"A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." - Mark 2:1-5

Since that night where Jungkook last saw Taemin in person, it was the last time things were ever the same again.

It's as though a piece of Jimin and Taehyung was lost after that event, and Jungkook didn't even realize it until they landed to Korea.

Taehyung was facing the withdrawals feverishly now. Before, he was more grounded and anchored on doing well, and better for himself. Now, he's impulsive, and easily tempered whenever Jungkook has stopped him various of times from going out to buy his past temptation, or to do other things within that desperation.

And it seems as though day by day, it's only getting worse.

Just like Jimin.

Now with Jimin, it wasn't obvious at first, but then he began to drink more wine than before, and he wouldn't stop until he was tipsy. Jungkook has also caught him listening to other types of music, specifically from Jungkook and Taehyung's album, and he would quickly switch it when he'd see Jungkook approaching him. How he talks about others isn't light and gentle before, but now it's cold and indifferent.

Those things weren't really warning bells for Jungkook, it is what it is, but it was when Jungkook saw a dating app notification on Jimin's phone while he was showering where Jungkook began to realize that Jimin has lost his mind.

It wasn't even for straight people, it was one of those gay apps like Grindr, specifically for hook ups.

Jungkook sats down with Jimin and asked him about it, and all Jimin said about it was that it was none of Jungkook's business and it's not like he has done anything either way, he was just curious and wanted to meet more people.

Well, what he made Jungkook believe.

Turns out, Jungkook's previous friend - Eunwoo - reached out to him about hanging out again, and during that time, Eunwoo managed to spill the details about how him and Jimin have hooked up recently.

Not once.

Not twice.

But five times.

Jungkook then asked him if it was developing into anything serious, and apparently Eunwoo said that Jimin was strongly against a solid relationship, to only keeping it casual.

Basically just for sex.

Now, Jungkook felt like he was the only one who has managed to keep his head together, and he's definitely clinging onto Woosung - his last and remaining hope at the moment from not doing stupid shit too because clearly, everyone else is doing it.

In the midst of this disaster, Taemin also released a music video of his latest album release with the songs 'Disturbia', and 'Bad Romance'.

The second it was released, once again did everyone sat down to watch it together - despite their own battles they're facing.

And two things came out of watching either one.

For Disturbia, Taemin is evidently pleading for help. Who knows how he managed to convince management to release that song, perhaps because he's still being displayed as psychotic in the music video, so everyone is far too focused on his body and visuals rather than the lyrics.

And for Bad Romance, it's obviously a direct target to Jimin. He even used various of hints from Jimin's music video into his, and some lyrics from his own songs. He shows a clear and uncontrollable desire for him, refusing a friendship, to which he sang repeatedly in the song - in a psychotic and obsessive way. Guess their last moment together did a number on him.

And let's just say that Jimin did not take it as well as he would've in the past.

He got angry, very and severely angry.

Without Woosung and the CEO's permission, he released a song on Youtube the next day that he wrote in one hour, named 'Living Hell', a direct message back to Taemin.

The way Twitter and all the social media platforms ate this drama up was like something out of a movie. The fandoms were divided, and it rose an insane number of eyes from all angles towards them, even globally.

It couldn't possibly get any worse from there, but it did.

Jimin wasn't done.

Publicly, he went out with Eunwoo and he kissed him in front of the paparazzis - who were outside of Taemin's concert hall waiting for his arrival.

Now that.... Blew up, horrifically.

And Jimin was inhaling the reactions like a snort of cocaine, and he practically..... Was feeding off of it.

As though he desired and craved for the criticism. It made him only act out more.

Woosung tried talking to him, understanding what was going on for his sudden behavior, but Jimin was simply not the same anymore. Jungkook noticed how he'd express his ideas differently, and would get easily agitated when God would be mentioned in the same sentence as his actions.

He'd dismiss any kind of interjection about his behavior, brushing it off as though it was something that wasn't a big deal. People do it all the time, so he doesn't see how wrong it was for him to do it too.

He simply doesn't care anymore, and wants to do whatever he wants with his image.

As for Taehyung, he's been on the low with his behavior. Unfortunately Jungkook can't always stop Taehyung, and Minnie has also tried her best in stopping him, but Taehyung has reached his last string of restraint. He broke up with Minnie, and he wouldn't stop going out after that. He'd be spotted at parties and bars again, would hook up with random people, and drink so heavily that sometimes he would call Jungkook to take him home - since he doesn't know who else would be his aid during those times.

Sometimes he would go with Jimin to these parties, and Jungkook would be the one to drag the two out of there for the sake of their reputation and image because they'd draw too much attention.

Jungkook doesn't know what to do anymore.

He never expected to be at the other end of this, and now would be the best time to easily draw back to those temptations but.... He just can't.

He has no desire to fall again.

The last time he saw Taemin changed everything for him, and he doesn't know why.

Faith.

Have faith.

It struck Jungkook more than anything having Taemin say those words to him that night.

It impacted him in a way he can't understand, and yet it has kept him still.

It was a simple word that drowned any last remains of Raven from existence completely, and Jungkook now is left to handle everything else as Jungkook - and that's by watching those still falling for their past pain because that's where it felt familiar dwelling in.

But, how can Jungkook handle all this when everything else seems like is going to shit?

How can he help his friends alone, especially if they don't bother to listen to anyone anymore?

Jungkook ponders over this thought as he sat next to Mr. Minsu, his previous driver, as the old man helped him drop off Jimin and Taehyung home from yet another party.

The two were on their way back to Seoul from Busan after visiting Yeosang in the hospital. Nothing has changed on his health, but thankfully, Jungkook was able to come to an agreement with the hospital on transferring Yeosang to Seoul's facilities, in that way Jungkook can have an easier time visiting him without so much travel time. They'll transfer him next week, and hopefully things will start to change, even though so far, he's still the same.

Mr. Minsu didn't want Jungkook to go alone on that drive, so he offered to take him there.

He's been so attentive of Jungkook's wellbeing, always calling him to see how he's doing, and sometimes the two would go for coffee throughout the week to catch up. He's the only anchor, besides Woosung, that Jungkook has.

Someone who is like a parental figure to him.

Someone Jungkook has been blessed to have with in his life.

Especially now.

The old man can see the troubling thoughts and emotions weighing over Jungkook's shoulders within the drive, and he frowns, "Son.... Don't give up on your friends."

Jungkook closes his eyes, feeling his throat tightening as he recalls how Taehyung and Jimin were behaving not too long ago in the backseat of the car - Singing random songs that would play in the club, talking about who they made out with and who's dick got the most attention tonight.

Jungkook cringed occasionally as he heard their conversation, but he knows he can't be saying anything about it because he was the same way too.

Now looking back, he sounded ridiculous.

"I just don't know what to do," Jungkook whispers quietly, "It makes me uncomfortable because I don't know what to do. The Jimin I met was not the same as this Jimin, and Taehyung .... He's hurting himself again. Even if I tried stopping them, tried helping them, or get them to snap out of whatever fever they have by reliving those old habits, they don't listen to me, and they actively keep doing it while knowing it's not okay."

Mr. Minsu hums, blinking softly as he looks out to the empty streets while he drives, moving a trembling hand over his silver greys of hair, sighing deeply, "I know.... But they don't know what they're doing," He whispers back, "That's part of growing up, knowing the path and getting lost again and again. Maybe in their hearts, they know, but what they need is a little patience and guidance."

"For what? To destroy themselves before it's too late?" Jungkook huffs, his eyes blurred by his tears, "It all started with Taemin leaving, and then Jimin and then Taehyung and I.... I feel so confused and lost. I don't know what to do. I don't know who can help me. I don't know.... I feel hopeless. I'm losing everyone, who knows if Woosung and Minnie would be next. I feel like a plague, spoiling everyone who gets near me."

The car slowly came to a stop at a traffic light, and Mr. Minsu gazes out to the night sky, "You know who can help you son?"

He can't be serious right now.

Jungkook frowns deeply, rolling his eyes, "Actual help -"

"Their hearts are in the wrong place, and you can't help with that," Mr. Minsu says, "Personal battles always traces back to personal decisions. You can't do anything if the person doesn't want to accept the help, and the only one who can open and change their hearts is him."

Jungkook huffs, "Then why did he let this happen in the first place? Huh?"

"Freedom," Mr. Minsu says back calmly, his gaze fogged, "He was never one to cage his children. If you go to him, he'll be there with open arms. If not, he won't stop you either because it's your choice. Taehyung and Jimin made their choice, and only through him can they get the help to change their hearts."

"But how if they don't want the help?"

Mr. Minsu starts driving again, "There was a story in the bible where Jesus healed a paralyzed man, and not by his faith, but by the faith of his friends bringing him to Jesus. And Jesus did heal him because of them," He says, planting a hopeful seed in Jungkook's heart, "Compassion, love, care.... Jesus sees that, and sometimes all we need is someone to pray for us when we're too weak or blinded to notice that we may need help."

That was left pondering over Jungkook's head all throughout the drive, all the way until Mr. Minsu dropped Jungkook off home. Jungkook head was buzzing as he walked into his apartment, completely forgetting that he invited Woosung and Minnie over to discuss about this situation at hand now with Jimin and Taehyung.

They were already here waiting for him when he arrived, and Woosung didn't seem happy at all the second his gaze found Jungkook's distant stare.

Something happened.

Woosung stood up immediately, "We have a problem."

Jungkook's heart dropped as he immediately sat on one of the chairs in the living room upon seeing Woosung's seriousness, all the while Woosung sat next to Minnie on the couch. He was anxious as he drank his hot water, preparing himself to speak, and Minnie also looked stressed with a deep frown on her lips as she focused on the ground.

That dropped into a heavier frown when Woosung told Jungkook what recently happened.

"The CEO wants to terminate Taehyung and Jimin's contract."

Jungkook mind falls blank.

Actually, everything falls silent, empty and still.

And Jungkook felt this cold shiver run down his spine.

"What..... But Taehyung just started his contract and Jimin - "

"They've been behaving too recklessly, and it's causing problems with Angel Studio's reputation and image with other companies," Woosung explained, "They're calling Angel Studios as a wannabe Oasis agency due to the artists actions recently, and the artists previous history - now calling it some charity case for lost idols. The CEO already lost Taemin, look at how he's behaving, and now Jimin and Taehyung while still being in the company..... So, the CEO is leaning onto that decision, but nothing for certain yet."

Jungkook feels like his world is collapsing.

This isn't fair.

None of this is fair.

This isn't how things are supposed to be.

Taehyung has tried so hard for his music.... He tried so hard to be a musician that touched people's hearts..... And he got fucked over because of Oasis and still has their talons deep in his soul.

Despite being given a chance to change, he's fucking that up too.

And Jimin tried to change his ways. He tried to be better, he tried to change and become a better version of himself that he knows he can be, and he only got dragged down once again because of the temptation.

Now they're going to lose the only thing they tried so hard to achieve, what helped them become new again.

The chance to be redeemed. 

Jungkook's friends are all losing their grip.

And Jungkook couldn't take it anymore.

He can't let this happen.

Not to them.

He can't let them lose themselves too far to lose the only stability they have.

He can try one more time.

One more time.

And it'll work.

It has to.

Jungkook shakily takes out his phone, and dials both Jimin and Taehyung. They're both awake, they don't go to bed that fast after a party. He'd know. They should be sobering up, so now is the perfect time to knock some senses into them.

Woosung didn't stop him either, even though this news of what the CEO told him was entirely confidential. 

Jungkook is their only hope now.

As the phone dials, he tries not to let it weigh top heavy on his chest the severity and reality of the situation, and suddenly both of their voices echo the speaker.

"Jungkook?"

"Hm?"

"Oh!

"Oh shit, three-way call!"

Taehyung giggles to Jimin's commentary, letting out a happy sigh, "The room is spinning, ha, its feels so -"

"Boys, I need you to listen to me carefully right now," Jungkook says slowly, his shakily hand running through his head in anxiety, "Be serious, and think carefully how you take it, please."

The line from both ends is silent and tense now, up until Jimin chuckles nervously, "What's with this seriousness - "

"Please Jimin," Jungkook whispers, "Please."

The line is silent again, and so Jungkook took that as a sign to keep going, "I need you two to clean up your act. The way you have been acting is ridiculous, and it's ruining your reputations-"

"As if I give a fuck about how people see me as-"

"Let me finish Taehyung," Jungkook snaps back, "How you're acting is also not good for your health mentally and physically and you know this. We've been through this before. Please, I need you both to get your head together, especially if we're still trying to get Taemin back."

Wrong choice of words.

Shouldn't have mentioned Taemin.

Jimin suddenly chuckles humorlessly, "Want my honest responses about Taemin?" And he got serious, "Fuck him."

Woosung looked up at Jungkook with eyes widen, the same expression that flooded Jungkook's face as well.

He said what?

"What-"

"We tried so hard to help a man who abandoned and left us, and when we went back for him, what did he do? Told us to leave. He doesn't want us in his new fucking life, so fuck him," Jimin snaps back, "Worried so badly about my behavior huh? Got used to good little Jimin being an innocent Christian boy? Well guess what? I'm not a good guy or innocent, and I'm tired of pretending that I am! I love sex! I love partying!  I love knowing people want me! I missed it so much! I've tried so hard to be someone I'm not and now.... I'm finally free!"

Jungkook's heart broke.

It broke because he once believed that too.

He was there in his shoes.

Jungkook believed he was free too, but he was only building up a cage to trap himself in it with his demons, the main one being Raven.

The way that life fucked with his mind, body, and emotions is something he looks back in shame, especially because he loved it.

Not too long ago, he was drowning in that in L.A. and he was happy for that single moment that he let everything go. Raven was the demon he praised, and it controlled his life. He got Karma fucked over, even Jimin one time, and everywhere he touched, he fucked up.

Even though he's passed that, he stills fucks everything up.

And he doesn't know what to do to help, he never was the helper type.

Always the one who corrupts others, and it always worked. 

"You know what, Jimin is right," Taehyung chimes in, "I tried living accordingly after leaving Oasis, but I was suffering holding myself back -"

"Holding what back Taehyung?" Jungkook spatted back angrily, "Your needs to get your nose busted with cocaine? Or to get your liver fucked by alcohol? Or by getting STD's with the random strangers you'd hook up with - to which, ha, you did before, and I had to walk with you to the hospital to get that treated before it got worse. Nice medicals we got, don't we? Got you all clean so quickly."

Minnie covered her mouth with her hand, not expecting Jungkook to snap at him like that, not even Woosung. Even Jimin was left in silence by Jungkook's brutal response, and Taehyung was left choking in his own words.

Truthfully, Jungkook didn't want to snap, but by this point, he's getting annoyed and irritated with both of them - especially by them saying they're holding themselves back, when clearly that's not true.

They knew this and spoke about how messed up they were back then. Why are they taking it back now?!

"Thanks for that, I appreciate it," Taehyung responds coldly, "My life is my fucking business, and let's not forget that if it wasn't for you-"

"THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME ANYMORE TAEHYUNG! DON'T YOU DARE POINT THAT FINGER ONTO ME FOR YOUR RECKLESS DECISIONS!" Jungkook shouted back, feeling his body trembling in rage, "You are still committing those same mistakes, now it's your choice, not because of my influence! I've been trying to stop both you and Jimin! That's why we're in this call now!"

"Congratulations, want to fix your past mistakes? Well, it's too late now because you fucked me up already!" Taehyung snarls back, "So mind your business because not too long ago, you were also shoving your tongue down my throat."

"Yeah, and you did the same shit with me too!" Jimin suddenly chimes in, "When you took advantage and kissed me in my apartment. You knew I was intoxicated, and lust was something I was trying to overcome, and yet you didn't care, you still did it!"

"Exactly, so why are you trying to be a savior now huh? You never gave a shit about those things before, it doesn't fucking matter now. On contraire, you would've encouraged it."

They're digging too deep in the past, and being reminded of his mistakes was like a slap over and over across his face.

"That's before, but not now! I'm not encouraging this now," Jungkook is shaking now in anxiety because of his past mistakes being thrown back to his face, fueling him in shame, "I'm trying to help you!"

"It's too late for that," Jimin chuckles back, "I'm loving this too much, Maybe now I'd let you take advantage, I know you're interested. Unfortunately, you're becoming too uptight. Live a little."

Jimin isn't like this.

He would never say that.

It's getting too aggravating by this point.

Jungkook closes his eyes, "Jimin, this isn't like you, please. Listen to what I'm saying, you guys need to stop."

"If Taemin, you and millions of other artists could do it, why not me?"

"Because you're not like any of them!" Jungkook blurts out, "Both of you! Do better!"

"And if we don't want to?" Taehyung taunts back, "I'm already fucked over, can't get more fucked over than I already am."

Taehyung has absolutely no anchor or feeling as though he's been redeemed. He's always a prisoner to his past, and it's something he doesn't believe he can ever overcome.

He doesn't believe he can be better.

No matter how much someone tries to help him.

Jungkook doesn't know how much more he can take of this, and the tears burned his eyes, "You both are Christian," He reminds them weakly, "Jesus saved you, remember?.... Don't forget the one who died, so you could live."

"Don't you dare bring Jesus into this!" Jimin suddenly snaps back, "Jesus would also want me to live my life, and it did state to enjoy the riches of life."

"At what cost when you blind yourself from God and it's not for him?!" Jungkook snaps back, "You told me this Jimin! You did!"

"And you're a hypocrite talking about God and Jesus while being an atheist! If you don't believe, why should I believe what you're saying!? I know my relationship with God, so shut up!"

Jungkook is giving up.

He has reached his limit.

He can't change their minds.

So, he'll use his last hit.

Last resort.

"In that case, do it for the company," He huffs back, "They're planning to terminate both of your contracts because of how you both been behaving. So, either you get your shit together, or you're cut."

That did not receive the reaction that Jungkook was expecting, and that was by both of them laughing.

This forced a tear to stream down Jungkook's cheek.

He lost them.

"If I get kicked out, so what? Just for them to not accept my lifestyle? Other companies will," Taehyung snorts back, "Even Oasis, who knows."

"Taemin is there, maybe things are a little better. They'll probably love how we've been acting."

"You're telling me, this could be an open opportunity."

They did not just consider going back to Oasis after Taemin tried so hard to negotiate Taehyung's freedom from that company.

Jungkook gave up.

They're long gone.

"I'm done with both of you."

And he hung up the call.

It was painfully silent now once again.

A deafening silence.

Until Jungkook couldn't take it anymore.

Jungkook's face suddenly shattered in horrible agony, and he cries. Cries for his friends. Cries for their lost paths. Cries for living the same patterns that he did, without wanting an escape.

Cries for not being able to help them, even though he has tried so hard.

So, so hard.

He can't.

He really can't anymore.

Jungkook broke down completely, falling down to his knees in complete hysteria with his heart and soul shattering in desperation. He sobbed so hard and uncontrollably, a shakily hand on his chest as he wheezes like a small weak child.

Why did they change?

Why did Taehyung change? Did he forget all that he went through?

Why did he change?

And Jimin?

He was Jungkook's path, his motivation to do better.

Why did he change?

Jungkook can't do this.

He can't.

He doesn't want to give up, but he's out of options. He has tired, and nothing worked.

Nothing ever did.

Except...

Suddenly Jungkook closes his eyes, lips shaking as he clasps his hands together.

"God.... Please.... Help me," He wheezes desperately, crying with such a brutal pain on his throat for his friends heavy hearts, "I can't..... I can't help them. I can't do anything. I-I've tried, and I'm so scared of what may happen to them... God please.... Jesus, anyone! Please help my friends! Help them because they're going to get hurt, and it hurts me seeing them like this! - Please... Please protect and help their hearts - I just can't - I can't God, I can't do this-"

And Jungkook cried harder, unable to finish.

Unknowing that was more than enough for his broken heart to be heard.

______________________________

A/N:

What a very hard and difficult chapter, both writing and reading.

Well, let's see how Jungkook overcomes this to help his friends!

I purple you!