And just like a mouse dives for the cheese in the mousetrap, Jung Hoseok became caught firmly in the palm of Yoongi's hand.

Yoongi wouldn't call it love— no, they'd only known each other for a few days, but the way Hoseok would glance at him every so often, with that soft sparkle in his warm, brown eyes, and a fond expression washing onto his face, Yoongi knew Hoseok was heading towards the route.

Yoongi couldn't blame him.

Choi Jihoon was undoubtedly his perfect match. There was no doubt about it as Yoongi watched Hoseok from afar, watching his expression light up as Yoongi's persona rolled off his tongue almost as if he had just discovered the meaning of life in itself.

It was a shame, really, to have Hoseok already wrapped around his fingers. Yoongi hadn't expected Hoseok to fall for him as fast as he did. Secretly, he was delighted at the development. It would mean less time for him to try to get on his nice side.

Two weeks had gone by in a flash, much to Yoongi's distaste. Nothing too eventful had occurred within those fourteen days. His days were usually filled with evening dates, which usually ended with him getting underneath Hoseok (or vice versa, depending on what they were in the mood for).

Yoongi had to admit; he'd never encountered someone as peculiar as Hoseok. He'd half expected someone like Dianne and Juno— the last targets. They flaunted their wealth, ditching their moralities to degrade those below them, while simultaneously showering him and Jungkook with gifts that showcased how wealthy they were. Yoongi had already developed the thinking that all wealthy socialites were the same, so, upon meeting Hoseok, he let that assumption aid him in keeping his distance with Hoseok.

There was nothing more disgusting to Yoongi than those who used their wealth to undermine others. But, Hoseok proved time and time again that no matter what circumstance— no matter how badly a service worker would mess up, or how expensive a meal was, Hoseok always made sure to act civilly, dismissing the profuse apologies and tipping the service workers a significant amount. Yoongi had to admit, Hoseok's humble personality made him much more attractive— though Yoongi did have a bias when it came to that, considering that he tended to like guys who were chivalrous and respectful.

"How is everything going with Hoseok so far?"

Yoongi smiled at the sound of Jooyoung's voice. It had been a while since Yoongi had heard from her— usually, Jooyoung wasn't contacted until the missions had been completed.

"I'm giving it a few days before he formally asks me to go out with him," Yoongi smirked, much to Jooyoung's delight. "He's trying to go slow, but, with how we've been connecting, I doubt he'll want to hold off any longer. Something about being official seems to really set him off. I have another date with him today. Apparently, he has a business dinner of sorts; he didn't exactly tell me the details, but he asked me to be his date and I, like the lovesick fool I'm supposed to be playing, said yes. Immediately."

Jooyoung nodded. "As you should. I don't suppose you need some attire for the event. I have a clue of what dinner Hoseok may be referring to. It's for the elitists. They convene, lay out their plans for the next year."

She stopped briefly, her smile disappearing. Yoongi quirked an eyebrow at her expression, tilting his head a bit to the side. Jooyoung raised a finger as if to silence Yoongi for a moment before taking out her phone. A sharp sigh escaped her lips, followed by a string of curses.

"I thought so," she mumbled to herself, putting her phone away. "You and Jungkook will have to be extra careful."

"How come?" Yoongi asked curiously. Though he knew that wouldn't be a problem, he still wondered what changed Jooyoung's demeanor so quickly.

"It might be more of an inconvenience if anything, but some of Juno and Adeline's acquaintances will be there." Jooyoung grimaced. "From the looks of it, the three who asked for your help will be there as well. I'll let them know that any chance they get, they should make a scene."

"Don't you think that's a bit...cliche?" Yoongi mused. "You know, crazy exes coming out to make the current love interest's life miserable?"

Jooyoung chuckled. "It works. That's what matters here. It'll boost your targets' egos, I'm telling you. You, Jungkook, and Taehyung have to play the victim."

"How do you know Jungkook and Taehyung might be there?" Yoongi asked. "They haven't told me anything."

"Park Jimin, Kim Namjoon, and Kim Seokjin are in the same leagues as Jung Hoseok," Jooyoung answered. "At the very least, Taehyung might make an appearance. He's been keeping me updated with his advances on Seokjin. Jungkook has only recently started his advances on Namjoon, and he's trying his best to keep them separate."

Jooyoung brought up fair points. Though he hated having to act like the victim, Yoongi knew there was nothing men loved more than to save the damsel in distress. He did feel somewhat bad for the girls, considering they have to act in a way that embarrasses them, all for his gain, but he couldn't say he felt guilty. The girls— whose names he had already forgotten, should have known that it might come down to this.

Yoongi could only hope that they didn't degrade themselves too much.

"Overall, great work." Jooyoung complimented, nodding at Yoongi, visibly pleased. "You've never ceased to disappoint, Min Yoongi, and I look forward to hearing from you once the mission has been completed."

Yoongi grinned, the smile nothing short of cunning. "Expect the call one of these days. That investigator of his is not even close to my whereabouts, and Hoseok looks just about ready to take bullets for me."

As Jooyoung and Yoongi continued conversing, a strange feeling settled in Yoongi's stomach. The hairs in the back of his neck stood up, almost as if in a warning. He paused his conversation, turning to the side slightly. It almost felt as if someone was watching him, even though the likelihood of that wasn't possible. He was in a protected facility, one that was nearly impossible to penetrate.

Still, he didn't like the feeling one bit.

"Anything wrong?" Jooyoung asked.

Yoongi pressed his lips together, surveying the surroundings. Seeing nothing, he ultimately shook his head, though the feeling that someone had his eyes on him did not cease.

"It's nothing."

At least, that's what Yoongi hoped.

🥀

"I'm concerned for you, Hoseok, if I can be honest for a split second."

Hosoek only hummed at Namjoon's words as he finished tying his tie to perfection, looking at himself in the mirror to make sure he looked decent enough.

"You're never excited to go to these types of gatherings," Namjoon continued. "And look at you, already preparing, even though it doesn't start for another two hours. We're always late to these gatherings; you know this."

Hoseok shrugged. "It's best to be prepared. I don't see how that is concerning."

"It's the Jihoon guy, isn't it?" Namjoon raised his brows suggestively. "He has you over the moon. You want to look your best for him, don't you?"

"I always look my best; I don't know what you're talking about?" Hoseok responded smoothly, running his comb through his hair. "Is it bad to be already dressed?"

Namjoon had known Hoseok for years now, and from the sudden glint in his eyes at the mention of Jihoon's name, Namjoon knew that's who it was for. Did it scare Namjoon to see Hoseok acting like this? A bit. Hoseok was never the type to be a romantic, but from the looks of it, Hoseok genuinely liked Jihoon, and Namjoon didn't know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"It's like Eros worked his magic with you," Namjoon chuckled. "He struck an arrow of love in you."

"Perhaps." 

Namjoon bit back the smile threatening to escape his lips. "You really like the kid, don't you?"

Hoseok paused what he was doing slightly, to ponder on the question. Did he really like Jihoon? It was hard to say, considering that he was more interested in him at the beginning than anything. However, he'd be a fool to deny that he hadn't felt anything the past weeks he'd been hanging out with Jihoon, and now Hoseok couldn't resist staying away from him.

He knew that Namjoon was just trying to look out for him. Despite everything and how they acted, when one of them genuinely began having feelings for someone, it made sense for them to feel protective.

It was a strange irony. Namjoon, Seokjin, Jimin, and Hoseok didn't hesitate to break hearts, but when it came to them falling for others, they were defensive, always having their backs for each other and making sure that they didn't get their hearts broken.

Break hearts or be heartbroken; they would tell each other.

Namjoon already had Jimin, someone he loved with all his heart and soul. They balanced each other out rather well, and Namjoon loved how open they were with each other. Even with them taking on different partners, Jimin and Namjoon's love for each other never ceased. It was a wonderful thing to have that sort of bond, and Namjoon wouldn't want Hoseok not to be able to experience it. From what it looked like, Hoseok was more than ready to become exclusive with Jihoon.

"Are you going to ask him tonight?"

Hoseok tensed slightly at the question. Ninety-five percent of him wanted to say yes, that there was nothing more he would want, but the five percent of him was making him hesitate. It's not like Hoseok had never felt that way before with anyone— he had, but usually, once he conquered and managed to get what he wanted, he'd get bored and let the person go. If anything, Hoseok was scared that might happen if he were to become exclusive with Jihoon fully.

The last thing he wanted to do was lose interest in Jihoon. Jihoon, despite his cocky exterior, was sweet and vulnerable. It didn't matter to Hoseok before, but he found himself not wanting to hurt Jihoon. He'd never felt that over someone before. Usually, he'd just accept that he'd get bored and move on.

But he didn't want to break Jihoon's heart.

Hoseok knew Jihoon was interested in him far more than he let on, and if Hoseok were to ask Jihoon to be exclusive, there was no doubt in Hoseok's mind that Jihoon would say anything other than yes. Still, the decision to do something that will put Jihoon at risk...Hoseok didn't know if he wanted to do it.

Namjoon seemed to notice the deafening sound of Hoseok's silence. "Don't overthink it."

"It's impossible not to." Hoseok sighed. "You know how I am. I don't want to lose interest in him. It wouldn't be fair to him."

"The fact that you're worrying for him is a good sign that you won't lose interest." Namjoon pointed out. "If you didn't care for him, you wouldn't be questioning yourself. You wouldn't be putting his needs before yours. Trust me, I would know. Remember, Rose?"

"Ah, Rose." Hoseok chuckled, relaxing slightly. "I lost interest in her so fast."

"Were you worried about breaking her heart?"

Hoseok shook his head. "Not at all. I didn't care much for her."

"Exactly," Namjoon stated, nodding once. "You didn't feel bad at all. Look at you worrying over Jihoon. This is a good sign, I'm telling you. I would say go for it."

"Should I?" Hoseok turned to Namjoon, looking for any sign of humor. He was met with Namjoon's seriousness and an encouraging smile. "You're excited about this, aren't you?"

"I've never seen you like this before." Namjoon laughed. "Of course, I'm going to be supporting you through this. Besides, we'll meet him later tonight. Officially."

"You'll like him." Hoseok smiled softly. "I know I do."

Namjoon beamed at Hoseok's sincere words.

"Ask him out later tonight. There's no way he won't accept you."

a/n: i be updating this book like once a month YIKES THAT'S NOT OKAY YIKES WE DON'T STAN THAT.  i'll do better, i promise KJSHFGL i know what happens, it's just physically putting the events into writing is a whole different story. 

fun fact, i've been writing this since 10am, and then i had to go to class at 11:15am so i had to stop until my class ended which was at 12:05. we love that for us.

so, the reason why it feels like i'm skipping seemingly important stuff is that nothing actually important happens in the first two weeks. my objective is to focus on the next couple of weeks, all the way up to day 30, which is the day that yoongi has to have completed the mission.

right now, it's so clear that hoseok is whipped (we love that for him), but yoongi is like 🧍🏻‍♀️🧍🏻‍♀️ and i want to focus on him falling (bc we all know that's what is going to happen inevitably), and let's just say that the dinner is going to get a tad bit interesting.

emphasis on a tad.

thank you for reading, i love you guys so much 🥺🥺💓💓💓