Whoever had knocked was gone by the time I slipped out of the doors. The loud roars of the crowd in the main stage was deafening. At least loud enough that no one else should have heard what occurred between Taehyung and me. My cheeks were still red. Flushed from our activities and the shame I felt letting go of myself like that. God, Aliya would kill me if she knew. I couldn’t shake the depressing shadow of self-pity and fear as I scampered through the backstage to get as far away from Tae as I could before he left the practice room. My steps halted when someone snatched my arm, yanking me to a standstill.

I whirled, feeling the underlying shame burrow itself deeper looking into the blue eyes I was trying so desperately to run from. I tried pulling out of his hold, but his grip tightened.

“Taehyung, I really can’t-“

“Tell me why.”

“Why what?” I whispered, turning my head.

“Why you won’t even look at me. Why you’re running away.”

The anger within me resurfaced. And I latched onto it like a lifeline. Sank my teeth into it just so I’d feel something other than worthlessness.

“You’re really going to ask me that right now? We just had sex. We barely know each other. And you snuck into my room. I told you I can’t do this with you. Just, leave me alone so I can figure my shit out.” I snapped, ripping my arm away from him.

My stewing anger was beginning to build tears in my eyes. The pool of them threatening to overflow as I ducked my head and walked away. I needed to leave. If I had any chance of composing myself enough to think about this logically, sort my feelings. I needed to be away from them. Especially if I was going to have it together by the time Jungkook and I were expected to start practicing.

At least it’s not Taehyung. I thanked my lucky stars.

Jin POV

I watched Y/N leave. Her steps quickening the closer she got to the exit before ducking through the flaps and into the night. Once out of sight, I turned my attention to Yoongi, nodding him in her direction. Just to make sure she got back to his trailer safely. He nodded once, donning his hood and silently following her. My quiet steps carried me from my hiding spot, my jaw clenched at what I had heard. The figure of Taehyung in front of me shimmered, the visualization fragmenting and warping beyond recognition before realigning once again into the caster’s form. His dark eyes focused on the spot where Y/N was last seen.

Hoseok had always been good at masking his thoughts. Except when it came to Y/N at least. The hard set of his eyes and slight purse to his lips gave away his displeasure with what he’d heard. The crowd on the other side of the wall cheered loudly. No doubt enjoying Jimin’s performance. It took everything in me to keep my composure, turning my head from the exit to Hoseok.

“Get everyone out of here. Now. And bring him to me.”

Hoseok didn’t answer, simply turned to do what I had ordered. Leaving me on my own to contemplate what I would do once that bastard was here. I glanced over my shoulder feeling someone else close by. The glowing gold eyes were the only bits visible until he stepped into the dim lighting cast by the vanity in the far corner.

“Jin.” Namjoon said quietly, lips pressed together into a thin line. “Go easy on him.”

My eyes flashed. My glare leveling on Namjoon, but him being almost as old and powerful as I was meant he wasn’t deterred by my ire.

I strolled through the bar confidently. A mere few months ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of setting one foot in here, but things changed. I had more reason to feel safe in places like this than I did in any other part of my life now. I hardly paid attention to anyone around me. My feet carrying me through the building just like they had many times before. Knowing the way without me even having to direct them. Back to the last booth, where I knew he’d be.

And I wasn’t disappointed. I saw the back of his head, those dark brown curls as unkempt as usual. Out of control really. But he refused to cut it, no matter how many times I mentioned it. I slid into the booth across from him, that familiar smirk making its way onto his lips as he peered up at me.

“Careful. Come in here too often and my crowd will begin to think you’re with me.”

“Everyone already assumes that.”

“Touché.” He chuckled, bringing the cigarette in his hand back to his mouth.

I grimaced, looking at the thing in disgust.

“I thought we agreed you wouldn’t smoke around me.”

“Well, if we’re being fair, I didn’t really expect your company tonight and I already lit it.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I know. I’ll consider quitting. Just for you.” He winked, taking one more drag before snuffing it out in the ash tray on the table between us. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company this evening. Not that I’m not happy to see you, of course.”

“You know. Don’t you?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Know what?”

“Whatever it is they’re keeping from me.”

It didn’t take a keen eye to notice how tense he suddenly became. Eyes leaving mine before they could unintentionally give too much away. His body language told me enough. He did know. I reached across the table, grasping onto his hands tightly.

“Please, V. You’re the only one I can ask.”

“I shouldn’t be. This isn’t something I can get in the middle of.”

“I tried asking him already. He just tells me not to worry about it.”

“Then you shouldn’t.”

“It’s not that simple. You’re all keeping something from me. Isn’t it fair for me to know if it concerns me?”

His eyes darkened, the underlying anger I had only ever seen a few number of times forcing its way to the forefront. And for the first time, I was on the receiving end of it.