𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚 || 𝙏𝙖𝙚𝙝𝙮𝙪𝙣𝙜

Chapter 13: A threat

Taehyung pov :

I nestled my face into my pillow, the room filled with a warm, gentle light. As I snuggled deeper, my arms wrapped around something soft, and I inhaled a sweet mix of woodsy and coconut scents. Wait, coconut? My eyes flew open, and I froze, holding my breath. I couldn't budge. My gaze wandered, and my heart raced. I couldn't believe it; I wasn't clutching a pillow; I was cradling Alice's head. Her hair smelled sweet. My arms were locked around her waist, and her back pressed against my front. Our legs were entangled.

Oh dear, I couldn't move, and breathing became a challenge. My heart thudded loudly, and I feared she'd wake up. If she did, I'd be in trouble. Luckily, Alice was a deep sleeper, so I stayed still. I couldn't make sense of my emotions; it just felt right to be here like this. Suddenly, she stirred in her sleep, and my heart skipped a beat.

She turned, now facing me. My lips grazed her forehead just as she snuggled closer to my embrace, sighing softly. Goosebumps danced on my skin, and warmth surged through me, intensifying. It was like my body was ablaze. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her closed ones, the soft, pale skin bathed in the soft light. My gaze drifted to her small, pointed nose, and then to her lips. They looked so soft and inviting. Would they taste as warm and tender? I jolted, hearing noises from outside, suddenly realizing the predicament I had gotten myself into.

What in the world, Kim Taehyung? What on earth are you thinking? Move, you fool!

I moved as quietly as a mouse, careful not to wake her up. My arms clung to her waist like they had a mind of their own, but eventually, I managed to peel them away. Untangling my legs, I spun around and sat up. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to calm my racing heart. I gently patted my chest as if it might leap out any second. After a moment, I moved closer to her and pulled the duvet over her. She immediately snuggled into the warmth, and a surge of affection welled up in my chest. Unbeknownst to me, a smile crept onto my lips because she looked utterly adorable.

With a final, longing look, I left the tent. Everyone was already dressed and ready for the day. I couldn't help but notice my twin, who waved at me with a teasing grin that set off alarm bells in my head.

Jennie hopped down from the rock where she had been perched. "So, did you sleep well, brother?" I raised an eyebrow but nodded. "And did you manage to capture the heart?" she asked, a sly smirk on her face, as if she doubted my success. Without a word, I pulled out my phone and thrust it in front of her. She snatched the phone, her eyes widening in disbelief as she stared at the picture. I couldn't help but smirk. "Did you really think I wouldn't? Oh, Jenn, you underestimated me." Grinning, I swiped the phone back and headed off, leaving her behind.

"Would you strut around with so much confidence if I showed these to her?" Jennie chimed in. I turned around, puzzled, but my expression froze when I saw the photos on her phone. She waved them in front of my face—images of me hugging Alice tightly, like a snake.

I couldn't contain my frustration and tried to grab the phone from her, but she was too quick.

"Delete them, Jennie," I snarled. She shook her head defiantly. "No way." I took a step closer. "Jennie Kim, don't push me." She brushed me off with a dismissive wave and then shoved me in the shoulder. "Nah, brother, if you want these gone, we'll have to make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" I asked, exasperated by my mischievous twin.

"You'll have to do as I say for twenty-four hours, and then the pictures will disappear," she proposed with a mischievous grin. I shook my head firmly. "I'm not playing along with this," I snapped, my temper flaring.

"Very well," she shrugged. "I'll just show these to Ali."

"You wouldn't dare," I shot her an intense glare, but she only chuckled. "Try me, brother." She wiggled her eyebrows, and I clenched my fists. If she actually showed these pictures to Alice, as I feared she would, I'd be in serious trouble. Alice might not just kill me; she might never want to see me again or let me work with her. It was a nightmare scenario.