Chapter Text
I think I lost my halo.
Jungkook was currently in his supervisors office sitting across from him, stack of files splayed out in front of the large oak desk. The chair Jungkook liked to sit in because it spun extra fast was not so entertaining anymore as Seokjin typed on his laptop as if Jungkook wasn’t even there.
Seokjin had been doing research on some police cases that had never made it to the news. The man had seen many crime scenes around the city with the big intimidating yellow tape warning him not to cross yet he never heard anything about those incidents ever again. In a city like this, new stories are scooped up at impeccable speeds to pique the interest of the public, trying to gain as much profit out of even the smallest incidents. It was surprising to find out that crime scenes with the body bags and the smell of sulfur never made it on TV or even in columns.
“As you can see, something has been going on in this city and our department just can’t figure out who did it. Of course we have a lead but it’s not concrete.” Seokjin held the pictures in his hand eyeing them with a weary gaze from behind his glasses. He was sure that he could see blood streaming down onto the asphalt in one of the pictures.
Jungkook shifted in his seat and leaned forward, hands gripping the arms of the chair as if he was about to say something ground breaking, "And what’s that got to do with me?" Jungkook slammed his fist against the arm of the chair more out of annoyance than aggression.
Seokjin ignored his petulant attitude but appeared deep in thought. He scanned the pictures once more then set them down on the table while taking off his glasses. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers and sighed, "You’re a confidential informant now Jungkook, you can’t be acting this way. You’re not on the streets anymore you have to act professional or else I’ll send you right to prison with no chance of parole,” The older man lectured him with that emotionless no bullshit kind of attitude that he had when things were serious, “Technically you work for the government as crooked as that sounds.”
Jungkook blinked dumbfoundedly at his harsh reality. Many times he forgot his place, he still thought he was running gambling scams and talking down on people. Things changed drastically for him this past year and he never got a breather to adjust. He was pushed from department to department in shackles and handcuffs like he was a criminal, which he was, but he’d deny it if you called him one.
The silence resumed as Jungkook reviewed Seokjin’s words in his head with a blank stare. One thing about running gambling scams is that he had an impeccable poker face that even the best behavioral experts in The National Intelligence Service of South Korea couldn’t unveil. That’s part of the reason he was here today.
“Well, I think we should just get straight to business. To put it bluntly, you’re a criminal Jungkook but you’re not a violent one. You have some insight on how gangs work and you’re also incredibly skilled in hiding your emotions,” Seokjin said not breaking eye contact.
Jungkook cocked a brow, “And? I know you didn’t just bring me in here to compliment me.”
Seokjin laughed but not in a humorous way, “And you’re incredibly observant and smart as well,” He got out of his seat and walked over to the big window that showed the small city below, his hands rested in his dress pant pockets completely relaxed as opposed to Jungkook’s whose were getting chaffed by being handcuffed to the office chair. “You’ve been briefed on the incidents happening around the other cities correct?”
Jungkook nodded even though Seokjin wasn’t looking at him but he didn’t really need a conformation anyway.
“Mmh. It’s unfortunate what’s happening in this country,” The supervisor sighed in what could only be described as forced sympathy. He had cases like this for over 10 years, Jungkook knew he was numb to them by now.
“Cut the shit Seokjin why don’t you just get to the point. It’s not like you to beat around the bush,” Jungkook scoffed pulling against the handcuffs just wishing they would come off so he could run out of this place.
“You’re very observant too. We’ve only known each other for what, 2 months? And you’ve already learned about me. That’s why I picked you.”
“Picked me?” Jungkook gulped at the way Seokjin’s voice and demeanor turned alert, like a President giving an important speech, his words were chosen carefully.
“Jok Byong is our prime suspect in these incidents. We are 80% sure it’s them, but with most things, we are required by law to have sufficient evidence to make any arrests. Courts don’t give in to peoples hunches,” he turned around and sat back down in his leather chair, the silence was thick and Jungkook knew just what it entailed.
He was a confidential informant, there was a case that needed solving, and he was to be put on the job. He had been warned about things like this by his ex partner in crime Taehyung but he never thought he would actually be apart of an operation. To be quite frank he never thought that he’d be caught in the first place.
“Both me and the head of our unit Kim Namjoon have agreed that you would be fit for the position,” Seokjin opened his desk drawer and pulled out a file, “I hope you realize just how big of a case this is. This spans across multiple countries, China, The United States, Cuba and Columbia. There’s no rooms for fuck ups to put it gently,” Seokjin pulled out a pen from his suit pocket and placed it next to the paper, “Now let’s talk about what you’re interested in. If you bring in information you get different perks and rewards. For example if you can get details on where their cocaine supplier is, you’ll get 20 years off your 40 year sentence. If you find all their headquarters and allies along with the supplier your sentence will be completely cleared, you’ll be as free of a man as I am. Lastly if you get them in a position where we can make arrests, you’ll be free and you’ll also be paid $40,000 a year to help keep you afloat financially. I would aim for the last goal if I were you, I’m not sure how many people are hiring criminals,” He shoved the paper and pen into Jungkook’s reach and watched him intently.
He never got a physical response yet he still looked anyways. He didn’t see the way Jungkook’s hands clenched under the desk, Jungkook made sure of it. He couldn’t hear the stutter of his heart either, a sign of just how scared Jungkook was. Jungkook wasn’t in the business of killing, he never had and he hopes he never will. Sure he liked to scam old fucks in Miami looking for a gambling high but that didn’t mean he wished them hard, he just wanted their money.
Sweat dripped down the back of his neck as he remembered the case files Namjoon had shown him yesterday, he was confused as to why he needed to know this information but now it was all too clear.
Case Number 1: Twenty body bags, smell of gun powder, fully automatic weapons on the ground.
Case Number 2: Explosion, unknown number of bodies, blood sprayed like a fire hose.
Case Number 3: Drive by, cars exploded, windows blown out.
Case Number 4: Decapitated men, heads cut perfectly like a butcher, eyes missing.
Case Number 5: Hanging from a major city bridge, five men still hanging from nooses, dressed in business attire, no blood drawn.
Case Number 6: Arson, full warehouse burned down, nothing left but smoking skulls of dead men.
Sure these cases were graphic but that never stopped the station from investigating it. The pictures Jungkook saw on those six days still haunt him. The first case was the hardest since he had never seen a dead body before, aside from action films and zombie movies if that even counted. It was never a pleasant thing to witness yet he pushed himself to study them as Namjoon went into details. Men dressed in expensive suits and trench coats had bullet holes in them looking like a human colander. Their clothes merely served the purpose of absorbing the blood that spilled from their wounds. The bullets glinted in the sunlight like gems. This was enough to have Jungkook holding back vomit.
“So.... will chose the 40 years or this assignment Mr Jeon?” A life changing question that Jungkook never wanted to face but was forced to.
He picked up the pen and signed his name hoping he was shaking too much. Better free than behind bars.
He took a deep breath and gathered his papers together standing up, “Very good choice. I’ll call a meeting with the whole team in an hour to get the investigation started, but for now let’s take these off,” Seokjin gestured to his handcuffs and shackles and Jungkook almost jumped for joy at the idea of them finally coming off.
Once they were off he rubbed at his wrists which were bloodied from rubbing so bad, they would definitely scar, almost as a reminder to stay out of trouble.
“Do as you please for the hour,” Seokjin walked out and into the hall where the meeting room was in preparation for the investigation.
Jungkook walked to the break room and aggressively slumped down into the black leather couch. He was beyond scared, the thought of joining the gang that he had been warned to stay away from by others running the gambling scam was a ominous one.
"What's up with you?" Hoseok asked in confusion sipping on his coffee mug that was no doubt filled with mostly sugar and barely any actual coffee.
Hoseok, the over friendly new guy transferred from the United States that was maybe too nice to Jungkook considering their positions.
"As of now my assignment is to be a member of Jok Byong," Jungkook groaned and pulled at his hair in frustration.
Jungkook caught the way he stopped sipping his coffee in shock, it was a rare occurence to see Hoseok flustered. ‘I’m sure you’ll do fine," he chimed in matter of factly with a smile but it didn’t reach his eyes.
"I’m gonna fuck up aren’t I?" Jungkook kicked his feet up on the coffee table and stared at the fly on the white ceiling, maybe if he was a fly he wouldn't have to deal with the stress of a criminal.
Suddenly Hosoek perked up as if he had a revelation, “No you won’t, Namjoon has led at least of dozen of these things and not one has failed. He has a niche for picking the right people I suppose," Hoseok stirred his coffee absentmindedly and turned to face Jungkook, "I've been here long enough to read his files, he’s amazing Jungkook."
"I don't know. It still worries me,” he sighed finally showing a trace of emotion.
Hoseok stood up as well not bothering to straighten out his suit, "Jungkook how long have I known you throughout this process? 8 months maybe? I'll look out for you, don’t you worry. Now go wash up or something you look like a fucking mess," he patted the younger on the back as a gesture of comfort.
“Aren’t you a little too friendly with me considering I’m not exactly a law biding citizen?” Jungkook asked with humor in his voice.
“Probably, but we’re coworkers no so I guess it’s fine right.”
"Yeah. Thanks Seok. I swear you're the only bastard I can trust anymore," Jungkook joked earning a bright laugh from the agent.
Hoseok formerly worked for the United States Government intercepting calls, emails, messages, and anything linking to terrorists. He did a damn good job at his occupation, stopping and preventing terrorist attacks from happening all over the world from his very laptop. This was Namjoon's secret weapon, much like the U.S. Government had Hoseok as theirs.
Jungkook jolted awake from the sound of Seokjin’s booming voice over the speakers alerting the employees that the meeting would be happening in 5 minutes. Apparently Jungkook had fallen asleep and he mentally cursed at himself for it. He quickly went to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup adding extra cream and sugar and made his way to the board room.
Upon entry Namjoon had multiple laptops open and many half empty cups of coffee on display. He was at the head of the table looking less than awake, but he was still there nonetheless. Hoseok's cranberry red hair sticking up in all different angles and the bags under his eyes were there to testify that he had indeed been up all night staring and typing away at his laptops just like the whole agency had been. The room was silent except for the news serving as background noise. A news anchor was currently abroad covering the incoming hurricane that was said to hit somewhere Jungkook didn't pay any mind to.
Namjoon didn't even look up from his laptop as Jungkook entered, he merely gestured for Jungkook to come over to the table with a wave of his hand. Jungkook shut the door and joined the sleep deprived leader, sitting in the big leather chair that accompanied his table. It spun fast, but not as fast as the one in the Seokjin’s office unfortunately. He shoved a cup of coffee out of his way so he could rest his now unshackled hands on the table.
Namjoon stood up and turned the lights off in the board room so everyone could see the projector clearly. It cast shadows on his face as he spoke, “Alright everyone, from here on out we have an ongoing investigation,” the small audience of Seokjin, Hoseok. Jungkook. and 2 other officers Jungkook vaguely remembered all stiffened at his Namjoon’s words, “Jeon Jungkook here will be our informant infiltrating the gang that goes by the street name Jok Byong.” Namjoon pointed toward the screen as he flicked to an image, "This dumb fuck right here, he's the Bossman, the Head Honcho if you will.”
The picture was of a man getting into a black car, yet it was just a close of up his face. Brown sugar eyes expressionless, and marshmallow white skin remarkably velvet. He had blonde hair the color of porcelain with brassy undertones that somehow looked natural despite the contrast of his thick raven colored brows. His suit was no doubt personally tailored for god knows how much money. It was only a picture but it was enough to make Jungkook shift uncomfortably in his seat.
"H-his name.... what is it?" Jungkook hoped no one heard his stutter.
"Min Yoongi. He's the most important part of this. If we have no evidence of the boss commanding his men to commit these acts we're pretty much done with. Hearsay is never taken seriously," The leader informed the room with a skillful sharpness to his words. His black hair was still neat and prim despite his obvious lack of sleep.
“Lucky for us, he’s holding requirements for new men since he’s expanding in the Florida keys, Jungkook we know you have extensive knowledge of this are so we hope it will come in handy,” Namjoon looked at Jungkook with a seriousness that held so much weight he almost felt as if he didn’t complete the mission the disappointment of the leader would eat him alive.
He nodded and clutched his coffee cup to ground his nerves.
“Good. Now this mission will be far from easy. Many men don’t come back the same from missions like this. Things will happen, dirty and morally wrong things, but you must complete the mission no matter what. This means you can commit crimes but with in reason. If we feel the crime was unnecessary we will pull you out and send you to prison immediately. If you ever feel that you are in immediate danger there will be no way to contact us except at our monthly meetings which will be discreet for you safety. If anything happens in the U.S. Hoseok will travel with you and meet you there,” Namjoon listed off everything, his words firm.
Sure there would be meetups and he would be in touch with the station but it still seemed dangerous. He couldn’t help but begin to overthink everything. If he wasn’t known for his poker face he would be having a full fledged panic attack.
“The recruitment will be in two days so from here I will help train you in basic self defense and you will be briefed more on the specifics by Seokjin. Any questions?”
“What if I don’t make the recruitment?” Jungkook swallowed down the bile in his throat as he spoke.
Namjoon paused and made eye contact with Seokjin who then spoke up “I think we should discuss that at a later date-”
“No. He should know,” Namjoon interrupted. He took a deep breathe before saying “They’ll kill you. Anyone who doesn’t make it is killed so they don’t reveal their recruitment tactics. Which is why you better on your toes, that’s another part of the process we need information on.”
Jungkook stared at his room temperature coffee with a blank expression, “So this is basically a suicide mission. You’re sending me in there to die,” he spoke low and slow to ensure his voice wouldn’t crack.
“No. I wouldn’t of sent you if I didn’t think you could make it out. I don’t run that kind of operation here,” Namjoon almost sounded offended at Jungkook’s words yet the boy was too nervous to even care.
“I think we should let him rest and take this in. We can start training tomorrow,” Seokjin butted in clearly he was the empathetic one in the office.
“Yeah. Great work everybody. You’re all dismissed,” The leader announced and plopped back down in his seat.
Everyone filed out of the room except for Jungkook who hadn’t even looked up from his coffee cup, “This doesn’t sound safe at all,” he practically whispered.
Namjoon rubbed his hands over his face in frustration but quickly composed himself, “Look kid, I know it can be scary, I myself have done undercover work. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. It’s blood, gore, and everything in between but so fucking what. As long as you put that behind you and know it’s for a greater good I’d say it’s justice. Now get some sleep and we’ll start training in the morning alright?”
Jungkook shook his head in acceptance and made his way out numbly. He slept in a cell but this time no one was there to lock it because from here on out he had a chance to be free. He kept that thought in mind as he fell into a dreamless sleep.
Training the next day went by before he even realize it. He was in a weird zombie like stupor ever since the news had broke. The self defense training from Namjoon had consisted on how to punch, block, and kick effectively. Jungkook would be lying if he said he didn’t know how to fight. Of course he fought people in his gambling days but it was only ever for self protection. A heavy pair of brass knuckles were always tucked into his pant pocket in case anything went down. He didn’t earn the scar on his cheekbone for nothing. He had been slashed at with a pocket knife and his face had been kicked in. His nose had been broken and it always stuck out a little funny ever since. Taehyung nursed him back to health through it all with a gentleness Jungkook had never seen in him before.
Jungkook would be lying if he said he didn’t miss the boy. They ended on bad terms but time healed the once open wounds so he no longer felt resentful. Every punch and kick he delivered to the punching bag Namjoon was holding for him was thrown with the force of his emotions. The anger, sadness, and inner turmoil he went through this past year were all absorbed into the punching bag if Namjoon’s grunts were anything to go by. Jungkook was still extremely fit and agile as always. In his cell he did push ups and sit ups during his free time because staring at the walls had gotten boring after a while.
Maybe a little exercise was all he needed because on the second and last day of training he was throwing punches and dodging them with a new vigor. He imagined every punch got him one closer to freedom, one step closer to finding Taehyung and making amends with him. He assumed Taehyung was still in Florida running scams but he couldn’t be completely sure. If all went well he would no doubt make a trip back there to see his best friend again.
“Jungkook that’s enough! I said we’re finished,” Namjoon’s scream ripped Jungkook out of his daydream about his ex best friends charming smile.
He dropped his wrapped fists to his sides a little embarrassed, “Oh... sorry,” he shrugged.
Namjoon dropped the punching bag to the floor, “You’re well versed in fighting I don’t think I have to worry about you as much as I’d thought.”
“You’d worry about me?” Jungkook joked while taking a long sip of water from the water cooler.
Namjoon smiled solemnly, “I care for all of my informants. You’re a human before you’re a criminal,” he said while patting Jungkook’s back comfortingly.
It was the first time Namjoon said something so personal. Jungkook saw him as a cold leader but in this moment he was comforting him as if they were friends.
“I’ll try my best Namjoon, I really will,” Jungkook promised with every fiber in his being. No words had to be exchanged after that, the sincerity could be felt in the air like a humid fog.
The next day was the biggest day of Jungkook’s life. Hoseok was set to drop him off near the recruitment sight which happened to be a shut down office building according to the stations insiders. The rest was all up to Jungkook once he was out of Hoseok’s sight. It stirred a weird feeling in him. Just two days ago he had been a nervous mess but now with purpose, he felt like he could accomplish the mission.
Between Hoseok's nervous fingers drumming on the steering wheel and Junkook's thumping heart, they could have made a soundtrack as an overwrought duo. Hoseok had done his part. The fake I.D. he had made was no joke, it made fake I.D.'s made by mischievous teenagers looking to buy booze underage look like child's play. He had the same name but a different home address. Luckily Jeon Jungkook was about as common as the name Bob so there was no need to change it. Hoseok had also deleted every trace of Jungkook's existence. There was currently no Jeon Jungkook who worked for the police and enjoyed Disney movies, their only existed Jeon Jungkook a truant teen looking for refuge in a pack of modern day mobsters. At least that's the best fake backstory Hoseok could come up with in such a short amount of time. It was unsettling to know that any means of someone's existence could vanish with a few clicks of a mouse and replaced with a new one. Every detail about his life was completely fabricated yet he only felt vaguely contrite.
The plan the station had made was practically etched into Jungkook's brain like an obscene tattoo.
Step One: Get into the gang
Step Two: Gain Trust
Step Three: Get close enough to the big Bossman to get solid evidence of shady operations.
Step Four: Ensure a safe scheme to escape.
Step Five: Escape and enjoy the sweet taste of freedom.
That was paraphrasing more or less.
They were currently en route to the location of the headquarters which turned out to be a regular office building, nothing suspicious in a city of smog and skyscrapers. Jungkook stared out the window watching the familiar buildings turn into unfamiliar ones. The headquarters were farther than he had anticipated and only then did he realize he never truly left his only little bubble. He never traveled, stepped out of his comfort zone, or experienced something exceptionally mind blowing, but that was all about to change. The air conditioner blew over his hot skin as he practically shook with anticipation for what was about to come. The only thing comforting him was Hoseok and being with him in this car. Jungkook tried to ignore his fatalistic thoughts, he couldn't help but let one thought slip through the cracks of his worried mind. This could be his last time in this car; his last time with Hoseok, his last time on earth.
"Are we here?" Jungkook asked feeling like the trip was far too short.
"No it's about a block forward, can't risk them seeing you with me so you'll have to walk. It's the biggest building here you can't miss it," Hoseok pointed to the building which emanated richness and wealth, "They recruit through the back, you'll have to go through the alley, and make sure when they ask what your business is, you say I'm here for JB, it's like their password.”
"Well, I guess this is it right? The big dreaded goodbye," It was hard for Jungkook to speak in this current moment.
"Guess so," Hoseok stared down at his hands even though they weren't interesting in the slightest, "Jungkook... If you ever feel like you're in danger call me from wherever you can. It’s not worth your life I promise you that."
"I will Hoseok," his eyes lingered over to his coworker seeing that he was avoiding his gaze, "God damn it Hoseok look at me," Jungkook pathetically demanded not enjoying the cold shoulder from Hoseok, "I'm gonna make it back and I’ll be free. So fucking free, you’ll get tired of seeing me"
"I'll hold you up to that offer," Hoseok finally looked at Jungkook, they held eye contact which caused the tears to start rolling down their cheeks, "God damn I feel like I'm a mother dropping her first kid off at kindergarten for the first time or something," Hoseok aggressively wiped the tears from his eyes with his dress shirt. He'd have to call in sick to work after this, he didn't expect it to be this emotionally challenging. Eating takeaway and watching shitty American romcom movies would be a better way to spend his day.
"How would you know what being a Mother feels like?" Jungkook started patting at his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt while laughing. Humor and tragedy, bittersweet.
"Get out of my god damn car," Hoseok said in a joking tone.
Jungkook unbuckled his seat belt and opened the car door stepping onto the newly done streets of the fancy district. His dress shoes seemed too cheap to be walking on freshly done roads.
"I was joking!" Hoseok whined pouting his lips at Jungkook, eyes still wet.
"I have to go now or I'll never leave," Jungkook stood shoving his hands in his pockets. The only thing tucked away in his black dress pants were his wallet with a few hundred dollars and his new I.D. along with the secured phone that he would have to guard with his life.
Hoseok sighed realizing their time would soon have to come to an end, "Alright Mr. Mafia, don't forget about me."
"Never. See you around Seok," Jungkook closed the door gently and walked onto the sidewalk
Each step he took seemed like his last. He didn't bother looking back at his friend sitting in the car, he knew if he saw the woe in his friends expression that he would be running back to him, causing all their plans to be canceled. It’s funny how they formed a friendship despite their circumstances.
The city streets were quite desolate, a few business men walked by in lavish suits talking idly but Jungkook kept his head down and his destination set in place. He needed to focus on his mission from now on. This was no longer a plan this was reality, and most times reality doesn't go as planned.
Walking into the alley was like the feeling of a soldier going into battle not knowing if they'll ever come back but still going regardless. It got Jungkook out of his reverie and into a mode of attentiveness. He couldn't do anything except pray that he would make it back alive, but unfortunately serendipity only happened in fairy tales and the Disney movies Jungkook fancied. This was real life and real life showed no mercy for anyone, not even mobsters with enough money to buy the world.
He found the only door in the alley assuming this was his way in. His knuckles made contact with the steel door knocking with 3 hard thumps. The knocks echoed through the vacant back alley eerily as he waited for someone to open the door. The door opened almost immediately slightly startling Jungkook. A brawny man dressed in a chic black suit threw the door open almost hitting Jungkook in the process.
"What is your business here today?" The man asked rather monotonously.
"I'm here for JB," Jungkook let out, voice determined.
To even step foot into the building Jungkook was issued a mandatory pat down and strip search. Standing unclothed in an alleyway under the gaze of a tense middle aged man was never something he thought he would ever do, but then again he never thought he would be applying as a gangster like it was a fucking retail job.
He was let in after it was confirmed he had no weapons. When he entered four other men were standing there clad in suits just as he was. They all had hulk like muscle statures and Jungkook immediately regretted every single life choice he’s ever made.
“Alright, you fucks, rules are simple here. It’s a free for all fight, isn’t that wonderful? Last man standing gets to be interviewed by our dear leader. Begin!” The brawny man yelled the last command and stood in the corner to watch the fights.
Immediately men began throwing punches and Jungkook was sure he heard a bone break when one of the larger men landed a punch on another man’s face. He was scared, there was no other way to put it but he wouldn’t show fear, he couldn’t, or he wouldn’t survive. Everything in his body screamed at him to be smart and tactile. The fights he used to have in his casinos invigorated him with an adrenaline that he channeled for this moment. As a man came hurdling towards him with fists raised, he ducked and tripped the man only to smash in his face with the heel off his dress shoe. Blood splattered all over his suit yet he was too in the zone to care. Once the man was a pile of mush and unmoving he waited for his next opponent. Two others lay on the floor completely lifeless so all that was left were two men who seemed to think it was a good idea to double team on Jungkook.
One was quick enough to get him in a headlock, all the air was pushed out of his lungs and every kick to his stomach sent an ache through his body warning him. Things began to go blurry as he was beaten senseless by two men twice his size. He began to feel his eyes close until in the corner of the room he saw a steady blinking red light. It was in time with his heartbeat so he cherished it while he still had one. He couldn’t go out like this, the plan hadn’t even started, how disappointed would Namjoon be knowing he couldn’t even last this long?
He imagined the freedom he would have if he made it out alive. He got out of the headlock and threw the man to the floor. He envisioned finally living his life like a normal person and not constantly looking behind his shoulder. The other man was on the floor with Jungkook’s foot on his throat cutting off his air supply. He saw Taehyung’s face distantly in his brain as the other man’s life drained out of his body.
Jungkook was the last one standing. He could finally catch his breathe even though it hurt too. His rib cage throbbed with every inhale yet there was simply nothing he could do. He hear slow clapping from the corner of the room and he was reminded of the presence of the man who had brought him in here.
“Well done. I must say I wouldn’t of expected you to make it,” The man laughed, a few teeth were missing causing him to look even more grossly terrifying, “You’ve earned your spot though, follow me kid.”
Once he was allowed into the modern edifice that he considered to excessively lavish and far too big for its purpose, he was escorted up to an office in an extremely awkward elevator ride. Despite his inner trembling he made it his goal to memorize the layout and every detail of the building. His roaming eyes did not go unnoticed from the many men dressed in costly suits. The same brawny man who had performed the pat down on Jungkook was surprisingly calm opposed to being hostile and aggressive like he was when he first greeted him.
The office smelled sanitized as if someone had just cleaned it with a cocktail of chemicals, this was not the typical coffee and air freshener smell Jungkook associated with the office back at the agency. The room was grand with an engaging view of the city below. Being up here could make anyone feel superior to the small dots of people that were seen from this view. The baby blue ocean was a prominent and far more exciting sight opposed to the city buildings that housed workers running on caffeine and a lust for money.
Nothing much occupied the room except for an expansive dark washed table that might of been 4 times the size of the one that Jungkook was given at work, a few leather chairs and couches, and a safe that was frighteningly towering. The brawny man set Jungkook’s belongings that he had confiscated during the pat down and shut the door, leaving as if he was never even there, a ghost in the building. Jungkook was left alone standing in the office not really sure what to do.
Before he had the chance to contemplate anymore, the leather chair that was facing the other way slowly swiveled around revealing a man that expectantly looked at Jungkook. He rested his hands across the wooden desk effortlessly, suit cuffs links appearing more expensive than Jungkook’s entire suit combined.
“What a treat, no one ever comes to visit me anymore, but you... here you are...” the man plucked Jungkook’s wallet from the table carefully opening it and perusing it ephemerally, “Jeon Jungkook.” The man saying his name should of made Jungkook feel uncomfortable, maybe even send a shiver of irritating fear down his spine, but it didn’t. Nothing was odd about the situation just yet.
“Sit,” was all the man had to say to have Jungkook flop down onto the leather chair, he would have to check it’s spinning ability later.
“What can I do for you today Jungkook?” The man interlocked his fingers together looking like a CEO of a company hosting a meeting.
“I was looking to join..., “The man’s linear brow perked up as if asking Jungkook to elaborate further, “Join Jok Byong,” he finished.
The man’s shoulders perked up at these words and a Cheshire cat like smile was plastered on his sly face. His teeth, all pearly whites, with a smile in the shape of a softened rectangle was enough of a gesture to let Jungkook know that this topic was one the man greatly enjoyed, “Well I see we’re doing that kind of business. Mmmh, Master isn’t here right now but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me starting the evaluation without him, he’s a reasonable man.”
“M-master?” Jungkook stammered more out of confusion than nervousness.
The man gave Jungkook a questioning look as if he had just committed an offense right in front of his very eyes, “Min Yoongi of course, haven’t you done your research?” He leaned closer to the desk keeping eye contact with Jungkook, acting almost as if he was any farther away he wouldn’t hear his answer.
Jungkook looked directly into those topaz eyes and felt immediately awkward and uneasy “Not much info on you guys out there,” he uttered resting his nervous hands over his knees.
He lifted his brow slightly acknowledging Jungkook’s valid reason, all negative tension disappearing from his figure, “Ah yes and hopefully it stays that way.”
Jungkook nodded in agreement and resisted the urge to vocalize that it wouldn’t stay that way for long.
The man opened one of the drawers of the colossal table and pulled out a camcorder, a rather old handheld looking one, it didn’t seem appropriate for how expensive and new everything was in this building, “I’m going to ask you a series of questions,” he set the camcorder on the table right in front of Jungkook and paced over to him, standing directly behind his chair, “This will be recorded for analysis purposes, is that alright with you?” He placed his hands over the back of Jungkook’s chair and leaned into it.
“All good,” he was beginning to feel fraught and he knew it was because of how close the other man was. Across the table was manageable but he could feel the man’s breathe on the nape of his neck and he was becoming increasingly obfuscated.
“Great, it’s not like you had a choice anyways,” The man’s voice was low and his lips were unbelievably close to Jungkook’s ear, “You know what happens if we reject you, right?” his hands trailed over Jungkook’s shoulders like they had a mind of their own, “If we reject you,” his fingers danced over Jungkook’s neck lightly, “I’m going to have to plant a shiny bullet right in between those pretty eyes of yours,” His hand then lightly tapped in between Jungkook’s brows so softly it felt ghostly.
It took Jungkook every bone in his body to reject his natural response which was to start shaking in fear, rather he stayed completely still as if unaffected by the tender touches and threats.
“Wouldn’t want you spilling all our recruitment policies now would we?” The man was so condescending it really irked Jungkook yet he was in no position to object or stand up for himself, not when there was a loose promise of a bullet entering his skull.
“Jimin don’t patronize him, not yet at least,” a honeyed voice spoke from the doorway.
Jimin and Jungkook had been too busy with their meeting to notice someone leaned against the doorway listening in. For Jungkook it was a moment of being starstruck, almost like when you see a celebrity in real life and can’t bring yourself to accept that it’s really them, except this was no celebrity, he was just a Jok Byong Gang leader who happened to murder people rather than sign autographs.
Jimin immediately withdrew from Jungkook and straightened out his suit then proceeded to bow deeply to his master, all traces of dominance and power enervated away like a plug being pulled right out of the socket, “Master, I hope you don’t mind me starting the recruitment without you, I was just excited, we haven’t had anyone new in so long,” he enthused while placing his hands at his sides respectfully.
Yoongi was hard to read, his face was almost void of any emotion until a small look of ebullience flashed it’s way onto his once unreadable face, “Ah, he’s quite young right Tae? Nothing like all those worn out men working for me huh?”
Jimin responded with a simple “Yes sir.”
They were talking about him as if wasn’t just a few feet away. He was like a zoo animal and they were a duo of kids gushing about how amazing he was. It was awfully uncomfortable but he supposed gangsters shouldn’t feel those type of feelings, so he pushed them away for the time being.
“Fascinating, especially the way you fight” He made his way over to sit in his desk chair directly across from Jungkook, languidly sitting in it as if he was light as a feather, “How old are you exactly?” He outstretched his arm in a gesture to tell Jungkook to take a seat.
“Nineteen,” Jungkook averred, trying his best to sound impassive, like his hands weren’t beginning to twitch in anticipation. He was confused as to how Yoongi had seen him fight considering he wasn’t there in the small room.
Yoongi rested his hand on his palm marveling at the younger boy with an inexplicable intensity, “Ah, the golden age.”
Jimin was now standing beside Yoongi’s chair like a bodyguard protecting the president, “He’d be our youngest if he made it through.”
“Can’t compare to those old boors I’ve hired,” Yoongi carefully opened a desk drawer without taking his brooding eyes off of Jungkook and pulled out a small box, “Care for a cigar? They’re Cuban, the finest of their kind.”
Jungkook could predict his offer was not done by simple generosity, there must be an ulterior motive behind it. He had seen enough sketchy dealings in the casinos to know that you never accept things under such casual meetings.
“No thank you, I don’t smoke,” he declined, a laconic but truthful answer that could of very well just saved his ass.
“Test number one passed,” he perked his eyebrow up and lifted the corner of his mouth in a foxy smile, “Well done, can’t have my men smoking and coughing up a lung on the job, but now that I think of it that would be quite entertaining, don’t you think Jimin?”
“Absolutely compelling Master,” He answered almost monotonously, Jungkook could tell he was not very interested. Jimin was obviously a Yes-man around Yoongi, used to boost his ego and solidify Yoongi’s self-esteem.
“Mmh,” Yoongi looked Jungkook up and down, not a single inch of his body went unnoticed by his piercing stare. “Start the recording Jimin it’s question time,” Yoongi gestured finally taking his eyes off of Jungkook as if he was in a trance
Jungkook felt like he could finally breathe again. The burden of the man’s stare was no longer resting on his shoulder’s like a dark cloud. Jimin leaned over the table and pressed the button on the recorder while giving Jungkook a cheeky wink that he purposely ignored. Jungkook was in no mood to deal with Jimin’s blatant attempts at flustering him.
“Answer truthfully or you know what will happen,” Yoongi became stern and business like, “What is your name, Birthday, and place of birth?” He started off with a basic question to get the ball rolling.
“Jeon Jungkook. September 1st, 1999, Busan, South Korea,” Jungkook articulated the only truthful details of his identity. He clenched and unclenched his fists underneath the desk trying to shake the nerves of the situation away. The questions from here were obviously going to get more invasive and intense and he could do nothing but hope Hoseok making him repeat his backstory over and over again helped him in this situation. Like an actor memorizing their script and finally performing for the first time.
Yoongi looked up quizzically trying to rack his brain for questions to ask, it had been a while since he had recruited anyone after all. Jok Byong was a closed off group who liked to keep it’s business low key, “Have you ever dealt with knives?” popped up in his warped mind.
Jungkook assumed he didn’t mean to cook himself a meal so he answered with a simple “Yes.” Many times he carried a pocket knife in case shit hit the fan. Yoongi’s expression remained unreadable as he fired different questions such as “Have you ever dealt with guns or drugs?” which Jungkook adamantly answered “Yes.” Jungkook had never been exposed to those cruel aspects of the world until he ran his casinos. He never did the drugs but he was definitely around them since others obsessed over them. He was never the type to go to college parties and snort a few lines or take a dab from a questionable looking stick promising fun times and good vibes.
These questions didn’t seem too daunting until a baffling string of words flowed out of Yoongi’s mouth, “Have you ever killed anyone?” His once stone cold face turned into a gripping stare making Jungkook shift in his seat.
“Pardon?” Jungkook couldn’t help the way his voice went up a few octaves and he hated himself for it.
“Have you ever killed anyone Jungkook?” He made sure to put emphasis on Jungkook’s name while leaning forward, eyes locked on the younger, “Stolen a man’s last breathe, having him beg for mercy under your reign?” The glow in his eye was like someone talking about their life passion, with each second it only got larger and more intense.
Jungkook looked down at his lap wishing he could just shrivel up and disappear into the ground. Suddenly what he did just a few minutes ago became fresh in his mind as he remembered the men’s’ faces he had just stomped in. In the moment his brain didn’t allow him to notice that he did it, no doubt protecting him from the shock he would go through, but now he realized what he did and his world felt as if it was ending. “Yes.”
Yoongi chuckled breaking his gaze on Jungkook. It started out lighthearted like someone had just told a well formed joked, then it turned bleak and nightmarish in the matter of a second, “I think we found a good candidate,” and just like that his smile disappeared as if it was never there, the only thing greeting Jungkook was a cheerless blank expression which was dangerous, “However I do fear his age will get in the way, take him in the back and blow his fucking brains out,” Yoongi said, no mercy in his voice, but then again there never was mercy in his voice.
Jimin was just as flummoxed as Jungkook, his composed appearance was swapped with a muddled and disoriented one, “But sir-”
Yoongi swiveled his chair facing Jimin, giving him the same death stare that he had just given Jungkook “Now.”
Jimin had seen that stare too many times to be effected by it so he continued his protest, “With all due respect, this could be a great business opportunity Yoongi,” he was no longer sticking with courteous titles, “He’s a blank canvas waiting to be painted on. We could instill so many things into him, it’s like how they say it’s good to train a puppy early, because they absorb information quicker. Consider him our metaphorical bitch, bitches can make us a lot of money,” Jimin discoursed trying to convince his superior.
If Jungkook were in any other situation he would of gladly chewed Jimin out for comparing him to a fucking dog, but with the threat of death being dangled over him like a cat toy he stayed silent, observing the two men.
Yoongi slumped in his chair and furrowed his eyebrows clearly thinking about what Jimin had just proposed. If he killed Jungkook now then he could very well be missing out on a good business decision. Jungkook could be the hot new addition to his fucked up empire, a new addition that could help him bring the cash in. It was very very true, the younger the recruits the better they were to train. They were out to prove something which made them easier to manipulate, whereas older men had their set ways of doing things and would most likely fall away under the promises of money from outside sources trying to get them to spill secrets. Not to mention the way Jungkook fought was unique. He was calculated and only attacked when he knew it would produce results.
Yoongi had been watching him the whole time. The cameras set up in the room below gave him a clear view of all the men fighting. He watched Jungkook almost slump over in defeat until he impressively recollected himself with a snarl on his face. It was like a wolf tearing it’s prey apart. The blood spilled by the pretty boy made his pants feel tight in anticipation.
“You never fail to baffle me Jimin,” Yoongi shook his head in disbelief, “Take him up to the room I’ll be right up.”
Jimin tried to fight back a smile but failed miserably, it always surprised him how much effect he had on Yoongi, “Consider it done,” he gestured for Jungkook to follow him and Jungkook did, maybe he was a bitch.
“Oh, and Jimin, don’t play with him either.”
Jimin laughed and rolled his eyes guiding Jungkook through the long hallways. He walked like he had walked these halls millions of times, which was probably an accurate assumption.
“Where are we going?” Jungkook asked nervously, his dress shoes squeaked against the white marbled floors. One square foot probably cost more than his entire outfit, but hey not everyone could afford posh business attire. Jungkook’s suit was a hard contrast compared to Yoongi’s and Jimin’s suits. The pair wore all black. Black shirt, black pants, black blazer, black tie, black handkerchief and black pointed dress shoes. The only difference in the two was that Jimin’s cuff links were white diamonds whereas Yoongi’s were black diamonds.
“How impatient, you can’t wait a few minutes till we get there?” Jimin’s teasing demeanor reappeared at the absence of Yoongi.
Jungkook shrugged avoiding Jimin’s expecting gaze. The way Yoongi stared at Jungkook was much different than the way Jimin did. Yoongi eyed Jungkook like he was a shiny new toy that he just had to have. Jimin’s gaze was playful yet interested. Jimin didn’t quite understand why a young man full of life and potential would waste it joining the shit show that was Jok Byong, a dirty and immoral drug empire hidden behind stories of fancy glass and marble floor.
“Here we are,” Jimin led Jungkook into a large room with nothing but a single wooden chair a cabinet , and a table placed next to it, “This room has just been dying to be used.”
The room had no windows, the only light came from a few bright white artificial lights in the ceiling. The room was static and freakishly clinical despite it being in a business building.
“I would say a lot of dying has happened in this room too,” Yoongi’s voice reverberated off the bone white walls, a stark contrast to Yoongi’s office which was painted a calming shade of beige.
“D-dying?” Dammit. Jungkook couldn’t hold back the stutter that escaped from his trembling lips.
“You didn’t expect to apply for an empire such a mine and exchange handshakes, did you? With youth comes naivety I suppose, we’ll work on that,” Yoongi made his way to an intercom on the wall and uttered a simple “Bring him in.”
After about ten seconds the door was kicked open by the same brawny gentleman who was holding onto a flailing mess of a man. He shoved the man into the wooden chair and went to work tying him down with ropes he dug out of the cabinet. Every time he fastened the rope the man would squirm and attempt to escape but it was no use as the brawny man tied the final not and exited the room after bowing to Yoongi.
Jungkook eyed the man in panic not really sure what to do or say. The man clearly didn’t want to be there by the way he thrashed in the restraints and muttered profanities.
Yoongi rummaged around through the cabinet ignoring the man’s heated insults, “This is where all the fun begins, consider this the finale,” he pulled out a briefcase and placed it on the stainless steel table. He unzipped the case and looked inside to inspect the contents of it, grinning widely when he caught a glimpse of what was inside,“If you mess this up I’ll be forced to end your brief life, but you’ll do fine, you want to please me don’t you Jungkook?”
Jungkook began to sweat in anticipation at Yoongi’s words. There was a disturbing tone in his voice that would of made him shiver if the room wasn’t getting increasingly warmer with each hum of the lights above them.
“Yes,” was all Jungkook could get out, he feared if he said anything else he would faint smack dab on the classy marble floors in front of Yoongi’s designer dress shoes.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” Yoongi asked, his words and perked up expression were heavy with patronizing undertones. He had asked as if he actually hadn’t heard Jungkook when he very well did.
“Yes sir,” he corrected himself, each syllable threatening to give away how petrified he was.
Yoongi clicked his tongue like he had just decided something, “Master. Call me Master. It’s a lot more personal don’t you think?”
“Yes master,” Jungkook figured he would be saying yes to Yoongi a lot.
Yoongi draped an arm over Jungkook’s shoulder while squeezing him gently. His touch was cold and not comforting in the slightest. It was gentle yet it still felt like a snake coiling itself around it’s prey, nice until it becomes too tight and takes your breath away, “You learn so fast,” he looked at Jungkook giving him a proud smile, “This is why I have Jimin helping me, he’s a genius. And you Jungkook, you’re a genius in the making,” He looked into the air like he had some vision that no one else could see.
Jimin laughed at Yoongi’s praise to both of the boys, he hadn’t seen Yoongi so invested in something in a while. He watched as Yoongi squeezed Jungkook one last time and let go. Memories of his first encounter with the boss flooded his mind, the same passionate look on the blonde’s face was once caused by him. It seemed like so long ago.
Jungkook could finally relax his posture somewhat when he was out of the older man’s grasp. He adjusted his tie more out of nervousness than necessity.
“Ok, let’s get back to business. “This man right here,” Yoongi gestured to the man sitting in the chair, his head was hung low as the restraints buried themselves in his skin, “He’s not a good man, he’s a double agent, actually no, that sounds too nice, he’s a fucking rat. He thinks he can report classified information to our beloved rivals and live to see the day my empire crashes. He’s sadly mistaken. Today young man is your last day here on earth. Rack your memories, think of every happy moment you’ve ever had and throw them straight out of your putrid little brain because you’ll never experience any happy moments from here on. Rats don’t deserve happiness,” Yoongi taunted the man playing mind games with him.
Jungkook was relieved the attention was no longer on him but he was still extremely panicky at Yoongi’s words. Jungkook did not want to see someone get killed, the thought alone made his breathe hitch. Yoongi’s way of evoking fear in people was psychotic almost. To imagine the most euphoric moments of your life and know you’ll never ever get to experience them again could fuck anyone up, so Jungkook didn’t blame the man when he started to hyperventilate.
“I didn’t do nothin’ I promise!” The man was desperate and clearly just as scared as Jungkook was. If Jungkook hadn’t been trying to control his breathing he might of been just as sporadic as the man. In retrospect both Jungkook and the man were shackled by threats of death, Jungkook just wasn’t tied to a chair, instead the imprint of the gun in Yoongi’s suit pocket was enough to tie Jungkook down and make him compliant.
Yoongi slammed his fist down on the table growing more irritated by the second, “Spare me the begging or I swear to God I’ll snap your neck and cut out your tongue. Don’t test my patience,” The loud bang throughout the room made Jungkook physically jump in shock, he imagined the bang of the gun and the bullet swirling through his skull so he composed himself together as best as he could.
“On my families life, I didn’t do nothin’!”
The blonde cocked his head, “That’s a bold statement. Be careful or I might just put your family on the chopping block along side of you.”
“No, No stop this you evil bastard-”
“Bastard? I hate to break it to you but the only bastard here is you. I’ll repeat myself one more time since I’m in a particularly good mood today, utter one more word and your tongue won’t be in your mouth anymore, Got it?” The man nodded his head vigorously and kept quiet, “That’s what I thought. Now, Jungkook you see these repulsive fingers?” Yoongi motioned towards the mans fingers, they were shaking and turning blue from the lack of circulation due to the tight ropes “They’ve pulled a lot of triggers and snooped through a lot of my personal files,” Jungkook nodded focusing on the roped, too scared to look at Yoongi, “I want them gone.”
Jungkook clenched every muscle in his body, he knew what Yoongi was implying but he couldn’t wrap his head around it, “W-what?” he looked like a deer in headlights, eyes watery and wide open and Yoongi relished that expression on his face. The expression of a young man who bit off more than he could chew but was still trying his best to please. Yoongi knew this would be hard for Jungkook, he was well aware not everyone was a sick knave like he was but he still wanted to push Jungkook, see just how far he would go for him.
Yoongi reached in the case and pulled out a glinting object. With a click of a button it whisked open unveiling a knife as sharp as a scalpel, “You’re going to take this lovely knife and slice right at the base of his finger, make it clean, these will be sent off to his family. One for the wife, three for the daughters, heck there’s even one for the dog to chew on.”
Jungkook’s mind was a maelstrom of whirling thoughts. He shifted his eyes across the room, to Yoongi, to the man, and to Jimin. It seemed everyone’s eyes were on him seeing what he would do, the strongest stares came from Yoongi and Jimin, both looking to observe what his response was. Jungkook was completely irresolute under these circumstances. There was an ominous aura coming off the of pair yet they acted as if this was totally normal and routine behavior for them. Jungkook was never put in such positions that elicited a fight or flight response, the only problem was he couldn’t do either. If he tried to run he was no doubt going to be welcoming a bullet in his fragile head, if he fought the exact same result would occur.
“I.......,” Jungkook just couldn’t seem to formulate a coherent sentence or thought. Every time he would attempt to make sense of things his brain screamed at him to fucking run, but he couldn’t. He kept his feet planted trying to push back the fervent thoughts. “I.....,” he hated himself in this moment so much. He needed to be strong and do his fucking job but the tense atmosphere was causing his brain to malfunction.
“I can show you once if you’re unsure,” Yoongi’s offer was not helpful at all. The fact Jungkook would have to see it done right in front of him made his stomach constrict.
Don’t throw up. Don’t throw up Was all Jungkook was thinking of, his mouth too dry to respond.
“Alright, it’s very very simple,” Yoongi crouched next to the man and gripped his hand firmly, his other hand held onto the knife expertly, “I’m sure you’ll catch on, you’re a fast learner,” He hovered the knife over the man’s pointer finger and aimed it just above the knuckle. With a quick sawing motion he was cutting into the man’s flesh like it was the easiest thing he had ever done, “Just like cutting steak really,” One last saw before he put more force into the knife, “This is the hard part, bone is tricky.”
He conversed with Jungkook like they were having drinks together, not like he was cutting off a man’s fucking finger. Blood was leaking everywhere staining Yoongi’s pearly skin but he didn’t seem to mind that much.
Unintelligible pleas came streaming out of the man’s lips as he cried in agony. Jungkook closed his eyes tightly, he couldn’t bare the sight any longer.
The man’s yells were deafening and would sneak their way into Jungkook’s nightmares. He could hear the nauseating sounds of bone getting rubbed back and forth like nails on a chalkboard. Even with his eyes closed the image of the man’s partially detached finger was pressed into his memory, veins and tendons hanging out in all their glory.
Jimin came behind him and placed a hand on Jungkook’s hip lightly causing Jungkook to jump, “Open your eyes, you have to watch,” His breathe was warm and his voice was a silvery low octave but it was far from enjoyable considering the circumstances.
Jungkook fluttered his eyes open just in time as Yoongi looked over at him, blood splashed over his face and even in his perfectly bleached hair, “That’s all there is to it,” Yoongi held the man’s finger in his hand as if it was an ordinary thing to do. He tossed it over on the table and it let out a repulsive squelch when it landed, “You’re turn. Prove to me how much you want to join my empire,” he seductively murmured.
If this were under any other circumstances, Yoongi’s tone would of turned Jungkook on, maybe of even caused a tent to grow in his slacks, but instead it caused a stomach-churning quiver. The young boy’s feet felt glued in place, like quicksand keeping him stuck. The quicksand swiftly engulfed him, suffocating him as Jimin gave him an encouraging push forward.
“We know you can do it,” he ushered.
Yoongi outstretched his hand, offering the statue like boy the gleaming knife. Jungkook was slowly slipping into something he could only describe as dissociation, his brains way of saving him in a traumatizing situation. He could see Yoongi’s gesture in his tear-filled eyes but he couldn’t properly understand the situation anymore. His body was on autopilot while his mind drifted distantly, still observing but not in full coherence.
“Need a more in depth tutorial?” Yoongi pressed on.
Nothing came out of the younger’s shaking lips except for stuttering sounds. He felt himself being pulled into a crouching position in front of the convulsing man, being eye level with his oozing finger, or lack there of, triggered his already racing heart to beat even faster, rapid like a Hummingbird’s wings thumping against his rib cage.
He was on lock down, his body making it’s best attempts to rescue him from the scene he was witnessing. Yoongi took the boy’s limp hand and slid the knife in it, enclosing his own blood covered hand around the younger’s “Alright Kookie, let’s take this slow,” he sighed in Jungkook’s ear, his lips brushed against the anxious boy’s lobe causing him to jump out of his daze. He was now hyper aware of everything going on around him. The sight of Yoongi’s blood covered hand around his, the metal smell of gore, and the acrid taste of vomit creeping it’s way in the back of his throat.
The younger’s hand was shaky while Yoongi’s was completely still and secure, surgeons hands.
He had never been called “Kookie” before, he found it cute, except when it came from Yoongi.
“I-I can’t,” He quickly shut his mouth fighting back vomit.
“Well of course you can, I’m gonna help you,” The blonde coaxed. His grip tightened around Jungkook’s hand and he hovered it over the man’s knuckles again, “Hold his hand still,” He commanded.
Jungkook reluctantly took the man’s hand and held it so his middle finger was on display, ready to be cut up. Yoongi brought the knife down and immediately started sawing. Jungkook was barely holding onto the handle yet he could still feel everything. Surprisingly Yoongi was right, the first part felt like overcooked steak until they hit bone and it began to feel like cutting through stone. Luckily the experienced man was strong and he began to cut through easily.
“Look at you, you’re doing so amazing,” Was whispered in the younger’s ear but he could only focus on the sputtering screams of the man he was dismembering.
Yoongi’s secure grip was the only thing keeping the younger together. The feeling was weird but strangely familiar. Not the whole chopping people up part, but the teaching aspect of it. Similar to a father teaching his son how to ride a bike. Yoongi’s hand over Jungkook’s was like a father’s hand on the back of his son’s bicycle seat. Guiding, teaching, and encouraging all at once, except Jungkook didn’t particularly like the skill the older man was teaching him.
The only response Jungkook could give was a shaky breath as the final cut sent the man’s finger bouncing on the floor right in front of Jungkook’s blood soaked dressed shoes. The man started to grow quiet as he lost more and more blood, floating in and out of consciousness.
“Look at the poor thing he’s shaking like a leaf,” Jimin cooed condescendingly at the younger boy.
“It’s alright you just gotta break him in a little, he’ll be butchering people in no time,” Yoongi released his grip around Jungkook which caused him to almost dropped the knife. Yoongi’s hand was the one that was doing most of the work, “It’s all you now,” he urged.
Jungkook didn’t move at first, too traumatized to respond to anything, but when Yoongi leaned into him and he felt the rock hard gun in the older’s jacket pressing into his back he clutched the knife and nodded. Every action was robotic. The dissociation crept back in making him feel as if he was watching his movements through a movie screen. If he was there mentally he would feel like a sinner unworthy of anything good in life. The whimpers of the man would of made him hate himself beyond belief, but for the sake of his survival his mind blocked out all those sickening details. He didn’t even flinch when the knife sliced through skin and then shimmied it’s way through the bone of the man’s ring finger, then his pinky, and then his thumb.
Only when he was finished did the sickening consciousnesses overthrow the haze. A man slumped in front of him was no longer breathing, blood loss too severe for him to live. His hand was nothing but a mangled stump of crimson mush. His last words had been a love sentiment to his family and Jungkook couldn’t get the words out of his muddled brain.
Yoongi gave the younger a pat on the back while looking at him fondly. The room felt too small, like it was slowly shrinking with each passing second. Jungkook dropped the knife with a loud clank and stood up on his wobbly legs. Somehow he managed to make it to the door and and he swung it open getting greeted by cold air
Immediately he began to vomit all over the pretty flooring. His labored breathes made him sputter and choke on his own bile as his hands found their way on his knees to support himself.
“Jesus Christ,” Yoongi peered out into the hallway seeing his prodigy hyperventilating with a pool of vomit around his cheap dress shoes, “Jimin take care of the mess,” he gestured towards the dismembered man and Jungkook’s pile of bodily fluids, “I’ll take care of him.”
Jungkook didn’t know what he meant by “take care of him” but he was hoping Yoongi wasn’t out to kill him after everything he had just done.
“Follow me. I’ll take you to your room you’re obviously not well,” Yoongi briskly walked past the heaving boy not looking concerned in the slightest.
Jungkook staggered behind him using the wall for support. In that moment he knew he wasn’t right for these type of things. No man should take another’s life. His body screamed to him about how wrong he was for doing such and unspeakable act. This feeling of being drained with a head full of guilt was his punishment. Everything made zero sense as his inner dialogue blew up in hysteria. Every moral he set forth for himself was now in question. If he just killed a man was he even worthy of living himself? Questions such as these poked and prodded at him. Hell on Earth could be experienced just by stepping into Jungkook’s body. He did not know how the self proclaimed business man in front of him could kill a human being and walk off as if it was nothing, a toxic form of insanity he supposed.
The man in front of him did not look bonkers, in fact he looked like the type of man to help and old lady cross the street. Jungkook knew this not to be true after seeing his true self. The man behind an aurora of calm dressed for a funeral turned out to be the horror Namjoon tried to warn him about.
Jungkook did not know if he could look anyone at the agency in the eye after this, how could he knowing the atrocity of murder was on his conscious? They had admittedly killed many people before in their line of work, the only difference was they were men who were doing harm to others. His killing almost seemed noble while Jungkook’s was cruel and inhumane.
The boy felt dirty, the man’s blood, now dry, stuck to him as a reminder of his crime. In the heat of the moment the operation didn’t feel so important anymore. If Yoongi pulled the gun on him at this moment Jungkook wouldn’t even flinch because the concept of death was like a lovers warm embrace. It claimed you and made you forget about everything.
“Was today your first time killing anyone,” Yoongi laughed breaking the silence of the elevator they were in. He could laugh over a man dying meanwhile Jungkook felt like his brain was collapsing.
Jungkook wanted to do many things, like chew out the smirking older man and call him a sick bastard, punch that stupid grin off his face, and maybe even slam his head into the marble floors, but he couldn’t. He was powerless in this situation. He sure did feel like a bitch.
“Yes.” Jungkook counted his breaths to try and calm his breathing. It didn’t do any good, his chest felt breathless no matter what methods of meditation he tried.
“Six people in one day for your first time, that’s pretty remarkable,” The smiling man shrugged his shoulders, “Did you like it Kookie? The rush, feeling him tremble under your touch, isn’t it a power trip?”
“No. I didn’t like it,” Jungkook observed how the man’s face contorted darkly at his answer so he quickly saved himself, “But I’ll do it if I have to.”
“Good. You did so good,” The elevator dinged and they both exited into another long hallway, “No one has ever tried to prove themselves to me in such grandeur. I could tell it was hard for you, but you did it. I commend that.”
Approval. Approval that made Jungkook sick to his stomach. If he had anymore vomit he would of thrown up all over Yoongi.
“Thank you......,” he felt weird calling the man “Master” but he knew he was obligated to, “Master.”
Jungkook tensed as Yoongi reached in his coat pocket, every move he made was unpredictable and the younger never felt safe, even when Yoongi gave him the brightest of smiles. Thankfully it was just a pair of keys to unlock the door.
“Call me Yoongi when it’s just us. Master has become so blase. Yoongi is refreshing,” he opened the door and held it open for the younger to step in.
“But you told me-,”
“Only in front of my men,” he confirmed.
Jungkook took his eyes off of Yoongi’s shoes which had been the only part of Yoongi he could only stand to look at and he lifted his head taking in the room in front of him. It was no doubt a suite which was strange for being in an office building. The room was decorated with the upmost care, not a single thing out of place. Dark washed hardwood floors as opposed to marble, the same beige color on the walls that was in Yoongi’s office, a kitchen fit for a family, a balcony with a view of the corrupt city, and lastly a bed big enough for Jungkook to do multiple somersaults on. His old shabby apartment in Miami could never compare. He was expecting many things behind this door, a cozy suite was not one of them.
“Your new room. Use whatever you’d like, your pay will be discussed tomorrow. Oh and speaking of tomorrow, I’m holding a mandatory meeting on the 8th floor at Noon. I expect to see you there. Welcome to Jok Byong, kid,” Yoongi tossed the keys at Jungkook’s chest internally laughing as he watched the boy scramble for them.
Jungkook’s purity and morality was endearing to the older man. He had been around too many dirty and evil men his whole life, he was never exposed to good people. This was the first time in a while he had met someone with a light in their eyes as bright as the flare on his semi automatic weapons. Maybe it was a stupid decision for him to take a liking to the boys’ wide-eyed innocence, but he didn’t care. For once in his life he craved to witness someone’s weaknesses and faults instead of seeing the same skilled men with fast trigger fingers and perfectly pressed suits. It almost seemed like it was his duty to guide the boy even though he knew he had no responsibility for him. If Yoongi was being honest with himself he was bored, bored of running the empire his Father had bestowed upon him. It was the same routine everyday and he loathed it. Maybe, just maybe he could find something more interesting to do, killing had gotten boring for him.