Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/13623372.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Choose_Not_To_Use_Archive_Warnings, Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Rape/
      Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      M/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      방탄소년단_|_Bangtan_Boys_|_BTS
  Relationship:
      Park_Jimin_(BTS)/Everyone, Kim_Taehyung_|_V/Park_Jimin, Kim_Seokjin_|
      Jin/Park_Jimin, Kim_Namjoon_|_RM/Park_Jimin
  Character:
      Park_Jimin_(BTS), Lee_Taemin, Park_Jihyun, Jung_Hoseok_|_J-Hope, Min
      Yoongi_|_Suga, Kim_Namjoon_|_RM, Kim_Taehyung_|_V, Jeon_Jungkook, Kim
      Seokjin_|_Jin, Kim_Jongin_|_Kai
  Additional Tags:
      Park_Jimin-centric, Alternate_Universe_-_Gang_World, Tags_Are_Hard, Other
      Additional_Tags_to_Be_Added, Taemin_&_Jimin_are_best_friends, Taemin_is_a
      good_friend, Kim_Taehyung_|_V_Is_a_Little_Shit, Kim_Taehyung_|_V_Is_a
      Sweetheart, Park_Jimin_is_So_Done, Slow_Build, dark_themes
  Series:
      Part 1 of No_place_like_home
  Stats:
      Published: 2018-02-09 Updated: 2018-02-12 Chapters: 3/? Words: 14078
****** Your Home Should Tell the Story of Who You Are ******
by xXBlanketXx
Summary
     The story of Jimin's journey to find the place he now calls home.
     Though it was wrought with mistakes and regrets, he would not change
     it for anything. As it brought him to where he is now. It may not be
     traditional, others may judge him for it, but he's happy with how it
     ended.
     Or mercenary Jimin meets criminal group BTS.
Notes
     Was trying to sleep last night and thinking of where to go with the
     other story I just started. Ended up thinking about how I wanted a
     mercenary Jimin. Wrote this down and now I have two stories. Oops.
     Good news though, I at-least know where I want to go with this one.
     Enjoy!
     Please note though, there is attempted rape in this first chapter.
     It's pretty clear to tell when it's coming so if it makes you
     uncomfortable just skip the next two paragraphs. Though this story it
     going to get pretty graphic so fair warning on that.
***** The Early Days *****
The early days had been filled with the childish young laughter of himself and
his brother. Days spent at the beach collecting shells and proudly displaying
such collections to anyone and everyone. Games of hide and seek, pillow forts,
and dotting kisses bestowed on happy faces. Then enough tears were shed to
cause the ink recording even their happiest of their memories to bleed.
Grounded foundations were ripped up, became shaky shelters for, at the longest,
a month before they were moved once more. Jimin’s tempter became more
explosive, his fits taking violent turns at the upset. And JiHyun, well JiHyun
took solace in books, in the stars, in learning all he could and driving
himself forward; so, he could find something better. Losing their parents
changed a lot of things, but it never changed the brothers close bond. Which
was why Jimin severed it, cut it off before he could drag his brother away from
a bright future.
 
The first time Jimin hurt one of his foster siblings was also coincidently the
time Jimin realized he had to leave JiHyun behind. You see, JiHyun was well
liked by the social workers, dotted on by foster parents, many having been
willing to adopt him as one of their own. All hindered by the fact that JiHyun
and Jimin refused to be separated. Because while JiHyun was well liked, Jimin,
well Jimin had a lot of red flags in his folder. Marked as violent,
temperamental, a flight risk; a grocery list of problems that not many wanted
to handle. There had been a few couples that had given it their best go, but
Jimin was always quick to ruin it. Such as the situation with his foster
sibling. This couple was young, willing to do their best to help a resentful
Jimin. If it meant they could also help JiHyun who obviously had a future, who
was hardworking and smart. They had only had two other children in the home,
both also fosters. A 4-year-old and a 15-year-old. Jimin had been 12 and JiHyun
10. The oldest boy, had been out in the yard far off on the property and
slightly out of sight. Jimin, even at that young age, had been a little nosy.
Nosy enough to head over to investigate. At the sight of the boy roughly poking
a kitten with a stick Jimin had lost his always tenacious hold on his temper.
Gone after the other boy with a rock he had snatched off the ground. With the
element of surprise, it was easy to knock the other to the ground. By the time
the parents had gotten Jimin off the damage was already done. Jimin had broken
the older boys nose, given him an orbital fracture, damaged the hearing on his
right side, and the sight in his right eye. Not to mention the rather rough
scars Jimin had left him with. In the panicked aftermath Jimin had snatched up
the kitten and retreated, only sneaking back 2 days later. Head held high and
no shame in his gaze, refusing to feel bad for what he had done. The social
worker had arrived not even an hour later to take JiHyun and himself to their
next home.
 
Jimin wouldn’t pull completely away for another 3 years though. For 3 years he
would work to distance himself. Spending more time out of their fosters home,
strolling the streets, exploring places that should have never been explored.
Meeting the sort of people that would become his competition, his teachers, his
companions. But he still had a home to go back to, so he was only on the
outside, lingering at the fringes of the underground society. The hardened
criminals who used street kids as lookouts, the homeless who had built whole
communities, those who were simply lost and trying to figure out where to go
with their life. Which put him in the perfect position to pick up useful tips
and tricks without dooming himself to a short life. It was during these years
he met Taemin. Jimin was 14, lingering outside a hotel café in hopes of
grabbing a lunch from a picky eater who wouldn’t finish their meal. 16-year-old
Taemin had been dragged along by his father to a business conference as
Taemin’s mother had demanded his father spend time with him. The older boy had
strolled up behind Jimin and dropped a hand on his shoulder, scaring Jimin
nearly out of his skin. His first reaction to whirl around and strike out at
the boy, only calmed when Taemin was quick to take a few steps backwards with
his hands up. “Woah, woah! No need for violence. I was just going to say if you
were that hungry I could buy you lunch. I mean it’s not like I’ll be able to
use all the money my dad left me with to ‘entertain’ myself.” Still unsure and
distrustful Jimin had simply glared balefully at him, discontent clear. But
Jimin had yet to immerse himself completely in the darker parts of life, still
knew the odd kindness, naïve enough to trust letting random strangers treat him
to a meal. Though luckily for him, he realized later, that this random stranger
was just the kindhearted Taemin.
 
During lunch Jimin learned that Taemin’s father was a successful CEO of a
fortune 500 hundred company. That Taemin’s mother was his fathers 3rd wife and
Taemin was the youngest of his fathers 3 children. His older brothers already
grown and off in foreign lands helping run his father’s companies abroad.
Taemin managed to pull a bit of the old Jimin out, the little boy who just
wanted attention and cuddles. The little boy who smiled with his eyes and just
wanted to take care of those he loved. Jimin didn’t have a phone but Taemin had
written down his usual haunts and his number. Telling Jimin that if he ever
needed another free meal Taemin would always be available. Following it up with
a shy chuckled and a “besides, I had a nice time talking with you. I think you
sell yourself short Jimin. You can be quite charming once you open yourself up.
So, feel free to seek me out to simply talk as well.” Jimin had told the older
boy nothing of his situation but the parting comment had left him wanting to
reach out to grip the others hand and simply cry about the injustice of it all.
He’d gotten over it quickly though when after Taemin left he had been promptly
shooed out by hotel security for loitering and ruining their reputation by
letting a little street rat linger in their café. Though this marked the
beginning of a long friendship with Taemin, and though there would be years
between interactions at times it never changed that underlying bond that had
been formed that day. That Taemin had founded on a simple act of kindness
towards a boy who simply needed a friendly hand.
 
One year later Jimin had mostly immersed himself in street life, rarely
returning to his foster home. Only dropping by on occasion to see JiHyun. His
younger brother begged him to come back to living in the house. Asked in a
distraught voice why Jimin was leaving him. And Jimin would lie, no matter how
much it killed him inside, he would lie and assure JiHyun he wasn’t leaving.
Tell him that he was simply figuring things out and that he would always be by
his younger brother’s side. At times Jimin wondered if JiHyun remembered that
moment in the same clarity that Jimin himself did. If it ate him up inside like
it ate up Jimin. Not even couple months later Jimin overheard the current
foster family talking with the social worker and another family about their
interest in adopting JiHyun. Jimin’s brother apparently having met with the
couple already and not having told Jimin about it. The social worker spoke of
how JiHyun didn’t want to be separated from his brother. And Jimin realized he
would have to make that final cut. Would have to take his things and go, leave
his brother behind to find a better future. Something he couldn’t do when Jimin
was still there at his side. That night he left JiHyun a note, a note he knew
his brother still kept.
 
   JiHyun, baby brother. I’m sorry. So so sorry. I love you more than I love
myself, love you more than I loved our parents. I wish I could have taken care
of you, wish I could have guided you better through life. I know I have let you
 down often and there is no one to blame for that except myself. There are so
  many things I could have done better. I could have held you as you cried in
those first weeks in the foster system. But I was wrapped up in my own hate and
  resentment towards the world. I could have gotten help when I realized how
 twisted up inside I had become. I could have done so many things better, but
  well, I’ve always been stubborn. You’re smart, you probably realized why I
wrote this note before you even started reading. But I have to say these things
  anyway. I have to say I’m leaving and I understand that for a long time you
 will hate me for this. I have come to peace with that, and it will not change
   the fact that I will continue to watch over you. I’ve thought about this
decision for a long time, years actually. I know you won’t agree but me leaving
your side gives you the best chance at success in your future. I’ve gotten too
many red marks on my ledger to find a new home through this system. And I know
 you won’t leave the system without me. But you deserve so much better, you’re
 to smart, to kind and sweet to not have a permanent home. So I’m leaving, I’m
leaving so you can move on. I’m cutting the string that held you down to me, so
  you can rise above this. Make the best of your future JiHyun. Your brother
                                  loves you.
                                     Jimin
                                        
Days later Jimin had joined a small street gang, taken in as a drug runner and
lookout. Having no one to vouch for him or back him those first months had been
hard. Cruel worlds dumped upon him, igniting a burning under his skin. Forced
to take the jobs those more important wouldn’t be risked for. Nights spent in
and out of jail, flat out sprints for his life from cops and rivals both. No
recognition given for the risks he was forced to take or the near-death
experiences he undertook. The gang was small stuff, no real structure past one
fat pathetic soul who happened to be a little meaner than the rest and made the
decisions. Jimin knew he had doomed himself by joining up with them, but they
were offering a bed and frankly, were some of the only ones who would take
him.  Young and innocent looking many scoffed at him when he went looking for
work. This gang though didn’t much care; if Jimin could outsprint those he
needed to and not fall asleep while he was supposed to be keeping and eye out
than all was fine with them. But for Jimin, for Jimin it cemented his cynical
outlook towards the world. While out on jobs he saw the assistants of rich
businessmen buying drugs to fuel their boss’s habits. Saw pretty women laughing
at less fortune men trying to pick them up, snubbing them for being less than
them. On free days when he sat in the park he would watch lovers fight, watch
‘friends’ manipulate one another, and he would go back to running drugs feeling
no worse than any of them.
 
His stint with this gang ended on the same day the big boss asked him to do
something new. Sending him to meet with a ‘client’ only after having him dress
up a bit. Providing an outfit of ripped jeans and a deep white v neck. Jimin
had been on high alert, but assumed the boss was only trying to impress someone
enough for them to stick around and continue to buy their drugs from him. The
meet up had been in an abandoned warehouse parking lot. A black SUV sat idling,
waiting for Jimin to get in the back-seat passenger side as instructed. As soon
as he got in the driver got out, and Jimin lost sight of him in the dark
through the heavily tinted windows. Besides, his attention was quickly caught
again by the man sitting next to him in the back. He appeared about 50 years
old, salt and pepper hair, politicians smile affixed to his feature. “Ah I told
him what I wanted, and he came through beautifully.” The comment was odd seeing
as Jimin hadn’t even pulled out the drugs yet, the briefcase on the floor by
his feet. “What drugs do you want exactly?” Jimin had asked, deciding to
bulldoze over the odd comment and try to get it over with as soon as possible.
The man had tossed his head back and laughed, reaching out and putting large
hand on Jimin’s thigh, gripping it tight. “Aww, what a sweet thing. Did he tell
you, you were selling me drugs? Because that’s not a service I asked for.
Though I can definitely buy some if it’ll make you feel better.” Jimin glanced
at the hand on his thigh and then back up towards the man, mouth turning down
in an even deeper frown. “What service did you ask for?” The words came out
slow the answer almost obvious. “I asked your boss to provide me with a pretty
young thing to spend the night with. And I must say little prince, did he
deliver.” Jimin reared back, frown becoming a snarl. “No. I won’t do that.
Sorry, if you don’t want the drugs them I’m gone.” He went to get out of the
car only to find it locked, hearing the man’s mocking laughter at his back.
“And what will your boss say when you return with no money. I could ruin the
poor man, he’s still in the kiddie’s pool and I’ve interacted with the sharks
of the ocean.” Jimin turned back to the man, no longer wanting his back to him,
pressing up against the door behind him. “I don’t care what he says. I’m not
sleeping with you!” He snapped clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.
“Good thing it’s not up to you little prince.” Was all the courtesy he was
granted before the man’s grip on his leg shift and Jimin was being pulled
across the seats with a screech.
 
What happened next would always be a blur to him, he remembered grabbing for
anything to hit with. Remembered trying to swing the briefcase but being unable
in the small confines of the car. Remembered his shirt getting ripped, the man
pulling and pinching his nipples while laughing at him. Remembered somehow
getting an upper hand on pure adrenaline and a desire to stop what was
happening. Mean enough and vicious enough to take the man by surprise,
obviously fooled by Jimin’s young age and pretty face. The man ended up on the
floor of the car, one arm twisted up under him. Jimin kneeled above him, death
grip around the mans throat and eyes wild. Shirt lost, pants button undone,
bruised and scratched up. He didn’t let go of the man even after he stopped
struggling, didn’t let go even when it was clear he was no longer breathing.
Held on so long his fingers cramped and uncurling them finally brought the
tears crashing out of him. Heavy heaving sobs, as he fell back into the wheel
well, arms curled around his knees and shivering. Only jerking his eyes away
from the now dead man when he heard a muffled voice shouting something.
Crawling towards the window he peered out, taking a moment to get acclimated to
the dark. To note that it seemed the mans driver was on his way back from
wherever he was sent off to. Still crying and heaving silent sobs Jimin leaned
forward to unlock the doors, grabbing the briefcase off the floor and clutching
it in a death grip. He doesn’t know what possessed him to take his next
actions. Maybe he was in shock, maybe he blamed the driver for just leaving him
to be preyed upon by the man. Whatever drove his actions didn’t really matter
in the end. Because the driver still ended up dead anyway, bludgeoned by the
now dented suitcase in Jimin’s hands. Splattering Jimin’s naked chest with
blood, pretty face looking gaunt with his large terrified eyes staring down at
the second person he had killed that night.
 
Jimin could never claim his next steps weren’t premediated. He took the drivers
body and dragged it into the car with much struggle. He threw the briefcase in
the back as well. Then he took the keys and drove. He drove 4 hours to the
coast by Gimpo, off main roads and across dirt trails, driving it into the
river. Leaving the briefcase behind, hoping the water would help kill any
evidence of Jimin in the crime. Make the authorities assume drugs were
involved. Then he trekked his way back to main roads, catching a bus back to
Seoul. Stealing a shirt of a laundry line. Knowing exactly where he was going
next. Later he would learn that the man was a Seoul businessman, well off with
a trophy wife. A note he had left in his day planner had been their only clue
in the case, ‘meeting with little prince 9pm’. But past that they had never
managed to get any further in the case. Though that knowledge would only come
years later and would have no bearing on what he did next in the night. Jimin
had feared he would get caught and had known that if he was going to jail for
murder then he refused to go out without doing something about the disgrace
brought upon him.  
 
The good thing about such a small unorganized gang is that the boss had one
hangout and often had no one with him in the early morning hours before dawn.
Meaning that when Jimin slipped into the abandoned building they used as a home
base the fat pig was the only one there. “Ah! Jimin you’re back!” He had cried
jovially, like Jimin was going to be happy with him pimping him out. And then
he had sealed his fate by leering, “how did you enjoy your night? Huh little
prince. Did he show you a good time?” Laughing afterwards and slapping his
knee. “Little prince! How pretentious right? But I thought a rich bastard like
that would like such a nickname for his whore.” Jimin had simply smiled, tear
tracks still down his face and body still hurt, stalking across the room like a
cat after a mouse. Though this mouse had yet to realize it was being hunted.
“Jimin?” He repeated, and the boy only smiled a crooked smirk, to sharp around
the edges to be completely sane. Then he had launched himself, pulling the
knife out from behind his back to drive it into the pig’s stomach, using all
his strength to pull across and gut the other. Getting a punch across the face,
before the other lost strength in his arms, bringing them to hug his guts and
try to hold them in. Jimin danced back, nimble like the fairy his parents used
to compare him to when they were still alive. Watching as the man fell to the
ground looking up in horror at Jimin. And it brought Jimin some cruel
satisfaction, feeling strong for the first time in a long time. He leaned down,
careful to stay out of reach, to whisper into the others face, “why don’t you
tell me? Did I show him a good time? Because I can assure you, you’re facing
the same fate he did.” Then he stood and headed to the money on an old rickety
table, the other having been counting it like a greedy fool; as he did every
morning. It was why he insisted on being here alone at these times. The man
yelled obscenities, then fell into begging, but Jimin ignored him as he took up
the money. He walked away into the dawns rising light with the building going
up in flames behind him.
 
Though he only made it around a corner before he vomited allover the ground,
silent tears starting once again. Though he hated himself for such a weakness.
It was while smelling of smoke, vomit, and crying he bought his first
apartment. In a shitty part of Seoul, down a dark alley with many of the units
unlivable. But it was secluded, and he would be alone, and honestly, at that
time that was all he needed. Then he had stashed his stolen cash before fleeing
his new home. Having managed to finally curb his tears. Hopping buses until he
reached a much nicer part of Seoul, where apartment complexes catered to rich
university students. Ignoring the dismissive look from the doorman of such a
place he entered the elevator with purpose, getting off and striding down to
the door at the end of the hall. Holding himself together until Taemin opened
the door, it was only then that Jimin let himself cry again. Flinging himself
at Taemin and sobbing about how it hurt, how scared he was, how he was sorry.
Taemin had asked no questions, had simply run him a bath and gently pushed him
into it. Had held his hand throughout it all, gentled him until his tears and
shaking stopped. Put antiseptic on his cuts and handed him ice for his black
eyes. Had wrapped him in a fluffy towel before letting Jimin borrow some of his
sweatpants and a large comfy sweater that probably cost more than the shitty
apartment Jimin had just rented. They had stayed curled up together for another
hour before Taemin broke the silence. “You’re lucky my father tried to buy my
mothers affection by gifting me this apartment.” He had joked and Jimin had let
out a watery chuckle in reply. Looking at Taemin, conveying all his gratitude
and love for the other without words. Silently affirming that he would be
eternally grateful that Taemin had decided to become his friend and took care
of him despite knowing so little about him.
 
Those were just the early days of-course. Just the snapshots of the beginning
of Jimin’s story. Jimin liked to think that the start of it all was later.
After he had been in the game for 6 years, after he had earned something of a
name for himself. When he walked into Serendipity for the first time and met
all the men who would soon become the foundations on which he finally built
something to call home on.
***** The Start Of It All *****
Chapter Summary
     World building and more background. Jimin does finally meet some of
     the boys. Let the game of chess begin.
Watching JiHyun was always bittersweet for Jimin. He was glad his brother got a
scholarship to such a nice college, was glad his brother was following his
dreams. But he was also unable to go over and hug him like he so desperately
wanted to. Pushing away from the railing of the balcony Jimin slipped back into
his brother’s room. Leaving the letter on JiHyuns desk before slipping back out
into the hall. Nodding at the students he passed like he belonged, not that any
of the harried students would care if there was an unknown in the building. To
busy worrying about test scores and studying. Once on the sidewalk Jimin zipped
up his leather jacket against the autumn chill and set off once more. A long
journey ahead of him, having promised his grandmother he would go visit her
over in Busan. Checking his watch, he sighed, if she hadn’t been so insistent
about the visit he would have postponed it to a better time. In the middle of a
job that left him a little paranoid, he had only done the planning stages but
from the moment he accepted a job until the end he was always high strung.
Meaning the trip through the station to catch his train left bugs crawling
under his skin, though he did his best to restrain his jitters; not wanting to
unsettle others with roving eyes and sharp movements. Though he was happy to
settle down in his seat, relaxing down for the 3-hour journey ahead.
 
Standing on the dirt road outside his grandmother’s house always brought him
back to younger years. When she would watch JiHyun and him for a day while his
parents would take time to themselves. The two having been a young couple,
never having left their honeymoon phase. Their grandmother had always been
delighted to do so, loving her grandsons. The only reason she hadn’t taken them
in after their parent’s death being her health and lack of money. Shaking his
head Jimin headed up the path, letting himself into his grandmother’s small
home. “Ah Jimin, you’ve finally shown up. I expected you an hour ago.” Her
voice greeted him as he slowly stepped into the kitchen finding her sat at the
table with a fresh cup of tea. “I had a couple stops to make, sorry.” He
replied slowly, glancing around to see what had changed since the last time he
had been there. Though he found nothing that different really. “Where’s Mi-
Cha?” He asked after a moment, looking for the neighbor’s daughter who often
took care of his grandmother in her frail health. “I knew you were coming so I
sent her out on some errands. You make her nervous with that flat stare of
yours.” Jimin nodded, knowing he had stopped displaying emotions to others
sometime around his 17th birthday. “What did you need to see me about? I have
some business in Seoul that is of a time sensitive nature.” His grandmas gaze
was shrewd as she stared him down across the table. “Sit down. I’m sure whoever
it is you’re being paid to kill won’t drop dead before you get back.” Her tone
was sharp and Jimin knew better than to disobey her, pulling out the chair
across from her to take a seat. “As for what this is about. Well JiHyun has
been asking about you. Wants to know how you can possibly be keeping close
enough tabs on him to know his schedule enough to be able to leave those notes
of yours for him. He didn’t say it, but he obviously suspects I’m at-least in
contact with you.” Jimin simply stared back at her across the table, not even
deigning to nod at the statement. His grandmother sighed and threw one hand up,
“talk to him Jimin. I know you don’t want to get him involved in what you’re
doing now, and god knows I don’t want him involved either. But at-least in one
of your notes assure him your fine or something instead of leaving him money
and wishing him the best. Do something to put him at ease at-least.” Jimin
sighed heavily, peering at her sourly, “fine, next time I will. I really do
have to go though.” With that he pushed away and slipped from the house.
Passing Mi-Cha and nodding despite her frightened jump.
 
What a waste of time. Jimin loved his grandmother but they really hadn’t been
seeing eye to eye recently. In-fact last time he had seen her they had had a
large blowout fight, which was why Jimin was so eager to slip away from her. He
had only agreed to see her again because she assured him it was about JiHyun,
he should have known better and simply put it off until he figured his own
things out. Now he was out the money for the train ticket and the time it spent
to get down here. Shaking his head, he looked up with a sigh, before glancing
down and heading forward once more. Pulling out his phone along the way; Taemin
had invited him out with his friends tonight. Normally Jimin would never go out
while also undertaking a job but it just so happened that Jimin’s latest target
frequented the spot they were heading to. Jimin would take no actions tonight
of-course but he could at-least do some watching, having heard the target was a
belligerent drunk. It would be interesting to see how true this held up.  The
trick would be not letting Taemin realize his attention was divided, though it
shouldn’t be hard, not when they would be out with all Taemin’s other friends.
Who seemed to have texted him while he was speaking with his grandmother,
meaning he took a moment to reply to that.
 
[b3X4Ho]
 
Nodding to himself Jimin slipped his phone back into his pocket. He had no idea
why Taemin had insisted he come to one of his socialite friend’s birthday. He
wrote it down as the simple fact he and Taemin hadn’t seen each other in awhile
and he knew Taemin worried about him, liking to try and coddle him. He tried
not to think about the other things that were worrying him until he was safely
situated on the train squirreled away by himself in a relatively empty area.
 
The Serendipity was a whole other beast, his targets frequency there a reason
Jimin hadn’t moved in on him yet. One did not cause trouble at The Serendipity
unless they wanted that trouble returned 2-fold. On the surface it was a
relatively new hotel, having only opened a little over a year ago. The dual
partnership between the two owners Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin. Kim Namjoon a
well-respected lawyer, lauded as a genius, graduating early and moving through
law school at twice the rate of his peers. With some well respected large cases
under his name, he had cut his client base to a very selective case by case
review. Restoring and opening the hotel with his childhood friend Kim Seokjin
now that he had more time on his hands. Kim Seokjin, a retired surgeon, or more
importantly the son of one of Koreas most influential crime bosses. He had no
gang under him, but he was heavily involved with every dark part of the cities.
The man had died when Seokjin was only 9 but rumor held that even then young
Seokjin hadn’t been shielded from what exactly his father did. His father
passed and Seokjin went to live with his estranged mother, growing up rather
spoiled but normal. Many assuming the rumors were false when Kim Seokjin went
to medical school instead of showing any hint of following his father’s
footsteps.
 
Or at-least that’s how the public saw it. For those more involved in the
shadier part of the city they would know that the pair of Kim’s had a
reputation. Had been building it even before Jimin himself was aware. Namjoon’s
clients were usually corrupted politicians, businessmen, actual well-known
crime lords. Seokjin had several businesses to his name and many suspected him
of using them as fronts to launder money. One knew that if they wanted to know
someone’s secrets they could go to the Kim’s and for a nice price they could
find out all you wanted to know; to the childhood pets name. Opinion went back
and forth on who exactly ran the show though, some argued it was Namjoon as he
often acted as the voice when the two were together. Others argued it was
Seokjin simply because under his smiles was a shark’s grin. Jimin had no desire
to fall close enough under their attention to figure out the answer to that
question. It was an established fact that the two had four others they worked
closely with, often referred to as their scouts. The identities of these four
were debated, those close enough to know not telling. Some say you could
interact with one of their scouts daily and never know. Jimin did know that the
scouts were dangerous all on their own. As a rule, he tried to steer clear of
any of the Kim’s business interest. Purposely steered clear of anything
remotely involved with them. Only taking an occasional job in the beginning
that might overlap on the fringes. Though that stopped quick after an encounter
with one of their scouts.
 
===============================================================================
 
His current job had taken him to a bar Namjoon was well known to make deals in,
some said he owned it through a fake name, others just scoffed and said he was
friends with the owner. As with most things with the pair there were a lot of
questions and very few answers. Jimin had been tailing his target all day,
tired and perhaps reckless he had taken out the target in the bars restroom.
Still new to the job and feeling rather confident the Kims would barley spend
more than a moment worrying about a murder in a bar that may not even be
theirs. He had called the cops to report it on his way out, his client wanting
confirmation of the kill through a murder investigation. Risky but Jimin felt
rather assured authorities couldn’t come back to him on it. Later that night,
after he had collected his payment he had gotten a text that made it clear that
he shouldn’t get that daring ever again.
 
 [sss]
 
He had ditched his phone immediately after, but it had been made clear. Someone
in the Kim’s circle was adept with electronics. Luckily it had been his work
phone, used to jobs and nothing else, nothing personal about it. Still it had
unsettled him and driven the point home wonderfully. So, tonight was only
recon, most focus on the party, or so he kept telling himself.
===============================================================================
 
When Jimin finally arrived back at his loft it was already 4pm, leaving him 3
hours of down time after he put away the groceries he bought. Stumbling
suddenly, he glanced down to see Mochi winding around his legs and let out a
soft chuckle. Despite being so old she was still eager to greet Jimin, probably
the only one really. Which turned his lips down in a frown, knowing that she
was getting on in age and it would be time to let her go soon. Putting down the
groceries he crouched down to sweep her up, gifting her with one of his rare
true eye smiles. “My queen Mochi, how are you my dear.” He cooed as he touched
noses with her, overcome with sadness at the thought of her leaving him and
wanting to show his love for her. Though Mochi herself quickly became tired of
it and squirmed to be let down which he did gently. Grabbing the groceries once
more and moving to put them away with Mochi on his heels. There were no
perishables except the quarter gallon of milk, a precaution he always took
towards the end dates of his projects. In case things went south and he had to
lay low for a bit, retreat to that first hole in the wall apartment he bought
when striking out on his own. Turning he glanced at the mail he’d thrown on the
island first thing in the morning, mainly take-out menus from local places, a
notice from the landlord. No real reason for Jimin to get mail, his only friend
being Taemin who simply contacted him by phone. Checking the time Jimin settled
to do a quick workout and shower before heading out to meet said friend.
                                        
===============================================================================
                                        
The Serendipity had many features to it that brought those planning to spend
the night and those just looking for a night of fun. The hotel having a few
special rooms they rented out for simply entertainment. Though they had to be
booked months and months in advance and were arranged to what the renter’s
purpose with the room was. The fee was astronomical from Jimin’s understanding,
but Jimin wasn’t surprised someone in Taemin’s circle could afford to rent one.
Seeing no text from Taemin and no sign of his friend outside despite it being
8:10 Jimin decided to venture inside, logically assuming he’d meet the other
later somewhere. The grand expanse of the lobby stretching out before him,
beautifully decorated with bright splashes of green lively plants, tasteful
golds and purples. Moving to the front desk and trying not to gawk at the
interior design of the whole place, Jimin affixed a placid smile on his
features. “Hello.” He hummed though before he could say anything more the women
manning the desk gave him a cheery smile and a “are you here for the birthday?”
Jimin nodded relieved she had pinned it so early. Though he wondered how she’d
known, Jimin wasn’t wearing anything particularly flashy. In-fact he had
decided on a black turtle neck and slim back dress pants, color coming to the
outfit through silver dress shoes and a golden necklace. “You can just follow
Haneul, he’ll bring you back to the rented room.” She smiled pointing to a
delicate looking man who was leaning against the far wall. “Thank-you.” Jimin
responded as he headed off, noting that Haneul was already heading down the
hall leaving Jimin to catch up. As they passed the bar Jimin gave it a cursory
glance over, noting that the man who’d been taking up most of his focus the
past week wasn’t there. And wasn’t that odd, his target having spent every
other night the past week here in the bar. “Right in here sir.” Haneul spoke
softly, pushing open a pair of double doors that lead into a large room. Buffet
table on one wall, tables clustered next to it in a corner and a couple of
couches and tv’s elsewhere in the room. A bar right across the room from the
doors. “Thank-you again.” Jimin responded as he slipped by the other and into
the room. Eyes roving Haneul as he passed. Knowing others would think he was
simply checking the man out, though in reality Jimin was noting the weapon
hidden on the others person. Smiling to himself as he noted that The
Serendipity had armed guards on the grounds, meant to look like simple staff
and be overlooked.
 
Still seeing no Taemin Jimin sighed and headed for the bar. Deciding it would
be easy for Taemin to spot him should he go looking for him. Though if Taemin
really wanted to find him he could simply shoot Jimin a text. When the
bartender headed in his direction he waved him away, deciding to hold off. Not
a huge fan of drinking, bad experiences and too much of it when he was younger
souring it now. “You’re looking a little lost. Not even going to grab a drink.”
A chipper voice spoke up and Jimin turned to see a man slipping into the seat
beside him. If he had to guess he would put them around his age, chestnut brown
hair and large boxy smile. “Ah, maybe I am. And no drink for me, not quite yet
at-least.” Jimin responded with a shrug. Not wanting to push the other away
completely knowing he just had to make it through the night without causing
trouble for Taemin. Not wanting Taemin having invited him to reflect badly on
him. “Taehyung!” His new companion declared with a small wave, and Jimin
couldn’t help the twitch his lips gave at the childish action. “Jimin.” He
responded with a small nod before glancing away, trying to show lack of
interest in him. Though it didn’t seem to deter Taehyung who leaned forward,
peering at him with wide eyes, boxy grin still on proud display. “How do you
know the birthday boy?” And wasn’t that a question, seeing as Jimin didn’t even
know who the birthday boy was. “Ah-.” “Jimin! I’ve been looking for you. Sorry
I wasn’t here when you arrived I was running a little late.” A familiar voice
called and Jimin turned with a smile to see Taemin and an unfamiliar face
closing in on them. “Not a problem, I set up camp here to wait for you.”
 
“I hope you’re enjoying yourself then. I’d hate for someone to not enjoy my
birthday as much as I’m enjoying it.” The new face chirped smile just as bright
as Taehyungs and Taemins. “And I see you’ve met Taehyung! He helped me book
this room here actually. So we can thank him for such a nice place to have the
party.” Here Taehyung laughed and bounced out of his seat to go throw an arm
over the birthday boys shoulder. “Anything for you!” Taemin glanced at them
fondly before stepping towards Jimin, “This is Minho, the birthday boy. He and
Taehyung are close friends.” He explained and Jimin nodded giving Taemin a
grateful smile. “You’re so much prettier when you smile. You should smile
more.” Turning to look at Taehyung with wide eyes Jimin simply blinked, unsure
on what to say. The compliment sounded sincere, and Jimin was taken by surprise
not used to receiving compliments unless he was playing a part for one of his…
projects. “Thank-you.” Was all he could offer, successfully fighting down a
blush before he turned back to Taemin who was looking at him fondly. “Well
enjoy the party you two, I have to make sure to show Taehyung my appreciation.”
Minho spoke as he pulled them away. Leaving Taemin and Jimin behind. “I hope
Taehyung didn’t come across as too forward? Sometimes hes can be a little
much.” Taemin asked and Jimin shook his head. “No he was fine, do you know him
well?” “Not really, only met him a couple of times but he’s very friendly.”
Nodding to himself Jimin let Taemin steer the conversation away, getting lost
in enjoying the time spent with his good friend.
 
“Taemin! Ah, and Jimin.” The voice trailed off and Jimin knew who it was
without even turning around. “Hello Ravi.” Taemin hummed turning to greet the 3
new arrivals. Jimin turning with him nodding to Ravi, Jongin, and Sungwoon.
Only getting a fond smile in return from Jongin who slipped forward to give him
a quick hug. “Jimin, good to see you again it’s been awhile,” Jimin always
wondered if Jongin knew more than he shared, just a sense he had but had caught
no real concrete facts to support this assumption and tried not to focus on it.
“Been busy.” Jimin responded. “We were just going to head to the rooftop pool.
You should come Taemin.” Ravi cut in again and Jimin waved away Taemin’s
concerned look. “I was about to head out anyway, it’s fine.” Jimin knew
Taemin’s friends weren’t to fond of him, thinking he was hanging on to Taemin
for the others money. Only Jongin liking Jimin, openly admitting having a soft
spot for the younger though Jimin couldn’t begin to guess why. “Are you sure?”
Taemin asked, even as he was standing up and Jimin gave him a light push, “I’m
sure. Off you go. I enjoyed myself; pass that on to Minho yes?” An affirmative
gifted to him the 4 hurried off and Jimin leaned back watching them disappear
out the doors, glancing around the room and noticing it was thinning out as the
party goers wandered off home or to different parts of the hotel.
 
Slipping out of the room the hotel was noticeably quieter than when he came in,
though it was only 10pm on a Friday night. Shrugging Jimin slipping into the
bar for a closer look, just to assure himself there was no sign of his target.
It was while he was standing next to bar that a drink was slid to his elbow and
Jimin looked back to meet eyes with the bartender. “I didn’t order anything.”
All he got in reply was the bartender pointing towards a corner booth table
occupied by a lone man. A man who raised a hand and crooked his fingers.
Glancing down towards the drink and back towards the man Jimin got the distinct
feeling it’d be a bad idea to walk out. Sighing Jimin grabbed the drink and
headed over to the table. Steps stuttering when he got close enough to see who
was beckoning him, Kim Seokjin himself. “Ah hello.” Jimin smiled turning on all
his charm, pulling his wits about him and battening down the hatches. “The
Little Prince himself.” The man purred, handsome features pulling all Jimin’s
attention. Perfect mouth upturning into a little smirk. And dashing all Jimins
hopes that he had no idea who he was talking to and had simply been cruising
for a fun time. “Kim Seokjin in the flesh himself. Word had it you didn’t spend
much time here.” Jimin responded dropping all glamour of innocent pretty boy,
earning a gleeful chuckle in reply. “Normally I don’t, came around for a
regular check in. Imagine my surprise to see one of the household names of
crime.” He leaned forward placing his chin on steeped hands. “You flatter me.”
Jimin hummed, leaning back himself, conceding the round of posturing to the
older man.
 
“Do I though, you’ve been in the game a long time. Have farmed a reputation of
someone infallible, an enigma. Said to be clever but with a temper, though in
recent years you seem to have curbed that stubborn attribute.” Jimin narrowed
his eyes, “where are we going with this? Not to be rude, but you call me an
enigma but seem to have me all figured out. So, I can only wonder what it is
you want?” Seokjin smiled, a sweetheart smile open and sweet, sweet enough to
give one diabetes. “Simply checking in. Wanted to let you know that the man you
came in here looking for has already been taking care of.” Jimin resisted the
urge to glance around again and instead raised a brow. “Got tired of him
causing trouble then?” “Something like that.” Seokjin replied as he leaned
back, sliding out of the booth and standing to an impressive height. Leaning
forward he reached out a hand and tapped Jimin on the nose with a long finger.
“You’re cute. I was expecting something else, but I can’t say I’m upset about
being wrong. We should do this again sometime, I’ll be in touch.” With those
ominous words the man strode off, leaving Jimin sitting starting after him.
Wondering how the other knew who he was.
***** I'll keep mine and you'll keep yours. We all have our secrets. *****
Chapter Notes
     This latest chapter is a little longer than the others were.
     Hopefully it doesn't seem to drag on. There are a couple surprises in
     this one that I'm hoping you lovelies enjoy. For those of you who
     read Taehyung's side story, I'd take note of the title of this
     chapter. Hmm. :)
     On a side-note I'm hoping to do little side stories for the other
     members like that every third chapter of this story. If you guys
     enjoy them and would like them to continue. Just to help give insight
     to what's happening away from Jimin.
     Editing is kind of rushed, I'll go over it again when I get a chance
     so please be merciful of mistakes when reading. Enjoy!
Trailing someone without them realizing they were being followed was easier
than one might assume. Unless of-course, they have some inclination that others
might want to follow them. Or they have even the slightest training or any
sense of paranoia. Choi Joon-sup did have reason to be paranoid, the man
brokering a deal with the Gwinsin. A criminal group with a reputation of being
much like the ghost they had taken their name from. Coming above ground once a
month to make deals to further their interest. Their tastes laying in the slave
trade, usually sex slaves though they were never one to turn away a body that
could be sold for some purpose. Going as far to purchase those freshly dead to
harvest organs or offering to buy those desperate enough to sell themselves and
their own organs; promising to make a payout to the desperate family. Jimin had
run into them years ago, parting ways with Pronunc, the one in charge at the
time peacefully. His whole operation at the time having fallen into shambles
and leaving the two parties no reason to fight. Though it still stung Jimin in
the fact that on his part it was something of a black mark on an otherwise
pristine record of staying unseen and unknown when he wanted it that way.
 
He had a suspicion though that it would be a bit less peaceful this time. Joon-
sup was a medical examiner for one of Seoul’s major hospitals, but he was also
a part-time coroner for the city as well. Well respected and having connections
that would greatly benefit the Gwinsin. Jimin’s contractor had specified that
he wanted Joon-sup killed before he could contact the Gwinsin before Joon-sup
could get the payout they were offering him to be something of an inside man
for them. Seeing as the whole job was rather time sensitive it at-least meant
Jimin had been able to charge more than he would of otherwise. Though it also
doubled the risk and meant he had a short timeframe to get it done and less
time to gather information to run off of. In this job all these factors meant
Jimin was essentially going in blind, having done some preliminary background
and then heading out to tail Choi Jung-sup until he found a chance to kill him.
It seemed that Jimin might have waited too long though. Having followed him to
an abandoned shipyard, or mostly abandoned. It seemed someone still did a very
limited amount of work near the water. But of-course Choi had gotten out of his
car and headed across the wide-open space towards the old warehouse buildings.
Forcing Jimin to wait until he had entered them before slipping from his own
vehicle and crouching low to cross the yard fast as he could. Pausing just
before entering the building to listen, hearing no footsteps he could only
assume the other had stopped somewhere. Slipping through the doorway he glanced
around and seeing no one; causing him to draw up short. Choi must have gone up
the second floor, and Jimin wasn’t sure he could go up the rusted staircase
soundlessly enough to avoid letting the other hear him. But he also couldn’t
risk waiting for the other to come down because he most likely wouldn’t be
exiting the building until after this meeting. No, he would have to risk It and
get this done before Choi could meet with the Gwinsin.
 
Sighing Jimin stood to his full height and headed up the stairs, pulling his CZ
P-09 and it’s silencer out of his vest pocket. Not taking any measure to
disguise the noise of him screwing it onto the pistol. Choi had no where to run
to anyway, the stairs the only way out and Jimin was now making his way up
those pistol at the ready. It seemed the stairs simply lead up to an office,
which no doubt Choi was inside of. Steps steady Jimin brought the pistol up,
ready in case the other was around the corner of the door, ready to try and
make a last-ditch attempt at saving himself. But upon entering he found the man
standing complacently across the open door, hands open of any defensive
weapons. “So someone within my circle figured out what I was up too.” He said
upon setting eyes on Jimin. Who may not have been the intimidating sight he was
expecting. Soft pretty face, the type of features one expected from a soft
young student with a whole future ahead of them. Not the face you expect to be
on the other side of the barrel of a gun pointed directly at your head. Upon
gaining no response from Jimin he continued. “They hired you to take out the
competition. Whoever it was probably wants this deal to be theirs, wishes they
had thought of this idea first. You’re not saving anyone by killing me, someone
else will just take my place. God knows there are enough degenerates in this
city.” And here he did get a response, a cold laugh the crawled across his
skin. The sound of such a cruel mocking lilt sounding unnatural coming across
from the pretty boy across from him. “I’m not looking to save anyone, I’m
looking for a paycheck.” The statement was punctuated by the quiet schink and
the thud of one now deceased Choi Joon-sup hitting the ground. Humming lightly
Jimin pulled out his work phone, stepping forward and crouching by a successful
job. Taking a picture of the dead mans face and sending it off to his
contractor. Then sliding a knife from the sheath on his thigh he reached out a
gloved hand to grab the others wrist. Pulling out his arm and laying it palm
flat so he could easily cut off the index finger, clean between the joints.
Apparently, mister Choi Joon-sup had a safe that needed his fingerprint, a
fingerprint that his client was willing to pay an extra 10,842,100 won for.
Whatever was in the safe must be something rather interesting, Jimin reflected
as he slid the finger into the plastic bag he had brought to transport it.
 
The creak of ancient stairs was unmistakable to Jimin, who had just been the
cause of that sound not even 5 minutes ago. The sound of two people’s footsteps
distinct and Jimin resisted the urge to sigh; he had thought he had more time
to work with. Standing Jimin turned to face the door and pulled his gun up,
mentally preparing himself for the hurdles to come if who he thought was here
walked through the door. Wanting to curse Jimin bit his tongue as Pronunc
walked through the door - obviously not the man’s real name - an alias that
Jimin didn’t care enough to look under. Pronunc was known to be difficult, last
time Jimin had tangled with him he’d slipped away feeling like he was covered
in a layer of grim. The man too slick to be natural and as slippery as a snake.
“Ah if it isn’t the cities renowned Little Prince.” He purred upon seeing
Jimin, eyes flicking to his gun and away, dismissing it entirely. It would be
his downfall one day, his foolish belief in his ability to slip out of any
situation. Thinking himself better than anyone who would go against him. But
Jimin would let him keep that illusion, it was always smarter not to poke a
snake.
 
“Pronunc, and Lalisa.” He smiled softly, nodding to Pronunc’s shadow, his
bodyguard that was always no more than 3 steps behind him. She had jolted upon
seeing him but made no move to pull her own weapon at the flick of Pronunc’s
fingers. Noting this Jimin put his own weapon down, deciding he would talk this
out. Seeing no aggression in the others moves thus far, even now that Pronunc
was taking in the sight of Choi Jung-soo dead at Jimin’s feet. Jimin gave him
his best smile when the trafficker looked up to meet his eyes once more. “You
know little prince, there are plenty of people who would pay a lot of money for
your head. Leaving me with a large margin for profit with selling that and then
harvesting your organs to sell as well. You seem to be in good shape, I’m sure
your organs would fetch me a hefty price. A healthy heart alone would probably
be more than worth the trouble it would take to kill you.” It was delivered
flatly no threat in the words, a simply observation. And Jimin replied with a
fox’s grin, tilting his head to the side as he examined the other. “There are
plenty of people who would pay me just as much for your head. Then I could take
all your products and turn them around for a nice hefty product.” Laughing
Pronunc shook his head, holding up a hand to wag his finger. “No, no silly
goose. You’re not a businessman, you would hate it and consider it to much
trouble.” The fox grin turned into an eye smile, wide and innocent as Jimin
delivered a warning wrapped in soft tones. “I would hate it, but I would do it.
I’ve never turned away from things I dislike, killing you would turn up a nice
profit. Yes, turning your merchandise around for cash would be troublesome and
take time but I would and could do it. If I were to kill you of-course. But I
was hoping we could avoid such… irreversible actions.” Jimin could hear
activity in the warehouse below besides which meant he wouldn’t be able to get
away without many extra causalities, making it messy. Drawing more interest
from authorities and just causing Jimin more trouble than he would want to deal
with. He had enough stress as it was with the delicate game of cat and mouse he
was undertaking with the Kims. Pronunc smiled and when Lalisa went to grab her
gun he reached out to place a calming hand on her wrist. “Such a delightfully
monstrous creature you are!” He enthused, “come, come. I would love to take
this opportunity to show you something then. If we’re looking to avoid
irreversible actions as you say.”
 
Jimin followed the slim man down the creaking steps, chuckling to himself at
Lalisa keeping herself between them. Though as soon as they reached the bottom
Pronunc stopped to wait for Jimin to join his side, delegating Lalisa to follow
behind them. There were a group of people in the warehouse who didn’t spare the
3 a glance. Jimin thought of asking what Pronunc was up to now but decided to
spare himself the trouble of having to listen through a long and convoluted
answer and let it go. Outside sat 3 SUV’s and leaning against one was Sungmin.
If Lalisa was Pronunc’s defender, then Sungmin was Pronunc’s personal attack
dog. It was rather easy to see what the man wanted Jimin to see as well. The
small figure standing next to Sungmin a reference back to the first time the
pair ran into each other. “You knew I was going to be here?” Jimin hummed in
question and Pronunc tossed him a sly grin. “I didn’t know for sure, but I
suspected you might. You see I was contacted the other day, a third party who
warned that one Choi Jung-soon would soon be out of commission. They were
offering to fill that open position in the partnership I was looking to form.
When I heard their name, I realized they would have only hired the best to take
out Jung-soon. I thought of you, but as said I wasn’t sure. You know how 9 to
5’ers are.”
===============================================================================
 
Jimin shook his head and looked at the seemingly young boy, recalling the last
time this had happened. Jimin had been on an unrelated job, for the most part.
He’d still been doing smaller jobs, just starting out. Had only done a couple
kill contracts, still working on building a reputation to get hired for larger
things. On that job he had simply been contracted to poison a yet undetermined
target, a jealous wife having paid for the service. Convinced her husband was
cheating on her, she had decided to kill her husband herself but wanted his
mistress dead as well. Jimin had been given a bottle of Hydrofluoric acid, to
dump on the women. He had thought the wife rather ingenious to come up with it,
though his research had revealed her a scientist explaining her inspiration to
use the acid. When exposed to skin it is initially painless, most not realizing
they’ve been exposed to anything dangerous. Except it would seep through the
skin and into the bloodstream, where it reacted with the calcium in the body.
In the worst it would soak through the tissue and destroy the underlying bone.
Which was no doubt the wife’s intent, though things didn’t turn out that way in
the end.
 
Jimin followed the husband to a closed club, on one of the nights the wife said
her husband met his mistress. He had realized then the wife had little idea
what was happening with her husband, as the club was a known hangout for the
Gwinsin’s and a place they commonly brokered deals. Jimin had managed to sneak
in after distracting a guard. Squirreling away on one of the beams supporting
the ceiling, perching out of sight unless one was directly across from him and
looking up. The husband had been making a deal to buy himself a personal sex
slave. In the end the wife was almost right in a sense, her husband had lost
interest in her, but he had no mistress, yet. There were multiple parties in
the room, multiple deals happening but Jimin had ignored them largely instead
to focus on the husband. Noting the threats in the room seemed to be the 3
guards on the walls rather than the brokers or the desperate souls buying or
selling. Jimin had resolved to report to the wife, keep his down payment and
move on his way. Until the stupid bitch ruined it all, it was the first time
Jimin was outed on a job and would be the last.
 
It had started with screaming, a shrill voice yelling she knew her husband was
in there, let her see her husband. Then a bemused guard had walked in following
the wife who came charging in screaming about a cheating bastard. Seeing her
husband sitting across from a man and no women in the room she had become
confused. Until her husband had stood up and asked what the fuck she was doing
there. They hadn’t noticed a guard slip away but Jimin had, assumedly to get
the person in charge. That had been the first time Jimin had seen Pronunc,
immediately pegging the slim tall man as the leader. Noting the smaller more
compact man following behind him as the largest threat in the room. Upon seeing
the fighting couple Pronunc had broke into applause. “Your husband isn’t
cheating on you my dear. Though he is about to be, you see, he’s here buying a
sex slave.” The smug man had declared eyes lighting up in glee when the wife
went at her husband again. Except this time with an intent to kill, proven by
the fact she had pulled a knife. Her husband not expecting it died by that
knife, which his wife stabbed into him, multiple times all while screaming in
rage. Screaming how she had lost her money, hired an assassin to kill him and
his mistress, how she hated him. She had screamed until Pronunc had declared
‘shut her up’ and the smaller man next to him pulled out a gun and shot her
through the head.
 
Then Pronunc, despite being a smug self-entitled ass, who had been listening to
the women’s screaming fit, had asked the said ‘assassin’ to reveal himself.
Jimin hadn’t moved but Pronunc had continued, giving him the choice of
revealing himself now and having a chat or dying when his men searched the
building found him and executed him. Jimin had come out, dropping from the
ceiling and watching Pronunc’s eyes shine at the sight of him. Despite the face
mask, black gloves, black turtle neck, and black beanie it was still rather
obvious Jimin was a young thing. Pronunc had a thing for young impressionable
minds though he would find himself wanting with Jimin. “Hello there. Little
young to be an assassin aren’t you.” He had observed and Jimin had smartly said
nothing, despite the man’s sideman pointing his gun at him. “Well alright then,
you don’t have to talk. I’m Pronunc, leader of the Gwinsin. I’d like to
apologize for the spectacle you witnessed tonight, normally we run a tighter
ship around here. I’ll be sure to send out an apology after I deal with this
mess.” All this was said as he crossed the floor towards Jimin, towering over
him though Jimin showed no intimidation. When he had reached out to grab
Jimin’s face he found his wrist in a surprisingly crushing grip and a light
snarl. Proving Jimin’s soft features did well at hiding his steely strength,
though Pronunc himself had only chuckled. “Alright Alright. Well then, I
suppose I should send you on your way. Jeon Jungkook.” Then he had snapped his
fingers like commanding a  dog and a small boy Jimin hadn’t noticed previously
scurried over. Pronunc dropped a large hand on the boy’s head and beamed,
moving his hand to grab Jeon’s chin and tilt his head this way and that.
Obviously showing him off, like one would often show off a piece of their
collection. Jimin had scanned him skeptically and Pronunc had delighted in a
chance to speak. “Blood type A. 5 foot 5 and still growing. 16 years old. A
recent addition to my collection, in-fact I just finalized the deal the other
day. But such a pretty boy that he is I already have a buyer set up. He’ll show
you out to the edge of the property. A little test,” his grip on Jeons chin
turned harsh and unforgiving. “To make sure you won’t run from out deal. Run
and I’ll send Sungmin after you, and I promise you wouldn’t like that. Now off
you go.” Pushing the boy away by his face he smiled once more at Jimin and then
turned barking at the guards to clean up the mess, bring the bodies down to the
basement where he would harvest what he could from them.
 
But by then Jimin was turning and following the boy out of the club, noting his
fidgeting fingers and nervous glances over his shoulder. Jimin had been unable
to resist asking, “are you going to run?” The boy had startled like a
frightened rabbit and shook his head hurriedly. “I can’t, the money I got to
sell myself is going to pay for my brother’s hospital costs. Pronunc has
already deposited it but if I run he’ll just pull it out somehow, I know he
will.” Jimin thought the boy rather fortunate in that case, as Pronunc didn’t
pay out half the time for real. Just enough to keep others coming back for the
chance he might. The rest of the walk was in silence until they reached the
property line, there Jimin had grabbed Jeon’s wrist. “Jeon, wait a moment.” He
whispered leaning into the boy who shook like a leaf in harsh winds. “You might
not be able to escape but that says nothing for after he sells you. Then he has
no hold on you afterwards.” Jeon was already shaking his head but he just
tightened his grip on the boy’s wrist. “Take this,” He insisted pulling out the
bottle of Hydrofluoric acid and pressing it into the boy’s pocket. “It will
take effect fastest if you get him to ingest it or in the eyes. I’d aim for
both. But you can also poor it onto skin and it will cause sickness, it will
just take longer and most likely open you up to more pain before it opens you
up to freedom.” Wide eyes stared at him the implications of Jimin’s words
seemingly incomprehensible “Do you understand?” Jimin had asked once more and
the boy had given a shaky nod. “I- I understand. And it’s Jungkook, Jungkook.”
Jimin gave an eye smile, though Jungkook could only see his closed eyes, it was
obvious a pretty gesture. “Good luck bunny.” Jimin hummed before he let go of
the others wrist and walked off into the night. Not looking back.
===============================================================================
 
He had lost his payout that night but he had never considered it a complete
loss. Giving the acid to the boy had been a great way to get rid of it, and a
little final fuck you to Pronunc for dismissing him so easily. This boy was
much different then the last though, obviously younger, and Jimin doubted they
were selling him. Not with how familiar Sungmin and he were next to each other,
no Jimin assumed the boy was being trained to join as a member of Pronunc’s
personal. “Ah! Ah! I see you figured it out, I knew you were smart.”
Aforementioned man laughed throwing an arm out towards the boy. “You see you
gave me an idea after our last encounter. Jungkook was rather besotted by you
after only one meeting,” at Jimin’s blank look the man laughed again. “He was
so taken by you and you don’t even remember his name what a shame. But as I was
saying he was so taken by you, enough to be inspired by whatever you said to
him that night. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from an irate client at
the hospital. Demanding a refund for a product. Yelling how the boy I had sold
him attacked him and ran. I of-course let him know the boy was his
responsibility after the deal was done, but my reputation took a hit for a few
months after. I imagine that was your goal, but no hard feelings I suppose.
Since it gave me the realization that I could train little soldiers rather
easily if I got them early enough. Those that end up useless I could sell or
harvest. Those who did well I could keep knowing they’d be loyal enough to do
anything for me. And I don’t even have to pay them!” He looked over towards
Jimin, obviously searching for praise but Jimin simply shrugged a shoulder and
offered a rather half-hearted “congratulations…” “You’re really no fun my dear.
But oh-well I suppose you have humored me well enough, be on your way then. I
have business to get back to myself and new deals to make I suppose seeing as
Choi is as dead as I suspected he might be.” Jimin offered a guiltless smile,
“I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure,” he replied offering a little wave
before striding off across the yard. Trusting they wouldn’t shoot him in the
back on his way to where he had hidden his car.
\\
Arriving home Jimin stumbled into his loft, having made a stop at his hole in
the wall apartment to change and another brief pit-stop to drop off the finger
at the assigned point. Mochi was, as always, quick to come to his heels and
brush against his legs. Bringing smile to Jimins face as he reached down to pet
her softly, lovingly. Then he slid his business phone free to check his bank
account, pleased to see his contractor was prompt with delivering the other
half of his payment. Meaning that Jimin went to bed with a smile that night,
curled up with Mochi and thinking of adopting her a friend.
 
He of-course didn’t wake up with a smile though. Not when there was a banging
on his door that had him leveraging himself out of bed with a groan. He
wondered who it could be, Taemin had morning classes and no one else knew where
his apartment even was. Or more accurately there was no one else who would care
to know at all. Loose tanktop and lounge pants were fine to answer the door to
a stranger Jimin decided. Taking a moment to grab a letter opener he had near
the front door. It wouldn’t do much, if it was a skilled attacker, but a stab
in the neck was still a stab in the neck. But upon pulling open the door Jimin
easily let said letter opener slide into his pocket and gave a large smile to
his visitors. Though not one of his true eye smiles it was important to note.
Which cause his guest to produce a pout that could out due puppies.
 
“Kim Seokjin, and … Taehyung I believe? What a… surprise to say the least.”
Jimin drawled, “I hadn’t even realized the two of you knew one another.”
Taehyung answered this with a hair bouncing enthusiastic nod. “Seokjin and I go
way back. Or well I suppose not, way, way back because we’re still young. But
yeah we go back! Oh and yes, yep, my name is Taehyung. Kim Taehyung funnily
enough, no relation to the handsome man standing next to me.” Seokjin laughed
and shook his head, reaching out a hand to place on Taehyung’s shoulder. “Calm
down Taehyung, you’re going to overwhelm the poor thing.” Then he turned his
focus on Jimin and once again Jimin reflected on how daunting having the mans
full attention on him could be. “Taehyung was rather taken by you at Minho’s
birthday. In-fact he kept going on about the pretty boy with a stunning eye
smile. Imagine my surprise when he described you to me. And I of-course
couldn’t let him keep pining when I knew who you were. So I thought to myself,
why don’t I take us all to breakfast?” Jimin gave a weak laugh, though it
didn’t seem to phase Taehyung at all who was practically thrumming on his feet.
“You’ll come right? Please? I promise Seokjin will pay and we’ll go somewhere
nice. And you obviously just got up so you’re probably hungry. Pleeease!” He
begged. But that wasn’t what sealed it for Jimin, what sealed it is the
sharpness lurking in Seokjin’s features when Jimin glanced over at him,
promising pain if Jimin upset Taehyung.
 
“Of-course I’ll come. As you said I could go for some food. Just let me feed
Mochi first and change. If you don’t mind waiting for a moment.” “We’ll of-
course wait.” Seokjin replied and stepped inside, giving no choice but to Jimin
letting them wait in his apartment. “Who’s Mochi?” Taehyung asked as Jimin shut
the door behind them and Jimin was saved from having to answer when his sweet
old girl strolled into the room. “That’s Mochi.” He stated simply as he went
over to get her wet cat food, deciding to spoil her a bit since it seemed he’d
be out for a while. “Aww! I love animals. She’s so sweet. How old is she?”
Taehyung asked as he rushed to crouch next to her and drown her in affection.
“She’s almost 11 years old. I’ve had her since she was a kitten, though she
wasn’t really mine until she was 5, up until then she was living elsewhere.”
Taehyung ohhed and Jimin couldn’t help but smile. Despite his tense shoulders
and uneasiness at the whole situation. Kim Seokjin was a dangerous man, but
Taehyung was sweet and quickly winning Jimin over. Or winning Jimin over as
much as one could when Jimin himself felt incapable of caring for people
anymore. He was so busy smiling softly at Mochi and Taehyung he didn’t noticed
Seokjin’s grin turn self-satisfied at a move well played.
 
When they finally slipped from the apartment Taehyung and Mochi where best
friends. Taehyung declaring himself her godfather and that Jimin could never
get rid of him now. “I’ll just sneak into your apartment. Nothing can keep me
from my new godbaby.” He grinned, lightly bumping his shoulder against Jimin as
they followed Seokjin out to the car. Noting a driver waiting by the door for
them and wanting to turn and run back inside. Instead he slid in after Taehyung
when Seokjin motioned him to and settled himself with his hands in his lap. “So
where are we going to breakfast?” Jimin asked the car pulled out, glancing
between the two males at his side. “MoMo Café, I have a private room I rent
there. Though I don’t often have time to utilize it.” Seokjin responded and
Taehyung gave a happy nod. Obviously finding nothing off about the fact Seokjin
rented a whole room at a breakfast place, to be set aside just on the chance he
goes for breakfast. Shaking his Jimin decided to stay quiet until the got to
the café.
 
Making conversation with Taehyung turned out to be easy, and Jimin found
himself being able to enjoy himself just a little. He still kept an eye on
Seokjin but a lot of his attention was focused on Taehyung. Having decided
Seokjin wasn’t going to pull out a gun and shoot him in front of the other. Who
he had learned was only a couple months younger than him and owned a pet store.
Well Seokjin owned the petstore but Taehyung was the ‘owner’. Jimin’s current
theory on their relationship was that Taehyung was Seokjin’s kept boy though he
had seen no obvious signs of affection between them yet. “I was thinking of
adopting a younger sibling for Mochi, maybe I’ll stop by your petstore to buy
supplies after I get them.” “Oh my gosh! If you’re adopting my goddaughter a
sibling I have to come! We should do it today? Can we do it today?” Taehyung
enthused and Jimin leaned back chuckling lightly. “Seems a little rushed to
me.” “You’ve obviously been thinking about it in the back of your mind for
awhile now. I don’t see any harm in you adopting another cat today with
Taehyung. He knows a lot about animals as well, I’m sure he’d be an asset.”
Seokjin spoke up and Jimin turned to stare across the table, unable to stop
himself from glaring a little. “Seokjin-“ “Jin please.” “Jin, no disrespect
meant but I believe it’s my decision if I adopt a cat or not today.” Jin raised
a brow at Jimin’s challenging tone and looked towards Taehyung flicking a
finger. “Bathroom break!” Taehyung announced as if commanded and quickly
slipped away. Leaving Jimin and Jin at the table alone.
 
“I believe we have a couple things to address.” Jin sighed, seeming put out and
Jimin downright glared now, tired of being wary and now just feeling defensive.
“Yes, we do. Like how you knew where I lived or my name?” Jin leaned back and
waved a hand in the air. “Did you not think I’d be keeping an eye on you. One
of the most sought-after assassins on the market, one who had never accepted a
job from me and did well to steer clear or me. It spoke of a grudge though I
now know you were just being cautious. As for your name, well once I saw you at
the party I talked to some of the people there or had some of my people talk to
the people there. You name was easy to get and then from there your apartment
was low hanging fruit.” Jimin scowled, realizing he had gotten careless by
thinking he could walk into a building the Kims owned and expect nothing. “And
this get together? What’s the purpose of this then?” “It’s as I said. Taehyung
was rather taken by you and he could use a friend. Besides, I think you could
use a vacation. Thus, I’ve taken the liberty of putting a word out that I'd be
using your time for the inevitable future and you shouldn’t be bothered. Which
brings us to you adopting a cat. Taehyung could use his spirits lifted and now
during this vacation would be a perfect time for you to adopt a cat.” Jimin’s
mouth was open in speechless outrage by the end of it. “How dare, you can’t,
why would you think-!” He started and stopped every time no idea what to say in
the face of that. “Oh but I can and you will find I did. Now I’ve other
business to attend to, so enjoy your day with Taehyung and the rest of your
vacation. I’ll be in touch.”
 
By the time Taehyung returned Jimin had ripped all the napkins on the table and
was silently seething. Knowing he’d been outplayed and thinking about how he
could turn the playing field around. It was obvious Seokjin was interested in
him, he had used the excuse of Taehyung. But saying ‘I’ve been keeping an eye
on you’ in his little speech spoke of something more. “Where did Jin go?”
Taehyung asked looking at the ripped napkins but saying nothing, just grinning
stupidly which only served to irritate Jimin this time. “Business to attend to
apparently.” And Taehyung’s face fell at that, leaving Jimin to wonder how much
Taehyung knew about Seokjin’s business. “I thought he and I could spend the day
together at-least.” He murmured and Jimin raised a brow wondering what Taehyung
had even planned for the day. “Well, you can come with me to adopt a sibling
for Mochi then? Seeing as I just realized I’m on something of a vacation.” Just
like that Taehyungs expression turned around and he was back to grinning and
almost bouncing on his feet. “I’d love to. Are you all done with breakfast
then? We can just go, Jin will take care of the bill later.” “You sure?” “Yes,
trust me, Jin wouldn’t want to lose this place on his list of hangouts he
enjoys the atmosphere he says.” Deciding to take Taehyungs word for it Jimin
pushed to his feet, not evading Taehyungs grab for his wrist and then offering
no resistance as he dragged him out of the café. Waving and saying bye to a few
people by name.
 
It wasn’t until they were on the street Jimin realized there was no car as Jin
had left and assumedly taken it. Though Taehyung seemed unbothered and set off
with an obvious destination in mind. “Where are you taking us so determinedly.”
“I know a shelter with some young cats, I stopped by the other day to donate
some supplies.” He explained as he slowed a bit, seemingly having realized he
was almost pulling Jimin’s arm out of its socket. “Oh? Jin wasn’t wrong in
saying you were something of an expert then.”
===============================================================================
 
Hours later Jimin entered his apartment holding a multitude of bags with a
chirpy Taehyung who was holding a cardboard pet carrier. A soft meow arriving
when he placed it down onto the ground. Which grew a curious Mochi jogging into
the room, a new spirit in her steps. Jimin laughed lightly and reached down to
pet across her fur. “Your godfather convinced me to go ahead and get you that
friend I’ve been talking about, are you excited?” “Can I let Churro out?”
Taehyung asked already crouching to start undoing the fastening on the box.
“You can let her out, Mochi is a sweet heart so I don’t think there will be any
problems.” Jimin replied. Proven right when the 10-month-old Churro stumbled
out of her box and immediately over to Mochi. The friendliness she had
displayed at the shelter showing clearly in her approach of Mochi. Who seemed
curious and fascinated by the newcomer. Circling her and sniffing all over,
occasionally nosing her in the side and causing the clumsy kitten to fall over.
 
“You made a good choice.” Taehyung spoke up, breaking Jimin’s fascinated watch
of the cats. “With your help.” He assured the other, finally after a day full
of Taehyungs attempts to win one, gifting him a soft eye smile. “Let me write
down my number, you have to text me updates on Churro, and we have to go out
again. I had fun.” Before Jimin could say anything the other was pulling the
pad Jimin left on the table near the door to him along with the pen and jotting
it down. “I really have to go now though.” Which Jimin knew, having watched
Taehyung ignore text and calls for the past hour despite him assuring the other
he could go if he needed to. “Um, you didn’t really strike me as a hug type,
but next time we’ll definitely hug!” Then the energetic male was crouching to
give the cats one goodbye kiss and pat, hurrying out the door before Jimin
could really think of something to say to the hug comment. He wasn’t sure he
would text Taehyung, he seemed nice but he was also closely connected to Kim
Seokjin who already proven to have a yet unknown reason for heavy interest in
Jimin. Looking down at the bags at his feet and Churro and Mochi he resigned
himself to keep his distance. Despite how much Taehyung had managed to get
under his skin. But, one text wouldn’t hurt, he thought.
 
Deciding to use his work phone, that was cautious at-least. “I enjoyed today.
Tell Seokjin thank-you for the meal. And thank-you for the company and sharing
your expertise. I hope you reach home safely.” He sent off with a small smile
before tossing his phone aside and setting off to help Churro settle in.
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!