I'm publishing this slightly earlier since I have stuff to do tomorrow and probably won't be at home for a long time. Either way, enjoy =)

***

If the first day of work, after two months of suspension was horrible for Jungkook, the second was even worse. This time he did had clean clothes and holes-free socks before he headed for work, but his mood hasn't improved since last night.

Once he finally returned home from the bar, fuming from his encounter with Jimin, he started cleaning his apartment thoroughly. He didn't stop until his neighbour came banging at his door at 2 am, complaining about the vacuum noise. He gave a quick apology and shut the door, continuing with his laundry until three, at which time he was exhausted, but stated enough to just fall asleep. He slept only for three hours, but even so, he didn't feel tired. He went for his morning run, came back, took a shower, dress up and went to work. Yeey, another boring day at the office.

He got some reports again and his computer was still not fixed, so he called the IT sector again. Someone will come later on today, they've said. Jungkook just shook his head in disbelief, hung up the phone and went for a coffee refill. Eventually, he sat down at Yugyeom's desk and used his computer since he was on the field again.  

It was near lunchtime when he decided to visit Yoongi's lair, as he calls it. Min Yoongi was a lean, pale man, with dark hair and bangs that kept falling onto his forehead. He was Jungkook's senior by several years, but his face was youthful and clean, making him much younger than he is. His eyes were very observant and deep and he had a certain drawl in his deep raspy voice that was very pleasant to listen to.

Yoongi was a forgery specialist in the Special Forces Branch and a Chief of the Special Intelligence team. In more simple words, all computer geeks, psychologists and art specialists were under his rule in this place. He was often too grumpy and scary when he doesn't take his coffee, but he was always fair and righteous. They met at one of the cases Jungkook and old Choi worked on. Yoongi provided them with valuable information about the case and since he, like Jungkook, was one of the rare protegees of Choi, they kind of started hanging out together after work. It took Jungkook half of the year to stop being nervous around Yoongi and for the older man to start trusting him enough, but once that was achieved, Jungkook realised that Yoongi had a heart of pure gold. The man was his favourite drinking companion, who not only had a vast knowledge of arts, precious gems and forgery, but also of alcohol, music, and SPA centres which he visits often for relaxation.

He found him deeply occupied with a wonderful diamond necklace of a pinkish colour under his electronic looking glass.

-'' Hello, Yoongi Hyung. How's it going? – Jungkook said, dragging the chair loudly across the floor to sit next to him. Yoongi scrunched his face uncomfortably at the sudden scratching noise.

-'' Farewell silence, you will be missed.'' – Yoongi murmured, and then fixed his glare at the younger male. – ''Do you always need to be so damn loud?''

Jungkook smiled. – ''I'm sorry, Hyung. What are you doing?''

-'' Trying to determine who made this.'' – He points to the necklace.

-'' Fake?'' – Jungkook asked, intrigued, while Yoongi nodded.

-'' It's a masterpiece. I could barely detect the difference.'' – Yoongi answered, admiringly. – ''Whoever did it is a true artist.''

-'' Oh, wow, that's extremely high praise from you. Where did it come from?'' – Jungkook leaned in to see it better.

-'' It was brought as evidence from one of the raids. I'm trying to determine whether is it connected to that group of robbers that had been terrorizing the art collectors and museum curators all over the World or not.''

-'' The Shadows?'' – Jungkook'e eyes went wide. He's been following the news of that group ever since they first showed up, several years ago. They were untraceable, uncatchable and utterly fantastic. Jungkook would sport a hard-on every time he heard someone mention them. It was his dream to catch them one day, which will, in all probability stay exactly that, a dream since it went way above his jurisdictions. They are on the Federal level.

-'' Mhm.'' – Yoongi hummed in conformation and was nearly crushed by Jungkook's strong muscled form as the latter kept learning more and more into his space to see the necklace better.

Yoongi leaned back, looking at him disapprovingly. Sensing the scowl, Jungkook glanced at him, smiled and pulled back. -'' Sorry, Hyung.''

Yoongi grunted quietly and went back to his task. – ''What is that you want Jungkook?''

-'' Can't a guy just visit his favourite Hyung?'' – Jungkook asked cheekily as if they hadn't hung out only three evenings ago. Yoongi was not buying it.

-'' He can, but we both know you are not the guy who does that from the bottom of his heart unless he needs something.'' – Yoongi spoke calmly, eyes still engaged on the perfectly cut stone. – ''So, I will ask again, what is that you want Jungkookie?'' – He added.

Jungkook pouted and brushed his hair from his eyes.

-'' I'm bored.'' – He finally admitted.

Yoongi chuckled. – ''So, it's true. Chief got you tied up on the desk.''

-'' Yeah.''

-'' Can't blame him, though.'' – Yoongi said. Jungkook protested, but the older man was firm. – ''Devoulging the critical information to the defence attorney that is handling a still ongoing case, like some rookie, was plain stupid, kid.'' – Yoongi's cat-like eyes bored into Jungkook. He was not amused.

Jungkook bent his head, feeling scolded all over again, like some misbehaving pup.

-'' I know.'' – He said.

-'' It has cost the Chief's department serious trouble on the case. The guy walked out because of you.''

-'' I know!'' – Jungkook shouted, but encountering Yoonngi's raised eyebrow and feeling that the man's patience is coming to an end, he quickly added much softly. – ''I know, Hyung. I know. I was an idiot. I made a mistake, and I had two months to reflect on that mistake.''

-'' Was he worth it, though?'' – Yoongi asked, much gentler. – ''The attorney guy, Park?'' – He added when he saw Jungkook's confused expression.

Hearing the name of his foe got Jungkook scowling. – ''Hell, no! Like I've said, it was a mistake. A mistake that I wholeheartedly regret.''

Yoongi was not convinced, but he didn't press for more. Instead, he switched his gaze and his question to something else.

-'' So, how long do you think you will be on desk duty?''

Jungkook made a pained expression. – ''For a foreseeable future, as it seems...or until some next case comes, but knowing Chief and how he holds a grudge, he will make sure that I don't get any new cases for a while. I would probably get some basic shoplifting case to look into or some other shit like that.''

His eyes suddenly went wide with realization. – ''Unless...'' – He stopped and glued his gaze on Yoongi.

The sudden silence made Yoongi look up and discover Jungkook's fiery determent eyes boring into his.

-'' Let me help you with this case.'' – Jungkook said, pointing at the necklace.

Yoongi furrowed his brows. – ''There is no case.''

-'' Yet. There is no case yet. But there will be if you let me look around a bit. You could put the written request for inter-branches collaboration and ask for me. I could get you the information, gather more evidence, new clues.'' – Jungkook added, his voice becoming more and more exciting.

- ''Oh, yes, we...'' – Yoongi chuckled sarcastically as he emphasizes the ''we'' as in his own brilliant branch of carefully chosen experts. – ''...couldn't find anything on the case, but Jeon Jungkook will with just a few sniffs. Please, give me a break.''

-'' It doesn't hurt to try. A fresh eyes on the case and...'' – Jungkook insisted.

-'' There is no case right here.'' – Yoongi repeated, pointing at the necklace but Jungkook was on fire and didn't hear him.

-''... plus, I have a lot of contacts everywhere, someone must know something or someone. Hoseokie Hyung probably heard some things. People talk, and even the most insignificant thing could mean something and you know I have a good intuition when I concentrate on the case.''

-'' Jungkook...'' – Yoongi took a deep sigh, mentally preparing himself to deal with a very stubborn and excited child.

-'' No, hear me out, Hyung. I've been following their work for years. Every news report, every article, or story over the coffee from those assholes on upper floors that are handling the case so poorly. Hyung, they have no idea what they are doing.''

-'' You do know I belong to those assholes, as you call them.'' – Yoongi pointed out amusingly.

-'' Hyung you maybe belong in the same department, but you and your branch are nothing like them. You have brains, they don't. There are missing valuable clues. This group is so damn smart, they are playing with us because they know how stupid the ones handling the case are. There is no way that they couldn't find any connection in these past years. Hyung, I could do so much better than them. Take me as your assistant on this case. I know how much time it takes for the stupid forms and warrants to go through. I could work around all that bureaucracy, and you know it.''

-'' Are you trying to tell me that we discard the rules and just do what we please? Then we are no better than them Jungkook.'' – Yoongi said sternly.

-'' No, Hyung, that's not what I've meant.''

-'' Then what?''

-'' I only meant that we need to think a bit like them to get to them.'' – Jungkook said with round eyes, carefully choosing his next words. – ''There are some ways to avoid the rules without breaking the rules, and I am your man for that.''

Yoongi was looking at him silently.

-'' Please, Hyung.'' – Jungkook was looking at him with his huge doe-like eyes, and Yoongi felt his resolve is starting to crumble. He knew that he won't be able to say no to Jungkook.

As if sensing it, Jungkook continued with a pleading voice. – ''I will invest all my time fully into this, Hyung. You need eyes and feet on the streets, someone to go check things outside, and talk to the right people. Damn, you need to know the right people, and I can do it. Hyung, they are wasting my time and talent in the office when I could be outside helping people or making difference. You know I'm good at this. Hell, I'm great at this!''

Yoongi sighed deeply and closed his eyes for the moment.

-'' Jungkook...'' – Yoongi looked at the hopeful man in front of him. –'' Chief Jeong will never allow you to join me after what you did. Working with us here is a privilege, several steps higher on the ladder, there are a lot of men and women who would kill for a day here. Even if I send the written request, it would take days to be processed and by then you might get the case of your own.''

-'' Maybe, but if you ask for a favour instead...''

-'' Why on Earth would I do that?'' – Yoongi asked flabbergasted.

-'' Because I'm your favourite dongsaeng and because you know I would be a huge help to you.'' – Jungkook smiled adorably.

Yoongi rolled his eyes. – '' First of all, you are not my favourite dongsaeng, and second...''

-'' No?!'' – Jungkook exclaimed quite affronted by that statement. -'' Then who is it?''

Yoongi was unperturbed by his exclamation. – '' Hoseokie, not you. And second, I don't need help.''

Jungkook groaned. – ''I know you don't, but you can pretend that you do.''

Yoongi was unmoved, so Jungkook took another approach.

-'' Please, Hyung. This is like a dream come true if you let me work on this case. I had no idea that it was under your jurisdiction, otherwise, I would be here much sooner.'' – He chuckled.

-'' It isn't my case.''

-'' It is now, Hyung. You are holding the piece of evidence, and that's your expertise, which means that it's becoming your case now. Or at least, you will share it.'' - Jungkook said it knowingly.

-'' I still don't know if this necklace connects to the case or not, Jungkook. Maybe it's nothing. I'm working on a hunch here.'' – Yoongi tried to reason with him.

-'' Hyung, your hunches are always right. ''The Shadows'' were never connected with Korea before. They work is all over the world, except in South Korea, which is why I think the majority, if not all of them, are Koreans. There wasn't anything to connect them to us so far. We never heard anything stolen from here, but this necklace...'' – He pointed at the piece of fake jewellery. – ''... is the exact one that was stolen over several years ago in Egypt, and then again a week ago in Greece, and now it found its way here in Seoul.''

-'' That robbery in Greece was not done by ''Shadows'' and you know it.'' – Yoongi says frankly.

-'' I know, the Greece theft was done by the amateurs, while the superb job in Egypt was done by the ''Shadows'', I know, but they are connected somehow, I can feel it.'' – Jungkook said with a passion. – '' And you know I'm right. That's why you spend time examining it yourself instead of one of your assistants. You have a hunch that's telling you that this...'' – He points at the necklace. – ''... is somehow connected to them.''

Jungkook quieted his tone, getting closer to Yoongi. – ''Hyung, you know. Let me help. Please.''

Yoongi almost groaned loudly. Dammit, the kid knew him far too well, he thought. There was no way of turning him down, he was like a hound dog, he doesn't let go nor give up, which makes him perfect for this line of work.

-'' Hyung, I've been waiting for two months. I wasted time for two months, I know why though. But now, I'm ready. I need something big. I need to get back and to prove that I'm more than a poof in the uniform.''

Yoongi's eyes went dark. – ''Who called you that?''

-'' No one in the face.'' – Jungkook chuckled sadly. – '' They won't dare to, but I hear the whispers. You know I'm good with finding out things.''

Yoongi was fuming inside, he hated those stupid fuckers. How dare they? Jungkook was better than all of them together, so what if he is gay. He is one hell of a detective. Damn, Yoongi was bisexual himself, so what?

-'' There is nothing wrong with being gay. I will fight with anyone on that.'' – The smaller man said savagely and Jungkook smiled at him with pure affection in his eyes.

-'' I know, Hyung, and thank you. Please, if this turns out to be connected to the ''Shadows'' case, please, please involve me in it. I will owe you forever.''

Yoongi took a deep exasperated breath. – ''Fine. If this turns out to be the part of the case, I'll talk to Chief Jeong and see if he can spare you for a while. He won't like it at all, so don't get your hopes up.''

-'' Yes! Thank you, Hyung! Thank you! These are the best news that I've heard all day.''

-'' I said don't celebrate it so early, and don't look so happy, it's annoying.''– Yoongi grumbled, eyes returning to his task.

Jungkook just grinned widely, he was buzzing with a warm feeling, as he looked at his favourite Hyung like he's done something amazing.

-'' Stop staring at me like a puppy, it's creepy. Now go, I have work to do and you are disrupting my concentration.''

Jungkook jumped on his feet. – ''Yes, sir.'' - He bowed deeply. –'' Thank you Hyung. I'll leave you to it. See you later. Pints Friday night?''

-'' Sure, kid.''

Jungkook smiled again, turning on his heels and heading towards the door. –'' Bye Hyung, it was nice seeing you today.'' – And with that, he was gone. Yoongi didn't rose his head to see him off, but he did smile affectionately, murmuring.

-'' See ya, kid.''

___

Three days had passed since that visit to Yoongi's lab, and still, there was no clear evidence to connect the necklace to the big case. Jungkook was all set to be patient but after Yoongi shook his head during their Friday night drinking time, Jungkook's hopes were crushed down.

-'' Damn, I was sure that they are connected. I had a feeling, Hyung.'' – Jungkook said sadly.

Yoongi patted his shoulder. – '' I know, kid, I had that feeling too but, unfortunately, no evidence.'' – He says and took a sip of his drink.

Some hour later, Hoseok showed up, all smiles and bright energy. Yoongi grumbled that he was too cheerful sometimes, but Jungkook knew that Yoongi adored Hoseok. If anyone could recharge Yoongi's low energy it's Hoseok. They were a perfect representation of Night and Day, the Sun and the Moon. Jungkook felt like some small star compared to them, but he didn't mind. He loved his Hyungs.

Hoseok and Jungkook grew up together, becoming friends from a very young age. To Jungkook, Hoseok was his best friend, the first Hyung he admired. He was always optimistic and cheerful until his mouth turns upside down in a scowl. Jungkook knew, however, exactly how to make him smile, which always worked.

Hoseok always smelled clean and calming, so naturally, Jungkook was drawn to his side. The ever-smiling man used to laugh cheerfully, calling him a puppy because Jungkook was always sniffing his clothes and his hair. It was weird and adorable, and it went so far that Jungkook's mum had to ask Hobi's mum which detergent she uses, but even when Jungkook had his clothes smelling the same, he continued snuggling with Hobi and inhaling scent so uniquely Hoseok's, and Hobi didn't mind. He loved to cuddle Jungkook whenever they had sleepovers, even though there were a few years between them.

Even when they grew up and stopped cuddling as much, Hoseok's scent was still the only one that could put him to sleep the fastest. First, it was the washing detergent in Hobi's clothes that smelled so refreshing and calming, and later on, it was Hoseok's personal high-standard hygiene level and soft perfumes he loved to use that kept Jungkook nuzzling next to him even now.

They've been through everything together growing up. Jungkook was always a bit shy, but he had Hoseok and that was enough for him. Hobi, on other hand, had many friends. He was always surrounded by kids of all ages and was very popular.

Everyone loved Hoseok, apart from one older boy who liked torturing younger kids and was especially triggered by Hoseok's constant optimism. He would often bully him, tossing his things, pushing him, punching him. Jungkook was just a young kid himself, only a few years younger, but he knew that something has to be done. So he confronted the boy and got punched in the face. Hoseok shrieked and attacked him until all three were bloodied and dirty. They were separated by the teachers and all three got detentions for fighting. The boy lied that he was attacked by the duo, but the other kids, some of whom were his victims as well, others because they liked Hoseok, stepped in and told what truly happened and what he has done to all of them. He was expelled from school. Later on, in their adult life, that boy has grown up to become a petty criminal and was arrested by Jungkook several times.

Although Jungkook was always way braver than Hoseok ever was, the two of them had many adventures together when they were young. And since they lived next to each other until Jeons moved to the countryside, the adventures were many. Jungkook, at the time of his parents moving, was still in the police academy. Not wanting to stay in the city longer than they have to, with his dad still recovering from his injury, they moved, and Jungkook stayed with Jungs. Everything was fine until Jungkook graduated, and Hoseok started noticing glances his older sister gave to oblivious Jungkook. There were not a soft cooing at his teeth and cute nose anymore, no... her glances were usually dancing up and down Jungkook's more manly and bulky figure. So, Hoseok decided that it was time for him and Kook to move to Seoul. Hoseok didn't mind him as his brother-in-law, he loved him like a younger brother, but he suspected that Jungkook played for the other team way before the boy did.

Once they've settled into the capital city, Jungkook started working as a police officer, while Hoseok, who was always good with numbers, became a monetary consultant at first, but with his many connections and flexible personality and interests, he got his fingers in too many pies, sort of speak. He was a person of contacts and information, and that's why Jungkook used him many times as his informant. Off the record, of course.

-'' Hobi Hyung!'' – Jungkook exclaimed when he saw Hyung entering the pub with a big smile on his face.

-'' Hello, Jungkookie, Yoongi Hyung. You've started without me.'' – Hoseok scolded with a smile.

-'' You are late!'' – Yoongi grumbled. – '' Besides, you are a light drinker. One drink and you are done. Jungkookie and I had to have an upper start to at least be tipsy as much as you, so you won't feel left out.'' – Yoongi raised his glass in salute.

Hoseok laughed. – ''I am not a light drinker!'' – He protested.

-'' You kind of are, Hyung.'' – Jungkook confirmed.

-'' Yah! Jungkookie, you too!? It's enough to have this grumpy cat make up stories, but I didn't expect from you!'' – Hoseok slapped Jungkook's arm, still giggling.

-'' It's not a made-up story, it's a fact.'' – Yoongi said nonchalantly.

They ease up into slight banter and teasing, with a lot of laughter after that. The three of them always have a good time even though are just sitting calmly and drinking, which was always the hardest for Hoseok, who was constantly moving and shifting.

-'' How come you are never tired, Hobah?'' – Yoongi asked after Hoseok jumped for the 20th time to his feet so he could recreate something he was telling, or simply dance to the song that was on at the moment. All that was too much energy spilt for Yoongi's taste. He was tired of just watching him. He leaned forward so the man can hear him more clearly and spoke. – '' You are always buzzing with energy like you are constantly dancing with electricity. Please, tell me your secret, we all know I need more energy so I can do more things.''

Both Hoseok and Jungkook laughed, and Hobi pulled his chair closer to Yoongi so he could toss his arm around his shoulders. – '' Don't worry, Hyung. Hobi is here, I will be your battery.''

-'' More like a vitamin.'' – Yoongi mumbled, not moving away from the closeness.

-'' Aish, Hyung. Whenever I hug you or get into your space you scowl at me and tell me to move.'' – Jungkook pouted over his pint.

-'' That's because you are tiresome.'' – Hoseok added.

-'' Hell, no! Hyung never said it!'' – Jungkook shouted and tossed his arms around Yoongi as well, both laughing when Hyung started squirming to free himself. –'' Hajima!'' - He shouted.

-'' Either way, Jungkookie, have you've been given any case since you start working?'' – Hoseok asks, and Jungkook shook his head sadly.

-'' No. And I doubt Chief will give me anything from importance just yet.'' – He said grumpily.

Yoongi patted him on the shoulder. –'' Now, don't start going all droopy on us. You will get something soon.'' – He raised his beer mug when Hoseok got his. – '' Geonbae.''

The other two repeat the cheers and clink their mugs together, drinking.

Hoseok brushed his mouth and burped slightly. – ''Oh, pardon me.''

Yoongi's gums flashed in an amused smile. Hosoek was always so polite, and careful. Yoongi found that adorable.

-'' Say, have you heard about that scandal with that famous art gallery in Seoul, who sold fake paintings? – Hoseok asks after a moment.

Both Jungkook and Yoongi looked at him with narrowed eyes at first, and then Yoongi suddenly remembered hearing about it.

-'' Oh, yes, the trial is still on, if I'm not mistaken.'' – Yoongi interjected.

-'' Correct.'' – Hoseok confirmed.- ''But the con artist was never caught. They know who he is, some Chinese guy, but we can't get him. His government doesn't want to export him for trial.''

-'' Of course, they don't. We wouldn't either. Our people, our laws, and the punishment according to the weight of the crime.'' – Jungkook said.

-'' Plus, the copying of other arts isn't illegal in China.'' – Yoongi added.

-'' So, what's the story with the gallery?'' – Jungkook asks. – '' They claim they had no idea they were fake?''

-'' M-hm.'' – Hoseok confirmed. – '' She, the gallery director I mean, stands on trial for that now.''

-'' She ought to.'' – Jungkook agreed. – '' She was the bridge between the people she brought the paintings from and the people she sells them to. She ought to know what she is buying and then selling. She would be one of my top suspects. '' – The youngest says. – ''If I have to put my signature and seal on some document or work with several million or billions won, I would check and double-check everything I do. Plus they have their experts at their disposal. Especially the huge and famous gallery such as that.''

-'' They claim that they didn't know the paintings were fake.'' – Hoseok answered, taking a sip of his beer.

-'' Bullshit.'' – Jungkook scoffed.

Hoseok grinned widely, enjoying Kook's irritation. He was always so cute when he is annoyed.

- ''They must have noticed that something is amiss.'' – Jungkook continued.

-'' The paintings looked so authentic like the real artists painted them.'' – Yoongi added, blinking a few times out of habit, crossing his arms on his chest.

-'' Yes but, what... 10 or 11 or something paintings from the same source.''

-'' It was 12 in total, and it was different artists he copied, not only one.'' – Hoseok cleared it out.

-'' Still, it's the same source the paintings were coming from. Unless that person acted like an art enthusiast who goes around and gets lucky procuring those long lost treasures at some god's forsaken place, which could be believable with 2, maximum 3 paintings, but 12?! And then sells them to the gallery, I call it bullshit. They knew. They have to.''

Jungkook took a sip of his beer and smacked his lips before continuing with the same accusing disbelief. – '' All those forgotten paintings from the famous painters, hidden for decades before, miraculously, appearing in front of their door, one after another in the last... how many years?'' – He asked Hoseok.

-'' Three.'' – He replies.

-'' Right, three, and they didn't question it after the fifth...hell...even when the third painting appeared. It screams that something is amiss. I'm telling you, the gallery knew. They knew they were fakes and they sold it regardless.''

-'' You are way too passionate about it.'' – Hoseok laughed.

-'' Yes, our Jungkookie dreams of catching some famous con artist, or breaking a chain of smugglers.'' – Yoongi grinned his gummy smile, eyes teasing Jungkook affectionately.

Jungkook groaned. – ''When are you two gonna take me seriously?''

-'' Aaaw, but we do, Jungkookie.'' - Hoseok jumped on his feet to toss himself on Jungkook's back.

-'' Get off.'' – Jungkook pouted. – '' I just say is bullshit.''

-'' Miracles do happen.'' – Hoseok laughs, getting back on his chair next to Yoongi.

-'' Yeah, right. Miracles don't exist.'' – Jungkook said, tossing a few peanuts in his mouth.

-'' Bitter much?'' – Yoongi teased.

-'' Not more than you, Hyung.'' – Jungkook replied which earned him a scowl from Yoongi, and cheerful laughter from Hoseok.

-'' Watch it kid, or I will whip your ass.'' – The smaller man threatened and Jungkook knew that he will try if pushed too hard.

-'' My point is.'' – Jungkook made a pause, asking for the attention with his hands. He then proceeds to take one of the peanuts from the bowl and twirl it between his fingertips. – '' Someone must have been working from the gallery. There has to be a person that signed and put a stamp of authorisation for those paintings to be bought and then re-sold for a much higher price. It's their job to suspect fakes and work on their authenticity. ''

-'' Jungkookie, there are two things you need to do soon.'' - Yoongi interrupted him. – '' To get some case to work on...'' – Yoongi paused, grinning. – ''... or get laid. Or both, you're turning into a sour old hag.''

Hoseok burst out laughing, clapping his hands in the process. Jungkook rolled his eyes and mumbled. – ''Fuck off, Hyung.'' – Which provoked more laughter from Hoseok, and more shoulder shaking from Yoongi.

-'' Either way, Kook.'' – Yoongi continued, calming down. – '' You are probably right, but...'' – Yoongi put one finger up. – ''...she could also be the victim.''

-'' Pff...'' – Was Jungkook's answer.

-'' Hear me out. It's a bit too perfect to find someone with a high status that wants to risk their reputation for a scam. The small staff, yeah, perhaps, but the gallery director? I don't think so. Especially not the one who's quite known and respected in her line of work.''

When he saw that Jungkook did not intend to contradict him, Yoongi took this as a sign to continue. – '' She was probably carefully picked as a lamb for slaughter. '' – He says. – ''The blame was supposed to go to her if they ever get caught.

-'' A scapegoat.'' – Jungkook supplies.

-'' Yes.'' - His Hyung agrees. – ''The con artists and scammers are very good psychologists, who understand human needs and desires. They are great listeners and watchers.''

Jungkook nodded at that.

-'' And with their mastery in manipulation, the perfect paintings, plus the victim's desire for it to be true, and there, you have your scapegoat. '' – Yoongi concluded. He scratches himself under his chin. – '' Come to think of it, that group must be pretty damn gathered.'' – He raised his thumb in the air. – ''First, the mastermind behind it all.'' – He raised his index finger next. – '' Second, the master manipulator and a liar.'' – He raised his middle finger. – '' And third, the brilliant copycat.''

-'' My guy says that the man has perfected over nine different styles of painting.'' – Hoseok interjected.

Yoongi snorted. – ''Of course. Chinese invented a perfect copy.''

Hoseok nodded at Yoongi's words. – ''Yeah, Chinese copycats could copy, literally, everything you ask of them, more or less. They have had a tradition of copying, with dead accuracy, the works of others. It's the greatest tribute you could pay the previous artist, and in a way, it's a test of their skill.''

-'' Yeah, I've heard about that. It goes back millennia.'' – Jungkook says. -'' But that art is not from the heart. '' – He adds in an afterthought. –'' Only a copy of others' techniques,''

-'' True.'' - Yoongi agreed.

-'' But this guy didn't copy someone else's painting...'' – Hoseok chimes in. – '' He copied the artist's style. He used their style to paint something completely different.''

-'' Yes, which is why it was so difficult to prove that, especially since the artists in question were from the 20th century, only now dead.'' – Yoongi says flatly. – '' The idea of undiscovered paintings was her downfall and the reason she fell for the lie.''

He took a sip of his beer. – ''Still, whoever did these paintings is a master forger.''

They drank in silence for a moment or two, when Jungkook remembers to ask. –'' Hyung, did the paintings have papers to prove their authenticity?'' – He asked both of them, not knowing which one will answer because they knew more about it.

-'' I have no idea.'' – Hoseok replied. – '' I didn't ask that much detail, to be honest.''

-'' They should in general.'' – Yoongi answered. –'' Some probably lost theirs during the years.''

-'' Ok, so let's get to technical stuff.'' – Jungkook continued. –'' The style and technique of the paintings must be excellent to pass the exam. Fine, it's a job of a copycat. But, what about the frame, nails, glue, canvas and other stuff used must have been bought in recent years, don't they? That's the first thing I would check If I was the art expert. The colours too.'' – Jungkook began making a tower of peanuts. He was at number five before they went crashing down after Hoseok jerked the table by accident with his leg while trying to make himself more comfortable.

-'' Sorry.'' – He said apologetically when Jungkook looks at him accusatory.

Yoongi paid no heed to this exchange. Instead, he answered. -'' When the master forger creates the paintings they are fresh, brand new. They are not from the supposed period, obviously, so his partner makes sure they look credibly old. The surface must have cracked after so many years. There would be dust. The frame needs to be from the right time. Even the canvas has to be the right age.'' – Yoongi was glowing while he spoke, showing off his expertise in the matter. The other two men listened to him with devoted attention, peanuts were forgotten at the moment. – '' With those few finishing touches and the perfect style copy, the painting has the appearance of age and credibility, which not many experts could pick up so easily. Then add the believable story to it, and voila. Very well executed.'' – Yoongi concluded.

His eyes gleamed with obvious fascination about the whole thing. He loved those things.

-'' That's all well and dandy, but the gallery has to be involved.'' – Jungkook insisted. – '' It has to have a prominent reputation for people to believe in what they are admiring is real.'' – He was stubborn, he knows, but there is just something that irked him about the entire ordeal. Still, he needed to explain why. – ''I could understand that they swindled some rich widow or some wannabe art lover, but credible art gallery staff and director? That's what's hard to believe. '' – Jungkook said it with finality. He was growing tired.

-'' Well, it's left to be seen whether or not she's guilty or not.'' – Yoongi says, shrugging his shoulders while gulping beer.

-'' How do you do it?'' – Hoseok asked Yoongi. – '' How do you check for works are they real or not?''

Yoongi licked his lips, blinking a few times, thinking of how best to answer. – '' There is scholarly research, which includes provenance, and another opinion. I tend to call colleagues of mine for consultation, whose expertise in a particular subject is more vast and detailed.'' – He stopped for a few moments to see if they are following him, before continuing. – ''I am the main expert in gems and stones, not paintings and ancient pottery. I mean, I know enough to know the vague period they are from and the material used, but not too many details. That's why I consult with my co-workers, who are experts in that.''

-'' If I was in the art world and have access to other works of the same author, or the same age.'' – Yoongi mused. – ''I would compare the two paintings physically to see if the texture and colour aged the same. If I find it inconclusive, or in other words fake, I would have to prepare the entire documentation to support my claim. It would be like preparing for a trial in a way.''

-'' Speaking of trials, how's your lawyer?'' – Hoseok asked, turning to Jungkook while grinning mischievously.

Jungkook hissed in a quiet tone. – ''He is not mine!'' – Which provoked a merry laugh out of Hoseok. Jungkook wanted to kick him.

-'' What was his name again? Park Jimin?'' – Yoongi asked in fake contemplation. That bastard knew who was Hoseok talking about from the start. Jungkook just growled at the name, chugging the rest of his beer fast.

-'' What's he like?'' – Yoongi asked Hoseok with an amused face.

-'' He is the real shark in the courtroom, or so I hear. His winning ratio is 95%.'' – Hoseok spoke, not minding Jungkook's quiet fury. – '' I think he is even handling that gallery case.''

-'' Defending the gallery director, no doubt.'' – Yoongi guessed.

-'' In all probability.'' – Hoseok agreed, while Jungkook fumed. – ''He is very alluring, smaller build, but so handsome. His face is very pretty.'' – Hoseok turned his evil smile and eyes towards Jungkook. – ''And he is totally Jungkookie's type. He loves pretty, smart boys.''

Jungkook stood up, slamming his now empty beer mug on the table with a bang and brushing at his mouth. – ''Well, that was a pleasant evening. I'm tired so I will go.''

-'' Now Jungkookie, don't go.'' – Hoseok whined.

-'' Yah, Jungkookah, don't leave your Hyungs yet.'' – Yoongi protested.

-'' Thanks for the beers. You know how to treat your dongsaeng.'' – Jungkook smiled his evil and satisfied smile, adding. – '' Good night, Hyungs.'' – And then turned and left, hearing loud protestations from Yoongi, and laughter from Hoseok.

___

Alright, this was the long chapter. First, we got to meet Yoongi in his lab, and then Hoseokie in the pub. Their dynamic is so nice, I love it. In the next chapter, we will get to know Kims a bit better, but right now Sope was important.

Anyhow,  the gallery case was inspired by the Netflix documentary, called '' Made you look: A true story about fake art'' it's rather interesting, and I took a lot of references from there about it all. There will be a lot of stuff about jewellery and art throughout the story, since it began as thus, only for me to add a darker tone to it.

Thank you for reading and commenting. You know I love your words. See you on Friday, darlings. Lots of love 💜💜💜