KNIVES AND TRUTHS
988 Words
For several seconds, the apartment was completely silent.
Rain tapped softly against the window.
The knife buried in the wall beside Jungkook’s head vibrated slightly before becoming still.
Jungkook slowly turned his head and examined the blade.
Then his eyes returned to the woman standing across the room.
Not the shy nerd everyone laughed at.
But a woman standing like she owned the room.
Like she feared absolutely nothing.
Vespera held another knife between her fingers, twirling it lazily.
Her posture was relaxed, but her gaze was sharp enough to cut through steel.
Jungkook let out a quiet chuckle.
Jungkook said slowly—
“So this is the real you.”
He gestured toward her tattoos.
Jungkook said—
“I have to admit… this version makes more sense.”
Vespera tilted her head slightly.
Her voice was calm.
Vespera said—
“You're trespassing in my home.”
She flipped the knife once in her hand.
Vespera said—
“You should be focusing on how to leave alive.”
Jungkook smiled.
A dangerous smile.
Jungkook said—
“If you wanted me dead, that knife wouldn’t have missed.”
Vespera’s lips curved slightly.
Vespera said quietly—
“Good observation.”
Jungkook stepped forward slowly.
His movements were relaxed.
Confident.
Jungkook said—
“You told me earlier that you know everything about me.”
He stopped a few steps away from her.
Jungkook said softly—
“So tell me something.”
His eyes darkened.
Jungkook said—
“Who are you really?”
For a moment, Vespera simply watched him.
Her expression unreadable.
Then she slowly placed the knife on the table.
Vespera said calmly—
“My name is Vespera Moretti.”
She folded her arms.
Vespera said—
“I’m sure your men already discovered that much.”
Jungkook’s smile faded slightly.
Jungkook said—
“They discovered almost nothing.”
Her eyes flickered with mild amusement.
Vespera said—
“That must be frustrating.”
Jungkook shrugged slightly.
Jungkook said—
“I enjoy challenges.”
Then his gaze sharpened.
Jungkook said—
“Especially dangerous ones.”
Suddenly he moved.
Fast.
He grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back in a swift motion.
Most people wouldn’t even see the movement coming.
But Vespera did.
Her body reacted instantly.
She twisted her arm free and kicked his leg.
Jungkook stepped back just in time.
The tension in the room exploded.
Jungkook laughed quietly.
Jungkook said—
“So you can fight.”
Vespera cracked her knuckles calmly.
Vespera said—
“You broke into my apartment.”
Her eyes darkened slightly.
Vespera said—
“What did you expect?”
Jungkook rushed forward again.
This time faster.
His hand aimed for her shoulder.
But Vespera ducked under the attack and grabbed his arm.
With a sudden movement, she flipped him over her shoulder.
Jungkook crashed onto the floor.
For a brief moment, the king of Seoul stared up at the ceiling.
Then he burst out laughing.
Jungkook said—
“Okay.”
He sat up slowly.
Jungkook said—
“That was impressive.”
Before he could stand fully—
A knife pressed lightly against his throat.
Vespera stood above him.
Her breathing steady.
Her eyes cold.
Vespera said quietly—
“You lose.”
Jungkook looked up at her.
Instead of fear, amusement danced in his eyes.
Jungkook said softly—
“You’re full of surprises.”
Vespera removed the knife and stepped back.
Jungkook stood up again.
He brushed imaginary dust from his jacket.
For a moment, they simply stared at each other.
Two predators measuring the other.
Finally Jungkook spoke again.
Jungkook said—
“So tell me, Vespera Moretti.”
His voice lowered.
Jungkook said—
“Why is an Italian mafia queen pretending to be a bullied college student?”
The room went quiet.
Vespera turned away slightly, looking toward the rain-covered window.
Her voice became colder.
Vespera said—
“Revenge.”
Jungkook crossed his arms.
Jungkook said—
“Against who?”
Vespera turned back toward him.
Her eyes burned with something darker now.
Hatred.
Vespera said—
“The principal.”
Jungkook blinked once.
Surprised.
Vespera continued calmly.
Vespera said—
“His daughter played with my brother.”
Her voice hardened.
Vespera said—
“She cheated on him.”
Her hands clenched slightly.
Vespera said—
“And he died because of it.”
Jungkook stared at her silently.
Then he laughed quietly.
Not mocking.
Just surprised.
Vespera frowned.
Vespera said—
“Something funny?”
Jungkook shook his head slowly.
Jungkook said—
“No.”
He stepped closer.
His eyes were darker now.
Jungkook said—
“Just ironic.”
Vespera narrowed her eyes.
Vespera said—
“What do you mean?”
Jungkook stopped in front of her.
His voice became colder.
Jungkook said—
“The principal.”
He paused.
Jungkook said—
“Is my stepfather.”
Vespera’s expression finally changed.
Just slightly.
Jungkook continued calmly.
Jungkook said—
“And the girl bullying you?”
His lips curved faintly.
Jungkook said—
“My stepsister.”
Silence filled the apartment.
Rain continued tapping against the glass.
Vespera stared at him for several seconds.
Then slowly—
A smile appeared on her lips.
Dark.
Dangerous.
Vespera said quietly—
“So we have the same enemy.”
Jungkook nodded slowly.
Jungkook said—
“Looks like it.”
He leaned slightly against the table.
Jungkook said—
“What do you say, Vespera?”
His eyes gleamed with interest.
Jungkook said—
“Shall we destroy them together?”
Vespera looked at him for a long moment.
Then she extended her hand.
Vespera said softly—
“Deal.”
And in that moment…
The Italian Black Panther and the King of Seoul formed an alliance.
An alliance that would soon shake the entire city.
- Writer
