Jungkook's P.O.V

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[EARLY OCTOBER, TUESDAY]

There had been many years where I'd been recognized as 'too nice' and 'too calm'... Or 'too quiet' and 'too weak'. Not that those ideas are completely wrong, but there is a part of me that detests it. A small slither of myself that only came out when it was desperately needed; for now, it's always sheeted and frosted, buried deep and stored in the soil of my soul. Years, plenty, and plenty of them I've spent fading into the background of the still pictures of my life- and here I am... Still vanishing and coiling up as I rode along in the car alongside this young, lilac haired boy.

It was just still.

No movement other than the car's precise turns- which I watched carefully, noting each one just in case if things were to go awry.

The glow of the moon spilled onto the leather seats of the car, lighting up the interior just enough for me to capture the small frame of the boy sitting beside me. Park Jimin-- as it stated on the baggage tag- had a focused gaze that wasn't directed toward me, but out of the window. He seemed close enough that if the window were to slide down his head would dip out of it. Although his presence didn't irritate me, it was alarmingly bizarre for someone of his age not question his setting or situation.

We drove for a few more miles into the night until we had pulled into the only rental car establishment that stayed open this long. The man who drove us parked the car and unlocked our doors so we could retrieve our luggage. I was the first to exit the door and the younger boy did the same. I opened the trunk to haul out the three suitcases I now had to take to the facility. I almost missed the young, slightly pouty face of the boy beside me.

Jimin stood beside me, his glowing eyes wide and new as I pulled the last suitcase from the trunk. My eyebrows furrowed once I shut the trunk of the car and yelled a 'thank you' to let the driver him know he could pull off. When the car began to ride off, I turned to face Jimin. "

"Are you okay?" I asked to shake him from his dazed look. Jimin's neck jerked back at my question, and he nodded his head. I looked down at the three suitcases, "do you feel comfortable waiting here while I check in so I can get the vehicle? I promise I'll make it fast so you don't have to worry." The boy fell in another silence, followed by a long stare that concerned me.

Huh, maybe he's just jet-lagged?

I slowly inched my palm in front of my face, waving it side to side so the boy would recognize my signaling. "Hey, hey- boy," I snapped my right hand's fingers to catch his attention.

He stammered in his response, his posture straightening. "S-sorry... I'll take the bags and- and wait... So-"

"Eh, it's fine-just wait, and I'll be right back." I flashed Jimin an reassuring smile which he attempted to return. As headed inside of building I found myself near a chuckle-which didn't happen often-as I thought of the boy's lost eyes that plundered deep into mine just a moment before, I wondered little more about the boy. It concerned me on how fast he was willing to trust me; but even so, he was lucky I wasn't some elderly, deranged man who's looking for naïve boys to lure into some abandon warehouse.

The woman at the counter-the only person-was kind enough to stay patient as we went through the steps of checking my ID and driver's license and going through the date in which I would have to return the car before leaving the country. The process was rather quick and easy since there wasn't any rush, and soon enough, I was handed my keys and escorted to the lot where they pointed out the car I requested to drive-a black, full Hyundai SUV. I passed Jimin out of the door along the way so I could get a close up of the vehicle.

I unlocked the doors from afar and once we were close enough, the kind woman walked off and wished me well. Once I had gotten inside the car, I sniffed its pinewood smell, which was delightful and far from pungent. I started the car and readied myself to pull around to the front doors of the rental place where Jimin stood by his lonesome, staring out into the night sky.

I rolled down the window so he could hear my directions. "Hey, boy--" the younger's eyes brightened at the sound of my voice, "you can put those suitcases in the trunk, there's enough space." Jimin flicked a few loose dyed strands from his forehead and did as he was told without question. Disregarding his injuries, and without complaint, Jimin had placed each bag into the trunk. With only a few grunts and whimpers of discomfort-- which twisted my gut to hear-- the boy was walking back to backseat doors.

So, I made sure to yell out. "You can come sit up front with me, there's more leg room." Jimin turned toward the front of the car and ended up occupying the passenger's seat. I drove off shortly after I heard his seatbelt click and putting in the address Taehyung had sent a few days ago. Following the GPS, I kept on down the near empty roads, the radio playing soft tunes in the background.

Every so often, when we came to stop, I glanced the boy quietly. It was quite amusing just how often he seemed to stare and study things. I assumed it was out of curiosity, so I didn't ask him anything about it. My fingers tapped rhythmically on the leather steering wheel, to fill in the empty space-so, so much emptiness that picked away at my brain.

The condo's residence building was brightly and the entry wasn't gated, which made things just that much easier. I pulled around to a park near the entrance of the building. Even with my lack of trust with my older step-brother, the atmosphere didn't get through any of my feelings off, so I kept on with the idea. From what I knew, the host of the condo had given my name to the office so I could grab the key. I knew the place was only on the second floor, so I there shouldn't be too much of an issue.

I got out from the car and Jimin followed suit. I made my way to the trunk where I unloaded the suitcases in front Jimin.

I couldn't bare pushing him too hard.

I closed the trunk and decided to give Jimin a short run down of things before we entered. "Okay, eyes and ears-- we're going to walk through those doors, and after I walk from the desk, we're going to the condo. You will sit on the couch, and I'll make sure to get you patched up there. Sound good?" The boy gave me another speechless nod, voiding me of any real confirmation.

I sighed. "I need you speak for this part... Did you hear my instructions all the way?"

The purple haired boy finally opened his mouth. "Y-yes, sir."

Mh, he's polite.

I hummed in approval and led the way into the glass doors of the establishment. Immediately after walking in to the doors, I was met with a long sleek desk that went to the end of the lobby. The floors were a simple pattern of white marble Tom other lights were hung high and shined brightly above us. To the right were the reception desks, a few computers stationed behind the dark marbled counter along with a few staff members that greeted me with a commercial-like grin as we entered.

With not too much hesitation, I headed over to the desk. I immediately relayed to them my situation and showed my ID and the number of our condo being 211. The man behind the desk, being previously informed, knew exactly how to handle my case and directed me with his index finger. the way to the elevators stationed at the end of the lobby. I bowed my head thankfully, and turned to Jimin, nodding at the elevators for him to follow.

Once we made it to the elevator, I pressed the 2nd button for the designated floor and the metal doors almost parted instantly, allowing the two of us inside. With all of the luggage taking up the space in left, Jimin stood in the corner until we had risen to the second floor. The hallway was lined with plenty of dark wood doors, each with different numbers on them. I followed the signs telling us to turn to the right, and came across our place almost instantly.

I fished in my pocket for the key given to me and opening the door with it once I got the chance. I pushed the door as wide open as I could, not wasting anytime with pushing in the luggage.

Once I had pushed the luggage further into the space, revealing the living room and it's L-shaped gray couch that was pushed up against the wall and glass coffee table that sat in the middle of the living room with a nice fur rug underneath. A TV was up ahead displayed on the wall in front of the couch, hit hadn't been turned on yet, but the remote laid on the coffee table untouched. I scanned the rest of the interior quickly, walking over to the kitchen that was just to the right of the living room, and open area with stainless steel counters and an island centered in the middle with chairs on either side of it. It was a small counter that had two bar stools upon the entry to the kitchen. I flicked on some more lights, they were cool-toned and didn't flicker in the slightest once they were turned on. The color scheme of the place was centrally dark, which I figured Taehyung had done on purpose, but it didn't bother me.

Leaving the suitcases in the living room just for a moment, I walked down the short hallway which only had one bedroom door on the left, and on the right was a bathroom, across along with a linen closet and the door I assumed it would be for a washer and dryer. Before I took a peek inside of the bedroom, I decided to swivel around and shuffle back to the living room with the boy I had left unattended.

When I had reentered the living room, Jimin was sitting down on the edge of the couch, his palms rested in his lap as he stared blankly ahead. I lifted my wrist to take a small glance at the time present on my watch, the hands pointed to the 11:00 hour, which reactivated by energy to do what needed to be done before the night had ended.

"Alright," I clapped my hands together, sparking the boy's attention so he could focus on me. I'm on my way over to the three bags of luggage, only picking out the one that was surely mine this time to unzip it and rifle through the folded clothing to the very bottom where, next to my shoes lied the first-aid kit I had spoken about. I slid the small box onto the coffee table and re-zipped my bag, "now that we have arrived, you can get changed if you want to and start patching up your scratches. I still need to check some things out, so if you need me, I will be in that room on the left side of the hall."

I way too patiently for the boy speak out. "Okay... Thank you."

I got up from my crouched position, gripping the handle of my suitcase and nodding at him. "It's no problem."

I rolled my suitcase into the hallway, and made a sharp turn for the bedroom. Once the door was over and I made a quick move to switch on the lights, which turned on the metal lamps beside the king-sized bed. The room was surprisingly spic and span, not even a hair out of place. There was a closet door to the side of the room that I didn't bother opening, only settling my suitcase on the ground and opening it to take out a pair of gray plaid pajama pants and a black tank top that was suffice for the night.
When all of my things have been set out a wave of exhaustion slammed me as I stood up with my clothes in hand.

I yawned briefly, my muscles relaxing and my eyelids lowering just a bit. The comfortable mattress just a few feet away I have been shouting my name. I made sure to close the door to the bedroom and just a few seconds before I changed from like outdoor clothing into my sleepwear; I wanted to give the boy enough time to situate himself before I came back out to check on him.

Not too much longer after dressing myself, I headed back out into the living room where the boy had indeed changed clothes and only stood in a plain white t-shirt with loose fitting jogger. His foot was propped up on to the couch's arm rest, and his right pants leg rolled up past his knee to reveal a nasty abrasion that ripped through his pale skin.

Naturally, I felt bad for the boy as his face scrunched up while he struggled to clean his wound with the pads of alcohol.

I tapped my foot lately against the carpeted flooring as I watched from afar before making the unconscious decision of stepping when I felt needed. "Do you need help with that?"

Jimin's neck snapped in my direction, his eyes widening with a hopeful look glimmering in his irises. "If- if you don't mind... It's just a little painful." I hummed in response, traveling over to the couch and kneeling beside him, examining the scratches and from his knee closely before grabbing an alcohol pad from the kit. I held his trembling leg with both of my hands to study it as I pressed down with the alcohol pad, swiping it back and forth with enough force to stop the blood from seeping out of the wound.

The boy hissed once I finished wiping. I made the process as quick as possible to avoid any type of pan ic or distress to come from the boy. I reached into the first day kids to grab a circle, waterproof band-aid and placed it over the scratch. I looked up into the boys' irises that were glossy with tears that were daring to fall.

Our gazed is matched after a small period of time. "I'm sorry if I hurt you too much. I promise the pain will subside soon... Your hands have small scratches, do you need me to take care of them as well?"

Jimin shook his head in disapproval. "No, you don't have to do that. I can do it on my own."

I nodded, padding the young boys die before standing up. "Okay... I don't know if there are any extra blankets here, but there is a comforter on the bed and I'll bring that out for you. You can sleep here on the couch if you're comfortable with it."

Jimin bit down on his bottom lip before answering. I followed his gaze which seem to be focused on something other than my eyes, a little bit upward, his gray eyes stared at my forehead. I raised an eyebrow at the boy's strange, zoned-out look, not even noticing his moving hand that was on a slow incline toward my face. My reaction was heavily delayed, his small finger pads just barely grazed my eyebrow before I was able to pull recoil from his touch.

Jimin then yanked his hand back toward his chest. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't-- I was thinking I just saw..." I stood up from my position on the ground, causing the younger male to trail off.

I held up a hand to cease his apology. "No, no it's fine. I'll just head back and bring out your blanket so you can get a good sleep."

Turning around quickly, I brushed off the situation and headed toward the room. I quickly took off the thick ash colored comforter and folded it before returning to the living room where Jimin had been bent over near the couch with a cord in his hand, looking for an outlet to charge his phone. I leaned against the wall as I waited for him to finish up his task. Once he was off of the ground and settling back onto the couch, I walked toward him with the blanket; he flinched slightly at my presence.

"I hope this is enough." Jimin, with skeptical, now bandaged hands, reached out and took hold of the comforter. The boy then spread out the blanket onto his body, covering up his torso and his feet. I look down at the ground and saw his suitcases lined up near the end of the couch, neatly zipped and placed.

"Okay then, I will be heading into the bedroom. Feel free to turn off these lights whenever you please. I'm not sure of what's in the refrigerator, so if you're hungry I wouldn't advise you look there..." I pause for a moment just to get a look at the boys concentrated face as he listened, "... Other than that, you're all set for the night. I'll see you in the morning."

I gave Jimin one last nod before I pivoted on my foot to head toward the hallway. Once I have made it past the threshold, standing right before my bedroom door, I heard a rather louder and more confidence voice from the living room.

"Good night, Mr. Jeon." My eyebrows nearly hit my hairline at the sound of the statement.

Good night?

No one has said goodnight to me in years.

My heart left out several beats to its pattern.

I cleared my throat before replying.

"Good night to you too." I wished him, been finally taking a few steps inside of the bedroom and shutting the door behind me. I placed my hand over my chest as if it were to cease my increasing heartrate. Just a simple phrase, one that will share between many people regardless of their relationship status. The boys soft, pleasant sounding voice jogged, sprinted, and galloped through my mind as I settled down into the bed. My head against the soft, plain pillows as I stare up toward the ceiling.

Although I didn't have a blanket to sleep under, I somehow still feel a bit warm.

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Cracking my eyelids open in morning was always like a second form of hell in some way.

Too much work. Back at home I never complained; at least not before this summer. I would get up each day at around five in morning, drink coffee, stare at myself in the mirror with my disheveled hair and scarred face and hopelessly lather up a towel to wash face and mind free of the colliding memories from the past as they gnaw through my thought process and routine.

Sometimes, when the whispers compile, I try to override them with my own voice to block it out. Chanting the steps of my morning numerous times. "Get out of bed, brush your teeth, clean your face, check on Jimin..." the same phrases circled around my brain while stared over at the window on the right wall, blinking a few times as I scooched from my lying on my side to back, closing my eyes for a few more seconds just to readjust, "... Get out of bed, just get out of bed now- Just sit up--" I mumbled roughly to myself as I propped the top-half of my body up to look straight ahead.

Only to be met with the most unexpected sight of this trip yet. My eye shot open, my mouth falling open to shout as I stared down the young boy I had just met, bent down near the foot of the mattress and gripping in his pale fingers around the dark metal of my very own MR-920 pistol. My posture changed in a matter of seconds, Jimin's eyes met mine and he froze in place for far longer than I approved of.

Before he could open his mouth to refute, I was cutting in. "Hey- okay, it's fine! Please be calm, just- place the weapon back in the bag and stand up." God, God, God what a morning.

I watched Jimin as he dropped the gun back on the now ruffled clothing inside of my suitcase. He stood up from the floor exactly as he had been told, his face was blank, but all of his emotions were settled with his Adams apple bobbing as he faced with his hands placed behind his back.

I rubbed at my temples a couple more times before I connected our gaze again. "You nearly gave me heart attack there, boy... I know you might be on edge about staying here, but I am no threat, okay?"

I swung my legs off of the bed so I could plant them on the floor. Once I had stood and turned to the boy, his facial expression had been warped. Jimin stood there silent, his cheek redder than the last and his back straightened as if he were about to begin marching. For a while, he looked off to the side until he blurted out whatever he had thought of at the moment.

"I was only going to look; I didn't mean to scare you. I wouldn't kill anyone, or shoot anyone. Especially since you've been kind enough to let me stay here, Mr. Jeon. I know you're not planning on hurting me!" I quirked an eyebrow at the young boy's reaction, purely stunned by his sudden speech.

I nodded at him slowly. "Okay... Just-- I want you to calm yourself down. I understand you didn't mean any harm, trust me. Forgive me for shouting- it's early. You just startled me..." I waved his apologetic tone off and turned toward the bathroom door that had been closed. I flipped on the light when I walked inside and looked around at the shower and sink for its cleanliness. Since it checked out to me, I glanced back over at the boy who had been staring as if he was waiting on some type of direction.

I tilted my head in confusion, but again, didn't take any initiative to question him. "Boy," I called for him; he looked at me with his full attention, so I gestured to the empty space beside him, "since you're over there, do you mind looking through that suitcase to find toothpaste and a tooth brush, and maybe a small towel?"

Jimin didn't need a second explanation for him to dig through for the requested items.

It's almost a scary how obedient this boy is.

Not much time had passed and Jimin had already found the things I asked for. He approached the bathroom with short steps, handing me the items with both of his arms extended out toward me. I squinted at him as I scanned his face again. "You look like you have something to say..." The boy's lips twitched without an answer attached to it. I took the objects from his hands and placed them on the bathroom counter, looking away from him and instead, focusing on running through my morning routine. I wet the towel with warm water and rang it out in the sink, "... If you have something to ask, don't hold your tongue."

I felt Jimin fidget next to me as I wiped the sides of my face with the dripping towel.

"Are you angry with me now? Because I really don't--" I whipped my neck to the side to look the boy in the eye.

He paused mid-sentence. "No-- if I was angry, you wouldn't be standing here talking to me, boy. Please, breathe- I don't blame you for being curious, I would too. Besides, snooping through a stranger's things takes guts. I'm more impressed." I admitted truthfully, and Jimin cocked his head.

"Oh? I- okay..." I turned back to the mirror and finished whipping my face so I could finally brush my teeth. Jimin started up again, this time with a bit more confidence and bass with his voice that nearly caused me to drop my toothbrush in the sink, "I know... I know you're an officer! At least in Busan you are- which is where I live too!"

"Mhm... Is that so? I'm guessing you found my wallet? It's where I keep my badge." Jimin gasped, I continued brushing my teeth until he spoke up again. With each line he pronounced, the louder and more energized he sounded.

He's loosening up.

"Yeah, I did! And I saw your ID too- you're older than I am by at least six years so... I don't know if I should talk to you informally, officer Jeon... I mean, I don't want to be disrespectful since you're also a cop, and you naturally deserve respect because you're so nice and brought me here with you, so I won't... I'm just really thankful to be here right now is all." The circular motions of my tooth brush had stilled as I listened to the boy's excited babble.

Okay, I might've unscrewed something.

I spat in the sink and rinsed my mouth prior to giving the boy my response. "You're actually quite bubbly, aren't you?"

Jimin's lips spread with a boyish, youthful smile. "I guess so... My halmoni says it's a good thing. I seemed to remind her of my eomma." My heart jumped inside my chest at the younger boy's statement. Sickly images pass through my brain uncontrollably, my finger's tightening around the toothbrush involuntarily.

My eomma... I remember her too.

I shut my eyes and chanted my routine internally before my concentration could fade. It whispered on repeat, pitter pattering off the walls of my brain.

Wash your face, brush your teeth, check on Jimin.

Wash your face, brush your teeth, check on Jimin.

Wash your face, brush your teeth, check on Jimin.

It's not that difficult, Jungkook.

Just follow directions.

Why can't you do things right?

It took me awhile to notice Jimin's now softer voice trying to pull me from my subconscious. It echoed in the darkness of my skull, until my ears registered his tone. But they were skittering and crawling, the sounds, the whispers all over the place. Bouncing and jittering, they wouldn't slow down. "Mr. Jeon- are you... Can you hear me?"

I couldn't.

Not really.

Block the noise.

Make it stop.

Do it.

Block it now.

Block it, block it, block it now!

Instinctively, my hands jumped up to the sides of my face, my fingers sliding back to hover over my ears. Anything, anything, to muffle the sound. Anything to stop it- anything and absolutely everything not to hear. And still, in the midst I could hear Jimin trying to cut through, his voice was submerged into nothingness as I managed to calm the whispers just for a second.

"Officer... I-I'm sorry if I upset you--" Jimin's timid speaking rattled my insides.

I shook my head to dismiss him. "No, I just need a minute-please just... Just give me a minute."

"O-okay... Take your time." I didn't a word after I felt his presence disappear beside me. I pressed a little harder against ears as the noise was fading out. A new chant had appeared in my mind this time, distracted me for the moment.

Shower.

Just shower.

When my head felt clear enough, I removed my hands from ears and quickly tore off my shirt, my body feeling overheated with a sea of chaotic emotions clashing. I stripped myself swiftly, shutting the door and racing to the bathtub's faucet. The pound resonance of the water punching the bottom of the tub filled my ears peacefully. I ran my fingers underneath the water, checking's temperature.

Generally, a cold shower was enough to shock my nerves back to their normal state. When I finally tuned on the shower head, I stood underneath it with my eyelids screwed shut. I sighed as the crisp water pelted my face and thankfully my ears. I untied my hair and ran my fingers through the dark, thick locks, taking control of my functionality.

Get it together Jeon, you know this is your fault.

You were so scared to take your meds when you were younger, and look where it got you?

Breathe, you have to take charge now.

You came here for a reason. You have to see it through.

I exhaled greatly and reopened my eyes to scan the shower for a while, finding a bar of unused soap on a small self, and underneath it a navy towel. I picked them both up and used them to wash up as I the water came down to rinse me. When I had finished up, I used a spare towel to dry myself and eventually walked out into the bedroom, sitting down on the bed as I searched for a good black button up shirt and slacks to go along with.

I got dressed carefully, making sure my shirt had been tucked into my pants and collar folded neatly. With not much care for my hair, I left it untied and let the long fringe hang freely. I picked up my phone from my bag and took a glance at the notification bar. There were many emails I'd have to read, along it with messages and missed calls from Taehyung.

I rolled my eyes at the sight, not wanted to pay it any mind. I then stuffed my device inside my pocket and got up from the bed to stride over to the nightstand where next to the lamp on top where the two sets of keys I needed to head out with. Feeling a burst of certainty through my limbs, I managed to exit the bedroom, inhaling a bit before entering he living room where I could see Jimin folding up the comforter on the couch percisely.

He hummed an interesting tune as he went along.

"You can go ahead and shower if you want--" I proposed, and Jimin swiveled to look back at me.

"Oh uh-yeah, I was going to..." The boy had fallen off in his speech as I made my way to pass the couch and entered the kitchen, walking to the refrigerator since my mouth was in dire need of something to quench my thirst, "... Is everything okay with you, sir?"

I ran a hand through my semi-dry hair, and opened the door to the fridge in search for anything that would be good to drink. I pulled out the small draws and looked on the shelves on the side and found three water bottles lined in row down at the bottom. I grabbed two and quickly shut the door and looked over at the lavender-haired boy who stared me down from the couch cushions.

"Yeah, it's... Dandy. Just needed a drink-by the way, here you go..." I held up the second water bottle with my dominant hand and locked eyes with boy who fixed his body and hands to catch the water I was tossing over the counter. The bottle flew into his hands almost perfectly, his squeezing shut from the impact.

"Thank you, officer." The boy mutter as he and I acted the same time to take a sip from the bottle.

"Not a problem... And uh, you don't have to call me officer or anything fancy. I don't take any offense. I'm on a medical leave, so I'm not currently on duty." Jimin's eyes casted downward for a moment, pursing his lips with confusion until they split into a faint smile.

"Then I can give you a nickname..." Jimin shot up from his seat proudly; my head bobbed back in shock as he puffed up his chest, "...Can I pick it?" My mouth hung open for several seconds as I was trying to register the boy's sudden cheerful demeanor. I could even begin to form my lips to speak to the boy; what was there to say? He had only known me for a few short hours, and already trusted me to this extent, even though we may never cross paths again.

I clicked my tongue. "Ah, I don't know... Maybe after you shower, we can talk it over while we drive? There's nothing here to eat, so we can pick something up on the way to your friend's place."

The young boy's gray pooling eyes were shimmering in the distance like rare crystals just breaching the surface of the hot sand on the sea shores. He bounced on the balls of his feet gleefully.

"Okay! I'll be done really fast!" Jimin made the moves to walk over to his luggage and open up his suitcase, rifling through the fabric until he pulled out what wanted. He didn't spare me a glance when he charged past the kitchen and into the short hallway with his arms draped with whatever outfit he chose.

I shook my head at the scene when he passed by, and found myself chuckling at his speedy pace.

Oh, how intriguing.

I huffed out as pulled my phone out from my pocket once another vibration had hit the side of my leg. I was still moderately early, only around 11 AM now, and there were still messages from Taehyung spread out on the notification space of questions about the flight or If I had even bothered to come.

I cracked my neck and took a deep, soothing breath to halt my blood pressure from rising at the mere sight of his name. With a fraction more of patience, I ended up swiping over at Taehyung's number on my contact list and dialing in. And of course, it only took him less than a second to pick up the other end.

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[PHONE CALL]

JK= Jeon Jungkook
KT= Kim Taehyung

KT: H-hey uh--

JK: No, don't talk. I'm only calling to tell you two things.

KT: ...

JK: First of all, I just landed yesterday night, so you can stop asking me if I'm here. Second of all, I have something to care take of first before coming to you, so you cannot and will not continue calling me every thirty minutes like I owe you something. And if you do--

KT: Okay, okay-I understand... I know there is a lot you have to say. And... And I'll hear it when you get here. I won't call you again. My break starts in a little bit less than an hour so...

JK: Yeah... Whatever. Talk to you then I guess.

[END CALL]

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I removed the phone from my ear, chopping off anything further he may have had to add on. Just hearing Taehyung's voice was akin to a slithering snake-a python to be exact-wrapping body around my neck and constricting my airways, blocking off my oxygen intake.

Suffocation was only thing I felt when speaking to him. His phony, brotherly act was beyond disgusting. So repulsive, and so agonizing to sit through that I could barely stomach a few words. And naturally, when you're sick of something, you tend to turn it away and place the self-restraint on your own mind not to come crawling back. And in the midst of that avoidance, you're fighting to never return.

But there's always something.

There's always something that drags you by your arms, legs, and heart down to the core of your inner self, where the insecurities lie and wake and turn and toss.

There is never a true escape from your past when you have someone's wrong doings shackling your ankles and tying your wrist.

You're bounded until something saves you.

Or someone.

I stuffed my phone back in my pocket and tapped my foot against the marble floor to calm my nerves as my eyes panned side to side until I settled on sitting on one of the barstools to wait out Jimin's shower. I fiddled my thumbs, snapping at times when I felt things simmer into too much quietude. About fifteen more minutes went by and the small footsteps of the boy had come pattering from around the corner.

Jimin's loud hum sounded close by and soon he was walking by the kitchen with a wide smile, so bright I nearly had to look the other way. But even with his blinding, toothy grin I couldn't miss the outfit he sported so proudly. Jimin, without any fear of freezing the fall weather, arrived in an oversized short-sleeved pineapple printed button up with remarkable short shorts, and top it off-he added some sparkly heart-shaped glasses to sit on top of his purple head of hair.

"I'm done!" Jimin peeped, his shoulders perking up.

I swallowed. "Oh, you are... Very good."

Jimin made his way over to the couch and sat his suitcases upright, grabbing the handle and looking straight over at me with determination burning in his eyes. I got up from my seat at the counter and pulled out the car keys from my pocket.

"You have an address for me take you to?" I asked, as I walked to the door and placed my hand on the knob. Jimin nodded at me.

The boy dragged his bags behind him as head toward me. I opened the door to the younger pass out of it and followed behind him, making sure to lock the door behind me. There wasn't too much of the hall we had to walk down to get around to the elevator. Jimin had pressed the button for the first floor and we stood side by side until the elevator finally slowed up to a stop and the metal doors parted to let the both of us through to the lobby, which seemed to be rather vacant and easy to breeze through to the front.

Jimin and I were soon exiting the building and I made sure to direct him toward the car. It wasn't too long before Jimin had busted out with another saying. I unlocked the doors and Jimin opened the trunk as I swung around to the driver's side of the car, waiting for the boy's cheerful voice to twirl its way into my ears.

"Okay, alright--" Jimin closed the trunk and hopped over just smidge to grin at me while he spoke, "I think I found a good name for you. I came up with many, but then I narrowed it down to at least four so it'll be easier to pick, officer. Do you want to hear them now?"

I sucked my teeth and nodded swiftly. "Knock yourself out, kid."

Jimin shot off with his ideas almost immediately. "O-okay! First, is JK, because it sounds natural. Second, is Jungkookie, because it's cute and makes you seem less scary. Third, it's Koo, because it's double the cute, and also makes you less frightening. The fourth, is officer... I just really like that one." Jimin shook his four short fingers beside his slim face and I scratched the side of head, a tinge of remorse filtering onto my conscious.

"Ah... Do I really look that terrifying?" My fingers curled around the car door handle, pulling open the door so I could sit inside. The younger boy did the same and I watched as he snapped the seatbelt and shrugged to finally answer.

"Well, when I first saw you-I was only able to look at your back and I couldn't concentrate for a while... But then I saw you sitting near the gate, and I don't know if you saw me, but I saw you and I just thought, 'wow this man is dressed like he's going to funeral and he's really handsome with a nice hair cut'. Oh, and tattoos! How could I forget tattoos? The art on your body looks amazing, sir..." I sat back in the car and paused to hear the rest of Jimin's breathless shpeal. Jimin, who had suddenly been hushed, waded his way back with an apology, "... I'm sorry. I know that sounds strange coming from me, you don't know who I am or anything so--"

"Jimin..." I broke through sternly to cap off his speech, I reversed from the park we had and drove to exit the area, "... You're fine, okay? Talk all you want, I'm just here to drive you to your destination, remember?"

"Right," Jimin mumbled, "I have the address here... I'll put it into the GPS on my phone." After about two minutes, Jimin had hooked up his GPS with the address of the place. Once I listened to the robotic voice call out the streets and miles, I pulled off on the street. Jimin didn't speak for a while as I kept down the same avenue, he looked out of the window like he had before. The sagging, and dry feeling of nothingness spread, and there I was left without anything to fill up the space in between.

I pondered endlessly as I drove.

He isn't talking... Maybe I ruined his mood.

"You know... You're not completely wrong about how I dress," Jimin shifted beside me, "Maybe it's because I've been to so many funerals that I've gotten used it?" I let out dry chuckle, "I mean, you dress like you're heading to a concert." I tried; I really did try my best at making small talk. I have to admit, interacting with people really isn't high on my list of things to do as of late.

Jimin adjusted his sitting position, his legs now crossed and head held high. "Well, I've never been to one..."

My eyebrows furrowed. "What? A funeral, or a concert?"

Jimin hummed and came forth with an honest tone. "Both."

Both?

Seriously?

My foot on top of the car's gas pedal eased up; Jimin's statement left an odd ring in my ear. I had a few concerns before about the boy. With the observations I was able to make during just one night, I had come across the idea of this boy to be the most sheltered person I've met. I've had run ins with many people who were far him his level of innocence. I've met the grime of the streets, arrested the scum that breed on the earth. I could sense just about any feeling of discomfort from anyone.

And not a single time did I ever feel that vibe from Jimin.

With the way he speaks, as if he were victim who couldn't wait to tell their story.

Like if he didn't speak now, he'd have to hold his peace forever.

Park Jimin, with only meeting him for one day...

He's truly been something I've never seen before.

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"Make a right, and you will arrive at your destination." The GPS had spoken as we came up another streetway. I made sure I stayed aware as we were pulling up toward a row of houses with cars parked on either side of the street. The space was tight, so I had to keep straight for a while until I came up toward a turn like the GPS had advised.

Jimin had his back raised now, he sat up from staring at his phone so he could look out of the window and the dashboard clearly. Honestly, I didn't blame him for being overly excited. It took us over an hour to get here just because of the pizza pick up along the way. I could see his knees bouncing up and down once we made the turn. There was a long patch of grass before coming across another house hidden behind a large Maple tree. The house stood with one story, a dark brick exterior, which was long walkway up toward the white front door.

I got close enough to the curb so I wouldn't be an issue to any car passing by. I pressed my foot on the brake as I placed the car into park, waiting on Jimin to begin his leave.

However, it didn't happen so fast.

Jimin and I sat there in the SUV for several seconds, I watched his gaze which looked past me and out of the window, zeroing in on the house to the side of us. "You can head out whenever you feel comfortable." I stated, giving him the 'okay' just in case if he needed one. But still his body didn't move an inch; instead, he just nodded his head.

Natural curiosity a dash of curiosity spiraled into my mindset as I began to sit up as well, following Jimin's line of sight out of the window and waited as he did. my mind went blank for a couple of seconds, anticipation coursing through my veins as we both stared at the front door until it began to shake its way open. My head jerked back slightly at the sudden movement; the door now being pushed open had come to reveal a male with dark, curly hair that sat neatly on top of the persons head, his skin a bit fair, similar to mine and his stance around my height as well.

I squinted, watching carefully as the person drug their way out of their house and onto their patio. With their head now held high my face couldn't control its motions.

A mixture, a heavy elixir, a potion of all sorts of confusion contorted my brains into unwilling knots as my eyes locked onto the man who stood with a smile in blue denim jeans, and plain white T shirt.

I felt my mouth move on its own, my lips absentmindedly whispering out. "You're fucking kidding me... There's no way in hell."

Soon, my inner monologue had been cracked and violently shaken by the rumble of Jimin exiting the car. I watched the unbelievable scene roll out in front of me like a carpet of hell, Jimin sprinted his way up toward the man who I knew as my stepbrother Kim Taehyung. Jimin didn't waste any time when he went in for a hug, squeezing Taehyung as if it were his first time meeting him after several years.

My mouth fell open while I spectated it. It didn't take long before Jimin was speaking with Taehyung, moving his hands in every direction possible. His fingers pointed back toward me, which caused my step brother to look up slowly. It only took mere seconds-- probably split ones-- for Taehyung's curved lips fall into a deep, blackened frown.

Jimin and Taehyung began to speak again, and before I knew it Jimin was sprinting toward the house with the box of pizza in hand. Once given had disappeared, my legs were defrosted from their position and my hands along with them. I disembarked from my car, stepping down just a little bit so I could be on ground level with the person before me.

I leaned back on the tinted window of the SUV, my arms crossing automatically as I stared Taehyung's paralyzed figured down.

Just what the hell is going on?

Taehyung was the first to speak between us. "Are you going to come inside, brother?"

It was vile, hearing this type of language from him. I disregarded his greeting quickly, only latching onto the important spots that were left empty in dire need of questioning and answering. I pulled my back from the car, walking up slowly to Taehyung's standing position.

Our wide gap had been short and from where I stood. "That boy... Jimin. You know him. Why? How?"

Taehyung expelled a deflated sigh. without answering my question, or even bothering, he turned on his foot so he could walk back to his house. "We're family, you should come inside and talk."

I groaned beneath my breath. "Son of a bitch."

I walked behind him slowly come on casually standing a couple of feet away until he was opening the door wide enough for me to enter first. Every single muscle inside my body had been yelling at me, practically screeching for me not to enter. Each step felt like slabs of concrete, as I trudged my way toward the door and past Taehyung. My eyes mapped out the interior, scanning the walkthrough as simple.

Or too simple for who I knew Taehyung to be.

I barely made it two feet in the door before I was analyzing the scenery; there was a couch to the left, the entire living room was clean, there were lines on the carpet signifying a recent vacuum. The overwhelming, intensely powerful chemical scent that hang in the air wafted past my nose only causing it to wrinkle and burn slightly with just a sniff. Taehyung shut the door behind me, prompting me to move further.

I paced myself as I looked up toward the ceiling, and over the walls that were strangely painted with various different colors all around from neon to navy blue, not an inch of the wall had been left out. Once I had made it to the kitchen will choose just toward the right, I could see Jimin sitting at the dining table stationed towards the back of the kitchen, his eyes lighting up once they landed on the both of us.

"Jungkookie! You came in!" Jimin sprang up from his seat merrily, a slice of cheese pizza in his grasp.

Taehyung walked from behind me and over to the table where he pulled out a chair, looking at me with a small smile. "Yes, he did... And thought it would be a good idea for me say this now before he leaves and you get settled in..." Taehyung took a small delay, his head turning toward the purple haired boy in the seat, "... Jimin, I don't know if he's mentioned anything but-this man here is younger step-brother, Jeon Jungkook."

My veins threatened the pop as I stood there, watching Jimin's telling expressions wash onto his face.

"Brother? He didn't say-you didn't say, Tae..."

Taehyung scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah... Didn't think I'd have to." Jimin put down his half-eaten slice of pizza into the box, stepping away from the table.

"Well... If you want to speak now, I'll just get my things from the car and we can eat together. Be right back!" Jimin skipped his way to the front door and scurried out of it just as fast.

And then there was only us. Taehyung pushed the chair back into table.

"Why didn't you answer the question?" I strictly inquired.

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Well, I felt I should ask you the same ones... You somehow show up with Jimin and he's calling you what was it- Jungkookie? Didn't know you liked him that way- he's really one of a kind."

I fought my urges of shouting just bit more as I concocted another reply. "You haven't changed at all, have you Taehyung? Still a slithering snake around my neck?"

Taehyung fixed his posture, his eyes averting to the side and then over to the living room. "I'm sorry you feel that way."

My eyes narrowed at him; Taehyung's face was had not even a hint of emotion as he started. That was until the rustling of Jimin's luggage was heard from behind the front door that was being pushed open by his hand on the knob.

He looked into the kitchen at Taehyung with an apologetic face. "I don't mean to interrupt, but where should I place my things."

Taehyung leaned forward to look at Jimin head on. "Yeah, just head down the hall and it should be the last door on the right."

Jimin held up his thumb, then disappeared from sight once again. My eyes didn't leave Taehyung's face once. It's funny how he wants me here to see him, but can barely look me in the eye.

"I have to head back to work in a few minutes... So, let's not start this now--" Taehyung had begun, but was cut off by Jimin's cheerful shout from the hallway. My neck craned to look at Jimin wore a grin like no other as he entered the kitchen, ripping though the heavy tension that had encased my brother and I.

"We're eating together, right? I decided I'll have to unpack later." The young boy made his way to the dining table and sat in his seat. Taehyung, seeming strained, sat down next to him, leaving me to be the odd one out.

My stance didn't change; Jimin frowned, his lips jutting out into small pout as he talked.
"Jungkookie, come eat... You paid for the food; you should at least get to try. You look sad."

I shook my head in refusal, waving my hand. "Not hungry, but thank you for offering."

Taehyung dug into the unfinished circle of pizza. "Oh, don't worry about that, Min... It's just a part of his 'I guard the gates of hell' act... It'll wear off with time..." He's really fucking pushing it right now, "... But now that you're both here- Jimin, you have tell me how you met Jungkook, I'm seriously dying to know."

Jimin's shoulder's lifted, his eyes opening up wider. "Oh, yeah-well, it's pretty long, but I'll make it short. I saw him at this café in the airport and I stood behind him, and then we ended up getting on the same plane! And when we headed to baggage claim, he ended up taking my bag by accident, and then he kindly led me to exit, but then fell and scraped my hands and knee, but Jungkookie made sure to patch me up good at his place."

Taehyung responded with a slow nod; his gaze turned back to me with raised eyebrows. My fist clenched at the rather smug look he shot at me. "Wow, well, that's an interesting coincidence... An overnight stay? That's nice of him..." Taehyung took another bite of the pizza, and stood up from his chair, "... Well, I know it's only been a few minutes, but I've gotta head back to work now... You can get settled while I'm gone, I promise to be back soon."

My brother then walked around the table. "I'll talk to you later, Jimin! I'll text you before I come back." He yelled at the younger boy as he walked to the front door and exiting without looking back. Jimin continued to nibble at the pizza in his hands. My internal thoughts were at war about now; half of my mind telling me to walk out of that door and wish this boy a goodbye, and the other half is telling me wait-just wait for something else to happen.

I peeled my eyes away from Jimin, and trained them onto the front door.

That was until there was a small buzz in my pocket. I sighed while pulling out my phone to read the notification, which was, of course, from Taehyung.

------

[TEXT MESSAGE]

JK= Jeon Jungkook
KT= Kim Taehyung

KT: Jungkook.

KT: I know you don't want to speak to me, and I understand.

KT: I'm going to head back to work for a few more hours, and there isn't anything in the house for Jimin right now, and you since you're there, I'm only asking you this one thing.

KT: Take Jimin to the store please? I put the money for it on the door step for when you leave.

KT: He likes sugar, and lots of sweet stuff, so just grab that if you can.

KT: I'm not forcing you to, but I promise we can talk about everything after this.

KT: I really am sorry. I really hope you know that now.

______

I reread each message, just to make sure I wasn't missing any fucked-up details.

There he is...

Kim Taehyung, my twenty-five-year-old step-brother still weaving his way into my life.

I rolled my eyes as I looked back up see Jimin who had his nose in his phone.

I snickered to myself.

He's lucky Jimin is the only one who can fill the silence.

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A/N: SOOO... HOW WAS IT?!

I know it's been a long time! But I'm officially back from my break and I'm going to be active again, working on this story!

If you haven't already, you can check out my message board with the warnings pertaining to this story, and if you have, you're in for a huge roller coaster! I'm glad to be here with you!

Q: YOUR IDEAS ON JIMIN'S PERSONALITY?

Q: THOUGHTS ABOUT JUNGKOOK AND HIS CONDITION?

Q: PREDICTIONS ABOUT JK AND TAE'S SEVERED BROTHERHOOD?

Q: OPINIONS ON TAEHYUNG?

Well as you guys know...
You'll just have to wait and see for the next chapter!

Love you guys!

XxxS