Lovebite [Taegyu]

Chapter 29 : I'm a loser in this game

"Run!!"

The two boys sprinted as fast as they could, the shouts and screams of someone chasing them echoing behind. Taehyun glanced over his shoulder to see the ahjussi still hot on their trail. He let out a laugh and focused ahead, the sensation of Beomgyu's hand gripping his keeping him grounded.

"Aren't you tired yet, ahjussi?!"

Beomgyu yelled, dragging Taehyun along as they bolted through the streets. Their shirt and backpacks bounced wildly with each step. What started as a casual stop at a convenience store after school had spiraled into chaos when the store owner accused them of stealing ice cream.

They hadn't stolen anything.

Placing the ice cream back in the freezer, Beomgyu had grabbed Taehyun's wrist, and they made a run for it. Now, the furious ahjussi was chasing them down.

"Stop! Give me back what you stole!"

"We didn't steal anything!" Beomgyu yelled back, exasperated.

"Liar!"

Taehyun could barely keep up, his heart pounding and his legs growing weaker with each step. Yet, when he glanced at Beomgyu, the older boy wore a wide grin, a dimpled smile lighting up his face. It was as beautiful as ever, and Taehyun couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you, sunshine?!" Beomgyu called out between breaths.

"Ye— AAHH!" Taehyun's response turned into a yelp as Beomgyu scooped him up in a bridal carry. With a powerful leap, he landed on the roof of a nearby building. Below, the ahjussi stumbled to a stop, staring wide-eyed at the impossible feat before fainting on the spot.

Taehyun clung to Beomgyu, eyes shut tight, until they reached the familiar sight of their dorm building. Beomgyu jumped back to the ground and gently set Taehyun on his feet, but the younger boy wobbled, and Beomgyu caught him by the waist.

"You okay, sunshine?" Beomgyu asked with concern.

Taehyun punched him lightly on the chest. "Idiot! What were you thinking?"

"What?" Beomgyu tilted his head, confused.

"What if someone saw you?" Taehyun pouted, his doe eyes glaring at the older boy.

Beomgyu scratched his neck sheepishly. Before he could respond, someone bumped into him hard, sending him to the ground. The stranger whispered something inaudible into Taehyun's ear before disappearing.

"Are you okay?" Taehyun asked, offering his hand to help Beomgyu up.

"I'm fine," Beomgyu grumbled, brushing off his uniform. "What was that guy's problem?"

As he looked at Taehyun, the younger boy's doe eyes met his, melting away his frustration. Unable to resist, Beomgyu pinched Taehyun's cheeks playfully.

"I'm gonna kill you," Taehyun mumbled through squished cheeks, making Beomgyu laugh.

The two headed into the dorm, greeted the counter staff, and took the elevator to their floor. Inside the elevator, Taehyun's smile faltered. He felt a faint whisper calling his name.

"Kang Taehyun."

He glanced around nervously, but it was just him and Beomgyu.

"Is something wrong?" Beomgyu asked, placing a hand on Taehyun's forehead.

Taehyun giggled, shaking his head. "I'm fine. Just tired."

But he wasn't. The whispers grew louder, a sinister voice clawing at the edges of his mind.

By the time they entered their room, Taehyun tossed his bag aside and rushed to the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Beomgyu frowned, confused, but let it slide.

In the bathroom, Taehyun gripped the sink, his reflection staring back at him with haunted eyes.

"Kill him," the voice whispered.

"Stop," Taehyun muttered, pressing his palms against his ears.

"Kill Choi Beomgyu," the voice insisted.

"JUST STOP!!"

Beomgyu jumped at the sound of Taehyun's yell and hurried to the bathroom door. "Sunshine? Are you okay?"

Silence.

A few moments later, the door clicked open. Taehyun stood there, disheveled and glaring, his eyes dark and empty. Beomgyu reached out to touch him, but Taehyun slapped his hand away and sent him flying across the room with a kick.

Beomgyu winced, clutching his side, but before he could react further, Taehyun attacked again. They grappled, Beomgyu managing to pin Taehyun down.

"KANG TAEHYUN! LOOK AT ME!" Beomgyu shouted.

But the younger boy's vacant eyes stared back, devoid of life. Taehyun broke free, grabbed a knife from the kitchen, and lunged.

"Kill him," the voice urged.

Beomgyu blocked the attack, catching the blade in his hand. Blood dripped from his palm as he struggled to keep the knife at bay.

"Taehyun, it's me!"

The words barely reached him. Tears welled in Beomgyu's eyes as he cupped Taehyun's cheeks, pressing their lips together.

The kiss was desperate, raw, and filled with unspoken emotions. The knife clattered to the floor as Taehyun stilled. Slowly, his dark eyes softened, and tears streamed down his face.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, voice trembling.

"As long as you're safe, sunshine," Beomgyu murmured, pulling him into a hug despite the pain in his hand.

Far away, a man watched them through a glowing orb, his expression cold.

"Tch. That boy's soul is too weak," he muttered.

"Guess we'll need another pawn," his companion replied with a smirk.

"Jongseong, shut up."

ㅡ next chapter? steamy. but I'll upload it tomorrow HAHAHAHAHAHH