They separated silently afterward, sweat cooling on flushed skin. Jungkook gestured wordlessly toward the ensuite bathroom. Tae staggered inside first, steam quickly fogging the glass as scalding water sluiced away sweat, saliva, and drying spills. Jungkook followed minutes later, pushing past her under the spray. His gaze swept over her soap-slicked body—lingering on the constellation of bruises blooming across her hips, ass, and breasts—before turning away.

Towels scraped roughly against damp skin as they dried. Stepping back into the bedroom’s chill, Tae hesitated near the enormous walk-in closet. Her shredded lingerie lay discarded on the floor, impractical armor.