...

Jungkook walked to the convenience store, glad that he has ''GS25'' always at his disposal since he took a majority of meals there. It was not always the most healthy choice as Hoseok and his mother pointed out, but it was still a good warm meal that he needed. Jungkook knew how to cook, and he was pretty good at it, but having to cook only for yourself became boring after a while. Most of the time he was just too tired from work to spend time cooking, so he often opts for convenience store food, which was, no matter what his mother thinks, still very delicious.

It was a long time since he ate last and he was famished. He was considering between Fire Gimbap or Kimchi Stew Ramen when he turned around the corner and noticed a small group of people in, what it looked like, a pretty tense situation. His detective sensors were triggered as he continues to walk towards them more urgently after he saw that two pretty big and muscled men had the third and much tinner one pinned against the brick wall. One of them had a tattoo of a snake on his forearm.

-'' Hey, what's going on?! Let him go!'' - Jungkook shouts, and one of the two gorillas hiss at him.

-'' Fuck off!! Mind your own business!''

As he turned to deliver these words to him, Jungkook now saw who the person they held was. It was V.

V's eyes widened as they recognized him. His scarred face from acne was still very memorable, and his hair was still poodle-bushy. He was covering slightly, hands around the guy's wrist which were around his neck, squeezing.

Jungkook scowls at them. – '' I said, let him go!'' – He repeats, his body already preparing for possible physical retaliation.

As on cue, the man roars and swings his fist to punch Jungkook, who dodges and with his quick reflexes hits the man right into the jaw. It was a perfect knockout.

V and the other man stared wide-eyed at him until Jungkook grabs the man's hand and twisted it away from V's throat. The man screams in pain and was easily shut with a knee in his groin, with the courtesy of V himself.

He falls to the ground next to his friend, and before Jungkook could learn more, V's got his hand, pulling him away.

-'' Come on! We gotta go!'' – He yells.

Jungkook was reluctant, wanting to question that man, but V was adamant. – '' No, leave it. There are more of them, go.'' – He tugs at him one more time before Jungkook felt his feet move and he ends up running away with V.

A few streets later they stopped next to the mall. They lean on the sidewall, a bit winded, but still composed. Jungkook glances at V, who pulled the hood of his hoodie over his head, as he was trying to hide. He looks down the street that they came from and then he turns, eyes meeting Jungkook's right away.

Jungkook wasn't sure what it was in V's eyes, but he always feel some surge of energy whenever their eyes meet.

V's stare was nerve-wracking. He pants lightly, then proceeds to lick his lips before his mouth spread into a mischievous smile. He all but laughs. – ''My, my, who would've thought.'' – He says in his raspy voice, with a thick satori accent, with a little lisp. – ''My knight in shining armour. '' – He chuckles darkly. – '' Detective Jeon, we have to stop meeting in such peculiar places. I'm almost sure you've been following me.''

-'' What the hell was that V? Who were those men?'' – Jungkook asks, glaring.

V was still grinning, his teeth in a definite need of a dentist. - '' None of your concern Detective. Just old acquaintances of mine.''

-'' And you allow them to treat you like trash?'' – Jungkook asks.

V curl his lip in irritation.

-'' I don't allow them anything. I had everything under control before you came.'' – He hisses at Jungkook.

Now it was Jungkook's turn to laugh mockingly. – '' Sure you did.''

-'' What do you want, detective?''

Jungkook tilts his head to the side. – '' Would you believe if I say that I was just passing by when I saw you?''

V snorts. – '' No, I wouldn't believe you. You've been looking for me?''

-'' I was actually, but you gave us the false address, which is a felony.''

-'' I did not give you false address.'' – V encounters. – '' I'm just never home, and that's a totally different matter. So, what do you want?''

Jungkook finds his phone. – '' This necklace, do you remember seeing it?''

V squinted at the photo. – '' Should I?''

-'' Do you remember it or not?'' – Jungkook was losing his patience.

-'' I may have, why?''

-'' Where?''

-'' I can't remember.''

Jungkook sneers. – '' Of course, why would you make my life easier at least once in your life.''

V grins. – '' Yes, why indeed.''

Jungkook growls quietly, and that makes V laugh. The man observed him for a few seconds, tilting his head, the gesture strangely familiar to Jungkook before he spoke.

-'' The necklace is fake. What do you want with it?''

Jungkook's eyes widened at this information. – '' Are you sure?''

V nods. – '' Yes. I know how the real diamond shines.''

Jungkook watched him with narrow eyes, trying to read him, without success.

-'' You know awfully a lot about gems V.''

V snorts. – '' It's not a crime to know things. Besides, I'm a painter, I study shades and patterns on things, help me transfer it on the canvas.''

-'' Hmm... still, you probably have a very great eye for details since even the experts have trouble seeing it.''

V chuckles mockingly. -'' They probably not very good experts then.''

Jungkook didn't appreciate these words about Yoongi's vast knowledge and he decided that he really didn't like this V guy.

-'' Our expert is amazing, and you should watch your mouth.'' – Jungkook grits through his teeth, the muscle in his jaw twitching. – '' I would be more inclined to think that you know something about the switch than to doubt my expert leader.''

V's eyes shined with mischief. – '' Touched the nerve, I see.'' – He teased.

-'' I can take you in for questioning. Clearly you know something about this ordeal.'' – Jungkook said smiling wickedly.

V grins with his crooked teeth. – '' I'm sure you would. You have a knack for putting those handcuffs on me. Getting off on power over the weak, yeah?''

-'' Watch it V.'' – He takes a step forward and V takes one back. He was tensed, ready to bolt. Jungkook knew he would have to chase him for several blocks if he starts to run.

-'' Don't think about chasing me again.'' - V says like he could read his thoughts. – '' I know nothing about it except that it's fake and he doesn't know.''

-'' Sun Kyu?''

-'' Mhm. But he is not important, don't go around chasing after him.''

Jungkook squints his eyes at V's words. – '' And why is that?''

V rolls his eyes. –'' Because he is an asshole, but he doesn't know shit. He believed he got the real deal. He is more a fool than anything.''

-'' He still got that necklace on the black market.''

V snorts. – '' He and many others.''

-'' It's illegal.'' – Jungkook insists and V almost laugh in his face.

-'' Detective, life is full of bad illegal stuff.''

-'' Funny how a painter knows so much about shady stuff?''

The corner of V's mouth curled in a smirk. – '' I hear things whether I like it or not.''

-'' Sure you do.'' - Jungkook murmurs and takes a breath. – '' Look.'' – He says, taking one step closer, while V's body shifted a bit out of the way. – '' I don't know in what kind of trouble you are...'' – Jungkook continues. - .'' ...but those people we just ran from are not good. Now, your lawyer...'' – He made a slight accent on that word. – ''...can't always get you out of scrapes. One of these days you will get in a hell of trouble and they will hurt you, or worse.''

V's unnerving eyes studied him carefully, not saying a word. Jungkook felt like he's been examined from all angles, inside-out. He didn't like it since he had no control over that.

-'' Oh, you do care about me, detective.'' – V teased.

-'' The streets are dangerous, and you seem like you are a natural talent for inviting trouble.'' – Jungkook ignored V's words and shifted a bit, turning his face to the side as if to hide his face from V's x-ray eyes. He pushes his hands into his jeans pockets and turns to leave. – '' Behave, V. Next time I see you in something shady, I'm bringing you with me for a chat, with or without a lawyer, it's up to you.'' – With those words, he turns. He could feel V's eyes on his back as he walked away.

He went back to the office, glad that he found Mark still lingering at his desk.

-'' Hey, do Lee's men have a snake tattooed on them when they join the gang?'' – He asks.

Mark straightens, frowning in thought. – '' Not necessarily.'' – He replies. – '' But I won't be surprised. Lee is a narcissistic and power-driven bastard, so marking his men would not come as a surprise. Why?'' – He asks.

-'' I just found that guy V with those fellas again, only this time they were not so friendly towards him.'' – Jungkook answers. He leans on Mark's table, crossing his arms as he recalls the event. Mark's eyebrows went up as he heard the story.

Mark chuckles. – '' Well, they certainly aren't glad that he got out and their leader didn't.'' – He shakes his head. – '' I'm afraid we'll have a corpse on our hands soon.''

-'' You really think they will kill him?'' – Jungkook's hands drop and his eyes went wide.

Mark shrugs his shoulders. – '' Very probably. I mean, if you were them and your boss gets locked, while some little rat, like V, is out, what would you think?'' – He asks, and Jungkook can see the answer clear as day. He will suspect a foul play, that V or Bam open their mouths and then got out, while their members are still locked.

-'' Shit. That kid is dead if he's not careful.'' – Jungkook shakes his head.

Marks agrees. –'' If I were him, I would hide.'' - He says, putting his phone in his jacket pocket. – '' Hey, I'm heading home. Do you need a ride or you come with your bike?'' – He asks.

Jungkook smiled gratefully. – '' I'm on my bike, but thanks.''

-'' Hey, sure man. See you tomorrow?'' – Mark pats him on the shoulder and Jungkook nods.

-'' Yeah, see ya first thing.''

When Mark leaves Jungkook still stays in the same position, thinking. He might not like V much, but he didn't want him dead, that's for sure. People just tend to disappear if they don't get along with the gang, and Jungkook knew just how many missing cases they had over the years. Some of them are still unsolved, even though they all suspect the gang is behind them.

He did warn V, but whether or not he will listen, time will tell.

Right now, he needed some intel on Sun Kyu so, naturally, he went to see Moonbyul. He found them in the disarray, with Moonbyun standing with her hands on her hips, ranting at Yeonjun, who was kneeling on the floor with his hands on Soobin's leg, one of his trousers wrapped above his knee.

-'' What the hell is going on?'' – Jungkook asked.

-'' This ape got the idea to swing on one of the chairs and of course, he fell on his ass, but not before he managed to kick Soobin in the knee!'' – She still yelled a bit, quite annoyed.

-'' Are you okay?'' – Jungkook asks Soobin, who nods.

-'' It was an accident. I didn't mean to fall you surely know that.'' – Yeonjun pouted, hands massaging Soobin's leg gently.

-'' You were not supposed to be here in the first place Yeonjun, but to actually work or go home.'' – Moonbyul hissed.

-'' It was my fault, Noona.'' – Soobin said. – '' I made him stay longer. We got talking. I'm sorry.''

-'' Oh, he did not stay because you told him to, he did it of his own volition.'' – Moonbyul says, pinching the bridge of her nose. – '' Not to mention I had to listen to you flirt for good twenty minutes.''

Both men had the decency to look embarrassed. Jungkook barely managed to keep the straight face. First of all, they were too cute, and second, he didn't want to piss Noona off. She was like Yoongi.

-'' C'mon Noona, calm down. Accidents happen, let it go.'' – He came closer to her, placing a hand on her elbow and shaking it gently. – '' I came to see you, by the way. I need your help again.

She turns towards him. – '' Of course, you do. When do you not?'' – She says, walking towards her desk and sitting down. – '' What do you need?''

Jungkook told her and they work in silence for a few minutes. Well, Moonbyul worked, while Jungkook waited and eavesdropped on Yeonjun's and Soobin's hushed conversation.

-'' Is it still hurt?'' – Yeonjun asks quietly.

-'' Only a little.'' – Came the breathless answer.

-'' Do I press too strong?'' – Yeonjun asks again.

Small whimper and then. – ''No, it's... it's good. You... you don't have to do this.''

Jungkook had to turn slowly to look at them.

-'' You don't want me to?'' – Yeonjun asks, eyes suddenly round, lips open.

-'' I do... I mean... I don't mind... I mean if you don't mind...'' – Soobin stammered.

Yeonjun's face brightens. – '' I don't mind. After all, I hurt you, so I don't mind making it better.''

They were in their world, not caring for anyone else in the room. Soobin didn't take his eyes off Yeonjun, while Yeonjun massaged his knee gently, focusing on the task at hand but raising his head up to check if everything was alright. Jungkook almost felt bad for witnessing this gentle moment. It seems too intimate. But Yeonjun crashes that yet again with his big mouth.

-'' You cartilage is very dry, you know.'' – He says. – '' It can cause you trouble. You should take care of that.''

-'' How do I do that?'' – Soobin asks naively.

-'' You need to have sex.'' – Yeonjun says matter-of-factly, while Soobin's eyes grew wide and he gulped. Not noticing that, Yeonjun continues. – '' Hormones from sex lubricate joints.''

-'' Alright, that's it, out!'' – Moonbyul shouts, startling them all, especially Jungkook who was right next to her. She turns her chair to face the young man. –'' Yeonjun, out this instant.'' – She commands and Yeonjun whips his head to look at her.

-'' What? It's true, Noona.'' – Yeonjun says. – '' Hormones from sex do lubricate joints.''

-'' Not another word. Out!'' – Moonbyul stood and dragged the clueless Yeonjun on his feet and towards the door. The thing was, he had no idea he said something wrong at all, Jungkook thought while dying from laughter. It was just a fun fact for him.

-'' I'll see you later, yes?'' – He calls to Soobin, but was kicked out before he could catch the answer.

Soobin quickly rolled his trousers back in place and turned towards his computer, ears red from embarrassment. Jungkook was still chuckling when Moonbyul's fury fell upon him.

-'' And you two should get out as well!'' – She says.

-'' Ah, c'mon Noona, I did nothing wrong.'' – Jungkook protested, still grinning like a madman. Soobin was already packing his stuff and bolting through the door.

-'' Here.'' – She plucked the flash drive and tossed it to Jungkook. – '' Everything you need is here, now leave before I start breathing fire.'' – She says with her eyes blazing all the confirmation of just how serious she is. Jungkook knew it was his time to leave.

-'' I'm off, thanks Noona. Let's go Soobin-ah.''

They leave the office in a hurry. Jungkook chuckles at Soobin's flushed face. – '' Come, let's eat, Hyung is buying.''

They went to some local cheap restaurant with good food and a familiar host. They sat in the corner, chatting and waiting for their food.

-'' You know, you shouldn't allow Yeonjun to tease you and manipulate you.'' – Jungkook says. – '' He is a very energetic young man, and often needs a firmer voice to put him to place.''

Soobin nods, shyly, not meeting Jungkook's eyes. – '' He seems nice, though.'' – Was all he says.

-'' He is nice.'' – Jungkook confirms. – '' But he has that ability to make people do what they don't really want to.''

Soobin shrugged his shoulders. – '' I don't mind.''

-'' You like him, don't you?'' – Jungkook grinned, eyeing his dongsaeng. Soobin's huge eyes stared at him in panic. Jungkook laughed. – '' Oh, man, he got you wrapped around his finger already, doesn't he?''

-'' N-no.'' – Soobin's voice was weak. Jungkook finds him adorable when flustered.

-'' All I'm saying, don't be afraid to say no if needed, even if he pouts in disappointment.'' – Was all Jungkook said as their food finally arrived.

___

The next day started just like any. He got up early, went for a jog, took a shower and drove to work. He was craving caffeine but was a bit tired of the office coffee machine, so he went to get iced Americano from the local coffee shop.

He saw that there is a longer line than usual this morning. He groans inwardly but decides that a good dose of caffeine is worth the wait, so he stands behind a blond man. As soon as he came nearer, the divine smell of familiar perfume envelop his senses. Jungkoook inhaled deeply, recognizing Jimin's cologne.

-'' Park.'' – He almost but barked.

The man turns, frowning, only to have his gorgeous lips spread into a big teasing smile. – '' Jungkook. What brings you here this fine morning? A coffee or a sweet tooth? Or both?'' – His eyes twinkled in mischief.

Jungkook ignores the slight tingles all over his body and simply answers. – '' Caffeine.''

-'' Hmm...''- Jimin hums with his lower lip between his teeth. He let it slide out tantalizingly slow. Jungkook's eyes followed every move.

-'' You look tired. You should sleep more.'' – He says, eyeing him up and down.

-'' Spare me the lecture, Park.'' – He glared at him. – '' I need to talk to you.'' – Jungkook came closer.

Jimin arched his eyebrows, his plump lips pouting slightly. – '' So talk then.'' – He said.

Jungkook looked left and right. – '' Not here.''

Jimin chuckled. – ''Well, I don't have time this morning.'' – He checks his watch. – '' I have a meeting in less than 20 minutes. So you better talk now, or...'' – His eyes shined with mischief when their gazes met. –'' ... you can come to my office later on like the last time. I'm sure we can find time to talk as well.''

Jungkook gave him a side-eye. – '' I meant what I've said – never again.''

Jimin's smile was dazzling, he bit his lower lip again. – '' You said it the last time as well.''

Jungkook scowled at him.- '' I mean it this time.''

Jimin pursed his lips together so he won't giggle, then grew serious. – '' Then I suggest you talk now. Just come a little closer. You are familiar with the word ''whisper''. My right ear is all ready for you.'' - He teased him, the bastard.

Jungkook leans in. – '' I met your client last night.''

Jimin chuckles. – '' Which one? I have many.''

-'' V.'' – Jungkook says, watching with satisfaction Jimin's brows knits together at that.

-'' And?'' – He asks, his expression still unchangeable. – '' I hope you didin't bother him, or I'll have a lawsuit ready for your ass.''

Jungkook felt his insides curl pleasantly at Jimin's quiet fury. The way he said that threat was so calm and composed, even though Jungkook could sense his annoyance seeping from his eyes. He felt giddy that he managed that.

He snorts mockingly at that. – '' Spare me your dramatics, Park. I know the law well. But you should remind your ''client'' to be more careful with whom he is dealing.''

Jimin's eyes narrow even further.

-'' The people he is involving himself with will cost him his life.'' – Jungkook, who spoke in a whisper the whole time, leaned ever closer, his warm breath tickling the side of Jimin's cheek. – '' The gang doesn't forgive. They hate betrayal, especially snitches.''

Jimin moves a bit away to look at him. Jungkook knew what storm rages in Jimin's mind at this moment. He wasn't stupid, far from it. You have to be extremely clever and sly to get so high and so fast in the world of sharks as Jimin did.

-'' Why are you telling me this?'' – He asks.

-'' Because, believe it or not, I don't want to see that bastard dead. He might be obnoxious, but I don't think he is really evil. Dumb, for himself, yes, but evil, no. The same goes to Bam-Bam, so make sure to relay a message to him as well, since he is, also, your client.''

Jungkook leans back as the line moved forward, forcing Jimin to move as well. It was his turn to order, so he chooses late and pays with his phone app. He then turns to Jungkook.

-'' Thank you for telling me this.'' – He says quietly, and Jungkook could see that he means it.

Jungkook nods, and then his attention was caught by the barista who asked for his order as well. He told them and went to stand on the opposite side of Jimin.

When his order was done, Jimin thanked the lady and turned to leave, his lips wrap around the straw and he takes a careful sip. His eyes meet Jungkook and he nods goodbye.

___

Some hours later, Taehyung was relaxing on the bed, reading a book, something that he rarely did, not because he didn't like it, but because he didn't have the time on most days. It was a pleasant change to have his schedule slightly open. His trip to Paris is in the week, he did plant a worm in Lee's men's minds, and another Kim auction gala is in a few days, so Taehyung still had plenty of time to simply relax and get some rest.

His peace shattered, however, as soon as Jimin entered their shared apartment. He came in like a fury, barefoot, tossing his briefcase on the chair and coming straight to him. He grabbed the book Tae read, tosses it aside on the bed and proceed to straddle him, both of his hands around Taehyung's shirt.

-'' When did you plan on telling me that you've headed in some trouble with Lee's men, Tae?'' – Jimin was like a fury on him. His body was full of tension and he was trying to explode. Angry Jimin was scary Jimin.

Taehyung blinks, slightly surprised, but otherwise unperturbed.

-'' I wasn't.'' – He answers.

-'' Wasn't, what?'' – Jimin hiss.

-'' Planing on telling you.'' – Taehyung's deep calm voice didn't placate Jimin, on the contrary, it infuriated him.

-'' What?!''

-'' Aah, Jimin-ah, don't yell.'' – Taehyung places his pinky in his left ear and began to scratch it. – '' You make my ears ring.''

-'' Kim Taehyung!'' – Jimin roars, his face was thunderous and his body so stiff that Tae knew he was seriously trying not to wrap his small hands around his neck.

-'' That is exactly why I didn't want to tell you.'' – Taehyung points at Jimin. – '' You lose your cool. You are tensed.''

-'' Of course, I'm tensed. You told me that you finished with them, and here I find out that they had threatened you.''

Taaehyung narrows his eyes. – '' Who told you they threatened me?''

-'' I pull out of the context.''

-'' It was Jungkook, wasn't he?'' – Taehyung made a bored face. He reminded Jimin of a husky, but he was too furious to coo on that.

-'' It doesn't matter who it was, what matter is that I found out from someone else and not you!'' – Jimin growls, getting into Taehyung's space. – '' How am I to protect you if you don't tell me what I need to protect you from?''

Taehyung sighs exasperatedly. – '' Jimin-ah.'' – He says in the same calming manner.

-'' Don't you Jimin-ah me!''

-'' Then what do you want me to say!?'' – Taehyung raises his voice in irritation. He disliked when JImin gets in his face like that, but he knew it was only out of fear.

-'' How about ''sorry Jimin-ah, for not telling you that the gang members are threatening me for snitching their boss!'', hmm?''

Taehyung's brows furrow. – '' I didn't snitch on anyone.'' – He says defensively.

-'' I know that, pabo, but they don't. It is why they are targeting you, am I right?'' – Jimin says through heavy breaths. He felt his heart drumming in his chest and he wanted to strangle Taehyung and hug him at the same time.

-'' Aaah, well...'' – Taehyung clears his throat. – '' It's kind of expected to be honest.'' – He admits.

-'' What? You knew this will happen?'' – Jimin asks incredulously.

Taehyung shrugs his shoulders. – '' Well, yeah, it's kinda what I anticipated.''

Jimin felt his mouth fall open. He stares at Taehyung, not believing the words he was saying.

Taehyung sighs. – '' Look, I didn't plan for us to get arrested, but I was planning for them to start mistrusting Dong-Ho and the rest.'' – He explains. – '' Lee's men believe that I'm one of Dong-Ho's men.''

-'' You are one of his men.'' – Jimin interjects, face narrowing.

-'' No, I'm not. Hyung is. '' – Taehyung says defiantly. – '' I'm just his assistance, and no, before you point out that it technically does make me a member, just shush... '' – Taehyung places his palm on Jimin's plump lips to stop him from retaliating.

-'' I certainly want them to think V is, which is why I allow them to corner me last night. There were only two, I could have easily taken care of them, but I want to keep my character still on. V is a philosopher, not a fighter.''

Jimin mumbles something in Tae's hand, eyes glaring.

-'' Yes, I know you think I'm full of shit, but that's not the point now, love.'' - Tae says gently. –'' What important is that Lee's men are now buzzing, they talk, they doubt. The fact that both of Dong-Ho's men got out of the jail while their members didn't easts them slowly.'' – Taehyung says knowingly, his smile turns almost evil. – '' Soon, their business with Dong-Ho will stop, and when Dong-Ho demands why, because he is a piece of shit like that, they will turn hostile towards him''

Jimin removes his hand. – '' Tae, what are you trying to accomplish with this?''

-'' I want to get rid of Dong-Ho's accomplices.'' – Taehyung answers calmly, with a fiery glint in his eyes.

Jimin shakes his head, eyes round. –'' Do you realize how dangerous those people are?'' – He asks almost in a panic. – '' Tae, please trust me when I say I know. I work with them. I know how vile they are.''

Taehyung cups his cheek. – '' I know it too, love.''

He brings their foreheads together and takes one relaxing sigh. Jimin closes his eyes in defeat. He knew there was no point arguing with Tae when he is this calm. He tried many times before, and it always results in him screaming, breaking something and under high pressure. Tae just walks away.

-'' Jiminie, please don't worry that much. I'm not in this alone. Hyungs knows about this. It's all the part of our plan.'' – Taehyung whispers while nuzzling his face with Jimin's.

-'' Is it also your plan to die?'' – Jimin's voice was weak. He was near to tears.

Taehyung moves back at that, so he could look him in the eyes. – '' I will not die, love.''

-'' You don't know that.'' – Jimin sniffs, his eyes watering. – '' They can kill you just like that.'' – He snaps his fingers, turning his face away so he won't have to look at Taehyung, but Taehyung's hands were on his cheeks again, shifting them back.

He brings their faces closer. – '' I will not die.'' – Their lips brush. – '' I will not let them. Joon Hyung won't let it. And Jin Hyung will suck their blood on a pink straw and says ''fang-tastic''.''

Jimin snorts loudly and proceeds to giggle. Taehyung smiled as well. – '' You see, everything is gonna be alright.'' – He says and kisses Jimin gently on the lips.

-'' Tae.'' – Jimin murmurs between the kisses. – '' I'm still scared.''

-'' I know, baby, I am too, but things will be alright. I have faith, the Angels told me so.''

___

Taehyung was in Paris on a mission, gathering intel on some diamonds. The underground has been buzzing with that news – the blood diamonds switch places again. It has been said that whoever has them is being cursed, and death comes to collect the debt of souls, due to the bloody history of those precious stones. They switched places so much in World War II, starting with the German Jewish jeweller who owned them, only to be taken with his entire family to the concentration camp, and later on killed by the Nazis. He cursed them loudly before they shot him. Ever since then, whoever has the diamonds ends up dead.

Naturally, Dong-Ho wanted them. He didn't believe in that rubbish and he and his team got them in Stockholm some three years ago and then sell them for a huge price to some criminal that resides in Paris. Taehyung knew because Jin planned that job. He is Dong-Ho's master strategist, and the reason why his team, which the police and press all over the world, call ''Shadows'', was so successful and untraceable.

Right now, the diamond buyer from Paris was dead, as Taehyung discovered, and diamonds switched places again, this time taking their residence in Germany. Going back home. Taehyung chuckles. He even got a nice picture of them now. He couldn't wait to show it to Jin.

He was satisfied and was ready to leave for home. His suitcases were securely packed inside the rented limousine with a driver, and since he has several hours to kill before his flight, he decided to go for a shopping spree. He visited almost every boutique on his way, buying expensive clothes and perfumes for his brothers and his Jiminie. He loved to spoil them with gifts. He also went to check several jewellery stores, searching for some light entertainment. And now, he found it.

-'' Oh, my...that ring is so lovely.'' – Taehyung said with a fervour of a spoiled rich brat while he held the Sapphire ring in his hand. He wore a blond wig, some facial prosthetics that were carefully covered under natural make-up, changing his facial features a lot. He also wore contacts and very expensive clothes. He changed his voice a bit, sounding whiny, higher and more melodious.

-'' Yes, you have an exquisite taste, Monsieur. That's 7.23 Carat Royal Blue Burmese Sapphire, cushion shape old cut. Natural, and unenhanced, with two, outward pointed kite shape step cut diamonds, 2 carats, on the platinum ring. Made around the 1960s. A very wonderful piece.'' – The salesperson said proudly. He was born and raised Parisian, very professional and great at his job. His name was Jean, and his voice was polite but didn't manage entirely to hide the note of disapproval as he was forced to use English, instead of his beautiful native tongue, since Taehyung, or better say, Christian, the name he was using for this masquerade, wasn't able to utter a word of French.

Taehyung raised his hand in front of himself, admiring the gem in the light. –'' The first time I saw it I just knew that I have to have it. It took me a while until I convinced my father to buy it for me.'' – He said with a pouty face.

-'' Oh, that's very nice of him.''

-'' Yes, he wants me happy, and he can't say no to me.'' – Taehyung said with a satisfied sly smile of a kid who just has things his way.

Jean smiled politely at that, pretending that he was with a joke. He knew these kinds of rich kids. They can be very persistent when they want something and their parents would do everything to shut their whining up. Christian looked like a whiny type. Attractive as hell, but still a whiny brat.

Jean discretely checked him out. Tall, blond, lean body, dressed in Gucci, from head to toes. He wrinkled his nose in disapproval yet again, when Taehyung didn't look. Gucci! He almost thought affronted. Of all of the fabulous and true designers such as Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Givenchy, he goes for Gucci.

His eyes inspect him some more. Blond tousled and slightly curly hair, expressive blue eyes with a touch of eyeshadow. Diamond stud earrings, around 2 carats, value, approximately, around $7.500 – $7.800, in his modest estimation. On his fingers, there are a few other wonderful and expensive pieces, two diamonds, one amethyst. Louis Vitton leather bag, he noticed with approval. Finally, a bit of taste. It probably cost like his entire monthly paycheck. Jean thought. Three thin white gold bracelets on the wrist of his left hand, while he wore a nice leather strap Cartier watch for women – oh, another pleasant surprise - on his right. His movements were elegant and a bit feminine. He smells expensive, like Dior. Jean discretely sniffs the air around Taehyung. Very nice. His father must be heavily loaded, he decided. He is gonna make a sale today, he could smell it.

-'' I think I'm in love with it.'' – Taehyung was saying dreamily.

-'' Indeed, it looks wonderful on you.'' – Jean said with exaggerated flattery in his voice.

-'' What's his value?'' – Taehyung asked, eyes still on the ring.

-'' One hundred and sixty-eight thousand, nine hundred and thirty-nine euros, Monsieur.''

-'' Oh, that's a trifle. I was expecting more. And please, call me Christian.'' – Taehyung says with a dazzling smile before he returns his eyes to look at another selection of rings until his eyes catch on something else and he exaggerates a gasp. – '' What a beauty.''

He pointed at the nice emerald ring behind the glass. Jean grinned widely.

-'' Ah, yes, magnificent Natural Colombian Emerald, 25 carats, custom handcrafted 18 karats white gold mounting. A Tripple prong set at each corner and it's surrounded by 25 marquise cut and pear-shaped bright, white diamonds. Their weight, approximately, 5 carats.'' – He recites it by heart.

-'' I think I'm in love again.'' – Taehyung let another whiny sound. – ''How much?'' – He asked, pouting yet again.

-'' That one is one hundred and sixty-five thousand euros.''

-'' Wow, nice.'' – Taehyung smiled charmingly before his eyes found the man in front of him. He bats his eyelashes. – '' Forgive me, but I'm terrible with names. What was your name again?''

The salesman smiled politely and pointed at his name tag. – ''It's Jean, Monsieur.''

Taehyung covered his face in sudden embarrassment. – ''Oh, I'm so stupid, my father always says so.'' – He whined behind his gorgeous fingers.

-'' Oh, no, no, not at all, Monsieur.'' – Jean was quick to reassure. – ''My name is easily forgettable, I have people forget my name all the time. Please, do not pay any heed to that.''

Tea lowered his hands down, a sheepish smile on his face. – ''I never forget faces though.''

-'' You do me an honour, Monsieur.'' – Jean bows his head a bit.

-'' Jean, darling, can you please show me that Emerald ring. I want to see it up close.'' – Taehyung asked, taking off the ring from his finger and reaching for the box to place it back.

-'' Of course.'' - Jean was quick to retrieve the desired ring and show it to his golden customer.

Taehyung gasped yet again when he placed the green gem on his finger. –'' I'm out for words. I... I cannot choose... I want both.''

Jean's eyes went wide with greed. ''That could be easily arranged, Monsieur.''

-'' Please, it's Christian.'' – Taehyung says charmingly.

Jean bows his head again. – ''Very well, Christian.''

-'' I love the sound of my name when you say it.'' – Taehyung giggles. – '' It sounds so melodic and beautiful when you say it in a French accent. I love it.''

Jean gives an uncomfortable smile but still replies. – '' It is a wonderful name.''

-'' Aww, thank you.'' – Taehyung acts bashful, completely forgetting about the rings, to Jean's dismay.

He carefully prompts him. -'' So, Christian did you have the time to decide about the rings?''

-'' Oh, yes...the rings.'' – Taehyung jerks with a start. –'' I need to make a call'' – He took off the ring, placing it back in the box next to the Saphire one. –'' Give me a minute.'' – He says, with the phone in his hand.

He went on calling someone. Probably his rich parent. Jean concludes by listening to some foreign language, Asian, for sure. Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Thai... one of those. He didn't understand a word, but he did understand his rich client's expressions and whining tone of his voice, and a lot, a lot of pouting at the end of the conversation. It was telling him no. No, he will not sell both rings today.

The call was ended and Taehyung took a deep sigh. – ''Alas, my father approved only of one ring.''

-'' Ah, well.'' – Jean says with a sympathetic voice. – ''We can't always get what we want, unfortunately. '' – He leans in, saying in hushed confidence. –'' For both of us.''

Taehyung took another dramatic sigh. –'' My father is trying to teach me economics. He says I spend too much. But what is ''too much'' when you buy cheap trinkets. I call it a bargain. '' – He says in the light voice of someone who never had anything cheap his entire life. It must have been wonderful growing up in this excessive wealth, Jean thought.

-'' I will come back to buy the other one in less than a day. You just wait and see.'' – Taehyung said with an expression of a rich brat on the mission.

Jean laughs politely and his client seems pleased, and that's all that matters.

Taehyung took rings from the table, both in their boxes, and held them next to one another for a whole minute. He made a few desperate pouting sounds and then finally set the Emerald ring on the middle of the glass table. – ''I'll take this one.'' – He said, still staring longingly at the Sapphire one for an extra moment. –'' I will come back for you, baby.''

Jean found it strangely adorable, and slightly annoying, but he quickly brightened up when Taehyung took out his black credit card. Jean's breath hitched. They were that wealthy.

When the purchase was finalized, Taehyung flashed his charming smile. – ''Thank you, until the next time.'' – He held his hand graciously and Jean took it and bowed above it.

-'' It was my pleasure, and please do come again.'' – He says with an overly polite smile.

Taehyung batted his eyelashes again. – ''Oh, be sure I will.''

With that he left the store, swaying his hips seductively. Never has Jean had such a beautiful and expensive customer in his life. He wasn't into men, but he might make an exception for this one. He was more like a woman anyway. Still, he made a sale, and he was happy. Very happy.

As soon as Taehyung left the store, he sat in the black Mercedes-Benz rental car and told the driver to drive to the airport. He took out the Emerald ring and put it on his finger, admiring it for a few seconds before retrieving another ring from his sleeve, the Sapphire one.

That guy, Juan, John, Jean whatever his name was, Taehyung already forgot, was very observant, but sensing the dumb blond rich boy he let his guard down, which Taehyung used with expertise. He already knew where the cameras were and placed himself accordingly. As soon as the guy's attention switched to the Emerald ring, Taehyung made a switch. He has to say, Jin did an amazing job duplicating the Sapphire ring. Taehyung has been eyeing him in the online catalogue for some time now. He went to several stores all over Paris in search of it and was so happy when he found it in this one.

Jin was right, it was a trinket, and Jin rarely spend his time duplicating cheap jewellery, but it was for practice, as Taehyung put it. –'' It will make me happy, Hyung. I need to practice, I'm a bit rusty with swaps.'' – It was all he would say, and Jin would just sigh exasperatedly and do as Taehyung wants. Namjoon was always teasing Jin for his weak spot towards their youngest baby brother.

-'' Like you are any better!'' – Jin would retort instantly.

Taehyung always chuckled at the banter between his eldest Hyungs. He was so happy to have them. He enjoyed being the baby of the family and they did their utmost best to protect him as much as he allowed them to. It was a hell of a task because Taehyung was a wild spirit. They never knew what he gonna do next.

As soon as he reached the airport, the driver took out Taehyung's light silver carry-on suitcase from the car and bow him farewell. Feeling quite content with himself, Taehyung turned straight toward the toilets, where he, after spending some minutes, got out as a completely different person, dressed up in nice loose black trousers, slippers and a black and white button-up shirt. He took off his blonde wig and tousled his dark brown locks. He checked himself in the mirror and took two Diamonds and a Sapphire rings off his fingers, leaving only the Amethyst and Emerald. The rest he packed in his jewellery case.

The customs went smoothly and he was soon on the plane for Seoul.

___

Namjoon sat in his chair, surrounded by computer screens as always, his fingers flew over the keyboard at a high speed, working on the new program he needed for their Security Company.

-'' I don't think I will ever understand that computer language of yours.'' – He heard the voice in his ear suddenly and he jumped in his chair, turning so fast that his neck cracked l loudly. Jin's laughter was loud and annoying. Namjoon place a hand over his heart and scowled at him.

-'' Stop sneaking up on me!'' – He warned.

Jin was still grinning. – '' I wasn't sneaking. I called you like three times, but you were in your own world again.''

-'' I was working!'' – Namjoon protested, returning his eyes to the screen.

-'' Aren't you always working?'' – Jin asked, taking the chair in the corner. – ''Taehyungie is back.'' – He announced.

-'' Yes, I know. I saw him on cameras an hour ago.'' – Namjoon responded knowingly.

-'' Will you at least once pretend that you don't know something?'' – Jin asked dramatically.

-'' I thought my job is to know everything.'' – Namjoon's dimples showed when he smiled teasingly.

-'' No, that's my job, and I said pretend not to know it all.'' – Jin grumbled.

-'' I will next time, Hyung.'' – Namjoon snorted lightly. He always says the same thing, and always, conveniently, ''forgets'' the next time. It became somewhat of an inside joke to them since Namjoon couldn't forget anything even if he tries. He can just discard certain information if it's not worth his time.

The loud noise came from the back as Taehyung burst through the door, smiling. – ''Hello! I'm back!''

Jin was holding his chest to calm his breathing heart since he jerked at the noise. –'' You are loud like a herd of elephants! You frightened me!'' – Jin protested loudly in Taehyung's grinning face and Namjoon gave a laugh, karma is a useful bitch.

-'' How can someone that moves like a shadow on the field, be so loud?'' – Namjoon wondered loudly, which made Taehyung smile even wider, showing off his pearl white teeth in a boxy smile.

-'' And how are my favourite brothers?!'' – He asked, walking towards his second oldest brother.

-'' We are your only brothers.'' – Namjoon smiled, turning his chair around, spreading his arms wide. Tae tossed himself into his embrace, sitting sideways on his lap.

-'' Hey, I am here too!" – Jin protested loudly. – ''I practically raised you, at least you can do is to give me the first hug, you punk!"

-'' Yeah, but Joonie Hyung is my favourite, though.'' – Taehyung said cheekily.

Jin groaned in disbelief. – '' Yah, this brat! The nerve!''

Taehyung laughed and went to his other brother as well, wrapping his arms around him in a bone-crushing hug. Jin protested loudly, but Taehyung knew he was pleased.

-'' Did you get it?'' – Namjoon asked, and Taehyung nodded.

-'' Yup.'' – He pulled a small flash drive from his pocket and handed it to Namjoon. – '' The diamonds are in Germany, at the moment.'' - Jin's chuckled at the irony of that. – '' Yes, I thought the same.'' – Taehyung adds, grinning. – '' The diamonds went home after several decades of wandering.''

-'' You think there will be trouble retrieving it?'' – Namjoon asks.

Taehyung shrugs. – '' I guess you will tell me.'' – He grins cheekily.

That brings a grin to Namjoon's face and his dimples which Taehyung poke with his finger in satisfaction.

-'' If diamonds found the way to their real family, assuming some of them survived the camp, that is, we should leave the stones alone.'' – Jin declares.

-'' Are you sure?'' – Namjoon asks.

Jin nods. – '' I was planning to find the remaining family members, if there are any, to set the stones to rest. Grandfather would have wanted that.''

-'' The German Jewish guy was his friend?'' – Taehyung asked.

-'' Yes, they were both magnificent jewellery makers, and good friends before the war began in Europe. The German came to Korea often before, since a grandfather had trouble leaving Korea, due to Japanese rule back then. He was on the black list because the Japanese were afraid that he might leave the country for good. They didn't want to lose cheap labour.'' – Jin said with a stern voice, but then his mouth gave a melancholic smile. – '' He would tell me the stories from his youth, and his friends, and jewels...always jewels.''

Both Namjoon and Tae smiled gently at that. They were both too young to truly know their grandfather before he died. Namjoon was ten, and Taehyung was only seven at the time. But Seokjin, was with him always, to his father's annoyance.

Jin sighs with a sad smile. – '' Oh, well...past is a past.'' – He clears his throat and looks at Taehyung. – '' Was your informant difficult?''

He meant about the guy who had information about the diamonds.

-'' It went quite smooth, really.'' – Taehyung says. – '' The informant was quite easy to spill the beans. He loves to brag, the idiot. I didn't even have to have sex with him.'' – He added.

This started loud disapproval from both of his Hyungs. He began laughing. – ''I'm just kidding. I don't do that, don't worry.''

-'' I hope you are joking because I don't want any brother of mine to prostitute themselves for things.'' - Namjoon said seriously.

-'' Relax, bro. I was just kidding. He wasn't my type after all.'' – Taehyung winked and sat partly on the edge of Namjoon's desk.

-'' Don't sit there!'' – Namjoon warned, batting Taehyung on his thigh. – ''This is very expensive equipment.''

-'' If you don't break it, I surely won't.'' – Taehyung answered quickly, which had Jin chuckling, and Namjoon closing his eyes in defeat. They all knew that he was, indeed, the clumsiest person in the family.

-'' Besides, Jin Hyung, you did an excellent job with that Sapphire ring. Here!'' – Taehyung said, tossing the box with the ring towards him. – ''It looked identical.''

Jin caught it in mid-air and moved to the small lamp on the side table, turning the lamp's neck so the light beamed at the angle he needed. He took out his magnifying glass from his pocket and proceed to examine the ring.

-'' It's a really nice piece.'' – He said after a moment.

-'' I told you so.'' – Taehyung preened in satisfaction. – '' I got it for free.''

-'' Then why did you spend 165 thousand euros in the jewellery store?'' – Namjoon asked, raising an eyebrow.

-'' Oh, I bought another one.'' – He flashed his hand with the Emerald ring on it.

-'' You could've just bought this one as well...'' – Jin said nodding towards the Sapphire one in his hands.

-'' Where is the fun in that?'' – Taehyung asked. – ''Besides, the Sapphire one was around 169 thousand, and the Emerald one is 165 000, so I actually earned money.''

Jin snorted. – ''Only 4 thousand.''

-'' Still, the money is the money, you always taught me that.'' – Taehyung made a point with which Jin couldn't disagree.

Taehyung stretched himself and yawned wide. – ''Is there something you need me to do now, or may I go to sleep? I have a jet lag.''

-'' Go, sleep.'' – Namjoon said.

-'' Nothing that cannot wait. We will talk later.''

Taehyung nodded and murmured – ''Later.'' – And then left the room.

Namjoon stared at the door that just closed behind his younger brother and hummed in thought. – ''He looks exhausted.''

-'' Jet lag will do that to you.'' – Jin said, his eyes once more on the ring Taehyung just left with him.

-'' No, I mean, more than usual.''

Jin turned his head to look at Namjoon. – ''I'm sure it's nothing bad. He just has to take a rest.''

-'' I think we put a lot on him.'' – Namjoon persisted.

-'' He wants it that way.'' – Jin retorted. – '' And it's not that either of us has a choice really.''

Namjoon hummed yet again. – ''Not yet, we don't.''

-'' Yeah.'' – Jin agreed quietly. – ''Not yet.''

______________________________________

So, not only did we see Jungkook meeting V again but also Tae in action. Now, you all know I'm not supporting stealing, but it's a thriller story, what did you expect. Either way, there will be nice smut in the next chapter, so stay tuned. Love ya, darlings 💜💜💜