"- and after our routes are sealed off we can easily establish our trade house there. No one would suspect anything because the upper part would be a regular textile factory while in the underground basement we can continue to store our delivery. So what do you think?"

"Uhm-" Namjoons awkwardly coughed, staring at Jeongguk to respond but the later was lost. His physical body was present but his mind kept on wondering back to Jimin's frightened face.

"Jeongguk!" Namjoon glared at him, not knowing the internal battle going inside his heart. He wasn't sure what he could name this feeling but he could feel his inside burn, a very nasty and unwanted feeling crawling up his throat, making his heart ache as he recalled the same frightened face. Jeongguk has never felt this uncomfortable before, like he wanted to scratch his face because of the conflict going around his head.

"I'll think on it but I need to be alone right now" Jeongguk replied bluntly and stormed out without giving a shit about the dumbfounded people in the conference room.

Namjoon stormed right after him, already aware of what happened a few hours ago back at the mansion. To be honest he did expect Jeongguk to flip out soon because his behavior with the little one was not something the old Jeongguk would do.

Before Jeongguk could sit down, Namjoon had already chased him.

"What on earth is wrong with you! Do you know how hard we wanted that alliance and you just blew it off!"

"I didn't fucking blew it off! I said I'll think on it and let them fucking know!" Jeongguk replied back ignoring the look of disbelief plastered over his hyungs face. He didn't bother glancing back as he poured himself some wine.

"What's bothering you? You've been in a foul mood since the morning and it's honestly getting annoying"

"I'm a respectful and feared man in the underworld. People think twice before even crossing my path. I have a fucking image to keep and today!... Today I was about to ruin it- just because of that boy!"

"I know what happened but I really don't see why you lashed out on him for no apparent reason and cut the crap that your cloths got dirty because they're covered in blood at the end of the week if not on that day"

"I had to take a bath and get changed again! Just think of the rumors that would have spread if I was late to a meeting. Being punctual bus one thing my father stressed out the most! Because for him a man who don't punctual is useless. People would start thinking me of being lazy, incompetent and weak. And I as hell don't want those rats to think I'm slacking off and find it as an excuse to defeat me and especially not because of that boy! It was just supposed to be simple. His mother helped me and as per my promise I'm taking care of her son but if he's gonna affect my reputation things won't be pretty."

"Still the way you reacted was out of line, especially knowing how difficult it is for him to adjust here with us! With people! A new environment! He doesn't know shit about what's going on but as far as I've seen he's trying to blend in and learn our ways and yet you go around scaring him. Just think for a moment how scared he might be feeling from inside because of not knowing what's going on but he's keeping a brave face on for us but if you're going to go around acting like a dick then I don't know how to respond to that. Just because he doesn't show us how he's feeling that doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye!" Namjoon frustratedly yelled out, grabbing Jeongguks attention, who had now finished his 2 glass.

"I'm not going to change myself for him or anybody! I've worked hard to built up this image and there's no way in hell I'm letting it all get blown away"

"Do you think I'm happy?" Namjoon asked all of a sudden surprising Jeongguk by his random question.

"Elaborate?"

"Do you think I'm happy when I'm with Jin?"

"Well... I guess you are. You're more calmer and content now- but what does this got to do with anything?"

"Am I slacking off in my duties here? Have I given off any opportunity to look weak?"

"No"

"Even if I'm accepting good changes that makes me feel better and content and open up a new chapter in my life, I'd never let that get in between business. I'm the ruthless snipper at the same time and that hasn't affected my image. Just because I have to keep up my reputation that doesn't mean I can't show my affection towards the people I love and care about"

"What are you trying to say?" Jeongguk asked confused. His brain was twisting up words inside his head, coming up with answers he's not yet willing or ready to hear.

"You're a smart guy, think on it" Namjoon concluded before giving a tired nod and making an exit, leaving a confused yet guilt clouded Jeongguk behind.

♣️

On the other hand Jimin was still cocooned between his soft blankets. Fresh set of tears were still furiously streaming down his face as small hiccups come out. His small fingers were clutching the blue cloth tightly between his fist as his body started to tremble.

His mind kept on trying to think what he did wrong and the only explanation he come up with was fruits and hands. Jimin wanted to be a good boy for Jeongguk so the said man wouldn't leave him alone, he wished to make him smile not get angry or frustrated.

He was trying, he really was trying to fit in. Learn how the world works around him. His vocabulary has started to improve, he can understand more clearly now. He tries to clean up as much as he can, help around and distract himself from missing his mother but after today he's not sure if he's doing a good job.

He made one person he treasures a lot angry at him. He failed at keeping him happy. But Jimin was now more determined, he wanted to make Jeongguk proud of him, he decided to stop eating fruits because that's what made Jeongguk angry, he decided to not eat with his hands and learn to properly use spoons so Jeongguk wouldn't lash out on him again. Maybe if he learns this Jeongguk would forgive him?

Because Jimin was willing to do anything, anything that would allow him to stay with Jeongguk. His little heart won't be able to take another loss, so even if he has to change his ways and control his hands from cuddling up with Jeongguk he will, as long as he gets to see Jeongguk daily.

Jin was worried about Jimin, especially since the younger hasn't touched his food yet. When ever he tried to approach him and ask him to eat the younger would start crying and yell "no fruwt! Fruiwt bad!" Over and over again till Jin was forced to take the tray back.

He really badly wished to scold Jeongguk for his behavior and force him to see how Jimin was battling with himself because of him.

Jimin crawled out of the warm covers and slowly made his way towards the kitchen. He didn't bother responding to the maid who asked if he needs anything. Jimin was on a mission. He was going to learn how to properly eat and maybe after that Jeongguk would forgive him.

He wasn't sure what to grab from the spoon drawer so he just randomly grabbed a spoon, fork, knife and a spatula along with a whisk. He saw people eating and using these a lot and now was determined to learn it as well.

With the utensils clutched tightly against his chest he carefully made his way towards Hoseoks room. Hoseok wasn't expecting to see Jimin, standing in front of him, with a swollen face and red puffy eyes clutching some utensils.

"Oh Jiminie! What can I do for you?" Hoseok politely asked, giving Jimin a blinding smile which didn't fail to brighten him up a bit.

"Hwelp...eat" Jimin blurted out pushing all the utensils in Hoseoks arms.

"You want to eat?" He asked confused, not getting what the younger was trying to hint at.

"Eat... How?" Jimin tried again pointing towards the spatula, making Hoseok realize what he was trying to say. But why would Jimin ask him this all of a sudden especially since Jeongguk had allowed Jimin to eat with his hands.

"Why not hands?"

"Hwands bad! Nu hwands! NO!" Jimin frustratedly yelled as tears started to Cascade down his cheeks again, making Hoseok go into an alert mood all of a sudden.

"Wow! Ummm... Okay calm down I'll teach you! Just stop crying!" Hoseok panicked as he dropped the items on his table and went to hug the sobbing boy. He may have killed people with a blink of an eye but there's no way he can stand still while the younger had fat crystal tears streaming down his cheeks. Jimin immediately welcomed the warm comfort and cuddled up with his favorite Hyung.

"Sshh it's okay... Let's just calm down and I'll teach you, okay?" Hoseok assured him as he rocked him.

Soon Jimin calmed down and pushed Hoseok towards the utensils sprawled over the table. Although he was still confused he didn't let it show as he guided Jimin towards the vacant seat and sat right next to him.

"Okay so first let's start with a spoon" Hoseok smiled as he grabbed his soup that the maids had just given to him a while ago and put it in front of them. He grabbed Jimin's hand and made him properly wrap his fingers around the metal handle.

"Now you just grab what ever you want to eat... Like this" Hoseok instructed after Jimin gave him a cute nod that he understood him. With Hoseoks assistance he slowly dipped the spoon in the soup and tried to bring it towards his mouth but unfortunately due to his clumsy grip the content fell back into the bowl.

"Haha it's fine! Let's try again!" Hoseok encouraged Jimin who was busy pouting as he glared at the spoon with hatred. But still he won't be giving up that easily.

He tried again and after a few more tries his grip started to become stable and he was able to drink with the spoon. However now he has to try it by himself, without Hoseoks help. He really wished to learn fast how to eat properly or else he feared he would be abandoned again. Even the slight thought of getting kicked out made tears swell up in his eyes but he shook his head and focused on his task.