Taekook, The Theif

29

TAEHYUNG'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The room was awash in the muted glow of the television screen, casting shadows on Taehyung's face. His fingers, once nimble on the game controller, now rested on the edge of the coffee table, frozen in mid-air. 

The breaking news alert had shattered the tranquility of his evening, and as he turned up the volume, a hushed tension filled the air.

The news anchor's voice, laden with gravity, permeated the room.
"Good evening. Breaking news from Kal Guksu Alley, where a tragic shooting incident has occurred. Two individuals were found dead earlier tonight."

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, and he reached for the remote with a measured calmness. The transition from the gaming world to the harsh reality of breaking news was seamless, yet the calmness on his face belied the storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface.
"Authorities arrived at the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. The victims, a male and a female, were found with gunshot wounds..."

His gaze remained fixed on the screen, absorbing the details with a detached composure. It was as if he had momentarily suspended his own emotional response, creating a shield to protect himself from the weight of the news.
"The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their families."A single tear welled up in the corner of Taehyung's eye, defying the stoic mask he wore. It clung to his lashes, a silent testament to the emotions threatening to spill over. 

His hands, still, betrayed a subtle tremor, a physical manifestation of the internal struggle between the desire to maintain composure and the raw.

------

As the news anchor's somber voice continued its report, Taehyung's eyes remained fixed on the screen. His mind raced with worry, the news hitting him harder with each passing moment. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and reached for his phone.

TAEHYUNG (dialing) Come on, come on.

He waited anxiously as the phone rang, the seconds stretching into an agonizing eternity. Finally, a voice answered on the other end.

DISPATCHER (over the phone) "Emergency services, how can I help you?"

TAEHYUNG (voice steady) Hi, this is Taehyung. I need to talk to someone about the incident in Kal Guksu Alley. I think... I think one of the victims might be my roomate, Jungkoo

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll do my best to assist you. Can you please provide some details?"

TAEHYUNG Yeah, um... Jungkook, he's 24. Brown hair, about 5'10". We live together. I haven't heard from him, and I'm really worried. Is there any way you can help me find out if he's okay?

DISPATCHER "I understand. I'll check the information for you. Can you confirm your address?"

TAEHYUNG (giving his address) It's urgent. Please, tell me something.

While on the phone, Taehyung's calm demeanor remained,  but his eyes revealed the desperation beneath the surface. He paced the room, the weight of uncertainty pressing on his shoulders.

DISPATCHER (softly)0" I'll contact the authorities at the scene and see if they have any information on your roommate. Please stay on the line."

As Taehyung waited, the tear that had clung to his lashes finally broke free, tracing a silent path down his cheek. The room, once filled with the distant echoes of the news report, now held only the anxious breaths of a roommate desperate for news about his friend.

"I was right"