Chapter Text
“Please, Joon, remind me why we have to do this again.” Yoongi asked, a hushed bite to his tongue as he drove, coming to a stop outside of a dark, angry looking warehouse illuminated only by the streetlights that surrounded it. The parking lot void of life, eerie.
An amused scuff came from beside him, “Can’t you just pretend like you have morals hyung. Yves said these assholes have been collecting people for what? A month now? You know what that means.”
Yoongi’s eyes narrowed as he got out of the car, all but slamming the door to the black Tesla, “Then why doesn’t the fucking police take care of it. I don’t want to be in this hell hole just as much as they do. I’ve done my time, they-“
“And then who's going to pay for Holly’s food? Pay for the mansion you hide in everyday? All your cars? And all your speeding tickets?” Namjoon asked with an annoying smirk, holding a dark briefcase to his side, his calm stride contrasting with Yoongi’s heated steps.
But at the mention of Holly’s name, Yoongi sighed, his step a little softer, “Yeah, whatever. For Holly. And fuck you I don’t get that many tickets. But this is the last time we’re doing this shit-“
“So was the last time.” The other reminded with a wide grin, one that caused Yoongi to let out a groan of frustration as his fist banged against the menacing warehouse door. Opening abruptly, a sharp gun pointed towards them, and a familiar face, “Min Yoongi. Kim Namjoon.”
“Lisa.” Yoongi nodded, not the least bit thrown off by the gun, after all, Lisa had been a friend. A drinking friend years ago maybe, a simpler time, but still, a friend. Namjoon spoke in a powerful voice that seemed to bound itself off the walls, “Let us through, we’re here on business.”
The taller woman in front of them gave a distrusting look before letting the slightest bit of ease slip into her narrowed eyes. She stepped aside, “Boss is in his office. Top floor, make it quick.”
The two nodded gratefully, quickly stepping inside and walking through the dark and cold warehouse. Only a few steps and Yoongi realized the sickening feeling of emptiness in the building. It was so void of life, he could swear his breath echoed off the walls. His insides twisted as Namjoon’s voice came in a hushed whisper, “Hyung, there’s nobody-“
“ They knew we were coming .” Yoongi cut him off, an edge to his tone that wasn’t there before, “Dammit we can’t be too late.”
Yoongi tightened his jaw, the building alone was unsettling without all the thug looking gangsters crowding the halls and rooms, but they were expecting so much more, so many more people. Prisoners and gang members alike. The lack of them brought a taste of disgust to Yoongi’s tongue. When they finally reached the door, at the end of the warehouse, top floor, Yoongi ignored Namjoon's hand raised and ready to knock the wood as the older quiet forcefully kicked the door open.
The sound of the wooden door crashing into the wall rang throughout the empty structure, but a dim and flickering light overhead, and the moon unveiling in the large window in front of them, revealed the man they sought for, “Red. Where are they.” Yoongi all but screamed, he could feel himself losing control, Namjoon’s presence, sturdy and solid beside him as Red stood from behind his desk, a surprised expression quickly turning into a dark grin, “Aigoo, seems like you just missed them. Shame. But no need to worry, I’ll have a new batch of dogs you can play with soon. I’ll even give you a special deal-“
“Where are they. I will not ask again.” Yoongi pulled out his gun swiftly, eyes dark and pointed.
Red fell silent, no motion to retrieve his own gun or call in the backup Yoongi knew was hiding somewhere in the shadows, it unsettled him, but Namjoon shattered the silence first, lifting the briefcase in front of him, “We will give you four million won in return. Release them and the money is yours.”
Red’s hair was dark and pulled into a bun, his loose robe showcasing the large dragon tattoo that danced on his chest, insistent and angry, as the man walked towards the two, “Ah, a fair sum. I see you two are still the police dogs they send out into the dark and scary places they’re too scared to go?” Yoongi’s eyes remained hard as Red continued, “But you know, we could always use you here. My current Dragon isn’t the same, and my intelligence could always use an extra hand.” The man spoke, gesturing towards Yoongi and Namjoon.
Namjoon’s voice was so strong Yoongi had to remind himself not to wince, “Take the deal, or we do this the hard way. We both know four million won is more than you’ll get for all of them combined. Every single one of those people you have imprisoned here is set free tonight , and you take the money, or…” The boy pulled out his knife, playing with it in his hands, “We could have some fun together. Until you tell us the exact location of your so called ‘ dogs ’.”
Red’s eyes grew sharp, and a moment passed, as if testing the two before he spoke, “I know the both of you realize that I have men on the other side of that door, not to mention snipers, ready to take you down the second I snap my fingers. I’m afraid our fun wouldn’t last long.” The man spoke, pretending to snap his fingers right then and there before sighing with a dark smile, “But you know, I’ll take your money. It wasn’t a good batch this time anyway, take em and tell the police I thank them for their, contribution .” The man spoke satirically.
“Where are they. Free them first, then you get your money.” Yoongi knew the game all too well.
Red nodded as if expecting it, “Ever so sharp, Yoongi. This way.” The man spoke with an unkind friendliness, walking towards the large window in the room that showcased the alleyway next to the building. Three white storage trucks parked side by side. “I hope you understand the consequences if this deal doesn’t flow smoothly. I am a man of my word, as you know.”
It took all of Yoongi not to scuff at the man’s remark as Namjoon wasted no time in setting down the briefcase, opening it to reveal the four million won, his knife still in his right hand, ready, when Red nodded in approval.
The dark haired man put a hand against his ear, causing the small gadget placed there to light up red, “Dragon. Release the dogs.”
Almost instantly, the back of the trucks opened, revealing at least fifty people tied up in each truck. The gangsters dressed head to toe in black jumped into the trucks, cutting off the ropes hastily, the former prisoners scurrying out of the vehicles, and running, running, running.
Yoongi didn’t know where they were running towards, the train station? A comforting home nearby? Either way, he never cared long enough to find out. After doing this same mission seemingly a hundred times, all that mattered was that they were free, they were safe, and out of the Red Dragons grasp.
The three men watched, Namjoon holding the briefcase close until every single one of the prisoners was set free, a good distance away from Red’s territory before, “You were expecting us.” Yoongi spoke, he needed to understand how the man knew.
This wasn’t their first rodeo. But it was the first time Red knew.
He shrugged, “Figured you’d stink up the place with this, thought I might put some pressure on the subject.”
The answer didn't satisfy Yoongi, but the boy felt Namjoon move to hand off the briefcase, Yoongi’s hand instinctively grabbed the boys forearm, stopping him, “There’s one more.”
Yoongi had been staring in a daze, too afraid to actually process the faces of the prisoners. His mind a terrifying place, that would play games at night, with those faces, with his failures. But by accident, or maybe it was because the man just glowed, maybe because of how just genuinely scared the man seemed, Yoongi couldn’t help but to watch as the last prisoner tumbled out of the truck. His movements slow and tremble filled, he looked confused and lost, kicked and pushed out into the open by a gangster. Reminding Yoongi of a lost puppy in the middle of a storm.
Before Yoongi could do or say anything Namjoon handed Red the money. “I hope we never see each other again.”
Red’s laugh came in the form of a dark chuckle, one that echoed in the shadows looming around them, “I look forward to your company again. Bangtan Boys. ”
Yoongi came out of his daze, scuffed, before walking out of the room, Namjoon, a step behind him.
“You know it’s only a matter of time before you come back. This country only needs one gang to rule it. And there will be only one in the end.” Red’s voice sliced through the air but Yoongi and Namjoon were out of the room before either had the chance to bark back a reply.
The two were quiet until the spring air outside greeted their noses, “Hyung that went…well…” Namjoon spoke, walking towards the car on the driver’s side.
“Too well. He’s up to something, makes me sick, I mean, how many times have we done this? Busted him out for shit like this?” Yoongi sighed, moving Namjoon out of the way from the driver’s side, “My car, I drive.” There was an irritated groan from the younger as he moved across the car, mumbling, “But you never let me drive the tesla” before Yoongi continued, “I mean, how many times have we done the whole drug bust thing? The whole bounty thing? The whole-“
“Excuse me…” A broken voice came from behind Yoongi. He whipped his head around, raising his gun without hesitation but when he saw the boy standing there, the same one who had seemed so, so scared earlier, so hurt. He couldn’t help but to stare.
“Please…I just need to get to Gwangju, I just…I need to see my sister. She has to know I’m okay…please…” The boy asked, desperation clear in his voice, and Yoongi didn’t know how to react.
Up close, Yoongi could see his brown hair, dark brown eyes that seemed to contain more than the average set of eyes should. He was tall, but too thin. A slight tremble in his hands.
Namjoon hummed from the other side of the car, practically whistling, “How many times have we done the whole, free a hundred of Red’s slaves thing, and this has not happened once?” His voice then louder, directed towards the stranger, “Kid, what’s your name?”
The boy stepped closer, hesitantly, and that seemed to knock Yoongi from his trance, kicking the safety off of the gun.
Instantly the boy froze with wide, deep brown eyes.
“Hyung. Chill. He was just held captive for who knows how long give the guy a break.” Namjoon’s voice came from behind him, but Yoongi couldn’t find it in him to move his gun.
“You don’t know who we are. We could work for Red. Are you a fucking idiot?” Yoongi’s eyes narrowed, “Or a spy.”
The boy backed away with unsteady legs, “N-no, no. Please, just tell me where the train station is…please I need to make sure she’s okay. She’s all I have left…please…”
A moment passed, maybe two, but Yoongi lowered his gun. His eyes still hard, ignoring Namjoon’s deadly stare behind him, “You know everyone else ran far away from this place. To their friends and families. To their homes. And yet you stick around to ask two strangers for directions? Are you really that lost? That dumb? They’d eat you alive on these streets. For good reason too.” Yoongi got into the car, starting the engine before mumbling, “Fucking idiot.”
But Namjoon’s rock hard grip on his wrist stopped him from changing the gear to drive, making him clench his teeth at the pain and roll his eyes because he knew what was coming-
“Hyung. You’re a real fucking dick.”
Yoongi almost growled as he looked back towards the boy who still stood there by the car, frozen, like a deer in headlights, “Station’s that way. To the right. Now get.” He waved off his hand like he was waving off a bug, and drove away.
He didn’t look back into his rearview mirror to see if the boy had left, if he went in the right direction or not, his gaze was unmoving, locked on the road ahead.
A moment passed before Namjoon spoke, “Look, I get that you don’t like this place and what we have to do and shit and trust me I know how you are but hyung. That was so…”
“Shut it Joon. The last thing I’m going to do is babysit some kid who trusts any stranger with a pulse. It’s not our job. Our job was to get them out of there, and get paid. That’s our job. Free the dogs, not find them a forever home.”
And to his credit, Namjoon was quiet after that, only speaking again once they’d made it home to the conjoined auto shop and diner, that he mumbled before stepping out of the car completely, “He looked to be about our age anyway. Don’t see how that’s babysitting, and it’s not like he didn’t look as lonely as you do half the time, but, whatever. ”
_
The smell of coffee and old papers filling the room gave Yoongi a kind of nostalgia, well, if it wasn’t for being in Yves office for the twelth time this month. Sipping his bitter coffee in disgust, waiting to leave.
When Yves finished looking over the papers, she looked up and smiled. The same smile that she would always give when a mission was successful. “Good job Yoongi-ssi. Even though it seems he was expecting you, he didn’t push the price.” She closed the folder and leaned back in her chair, “I’ll wire you your payment sometime in the afternoon. You’re next case will most likely be a drug bust Chuu has been working on, when she gathers enough details we will contact you with your instructions.”
Yoongi nodded, taking one more sip of his coffee before making a move to get up, “So we’re done here?”
Yves smirked, “Not so fast. You remember the new recruit we got in a couple months ago? A boy by the name of Jeon Jungkook?”
Yoongi lifted his brows in question, “No? And why would I? What does this have to do with me?”
The woman stood up, her gaze now on the door behind Yoongi, “Jeon. You can come in now.”
Not a moment later, a kid who was just that, a kid, came bursting through the door. His stance tight and rigid, shoulders up higher than need be and his eyes incredibly big. He was so nervous, that if Yoongi was any less confused, he would have laughed at the scene.
Yves smiled, “Jungkook here was a new recruit. Excelled in everything. Really, he’s an ace, top of his class.” Her voice took on the motherly fondness that Yoongi had so rarely heard from her, “But, he came to me the other night with a slight confession. It seems the officer life isn’t fit for him. He wants to be out on the front lines.”
Yoongi looked towards Yves, eyes narrowed, “Than he can join the military.”
Frowning, Yves started, “He’s hoping-“
“Namjoon, sir. Kim Namjoon.” The boy, Jungkook, began, “I saw him in action one day when Bangtan was on a mission. It was just afterwards, to clean up I mean, it was a drug deal with a hostage so nothing too bad but he seemed so cool,” The boy started to smile, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly, “Like, we got there right at the end, and I saw him pull out this knife and he was just so cool, he didn’t hurt anyone but he saved the hostage while you were taking care of the leader of that group. I want to be like him. So please…” The boy bent down, a ninety degree angle in front of Yoongi, “Accept me in your gang. I want to become a member of Bangtan and fight for what’s right alongside you guys.”
Yoongi was shocked.
Beyond shocked, really.
Speechless.
Well, not entirely speechless, “No fucking way. No. Sorry kid, but no.”
The boy remained bowed, “Please consider sir. I’ll make myself useful, work my way up, please let me be a part of your gang.”
Yoongi held an exasperated expression when he looked back towards Yves who had the audacity to grin, “He literally just put in his two weeks. He’s ready to be a Bangtan boy.”
Yoongi shook his head, rubbing his temple as it was all suddenly becoming too much, “No. No fucking way am I taking in another member especially not a kid.”
Jungkook lifted his head, eyes wide with a puppy dog look in them. But to his demise, the pitiful look had no effect on Yoongi. Who had already started walking out of the office until-
“Don’t worry Jeon. I’ll contact Mr. Kim and you’ll be running around with them in no time.” Yves spoke in that warm tone of her’s that only aggravated Yoongi to no end as he slammed the door shut behind him.
Because Namjoon was too much of a softy when it came to shit like that.
Which is why,
Which is why two fucking weeks to the date,
“I can’t believe this. This is by far the worst thing you’ve said yes to Joon. One more and you’re out.” Yoongi spoke, his eyes like knives as he stared at the ground, walking up towards the auto shop, “I mean, has he even gotten his military service done yet? He’s a kid. This life is going to eat him up and spit him out like he’s soggy tuna, what are you going to do then Joon?” Yoongi audibly groaned when he looked up, finding the all to eager boy standing outside of the auto shop. Waiting. Frantically wiping his hands on his jeans as if he was nervous, smiling all to big towards them. Well, towards,
“I think he likes me hyung. This’ll be a good change.” Namjoon spoke from beside Yoongi, waving with a dimple filled smile before whispering, “Besides, I’ll take him under my wing. He won’t get hurt, not in Bangtan.” His voice returned to its normal tone as they reached the boy, “Jungkook! How do you feel? Today's the big day.”
The boy puffed up his shoulders, lowering his voice before nodding excessively, “I’m ready, sir.”
Yoongi rolled his eyes, Namjoon clapped the boy on the back before Yoongi swung the door open, yelling as he walked in, “Yah! Mandatory meeting. We got a new one.”
Three pairs of wide eyes turned towards Yoongi’s direction, all confused before spotting the strange boy between him and Namjoon. And it was only a matter of seconds before Jimin and Taehyung’s eyes lit up excruciatingly bright, almost blinding, before Yoongi cut them off in whatever they were going to say, “Jungkook.” Yoongi started in a strong voice, gesturing towards Seokjin who was leisurely sitting on the couch across from the cars, “Kim Seokjin, an ex assassin. Grew up in Russia but, don’t let the accent fool you, he’s full blooded Korean.” Seokjin nodded, “And full blooded lethal.” But then furrowing his brows as he got up, moving closer to the boy, Jungkook’s eyes growing the closer he got, “You’re young.”
Yoongi continued before the boy could respond, “This is Kim Taehyung, in the same boat as you, kinda different department I guess, police detective. Needed more action, so he came here.” The boy opened his mouth to speak with wide sparkling eyes but Yoongi cut him off again, “And this is Jimin, used to be in a another gang, white fang, but decided to join us instead.” Then Yoongi gestured towards Namjoon, “You already know Kim Namjoon, our ex-military doctor.”
“Boys, this is Jungkook. Was under Yves as an officer, but after seeing us in action-well. After seeing Namjoon in-Ow!” Yoongi held his side where Jungkook's elbow had just been jabbed, sending the boy a death glare that caused him to move back, a few steps. Which shocked even himself, before continuing, “We’re starting the initiating process on him today. This was fully Namjoons decision to let him start the process. So if there’s anything that needs to be said, go to him.”
“Oh. My. God.” Jimin’s voice came from behind Yoongi, already latched onto Jungkook's arm, “You’re going to be part of the Bangtan family! Welcome brother! I’ve always wanted a younger brother!”
“Hey no I call dibs! Look at these cute cheeks!” Taehyung practically yelled, latching onto the other side of Jungkook in a bear hug that somehow consumed Jimin as well, “I call taking Jungkookie on the first run!”
“No! Kookie be careful, that one bites!” Jimin hushed.
“I do not!” Taehyung retorted then a gasped, “Jimin!” The two boys locked their gazes, wide eyes across from Jungkook's terrified face, “Oh my god he looks like a bunny!”
Jimin almost squeaked, (Okay, Jimin did squeak), “I’ve always wanted a pet bunny!”
Seokjin walked towards the boy, narrowing his eyes, “But he’s really…young…” Jungkook’s eyes grew wide with intimidation, even with the two men practically attached to him. But it didn’t last long, because Jungkook was smirking in the blink of an eye, “And you’re really old. Hyung, do they age fast in Russia?”
The older was taken aback by the sudden response, but then chuckled, a sound that had them all grinning as he rustled his hand in Jungkook's hair, “You’ll do well here, kid. But I’m the oldest here, so I got dibs on taking the pet bunny out on the first mission.”
Taehyung groaned obnoxiously before Namjoon bumped Jungkook's shoulder, “I was the one who let him join. I’ll take him out first.” Then turning to Jungkook completely, he held out his hand for the younger to take, “Welcome to Bangtan, Jungkook.”
There were stars, actual stars, in the boys eyes as he ripped his arm away from the strange hold of the two boys and extended it towards Namjoon, the biggest smile on his features. One that showcased his bunny teeth, and his youthful glow.
Behind them, Yoongi sighed. Because he’d known Jungkook for a while now, him working under Yves and Yves practically being Yoongi’s boss…okay maybe literally being Yoongi’s boss, gave them ample chances to work in the field together. And somewhere deep down, Yoongi always knew that he’d end up here, with them.
But that didn’t make it any easier. A new member meant more to protect. One more body he needs on his radar. One more responsibility.
Namjoon turned his attention away from Jungkook and towards Yoongi, a small smile as he walked towards the boy, away from the laughter filled interrogation the rest were having, “Hyung, he seems like a good kid. He’ll be fine.”
Yoongi tried not to roll his eyes, crossed his arms instead as Namjoon continued, “Come on hyung, you do this every time. Aren’t you happy Jimin, Tae and Jin hyung joined us? They’re good people, and we’re like a family now.”
“Yeah good people that I have to worry about protecting now. One wrong move and Red will have us all dead in seconds you know that Joon.”
“I do. I do know that.” Namjoon nodded, before turning back to look towards the four laughing boys, “But don’t you think it’s worth it? Maybe this will help you start opening up some yeah? One new person on your radar was never that bad now was it?”
Yoongi shook his head, heading towards the dark blue Bugatti at the end of the garage, “Just for your information, it is. Now hurry and get your kid, we have a mission today and you’re on babysitting duty.” He paused before getting in the car, “And make sure he knows the rule Joon. No personal information. To visible ties to anyone outside of the gang.”
Namjoon smiled, but not one that reached his eyes, grabbing the door to the car before Yoongi could close it fully, “Fine. But Hyung, you really...you should open up more. Like, you don’t have to be so tough all the time, even with us, okay? It’s okay to loosen up and have a laugh sometimes hyung.”
Yoongi started the car, half listening to the youngers words, “Yeah sure, whatever, now go get your kid. We’ve got a drug bust today and I’d like to make it back in time to walk Holly before sunset.”
Namjoon smirked, sarcastically yelling, “Yes sir!” Before closing the cars door, and leaving to drag an excited Jungkook into his own car.
Once Namjoon, Seokjin and Jungkook piled into the silver G-wagon, and Jimin and Taehyung jumped into Jimin’s black Kia Optima, Yoongi started out of the garage. Leading the the other two cars, but it didn’t take long for him to check his rearview mirror, finding an energetic Taehyung popping his head through the sunroof of the car behind him, exclaiming a resounding,
“Mission initiate our new pet bunny Jeon Jungkook, begin!”
_
Jungkook: Hyungs! Jiminie let me drive the G! It’s pretty fast, we can catch a bunch of drug deals in that thing for sure. Can I drive it on the next mission???
Jungkook: Please???
Seokjin: HE LET YOU WHAT
Seokjin: DO YOU EVEN HAVE YOUR LICENCE
Taehyung: I missed baby’s first drive in the G Jiminie how could you TT
Jimin: JUNGKOOK! THAT! WAS! OUR! SECRET!
Jimin: Quick. Someone needs to take the boss’s phone and delete these messages. Otherwise it was nice knowing you guys, was a great run !!
Jungkook: What? Why?
Namjoon: Oh no…
Namjoon: Jungkook officially passed initiation by breaking the rules
Namjoon: They grow up so fast
Jungkook: I PASSED I’M IN A GANG FOR REAL NOW
Jungkook: We have to celebrate !!
Seokjin: I promised myself I wouldn’t cry but look at our son
Seokjin: I’m so proud
Jimin: A month flew by so fast I feel like I’ve been raising him for years :,)
Jungkook: I can READ THESE MESSAGES.
Taehyung: Shut up bunnies can’t DRIVE!
Taehyung: Welcome to the team son T^T
Taehyung: But wait Jiminie how did you get the keys?? I thought only Namjoon could drive it! Can I drive it too? I can drive!
Yoongi scowled down towards his phone, the bag of dog food heavy in his arms as he made his way down the street. Trying, ( Failing ) to suppress a growl before aggressively typing,
Yoongi: Jimin how the fuck did you even get the keys to my G-Wagon. Jungkook you’re still in the phasing process don’t listen to Namjoon. And don’t you dare touch one of the cars or weapons even if one of the asshole members says that you can.
His phone continued buzzing, the group chat now flooding with messages to fast for Yoongi to read when-
When Yoongi crashed into something, hard.
Hard enough to send him rebounding back more than a couple of steps, his phone now forgotten in his hand as he looked down, regaining his balance and surroundings when he realized what was painting the ground.
Sunflowers…?
Looking up Yoongi noticed a man, sun kissed skin, light brown hair shaping his strong yet soft features. Yoongi noticed his brown eyes reflecting the specs of orange and yellow from the sun and the flowers. Wearing a yellow sweater, and green apron, Yoongi couldn’t help but feel like the boy resembled a sunflower himself.
But he was also…also oddly familiar…
The look on the boy’s face, one of pure surprise quickly turning into fear and confusion, it finally clicked.
Oh.
Oh fuck.
The boy who had asked for help that night. the boy who Yoongi had saved only to then turn down afterwards, leaving him alone in the foreign land. Yoongi would feel bad in any normal circumstance, but he knew he couldn’t trust him. Or at least, he didn’t want to. And seeing the boy illuminated by the sun, all soft, soft, soft, deep down Yoongi knew, that he still should just walk away. After all, he had no obligation, he didn’t owe the boy anything.
And what was he going to do? Stand there and stare at the boy who seemed to glow like soft petals in the sunset? No. Of course not. Why would he?
So, Yoongi quickly tucks his hands inside his pockets, his eyes training the ground as he walked past the boy, bumping shoulders along the way.
He didn’t look back.
_
“Kook no. Kookie. Jk. Stop. Jungkook. NO JUNGKOOK-“
“Will you two please shut up?!” A frustrated Yoongi yelled form across the living room of Seokjin and Namjoons apartment.
Taehyung threw down his controller, exasperated, “But kookie cheated AGAIN.”
“I did no such thing.” The younger sitting beside him smirked, “GTA just likes me.”
The older of the two made a move to tackle Jungkook but Seokjin’s loud voice froze him, “Taehyung. Jungkook. I know that’s not you yelling in there.”
Well, that shut them up. Yoongi smiled, watching as Jungkook and Taehyung slowly, albeit failing to contain their fit of giggles, returned to the game. Seokjin coming to sit on the couch next to Yoongi mumbling a “I’ve already got enough complains from the neighbors I don’t need the kids adding to it.”
Yoongi chuckled, “Why? What are your other complains for?”
Seokjin turned a shade red, “That’s none of your business asshole. More importantly.” His eyes gestured to Jimin whose head was resting in Namjoons lap on the other couch. Namjoons eyes worried. Something Yoongi rarely sees in the harshness of their line of work. Or maybe it was something he didn’t notice unless it was pointed out, either way Seokjin continued, “Is everything okay with Jimin? He’s been sulking for damn…two weeks now? But before that, during that month of initiation for Kookie he was still down.”
Yoongi thought for a moment, replaying any memories of the past month and a half, anything that would cause any red flags only to come up with… ”I got nothing. Has he really been like that for that long? He looks…” Yoongi couldn’t find the right words but turns out he didn’t need to.
Because Jimin heard. “Yah. You’re observant.” The boy spoke, throwing a nearby pillow towards Seokjin and Yoongi’s general direction.
Seokjin caught it, a small smile, his voice hesitant, “Is everything okay Jiminie? Got something on your mind?”
Yoongi noticed Jimin’s conflicted features, before Namjoon spoke softly, “Jiminie, we might be able to help. If it’s something that’s bothering you this much the least we can do is try.”
It seemed that was enough to get Jimin to sigh, sitting up, hands fumbling in his lap, “I guess...so you guys know the whole backstory, the orphanage then foster home then gang. But I never told you guys about him.”
“Him?” Seokjin prompted, leaning closer to Jimin, placing a comforting hand on his knee. Yoongi noticed how Taehyung's gaze now drifted away from the screen and towards the conversation, eyes alert, focused.
“Well, an angel, really. He was my best friend. You guys know how much I hated that foster home they put me in during middle school. But, the truth is, I was hardly there. He had a family, a good one. Him and I became friends, he learned about my situation, his family loved me, you can kinda guess what happened from there.”
Yoongi couldn’t help but wonder, with Taehyung's intense gaze, “Tae, do you know who he’s talking about?”
The boy made a sound as the controller dropped from his hand, Jungkook standing up in victory before quickly realizing the change in atmosphere. Taehyung cleared his throat, “Um, yeah. Jimin lets me tag along sometimes when they hang out. He’s…um…”
“He’s a good friend to us.” Jimin finished, a reassuring smile that seemed to carry more than just that towards Taehyung. Before his expression shifted to something else, “We’ve stayed in contact ever since, even when I was in white fang we still hung out. He’d always help me out, always listen, he was a good friend.”
Taehyung's eyes held something like fear, a trembling kind of fear, one that Yoongi hardly ever saw in the youngers orbs, “Jiminie, he’s…he’s okay right? Did something happen to him?”
Jimin took a shaky breath, before speaking in a rushed voice, as if the words themselves tasted bitter in his mouth, “He’s gone. Been gone for three months. No texts, no calls, he’s never home and now summers almost over and I don’t know what to do.”
“What?!” Jungkook yelled, confusion and anger in his voice.
Two loud thumping knocks came from the wall to their right, Seokjin’s eyes growing wide before narrowing them in Jungkook direction. The younger showcasing a shy kind of grin as he sunk into himself, “Sorry hyung. My bad.”
Seokjin nodded, before returning his attention towards Jimin, “I remember you telling us about, how you were helped. Or, I guess the better way of saying it is how you weren’t alone before you met us. But what do you mean he’s gone? Can you contact his family or any of his friends?” The boy asked but even Jimin himself showcased a look that was filled with just as many questions, “I’ve tried...nothing hyung.”
A moment passed, and the room fell quiet, Taehyung moving closer to Jimin, “Minie…you don’t think something happened to him...do you?”
Jimin gave a small smile that held more sadness than reassurance, “Yeah. I mean…no. Well…I don’t know if he’s gone or not. But he’s not here anymore. I don’t know…It’s just been so long I don’t know what to do what if Red’s got him what if something happened to him what if-“
“Jimin.” Jungkook’s voice came this time, strong yet soft around the edges, soft with Jimin's name on his tongue. “Red doesn’t have him. Hyungs said they were just there a few months ago and freed everyone Red had, right? He’s probably okay, someone would have let you know if something happened to him, right?”
Jimin just stares towards his lap, eyes unmoving, before taking a deep breath, and shaking his head. “You said you’d try to help,” Jimin started, attempting his best to steady his voice, eyes focused partially towards Namjoon, then towards Yoongi, “But how can you help when I can’t even tell you guys his name or show you his face.”
“You’re right.” Yoongi started, strong, “You know why we can’t talk about the people we’re close to with each other. In this line of work, having any link to someone or something precious to you is dangerous. You know that Jimin.”
“But if I have to trust you guys with my life then why can’t I trust you guys with this?!” Jimin started, there was the beginning of furry sparking in his eyes, but more than anything, confusion.
“Because at the end of the day, the only one you can trust is yourself Jimin. Remember that next time you trust Taehyung enough to know your big secret.”
The room was quiet, the heavy kind of quiet that tasted like lava frozen in the air, burning, suffocating, before Namjoon started, “Jiminie,” Draping a comforting arm around the boys shoulders, “He’s probably just busy with something right now yeah? Give it some more time, he’ll come back. Trust him.”
Jimin looked up towards him with sad eyes, then towards the rest of them, nodding in defeat. But there was something that terrified, petrified, sent shivers down Yoongi’s spine, something that was shining in all of his Bangtan gangsters eyes.
He saw hope.
_
The air in Yoongi’s living room was stuffy, cold, with the lazy sunlight painting in through the windows. Holly’s little body tucked into his lap while Yoongi ran his fingers through the little animals fur.
“Hyung, you know, Jin hyung and I have been talking lately…” Namjoon started, joining Yoongi on the large couch with snacks while Jin followed close behind, holding three soju bottles in his hands, “And we want to talk to you about something.”
Yoongi knit his brows together from the large couch, staring up towards the golden chandelier “I swear if it’s something about the new kid being ‘better’ than Tae and Jimin you can save it because I already get an ear full of that every day from those two assholes.”
Seokjin laughed as he sat down beside Yoongi, Namjoon on Seokjin’s other side, moving his legs to drape over Seokjin's, “It’s not that, wait they actually say that? He’s not really new anymore anyway, you know Jimin’s practically adopted the kid right?”
Namjoon reached over to push Seokjin’s shoulder, “Hey I’m his rightful father what are you talking about? He joined because of me! I have rights!”
The three of them laughed before Seokjin shook his head, looking towards Yoongi again, then towards Holly, giving the little dog a gentle pet, “Yoongi. When was the last time you had an actual friend, outside of Bangtan.”
Yoongi narrowed his eyes, not following the conversation, not liking the direction it had taken, “What do you mean. Why.”
Namjoon’s voice came with a hint of annoyance, “Damn hyung just answer the question.”
A moment passed, before Yoongi rolled his eyes, “I don’t know, like, a couple years? I guess the last real relationship outside of the gang I had was in high school. I had a good friend but he moved away. Then I dated this girl but after I asked her out nothing happened, we fell out of contact and disappeared from each other’s lives.” Yoongi shrugged, “Isn’t that what always happens in high school though?”
Seokjin and Namjoon gave each other a look as if contemplating what to say, and Yoongi felt the need to add, “But it’s not like I need anyone. I’m fine with our gang family and Holly. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else anyway. I already have too much on my plate.”
The two gave a kind smile before Seokjin rested a hand on Yoongi’s knee, “Yoongi, our gang family means everything to all of us. We all found Bangtan when we needed it the most. But, even though we don’t talk about it, we still have a life outside of the gang as well. I run the diner, Joonie runs the auto shop, Taehyung goes to university, Jiminie has his dancing job and…” he hesitated, before adding, “His childhood friend, and Jungkookie still has his friends from the police force. I’m pretty sure Jiminie is going to try and get him to help teach at the studio too.”
“What are you trying to say?” Yoongi asked, eyes now latched onto the little animal in his lap, because he’d be lying if he didn’t know exactly where Seokjin was going. Even more so, if he said he didn’t think about it too. Every day. If it didn’t plague his mind and keep him up at night.
Namjoon’s voice was soft, kind, “Hyung, we know you have Holly, but you need something more than that. You need a person. Our Bangtan isn’t Red Dragon, you can have a life outside of our gang, you can live your life.”
Yoongi was quiet, continuing to stare towards the little brown dog, before Seokjin spoke in a quiet voice, “Yoongi, we can see it. The dark circles under your eyes, how your obsessed with your dog, how isolated you are, even from us. It took years before Joon considered you two friends. And all of…” gesturing towards the exquisite interior, how the living room alone resembled nothing less than the finest of castles, marble wood, colorful paintings with modern furniture. “It’s not doing anything for you. You’re rich, sure, but you’re not happy.”
“Well then what do you expect me to do? Join a club? Get married?” Yoongi’s voice had a harsh bite to it that was stronger than intended, but he didn’t take it back. It hit too close to home.
Yoongi was lonely. He was lonely and the worst part was that he knew it.
“Actually…” Seokjin started, looking over towards Namjoon who continued, “That’s what we’ve been talking about. How familiar are you with the sugar daddy system hyung?”
Yoongi shot up, wide eyes, horrified, “That’s illegal.”
“No, prostitution is illegal.” Namjoon spoke with a small smile, “And so is owning a gun in this country but that’s never stopped you before.”
“That’s different.”
Namjoon shrugged, treating his words carefully, “But, the sugar daddy system is a bit different. It’s more of a relationship, more exclusive. A bit less…”
“Lonely.” Seokjin finished, “It’s the only option we can think of that would protect completely the identity of whoever your with. We get that you can’t get close to anyone because of your close ties with Red Dragon, I don’t even want to think about the danger a civilian would be in if they got close to you and Red found out.” Seokjin took a deep breath, “But after talking, we think this is the safest option. Just make it public knowledge that it’s a contracted relationship with no feelings involved, and Red Dragon will leave you both alone in theory.”
Namjoon smirked, “Besides, aren’t all single rich dudes supposed to be sugar daddy’s?”
Yoongi was about to bark back a reply before Seokjin intervened, “But if it’s public knowledge that you’re a sugar daddy with a sugar baby, Red will think you don’t really care about that person, right? So why would he waste his time going after them? I mean, you know him. He’s a practical guy, he’s not going to waste his time on something that’s he knows won’t completely destroy you.”
“Geez. What a way with words.” Yoongi spoke flatley.
Seokjin continued, “So… that’s why we think it’d be a great idea for you, something to try. If anything, you’d make a friend out of it.”
Yoongi sat back on the couch, staring up at the chandelier again, the glass glittering from the golden lights, “So, you want me to pay somebody to hang out with me, take them on dates and buy them things, while acting like I don’t care about them to keep them safe, and break the law while I’m at it.”
Namjoon shrugged, “It’s not breaking the law if you don’t have sex with them.” Earning him a slap on the leg from Seokjin who turned to Yoongi, “God, Yoongi, you're a gangster for crying out loud. Your job is to break the law.”
Now it was Yoongi’s turn to shrug with a small grin, “I’m the new generation gangster-ouch! What was that for?” Yoongi asked massaging his newly pinched arm.
Seokjin reached over to grab Namjoon’s phone from his lap, pulling something up before handing it to Yoongi, “Here, we already found the perfect girl. There’s no name or photo on the profile, so no risk of Red tracking her. I checked her out earlier as well, she’s legit. Chinese, couple years older than you, worked for a law firm in Seoul before moving down here to start her own firm.” Waiting until Yoongi’s gaze moved from the rather empty screen to Seokjin’s eyes, “And she’s pretty cute to. Give her a try.”
Yoongi’s eyes raised in confusion, “How do you know so much about her already? There’s literally nothing on her profile. Not even a photo?”
Seokjin rolled his eyes while Namjoon laughed, “Hyung, Jin hyung totally spied on her for like, a whole week.”
The boy narrowed his eyes, “You did not use your Russian spy ability on a civilian hyung.”
The eldest waved his hand towards the boy, “What am I now, a Pokémon? Now come on I want to watch this movie on your giant ass t.v. and see Joon suffer through the 14 th time seeing inception, so what will it be? Are you going to go for it?”
Yoongi returned his gaze towards the semi vacant screen, then towards Holly, who was sleeping soundly on his lap.
_
3:47 A.M.
3:47 A.M.
3:47 A.M.
Yoongi stared at the clock, as if daring it to move, because there’s just no way it was really this early-
3:48 A.M.
Dammit.
Yoongi heaved a heavy sigh, turning on his other side, facing the window. Watching as the gentle moon’s blue casted a soft cloak over the dark room. It was quiet, save for Holly’s breathing from across the room, the ticking of the clock, and Yoongi’s loud, oh so loud, thoughts.
Because nights like these weren’t easy.
These nights that were peaceful, quiet. Nights that were kind to him in only a way that the moonlight could be. But Yoongi knew that he didn’t fit in this picture, nights like these didn’t belong to him. As he laid there, his heart pumping faster, his blood a different color, waiting for the prey, waiting for the kill.
But, of course, nights like these had nothing for Yoongi to prey on. Nights like these had nothing to offer but the gentle lullaby of the stars and the quiet moon they follow.
Nights like these, the quietness suffocated Yoongi.
Nights like these, were lonely.
Causing Yoongi to shift and turn in his bed, wrap himself in blankets only to kick them off a moment later, only to then repeat the process. What aggravated him the most, was knowing that this kind of loneliness was not something a random person could cure. Whatever this was, it ran deeper than a one night stand, then a simple glass of water, then a joyful call of a friend.
After years of the hustle, years of the kill or be killed life, the adrenaline coursing through his veins, a bottle of soju in one hand and a gun in the other. Learning how to cope with himself, with being alone, when the missions are complete, when the soju bottles are empty and the gun powders dust settles.
It’s nights like these, when Yoongi wished he could fuck it all. He couldn’t remember life before the gang but he wanted nothing more than to go back to it. To go back to being a normal human, to being innocent, a life worth more than the tattoos sprawled on his arms.
All he wanted, was to be seen as more than that. Because maybe then, maybe then, he could actually believe he was.
But he knew it was a fleeting dream. After everything he’d done, it wouldn’t feel right anyway. He wouldn’t be paying for his sins like he is now.
However, he couldn’t help but to dream.
Dream of a day when nights like these, would become all that they were to begin with. A night, with stars and the moon’s light whispering soft lullabies.
“Fuck.” Yoongi whispered, a plead to the insomnia that coated his mind.
Because night’s like these,
Nights like these,
Who the hell was he kidding.
Every night. Every damn night was like this.
Yoongi groaned, kicking off the blankets again.
_
“Hyung…have you…have you maybe considered…you know…”
“No I don’t know and if you don’t spit it out I’m leaving.” Yoongi barked back towards Jimin, who was sitting on the hood of a car Namjoon had brought in last week, sipping a gigantic smoothie that could only be attributed to Seokjin’s famous vitamin loaded smoothie that he’d insist the younger boys drink each morning.
Jimin gave a confused look, “Wait first off what are you doing here? It’s like…six in the morning…hyung do you even know what that is?”
A death glare was enough to stop Jimin from continuing, his lips finding the smoothies straw and sipping obediently, “Well if you have to know I got an order from Yves. She wants two people to knock out a drug bust just outside of Busan. I’m taking Joon but the little shit isn’t even here. In the auto shop that he supposedly owns.” Yoongi spoke before finding one of Namjoon’s lounge chairs in the shop before adding, “And yes. I do wake up this early when I need to.”
Jimin’s features still didn’t let go of the confusion they held, it wasn’t until Yoongi had his nose pinched between his fingers, squeezing his eyes shut preparing for whatever the other had on his mind, “What.”
“It’s just that…hyung you’ve always been like this but I think it’s getting worse.”
Now Yoongi was intrigued, scared, and terrified all at the same time. It wasn’t that obvious, was it? “What do you mean Jimin?”
“Well, at first I thought you were just cold towards people. But after getting to know you I realized it really is just the fact that your trying to protect us all the time and you say you love sleep but I don’t think you actually get sleep.” The boy chuckled before continuing, “But after Jungkook became an official member…has it been a week now? Anyway after he joined I thought ‘Oh! This is it! Yoongi is just addicted to the adrenaline like Jungkook and that’s what makes him mean and tired all the them.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Yoongi spoke, but no bite to his tone, his eyes looking elsewhere.
Jimin shrugged, “I know, Tae was the one actually who made the connection, but after we talked about it, it doesn’t make sense. Or I guess, it kinda does? Like, here me out but Tae and I were talking and because of your past we think it’s hard for you to let loose and enjoy life now.”
“Really.” Yoongi spoke flatly, no emotion. He didn’t want Jimin knowing how close him and Taehyung had come to the truth. The truth even he himself, refused to admit. Even on those nights. He wouldn’t admit it, he never would.
Jimin set down his smoothie, hopping off of the car to stand in front of Yoongi with sparkles in his eyes, practically forcing the older to look at him, “So hyung, Taehyung, Jungkook and I have come to a solution!”
“You brought the kid into this too?!” Yoongi asked, exasperated at this point.
An excited nod came from the younger, “Yes! Now listen, our first thought was you should get a dog but…you already have that. And Holly’s kinda your life we get it but it’s not really working so we came up with a better solution.”
Yoongi rested his cheek in his hand, looking up towards Jimin with unamused eyes, yet a tad softer with the mention of Holly, “I’m not getting a cat-”
“A girlfriend!”
The response had Yoongi choking on air, “O-oh my god, hyung, hyung breath I’m so sorry, you don’t have to get a girlfriend right now but just don't-oh my god hyung don’t die-I’m too young to lead a gang!”
Yoongi pushed Jimin, regaining his composure, “Girlfriend?! Are fucking kidding me? Do you know how fast Red would be on my ass if I had one of those? She’d be dead in minutes whether I liked it or not.”
Jimin’s eyes grew wide, worried, “What? Why?”
Yoongi took a deep breath, sitting back in the chair, “Because Red’s out for me okay? I did him pretty dirty before I left and now he’s out to see my blood on his hands. Don’t ask any more questions about it. The more you know the more danger you’re in.” It took Jimin a moment to process what Yoongi had just said, and he was about to speak before Yoongi cut him off, “And who told you you’re running this gang when I’m gone? You’re a kid. No fucking way you still have Seokjin make you smoothies before running off and playing with the other members. If anyone leads this gang it’s going to be me. The ghost version of me.”
Now Jimin's eyes grew even wider with realization, “You’re going to…oh my god you’re going to haunt us.”
“Look forward to it Minie.” Yoongi spoke with a smirk. Before Jimin shook his head and started, “No wait, backtrack, in all seriousness, so you can’t have a real girlfriend because Red Dragon with kill her to get back at you?”
“Bingo.”
“Why don’t they just try and kill you?”
Yoongi chuckled, dry, unamused, “And where’s the fun in that huh?” but then he grinned, looking towards the younger, “And also, I don’t mind either but I prefer dick. My personal preference and easier to pull the ‘No homo’ card when things get to weird or dangerous.”
Jimin’s lips pierced into a line, looking down. Quiet for a good minute or so, enough time for Yoongi to close his eyes and let his thoughts drift to other things. To the mission, to Holly, to the moon who whispers quiet lullabies that kept him up at night-
A snap of fingers, “I got it!”
Yoongi slowly opened his eyes, scowling, “Whatever you ‘got’ I want absolutely no part in it whatsoever.”
“You just need a to show that you’re not in love right? That you have no personal attachments to whoever your seeing and Red will leave them alone because ‘what’s the fun in that’ right?” Jimin spoke, as if he was on the edge of his seat, when in fact, Yoongi was the only one sitting down.
“Well…I guess but-“
“A contract-“
“No.“
“It’s a great idea hyung! You just need a contract, something that’s semipublic that Red’s spies can easily find. It’ll lure Red away, you’ll have someone there to fill whatever that cold thing inside you is and you don’t have to get attached. It’s a win win!”
“Cold thing what the fuc-“
“I think they’re called sugar daddy’s right? Or sugar baby’s? I’m not sure, here let me look it up do you want me to find one-“
“Did Joon and Jin put you up to this?!” Yoongi asked, now he was starting to feel ticked off at the whole situation. Why did everyone think it was their business? Yoongi said no the first time. And fairly adamantly at that. So why are they still trying?!
Jimin gave an innocent and confused look, but not one that could fool Yoongi, “What are you talking about? Did they suggest it as well?”
Even the tone of voice gave it away that they’d all been talking about this. But Yoongi knew their pushing and insisting would never, truly, never, stop until he gave in.
So, he gave in.
Groaning as he buried his face in his hands, completely annoyed by the whole situation at hand, he practically yelled, “Fine! Fine I’ll do it. But only for six months. Damnit. Six months. That’s it.” Yoongi lifted his glare from his hands to stare towards Jimin, “I’ll do it but every single one of you need’s to back off and not say another peep about this am I clear.”
Jimin practically squeaked as he jumped, already starting to run towards the door conjoining the auto shop and the diner, to tell Seokjin the news no doubt.
“Deal hyung! Go get em tiger!”
_
All of the couples plaguing the park that Yoongi and Holly currently resided in did nothing in helping the boy do what he had originally planned. Which was to forget completely, about the date he had that night.
You know, the one with his contracted significant other. Emphasis on contracted.
Yoongi was watching Holly trot on in front of him, smiling, because no matter what, he’d always have little fur ball Holly. And somehow, that was enough.
Well, mostly enough.
Usually. At least.
His thoughts quickly took a turn when a sick feeling began to pool at the pit of his stomach. What if she became too attached? And then Red found out. He’d have to get his hands dirty in something he didn’t even want in the first place.
Yoongi needed something else. He needed someone who could never get attached to him. Someone who saw Yoongi for what he really was, a monster.
Then he wouldn’t have to worry about Red, his friends would be happy, and he’d still be in the extremely exclusive relationship that was him and Min Holly. A win, win, and win.
Lost in his thoughts he failed to realize the bike that was heading his way.
“Look out!” A woman screamed, Yoongi’s eyes shot up as he practically threw himself out of the way of the bike path but not before Holly sprinted in the opposite direction. Causing the bike to ram against Yoongi’s shoulder with a thud, but Yoongi didn’t even get a chance to turn and apologize to the now stopped biker because Holly, as small as he was, with the force of an actual bear was dragging him away. Quite hastily.
Yoongi glanced back, trying to process everything, the pain in his shoulder, the girl on the bike who was staring at him now, she seemed to be a few years older than him, black hair that faded to red at the ends. But Yoongi couldn’t process anything more as his attention was focused solely on not tripping over his own two feet.
“Holly! Holly boy slow down! Holly!!” Yoongi tried but one powerful yank sent the leash flying out of Yoongi’s hands and Holly freely running in the park.
Yoongi was never one for running, but he could swear he’d never run so fast in his life trying to catch up to the little animal. He watched as Holly disappeared behind a tree, almost like he was playing hide and seek and Yoongi would have laughed if not for his delirious state.
Well, until-
“Why hello there! Wow it’s nice to meet you too little guy you’re so happy!” A sweet voice came from behind the tree that had Yoongi frozen in his step. And that’s when the voice started to sing into a fit of giggles. Yoongi could hear the little dog giving small barks, a beat to the melody of that laugh.
For some reason, Yoongi felt like he gravitated towards the sound, like he wanted to hear it day in and day out. Like it was the only thing in the world that could make the flowers bloom in the spring, and the sun set at night.
Yoongi shook himself out of these thoughts, he had to get his dog. His dog. And not make any more of a scene then he already was making.
He walked forward, towards the laughter and his dog, past the tree, “Excuse me, but that’s my dog-“
Yoongi narrowed his eyes, picking up the dog who was previously licking the boy’s face with a wagging tail, “Why do I keep running into you. Are you spying on me? Stalking me? What is it?”
The boy’s eyes widen in surprise, looking towards Yoongi and then towards Holly, his expression softened. “He’s sweet.” He spoke, so quiet that Yoongi had to strain to hear it. And maybe it was the kindness in his voice, or the softness in his eyes, or the way his laughter had just lassoed the sun and brought it down into their little park just a few seconds ago, but Yoongi couldn’t find anything to say, or move from his spot.
The boy’s brown eyes moved from Holly to Yoongi, but this time, they kept the same kind look in them, his eyes so brown it was as if a garden could bloom in them.
Yoongi didn’t like it. He didn’t deserve it. To be looked at like that.
So without saying anything else, he turned on his heels, ready to leave before-
“Wait!” The boys hand was held out in front of him, “You’re shoulder…you’re bleeding…”
Yoongi then realized that his shirt was ripped, and a new found scrape had now claimed his shoulder, drawing the red liquid out and onto the neighboring fabric. “It’s nothing.”
“Please.” The boy tried, patting the place next to him on the ground, “I’m a medical student, and lucky for you, I just so happen to have my first aid kit on me. At least let me bandage it up for you so it doesn’t get infected.”
“Why would you do that?” Yoongi asked, more of a statement then anything, but curious for the answer.
The boy shrugged, “You look like you’ve had a long day, and I know that you don’t like me but at least…at least let me help you.”
As much as he tried, Yoongi knew he couldn’t fight with the boys logic. Still, he didn’t trust him, but something about those brown eyes said it was okay. Said it was safe.
So Yoongi sighed, sitting down next to the boy, allowing this stranger to dig out the first aid kit from his bag and begin examining his shoulder.
“My names Hoseok by the way. Well, Jung Hoseok is my full name.” He spoke as he began dabbing the scrap with disinfectant, “Um, my friends call me Hobi, my best friend calls me Seok, but you can call me whatever you want.” He added after a moment, “As long as it’s nice…”
Yoongi didn’t plan on talking, or saying anything at all. Until Holly jumped out of his lap and into Hoseok's, nuzzling right into the boys warmth. And Yoongi felt betrayed, as if Holly was mad at him for not conversing. So he tried, “Min Yoongi. Refer to me as Mr. Min.”
Hoseok nodded, his voice warm with a smile, “Okay, Mr. Min.”
He started with the bandages when Yoongi noticed the papers in front of him, all job offerings, circles and highlights and notes filling a bunch of newspapers and flyers of job’s in the area. Yoongi couldn’t stop his mouth fast enough, “You’re looking for a job? You don’t work at that flower shop?”
And there it is again, that beautiful laugh, but this time, in the form of a quiet giggle, “Yeah, yes, you’re right I work there but…I don’t make enough to pay for my sister and myself to attend school. So,” He gestured towards the papers littering the ground in front of him, “Gotta make that cash somehow, you know?”
Yoongi furrowed his brows, “You’re a medical student. Doctor?”
Hoseok shook his head, a small smile as he looked down to run a hand through Holly’s fur, “Veterinarian.”
Yoongi shot back away from Hoseok, eyes wide, “You’re not licensed to work on people!”
This time, Hoseok's laugh came in the form of something similar to bubbles, “You’re right, but I don’t think I need a medical license to bandage up a scrape, yeah Mr. Min?”
The only thing keeping Yoongi from walking right out of that park, was Holly who was currently nuzzling into Hoseok's lap.
And maybe, just maybe, Hoseok's kindness. His warmth.
Maybe.
Hoseok finished wrapping Yoongi’s shoulder, “How does it feel?” he asked, moving to put his supplies away.
Yoongi rolled his shoulder, Hoseok didn’t do half a bad job, and he was about to tell him so in a very roundabout way but instead something else took over, “You’re job searching. Can you be presentable? Act in a mature fashion? Only speak when spoken to, do as your told, follow all rules without fail and without question?”
Hoseok's eyes knit in confusion, before giving a slight nod with his head.
Yoongi smirked. His mind racing, one second he’s thinking he’d found his way out, the next, he’s an idiot. Hell he didn’t even know if Hoseok swung that way, but he guessed it didn’t matter, all he had to do was act anyway. The whole thing was an acting job, essentially. And if Holly approved of him, then he must be fine. Besides, there’s no way someone who radiated so much warmth would even think about falling for him. It was perfect. “I have a job for you then. Pays well.”
“Really?” Hoseok’s eyes lit up and Yoongi for the life of him couldn’t keep the ass eating grin off his face.
“It’ll be easy. Pretend to be my boyfriend. In front of me, in front of my friends, in front of my enemies, and everything in between.”
“Wait..wait wha-“
“I will pay you 1,000,000 won weekly. The contract will be over six months, you can do the math. Anything else you want I’ll also supply. You just have to do everything I say in return.”
The boys eyes grew wide, his mouth opening then closing, only to open and then close again.
“But it’s extremely important, that you don’t cross the line. There is to be no actual feelings involved. This is a strictly contracted relationship.”
Hoseok shook his head, holding Holly close to him now, “Wait, wait hold on how do I know if I can trust you?”
Yoongi shrugged, “You don’t. Just agree so we can get this over with.” He got to his feet, “We won’t be seeing each other often, just when I see it necessary. Anything you’d like I’ll get for you. And you have to be loyal to me and only me. There is to be nobody else in your life you could be seeing or call a significant other. Do we have a deal?”
The boy shook his head, “Wait, but that was you that one night wasn’t it? Three months ago, with the gun? How did you even get a gun? And why did you point it at me? And aren’t you curious as to why I needed help that night? Are we just ignoring all of that?”
“The past is the past. You’re not allowed to know anything that I don’t specifically tell you about my past. And I won’t tell you anything about it anyway. So cut your questions, they won’t be answered.”
Hoseok was staring towards Yoongi, then looking down towards the little dog snuggled into his chest, a moment past, maybe two, before he looked up, asking in a slow, and unsure voice, “But wouldn’t that make you like…a sugar daddy?”
“You’re the one who needs the cash. Now do we have a deal, or not?” Yoongi asked, aggravated but also hoping, hoping against all odds that the strange boy would say yes. Because it would be worlds better than the girl he’d originally planned to meet that night.
Why have anyone else when the actual sun, the blooming sun, was right in front of him. Holding his dog like he was something precious and looking towards Yoongi with eyes that could warm the coldest of nights.
Of course, it would just be something better to look at for six months. Nothing more. Maybe less.
For a moment, Yoongi feared the boy would say no, standing up to face him before Hoseok extended his arm out, the other holding Holly, and smiled, a smile that took on the shape of a heart. Warm and inviting, as he shook Yoongi’s hand.
“Show me the contract.”