Chapter 36: CRIMSON OBSESSION

 

The Unrelenting Chase

The city pulsed with life outside, neon lights flickering in the distance, a mirage of color against the ink-black sky. But inside Taehyung’s penthouse, it was deathly silent—except for the ragged rhythm of his breathing, the clink of ice in his glass, and the storm brewing inside him.

He stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his gaze fixed on the sprawling skyline of the city he controlled, a glass of whiskey in hand. The amber liquid swirled as he tilted the glass slightly, but the sharp sting of alcohol did nothing to quench the fire burning in his veins.

Jungkook.

His name was a poison on Taehyung’s tongue, a presence that lingered even in his solitude. He could still feel the press of Jungkook’s lips against his, the way the younger man had grabbed him—taken him by surprise, twisted the fight into something Taehyung hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t submission; it was a dare. A challenge wrapped in heat, whispered against his lips like a declaration of war.

With a sharp inhale, Taehyung threw the glass against the wall, watching with grim satisfaction as it shattered into a thousand gleaming shards. His reflection in the window glared back at him, his expression a mixture of fury and something he refused to name.

“You don’t know what you’ve started, baby boy,” he muttered, the words curling in the air like smoke.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He didn’t bother turning as Jimin stepped inside, his movements careful, hesitant.

“Taehyung,” Jimin’s voice was steady, but his concern was evident, “this has to stop. You’re letting him get under your skin.”

Taehyung let out a humorless chuckle, rolling his shoulders back. “That’s exactly where I want him.”

Jimin sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “This is dangerous.”

“Oh, I know,” Taehyung said, finally turning to face him, his lips curling into a smirk. “And I plan to win.”

Jimin’s expression darkened, but he didn’t argue. He knew better than anyone that once Taehyung set his mind on something—or someone—there was no deterring him.

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Across the city, Jungkook lounged in his dimly lit apartment, the faint glow from the street casting long shadows across the floor. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, his fingers absentmindedly brushing over his lips.

The taste of Taehyung still lingered.

It hadn’t been a kiss of passion. It had been a weapon, a way to seize control in the middle of chaos. But the way Taehyung had stiffened beneath his touch, the sharp inhale of breath, the way his fingers had curled involuntarily against Jungkook’s shirt—it was enough to tell him that he had shaken the mafia king.

And that, more than anything, made Jungkook grin.

“Let’s see how far you’ll go, Taehyung,” he murmured to himself.

The war between them had shifted. It was no longer just about power, dominance, or control.

It was personal.

But beneath their twisted game, unseen dangers lurked. Whispers of betrayal slithered through the underbelly of Taehyung’s empire, growing louder with every passing day.

There was movement in the shadows, men plotting with hushed voices and silent nods, those who had long awaited a chance to bring Taehyung down. And blinded by his fixation on Jungkook, he didn’t see the knife aimed at his back.

Jungkook, however, did.

Perched atop a building not far from Taehyung’s penthouse, Jungkook watched the city breathe, its arteries pulsing with neon light. But his focus was on something else—the figures moving just beyond Taehyung’s reach, men who had once sworn loyalty now conspiring against him.

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed.

He had every reason to let them strike. Let them weaken Taehyung, strip him of his empire, watch him crumble.

But no.

Jungkook was a predator, and Taehyung was his hunt. If anyone was going to bring him down, it would be him—and him alone.

With a slow, deliberate smirk, Jungkook reached for his phone, dialing a number he never thought he’d use.

Taehyung answered on the first ring. “You really can’t stay away, can you?”

Jungkook exhaled a laugh. “I’d start watching your back if I were you.”

A pause. Then, amusement laced Taehyung’s voice. “Oh? And why’s that?”

“Because someone else is about to make their move.”

Silence stretched between them. Then, Taehyung chuckled, dark and rich. “How sweet of you to care, baby boy.”

Jungkook’s grip on the phone tightened. “I don’t.”

“Mm,” Taehyung hummed, unconvinced. “And yet, here you are, warning me. Tell me, Jungkook, if you’re so determined to fight me, why not let them do the dirty work for you?”

Jungkook’s jaw clenched. “Because you’re mine to break.”

Something flickered in Taehyung’s voice, a low, pleased hum. “Possessive, are we?”

Jungkook scowled. “Take it however you want. But if you don’t start paying attention, you won’t even see them coming.”

Taehyung fell silent for a moment before he sighed. “Noted.”

Then, just as Jungkook was about to end the call, Taehyung spoke again. “But make no mistake—this changes nothing between us.”

Jungkook smirked, letting his voice drop into something lethal. “I’d be disappointed if it did.”

The line went dead.

Jungkook leaned back, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. He had thrown the first real move on this board, and now, it was Taehyung’s turn.

The chase had truly begun.

And neither of them planned to lose.

 

 

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