coming back from this.

Suga looked over at Jimin and V, his eyes serious.

V: If he's really lost his memory, then we can't approach him like we would have before. He doesn't remember any of us, or what we meant to him. *V shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking over at Y/N with a pained expression.

Suga: But if Jungkook really is alive and still out there... we can't just leave him like this. We need to find a way to help him.

Jimin ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling up.

Jimin: We can't just stand by and watch him destroy himself—or worse, hurt someone else. If he really has no memory of who he was... then we need to figure out what happened to him. We need to find out what's going on with him before it's too late.

Y/N closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her friends' words. She had wanted to believe that Jungkook could be saved, that the man she once knew was still in there somewhere. But What if he was lost forever? What if he could never remember her, never remember who he was?

Jennie: (nodded, a determined expression on her face) We can't ignore the fact that he's dangerous now, but we can't let him slip further away either. If he's been manipulated or if his memory's been wiped—whatever it is—we need to help him. We can't leave him like this.

Y/N: (shook her head slowly) I don't want any of you getting hurt because of me. You don't know what he's capable of now. I can't... I can't put you all at risk.

V: (who had been quietly processing her words, finally spoke, his voice softer now) We'll take the risk, Y/N. But you're not alone in this. We're all in this together. Whatever we have to do, we'll do it for you—and for Jungkook, too. We're not leaving him. (He gave her hand another reassuring squeeze)

They were all thinking the same thing—Jungkook was lost, but they weren't going to stop looking for him. Whatever he had turned into, whatever danger he presented, they would find a way to help him. No one was going to give up on him. Not even now.

Suga: (sighed and glanced at the others) Alright. No more talking. Y/N, you need to eat something. You're going to need your strength if we're going to figure this out.

Jennie stood up and grabbed a tray of food that had been sitting on the side table.

Jennie: Here, Y/N. Eat. We'll take it one step at a time. (She smiled gently, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. The worry was still there, but they were all in this together)

Y/N stared at the food for a moment, her stomach growling in protest, but her mind was still spinning with thoughts of Jungkook—of what had happened to him, and what might happen next. 

At Jungkook's mansion, the air was thick with tension as the discussion unfolded. Sunghoon paced back and forth in disbelief, running a hand through his hair. His usually carefree demeanor was replaced with a hardened expression as he tried to process the bombshell dropped by the older members of the mafia.

Sunghoon: What!!! How is this possible? (His voice was sharp, almost accusing, as he turned to face Jin, RM, and J-Hope)

Jin leaned back against the armrest of the couch, his arms crossed, exuding calm authority.

Jin: It's true. (Jin said matter-of-factly, his tone leaving no room for argument) 

RM: Jungkook is married to Y/N.

Sunghoon stopped in his tracks, a scoff escaping his lips as he looked between the three men. He was torn between frustration and disbelief.

Sunghoon: You're kidding me. Jungkook? Married? And no one thought to tell him?

J-Hope: (sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose) Do you remember the day when your dad brought Jungkook here?

Sunghoon: (nodded firmly) Yeah, I remember. He was unconscious and had a bullet wound on his arm.

Jin: (gave a small nod of approval, affirming the memory) Exactly. When he regained consciousness, he didn't remember anything—not Y/N, not his friends, not even his own past.

RM: (picked up where Jin left off) And your father chose to keep it that way. He didn't tell Jungkook about his life before the mafia—about Y/N, or the bond he shared with his old friends.

Sunghoon's voice rose slightly as he stepped forward, his frustration spilling over.

Sunghoon: Why? Why would Dad do that? What happened to Jungkook that led to all of this?

J-Hope: (sighed deeply, his expression heavy with the burden of the truth) Your father was dying, Sunghoon. He was gravely ill, and he needed someone strong to take over his position as mafia boss. Jungkook was his first choice—the most capable, the most skilled. He couldn't risk Jungkook going back to his old life and abandoning this path.

Jin: (he added) Your dad knew Jungkook was already in a life-or-death situation with his enemies. He was gravely injured trying to save his friend. Your father saw it as the perfect moment to bring Jungkook into the fold—to give him a new life and a new purpose.

RM's tone was as cold as steel.

RM: Your father was watching Jungkook for a long time, waiting for the right moment. When he saved Jungkook, it wasn't just an act of kindness—it was strategy. He needed a leader, and he chose Jungkook.

Sunghoon: (voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible) But why did Mom and Dad leave Jungkook in the first place? Why abandon him? 

Jin: (shook his head, his face a mask of resignation) We don't know all the details, Sunghoon. Whatever forced them to leave Jungkook is a mystery even to us. All we know is that it was a situation beyond their control.

Sunghoon: (clenched his fists, his voice filled with frustration) And what if Jungkook remembers one day? What then?

J-Hope: (crossed his arms, leaning against the wall) That's why we're here, Sunghoon. To make sure that day never comes. We can't risk him remembering.

Sunghoon: (eyes narrowed) So, you're going to keep him and Y/N separated forever? What if Y/N brings proof—like their wedding certificate? Then what?

Jin: (expression hardened) We already know where Y/N lives. If it comes to that, we'll destroy any evidence she has. We have no other choice. It was your father's final wish to keep Jungkook in this life.

Sunghoon: (shook his head in disbelief, his voice bitter) But why not make me the leader? Why put all this on Jungkook and strip him of everything he loved?

Jin: (lips curled into a slight smirk, his eyes cold) Because you're not strong enough, Sunghoon. You lack the resolve. Remember when Jungkook was dealing with Y/N? You walked away, unable to handle the tension. I saw you, Sunghoon. You sympathized with her.

Sunghoon: (jaw tightened, guilt flashing in his eyes) Maybe I did. But somewhere deep down, I think Jungkook still loves her. You can't erase feelings that easily.

J-Hope: (voice cut through the tension like a blade) No, Sunghoon. He doesn't. If he did, he wouldn't have come so close to killing her. He's a different man now. That Jungkook—the one who loved her—is gone.

RM: (added, his voice final) Sunghoon, we told you all this because we may need your help. And we're trusting you to keep this a secret—from Jungkook and from everyone else.

Sunghoon hesitated, his mind racing. He sighed heavily and nodded, feigning agreement.

Sunghoon: Fine. I'll keep quiet. But this doesn't sit right with me.

As the others exchanged glances of approval, Sunghoon kept his true thoughts hidden. Deep inside, he was already forming a plan. He couldn't stand by and watch his brother live a life built on lies. No matter the consequences, Sunghoon vowed to uncover the truth—and to help Jungkook remember who he truly was.