Steal My Heart

by flowersmoonie

Summary:

RM, the worldwide-known thief, and Kim Seokjin, one of the best inspectors of the district of Seoul, have been under a cat and mouse chase for over five years. Troubling enough, their encounters usually involved the burglar stealing well-known art pieces alongside his gang, Bangtan, while causing the detective to turn his ears on a reddish pink after teasing him constantly about how pretty and intellectual he is.

However, after one particular figure arrives on the scene, Kim Namjoon -or at least, he claims is his real name- decides to stop his antics and joins the police on a complicated case alongside Seokjin. Why did RM decide to join them solo on this? And why is Seokjin so sure that this mystery withholds an untold truth he dreads to uncover?

Either way, Namjoon is part of Seokjin's team now. And there is no cute dimple or provocative comment of his that is going to make him take an eye off of him.

Chapter 1

When Namjoon was a little kid, he had always dreamt about traveling around the world. To see as many places as he could, both for the natural heritage the place could offer and for the history of the pillars and foundations the humankind had left. As the night air filled his bones, the stars of the firmament and the ones shining on the Eiffel Tower welcomed him with the distant horns and hustle. Paris was known as the city of love, but only a few could appreciate the artifacts and luxurious pieces the place was holding: either as hostage or as permanent residents. And the most exquisite of them were about to be stolen by the bare hands of Namjoon.

“Everything ready up there, RM?” a smooth, low voice called him from the earpiece. The view from the rooftops was truly one of its kind, taking his time to enjoy it for a few minutes. The dim lights of the crystal pyramid under his feet was one he has seen way too much after all these years, so he rather kept this one for himself. But they were in a hurry and Lady Louvre wasn’t a dame to put on hold.

“All ready, Suga.” he started to walk around, his pushed back dirty blonde hair waving a little as he adjusted his black gloves. “How is it going down there for you and J-Hope?”

“When you told us you wanted to rob the most prestigious museum in the world, I thought you were joking.” the raspy and playful tone of Hoseok reached the other side of his ears. “It’s not usually our area of stealing, you know that. Why the interest in this particular piece, then again?”

“The new collection of Pierre Tatou is being exhibited here. A renowned sculptor, in this exhibition he has impressed the world with pieces made of jewelry and gold.” Namjoon explained, reaching the area he needed to go without even looking at the map he brought with him. “Due his sudden death at his residence in Toulouse recently, his wife, Dora Chastain, has decided to auction the pieces this weekend at Christie’s, with the Louvre exhibiting the sculptures one more time before they belong to the private eye. And… guess who, from all the guests, is planning to trick Miss Chastain and take advantage of her fortune.”

He heard the snort from his friend, already imagining the heart-shaped grin on his face and the rolling eyes of the other one through the line. 

“So, we are stealing so he won’t take advantage of it? What is he planning to sell them for this time?” the sound of some gadgets and a screen being touched reached the line, but it didn't interfere for Yoongi to answer his question.

“The usual favorite of Mister Kang: his resort parties at Dubai and his contacts with the kkangpae.” Yoongi sighed, like he was gently out of breath. He must be finishing his work, although Namjoon was enjoying himself while he waited for the signal. “Dora Chastain wanted half of the money to go for the orphanage Pierre grew up with next to his house, but she has been persuaded to do so. It wasn’t hard for her, as other contacts have revealed she wanted half of the money for herself nevertheless.”

“How much are the pieces if we keep half of the profits, again?” Hoseok looked around. The view of the guards being taken down by himself and all being tied up was the usual tea for him. He was close to the last alarm and with a map of the Louvre on one of the screens, detecting anyone that could come around. It only took him ten minutes to take everyone down, as Yoongi was intercepting and disabling the security system. 

“A lot of money, Hope, don’t you worry about it now. Is everything ready, then?” Namjoon asked, his feet already touching the glass ceiling.

“One more minute aaaand…” Yoongi tapped on the keypad of the van, the one two blocks away from where his friends were. Namjoon heard a click through the earpiece, imagining already the sly smile of his friend. “Now our little bird can go into the cage.”

“Perfect. See you in twenty minutes, boys. And keep an eye open. I have a feeling we might not be alone tonight.” he closed the line, as he opened the window, secured the harness and let himself fall into the hallways of the museum. 

His dimples showed when he turned towards his sides. Beautiful art pieces were being hung up on the high walls, one of the most majestic in the art world. He let go of the harness as he took one minute to look around, sighing. If only he was there with him to admire it. But that could never happen and Namjoon didn’t have much time to duel with his past. He rushed towards the room where the collection was.

When he opened the door without making any sound, he made sure that the entrance was clear. However, calling for his friend one more time, Yoongi made sure that the x-ray lasers were turned off, Namjoon knowing that it wasn’t going to be this easy. Taking his hook gun, he shot it towards the ceiling, having a clear view of the area. There were some last guards in there, right where the sculptures were shining inside of the showcase. Namjoon counted around twenty, which he thought was more than enough for what he had on plans. When he was finishing counting, his eyes caught the movement of the door on the other hall, where one of the three wardens had been taken down. Hoseok had already arrived.

Giving his friend some cues to make a distraction, the two men, who were almost asleep for the hours of the night, were startled when they heard a noise. Each one of them shared glances and approached different parts of the hall. Namjoon and Hoseok took the chance to take them down right there. Namjoon only needed to fall right where the man was and he knocked him down easily with a punch that would make him unconscious for a few hours. He heard how it took some more time for his partner to enjoy the action, but it was alright: that was Hoseok’s speciality after all.

He climbed the metallic stairs and took his time to admire the sculptures. They could perfectly be treasures from a lost civilization, yet, he knew that they had been made for and in this century. Smiling, he contacted Yoongi to break out the security of the cabinets: all of them being opened as the glass windows rotated and let themselves show the art. Hoseok arrived just in time, impressed by their achievement and the art pieces.

“You really have chosen good ones this time, eh, Namjoonie?” his friend smiled, Namjoon shrugged as the other took his white gloves and pulled out two sacks, giving one to his friend.

“Well, he is the mastermind of our little family after all.” Yoongi said through the earpiece as the other two started to take the sculptures. Namjoon shaked his head.

“He’s right tho! I don’t know where me and Yoongi would be if it wasn’t for you.” Hoseok continued, Namjoon already imagining the gummy grin of the other one twelve blocks away.

“Is it the time to be this cheesy, guys? We will celebrate once we have enough money for some cups of rosé and enough money to pay the rent twice.” he pointed out, walking towards another cabinet.

“Right, right…” Yoongi relaxed himself through the earpiece, making sure to check the map even if the heist was going accordingly as they planned.

“Not gonna say no to a proposal like that.” he patted the shoulder of his friend, focusing on another aisle. After a few minutes, the only noise there was their slippy hands taking the now stolen art and the distant rush of the old city. But right where half the artifacts were being put on a sack and they were about to pull out another one, the voice of Yoongi reached their ears:

“Shit guys, I just detected that someone is here!” he exclaimed, looking at the map of the Louvre. There were two green points in there, being their partners. Another single green point was entering one of the entrances of the Louvre, moving slowly.

“You’re kidding?” Hoseok exclaimed, actually concerned and shocked that something like that was happening when they were almost finishing with their perfect swing. “Do I have to leave Namjoon here while I knock him out?” he cracked his knuckles while Namjoon made a knot on the linen bag.

“No, but it isn’t a guard!” the fingers of Yoongi moved fast on the keyboard, trying to identify the intruder. “There was no one left to take their turn this night and I bet it’s not cleaner either! He is… moving slowly, however, and—”

“Oh, no.” Hoseok said, stopping Yoongi as he turned around and saw the light-hearted smile and big opened eyes of Namjoon. “I think we know who he is.”

“Wait, can it be?” Yoongi was still perplexed, following the little green point, as it still was a little far away from where his friends were. And how couldn’t he not? “How is it possible he had followed us all the way down from Seoul to here? Like, how did he even know we were going to make this plan in the first place?”

“He always finds a way to find us, mes amis .” Namjoon said, releasing his harness. The great beam on his face wasn’t fading, as Hoseok was starting to have some kind of nausea by looking at him. “He is always one step ahead from us, that’s how brilliant he is.”

“Don’t you mean, deal-breaker?” Hoseok said, knowing that this time, once again , he was in charge of taking all the art by himself. “He isn’t tired of chasing us, huh?”

“I mean, he has been like this for almost five years… and maybe it is not us, but one of us…” Yoongi didn’t finish his quote, as he saw how a police officer's car crossed the street. “Shit, we need to be quick. I bet he has already called the rest of his crew to make us an ambush. I’ll be there in ten minutes, guys. Hoseok, you think I can get you six blocks away from the west?”

“Who do you think I am, Yoongs?” Hoseok smirked, closing the bag where the sculptures were. He looked up to his friend and leader, raising an eyebrow. “And, as for Namjoonie…”

“And, as for me, you know I can’t help to say hi to my favorite detective in the whole world.” he walked towards the door, willing and with a single objective in mind.

“You mean, as the usual distraction, right?” Yoongi chuckled, as he waited enough time to wake up the gears of the van. This night just already started for the gang.

“Sure. Might take a little longer for you to get along and for me to have fun.” he was smiling to himself, but he didn’t miss the warning his friend made as he was finishing the job.

“Be careful, Namjoon. You don’t know what Kim might have under his sleeve.”

With a last salute wave of his black-gloved hand, Namjoon opened the doors of the hall and pulled out the tiny screen that showed a map similar to the one Yoongi had at the van. He searched where the tiny little green point was heading and how far he was from it. Once he got it, he hurried, thinking of the many ways he could present himself this time. Ah , the city of love and he didn’t even bring him a rose: Seokjin was going to be disappointed indeed. C'est la vie.

 

His feet walked against the marble floor, carefully. He had been to Paris before and he himself had been lucky enough to enjoy the halls of the Louvre, but that was years ago. However, he was more used to being in museums not to catch and admire the collections, but for bringing back the stolen art he would usually take from the people he fought justice for.

His long wrapped coat shrugged as he was holding his gun, carefully. He had always considered there was a disturbing ambience when the halls of a museum were left alone in the dark. The eyes of the paintings were the ones seen by everyone, but they were the ones that saw everything. He took away one of the brown little hairs from his shown forehead, hurting his eye. He has been on alert the moment he decided to cross that door all by himself, the rest of the French policemen calling him crazy for doing so. 

But what would they know? He was in charge of this mission and he had known the enemy for five years now. So he was glad that he had imposed himself enough for them to trust him and secure the area a few minutes once he was inside. He was already counting the minutes he had left before any other catastrophe could happen and, this time, outside his country. Time enough for J-Hope to take the art and for Suga to arrive there. He had a feeling he had it under control this time: they would catch them on time meanwhile he could focus on—

“What a waste of a lovely night, isn’t it?” a well-known voice that made his eyes pop called him in the dark.

Seokjin didn’t hesitate and shot his gun from where the noise came. However, as usual, he was fast and he entered one of the open rooms of the museum, the detective following him behind. The moonlight reflected among the ceiling, made of glass, as RM was standing on the center of it, where one of the stone benches were. He pointed at him with his gun and sharpened eyes, walking slowly towards him. When RM raised his hands, that smug -that incredible stupid and sensual smug- was there again to receive him every time they encountered each other.

“Although, I must confess…” RM jumped out of the bench, approaching him without any fear. “That the true masterpiece amongst all of this art, is definitely you , Inspector Kim.”

There he was again. RM, a Korean thief since seven years ago and one of the most wanted men in the whole Republic of South Korea. And the main goal of Seokjin since five years ago when he accepted a case involving him that started this game of the cat chasing the mouse. He had encountered him countless times while doing his other missions and, for whatever the reason was, which Seokjin didn’t know by today, RM seemed to always have a soft spot for the inspector. And that included dropping some kind of pick-up lines that always burned up the ears of Seokjin even if he would never admit it. Thank god it was night time so he wouldn’t see it this time.

“I’m not playing any games tonight, RM. I think you know that.” he said, pointing his gun at him, same as his eyes. He wasn’t going to get away with it this time. Not with the Louvre and not in another country.

“How were you smart enough to know we were even going to be there? Gosh, you’re so intelligent, that’s so sexy of you.” he smiled again, his black-gloved hands on his pockets as he approached carelessly, as if it was an old friend the person in front of him and not a cop armed. Seokjin blinked at the sight of his dimples, refocusing again.

“Don’t we know each other already, RM? I know your movements and of course I was going to know where you were going to be this week.” he knew where this was going. He hoped that the French people that were babbling on his earpiece were already on their way to get his other two friends while he had enough time to catch his leader right here. “Now, enough with the pep talk, you better tell me where your two other friends are and where you had the pieces of Pierre Tatou.”

“Mind if I ask you how you knew my master plan all along?” he was trying to push the buttons, trying to make him talk like he always did. And he knew that, somehow or someway, Seokjin would always take the gun off of his chest at every encounter they had. His boss had always asked him why he hadn't taken this guy down already, but there was a reason. 

Seokjin knew RM didn’t steal just out of convenience, but part of the money he made from all his robberies were sent anonymously to places that no other thief would send: charities, orphanages or even NGO’s. And RM and his gang would always try to steal from someone that wouldn’t have that greatest of intentions or what you could say was high-quality content. Pierre Tatou and his wife were corrupted, the same as the guy who was going to buy the pieces that the three thieves have already looted from. And before Seokjin would ever dare anyone to place a bullet inside of the head of RM, he wanted to know why he had been doing all of this after all these years. Because there was no one like him he had seen before and if there was going to be someone who would unmask him, it was going to be himself.

“Did five years of chasing you haven’t taught you anything? I already know your favorite artists to steal and your movements when you are out of South Korea.” the thief was already less than a meter away from him. Seokjin charged the gun as RM let the weapon touch his chest. Seokjin was starting to get doubtful about RM’s intentions, yet, he half-closed his eyes, showing an arrogant smirk. “Maybe you should be the one who should start changing his modus operandi, don’t you think?”

“Aaand, let me guess: you have called the french cops and you are absolutely sure you got me surrounded, right? And when was the last time you captured me, Inspector Kim?” he said, playfully as he searched with his fingers the firearm and connected it with Seokjin’s.

Then, Seokjin knew. His eyes popped slightly as RM smirked.

How the hell was he always two steps ahead from him was something that would never stop outstand the Inspector.

“Your silence speaks more than a thousand words, Inspector Kim.” he caught the gun and threw it on the floor, to some place where Seokjin didn’t dare to look, his eyes still on him. He didn’t have much time. Whatever RM had already planned, he needed to act fast before he could get away from this. Again.

“How about I start handcuffing you today and we change the record for once, shall we?” He was already searching for the handcuffs on his pocket and, for once, RM agreed with him on this one, chuckling and wiggling his hands in the air, impressed.

“I’m not a particular fan of bondage but, damn, Inspector! ” he laughed it off, Seokjin clicking his tongue and rolling his eyes. “I wouldn’t mind to do a thing or two with you with—” before his cheeks could turn pink by the not so subtle commentary, the sound of crystals breaking, alarms and the colors of blue and red up the ceilings interrupted them.

“Mains en l’air!” the french policeman called from outside. As Seokjin was about to turn around to handcuff his target, RM had come closer than ever, their nose almost touching as he stared down at him in a way that made his heart raced -like every time- and his brain to malfunction.

“I gotta go, but…” just when Seokjin was about to take that back, he heard the handcuffs around his wrists. 

Before he could even answer him, he felt some pairs of lips on his cheek and his face turned completely red when he truly comprehend what was happening. RM stopped the quick kiss with a squeaky sound as he giggled and ran away from him, as all the alarms of the Louvre resonated in the whole museum.

“RM, you’re not getting away with it this time!” he said, as he saw how Namjoon was laughing out loud as he was running from his life.

He soon realized that he had the key in his pockets, so he took it out and searched for the place the burglar threw his gun. He must have listened to Jungkook and brought with himself the taser. He followed him as he saw some french policeman entering the doors, since he had a feeling where RM would go. 

The helicopters and the horns from outside were echoing as he tried to contact his subordinates, running as fast as he could. He followed his instincts, having a deja vu that he had been on this type of chase already too many times. When he spotted RM at the end of the main hall, he forced himself to run even faster. 

When he opened the doors, RM didn’t care at all about the amount of police cars that were starting to surround the plaza that held the Louvre. A helicopter was above the area but this one didn’t show any signs that it was from the police by the time Seokjin arrived at the lobby, which it meant… 

The gun hook got into the helicopter as RM flew away right above the big crystal pyramid and Seokjin watched him go. He saw how the thief saluted him in the distance, sending him a flying kiss in the act as he landed in one of the buildings. His heart was racing as the other policeman failed to pursue him and the subordinates were gobsmacked at the actions of the Korean criminal and how it was possible that one of his friends was in charge of one of the helicopters. Seokjin huffed, tired of this situation all over again. He put his hand on his forehead, massaging the area as he was trying to compose himself. 

“Inspector Kim shall we…?” a police frenchman asked in rusty english, unsure of what to do next.

“Go chase him, yes, I will follow you behind!” he said, sighing, knowing that this mission, once again, was going to be a complete failure. Once RM was out of his sight, he knew he already had one card up his sleeve. The rest of the policemen got onto their cars as Seokjin was following with his eyes how RM was jumping from each building until he finally lost sight of him, the distant horns the only sound matching the beating of his heart.

He kept wondering to himself, why, after all these years, he kept falling from all his schemes to run away from him.

He sighed as the doors of the elevator opened: the ding of the door hurting his ears already as he took a sip from his take-away coffee. The jet-lag was still hitting on him, despite his arrival back to Seoul two days ago. But justice never awaited on the station and much less on a monday. And most importantly, the start of the week meant reuniting again with the whole office and that the news of the world was coming to the ears of everyone. So, the only thing Seokjin wanted to do that morning was to avoid his partners as much as he could and focus on his work as always.

He walked towards the chairs and desks with confidence, his badge shining against his coat as he checked the papers on his other hand. He noticed how some of the younger detectives strengthened their backs or even saluted him, wishing him a good day ahead. The more accommodated ones were more focused on their coffees, donuts and sandwiches, some held their laughter as he passed the corridors and the offices. But Seokjin knew that the real ones were the closest to his office and those were the lions he wasn’t going to be able to avoid.

“Hey, boss! Nice catch in Paris this time, uh?” one of his subordinates called him. A lot of the highest ranked detectives were around his table, reading one of the many newspapers and news on their computers screens. They had a teasing relationship despite the expected respect the younger ones should pay to him. A big part of the station admired and felt grateful for having him as his inspector. However, Seokjin wasn’t a fool.

“Yeonjun, you and your gang will take patrol on Gangam today.” he declared as he searched for the key of his office, knowing pretty well that today was going to be the busiest district to be and that no one would want to do that job. As he heard all the cheers from everyone else, the huffs of the five boys that were sending death stares at his partner and the chuckle of someone he knew pretty well, he opened the door and smirked to himself, sipping from his drink.

As he let the curtains open up and let the morning sun enter the place, he sat down and switched on his computer. However, sooner than later, someone crossed his door, although he didn’t even look up towards him as he was typing his password. “ MintIceCreamSucks92” was his trustworthy one since he got eight and no one in the station would suspect it a single bit. Well, except from…

“You only need a few words outside to make them go crazy, uh?” Jungkook sat on the corner of the table, his bunny smile already showing as his fake-leather jacket shone with the daylight.

“That's what you get when you catch me in a bad mood after a twelve hour flight on a monday and try to piss me off after one of my biggest failures yet.” he said, entering inside the APSN application.

“When was the last time we didn't catch you having a bad mood at the station?” Jungkook leaned forwards, his smile growing as he finally got Seokjin to look up at him. To his delight, his hyung sent him a look as a knowing smile formed on his plush lips, clicking back on the screen to search his new documents.

Seokjin remembered when detective Jeon arrived at the office as a rookie. His big doe eyes were staring at the desks and everyone’s guns with fear, earning some teasing from everyone. The moment the little kid was the only one who pointed out two missing clues that helped them solve a case that was in their hands for weeks, Seokjin immediately put him under his wing, despite everyone’s complaints. 

Since then, Jungkook has been his pupil and his second hand, scaling the job ladder and being called the boss helper, even if Seokjin himself had insisted to not call him that. People now respected him even more, the little one that had now tattoos under his sleeve being even designated to help in some of the most important cases. Because of that, Jungkook has also become one of his closest friends and confidant, seeing him as a little brother once they leave the work building and someone he swore his parents to protect under any circumstances.

And, he was the one that has also tried to help Seokjin the most when it came to RM’s gang. Not even with the little one he had caught them before and that was the thing that pissed him off the most.

“So, what was it this time? Did he start the race or did he distracted you enough for him to get away instantly?” he smirked, focusing on the word ‘distracted’ way too much, making Seokjin roll his eyes.

“I almost got him, let’s leave it like that. I don’t want to talk too much about it right now: I had enough with the French policemen taunting me about it at their office and, for the record, we have better coffee here.” he said, taking one last sip from his cup.

“... So he kissed you on the cheek this time, uh?” Seokjin choked on the beverage, making a mess on the desk and searching for a paper towel as Jungkook's smile got bigger. “ I knew it! Oh, man, how do you always fall for that?”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it, alright! ?” he said, cleaning the desk as Jungkook reached for another cleanser to help him.

Of course Jungkook knew about the constant teasing RM had on him. From the very first day Seokjin accepted the cases involving his gang -the so-called themselves Bangtan-, he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy case, probably one of the most important of his whole young career. Bangtan had been chased by the police for a year, the agents unable to catch them. Seokjin’s superior got the case and asked him to join, which he, without a doubt, accepted.

The first time he saw Kim Namjoon, known only back then as RM, and his gang was in a robbery at Busan. They were stealing a diamond from one of the fat cats of the city, at a party. Meanwhile the leader’s wings, which have been identified with the codenames of J-Hope and Suga, were causing the distraction at the party. Seokjin instantly knew where RM was going to be, being the main piece who was going to steal the actual diamond and not the lure presented at the party. By the moment the young detective entered the room with his gun up and RM, with his black-gloved hands holding the gem, looked up at him, he knew something was up.

He didn’t look at him with fear. Or as someone who just got red handed, no. Instead, RM’s eyes popped for a few seconds and something seemed to lighten up on his face. The minute Seokjin got to raise an eyebrow was enough to charge the gun and for RM to run as fast as he could. RM has been described as someone unscrupulous, someone that wouldn’t dare to knock you down if he needed to for the goal of his mission. And, yet, there he was, chasing him up the building as he was calling for support. When they reached the rooftop and he asked if he was new in the APSN, Seokjin was a little more confused, but he answered nevertheless. He would never forget his next words:

“I didn’t know their new recruitments were so pretty. I guess for once they are making their job right.”

That little quote confused and angered Seokjin for enough time for his ears to blush and for the burglar to escape with a paraglider. It was the first time he broke away from him and the first time one of his biggest cases was a failure. However, something awoke inside him: a match that now was a fire that made him insist to his superior to allow him to give him all the Bangtan’s and Kim Namjoon’s cases. And it has been like this for a long five years now, being these cases the ones he hasn’t solved yet. The only thing that might be solved was his name, the only clue he had ever given to him. As untrusting of him he was, he had been calling him like this in all his encounters, but he didn’t trust at all that it was his real name in the first place.

And, to his surprise, as he and Namjoon knew more and more from each other, the gestures of the burglar and his persona were now a part of his everyday’s life. He would try to investigate him at least once each week while focusing on other cases. And every time, he started to understand more of him, despite neither of his friends and himself having a clear past where they could track, as their thief identities as Bangtan appeared just like magic. His intentions were still a mystery, one he wasn’t letting anyone else take. And, as time passed, it seemed that some kind of relationship had formed between the now inspector and burglar, something everyone at the station had noticed.

For every new case he won, he received anonymous presents from someone. The first one he got was when he arrested one of the fat cats that were at Ilsan, which has been causing the majority of the crime there. A big bouquet of flowers was at his door, he was smart enough to know the meaning of the flowers was “thank you” if you gave them to someone. And Ilsan was known for being the city of flowers, which was even more confusing. Then, he soon realized who was sending all of them as each time he found him, the constant flirting was involved as they were trying to avoid each other’s punch or weapons. 

He received a big bouquet of roses when he got ascended to be an Inspector and a big chocolate cake with strawberries for his birthday with a note attached. And each time he won a big case, he always got something on his desk or the secretary had informed him about a special gift. His superiors always wondered if they had a bomb attached to them, but not a single one of them had it. His partners always teased him about having a secret admirer and some even questioned if his relationship with his burglar was actually real, calling it a forbidden love. Seokjin would deny it every single time: how could a detective have fallen in love with a thief and vice versa? That was crazy. And would make him lose his badge.

Jungkook joined the station a little later after that, but he was one of the few who knew those little details about the cases involving him. Like all the times RM had kissed him on the cheek to escape from him. And, as much as Seokjin wanted to deny it, he always teased him about it. Because he was the one who enjoyed this whole situation between the inspector and the burglar the most. Well, besides RM himself, of course.

“Alright, hyung. I’m just saying that, after all this time, you really don’t think that the burglar has actually developed feelings for you?” Jungkook threw the paper towels into the trash can, as Seokjin slowly took off his coat.

“Burglars don’t fall in love with detectives the same way detectives don’t fall in love with thiefs. It is against the law and its completely opposite worlds, Jungkook.” he defended the case, searching for the new ones on his profile as checking the papers his subordinates should have sent him were in the right places.

“I don’t know. If I liked somebody, I wouldn’t do those types of gestures with them.” he places his knuckles on the table, his smile getting bigger when he says the next words. “Or, not shoot them when I have the chance, I mean.”

Seokjin sighed, looking up at him as a sign to stop going through that road. They have discussed it many times and it wasn’t the time to do so. He was about to ask Jungkook why he was actually there, when they heard some steps coming into the door. When it opened abruptly and a slightly smaller guy in glasses and lighter hair crossed the room, both of them forgot what they were going to say. The guy had a newspaper under his armpit, which he instantly showed up in the face of Seokjin, who had to blink twice to actually read the title. “Inspector Kim Seokjin goes to Paris to chase a well-known gang of thieves from stealing art sculptures.”

“So? What do you think? I tried my best to convince my boss to not let the title make you look awful and that’s exactly what I did!” he let Seokjin get the paper as he started reading the news, while putting his arms akimbo, forming a proud smile that made his eyes turned into small half-moons.

“Jimin-shi, good morning to you too!” Jungkook said, teasingly as he crossed his arms. The detective looked from head to toes to him as Jimin half-glanced at him, acquiring a knowing look.

“Hi Jungkook, wanna get a copy too? They just came fresh from the oven and you can be one of the first to enjoy my polished writing.” he offered him the paper, which Jungkook took as he sat on the edge of the desk.

“You know I always read what you write, what are you suggesting?” he said, enjoying himself way too much as Jimin was playing it hard and some blush appeared on his cheeks, making himself a fool on purpose in front of him.

“Well… I get that you couldn’t hide my total fiasco, but you always have found a way to not make me look like the dumbass detective I always seem to become everytime it comes from RM and his gang.” Seokjin left the paper at one side, on his hands being placed at the forehead to get his brown hair back as he took a deep breath.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re the greatest detective this station will ever have the chance to have and that’s a fact.” Jimin sat on the desk as well, searching for the hand of the inspector as he squeezed it. “And it doesn’t influence a lot that you’re one of my closest friends, believe me.”

Earning a smile from the inspector, the journalist found himself satisfied enough. Seokjin was always glad that they had someone like Jimin outside of his job: he was part of an important newspaper that both published online and in paper and he was part of the team that published news about the cases of the station. As a way of favoring being the one of the few newspapers that always tried to paint them in the good terms and on the good side, he had participated before in some cases, since he had always had an instinct and favoritism towards finding the truth on his own. Seokjin actually met Jimin thanks to a friend of his uni, which, speaking of…

“Hyung, has Jungkook already told you about the case we had this morning!?” a deep husky voice approached the door as another man with dark brown hair, wearing a lab coat and with an amputated hand resting on his shoulder crossed through the office with haste and nervousness.

“Jesus, Taehyung, is that a part of a body you have in your back?” they heard one of the detectives calling from outside, which made the other three shrug their faces in slight disgust. However, they were used to him forgetting about them to play around with the newbies. It hasn’t happened a lot of times, but only when he was in a hurry and didn’t pay attention to his surroundings.

“It’s alright, agent Song! It’s not like it’s going to eat you! Besides, this hand belonged to a drug dealer… I think … but it won’t hurt anyone!” Taehyung claimed, as he was playing with the hand like it was a toy, which made his other three friends chuckle on their breath.

Taehyung was one of the forensics of the station and probably the most extravagant person there. He was also the friend that Seokjin made at uni and one of his closest ones since then. One aimed towards the criminology area, studying the crime itself and what were the causes of it. The other would study the symptoms and causes of the bodies when the case was way too difficult to solve it. They met at their residence and, since day one, they have been pretty much inseparable.

Although belonging to different sectors of their jobs, they both have found each other in the same place with the same goal: finding justice and helping to find the truth. That was why, Seokjin always assigned his cases to Taehyung, despite some of the doubts of his superiors. If it wasn’t from the intervention of him in so many of his cases and his involvement to come out with some clues, he even doubted he would have even gained the inspector title already. The words of his friend finally caught him as he blinked twice and raised himself from his seat.

“Wait, Taehyung-ah, what case are you talking about?” he said, placing the palms of his hands on the wood table. 

“The case Jungkook was supposed to give you the autopsy!” he said, totally forgetting about the limb and raising his hands up in the air in excitement. “I just finished it half an hour ago and I think you might need to go back to the crime scene immediately from what I’ve found! I bet they are in need of you there to finally chase the one behind all of it!”

“Jungkookie…” Seokjin sighed as he glanced towards his friend, who, finally, handled him the autopsy report he has been carrying around since he entered his office. A not so innocent crooked smile crossed his face, as Jimin enjoyed the whole scene way too much.

“What? We got distracted…” he said, as he instantly caught the arched eyebrows of his other two friends in search of interest and curiosity. He knew Seokjin was going to reprimand him for the teasing in front of his friends, but he enjoyed it way too much. “Here, there you go. I haven’t checked it since you’re the one in charge of the case.”

Seokjin went all over the desk and sat on it, reading the folder quickly, yet cautiously. It wasn’t the first time he would have a case that might be solved this early in the morning and it wasn’t going to be the last time. His eyes popped slightly as he was finishing, the other three in the room watching how the engines inside his brain were commanding and connecting the dots of the case.

“Okay… yeah, this explains a lot of things, actually.” he closed it, searching for his coat immediately. “Jungkook, get the car. We’re going to the crime scene already.” his subordinate put his hands on his hips as he nodded, ready for the action. “We have a case to solve and it’s not even lunch time.”

“Woah, already? What happened?” Jimin needed to ask as everyone seemed to move way too fast and knew exactly what they were going to do. They left the room as Seokjin closed the door, following him with the smell of the sugar and finished cups of coffee in the air. “What is this case you’re talking about I haven’t heard of yet?” he searched for his notebook and pen, already pressing the button to get the tip out and start writing.

“I didn’t have time to tell you because I had a flight to Paris but if you come with us you can already have a scoop early in this morning for you, don’t you think?” Seokjin patted him on the back of the shoulder as they crossed the corridor with the desks of the office. Jimin made a mix of a pout and a smile as they arrived at the elevator, Taehyung being the one who pushed the button.

“I would love to go.” the doors closed, the four of them being the only ones in there.

“So, our suspicions were right? It was the husband who choked her with the necklace? Or was it the uncle?” Jungkook needed to ask, as the journalist quickly ran with the forensic to know more about the case, letting the two detectives discuss a little more about it.

“Not exactly. From what Taehyung had found the marks looked like they were made from the necklace, but actually, they were from a completely different weapon of choice.” he began to explain, as the doors opened and they walked towards the lobby. “And that is exactly what we needed to know, because I think the one who strangled her was-”

“Inspector Kim, could you give us a second?” a female voice called him from the reception, which made the whole group turn around right when Jungkook was playing with the car key. “We have received a package for you.”

“What is it?” Seokjin approached the desk, arching an eyebrow in suspicion. When the woman took out and put the “package” out of sight of everyone -some detectives were still arriving or coming from the café nearby where they would get their filled churros- Seokjin’s mouth half-parted as he heard the muffled laughter from Taehyung and Jimin at the sight, and Jungkook was already snorting.

“A giant basket of chocolates: all have come from different patisseries with home in Paris.” the girl explained with a curious smile, yet she ignored the rolling eyes of the inspector. “I don’t know who sent you this, Inspector, but it has everything! Sweets of all kinds, chocolate roses… and expensive ones!”

“Ah, thanks for letting me know about it, Haerin, but I don’t really want it.” he tried to get away from it as much as possible. He didn’t have time for this, he had a case to focus and he already felt the embarrassment going up from his spine to his head. Some faces were already staring at him and the big basket. He suspected they knew what this all meant. Not even a single day could he avoid the antics of Kim Namjoon.

“And it has a note attached for yourself sir, here!” she signalized the note, which had a light brown tone and his name was written in golden letters. His eyes went out of his orbits as he saw the receptionist taking the note and was about to open it. “See, it reads-”

But before she could even open the note, the inspector had smoothly taken it away from his hands and he was trying as hard as he could to hide his reddened face. He didn’t even dare to look at her -or anyone- before leaving the station.

“Thank you Haerin, do me a favor and burn all the chocolates if need be. Have a good day.” he said, as he walked out of the office in big steps and with his ears burning in a deep fuchsia. The girl was left blinking, yet, Jungkook approached her before joining his superior:

“... He meant to say that we can send all of these to the orphanage, okay? Don’t take it seriously, we are kinda in a hurr-! Tae, Jimin! Stop stealing the sweets!” he said, watching how his two friends ran towards the entrance avoiding him. Jungkook shrugged as he took one of the rose chocolates and sent some finger guns at the receptionist, knowing that the special gift from the special burglar was left in good hands.

Chapter 2

Notes:

hello everyone!! ♥
i brought this chapter sooner than the usual, but since it has been finished a few weeks ago, i thought it was about time to drop it and not leave you hanging with only the first one ;) i can tell you, the third one is almost done, but it might take a little longer until i published it, like, once i have the fourth one, i think i'll post it (fyi)
so, i hope you are all enjoying this detective and thief story. then again, been wanting to write this dynamic between Namjoon and Seokjin for a long while (the idea came around 2021) and I really hope you are loving it as much as I do writing it. for once, i think it's nice to see Joon being the one more unserious and Jin the serious one, don't you think?
anyways, i won't disturb you more. go enjoy and read the chapter and thanks everyone who has shown support on my process to write my future novel, i really appreciate it♥

Just like he predicted, the actual murderer in the case was the landlord and not any of the members of the disturbed family of the victim. Jimin’s exclusive gained him the respect of his coworkers that week, where he explained how he followed Inspector Kim and Detective Jeon into the crime scene and they caught the slaughterer in the act, involving himself into a car chase even! 

By the time the four of them arrived at the police station, everyone congratulated the team. With all of them celebrating the first victory in the week of their office, pretty much all have already forgotten the quarrels that happened at Paris, which was in Seokjin’s favor. Although, for better or worse, he knew that there was still a long way before he would catch RM. It was his eternal search and the most important case of his entire career. For what the people will remember him for and from what his friends joked he will earn his wikipedia page with his name and data.

As for the burglar, who enjoyed reading the news about the case of his favorite inspector that night, he had no intention to stop this hide-and-seek game. Even with the complaints of Yoongi and Hoseok, Namjoon hasn’t been so sure of something in his life. His plans had been settled for more than ten years and he had no intention to change them to get what he wanted. 

But, despite the intuition, scheming and intellect of both the Inspector and the Thief, none of them were truly prepared for what was ahead for the two of them. If their fates were already intertwined enough, the next events were going to make the band of Lady Justice itself fall.

The first of them, came into the shape of a folder in a latte color, landing on the desk of Seokjin on that very same wednesday. When the inspector raised his head from what he was writing, he took a deep breath from his nose as his heart skipped a beat. It was his boss itself who had given it to him: with a single smirk and an arched eyebrow in his eyes. The tension in the air could be cut with the edge of a knife. He hasn’t seen his boss in a month and the few times he came by the office was for—

“I think you might really like this one.” Seokjin started to open the folder, calmly and with care, inspecting every aspect of the pages. He could sense by the corners of his eyes how Jungkook leaned from his chair out of curiosity, his other partners doing the same when they recognised the big boss' deep voice. “It’s an actual challenge. I discussed in the headquarters that you should be the one who will be able to solve it.”

When one of Seokjin’s eyes recognised one of the names on it, he closed the folder quickly in fear. He blinked at the image of the main suspect, which was a name he hadn't heard for a long while. Only from the other big fat cats that claimed that he was still alive, wandering on his own while the others were the ones moving the strings. 

He knew how difficult it was going to be to sign himself into this and why others weren’t willing to pull it. There were still around sixty pages on the folder, which meant that an investigation had already been done. Yet, a lot more was behind. Seokjin looked up to his boss, whose confident smile had all his hopes placed on him.

“Can I count on you in this case, Seokjin? This might be what really catapults your career and position and not your infinite chase with the Bangtan Gang.” he said, crossing his arms as he wandered around the office, chuckling. “I know it’s not an easy choice, but I really believe in you. Your name was the first one that crossed my mind, after all. What do you say?”

It was a tough one. He knew his superior needed an answer soon and it didn’t take him long to make it clear that he could wait. But he knew that with these things, they never have enough time. Was he ready to risk his life for this? To involve his closest friends into this? 

He has faced loads of hardships, all types of thieves and criminals through these past years, but this one took the cake and he hasn’t even accepted it. So, before his superior could leave the building that day and after seeing the worried looks on his friends faces, Seokjin sent him a message on a private group chat. He was in .

 

The second event arrived in a more visual way. The sound of the engines as the elevator came down were now used by the ears of Namjoon, who leaned against the metallic wall and he himself opened the diamond-shaped door. 

The sight of the stolen art pieces, money and some personal objects in between inside their lair felt like home for him as he approached the sofas. His partners were around it: Yoongi was typing something in one of the computers surrounded by six different screens and Hoseok was taking his time while sewing one of the disguises that was ripped a few weeks ago.

“How did it go?” Yoongi asked, still focused on one of the computers. Namjoon left what he had in his hands in one of the tables: two warm boxes of pizza that captured the feeling of the evening. Hoseok’s heart-shaped smile appeared as he left his needlework tools at one side and approached the table, gently hopping in delight at the smell of food.

“This time I was about to get caught, but at least I gave him a very good tip after knocking him out.” he said, opening the boxes as the oldest one came towards the table too. 

Although none of them liked to do this, when it was time to order some dinner and the delivery people were about to find out who called, they needed to take some cautionary measures. Usually, they would steal it or scare them out to leave the food at one place and give the money in another, but it didn’t turn out as great this time. However, as the burglars took their slices and cheered by clicking their tips, the three of them sat down in the different coaches as they finally started to relax after a long day of work.

“Did you finish selling those parts, Yoongs?” Hoseok asked, Namjoon noticing how tired their older friend was now that he took a better look at his eyebags. The black-haired guy nodded gently while biting his food.

“Don’t worry, the deal was settled right on time, before Joon arrived. The perks of having contacts all around the world!” he joked, elevating one of his legs on the coach as the cheese of the pizza seemed to stick into the center of it, not wanting to let go.

Namjoon thought about the day he met Yoongi. One year older than him, with his hair ruffled and clearly someone that has been living on the street longer than he wanted to admit. He looked like a cat that has been living in a trashcan for years, but also the type of feline that would know how to pickpocket your wallet and shoelaces if you weren’t paying attention. He was the expert on what came to this world since childhood and the one that showed both him and Hoseok the best techniques related to the art of stealing. 

He was also the one who sold the pieces and hacked the system when they donated their money to charities or found the information they needed about the opponents they faced. He would never forget how thankful he was when he found out about Namjoon’s cause and decided to not leave him behind from that very moment.

“How are you doing with that sweater? I thought you had already fixed it.” Yoongi pointed out, finally getting his pizza slice with the help of Namjoon, who had sat on the floor. Hoseok shrugged on his puff chair.

“It just needs some finishing touches: the lining is the hardest to fix since it would protect us from any bullets, but nothing that won’t take me more than an hour.” he said, happily, as the pepperoni gently painted his lips in orangey-red.

A little dimple popped on the leader’s cheeks as he smiled, thinking about Hoseok’s situation. A failed wizard who decided to join them as a desperate way to earn money to save and keep his mother and sister out of their abusive household. Namjoon always thought he was aimed to do better things, to be the only one that shouldn’t be there for his actual good heart. 

But he didn’t expect the loyalty he would earn from him, as he made contacts around the world and trained enough to earn the title of their expert escapist and the best when it came to a melee fight. Truly, Namjoon knew that if they had kept a positive attitude even under the worst circumstances, it was all thanks to Hoseok, or, like they liked to call it, J-Hope’s magic .

The TV was turned on by one of his partners, the sound of the reporters commenting on the news of the world reaching their senses. One might be a burglar and work outside of the law, but everyone should be aware of what is happening around the globe. Nevertheless, tonight was going to be different, as the voice of the woman, which was the usual boring one they were accustomed to, shifted when Namjoon recognised a name.

“... hundreds of reporters are approaching the building, as it seems that Han Hyeseol has arrived and has made his first public appearance after years .” Namjoon dropped the slice of pizza as he raised himself from the floor. His eyes popped at the images being described and taken by the cameras. “We are still unsure of why the tycoon and CEO of his enterprise has decided to come out of the shadows after such a long time, but our people are trying to-”

The doors of a cement and crystal architecture were on the screen, with loads of reporters and cameramen flashing their devices as a black limousine parked at the door. A man opened the door: four big and tall bodyguards came out first and, then, there it was. Namjoon gasped slightly as he sensed how his heart shrinked at the image of the man who walked out of the vehicle, both Hoseok and Yoongi stopping whatever they were doing to focus their attention on their leader.

“Joon, are you-?!” but Hoseok was silenced and stopped by the hand of Namjoon, who was still listening and his sharp eyes didn’t leave the television. Sharing some glances with Yoongi, the two partners walked at his sides and stared at the man that seemed to gobsmacked their trusted friend and work partner of years.

The man had no hair in his head and was wearing a black tight suit. He was bulky but not because of his muscles, but because he was already big. His big eyebrows increased by the frown he had at first. The grin wasn’t even trusting when he saluted at the flashing cameras and avoided as much as he could any questions sent to him by the reporters. 

On his fingers he had some rings as he kept opening and closing his fist, like he was hurt from a fight he just had a moment ago. Yoongi arched an eyebrow and Hoseok put his hands on his hips: he clearly looked like he was a friend of their ‘beloved’ Mister Kang and their inner circle. However, that name… they had never heard of it. Or at least, they thought so.

“Namjoon…” Yoongi started, slightly turning towards where his friend had pretty much his eyesight encapsulated on the four edges of the screen. “Is he by any chance…?” he guessed, but Namjoon quickly nodded before he could even finish. Hoseok gasped, now the two of them started to get it.

“I thought he was out of sight from everyone years ago and he decided to remain himself in the shadows.” he came closer, his knees caressing the café table of their improvised living room. “But the bastard has decided to show up out of nowhere and come back into the scene.” he shaked his head, pursing his lips as the last footage of the camera showed how he entered the building with his name and vanished from the public eye. “I’m not buying any of that shit for any second.”

Namjoon walked towards the computers, Yoongi and Hoseok following him, unsure of what was going to come next. Their leader was some particular being: he was called the mastermind and the one who usually planned all their robberies, as his leadership skills have always shine through it all. 

However, this was unusual coming from their trusted friend. He might be a hard-worker, but things like this, eating his head, wasn’t something he would usually do. His mind always seemed to be scheming the perfect plan and strategy… but one look at the tycoon and he is lost of words.

“What are you planning, Namjoon?” Yoongi crossed his arms, as the two of them watched how the news changed their previous topic while he started to type about the same very guy on the screen. Hoseok was the one searching for the remote while Yoongi grabbed the other slices of pizza, offering one to the latter as they approached the youngest of the group.

“Weren’t we planning to make a robbery at Jeju Island this weekend?” he reminded them. Namjoon sighed: yes , he had forgotten for the past few minutes about it. The diamond earrings being exposed at the prestigious hotel, right. But this was more important. This was what Namjoon might have been waiting to do for the almost ten years he has been under the wings of criminality. After all this time, he wondered if his teammates were as ready to risk it all for it like he was. Because he wasn’t so sure he was able to compromise the only two people he thought he could call family by this point.

“It seems that now there has been a change of plans, Hob-ah…” Yoongi leaned close to his friend, trying to read one of the numerous screens that showed the name of Han Hyeseol and the records of him from the past thirty years. Yoongi patted the shoulder of Namjoon, sending shivers up to his spine. When their leader turned to his sides, he recognised the gentle smile of Yoongi and the heart-shaped and cunning one of Hoseok, his heart clenched by the immense affection he truly had for the two of them. Their loyalty was more transparent and clearer than any word they could exchange.  “Okay, so, what can we do to help?”

“We gotta find out what he truly has in his hands. It makes no sense he has appeared just out of nowhere and we need to find out why. I might know more about him than any of you, and that’s why we need to make an inspection about him so we can all be on the same page. Then, we need to find as soon as possible his next movements and the last ones from the past ten years minimum.” he sighed, tired from the mere fact that it was going to be a long ticket ride. “Once we have the whole information, we will trace a plan to stop him… and steal whatever he might want to get his dirty hands off.”

“That’s the Namjoon I know and adore.” Yoongi said, as Hoseok backhugged him from behind, making the dimple of the younger to pop, happy for the instant faithfulness and the reassurement he could always count on them. Although, deep down, he knew there was more he needed to tell them. But not yet.

“I’ll make the coffee I guess, because it seems another sleepless night is coming our way.” Hoseok said, approaching the kitchen cabinets and the coffee machine, as Yoongi was already turning on both the computers and getting his headphones. Namjoon searched for his playlist as some music started to play in the apartment, one that the three of them have been attached to for a while and that soon enough made their assassinated barista to yuk. “Are you feeling nostalgic tonight, Joon-ah?”

“More than you could ever know, Hob-ah.” he murmured more to himself than to the others. His dragon eyes sharpened as he stared at the picture of the man on his screen, gulping, What were you planning to do this time? he thought. Whatever it might be, you’re not getting away with it on my sight. Not again.

 

A few days were needed to pass before the gang would jump onto the scene. The reconnaissance mission was a success and, thanks to some favors they asked up and there, they finally got a clue. By far, they haven’t really found out what were the true intentions of Hyeseol, but one of his acquaintances, Miss Gan Bok, seemed to be the one that had the clue leading them to the truth. 

Under the mask of a reputed CEO of a worldwide jewelry company, the woman was also known under the shadows for her affiliations with the mafia and the smuggling of illegal substances all around the world. A few days ago, she celebrated a party at her mansion in which she invited Hyeseol. Whatever their business was talked about in that gathering, it was written and signed in the archives of the headquarters of her business. And that was where the action was about to start.

Their journey didn’t take long, although it was Namjoon the one who insisted on entering the building alone and having Hoseok and Yoongi in the van while they catch on everything suspicious from the outside. He thought it might be more cautious, since the building was heavily under security and it was better to not call the attention of the police from outside of their matters. This was a battle he wanted to fight for himself… one he has been waiting to fight for too long.

“Based on the map of our computer, turn right and you will access the main office of Miss Gan.” Hoseok explained him through the earpiece, as the knees of Namjoon swept along the metallic floor of the air duct. 

“And based on the infrared map, you must be on your own in that area by the time you get there, as I finish turning down the security system. I guess Miss Gan wanted to save money by hiring a human and using a machine instead. ” Yoongi said, typing on the computer as the screens showed where their leader was moving.

“Got it, guys.” Namjoon said, moving smoothly, yet fast. Crossing through the vents of a building was a dream he had as a child and he actually never thought he would make it a reality. Sometimes, he wished some dreams were able to turn true in different ways.

“And, so, do you really think what Miss Gan might have here will help us? We have been tracking everything Hyeseol has done the past few weeks and we have nothing…” Hoseok recalled, stating the facts. “It’s like they want him to remain in the dark even if he has clearly shown his face to the world already. ”

“Miss Gan has helped Hyeseol more times than she wants to make it seem.” Namjoon said, confident of his words. “Half of what Hyeseol has achieved is partly because of her and I don’t think they have lost contact after all these years.”

“Besides, the past three months, she has started to lose some money due to some experts finding out the quality of her necklaces weren’t at the price she declared so.” Yoongi remembered, something they recalled finding out on their investigation. “And we know how much a rich person wants to get back their money even if that means get your hands dirty.”

“Do you think Hyeseol might have made a deal with her to get her money back?” Hoseok pointed out as Namjoon found the entry of the vent, maneuvering his whole body so he could take down the gate with his feet. He made it as silent and discreet as possible, taking it to one side and entering the area, smiling to himself.

“We’re about to find it out.” he declared to his friends as he looked around, Namjoon already imagining how Hoseok would be massaging his hands in excitement and Yoongi would be nodding as he crossed his arms in approval.

The office of Miss Gan wasn’t any different from any CEO he has encountered. There was a main desk and chair, a portrait of themselves with a family member and the loads of cabinets with all types of archives he was about to dig in. With his black-gloved hands, he reached for his flashlight , he walked towards them and started to carefully search the last movements of her enterprise and even her own account. His ears were ready for anything his friends would catch on the map outside. After five minutes of searching, he sighed.

“Nothing here. Can you guys access her computer while I try on the strongbox behind her painting?” he asked, sitting on the chair to access the password. Anyone who wouldn’t have known Namjoon would have been surprised by his eye catching there was more behind those walls, but his friends knew him well.

“Try 1152.” Yoongi said through the earpiece as Namjoon typed it, entering by the second into the wallpaper of your typical computer as he quickly inserted the USB into it, Yoongi already hacking the system through it. “Give me a few minutes while you try to earn us at least one pair of actual diamond rings.”

“No hard feelings about Jeju Island, right?” Namjoon wanted to make sure as he moved the painting as a door and put his clean ear on the vault, listening carefully to the numbers.

“Nah, we’re good. But if we can get something from Miss Gan right now since she is, well you know, someone involved in the jewelry business, it would be cool too.” Hoseok leaned his back against the chair and put his arms behind his head, getting comfortable. “You know that if anything disturbs that pretty mind of yours we are willing to drop everything.”

“I know. And… maybe it’s early to say this, but I really appreciate how much you are helping me on this one, guys.” Namjoon said, getting the second number of the combination and already aiming for the third one. Yoongi and Hoseok shared glances as the younger one leaned towards the maps, inspecting them carefully.

“Of course, pal. We have been here together for so long that… Well, we might yet not know exactly why this is getting into your head this much and we respect your decision if you don’t want to tell us. I guess what I’m trying to say is… we got your back, on this, okay?” Hoseok finished saying. 

His other two friends knew he was the one who was easier to talk about feelings with and they knew he would be the first one to hug them if that’s what you were asking for. Yet, the situation was still delicate to talk about and neither Yoongi or Hoseok wanted to dig their feet in turbulent waters. As Namjoon finished with the vault, he sighed before opening it, his eyes glistening at the sight, smirking.

“Jackpot.” he declared, Hoseok and Yoongi forgot about the situation for a second. “Diamond, ruby and sapphire rings, the whole set for us and…” he grabbed the folders inside, inspecting them quickly, huffing in resignation. “No sight of any important documents related to Hyeseol. What about the computer, Suga ?”

“Got nothing yet. I bet what we are looking for must be on a bigger archive. From what I have found, everything personal is kept here, so we might be looking in the wrong chamber of secrets.“ Yoongi explained, with thousands of archives from the main computer showing on his own screen. Hoseok inspected the map once again, explaining the indications to Namjoon to where the company records were held.

“Got it.” Namjoon said, once he got back the USB and sent the drone on his equipment through the window so the boys could get the jewelry first and safely, just in case. This part was usually the quiet one, but if years into this had taught him something, was to be on constant alert. Especially if you have a stubborn and decisive detective chasing your ass after a few years. Ah, how much he dreamt Seokjin was actually chasing his ass.

As he opened the next vent gate, he jumped in, entering into a bigger file room which he knew it might take a lot of time to investigate thoroughly.

“Guys, need some help with this maze of cabinets.” he called them, looking around for any sign.

“The maps really can’t help us here. Try to search for any signs that starts with the letter H for Hyeseol.” Yoongi suggested, as the leader’s feet move around the place. After a few corridors to both his sides, Namjoon finally got into an archive that seemed to have new folders once he opened them. His smile was drawn on his face when he found the signature of Hyeseol in one of them.

“Bingo. These archives are talking about a deal they got for the two of them… but it seems that it’s just the first part and the second one is nowhere to be found…” he said, looking carefully inside the drawers. He looked at the logo of what Miss Gan had signed off on. “ Project Bukhansan … what does that mean?”

“Try to search for the letter B this time, then.” Hoseok suggested. Namjoon followed the instructions as his friends were still waiting and alert. Yoongi opened the window of the van as he caught the drone with it, getting back to his seat as he looked through the screens carelessly.

Nonetheless, the older’s eyes peeked at one red point at one of the maps shown on the screen, making him jump where the gear stick and the steering wheel were. Right when Hoseok was about to ask what was going on, the van was moving around and got hidden even deeper inside the woods.

“Yoongs?!” Hoseok turned towards him right where his partner got back and stopped the van. Then, he turned towards the screens and saw it too, now on multiple of them. “Oh, no.”

“ ‘Oh no’ ?” Namjoon asked, thinking he was going in the right direction. “Guys…?”

“We have some company, Namjoon-ah… and it’s your favorite.” Yoongi sighed at the last part, not feeling very enthusiastic about it. Yet, the usual excitement they would get from their leader wasn’t there this time.

“Oh, shit… what is he doing here, now?” he started to move around faster, still searching through the files.

“We have no idea but he is moving quickly towards exactly where you are!” Hoseok was starting to panic, which was contagious. How did he get there that fast and how they haven’t intercepted him already? Oh, no, Little Detective, not you involved in all of this as well , Namjoon thought for himself.

“I don’t have time to get back into the vent, I need to search for this other file before he even gets here!” he started to run, the flashlight now attached on his shoulder not doing much as he was now in a rush. 

“Wait, you don’t think he might be here for the same reasons as we do, right?” Yoongi pointed out. His two other friends started to think about the past few weeks' events that could have possibly brought Inspector Kim into the headquarters of the well-known jeweler.

“I mean, it could be. But Miss Gan has dealt with a lot of other crimes as well and I suspect that Inspector Kim has a life and many other cases besides chasing us.” Hoseok tried to break the ice, getting a dry laugh from his leader.

“You say that like if you didn’t know Inspector Kim already, Hob-ah.” Yoongi said at his side, distressed. “He always ends up sticking his nose up our asses somehow.”

Maybe Namjoon shouldn’t have wished for Seokjin to chase his ass this much after all. Before he could even answer a comeback to that, the door of the room opened, making him step down and kneel, turning off his flashlight as another one was turned on. Someone just came in and he had a guess of who it was.

“RM, get out of there. We can come back to the file once it’s clear and you don’t end up alone with him and with no back-up plan this time.” Yoongi wanted to give directions, he was ready to get his friend out of there, better safe than sorry. If they were caught now, the whole thing might blow up, but if Namjoon had enough chances to run away from there, at least they would make a great escape scene. But neither him or Hoseok would have guessed or expected the capacities or plans that their leader’s brain had in mind.

Namjoon got up, slowly. His eyes met with the ones of Seokjin, who had his flashlight on his hand and he looked like a deer in the headlights the moment he spotted Namjoon. Ah, as beautiful as ever even on an archive like this. 

“RM?!” he said out loud, walking straight to him, unbelieving what his eyes were seeing.

“Inspector Kim! What a wonderful surprise to find you here!” Namjoon opened up his arms, his signature smirk by every chance he got to encounter the detective already drawn on his features. Seokjin didn’t take long until he pulled out his gun, aiming at him. Yet, he had noticed it wasn’t even loaded in the first place. “Really, one of these days we should stop and chat in a café and tell me how you always handle a way to track our moves.”

“What?” one of his eyebrows arched, a genuine confusion on his face. “What are you talking about? I didn’t even know you were here in the first place.” 

“...Say what now?” mumbled, more to himself than to the detective.

“I’m doing a completely different case related to you or your gang. I’m undercover— And why the hell am I telling you this?!” he pointed back at him, this time, disengaging the safety mechanism. “What are you doing here and what are your intentions? Have you come to steal once again?”

“So… you don’t know why I’m here, right?” Namjoon kept pointing out as he came closer to Seokjin, the older one shaking his head in disbelief. “But you’re in her house, so you must be investigating Miss Gan… which means, you and I, are actually on the same page here.”

“RM. I’ll ask this one more time or I won’t hesitate to shoot, what are you doing—?” He stopped mid-sentenced when he realized Namjoon had not one, but two folders in his hands. “What are you gonna do with those?”

“Listen, Seokjin. If you are involved in what I think you are involved in, I don’t really think you fully know the consequences of it. It is risky, dangerous and, believe me, you would be the last person on Earth I would want to get included in this.” Seokjin couldn’t believe what his ears were hearing. This criminal was telling him what to do just like that? Who did he think he was? 

“I give you two choices: one, is to step out of it as quickly as you can. However, I know you well enough after all these years chasing each other, that you are not the type of detective that drops a case just like that, so I will offer you the second choice.” Namjoon grabbed the gun before the detective could even elevate even higher, the thief coming with a funny smile on his mouth. “And that is to work together. ”

“What?!” three voices crossed Namjoon’s ears: one, from the young adult in front of him and the other two through his earpiece.

“Listen. I got the information I needed on my own, you get the information you need and we get back to our homeplaces like nothing happened.” he shrugged, without losing his smile. “We both win on this in some way or another!

“You really think I’m going to let you go after all these years when I basically have you in my hands right now?” he let out a shaky breath, that sounded more like a chuckle. His hands got the hold of the fire gun. “I think you have gone nuts, RM.”

“Well, worth the try.” Namjoon stepped back, the movements of his leather jacket and gloves were almost unnoticed as he hid the folder inside of his inner pockets. “This is my cue to leave. Oh, but one more thing… Did you enjoy the chocolate roses?

His charmful smile disappeared by the moment the sounds of a shotgun invaded the place. It didn’t come from Seokjin, but from outside the room. The few seconds the detective was processing what was happening, Namjoon started to get back on his track. 

“I’ll take that as a “I haven’t tried them yet, babes !””

Yoongi and Hoseok rolled up their eyes. It looked like he always wanted Inspector Kim to chase after him. Like if it was a guilty pleasure he didn’t even hide he enjoyed it way too much. Or maybe their friend was way too smart and he added this spice into their missions on purpose so he could have a little more fun with the cops. Seokjin chased him just a few seconds after that, Namjoon starting to throw into his ways the boxes full of folders or, really, anything that could slow down his beloved detective. This would never get old.

However, more footsteps and sounds from outside the archive came closer, which alarmed the thief. He was getting surrounded, he didn’t know if by the guys of Miss Gan, the cops that Seokjin might have brought with him undercover or something worse. Right when he was about to turn a corner, way too focused on his thoughts about seeing the person he didn’t want to find, the grab of his jacket from his back made him lose his balance. On the next moment, he and Seokjin had fallen into the ground as well as some boxes and metal shelves on the way. 

Everything was starting to sting when Namjoon saw the folder had flown away from his jacket and Seokjin, quick-witted, grabbed it and inspected it before the thief could even get it back. He didn’t even get the important one, but Namjoon got on his side once he was already on his feet and Seokjin talked to him.

“Han Hyeseol?! Why were you searching for him?” he threw the folder to the floor, getting back his gun as he cornered Namjoon, his arms at his sides, trapping him as he pointed at him with it. The burglar was surprised by how angry Seokjin was. “He has been under the shadows for years, it makes no sense you and your little gang were interested in him.”

“Why so, Detective? Am I focusing too much on the wealthy and the art types for your taste?” he joked, about to run away, but Seokjin put his whole arm against his chest. The interrogation time seemed to just have started. The screams from Yoongi and Hoseok worried about him almost made him unable to listen to the words of the Inspector.

“You usually plan your hold-ups when something is about to get exhibited or if something has been stolen days or weeks ago. There’s nothing here that Miss Gan Bok had shown at her party at her mansion for your taste to steal and I know she wasn’t even in your radar in the first place.” a little smirk formed on the plushy pink lips of Seokjin. At this sight, Namjoon could have stared at them all night long, admiring them like a fresh pink pearl you could find on a white-sand beach. “I had a bet with Jungkook, I thought you'd be going after the Cartie r earrings in Jeju but he was certain it would be the Chiho Aoshima exhibition in Kyushu that happened this week that was more to your taste.”

“Damn, he’s good.” Hoseok mumbled through the earpiece.

“But it seems we were both wrong and, instead, you are pretty much into the case I just signed on. Have you spied on me? Is this some type of revenge or sick joke to laugh at me from what happened in Paris?” he shaked his head, clearly onto something else. Namjoon stared at him, deeply, trying to find something else. If years of being chased by the most beautiful detective of the NIS was that he knew his movements and the ways he would interfere in a case. Yes, Namjoon would be the reason why he would end up with some reddened cheeks out of embarrassment or anger for not capturing him, but this was different. There was no sign of red on his ears and instead he looked like he was fuming out his nose. Something was wrong with him and Namjoon was actually concerned about it.

“Why are you saying that?”

“Because you have never involved yourself in one of my cases. Bangtan might be thieves, but I don’t think even you three would have enough information to involve yourselves into this. It implies way too many loose ends and corruption for your little group to care about, so this is already atypical for you.” Namjoon wanted to laugh. If only he knew… “So I’ll ask it one more time, RM…” the way he came closer was the first time Namjoon felt actually intimidated by him. His almond shaped eyes were trying to find an answer, just like he was doing to him one minute ago. “What are you doing here?”

“It is none of your business, Inspector.” this time, it was Seokjin the one who stepped back. “As I said, it’s better if you keep yourself out of trouble from what is happening here. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my favorite detective…” he looked down and, when he looked up again, he pulled out his yet-again, shit-eating smile that would always give Seokjin his cheeks a peachy tone. ”And I bet you don’t want the same thing to me, do you?”

“Namjoon, get out of there now!!” he heard Yoongi from his earpiece, but he wanted to wait for a response.

“What kind of nonsense are you talking about?!” something inside of Namjoon’s chest hurted, but he half-smirked when he noticed he had made his face turn slightly rouge. “Listen, you’re not leaving here unless you—!”

But Seokjin couldn’t even finish his words. The door that was close to Namjoon opened and two guys, even bigger than the thief itself, appeared and ran straight towards where he was. One of them grabbed him in the air and threw him away from where Seokjin was, while the other adopted a protective position towards the detective. 

None of the two new guys care about the astonished and worried looks both inspector and burglar sent to each other as the latter landed on the floor, painfully. When Seokjin was about to ask what was going on and who were these people, a face that was way too familiar appeared on the same door the other two came by. His boss.

“Having a little trouble with RM here, Inspector Kim?” his boss winked at him, while his hands were behind his back. Nonetheless, Seokjin glanced at the thief in fear, who was trying to stand on his own feet while the other big guy was approaching him, searching for a second round. No, no no no, don’t hurt him.

“Namjoon, get out of there, now is your chance, please, we don’t want you to-! ” the cries of Hoseok were muffled by the shaky tone of Namjoon’s husky voice.

“Guys, get out of here. Don’t wait for me. I’ll be fine.” he said, rising from the floor, yet having trouble doing so. He would probably get some bruises on the legs and the back, he thought. And the big guy was getting closer.

“What?! Namjoon, we are not leaving without-! ”

“It’s an order as your leader.” that cut the voices and noises coming through the earpiece abruptly. “I swear I’ll be fine. I would rather if they get one of us than the whole gang. Keep going, I’ll keep my earpiece on until they take it away from me.”

He usually never pulled out the leader card unless he was pretty sure of what he was doing, making Yoongi and Hoseok pause and hesitate. They have known each other for half of their lives and both knew that Namjoon always had an ace under his sleeves that would save the day in any occasion that would make them be in harsh trouble. But this truly concerned them. And the fact that he wasn’t calling for support from his two most trusted people in a situation like this fanned the flames even more.

“Well, well, RM, the thief itself.” the man that had approached detective Seokjin stopped the big guy at his side before he could even catch his leg and throw him somewhere else. Or worse. The Inspector was behind him and, from the astonishment of his face, Namjoon was sure he didn’t even plan any of this. “Are you going to tell the NIS what you were doing interfering under Inspector Kim Seokjin’s mission?”

“Namjoon, you shouldn’t be joking in a situation like this, please.” Hoseok’s terror and anxiety could be smelled from miles away. Namjoon was catching his breath as he saw the sparkle from the plaque on the guy’s chest. Ah, so he was Seokjin 's boss. Interesting .

“We haven’t been caught in years, and you’re seriously telling us you’re about to be caught like that? What is going on, man?” Yoongi was desperate. He didn’t want to let go of the teenager that found him years ago, the one that saved his partner at his side and that made the family of three he has been holding his dear life for. He didn’t want this to happen, and yet, he felt useless to find a solution to it.

“ Actually… ” Namjoon rose from the floor, taking away some of the dust from his leather jacket. The men pointed at him with his guns, which made him instantly put his arms in the air. Then, he made an action he hasn’t done in a long while: his hands landed on the back of his neck, making some eyes in the room to pop out of jolt. “I was going to surrender , agent.”

The silence that followed the next seconds was as tense as a single lock of hair could have been cut in the air. Yoongi and Hoseok didn’t dare to move a single muscle when they heard everything in the van. They couldn’t believe what his friend just did. They were trying to understand the reasons, instead of doing what his leader just told them. But they were way too loyal to him to leave him there. Seokjin couldn’t believe what he just heard. The laughter of his boss was what made the atmosphere change.

“No way! You’re telling me that RM, the leader of Bangtan, and one of the most wanted criminal minds is surrendering himself?” he let down the gun, shaking his head. “After all these years, that one of my best agents has been chasing you, you just surrendered like that? What is the trick here, RM? Are your little friends waiting for us outside with some pair of bazookas? Some bombs that might explode at any minute while you distract us with your little chit-chat? We know your movements at this point, this is the most—!”

“I’m not joking, agent. I really surrender.” Namjoon maintained his position, which stopped the boss’s laughter. Namjoon stared at the two big guys, who kept impassive. Then his eyes landed on Seokjin’s, who gently shook his head. It was like he was asking him: “What are you doing?”

“Just like that? Amazes me that you don’t want something from us after all this time.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want something in exchange.” he said, clear and loud. Enough for his friends to give them the cue to leave, as he hasn’t heard the engines of the van moving and he hoped his next speech could give them the push to finally get going and stop worrying about him. 

“I can give you something that could be useful for your little mission and that could benefit both of our sides. You said it yourself, agent. I am one of the most searched men in the whole world and one of the most intellectual criminals you and your respected police organization have ever encountered. I think I can be more useful in your hands than in prison.” Namjoon tipped with his finger the temple, his toothy white smile shining against the black leather gloves. “We just need a room to talk business and you will be surprised of what this little brain can offer you… and your men.” he glanced straight back at Seokjin, winking at him.

“And your little two chicks who follow you behind everywhere you go?” the boss asked.

“They are out of the equation, sir. I have always been the one who had planned everything out and the main target in Inspector’s Kim missions. Let them go and take me alone for this time. They won’t interfere as long as you keep me alive and let me help you with this. That is one of the parts of this exchange… if you’re still interested in this offer you can’t really turn it down, do you?”

Namjoon heard how Yoongi moved around the van as well as Hoseok. Listening to the gentle roar of the big car made him smile to himself, although it caused the people in front of him to probably distrust him even more. However, the interested look on Inspector Kim's boss said otherwise, which made Seokjin turn towards him in disbelief.

“Sir… you’re not seriously considering—?”

“Gentleman, take him to our station.” he said, which made the detective let his mouth half-opened in shock. The two big guys got Namjoon and quickly put him in some handcuffs and made him walk towards where they appeared. Seokjin was staring at the scene like he was in a fever dream. “I think our case is getting more and more interesting the more we dig in. Now RM wants to help the police? I gotta see that with my own eyes. This gotta be a big celebration for you, Inspector Kim. You should buy some champagne on our way to the station!”

However, as everyone was leaving the archive, Seokjin remained in the same place. In shock.

RM , the criminal he has been chasing for years, just handed himself over to the police, just like that, in exchange of helping the police with his own case and let his friends out of this.

This wasn’t supposed to happen like this .

This wasn't supposed to be the way he would capture Kim Namjoon, if that was his real name to begin with.

Because he was supposed to be the one to capture HIM , and not let himself be captured by the police just like that. He even had a plan of how he was going to celebrate with his friends: how he would tell Jimin in detail about the case and how his words would be published on the internet forever and loads of people would talk about it. He would be a well-respected policeman and he would have RM in his hands, just like he had always wanted.

Yet, as he clenched his fists, something didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the shock of the situation or the fact that he was still trying to digest the whole thing. But the fact that, after wanting for so many years to catch him, after being his main mission and not letting his boss take charges on it, trying to make any excuse and insistence that he wanted to do this on his own, something didn’t feel right. He got what he wanted, but was it truly that?

One thing was for sure. Before Namjoon had left the room, he had sensed by the corner of his eyes how RM had winked and smiled at him. With that flirty look of his. With that sexy smile of his that was already making his ears red as more blood pumped up to his head. And if someone like him was this calm and collected, a mastermind criminal like him was going to be in the hands of the police, Seokjin got one thing right as he crossed the door and followed his superiors.

He was going to be the one in charge. He wouldn’t take his eyes off him. Not for a second.

Notes:

hope all of you have liked this one!! do you think Namjoon knows what he is doing? What do you think this case hides? And what do you think our Inspector Kim is going to do about all of this? ;)

Remember that comments and kudos always are appreciated and i would love to heart about them. Here you have my twitter if you just want to follow me there. Let me know what you think of this story please, have a great week ahead and stream the new release of JK this week! Love all of you!♥

Chapter 3

Summary:

hello everyone!! :)
i'm sorry this chapter took a little longer to be published. between the Golden promo and everything in between, I wanted to wait a little bit before publishing this one. this one might be my favorite chapter by far so, i hope you will really like it!
i gotta say that the chapter 4 might take a little longer to be published, since next week i'll have a little trip with friends and that means i won't have time to write, but maybe i will have it done this week, who knows? i'm actually writing fast and maybe there's a chance that i can bring it for all of you on my bday day, which is by the end of the month so, stay with me on this one ;)
without furhter ado, let's begin!!

The arrival of the thief RM at the police station caused more commotion and stupor than they expected. Despite being almost midnight by the time the police vehicles parked at the entry, which meant less personnel would be up compared to the day shift staff, the news of his arrest spread like wildfire. As Seokjin got out of the car, he shifted his elbow to block his eyes from the flash of reporter's cameras, closing the door with a thud. One of the bodyguards that accompanied them came in front of him, trying to get them inside of the station and make a clear path to them. He thought about talking to his boss later about who might have called them from the squad.

As the escort was opening the way, Seokjin turned around to see Namjoon, clearly with the city lights and the volley of questions directed towards him, his boss and, of course, the main character of this night, the thief. RM was handcuffed with still his black gloves on and Deputy Pung and the two big muscle guys weren’t leaving his side by any moment. Even with all the attention he was getting as he refused to answer any of the paparazzi, the moment he glanced at him, his dimples popped out in his signature smirk. Seokjin huffed as they finally got into the reception. He was way too tired to have to deal with a provocative dynamite muscle of 5’11” right now, which only made him crave coffee even more. This was going to be a long night and he desperately needed at least one for him and the whole crew that were going to interrogate him.

The interrogation of RM. Who could have known this day would finally be here? As he approached the corridor towards his office room, he saw how the officers of the night shift almost spit their own beverages at the sight of the famous burglar on his way to the interrogation room. He thought it was suspicious, considering the amount of media outside of the building. 

Right now, Namjoon was going to be under the process of a check up, where other agents will gather all his personal objects with him and register his fingerprints and get his mug shot. He pulled his hair back as he crossed the room, already noticing the stress pumping up to his veins. He was sweating as he left his coat and the equipment he had brought to his mission.

He searched for his phone, questioning if he should let his friends know about this. For sure, they must still be on their third bowl of ramen in that restaurant that Taehyung found wasn't as spicy for his taste buds. He knew his most loyal crew would be there at any second and in any situation if they called them, but should he be ruining the fun for them tonight? What would they do if they were in a situation like this?

When he opened the group chat and started typing, he heard the voice of his boss, searching for him. If Jungkook was the one driving, maybe he could have him at his side in less than fifteen minutes. He would prefer if Jimin could stay out of it until the morning -enough reporters at the lobby for now, no offense- and Taehyung for sure had a long week with the man found drowned on the lake and the two girls that were found in the bathroom of the nightclub. Just the thought of it sent shivers up his spine. As he finally sent the message informing his friends of his long awaited achievement, Deputy Pung opened up the door, furrowing an eyebrow at him.

“Are you ready for this, Seokjin-ah?” he asked, not as a command, but actually concerned if he was willing to deal with what was coming. 

He had joked about this moment with his comrades way too much to actually feel like this was happening and it wasn’t a hypothetical situation full of bliss. Because there was no sense of victory, at least not for Seokjin. Nevertheless, the Inspector sighed, rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt and nodding at his chief as they stepped out of the office. 

No sense of victory yet, not until he uncovers the truth.

It has been forty five minutes since they have started the interrogation of RM, when Detective Jeon Jungkook rushed into the room, heavy-breathing and sweat running down his forehead. Right when the young one was catching his breath, he noticed some of the annoyed glances the other agents sent to him, but he didn’t pay much attention to them. His already big eyes grew as he walked at the side of Seokjin, who had his arms crossed against his chest and his sight was focused on the big window in front of him. Then, Jungkook saw him and he gasped.

Kim Namjoon. In the interrogation room of their station. There’s only been a few times he had seen him in real life, counting all the times he asked Seokjin if he could come with him after one of his robberies or strikes. But this was the first time he had him so close, with just a wall of distance between them and not with the sight of his partner and superior chasing him down in the distance. Which, speaking of…

“I came as soon as possible.” he emphasized to the man at his side, who shivered by the sound of his voice. Jungkook frowned, noticing how tense his friend was. “You’re okay?” 

“Yeah, it’s just…” he took a deep breath, seeing how his boss was writing something in one of the notebooks. 

RM remained quiet: his hands handcuffed to the table, straight back, but his legs were spread under the furniture. A single tingle on his feet, like he was getting bored. But every time he caught him staring at him, RM’s dimples would appear like the craters of the moonlight. And the worst of it all, is that he shouldn’t know he was watching him through that one-sided glass, which irritated him more. 

“It’s a lot to take in.” Seokjin eventually finished.

“I couldn’t believe it myself when I read the message but… wow.” Jungkook almost chuckled, shrugging himself into his fake-leather jacket. “Are we getting somewhere? Has he already confessed something interesting?”

“He hasn’t said much. Not even where his other friends are or what he was truly doing in the place we found him. He hasn’t even confirmed his name yet, so I’m guessing it was a whopper after all. He…” he turned slightly towards him, making sure Jungkook had his attention. “He was captured undercover at Miss Gan’s headquarters.” his partner blinked in disbelief. “I know, we both were wrong about their next movements in Jeju or Japan, but the big question hasn't been solved yet. He didn't tell us what he was doing there in the first place.”

“So, you’re saying you were able to capture him on a mission that had nothing to do with him in the first place?”

“Not so sure this has ‘nothing’ to do with him. And we didn’t capture him… yet, he surrendered.” he placed his hands close to the commands where the noise of the interrogation room was handled. Again, the eyes of the thief were lost in the space, like he didn’t even care he was now under arrest. “I don’t trust him one single bit.”

“Inspector Kim. ” the voice of Deputy Pung arrived and spread on the speakers. “Your presence has been requested by the subject. Detective Jeon can come as well.”

The two friends side-eyed each other. The reassuring bunny smile of Jungkook and the pat on his shoulder blade didn’t erase the worried pout and huffs of Seokjin, as they entered the interrogation room.

The bodyguards moved around the corners, letting the two free chairs for the new arrivals. His boss was carelessly putting together some papers and folders. By the moment Seokjin crossed the door and saw RM, he noticed how he straightened up his posture, joined his hands and he didn’t even hide his smile of joy this time. It was like he just saw a friend from a long time ago. Rolling his eyes, he sat down. They were not friends and Seokjin was sure there was no possible way for them to be.

“What’s the situation?” Seokjin started, as his superior finished with his papers and glanced at him as he closed the folder.

“So, RM here says he wants to work with you.” Pung said nonchalantly. Jungkook held his chuckle as he covered it with his hand as Seokjin felt like he was choking on his neck.

“Excuse me, sir?” he asked, praying as hard as he could that his face or ears wouldn’t turn red on this occasion.

“He wanted a deal, remember? His surrender came with conditions, or, in this case, a deal with the police. However, RM’s and Bangtan’s history is one of a kind in his field, whether for their limitless contacts around the world or their intentions behind their thefts.” he opened up two new folders, ones that Seokjin recognised at the instant. He was the one who wrote most of the information, since they were the records of what the band of thieves has been doing for the past five years and one of them was particular about RM. 

“ The Heist of Ilsan was your first big movement, seven years ago.” a few pictures in one of the folders showed the incident. “No one was hurt, no alarms activated and one million won of stolen art pieces that half of it was sent for the Chung-Ang Hospital for Children at Seoul. Evidence suggests you were only eighteen at the time.”

“ Seventeen .” Namjoon pointed out. “My birthday is in September and the heist was in March.”

Seokjin couldn’t help to see how some gleam appeared in the eyes of Jungkook. He was a Virgo boy, but he wasn’t even sure if their zodiac signs even matched. Namjoon could also be born by the end of September, which meant that Jimin would be the one excited to know there was another Libra on the squad now. That meant he was going to be more annoying with the solidarity towards RM than Jungkook was already being right now.

However, after all that mental gymnastics, Seokjin could unfortunately know Namjoon too well to foresee he was a Virgo man as well. Way too methodical and quick thinker for being an air sign. Only his mind crossed that silly talk he had with his friends about how Virgo and Sagittarius, his own sign, was such a nice match. He guessed it didn’t work for everyone.

“Which makes it even more impressive.” he scrolled through the pages, with pictures of the places and the names of all the heists he has done over the years. Seokjin recognised in between the very first one he was involved in after some other agents couldn’t deal with the pressure of chasing them. From them on, he has been the only one in charge of hunting him. “ The Daegu Holdup , in which you confiscated half of the money that Mister Kang owed to the kkangpae and sent it to half of the poorest schools of the districts…Mister Kang almost lost his life there. The Gwangju Trick , where you and your friends faked to be the ones in charge of a magic show only to steal everybody’s money and sold half of the profit to the Orphanage of the town half of the dealers didn’t invest their money for…”

“Is this an interrogation or is it time to celebrate all my records? I always wondered, was it the cops or the media who named all these cases?” he smirked big, about to put his hands behind his head, but the chain didn’t allow him to do it. 

“Then, you took a big leap when you crossed the barriers and forced my agent here to follow you globally with the help of the Interpol in the process. Needless to say, your activity in Europe and the States has been considerably large.” he said, turning the pages quickly. “Do I need to mention the exhibitions you stole the art from the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan, the Egyptian, the Soumaya, the Borghese, the Hermitage, Skarstedt, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Guggenheim and, most recently, the Louvre?”

“My favorite is still the Bonte of Jeju. I’m a fan of contemporary art. I really recommend that one when no one is there to admire their pieces.” he said, playing with the chains of his handcuffs. Seokjin huffed, rolling his eyes. Everything was a game just for him.

“We even have some records of other convicts, stating you helped during some of the process of their corresponding larcenies. We have over ninety statements that have spoken about you and over three hundred that have shown you respect or admiration from our archives.” Namjoon’s eyebrows lifted as he whistled.

“Didn’t know I had such a big fanclub.”

“So, considering your historical record after all these years, it is needless to say that you are considered a criminal mastermind among your peers and for the police of South Korea and the world. Which is why, your offer to help the police is a plate that you are serving us hot.” Pung joined his hands on a triangle, his eyes piercing through the young man in front of him. 

“Your intentions of why you have helped so many defenseless and steal only particularly… dishonorable individuals are still something we need to interrogate you apart from this. It’s clear that with a criminal record like yours, your sentence in prison will be for a long, long while. Still, why would you ever want to work with the police in the first place? Are you trying to make your sentence lighter or there is something else you’re not willing to tell us?”

“Told you a few hours ago. Your case interested me enough to join you and help you inside of it. I just thought that both parties could benefit from it if we work together.”

“ Bullshit .” Seokjin said out loud, making all the heads in the room turn towards him. “I don’t trust your intentions one single bit. I bet you were trying to persuade me at the manor to get out of there, just like you always do. I bet you were trying to steal from Han Hyeseol and since he has been under the shadows after all these years, you find the best access through Miss Gan, an old friend of his. But I don’t think for a single second that you and I are on the same page here.”

“I understand why you would doubt me. I have been avoiding the police and I have, indeed, stolen and made my way through the path of criminality.” he leaned forwards, his eyes half-closed as he pierced through him, his tone as serious as the one he had when he warned Seokjin at the archives. 

“But I want to make something clear: we might be on different sides of the law, but you’re not my enemy.” Seokjin blinked at the statement, actually surprised by it. Namjoon adopted a more relaxed position as he kept talking. “Half of the money we didn’t send to all those places to help was for me and my boys. We criminals also need food and a place to live, you know?”

“What will we actually gain if we decide to work with you?” Jungkook asked, for the first time, closing his arms. Namjoon smiled at him, happy to see someone was finally paying attention to the real matter.

“For the past forty minutes, RM has stated that he has access to more criminal records than we think, all with the help of his friends.” Pung answered for him, explaining pretty much the summary of the interrogation. “He also has stated he has enough information to help us with this particular case. His knowledge in art, culture, politics, corruption, illegal trades, martial arts and self-defense, escapology and criminology would be of great use with a mind like his. Also, he has also expressed that it is no better than a brilliant criminal mind to find another criminal mind.”

“And what do you earn with all of this? Getting a lighter sentence in a minimum security prison so you would escape eventually?” Seokjin inquired, finally dropping the golden question. Took a few seconds before RM finally answered.

“I will finally achieve something I’ve been working on for ten years.” his eyes were lost in the floor and the table. That wasn’t what he expected to hear as he eased the tension of his shoulders. “I can’t really let you know until we finish with the case, if you let me in. And, also, with the deal, I want my friends and partners in crime, J-Hope and Suga to have immunity. If you want, you can throw me in jail for whatever years you want me to be, but I want them out. If it wasn’t for me, I bet they wouldn’t even be worldwide criminals.”

“You know that if you help the police we could actually —” but Pung was interrupted.

“You know I am not going to let you get away with any of what you’re planning, do you?” Seokjin raised himself from the chair, his hands hitting on the table as he frowned at the criminal. The cacophony of his irritated disposition made the room silent for a few seconds, until a voice spoke up.

“... This is the part where we remind him RM said he wanted to work with him?” Jungkook gently smiled, noticing how his boss nodded, also trying to hold his laughter as they both saw the gobsmacked face of the detective and the overjoyed dimples on the criminal.

“He said he won't work with anyone else but you Seokjin, there's no deal otherwise.” his boss composed himself, as he tried to calm down the horror and revulsive face of his inferior. “You would keep running the case but with him as your partner and any other third person you might need.”

“Why?” he turned towards Namjoon, whose sharpened eyes and little smirk was still plastered on his honey-skinned face. “Why would you want to work with me in the first place? I have been chasing you for years! The last thing you’d want is to work with the person that has been tracking you down.”

Namjoon took a deep breath before answering, slow, clear and with his dimples shining like stars on his lips:

“Because I knew you weren’t going to let anyone take care of me and because it’s your case, Inspector Kim. And exactly because of our history, I don’t think I would ever have a better partner .”

Partner of RM . Yeah, this must be a fever dream or the coffee must have been poisoned. That should be the most logical explanation.

“Well… I think that, considering all that has been discussed, we’re going to accept your deal.” there were three different types of emotions articulated in that statement: delectation, jolt and horror. 

“You will be under custody and supervision of Inspector Kim the full time and the rest of the station if he orders so. You two will work on the case of Han Hyeseol under the circumstances you have established. But I warn you, if there is the slightest sign that you will sell out the police, or try to run or harm any of my agents, the deal will be over and I will gladly put your ass into prison.”

“Loud and clear, Deputy Pung. Where do I sign the papers?” Namjoon was willing to start already with the whole process, but the detective at his side was in a denial phase, shaking his head as he looked from head to toe to the criminal who never lost his smile. Pung clicked his fingers and the bodyguards approached the table with some papers, explaining to him where he needed to put his signature. Jungkook raised from his chair, approaching his friend, who was massaging his forehead.

“ This is not happening, this is not happening… ” he kept repeating to himself, wanting to wake up from this never ending night that was taking away all of his energy.

“We need your signature as well here, Inspector Kim.” his boss called, which made the detective sighed. Even before Jungkook could do anything with trying to help him calm down, it was too late as Seokjin took the pen and signed them as well, right before passing it to the thief.

“You know we need your actual name on this and not your alias, right?” Pung asked as the thief nodded, writing something that made the boss cocked his face and raised an eyebrow. “Well, look at that. Your name is actually Kim Namjoon.” that statement made Seokjin twirl and glanced at RM before he could runaway from the room “Once you’re done with this, you will provide us with actual info so we can verify this is true. Date of birth, location…”

“Did you actually think I gave you a fake name?” he asked, teasingly, looking right at Seokjin’s reaction. The detective thought that he didn’t, not after such a long time and referring to himself in his presence many times with that name. But literally everyone else thought it was fake and he wasn’t going to acknowledge that in front of everybody.”

“We will take that into consideration once we’re done finishing with the papers. However, you can’t leave the station until tomorrow, Kim Namjoon.” Deputy Pung rose from his chair, getting all the folders and papers in his hands. Seokjin turned around completely from the door as he saw how the illuminated face of RM changed drastically into a slight fear and gulped.

“Say what now?” his words echoed in the room.

“It's late.” Deputy Pung tried to hide his yawn. The clock in the room showed how the arrows had already surpassed the midnight numbers. “You’re going to need to sleep in the cells until the morning, where Inspector Kim's shift will officially start and you will join him on his newest mission. You will also get an ankle monitor that will help us track you down in case you decide to run away or attack the Inspector here. We also need to prepare an escort for a few days so someone will be under your eye by the time you two will live under the same roof.” 

“Under the same what, now— ?!” Seokjin almost screeched, but his mouth was hushed by the hand of Jungkook.

“That’s what you signed for as well, Seokjin. He will be under your supervision and, by that, it means that he will be living with you eventually. Don’t worry, the escort will be close to your apartment if he dares to touch a hair on your head. For now, he will be on a custody home.” he rebuttons his blazer, as the bodyguards approach a perplexed Namjoon, unfastening the handcuffs to put on new ones that will allow them to walk him out of there. “Get some rest, detectives. It’s been a long night and you will need to be at your best tomorrow.”

Oh, Seokjin was going to need more than rest if that meant working with none other than Kim Namjoon. 

He thanked Jungkook for being by his side and helped him get home that night. The smile of RM as he left the room was printed like decalcomanie inside his head and he even saw it once he was inside his bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. His body was tired but he guessed having caffeine so late kept him awake. 

He didn’t know how he ended up sleeping that night, but it felt like it had only been an hour by the time his alarm woke him up. The red lines on the white of his eyes showed that, indeed, hasn’t been the best of his life. As he was trying to calm himself down as he brushed his teeth, he wished that what happened last night was just that: a nightmare. 

He arrived home from Miss Gan’s headquarters without finding anything or anyone and he remained on the station and called Jungkook because a little incident happened. But the messages on the groupchat said the contrary as he sipped from his coffee and the news of the day clearly printed the image of Kim Namjoon and himself everywhere.

“Inspector Kim finally has chased down RM.”

“A well-known criminal has been put in jail for good!!”

“Is the cat-mouse chase finally over for Bangtan and Inspector Kim??”

Seokjin turned the TV off as he grabbed his trenchcoat. Even if his mission was the same one he subscribed to a few days ago, he knew it was no longer the same one. Not at all.

That day, instead of going straight to his office, Seokjin went right to the prison cells. The adrenaline shot of caffeine from his second brew was having an effect on him and he wanted to use it before his energy dropped again. To his surprise, Namjoon was already up, sitting on the bench as he played with his fingers. Did he sleep as badly as he did last night or did he dream like a baby? Unfortunately, the thief had already noticed his presence and saluted him with a wave of his head.

“Good morning, Inspector Kim.” he raised from the bench, walking towards the door as Seokjin started to search for the key. “Did you have a good sleep? Did you dream about me by any chance last night? The pillows here are actually more comfortable than I expected, but I bet the ones at your house are even better.”

“Come on.” Seokjin opened the door, turning around without giving the chance to even look at him. “We gotta get going.”

“That’s it? You’re not even gonna greet me properly?” Namjoon crossed the door, following the other one from behind as they crossed the corridors. He frowned, his hands on his back. “Not even gonna invite me to breakfast?”

“You haven’t eaten?” Seokjin glanced at him, huffing as the other one shook his head. Fuck, who was eve in charge of this? Not getting their prisoners fed first thing in the morning when that was bare minimum? He blinked, taking a small breath from his nose as he returned walking towards the elevator. “What do you want? There’s a café nearby, we can order someone to bring you something.”

The elevator opened as they both crossed it. They were the only ones in it as Seokjin pushed the button to the main hall and he could see RM thinking hard about his answer once they were left with two metallic doors mirroring their reflections.

“Ah, but are you sure it’s okay to have me eating something at your office where everything can get dirty? Shouldn’t we go together? You will keep an eye on me, after all.” Seokjin put his hand on his eyes and forehead, rubbing it out of desperation. He wanted to avoid as many people as he could today, yet, Namjoon didn’t seem to care at all about that little detail. Or maybe it was an excuse to run away at the first chance he got, to get out of the station. He wasn’t going to fall for that. “Are you gonna act indifferent all the time we’re gonna be together on this?”

However, he always found a way to read him, no matter how Seokjin acted. And that was what pissed him off the most.

“You never take this as anything but a game, do you, Namjoon? Did you ever think that catching you has been my goal for five years and that getting you like this wasn’t exactly what I expected?” he finally looked at him. Their height difference was enough for their eyes to meet, as the thief crossed his arms.

“Well, I didn’t expect our paths to get crossed like this either. What? Are you mad you weren’t the one who caught me instead of your boss?” he tilted his face, Seokjin already feeling how the pink was creeping up his neck.

“No. It’s just… I know I can’t trust you, Namjoon. I can’t.” he declared, probably the most coherent words he has been able to speak since last night. He caught how the quote seemed to hurt the feelings of the other one, but that was the truth. “And I’m not sure how I’m going to get used to having you around here with our history. I have always thought that once a criminal, always a criminal… and although I know you have never actually attacked me after all these years of chasing you, it’s not the same when we were on different sides of the law. And now you’re gonna spend pretty much twenty-four hours by my side… How can you expect me to think you’re not gonna turn on me or anyone at this station at any moment? ”

“But I’m not gonna hurt you, Seokjin. That’s… that’s a promise. ”

His eyes and voice spread a warmth of sincerity. And his dimple was showing. However, Seokjin remained quiet, still unconvinced as he stared at the numbers that were still going up. Sighing, Namjoon walked at his side, facing him.

“Look, I told you, Seokjin. I really wanted to work on this case with you. Nothing I said last night wasn’t a lie, my intentions and the turn of events are genuine. And I’m gonna prove it to you until the last minute, whatever it takes.”

We might be on different sides of the law, but you’re not my enemy. Those words resonated in his head like an echo. The elevator announced their arrival at the lobby as the gates opened.

Their first steps through the corridor went unnoticed by the majority of the crowd. However, the more they advanced towards the desks, more and more people became perplexed at the two men that were crossing the office like it was a usual day at work. 

Seokjin didn’t know if it was his authoritative presence as the Inspector, with his badge shining on his trenchcoat or the fact that Namjoon had his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket and he was smiling at everyone like they were his teammates. Or, most likely, the fact that most of them haven’t found out about the events of yesterday and seeing his superior with his most wanted criminal side by side must have made them wonder what the sugar of their donuts and coffee was truly made of.

“Boss, is that…?” he heard one of his juniors calling, Jungwon. He was probably the one that the majority pushed to ask the big question. Seokjin only needed one sigh and a nod to make everyone crazy at the moment.

“So the rumors I heard this morning were true!!” he heard a girl saying, her limbs waving the cup of coffee and making a mess out of the... excitement? The grin of Namjoon became bigger and bigger as they kept moving, the detective unsure of the reasons behind it. If he was a criminal, the last thing he would want is a whole police station being aware of his presence with tons of armed agents against your disposal.

“So is it true that he’s gonna work with us?!” He heard Kai Huening from behind, them already having the doors of Seokjin’s office in front of them. Seokjin wondered where Jungkook was: he couldn’t find him in his seats and he doubted he would miss the day of today. Perhaps, he might be with Taehyung and Jimin, catching them up with the details of yesterday’s interrogation?

“He is, Kai. He’s gonna work side by side with me with my current case and with anyone that I will personally choose to work on it.” Seokjin declared, clearly not wanting to get into much detail with them. Enough attention from today and they needed to work on the case as soon as possible. Getting Namjoon updated from what they already have found and him releasing any kind of information he might have was going to take all the time in the morning shift.

“ RM-ssi. ” Seokjin recognised the voice of Yeonjun at his desk, with some of his partners already not far away. Soobin was sipping from his cup of coffee as he watched carefully how his partner made the criminal stop by to look at him. Seokjin didn’t need to turn around to see how everyone was checking him from head to toe, even he heard some people from the downstairs floor coming in huffs to take a look at him from a distance. “I honestly didn’t imagine you this tall.”

“Thank you. I guess I am intimidating enough thanks to it.” Namjoon declared, his hands moving through his pockets.

“You better not turn on Inspector Kim or we won’t hesitate to hunt you down and leave your body full of little bullet holes, you hear me?” Yeonjun pointed at him with his pen, taking his gun out. Seokjin’s eyes opened wide, not expecting this kind of threat from one of his younger agents. 

“Oh, don’t worry about that.” Namjoon put his elbow against the shoulder of Seokjin, which made the inspector blink as a dimple popped at his left side. “I know I am in the best hands I could ask for.”

“Is it true you are called the “Robin Hood” of South Korea?” Taehyun's big googly eyes appeared at one side with a curious smile. Seokjin cocked his face at the question, unlike Namjoon’s, who was illuminated as his free hand landed on his chest.

“Wait, I didn’t know I had such a reputation! What an honor!” he said, making some of the agents chuckle at that answer. Seokjin didn’t know what was happening. Didn’t they know he was a criminal and the one he has been chasing down for five years? Why were most of them treating him like he was some kind of old deputy from the squad they haven’t seen in a while?

“And you need us to uncover the mystery for all of us, but you're the one sending all the gifts to Inspector Kim after all these years, right?” Beomgyu came out from the other side, Seokjin’s heart accelerating once he processed the question. “Tell us, what did the last note from Paris say? We all wanted to know, Haerin at the reception hasn’t been much of a help for any of us.”

“Well, as a matter of fact—” he pulled his hair back, about to walk towards his table and probably start an endless conversation where the little brat would non-stop fill his mouth with gallant praise.

“ Namjoon. ” Seokjin extended his arm to stop him, sending him a look once he caught his attention… which seemed to be always easy for the criminal once he called him by his name. “We don’t have time for this now, remember?” the other one sighed, putting his hands once again on his pockets and sending him a sad smile for breaking the fun.

“So your name was actually Kim Namjoon?” Soobin finally spoked, emitting a soft chuckle as Kai arrived at his side with his breakfast toast half in his mouth. “You guys owe us and Kai ten bucks! We told you he wasn’t lying!”

“I— What? ” Seokjin shook his head, noticing from the buzz on his pocket that he got a message. He took it, seeing it was from Jungkook. He was a little late, but he was coming and he just asked if they needed anything. “Anyway, I will have RM at my side the whole day and the whole mission, as I stated. I order no interruptions unless you are part of my team or if it is a big emergency during this week due to that. If you see him and I’m not there, don’t hesitate to tackle him. Now, all of you to your positions! We have work to do!”

“I think I didn’t catch your names.” Namjoon glanced at the group of friends who were already enhancing their wons between each other. The five of them were aghast for a moment that they still caught the attention of the held in custody, but it was Yeonjun the one who talked.

“We are Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Kai and I’m Yeonjun. Squad Tomorrow keeping an eye on you all the time.” he kept going with that try-out of intimidation, which made Namjoon hold back a chuckle. Seokjin heard the sound of the elevator opening and he recognized the black curly mane of Jungkook walking. Then, he remembered that his now “partner” was hungry and he started to type fast on his phone.

“Love the name. You have to have some guts to talk to a five-star criminal just like this, don’t you think?” he came close to the table, placing his fists on the wood. Some people around stopped their typing or tasting the caffeine from their mugs. “How long have you been in service, little men?”

“For about a few years.” Yeonjun held his glance at him, but the older man and criminal clearly knew what he was doing as he didn’t even dare to blink. Yeonjun gulped. “A-Are you sure we can trust you?”

Jungkook was at the end of the office, saluting big with his hand and with his bunny smile. Seokjin signaled the phone a few times before his friend finally took it and read the message. He wished he didn’t need to ask his official partner to go for breakfast as the first mission in the morning, but he had a heart enough not to make anyone faint out of nutrition. And the coffee from the machines here wasn’t as savory as the one at the café in front of the station. 

Jungkook read it quickly and did a thumbs up before approaching in strides the elevator once again, Seokjin finally catching what Namjoon was doing. His heart stopped as he saw him rambling about something related to love letters.

“I thought the note was a little too much, you know? French is not my best language, but I thought that the message of Seokjin’s eyes under the moonlight of the Louvre resembling the—” he was dragged by the forearm by Seokjin, whose ears were already burning red and he didn’t need to look to see how big the smile of Namjoon was. His subordinates were finally seeing with their own eyes how flustered this man easily made him go. He wanted the earth to eat him whole right now.

“We. Gotta. Go .” he said, pulling him as the criminal didn’t even dare push back. But, then, he forgot how his juniors loved to taunt him until the very last minute.

“Boss, aren’t you gonna say goodbye with your signature flying kiss ?” Beomgyu recalled, Taehyun chuckled as he swallowed his hot chocolate hardly at the insinuation.

Oh. No.

Namjoon didn’t need to know this. He never thought he was ever going to find out. Blowing away kisses was something RM started to do after a year or two when it was clear that Seokjin was the one hunting him down. It was one of his signal moves towards him, a goodbye that in any other situation was meant to be an affectionate gesture, for Seokjn felt like an insult. 

However, around two years ago, he started to mimic it. He didn’t know at what moment it stuck to him, but the only one who pointed it out at some moment was Jungkook and because he noticed it after one of his missions and Seokjin insisted not to tell anyone about it, as well as the kisses thingy. But, of course, no-one in the office knew and he never meant to let Namjoon know about this. Until today.

“ His what nOW—?!” Namjoon demanded, pulling out from Seokjin’s grip as he approached the table with curiosity and excitement written in his face, his hands hitting the table.

“His flying kiss! He has been doing it for a few years since we arrived here.” Soobin explained, not expecting the criminal to be so interested in such a trivial topic.

“You mean, something like this ?!” Namjoon made his signature flying kiss to the boys, the smooch sounding way too loud for Seokjin’s ears, but mostly the claps and the cheers his subordinates gave to him after it.

“YEAH! Oh, man, you do it even better than him!” Yeonjun pointed out, his index and thumb over his chin, quickly thinking. “But has he ever done that to you? Nah—”

“DONE THAT TO ME ?!! I WAS THE ONE WHO INVENTED—!” he was hushed by the mouth and dragged down towards Seokjin’s office as the whole face of the inspector was a clear resemblance of one of Namjoon's favorite paintings: “ The Red Studio ” by Henri Matisse.

“We have work to do, people, I’m NOT saying it twice !” he ordered, Namjoon was actually surprised that everyone quickly moved to their job, but held back his laughter as he noticed most of them were holding in their cackles at the scene the two of them were making. He was really going to like this station. Well, he was already attached to it because of somebody after all, right?

Once Seokjin finally let go of his grasp and Namjoon could breath, he moved around, noticing how much the Inspector’s face was turning down. Yet, the natural rose-colored cheeks Namjoon had been enamored with for years, were turning into hard punch pink. He wondered if Seokjin even knew he was this beautiful without even trying. Namjoon had felt for him not only from the beauty of his face but his heart as well.

He remembered that day when they both fell from a building that was under construction, him landing on top of Namjoon and he had commented something that made his cheeks turn red. Namjoon couldn’t believe he now had his favorite detective by his side on his most important mission… and he wished things had been different for him so he could actually be smiling at him instead of treating him like he had the plague.

“So…” he leaned against the wall next to the door, crossing his arms. Seokjin wasn’t even looking at him as his cheeks kept turning peachy, his hands lightly trembling as he was searching for the key to open his office. “I think you have A LOT to explain.”

“Oh, shut up .”

Namjoon held his gaze at him for a few seconds before he started to giggled out loud, Seokjin turning towards him. It made him lose his blush from all over his face, paying attention to the alluring sound. He had heard RM laugh out loud many, many times in the whole five years they have known each other. Most of it had a pinch of mockery towards him, to find the fun of their eternal chase or the way to distract him as his guys steal the show. 

However, Seokjin felt delighted by this one. Like… something pound against his chest and it wasn’t the jitters or the rage he would feel from him getting in his way. No . He… actually heard fondness in it. Namjoon had noticed for how long Seokjin had been holding the key to his office in his hand and was staring at him, not expecting that reaction from the inspector. He finally started to move it, back to the lock as he pursued his lips, when he recognised the ding of the lift from behind. He would have wished and guessed it was Jungkook with the breakfast if it wasn’t for the screamings.

“Where is HE ?!” a male deep voice demanded, making the couple turn around. Both have heard that voice before and it sent shivers up their spines when they recognised the big man surrounded by other policemen and security guards trying to calm him down. Mr. Kang. What a big CEO of the center of Seoul, accused of having deals with the kkangpae and known for constant abuses all around different cities, was doing on one of the most important police stations of Seoul?

“Mister Kang, please, hold your horses!” one of the security guards from the reception was trying to calm him down, but it seemed that there was no way to make him come to his senses.

“I’m gonna find that bastard and I’m gonna beat his ass until my fists are bloody—” his eyes met Namjoon’s and his ire raised up to his whole face like a rocket. “YOU!” he started to stride towards him, the horde of security guards following him behind and the rest of the policemen taking out their guns at his hostile reaction. “You thought I was going to sit by my office knowing you have the RM himself in the precinct??”

“Nice to see you too, Jihoon!” Namjoon joked, Seokjin sending him a look. It wasn’t the time to tease around, especially with a mobster sending death threats on his way towards you.

“You can keep your shitty-eat-grin all you want, but my fist is going to be the last thing you’ll ever gonna see—!” his knuckles were elevated in the air as he started to run towards him. Namjoon flinched at the movement, something Seokjin caught before he standed in front of him, took out his gun, flicked off the safety and pointed it at the man without hesitation. Luckily for the two of them, he was taken back before he could punch someone by Yeonjun, Soobin and another pair of security guards.

“Sir, you can’t be here and I suggest before you threaten anyone in my station, you might consider it twice. RM is under my supervision from now on.” Seokjin tried to talk him out, since he had had a few conversations with Kang Jihoon. Most of them he was in interrogation rooms or under a cell, but that was usually before their contacts would take him out of jail.

“Working for you? RM, working for the police?” he spitted, laughing out loud. “Don’t make me laugh, kid, he’s trying to get into your head!!”

“He signed a deal with my superior a few hours ago, he is under custody and you are not allowed to attack him by all means. Again, he, or any of my agents.” Seokjin kept talking without lowering his gun. It seemed the man was starting to calm down, but he kept laughing.

“You really think I’m going to be the only one who is going to come after him? That brat hasn’t been only pissing me off after all these years and I’m sure I’m just the first on the list.” Seokjin frowned at the information. Maybe there was a reason why Namjoon was supposed to be at his side all the time. He wasn’t only a criminal chased by the police, but by his enemies in the criminal world as well. And some of them would come here with other policemen and politicians turning a blind eye on them.

“You know?” Namjoon was not at the side of Seokjin, his arms crossed as he leaned forwards, slightly reaching for the head of Mr. Kang. “If you wanted an autograph from me and my partners you should have asked a long time ago.”

Mr. Kang abruptly broke from the grasp the other men were holding onto him, emitting a gutural rage scream as his hands leaped on towards his neck, with the intention to strangle him. Namjoon was a natural teaser, but he definitely didn’t think that Seokjin would took him by the jacket and put a protective arm on front of him out of Mr. Kang, who was quickly taken back from another pair of policemen and bodyguards.

“I said, back off, Mister Kang!” Namjoon’s heart was pounding hard as he felt the heavy shaky grip of Seokjin’s hand. He didn’t expect it either yet, was there something else behind the way he defended him? Or was he just trying to do his job? “Don’t make us throw you into the cell this early in the morning.”

“You better get out of here, you freak!” one of the bodyguards finally were on their way to take him out of the station, yet, the guy had more on his mouth.

“You’re not safe here, RM! They’re coming after you and once we have you, you and Bangtan are going down—!” he said, before the doors of the elevator closed and the environment of the office went quiet.

After a few seconds, the other elevator popped with Jungkook. He had on his hands a tray of three cups of coffee and a bag with what seemed to be bakery warm pastries. He had a joyous smile on his face that started to disappear once he saw the scene of his superior and friend right in front of the door of his room, approaching them on strides.

“Hey, what happened? Why do you have your gun out and why—” he looked at the way Seokjin was still in a protective posture towards Namjoon, his voice making the criminal and detective notice they had remained in that position for longer than they expected. “Why are you protecting RM?”

“Mr—Mr. Kang came.” Seokjin quickly put away his gun and turned around as he finally opened the door of his office, coming inside as the other two followed. The big eyes said it all. “He tried to attack Namjoon, I guess out of revenge from all these years. And something tells me he might not be the first one that is going to come by to say hi.”

“Should we increase security?” Jungkook asked, leaving the breakfast on the table. Namjoon was scratching the back of his neck, looking through the glass and around the office without really paying attention.

“No.” he shook his head, looking up to RM.  Jungkook waited for a proper answer as he was starting to take out the pastries. Seokjin thought of all the other criminals he had encountered in his life. How, from the very beginning, Seokjin had always seen them as his natural enemies, as the foes against the law. 

However, Namjoon today just teased a person he actually hates. He teased him because he knew there was no way he could touch him now that he was working with the police. He didn’t try to take out Seokjin’s gun and run away with it. He didn’t try to shoot Mr. Kang, despite the clear hostility towards him. He remained by his side and he even joked with the juniors on the very first hours of his first day. As RM had already landed his eyes on the breakfast, he leaned his body against one of the walls, crossing his arms. He was expecting for him to let him know the food was for him, even if it was obvious the two detectives in the room had already had their meals.  

I know I am in the best hands I could ask for , he had said for his teammates when they questioned his plans. As RM finally crossed eyes with Seokjin’s, the inspector spoke up in a way he never thought he would.

“Namjoon will be safe enough by my side.”

Before they could start devouring their well-deserved breakfast, the thief sent a knowing smile towards the detective that he slightly reciprocated.

Notes:

hope all of you have liked this one!! what are your thoughts on the next chapter? do you think namjoon is actually going to betray Seokjin? Do you think our detective is going to finally start trusting him? ;)

Remember that comments and kudos always are appreciated and i would love to heart about them. Here you have my twitter if you just want to follow me there. Let me know what you think of this story please, have a great week ahead and stream Golden!! Love all of you!♥

Chapter 4

Notes:

hello everyone!!
ah, i've been wanting to write and publish this chapter for a while! and, today is my birthday, so what better way to celebrate it than gifting you all this chapter? 😉 i hope all of you would like it! also, Seokjin's bday is also coming and with the ptd dvd i can tell we are feeling a renaissance of Namjin and BTS in general, so, perfect timing!!
so, i hope all of you will enjoy this chapter as i try to accept i'm reaching Jimin and Taehyung actual age (they are not 27, wdym, they are 25💀) and celebrate with a homemade cake!! enjoy!!🫶🏻💗

It’s been a few weeks since Namjoon officially joined the police department. Their investigation was going on slowly, Seokjin feeling like the time was consuming them rather than them consuming their time. His superiors thought that, due the affiliation of the burglar to them and the news known to a national level, the actions and movements of their main suspects have become quieter, with their visits to the station to try to confront the thief, failing miserably. 

As Namjoon quickly suspected, the case the police were studying had to deal with a big network of corruption. The main suspects were the CEO’s and magnates of the most important companies of Seoul, suspecting that the actual politicians ruling the city were the strings of their movements and, also, the main cause of why South Korea’s criminality have increased for the past decades.

They knew that involving themselves with the government and the higher ranks would be risky. It would involve not only the mafia, but the lowest and darkest parts of criminality that Seokjin had mostly had heard from partners and he hasn’t involved himself in any case until now. The folder with the Project Bukhansan that Hyeseol and Miss Gan talked about was still a mystery, one that Namjoon offered himself to contact his friends in case the police weren't able to find the right information. But they weren’t going to risk Namjoon reaching out to his teammates on an occasion like this and the police were proud enough to rely on their own system and investigations. 

Yet, as the days came by, they still haven't found a single clue. Not even the middle-rank convicts knew about it or could give any relevant information. However, over the past few days, their Busan team registered a possible activity related to Han Hyeseol it was the closest thing to a useful hint he has been able to find. Seokjin lost the count of times Namjoon had asked him to let him contact his teammates, but he had also lost the times he had called the higher ranks with the same question to get the same answer when it came to their case.

On Thursday, Seokjin was sipping from his cup of coffee as he read some papers their subordinates asked him to revise about the new cases. He took it as a way to kill some time, as he was waiting for the email of his mates to confirm their suspects before he could move on to the dead-end street he has been going on and on the past few days. In the meantime of waiting and no finding clues, Seokjin tried to get himself, Jungkook and, due to the circumstances, Namjoon as well, involved in other smaller cases. Because of that, RM was getting along with his coworkers better.

And, of course, knowing Namjoon’s, he was the type that wouldn't go unnoticed.

“But it wouldn’t make sense if the murderer hid a knife the whole time they were on the plane. We already know that passing a weapon like that through the airport control is not that easy.” Seokjin overheard the voice of Namjoon outside, him slightly leaning from his chair. He was so focused on his computer that he lost sight of him for a moment. “Who were the suspects all over again? Besides, pretty much the whole plane.”

“His wife is discarded and the pilots and stewardesses are out, since they didn’t have any relationship with the victim.” he got his breath back when he heard the voice of Jungkook speaking.  From his sight, he spotted Namjoon sitting on Jungkook’s table, both staring at something at the computer’s screen, Seokjin guessed the data of the last case. “But Taehyung needs to get back to us with the autopsy report.”

Jungkook clicked again on the pictures of the body and stared at the wounds. What made them and who made them was still an open case and it has only been one week since the crime happened. As much as Seokjin cataloged this case as minor compared to the bigger one they got themselves into, it was still driving Jungkook crazy. The steps of someone coming to them quickly made them turn, Taehyung arriving at the desk breathless.

“Okay! I finished the autopsy—” he stopped mid second when he realized he hadn't taken off his gloves, pretty much colored in red blood and already smelling badly. “Uhm—”

“Taehyung-ah, not again!!” they overheard someone on the other side of the room making the cheeks of the forensic turning warm pink. However, Namjoon patted his back in comfort, the younger one not expecting that kind of approach.

“Don’t worry. Tell us about it quickly and go back to the morgue before one of your little friends wakes up from your little experiments.” that made the duo laugh out loud, easing the ambience despite the situation. Seokjin sipped from his coffee, tapping with his fingers the table as his focus was now on RM. On RM getting along with his partners and friends, actually.

“I’ll be quick then! I know you asked me to do another autopsy and, well, thank god, because the last coroner’s report was pretty vague.” he rolled his eyes, chuckling. “Cause of death: suffocation due to cervical spinal cord injury. No poison, no strangling or anything like that. The time of death was at night, between one or three am—well, the night for the passengers from what I have checked. Everyone was sleeping and that’s why we can’t find any witnesses. But… then again, we haven’t found any murderer weapon and the wound. However, I have come to the conclusion that it is pointed, but has no blade, like an ice pick, so it couldn’t be a knife. Before he was killed, someone made him take a sleeping pill to put him to sleep, I guess so he wouldn’t alert anyone by how he was being murdered. There weren’t blood stains on his clothes, yet they were on the seat and the murder weapon was pretty much jabbed into his neck.”

“... I think this only leaves me with more questions than answers.” Jungkook huffed, passing a hand through his hair in desperation. 

“The last coroner didn’t even mention the time of death or just wrote that the weapon was something sharp if that makes you feel better!” Taehyung tried to cheer up his friend, about to give him a soft punch on the arm, but stopping himself at the sight of his gloves.

“I thought of the possibility of someone actually poisoning him through the food or any other clue that could point out that he was dying before the plane could even fly. But if the murder weapon is something sharepend, what could it be? I thought at first of someone strangling him with the phone charger, but if you say there are no marks of that… could it be they stabbed him with the connectors, Taehyung-ah?”

“No, there is only one mark, after all.” he shook his head, sighing as well. “Have you thought of maybe a piece from the seats or something they could have taken from the bathroom?”

“They told us no one was missing when they checked all the parts of the plane. The murderer should have brought the weapon with them all this time… but what could possibly be?”

“What about an earring? Maybe a hook one or at least one sharpened enough?” Taehyung deduced, which made Jungkook start typing, finding a possibility. “But is it sharp and deep enough to cause him that wound? Ugh, this feels like a labyrinth…

However, as Seokjin had already moved with his chair to the best angle to see them clearly, he saw how Namjoon was remaining calm and the engines of his brain were working every time he was analyzing a case. Something that Seokjin had never thought he would ever see Namjoon doing.

“Could it be possible that the murder weapon was a bra wire?” he said, as he started to move the picture on the screen. “See, if it’s sharpened enough and we haven’t found a possible weapon and we have inspected every single person that was on the plane, that is the one and only choice we can find here. A bra wire is something that can easily be passed through a metal detector at the airport and wouldn’t be noticed even if someone had undergone body check twice. It’s impossible that if the murderer woke up in the middle of the night and moved from their seats to kill the victim, no one would have seen them, not even the flight-attendants.“ he moved around, crossing his arms and creating a witty smile on his face as he kept speaking. 

“I might be wrong about this, but I can’t discard the wife being the actual murderer, since she was pretty much sitting side by side with him. If my theory is right, no one would have suspected her… however, she is the only one in the plane with a direct connection to the victim and the one who would have the greatest motive to kill his husband. She could have sharpened the bra wires enough for the murder, making no one to suspect about her… if the blood is even still on it, but if the object is clearly sharpened, then I think we can’t have much doubt about it.”

Jungkook, Taehyung and pretty much everyone that was around and overheard how he pretty much reached into a plausible and very probable correct assumption, stared at him, blinking and wide open. For a case that was driving the police nuts, he solved it in less than a few minutes once the autopsy was done and they had such limited information. They knew that with the new autopsy made by their trusted, yet eccentric, forensic, they would get something new to work on. But the fact that Namjoon opened up a new line of investigation in the span of a few minutes really wasn’t something any of them would have expected.

Of course, it wasn’t like he had already solved the case. Now, with the new possibility, they needed to investigate and check if he was right or not. But one thing was for sure for Seokjin and that was that Namjoon was actually pretty good at solving crimes or, at least, helping them to not leave them as a cold case. It wouldn’t be odd for him, if Namjoon thought it usually from the point of view of the criminal. But it was remarkable, since Seokjin thought that, if he wasn’t already a thief, he could easily be one of them. A detective and particularly a good one, maybe even reaching his level.

Seokjin drank from his coffee. No, he must be thinking way too much into this.

The sound of the bell announcing he got an email from his team almost made him drop his cup onto himself, opening it with a desperate speed. He had to focus and concentrate, since he heard some claps from outside his office, followed by the congratulations of Taehyung and the disgusting sounds once they realized he had made them cover their hands or parts of their bodies with blood from his gloves.

Nonetheless, when he read the words Hyeseol, Busan, train, altercation and tonight he got it right. He gently smiled as he read it twice just to confirm the info and ready to let his teammates and his boss know about it. Finally, a clue after weeks of feeling this case was a labyrinth with no exit. Once he was done sending an answer and a statement to Deputy Pung, now he had to deal with the most important part of his duty as an inspector: make his partners don’t grow fond of the criminal you have been chasing for five years.

Well, more than they already were, actually.

“So, how is living in the custody house?” Taehyung said as he was taking off his gloves, taking a proof bag to put it in and proceeding to throw them at the trashcan. “I asked Seokjin if Jimin and I could visit you, but he insisted that could be very dangerous.”

“But I have been such a good boy!” Namjoon said sarcastically, Soobin snorted and almost spilled his coffee on the keyboard. “Now, seriously, I get why he would say that, but I truly mean no harm to any of you. I’m curious to know about Jimin, I have always been a fan of his articles.”

“Wait, you read his paper?” Taehyung's big boxy smile was formed on his features, his arms shivering as he was trying not to grab the arm of the criminal out of excitement. Jungkook was peeking from his eyesight, since he was focused on typing the new clue cases and confirming it to his superiors. “Man, he’s going to love you already when he knows that! But, wait! Aren’t you mad that he always portrays Seokjin in a good way and not you?”

“I would be the same if I was working with the police and all my friends were involved in my cases.” He leaned from his chair, balancing himself on the back legs in the air. “My favorite one would always be the New York’s Loot , you know? The part where me and Inspector Kim found each other in Times Square and me and my guys did our magic trick?”

“Wait—” Jungkook was already chuckling on his breath, one hand covering his eyes as his bunny smile was peaking under it. “Don’t you tell me you like it so much because—!”

“You know it! Love how he portrayed the moment I tricked him into dancing the tango with me under the “ speckled platinum moonlight ”.” he used his hands to mark each of three words in the air, sighing in nostalgia. “Ah, it really felt like a dream come true to have him so close at that time instead of running away from his deathly bullets.”

Seokjin's eyes were twitching as he was standing right behind him. He couldn’t stand how his friends were laughing at what Namjoon was saying and how anyone who was overhearing was finding out about any of this. That case was from years ago and one of the few times Jimin happened to be in the same city as them to write about a topic completely different from the police cases. When they finally noticed Seokjin was waiting for them, already on his trench coat, they cut off the laugh and Namjoon came down from his chair to the floor. His smile and dimples popped immediately as he turned towards him.

“ Jinnie , my sunshine!” Seokjin rolled his eyes at the nickname. He has insisted on calling him that way for the last few days and it was starting to actually piss him off. “Any news from the central and about our main case?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. Some coworkers have found some clues that could actually lead us to Hyeseol and it’s the best we’ve found the past few weeks. I already received the approval of Deputy Pung and he is already sending us the authorizations we need to get out of here and travel.“ that information made the criminal stare and blink at him. “We’re gonna have to take a train in a few minutes and you,” he pointed at Namjoon.” are coming with me.” 

“Really? Isn’t Jungkook coming with us this time?” Namjoon sounded perplexed, unlike the mentioned one who was still focused on typing the final email. 

“No. I’d rather he stay here, the mission involves being undercover, the less people involved the better. You know Hyeseol well and this involves him completely from what my colleagues have said.” he crossed his arms, his authoritarian tone coming up to his voice. “And like I told you, I’m not taking my eyes off of you.”

“Where are we going then?” Namjoon raised up from his chair as Taehyung came back with some chips he immediately shared with Jungkook, both watching the duo with interest.

“To Busan.” the sudden slam of some hands hitting the closest table made them jump.

“Wait, you’re going to MY city without me??” Jungkook gasped, actually offended.

“I’m sorry, JK. Besides, if anything happens to us, at least I want one of my main agents involved in this case to write the final dot on it.” Seokjin started to walk between the different office desks, but he turned around and rolled his eyes again when he spotted Namjoon trying out the chips from Taehyung’s side. “Namjoon-ah!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” he ran towards the Inspector, who kept walking towards the elevator without waiting for him, yet, the criminal caught him fast. They entered the lift, standing side by side with no one else inside. A smirk appeared on Namjoon’s lips as he leaned at his side, close to Seokjin’s ears. “So, I guess this is the first mission with just the two of us in this, am I right?

“Please—Don’t make this harder than it already is.” Seokjin whispered, wondering why the doors were taking so long to close.

“Oh, I won’t, Detective. How could I, when this basically feels like our honeymoon?”

Seokjin was about to make a witty reply to him, gasping in the air, but the words didn’t come. Was he actually that excited to work with him or was it one of his tricks? Either way, Namjoon was looking at him with those dimples that only seemed to appear when he was smiling at Seokjin. And that made, irredeemably, for his ears to turn into a blushy pink, just like the criminal loved them.

When they got into the train, Namjoon was surprised to have the whole carriage for themselves. Then, he realized his favorite detective was traveling alongside him. After all these weeks, Namjoon had forgotten for a few moments that he was a thief and not a “detective” with all of them. Of course, they sit next to each other, with the marvelous sight of the country as their view and the pair of food Namjoon insisted on buying for the long trip. The two hours they spend together was mostly used to recall all the information that Seokjin’s coworkers have found out about Hyeseol, which has got his immediate interest from the moment Seokjin mentioned.

Turns out that on the back streets of Busan, some thieves have heard about more than one mafia group wandering around the streets in different spots. They would have kept it quiet, if they knew that those kkangpae were the ones established at Seoul and not in their port city. Most of those criminal heads were the main suspects on the list of the case and, of course, many of them have already been stolen from at least twice at the hands of Bangtan. Not that Namjoon wanted to brag about it, but he did, which only gained him a twist on the eyebrow of Seokjin and constant huffs and requests to focus on the mission.

They didn’t know exactly what were the reasons why the underworld were gathering around, but the picture that a spy sent them which showed Hyeseol made them shiver up their spines. That was three days ago and, from what their spy could gather, tonight was going to be the last gathering at their headquarters before all of them would move back to Seoul or their respective homes around the world. Seokjin guessed they must have chosen Busan because no one would expect the Seoulite mafia to have their parties and meetings so far from home. Project Bukhansan might be something else the Seoul Police Department have never encountered before and that was the thing it scared him the most.

“I might know a way or two to infiltrate inside their building. If you could ask your colleagues about their headquarters and try to give us some blueprints of it, I might get  us inside without anyone else noticing us.” Namjoon said, after moving some of the pictures around the table with all the documents Seokjin gathered before their leaving.

“Yeah, you’re an expert in that field after all.” Seokjin joked, a smirk forming up his lips. He realized later than sooner the meaning of that sentence when Namjoon half-smiled, Seokjin eyes wide and about to speak again when—

“I know you meant it more as an accusation than an antic, but that was a really good catch, detective!” he pointed at him while nodding, still re-reading the papers as he chuckled to himself. “Try to get my way into my heart without hurting it, please. I hope you didn’t get Jungkook to like you like this.”

Seokjin was about to apologize and explain himself. He actually meant it as something they could laugh about, even if he really didn’t think about it and the words came alone through his mouth. His phone buzzed with the signal of a new message and he never got the chance to actually say anything, leaving an uncomfortable knot inside his chest. However, the knowledge became bigger when he read the message, directly from Deputy Pung.

“It’s not your main goal, but it would be terrific if during the whole mission you try to get Kim Namjoon to tell you about his past. He is still a missing link inside the police’s archive and if you can help us dig a little bit about him, we might find his true identity sooner than later. Be careful, nevertheless, agent. You know I trust you.”

On any other occasion, Seokjin would have gladly coaxed someone immediately. But, with Namjoon? Somehow that felt wrong. Part of the allure of chasing him down for years was the mystery behind his identity. There was no record of his face or anyone that might be related to him on the records of the national police department. He had only told his friends about it, but he personally searched through it all without a single clue, wondering what could be the history behind his particular robberies. The multiple times he had gone outside of South Korea to chase him down, the other international police departments gave him the same blank records, the option of him being only half-korean being ruled out.

Then again, why did he feel like he was invading his privacy? Maybe because Namjoon had always respected him and their chase after each other was only between them. But now that he actually had the mission and, more importantly, the opportunity to ask RM what, where and why he was the criminal mind that it was today, made him reconsider it. He had always wondered why Bangtan always stole from the rich and powerful but never from the weaker and defenseless. Why he wouldn’t hesitate to punch a rapist with his forehead —like the little incident they got a few days ago, which almost caused him to get back into jail— and why he wouldn’t think twice to promise an old civilian lady that they would find their missing alzheimer-patient husband.

One thing for sure, Namjoon wasn’t your typical thug. And, perhaps, that and something else , what's made Seokjin want to keep a close eye on him all these years.

“Hey, Earth to Seokjin?!” the snap of Namjoon’s fingers in front of his face got him back to his thoughts. “Have you sent the email? There’s only half an hour until we arrive at the station and I think it would be better if we have everything settled before we jump into action, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, yeah, sure. Sorry, I dozed off for a minute.” he got back to the paperwork, searching for his phone again as he still needed to answer his boss.

“Don’t sweat it.” a half-smile and a gentle dimple appeared on his cheek as he was mindlessly collecting all the documents on different piles. Seokjin truly was starting to believe he was the only one capable of making them appear, which was a stupid thing to think. He actually hasn’t seen Jungkook or Taehyung making him smile like that, so…

He looked at the message. It only took him a couple of seconds to let his boss know that he will do the job and get back to the email section to contact his colleagues. The last few minutes of the journey went by faster than breeze.

When they arrived at Busan, their first stop was the police station where Seokjin’s coworkers were waiting for him. They were going to need some backup in case they were caught undercover and also some equipment for the mission would be nice. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the blueprints as Namjoon expected, leaving them only with the direction of the building and some indications about where and how they should enter, as the spy knew some of the ways to not get caught. Once they were given an undercover car, they left the station, ready for some action.

The complex was just a few streets away from the port, the seasalt and humidity was feeling heavy in the air. Once they found a place to park where the car wouldn’t be seen, they hid themselves in a blind spot, hidden enough to not be seen from a distance. Seokjin took out his binoculars, seeing through it a pair of men patrolling at the entrance, probably bored of waiting. It wasn’t even the middle of the afternoon, but from what the spy could get, their meeting was going to start at six o'clock. It was half past five and no one had arrived yet.

“It might be your last chance to let me contact my friends if you really think the blueprints could be useful now.” Namjoon said, his back resting on the wall as he had his arms crossed. With the last specks of sunlight of the sunset, his honey skin was gleaming.

“Why don’t you trust the police for once in your life?” he talked back, his focus back to the two guards. Namjoon looked up at Seokjin's statement, but remained silent for a few seconds, which made Seokjin think it might have made him uncomfortable. “If he as a spy hasn’t been caught after all this time, I bet we can take his word.”

“It’s not that I don’t think he was wrong or that the information all of them gave us is useless. Speaking of trusting somebody, I think you should be the first one to take your advice, you know?”

“What do you mean?” he sighed, turning towards him. Couldn’t he just focus on the mission? If they kept talking -despite all this conversation being whispered-, they were going to get caught. 

“Why don't you trust me enough to reach for my friends in need of help? I know I told you they wouldn’t be involved in this, but they are the smartest guys I have ever known when it comes to getting this type of information.” Seokin avoided his look by staring at the concrete floor. For sure, Seokjin guessed that Bangtan had their own aces up their sleeves, he didn’t need five years of chasing them to know that. “And I thought that after such a long time already by your side, you would already know I’m not planning to betray or hurt you in any way.”

“It’s not only me, Namjoon-ah, but my superiors as well. And you really think it is going to be useful now? When we are about to enter the building where there might be hundreds of mafiosos armed to their teeth, ready to turn our bodies into swiss cheese?” he was getting anxious. He hasn’t taken this whole trip just to be caught right now. 

“I bet it’s not so different when you were the one chasing me down!” he insisted, making Seokjin roll his eyes. “Hey, but seriously. Because I was usually the one who confronted you, but I bet if you really knew them, you would be surprised of what they are capable of.”

“You mean, really know them, like I know you ?” he teased, this time, Namjoon was the one who sighed and rolled his eyes, Seokjin happily focused again on the binoculars. However, he remembered the words of his boss. Maybe talking about his friends could be the first key to open the door to his past. “Well… you’re right on that, I don’t know them as much as I might know you. You really are attached to them, aren’t you?”

“They are pretty much the only family I have, of course I am attached.” he chuckled, turning towards him as well as gaining sight of the building. “They were always annoyed that, every time I heard your steps or they spotted you on our maps, I would leave them behind just to say hi to you or make you be part of our little shows while they steal the artwork or money.”

“They were?” he found himself genuinely laughing. “Wait, you were actually coming to see me? I thought most of the time you were left alone and I found you spontaneously… The times you made me part of the show, I always guessed it was a distraction as well.” he slightly widened his eyes when Namjoon shook his head as he smiled.

“That too !” he laughed when Seokjin hit him with his elbow playfully. “But I would never drop a chance to see you , Detective.” he winked, making Seokjin look away and wishing for his ears to not turn pink this time. Not when it was so obvious that he certainly didn’t know that information or expected Namjoon to risk his life, all this time, just to see him . An armed policeman determined to put him in jail… and all Namjoon wanted was to see him. Maybe once every few weeks or in another country, but he—

“Psst, Seokjin!” he heard the voice of Namjoon and felt his hand pushing down his shoulder, bending himself down. A bunch of cars were arriving at the entrance and some bodyguards were opening the doors for them. There weren’t as many as Seokjin expected, but there were surely some faces the two of them recognised instantly.

Seokjin, through the lenses, identified the ringleader and well-known right hand of Han Hyeseol, despite his presence pretty much dismissed. It was Go Dankyul and his sight sent shivers up to the spine of the inspector. He pretty much was an underdog when Seokjin was a child and a teenager, but after years passed, he saw how he slowly took the city of Gwacheon under his eye. The city where he was born and raised by. It seemed that his ire was easily noticed by Namjoon, who patted his back.

“Easy there. We gotta wait until all of them are inside and then we can proceed.”

“Shouldn’t I be the one telling you that to you?” he questioned, keeping the binoculars in its place, arching an eyebrow.

“We all know how to play cops and robbers, Jinnie.” he winked again, Seokjin letting it be as they waited until everything was clear. The bodyguard entered the building once everyone was inside, not doing a lot of effort to check if there was someone out. “Come on, let’s get moving.”

They found the blind spot their policeman colleague talked about: a vent that connected to one of the many abandoned stores of the complex. Checking that no one was coming closer through the peak of the door in the building, they followed the indications of the policeman and crossed a few of them. They needed to be careful with the flashlight, since it was already dark in there and there weren’t many rooms or corridors with the lights on. Seokjin was starting to become impatient since their meeting could probably have started already and they were missing important information for their case. But it was Namjoon the one who slowed him down and made him stop before they were caught, twice, on many turns of different corridors to different areas of the building.

“This place feels like a jungle.” Seokjin sighed, once the last men that almost caught them got away. They weren’t really part of the mafia, but more like guards inspecting the area. They were going to need to be more careful than they expedited.

“Oh, a pair of blueprints would be nice now, right?” Namjoon teased Seokjin, sending him a look. “Look, I think a better way to not get caught is if we find another vent. We should stay in there and follow the voices and we will go unnoticed!”

“Are you crazy? What if there’s no vent in the room they are speaking?” he showed his cynical side once again, which made Namjoon grab him by his arm and sigh.

“Can’t we do things my way for once?” he pleaded through his eyes. The detective was sure he meant no harm by following his steps, but he didn’t want to risk it. Not his life or Namjoon’s into this. Other times, it was just the two of them and the third person in the room was the group of people they were about to spy on. But this time, it was the two of them against them and he took it very seriously if he had lifes in risk in his hands.

When he was about to answer him back, the sound of footsteps alarmed them with enough time to get hidden, inside one a small cleaning room. Luckily, this time they heard enough info for them to know that the meeting was set just a few corridors away from where they were. Once it was clear, Seokjin didn’t look back and started to walk towards where the gangsters went, Namjoon following him behind as he prayed that he was the one doing the things wrong.

The reunion was held on the biggest pavilion, with a large number of mafia families reunited on its floor. Seokjin and Namjoon had reached the entrance on the stands, hiding themselves behind them before anyone could spot them on the height. Everyone was too busy sending each other’s dirty looks, talking about their own business or laughing out loud. However, as both recognised faces, the amount of people gathered there was less than they expected. Sharing looks, the spectacle started from the moment a microphone was on and they heard a male voice clearing his throat. Go Dankyul.

“Good evening, everybody. I know all of you are wondering why I gathered all of you here… or probably not, since we know how quick the rumors spread in our house.” a pair of laughs resonated in the room as Dankyul flipped his hair back. “I am spreading the voice of our favorite big guy, our beloved bastard and the reason why we are all even heard: Han Hyeseol and our Project Bukhansan. This will be actually our last meeting here, in Busan, before we jump into action and proceed to our step one.”

“Hey Go, why isn't Hyeseol here?” a male voice in the crowd called him. “Aren’t you tired of being his lapdog?”

“Very funny, Doyoung.” he adjusted his bowtie as the rest of the guests stopped their amusement to the comment. “But Hyeseol is busy tying up the final loose ends. I know very well why he was in the shadows after all these years and one of the reasons was to plan all of this. If it wasn’t for him, most of us probably wouldn’t be here tonight. Or we would have caught up with the business we own in Seoul. We owe the guy a big one and, so, I think you should all listen to what he wants to say to all of you.”

“Is it true that we’re gonna make the whole job right before the national elections, right?” another voice called, proceeding with someone shouting to shut up.

“Kyunghee, man, you haven’t read the whole folder yet?” loads of people send looks to the guy. “Well, sometimes I do wonder how you are such a lucky bastard to own the business you have. Like if you were born yesterday, of course we’re gonna do that! Isn’t that the whole point of Project Bukhansan after all?”

“The elections…” Seokjin whispered, his heart was pounding hard against his chest. “Don’t tell me they are gonna—”

“Are they gonna try to sabotage the elections and put themselves in the chairs of the government?” Seokjin blinked as Namjoon said exactly his greatest fears. The family gangsters of Seoul were going to take over the capital city and, probably after that, the whole country. What surprised the detective more was how the eyes of Namjoon looked teary and he had a smile on his face, chuckling, but more in a sarcastic way. “Of course. I should have seen it coming from you, Hyeseol…”

“What do you mean by that?” Seokjin was actually concerned. As the crowd was again laughing about some jokes Dankyul was pulling, the detective's head was spinning in his thoughts. 

Again, there was no record of Namjoon having any direct connection to the mobster. He told him to back off at Misses Gan house, that he knew what he was doing and that he knew Hyeseol better than the police. Loads of possibilities appeared in his head: a bastard son? An old parent business that went bankrupt because of him? But that didn’t explain why Namjoon ended up being a criminal that helped the most needed and wouldn’t hesitate to punch a killer if he needed to. There was something deeper and personal about all of this.

“He has never changed, that fucking bastard.” Namjoon swallowed up his tears and turned towards Seokjin, determination written on his face. “Listen, now we should—”

The pair was abruptly hushed by some black bags quickly being pulled on their heads with the following sounds and hits of their heads with something hard, being unable to scream in help. Everything became silent and dark.

When they recovered the conscience, the dark bags were pulled out of their faces. It felt like their skulls were hit by a pair of billiard balls. The pain was still there and the sudden light of the room itching at their sight burnt. It didn’t take long until they grasped they were sitting on some chairs: the two of them bundled up together in a rope. But what confused them the most was the metallic handcuff tied to one of their hands, making it harder to even move in between. Then, they noticed one of the bodyguards was staring at them, his arms crossed.

“Well, well… boss is going to love the trophies I just got for him.” he said, a playful grin showing. Seokjin frowned at his sight, since Namjoon was the one who was giving him his back. “None other than Inspector Kim Seokjin and the RM, the Korean Robin Hood . Finding you two together here has really been a surprise.”

“Who are you, again?” Namjoon teased him. Seokjin wanted to shut him up with a sock before he could make things worse.

“No one you should care about.” he spitted nonchalantly. “I’m doing my job as a bodyguard here, taking care of the trash that wasn’t invited. But I know all our public enemies…” he came closer, Namjoon feeling how deep the lungs of his partners were filling up with air with his presence. “And you, little rats, shouldn’t have come to the lion’s dent.”

“Okay, genius, if your boss wants us so much, why don’t you just show us all in front of the crowd?” Seokjin was the one talking this time, actually pissed from the condescending tone of the guard.

“And ruin the important meeting they were all having and let you two know what we are planning?” he chuckled. “that’s not going to happen, Inspector. I’m not that dumb. I bet you two have come here exactly for that and I’m not gonna let you get away with it. So, once the meeting is over, I will come back here and bring you to my boss so he would decide how to torture you two after years of pissing all of us in both sides of the law.” he approached the door, actually going to let them in all alone.

“Who is your boss, then again?” Namjoon called, wanting to know who they were going to blame.

“ Han Hyeseol himself.” the air went cold as well as the blood inside of both Namjoon and Seokjin’s bodies. The main guest might not be there, but, of course, no one talked about his minions. “And, I bet, Namjoon… ” Seokjin felt the shivers of his partner when the bodyguard said his name. How did he know…? “That he is actually going to be very happy once he realizes you’re here. Now, see you soon. I have a meeting to attend.”

He opened up the door and closed it with a metallic sound, leaving the two of them there without knowing how long it had been since they were discovered or how far they were from the pavilion. Seeing how this guy talked and reacted, they bet he had confiscated all their devices that could make them contact some help or let anyone know they were in trouble or about to disappear. They have definitely failed on this mission.

“Well… we are screwed.” Seokjin sighed, giving up being the best option.

“Thanks for stating the obvious!” Namjoon replied sarcastically. He tried to move around the chair, but it was impossibly tight. Seokjin didn’t even try to mimic him. “No, we can’t give up now, little detective. We were just getting started to warm up here, do you seriously want to drop it off right now?”

“Do you actually have any ideas of how we can get out of here? We’re tied up and if we do this wrong, we might hurt our wrists and hands way too hard to even escape.” he huffed, blowing off one of his tangling sweaty hairs that went too close to his eye. “Unless we have some magic device that can take us out there, I don’t think we can’t do much here!”

“ Magic , did you say?” Seokjin could feel the dimpled smirk Namjoon had on his features, making him turn slightly from his side, as much as he could, to stare at him.

“... Namjoon-aah .” he called, more as a tone of demanding to drop off what was on his mind sooner than Seokjin will actually get mad at him for keeping something away from him.

“It might not be exactly the magic, but you will thank me later.” a thud coming from the walls made Seokjin look up around the room, confused about what was happening. “I told you would be surprised of what they are capable of.”

Before the inspector could process the new words, one of the vent doors blew up, falling on the floor. The sound of little propellers and the sight of a drone coming inside of the room made everything even more confusing, but Namjoon laughed it all once he moved around and had an actual sight of the device.

“I knew you would be able to make it!” he called. Seokjin was about to knock it off, when a voice he had heard a few times answered from the drone.

“Namjoon-ah!! We missed you so much! ” J-Hope’s voice was so loud, Namjoon feared for a moment that anyone would come to check on them, but he didn’t care. His favorite heart-smiled brother was there and his only wish right now was for being able to see it by himself right now.

“You called them?!” Seokjin inquired, as the drone started to look around the room and surround them, probably checking through the camera the whole situation. “When did you have the time to do that? We were together the whole time!”

“I just gave them a signal with one of the devices your coworkers gave me once we were inside the building.” the inspector laughed under his breath, but Namjoon wasn't finished. “Listen, I’m sorry, but I knew how these people have eyes everywhere and I didn’t want to risk it! I told them to send a drone to our location and that’s it! Aren’t you happy to have some help in this sticky situation?”

“You disobeyed my orders, you know you can’t do that, right? If Deputy Pung finds out about this, we are both going to get into trouble.” he shook his head, not believing any of this. How could he actually expect to trust him when—?

“Yeah, well, would you rather be found in a few weeks in a black bag, inside a vault, in the middle of a dumpster? Or in the bottom of the ocean in a bag of blood where sharks can eat you whole?” being so specific, Namjoon was pretty much insinuating what Hyeseol would easily do to them once they got him in his hands. “Or do you rather have the help of a pair of criminals that are actually assisting you and, reminding you, are not your enemies here?”

His silence said it all. Seokjin pursued his lips. He didn’t know how much time they had left. He didn’t plan they were going to be discovered, because he actually thought that, if his coworker hadn't been found, the same thing was going to happen to them. But he miscalculated and this has almost cost both his lives. Damn, he hasn’t even seen the police arrive so soon at a rescue before. From what Namjoon had told him before, his friends probably didn’t even like him and, yet, here they were: about to save them time and their existence.

“Okay, I think we can use the laser to get you out of there, but you gotta remain very still during the process.” Suga’s voice resonated in the room. They did as the voice said, trying to not move a single hinch as a red light appeared on one of the commands of the throne. The laser crossed between them quickly and effectively, getting warm for a few seconds before they felt the tight rope falling off. “Done! ”

They sighed out of relief, feeling the freedom already up their bones… until they pulled way too hard and they both fell onto the floor while their limbs hitting the chairs in the process. As they groaned in pain, they remembered the handcuffs that were still attached to their hands. Only then, Seokjin thought that it must be his own and that the key must be where their belongings must have been confiscated. The bodyguard actually thought that this would slow them down into the process of getting away and he was actually right. 

“Ah, sorry. We forgot about the handcuffs. But we can help you track down the key and get you out of there! ” J-Hope’s voice sounded more optimistic than Seokjin remembered, but he guessed his criminal name wasn’t made out of nowhere.

As they raised slowly from the floor, Seokjin took a moment to stare down at the way they were pretty much attached to each other. He remembered that one time when he was about to capture Namjoon and he made a little trick with his own handcuffs to slow him down as his partners finished robbing the Pergamon museum. He only thanked this time for Jungkook to not having come to the mission so he would see him like this: enlaced with his most wanted criminal.

“... This is seriously the worst day of my life.” he said, sighing, resigned and exhausted. 

“Really?” Namjoon put his free hand on his hip, the fake-leather jacket shining under the light. “I was just thinking it was the best one with you by far thanks to this!”

Seokjin turned, his ears and cheeks tinted in an angry red as he glanced up at him. Namjoon, as usual, winked at him charmingly with his dimples. He was enjoying this way too much and Seokjin hated him for it. He hated that all of this was still like a game for him and… and… His heart skipped a beat. Why did his hand twitched when he felt the glimpse of Namjoon’s fingers on his own? What—?

“Hey, little lovebirds, we need to get going! ” they quickly turned away. They have been staring at each other’s eyes for way too long. Did Seokjin catch Namjoon’s cheeks turning pink as well or was it just his imagination? Yet, Suga kept talking.  “ We will guide you through the quickest way to their headquarters, but you need to be quick!”

“Why?” Namjoon asked. He and Seokjin walked towards the door at the command, making a quick check to the room in case some of their belongings were there. Nothing.

“The meeting is about to end in a few minutes and if you don’t get there on time it might be too late to recollect all the information you need.” Namjoon and Seokjin shared looks. “So, you better hurry!”

Thanks to the instructions of J-Hope and Suga, they arrived sooner to the pavilion than they did before. In fact, they actually got some blueprints of the building in just a few minutes. Running side by side together and needing to hide in the corridors to avoid the other bodyguards was the only thing that made them stop during the whole process. Thanks to the new information the other two were providing, they knew exactly where they needed to go to find more information about the Project Bukhansan.

“Turns out they have been using this facility as a place to keep all their records, so, I bet we can track down one of their computers and ease your way up getting the new folders! They distributed the last ones between the families, so I bet they must have at least a few copies in the location we are sending you two.” Suga told them, at the same time they turned left. The meeting was probably about to reach an end, so they needed to get in there before anyone else would leave.

“Fantastic.” Namjoon said, leading the way as Seokjin was behind him. They stopped at one corner to check everything was clear. They kept moving. “Can any of you track anything related to the next elections and if any of the mafia houses here might get involved?”

“One second.” J-Hope said as Suga kept giving them directions. “Oh, damn, the Song’s and the Heukchi’s have been getting pretty close to some of our next possible presidents!” the happiness of finding the information quickly erased by the shock of awareness of it. “Oh, shit, don’t tell me they are planning to take over the government?!”

“That’s what we think. Knowing Hyeseol, I bet he’s planning something else as well. Reuniting almost every important mafia house from the cities that surround Seoul… I fear the possibility that, by the moment the voters reach the voting booths, everyone will be attacked by the mobsters in their districts. If that’s what they are aiming for, they might plan to take the government, stop the elections and, then, Hyeseol will go after the Blue House.” 

Seokjin blinked. Has he already tracked down their whole plan just like that? Did he truly mean it when he said he knew Hyeseol more than the police? Although Seokjin didn’t want to discard Namjoon's assumptions, if he was correct about what they were planning, it shouldn’t be as easy. Loads of ways of stealing an election could happen in many ways, not just as a coup. But until they didn’t get the right information, they really couldn’t be sure.

“... He truly is a son of a bitch.” Suga said out loud what everyone was thinking. “Okay, we will try to gather all the information we can about it… as long as Inspector Kim is willing to let us do it?”

It seemed that the drone camera was staring at Seokjin waiting for an answer. Namjoon turned towards him, stopping in his march to do the same. Only then, he was starting to feel the social pressure, but if the past few minutes have shown him something, it is that these people were willing to help. Or, well, at least they were helping Namjoon. Whatever was the case, with them, they could discover the whole project and stop it before anything worse could happen to the Korean government and nation. They were proving themselves to be trustful, despite their criminal record that might say otherwise. But he didn’t care about it. This was serious and all help should be welcomed.

“Of course.” he nodded, a little dimple popped on Namjoon’s cheek. “Please, send it to my personal email before I would explain to my superiors about it. You two have been an incredible help on this and… thank you, for real.”

“No problem!” Seokjin felt relief at the sound of J-Hope’s cheerful voice. “Turn to the right on the next corridor and you will reach the room. We’re gonna check if the meeting is already over, okay? See ya!”

As the drone came back from where they escaped, Namjoon kept running, not wanting to lose any minute and neither Seokjin. But…

“Have any of them ever told you they actually have excellent detective skills?” Seokjin said. The little smile Namjoon gave him made him continue. “Maybe I’m wrong or I just have been very blind about it the past few weeks, but your mind is truly something. Even our best superiors wished to have you on our field.”

“Well, Detective, I haven’t always been a criminal.” Seokjin gulped as Namjoon shrugged, like it really didn’t matter. “I guess we are all full of surprises.”

Something ringed inside of Seokjin’s mind, like if that was probably the closest thing to a clue from his past he was going to get due the situation they were in. Sure, that might mean that he didn’t grow up poor or that he wasn’t a kid that needed to steal, from what he implied. A great possibility crossed his mind from the moment they crossed the door. One that he would develop with his team and one he might regret doing in the future.

The room truly seemed like the headquarters, just like Suga and J-Hope promised them. They quickly walked towards the place where some folders were on the shelves, trying to search for the newest one. Since two heads always thought and acted better than one, it didn’t take long until they finally found a few copies with the last details of the project on it. Glancing at each other with big smiles, they couldn’t help but high five with their free hands, Seokjin actually blushing after it as Namjoon laughed out loud in a loving way. Then, something caught Namjoon’s vision.

“Well look at that…” he signaled one corner of the room, where he recognised Seokjin’s trench coat thanks to the brightness of his patch. “I think we are finally going to be free, Inspector Kim.”

“And all thanks to you and your little friends.” Seokjin smiled as they approached their belongings through the large oval desk. A genuine one and one that he meant. “Thank you… for disobeying my orders.”

“Are you actually thanking me for that? Who are you and what did you do to my beloved Detective?” he chuckled, once again, in that melodic sound that sent shivers to the skin of Seokjin. He tried to let it go as he searched for the key.

“Just this time. And don’t tell Deputy Pung or Jungkook I said that.” he signaled to him with his free finger, searching on the other pocket. Namjoon rolled up his eyes, never losing his funny grin.

“Oh, okay. So I can tell Jimin about it and that would be the exclusive of this week’s newspaper.”

Namjoon didn’t even try to avoid the slight punch Seokjin gave him on the arm, the two actually enjoying this moment together. He showed him the key, raising his eyebrows as Namjoon smirked playfully. Never in his entire life, Seokjin thought he would be like this with Namjoon. That they would truly feel like a team together, like something that could actually work out. If months ago, someone would have told him he would actually find RM’s presence delightful… boy, he would have laughed at that person’s face. But right now, in front and with a handcuff tied to each other… something has really changed between them. The four brown eyes could sense it through their stares.

“You know?” Namjoon became closer to him, his hand about to reach his arm, but twitching at the movement. “I actually wouldn’t mind being tied to you for a little long—”

The moment the key was in the lock, the door opened up abruptly, like if it had been kicked. To their bewilderment, the one who knocked off the door was no other than Go Dankyul, a riled expression rippling up all the corners of his face. From his back, the bodyguard from Hyeseol had in his hand something they recognised immediately from the other side of the large room: the drone, smashed and broken from the big hands of the big guy. They shared glances a few seconds before the detective and criminal got back to their handy problem.

“You actually want to get tied down a little longer now?!” Seokjin questioned sarcastically, as three bodyguards entered the room and Dankyul’s face looked like it was starting to fume. The nerves were making his fingers shake from the sudden pressure.

“Forget about it!” the key clicked and the handcuffs were off. Their hands were free and the handcuff was quickly back in Seokjin's pocket. Once that was off, they swiftly moved towards the new guests, adopting fighting positions between the two of them. The bodyguards sent them some grins as they cracked their knuckles. The folder was on their side.

“You know how to fight?” Namjoon asked, but Seokjin laughed it off.

“Like if you didn’t know me already, Joon-ah.”

Joon-ah. He liked it. But it wasn’t the time to think about that.

The first bodyguards didn’t hesitate to approach the two, throwing their first movements with their fist, which both inspector and thief avoided easily. It was time for them to attack, throwing one against the door and the other one rolling in the middle of the table. Namjoon jumped and tried to knock him off on the head for his own as Seokjin had to deal with the second one, who he avoided by the skin of his teeth and the other bodyguard ended up hitting his partner right on the stomach. The detective took the chance and hit the other one on the nape with his leg, hitting them on the right place. As Namjoon seemed to have finished with the other one, he didn’t hesitate to hurtle towards the one Seokjin hadn't ended with, taking care of it.

As he sensed the presence of someone from behind, Seokjin saw how Dankyul had in his hands their precious folder. The man was smirking at him, knowing pretty well that taking it with him was going to cause trouble.

“Oh, you have come after this? I’m sorry, but you two weren’t invited to the meeting and this is for associates only.” he said sarcastically and Seokjin didn’t hesitate anymore to charge at him. All his ire accumulated after years of seeing him taking control of his home district were taking control of him now.

“Seems like I’m not the only one with anger problems!” Dankyul hit Seokjin with his elbow right on the ribs and then on his legs, Seokjin rapidly taking control of his body before he could fall and punching him right on the jawbone.

“Did you take out your problems on the people of Gwacheon as well when you took over the district?!” another hit right on his cheek and nose, a spit of blood running out of it. Namjoon was still on the back of the other bodyguard, proving to be a tough nut to crack. “Because this is for all of them!”

Another hit from his leg and feet and Dankyul was already on the floor. The folder shone next to him and, just when Seokjin extended his hand to grab it, he screeched in pain as a pair of hands grabbed him from the legs and threw him against the other side of the wall, making a thud. His whole back and ribs started to sting, yet, he didn’t have much time as he recognized the bodyguard jumping to the other side of the desk. He grabbed him in the air with his big hands by the neck, Seokjin feeling the air already squeezing out of him.

“You really thought you were going to get away with it?” Seokjin’s face was starting to turn pale and purple as the other guy didn’t hesitate to choke him. “You should have never messed with us in the first place, Inspector Kim.”

Seokjin couldn’t even reply to him. He was drowning and he was going to pass out. Then, by the corner of his eye, he saw something flying in their direction. A chair hit straight against the side of the bodyguard, making him fall and let go of Seokjin as he started to get back his air, hyperventilating. He was just starting to get his vision back when he saw Namjoon fighting with the big guy, who was already two feet taller and twice as big as him. Namjoon was bleeding in some parts of his body, trying to hold it as much as he could. When he realized that Seokjin was on his feet again, he turned towards him.

“The gun!” he yelped before avoiding another hit from the big guy.

Seokjin turned towards the place where their belongings were still remaining and he remembered. He ran as fast as he could towards it trying to distinguish any metallic object that could save them right now. However, it didn’t take long until he heard a body being thrown away one more time and he didn’t need to look back to see the bodyguard running towards him. Just when he got in his hands his gun, the same hand that was killing him crushed his fingers, making him scream as he let go of the weapon.

“I told you, you —!” a fist from his back was sent directly to his face, his nose starting to bleed as he let go of the grip of Seokjin. Namjoon was attached to his back, Seokjin not so sure of how he was able to keep up on his feet. Namjoon made the bodyguard step away from Seokjin, giving him some time to search for any other weapon he could find between his belongings.

The bodyguard let himself fall from his back stoutly, the sound of some bones breaking in the act making the detective gasp at the scene. When the big man elevated himself from the floor and Namjoon was still in it, Seokjin panicked. The big guy was approaching him one more time and he hasn’t found another useful weapon yet. He felt the man at his back when he pushed the button and aimed right at his neck. The taser one of his coworkers gave to him was frying the scruff of this beast, who fell on the floor once Seokjin was done.

As Seokjin got back all of their belongings, he picked up the folder, getting it back. Nevertheless, Namjoon hadn’t raised himself back from the floor, which made him run towards him, actually scared. Some blood was on his cheeks and parts of his body, slightly tinting the floor. He checked his pulse and he had a cold shiver going down his spine. It was very weak,he could barely feel it. He was hardly even breathing.

“Namjoon-ah!? Namjoon, are you listening to me? Namjoon!” he called him, but his eyes were closed and there was no answer. No sight of his dimples or his charming smirk. The guy who had sacrificed himself to save him. “I’m gonna take you out of here, okay? I’m not leaving without you!”

He grabbed his body and tried to elevate himself as much as he could. It took him a while until he found the way out of the building. Without J-Hope’s or Suga’s voice guiding him this was even harder. If there was something from outside that helped him get out and find the exit, it was the unrecognizable noise of the police sirens. And the thunderstorm that welcomed them once they were out. 

There was no sight of the cars of the mobster families, him not sure if they left during the fight or before it. But that didn’t matter as his body was getting soaked up in the rain. Namjoon hasn’t woken up yet and that was the only worry he had right now. The blue and red lights received him as some people came out of it, him screaming for help as he recognised some of his coworkers.

“Inspector Kim!” he recognised one of the voices, the rain making it hard to distinguish the faces. Some guys called about coming to this address for help and we thought it was you, but we lost track!” 

Seokjin’s breath was shaky at the revelation. J-Hope and Suga. Saving them, from one last time, probably when they lost contact with the drone. And risking their lives and location with it.

“Inspector Kim is that…?!” one of the other guys pointed at Namjoon. He dropped the folder as he grabbed Namjoon’s whole body.

“He hasn’t woken up. We were in a fight and he was trying to save me and he hasn’t woken up yet.” Seokjin was surprised by how weak his tone sounded and how his eyes were starting to feel teary despite the rain. “I had to drag his body through the whole facility and, and…”

“We will take care of him, sir.” they started to approach Namjoon, about to take him away from Seokjin’s grasp. “The ambulance will be there any min—”

“NO!” they didn’t expect the way Seokjin grabbed the jacket of Namjoon, like he feared of losing the grip of him. His pleading and red eyes said it all: like if he let go, he would disappear from his sight. “I will go with him. I’m not leaving his side, he’s with me, okay ?!”

They didn’t question the intentions or orders of the inspector. Once they got there, they communicated with their superior about the case, knowing that they needed the whole information from both of them once they were attended to from their bruises and wounds. The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and, just like Seokjin said, he never left Namjoon’s side, not even when they had the thief up on the stretcher. They might not know Inspector Kim just as well as his teammates from Seoul, but one thing was sure. 

They have never seen a detective being so worried about a criminal before. 

After all, a policeman and a thief would actually never care for each other.

… Or could they?

Notes:

hope all of you have liked this one!! do you think Namjoon is going to be okay? What do you think it's his actual past and what Hyeseol is actually planning? Is Seokjin finally falling for Namjoonie? Let me know!! ;)

Remember that comments and kudos always are appreciated and i would love to heart about them. Here you have my twitter if you just want to follow me there. Let me know what you think of this story please, have a great week ahead and happy birthday to Jinnie in advance! Love all of you!♥

Chapter 5

Notes:

hello everyone and merry christmas in advance!! :)
sorry for the little long delay this time for this chapter. haven't been feeling really well the past few weeks, either for family problems, mental ones or really out of inspo. but we finally have here another long-waited chapter!! there are scenes on this one i have been waiting to publish for a long time and it's finally here, so, i really hope to know your opinion about this one and what do you think of it! :D <3
next and final chapter might have to wait until the holidays are over, but i really hope you have been enjoying this story as much as i do. really has been a ride and completely one i am enjoying way too much. so, without further ado, enjoy!!♥

When Seokjin got back on his own from Busan, he felt empty. The altercation got him some injuries, but not bad enough so he couldn’t return home. Namjoon, on the other hand, had to remain there for a few more days, since he needed a longer recovery before being transferred to another hospital in Seoul. It was the police department and the nurses who, after two days remaining by his side at his room, insisted him to go, as he needed to rest as well. Despite the logical reasons, it hurted him like he was leaving behind someone very important. Something in his heart felt heavier than ever.

His boss’s opinion was different. He was glad they were in one piece at last. He also congratulated Seokjin for getting the red folder, which they were going to investigate, meanwhile he would rest with a sick leave for a week. However, the Inspector insisted that if there wasn’t for Namjoon, he doubted he would even be there in front of him in the first place. When he explained exactly what happened to him —leaving behind the fact that Suga and J-Hope helped them, since he wasn’t so sure he was going to take it well—, Deputy Pung remained silent for a few minutes.

“Who could have thought that RM was truly a gem we were going to need in one of our most important cases?” he chuckled, leaning towards his desk to finish some papers. “You can be dismissed now, Inspector. Take your time writing the report of the mission, you can ask Jungkook to help you if you need.”

But Seokjin had enough time on the train back to have a solicitation ready.

“I want Namjoon to go live with me once he is recovered. Or, well, you know, being under my supervision.”

“Are you sure? He still would need a few more weeks to do that. You’re asking for it before the contract’s dates, why—”

“He truly has shown that he is willing to sacrifice himself for the mission.” his tone was firm enough for Pung to raise his head and pay his full attention. “And he had clearly shown to me that he had no intention to kill or hurt me. And after these events, I’m pretty sure I want him by my side if I have the chance.”

Due to the circumstances, his boss acceded to his petition without much more to ask. 

He was told that Namjoon would arrive in Seoul the same week he was getting back to the office. The doctor and the physiotherapist that visited him at home were kind enough to ease the sore bones and muscles. Jungkook coming to help him with the papers eased the time missing from work, as both of them caught up with what was going on in the precinct. He even contacted J-Hope and Suga about the whereabouts of Namjoon, wanting to help since they helped him through it. But none of these interactions, not even finding himself with an unbuttoned white shirt and with a glass of one of his strongest sojus, didn’t ease the grieving feeling he was going through. 

The last day before getting back to work, his three friends came to have a nice dinner by his side, all watching the image of their hyung going through something worse than the few breakups he had during the police academy.

“I would really like to know what Namjoon's past is.” Taehyung said, inspecting his glass of cider as they were sitting in the living room. “Don’t you think it’s a big enigma how no-one has a clue of his origins?”

“Actually, Deputy Pung asked me to coax him into that. But I truly didn’t get anything, besides that Hyeseol knows him and that he hasn’t always been a criminal. That doesn’t open many doors for us.” Seokjin said, staring at the colorful liquid.

“... And did you feel right about it?” Jimin pointed out, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. Jungkook rested his cheek on his fist, pulling a witty smile as he waited for the answer. Seokjin sipped quickly from his cup.

“Like I was invading his privacy somehow. I don’t think Pung realizes it might take me weeks before Namjoon finally spits anything about it.”

“Namjoon trusts you, that’s why he asked you to do it.” Jungkook came closer, his shoulders touching Seokjin’s. “But, if you need a little help here… I bet that another detective, a forensic and a journalist can help you find the clues you need.”

“Are you sure about that?” Seokjin glanced at his other two friends, who nodded with a sympathetic smile.

“I mean…” Jimin leaned backwards, his head resting on the legs of Taehyung as he accommodated himself. “I’m going to feel bad trying to find information about one of my greatest fans, but, sure, anything for you hyung.”

“Just because he reads every article you write about him, which, duh, makes sense, doesn’t make him a fan of yours.” Seokjin teased, his plushy lips turning into a smile.

“He has an immaculate taste by reading me and that’s settled!” Jimin pointed to the ceiling, earning the laughter of his friends at the statement.

Regardless of the night ending in good terms, the feeling Jimin described was the same for all of them. Seokjin could easily read it: by that time, they had earned some kind of care and affection towards Namjoon and he understood why they would feel bad about it as well. But, somehow, his detective senses told him that, digging up the inscrutable past of RM and his connections to Hyeseol, was the key to reaching the true ending of this story.

 

On the week back to the station, he was welcomed by everyone, but he felt weird by not being welcomed with some takeaway breakfast, a teasing smile and a pair of dimples. He took a deep breath, telling himself that Namjoon was going to be there sooner than he thought, trying to focus on his job and research now that they have the next plans from Project Bukhansan.  

Remarkably, Namjoon’s suspicions were right. They were planning to take over the government on the elections, the folder explaining with maps, locations and timetables where every family’s district was going to be found by the time Hyeseol would take over it. However, when the policemen of Busan registered the building where the action happened, everything was erased and there was no sign of corpses or people being knocked off. And no matter how many times they were trying to call the government’s secretaries, no one was answering the phone or was willing to pay attention to it.

They have been easily bought already , Seokjin thought. However, as Jungkook was drinking his second cup of coffee that day, they became suspicious about a possible snitch inside the office. From the day Namjoon was brought to the precinct and he was found with loads of journalists in the middle of the night, he smelled something fishy inside of the quarters. His boss didn’t need to remind them all that, despite having the information of the red folder, there was a chance that they were still going to change their plans all over again if they already got the high ranks as their puppets. Which meant that the cops were all on their own this time. At least, alone with the help of two little burglars that send all the information they could in the shadows.

Seokjin was asked not to leave his service by the moment Namjoon was confirmed to be at the hospital. He needed rest, yet, he didn’t want to make him more lonelier than he might be feeling already. He ordered J-Hope and Suga not to go check on him, because he must be supervised by other cops and he didn’t want them to get caught. As the Inspector saw the pouty and sad faces of his friend, who also wanted to see if he was alright, an idea came to his head. A brilliant one, yet, one that made him roll his eyes for his own suggestion.

A few days passed, the day of Namjoon coming back to the squad getting closer. However, the day to the elections was also by the end of the corner. And everyone knew, by this point, that they needed Namjoon to try to figure out what Hyeseol might be planning. Seokjin was so immersed in his paperwork, trying to find clues sent from other districts of the city while also trying to figure out who might be the snitch in the office. 

He was so focused that he didn’t listen to the doors of the elevator opening. The walk of someone carrying a heavy object on his hands and the faces that turned towards this person, shocked faces and delighted smiles forming on the cop’s faces. When the postman knocked on the door, Seokjin just huffed.

“Not now, Jungkook. I think I’m finally reaching somewhere—” when he raised his head, he had in front of his eyes a big basket wrapped in pink paper, with a note attached to it and clearly full with candies, chocolates and flowers. It only took him a moment to notice the long fingers of the delivery man, the big height and the casual clothes. Just when he was about to say sorry to them, a face popped from one side of the basket, Seokjin losing his breath on the act.

“Wow, is this how you always received your visits and my gifts after all these years?” Namjoon smiled big as he left the basket in front of him, his arms akimbo as he shook his head. “I expected better from you, Inspector.”

“Namjoon-ah!! ” he shrieked as he jumped out of his chair and ran towards Namjoon, hugging him immediately and tightly.

“Woah!” Namjoon definitely didn’t expect Seokjin to act like this, losing his balance a little bit as his body was still trying to get accustomed to his bruises and wounds. However, as he tried to relax his heartbeat and appreciate that this was the first time his beloved detective showed this type of affection, he hugged him back. Shortly, since Seokjin quickly realized what he was doing and who he was hugging, pulling back.

“Uhm—So—” he frowned, as he looked from behind RM. For a brief second, he noticed everyone in the office was staring at the inside, catching some amused and funny faces from his coworkers before all of them got back to what they’re doing, like they weren’t just caught in the moment into an intimate scene. Wait, intimate ? His ears were turning pink as he stepped back and massaged his nape, his eyes back to Namjoon. “They discharged you earlier than we expected?”

“Yes! I was supposed to come back next monday, but I guess my body is a lot better now!” Namjoon saw how he walked towards the door, closing it so they could talk without anyone else listening. “And, of course, since you sent me so many gift baskets, after all these years me being the one who did that to you…” his eyes wandered around the floor, Seokjin feeling he was being shy about the topic? “I wanted to return the favor as well.”

“Nah, it was nothing ! I think I owe you after all this time.” Seokjin tried to smooth it out, not making it more serious than it felt and take it as something just the two of them shared. “What did you get me this time?”

“ Nothing special.” he winked at him, which made Seokjin stare at him as those dimples popped up. Oh god, how much he has missed those . ”I have been informed I’m under your custody now? Did someone change the paperwork after what happened in Busan?”

“Uh, speaking of it, how are you doing? Does it still hurt? Have you got any scars you want to tell me about?” Seokjin grabbed the card, which had the lovely signature of Namjoon on it. The thief chuckled to himself at how the inspector was trying to avoid the questions, like if the roles were reversed!

“Told you, I’m fine.” Namjoon approached him from behind, his hand finding his as he opened the note for him and whispered in his already reddened ear. “You can find about the scars later at your home, detective—”

“Hyung, I think we got some—!” the door was abruptly opened by Jungkook, making both detective and thief jump on the site, separate from each other and turn towards the unexpected guest, whose eyes popped at the sight of Namjoon. “RM-SHI YOU’RE BACK!”

“Good to see you too, little one!” he received the detective with his arms opened as Jungkook hugged him with his bunny smile showing. A sight the Seokjin from years ago couldn’t have ever expected to see: his most wanted criminal and his most trusted sidekick hugging each other. “Would you mind to let me know how the investigation has—?”

“I gotta let Taehyung and Jimin-ah know as well!” Jungkook ran out of the office, as some people that were close to the door came back to their sites as the detective was willing to go all down to the morgue. Namjoon elevated his arms in the air, not expecting this disrespect as Seokjin laughed it off.

“I’ll let you know about it now. You can’t really stop him when he is all excited.” Seokjin looked up at the clock in his office, smiling to himself. “Are you hungry? Do you want breakfast?”

“You know I’m always down for it.”

Somehow, despite the deadline to solve this mystery, Seokjin felt full again. Like the thing he has been lacking for weeks, was back. And that was what scared him the most.

 

Namjoon finally got updated with the situation of the plan that day and, throughout the whole week, he helped as much as he could. He showed himself thankful to Seokjin for acknowledging the help of Yoongi and Hoseok in the shadows, since they would have probably been stuck in the same way they were found in the beginning. Although they couldn’t see each other, Seokjin saw through the sparks in his eyes as they talked to each other once they got some time alone, that he really missed his team. He chuckled to himself, thinking that they were truly a family. The three musketeers that helped the defenseless in their own outlaw way.

Usually, criminals have no mercy. Some do what they do for survival, some do out of revenge or some have really lost all types of empathy and have become real psychopaths in this world. It didn’t go in only one way: cops and policemen would easily be corrupted by the search of power and their arrogance taking control of it. Yet, Namjoon was more human than many of the people Seokjin have encountered. Which was why, the side mission of trying to get his DNA was becoming harder with each day that passed.

Jimin hasn’t found anything yet on the older paperworks from five years ago, around the time the police started to chase Bangtan. Taehyung, on the other hand, has been busy with other cases, which made Jungkook and Seokjin to find their own way to get Namjoon’s DNA. But either the Inspector or the Detective could get away from him during the whole week and bring anything to Taehyung’s morgue would raise suspicions. They were getting into the eye of the storm, but their guilt was taking over.

The weekend was just around the corner and, with that, the day for Namjoon to finally install himself in his apartment. The elections were almost there as well, their time running out already. But unless they could find out what were the intentions or the whereabouts of Hyeseol and his subordinates, they couldn’t do much. Yoongi and Hoseok promised to contact them as soon as they found a clue. That morning, as the three of them were on Jungkook's computer, Taehyung appeared with four cups of warm coffee from the cafeteria and a bag with baked goods. He winked an eye to his friend before placing it on the desk.

“Guess who has a free weekend since he finished all his cases!” he said, celebrating with the tone of his voice. “Thought I could invite you all to something!”

“Ow, thanks Taehyung-ah!” Namjoon said as he casually grabbed one of the cups and the food, unaware of the glances the friends shared with each other. He started with the food, however, where they were really aiming for the cup of coffee. “A way to celebrate I’m moving with Seokjin’s too!”

“You make it sound like you’re not going to be under the supervision of a cop all the time.” Jungkook pointed out while taking his bunny shaped pastry with a sneaky smile. Namjoon shrugged as he swallowed down his bite of food.

“Is it really a punishment to move in with the person that has stolen your heart after five years?” his eyelashes fluttered while looking up to Seokjin, who was digging his chocolate croissant in his coffee. He was holding his laughter, something that passed inadvertently to any of them. “You’re smiling! At one of my comments? Who are you and what have you done to my detective??”

“Is this one of Hyeseol’s tricks?! Quick, Jungkook, disarmed him in case he’s trying to spy on us!” Taehyung joined the game, pointing at his friend while Seokjin’s ears turned pink while Jungkook was trying to inspect any possible murder weapon or any suspicious object in his body. 

The four of them ended up laughing out loud, to the point tears appeared at the corner of their eyes. Only when Namjoon’s and Seokjin’s eyes met after all the mess, both full with care and some type of sweetness they haven’t shared out loud with anyone else, they heard the footsteps of someone coming towards them.

“Guys, you need to see the news!” Jimin’s voice was tired and it showed he clearly has been running from his workplace just to get there. The tone of the ambience changed as the four raised from their seats.

 

“What’s happening?” Seokjin was the first one to ask as they followed Jimin to the lobby, where the televisions with the news were turned on. When they arrived there, they were startled by the amount of people that were paying attention to the monitors, still unsure what was going on. However, when they turned their eyes and ears to it, they didn’t wonder why.

“... It has been a shock for every part of our nation, but one of the possible candidates of the next elections, has been attacked this early morning and is in the hospital right now due to his several injuries. During the attack, not only Kim Jinbum was shot, but also part of our ministers and coordinators of our next elections. It is still unknown the origin of this attacker, but the police didn't discard any type of terrorist…” the journalist spoke, lively.

“What the hell…?” Namjoon whispered for himself, before letting the television keep going with the news.

“On another news, Go Dankyul, second hand of the well-known Han Hyeseol, will be in charge of the preparation of the next elections. His speech from this very morning concerns the political fields, as the approval of this decision seems to have been deliberated in the shadows and it’s not until today, that we have found out the existence of his political intentions. Could this be directly directed with the reappearance of Han from the shadows and the reopening of his empire in the most important district of Seoul? Our reporters and journalists are waiting for the round of questions, so we will keep you updated when…”

They have revised the folders hundreds of times only to confirm that the original plan was being changed from the very first page after the new info was revealed. And, this time, they were back at the beginning, only with one gun pointed behind their backs and the whole country. Deputy Pung moved amongst the people and the crew didn’t need to look at him twice to know an urgent meeting was about to start due to the circumstances.

“If Go is now in charge of the organization of the elections we are screwed.” Pung said, his fingers massaging his forehead. All of them were settled in Seokjin's office, including Taehyung and Jimin. “We literally don’t know what they might be planning at this point if they already control the high charges.”

“What should we do? We also don’t know how many of our cops have already been bought or who were snitches in the first place!” Seokjin’s heart was bumping hard inside his chest, the anxiety flowing through his insides. “Fuck, I bet this is something they have been planning for years. It’s impossible you take that permission for granted in one night…”

“We’re really going to let a bunch of gangsters take over the country just like that?!” Namjoon spoke up, shaking his head at the amount of negativity in the room. “There must be a way to stop them. It’s impossible that half of the precincts have been bought like that!”

“Have you really been living in South Korea for the past ten years, boy?” Deputy Pung raised himself from Seokjin’s chair, chuckling. “We used to be a well-respected country. One where people could walk in the middle of the night around our streets without the fear of being robbed or women being raped by perverts. The criminality raised since the moment mobsters and kkangpae started to take control over some of the most important businesses, one scaling after another. If you really think the police are the same as in the movies or at least as it was a few years ago, I’m afraid you’re wrong, young man.”

“Police are supposed to protect their people. They have a moral code and an oath.” Namjoon frowned, speaking seriously at the condescending tone of the boss. “I know there are policemen out there that are better than a bunch of money and the vanity of their minds!”

“And what do you even know about cops, Mister Criminal?” Pung approached him very closely, his face really close. Seokjin opened up his eyes, not expecting the fire-fueled reaction of his… but either he expected the answer of Namjoon next.

“Even more than you can imagine, sir.” Pung half-closed his eyes as he walked backwards away from him. Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook shared looks as Namjoon half-smirked. “I grew up believing in them and in justice more than you think. And it’s sad to see myself, yes, a criminal, having more faith in your men than yourself.”

Seokjin thought that this was it. That Deputy Pung would discharge him right there and lock him into barriers for the rest of his life, completely forgetting about the deal. Instead, Deputy Pung approached the door, turning towards them before leaving with some last orders.

“Find a way or clue that could lead us to what Hyeseol is planning. We only have a few weeks before the catastrophe happens and I don’t want to see any of us being the shoe cleaners of those bastards, you heard me? Dismiss.” he opened the door and left, leaving the five of them all alone at Seokjin’s office.

“Fuck… what are we gonna do?” Jungkook’s arms and hands were at his nape, concerned as he walked around the room. It took a few seconds before Seokjin would answer that question.

“We need to act fast. Jimin, since some people at your office might know about your relationship with us, try to work from home as much as you can. We don’t want anything bad happening to you and we need you to keep us updated with any news that we can get from Hyeseol movements or any of the families involved here.”

“Got it, hyung,” Jimin nodded. Seokjin knew it would be a lot safer if he could investigate Namjoon's past at his house or, in the worst case, at the station with all of them. Although knowing Jimin, he could see it going to any of the open press being held and get himself into trouble, but they would discuss that later.

“Kook, I think we should focus on trying to find the snitch and the stations that are on our side. Knowing how many forces and how many of us haven’t been bought would already give us a big advantage, so it would be better if we could take it. Tae, we need your help into that as well. And if you can find out as soon as possible how the elector and the ministers are, it would be terrific.”

“Aye, aye!” both of them smiled at him, as Jimin entered the room with the bags with food and the now cold coffee that Taehyung bought, then getting back to eat it as their new source of energy.

“Now, to really find what Hyeseol is planning, I think we need to trust Suga and J-Hope fully this time.” Seokjin said, looking at Namjoon, who just leaned against his desk with his arms crossed. “They might already know about what just happened and I bet they can help us get into the other side and what is happening in the shadows.”

“We’re gonna need to contact them more often to do that.” Namjoon claimed, finally staring at him. “And, for that, I need to ask you permission to—”

“You can talk with them without problem.” Seokjin squeezed Namjoon’s free hand, sending him a little apologetic smile. “But always inside my office so Pung won’t find out about it, okay?”

“You’re the best, you know that?” the big smile Namjoon gave him could only compare to the urge he felt on his shoulders, like he wanted to jump and hug him right there. Instead, he leaned towards the baked goods and the coffees that their friends got back, aiming towards the cup this time.

“I don’t think I really am.” he said, as he finally watched how Namjoon sipped up from his coffee, something shrinking inside of his stomach at the sight due the intentions behind it. “I really don’t.”

 

“We’re here.” Seokjin said, as they opened the door of the apartment. He was the one carrying Namjoon’s luggage, despite being one single suitcase. Namjoon stared at the edges of the entrances, mesmerized by it like he just entered the ballroom of a palace. “It’s a regular apartment, Joon-ah.”

“It’s your apartment and now it is my apartment too. Is our apartment.” he emphasized the word “our” a lot as he closed the door, without losing his good demeanor. Seokjin was already turning on the lights. “Doesn’t that make you a little excited?”

“To start sharing with you the same space for twenty-four hours? It sends shivers down my spine!” by the sarcastic tone of his voice, Namjoon laughed out loud, finally getting his comments in a good way and not in a hurtful one. As Seokjin crossed the hallway towards the living room, Namjoon followed him behind. 

“The space is not the biggest, but it’s enough for one and two guests.” he said, coming towards the room where Namjoon would have his own space from now on. The other peeked by his side to see the clean and picked up room, with towels and fresh bed sheets on the bed. “Well, I use one of the rooms as my office, actually, but this one’s free will be yours.”

“And I thought we were going to share your bed.” his dimples popped as Seokjin sent him a look, only that this time he was actually holding his smile. He pushed him inside with his baggage as the taller one laughed. “Come on! At least tell me which side of the bed you prefer when we will be cuddling!”

“There will be no cuddles and you better get yourself comfortable before I finish with our dinner!” Seokjin demanded, about to get back to the kitchen, but coming back to say a few more things. “The bathroom is the first room when you come back to the hallway and if you’re cold you can regulate the room temperature here. Are you up for some japchae or do you rather something else?”

“Japchae sounds nice. Thanks, Jin.” he smiled at him before the detective closed the door as he sat on the bed for a few more seconds. 

Did it feel weird to have the criminal you have been chasing for years at your house? Yes.

Did it feel as weird as he expected it to be at this point? Surprisingly, not at all.

By the time Namjoon finished with the shower, the noodles were bowling and most of the vegetables had been washed and perfectly cut. Seokjin was focused on the meal, actually feeling like a sense of peace after such a long day at the office. The past few weeks have been nothing but stressful and, yet, with the weekend coming and with now the presence of a “roommate”, it felt like a breeze of fresh air. That was why he didn’t hesitate to play some music and sing on his own, letting away all the negative thoughts as he was trying to make for himself and, now, for Namjoon, a freaking nice first dinner for the two of them.

Namjoon was leaning on the hallway’s wall, listening to Seokjin singing with the melodic and beautiful voice of his. He didn’t know he could sing like that! He was trying to make the less noise as possible. He didn’t want to ruin the moment. He wanted to listen to Seokjin sing for a little more, capturate it like a photograph and a memory he didn’t want to let go. In times like these, he really wished his life could have been different. One where he and Seokjin could have met on better terms. One where he could actually reach from behind his back, hugging him and enjoy a reciprocated love that remained only his in this reality. Sighing, he held a tear as he walked through the hallway. However, he noticed a door that Seokjin didn’t mention and his curiosity hadn't killed him until now, so he opened it gently.

It must be the office Seokjin mentioned before, as he found a desk, a chair and a library with books and boxes with cases. A divan-bed was at one side, but that wasn’t what he wanted to search for. Sneaking wasn’t technically good, but you were questioning a burglar to not search for what his favorite detective had in his workplace?

As he peeked in the walls, he smiled to himself as he recognised Seokjin’s diplomas and a picture of himself graduated from the police academy. A portrait of himself with Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin was on the desk as well, all enjoying a party at his own living room. Similar to the one Namjoon had of him, Yoongi and Hoseok at his room at their hideaway.

Although most of the boxes were labeled with the dates of the cases or with the names of the most important ones, Namjoon felt disappointed since he didn’t find anyone with his own name. At least with a Bangtan one! How could the detective that has been chasing him down for years couldn’t have a record of RM at his own office? What type of detective wouldn’t do that?

Then, he saw a box that wasn't labeled at all. Kept at one corner of the bookcase. He kneeled down, taking it away. His eyes widened when he recognised all the contents of it.

Some dry flowers. Old chocolate boxes. A small teddy bear. Notes. Letters. All signed with his own signature.

These were all the gifts Namjoon had sent to Seokjin over the years.

He have kept them. After all this time, only for himself, most of them.

With his hands shaking, he took the last note he had had the chance to send to him before this chaotic ride of helping the detective he had developed real feelings for. The one he sent him after their encounter at the Louvre, with all those chocolates, all from different patisseries from Paris. It took him some time to select the best ones, but it was worth it. The note was open and he chuckled when he re-read his sappy and, back then, teasingly handwriting.

“For my beloved mon amour and préféré inspecteur: chocolates aren’t as sweet as you and definitely the Mona Lisa can’t hold on to your beauty. But I know you’re about to catch a bad guy soon, so I hope this little gift will cheer you up after my escape. I'm sure one day you will be able to capture me. I wish you good luck, nevertheless.

Your favorite thief, RM.”

Namjoon wanted to cry out loud right there. He was pursuing his lips as a way to not let many noises come out of his mouth and be discovered by Seokjin, who was still immersed in his own music and making their noodles. He kept the note and placed the box where it belonged as he raised up, taking a small shaky breath. 

Maybe he shouldn’t have looked into it, he said to himself. Perhaps he would have been happy without knowing Seokjin didn’t keep any of it. But he thought about him. His determination to find the truth. His intellect and his kindness, his desire to bring justice. His beauty that made Namjoon weak on his knees the first time he saw him. All the times Seokjin fell for his distractions as his friends stole the money and the art.

The way Namjoon could easily bring his ears in a blushy red, just as he loved them. The way Seokjin copycatted his flying kiss after all these years. The way Seokjin put a defensive arm around him when Kang went for him. The way he found out Seokjin waited for him that weekend at the hospital. The way Seokjin hugged him when he got back for the first time in five years of knowing each other.

And now, this… it only confirmed it to him. 

One of his greatest wishes, now turned into a reality.

But it was also the first time he regretted being in love with Kim Seokjin. 

Because being in love with him and being who he was, meant he was going to end up hurting him… just like he promised he wasn’t going to do.

Whether he liked it or not.

 

Living together has been truly a delight and Namjoon felt like he was living in a dream. Enjoying their food and having normal conversations with him was something he had only visualized in his head. Especially, since the sensation felt mutual. Just as Seokjin promised, he kept in contact with Yoongi and Hoseok. And it didn’t take long during that weekend, until his friends called him.

Seokjin had gone to buy some groceries while they were trying to find out who might be the snitch from all the policemen inside the office, Namjoon helping in the way. He got a call from a phone that Seokjin gave to him, which was meant to only be used by him. He picked it up, happily to get to hear his best friends after such a long while. However, as long as at first it was a light-hearted chat, he knew why they had called.

“We were calling you because we have new information about Hyeseol, Namjoon-ah.” Hoseok started to explain, some little noises in the background telling him that they were probably in front of the computers.

“We might even know where he is but, most importantly, what his plan is.” Yoongi said, the click of a mouse confirming Namjoon’s guess as he walked towards the balcony to get some air.

“I’m listening.”

“So, the supposed coup they were planning to do was the lighter plan and now they are taking action to do something worse.” Namjoon’s eyes widened as Hoseok’s voice continued. “From the data underground thieves have told us, Go Dankyul will be just the pawn of the whole operation. While elections are happening, Hyeseol is planning to host the recount of the votes at his building, since he has offered it himself instead of using the Blue House.”

“He must have convinced the ministers and everyone to do so after the assault on the electors… all through Dankyul, of course.” Yoongi continued. “While everyone will be occupied voting, the main characters of the government will be at his tower and… well, we have found records on the black market about orders of around a hundred of explosives that could easily blow up a structure like the one he owns.”

“Shit…” Namjoon sighed, noticing some cold sweat was running on his forehead.

“But that’s not all. The snitch it was supposed to be at Seokjin’s precinct? Well… turns out there are more corrupt people inside the police than we thought. And they are planning to take hosts inside the very stations and then outside in the streets.” Namjoon massaged his eyes as Hoseok kept talking. “The kkangpaes are distributed by the districts they control and… and…”

“And what?” Namjoon didn’t intend to sound more worried than he already was, but the long pause made him worry even more. “Then what, guys?!”

“They are going after the high ranks to take their positions, most probably by killing them.” Yoongi’s voice trembled through the phone. “That means, constables, sergeants and — ”

“Inspectors.” Namjoon finished the line, already feeling his eyes watery as he took a deep breath. “Of course.”

“Not only that. From what we have found they said that once they have the police, all the local thieves and the most searched ones, they can choose to join the kknagpaes or they pretty much will have the same fate as the police. No wonder why so many of our contacts are already leaving the country…” Yoongi sighed, resigned from the news. 

“No one is going to be safe. Fuck’s sake…” Namjoon took the phone away from his ear, holding his ire as much as he could. 

This was even worse than he was expecting. The whole situation was starting to become less and less personal and now it was affecting everyone. Especially the ones he loved. But Namjoon knew that this had been deliberated. If Hyeseol would have wanted just to take over the government, he could have done it with just the families of kkangpaes he was associated or friends with. Now, going exclusively after the high charges on the police and local thiefs… 

Namjoon knew he was doing this because of him. His bodyguard of course would have told him about him being alive after all these years. If he would have stayed as a searched criminal, perhaps he wouldn’t have aimed towards the burglars. What could he gain by taking control over them? Only because Bangtan has been pissing them off on their own way for years, he was now catching the ball and throwing it right back at them. 

He should have been more serious about this and keep the people he loved on his back. But no. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, after all.

“Joon? You’re still there?” Hoseok asked, bringing him back to reality.

“You said you knew where the bastard might be. Tell me about that.” Namjoon asked, almost sounding like a demand.

“Well, obviously, as much as he wants to make it look like he’s living in his building, he’s not. Sources say they are already installing the bombs or at least checking where to place them before everything goes berserk.” Yoongi spoke. “It is believed he has been seen with other mobster families in the area of Goyang. Some even have said they have seen him in an old building, but I mean, does it make sense for someone who has all the money he owns to be there?”

“It makes a lot of sense, actually.” Namjoon said, trying to keep his composure due to the new information. “Guys… I guess with everything you told me, that is all, right?” the affirmative sounds through the speaker said it all. “Okay. Listen. After all of this… I’m really considering my actions next.”

“You’re not going to make any nonsense, are you?!”

“I think I’m gonna try to keep Seokjin away from this. I knew this shit was going to be dangerous, but this is more than I could allow him to take. I don’t want him to be involved in this more than he is already… he’s in enough danger now.” he said, his body leaning against the bars of the balcony with the swift wind and the sounds of the city bustling.

“But didn’t your deal consist of that? To help each other on the case?” Hoseok questioned.

“Not when he is a direct target to Hyeseol now. And now you two are as well. Just like I didn’t want it to happen…”

“Wait, Joon, what are you trying to say here? I mean, I get why you would be worried about us, but you’re not the one choosing if we’re going to help you or not. We promised you a long time ago we were going to and, after all this time, you want us to back off?” Yoongi was pissed. Not because of the situation, but because he knew where his leader was going.

“This was all on me. Since Hyeseol knows I’m alive and I’ve been messing around with his friends after all these years… I know why he’s doing all of this and why he is where he is. I was involved in his life more than I should ten years ago and that made me be the criminal I was while losing the people I cared for in the process. And I’m not risking it a second time.”

“Joon… we were the ones who involved ourselves as well onto this. Because we care about you and we want to help you! We might not know Seokjin as much as you do, but I bet he thinks like us since he cares about you too!” Hoseok tried to reassure his friend. However, Namjoon was recognising Seokjin from afar, walking towards the entrance of the building with his bags. “Please — ”

“I love you guys.” that sudden confession stopped the other guys voice. “You are my family and I will always be thankful for that. Couldn’t ask for a better one. I just want to ask you for a last favor, as your leader.”

“Namjoon—!” Yoongi’s and Hoseok’s angered voices were cut off before Namjoon said it:

“Don’t let Seokjin know about it, please. And take care.”

Before the screaming voices of his friends could say anything else, he hung up. A few tears rolled down, thinking it was probably going to be the last time he had listened to the voice of his friends. But his words were true to himself. He wasn’t going to risk any more people’s lives.

“Hey there! Isn’t it chilly outside?” he heard Seokjin’s voice entering the hallway as he cleaned his face with his hands, taking a deep breath as he pulled out his best smile and kept his phone. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” he nodded, coming back inside. The soft smile of Seokjin brought some tranquility to his disturbed heart. “Everything’s fine.”

A quick thought crossed his mind. 

He realized he couldn’t make his new plan work without doing something he has been wanting to do for years.

 

Namjoon was particularly nervous that day. As Seokjin was typing on the computer, he was sitting in front of him. His eyes were lost somewhere in the office, avoiding his look. His arm resting on the back of the chair as his hand was covering his mouth. His leg was twitching and he has changed his sitting position over ten times in the past thirty minutes. Seokjin didn’t need his detective skills to notice it, as his partner has been like this around most of the morning. What he couldn’t tell, however, was the motive of this agitation.

Sure, there were a few days left before the elections, but either Suga or J-Hope have contacted them. At least, that Seokjin knew. Jungkook and him now have a list of possible people that could be the snitch and the amount of corrupted police stations were getting worrisome. As for Taehyung and the DNA test, he hasn’t had the results yet, still searching for a possible match with anyone they could have records of. Jimin was still immersed in different paperworks and news that happened ten years ago and before that, still on a dead end street. But if they didn’t find any records of him the first time he got in there, would their friend make any difference? Yeah, he had to trust them on that.

Still, Seokjin couldn’t find any reason why Namjoon would be this anxious in the morning. When Jungkook came back from lunch with the younger colleagues, however, he seemed more at ease. Was it that he was expecting Jungkook to come back from his journey? Maybe he was worried about him with all the things going on? Either way, he was planning to ask him once they got home, when they could speak informally and in more comfort. Just like he got his wish, the shift ended and it was time to get home as the night sheet covered the skies.

“I think I’ve never seen Seoul’s sky so clean, have you?” Namjoon said, as they walked out of the office. Seokjin was just finishing putting on his trench coat when he noticed the stars gleaming and the crescent moon shining above their heads.

“No, I haven’t.” he smiled back at him, noticing, again, something twitching on Namjoon’s face. “Hey, is there something wrong? I noticed you were a little bit on your mind today.” 

“What?” he chuckled, looking at him and avoiding his eyes once again. “Well…”

“Did J-Hope and Suga get you updated?” he raised an eyebrow as he kept walking, trying to read Namjoon’s face. “Or, were they planning to call you tonight?”

“Yeah, that's it.” he scratched his nape as they entered Seokjin’s car. “They told me they were going to call me today and I thought it was going to be in the middle of the office, but turns out they probably meant once we got back to the apartment. Maybe we should hurry then, don’t wanna make them wait a lot!”

“Oh, sure.” Seokjin said as the engines started roaring. “Don’t worry, we’ll be there in a minute.”

Seokjin didn’t tell him he knew he was lying. But, whatever Namjoon was hiding from him, he guessed he didn’t want to say it close to the precinct. So he let it go as he drove by, as safely fast as he could.

When they got into the building, Namjoon was the one who got his keys, which didn’t bother Seokjin at this point since he has stolen them right in front of his eyes many times by now. Nevertheless, the way he quickly entered the flat seemed out of ordinary, but Seokjin followed. There was a voice inside of his head saying to not trust any single bit of it, one that he had muffled weeks ago. But it couldn’t be correct, right? What could he possibly make to earn back his distrust after all this time? As the warmth of the house welcomed him, he got off his coat and put it on the rack, Namjoon already inside, somewhere.

“Hey, Seokjin, you should check this out!” he heard him call from the living room. This time, he smiled to himself, unable to hold it for much longer.

“Okay, Namjoon. I know you have been acting weird the whole day and I know you were faking it when you told me it was because of your friends.” he started walking through the hallway. “So, now that we are home, and it’s just the two of us, could you please, tell me what—!”

He was hushed by the emotion and shock of the scene. In front of him, his living room table was set with his party plates and lighted candles. In the middle of the table, a bouquet of flowers inflated the room with its aroma, as well as the one of something cooking inside of the oven in the kitchen. Not only that, but notes were everywhere. And not any kind of notes, but the notes Namjoon has written for him over time and the ones he had kept for himself in his office. Somewhere at the coffee table, others on the library and close to the TV, some others were hung in the air by thin threads... but all of them were there. 

And, with that, Namjoon in front of him, his hands behind his back. And those dimples. But not in the typical teasing smile he would send to him. This one was the sweetest one Seokjin has seen on him.

“ Namjoon… ” he walked through it all, approaching him, staring at him as the dim lights illuminated everything. “What-What’s this?”

“Something I have always wanted to do for a very, very , long time, Inspector.” he searched for his hands, kissing one of them, some memories from past encounters striking back. “Allow me?”

Namjoon led him towards his seat, Seokjin taking it with a little doubt, but doing it either way. Namjoon walked through the kitchen and took something out of the oven as he started to bring different plates onto the table. Seokjin was actually shocked to see so much food there. One thing he found out living with him, was that this criminal was terrible at cooking and, yet, how all this food was mostly done if they just got home?

“Who helped you with the feast?” he said, once every one of each plate was settled on the table and Namjoon sat in front of him. He started to notice some ambient music in the background as well.

“Your friends.” Seokjin's eyes popped. Of course, who else would have helped him with it? “Jungkook was the only one at first, but then Taehyung and Jimin joined him and… well, they were more than excited to help me with it. They just left a few minutes ago, only that Jungkook was in charge of the decorations and that’s why he skipped lunch with us. Hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all but…” Seokjin shook his head and laughed for himself, not believing what was happening. “Kim Namjoon, is this a date ?”

“You are correct, my beloved detective.” he winked at him. Seokjin truly didn’t know what to say, especially when the one whose ears and cheeks were already blushing were Namjoon’s and not his. He searched for the bottle of wine and started pouring it in the flutes. 

“I know what you’re going to say. Criminals and cops can’t date, we are on different sides of the law… but I think that, after all these years chasing after each other and after recent events… we should forget about what the law says and enjoy this time for just the two of us. Because I think we deserve it, both of our hearts do.” he took his glass and raised it, expectant. “What do you think?”

“I think…” Seokjin took the glass, as he looked all over the room. The voice that talked inside his mind has disappeared and, by now, the new one was telling him to go ahead. “That I agree, Mister Criminal. ”

They clinked their glasses, settling the start of the evening.

It happened so fast, yet it was so fulfilling. Pointing out most of the dishes were inspired by all the places they have met, was the cherry on top. For once, they talked about a little bit of everything. They avoided most direct past-related questions, as it was a way to respect each other at this point. But it truly felt like a date, one they both enjoyed way too much, since the most similar things were the distractions Namjoon would make him fall by on his heists. But there was no lie behind all of this. They were themselves in front of each other, and they couldn’t tell if it was the effects of the wine or the cider with the dessert, but the sparks between them were a firework show with the detective badge and the thief mask being left behind. They kinda wished it had been like this all the time.

When they were done with the food, Namjoon stood up and asked for Seokjin’s hand, turning the volume a little higher. Seokjin caught his hand with his, as his fingers found his shoulder and Namjoon’s free hand found the curve of his waist. They started to move slowly, balancing each other with the sound of the music. Then, Namjoon made Seokjin turn on his own feet, Seokjin doing the same as the music got more cheerful. They found themselves doing what their bodies asked for, ending up laughing out loud and hugging each other again into the slow-mo dance they were in at first. Their foreheads interlocked, now closer than ever.

“I think we haven’t danced like this since the New York incident.” Seokjin pointed out. “Probably our most romantic encounter until the date.”

“More than this?” Namjoon questioned. His eyes, this time, not leaving his as Seokjin chuckled, his ears starting to turn pink.

“Definitely not. Also, I should arrest you for peeking on my stuff.” with his eyes he signaled all the notes they were dancing around. As if the smell of the vanilla candles and the roses weren’t enough. “I’m guessing there is no secret note for this marvelous gift, isn’t it?”

“ Actually… ” he teased, Seokjin holding his laughter.

“No way.”

“It’s left on your bedside table. But, please, open it later. Right now I don’t wanna keep my arms away from you.” he pulled him closer, which only increased the red of his ears. “Much better. Have I ever told you I have always loved your blushed ears?”

 “Oh, do tell.” he smiled. “You love teasing me way too much about it…”

Namjoon’s hand pulled one of his locks behind his ears, letting the skin be seen. Seokjin’s spine got shivers by the way the hand also caressed part of his jawline and the closeness of their faces has just become shorter. The song playing was slower and they stopped balancing to the sides a long time ago. Namjoon’s hands were now on his cheeks, admiring the beauty of his face, mesmerized as if he was some type of art. Seokjin couldn't believe someone was looking at him like that. Or, actually, he could. His heart couldn’t take that the person he has always wanted to look at him like this was real, despite what the world would say.

His eyes met and, with that, they took deep breaths before leaning in, slowly. Seokjin already got his eyes closed when he spoke.

“We shouldn’t do this. W-We can’t… ” he felt how shaky it was his breath, his heart hammering against his chest. Namjoon stopped his movement as they both opened their eyes, a tear falling down Seokjin’s as he shook his head. “We are a detective and a wanted criminal, we—”

“ Please, Jinnie. ” he was pleading and his eyes were as watery as his. With the sound of his nickname, something broke inside of Seokjin’s. “We are not Inspector Kim or thief RM . Let us just be Kim Seokjin and Kim Namjoon . Just for this night. Please .”

That was all Seokjin needed to lock his hands behind Namjoon’s head and pull him as they sealed their lips on a kiss. Their long-awaited first one. And the first one of many that night.

Once they got back for the air, they came after another. And another. And another one. Namjoon pulled him by his waist, attracting him as he was savoring every bit of it, fearful that it was going to end at any minute. Seokjin was way too occupied trying to hold onto every bit of skin he could from the beginning and the end of Namjoon’s torso, that he didn’t feel how his back hit the wall. They have become addicted to the softness of each other’s lips and their taste. Their urge of having something both of them have desired for such a long time was making them mad, pulling by their teeth and tongues searching for every last bite they could take.

But they knew that going forward would make things even more complicated. This could take Seokjin’s career down. And Namjoon was aware that this was all he needed to be a little more happier. Both their feelings were confirmed reciprocated by all of this and that’s all he could ever ask for. So, they stopped, taking in their breathy shakes and how sweaty their bodies were already. When Seokjin was about to pull in again, Namjoon locked their foreheads.

“As much as I’m fighting to make love mercilessly with you right now, I don’t want to get you in more trouble than we already are.” he confessed, about to let it go. But he was taken aback when Seokjin held his forearm and caressed his cheek, right where one of the dimples was hiding.

“ Don’t fight it. Please, Joonie . It’s just the two of us for one night, remember?” he smiled at him, his lips now blushy red and no sign of them on his ears, fully confident and with no regrets in his words.

Namjoon remembered why he fell in love with him to even begin with. So he pulled in, kissing him passionately one more time. He bited his lower lip as Seokjin elevated his leg around his waist, both losing their minds already by the touch. They got into one last make out session before they went to Seokjin’s bed, letting their instincts, lust, urge and deepest desires take control of their bodies and minds. It was just for this defiant and eager night.

The last pleasant one Namjoon would allow for himself and the one he wanted to give Seokjin before breaking his promise.

 

The next morning, Seokjin stretched himself around the big size of his bed when he woke up. Part of his muscles were already sore due the actions that happened a few hours ago, but he didn’t mind them. The memories of the kisses, sensations and pleasure painting every cell of his body made him bliss, a stronger feeling than the possible ache of the next days. But when he turned around and saw the left side of his bed empty, he frowned. Not because that was the usual sight he would get, but because Namjoon was nowhere to be found. He assumed he must have woken up early, so he searched for his pants and got outside.

As much as he searched around his apartment, there was no sight of him. He wasn’t even showering or making breakfast—although, why was he expecting Namjoon to do that? They weren’t a thing after all, right?—. However, all his belongings were in his bedroom, even the phone he gave him to contact his friends. Searching for his own phone as he started to make his meal, he texted him, asking him where he was. He still got like an hour and a half before their job shift would start. Was it possible that Namjoon went to some pick-up breakfast? Was Namjoon that type of boyfr —?

When Seokjin was finishing with the toast and egg, he got a text from Namjoon, his anxiety leaving his body as he felt he could breathe again.

“I had to meet up with Suga and J-Hope early in the morning so people wouldn’t catch us. Don’t worry about me. When you get to the office, I’ll probably be there already. Hope I haven’t hurted you a lot, Inspector.”

He didn’t abandon him right after they made love. He didn’t do all of this just so he could get a policeman under his own sheets. Good, that was a good feeling. Even better once he finished his meal, freshened up and went straight to the station with a smile on his face that even some of his colleagues found amusing.

Yet, when he approached his office level, the door of his office was closed and there was no sign of Namjoon everywhere. Jungkook was already at this desk, fully awake unlike some other policemen that were still trying to wake up with their caffeine. Seokjin walked towards him, feeling something wasn’t right. 

“Morning, hyung.” Jungkook saluted as Seokjin stopped in front of him. The arched eyebrow but the knowing smile he sent him said it all. “I see you are very happy today…” his bunny smile kept growing. Oh, right. He forgot he helped Namjoon with everything after all. “So, how did it go?” 

“Can we not talk about that right now? Right here?” he was starting to feel his ears and cheeks blushed as he sat down. It was not the place and he wasn’t so sure if he could tell he did that with Namjoon. After all, by the public eye, he was still considered a criminal.

“Okay, but you can’t give that type of information to any of your best friends!” the little one demanded, making Seokjin roll his eyes as his friend kept laughing at how flustered he was getting by just the mention of the event. “I do guess by something red what things happened, but—”

“Jungkook!” he punched him lightly in the arm, but his friend kept laughing.

“Okay, okay, not here, message clear!” he said, caressing where his hyung hit. Then, he looked at the sides of Seokjin. “Did Namjoon get left behind or did he go to buy you some morning fresh roses?” Jungkook asked without losing his humor. That’s when Seokjin’s heart skipped a beat.

“Wait, what do you mean? I thought he was already here with all of you.”

“What? Hyung, I was pretty much one of the first people to arrive here today. Even the boss saw me as he opened the precinct. Believe me, if I saw Namjoon, he would be by my side already.” Jungkook’s concern grew as Seokjin raised from his seat, pale face and widened eyes. “Seokjin, what’s wrong?”

“I-I think I gotta go—”

“HYUNG! HYUNG!” a pair of voices entered the floor as the elevator opened, two figures both detectives recognised immediately and way too startled to not unnoticed them.

Both Jungkook and Seokjin were dragged down into the office faster than they could even comprehend. Right when the two of them were grasping what was truly happening, they saw the faces of Jimin and Taehyung and the devices both of them got in their hands. Jimin closed the door with the key and they made them sit.

“Hyung, we got news. And they are big ones.” Jimin explained as he turned back towards them. Jungkook was already leaning against the desk and Seokjin had to do the same, his arms crossed. He was trying to hold his concern about Namjoon’s whereabouts, but… “It’s about Namjoon. We think we have finally found who he is.”

“Really?!” Jungkook was the one talking, between excited and curious about it. Seokjin seemed to have his mind somewhere else, although he was clearly listening. “Spit it out then!”

“Well, I think I’ll start first.” Jimin came closer to the desk, sitting on the chair and opened up his folder with a bunch of different news from newspapers from years ago. “My research about Namjoon took some time, but I found something even deeper than we thought. I thought that what we should start doing first, was to find the connections between Namjoon and Hyeseol. The first ever article we have about Hyeseol, is one that happened almost twenty years ago, as one of the first new images of the kkangpaes at Seoul. Then, we have this one fifteen years ago, right where he established his building and started his empire in the heart of the city. And this one, is the first news we have of Namjoon as a thief, which happened seven years ago, The Heist of Ilsan . My guess was that, in the rank of those eight years, I should have the evidence I need to see a correlation between the two.”

“The thing is, Namjoon said something the other day that caught my eye.” Jimin continued, this time looking at his friends instead of the pictures. “He told to Deputy Pung that he knew more about cops than we might believe. Isn’t that something strange for a criminal to say? And for someone who solves cases that well…”

“... Chances are high that he must have had relationships with the police before he became a criminal.” Jungkook continued, setting the first puzzle piece missing.

“Exactly. Which made me search even more and, turns out, Hyeseol was born at Ilsan and it was the sector where he started his mobster’s business. And, where did Namjoon start his career as a thief alongside his friends? Ilsan.” he tapped on the pictures. “And I don’t think they chose those places out of nowhere. You can’t start a heist and do it so well unless you know the area like the back of your hand. That led me to start searching for cases at the Ilsan’s precincts or those important ones that happened around those years.” he passed the next page, this one with a lot more pictures and news.

“Namjoon said he knew Hyeseol well, like he had met him before. But there are no records of him being a thief before seven years ago and there are no records of him stealing at Ilsan in the first place when he was a teenager. However, you told us that the bodyguard you and Namjoon fought at Busan told him that he was going to tell Hyeseol that he was still alive. Why would Hyeseol be after a teenager boy? The time Hyeseol disappeared from the scene was ten years ago like the newspapers said and Bangtan hasn’t even made it.”

“Where are you taking us, Jimin?” Seokjin finally said, actually trying to see the connections with all of these sketches.

“Back to what we said about him having connections with a cop, I tried to search anyone on the different Ilsan’s precincts that could resemble him on the records, any type of relative. But I couldn’t find anything… until I stumbled with this.” he turned the page. There was two different news: one was about the entire new police stations of a particular district of the city, meanwhile the other one was about a particular guy. The first one was from seventeen years ago, while the second one was fifteen years old. They quickly found the guy in the first picture after staring at it for a few seconds.

“This guy is Kim Seongjun, a detective from the Ilsan’s district. Which, oddly enough, the police records don’t have any of him, despite serving for us over more than seventeen years.” Jimin explained, which made the two detectives shiver.

“Wait , what?! How could we not have any records of a police officer just like that?” Jungkook spoke up, actually confused.

“Because it was destroyed.” Taehyung followed, moving his tablet between his hands. “There are no records of him in the police and either on the civil registry. But we know that not anyone can erase a person just like that.” he signaled the picture of the man, Seokjin staring at it for a bit longer. “Maybe the resemblance is not that strong, but I would bet that Seongjun was Namjoon’s dad. And, well… I can confirm it since the DNA found a match with a not so distant relative of his.” he showed the DNA test result through the screen, which made both Jungkook and Seokjin open up his eyes. He was right.

“... Hyeseol did it. Hyeseol erased his dad from our records and as well as his close relatives? But, why?” Seokjin concluded quickly.

“Hyung…” this time it was Jungkook the one who started talking, like he was already connecting the pieces. “What if what Hyeseol has been planning wasn’t something that he started this year? I mean… Namjoon knew him too well already . He dedicated his entire life to stealing from mobsters' families and corrupted people, no locals or minor heists. Not every burglar makes that type of risky choice unless there is some great motive behind it.”

“I asked my forensic colleagues at Ilsan if they could allow me access to any cold case that happened ten years ago, with the name of Kim Seongjun on it. You know, since it seems the cops might be corrupted there, you can always trust the forensics.” Taehyung continued, as Jimin showed the printed pictures they kept finding with what they were telling now. “The only thing they could find, was the first and last page of a cold case and a few notes left behind in an old desk. The cold open was censored everywhere and we all know no one does that. The only thing my friends could get thanks to the notes was that the main object of the case was to investigate Han Hyeseol and that the person was suspecting he was planning a possible coup over Seoul. The last page indicated that Kim Seongjun mysteriously disappeared and since Hyeseol did as well without any evidence that could prove Seongjun evidence, they left the case behind.”

“So… that means…” Jungkook started, but Seokjin finished the sentence.

“Namjoon’s dad was a detective who suspected Hyeseol's intentions from the beginning. When he started to investigate him, Hyeseol found out and killed him, erasing any sign of his existence as well as his closest relatives.” Seokjin said, but there was something that didn’t fit yet. “But I don’t get it… if all of that happened, why Namjoon didn’t run to the police? Why did he choose to follow a criminal path?”

“Because Hyeseol threatened to kill him and his family if he ever told it to the police.”

The new raspy voice made the four of them look around the whole room, scared that the snitch might have been listening to them this whole time. However, Seokjin recognised the voice as he quickly made space in the middle of the room and two figures dropped from the vent that was above their heads, falling to the floor and raising themselves up. One was shorter and with a more serious face, while the taller one had heart-shaped lips on his smile. J-Hope and Suga, the other two fundamental pieces of Bangtan.

“WHAT?!” Jungkook, Jimin and Taehyung were speechless at the presence of the two criminals, Seokjin seemingly the only one who kept calm by it.

“What are you two doing here? If anyone besides us finds out you’re inside a police station you’re killed men!” Seokjin spoke up, but neither of the thieves seemed unbothered.

“We know Namjoon told us to not tell you but he is in trouble. And we need help to save him.” J-Hope was the first one to talk, his pleading and worrisome eyes making the other three a little more collected.

“What do you mean he’s in trouble? He’s not even with you two?” Seokjin 's panic was back.

“A week ago, we found out where Hyeseol has been hiding and what is his actual plan.” Yoongi explained. “He didn’t allow us to contact you since he turned off the phone you gave him for us. And since we know him too well, we knew he was going on a dead mission and this time we had to interfere.”

“But where is he? What is Hyeseol planning?” Jungkook asked, approaching them as he tried to defend Taehyung and Jimin, since they were pretty much the civilians in there.

“Hyeseol is going after the precincts and each of the families are planning to take down any of the high charges to take their position. That includes you, Seokjin-ah.” Yoongi continued, not caring if the Inspector’s face got pale. “He is also planning to celebrate the election day with all of the government’s people inside his building and then make it blow off as he pretty much will take control over the city while also chasing criminals like us.”

“We told him that our contacts have seen Hyeseol back at Goyang.” J-Hope turned towards Seokjin, while his hand was around his chest. “We haven’t heard from him for a week and knowing him he must have gone after him solo without telling anyone else!”

“Do you have the exact place where Hyeseol is hiding?” Jungkook kept asking.

Seokjin’s engines inside his brain started to work.

“Ilsan is on Goyang. And Namjoon originated from Ilsan…” Seokjin started speaking. “Jimin, in the first newspaper. Did they say where Hyeseol originated?”

“Wait, let me check-” Jimin did as he was told, reading it. “It said he’s from… Goyang .”

“But he can’t be anywhere, right? It would take us hours before we could find them! We don’t have much time before something worse might happen to him!” Taehyung was stressing himself out with the whole situation.

“We actually do know where they are.” Seokjin made everyone turn towards him, his heart pounding hard against his chest. “If any of us needed to find a place to hide, where would we go?”

Namjoon looked up at the building in front of him. The place was a mixture of modernity and classic Korean, clearly abandoned years ago. He took a deep breath as he stepped inside, with a clear thought in mind.

“To our old home.”

Revenge was a dish best served cold.

Notes:

well.... i do hope to know what do you think of Namjoon and Seokjin's moment and how do you think this is all going to end for our beloved thief and detective. Let me know in the comments!!!! ;)

Remember that comments and kudos always are appreciated and i would love to heart about them. Here you have my twitter if you just want to follow me there. Let me know what you think of this story please, have a great week ahead, a happy christmas and happy birthday to Taetae in advance! Love all of you!♥

Chapter 6

Notes:

hello everyone!! :)

sorry for the delay of this chapter. between the festivities, my dog going through a surgery (she's fine!), family also in the hospital, me going to travel with my bestie, it has been complicated. but, after such a long wait (the longest one if you compared the last chapters i published in between two weeks more less lol), it's finally here, the ending of Steal My Heart! I swear I'm not crying!!
gotta say, I have had this idea for a long while. I have been wanting to write Namjoon and Seokjin as a burglar and a detective for a long while, for around 2-3 years ago. all bc i grew up with Sly Cooper videogames and I have always liked detective stories haha. and, here we are, finishing and making my idea a reality.

i will end this chapter with more gratitude at the end of the notes but... for now. please, enjoy the last chapter of this little adventure. and I really hope all of you have enjoyed this journey and that Inspector Kim and Thief RM story will remain in your memories for a while at least. please, enjoy the chapter and thank you so much for all the support on this story. i am always thankful for every last bit of it <3

Some walls hold more memories than a human mind can be capable of. From the moment he recognised the high windows and the dust from some of the furniture, he knew he was getting himself into a memory lane. Gladly enough, it was going to take too long until he left it all behind and he would start the empire he had been planning to build years ago. Everything was going according to the plan. So, when his security cameras caught sight of the ghost of a young kid at his doors, Hyeseol just chuckled and raised from his chair. The final firework show needed the last finishing touches before he could blow it all up.

Namjoon kicked the main doors without remorse. He had memorized the blueprints of the old house days ago, suspecting where Hyeseol had everything: his explosives, the documents with everything he had ordered, the records of how he built his own mobster business filled with corruption and what were the real plans of Project Bukhansan. He should have suspected what the plan was right from the name: Hyeseol had always told the press that his tower was high enough it could almost reach the highest mountain of Seoul, Bukhansan. 

But he had enough for him after years of planning his scheme to finally bring him down. Even if he had to go through all of it while failing his father’s code, what he grew up believing in and what he had to leave behind… or else, he and his beloved ones would lose their lives. The person he loved the most risked his own life for him and for this country. And so he was going to do the same.

He arrived at the main room, where his instincts told him he was being surrounded. As his slowled steps made a light noise against the floor, his eyes were scanning the room. The figures of mobsters started to appear on different points of it, but he continued towards the end of the room, where a big chair was crowning the room. Soon, Hyeseol came from one of the open doors in the shadows, his hands on the back as two bodyguards followed him behind. Namjoon stopped his march, frowning and his gaze not leaving Hyeseol. The damn bastard had the guts to smile at him as he reached the chair, but he never sat on it.

“It’s been ten years since I last saw you, Namjoon. Do you really think that coming to my house armed is a good way to meet an old acquaintance?” he smirked, making a signal with his hands to make the bodyguards leave.

“You really think I’m still the same fourteen year old you threatened to kill back then?” Namjoon was the one who laughed out loud this time: dry and short. “It’s not good to keep living in the past, you know that?”

“Of course you’re not. You have built your own profession, pretty much the opposite of what I think you wanted to. Following your dad's steps, right?” Namjoon remained serious as Hyeseol started to walk around the room. “I’m not even sorry for crushing that dream of yours. Gotta say, the thief mask suits you pretty well. Maybe, we could say, I am the reason who made you the person you are today?”

Namjoon thought of that day. Where he found his father’s body covered in blood and Hyeseol with his gun expelling smoke from the recent shoot. The tears and screams that left his body: out of ire, desperation and for help. The look Hyeseol sent to him and the words that broke all his hopes of becoming a great detective as his father were gone just like that.

“You threatened to kill me right there if I ran back to the police. To kill my mother, sister and all my loved ones as well if I ever dare to tell anyone.” something hurted in his stomach as he said the next words, trying to contain himself. “You killed them anyway and left me to be an orphan before they could catch me, making me live on the streets for years with no one else to lean on.”

“I gotta say, I killed your mother and sister because they didn’t believe your father disappeared just like that. If they had remained silent like you did out of fear, maybe things would have turned out different for you, uh? But I guess being a meddler runs in the family.”

“He was doing his job!” Namjoon called out loud, anger starting to run through his vessels. “You killed him before he could do anything else, forcing you to stay in the shadows for years! So I guess his plan to stop you, worked one way or another!”

“And you had the audacity to come after me after all these years?” he chuckled to himself. “Look at you, Namjoon. I really thought you would have been dead for a long while. I never thought the streets were going to be kind to you. But what really surprised me, was that you were going to end up being the burglar you are. Steal with the team you have to the mobsters and families that have been taking control over the country for years, as a way of revenge towards us while getting yourself a plate of food to eat.” 

“If you could have given me more time, maybe I could have talked it out with my friends.” he stepped closer towards Namjoon, whose eyes were half-lidded now. “Maybe I could have convinced them to let you join us. Bangtan is a team you want at your side with all the capacities and intellect you all possess. I bet many of them would have disagreed, but one has to take all the good cards he can. But, then again, you interfered with my plans earlier than expected.” 

“Believe me. Your worst mistake was to let me live, thinking that I wasn’t going to come after you after years of stealing from all the corrupted people out there.” Namjoon started to smile to himself. “Perhaps I couldn’t bring justice like my father wanted me to, but I did it my way the best I could. And I’m not leaving here without bringing justice for one last time.”

“Is that a threat, RM-shi?” he mocked, replicating his smile.

“Is a sentence , Hyeseol.” Namjoon took a step closer, determination in his eyes. “And I don’t care if I die in the end as long as I can stop you again.”

“You have guts, kid. What a shame someone of your potential is about to get wasted.”

“Bring it on. ”

 

They took the cars faster than any other cases they have involved themselves into. Jungkook was the one driving this time as Seokjin’s hands were trembling too much out of nerves to even take the wheel. The idea of Taehyung and Jimin coming at the back wasn’t something he enjoyed too much, but they insisted on coming. In the case of J-Hope and Suga, they took the van they have come with all this time on their robberies, following them from behind. They talked through some earpieces the burglars gave to them to keep in contact. They drove through the bridges and towns on their way to Ilsan. Seokjin’s heart was beating fast when they recognised the district.

“Do you think we are already too late?!” Jimin asked, grabbing himself onto Taehyung as they turned to the right. The seat belt was tight enough to not throw them as they were pulled at one side.

“Namjoon-hyung wouldn’t be such a fool to let himself be taken away just like that!” Jungkook answered for him, using the blue and red alarms as a way to make themselves drive faster and with priority through the traffic.

“We would like to think that as well, but it’s not the first time he has tried to get himself into a suicide mission!” they heard Suga through the earpiece. “ No offense! ”

“But what is he planning to do getting himself into a mobster’s house? Is he planning to go all Tony Montana here?” Taehyung asked, recognising a soft chuckle from the earpiece.

“No, but he probably is going after Hyeseol directly. Knowing him he might take it as a challenge until he gets tired and uses the brute force of his family.” J-Hope said. “And I would pretty much rather if we arrive before he calls all of our enemies and we find him divided in little pieces at each of their mansions as trophies, please!”

“We are going as fast as we can!” Jungkook said, turning left this time into a shortcut to the suburban area. The van followed them behind, Seokjin turning off the lights to not drive attention when they got there.

“Hyung, do you have a plan?” Jimin squeezed Seokjin’s shoulder, as it’s been a while since the inspector last spoke to them. “ Please , tell me you have a plan.”

However, the detective remained silent, his eyes focused on the road and searching for Hyeseol’s house and any sign of Namjoon there. Seokjin has been through a roller coaster of emotions in a matter of hours. On the night, he just experienced the most romantic love confession, dinner and date of his life, with the person that has stolen his heart after all these years of not wanting to admit it. Not only that, but he kissed him and had sex with him afterwards and after years of sexual tension between the two of them, breaking his moral code for the rest of his life. And now, in the daytime, the person he thought that he could have a possible future with, even if it sounds nuts considering he was still a criminal, turned out to be a better person than he could ever think.  Right now, he was on his way to his death sentence against one of the most dangerous criminals of the country. Being in shock was just the tip of the iceberg.

“There! That’s Hyeseol’s old mansion!” J-Hope called them, Jungkook stopping the car immediately in the area as he knew coming any closer would draw attention to them. They group started to get out as they took a sight of the old house. It really looked abandoned from years ago, which was the perfect place to not raise any suspicion. And Namjoon was right there, venturing into the lion’s den.

“What should we do now?” Taehyung was the first to ask, once the six of them were gathered in a group. Seokjin soon noticed that everyone was staring at him. He was too immersed to search inside of the windows any sign of blood or someone fighting. Shaking his head, he knew that panicking about the life he wanted to save wasn’t going to be the best way to help him.

“Okay… Okay, okay, okay.” taking a deep breath, Seokjin turned towards them, thinking fast. He had a great team all this time and it wasn’t the time to untrust them on the final leap of his most important case. “We need to get Namjoon out of here. Hyeseol won’t allow us to do that and he is right now in a house full with mobsters, cameras and probably all his records and explosives he has ordered to settle his plan. So, that means…”

“We have enough evidence to prove Hyeseol’s plan now that we can prove Namjoon’s past and intentions after all these years. “Jungkook finished. “But we should need a way to take one of his archives and prove those explosives were aimed for the election day.”

“We’re gonna have to infiltrate the mansion.” Suga crossed his arms after stating it as a fact, the scared faces of Jimin and Taehyung clearly proving they weren’t ready to do that. “We have the blueprints of the place and with your help in the van we can track down where his guards and people are. We might also need help to gather a distraction on Hyeseol before he notices everything.”

“We need to call the cops once we know Namjoon is safe.” the widened eyes of Suga and J-Hope speak it all. “I know it’s the last thing you two need, but I want Hyeseol to be in the bars instead of sending Namjoon there because of homicide. And we’re gonna need support if we want him surrounded.”

“I can infiltrate the house with you two.” Jungkook talked directly to J-Hope and Suga. “You’re gonna need some backup and from what hyung has told me, you two are experts on the matter as well as I do, so.”

“We can try to help in the van and contact the police department.” Jimin said. Seokjin nodded, a way to keep the civilians safe and all of them with a way of helping on it. “You three give us a signal while we help you track the guards and we will call the cops once you let us know.”

“And I… I will search for Hyeseol and Namjoon. I’m gonna try to distract them and save him before anything else gets worse. Do you have any device that can record anything? In case Hyeseol says something that can make his sentence—” before he could end his quote, J-Hope quickly handed him a device in his hand, squeezing it.

“Be safe. And please, save our Namjoon. He is like a brother to the two of us.” he said, letting his hand go.

“Don’t worry. I will bring him back alive.” he said it, not like a promise, but more like an oath to himself. 

 

 

Namjoon’s mouth tasted like metal due to the blood in it. The last punch he received from Hyeseol’s fist was the hardest one and this fight had just started. He didn’t know what his fourteen year old version would think of himself right now: fighting his father’s murderer like he had always wished after all those years. His plan wasn’t to kill him, since he wasn’t the type who would do that. But, at least, for now, this was the best way to get his anger away and to organize his head about how he was going to take down the other mobsters.

Surprisingly, none of his thugs have joined the brawl to take the advantage but, instead, they have watched it from afar, respecting the head of the family’s decision. But no matter how many people he would eventually have on his back. No matter how many bones he will break, no matter how many times he would have to stand. He wasn’t going to leave this mansion without finally shutting Hyeseol’s plans down and proving to the world the bastard he has always been.

Hyeseol was cleaning his mouth with blood, rising from the floor, when some footsteps at one of the corridors alarmed the two of them. Although Namjoon didn’t let his guard down, he thought at first it must be some guy coming with some news to the chief. But when his eyes peeked and recognised a brown hair, a trench coat and a gun, his heart skipped a beat.

“SMPA, arms in the air, all of you!” Seokjin had on his other hand his badge as he entered, noticing the guards now had his attention on him as he was approaching the center of the room. When his eyes found Namjoon in there, with blood in his knuckles and partly on his lips, he held a choke. He should have arrived sooner.

“Inspector Kim, what a delightful surprise! I was starting to wonder where the owner of this dog would appear!” Hyeseol mocked as Namjoon seemed in shock that Seokjin was there. Clearly, he wasn’t part of Namjoon’s plan and he was… terrified at his presence?

“You’re not getting your way this time, Hyeseol.” Seokjin kept walking, slowly. He kept his gun in his hand but he couldn’t get Namjoon shot with everyone around them. He needed the cue from his friends that they had started to make enough noise so the others would leave and he could have Hyeseol for himself.  “We have found enough evidence to know your plans on taking the city and, once again, you’re going to fail on it.”

“Is that so? Why don’t you ask him?” he moved his head towards Namjoon. “I think Namjoon here knows pretty well what could happen if you mess with my plans… maybe that’s why he came all alone in the first place, as it clearly seemed he didn’t expect you at all.”

“What are you doing here?” Namjoon asked under his breath, once Seokjin was close enough. Seokjin sent a look to him, wanting to send him all the faith he could.

“Saving your life.” he mimicked his voice, his feet already parallel to Namjoon’s. His eyes focused on Hyeseol again, frowning. “He is still under police custody, so he is still on my side.”

“Don’t make me laugh!” although, he was already laughing and coughing spits of blood at the same time. His smile was more red than white as he swallowed it down. “Inspector, you should know from all the people in the world that you shouldn’t trust a bit of this one right here. What tells you that he isn’t going to take you as a live bait if I order any of my men here to point at you with their guns? Like I'm doing, right now !”

The quote made some of them load their guns, making the policeman and burglar gasp as Namjoon was the first to put a protective arm around Seokjin, even if was the one with a weapon in his hands.

“Oh, I see! You have built some bond after all these weeks working together, uh? Or is there something else I haven’t seen until now?” he wondered to himself, his eyes taking a good view of the two of them.

“Hyung, we have infiltrated the house.” the voice of Jungkook through his earpiece alarmed Seokjin, but he tried his best to keep it cool. Namjoon, who was close enough, arched an eyebrow, noticing the small movement of awareness on him. “We have taken down the guards outside and J-Hope and Suga are about to do the same with the security system. Jimin and Taehyung have already called the center and they're on their way. Give us some minutes, but until now, keep Hyeseol entertained and Namjoon safe.”

“This is just between you and me, Hyeseol.” Namjoon spoke, Seokjin turning towards him in awe at the protective tone of him. “Leave him behind, he has nothing to do with what happened between us years ago.”

“But you were the one who joined the police on purpose right? You were the one who opted to help them investigate me while you work with the person who has been chasing you down for years. You think I don’t know that Jung Hoseok and Min Yoongi are team enough for you to catch me if you want to?” as Seokjin frowned at the mention of those names, Namjoon’s honey skin turned pale as he gulped.

“How-How do you know those names?” he tried to keep his tone firm, but Hyeseol has clearly found a soft spot.

“You thought we didn’t know? Mobsters' families also have their ways to find the important info.” he started to move around them, the shooters still aiming towards their chests. At any minute, they could get killed. Seokjin count around five people above them with weapons doing their job. “Those are J-Hope and Suga’s real names, detective. I guess RM never told you before as a way to protect their identities, but now all of you know.”

“I think I told you that this is just between you and I, didn’t I?!” Namjoon’s tone was clearly irritated, yet, his elevated arm in position to protect Seokjin hasn’t come down.

“You hurted my family, Namjoon. All my friends and colleagues you and your little gang of three stole from years… The least I could do was to track down your own family to pay it back, you get me?” his smile was enough for Namjoon, who was about to jump towards him as well, but the quick grab of Seokjin’s on his leather jacket and the sound of a gun shooting on the floor, very close to their feet, stopped his action. “Bad doggy, bad.”

“How much I’m going to enjoy seeing you in bars after this.” Namjoon held himself, this time Seokjin had the protective arm around him. “How much!”

“Not if you come with me. You think Inspector Kim here is going to take all the charges you and your little gang of three have done over the past seven years? You’re coming down with me and when I’ll find you, that’s when I will finally kill you with my bare hands.” with that information, Seokjin acted like he was keeping his badge back in his pocket when, in reality, he just hit play on the recording device.

“After helping the police on such a case, Namjoon might get a better sentence than you, Hyeseol. But why aim at Namjoon after all these years?” Namjoon frowned at Seokjin’s words, pretty sure that if the detective had come here it was because he found out about the truth. “I’m sure a man with better plans didn’t have time to think about a kid that saw him committing a crime.”

“So you still don’t know, detective?” he chuckled to himself. “His father was the first to investigate me years ago, when I was merely starting to build my empire. Somehow, he found out about my plans so I did what I had to do when my men found out.”

“So you killed Namjoon’s father… and threatened him if he told anyone?” he acted like he was just starting to tie up the loose ends. As much as he could get from Hyeseol and all the crimes he has hidden from the police, the better.

“You’re starting to get it. But, his family started to wonder if his father was actually killed and yadda yadda, I killed the rest of his closest family in the act. This weakling ended up on the streets as a thief out of fear and not having anyone…” Namjoon pulled out a sarcastic smirk at him, eyes blaming on him as Seokjin ones were sympathetic towards him. “I thought he was going to die out of hunger but, instead, he took revenge on my group of friends and families to earn some money and help the defenseless.”

“To ruin the life of a fourteen year old boy like that…” Seokjin shook his head, pointing his gun at Hyeseol as all the shooters pointed at him by the second. Namjoon held a gasp and his hands twitched towards him, like he wanted to pull him back. “That is one of the worst crimes, Mister Han. “

“Careful where you point that, Inspector Kim. I don’t think you want Namjoon to repeat his trauma and—”

The sound of an alarm resonated on the whole mansion, cutting Hyeseol’s speech in half. The people that were pointing at Seokjin and Namjoon glanced at each other, not sure what to do now. As Namjoon stepped a little closer to Seokjin, he gently smiled as his limbs still were aiming at Hyeseol, whose face turned raw and heated.

“What is that?!” he demanded.

“Sir, our men are being taken down and they are stealing inside of the mansion! They have stolen some of the explosives we ordered as well!” one of the men explained. I didn’t help turn the face of their leader less red.

“By whom?!”

“Its… Bangtan Gang , sir.” Namjoon and Hyeseol’s eyes popped, but for different reasons: one out of ire and the other filled with pride. “And they’re doing it fast!”

“Of course they are! Go after them before the police arrive!” he ordered, the five shooters to go into different halls of the mansion, in search of J-Hope and Suga. It seemed that they haven’t found out about Jungkook yet. The smile the younger had on his face vanished at the sight of the piercing eyes of Hyeseol. “Your little gang doesn’t get tired of pissing on other people's plans?”

“But what is exactly your plan here, Hyeseol?” Seokjin kept asking. He needed to record this now that his emotions were taking control of him. “You really thought that copying the plan you had ten years ago was going to be something Namjoon would see coming?”

“Copy the plan? I’ve been re-scheduling this plan for ten years, young man, I would never be that stupid to do the same thing all over again!” he was getting more pissed the more questions were asked to him.

“So you’re actually not taking the city of Seoul? Why such an interest in taking control over the country?” Seokjin genuinely asked. “I thought mobsters only cared about themselves. About living a life where the police would turn away their gazes and you could get away with every crime you would want. Growing up rich and with enough economy to survive into this system and… yet, that didn’t seem enough to content you.”

“Call it what you want. I have no right to have ambition?” he laughed on his breath. “Maybe you will expect a speech about how I want to change the country or the system by doing a coup like I was planning to. That’s not the case. We are all rotten nowadays. Rotten for money, for power, for survival.“ he shook his head. “It didn't matter how many times one would change the system: it’s all the same bullshit all over again. Us mobsters were going to be the only ones with that freedom in our little anarchies… and only then I realized what I wanted to do.”

“If I was going to die in this stinky country, at least I wanted to do above everyone. I wanted to be on the top of the pyramid, with my allies by my side. I am just as bad as any politician inside of my tower, like any cop that works under your supervision or any thief that dares to steal a museum or other corrupted people.” his eyes pierced right through the two of the young men in front of him. “The only difference between me and the rest of the world is that I have the guts to take action and blow the system from the inside for my benefit. Anyone nowadays would do it. Think about the greater good? About other people's lives? The world right now only thinks about themselves and there’s no way you can save an apple that it already stinks. You have to throw it away and get a good apple for yourself. That’s how the food chain works.”

“So your plan is to kill all the politicians in our system? The whole society of South Korea?” Seokjin needed it to be clear and loud.

“The end justifies the means. I had to move earth and sky to reach where I am right now. To convince the bastards controlling the government to trust me through my peers and to get them where I wanted. It’s been ten years since I had to change my plans. To make an omelet, you need to break some eggs, Inspector. And I don’t care if it’s the president, the other candidates, the police or some bunch of burglars.” That line sounded more like a threat than towards them.  “If I have to kill you once you get into my way, I won't hesitate.”

“And, yet, the police have caught you again.” Namjoon teased, his shoulder touching Seokjin’s as he sent him a quick wink. He understood why the last minute interrogation and if one thing Namjoon was good at, was to push the buttons on the right moment. Seokjin knew that in advance… physically and metaphorically, now.

“Have they? What would they say when they found out that you, RM, killed Inspector Kim?” He was the one who started to smirk. “If my sources are correct, if you dare to hurt the detective that is supervising you on your deal, you will pretty much end up in jail, don’t you? What will happen if they find him dead and you have no proof that I was the one who pulled the trigger?”

“What—?” but before they could react, Hyeseol had pulled out his gun, one he didn’t take out when he was fighting with Namjoon, pointing at the two of them. Namjoon thought he didn’t use it out of respect, but he was probably keeping it as his ace up his sleeve. “You wouldn’t do it. You couldn’t prove my fingerprints on your own weapon.”

“Why?” Hyeseol shrugged, his smile still on his features. The alarm of the house kept sounding louder, instead of the distant noise they heard at the beginning. Seokjin was begging for the police to arrive sooner and for his friends to get out of there alive. All of them. “Why, after all these years you have finally come to the police? That is something that is still eating my mind and, yet…”

When his pistol pointed at Seokjin once again, this time, Namjoon didn’t hesitate after Hyeseol’s threat. He stepped in front of him, covering him as a human shield, out of fear that he would actually shoot Seokjin and kill him in the act. Despite Seokjin’s shocked face and Namjoon’s determination, Hyeseol’s smile turned into an out loud laugh.

“Of course! How did I not see it coming?” he took a deep breath as his arms kept shielding Seokjin’s. “Isn’t it a bit of a cliche? Falling in love with the person that has been chasing you down for years?” Namjoon tried to hold it as he felt his cheeks slightly burning. “At least Detective Kim kept his formalities…”

Namjoon turned slightly to look at him, his heart skipping a beat when he noticed it as well. Seokjin’s free hand touched his ears, which were now on an angry pink.

“Oh, come on. ” Hyeseol hissed.

On another occasion, Namjoon would have teased Seokjin. He would have flirted about how, at the end of the day, their feelings were after all reciprocated and it wasn’t just a one night-stand after all these years. Seokjin would have laughed about it this time for being caught and teased him about capturing him for the last time. Instead, Namjoon and Seokjin shared glances, knowing that, despite all of this being recorded for the police -something they would make sure to delete if they can-, they needed to get Hyeseol’s sentence now.

“Perhaps I finally came to the police because I found someone I could trust inside of it. That wasn’t going to see me just as a thief or someone insignificant despite all the crimes I have to do to take my revenge.” Seokjin pursed his lips at his words. Wishing to have found Namjoon and help him some way or another before all this chaos started. 

“I thought of many ways of taking you down. I was the only person who knew about all your dirty rags for years. I do not regret helping all those people while donating all the money you earned in your corrupt ways. I do not regret seeing the faces of your friends tearing apart at my actions. And, after everything that had happened and despite your deadly threat on me years ago…“ he turned towards Seokjin, slightly, a dimple popping on his cheek. Seokjin felt his eyes watery at the sight. “I definitely don’t regret finally coming to justice to catch you once and for all.”

“... And no matter how much time passes.” the sound of the click of the pistol ran their blood cold. “You still have the same weaknesses after all these years.”

It happened fast. Seokjin dropped his weapon on the floor as Hyeseol raised his gun towards Namjoon. Seokjin jumped towards Namjoon and hugged himself to his waist, pulling him down as the bullet ran by their hairs. They fell and rolled into the floor, as more bullets were shot at them, trying to avoid them. Right when they were about to stop rolling and be a clear aim for Hyeseol, they heard another shot coming from above them and the scream of the mobster as some blood painted the floor. Both the detective and thief raised their heads and contemplated the scene. The burglar smiled at the sight of his two best friends up there, one with a gun smoking and the other one with another one aiming at Hyeseol, whose hand was bleeding and one of his fingers were off.

“You messed with the wrong gang, Han Hyeseol!” J-Hope said as the two of them landed on the floor with ease, still pointing at the mobster, who glanced at them with eyes full of ire. “Bangtan always gets in their way to steal the worst ones of your kind!”

Namjoon was rising up from the floor, holding onto Seokjin, when he heard the inspector groaning in pain.

“Jin!” he looked back at him, only to see some blood painting his trench coat. The back of his thigh was bleeding and it was hard for the detective to hold himself into his place. Namjoon lost his breath. Of course they couldn’t have avoided any of the bullets shot at them but he wished it hadn’t hit Seokjin. “Hold onto me, hold onto me!”

“You want to lose the rest of your fingers, Hyeseol?!” Yoongi pointed at him all of the sudden, as they caught him about to get his gun again, even if one of his hands were pretty much useless now. The guy kneeled down as he positioned his arms behind his back.

“I want to cut all of you into little pieces, that’s what I want.” Hyeseol spitted, his eyes glaring at them and then back at Namjoon and Seokjin.

“Come on guys, the police are about to arrive soon.” Hoseok approached Namjoon and Seokjin, only to be half embraced by Namjoon in a hug that cut his speech. J-Hope hugged him quickly, although his surprise could be noticed by his blinking eyes and the awkwardly pat pat he gave to his leader. “Namjoon-ah…”

“I don’t want the police to catch you two as well.” his voice was trembling when Namjoon spoke up. “You should—”

“Shut up.” Yoongi had already approached them and he joined the hug, which made Seokjin to step back and let the three of them have a moment. “We are a team until the very end and we told you you will always have our support. That hasn’t changed.”

“And helping you get the bastard that ruined your life is part of that.” Hoseok said, breaking the hug. “Besides, Seokjin needs our help too to get out of here.”

“Guys, but where is Jungkook?” Seokjin searched around the room, his gun ready in his hand as he was pointing at Hyeseol in case he would dare to aim at them once again. His hand was bubbling in red, he didn’t understand how he wasn’t crying out in pain.

“Right here!” Jungkook came from one of the doors of the hall, pistol in hand and also handcuffs. His face dropped when he saw the river of red on the leg of his superior, but he didn’t hesitate once he spotted Hyeseol about to aim at the group and shot close to the floor he was a threat. More and more blood painted the floor as the guy pretty much had no hands anymore to use against them.  “Not again, asshole!”

“You can’t do this! You really think I’m going to let you all get away with it??” the wounded demanded as Hoseok, Yoongi and Jungkook got their eyes on him. Namjoon was back at helping Seokjin to get out of there, barely being able to walk as more time passed. “You heard me, Namjoon?! I’ll see you at prison and I’ll end you right there!”

“Not on my watch!” Seokjin answered back, turning towards him with no fear. Namjoon blinked at it.  “You’re not going to hurt this man for any more years and damn me if I bleed myself out here if that happens! Your reign is over, Han Hyeseol!” Seokjin held a groan as he finished his sentence, clearly tired and his head feeling dizzy due to the drop in his blood pressure. But he made an oath and a deal. More than ever, he wasn’t going to let Namjoon get out of there without letting him know he had his support. It seemed enough for Hyeseol to close his mouth off. 

“Namjoon, take Seokjin out of here. Taehyung and Jimin just told me we are surrounded by the police so they will attend him. We take care of this bastard so he won’t follow any of you.” Jungkook ordered, Namjoon only nodding at the statement as Seokjin held back to him, walking out of there. Only when they finally left the room behind, they heard the roar of the impotence of Hyeseol, knowing they had won this time.

They have won. It was a feeling Namjoon didn’t think he was going to get when he arrived at the mansion. Now, the person he had hated the most was being surrounded by his two best friends, a cop he adored pretty much and the police corps his father worked for. And he had in his arms the person he has fallen in love with after years. The person who has just defended him and, despite doing his job, after weeks, he had finally earned his trust and saw beyond his thief persona. The same person who was bleeding out due saving his life and about to get into the ambulance. They have enough evidence to put Hyeseol in prison. But that also meant…

“ Joonie ?” Seokjin’s voice called him, making him come back out of his thoughts. The inspector was looking at him with sad eyes but a little smile was in his lips. Those lips he had dreamt so many nights for and the same ones he adored way too much yesterday. Actually, it was never too much. “I just wanted to tell you that—”

Seokjin was hushed by the lips of Namjoon. It was a quick kiss, but one that had meant a lot at the moment. Namjoon didn’t know where he was going to be tomorrow by this time. Where his friends will be sent since they decided to stick at his side this time, despite not being part of the deal. But Seokjin felt the desperation of the kiss as well as the tears rolling down on Namjoon’s cheeks. When they pulled apart, Seokjin was breathless and searched for the dimples of his forbidden loved one.

“Just in case this will be the last time I’m able to kiss you, Inspector .” Namjoon said, heartbroken. However, the caress of Seokjin fingertips made him unable to pull apart.

“It won’t be. I’ll try my best to not make it last. I promise.” he whispered, tears falling from his eyes as well.

When they finally reached the outside of the house, they spotted Deputy Pung in front of one of the police cars. When he saw the leg of Seokjin practically tinted in a burning red he called for medical attendance and ran towards his inspector.

“What the hell happened here?!” he demanded, in a tone that mixed his worry and annoyance with the whole situation.

“We solved the case, Deputy Pung.” Seokjin declared, tired and holding himself to not faint right there due the loss of blood. He glanced for a moment at Namjoon, wanting to get his approval to reveal the truth. “All thanks to Bangtan and our whole team.”

“Did you say Bangtan? The same team of thieves he works for?” he signaled Namjoon, who was still holding Seokjin to not make him fall. “I thought they weren’t part of our deal, Detective.”

“If there wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have caught Han Hyeseol in the first place. They were called in desperate measure and—” he groaned, the pain on his leg burning like fire. Namjoon kept holding him, trying to not show much affection in front of his boss. “Listen. Hyeseol is inside. Jungkook is waiting alongside J-Hope and Suga for our team to finally arrest him. Him, Taehyung and Jimin will provide you with all the evidence we need to bring him to court. But please, I beg you. Don’t fault RM-shi for any of this. He truly has an alibi and I think he—” another groan and shake of his leg made Seokjin rest on his good knee, unable to hold it for much longer.

“We will discuss it later once that bullet is out of your system, Inspector.” Deputy Pung set aside as the medical service arrived with the stretcher. 

Namjoon let go of Seokjin’s embrace delicately, although letting go of him was harder than he could admit. When he stepped towards, willing to accompany him, Deputy Pung stopped his march, shaking his head. It wasn’t like in Busan, where Seokjin was willing to not let him go. But right now, his own supervisor was injured and he couldn’t move around just like that just to see him. Gulping, the thief took a step back, seeing him go and get into the ambulance quickly. His gaze didn’t leave him until the doors were closed, when he met with the eyes of Deputy Pung.

“Who shot him?” it wasn’t a question. It felt like a demand.

“Han Hyeseol.” he said, in command. “The ballistic fingerprints can prove it if you don’t believe me.”

“How did it happen?” Namjoon noticed how the men that J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook have been taking down the minutes they have been distracting Hyeseol. There was no sight of them yet, but he guessed it wasn’t going to take long. There were policemen everywhere and he even overheard the propellers of the helicopters in the distance, coming soon to report the events.

“Mister Han first aimed towards Inspector Kim.” the metallic taste of blood from his mouth has been long gone by now. The sharpness and the way Deputy Pung crossed his arms felt heavy enough to feel like a punch if he said the wrong words. Nevertheless, Namjoon has faced worse before. “I put myself between the two, as a way to protect Inspector Kim. Then, Mister Han aimed and shot at me. Inspector Kim jumped and made us roll to save us both as he kept shooting. One of the bullets impacted on his thigh.” he couldn't help to let out his proud smile. “He was just trying to save my life like the good detective he has always been.”

“Why were you even here in the first place?” Deputy Pung was scanning his face, like he was trying to search for something he could accuse him for. He has clearly not earned his trust and Namjoon couldn’t blame him. Then, the main doors opened and Jungkook and a bunch of other policemen crossed the gardens and were walking towards him. “Why was your real purpose for joining this mission?”

“To avenge my dead father: Inspector Kim Seongjun from the district of Ilsan.” that made the eyes of Deputy Pung wide open. Namjoon had also caught how Taehyung and Jimin had arrived at the scene, worry painted on their faces as they spotted Yoongi and Hoseok coming out of the house as well. Namjoon patted the shoulder of Seokjin’s boss. “You can ask me the important questions later, Deputy. I hope the immunity of my friends is still on and I will take my sentence very gladly.”

Deputy Pung seemed to want to say something else, but words weren’t coming. It was like he had loads of thoughts after what he confessed, the image of the burglar RM, the Korean Robin Hood , crumbling into pieces. He saw how Hyeseol was staring down at Namjoon, something Pung has seen a lot in all these years of service: a resentment ire that has been rooting for years after someone has ruined their plans. Once Hyeseol was left to other bigger policemen, Jungkook came towards J-Hope and Suga. Not to put handcuffs on them, but it actually looked like they were a team now. 

Namjoon was surprised that Deputy Pung patted his shoulder, turning towards him. He didn’t say much before all of them came back to the precinct, but he caught his message. “ Sorry ” and “ Good job” all in a simple gesture. He smirked, both dimples popping.

Weeks passed before the events that Jimin wrote with his journalist handwriting as: “The Goyang Incident.” With the evidence found on the mansion, the ones the team of Seokjin and Bangtan gathered and from what other witnesses provided, Han Hyeseol has been planning to take over the government with other mobster families for more than ten years. 

Once all the political parties and the high chargers of the government were aware of the news, they stopped any deal or relationships with any of the families. Those who had already installed themselves on Hyeseol’s Tower immediately left. With the mobsters and the list of all the policemen in the forces that have been proved to be sold or corrupted in the situation, were immediately arrested and thrown to prison. The explosives were taken care of by the special elites and the elections were suspended for a few months due the circumstances. 

A trial was set as soon as possible. Loads of journalists invaded the court the week that all of them lasted. Although the rest of the mobster families didn’t get a life sentence like Hyeseol did, they were at least sent to prison for a long while. The corrupted cops were discharged and their badges were taken away. Other precincts and even small ranked burglars offered themselves as witnesses and provided enough evidence to make the cases clearer. 

Inspector Kim Seokjin, in charge of the case that started the investigation of it, had to go through all of them as his thigh was still recovering. Deputy Pung was at his side the whole time, as well as his superiors. Detective Jeon Jungkook remained at his side as well, as his second in command. Jimin and Taehyung also participated with the proof they found during their trials. When the trials were over and Hyeseol had his life-time sentence, Seokjin felt like the air inside his lungs was leaving. Although they celebrated with champagne and the voice of Jungkook telling him: “Hyung, you did it. You put Han Hyeseol in prison.”, Seokjin felt something was left. He knew exactly what.

Min Yoongi, known as Suga , Jung Hoseok, known as J-Hope and Kim Namjoon, known as RM , were thrown into the jail of his precinct the very same day the Goyang Incident occurred. As Seokjin was undergoing surgery due to his bullet wound, the police department didn’t trust them at all. To find the whole Bangtan Gang on a crime scene like that wasn’t something they weren’t going to let go. Despite Jungkook’s protests and, once they found out about the truth, the majority of the precinct, the higher ranks told everyone that they would be there under supervision until Inspector Kim and Deputy Pung were available to throw them a proper trial. So, despite the three best friends being reunited again after months and their identities finally being revealed to the whole world, more than a month passed before Namjoon and Seokjin could see each other again. It was killing them.

Once the other trials were done and Bangtan was set on the interrogation room, just like Namjoon did the first day he arrived there, they waited. Waited for their sentence, for Deputy Pung to do it and to ask them to return all the art pieces and money they have stolen to live due their poor circumstances. Namjoon defined it as a great adventure, probably their best one before their bones would get rotten between bars. Yoongi asked if they needed to prepare a plan for all of this, but Namjoon assured him there was no plan this time. Hoseok arched an eyebrow and his heart-shaped smile appeared, starting to see why his best friend was all calmed and collected.

When the doors opened and Deputy Pung held the door, two out of the three friends raised their backs. Namjoon still had his hands crossed on the table, his sight set on the frame. Then, a trenchcoat crossed it, dressed with a known shade of brown hair and the smell of a sweet but elegant cologne. His shoulders relaxed when he noticed he was walking correctly now, no sight of blood or red anywhere. 

Then, when Seokjin sat down in front of them with a folder, Namjoon moved his feet under the table, unable to control his excitement. Seokjin tried to remain himself composed, knowing that on the other side of the glass there was not only his friends, but pretty much as many of the cops of his precinct, waiting for their interactions and to know about the future of the three burglars that had helped them into their most important case in years. Seokjin looked up at Namjoon, feeling like the breath he lost on the trial days ago was back at him.

“Hello, Inspector . Did you miss me?” he smiled, the two dimples popping. That bastard glance, that smoothness of his movements. The flirty thief that stole his heart was back. 

“Was there any doubt, RM-shi ?” he half-smiled back at him, his feet meeting him under the table as Namjoon’s smirk got bigger. Something good felt inside of Seokjin and Namjoon’s beings. It was hope.

As Deputy Pung closed the door and searched for the chair next to him, the case of study for the Bangtan Gang started to prepare for their trial after seven years of stealing and doing crimes. They ignored the cheers of some of the other policemen at the other side of the glass every once in a while, but the burglars took their chargers and what they have been accused of better than others. However, as Namjoon’s story was now in the open and their help in the whole case was a clear piece to take the mobsters' families into justice, the police were now considering what they did to them rather than just put them into bars.

It was clear that a group like Bangtan with their abilities was a kind that could be useful in multiple situations. As Seokjin had always investigated, all the times they have stolen was to corrupt people and part of what they stole was sent to charities or the poor. Also, after their leader’s initiative to join such a case, they offered them an alternative on their trai. As a liberation work schedule from all their charges, Bangtan was offered to work with the police into solving the most complicated cases with their experience as criminals and management of some sources the police haven’t even been able to access. Although with some hesitation at first and some persuasion from their leader, Bangtan agreed to the programme. 

RM was especially called out by the forces of Ilsan and Seoul. They gave him the condolences for the death of his father and even said sorry for not taking care of the events of his disappearance better that lead him to be the thief he was. Although Namjoon didn’t blame anyone, he remained silent during that whole part. However, before they could even celebrate the end of their trial, Namjoon demanded one petition.

“My petition is that I want to work on the precinct led by Inspector Kim Seokjin, your honor.” he asked, half of the room turning towards the detective who was in the room. “Me and my gang have worked with him and I can’t think of a better honor than having the detective that knows us three better under our supervision on the program you are suggesting.”

The judge didn’t need much more to agree to the petition. 

When Namjoon was a little kid, he had always dreamt of becoming a detective like his father. To save other people's lives, to help them through the day to day life. Due to his life circumstances, he thought that dream was always going to be a dream, pretty much being forced to chase the opposite position he always thought he would defend others from. As the aroma of his coffee mug woke up his senses, the city of Seoul welcomed him through the glass, a badge with his name shining against his chest. And the most exquisite feeling of relief he has been searching for years was inserted in his heart.

Corruption hasn’t ended in South Korea yet. There was still a long way before that utopic day arrived. However, the levels of crime have decreased considerably without the presence of the Mafia families that had been sent into prison after the Goyang Incident. A new dawn of justice was arriving in the country, all thanks to the detective and burglar that joined forces to save it all. It’s been months since Namjoon's life changed for the better. The fact that now he was working for the police alongside the people that have been his family for years still felt like a dream. But even more to work alongside him .

“Just talked with Haerin!” a voice entered the room, trying to juggle between his folder, cup of coffee and pastry without making a mess of it all. Seokjin closed the door of his office with his feet as Namjoon turned and sat on the corner of his desk. “She told me that the old lady we helped yesterday successfully found his husband!”

“That’s great news!” Namjoon said, opening up his arms as Seokjin let everything in his hands on the desk. “Ah, I wonder what that would be like. It must be so scary to wake up and see that your husband is gone and due to Alzheimer's you can’t really find him.” he glanced at Seokjin, whose attention was on him already. “I don’t think I would be able to handle that if that was you.”

“Like if our lives weren’t in danger enough everyday with this work!” Seokjin rolled his eyes, but sat at his side as he stirred his beverage and Namjoon took another sip. “But would you? I mean, can you even imagine us growing old together?”

“You really think I don’t already imagine the rest of our lives living together?” Namjoon left the mug on the desk and pulled Seokjin closer by his waist, dimples showing a mischievous smile the other was way too used to seeing. The detective reciprocated and enlaced his arms around the hips of Namjoon, opening his legs a little bit more so he could have space. “Don’t you think our story would be a fun one to tell our kids and grandchildren?” that made Seokjin laugh out loud, his ears starting to turn pink. “ ‘Yeah, your dad almost shot me on multiple occasions, but I shot him with flying kisses and some way I made him mine after years of chasing me.’ ”

“You’re already thinking of us having children?” Seokjin pulled one strand of hair behind his ear, as the proximity of his bodies were coming closer and closer. “Why haven't you told me until now?”

“Wanted to tell you on a special occasion but…” he chuckled, leaning to kiss him quickly only to start kissing his chin, jaw and quickly he was on the neck area. “I guess I couldn’t help myself this time.”

“ Dimples… you know we’re at work.” Namjoon kissed on more skin at the mention of the nickname he has earned once their relationship was pretty much established. They have tried to keep the manners at the office as much as they could, but once the door of their office was closed, they really couldn’t resist each other. Despite Seokjin’s complaints, he was already moaning by letting him explore his touch. “Ah… can’t believe it took us this long to be together and now we’re here. You…” he swallowed, not wanting to talk too loud and call other’s attention. “You really want to rip me apart, don’t you?”

“You can tell me to stop at any minute, Inspector .” Namjoon said, as the grip of Seokjin against his back was tighter. “Been dreaming for years to be like this with you and I want a whole life to enjoy it fully.”

“Yeah, I know… I guessed I captivated you way too much.” Seokjin chuckled, enjoying the feeling as his fingertips found the nape hairs of Namjoon. “After such a long time, I guess I’m finally letting myself fall for you too.”

“Are you allowing me now to steal your heart?” he joked. The jokes and bickering about thief and detective were still a thing for the two of them, even if they rolled their eyes when their friends and family would mention them.

“Steal my heart?” Seokjin searched for Namjoon’s face with his hand, so he could look at his face as he smiled with narrowed eyes. “ Baby, it has always been yours.”

That was all Namjoon needed to kiss him deeply and more intensely than before. Seokjin’s hands started to explore his shoulders as their make-out session kept going. Namjoon was occupied with his own searching on the hem of his shirt and now on the back pockets of his pants, squeezing the area as Seokjin’s leg was gently raised higher, as the intensity of their emotions was taking way too much control of their actions.

It was needless to say that, after such a long time, their relationship wasn’t the typical you would find on the regular. At first, they had to keep it on their own and only their closest friends knew about it. But soon, most of the precinct had their suspicions and even they found out a lot of the department actually have been rooting for them to be together for a long time, even further than the time Namjoon made it there for the first time. 

Although for now they kept it away from the public and especially his bosses, at least until enough time for Namjoon has passed for his persona to become more of a police figure than a criminal, they would keep it for their own. Honestly, after such a long time their pair together known as the cat and the mouse, they pretty much rather had it this way instead of the public eye being on them in their cases.

However, as much as the little fire they have already matched was starting to become stronger, their ears have also been accustomed to recognize when someone was approaching the office on occasions like this. With that, the footsteps of someone made them stop their movements, got away from each other and put their hairs and clothes together before a knock on the door was called.

“Come in!” said Seokjin with the greatest chill voice he could pull off, Namjoon trying to hold his laugh. A head they knew too well popped with his heart-shaped smile.

“Are we interrupting a moment here?” other two faces tried to peek through the door, one with a gummy and the other one with a bunny smile. Seokjin rolled his eyes, making a gesture with his face to let them come inside.

“No Namjin crumbs this time, guys!” Jungkook called for the rest of the office. Seokjin felt his cheeks burnt when he overheard the boos and cries from his juniors. They even overheard someone saying: “My parents!” at the end of the hall. Namjoon put his hand on his eyes as he laughed, unable to hold it anymore.

“So, anything you want to share with us?” Seokjin crossed his arms as his friends entered the office and Namjoon put his arm around him as a half-hug: leather jacket against the trench coat, their signature looks.

“Deputy Pung has contacted us for another big case.” Yoongi explained, passing the folder to the couple as they opened it and started to read about it. “He wants the seven of us to participate in the investigation this time. This one might be very interesting for the two of you.”

“The seven of us?” Namjoon asked, but his question was answered the moment Jimin and Taehyung entered the room: the first one cleaning some of the blood the second one had in his lab coat. However, the longer he stared at it, he wasn’t so sure if it was blood or lipstick.

“Sorry for the wait, we got a little occupied at the morgue.” Taehyung said, earning a little nudge from Jimin. Seokjin seemed to have finished reading the report of the case, closing the folder.

“So, what do we say, chiefs ?” Jimin teased with the last word, earning a nudge this time from Taehyung, although the other ones smiled at it. Seokjin being the main Inspector at the precinct now and Namjoon was pretty much at his side all day long, now they had pretty much earned the titles of chiefs. But chiefs seemed to mean something more than a position in a workplace, more than just being some type of leader, but something that recalled a greater union between the two of them. Deep down, they liked it a lot. “Are we in?”

Seokjin looked up to his other five friends, waiting for an answer from him. Then, he glanced at Namjoon, whose dimples were showing already with his known smirk. Seokjin mimicked the smile at him as they both nodded to each other, knowing this was just the beginning of something new. Only that this time, it was finally like they have always wanted it to be: the two of them together.

Notes:

i want to thank Sunnie for supporting me and helping me beta-reading this story from the very beginning. i know she has been busy the last few weeks and she couldn't help me with the last chapters, but your support, advice and beta-reading has truly helped me improve my writing and I couldn't be more thankful for that. it's @YaGurlSunshine on twt and try to give her a chance, she writes amazing fics as well and she is a delight to talk with!!

i want to also thank you, the reader right now. for supporting this story, for taking the time to read it, for giving it a chance and for liking this story. we wouldn't be here without you. let me know what you think of this chapter or this whole story on the comments, please <3

and, remember that comments and kudos always are appreciated and i would love to hear about them. Here you have my twitter if you just want to follow me there. Have a great week ahead, a happy new year to everyone! Love all of you and thank you so much again!♥