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12 June, Year 24 Summer. Warm breezes and cloudless skies, people buzzing around the streets in loose but not revealing clothing to endure the heat of the day. That’s what Seoul is like in summer and it’s what most people, other than Tourists, rarely get to enjoy during the week. The city never sleeps, but working during the day in any form always robs you of the chance to walk about freely to mind your own business to do what you want without fearing shady people around every corner. The same goes for students at Universities, High Schools and Elementaries.Especially during a day like today, many people would rather be elsewhere than their cool air-conditioned rooms, including Park Jimin. The young University student is cramming for another exam, then another assessment and that’s how it seems to be repeating year after year, cicadas chirping in the background for dramatic effect. He thinks of himself as a tidy man but in reality, the messy table with notes thrown out everywhere try to revoke that statement quite boldly. Thick framed glasses sit on his button nose, threatening to slide off and away from his tired eyes that already had to withstand an allnighter the night before. Jimin sighs, throwing his pen on the table carelessly, being this close to giving up. Writing a police-style report for his criminology major had not looked like this in his mind at all.Becoming an investigator has been Jimin’s dream since childhood. Whether it was in the police or as a private investigator he didn’t care but something keeps him attracted and motivated to continue going after it. Which is also the reason for many unslept nights, nightmarish imagery engraved into his head and a slight fear of the dark. He would think there’d be a mobster around every corner late at night like a child, even though he knew better than to be afraid. Jimin’s small stature easily fools most people to think he’s defenseless and weak. Add a pretty face with plump lips, squishy cheeks, and big slightly droopy eyes, that’s Jimin. Although the droopy eye comes from a barely visible scar on one of his eyelids that left its mark years ago when he still was a child. Jimin is quite opposite to his appearance for he is a taekwondo black belt and was an avid kendo practitioner since he was in Elementary.Talking about age, Jimin’s birthday is approaching in a few months and in those few months, he will finally graduate with his bachelor in criminology and also art history. Art history may be seen as a misfit to criminology, but no one could deny that Jimin has a guilty pleasure for old paintings, their artists and the story behind all of them. So it comes to no surprise, that he finds himself occasionally visit the antique book store to stock up on more art based books, biographies and sometimes poster prints for his room.Nonetheless, looking at Mona Lisa on his wall didn’t help make him any less tired at three in the afternoon. Defeated, Jimin messily scrambles the different documents and resources into his folder while rubbing his eyes and yawning every now and then. The light from outside looks as bright as ever, blurring the distance with heated air along the street. Jimin was clad in a warm sweater and joggers, having completely forgotten the high temperatures outside from the air con blasting all day. When he shuts his laptop closed and turns up the conditioning temperature to get some normalcy back, he hears his phone receive a notification from his couch. Jimin hadn’t touched it since yesterday afternoon, so it comes to no surprise to see a bunch of unread messages, texts, app notifications and even a missed call from Taehyung.Kim Taehyung is his goofy best friend who attends University with him, although in different majors, the two are the same age as well so they’re both going to graduate the same year. Jimin is the older of the two, by merely two months. They’ve known each other since they were kids and know just about anything about the other, so it does make Jimin feel a little bad for ignoring his friend, even if it wasn’t on purpose.He texts a quick “sorry was studying Tae :(“ to Taehyung, who replies at the speed of light with “It’s fine, studying is important and so are you. Meet you at the cafe?<3” He asks, and the cafe in question is the one they always go to, cosy and never crowded. Jimin smiles at that, he really misses Taehyung if he doesn’t see him at University or anywhere at all for more than a few days. “Sure, be there in 10?” Jimin asks, a small okay dinging shortly after. He gets ready, into summer wear - shorts and t-shirt - to endure the heat before grabbing his keys, wallet, and phone into his pant pocket after closing the apartment and heading out. Luckily the cafe they often spend time at is just a block away from his apartment complex so the blonde doesn’t need to worry much about getting sunburnt.When Jimin gets there, Taehyung had already grabbed a table towards the back of the cafe where the sun hasn’t been boiling the air. They order cold drinks together before properly sitting down to talk and enjoy the day. The cafe owner has the back door open to allow for breezes to come through since air conditioning in open areas really is a waste of money.The cafe is one of Jimin’s favorites because it is quiet, not empty but neither crowded during any season. Even on special occasions, the cafe is never overfilled and that is assuring to Jimin because he likes calmness and quiet, but silence not as much since it makes him anxious.“So what have you been doing the past few days? I’ve barely been able to get ahold of you.” Taehyung asks curiously.“Assessments. That’s all I’ve been doing for the past week or so, Tae save me~ I don’t think I can endure this much longer” Jimin whines, drinking his iced chocolate through the straw. “You can do it, Jiminieeee, I know you can. You told me the exact same thing last year yet you still managed an A.” The younger argues.“But Taeeeeeeeeeee... Just take me to one of your photoshoots… I’m sure I’d enjoy that better than arguing ‘why Mr stupid did something irrational and irrelevant’” He mumbles back, which makes Taehyung let out a few chuckles. He can tell that a whiny Jimin is the sole result of all-nighters frequently. He is worried but always tries his best to cheer him up, although not always successfully. “Come on Chim. Only a few days and it’s over with, only a few months and you got your degrees.” he tries to encourage Jimin.“I don’t know...maybe? I know it’s not long but it feels like an eternity...” The poor man sounds defeated, mostly because of what he pressures onto himself to get top grades. But what can he do? He’s a perfectionist. And like that the two keep talking and bickering about each other’s lives for at least another hour, washing away Jimin’s tiredness at least a little from the exchange and advice of his best friend. When Taehyung needs to leave to meet his next photoshoot client, Jimin is left in the cafe by himself. He isn’t completely alone, just without anyone he really knows, but that doesn’t matter much anyways. He far too much enjoys the current atmosphere that lets him wind down and forget about the stacks of notes back in his apartment for a while.He watches the cars drive by through the window, the people walking past - be it families, mothers, children, workers or tourists. Jimin really wishes he could just stay like this forever, chocolatey taste in his mouth from his iced chocolate and sprawl on the small table like nothing matters. He loves the table Tae chose for them, it’s their favorite spot, where you can observe the crowd but are somewhat secluded to yourself with a calm atmosphere.But that silence doesn’t last very long when all of a sudden, to Jimin’s delayed reaction, the people inside the cafe start moving and acting unreasonably rushed. Some customers run out scared, while others try to back off against the walls - simply away from whoever entered the cafe with a gun raised in his hand and pointed at the barista, followed by three buff guys that only scream danger.“Everyone here, stay calm and do not move unless I tell you to. I only have business with the cafe owner. I’m sure the barista can lead us to him, right?” The young looking man announces. The obviously scared barista nods, although robotically since the stranger still has the gun pointed at him, and slowly leads them to where the cafe owner presumably is. Meanwhile, Jimin does not react - rather he just turns to stone and unable to move even a hair’s width. His breathing is way too slow and shallow for his liking as if he wasn’t even on scene. It just feels overall strange.The stranger and the barista left into the back of the cafe, which probably means the office. That’s when Jimin realises there were the three other people who came in with the young man, that he hadn’t even noticed - very likely due to the stranger’s mesmerising face. They are dressed in black, bodyguard like and if his conclusion abilities didn’t die on him, they were there to protect the stranger or act on his orders. Whichever it is, the stranger with a gun and a gaze that looks like an obvious sign that he doesn’t need protection do conclude the second option. This is so very strange, why here?Silence floods in and Jimin is still sat quietly where he had been since Taehyung left. To put it short, he’s afraid of what may happen and may not happen. If everything’s going to be alright. The worries and scenarios inside his mind are going way too fast to even think straight. Quite the opposite to his body’s silent appearance really.Jimin just gawks like a lost puppy - and he entirely misses that every customer from before is now being ushered out by the bodyguards and his hearing is usually perfect but he doesn’t hear the stranger giving any orders nor bodyguards telling him to “fucking get out blondie” so he gets dragged by his arms and hands. Right at that moment, two dampened bangs echo through, followed by shrieks of people and bystanders outside.The bodyguards thoroughly ensure that any person present would not call the police with fierce gazes and the clear instruction that they’d go after anyone who makes a call. From the corner of his eyes, Jimin could see the young man from before exit the back room going out of the cafe while slipping the gun back into his yellow bomber jacket. He takes a closer look at this stranger’s face, to make sure to avoid him at all costs. He certainly didn’t want to wind up dead in the future, which is what they’re also told if they call the police or tell anyone.But before the people who had been left behind even register that the stranger and his guys left, the police already pull up. Jimin was still in the motion of getting out of the cafe, since the guards didn’t entirely get to drag him out, but is in shock to think that due to coming out last he’d be a suspect. Which, the police also conclude to his dismay. He gets dragged yet again, to the police station. Jimin refused to go since he is convinced they got the wrong person - which he certainly knows they did, seeing how the young man walked into the cafe with the gun, not himself. When requesting for a lawyer, the police only shrug, saying it is futile in a certain case like this. Jimin is the only suspect, since whoever called just said, “a good looking young man in his 20’s shot up the cafe down the street”. They don’t even let him be a witness and file a report because “There’s no point. Just admit you did it already”. He’s too poor for an overly expensive lawyer since the police refuse to offer him one and his tuition fees drained his bank account to the ground despite part-time jobs. Plus his family already cut ties when he came out as “not heterosexual and a disgrace to the family” to them. He truly has been on his own since then, and it’s getting him into Jail apparently.Jimin’s family is rich, more than he lets himself think of. His family is extremely well off, solely for the father being a politician and high ranking employee in the biggest conglomerate firm in South Korea, but Jimin’s little abnormal gender preference of sexual interest cut any and all access to money or familial privileges off.Even after multiple reasoning on his end, the police don’t want to budge at all, dead set on putting the murderer, Park Jimin, into jail. But does he want to go and give up, as the stubborn man he is? Of course not, but it also means doing actually illegal things like running from the police, funny right?
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13 June, Year 24 Just after leaving the cafe from his little business visit, the strange young man is left with thoughts. Mostly thoughts about the blonde who either wasn’t fazed by what was going on or in a state of complete shock. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that he did look out of place. It seems like some nobody made it into the head of an heir, strange but amusing inside Jungkook’s head. After all, he is the Jeon Jungkook - heir, and soon to be head of the leading family in the South Korean Mafia. That means respect, loyalty, and honesty are of high value to him, although honesty is a rare trait within the Mafia these days he has t admit. Jungkook is good at his job - or so the other members tell him, maybe even talented, but whether he really enjoys it is another thing.His family had always been supportive and strict with both Jungkook and everyone else to respect the heir as well as trying to get Jungkook to have at least a little respect for his elders. The latter had obviously not gripped much to his mind because it had only been a day since the cafe incident and yet he already notices the police statements being broadcasted, trying to frame a certain Park Jimin for his hit. And now he isn’t as amused anymore.Jungkook taps to call one of the guys in charge of handling police business “Yah, why is the cafe from yesterday in the news? Didn’t I make myself clear enough that there were to be no investigations? Come on Yoongi, say something!”. The man does say something, however, upset about something else. “Where’s the hyung in that sentence, hm? I’m older than you, brat. Anyways, the police didn’t care what we did as long as they could get dirt on the Parks. They said ‘do anything you want afterward if you really need to’”, Yoongi imitates in a childish voice over the phone, “They won’t let you into the picture I promise, they just want to get the Parks’ disgrace of a son into jail, possibly on Minister Park’s request even. Poor guy.” To say that Jungkook is a bit speechless is an overstatement, but he lost his train of thought regardless. “So this Park Jimin is Minister Park’s son?” He asks after a few seconds of silence, thinking back to the blonde at the cafe. “Yeap, he’d been studying on his own while his parents waited for an opportunity to ruin him. Their reasoning is that he’s gay or bi or something from what I remember. It was in the news a few years ago. Why are you ... did you see him on scene?” Yoongi curiously yet calmly replies.“I think I saw him there, I’m not too sure though. Keep an eye on the case for now, in case that Jimin blabbers about the real events.” Jungkook orders, but Yoongi only gets to say a short “Sure” with a snicker before the line is cut. The elder is very sure that Jungkook’s order is not just about Jimin blabbering to the police. After all, it is unusual for him to care.Jungkook ended the call and leans back in his overly big office, way up at the top of a skyscraper in the middle of Gangnam-gu. Jungkook lives the luxurious life, and has always lived it, although more and more tainted with blood. Maybe painted with blood is a better perspective, seeing as the wall behind him is in a deep burgundy red to the black furniture and otherwise white walls. They are his favourite colours, after all.The whole building belongs to the Jeon family, much like many other skyscrapers spread throughout the city and all over the entire country. Financed by hits, and other illegal activities as well as being in control of many major gangs within the capital. Gangs used to lack proper territory and organisation, which the Jeons happily offer in return for small favours. While the criminal side of Seoul does have its connections rooting deep into the Mafia, often unknowingly, most civilians have no idea. Thanks to media and police playing along with the requests of influential underground figures to keep quiet.If the Jeons are like royalty, then gangs and their leaders are treated as lackeys or common folk. Innocent civilians? They are potential or a waste of time is how Jungkook thinks. You can’t blame him, it’s how he has survived on his own without needing to be taught every little thing by his parents. Their advice had been useful, but he had been successful managing on his own for years now.Jungkook checks his watch - around this time would be 24 hours since he left the cafe. Time flies fast, sometimes too fast for Jungkook.Papers upon papers still lay on his table to work through, a little more official than the dark side of the family business. Early mornings turn into afternoons, and evenings at varying pace every day. Sometimes due to boredom, others due to being too busy and for the first time because the certain blonde man lingers on his mind, again.Had he not been caught by police, Jungkook surely would have found more interest in that Jimin. Too bad that he’ll be behind bars too soon, or will he?Before Jungkook could come to a conclusion, while almost falling asleep, he gets startled by a knock on his door. “Son, open up. We need to talk.” a grown man’s voice sounds through the closed door. If only Taehyung knew what he is going to do, he’ll probably have one friend less, or a really disappointed one. For sure, he’d believe what the police says, that he did kill that cafe’s owner. If only Jimin hadn’t stayed at the cafe for so long. So many regrets surface in Jimin while sitting in his temporary cell at the police station. So many fears, and so many regrets. Things he can’t do anymore, like finishing his studies, getting a job, his own someone, all his dreams gone down the drain. He feels too young to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and then get all the blame. All Jimin can do is curl up on the hard bed, cry and cry some more. Tears don’t lie, they say, yet no one believes him anyway. Before he knows it, his cries quieten to sobs, and soon to small puffs of air as he falls asleep. Jimin’s eyes are tear strained, his voice raw, feeling cold and sick to his stomach. Possibly because he triggered himself into a panic attack, no space and too much darkness and helplessness.Silence overtakes everything and anything around Jimin, night settling in while the sun sets. Dried tears mark his reddened cheeks but his chapped lips form a light smile. Why? He doesn’t remember, dreams come and go too fast.When morning comes, neither does his familiar alarm ring nor does the sun shine. It’s a bitter, cloudy and rain rich day paired with bangs on the cell’s door that rattles him awake. “Time to wake up!” an officer says loudly, unlocking the door with a loud click, and with quick moves putting Jimin into handcuffs. “Today’s your day to go,” he says, probably meaning that Jimin will be transferred to jail now. But unlike the night before, his idea turned into a decision. Jimin is going to run from the police the moment he gets a chance. Even if the possibility is equal to 0, he will still try to escape the helpless hell he is put into. But that chance is really taking its time to appear.Jimin has followed the officers to the transporting vehicle in the parking lot, which really looks safe and impossible to break out of by the way. “Umm..? Officer...Jung?” He reads the name badge, “Can I maybe get the handcuffs removed? I can’t do anything anyways…”. The depressed and honest tone in Jimin’s voice is something to be reckoned with, as the officer checks through protocol and visually contemplates if he is allowed to do so. The fightless, helpless face the fake criminal has been wearing ever since arriving at the police station did really add to it, as well as Officer Jung’s knowledge that Jimin is not the actual murderer. “Alright Park Jimin, but stay by the car while Officer Kim and I get everything ready. I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” The young police officer states before Officer Kim could voice any concerns. Jimin is glad for the response, not only showing that he isn’t as helpless as he thinks but also offering a small opportunity.That small opportunity consists of running as soon as both policemen have their eyes off him to run out of the parking lot and jump over the fence, that isn’t even high, to begin with and run as fast and far as he can. They were shouting behind the young man, but the closed parking lot gate took too long to open and they were too far behind to run after him. Luck is on Jimin’s side, for now at least and until he runs out of energy. It feels like he ran forever, not looking at road signs, so he probably ran a marathon out of fear to be caught again.All he has now is his current clothes, not even papers, keys or money since everything was confiscated the day before. Now is a good time to ask what now? Jimin sits down in a rundown alley to catch his breath, possibly dangerous but still better than being in jail he concludes. A road sign on the opposite wall that joins back into the main streets shows that he did end up in a dangerous place, in a suburb where crime rates are so high that even police or special forces deemed taking action as futile. Fun facts from learning criminology for a few years. Jimin leans his head on his knees that he pulled up from where he sat, it’s quiet and empty. No sirens to be heard, no shouts either, giving a false sense of safety and relief to him. Jimin knows he shouldn’t relax when people that should be behind bars roam freely around these parts. The opposite of his own reality is the irony that gets him chuckling bitterly. He just hopes to make it through the night for now, or maybe magically find money lying on the street. His stomach is still empty, making noises of disapproval every now and then, but that can wait. Jimin is tired, and scared. If only Taehyung knew, would he still support him? If only he knew...
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
17 June, Year 24 It had only been a few days since Jimin experienced firsthand how to live like a homeless nobody. Truly exciting. The whole ordeal, however, does teach him really well. He learns quickly to value food while realising just how he took such a basic necessity for granted, all his life. The underground overrun districts of Seoul are scarce. Barely any restaurants and the ones that are still operating are likely run by gangs and, are also extra expensive for tourists. That means food scraps are equally as rare. Luckily, Jimin did not need to search for water since public bathrooms offer some, and it had been raining for two days in a row now. His clothes are drenched, but even that is an understatement. For summer, being drenched may not be as bad, but he already feels like the inevitable cold is approaching him as he sneezes, hair dripping and glued to his face. A nice elderly couple that he met on the second day gave him plenty of food but nowhere to live , as they told him they wouldn’t be able to afford another person in their household. Jimin was so grateful that the food tasted like the best he’s ever had, sitting in a dark alley as he usually does these days. One time, he tried to steal some food from a takeaway place, but that also failed and ended up in Jimin having to help the place clean up after closing to pay it off, but without getting any of the food. Over the past few days, he’s been wandering the streets of Seoul, trying to recall whatever districts or suburbs of the city were especially avoided by the police. Which is one good part about having studied criminology in all of his misery. It has been four days now, and luckily, Jimin’s clothes have not yet disintegrated, although he craves a shower, a change of clothes and desperately some food. His body is already in starvation mode, rendering the young man tired all the time. Jimin only sits back down and curls up in a dry alley somewhere near Gangnam-gu if his memory isn’t fading like his weight. He doesn’t cry, he waits, and waits, and waits. For what? He knows not. All but a feeling remains inside which tells him that he’ll find the right moment. Right moment for what? Hopefully to find real food, he thinks. Jimin almost forgot how his life used to be, how easy it was despite having the parents he has, the family he had. Always access to food, water, friends, money, internet, and people. That almost sounds like one of those utopian dreams to him now. One of those which seems so real, only to have reality slap him in the face. If Jimin asked himself why all this had to happen to him, he would never stop, lost in a circle of repetition, so he doesn’t. He doesn’t question it, he tries to make the best of it with all he can, for as long as this lifestyle allows him to. Jimin almost gives in to his tiredness when he spots a figure across the street bearing a surreal resemblance to Kim Taehyung. But instead of his usual t-shirt and loose pants combo, it almost looks like formal wear… a suit of some sort. Jimin doesn’t trust his eyes, thinking he must’ve started losing his mind, and is hallucinating his best friend. With a rub at his eyes and furious blinking for a short few seconds, it is confirmed that the man is Taehyung. Why? The young man is looking straight at Jimin, mouth hung open and eyes wide. Jimin doesn’t know where to put the emotion Taehyung displays other than shock, fearful that he hates him now. So he looks away, avoiding Taehyung’s gaze but to no avail, because he hears footsteps nearing his location. “Jiminie… is that you?” he says softly, crouching down next to his best friend. All Jimin can do to reply is nod, unable to speak, his vocal cords bound with fear of what Taehyung might say next. “Oh my god! I was so worried about you!” The elder is suddenly embraced in a sincerely warm hug, and his eyes decide it’s time to cry. “I saw you all over the news, oh my Jiminie! ...I’m so glad you’re okay.” By the end of the last sentence, both of them are tightly embracing each other, tears cascading down their cheeks without a care in the world. “D-don’t you hate me…? Taetae…” Jimin hiccups, not letting go. “How could I? You would never do such a thing.” Something blossoms deep within Jimin’s heart just from hearing his confession. He didn’t lose him after all.It takes the two of them a while to calm down, for the cheeks to dry and overwhelming emotions to seep away in waves. In all that time they keep holding each other, overjoyed and feeling safe. “Say...Tae why are you even here?” Jimin asks cautiously, an inspecting gaze lingering over his best friend’s outfit. “Oh, it’s nothing important Chim.” “You know that’s not my name,” Jimin grumbles at the nickname. “Tae, I know it’s something important, otherwise you wouldn’t be dressed up. ...Are you going on a date I know nothing about?” He chimes, but Taehyung only chuckles lightly. “No, not a date… I’d rather call it work?” That surprises the elder. Not once has Taehyung mentioned having any sort of job, which requires such a dress code. Whenever the younger had photoshoots as photographer, he’d simply throw on a nice jacket but this… is definitely different. “I can’t imagine that you have an actual job. Since when? You never mentioned it...” Jimin comments innocently. “For a while now, I didn’t wanna talk about it and tell you I needed money… I know you would’ve said you’d let me borrow some but I didn’t want to be a burden.” Ah, yeah that’s the kind of person Jimin is, a great hyung who’d do anything for his friends. But despite Jimin’s previous cheerful mood, his face morphs into one of worry. “What-” he starts but gets cut off “I know you’re going to ask what I do at that workplace, right?” Taehyung takes the words out of his mouth. Jimin just nods and leans back against the cold wall of the alley. “I’m sorry Jiminie… but I can’t tell you…” Taehyung simply mumbles under his breath “What do you mean you can’t? Even if it was something bad I can’t even tell on you, I’m a wanted criminal after all…” The younger winces at the remark. “It’s not in my place to tell you, I’m really sorry Chim.” Taehyung says in defeat. Jimin simply frowns. “Now, let’s get you a place to stay, shall we?” Taehyung heaves himself off the ground, aiding the other in standing before leading him away from the unforgiving cold of the alley. “I know a guy who enjoys housing unfortunate runaways.” He remarks, walking along the winded streets with Jimin in tow. The pair passes house after house, skyscraper after skyscraper, with the drizzle from the end of Gangnam-gu once again marking their clothes. They keep walking down streets that Jimin doesn’t recognise until they suddenly stop. He looks up at the half-decent looking building. It looks a bit run down but better than a dark alley any day. “We’re here” Taehyung announces, leading the way to press the doorbell button next to the entrance. Within seconds, a man looking in his mid-thirties opens the door wearing a big sweater and some simple pants. His look of cautiousness changes quickly when spotting Taehyung, then to curiosity upon seeing Jimin stand awkwardly behind him. “Ah, Mr. Kim, nice to see you, and who’s this fella you got with you?” The smile that the man flashes is nothing short of pleasant. “This is my friend Jimin. Jimin, this is Lee Hoseok.” Taehyung introduces the two to each other before continuing “Can you please take care of him? He has nowhere to stay.” He asks, and of course, Mr. Lee nods with a welcome “Don’t worry, your friend is in great hands”. Jimin slowly steps forward, right when Taehyung notifies that he must return to work. Whatever work that is. “Have a good day Mr. Kim!” Mr. Lee shouts out while Taehyung disappears down the street on quick feet. “So Jimin, if you need anything just ask.” He says, slowly guiding Jimin through the building while indicating where each significant place he might need is located. “You can take the room right at the end of the upstairs corridor. The bathroom is next door if you want to wash up. Downstairs is the kitchen and a living room where a few others are currently staying. There are also spare clothes that some people left behind over time, which you’re free to wear.” At the end of their tour, which showed each room to be ordinarily plain, Jimin excuses himself to the bathroom. He finally receives the hot shower he had been craving for the past few days, feeling the iffy feeling gradually wash away, from wearing such thin clothes in rainy weather without many chances to dry. Jimin sighs in content while draping himself in a towel then grabs another to quickly dry his hair, where he notices the black roots peeking out through his previously pristine blonde hair. His last bleach was quite a while ago, Jimin admits upon further inspection. He also looks tired, somewhat pale but the dark circles under his eyes really make him seem more like a panda than himself. He dresses himself in some of the borrowed clothes which really is just a t-shirt paired up with some shorts.It was afternoon when Taehyung and Jimin met but now it is darkening outside. Tired Jimins don’t wait for nightfall they sleep, but not before visiting the kitchen for a nighttime snack. It’s become really quiet downstairs, presumably because the other residents went their own ways at this time. The kitchen is also empty except Jimin when he sets foot into it. The fridge is filled and so is the pantry. But all the young man settles for is a packet of ramyeon. He brews some hot water in the kettle then pours all the packet’s contents into a paper cup. When the water is added, Jimin sits there by the kitchen table, eating while contemplating about his sheer luck. It’s a miracle to him that Taehyung trusted himself and remembered what he knew about Jimin instead of allowing the corrupt media to negatively influence him. It’s even more of a miracle how Mr. Lee is offering a place for him. Jimin suspects that he knows he’s wanted, yet he accepted Jimin nonetheless. Before he knows it, his ramyeon is eaten up and a stretched yawn makes its way past his lips. Time to go sleep, he thinks and returns to his room upstairs where he quickly falls asleep, tucked in under a warm blanket. His exhaustion keeps Jimin from even dreaming of anything, something which plagued him in the form of nightmares back outside in those alleys. While he sleeps calmly, he does not expect to be woken up early in the morning because of slamming doors and loud voices, instead of birds chirping. The frantic tapping of feet around the different floors of the house unsettled Jimin more than just slightly. A small alarm clock on the bedside table says that it’s barely 7am, so why all this noise? Jimin gets up, utterly confused and still not fully awake as a shiver runs down his spine. Panic simmers low in his chest, and he opens his room’s door with caution. At that moment, he sees that Mr. Lee is busy explaining something with pleading eyes to a person he simply doesn’t recognize. They look frightening to say the least; the posture, the eyes, just everything together strikes some fear into Jimin. But right when Jimin tries to look away to return to his room, Mr. Lee makes eye-contact with him from the side. The man he was talking with noticed. Jimin suddenly feels like he’s been nailed to the ground with his feet, put on the spot and doesn’t dare to move. What the heck is going on? “Who do we have here?” the man asks with a sinister undertone, not bothering to listen to the repetitive begging “Not him, not him, please-” from Mr. Lee. Jimin doesn’t understand what is happening, eyes wide in confusion. The man walks towards him, eyes intrusive and taunting “What a pretty boy, aren’t you?” Then he yells out to whoever else is in the house “I’m taking this one, everyone let’s go!”.Jimin is currently being dragged by two strong arms back out of the building, leaving a traumatised Mr. Lee behind. When taking a second look at whoever took him, he realises he’s armed; a butterfly knife peeking from out from his pants pocket along with a gun tucked into the inside of his jacket. Needless to say, Jimin’s extremely terrified. It’s no news that these things happen around these parts, but to think it’d involve Jimin is another thing. The man pulls him into the backseat of a black van without any restraints, but those wouldn’t be necessary when Jimin is obviously frozen into place. For a second he wonders where they’ll take him since he called him pretty. He’s sure he’ll end up in either human trafficking or some other sort of sex work, if luck decides to abandon him yet again. But maybe none of this would happen. “I’m sure the boss will like you…” the man absentmindedly comments and really, Jimin feels nothing short of confusion. Like he’s simply shoved around by anyone; first the police, and even some strange criminal people on the streets. He doesn’t even know if this is an abduction since he currently doesn’t have a home and being titled criminal himself probably wouldn’t do him any favor in this. Though it’s certain the criminals aren’t simply two brothers chilling. Another man quietly sits in the front passenger seat, but Jimin neither saw his face nor heard him talk. The drive to wherever is quiet, he vaguely recognises some places, but nothing more than that. The rain calms down significantly, until even the slight drizzle disappears from the car’s windows.Soon they pull up in front of a skyscraper, looking almost as scary as Jimin feels frightened of what’s to come. He is led into the building as soon as his legs decide they can walk again, and if fancy doesn’t describe what he’s seeing, then posh would also work. In the foyer, they are met by security and head towards a meeting room, or at least that’s what he suspects it is. Once inside, white furniture grace Jimin’s eyes, alongside two people already seated. “I know you two, but who’s this?” the first of the two begins to speak as soon as all three, including, Jimin enter the room. “This is someone I found at Lee Hoseok’s place. Lee didn’t meet the requirements again, so we took him as payment.” The kidnapper looks like he’s proud of himself and his actions, much to Jimin’s dismay. The superior, he assumes, continues “Payment, you say? For whom? Me?” It almost sounds comical. “No, not for you. For the boss, I thought he may be interested…”“You think too much for a simple underdog in this hierarchy. But sure, I’ll have him delivered. Is he part of any affiliation?” the superior inquires sternly. Before the underdog can voice a reply, Jimin suddenly bursts out a quick “No” even though he was sure that he didn’t have the courage to move a finger just a second ago. “Oh, he can talk. Would you two leave us alone? Your job here is done.” The fake smile towards Jimin’s kidnappers almost feels comforting.He quickly realises that the other person inside the meeting room is a bodyguard, or at least not someone involved in any of the affairs ongoing. They don’t even look like they had been listening to any of it. “I’m sorry about them, they don’t know what they’re doing when they pick up people as gifts. I hope they didn’t try anything funny on you.” Jimin just nods in understanding, not fully processing his situation. “OH and I’m sorry, I’m kind of in charge of these idiots, call me Seokjin.” Some sort of shyness comes across him, only softly voicing his name back to Seokjin. They say you can’t trust strangers but this, oddly enough, feels like an exception to the rule. “So Jimin, I suppose you’re the Park Jimin that the police is searching for, am I right?” Jimin nods.“You haven’t joined any gang by any chance?” Jimin shakes his head. “This is going to be a bit complicated, but if you’re brought as legitimate payment because Lee couldn’t meet the mark, you’ll need to join one or both the police and everyone else will search for you. Requests like sending you to the boss require trust and need to be executed even if you may not want to. Heck even if I’d rather send you somewhere safe, I still have to.” Jimin listens attentively, dread climbing up his throat. “Your other option is joining the mafia, which I’m also a part of, so at least I could try to make it less miserable of a lifestyle. Your looks and doe eyes will likely get you nowhere pleasant in any simple downtown gang.”“Why are you telling me all of this?” He asks Seokjin. “Because I have a feeling that I should. So what do you think?” He makes the big offer, the big question in the room now being which type of bad guy Jimin would rather be . It might’ve been funny if reality wasn’t being such a bitch . “I...I think...I’ll...I think the mafia would be best...from what you’ve said.” Jimin stumbles over his words rather than forming a coherent sentence. “Okay, now that that’s settled, let’s get you official,” Seokjin announces, standing up and expecting Jimin to do the same. “Will I need to get a tattoo or something?” He cautiously asks, at which Seokjin only laughs in response. “No, silly. It’s just getting a ring and a paper you need to sign. You’ll be under the watch of a true family.” he explains. “So it’s like getting married?” Seokjin chuckles “Well, yes sorta. Now that you say it.”The Mafiosi calls up a number while they head out of the meeting room, and enter the elevator near it. Jimin doesn’t understand nor hear much of the conversation; not like he wants to in the first place. Seokjin presses the button to the third floor and the doors close. Next to his tall stature and wide shoulders, Jimin feels tiny in comparison. But there’s also this confident aura that can easily come across as intimidating. Within the few seconds that pass in the elevator, the young man starts to slowly process what he is doing, yet he can’t find himself feeling any remorse for doing what he decided on so quickly. The doors open again, revealing an elegant reception desk and working tables spread around glass-walled rooms. Into view comes a small box already laying on top of a document, ready for Seokjin to take.He readily calls out for the stalled boy “Come here, Jimin-ah.” They don’t go into an extra office, given that all of them are somehow empty, and Seokjin simply explains the details of the document entailing lots about loyalty to the mafia and so forth. At the end of the long but definitely important explanation, Seokjin hands Jimin a pen to sign the contract. Although with somewhat shaky hands, he somehow manages to still write legible Korean letters. At the end, Seokjin opens the box, revealing the ring which signals his new part of life. The silver band is engraved with swirling leaves on the outside surrounding a single rose inside. It is simple but just looking at it, it feels special to Jimin, although he does not even begin to grasp the power that the ring and its symbols carry. “Welcome to the family, Jimin-ah.” Seokjin hugs him. “Can I ask you something?” Jimin suddenly asks after breaking the hug. “Go ahead.”“How can you even trust me? you didn’t even know me an hour ago.” He explains, to which the elder simply replies mysteriously “I have my sources.” followed by a cheeky wink. “Now let’s get you to Jungkook or he’ll kill me.” Seokjin groans in annoyance. “Kill you?” “Not literally, but a gift is still a gift, and the boss doesn’t like waiting,” he explains while leading them back into the elevator, now pushing the button to the second highest floor, very obviously called the office. The elevator music is horrible, Jimin notes as the melody constantly repeats itself, currently the second time since entering the metal cube. Knowing how fast elevators go these days, it is definitely too fast to meet some mafia boss all of a sudden. A short ding already signifies their arrival, to Jimin’s dismay.A short walk to the office, guarded by two strong guards at the door does certainly seem safe. Very safe with guns tucked into holsters. Yes, Jimin’s triggering himself into anxiety, but before he can further examine how he’d possibly fuck up and die, the door opens at Seokjin’s hands. He mouthes a “come on.” to him, which he slowly follows in the elder’s shadow. But regardless of how nice the burgundy wall he faces looks, the all so familiar face that caused all of his misery greets him cheerfully. Jimin doesn’t know what suddenly becomes of himself other than anger rising in his chest and his eyebrows pulling together into a frown. “You…” he starts softly, pulling next to Seokjin so he can completely see Jungkook. “Looks like we meet again, pretty - or shall I say Park Jimin?” Oh yeah? Jimin thinks. Pretty? Fuck that.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
17 June, Year 24 A short silence follows Jungkook’s statement. Quietly, Jimin stands there with his hands shoved into his pant pockets before replying. "And you are?" he asks, ignoring how Seokjin had called the boss Jungkook before. He needs to hear this first hand, or he might feel like he's gradually becoming insane with these unbelievable events following one after another. Jimin felt swept away, ever since that shooting, which the man before him is responsible for. "I am Jeon Jungkook, leader of the Korean Mafia, and your boss now, I'd say." He announces, fully confident in his words while glancing over at Jimin's left thumb where the engraved ring found its place. Jungkook places his elbows on the armrests of his chair, resting his head onto one hand, full of interest and curiosity."You two know each other?" Seokjin interrupts the two. "Ah yes, I do believe we've met before. Just a few days ago, actually." Jungkook informs with a smug grin, that Jimin would rather have wiped off his face. "Anyways, how have you been, Jimin?" the boss asks. "I've been absolutely fan-tas-tic, thank you for asking." He replies, dripping with sarcasm through every word he speaks. Jungkook almost appears to not grasp that Jimin was falsely convicted, kidnapped and had lived on the streets since that fateful meeting. Jungkook should know how wanted the man before him is, thanks to his own murder, shouldn't he? "I see. It's a surprise that we meet again, if I'm being honest." He notes, full of thought. But Jimin manages to drag him out of dreamland with another sarcastic "Yeah, right.""What's that supposed to mean?" Jungkook asks sharply, growing annoyed at Jimin’s uncalled for sarcasm, but the latter isn't having it. "Didn't you just want a pretty boy toy? Isn't that why you did all this?" He asks provocatively, taking a step towards Jungkook's desk. "Just shove me from place to place like an object , yeah?" Jimin has no clue where this boldness and assumption comes from but he rolls with it. Seokjin slowly starts to panic between the tension of the two, tugging at Jimin's sleeve to back off, but the younger just shrugs it off. The elder steps back in defeat, beads of sweat already visible in worry. Jungkook's face, on the other hand, hardens and warns "Drop the sarcasm, Jimin. None of your assumptions are true."Jimin sighs, tensing and releasing his fists in an attempt of trying to keep his temper at bay. But the constant odd friendliness of the stranger in front of him really doesn’t sit well in that situation and only adds to his frustration.When he begins to talk again, his voice sounds foreign to himself. The sharp edge to the statements he speaks next even shocks himself as he talks "I will drop the fucking sarcasm if you stop talking to me so informally. I don't know you. Nor do I fucking want to. You're the one that ruined my perfectly set out life, stole my dreams, home, and almost my freedom, so don't you dare play friend with me ." His palms hit the surface of the desk, although softly, as he leans forward. He makes direct eye contact with Jungkook, Jimin’s head tilted slightly towards his face. There's poison ingrained into Jimin's words.If Seokjin didn't want to see Jimin walk out of this alive, he would've probably fainted from the tension that keeps growing heavier in the office. No one ever talks back to the boss, not to Jeon Jungkook. No one, other than his father, and not even he ever had to. Jungkook is the perfect son, heir and now boss in his father's eyes.Jungkook closes his eyes for a few, but extremely long seconds. "You'll be living here from now on, I suggest you rather make friends than enemies here. Your living quarters are on the 32nd floor with other new recruits. Seokjin." Jungkook states blankly and Seokjin proceeds to lead Jimin out by grasping his shoulder. Jimin pries himself out of the elder’s hold. "I can walk myself," he says kindly to Seokjin, then glances back to Jungkook. Jimin will never forgive the man before him for what he did, he promises to himself.Jungkook notices the small action, yet this minor detail makes a shiver run down his spine. That glance, which should really be called a glare, has that certain piercing effect as if he looks right into Jungkook’s soul with unwavering strength. It is a short glance, but one that has Jungkook nailed into his seat, breath stuck in his lungs. The short second suddenly feels like minutes to the boss.Although he's supposed to be of highest authority, the elder has an edge to how he moves and acts that Jungkook hasn't experienced before. He almost sighs in relief when the doors close again with Jimin finally out of sight. Jungkook sees himself lucky that the elder doesn't seem to know that he's actually younger, who knows what would’ve happened in his state of mind. In a way, Jungkook rests assured that Jimin has no idea of how he can affect others like he just did, based on the fact that his confidence relied on anger rather than his own skills.The recruit is similarly young but never had to live the life that Jungkook was born into. Where you have to know your abilities, assets, and skills at any moment and make use of them to get to your goals and deliver. Be it fighting, hacking, killing or manipulating people. You either have potential in criminal areas or you don't. Although he prefers to avoid calling it “being a criminal”.Jungkook concludes that Jimin does have the potential, though. His father used to always comment that he's usually right with his predictions of people when he was still heir. The previous dread of Jimin's glare subsides after a short while, replaced with curiosity akin to a child's, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Jimin is back in the elevator with Seokjin, looking completely deflated. "So he really didn't do it on purpose?" "No Jimin-ah he didn't, despite his reputation, he doesn't plunge people into his kind of life if they don't want to," Seokjin replies. "How can you be so sure?""I was born into an affiliated family of the Jeon’s, so I've basically grown up with him." "You two are so different…" Jimin comments, playing with his hands until the elevator stops by the 32nd floor. Seokjin chuckles "Yes, I've heard that but Jungkook isn't always like today. He can be nice if he wants to." They head down a corridor until they stop by another office door "That's incredibly hard to believe." The younger can't imagine a nice Jungkook at all, he only saw the murderer and boss figure ever since they met. Seokjin knocks on the door, which clicks open milliseconds later. "Hey, Yoongi-ah can you give me the apartment key card for Jimin-ah?" The two enter this ‘Yoongi’s’ office. At first glance, it consists solely of screens and boxes. At second glance there are also documents, some staff, and food containers spread about the workplaces. "Oh, the new recruit! Hello Jimin-ssi, I'm Min Yoongi and I’m in charge of security." Jimin is a little startled to be greeted by a tired looking Min Yoongi.“Nice to ..um meet you.” He manages to stammer out. His confidence must’ve locked itself into Jungkook’s office, as it’s nowhere to be found anymore. The security supervisor scrambles through piles of folders and papers before his eyes light up in victory, holding a plain black card in his hands. “This is the general recruit card, Jimin-ssi. It opens to your apartment and any recruit facilities you may need. Seokjin-hyung will explain all that, right?” Yoongi looks over to Seokjin after handing the mysterious card to Jimin. “Yep. Jimin-ah? Let’s stop bothering Mr. Workaholic and show you around instead.” The eldest announces, quickly waving bye to Yoongi who has already buried himself in work again.Jimin barely manages to say a quick goodbye before they’re already back in the corridor, walking towards a big glass door that leads into another corridor. This one looks a lot less spacious but no less expensive and modern. Seokjin motions Jimin over to swipe the card as practice for the future, and the door immediately swings open. The corridor is rather simple; carpeted floors and soft warm lighting from the ceiling. The only window in sight is at the very end of the corridor, showing some other skyscrapers and the cloudy sky outside.They walk almost through to the end then stop by the door that has 27 written on it. “This will be your living quarters from now on. There're already some clothes prepared in various sizes so something should fit.” Seokjin explains and glances at the expensive Rolex adoring his wrist. “I have to go for now, but I’ll be back here to meet you in an hour to show you the rest, Jimin-ah.” Jimin opens the door after swiping his room card at the same time that Seokjin walks away, disappearing through the glass doors a few seconds later.The apartment inside makes his jaw drop; never has he lived in such fancy surroundings by himself. The only reminder being the old family home but even there, most furniture was old and wooden, while here the modern vibes visibly carry through. The first thing is the black leather couch placed with a shining glass table right in view from the entrance. Not far from there, windows grace a nice view. There is also a small kitchen which has a bar and stools to sit on as well. There are two doors that presumably lead to a bathroom and bedroom, but the living area looks to be made for more than one person.Jimin steps inside, closing the door behind him quietly. Most furniture is either black or white, with the occasional cream or red woven into the full picture. He looks around, almost expecting another person, but there’s silence and no human in sight other than himself. Jimin’s hands brush his hair back, cautiously walking through the room, towards the first door, that reveals to be the bathroom. It’s simple - a shower, toilet, and sink prepared with unused towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other necessities.The big mirror above the sink reflects Jimin’s somewhat worn out face. He hadn’t slept much, having just calmed down after an angry fit from being kidnapped and the clothes he borrowed have certainly seen better days. Some stains on the shirt further prove the need for better clothes. Jimin closes the bathroom door again and checks the last door, which obviously turns out to be the bedroom. The queen size bed faces a set of windows, which are closed from view through curtains.There’s also a desk with hotel-type stationery carefully placed on it and a chair, a wired phone and another small hallway. This one has no door and leads straight into a walk-in closet, Jimin realises. It’s half full, with simple dark clothes and a few suits. In the middle is a small island with further items like ties, belts and a glass case for jewelry such as rings or cufflinks, he assumes. There’s also polished shoes and packaged underwear set aside in the closet, not to mention the tall mirror sliding door on the suit side of the closet.Jimin has to admit, that what they provide is probably worth half- or more of his college fees.He gets out some clothes that look to be in his size and tries them on. After trying a few different items, he sets aside a couple of shirts and jeans - one of which are shorts - and eyes one of the suits with curiosity. It had been years since he last wore one. It wasn’t prom, no. It had been the gala he attended with his father, nonetheless on the day he got disowned. But growing up in an influential family taught him one thing. Which is that suits aren’t intimidating, only the people wearing suits can be.Remembering that day still numbs Jimin a little every time he thinks about it, but feeling the fabric of the black suit just hanging there does spark something. He doesn’t know if it’s nostalgia or an urge to see how he’d look after all this time. Before he realises he stands tall in front of the big mirror, wearing the suit that sits a little odd in some places.Just as he’s about to take off the jacket again to get changed into non-formal attire, he hears the ringing of a doorbell. Jimin doesn’t move at first, not really realising that it’s his doorbell for a good two seconds before going to open the door on quick steps. He sees the clock in the kitchen showing that it had almost been an hour, which he spent inspecting the apartment and trying to find clothes to wear. It felt much shorter than that to Jimin though.Jimin quickly opens the door, and as expected, Seokjin’s face kindly greets him again. He’s been wearing a semi-formal suit all day, which means suit jacket, button up and plain black jeans. “You’re back,” Jimin notes, rather absentmindedly because the quirk of Seokjin’s eyebrow is a more prominent and confusing sight to take in at the moment. “I didn’t think that you’d choose a suit of all things, good taste though. You look good, Jimin-ah.” Seokjin says with a wink. To say Jimin’s taken aback is an understatement. “I was just trying it on... was going to get changed just as you arrived.” He says shyly. “Oh kid, there’s no need to. You chose the perfect outfit to show you around, now gogo and put on some shoes, we have places to be at.” The elder hushed Jimin before he could utter another word. Half a minute later, he’s tying his shoes in front of Seokjin who unsurprisingly spends the opportunity adoring Jimin’s small hands. “I’m ready.” The recruit mumbles, fidgeting with the black card in his hands. “So, Jimin-ah. You’ll spend most of your first few days, maybe even weeks, on this floor. There’s everything from a cafeteria, hairdresser and even a shooting range.” Seokjin starts as they walk back down the corridor again. Outside looks like late afternoon, the clouds hanging lower like they’d burst into rain any second.The two of them head out the glass door then they cross the original corridor. To the opposite side of the glass door faces yet another corridor. That particular new corridor has dark graphite coloured walls with intricately patterned wallpaper. Seokjin leads them through until they’re greeted by an entrance or reception like area. It has seating places, and multiple ways to enter or leave to other places. Most of the area is open, and flows from one focus to another. There’s food and gym equipment towards the back, books and computers work as a wall in-between. A few people are present in the lounge part of it, but Jimin pays them no attention for now, although he does notice how they’re consciously avoiding Seokjin at all costs.“This is the main lobby, you’ll find most of the things you may need here. As a recruit, a vast amount you have access to is for free, so don’t worry about money for now. There are a few more rooms by the gym, one of which the personal trainer uses for individualised training and the other being the shooting range.” They walk through all the important parts of this giant floor, even checking a couple of rooms as Seokjin mentions them until they end back at the start of their tour. “Any questions?” the elder concludes, sounding almost like a teacher. “I have two actually… you said I’d have to do training with the trainer, but who is that? And are you sure I can just call you Seokjin? I feel a bit rude to address you without honorifics…” Jimin notices the quiet of his voice, but Seokjin heard him still. “For now, your trainer is going to be Yoongi-ah, he’s in charge of security after all and will teach you how to stay safe. He may not look it, but he’s certainly capable of holding his ground.” The elder compliments, making Jimin relax a little since Yoongi seemed nice to him. “And Jimin-ah, don’t worry about honorifics with me, but if you’re so adamant, you can call me hyung. I know I have never asked for your age, but it was spread on news channels and impossible to miss.”The reminder that his face, name, and age, as well as family, was spread all over Korea makes his stomach churn uncomfortably, yet the kind smile adorning Seokjin’s face gives him reassurance. Jimin’s finally safe, or at least the best he can be.“Before I go back to work, Yoongi-ah will come over here soon to further talk with you, so sit back and relax. I still think the suit was not a bad choice…” Seokjin mumbles the last part, almost sounding a bit proud of the younger. Jimin sits down on one of the leather chairs by the many tables around the recruit area’s entrance.He watches the recruits that aren’t as new come and go, some in streetwear, others in suits, and a few even in pyjamas. A handful have visible scars on their skin, while other’s eyes look hollow and void. Jimin thinks that all of them probably went through or did things that changed them. Things that cannot be undone with regrets and guilt. He gets himself a coffee as he waits, finding interest in sitting and watching, just like he used to with Taehyung in the cafe so many times. They would make up stories about visitors and tourists, keeping themselves entertained for hours.Before Jimin nods off from the caffeine and ever repeating memories and observations, various recruits appear to lightly bow whenever they pass the entrance. It is Yoongi they bow to, unsurprisingly. Jimin thinks they must regard him with a lot of respect if they do that. “We meet again, Jimin-ssi!” Yoongi waves to Jimin and takes a seat opposite the young man. “First days are always a little strange, but let’s get this sorted alright?” he says, to which Jimin nods in understanding. Yoongi takes out his phone and opens a list of bullet points, likely points they’d have to go through. “So Jimin-ssi, I will ask you a few questions so it’ll be easier to find out where you’re at, since I don’t really have much information other than the case you got involved in.”Jimin answers a timid “Okay…”, not knowing what to really expect. “First question. I’m sure you’ve completed high school since there were articles, but did you have any tertiary education?” “Yeah I did, although not finished thanks to someone .” He replies. Yoongi further asks “What was your major?” “Criminology and Art History.” “Oh, that’s a little ironic… and a double major at that. Okay next question, do you have any experience in self defense?” He goes on, with some interest in his eyes. At this moment, Jimin realises how stupid he was; knowing self defense yet blanking when he needs to make use of it. “I did taekwondo and kendo if that counts.”“What belt and rank have you reached?” Yoongi is intrigued to say the least. The younger hesitates to answer this question at first. “I got up to black belt and fourth Dan.” Jimin feels ashamed of himself, but his head snaps back up at the impressed noise coming from Yoongi. “The rest of the list would ask you thing if you hadn’t got experience but we can scratch that. I know that Jaebong - the man who wanted to give you to Jeon - basically abducted you, but why didn’t you do anything to stop him? You could’ve easily avoided it.” The security supervisor in front of Jimin is right, and in hindsight, he does regret his lack of actions. Right now he would prefer drowning in pillows than having to explain his embarrassing self. “I-...I don’t know… I blanked, more than once. I think I just never expected I’d need to actually apply it into real life like that…”“Hey now, no need to cry about that. You never expected to need it, and that’s okay. Most people never face any of this.” Jimin never realised when his tears finally started falling, head hanging low and drops making contact with the table. Yoongi’s hand rests assuringly on Jimin’s shoulder, almost telling him it’s okay. It’s okay to cry it out in the comfort of safety, unlike the lonely cell at the police station. So he cries harder, and Yoongi hands him a pack of tissues that he gladly accepts.After a while, he wipes his tears then blows his nose while feeling like he probably looks miserable. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” Jimin apologizes, but Yoongi shakes his head. “It’s fine, no need to feel embarrassed. Everyone here has been at a similar point before, including myself. I’ll make a training schedule to help you snap out of freezing and blanking. I have a feeling that the sight of guns, which most approved family members carry, has a bit to do with that.” He adds with a chuckle, and Jimin nods but looks at him in disbelief. He has no idea how Yoongi would have known that.“Now we got that done, it’s already quite late for starting any training today, so I’ll see you tomorrow at 8 o’clock. Don’t be late.” He says the last part with a firm and stern tone, before rising from his seat. “Okay, see you tomorrow Yoongi-ssi!” Jimin calls after him, who already walks out of the lobby. Yoongi waves bye without turning around and he’s out of sight. The younger sighs, also getting up and heading back to his new home… if you could call it that. Jimin truly has his energy drained to the last drop now, forgetting entirely about eating something before dropping onto his bed the moment he gets to his bed. Within seconds he’s fast asleep, lips parted in a slight pout, cheeks still a little flushed from crying. But now he knows it’ll be alright, well the most alright it could be. If only Taehyung knew, or maybe he already knows?