Shallow Reality

The sudden impact of the lethal bullet blew Mr. Min onto his back. He clasped his palm over his lower chest in extreme pain. Mrs. Min screamed at her husband in horror as blood seeped through his shirt. I felt nothing. I should be happy, but I felt nothing at all. Screams... gunfires... heavy footsteps... it was all I remember from that night.

I woke up with the sunlight beaming directly in my face. Was it all a dream? It was an intense one. I felt very exhausted despite getting good sleep. Slowly, I got onto my feet just as Jimin came strolling into the room.

"Don't get up yet!" Jimin ran over to help me when I suddenly stumbled over. Why are my legs so weak?

"J-Jimin... I had a very weird dream. Y-you were in trouble... and- we... I killed Yoongi's father," I mumbled, nervously turning to look at Jimin. It felt so real...

"You didn't kill him," Jimin gulped while staring at me anxiously.

"I- wait. Why am I here???" I abruptly stood staring at my own room. Weren't we in Busan...? Why am I here? How did I get here? I don't remember anything.

"Sora... you weren't dreaming," Jimin sadly bit his lower lips. My mind went blank for a second. Flashes of memories came rushing into my head. Yoongi... The thought of Yoongi shielding the bullet for me triggered a heavy contraction in my chest.

"N-no..." I whispered, pulling up my sleeves to find the healing burn of the bullet grazes. No... t-this-. Flashes after flashes of memories flooded into my head, causing tears to swell in my eyes.

"Sora-"

"How long have I been out?" I asked, turning to stare at Jimin with my eyes wide open.

"Two days..." Jimin sighed as he placed his hands on my shoulders to comfort me.

"I-if this is r-real... then Tae-Taehyung..." I stuttered in shock as I stared at Jimin dead in the eyes. Taehyung's hurt!

"Y-yeah... he- SORA!" Jimin called out when I immediately dashed out of my room and down the hallway. No-no... it's all my fault. I hastily yanked the medical room door open and hurried inside.

"No...," I whispered in tears. The bed is empty. I rushed over to each of the other rooms, but Taehyung wasn't in any of them. Pain surged through my chest as I slowly slid onto the floor... sobbing in grief. I wronged him...

"Sora, gwenchana?" Jimin asked, pulling me into a tight hug.

"W-why is he not here?! I screamed at Taehyung- saying he's selfish for leaving you behind! B-but he was only trying to protect me and you," I sobbed in extreme guilt as Jimin held onto me.

"No, Sora. Taehyung-"

"He's dead because of me. I-I am the reason he's dead-"

"I'm not dead," Taehyung's low yet tired voice echoed from our right, so I immediately snapped my head to find Taehyung sitting in a wheelchair... blankly staring at me.

"YOU'RE NOT DEAD?!" I bellowed, bawling even louder at his presence, causing Jimin and Taehyung to exchange a confused look with Jimin. The thing is... I am very relieved he didn't die- so the overwhelming joy made me cry even harder.

"Does she want me dead..?" Taehyung muttered at Jimin with an uneasy look on his face.

"I don't know," Jimin shook his head while patting me. Yoongi's father isn't dead. My tears stopped rolling abruptly. I sucked in my breath and stared at the floor in silence.

"He's not dead?" I whispered, turning to look at Jimin dimly.

"Yoongi's fine but in a critical condition-"

"No. Not Yoongi. His father," I gritted while clenching my fists tightly. That devil didn't die..?

"He's alive," Jimin nodded stiffly with a dreadful look on his face. The hollowness filled my chest once again...

"Where's my parents-"

"Sora. Calm down. Everyone's safe, and you need to rest," Jimin quickly grabbed my hand when I leaped onto my feet.

"I can't rest! I almost lost you once! I won't let it happen again," I snapped. As long as that sinner breathes- I'll never be at peace.

"You won't lose me again-"

"You shoved me out! You forced me to let go!" I cried. As much as I'm occupied with the mess we're stuck in- I was very hurt Jimin did what he did! I've been suppressing my feelings for him.

"Sora-!"

"Let her go. Give her some time," Taehyung sighed, stopping Jimin from chasing after me. So, I raced down the hall towards the living room.

"Where are my parents?" I asked Imo who was speaking with a few maids.

"Oh. Young mistress, you're-"

"I asked you a question," I rudely cut her off. She darted me a disapproving expression before gesturing towards the dining room. Without another word, I strode off.

"Omo! You're awake!" Eomma gasped, getting onto her feet when I burst into the room. My parents were sitting in the middle, the Jeons to the left and the Kims to the right.

"Call for the Elite meeting," I demanded, pressing my hands on the table while staring straight at my parents. I will not let them control me. Not anymore.

"You just woke up-"

"Don't pretend to care, appa. You and eomma hid like a coward that night," I snapped, cutting appa off, so he fired me a fierce glare. Did I get on his nerves? Like I care.

"Sora-"

"Don't make up any excuses, eomma. Besides being blood-related... there's no connection between us," I gritted, glaring straight at appa, who was quietly eyeing me. The Jeons and the Kims both looked uncomfortable. My own father threatened to ruin my life.

"Let's talk in private-"

"No. I have nothing to say anymore. Do as I say or face the consequences. You're too old to have another heir, so I'm the only one you've got," I smirked at my father and strode out of the dining room before they could respond.

"Have you seen Jungkook?" I questioned, stopping a maid who was passing by.

"He's in the garage, my lady," The maids quickly bowed. I nodded, then walked towards the garage. Jungkook was all dressed up- He's heading out?

"What are you doing?" Jungkook asked, turning to stare at me when I hopped into the passenger seat.

"Take me to Yoongi," I muttered while buckling the seatbelt.

"Why should I? Are you out of your mind?" Jungkook scoffed at me with an irritated look.

"You knew everything, yet you kept it from me," I seethed, turning to stare at him with a straight face. None of them told me anything! Why? They had a plan all along, yet they chose to let me suffer.

"We needed your reaction for the plan to work, or the Mins will suspect us," Jungkook sighed in defeat. I sat staring at him blankly. They did it knowing I'd react harshly to it... I don't know how to feel about this. They're not wrong, but I felt used for some reason.

"Will you get off now?" Jungkook asked, turning to look at me dumbfoundedly.

"No. Make me leave again, and I'll fucking kill you," I grunted, stubbornly folding my hands, then turned to look out the window. I can't be mad at them. If I hadn't appeared devastated, their plan wouldn't have worked.

"Fine, don't complain," Jungkook sighed, slowly driving out of the garage.

"Open the glove compartment," Jungkook insisted while steering the wheels with one hand.

"No," I said shortly. Jungkook briefly turned to stare at me with a frustrated expression. He looked as if he wanted to smack me right in the face but didn't.

"I'm not taking you to Yoongi," Jungkook leaned back against his seat while steering the wheel with one hand.

"Why not?!" I snapped at him in annoyance.

"Yah! Are you stupid?! You shot his father! Do you think they'll let you close to him?!" Jungkook fired me a sharp glare before turning away. He's right. Fuck. I bit my lips and turned to stare out the window again.

"Hey, Jungkook...," I whispered, biting down my lower lips as I thought of the visions I had back in Busan.

"I AM NOT TAKING YOU TO YOONGI-"

"It's not about that!" I snapped at him in irritation as he pulled into an underground parking lot leading to some fancy cafe, and we came to a halt.

"Have you ever drowned?" I asked, turning to look at him curiously. His face suddenly turned pale...

"Yeah. When I was younger," Jungkook nodded as he got out of the car, so I followed. He did... he drowned.

"What happened?" I questioned him as we walked toward the cafe.

"I don't remember. Why are you-"

"Someone pushed you... into... the sea," I pressed, observing him closely when he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Wae? Was I right?

"You drowned-"

"Hajima. You're saying nonsense," Jungkook spoke in a serious tone. He turned to stare at me dead in the eyes. Right... maybe I shouldn't talk to him about it. Not yet. It must be a sensitive topic for him.

"I'm sorry," I whispered apologetically. Jungkook gulped and entered the cafe. I was right. It was those 'rich kids' cafes. The staff quickly rushed toward Jungkook to greet him before leading us to our seats. The man kept on eyeing me awkwardly. Wae? Are they judging me because I didn't dress up? Aish...

"Wait, here. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," Jungkook fired me a suspicious glare. I nodded and slumped down on the seat. Did he think I was gonna run off?? The cafe was filled with wealthy kids. They aren't alphas though... probably just some chaebols.

"Omo, look at her," A teenage boy muttered to his group of friends, so they all turned to look at me and began sniggering.

"Do you want to die?" I asked, darting them a sharp glare. My words must've pissed off their leader because this cocky-looking kid stood up with his tongue pressed against his cheek. Wow... so scary...

"Yah, a low-class like you-"

"Y-yah? I'm older than you, kid," I snapped at the kid in disbelief. Why are they so rude?! Stupid spoiled brats!

"So what? Who do you think you are? Can you even afford the service here?" The kid smirked while folding his arms.

"The service? Pfff! I can afford your soul with the speck of dust on my fingertip," I smugly smiled at him.

"You're out of your fucking mind, woman. They should-"

"Sora!?" A familiar voice chirped from behind me, so I turned to find Minah rushing up to me with a wide grin on her face.

"Omo!" The group of kids gasped when they noticed Minah. They're alphas...? Then why didn't they recognize me?

"Are you alright? I was about to drop by the mansion!" Minah smiled as she hugged my arm. I sat stiffly staring at her cheeky smiles and glanced away in annoyance. The kid was staring at her with his mouth wide open.

"Do you know them?" I whispered, nodding towards the group of kids... watching her with their intense eyes.

"No. Why?-"

"You're Mimi!" The kids blurted, cutting Minah off. She stood staring at them... clearly caught off guard.

"Mimi?!" I sniggered at her. What kind of nickname is that?

"Can we have a picture-"

"Ah... I'm feeling unwell today. Maybe next time," Minah smiled, turning to the kid apologetically. To my surprise, they nodded and left.

"Mimi?" I chuckled as she sat down on the opposite side.

"It's my blog name. They think I'm a rich chaebol's fashionist," Minah shrugged shyly.

"They think I'm a beggar," I huffed and rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"I don't blame them. Look at you- messed up hair and clothes," Minah giggled teasingly, so I shot her an annoyed look.

"What are you doing here?" I asked and weakly smiled at Minah.

"I'm here to meet Jungkook," She laughed at me. Ah. No wonder she's all dressed up...

"You're back together?" I asked curiously.

"Kind of. What about you? Why are you here? You don't look well," She asked as she searched through her expensive designer bag.

"I tagged along with Jungkook without knowing he was here to see you," I scoffed and shook my head.

"Oh. Where is he?" Minah asked, glancing around for him.

"There," I nodded toward Jungkook, who was approaching us with a tray in his hand. The staff looked uncomfortable because he wouldn't let them help him.

"Ah! He's so sweet. He even got me my favorite drink," Minah grinned. Blushing like a tomato.

"Oh. Minah, you're here," Jungkook nodded, settling the tray down as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.

"Thank you, jagi- oh-? I don't like hot chocolate," Minah asked as she stared at the two cups of drinks on the tray in confusion.

"It's not yours. I got it for Sora. I thought you'd come later, so I didn't order yours," Jungkook shrugged, handing me the mug. Minah bit her lips and glanced at me uneasily.

"Why'd you get me hot chocolate?" I grumbled at Jungkook as he sat beside Minah.

"You're obviously on your period. Why else are you so grumpy?! So I figured hot chocolate would help. Minah, order your drink," Jungkook huffed, briefly glancing at me before turning to Minah, who was lost in her own thoughts. She's spacing out.

"Oh yeah, caramel macchiato with whipped cream," Minah dismissively waved at the staff, who took the order and left.

"I'm not on my period- Ah! It's hot!" I quickly choked at the sudden burn on my tongue.

"Be careful! Are you okay?!" Jungkook quickly grabbed the mug I was about to misplace on the table and handed me some tissues.

"I'm fine...," I shook my head while dabbing my lips.

"Aish. You're so clumsy. You can clearly see the steams!" Jungkook snapped, gently blowing at my hot chocolate before taking a sip to make sure it wasn't too hot before handing it back to me. Minah, on the other hand, sat staring at us with a confused look on her face as she awkwardly glanced back and forth between us.

"Don't blow! It's disgusting!" I snapped, firing Jungkook a disgusted look.

"Ehem. So, how are you feeling?" Minah coughed while smiling at me. She looks really upset.

"I'm alright. I'll regain my energy in no time," I smiled, carefully sipping the hot chocolate again. Jungkook stiffened his body as he watched me hover my lips over the warm mug.

"Oh-

"Chill. I won't spill it!" I snapped at him, interrupting Minah, so she turned to glance at Jungkook- who gulped and tried to relax his body against the couch. Did he really think I'd spill it again? I'm not a baby!

"Jungkook and I will visit a new exhibition after this-"

"Oh. Have fun. I'll get going now," I muttered, getting onto my feet, and walked off with my arms crossed.

"Where are you going?!" Jungkook asked, grabbing my arm when I almost got to the exit.

"Home. Where else?" I asked, darting him a dumbfounded look. He's right. I can't see Yoongi, they won't let me, and it's too dangerous for me to be out. Minah was peeking at us from the corner, so I pulled my arm away from his grip.

"Go home alone? Are you out of your mind?" Jungkook asked in disbelief.

"Minah doesn't look comfortable. There shouldn't be a misunderstanding. I'll get home safely," I smiled, pushed the door open, and walked off.

"-But I didn't even get to drink it yet!" Minah groaned, so I quickly turned to find Jungkook dragging Minah out of the cafe.

"I'll get you another drink on the way to the exhibition!" Jungkook snapped at Minah as she glared at him.

"Get in. I'll take you home first," Jungkook insisted, pulling the passenger seat open for me. I worriedly glanced at Minah. Jealousy was written all over her face, but she still smiled at me. Now I feel bad...

"I told you I can get home-"

"You are my responsibility. You're weak right now, so stop being stubborn," Jungkook fired back at me. Sighing, I moved away from the passenger seat and yanked open the backseat door instead.

"Come on," Jungkook exhaled, holding the passenger seat open for Minah before rounding the car and got into his seat. He leaned over to the glove compartment, pulled it open to grab a few chocolate bars, and tossed them at me. Minah clearly looks unsettled in the rearview mirror...

"Minah, do you want some?" I asked, offering her the chocolate bars.

"Yea-"

"No, keep it. She doesn't eat chocolate because she's on a diet," Jungkook shook his head, pushing my hands away before starting the engine.

"Y-yeah... I don't like chocolate," Minah nodded, stiffly turning away, so I shoved it into my jacket's pocket instead. No one said a single word on the way home. I felt really bad for Minah because of the misunderstanding. And Jungkook's stupid. He was heartbroken when she's gone, but he mistreats her when he's back with her.

"Thanks, see you later," I waved at Minah as I got out of the car and made my way back into the mansion. It was empty, so I guess the elders went to work. Where's Jimin...? I need to apologize to him, but the mansion is so big... he could be anywhere, and I'm too drained. Sighing, I walked up the staircase... leading to the hallways towards our bedroom but abruptly stopped dead when Jimin appeared- walking with his head hung low. He halted to look at me with a drained expression. His eyes were puffy. He cried... my heart sank in guilt.

"Sora, if you need more time-"

"Are you hungry?" I asked awkwardly.

"H-huh?" Jimin stood staring at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" I weakly smiled, offering him the chocolate bars. He stared at it and softly chuckled.

"I'm hungry," Jimin nodded as he smiled at me in exhaustion, so I quickly rushed towards him and drew him into a tight hug.

"I love you," I whispered, tightening my arm around his waist to inhale his usual heavy cologne.

"I love you more," Jimin smiled and leaned forward to peck my lips before pulling me back into a tight hug.

"I'm hungry too," Taehyung mumbled, directing his automatic wheelchair towards us, causing Jimin and I to burst into laughter. I cooked kimchi fried rice and tofu-kimchi soup for them since it was the quickest. We spent time in Taehyung's room so he could rest while we kept him company. Apparently, the bullet missed Taehyung's spine by an inch. He could've died or ended up paralyzed.

They explained about my phone and the plan they had. Yoongi tapped my phone when I met up with him, and Jimin noticed the glitch when he borrowed it, so he kept it away from me. Meanwhile, Jungkook knocked me out after I shot Yoongi's father because I refused to move and Taehyung was first brought to Busan's hospital to stop the bleeding. And then we were transported back to Seoul by helicopters right after. It was a risky move because we could've been shot down, but the elders took the risk to save Taehyung.

116 people were wounded during the fight, including two alphas. Yoongi and Taehyung, and 65 government officials. The rest of the wounded were bodyguards, reporters, and staff. A total of 54 people died that night, mostly members of the Min's guards and assassins. However, the incident wasn't on any of the news or even on the internet. Not even a single post was made. The alphas worked together to seal the rumors from spreading by terminating any recording devices and threatening witnesses to keep quiet. Anyhow, the recording of the event before the incident was still aired. It got cut off right when the supreme alphas got on stage. That was it. Everything else was buried under the alpha's claw.

_____________________________

*A few days later*

Alpha's University

Even though the evidence was destroyed, all the lower ranks knew about the incident, people gawked at us as we commuted around the building. Tension filled the huge classroom as the alphas sat staring at the professor but no one's actually paying attention. They were lost in their own thoughts. I sat observing Hoseok, who was softly tapping his feet against the floor. Namjoon is deep in his own thoughts. Seokjin... doodling on his book. Taehyung was leaning back against his wheelchair with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Minah was constantly whispering in Jungkook's ear... he sat blankly in his seat. Haerim stared intensely at Taehyung from the opposite side of the room while Minho and Mira bickered at each other. And Jimin was restlessly shuffling around in his seat. Yoongi... he's absent.

It was time for lunch, so we poured out of the classroom.

"Gwenchana!?" I gasped, quickly grabbing Jimin's upper arm when he suddenly leaned against the wall for support.

"I'm okay. Just a little dizzy," Jimin shook his head.

"It's the side effect," Taehyung whispered as we reached an empty table.

"Of what?" I asked, turning to look at Jimin in confusion.

"I fought Yoongi's guard when I tried to kidnap him. One of his guards gave me a hard blow from the back," Jimin whispered while rubbing his lower neck in exhaustion.

"Did you get it checked??" I questioned worriedly. Jimin pretended to be fine, so I wasn't aware of his injury.

"Yeah, I did. I'm alright- it'll go away," Jimin smiled and linked his hands with mine.

"He's nothing without Yoongi," Jungkook muttered, joining us at the table, so Minah sat beside him. I averted my eyes towards Hoseok, who was eating lunch alone. Everyone is avoiding him. He deserves it.

"Nah, he's got friends," Taehyung dawdled when Minho and Mira sat down with Hoseok. They're siding with Hoseok...? They must be kidding me.

"I'll be right back," I got onto my feet and made my way toward Seokjin's table while locking my eyes with Hoseok along the way. I wanted to blast off his head the longer I stared at him. How dare he turn his gun on me? The audacity.

"What are you doing?" Seokjin froze with a spoon hanging in his mouth when I sat in front of him and Namjoon.

"She's here to negotiate," Namjoon predicted with a smug smile.

"You're also a supreme alpha, so we're on the same side. We need to stop the Mins," I smiled at Seokjin. He carefully set his spoon down, then looked up at me with a composed expression.

"Why should I do that?" Seokjin chuckled. I shot him a doubtful look.

"The Mins tried to kill all of us-"

"Wrong. He tried to get rid of you and your boyfriend. We were just at the wrong place at the wrong time," Namjoon sighed at me, so I shot him an annoyed look. What's the matter with him?

"Do you think they'll stop? I won't be their only target. You'll be next-"

"Then I'll make sure I won't be the target," Seokjin smirked at me. I don't get him... is he crazy? He's willing to let the Mins off the hook?!

"What are you trying to achieve exactly?" I questioned, leaning back against my seat with my eyes trained on both of them.

"The Min's in a critical condition right now. The heir is hurt, and so is his father. Together. You, Taehyung, and I can easily pluck him out of the game. But I won't do that, it won't be fun. Instead, I'll offer the Mins a deal, and they will take it because they need me to survive," Seokjin smirked at me with a cocky expression. What the fuck. I can't believe what he said. This is all just a fun game for him?

"You're such an opportunist-"

"Yes, I am. I'm a fucking opportunistic person. We might be supreme alphas, but you and I... We're so... different. You're weak, Sora. I'm powerful. I foresee all future possibilities while you live in the shallow reality," Seokjin spat, causing anger to erupt inside me. He's a fucking asshole! I'm weak?! Weak... weak... I'm weak. That's what I always hear.

"Do you really think Hoseok will side with-"

"The Min's followers will follow. It's the chain rule, Sora," Namjoon smirked, eyeing Hoseok, Mira, and Minho before averting his eyes to me. My blood began boiling. I wanted to offer them a chance to choose, but they provoked me. I was angry at first, but the emotion was quickly replaced by the dark hollow in my chest. A deadly and vicious one.

"Seokjin- ah. If it weren't for me- you wouldn't be a supreme alpha. You and Taehyung might have the title, but you do realize you're below me, right? You only exist because I let you. So don't go around barking like a wild dog when you actually have a collared name tag around your throat. And you too, Namjoon. Don't act all clever with me. I know what you really are. If you're so smart- Why don't you overtake Seokjin? Or are you planning to? Is it really enough for you? I saw the way you stared at supreme alphas. You want it. You desire it. You taught me not to trust anyone, so are you really trusting each other? Watch me live in the shallow reality and see how far I'll go," I lowly chuckled at them with my arms crossed. They sat staring at me with their eyes wide open in disbelief. Neither of them could utter a single word, so I got up and left. I will bring all of you down... I will put an end to all of this.

"Oh no!" Yangcha gasped when he suddenly dropped his books onto the floor. Hoseok quickly bent down to pick up the books for Yangcha, but I quickly snatched them away from him.

"Be careful," I smiled, handing Yangcha the books.

"Oh, noona!" Yangcha beamed at me brightly. Hoseok stiffly sat watching me from the side.

"Don't let strangers pick up your book. You don't know their wicked intentions, okay?" I smiled while patting Yangcha, earning a sharp glare from Hoseok. Minho and Mira, on the other hand, sat watching me with an unsettled look.

"Thank you. I will keep that in mind, noona," Yangcha smiled, skipping off, so I turned to gaze at Minho and Mira.

"Good luck," I smiled at them, causing Mira to huff in disbelief. They'll need the luck to aid the decisions they've made. Smiling, I turned and walked away when someone hastily caught my upper arm. So, I turned face to face with Hoseok... fuming red in rage.

"Don't. Test. Me," Hoseok's burning eyes pierced into mine. Says the guy who shoved a gun in my head...

"Don't touch me. I'm not testing you. I don't have to. You're already failing, so there's no need to waste my time," I seethed, yanking my arm from his grasp, then turned the other way.

"You can never kill Min Yoongi! You're too weak! Don't act tough," Hoseok loudly howled, hushing the entire canteen hall. I stopped dead. Smiling... I turned to stare at him.

"Not yet because right now I'm not a murderer, but watch me, Jung Hoseok. Watch where my next bullet plunges into, and this time- I'll make sure the heart stops beating," I calmly raised my voice while staring at the crowd, then averted my eyes back to him.

"Bang, no more mistakes," I formed a gun gesture with my fingers... gently pushing it against my own head. Hoseok's face turned pale as he stood staring at me in shock, but he wasn't the only one. The entire room was dead quiet as the grave atmosphere loomed over the hall. They asked for it, so I'll give it to them.

The dark and vicious hollowness filled every inch of my body once again as I stood eyeing all the alphas.

"I live in a shallow reality, so I won't drown in despair... now... try to survive me," My dull voice echoed throughout the entire room.