horizon; tk

14

It was late into the night, and the mansion was cloaked in silence, save for the distant hum of the city outside. Taehyung, unable to sleep, had taken refuge in the quiet of the kitchen. He moved methodically, wiping down countertops and putting away dishes. It was a therapeutic escape from the swirling thoughts that often haunted him.

As he carefully washed a glass, he heard the door to the kitchen creak open. Turning his head, he was met with the sight of Jeon Jeongguk, his employer, entering the room. Taehyung couldn't help but notice that the alpha's usually immaculate suit was marred by bloodstains, and his right hand was wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth.

Jeongguk's cold and distant demeanor was magnified tonight. He didn't utter a word as he moved further into the kitchen, heading for the sink to clean his wound. His actions were efficient and mechanical, as though this were a routine occurrence.

Taehyung continued with his cleaning, not wanting to intrude on the alpha's business. However, as he glanced over at Jeongguk's bloodied hand, he couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. The sight was unsettling, even if Jeongguk had done terrible things.

Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, Taehyung offered, "Mr. Jeon, do you need some help with that?"

Jeongguk's eyes flickered briefly to Taehyung before returning to his task. "I can manage," he replied curtly, his tone making it clear that he preferred Taehyung to mind his own business.

Taehyung knew better than to push further, especially when dealing with an alpha like Jeongguk. But his concern got the better of him. He fetched a first-aid kit from a nearby cabinet and quietly set it on the counter next to the alpha.

Jeongguk hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between Taehyung and the first-aid kit. Pride battled with practicality, and practicality eventually won. With a resigned sigh, he unwrapped the bloodied cloth from his hand and began to clean the wound.

Taehyung took a step closer, observing the alpha's actions. He couldn't deny that Mr. Jeon was cold and often ruthless, but seeing him in this vulnerable moment made Taehyung realize that he was still human beneath it all.

With careful hands, Taehyung reached for the antiseptic and a roll of bandages from the first-aid kit. Without a word, he began to assist the alpha, gently cleaning and disinfecting the wound. Jeongguk's jaw clenched as the antiseptic stung, but he didn't pull away.

Taehyung couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between their roles. He, the captive omega, was tending to the needs of his captor, the powerful alpha. It was a situation he never imagined he would find himself in, yet here he was, offering assistance to the man who had taken away his freedom.

As he worked, Jeongguk's cold exterior seemed to thaw, if only slightly. He watched Taehyung with a hint of curiosity, and perhaps even admiration. Taehyung's beauty had always been undeniable, but now it was illuminated by the soft light of the kitchen, casting a warm glow around him.

Once the wound was properly cleaned and bandaged, Taehyung stepped back, allowing Jeongguk to examine his hand. The alpha flexed his fingers, testing the bandage. "Thank you," he finally said, his voice less harsh than usual.

Taehyung nodded in response, feeling a strange mix of emotions. He couldn't forget the wrongs that Jeongguk had committed, but in this quiet moment, as they stood in the dimly lit kitchen, he couldn't help but see a glimmer of the man behind the alpha's mask of power and control.

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