"And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood falling down to the ground." - Luke 22:43

Never in Taemin's life did he ever envision himself doing something like this.

Well, he never envisioned making it this far in general, but to do something like this was a bolder move, and something that he'll have no return to. However, after seeing Taehyung's distress in front of Jungkook's door step, to then having the four of them with Jimin spending the night at Jungkook's apartment - Taehyung for once finally casting a genuine smile as they spoke amongst each other - Taemin knew this is something he has to do.

He has to help Taehyung out of that contract.

Jungkook made it out with luck, with Taehyung it won't be so easy.

They lost one gem, they can't afford to lose another one, especially after Taehyung's fame overshadowed Jungkook's, so they definitely wouldn't let him go so smoothly.

That's why Taemin's here, standing in front of the Oasis building - that's staring right back to him with that menacing glare from the windows.

The horrific and negative energy that plagues from this building sends nerving shivers down Taemin's spine. It's an aura so dark and so disturbing that Taemin had to take a step back - No, he can't leave now, even if he wanted to run away, he can't.

This is not how God wanted him to be, to be fearful.

He gave him a fearless soul, full of courage, and Taemin is not about to back down.

For Taehyung.

His friends.

Taemin gulps and closes his eyes, "Father in Heaven, please stay by my side as I walk along the valley of the shadows of evil. Protect my soul and don't let my heart be poisoned by this journey I must walk alone. Help me be able to help my friends so they can be free, and more for those who can't rise their voice. Even if.... I have to take it. Let my life be greater in Heaven than in Earth. Please..... Don't let me lose myself too far. In the name of your son Jesus Christ, Amen."

Fluttering his eyes open, Taemin faces the building with an anxious heart, knowing this will be a sacrifice he will have to take, but as long as his friends are safe, that's all that matters.

So, Taemin walks forward with painful steps, and approaches the building.

Everyone knows Taemin. They know who he is, and his reputation.

That's why it didn't take much effort for every head to turn to his direction the second he stepped through the doors. Goosebumps flooded his skin, anxiously breathing now to the slithering dark stares of the staff and artist as he tried to keep his head raised high, walking ahead despite of the harsh whisper and taunting that's tickle his ears.

All the way until he reached Namjoon, with Seokjin.

Seokjin.

The man who told Oasis of Taemin's plan, to which Taemin told him in secret so no one else would know - after all, he's his manager, but who knew the man was also keeping tabs on all of them in secret to report to Oasis. A few staff members of Oasis came to Taemin while he was at the studio, and took him here.

Now Taemin had no choice, he must commit all the way.

Taemin didn't look at Seokjin though, despite his betray, only at Namjoon and his empty stare. There's never been an occurrence where Taemin ever saw life behind those eyes. Either it's been sucked out of his body or he gave up a long time ago.

Now it's all business.

"Our CEO is waiting for you."

Taemin didn't say anything, his mouth was too dry, just like his throat. His tongue even felt like sandpaper when he traced it over his lips, but he kept himself still as he followed Namjoon and Seokjin to the elevator. Seokjin never once said anything to him, and Taemin prefers it that way.

Even though he feels betrayed by his Judas kiss.

The elevator soon enough arrived to the floor, and Namjoon led the way to the office. By now Taemin is sweating, feeling his feet heavier with every step he took forward, and yet he still tried to drag himself to the end.

For his friends.

This is for his friends.

Taemin has been in the industry much longer than any of them combined, he can handle whatever it is they throw at him.

As long as his friends are safe.

The door opens, and they stepped inside.

There, behind the broad haunting desk in a dim lit room, sits the man of Taehyung's nightmares. The curse of Jungkook's life. The demon that purges darkness to hopeful souls in pursue of a future, just like Taehyung's dream.

Their CEO.

The man stares at Taemin with such a menacing yet emotionless stare that it'd kill anyone if he had an actual weapon in hand, especially as Taemin offered a respectful bow. His hands are shaking now, but Taemin refused to let him notice that. The man is observing him carefully, breathing him in with just a single stare, right before humming.

"Sit."

Taemin sits down on the chair across from him. Seokjin and Namjoon remains in the room, but the door is closed shut behind them, making sure no one gets in or out. Shuffling his feet against each other, Taemin tried to be composed, he really did try, and he just hopes this all ends as soon as it started.

No going back now.

He has to do it.

"Lee Taemin. Never expected to see your presence here in Oasis, must I say, it's an honor," The CEO spoon feeds a sugary sweet compliment, making Taemin involuntarily flinch, "I've heard from Kim Seokjin that you were considering an interesting proposition. May you please go into details about it?"

Taemin is tongue tied. His heart is racing so fast and his vision began to blur, but despite the fear, he pushes past it.

Out of love.

He's doing this out of love.

"I would like for you to free Taehyung of his contract, and remove complete ties with Jungkook. They will be moving over to Angel studios under new management, but we will need for you to terminate their current contract first."

The CEO seemed as though he expected this, but nonetheless, he still giggles, "Oh really? Why would I possible let Karma go? Losing him would be losing money. Business needs to continue on."

Taemin gulps slowly, sitting up, "You.... You won't be losing money..... I'll sign to your label, in exchange for Taehyung and Jungkook."

Now this caught his attention.

Seems like the details of that bold decision was not mentioned before because the CEO looks over to Namjoon and Seokjin in slight shock, never expecting Taemin, out of all people in the industry, to want to sign to Oasis. However, he's not a man to linger into that surprise. He quickly masked his shock and looks back to Taemin.

And for a second, he seemed unsure.

"You? Oh please-"

"I have a broad vocal range and a strong stage presence," Taemin tells him, "Besides, I already have an audience, you'll get more. Besides, I've already been in the industry for years, I know how to play the part well. All I ask is for you to leave Taehyung and Jungkook alone."

Valid points.

No one can argue that Taemin is a man of many talents, and even the CEO has scoffed about before of how he's wasting those talents by reserving himself from expressing it.

But now he will.

In an Oasis fashion.

"Hm.... Good boy rebelling huh?" The CEO muses the idea, but then grows serious, "What are you? Jesus? Trying to sacrifice yourself for the sake of others? So they can start new? They are already sinners, you don't need to get your hands dirty because of my artists."

That is true, Taemin doesn't need to.

But they're his friends.

They will never be free if he does nothing.

A glutton man like this CEO needs more, and he'll continue to milk them of their life for it.

Taemin shrugs, "That's what you do for friends, whatever they've done before is done, what they want to do now is a different story."

The CEO stares at him heavily, mixed between disbelief and greed, unsure which one to rely onto. It's clear he wants to take in Taemin's offer in a heart beat, to which he likely will, but he's confused. Taemin probably knows more than anyone the dark side of fame, probably have heard it from Jungkook and Taehyung, and yet he's still willing to go through it? And for what? Friendship?

As if they'll ever do the same for him too.

Taemin gulps thickly as the silence between them thickens, and he rubs his knee nervously, picking on the stitched texture from the sides of his jeans. The longer it goes, the more nerve wrecking the room feels.

Until finally, the CEO spoke.

"What are you willing to do for this to happen?"

"Anything," Taemin spoke boldly, "Just don't make me sing negatively about God. That's all I ask."

The man with the slithering smirk grins, "Oh that should be the least of your worries," And he looks at Namjoon, "Pull the contract."

Having the packet displayed in front of Taemin, and reading over the terms and conditions felt like drowning deeper into a sinkhole of darkness. The entire time, Taemin only held tightly to his crucifix and prayed that this is his will that he needs to do.

So his friends can be okay.

So they can be free.

Taemin will be okay, he's not alone either way.

He just hopes his heart doesn't stain in the process.

If God trusts him with this task, it means it's because he knows Taemin can overcome it.

And he will.

Once Taemin got to the last page, he closed his eyes and prayed. He prayed for his soul. For his heart. For his sanity. He prayed that this is what needs to happen. It has to be.

His faith will not tremble.

And God will help him once it's over.

But right now, Taemin has a lot of work to do.

And to accomplish it, he needs to dive into the dark waters and make it out to the other side.

So Taemin opens his eyes and signs the last page, putting the pen down.

The CEO's smile is so dark and sinister that it traveled shivers down Taemin's spine, trying not to let the fatal reality of his new life phase him too much.

"Namjoon, Seokjin, you may leave. Taemin must go through the initiation now."

Taemin quivers, suddenly his mind tracing to Taehyung's hysterical mental breakdown before their performance. The truth behind the initiation he had to go through to get accepted into it. Jungkook didn't have to go through that, so perhaps with Taemin it's different?

Taemin looks back momentarily to Seokjin, who looked equally as taken back as he was, even confused as to what he meant. However, Namjoon only drags him away.

"Now Taemin, how badly do you want this?"

Throat as rusty as sandpaper and sweating heavily, Taemin didn't know what to expect or how to react.

His friends.

His friends need this.

"I really want this sir."

"Then prove it."

That was the last Seokjin heard before the door closed behind him, leaving Taemin completely alone.

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A/N:
Bringing this story back because the world is messed up, and we need God so let's gooooo

Any song recommendations for Taemin's debut in Oasis?

I purple you! <3