Two cracks reverberated through the room. My brother froze, shock written on his face. He fell, blood pooling underneath him. Jimin ran in and yanked the gun from my grasp.

“Taehyung!” He exclaimed, slapping me lightly. “What the hell were you thinking!?” I coughed, suddenly feeling all of the punches. I doubled over, my hand flying to cover my mouth.

I pulled it away and blood splattered from my next cough. My knees buckled and I fell. Jimin caught me, and another set of hands lifted me. I looked up at Jungkook, just before everything went black.

-

I gained consciousness slowly.

I blinked my eyes and groaned, gritting my teeth in pain as I moved slightly. “You idiot, don’t move.” I turned my head slightly to face Jimin.

“No shit.” I said flatly. He laughed and sat back.

“You have two bruised ribs.”

“Am I in the hospital?”

“No, you're in Sir Kim’s private clinic.”

“Of course he has a private clinic.” I sighed. “How long was I out?”

“Couple of hours. I’m surprised you took so many hits.”

“I’m surprised I shot him.” I muttered, looking at the ceiling. There was silence beside me and I turned my head again.

“You didn’t have to.” He whispered.

“It was the only way, and you know that.” I whispered back.

“I would have done it for you.”

“No.” I said seriously. “I didn’t want anybody else to do it.”

“And are you crazy!? He could have killed you!”

“I was ready for that possibility.”

“You dumbass.” Jimin ground out, rising from his seat. “You’re such a dumbass. You got lucky.”

“I got lucky? Do you know me so little? I’ve prepared for this day for longer than you could ever imagine. I knew it would happen one day. And I was prepared for any outcome.”

“So, how have you prepared for killing your brother in cold blood?” He clenched his fists together.

“I’m had to do what he would’ve done if it were me. I couldn't even blink.”

“Taehyung, don’t do it like that. It’s okay to regret it.”

“Jimin...he raped me.” I spat. Jimin stumbled back, horror written on his face. I looked at him dead in the face. “He had been raping me since we were fifteen.” He didn’t say a word to me and stumbled out of the room. I sighed and turned to look at the ceiling once more.

The door opened and Jin entered. “Little Cub.” He sat where Jimin had just been sitting.

“Hello, Jin.”

“You are tougher than you seem, Little Cub. I did not believe that you would be able to go as far as you did. And you do not even show any hint of regret.”

“Should I?”

“No. But not many people are able to accomplish such things.” He smiled, running a hand over my forehead. “Jeon is angry at me because of you.”

“I’m sorry that he’s angry with you, but I couldn’t do it any other way.”

“I understand.”

“Can I ask what you did with him?”

“I don’t think that you would want to know.”

“I see.”

“Hands off.” A voice said from the door. Jin held up his hands and stood.

“That would be my cue to leave.”

“Yes.” Jungkook grabbed his shoulder and pulled him towards the door. Then, we were alone. Jungkook looked at the door for awhile. “Never do that again. Next time I won’t forgive you.”

“Have I already been forgiven?”

“I’m still debating.”

“It’s confusing how you seem to care so much, seeing as I literally met you two days ago.”

“You’ve made an impression.”

“Really? What kind of impression?” Jungkook turned, and his eyes said everything. He walked over to me and kissed me slowly.

“My plans have been ruined for the near future.”

“I’m sure you can hold it in a little longer.” I mused, patting his chest. “I’ll make it up to you.” He raised his eyebrows.

“Promise?”

“I solemnly swear.” I swore, putting a hand over my heart. “I will make it up to later.”

“I’ll be counting on it.” His lips brushed my forehead. “You rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay.” He left soon after.

-

The next week Jungkook forced me to stay in the same bed. When I was finally able to leave, I regretted it. Every movement was painful.

I didn’t work at all for the first month.

Finally, I was able to move around considerably well. I had the best medical treatment and painkillers around, apparently.

My doctor, Selesia, bandaged my abdomen tightly. “Okay, I don’t think that it’ll be much longer. Your recovery rate is almost impossible, Taehyung. Perhaps just one more week and you can stop coming here, of course, don’t do anything too harsh for another four months or so, but otherwise, you should be good to go.”

“Thanks.” I stood from my seat and pulled my shirt on, buttoning it back up. I stepped out of her office and left the building. I got into the car that was waiting for me and the driver lurched forward.

“Can we stop somewhere?”

“As long as you're back by six.”

“I have a curfew now?”

“Boss' orders.”

“Fine.” I checked my watch. It was four. “Do you know where the used book store is?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to go there.”