Be The Script

Based on size, he’s similar to Cooky, Chimmy, Tata and Koya.

But recently, footage of Mang with Van was released.

He clearly shows puppy behaviour, asking for more patting on his head.

We can also see Mang likes his possibly fellow puppy, Chimmy.

He loves him a lot.

No wait, you don’t get it, he REALLY loves Chimmy.

But you see while he stalks loves the yellow hoody’s cheeks, Mang doesn’t feel like a puppy inside himself.

No. For a very long time now, Mang felt more comfortable as... a horse

It’s something he’s felt very insecure about for a long time, making him wonder who he really was.

Even for Christmas when everyone wanted to be Santa, he wanted to be a reindeer (Shooky couldn’t be Santa either as he would’ve drowned in the red beanie otherwise).

The others accept him for who he is and not what nature made him be. Cooky made a drawing to show him that even under the mask, he’s still their Mang.

But just because he’s happier as a horse doesn’t mean Mang doesn’t enjoy puppy things.

Like Chimmy, he’s passionate about dance. Chim puppy approves. He’s a real dancing machine!

Chimmy even happens to be his fan!!

Look at him trying to imitate Mang’s graceful jump!

As the king of passion, Chimmy trains very hard to become as good as Mang!

He was even more motivated when he accidentally discovered Mang’s face under his mask and realised they belonged to the same species.

Mang has one regret though. He can still cry a river.

(He’s not to Chimmy’s level though.)

But he can’t emit hearts anymore!!

He does have his heart-shaped nose on his mask but it’s not the same.

Luckily for him, when he’s with his dear Chimmy, they can do hearts together~

Seokjin is one of those unreal people who wake up early. He usually starts his day by meditating in front of his window, preferably while the sun is rising so he can enjoy the soft warmth. Then after a light breakfast, he hits the gym. He's determined to keep his body in shape! He has some friends there with whom he share jokes and fitness tricks. While running he usually thinks about what he'll upload on his blog this day. His blog is a complex mix of everyday recipes, more exotic ones and photographs - including a decent amount of selfies. He works on it when he doesn't have too many clients, which often means early in the afternoon. It's a nice break after the rush of the lunch, most of his clients are employees coming to eat on the go so he always makes sure to serve them fast and well. On the opposite, his evening patrons are more laidback and rather come to have a relaxing time around a glass of soju. Which leads us to the second reason why Seokjin always takes care of his body: kicking out drunkards. And this may or may not have included Yoongi once.

After he was done with his workout, he used to take a quick shower before joining Hoseok in front of their establishments for their daily reunion. Today, Hoseok told him about their birthday party with Namjoon the day before. After watching the sunset they had went to one of the best restaurants in the city, the same they booked every year. After that, they had drunkenly gone home, stumbling and leaning on each other, Namjoon promising they would be rice brothers forever. Seokjin chuckled but immediately stopped when he noticed Hoseok's dark expression. He looked towards where his friend had his eyes set. An old woman was getting closer, a scowl on her face. It was the old hag that kept coming to Hwagae Market because they had the best dureup but who was also an awful conservative bigot.

Hoseok hated her with a passion, yet he was too kind to tell her. She was about to greet them when Seokjin decided to help his friend. He faced him and went.

"Oh Hoseok dear, look you still have some at the corner of your lips," he said, lifting his hand to caress the young man cheek while gently wiping his lips with his thumb, before putting the said thumb in his own mouth. The poor Hoseok looked like a deer caught in headlights. But at least it had been efficient as the old cow screamed in indignation and left while mumbling things the author cannot decently write here.

After watching the sunset...

Seokjin came back to the restaurant and things went as usual until Taehyung barged in, toward the end of the afternoon. He looked seriously pissed but contrary to his usual explosive anger, this time he was frighteningly silent. And holding a book??!

Seokjin watched him as he sat down and buried himself in his reading. The owner went back to his cleaning of the board above his counter.

FREE MEAL

IF YOU WIN AGAINST THE OWNER IN ARM WRESTLING

It had been a long time since anyone had defied him. Even Taehyung and Jimin had stopped. The last one had been a tourist who had only noticed Seokjin's muscular body after his own hand had been inexorably pressed against the table.

Eventually, Jimin joined his best friend and they started plotting in hushed tones, too low for Seokjin to hear them despite all his efforts.

EXCLUSIVE!! An open day will be held at the Hotel Spine Breaker on Sunday!

To  celebrate  the  opening  of  the new  resort, an open day will be  held this Sunday during all the afternoon. There will be group visits, a free access to the pool and a free buffet. This event is  probably to  convince the  opponents of the  project that...                                                   

Seokjin was suddenly very interested in the new building. Especially its open day. Especially its free buffet. How good could be the food of a five-star hotel? He needed to see for himself. He talked about it during the dinner with the others and all agreed on joining him. No one noticed the two delinquent exchange a look and nod at each other, though.

So here they were a few days later, all reunited in front of a gigantic brand new hotel in which a mass of people was currently going. They followed the general movement and ended by the pool. The buffet was next to it, already surrounded by hungry visitors. After losing at rock, paper, scissors, Hoseok was sent to grab some food while the others settled at the water's edge, Seokjin claiming the only deckchair available.

...Hoseok was sent to grab some food while the others settled at the water's edge, Seokjin claiming the only deckchair available.

Jimin was entranced by the water, gently moving his hand in the liquid to make waves, Taehyung was asking his mentor about vengeance, and Namjoon answering that no man should lower himself to that, Jungkook was watching Hoseok, anticipating the food's arrival and Yoongi was making sure everyone could see he was already bored. Behind them, Seokjin was enjoying the sun, trying to resist the temptation to push everyone in the pool. He forgot it all when Hoseok joined them back, his arms full of plates filled to the brim. Everyone started eating and let's be honest here, it was extremely disappointing. They should have suspected that a free buffet would probably not be made using the top food normally served at the hotel but those bland toasts were a bit disrespecting to their visitors.

Jungkook quickly decided that if he couldn't enjoy the meal, then he would enjoy the pool. Jimin decided to do the same and both boys started undressing. Their muscular torsos stopped all the others from doing the same, no matter how much they wanted to go for a dip. They couldn't compete with those muscles. So everyone watched the Busan boys having fun in the water.

Seokjin and Yoongi had taken their cameras out to snap some memories. Jimin and Jungkook got closer to strike a pose.

"Are you having fun Jungkook?" Jimin asked, conscious he may not be Jungkook's favourite company.

"Yeah, you're cool when you're not sexually harassing people," Jungkook answered distractedly, more focused on the lens pointed at him.

Jimin froze in surprise. Jungkook, the adorable and perfect Jeon Jungkook, had just said he was cool!!

Seokjin raised his head to look directly at the two of them, his heart soaring with fatherly pride. Next to him, Yoongi was darkly cackling while mumbling "That's the best blackmail ever."

Jungkook frowned, wondering what was so weird with what he said. And then Jimin jumped on him to hug him.

"Jungkookie! I'll be the coolest friend ever for you!!"

"You're doing it wrong!!!" Jungkook yelled, struggling against the koala embrace.

Everyone laughed light-heartedly at their antics.

During this merry time, Namjoon felt a hand gently tapping his shoulder. It was an old lady, probably a European tourist. As soon as she had the man's attention she said in English.

"Teacher shall never be vanquished until Great Bushes to his high head Shall come against him."

She left right after, leaving a very confused Namjoon.

Jimin, after being thrown away, came back to the group and noticed an uproar toward the buffet. Cakes had been served and apparently, they were good!?

They all hurried there but Jimin stopped Namjoon telling him that as his mentor he should go fetch Taehyung who had disappeared a while ago.

Namjoon sighed and reluctantly went inside. He noticed a lot of bushes and was reminded of the old lady... there was no way, right?

But then one of the plants started moving toward him and attacked him! Namjoon yelled and started fighting against the monster. He pushed and kicked while lying on his back, his eyes closed to not be attacked by the leaves.

He eventually realised no resistance was opposed to him and stopped moving, only to see a destroyed plant laying on him. And a smiling Kim Taehyung filming him, the old lady next to him, visibly delighted.

"You taught me well Mr Kim," Taehyung said with a smile.

The boy thanked the nice tourist with the broken English he had learned in the last few days and left just like that, hurrying when he noticed the fight over the cake. Namjoon was astonished. Should he feel angry? Ashamed? Proud?!

He stood up, tried putting the poor green plant back and joined the guys who laughed at him as Taehyung had shown them his video.

... you're cool when you're not sexually harassing people,

They reached streets with a bad lighting.

“Hey imagine if a murderer attacked us.”

“He wouldn’t even have the time to yell that I would’ve already punched his face!”

“You'd have to be quicker than me for that! The guy wouldn’t even have the time to land in front of us that I would’ve already made him spit his teeth!”

“No one stands a chance against us!”

"Even the mafia should be wary of us!"

“Exactly!! As long as we can hit, it’s alright!"

"And we'll always find a way to hit anyone who dares looking down on us!"

“Yeah! ... But what about ghosts then?”

“Gh-ghosts?”

“Even if you hit them you can’t hurt them. Imagine if the spirit of someone was around right now and that we pissed him off by being here!”

“Don’t be an idiot! Why would a spirit attack us?!"

“... We should go home.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to be killed by an invisible being.”

“Then don’t talk and just hurry, I don’t want to be dragged into hell!”

They hadn't even realised they were hugging each other while looking at every dark corner as if the infamous spirit was going to suddenly appear.

“But... What if we’ve already been cursed?”

“Cursed?!”

“Yeah, maybe the spirit cursed us and will torment us for three days before coming to kill us!”

“Oh my god, we angered a spirit, what are we gonna do?! We don’t even have a tape to make someone watch!”

“We have to find the mysterious old book with skulls all over the cover! Our salvation must be in it!”

“Wait, isn’t finding the book usually the reason why the characters are cursed?”

“Oh yeah, you’re right... But what about our situation then?!”

“Kong Suyun!”

“Heh?”

“Kong Suyun! The girl who's in love with Jungkook! She probably put a spell on us to eliminate her opponents!”

“True that she’s suspicious as fuck... Eh! Why was I dragged in YOUR problems?!”

“Well, you’re my best friend.”

“Excuse me?!”

“My bro, the ultimate friend, my spiritual twin, my faithful dog, the guy who’s a very wonderful person and that will not abandon me to some evil spirit, right??”

“Yeah, you’re right! And maybe you’re the only one who’s cursed after all!”

“...”

“But don’t worry Chimchim! I’ll protect you from the evil witch!”

“Well said Taetae!”

"But wait, why would she curse you if you already let go of Jungkook?"

"Oh right... Maybe it's a curse working like a time bomb? Maybe she thinks I insulted Jungkookie by renouncing to him?"

"That insane witch! A man has the right to love whomever he wants!!"

"Yeah!"

Their little paranoia had occupied them until the crossroad where they were supposed to separate. They were still tightly holding each other.

"Hey, it's kinda cold tonight and your house is closer. Would mind if I crash there?" Taehyung asked trying to control the tone of his voice.

Jimin accepted immediately and they hurried toward his home. Once there, they decided to both sleep in Jimin's bed, because it would be a bother to take out the futon, right?

Namjoon groaned as his clock rang thirty minutes earlier than usual. It was Monday and he was going to make Park Jimin come at school whether the cutie wanted it or not.

Once he was ready he went directly to the student's house. He knew Mr and Mrs Park were already at work so he didn't beat around the bush and directly yelled.

"Park Jimin! You'd better be ready and in front of me in five minutes! Or else I'll come fetch you and drag you to school even if you're still in your underwear!"

There was a moment of silence until a window opened and two heads became visible.

"Noisy noisy Mr Kim!" Taehyung screamed back, clearly only half awake.

"I already told you I was not coming!" Jimin added to it.

The three of them kept yelling at each other until the two boys disappeared again. Namjoon raised an eyebrow. Could it be that Taehyung had had enough and was about to kick his best friend out of his own house just to go back to sleep? He remembered the boy had already scared to death half of the girls of his class when they were talking during his nap. And they wouldn't be stupid enough to try something like escaping, right? With that idea in head, the professor was quite surprised to see the two delinquents go out, both in their uniform.

"Mr Kim we have to talk!"

"Yeah, it's a matter of life or death!"

"And as you're our teacher you have to protect us!"

"What are you talking about?! Anyway, we don't have the time now, Jimin come with me. Taehyung, go back to your home and take off your uniform you're currently expelled!" Namjoon answered, ignoring the boys' complaints.

Despite his orders the two of them actually followed him, asking continuously for his attention about that important topic. In front of the school, they had just the time to run to the classroom so Namjoon didn't bother with keeping Taehyung out of the establishment. He would kick him out during the break, whatever. But once inside both students just stood in front of him, asking for protection. Namjoon gritted his teeth. He was tempted to expel both of them but it would basically be their win, yet he had better things to do than listening. As a last resort, he decided to just use force to push Taehyung out of the room while keeping Jimin in, hoping it would be enough.

But he didn't expect the smaller one would grab him by the waist. The surprise made him move his arm and before he knew it, he had accidentally punched the Daegu boy in the face.

A terrified silence followed, everyone thinking that Taehyung, currently on the ground with a hand on his face, was about to stand up and attack their teacher.

The boy indeed got to his feet, his head still low and a menacing aura emanating from him. Except that when he lifted his face toward Namjoon he had stars in his eyes.

"That punch!! Teach me your way Sunbaenim!!"

"What did you call me?!"

"I can't believe it! The stories are under the reality, you're so great Namjoon Sunbaenim!!"

"Don't call me Sunbae I'm your English teacher Kim Taehyung!!!"

"Hyung?"

"That's worse!!"

"Aniki?"

"Don't use Japanese during English lesson!"

"Boss!!!"

"No! Stop it now, I'm your teacher and that's how you have to address me!"

"No, I can't ignore such an incredible technique you have to teach me!!"

Namjoon pinched the bridge of his nose. It would never end with that air-head, he had to use duplicity.

"Okay, I'll teach you but you have to leave the school for now."

"Yes!"

The young man quickly made his exit, Namjoon having to grab Jimin to keep him from following the other one. Which obviously led to another tantrum, Mr Park asking for the protection of his friend. After another ten minutes of arguing and Jungkook jumping in because "Sir, ignore them, I want my lesson!! And to know why people don't wear anything under a kilt!", they finally settled with Sexy Mochi inside and Baby Tiger outside but ready to burst in if his friend needed help. Namjoon thought he was the one needing help the most right now.

  they finally settled with Sexy Mochi inside and Baby Tiger outside

Of course, he had just bought a little break with his promise. So at the end of the day, he was faced once again with a very eager to learn Kim Taehyung and his usual accomplice. He was about to find another reason to escape the thing when he noticed Jungkook ready to jump on him as soon as he was done with the two. Choosing the lesser of two evils, he stayed with the two older ones - at least they were easy to deceive.

They walked together to Seokjin's restaurant, the boys taking the occasion to finally explain that Namjoon had to protect them from Kong Suyun's witchcraft. The adult wondered what he had done in his previous life to deserve that. Well, at least it was funny to see the two idiots frightened by their own imagination. After Jimin noticed him behind them and invited him, Jungkook ended up walking with them.

At the restaurant, they all relaxed, welcomed by the delicious smell of food promising a good meal. Namjoon joined his dear brother and Yoongi at the bar while the students went to the couch and armchair in the back. He couldn't help but frown when he noticed his dear brother clad in orange. Couldn't he wear something normal like a white button-up and black pants like the teacher? They were the rice cake brothers after all, so close that no one could ever separate them for long, they would always stick back together!

 The dinner followed soon after. It was rather calm if you except the moment Taehyung decided to relate the events of the morning. Hoseok scolded his younger brother for giving a bad example to his students. Yoongi also made sure to add Taehyung would find a better mentor in him because he was a real man from Daegu and Namjoon was just a former thug. Namjoon answered that as for him, he had at least finished growing up and maturing. The imminent fight was stopped in its tracks by Hoseok hitting both of the men on the head and ordering them to apologize to each other. They grumbled at each other.

The next weekend, Namjoon and Taehyung met by the river. The English teacher had ended up accepting to mentor the delinquent after an idea had popped into his mind.

He had never seen Taehyung so eager to learn. The boy had his eyes fixed on him, his brows slightly frowned in concentration. It was a bit frustrating honestly.

Namjoon took a breath.

"Welcome to your private lesson on how to become... a strong man. I won't go easy on you, it's a tough path needing both a strong mind and a strong body. Do you still want to try?"

"Yes, boss!!" Taehyung answered with too much enthusiasm for Namjoon.

"Then we'll start the training. First will be push-ups, get ready!!"

The boy immediately got in position.

"Good, now with each push-up you'll repeat the words I say."

"Yes, boss!!"

Namjoon tried not to cringe too much at the honorific. He cleared his throat and said.

"Arise, arose, arisen!"

"Arise, arose, arisen!" Taehyung mimicked after lowering himself to the ground, his accent a bit rough.

"Awake, awoke, awoken!"

"Awake, awoke, awoken!" The student screamed back, not even realizing what he was saying.

"Be, was, been!"

"Be has-been!" Namjoon held a chuckle back.

"No, be, was, been!"

They kept going until they reached twenty verbs and then Namjoon made him repeat again but while doing abs. While it was quite funny to see Kim Taehyung in that situation, Namjoon was also a bit despaired by the fact the kid hadn't picked up on anything.

They were taking a break when the rumble of a motor got closer. A bright red bike was approaching them. Taehyung immediately recognised Jimin on his father's bike and stood up to wave at him. The bike stopped near them and the driver took off his helmet, revealing a pouty Busan boy.

"You, traitor! You abandoned me!!"

"Sorry Jiminnie, I'm training to become stronger!! After that, I'll be able to protect you!"

"Forget it, neither you nor Mr Kim would do against a witch anyway. So I'm going to the temple!"

"The temple?" Namjoon asked after listening to their conversation.

"Exactly! I'm going to pray to obtain help from a god!! Kong Suyun won't stand a chance ha! ha!"

With that, Jimin put his helmet back, put on the motor and went to put an end to the spell that had been put on him.

Namjoon was waiting in front of the chicken restaurant. He had given money to Taehyung and sent him to buy their meals. Finally, after months of privation, he was going to eat Seokjin's lunchbox again! In a way, it was only justice to send Taehyung, as the boy was 50% responsible for why Namjoon couldn't stay alone with Seokjin anymore. Just thinking about it sent a shiver up his spine.

They came back to the river and ate, Namjoon taking the occasion to explain about a famous boss named Hamlet. Taehyung nodded fervently to everything his teacher said, with food filling his cheeks and reinforcing his puppy look.

After an afternoon similar to the morning, the mentor and his now dead-tired but also ecstatic student went to Hwagae Market. Namjoon kept finding advantages to having Taehyung with him. Like right now, the boy was explaining his progress to his fellow Daegu compatriot, making this one tear up with laughter when he started reciting the holy words he had learnt today and leaving Namjoon able to discuss freely with his brother and prepare for the birthday.

...leaving Namjoon able to discuss freely with his brother and prepare for the birthday.

Taehyung's training kept going every day. They would meet after the class and do the same kind of exercises.

"He still hasn't noticed?" Jungkook asked as he was sitting next to Namjoon, both of them looking at Taehyung running. The boy was very displeased with that whole situation taking his favourite teacher away from him. He had even ended talking to Jimin - who was also very bored without his Taetae - and to his utmost horror, he had actually enjoyed the time they had spent together!

"Nope~" Namjoon had difficulties hiding how much fun he was having.

"But Sir, that's favouritism!" The boy pouted.

"If it bothers you that much, you can join him. I'm planning to tell him about Macbeth next. Even if he doesn't know it, at least he'll be familiar with Shakespeare."

"Oh! Sir! Sir! Did Shakespeare shook pears?"

"... Was that a Seokjin's level joke?"

"No! Now, tell me how someone could be named shaker of fruits!!!" Jungkook was way too interested as always.

No matter how Namjoon tried to avoid the subjects, the boy wouldn't give up. As the answer was easy to find this time, Namjoon quickly took out his phone.

"Nothing to do with pears, it actually means spearman. It's a man fighting with a spear," he read.

"Oh, okay."

Sometimes the reality was a bit disappointing honestly.

Taehyung couldn't sleep. He was too impressed by Macbeth-sunbaenim. He had won against the king to become king himself!! Just like the witches had said! Should he go to Kong Suyun to ask her about his destiny? Maybe he would also become the king of Daegu! ... Did it mean he would have to kill Yoongi?

And if he became king, there wouldn't be any problem to buy a big house to live in with Jimin and his dog!!

He remembered Boss Kim mentioning a best friend but vaguely. What was his name already? Bankrupt? Banquet? He and Macbeth seemed to love each other dearly, he hoped he could stay like that with Jimin too!!

It was a pity his mentor hadn't talked more about it, he wanted to know more!

Realisation hit him. Hoseok!! He was Boss Kim's brother, he must know something!!

Too excited, he got out of his bed, put on a hoodie and silently escaped by his window.

He and Macbeth seemed to love each other dearly, he hoped he could stay like that with Jimin too!!

Hoseok was peacefully dreaming of dancing sunflowers while hugging his cute horse plushie until a gigantic red snake came out of nowhere and coiled itself around his arm.

He yelled, fighting desperately for freedom. He opened his eyes and realised Kim Taehyung was shaking him. Hoseok sighed in relief but screamed once again as his door was thrown open.

"SeokSeok!! What's wrong!!?"

It was Yoongi, wearing just his Kumamon boxer and holding a baseball bat. As soon as he noticed Taehyung perched on top of his life partner, worry let place to anger.

"Yah! What are you doing here?!"

"Don't mind me Mr Yoongi! I'm just here to ask something to Mr Hoseok," the boy answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world to enter people's room through their window in the middle of the night.

Yoongi didn't have any of that nonsense and entered the room to grab the kid and drag him out. Taehyung clung to the bed and tried to talk with Hoseok.

"Boss Kim talked to me about Macbeth, I want to know more!!"

Yoongi made him let go and started dragging him out.

"Macbeth? Are you talking about the book?" Hoseok asked in return, tilting his head.

"There's a book?! I have to..." Taehyung had been successfully thrown out.

It was the first time Taehyung entered the library with the intention to read a book. Usually, he came to pick up Jimin who liked to read his mangas here. It took him a while but he eventually found a book titled Macbeth. And eventually, he understood the real meaning of everything he had been taught recently...

The teacher and the students finally joined the reunion, Taehyung charging inside to claim the armchair. Namjoon joined the Sope team on the couch but Hoseok pretended that it was too cramped so he sat down on the ground.

Jimin sat on the opposite, not wishing to meddle with the old men and letting the place to Jungkook so he could sit next to his dear teacher. But against all odds, the youngest sat with Jimin who just looked at him with his mouth slightly opened for at least ten seconds.

Once they were all installed, Jin brought the food and sat down too.

“So, is everyone ready for the rice of Kim Seokjin?!” The restaurant owner proclaimed with a cheerful face, expecting laughter and compliments.

“Your sense of humour is so lacking I don’t think we can consider it as existing,” Yoongi answered. “And don’t expect any rise, my photos will blow everyone away as usual.”

“Say what you want! The fact is, that humour of mine was the reason I earned the basil chicken recipe from the grandpa at the night market!”

“He gave it to you so you would stop! You tortured the poor man with your horrible jokes!”

This time everyone laughed, easily imagining the cook harassing the merchant until he agreed to the deal. Actually it often happened, even though reaching the point of dad jokes was rare.

Seokjin ignored the mocking and started eating while fumbling with the remote to start the slideshow.

 Once they were all installed, Seokjin brought the food and sat down too.

Seokjin and Yoongi's creations were mixed but it was easy to identify the owner: Yoongi was a landscapes enthusiast and Seokjin a fan of details. Like so, multi-coloured streets could lead to a piece of fish in a shell and a close-up on a flower to a green chain of mountains. Everyone commented, Taehyung wondering if he should become a professional taster to eat everything for free, Jungkook asking how people could be so innocent as to believe the two elders when they pretended they were broke students, Hoseok admiring everything, Namjoon discretely saying that he wouldn’t have minded if they had stayed way longer and the two travelers flooding everyone with little stories and...

“Hey, hey, hey, if we go to Peru next, what will we use to move?” Seokjin asked, excited.

“Give me just a second so I can plug my ears,” Yoongi answered.

“An alpacar!!!” The chef said, laughing hysterically, followed by Jimin who failed at resisting. Fortunately, he didn't laugh as much as for the bread joke. When Seokjin had kept firing the stick of bread and acting as if he was hit, the poor boy had rolled on the floor with laughter.

The rest chose to ignore the chef and looked back at the screen currently showing gorgeous ranges of fruits. Yoongi didn't miss a beat to bring the focus on the snap.

"Now, look at these stalls. Everything looks good, doesn't it? Actually half of the fruits were rotten."

"Yoongi, don't be so negative, it wasn't to that point."

"And you!" He said pointing at the older. "Only saying 'Good? Very very good?' at the old hag and directly asking 'how much is this?' with your naive smile when she nodded, while one second before you were dissing the papayas!"

"The papayas were visibly rotten!"

"You didn't even taste those damn mangoes! What if they were bad inside?!"

"Trust my instinct with food!"

"Not after you made me eat those skewers without the sauce!! It didn't have any taste!"

"I told you to taste it not to gobble it!"

"You put the goddamn thing in my mouth!"

"... Anyway, let's have a bit of these mangoes!" Seokjin concluded while standing up, not wishing to admit he might have been a bit too trusting.

 "... Anyway, let's have a bit of these mangoes!"

"So, wasn't it too dead without the two of us here?" Yoongi asked with his mouth full of mango and rice. He would never admit out loud that the fruits were actually delicious, but he wasn't going to deprive himself either.

"Well, there was a little revolution," Namjoon said.

"Really?"

"Jimin grew up and discovered how life works!"

"Mr Kim!!!"

Seokjin was immediately cupping Jimin face in his hands and looking at every invisible pore of his perfect skin.

"Still soft I see."

The younger escaped the grip and proclaimed all the present adults were cruel for not telling him the truth. Preferring the title of "cruel bastard" rather than "too whipped to make your cute face sad", Yoongi pleaded guilty, Namjoon and Hoseok nodding next to him.

The last pictures were shown in calm, Jimin still mumbling about adults being weird and untrustworthy and the others lulled by the food in their stomach. The final vote led to the usual victory of Yoongi by two votes against one. Note that the 95z were forbidden to express their mind because of their delinquent behaviour: Namjoon kind of expected they’d feel bad about it. They didn’t, they had even declared themselves as being the anarchy to that democracy, the Yin to the Yang. So by principle, they claimed that Jin’s picture of a pitaya was better than all of Yoongi's snaps reunited.

Namjoon and Hoseok had to keep the photographer down and the younger ones took the chance to finish the chicken.

To calm the atmosphere, Seokjin decided to intervene.

“Now guys, calm down, listen let’s all just sit down, take a deep breath... There... What did the dog say to the wall?”

A horrified silence followed, everyone thinking that no, he wouldn’t dare...

“Wol! Wol!”

He even stuck out his tongue to emphasize.

“Let’s go home SeokSeok, these guys are going to contaminate us with their idiocy.”

Everyone agreed it was time to separate. Namjoon, trying to stay polite despite what he thought, told Jimin and Jungkook they would see each other Monday - he didn’t say it to Taehyung for the simple reason that the boy was excluded for the week.

“Yeah, yeah Mr Kim, don’t expect me either, we’re gonna hit the fun places Monday,” Jimin answered, smiling knowingly at his best friend.

“No Jimin. You’re not expelled, you have to come.”

“No way, what’s the point if Tae is not here?”

“You have to come. I’ll take you to school myself if necessary but you’re not hanging up with Kim Taehyung. We didn’t expel him to offer him holidays, he’s punished.”

At that answer, the 95s threw a tantrum and left promising no one would see them at school for a good moment. Namjoon slowly shook his head without noticing that Jungkook was imitating him. The poor professor lifted his head - still followed by the model student - and looked at the leaving two. Whether they wanted it or not he would teach them discipline... and the English language!

He even stuck out his tongue to emphasize.

Once his co-owner was in front of their Hwagae Market, also covered in bright orange, they started, stretching carefully. Then they pursued with exercises.

Squats, one! two! one! two! ...

Jimin and Taehyung arrived at that moment and stopped to look at them.

“Perfect conditions today, there’ll be a show,” Jimin stated.

Reverse lunges, one! two! one! two! ...

“Yep, and Hoseok looks in good spirits today. So no cricked back, 10 seconds.”

“Hmm, no cricked back either and... 12 seconds.”

“Taking risks today Jiminie?”

“I trust Hoseok.”

Jumping jacks, one! two! one! two! ...

“And I’m sure Mr Yoongi has gained a few pounds. No cricked back, 5 seconds.” A voice said behind them.

“Jungkookie~ so good to see your handsome face!” Jimin cooed.

“It's a deal! But I warn you guys, I have lollipops today, can you keep up with that?” Taehyung asked, showing said candies.

“I have my choco Banana Kick.” Jungkook answered, searching in his bag.

“Unfair! Why was I only given an apple today! Oh wait, I have a melon pan.” Jimin said, after struggling against all his manga volumes to find food in his bag.

They waited a bit more and then it happened.

Yoongi and Hoseok turned back, facing their shop.

Then they slowly turned again starting from their head and twisting their spine before facing the students again. Then they rocked back and forth with half bent arms.

And finally with a loud “Sobi transformation!” Hoseok lifted Yoongi.

The three boys started counting.

By 8 seconds Hoseok let go of his friend, red and panting. Yoongi, on the other hand, looked like the happiest man in the world with his smile.

Taehyung smugly turned to face his comrades with his open hands. Both gave their snacks, Jungkook looking devastated to have to give his favourite treat away.

“Aish Mr Hoseok! I trusted you!” Jimin groaned, unconsciously pouting.

“Oh~ Jimin you believed in me, that’s so nice of you!” Hoseok answered punching happily the boy’s shoulder. The student yelled, holding his victimized muscle, complaining about the older's violence despite his support.

“That was a proof of love!” Hoseok explained, not convincing Jimin at all. “Oh, don’t bring anything tomorrow, I’ll buy you one of Seokjin’s lunchbox!”

The boy tried not to smile too much and left saying he wanted to seek comfort in the arms of his dear Jungkook. But sadly, the model student had already left, mourning his Banana Kick and in a hurry to arrive at school.

Then they rocked back and forth with half bent arms.

There wasn't any bet in the next morning because it rained the whole week, forcing the two men to train inside, away from the students' looks. And right after, Yoongi flew to Thailand with Seokjin.

As usual, Namjoon took the occasion to invite himself at his brother's, under the pretext of hunting the spiders from the back room.

He also helped at the checkout but rarely. Because being trapped here for two whole hours after school was basically surrendering himself to his worst nightmare.

“But wouldn’t it be better if languages were simpler? The point is to communicate with others, not to build grammar walls, right?”

“Certainly Jungkook...”

“Then why are there irregular verbs? Why don’t we just add -ed every time?”

“You’re not asking that to escape tomorrow test, are you?”

The younger frowned.

“I already learnt everything why would I try to escape the test?”

“I don’t know, maybe you finally succumbed to Park Jimin’s charms and you’re trying to seduce him by making me cancel the test.”

“It would make sense if I was the one trying to seduce him. But we’re getting away from the point here. Why irregular verbs exist?”

“Well you have to check the etymology, the explanation’s probably here.”

“Exactly! But then why did our ancestors have to create so complicated languages to the point even now we keep simplifying them? Sir, you yourself said that perfection was reached when there’s nothing more to remove.”

“I was referring to your last dissertation. By the way, stop asking about the influence of livestock farming on people when I’m just asking a paragraph describing a landscape.”

“Is it the perpetual mist then?”

The problem with Jungkook’s questions was that they hit right sometimes.

“Like the weather influencing people’s behaviour and then their interaction with each other and then language? It sounds possible but we don’t have any proof.”

Hoseok sighed. He didn’t know if the presence of his brother was helping or ruining the business.

“Mr Hoseok you busy?” came Jimin’s voice from the entrance - talking about ruining the business. “Oh Mr Kim, you there too? Mind closing your eyes for a minute?” the boy added, also making sure to wink at Jungkook.

“No, I’m not. Taehyung is behind you and is all beat up right? Just make him come in  so Hoseok can treat him.” The teacher answered, not having the strength to be angry anymore.

Jimin indeed made Taehyung enter but this one looked weird.

Hoseok had grabbed the first-aid-kit and asked the wounded to approach.

“Okay, but to which one? There are two of you.”

“Wow, you weren’t missed this time, who gave you a going-over to the point you don’t even see straight?”

“No one, I bumped into a pole.”

“A pole left you with a black eye, a split lip, a swollen cheek and probably more on the chest?” Hoseok remarked, before pulling the student to him after he got closer. “Off with your shirt, don’t mind Namjoon.”

“Not like I can do a thing.” Namjoon sighed. “So who was it?”

“... Myong Chongho.”

Jungkook opened his eyes wide.

“Myong Chongho? Funny it sounds familiar...” Namjoon said, thinking.

“The captain of the school volleyball team,” Jungkook informed him, still shook.

“Wait, isn’t that guy like bigger than the two of you combined? And always with his teammates?” Namjoon asked once he connected the name to the person.

“I don’t care if he’s as big as the Han river. The bastard said they would crush Daegu team next week!” Taehyung exploded, half of his cuts now covered with band-aids. “Daegu team will show them! We’re not a pebble on the way to nationals!!”

“But seriously how did you survive?”

"What do you mean? We were the one beating them up until they apologised!"

“Jungkookie I won’t allow you to doubt our fighting techniques! You have to know the man you’re going to join...”

“I won’t.”

“... is a skilled fighter who will protect you no matter what!” Jimin finished ignoring the younger’s remark.

“Very dedicated of you Park Jimin. Now come here. If Taehyungie is in such a state I suppose you’re not better.” Hoseok said after making sure the boy was seeing only one of him again.

Jimin obviously made a show of putting off his shirt to impress Jungkook, despite the red marks all over his torso. But this one had already turned back to Namjoon asking why the weather would influence people and not the grass that chicken ate. Namjoon agonised. Why did he have to tell the kid that we are what we eat?

The rest of the week without Seokjin and Yoongi flew by quickly. But on the sixth day, Taehyung accompanied Jimin at home, saying he wanted to watch Slam Dunk.

He stayed until dinner. When Jimin saw his best friend gobbled up half of the kimchi, he remembered the other had to survive alone, while not even knowing how to cook rice and probably not enough money to just order food. He wanted to ask him how much time he had stayed without eating to be that hungry now but he knew pride would keep the boy’s lips closed. And he also had something on his mind right now, so it wasn’t the time to anger him.

So after dinner, Jimin invited Taehyung to stay the night and the other gladly accepted. They played games for a bit and then went to sleep, Jimin in his bed, Taehyung in the guest futon.

Jimin took a big breath.

“Hey, we’re going to be adults soon, right ?”

“Yep it’s gonna be great, no one will be able to tell us what to do!”

“Yeah, and we’ll finally be allowed to do tons of things.”

“Yeah, like drinking.”

“Getting a license for the bike.”

“Going to casinos.”

“Having sex...”

A silence followed, Jimin suddenly shy to continue, Taehyung trying to not hurt too much. He knew the time he feared the most was coming.

“Tae, do you think I’ll be able to honour Jungkook’s body as much as he deserves it?”

Taehyung retained a relieved sigh. They were still safe. After all, the only thing Jimin still ignored was which combination could procreate. So nothing new for now.

“You love him, it will be great don’t worry.”

“But he always ignores me. Seems like he doesn’t see me as worthy enough... What should I do to impress him? Even punching Myong Chyongho’s face wasn’t enough to have him love me back.”

“Hmm... he’s probably a tsundere. Cold outside but all soft inside.”

“So what you’re saying is that...”

“He probably already loves you but he’s still too shy to admit it. Keep going, friend!”

“Yeah you’re right, I’ll use all the remaining time until we're adults to show him how great I am! And he’ll finally open up to me!”

“That’s the spirit! I’ll help you!”

“Thanks, Tae!”

Taehyung egoistically thought he was safe for a bit longer but when Monday came and he entered the classroom without being assaulted although Jimin was already here, he knew something was wrong. Even more when Jungkook reluctantly came to him and asked why Jimin had asked pardon for bothering him.

Proud Daegu men can handle insults, surprise attacks, bad weather and no food for 48 hours. But a depressed friend was something else. Yet Taehyung had already promised himself a long time ago he would face the consequences of his choice.

He sat next to his friend and awkwardly saluted him. Even though he wanted to be here for Jimin, he also needed a bit of time to think about what he should say. Fortunately, the lessons started soon after.

At the first break, Jimin quickly stood up, muttering at Taehyung to meet him on the roof.

Taehyung followed a few seconds later, mentally preparing to be yelled at or punched. He was hoping for the punch actually, he knew how to take that kind of thing. He reached the rooftop and waited. Jimin was looking at the ground when suddenly he held Taehyung by his shoulders.

“Taetae, have you ever been in love?”

Well, that wasn’t expected.

“Er, no?”

“Good. You won’t get hurt then. The fact is, I discovered something truly terrible: men can’t have babies together!!!”

Tic

Tac

Tic

“Taehyung?”

“Wow, man! Really?! What a surprise! I didn’t expect that at all!! So men can’t...? Oh, that’s too bad, I can’t imagine mother nature being so cruel to mankind! What incredible news! But then you and Jungkook...?”

“Yeah, I already apologised to him this morning, I can’t believe I was trying so hard for something impossible in the end... Are you alright? You’re sweating.”

“Yeah! Yeah! Don’t mind me, everything’s alright! I’m just sad for you and your dream! Here!” Taehyung hugged his friend closely while trying to calm down the inner panic that was shaking him. He was a terrible liar for not admitting he knew, yet Jimin was so innocent he didn’t even realize! What kind of luck was that? Should he be honest and ruin his friend's mood? No, that would be the worst! He was just going to keep that secret until he died. After all, what Jimin needed now was not another cruel revelation but a supporting friend.

“Tae are you sure you’re okay? You look really bad dude... Could it be that...”

“I’m sorry!”

“No, really? You should’ve told me.”

“I didn’t know how!”

“Come on, whoever you’re in love with, it can’t be bad to the point you can’t tell me.”

“Heh?”

“Stop pretending. You’re in love with someone and you didn’t tell me, that’s alright it’s your choice. We’ll just have to help each other in that though time, I won’t let down my friend!”

“Chimchim...” Taehyung said, with absolutely no tears in his eyes, nor rivers on his cheeks, nor a running nose, not at all, it was probably just raining on his face.

“You love him that much?”

“Yeah, I love yo... him. But now it’ll just be us, the dog and your bike.”

Jimin nodded, also starting to tear up after seeing his friend being so emotional. They were both so into it that they skipped the next class, Jimin finally revealing how he felt and Taehyung keeping on mentally thanking whatever power had provoked that miracle.

“By the way, how did you discovered that?” Taehyung finally asked, still not believing his friendship was safe.

Jimin turned red before finally revealing he had done some research during the weekend to prepare the "big day that would not happen now" with Jungkook. After a bit more talking and wondering if Jungkook was an innocent cute little thing or a cruel guy who had enjoyed Jimin impossible dream they finally went back in class, Jimin to read GTO, Taehyung to sleep a bit after surviving the emotional roller coaster.

Jungkook sighed. It was a desperate case. But then Jimin looked his watch and excused himself. The younger looked at the clock and realised it was time for the usual stupidest scene of the day.

The door was thrown open violently but no one showed up. After two seconds Kim Taehyung’s head slowly emerged from the frame looking everywhere in the room. He then quickly entered, still looking wary. He put his bag on his table. Suddenly a shadow coming out of nowhere jumped on him. He yelled but it was too late. He was already the prisoner of Jimin’s hug.

“Hello Tae!!”

“And my mum wonders why I ask for an armour for Christmas!”

“Come on! It’s just my greeting!”

“Jimin, you’re throwing yourself at me like a cannonball! I could die!”

Jungkook tried to not get his hopes up at the idea of the two idiots hitting their heads against each other and ending up at the hospital for at least a week.

“Hi, Mr Seokjin!”

“Hi, Jimin,” the man answered. “You’re alone today?”

“Yep, Tae got detention, he’ll come later.”

“Oh, so Namjoon will also come later it seems.” The chef added, already planning when he should start heating the dishes for their dinner, according to that new information.

Jimin installed himself near the entrance, facing it.

Almost two hours later, the two awaited people entered, but Taehyung hadn’t even the time to put down his shoes that his best friend was jumping on him like a tiger.

“Taehyung~~!!”

“He wants to kill me!! I swear he secretly wants to kill me!” He screamed from under Jimin.

While the two students were standing up, the owners of Hwagae Market joined the party and everyone went to the usual table, at the end of the restaurant.

“Little Jungkook is not here tonight?” Hoseok asked.

“No, he’s probably studying. There’s a math test tomorrow isn’t it?” Namjoon answered, looking at the 95s for confirmation.

“Hmm really? I’ll have to skip, I don’t even know what we’re studying right now.” Jimin said.

“Aish, at least don’t say it in front of me!” The English teacher sighed.

They all installed around the table and started eating after Jin brought the dishes. Once everything was set, he took the occasion to announce his new journey with Yoongi, to Thailand. Everyone cheered until he announced the date. Taehyung suddenly panicked.

“No you can’t! My parents are on a vacation trip that week, who’s gonna feed me?!”

“Aren’t you a proud Daegu man? You should be able to survive one week by yourself.” Namjoon said, glad to see that sometimes you reap what you sow and also that Yoongi wouldn’t be there to sit between him and Hoseok for seven whole days.

Talking about Hoseok, this one frowned.

“Don’t give him ideas Joon, he would be able to steal with that mindset.”

“Daegu men don’t steal! And I’ll show you that I can survive by myself!” Taehyung exclaimed, cut to the quick.

“Out of the question, you’ll just live off pizzas and other delivery foods if we leave you alone,” Seokjin said between two mouthfuls of rice. “Can’t one of you look after him? Or just share your dinner with him?”

“I’m not a child!”

“You can come at mine whenever you want!”

“Jimin, I doubt your mother would survive having the two of you under the same roof for that long,” Namjoon said, with Yoongi nodding next to him.

“I said I’m not a child!”

“You yourself said you needed someone to feed you.” Yoongi pointed.

“It was the surprise talking! I’m totally fine by myself!” Taehyung screamed, hitting his fist on the table. His patience was wearing thin.

The others silently agreed to not push it, knowing it would just anger the young man. They weren't here to argue.

 The dinner continued with a light atmosphere, except for the pouting Taehyung who was stuffing his mouth with fried wings. Jin took the occasion to add a few drop of his new sauce on the food. The younger looked at the red stain but ate anyway, too frustrated to be picky. The rich taste flooded in his mouth and he forgot everything apart from the incredible sensation on his tongue. Sweetness and spiciness waltzed on his palate, making him craving for more. So he kept covering the little pieces of chicken with the miraculous sauce until Jin discretely added a few drops of Tabasco on the food. He liked seeing people eat a lot but they had to honour his amazing cooking while doing so, or he felt insulted.

The others tried the chef's new creation too and made sure to eat slowly and to compliment him to escape the Tabasco treatment that had Taehyung still lying on the floor with a face as red as the hot pepper he had just eaten.

Once the diner was finished everyone wants back to their respective homes and Jin was left alone to wash the dishes and close his establishment. He couldn't remember when the dinner with the other guys had become a habit, but he knew he couldn't go without it now. They weren't anything like a family, they were not really friends either, yet being together was enjoyable. And that was all that really mattered honestly.

The younger looked at the red stain but ate anyway, too frustrated to be picky. The rich taste flooded in his mouth and he forgot everything apart from the incredible sensation on his tongue. Sweetness and spiciness danced on his palate, making him craving for more.