The abandoned warehouse loomed ahead, its silhouette barely visible through the downpour. It was the place Jungkook had once called his base, his fortress. The place where everything started. She had no idea if he would be there, but it was the only place left to go.
Y/N pushed the door open, the heavy steel creaking in protest. She stepped inside, her heart in her throat, as the smell of dust and rust filled her senses. The place hadn't changed, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed since she was here.
"Jungkook?" Her voice barely made a sound in the cavernous space, swallowed by the silence. She took a few steps forward, her footsteps cautious.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, a silhouette that was too familiar to mistake. Her breath caught in her chest as she saw him standing there—Jungkook.
He didn't move toward her. He just stood there, as if he were unsure of what to say or how to feel. His face was set in stone, the vulnerability from earlier now hidden behind a wall of indifference.
"Why did you leave?" Y/N whispered, her voice cracking as she took a step closer. "We're stronger than this, Jungkook. We can fight this together. Don't let Yuri win."
Jungkook's gaze flickered, but he didn't speak. His eyes, though unreadable, betrayed a deep internal struggle. He was torn, and the realization hit her like a punch to the gut. He didn't want this. But he felt like he had no other choice.
"I'm not who I used to be," he finally said, his voice low and broken. "I'm not the person you thought I was. I can't keep you in this world, Y/N. I can't drag you into the darkness."
Y/N stepped forward, her hand trembling as she reached for him. "You don't have to drag me anywhere, Jungkook. I chose this. I chose you. Don't you get it? I want this. I want you. All of you."
Jungkook's eyes flashed with emotion, but he quickly masked it, his expression unreadable once more. "You don't understand. You'll never understand what it's like to live this life. I've already lost too much, Y/N. I won't lose you, too."
Tears welled in her eyes as she took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Then don't make me lose you, Jungkook. Come back. Please."
For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, to Y/N's surprise, Jungkook took a step toward her, his hand reaching out hesitantly.
"Y/N…" He paused, his voice tight. "This isn't going to be easy. I can't promise you that."
"I don't need promises," she replied, her voice steady. "I just need you."