Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Having a roommate will be cool, he thought. Plus you don't need to worry as much about the rent. He thought.

Park Jimin likes his life. Simple, he encountered some hardships before of course, like everyone else. But now his life is quite easy. He's a medical student. An intern in a good hospital. Everything is okay, simple, quiet. Yes sometimes there are emergencies at the hospital but nothing that he can't handle, he has control most of the time. Jimin also has a great family, a beautiful mother in love with his great dad, a younger brother who Jimin loves. It's great. And having a roommate won't change his life. Why would it change anything ?

Jimin smiles at his new roommate who responds with a box shaped smile. Weird but cute. The name is Kim Taehyung. 23 years old just like Jimin. They smile at each other for some time but then it gets a bit awkward at least for Jimin who nods and shows him around.

One bathroom, two rooms with a useless door connecting them. The kitchen isn't large but large enough for Jimin who doesn't cook a lot, he likes cooking he just doesn't have enough time and cooking isn't his favorite activity when he has time for himself. Kim Taehyung nods at everything Jimin says, no questions. So yeah Jimin finds him a little weird but he doesn't judge, everyone is different, his mother hadnt raised him to be an asshole.

The first night Taehyung sleeps in the apartment and Jimin isn't there. He's on call at the hospital. All night. He tries his best not to worry about Kim Taehyung but the young man is still a stranger who now lives in his apartment. But everything is going to be alright cause Jimin's life is simple and always has been and Kim Taehyung seems to be a cool guy.

No need to worry.

A month passed. Kim Taehyung is in fact a great guy, a little weird but nice. First thing that Jimin noticed about him is that he always comes home late, like really late or early in the morning but really early, midnight, 2am and the record is 5am. Jimin doesn't question him, Taehyung is merely a friend, he's his roommate but not a friend, at least Jimin doesn't think he is.

Second thing that Jimin noticed is a little strange,  Taehyung's state when he comes back to the apartment. Jimin was awake one time Taehyung came home, it wasn't long ago, the guy was breathless, his knuckles red, it was blood, Jimin isn't silly and he is a future doctor. He treated him and even if the injury wasn't major the cuts were still deep but Taehyung didn't budged, he simply stared at the floor with soulless eyes and even if Jimin didn't know him that much  it was weird. Without a single word they both went to sleep.

Went on with their lives.

Another weird thing about Kim Taehyung. His attitude. One time he's the sweetest human being on earth, they even watch television together, laughing and eating candies or pizzas. And another time Taehyung looks like a serial killer. Staring into emptiness with a quiet gaze that makes Jimin shudder.

Like right now for example. Jimin doesn't even move, he stands motionless with his glass of water in his hand because really he was just thirsty, it's Sunday and it's late now and Jimin needs to sleep but he's scared, he's really scared of moving right now, hell he doesn't even know why, Taehyung is a bit weird but he shouldn't be afraid of him that's not nice. Jimin takes a deep breath and heads to his room, he glances at Taehyung and yelps. Taehyung is staring at him with his big eyes, he's not even blinking, just staring and he waits(?) for Jimin to make a move, like an animal, Jimin is like the prey. And that's really creepy.

"Long day tomorrow, hehe, good night."

Jimin is definitely not waiting for an answer, he almost runs into his room and closes the door. Why he is so fudging creepy ?

Almost two month has gone since Taehyung moved in. Jimin almost forgets how creepy the young man can be, sometimes he still stares into nothing or at Jimin but he learns to accept that, because Taehyung isn't dangerous, so when he goes into his own world and starts being weird and creepy Jimin just smiles but he doesn't pay as much attention now, that 'staring' thing Taehyung does is almost normal now.

Jimin's life is still normal and great, Taehyung hasn't change that. Even when he comes home at 3am with bloody hands and bruises, those are never big injuries and this time the blood on his hands wasn't Taehyung's, Jimin treats him like he always does for more than a month now. Again they don't talk about it, Jimin smiles, Taehyung smiles and they both go to sleep. Although Jimin loves his almost boring life he's not just going to ignore the bloody hands, the bloody clothes, the bruises, and the time at which Taehyung comes back.

Jimin finishes his slice of pizza and waits for Taehyung to finish his to ask some questions. He asks with a gentle and caring voice if he has any problems in his life, if he's bullied or something. He asks for answers. Taehyung just stands up and slowly heads toward his room, he slams the door with so much violence that Jimin startles in the couch.

After that Jimin didn't ask again.

Weeks passed and Jimin starts thinking if he should maybe ask Taehyung to move out but he doesn't. The night he thought he was going to tell him to move out Taehyung was crying in his room. Jimin heard him, and just stood by the door, listening to Taehyung crying. Maybe Taehyung is more than just weird and sweet maybe he has some serious problems.

Jimin thinks about Taehyung for the next couple of days, he can't ask him again or he'll just get angry so Jimin invites him to the karaoke, yeah it's more for  high schoolers but Taehyung can be so childish sometimes so why not. Something he really likes about him. 

 Taehyung loves it. He sings and jumps while smiling with that unique smile of his. Jimin just laughs at how different he is and he definitely likes this Taehyung better. The happy and still weird Taehyung.

The next weekend they ate together in an Italian restaurant, Taehyung pays, in cash, and Jimin is impressed. He doesn't think too much of how Taehyung pays. He must have a really good job. That's all he thinks.

Jimin is sleeping on the couch. All dressed. No judgement. He went clubbing with Woobin a doctor, his mentor normally. Jimin is probably going to have a hangover but he had fun. Jimin barely wakes up when he hears the door slammed. Taehyung surely. Jimin mumbles something along the lines  "sorry Tae too tired to fix you up", Jimin even apologizes by putting his hand in the air.

"The fuck do you want Kook ?"

"Money."

"Get out."

"Or this small thing on the couch. Money or him."

A high pitched laugh fills the room and Jimin opens his ears but doesn't move and pretends to be asleep because that's not Taehyung's laugh. 

"Fuck you, I'll give you money just go."

Jimin feels the stranger's fingers brushing his belly, the hand goes from his belly to his collarbones and Jimin tries his best not to react, the atmosphere his unbearable, too heavy.

"Hands off."

"Okay. I'll be back if you_"

"I know now fuck off."

The boy leaves and Jimin hears the loud sighs coming from Taehyung.

Jimin has as simple life, sometimes boring but the good kind of boring at least for him. And he still has his simple life but Taehyung's life is messed up, Jimin isn't stupid he can tell and he can't even help.

Three month passed. Jimin hasn't forgot about the night with the 'kook' guy, but instead of making Taehyung's life worse by asking questions, Jimin starts being a real friend to him. Learning about what he likes, what's his dream, they have fun together, Jimin knows a part of Taehyung's life is more than shitty so he does his best to make the other part of his life less shitty and even joyful. And maybe someday he'll open to Jimin. And maybe just maybe Jimin will be able to help him.

"I love food. I truly do, like I wish I could eat in the best restaurants in the world.

"That's not your dream though."

"How do you know ?"

"Because you want to live in Daegu with your whole family and_"

"Make them the best meal ever. Yeah..."

Jimin watches the movie while drinking his beer. He feels Taehyung's quiet gaze on him, a stare that he learned to like a lot because when you look closely without being afraid, Taehyung is beautiful with that serious look on his face. Jimin smiles at his friend.

"What ?"

"I'm going to change my dream."

"Oh really ? Tell me."

"I'm going to live in Daegu with my whole family and Jiminie and make them the best meal ever."

Jimin looks straight into Taehyung large almond eyes. The apartment is quiet except for the television but Jimin doesn't care, it's also dark and only the light of the televison allows him to see Taehyung's face. He looks beautiful of course but that Jimin saw it the very first day but it wasn't really important.

"I'd like to Tae, I'd really like to."

He does but maybe once there's less secrets around him. They watch the movie. Jimin smiles, Taehyung's head is on his tights. He strokes Taehyung's soft hair and he's pretty sure Taehyung is falling asleep on him. Again. 

It's Tuesday night and Jimin is tired, really tired and the last thing he needs right now is someone banging at his door like it was a fucking punching ball.

"What ?"

Jimin's eyes are barely open but he sees the police uniform, he forces himself to wake up a little. He opens a little the door but not too much cause he's almost naked.

"Sorry to bother you so late but we saw our suspect enters this building. Have you seen a young man in his twenties, brown hair, probably tanned skin, thin and not tall but average height. Around 1m80."

Yeah, my roommate, the heck ? Jimin shakes his head.

"You're sure ? This man is armed and dangerous, he killed two man from a gang and he is a notorious thief and drug dealer."

"Wow, that's...a lot of bad things. Hum I_"

Jimin's voice stops as something cold and sharp is pressed against his back. He doesn't even turn around, he knows who is pressing a knife in his back. Who else could it be. 

 "So sir, anyone comes in your mind ?"

"Huh, no. Not at all. Calm neighborhood. Always has been, always will be.."

The cop nods and leaves. Jimin's life is simple, almost boring but hey the good kind of boring. Or was simple and boring. 

Chapter Text

"You scream, you're dead. Do you understand. Don't use words. Just nod."

Betrayal tastes bitter, it could also be the fact that his night was cut short and be killed like this, not even properly awake or even dressed really...sucks.

The understatement of the century.

Poor, little Jimin does as he is asked. He nods slowly. To him quicker could mean death. So many things could mean death right now. Jimin could barely keep his eyes open a few minutes, no, seconds ago, and now he feels like they're going to pop out and roll on the floor. Oh, Jimin is thinking too fast and about nonsense, he is officially panicking.

Taehyung, still with a kitchen knife pressed against his back, guides Jimin and makes him sit on the couch. The lights are still off and the only thing preventing Jimin from passing out is actually fear, the way Taehyung's eyes are glowing in the dark and almost daring him to fall asleep. Death playing with Jimin.

"Are you going to kill me ? Because if I may say, they already know how you look like so killing me would be useless since I don't know anything they don't already know. And I'm a future doctor, killing me would be counterproductive. Taehyung, I know sentiments mean something to you, I was your friend, I liked-like you...put the knife down and, go, I won't call the police."

He definitely will call the police (If he doesn't get killed first). Friendship ? Bro code ? Who cares right now, if Jimin could laugh sarcastically, he would but he won't exchange his life for one last laugh.

"I have a family...?" Jimin tries when he sees how unresponsive Taehyung is.

"I can't let you go."

Jimin almost vomits right on his lap. He is as good as dead then.

"I won't kill you. Because I am your friend, but, you have to come with me."

Oh, that's slightly better, still horrible and Jimin still wants to vomit and cry but it's better. Could he stop playing with his nerves though.

Jimin raises his hand slowly and Taehyung gives him a small, genuine amused smile. Jimin isn't smiling. At all.

"Yes Jimin ?"

"Is there a second option ? One that doesn't involve me leaving everything behind as well as the people I love and my sweet, ordinary life ?"

Taehyung presses the knife against Jimin's throat. It's cold and Jimin regrets sharpening his knifes on his free time. Who does that anyways ?

"Death. Jimin this isn't a joke. If you don't come, I will have to kill you."

Jimin gulps. He feels the knife being pressed a little harder against his throat and he shuts his eyes tight, it could still be a dream, he thinks. But the coldness of the blade and the small droplet of hot blood...confirms that : no, it's not a dream. Jimin almost whines but he already feels too pathetic as it is so he swallows his fear and opens his eyes.

"I kinda hate you. And that's big for me to kinda hate someone because I don't like the word 'hate' at all, I think it's too powerful. I don't even want to give so much negative attention to anyone or anything. That's why I just kinda hate you."

Jimin is aware he is rambling, he is aware he is making no sense whatsoever, but it prevents him from crying. It doesn't prevent the tears from prickling in his eyes though. He looks up at Taehyung, knife still on his throat, eyes glassy, lips shut into a thin line otherwise he would be sobbing.

Jimin knows he must look sad, exhausted, betrayed and scared shitless, and he expected Taehyung to show sympathy, remorse. Actually anything. But Taehyung's face is blank. Eyes empty and dark. Jimin is scared because of many things tonight but Taehyung's inhuman eyes are probably the most frightening thing to him.

It's like...he is a monster. Jimin thinks. But monsters aren't real.

Turns out they are and they weren't living in Jimin's closet but in the next room.

"We need to go. Put on some pants and shoes. Nothing else." Taehyung became a completely different person in less than two seconds, his voice is deeper and colder and Jimin doesn't even want to think about the man's eyes.

"Can I brush my teeth ?" Jimin asks, still vey unsure of basically everything.

Taehyung stares at Jimin for a long minute, it's a simple question yet Taehyung takes the time to analyze Jimin, his eyes are one of a feline, and for a second Jimin's instincts tells him to jump off the window. But his instincts were never that good since he let a killer into his apartment.

"Okay but be quick."

Jimin bolts in his bathroom and almost falls twice.

"Not so quick ! Don't wake up the whole neighborhood!" Taehyung yells whispers. Did a psychopath just scolded him ?

Jimin closes the bathroom door and starts looking for something, he doesn't know what, a phone, he needs a phone, he is incapable of hurting a fly so is only option is to call the authorities.

Jimin does wash his teeth though because he genuinely wanted to do it in the first place. No way he is roaming the streets of Seoul with bad breath, hygiene comes first. Even when a killer is holding a knife at his throat.

Jimin goes in his room and puts on his pants very quickly and starts searching for his phone, a phone he put on his night table, he knows it because he uses it as an alarm.

"You are looking for this perhaps ?"

Taehyung's breath hits the crook of his neck. It's sudden and not welcomed. Jimin jumps away but Taehyung's long arm catches him. His arm is wrapped like a snake around his neck, his back is glued to Taehyung's chest.

"Jimin. Don't do that." Taehyung's lips are brushing his ear and Jimin is ready to cry, his aura is unbearable not like the man he knew a few hours before.

"I'm sorry.." Jimin manages to say with the courage he has left.

Taehyung nods and shows him Jimin's phone, the urge to grab it is strong but the need to stay alive is stronger.
Taehyung drops the phone on the floor and crushes it with his foot.

"Jimin, when I say death I mean death. I'll kill you...to death. Don't try something stupid again. Let's go."

Taehyung's snake like arm frees Jimin but the freedom doesn't last long. Taehyung grabs his forearm and drags him outside the room and then the apartment.

There's no time to say goodbye to his belongings, he knows it's stupid to get sentimental over a house, a bed, a kitchen and a couch yet he is sentimental over all of this. Then it strikes him, his parents ? His brother ? His fiends ? Will he see them again ? What will they think when he'll be reported missing ? His parents will definitely cry...that's when Jimin can't hold it. Imagining his parents cry makes him cry, first silently but something is building up inside of him, Jimin starts sobbing, loud sobs, it's uncontrollable, Jimin slaps a hand over his mouth, it makes less noise but his tears are still falling and falling, endlessly.

They are still in the hallways but Taehyung stops and turns to Jimin.

"I know it's hard, I'm taking everything from you and you can't do anything about it. But that's the only way for you to stay alive. Keep walking. I'm sorry Jimin I truly am. I didn't know I would get attached to you."

Jimin looks up, cheeks red and puffy, eyes just as red and eyelashes packed together.

"What...what do you mean ?" He asks slowly, lips quivering.

"I knew they would find out, I knew it would go wrong, I knew the minute I entered your apartment, I knew I would have to kill you but I got attached."

Jimin was sentenced to death long ago. Except that he isn't dead because Taehyung got attached.

"You got fucking attached ?!" Jimin whispers yells, unable to control his anger.
"What am I ? A fucking puppy ?! And what are people to you ?! Paws ?! You know what fuck it, I hate you."

Jimin is ready to let his anger flow but Taehyung isn't ready for that yet. He takes another silver weapon but it's not a kitchen knife. It's a gun. Jimin's anger completely vanishes, instead of throwing a tantrum he almost faints.

"Jimin." The name only is a warning or a threat. Or both. Taehyung's eyes got wider and are daring Jimin to play the tough guy.

Could Taehyung really kill him ?

Yes he could. Jimin's mind provides uselessly. His blood runs cold and Jimin starts walking again.

He'll have a nervous breakdown and die before Taehyung can even lay a finger on him.
That's how scared Jimin is right now.

The fresh air of the end of the night calms Jimin down. He stopped crying and sobbing, it clearly won't bring him anywhere and it's tiring.

"So what's the plan ?" Jimin asks nonchalantly. He basically gave up on running away, for now.

"I need to figure out what the hell I'm going to do with you."

Reassuring.

-

They walk until morning comes. They walk for a long time, Taehyung's portrait (nit that well drawn) is everywhere in the city, but the latter thinks by putting a hoodie over his head he is good.
From what Jimin could gather, Taehyung kills, steals and deals. What can't be do ? Jimin thinks sarcastically.

"Taehyung, I'm tired, where are we walking to ? I'm hungry too."

Taehyung stops walking and turns around. They're in a narrow empty street, the sun lights have difficulties reaching this street. Jimin is standing up awkwardly in front of a very idled Taehyung who is eyeing him up and down, eyes glowing strangely.

"We are leaving."

Jimin squints his eyes and purses his lips, he is confused to say the least.

"Tae-" Jimin starts only to be interrupted by Taehyung.

"We are fleeing. We need to get out of Seoul for now."

"What do you mean 'we' ? You aren't taking me to your boss ?"

It's Taehyung's turn to look confused. "My boss, as you say, wants me dead, so no I'm not taking you to my boss."

"Wait, why are you taking me with you ? You don't have to, I promise you on my life I won't say anything."

Taehyung doesn't answer, he keeps his head low and walks to Jimin before dragging him, again. The grip around his arm is tight but not enough to hurt him.

"You ask too many questions."

"Of course I do, you kidnapped me Taehyung."

The criminal rolls his eyes and lets go of him, he shows the way to Jimin with a wide fake smile plastered on his face.

"After you my prince."

"It's not funny Taehyung, I have no idea of what we're doing right now, hell you don't even know what we're doing !"

Jimin is panicking. Slowly but surely the panic is getting to him. Of course he would be panicking again at some point, some lunatic who he thought was his friend is actually a killer and kidnapped him, it's time to panic.

"Oh god Taehyung, what's going to happen to me ?"

Taehyung's perceptive feline eyes seems to detect Jimin's state. He takes Jimin's cheeks with his large thin hands and makes Jimin look at him dead in his eyes. He leans on Jimin, nose almost touching Jimin's tiny one.

"I'm here."

Jimin's eyes widen, big and bright. Then he frowns. "What the hell are you saying ? It's your fault I'm like that in the first place you idiot !" Taehyung would have liked to stay like this a bit longer with Jimin's soft cheeks in his hands while the other tries to scold him, it's adorable.
Jimin isn't trying to be adorable,he is pissed.

"I'm sorry." Taehyung lets him go and they start walking again. To where ? That's the question.

"You are a hard man to find Kim Taehyung."

Jimin turns around at the same time Taehyung pushes him behind.

The man's voice is hoarse and deep, cigarettes are probably the guilty ones Jimin thinks as he watches the man crushes a cigarette under his foot.

He is dressed completely in black which makes a contrast with his rather pale skin.

The man runs a hand in his raven hair and takes another cigarette, his movements are slow, he lights it up and brings it to his lips.

"And what's that Taehyung ?" The man points at Jimin who is frozen behind Taehyung.

His ex-roommate makes himself bigger, taller, and hides Jimin completely. He is out of sight.
Taehyung takes out his gun in a swift motion. He points it at the man at a speed that shouldn't be considered human.

But the other man was quicker. Silver gun already pointing at them.

"You seriously thought I didn't see that coming ?" The man asks amused, a machiavellian smirk dancing on his face.

"Hey, since I'm nice, you give me the money you owe us and I let you go. For now."

"It's gone."

The man's face twists in anger and confusion. His grip tightens around the gun and his finger is ready to pull the trigger. Jimin wants to yell at Taehyung that he could have lied but he can, he is terrorized.

"What do you mean ?" The man punctuates every word carefully, eyes becoming thinner and darker as he talks.

"The money is gone Yoongi."

Jimin is positive the man won't leave if Taehyung keeps saying the truth.

"Okay Taehyung, I thought I would play nice but...you should just die."

It happens too fast. A strong arm wraps itself around Jimin's waist and throws him on the ground.
His body lands on the floor with a loud thud. He screams but not because of the pain.
Gun shots, Jimin can't count how many. He covers his ears and closes his eyes as hard as he can, tears begin to roll on his cheeks. He never asked for all of this, he wants to go back to Busan, he wants his family.

"Stand up !"

The voice doesn't belong to Taehyung, Jimin is yanked out of his thoughts when the man-Kook, lifts him off the ground and puts him on his feet. His legs are shaking and his head is spinning again.

"You're a doc right ?!" Kook's large eyes are angry, and his voice broken, he is pleading Jimin. It sounds like it. Jimin can't tell, the gun shots are still ringing in his head. Kook shakes him, strong hands squeezing his arms, the fear brings Jimin back to reality and he nods.

"Not exac-"

"Fix him !"

Jimin stands above Taehyung's body. He was shot.
A large blood stain is getting wider and wider, the shirt will be completely soaked in blood soon. Jimin gulps and looks up, the other is man is gone but from the blood he left behind, he was also hurt. Shot, he was also shot.

"He needs to go to-"

"He can't ! Fix him !" The man is roaring, his pleadings were thrown out the window, only anger is left. But Jimin knows it's only a way to mask his worry.

"O-okay. We need to leave this place first."

"He is bleeding out like a fucking pig ! Do something !"

And Jimin does. He bends down and looks as Taehyung is slowly losing consciousness.
He slaps Taehyung hard, maybe a little too hard, he blames his emotions. He sighs of relief when Taehyung opens his eyes.

"Hey.." Jimin says softly. "You talk, you're dead. Do you understand. Don't use words. Just nod...reminds you of something ?"

Taehyung smiles at Jimin whose worry is written all over his face. He nods and looks as Jimin's smile lights up his world.

Chapter Text

It feels heavy. The weight of his eyelids. His eyes don’t flutter open. It’s heavy, dry, and it takes an entire minute for his eyes to be open properly but once open, his vision is blurry. His head is spinning and he is still lying down, he hisses when he tries to move, a sharp pain coursing through his entire stops him from doing so.

“Taehyung...don’t move.” Soft, sweet, beautiful voice. The beautiful sound wraps itself around Taehyung who searches for something with his hands, finally they come in contact with a small hand, soft too. Everything is soft.

“We made you take drugs for the pain, don’t worry it’s dissipating.”

The voice is warm. Taehyung hums and keeps stroking the hand he is holding. It is a smaller hand, strong yet soft, petite but incredibly reassuring, he knows that hand.

There is no words needed as Taehyung lets himself fall on the couch. Jimin has his legs pressed against his chest and his chin is resting on his knees, he has a thin blanket wrapped around his entire body and there is a large pot of ice cream next to him. His eyes widen adorably as he looks at the miserable state in which Taehyung is in. Jimin pushes the blanket off of him and disappears in the bathroom for a second before walking with quick steps to Taehyung.

They don't talk. Jimin takes his hands in his own, Taehyung loves Jimin's hands, they are soft, strong even veiny at times but smaller than his and perfect, his fingers are slightly chubby but not clumsy as he takes care of Taehyung's knuckles, the blood is dripping, his this time, the old scars are opened again, small dangly piece of flesh on his knuckles. It's a disgusting sight yet when Taehyung looks up at Jimin with those dark thin eyes of his. He doesn't see any disgust on Jimin's soft features, his full lips and cheeks are soft, his forehead is free of judgment of disdain or confusion. His eyebrows are only knitted because he is focused and maybe because he worries.

Taehyung likes watching Jimin, especially during moments like this one. Jimin is close to him, his hands are on him, and his fresh scent reaches Taehyung's nostrils easily, it's a comforting scent,Taehyung wants to bask in.

"I like your hands." They fit well in mine.

Jimin shakes his head slowly as he looks up. His eyes are already smiling when they meet Taehyung's dark serious one. "Idiot." He says in a giggle and Taehyung smiles. How could I ever hurt him...

"Jungkook, he is opening his eyes again." Jimin, that's the first thing that goes through Taehyung's head, the first scent that reaches him, warm, fruity and fresh, the first face he sees, a bit blurred at first but then he sees it all, Jimin's smooth skin, the wide brilliant eyes, the pouty pink lips, the button nose, and because of him, he also sees dark circle starting to make their way under his eyes. Then another face enters his sight and he chuckles at Jungkook's large eyes staring at him.

"Don't crowd him." Jimin says as he pushes Jungkook with no real force though, and the gesture is almost gentle, just like the way his friend's name rolls off Jimin's tongue. How long was he out ? He eyes Jungkook suspiciously but before he can ask anything else Jimin hands him some water and Taehyung's sore and dry throat is grateful.

"Where are we and how long has it been ?" Taehyung asks, voice rough.

"Jungkook brought us to the nearest and crappiest motel after you were shot, it's been only three days."

Taehyung inspects Jimin, he is all clean and is dressed differently, a large white shirt and his own jeans. "Does that shirt belong to Kook ?" He suddenly asks as he follows Jimin's sharp collarbones with his eyes.

The two young men frown but eventually Jimin nods, still confused. It doesn't matter, Taehyung thinks, confused at himself too, seems like the medication is still affecting his body a bit, and his mind.

"Thank you, both of you.." Taehyung says genuinely after a short pause.

Jimin hums and Jungkook shrugs. "Not gonna lie Tae, you are screwed and now me too, Kim Seokjin will never forgive you, maybe- maybe if you crawled back to him ?" Jungkook winces slightly as he says the last words, his pride seems against even saying such words.

Taehyung snorts and dismiss the idea with his hand. "Never, I'm tired of him, I had enough, I did what I did. But...Kook, I'm rich now, this is my turn, I'm no longer their pet, I'll be my own boss and you are free to join me if you want." Taehyung says with a smirk slowly blooming on his face as he imagines his future, his eyes shines, a glint both chidlike and dangerous, Jimin shivers and takes a small take back.

"You- so, you are starting your own business ?" Jungkook rushes to ask, eyes wide and lips twitching, only Jimin seems both lost and horrified.

"Yes-" Taehyung stops and settles his deep gaze on Jimin, "I'll protect you Jimin."

Jimin stares wide eyed at the injured man in the bed, there are thousand of thoughts flowing in his mind and for a second he is speechless but then he closes his eyes and shakes his head. When he looks up at Taehyung it's with determination and anger.

"I don't want your protection, I want to leave and go back to my life and if-if not possible I want to at least leave you, go to Busan. I do not want to stay with you ?" Jimin angrily spits, he curls his lips and ignores Jungkook's look and Taehyung's dark eyes, he ignores them and continues. "What is wrong with you Taehyung ? Are you a psycopath ? Is that what it is ? Would explained how you fooled me for almost a year ! Would explained everything actually ! So get this in your head, I do not want to be with you or near you or have anything to do with you." Jimin finishes coldly.

If Taehyung is hurt by Jimin's words, he doesn't show it, he looks at his thin and longer fingers for a second and then those thin sharp eyes move agonizingly steadily to Jimin again.

"I thought I was clear when I said it was that or death, my boss will find you and he won't kill you, he'll do worse. So Jimin, be angry but I can't let you leave."

Jimin squints his eyes at the lying man and raises his eyebrow. "What can you do Taehyung...? Like that ? What can you do ?" Jimin smiles and it's almost gentle but fake sweetness is something Jimin mastered. Taehyung huffs and nods at Jungkook.

"I can't but he surely can."

Jungkook's eyebrows shot up and he raises his hands, as if saying he isn't involved in this fight. "Listen Tae, I love you but I respect the fact that Jimin wants to...well, get the fuck out and never see you again, plus, no offense Jimin you are a big fat 10 but I wouldn't really care if he died."

"Thank...you, I guess." Jimin mutters.

"Kook, don't." Taehyung's voice is hard but his eyes are soft, soft like Jimin almost never seen before. Jungkook sighs and wraps his hand around Jimin's arm, the latter jolts at the sudden contact. Jimin snaps his head to look at Taehyung with big frightened eyes, but Taehyung is already looking at him, a lot more composed.

"I'm sorry Jimin but this is for the best."

-

There is this metallic smell lingering in the air or is it stuck to his skin ? Seokjin doesn't mind because the blood is never his and it's always accompanied by the satisfying odor of victory, success and everything awfully good.

Seokjin has everything, wealth, beauty, power, he is loved, respected, feared and despite maintening his control over his business, there is nothing Seokjin wants, desires, nothing out of his reach at least, it's always easy. So maybe he shouldn't be mad to finally have some kind of challenge, he does want it to be clear then it is only 'some kind' of challenge because Kim Taehyung is nothing but a child, a stray. He is nowhere near Seokjin's level.

Seokjin licks his red lips and runs a lazy hand through his impeccable black hair, he folds his legs and rests his chin on his hands.

"So he wants to make his own empire ?" Seokjin says through a sweet smile. "He made more money everyday, hiding it from everyone and then he stole from me...he never intended to leave this world, he simply wants to be...another me." Seokjin wonders, all of the sudden he claps his hands and laughing aloud. "What a clever guy !" He exclaims and turns towards Yoongi, he bats his lashes and doesn't need to say a word for Yoongi to walk towards him.

"Yes boss ?"

"That cocky bastard isn't dead Yoongi but I no longer want him dead, I want his head under my feet, make an example out of him. Do you hear me ?!" Seokjin shouts not only to Yoongi but to the entire room filled Seokjin's men. "And bring me Park Jimin too, he seems rather sweet." Seokjin says remembering the young man's soft features in his family picture.

"And what about Jungkook boss ?" Yoongi says quietly, Jungkook is well liked, by him too.

Seokjin doesn't respond.

-

Taehyung bought a small house in Busan while he was still living with Jimin, he made sure everything would be ready for that day. Yes he has no men to command like Seokjin does, but one doesn't build an empire in a day. For now he has what he needs, a secured home and Jungkook. He would say that he has Jimin too but he doesn't seem very on board with his whole plan or too keen to become anything of his. But he has the home. Taehyung remembers being on their couch, with his laptop, looking at possible houses and imagining living in a spacious luxurious place with Jimin, something better, because Jimin deserves so much more, he remembers planning everything while Jimin was cooking, remembers how he dreamt of having this for himself.

This- Jimin giving him the silent treatment and deliberatly locking himself in his room- wasn't how Taehyung imagined things going and weirdly enough, despite all his rather important problems, Taehyung finds himself mostly thinking about Jimin and what could he do for him.

"Give up." Jungkook told him the night they left for Busan, he told him to stop focusing so much on Jimin and to give up, "Protect him if you want but stop longing it's goddamn pathetic for people like us". But Taehyung has enough of giving up, of letting go, Taehyung finally found something good, he doesn't intend on letting it go, isn't that what people like us precisely do ?

But what does he want from Jimin exactly ?

Chapter Text

Jimin feels like he just jumped into a world completely unknown to him, a surrealistic one, a dangerous world, a world that he knew existed but never cared about it, never wondered too long about it because it was simply too far from him, from his own world.

And somehow, here he is, right in the middle of this unknown world, he was catapulted in it without any kind of warning, a cold and sharp blade pressed against his back isn’t what most would call a proper warning.

And here he is. Sprawled on the comfiest bed there is, soft sheets caressing his skin and pillows lulling him a little too easily to dreamland. Jimin sighs and shuts his eyes tight in exasperation.

It’s been two weeks now, almost two weeks actually and Jimin is still silent, he barely comes out of this incredibly vast, pretty bedroom, and despite everything that happened- he is starting to feel incredibly bored. Bored and lonely. He should be worried, terrified maybe but in this cocoon, in these sheets- he only feels boredom making its way in his newly odd life.

Boredom is not new to Jimin but loneliness, the lack of air too, that is new. there is also that nagging feeling that he is trapped. Jimin has no idea what Taehyung is really doing but he knows there are now men outside the door. Jimin is watched.

Perhaps it’s time for him to talk to Taehyung.

“Oh, the lil prince is finally blessing us with his presence.”

Jungkook. Of course he would be here, he is always here. Jimin knows he is helping Taehyung with whatever business he has but Jungkook, in Jimin’s eyes, is starting to look more and more like a child, a jokester, a trickster. The young man’s hair is now of a vivid red, his skin is tanner and he almost look like your typical college with his large doe eyes and his sharp yet youthful features but well, there is the hair and the outfit...some kind of suit, all black, quite ample but sophisticated pants, a thin silver belt, a black shirt tucked in and a black blazer to go with it. And there is the chain too, almost like a choker, big and silver, shiny and unmissable.

“Jungkook.” Jimin drawls out, ready to go back to ‘his’ bedroom. “You’re dressed....well, I guess. Is there a party tonight ?”

Jungkook smirks, pushes his hair back and walks to Jimin, hands in his pants pockets.

He takes another step, closer and closer. Then a velvet voice breaks the tension.

“Jungkook.”

The jokester huffs but stops immediately. Jimin frowns and walks to the nearest sofa, Taehyung is sitting on one of them too and Jimin chooses to sit as far from him as possible. It’s getting tiring, to always have his features tensed, lips pursed, brows knitted, and eyes unblinking. It’s tiring, mentally, physically, he has had enough.

“Jimin ah.” Taehyung says, voice dropping honey and everything sweet. But Jimin knows it’s acidic. Like those candies that appear overly sweet but are more than that, and once you put them on your tongue, it almost burns.

“I’m tired..” Jimin breathes out.

Taehyung nods at Jungkook swiftly and the younger leaves in another room. Probably the one Taehyung usually keeps locked, only him and and Jungkook have an access to this mysterious room.

Jimin signs again. Secrets.

“You were reported missing. Of course. The news reached this area. It wouldn’t be safe for you to go out.” Taehyung says, did he even hear Jimin ?

Oh god and Jimin’s family ? They must be worried sick. Jimin pushes that thought aside for now knowing it will only hurt him.

The latter inhales sharply and throws a glare at Taehyung. No apparent shock on his face, he is still stoic. He has feelings doesn’t he ?! Jimin just wants to see them again, this is both too much and not enough.

“It wouldn’t be safe for me...or for you ?” Jimin spits.

“Both.” Taehyung replies without an ounce of hesitation. He looks at Jimin with those cold, calculating eyes, beautiful, dangerous. It’s as if he could see through people. But he himself is unpredictable.

It’s not fair.

“Damn you Kim Taehyung.” Jimin whispers and a smile blooms on his face. Exhaustion and boredom is making him go crazy. For a split of second, Taehyung cocks an eyebrow and Jimin is almost certain he saw those lips twitch and his almond eyes glint. Is that what he wants ?
For Jimin to...be ?

Jimin closes his eyes, lashes fluttering against the thin skin under his eyes. He sighs again and allows another smile to grow on his face.

“Seriously you are awful. But I’m tired so for now it’s your win.”

Jimin’s eyes shot open and settle on Taehyung’s face. Still collected but the ghost of a smile is visible on his perfect face.

“I’m not used to winning you know.” Taehyung admits as he lets out a relieved breath. He lets himself relax and uncrosses his legs, he throws an arm over the couch, Jimin stares for a second, the arm seems to be calling for him. Taehyung’s whole posture seems to be calling for him. Trying to lure him in.

Hypnotic would be a way to describe him.

Jimin relaxes too and brings his knees to his chin.

“I never won. But I I was working for someone who was a winner, always. And I was just there. The dog’s winner. But it’s over. Those days are over and I’m going to be the one winning from now on.”

Jimin tilts his head, he doesn’t understand everything and even though Taehyung is talking to him, it feels like he is also talking to himself.

“What about those stories about your family ? About me ? About tranquility ? That’s not it, what’s your plan huh ? What are you going to do Taehyung ? What are you doing ?” Jimin hissés and empathizes on the ‘you’. Some of his anger is back, but the exhaustion is stronger.

Taehyung throws his head back and looks at the ceiling.

“I’m building an empire Jimin ah.”

Jimin takes his bottom lip between his lips to prevent it from quivering.

“And where am I in your plans ?” Your absurd plans !

Taehyung lifts his head slowly and his eyes become softer. Taehyung is an expressive person yet nothing is ever raw, he doesn’t let you see anything he doesn’t want you to see. Yet those eyes, this softness- it’s different.

“I, I don’t know. You...you’re family ?”

Vulnerability makes his voice tremble, his lips are almost, almost forming a pout. Jimin raises an eyebrow and pounces on Taehyung like a wild (and small) animal.

He punches him. Hard. On his pretty cheekbone.

Jungkook is there in a flash, eyes comically large at the scene unfolding before his eyes. Taehyung is lying on his back, Jimin on top of him. There is already a tiny bruise on Taehyung’s cheek but there is also a smile, wide and impossibly bright. And most of all, genuine.

Jimin is fuming and ranting above him, pinching his cheeks and tugging on Taehyung’s hair who seems unaffected by Jimin’s sudden violence. To the contrary, he is all smiles and shinning eyes. His eyes come to rest on Jimin’s hips, the touch too light for Jimin to notice in his current state.

And Jungkook is there. Watching, baffled.

“Kim Taehyung you are crazy !” Jimin finishes his rant, maybe a bit weakly. But no actually he is not done. “What’s wrong with you !? Seriously what’s wrong ! You are so infuriating ! Stop smiling ! Sto-“

Jimin is short of breath, and Taehyung is still smiling underneath him, long fingers still holding Jimin by his hips. Barely holding him, just, there.

“One year isn’t enough for me to be your family Taehyung. And one year of lies even less.” Jimin says breathlessly.

Taehyung’s eyes grow bigger and suddenly Jimin feels the hand on him, firm.

“I didn’t lie. I never lied ! I may have...concealed the truth but how I acted, me, me, I was real. How I felt, what I said, it was only the truth.”

Jimin rolls his eyes and tries to stand up but Taehyung is holding him tighter, firmer.

“You better get your hands off me willingly, now.”

Taehyung does as he is asked. Jimin is about to walk away.

“I was authentic with you.” Taehyung breathes, hands brushing Jimin’s wrist.

“And yet here we are.” Jimin ignores the stunned Jungkook and goes back in his bedroom.

What was the purpose of this ?

“Well I don’t feel as lonely anymore...” Jimin murmurs and plops down on his bed.

-

It appeared on the news, one night. Jimin was slowly getting accustomed to his “new life”, if one can call it that way. He was still very blind and deaf to everything that Taehyung was doing in the shadows to build his empire. Or whatever. But Jimin was, slowly and surely, recovering, he was still beyond pissed but he is someone who can adapts and he thought that’s what he needed to do- for a short while.

Turns out he is now researched by the police.

A bowl of cereals on his folded legs. Hair disheveled, in his pajamas.

He learns that he is researched by the police for being the accomplice of a goddamn kkangpae.

“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god ! I need to call my parents ! Oh my god, oh my god ! Ooh ! My ! God ! Oh god...” Jimin stumbles, puts down his bowl of cereals and start panicking in the apartment without really doing anything.

“I’m not a criminal !” Jimin screeches. He needs to leave, he needs to alert the police to- but what would happen to Taehyung ?

Prison ?

“But it’s Taehyung...” Jimin mutters unhelpfully.

One year, he spent a year with Taehyung, he shared many things with him and despite what he is trying to force himself to think, Taehyung was genuine with him. An entire year. Taehyung made a mess out of Jimin’s life, he overturned it, he even threatened him. Yet Jimin can’t bear the thought of betraying Taehyung.

Taehyung made him an outlaw. He has no choice but to follow now.

The front door opens and Jimin turns around slowly, he recognizes Taehyung by his addicting scent only.
He throws his arms in the air, a defeated look on his face and a sad smile dancing on his pretty lips.

“Congrats Tae. Your first win.”

Chapter Text

“Stop acting like that.”

That voice. That voice.
Jimin bites his bottom lip and curls on himself, in a bed that does not belong to him, fingers gripping a blanket that does not belong to him. Jimin ignores the soft velvety voice and shuts his eyes tighter.

“Jimin, to a certain extent I can understand you, but that’s enough, you are a grown up, what happened is unfortunate for you but life goes on, you shouldn’t be so miserable over something you can’t change, it will only make you more miserable, instead try to adapt. That’s what I do, I adapt.” Taehyung finishes almost with a cheerful voice.

Jimin rolls on his back and very slowly uncurls himself. He settles his tired gaze on Taehyung and observes him, openly and shamelessly. His hair is silver, Jimin’s eyebrow twitch in surprise, it’s been awhile since he last saw Taehyung. The color is soft almost creamy, it suits him of course, he is wearing one long silver earring. Then Jimin sees his outfit, all black (is this a requirement..?) and elegant, straight, silver buttons. He doesn’t usually wear such elegant clothes, did Jimin miss something ?
The world really is still spinning uh...it doesn’t care for Jimin’s miserable state. Of course.

Jimin huffs but sits up on the bed.

It kills him to admit it but Taehyung is right.

He is young and intelligent and he should be doing something, anything, he definitely shouldn’t let himself withered away.

“All righty Taehyung.” Jimin drawls out lazily, almost in a bored manner, it’s a little fake. “What do you propose I should do ?”

Taehyung’s eyes shine with a newfound interest. “Whatever you want...and I think you know the limits.”

Jimin squints his eyes. “I can’t ask for freedom..?”

Taehyung stiffens, he straightens his back and his jaw tenses. “You can Jimin ah but I don’t think you’ll last more than one day out there, either you’ll get killed or kidnapped by my...rivals, if you will. Or you’ll get arrested by the police.”

Jimin scoffs and crosses his arms. “I’m very capable ! I don’t know you anymore but you don’t know me either Kim Taehyung. You treat me like an idiot, or like a child, I’m intelligent, I’m resourceful, I was going to be an amazing doctor, I was the best already ! You don’t know anything so stop being so condescending !”

This anger comes from the very surface of his mind, it was there for probably the entire week, since that night. It bubbled inside of him, through his veins, burnt his skin.
In an instant Taehyung is closer, hands grabbing Jimin’s wrists tightly then sliding and interlacing their fingers. Jimin watches curiously and as he looks at Taehyung’s long and elegant fingers caressing his smaller ones- suddenly it burns again, his skin, his veins, but this time it’s not anger.

There was a time Jimin considered kissing Taehyung, after all he was electric. But he also was the softest kind of blue- but Jimin doesn’t know, he doesn’t know anything and it’s frustrating.

“Stop frowning.” Taehyung says quietly and flicks Jimin in between his eyebrows. He interlaces his fingers with Jimin’s again and Jimin can’t help but frown, again.

“What-“

“I know you, I know some things about you, little things and bigger things. I know a lot about you Jimin because you are open. And I do know how smart you are, how calculating, how hard working, how much of a perfectionist you are, I know you despite what you may think or may want.”

“Do you know I hate you then ?”

A smirk grows on Taehyung’s face. “You don’t. But I know you still resent me.”

Jimin looks up at Taehyung with big clear eyes. “I do resent you.” Jimin murmurs.

Taehyung suddenly claps his hands and stands up. “All right, so what do you want to do ?”

Jimin shrugs, what can he do ? What should he do ? What are his options ?

“I want to...follow you, for now, see the world I am now stuck in.” Jimin blurts out.

“Follow me ? Jimin, most of the time I do boring things and when I don’t...well it’s not pretty.”

Jimin fakes a smile and steps out of his bed, because well first Taehyung was too close and Jimin could almost feel his warmth and there was also his scent, goddamn Taehyung’s scent is wonderful.

“You decided to make me part of your world, what were you expecting ? And again, stop with the condescending tone, I’m a criminal too now.”

And with that Jimin goes inside his bathroom. Leaving a very speechless Taehyung.

“What a complicated kitten.” Taehyung whispers and lies down on Jimin’s bed. Vast and big enough for two. Taehyung frowns in surprise when a flowery scent tingles his nostrils. He grabs Jimin’s pillow and breathes in, flowers and...mango ? Or something more exotic ? Taehyung’s frown deepens and he tries to breathe in harder, to figure out what the scent really is but just like he can’t fully figure out Jimin, he can’t fully figure out his scent.

“I’m a psycho. A pervert psycho.” Taehyung laughs at himself but doesn’t stop breathing Jimin’s intoxicating scent.

-

“In short get your shit together. You could be dead. You are not.” Jungkook shrugs and Jimin throws him an incredulous look.

“So elegantly put...”

“Is it or is it not what Taehyung told you ?” Jungkook shrugs again and Jimin keeps on looking at him with the same big confused eyes.

“Why are you glued to Taehyung anyways ? You are always either eating or watching tv or standing there like a weirdo.”

Jungkook puts a hand over his chest and gasps dramatically. “I’m hurt Jiminie !” Jungkook winks and steps closer until his hips and shoulder are attached to Jimin’s.

“You used to be scared of me.” Jungkook whispers in a low voice while looking down on Jimin, large eyes glinting connivingly. The smaller man, who feels suddenly a lot more smaller, gulps rather loudly.

“Okay ! I’m ready to tattoo you Jimin.” A cheerful man exclaims and gives a heart shaped smile to Jimin, a blinding one at that. Jimin immediately detaches himself from Jungkook and nervously walk to the sunny man.

“I’m Hobi, I’m glad to finally meet you, please come on in. And you stay here.” The man says sternly to Jungkook, eyes becoming sharper and pretty heart shaped lips curling in distaste. And not even a second later he turns to Jimin with the most stunningly bright and warm smile.

Jimin sure is unsettled by this Hobi man.

He isn’t that tall but slightly taller than Jimin, his hair is black with discreet orange highlights, and parted on the middle. High waisted jeans and a large purple and white sweat. He is completely different from Taehyung and Jungkook, somehow he doesn’t exude that danger that they do, perhaps that’s even more frightening.

“You’re Taehyung’s lover ?” Hobi asks abruptly and Jimin almost chokes on air.

“No ! Oh my god ! It’s barely if I can stand him !” Jimin yells scandalized, cheeks burning for some reasons.

Hobi hums, visibly amused. “Okay then what are you ? And what are you to him ?” Hobi asks eyes still warm but hiding something. He smiles. A chill runs down Jimin’s spine.

“I don’t know. Honestly.”

“Whatever, Taehyung already told me. No need to hide it.” Hobi sits at his desk and Jimin sits on the nearest chair. Still very much confused.

“I’m sorry ? What did he tell you ?”

“He told me you were family.” Hoseok drops on Jimin without looking up from his papers.

Jimin refrains himself from shouting like a madman and instead take a deep breath and smiles tightly.

“Actually I wanted my hair dyed ?” Jimin changes the subject and not really smoothly if Hobi’s snort is anything to go by.

“I know honey. But Taehyung asked for a tattoo.”

Jimin’s tongue pokes his cheek in annoyance. “Yeah well I’m...this is my body and Taehyung has no controls over it or me. And he didn’t tell me anything !”

Hobi keeps on looking at his papers, there are actually drawings Jimin notices. “I know honey.” He says in the air, definitely not listening to Jimin.

“Ah ! Found it ! All right Jimin, on the table ! Don’t make me call the gorillas !” Hobi laughs. Jimin, not so much.

It doesn’t take long but it hurts, Jimin only whimpers embarrassingly, besides that it goes smoothly. Hobi is awfully skilled, Jimin knows it by the drawings on the walls but he can feel it, the way Hobi uses his skin as a canvas, and the lightness. But in the end- the tattoo is on nape, which he can’t see...for now at least.

Taehyung and he will have a serious conversation later.

“What hair dye honey ?” Hoseok asks as Jimin puts his shirt back on and follows Hobi in another room. It’s not yellow and red like the tattoo room but just as bright, with blue lights.

“I was thinking-“ blond again ? Brown...that’s...boring.

He is, different, or at least living in a different life, different world. He isn’t a soon to be doctor anymore. He isn’t so many things anymore.

So why not live according to this new world. Try to be...positive. Jimin winces at his own thought.

“Hot pink...?” Jimin murmurs uncertainty taking over his features. Hobi smiles, a smaller and perhaps fond smile.

“Hot pink it is.”

Like any other hairdresser, Hobi talks, a lot but Hobi also isn’t like any hairdresser, and so his conversations also are quite...unique.

“-and so I told the bastard to put down the gun you know ? I mean damn he stole the coke to begin with and then he has te balls to point his dirty gun at me ?! Me ?! His favorite hairdresser ?!”

“Hmm...” Jimin says intelligently. “So...you are also a...dealer ?”

Why did he even try to keep up this conversation ?! Jimin wants to roll his eyes at himself.

“Yeah, kinda. I mean yeah. I guess. Depends. Yeah I am. But I’m a high quality dealer. I used to work for Jinnie, but I don’t know man, I want novelty, and Taehyung is fun. He is a crazy motherfucker and also...he is accessible, not like that goddamn Jin. He thinks he is a god or some shit like that. The power is driving him crazy, and not the good kind of crazy.” Hobi’s tone is a lot more serious, it became that way the second he mentioned that Jin person. And Jimin- Jimin doesn’t understand a single thing but a weird part of him, a very odd and curious part of him wants to know more. Is interested.

“Who- who exactly is Jin ?” Jimin dares to ask but his words are swallowed by the hair dryer.

Maybe it’s better like that, maybe he doesn’t want to know more.

Hot pink is...hot pink. A vivid color, between red and pink, well a fuchsia. Jimin is definitely pretty and hot with this color, and most importantly he looks completely different, Hobi also cut his hair slightly and it’s perfect, and so...

“-not me, that’s not me at all.” Jimin panics.

Hobi puts his pretty fingers in Jimin’s hot locks and smiles. “Maybe but it’s cool. And it suits you honey.”

Hobi pushes the door for him and Jimin bows to him before walking to Jungkook who is already looking at him with his mouth wide open just like his eyes, it’s comical.

“Wow...” Jungkook murmurs in awe and takes Jimin’s hand to make him twirl.

“I don’t have a dress Jungkook !” Jimin says already exasperated and it hasn’t been a minute since he is back with Jungkook.

“You look...stunning Jimin.” Jungkook admits sincerely. Eyes sparkling and lips still parted in awe and Jimin finds himself blushing under his intense gaze and his serious words.

“Hundred out of ten would bang.”

Oh, look at that, Jimin is no longer blushing.

“Thanks Jungkook...”

(Jimin desperately want to know what the tattoo looks like, what it is, when he asks Jungkook, the latter responds (of course) with a shrug and a ‘eh, it’s boring’.)

The day goes on, Jungkook and he go back to the apartment and wait there for Taehyung, Jimin is annoyed, he was supposed to follow him, not be stuck with Jungkook who is watching the Titanic for the second time today and eating popcorns.

“Want some ?” He asks at some point and Jimin purses his lips and walks away.

Today was supposed to be different, and it was, but he didn’t ask for this, for this strange alternative universe in which Jungkook is all comfortable on the couch watching Titanic several times while eating popcorns.

Jimin sighs and wanders in the apartment, he sees Taehyung’s bedroom and bites his lips, curiousness really is toxic sometimes. Jimin looks behind him once before quickly entering Taehyung’s bedroom.

He sighs, a bit disappointed by how normal it is, thinking about how crazy and electric Taehyung is...he thought his room would be...different.

“Damn I’m stupid sometimes.” Jimin mutters and is about to leave when he notices a box, a black box, and another one and another one, and smaller ones. Jimin blinks owlishly before sitting on the floor and taking one of the many black boxes, it’s soft and shiny. What could Taehyung be hiding ?

Jimin squints his eyes, fearing the worst. He opens the box slowly, slowly- “Oh and fuck.” Jimin opens the box quicker and-

Clothes. Jimin cocks an eyebrow and takes the piece of clothing out of the box, it’s not Taehyung’s size...so it’s Jimin’s ?

Jimin stares at the beautiful top, bare shoulders, ample and a thin fabric, a soft pink and silver. It’s sparkling too. Jimin always liked pretty things but he is a man, and second he never really had the money to afford clothes like this and it’s too extravagant, too much, but also beautiful and attractive.
Jimin gulps and with shaky hands open another box. Ample black pants but transparent from the mid thighs, and shinning too. Jimin bites his lips and opens another black box, hands trembling, eager, so eager.
Another top, longer than the other, almost like a tunique, lilac and thin too, shoulders and arms on display but neck hidden by the brilliant collar, lilac too but from the neck to the chest small crystals (not diamonds, it can’t be) are sprawled all over. Jimin groans at how beautiful it is and decides to open another box and another.

More beautiful clothes, jewelry, everything he never dared of imagining. The extravagance, the beauty, the brilliance. It’s all too much.

Yet Jimin finds himself putting on a black top, one arm and shoulder covered, the other completely bare and on display. The fabric is soft and flows but it’s also tight around his waist. Then Jimin puts on tight black pants, leather and silk. But he wants more. He puts on the diamond choker, large and taking a large part of his neck but so beautiful but it’s not enough, it has been too much before and now it’s the contrary. Jimin puts on long earrings that matches his choker and- it’s done.

Jimin walks out of Taehyung’s room slowly, almost as if he was drugged, and maybe he is, he feels hot, his mind is a blur and he is...dazed or dreamy ?

“Jim-“

Jungkook stares, very much like he did before but it’s different too. His jaw doesn’t go slack, it tenses, his eyes harden and his whole body seems to tense. Jimin looks at him unabashedly, his cheeks feel hot but he doesn’t feel anything, he is numb.

“I, like it, all of it.” Jimin drawls out without meaning too.

Jungkook stands up slowly and approaches Jimin like he would approach a wild animal. His eyes are Jimin and Jimin only, never leaving him.

Jimin blinks, slowly, tiredly and suddenly Jungkook is in front of him, hot breath falling on his lips.

“Fuck...” Jungkook says to himself.

Jimin can’t barely keep his eyes open, he doesn’t know how he is still standing up at this point, he wants to tell Jungkook how he exhausted he feels, he wants to tell him about the numbness but nothing comes out of his mouth.

Jungkook closes the gap between them and kisses Jimin. His thinner lips moving hungrily against Jimin’s plumper one. Jimin wants to widen his eyes, wants to push Jungkook, wants to indicate his shock and disapproval but nothing.

Fucking nothing.

Jungkook stops but his lips are still brushing Jimin’s and his arm is now snaked around Jimin’s waist who hadn’t even felt it. He leans back slightly he looks at Jimin in the eyes.

“Hey Jimin...are you okay ?”

Jimin opens his mouth but it’s heavy, his tongue, his lips, his teeth. Jungkook is more perspicacious then he lets on.

“You’ve been drugged but-“

Jungkook doesn’t finish his sentence, the door opens and Taehyung enters, he tilts his head and raises his eyebrows at Jungkook, who immediately lets go of Jimin.

“Uh...Tae, Jimin...he is all weird I think Hoseok drugged him.”

Taehyung slams the door and quickly walks to them, he finally notices Jimin’s clothes and doesn’t even try to hide his shock. He even takes a step back, obviously taken aback.

He visibly gulps but regains his composure.

“But I don’t see why would Hoseok would drug him ? Why would...Ah. So I guess that’s a fuck off from Hoseok too. Everyone is so scared of Seokjin.” Jungkook huffs and for once Jimin wishes Taehyung could listen, because he seems like he couldn’t care less.

Jimin can’t show any facial expression but he is surprised by Taehyung’s words, after all Hobi- Hoseok told him he was on Taehyung’s side. Jimin closes his eyes slowly, already tired of all of this, confusion is becoming decidedly familiar...unfortunately.

Taehyung smiles lazily, and Jimin wants to slap him, he would if he could, this isn’t the time to smile, especially not this way. Jimin has been drugged !

Taehyung takes in the sight of Jimin in the expensive clothes he bought, the cheeky smile not leaving his face, no, to the contrary, it’s dancing on his face.

“It’s been only one day and you’ve already been drugged. And you didn’t even notice it. You couldn’t handle following me.”

“Wait- you, you asked Hoseok to drug him ?”

Taehyung doesn’t answer but there is no need. Jimin understood already. Anger, pure, hot anger is taking over Jimin’s body, he can’t say anything, he can’t even show his anger but his blood is boiling.

“I’m glad you like the clothes.” Taehyung says cockily and plops down on the couch.

Ah Kim Taehyung, just wait and see. Jimin thinks, seething.

-

“I like your skin.” Seokjin whispers to Yoongi who remains impassive and merely acknowledges Seokjin’s comment with a nod. “Whatever, you’re boring.”

Seokjin takes out his knife, quite a long blade and black, all black.

“Sometimes I feel like none of this is true.” Seokjin says and gestures at everything around him with his dark knife. “I’m neurotic.”

Yoongi doesn’t say a word and Seokjin just wants him to utter a word just one word.

“Why are you like that today Yoongi ?! So boring !”

“Sir. You are in a meeting.” Yoongi whispers and finally settles his cat like eyes on Seokjin.

Seokjin licks his teeth and brings his attention back to the people in the room.

“This is useless.” Seokjin says and starts filing his nails with his long blade.

“Useless ?! If I may Kim, your dog has stolen from a lot of us while he was under you ! And again if I may, he is growing, becoming stronger and more influential everyday, people like him, youngsters follow him !” The older man pants a little, veins popping on his wrinkly forehead. He is read and ugly. Seokjin doesn’t like ugliness.

Seokjin hums and doesn’t look at the older man any longer. He disgusts him.

Pathetic. “Youth...Taehyung has the youth. Of course. Well don’t worry he is still my dog. He will be put down soon enough. I have a plan. All the money Taehyung is making will soon be mine and same for his growing army of youngsters. Do not worry. After all, my protégé is basically glued to him.”

Seokjin turns his head and smiles gently to his protégé.

“Isn’t that right Kook ?”

Chapter Text

“What is Jimin to you ? Why are you so...so weird with him ?” Jungkook asked and scrunches his nose in distaste. He never saw Taehyung this way, features soft, eyes filled with fondness, lips quivering in anticipation. Taehyung wasn’t the type to feel, not this kind of emotion at least, not this kind of sentiments. Taehyung was a free spirit, nothing could truly tie him down, not even Seokjin. Seeing him so different is something Jungkook wasn’t used to. And he didn’t want to get used to it.

Taehyung’s lips parted, he closes his mouth but opens it again. A small smile blooms on his face, and it’s the oddest thing Jungkook has had ever seen.

“He is my family.”

The way he said it, the way the words came out of his mouth, it made Jungkook trembled. In fear.

Taehyung was strange, and quite unique but despite his aura, his sharp gaze- never once was Jungkook frightened of him.

Shouldn’t the word ‘family’ be warm ?

Jungkook gulped and tried to smile but it turned into an awkward grimace.

-

Park Jimin. Jungkook doesn’t really care for people, and Jimin is just one person among many others. He has one thing for him, he was unbelievably attractive, from the curves of his body, lithe and plump, to his soft face, luscious pinks lips, rosy cheeks, small button nose and the prettiest eyes. And it’s a lot but it’s also futile in the end. Jungkook thought that was all Jimin was, a very beautiful but boring person. However he is not only that.

But Jungkook won’t admit how many interesting traits he found about him. One of them being that his lips are incredibly soft.

Jungkook doesn’t know what Taehyung really feels for Jimin but a little something tells him that he wouldn’t appreciate him kissing Jimin. So now he has one more secret from Taehyung.

“Goddamn Taehyung ! And his goddamn...smirk ! And his goddamn money ! And his ego ! Goddamn you !” Jimin yells and suddenly points at Jungkook. Jungkook snaps out of his thoughts and throws his hands in the air.

“What did I do now ?” Jungkook laments unnecessarily dramatically.

Jimin scoffs and his lips form a pretty pout. “You kissed me ! You-“

Jungkook pounces on Jimin and crashes his hand (somehow as soft as possible for him) on Jimin’s mouth. His lips are soft, they are soft all the time, everywhere.

“Don’t say that, Taehyung is here...” Jungkook whispers and leans back when he realizes he is too close to Jimin’s face, with his hand literally crushing the latter’s face, too close to his body.
Jungkook lets Jimin slap his hand off his face. He is blushing furiously, be it of anger or embarrassment. It’s beautiful, the way the apple of his cheeks turn from a healthy peach color to a bright red.

Maybe, maybe Jungkook will t-

“Why ?” Jimin asks all of the sudden, eyes wide and confusion can be read on his face.

Why ?

“Because, I...wanted to, you looked...hot.”

But he looked hot before.

Jimin huffs in irritation, he really is like an open book, contrary to Taehyung or even him, he shows everything willingly or not, it’s in his eyes or in the way his lips curl or in the way his brows furrow, the way his features almost always reflect exactly what he is feeling. It’s...strange to Jungkook, it’s new and perhaps even welcomed.

“But I shouldn’t have so let’s not talk about it.”

Jimin’s eyes widen even more. “Because of Taehyung ? Why ? Is he...interested in me ?” Jimin asks, words coming out of his mouth fast, eyes moving all over Jungkook’s face searching for the answer, too impatient to wait for Jungkook’s answer.

Is Taehyung interested in Jimin that way ?

“I don’t know but I won’t risk it.” Jungkook asks, probably truthfully.

Jimin groans and throws his hands in the air as if imploring a god. “Great ! Now I have a psycho in love with me !“

Perhaps two actually.

“I do not like Taehyung ! I’m tolerating him !” Jimin says frustration taking over.

Jimin turns around and walks to his bedroom, Jungkook’s eyes bore into his back, his nape to be precise. He shakes his head in mild disbelief mild amusement.

Empire is written elegantly around his neck.

Taehyung is indeed an odd bird and Jungkook can’t always tell why he does what he does.

-

The sun is going down, the rays are becoming softer, the warm vivid color is invading Taehyung’s whole black office, it makes everything glow differently, it falls prettily on Taehyung’s golden skin and sharp brilliant eyes and for a second Jungkook wonders how Jimin would look like bathing in such light.

“We are getting there...” Taehyung breathes out and gets comfortable on his leather chair.

Jungkook doesn’t respond but sits opposite to Taehyung.

“More and more people are joining me everyday and guess what ?” Taehyung turns his whole body towards him, he is no longer under the soft light of the sun. His face is dark, his eyes glinting and his face is cut by a wide smile full of teeth. A chill runs down Jungkook’s spine.

“What ?” Jungkook asks as casually as possible and leans back, trying to act normally, like an ally. Like the Jungkook Taehyung knows, the one he is, the one who isn’t a traitor.

“China and Russia love me.”

Jungkook’s frown doesn’t last long, he quickly figures out what Taehyung means by that. Seokjin is going to be furious.

“H-how ?!” Jungkook needs to look ecstatic, proud even. Not angry. “Man amazing ! But how...?”

Taehyung simply smiles. “I have my ways Kook, it does help that Seokjin sucks at business relationships, Russia and China needed to have a hand in South Korea and the only way they could do that was through Seokjin but now, Seokjin has competition and so other options are opened to foreign countries. To everyone actually. I won’t have to try really hard for Seokjin’s empire to fall. He did that to himself...” Taehyung mutters fo himself, the sadistic smile faltering only for a second.

Jungkook gulps, he needs to warn Seokjin, now. How come Taehyung didn’t even warm him ? That’s the real question he can’t ask. They are a duo yet he knows almost nothing. A tiny voice tells him, he knows, Taehyung knows. But it can’t be.

“You are impressive Tae, you have a reward at home I guess.” Jungkook changes the subject, somehow Jimin is the first thing that comes to his mind.

Taehyung cocks an eyebrow and his smile becomes sickly sweet.

It becomes harder to pretend everyday.

“He wants to follow he said, so I’m going to make him follow. We have a party tonight, I told him to dress up.”

You changed. Is on the tip of Jungkook’s tongue. He did, or was he always like that ? He certainly didn’t always wear fancy extravagant clothes and as far as he is aware of, he wasn’t always wearing this expression on his face, this smile, this gaze. Even the way he is treating Jimin changed, Jungkook can tell that even with how little he knows.

Why ?

Jungkook shakes his head, now is not the time to wonder.

“That’s good...”

He doesn’t believe that.

“Wh-“ Jungkook stops himself, they already had a similar conversation, he shouldn’t ask.

But he already opened his mouth. “Yes ?” Taehyung asks.

“Why didn’t you just get rid of Jimin ? You aren’t the type to get attached in one year or so.”

“Who said it only took one year.” Taehyung whispers and stands up to look through his glass walls, a vertiginous view, addicting too. It fits Taehyung.

Jungkook opens and closes his mouth several times. “What ?”

“I said, who told you it only took me one year to get attached to him ?”

Taehyung leaves a stunned Jungkook in his office. There is a party.

-

When Taehyung told him to dress up for a party, Jimin was ready to punch him, to yell, to shove those pretty clothes and jewels up-

The point is, he didn’t, instead he was too shocked to say anything. And then he did it. For some reason he did it, as if Taehyung had put a spell on him and it was unnerving because it wasn’t like Jimin, he was intelligent and incredible, he was a future doctor, he can’t be easily swayed by words or by clothes, by anything for that matter.

Was he drugged again ? No, it can’t be, what kind of drugs would make him take a long warm bubbly bath, what kind of drugs would make him put on a silky cream on his body and face. Which drugs would make him brush his hot pink hair so prettily, Little waves...
Which drugs would make him apply make up on his eyes, Golden, on his cheeks, pink, on his lips, glossy.
What ? Which one ? Which one would compel him to pick among the many clothes Taehyung bought for him.

Or is it Jimin ? How he is ?

Live a little will you. You can’t change what can’t be changed, there are things in the world which are impossible to move, change- you need to accept that and go on.

Is that it ?

“Stop wondering so much !” Jimin scolds himself. He puts the final touch around his neck. It’s a torque, golden. He is wearing matching bracelets and long golden earrings. Maybe it’s too much, and he is a man ? When he stole his mother’s jewels she always said it was weird, he wasn’t a star, an idol or someone untouchable. To simple Jimin it wasn’t acceptable to put on make up, to wear jewels.

Not much was acceptable for simple Jimin. But Jungkook finds it beautiful, and Taehyung, he bought all of these things for him, him and nobody else.

Jimin sighs shakily. He shouldn’t feel guilty after all...he does look gorgeous. He is wearing white pants, high waisted and tight around his waist and thighs but ample from his knees to his ankles, he is also wearing a golden belt and a pale rose top is tucked in. The shirt leaves his shoulders, neck and collarbones bare, it’s tight everywhere except around his arms and it’s truly beautiful. Everything he is wearing is beautiful and Jimin wonders how can that not be acceptable. If he is feeling so damn handsome, beautiful, pretty, how can that not be acceptable. He likes simple, or masculine whatever it’s called, he likes it but he loves that too.

Jimin sighs, feeling lighter this time, he forgot for a second where he was and why he dressed up. Or more, for who ?

He walks to the living room. Ready to go. Taehyung and Jungkook look up at him at the same time.

Taehyung’s jaw becomes tense whereas Jungkook’s goes slack. Their eyes widen and Jimin hears them inhaling sharply.

It has impact, the outfit, the make up, Him. He has impact, like that- like this.

“You’re gorgeous Jimin.” Taehyung breaks the intense silence and they are all finally able to breathe again.

“You know, there was a philosopher who said everything can be put into words, everything, it’s just work and time. And one that can’t express what he wants with words, is either stupid or lazy. That person obviously never met someone like you. His breath and words would have been taken away from him.”

Jimin is burning, his eyes are wide and his lips are parted, this is the strangest yet most effective compliment he has ever received. He doesn’t know how to respond. Especially to Taehyung.

“That or maybe you are indeed stupid.” Jimin blurts out and he didn’t mean to. His eyes widen even more, shocked at his own words.
Taehyung laughs and walks to him. He wraps his arm around Jimin’s waist and they both start walking out of the apartment. Jungkook following close behind, bottom lip caught between his teeth and biting until it draws out blood.

“Party !” Taehyung shouts as they enter the car, he giggles, Jimin rolls his eyes and pushes him off when he tries to lean on his shoulder. The car starts and Taehyung doesn’t give up on resting his head on Jimin’s shoulder, as if being glued to him wasn’t enough.

“What’s this party anyways ?” Jungkook asks and looks out through the tinted window. He has enough.

“Another thing you don’t know Jungkookie.” Taehyung taunts.

“Excuse me ?” Jungkook hisses but tries to keep calm, maybe he heard wrong or maybe he misunderstood the meaning.

Taehyung’s head is (finally) resting on Jimin’s shoulder. He smiles. Where did his genuine smiles go ?

“It’s not very important really...you’ll see.”

Jungkook flares his nostrils, he tries very hard not to get angry, not to yell, what’s wrong with Taehyung ? What’s happening. He tries very hard. And somewhere, in the back of his mind, he thinks that maybe this is the end, that’s where it all stops, their love, their friendship, their history, a voice also murmurs that maybe he should take everything Taehyung has, his new built empire, promising, and make an alliance with Seokjin, take his people, his money, his contacts. Take his empire, take Jimin.

Maybe he should do just that. Maybe he will.

This is a circus.