𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 | Vminkook ff [COMPLETED]

Chapter Thirty-One

In the dimly lit room, rows of worn, grey chairs were neatly arranged and bolted to the floor. Within each booth, a pair of telephones was affixed to the wall, positioned on opposing sides of a thick, resilient glass panel. Cold, muted-coloured walls stretch upward, punctuated by narrow windows that offer only glimpses of the outside world. The air within bore an aura of solemn anticipation and yearning, an atmosphere thick with tension that seemed almost tangible.

When the hour handle of the wall clock took its stand, pointing at a number, a stark, resounding buzz sliced through the air. With a creak, the door gave way to the advance of an officer. Following him through the door was a queue of people, who hurriedly stepped into the room. They selected their seats, settling onto the chairs with a sense of restrained eagerness. Hearing the door open, they glanced through the glass at the figures entering the room. They extended their hands toward the officer, waiting for the handcuffs to be removed so they can go to their visitors.

As soon as the handcuff was removed from Sungho's wrists, he walked over to the booth that was assigned to him. He took his seat and fixed his gaze through the glass, his eyes locking on the unexpected visitor. The moments stretched as he attempted to decipher the purpose behind this visit. In response, his visitor reached for the phone, prompting Sungho to mirror the action. As the phone met his ear, a smirk sneak onto Sungho's lips, and he uttered, "Hello, Jeon."

Upon hearing the voice of the man who nearly ended his life, an icy shiver traced its path along Jungkook's spine. His heart, once a metronome of steady rhythm, now pounded like a relentless drum, though his face betrayed none of the complex emotions churning within. His visage was a blank canvas, a mask meticulously composed to shield Sungho from seeing the turmoil he initiated.

"Did you do it to take down AstralTech?" Jungkook inquired, his voice tense.

Acting out ignorance, Sungho responded, "Did what to take down AstralTech?"

"Don't play dumb with me," Jungkook warned.

"I don't know what you're referring to," Sungho replied, purposely forcing Jungkook to say it.

"Did you pay people to do terrible things to the employees with the deliberate intent of inflicting severe trauma that could potentially lead to AstralTech's downfall?"

"Yeah," Sungho affirmed coolly. "And how astonishingly easy it proved to be. People are inherently fragile and emotional. A single unexpected hardship can be enough to shatter someone."

Jungkook was rendered speechless by Sungho's unabashed confession, the weight of his words resonating through the phone. He struggled to reconcile the man before him with the heinous acts that had been committed. The weight of Sungho's actions pressed heavily on his conscience, a stark reminder of the darkness that could reside within even the most unassuming individuals. In Sungho's eyes, Jungkook saw a reflection that nearly eroded his faith in humanity.

"Why AstralTech?" Jungkook pressed further.

"Because it's the company you work for," Sungho responded, a glint of calculated malice in his eyes. "My plan wasn't to take down the silly company, it was to destroy your life."

A frown deeply engraved itself above Jungkook's eyebrows. "Why? I don't even know you."

"You never noticed me!" Sungho's anger flared, his voice dripping with resentment. "I've been living in your shadow. I studied like crazy, day and night, but still, I came second in class. I had to listen to your damn speech during our graduation ceremony. I remember seeing you walk into your job interview right after mine. I wanted to work at AstralTech, but they handed the job offer to you. I have always wanted to be rich. Now you're the one living in a mansion. Being a successful CEO was my dream, but guess who became a CEO? You!" Sungho spat out his words, his anger palpable. "I had to watch you get everything I ever wanted... and you never even noticed me."