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JEON JUNGKOOK

I had naively believed that Taehyung's pack was beginning to grow accustomed to me. But I was mistaken-so very mistaken. Their eyes followed my every move, dissecting me with quiet scrutiny, their gazes sharp and unrelenting. It was suffocating, that constant sense of being watched, of being measured and found lacking. I couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking, what silent judgments they passed amongst themselves.

Despite Taehyung's reassurances from weeks ago, my insecurities still clung to me like an unshakable shadow. I struggled to fathom how an alpha as formidable as him could want someone like me. The weight of self-doubt pressed against my chest, making it near impossible to breathe. I tried to feign indifference, to mask my emotions with a veneer of strength, but the whispers, the lingering stares, and the hushed conversations at my expense made it excruciatingly clear-I was still an outsider. Pretending that it didn't affect me was a battle I fought daily. The effort to maintain composure, to not crumble and run to Taehyung like a wounded pup, was almost unbearable.

Today's training session was in our human forms-a practice I loathed with every fibre of my being. In my wolf form, I was powerful, unafraid. The burdens of weakness and inadequacy did not exist when I was on four legs. But as Jungkook, in this fragile, human body, I was slow, uncoordinated-lesser. It wasn't just a personal torment; it was evident in the way the pack observed me, their silent disappointment tangible. And yet, the harshest critic was always myself.

I knew I needed to discard these foolish notions of inadequacy. But as they say, one's greatest enemy is often oneself.

Yoongi had told me, in his blunt yet unwavering manner, that avoiding everyone during human training was only hindering my growth. "You're not doing yourself any favours by lurking at the edges," he had said. I knew he was right-knew it deep in my bones-but sometimes, logic wasn't enough. Knowing something and feeling it were two entirely different things.

More than anything, I just wanted to disappear. To retreat from their judging eyes, from Taehyung's concern, from the gnawing, relentless weight of my own mind.

The stream at the far edge of our territory had always been my refuge. Up here, I was safe-untouched, unseen. The air was humid, thick with the scent of damp earth, the wind unnervingly still. Birds flitted through the trees, their delicate melodies the only company I desired.

But peace was fleeting.

As I looped around the edge of the stream, my body went rigid. Jaemin, Felix, and a girl from Taehyung's pack were approaching, their laughter light and unguarded-oblivious to my presence. My pulse kicked up. Fuck. Instinctively, I stepped back, my foot snapping a twig beneath me.

The effect was immediate. Their heads snapped in my direction, their gazes locking onto mine like predators scenting prey.

Jaemin and Felix exchanged a knowing look before the girl smirked. "Told you," one of them muttered. "He's always lurking around the perimeter."

My throat tightened. Turning sharply on my heel, I walked away, willing them to ignore me.

"Where are you off to, Jungkook?" Jaemin's voice rang out, teasing yet laced with something darker.

I ignored him, quickening my steps.

"What's with always sulking in the shadows, huh?" Felix called after me, amusement evident in his tone.

I bit the inside of my cheek and kept walking, faster now.

"Running away again?" Jaemin taunted, his voice deep and deliberate. "What would precious Taehyung think of his mate never participating in training?"

The words cut through me like a blade. My feet pounded against the earth as I broke into a sprint, lungs burning, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Felix's voice echoed through the trees, cruel and mocking. "How's Taehyung supposed to lead the pack with a mate too weak to even hold his own?"

I didn't stop running. Didn't look back.

For the remainder of the session, I kept myself hidden, avoiding everyone like the plague. My self-esteem had already been battered, but now it was shattered, a pitiful remnant of what it once was. The weight of humiliation pressed heavily on my shoulders. All I wanted was to curl up in bed, to let the world fade away.

Why was it so impossible to catch a break?

As soon as training ended, I bolted back to the pack house, running faster than I had the entire session. My fingers trembled as I ripped open the back door, my body moving on autopilot as I flew up the stairs. I barely noticed the way my feet stumbled over the steps, barely felt the sharp sting in my shin as I slammed my bedroom door shut with enough force to make the walls tremble.

Pups, what's wrong?

Taehyung's voice drifted into my mind, soft yet firm.

I stared at the ceiling, my jaw tightening as a strangled sigh left my lips. Nothing.

Jungkook, don't lie to me.

A fresh wave of frustration surged within me, twisting my insides. My hands found my hair, fingers gripping tightly as I pulled at the strands. I have a migraine. I need sleep.

A migraine? He didn't believe me.

I didn't answer. Instead, I paced the room, my mind an unforgiving battlefield of intrusive thoughts and self-loathing.

Do you want me to come over?

No. The word was sharp, almost a snarl. Regret gnawed at me the second it left my mind. I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. I just won't be good company. I'll see you tomorrow.

Taehyung hesitated. Okay. But I'm here if you need me. A beat of silence. I love you.

His words should have comforted me, but instead, they twisted the knife deeper into my gut. I was taking this out on him when none of this was his fault. Not one bit. It was my own weakness, my own inability to fight back, to stand tall.

Some things never change.

My gaze landed on the wooden dresser across the room, my fingers unconsciously reaching for the prescription resting on its surface. The sight of it made my stomach churn. I needed something-anything-to make me feel normal again. The gnawing thought that I relied on this to regulate my own mind filled me with loathing.

My fingers clenched around the packet. The frustration swelled into something unbearable, something volatile. In one swift motion, I crushed it in my grasp before slamming it down onto the dresser, knocking it onto the floor with a sharp clatter.

My teeth pressed hard against my fist as I stifled the scream threatening to break free.

And then, without another thought, I threw myself onto the bed, burying myself beneath the duvet, letting the darkness swallow me whole.

━━

Things weren't improving, but I had become adept at concealing it. I barely spoke these days, and I knew that silence frustrated Taehyung. He didn't voice it, but I could see it in the way his jaw would tighten ever so slightly, in the way his eyes lingered on me as though searching for something-something I refused to give him.

We lay together on his bed, an action film playing on the screen before us, though I was barely aware of it. My mind was too preoccupied, my thoughts heavy like weights dragging me deeper into an abyss I couldn't quite escape.

Then, abruptly, Taehyung sat up. His gaze shifted, focused on the floor as if listening to something beyond my perception. His expression darkened.

"What's wrong?" I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, he remained silent, then his deep brown eyes met mine. "I have to go for a bit, pups. Something's happened."

A sudden unease coiled in my stomach. "What do you mean?" I pressed, sitting up.

He shook his head, already moving to stand. "I'll explain later."

Reaching out, I caught his wrist, my fingers curling desperately around it. "You're not going alone, are you?" My voice was steadier than I felt, but the creeping dread in my chest was impossible to ignore.

Taehyung's features softened, his hand brushing against my cheek with a tenderness that made my heart ache. "No," he assured me. "I'm going with Hoseok."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to nod. "Okay... just-be careful."

His lips curved into a smirk, the kind that made my stomach flutter despite everything. Dipping his head, he pressed a lingering kiss to my lips, his breath warm against me. "When am I not careful?" he teased.

I gave him a weak smile in return, watching as he rounded the bed and slipped out of the room. The door shut behind him with a quiet click, leaving me alone once more.

I tried to refocus on the film, but twenty minutes later, I realised I hadn't absorbed a single scene. My stomach growled, a reminder of the hunger I had been ignoring. With a sigh, I pulled myself off the bed and made my way downstairs to the kitchen, grateful to find it empty.

Rummaging through the cupboards, I searched for something quick to eat. My eyes scanned the shelves in vain. No Pop-Tarts. Just my luck.

"Look who it is," a voice drawled from behind me, dripping with condescension. "The little pup."

I froze. My blood ran cold.

Turning, I found Jaemin and Felix standing at the other end of the kitchen, their expressions filled with amusement. My jaw clenched instinctively.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice edged with irritation.

They exchanged a glance before laughing. Felix nudged Jaemin's arm mockingly. "Ooh, look who's grown a backbone."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, fuck off," I muttered, turning back to the fridge in search of anything remotely edible.

Jaemin chuckled darkly. "Damn, didn't think you had it in you."

My hands tightened into fists. I exhaled sharply before spinning back to face them. "Had what in me?" I asked, my voice steady but laced with restrained anger.

Jaemin folded his arms, his smirk unwavering. "A fight. Which you don't."

Something in me snapped. A fire ignited in my chest, hot and unrelenting. My pulse thrummed in my ears, drowning out any rational thought. "If you want a fucking fight, then let's fucking fight." My voice was lower now, unwavering, my eyes locked onto his with unblinking determination.

Jaemin's smirk widened as he turned to Felix. "Oh, this is going to be fun." Felix clapped him on the back, grinning. "Let's fucking go, then."

I didn't hesitate. My feet moved before my mind could catch up, every step heavy with something I couldn't quite name-rage, perhaps, or the sheer desperation of someone who had reached his breaking point.

As we crossed the conservatory, Zara's head snapped up from her seat. "What are you guys up to?" she asked warily.

Felix snickered. "Jaemin's about to fight Jungkook."

Zara shot to her feet. "What?!" Disbelief coloured her voice, but I didn't even spare her a glance.

We stepped onto the back garden, the cool night air brushing against my heated skin. Zara lingered at the edge, her hands running anxiously through her hair. "W-Why are you fighting?" she demanded, worry evident in her tone.

"Mind your own business," Felix scoffed.

Jaemin cracked his knuckles, his dark eyes fixed on me. He was larger, his muscles evident beneath his shirt, but I didn't care. He tilted his head mockingly. "Scared?"

I lifted my chin. "Do your worst."

He laughed before lunging. His fist swung towards me, but I dodged just in time, feeling the air shift as his arm sailed past my face.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, heightening every sensation. But Jaemin was quick-too quick. He recovered swiftly, towering over me before I could regain my footing. His next punch landed squarely against my nose.

A sickening crunch echoed through the night as I crumpled to the ground. Blood dripped down my lips, splattering onto the grass beneath me.

"Jungkook-" Zara's voice wavered. "I don't think this is a good idea."

Bracing my hands against the cold earth, I pushed myself up. My vision swam, but I ignored it. My eyes met Zara's-wide, filled with fear. I spat blood onto the grass before returning my focus to Jaemin.

His smirk enraged me.

I launched myself at him. The impact sent him crashing onto his back, a grunt escaping his lips as I straddled him, my hands wrapping around his throat. I lacked the strength to land a powerful punch, but I could block his breathing.

Jaemin thrashed beneath me, his hands clawing at mine before he drove his fist into my side. Pain erupted through my ribs as I was thrown off him, landing harshly on the damp ground. Before I could recover, he yanked me up by my shirt, dragging me through the mud.

Then came the punch. His fist buried itself into my stomach, stealing the air from my lungs. I curled inwards, my body spasming in agony.

Jaemin laughed. "You're weak."

I forced myself to lift my head, my breaths shallow and laboured. "Fuck you," I rasped.

The moment the words left my lips, his foot connected with my face. My teeth bit into the flesh of my mouth, the metallic tang of blood flooding my tongue.

A harsh cough wracked my chest as I clutched my face, my fingers trembling. Jaemin's voice dripped with disdain. "Pathetic." Then, as if to solidify his dominance, he spat on me.

White-hot fury ignited within me. I shot up from the ground, my body moving on instinct.

Jaemin's eyes gleamed with amusement. He was waiting for me to attack.

So I did.

I lunged for his legs, knowing I stood no chance against his upper body strength. With a swift, forceful push, his balance wavered, and he toppled backwards.

"You little-" he snarled, slamming his hand into the ground to steady himself. He was back on his feet in seconds, stalking towards me with murder in his eyes.

"What the fuck is going on?!"

Taehyung's voice roared across the garden, a sound so commanding, so laced with fury, that it sent a shiver down my spine.

But before I could react, Jaemin's fist crashed into my face once more.

Then-darkness.

Words count- 2549

Hey guys!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If you did, don't forget to vote and drop a comment-I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Just a quick disclaimer-Jungkook's thoughts on antidepressants in this chapter do not reflect my own views. I know it's easy to feel weak or ashamed for needing medication to help with mental health because I personally struggled with those feelings when I first started taking antidepressants. But the truth is, seeking help is never a sign of weakness. It's a difficult journey, but you're not alone-we're all in this together. Taking antidepressants is not embarrassing or shameful in any way.

Also... OMG, what do you think Taehyung is gonna do next?!