#jungpuke

Memories of your mom, explaining how she and your dad met flushing back to your present. “The Blue Sigil” she called it. You remember how the name sparkled your innocent curiosity. She told you about how, one day, when she was around 25 years old “The Blue Sigil”; the white envelope sealed with a sapphire blue wax appeared- at her doorstep, meaning her soulmate had been found.

“Then what mom?” you asked, marveled at the sound of that word, which for a 7-year-old it sounded something straight out from a fairytale-  ‘a soulmate’.

“Then...I waited like everyone does- 48 hours. After that, once I arrived at the “Pairing Center” I was united with your father” she shrugged, giggly and embarrassed. “We open the letter together, as it's the norm...then—poof” she smiled widely at you, fluttering her fingers in the air as if she was casting a magic spell.

“Poof!” you repeated, happily.

“Yes…” you mother laughed. “Then we had our beautiful children, we formed a happy family and one day, with luck...you will too my pumpkin,” she said, caressing your cheeks sweetly.

But did you wanted that? Right now?

You aren't sure, since, the ‘wonders’ about the idea of a selected soulmate for you one time, are now gone. The simple thought of it made you sick, ‘How can two people just fall in love by merely just opening a piece of paper in front of the other?’ You recall looking for answers, once this questions began to wonder around your head, looking for a more believable answer with your dad: ‘What do you mean to fall in love instantly?Is loving that easy?, Isn't there something else? What does it feel like?, You liked others before mom?, What happened to them?. Of course, you father refused to answer your questions with any certainty at least the one your hopes for- because, in his head, he thought that answering you, would spoil the surprise.

But later on, you’d have, problems with this, being too afraid to even go around the word ’Love’ because you never knew how to use it.  Because if someone chose your perfect fit, is it really love? Or just, acceptance?

“How does it work?” to this, your dad paid attention.

Smiling wide he simply replied “Magic.”

After that you vividly remember answering him one single word very bluntly, that caused you to be grounded for 2 weeks:

“Bullshit…”

On the other side of the line, he picks up.

“y/n?” Jungkook answers, his breathing heavy, his voice rough and agitated.

Looking at the time on the wall clock you realize it's a little over 4 pm, meaning he is training. Usually, you wait for him to call once he is done, but today your mind seems to have lost all train of thought concerned by the situation at hand. Because you need him. More than you ever did.

“y/n~? Hello?” he repeats, your name sounding...different than other times when he says it, a tinge of worry and strangeness.

“Jungkook, yes- Hi, I'm sorry…” you reply, maybe sounding a little too mournful, since apparently, he notices it on our voice.

“What’s up? Is something wrong?”

“You are training, sorry...I was distracted and didn't realize the time” you murmur, playing with the worn out book cover.

“Ohhh, I see~” Jungkook sins, jolly “you are reading and lost track again, didn't you?

You smile, but your chest felt heavy. He knew you, and you knew him as if you are one part of the other. ‘Will all of that be meaningless in the end? Will that stupid seal wash away all of our memories?’ When you open your mouth to reply to him, a sorrowful whine escapes your mouth, clear enough to be heard by Jungkook.

“y/n? Baby, what happened?, Are you sure you’re okay?” the worried tone of his voice encouraging you to pick yourself together and just tell him why you called, why you are being ripped apart. Words are hard, words are scary, the truth is scary; the past, the present, the future too. And all the waves of thoughts ending up rendering you unable to form a sentence, so you just shook your head. On the other side, Jungkook chuckles softly.

“You have to speak baby…” the pet-name squeezing your heart.

“Jungkook…” you say hesitant, and he notices. “Jungkook th-…” you cry out, stammering the next words.

“What is it?” he enquires, this time the casualness of his voice changing, a much more rigid, yet quake ring to it.

You breathe in and out. He knows. It is clear on the silence he keeps while waiting for you to answer. So you just decide to pronounce those terribly soul-ripping words, those words that have your future seal forever.

“It arrived…”

It could’ve been seconds; minutes, hours until Jungkook spoke again.

“How long ago?” his raspy voice, finally asks.

Gulping, you reply “3 hours...”, biting the inside of your cheeks.

You could almost see like if he is right in front of you, how Jungkook on the other side silently nods and purses his lips into a thin line, a habit he always haves whenever he is pondering.

“Okay, I’m taking a shower and then I’ll pick you up…yes?” on his side, you hear a hasty ruffling of clothes and the zipping of what you assume is his gym bag. “I’ll take like...30 minutes to get there”  

“No...” you respond, without hesitation. Jungkook comes to a halt, confused at your negation “I mean,um...I’ll go to your place better, wait up there- okay?” the sentence came out weak from your lips, on the other side of the line he remained mute. ”Kook?” you call.

“Sure” He simply answers, after you say his name. No sentiment on his voice, more like an automatic reply.

“Then, see you there…” you hang up, too scared to say the next word.

The hand that's holding your phone dropping onto your lap. Unlike before, now, you didn't felt like meeting him, What would you say in any case? What’s next?. Numb, you stand up from your bed and collect your things from the desk, then you search for your bag and a warm jacket, to take them with. Inside one of the drawers of your bureau, there is a small wooden box with paper tape, black marker letter that says ‘out of here', where you kept a lot of money— well...not a lot, but in a future you hoped to have enough money to pay yourself for a trip. Jungkook had given it to you as a present, one of the first times you began to hang around. Throughout time, that small box,- filled with money for your trip- stopped being solely for your savings, since... as you got closer and closer with Jungkook, both agreed to gather even more money so you both could do that trip together. But that wouldn't matter now; So you grab the piece of wood and shove it inside your bag. On your way out, your eyes travel again and glance at the piece of paper above your nightstand. ‘How strange how something so insignificant and feeble could mean so much’  spitefully you reach for it and grab it. ‘How strange it could break something so strong, so easily.’ grudgingly nevertheless you take it with you as well- throwing it inside the bag.

Inwardly, you think -as you leave the apartment complex you live in- on how much of a relief it is the fact that you don’t live with your parents currently, since otherwise, they would've spend these last 48 hours celebrating around you-which is the last thing you need right now. Heading down to the bus stop, you finally admire all the colors and sounds that surround you; the green of the grass, the red stop signs, the worn out yellow of the sidewalk pavement, the blue of the sky, the soft sound of the breeze that caresses your face. No... you didn't admire it; that is the wrong word. Fast enough, the bus stops and you hop on it. It isn't crowded, lucky for you - if that even can be considered luck- there is a couple of people sitting in silence looking through the window, and some school girls at the back of the bus, staring down at their phones; you take a seat in the middle looking at the window, reflective. Lifting your chin up and closing your eyes, you embrace how the sun shines down on your face; blinding and warming. Behind you, the noise of chattering that comes from the girls at the back perk your ears in attention.

“He is so cute…” one of them excitedly claims. “Wouldn’t it be completely charming if he turns out to be my soulmate?”

They all giggle in unison. “Unlikely…” another, declares. “You will get an old and wrinkly soulmate, I bet…” the rest laughs, this time louder.

“Shut up” the first girl giggles, embarrassed. “Even if it is so I don’t care will be my soulmate...so they will be the one”

You scrunch your nose at that statement. The bus, crosses over a speed bump too fast, jerking you off your seat. The girls behind screech surprise.

“You say that now Solar, but...what if they happened to be someone unexpected? Hmm?” the second girl suggests. “Like—a girl~?” she teases, cooing.

The first girl (Solar) Insists. “Again, It’s the one, so it’ll be okay…”

It was a costume, that some people refused to date anyone, mainly -you guess- in fear of falling for someone who wasn't right; the one-as the girl refers to. When you were younger, you thought people didn't date because of some prude habit, like…’reserving for only your soulmate’ but growing up, you personally preferred not to just for the simple fact that it was way too much to worry about, and that teenagers only want to have ‘fuck buddies’ or casual sex and all that jazz, which, it wasn't bad at all, but just not your thing.

After you reach your 18’s, automatically you enter to the list of the“Pairing Center” so they can find your soulmate. It’s all a fucking lottery to be completely honest, because you are not exclusively paired with someone your own age,no, you can get literally anyone; sometimes older, sometimes your age, sometimes younger, sometimes your same gender.

But you get the perfect match for you, emotionally, biologically and mentally. No one knows how it works, but this matching system has been there always. And it was illegal to not accept the soulmate they choose for you.

Literally there was no escape from it, because if you try, they would just arrest you, take you to the center and make you open the envelope.

There was never such a case- At least that was known to the public.

So it was the good way or the good way.

The phone buzzes on your pocket; taking it out, you see it's a message from your mom.

Mom: Hey pumpkin, how is your day going?

It fucking sucks, mom- You think. Sighing, you close the conversation and put the phone away again, telling yourself you’ll reply to her later. Looking outside again, you take particular notice of the people laughing, then students fooling around and chortling, oblivious of how messed up their life will get, their lives are. How completely indifferent their situation is to yours, How can they all drip vivid colors, of youth and hope when all you have right now is only despair and fear? How dare they? No. How dare you. How dare you put yourself, in this situation. How dare you put him, in this situation. How dare you both, to be so unbelievably selfish at placing the other in this situation.

“Fuck us!” you exclaim, at no one. One of the people at the front, a guy about your same age, with a polka dots umbrella got out of its trance to look back at you with a grimace, apparently, you disturbed him, nodding apologetically you look away again. You see the bus turn in a corner; you arrive at the stop. Walking up to the buzzer to get down, you push it and wait for the door to open, once you are on the street you grab your phone again to answer the text.

You: I’m fine! Busy studying...talk to you later, love you, mom!

After hitting send, you make way to the corner of the street to turn around. You feel a push on your back that makes you stumble a little forward.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” an unknown voice apologizes.

You wave and smile nonchalantly. “It’s nothing, don’t worry”

“Are you sure? Is your leg okay?” looking up, you notice is the polka dot umbrella guy. “Yeah, don’t stress…” you chuckle, walking away from him, not interested in meaningless small chat “Bye!” your steps quicken, not concerned about being rude. It’s not like you’re going to see him again anyway.

You hear he speaks a little more, but you turn a deaf ear and continue walking.

The neighborhood is quiet, not anyone other than you and the sound of your own footsteps on the pavement. The anticipation of meeting Jungkook making you bite the inside of your cheeks, your heart beating faster with each step that gets you closer to his apartment, you don’t know how things would go from now on. You doubt that he is in anyway mad at you, or that he would reject you -but even if he did, he’d have all the right to. You hope to transition these -looking at the clock- 44 hours with him, but even if he doesn’t want to, you just need closure; a word a gesture, or anything to wrap up this part of your life. You reach the outside of the building, climbing the steps up you directly go to press the button of his apartment, you wait for a reply but instead only the hum of the door being open reverberates; He knows it's you. Letting yourself in, you hop on the elevator and again press the number on the console. Your breaths quicken and your heart want to jump off your chest, pressing a hand over it, you persuade it into calming down. The elevator doors open; you step off and walk down the hall to his door.

5:06 PM. 44 hours.

Gathering strength, you raise a fist to knock on the door, but he opens it first.

A stinging sensation in the pit of your stomach rises when the door opens; slowly, almost teasingly. Jungkook stands before you, It's weird, but your breath hitches once your gazes cross. A musk of shower soap mix with his usual deodorant fragrance invades you. For a simple second your heart feels at home again, and all this terribly sad thoughts you have are wash away with it. He is wearing a black comfy hoodie, so worn out that the color has a grayish tone and looks baggy, some casual dark jeans, and gray slip-on. He remains there, holding the door, motionless, just staring at you; It's hard to decipher what are his thoughts at the moment. Returning the intense stare, you notice his eyes are a little puffy, and there is a faint tint of redness inside the waterline of his eyes. Was he crying before you arrived?. You look down, forcing yourself to break eye contact “Hi Kook” you croon, lightly. Jungkook coughs and sniffs, out of his trance. “Hey y/n”

This is so awkward.

“Come in,” he finishes. Accepting his offering, you enter the apartment and walk a few steps, behind he closes the door; you heard another small sniffle.

“I bought some food,” he mentions, walking past you. “But we gotta cook.”

You arch one eyebrow suspicious “Kook? We don’t know how to cook, we can’t cook” you giggle, highlighting the word ‘can't’ since you both tried that before, and ended in a complete mess.

Jungkook’s gesture softens. “I know,” he chuckles “but maybe we should give it another try…” he shrugs grinning, dedicating that charming smile he knows can get anything out of you.

You roll your eyes “Fine, let’s try it...it’ll be fun” taking off your bag and jacket, you automatically drop them on the usual spot and walk to the small kitchen.

Jungkook follows behind.

The apartment itself is not small,- except for the kitchen-  it has an open concept, which makes it look bigger than it truly is; a wide set of windows lets the light of day enter, making the place a lot more bright, the living room has a grey “L” shape couch -Jungkook use also as bed, when he got home tired-, a wide screen tv with of a gaming console; a set of stairs resting against one of the walls that led to a mezzanine -where the actual bed is- and the bathroom.

Getting to work, you see the two bags of groceries over the counter. Inspecting them, you take all the ingredients out of it. You have absolutely no idea of what Jungkook wants to do, since there is a lot of random things inside the shopping bag, like tomato sauce, honey, some little spice bags, bacon, lettuce, carrots, noodles, some ribs, grilled meat,  milk, flour, and a lot of other things. You look back at him confuse once you got nearly all of them out, your brain unable to gather what he has in mind.

“What are we doing? These are the most random groceries “ you chuckle, continuing your task.

“I don’t know...anything” Jungkook scratches his elbow, half shrugging. “We could do some pasta? Or..the ribs?” he suggests, eyes sparkling at the last one.

You nod “Alright then,” you agree, grabbing the sauce, noodles, meat, and carrots. “Let’s do both, we have enough ingredients” you giggle, placing the rest of the groceries away. “Turn on the stove and put the grilling pan, please” you request of him.

Jungkook takes action and moves accordingly to your orders. The stove is on the opposite side of him, placing a hand on your hip he pushes you slightly to pass behind you. His touch -ever so gentle- petrified you, electricity run down your spine to where his hand is placed, but too soon the feeling is gone again leaving a ghostly sensation behind; an emptiness.  Outside, Jungkook hasn't noticed what his simple action elicits in you. Shaking your head you return to the real world and open the ribs tray.

Jungkook next to you turns the stove and places the flat pan over it. “Done, chef” he let out, cheery.

“Perfect, my aboyer” you answer, in like manner.

Jungkook snorts “What is that?”

“No idea, I just heard the term on a tv show” you gave a half smile. Hovering a hand over the pan, you test if it's hot enough for the meat.

“I see, so you look at kitchen shows, but still you can’t cook?” Jungkook simpers, tilting his head.

You place the meat over the pan, the corner of your mouth curving up “So you had all this tutoring class... and yet you can’t math to save your life?”

Jungkook opens his mouth to come back at you, but chose to close it instead “Touché” he replies, clicking his tongue.

With a shake of your head, you brag about your victory.  Jungkook turns and half sat on the counter, crossing his arms. The meat begins to sizzle, you remember Jungkook had bought sauce and some carrots, thinking it would be a good idea to peel, cut and throw them along with the meat, you turn around to search for them; both ingredients are behind Jungkook’s on the table. Carefully, since the room is narrow, you turn around to go and get the carrots “Excuse Moi” you say, arms squeezing to your chest. Jungkook didn't move and inch, so you simply just carry on and reach a hand snaking it behind him. Suddenly you feel a soft pressure on your back that takes you off balance causing you to fall over Jungkook’s chest with a light “Oomph”. His head leans over yours without hesitation, arms tightening,enveloping in a silent and hug. Releasing your trapped arms, you slip them behind him and clutch on his black hoodie, through the fabric you could feel how his heart and yours pumping rapidly; hungry to get closer. Jungkook is too, longing for you. Undoubtedly your head took its place, hiding in the curve of his neck, taking in his scent. Anyone who would have seen the scene from outside would think that you two had not seen each other in years, but the truth is the opposite, you both knew you'd never see each other again. Not like this anyway. You want him, only him, always. His grip on you never falters, and neither did yours on him. You remember those old books you read long ago, about twisted stories of tragic lovers, and how you use to laugh sardonically at the thought of two people so helplessly infatuated they commit the most unthinkable actions. You heard a little ginger and feeble sniff, that came from Jungkook. Softly you push him away, curving your back, still leaning against him. Little droplets of tears stain your cheeks, lifting your chin to meet his eyes you see the cute puffy bags under his eyes also dripping tears down his face.

“I’m sorry…” he speaks, weakly. With the soft part of the palm of his hand Jungkook cleans some tears away, sniffing again and sobbing; his reddening dark eyes looking up to meet yours.

“I’m not…” you reply. Jungkook looks at you with half lidded eyes, his hands cupping your face, cleaning the wetness of your tears with his thumbs, delicately. Until now you haven’t paid attention to the intense sizzling of the food you left cooking.

You hawk. “The ribs will burn” with a gesture of your head you point to the pan.

“I don’t care—” he grunts, gulping harshly “We'll get some takeout” he finishes, his voice low and raspy.

You nod.

06: 55 PM. 43 hours.

The pizza was delicious. You ordered from the same place every time you were at Jungkook’s- by far, you would say that it’s your favorite. The owner already knew you two, and always added to the order, maybe a couple of sodas or a little delicacy. You insisted on walking to the place- which is like 4 blocks away- but Jungkook insisted on it being delivered; eventually, you agreed and waited for the delivery. Right now the two let yourself flop on the living room sofa, bellies too full of that delicious pizza to even move a muscle.

Jungkook glances at you, rubbing over his stomach “What shall we do now?” he enquires.

You blink twice “Regret over asking for double cheese top”

“Agree…” he acknowledges, letting out a long sigh.

You both chuckle.

“Mmmm—” you ponder. “Maybe we could play some video games? You know, to exercise” you suggest, tilting your head.

Jungkook grins, his eyes turning into half crescents. “DONKEY KONG!” he bellowed, excitedly.

-

10:00 PM. 39 hours

“My butt is numb...” you mutter, rubbing over the fabric of your denim. Checking the phone you saw the hour “Dude! We've been playing for three hours!” you glare at Jungkook, whose eyes are devoid of life, clicking at the controller. “Jungkook?” you call snapping fingers right in front of him.

Nothing.

“Jungkook!” you call louder.

He blinks, scrunching his eyes shut, “Oh god, it burns…” he whines, blinking repeatedly. “I always forget to blink…”

“I always forget how intense you get when you play video games” you giggle.

“Hey…” he lifts his finger, pointing at you amused. “My intenseness kicked your butt”

“It’s a co-op game!” you articulate.

“And still you got rekt” he lifts his shoulder in a half shrug.

You click your tongue unbelieving of his arrogance “ Well then kick me again right now because I can’t feel my meats” you joke, perking your butt towards him playfully.

Jungkook laughs wholeheartedly, goofily raising a hand and pretending to slap your butt for it to wake up “Survive!” he pleads. “It needs CPR!” Jungkook yells.

“Wait, what?!” you blink, surprise. Does he means...? Jungkook tackles you down over the sofa, laying you belly down “What the fuck...” you giggle nervously.

He gets on his knees -closer to the ass area- looking at you.“Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m doing” He raises one eyebrow, acting smug.

“Do you now?” you question. Jungkook puts his hands on fists and rubs them together, making believe they are a defibrillator. You guffaw at his silliness.

“Clear!” he shouts, leaning his first over your butt cheeks and ‘shocking’ them. “Clear!” he repeats.

After a good laugh you sit back again looking his way, he still on his knees. “You blob, for a moment there I thought you were gonna do something else…” you punch his chest lightly.

“Eh?” he looks at you confused, tilting his head. “Like what…?”

You snort “Something...nastier”

“You thought I was gonna blow your ass?!” his eyes got wide as plates. “My god y/n, you are so dirty” Jungkook shakes his head.

“Shut up!” you punch his chest again. “You said CPR! I didn’t know we were on a fricking emergency room, with a defibrillator and all...”

“Only the best for your butt,” he says gallantly.

“Brat” you let out, scoffing.  

Jungkook smiles, snaking one of his arms around your shoulders, smoothly pulling you closer to him so your backs are resting against the sofa. He slides his free hand underneath your tight, pulling it up signaling for you to hop on the sofa; Obediently you move, thus now you are lying on the couch. Jungkook joins, resting himself flat next to you. You snake an arm around his waist lazily, propping your head up to be nuzzling against his chest.

He holds you tighter, suspiring “This is nice…”

You do the same “Yeah”

It feels right. A warmth spreads through your body, a fulfilling sensation floods your chest. Where I belong. You say inwardly. You felt secure and joyful; but also powerless and terrified. For the briefest of moments, you forgot about why you are cuddling with Jungkook. It's the same, like many other times; but it's somehow also different. You start to draw circles over the fabric of his hoodie with one of your fingers,  lifting your chin your try to peek to meet his eyes; but they are closed. His features look peaceful, chest heaving with even breaths.He looks ravishingly beautiful; his lips twisting into a smile, cheeks tainted with a light red, some of the locks of his wavy messy hair gently stroked his forehead. It feels wrong. Not until now you fell into account of your actions, on how selfish you had been at wanting to keep him just for yourself while keeping this charade of lovers. From the moment it started you knew its wrong, and risky. You always knew.

Love is a dangerous drug- You recite. Love. That word again.

Has it ever escaped your mouth accidentally? How...you felt for him?. Your mind backtracked, memories coming alive of one time when Jungkook almost said it.

“What?” He mumbled you hand over his mouth.

“Don’t say it!” You blurted.

“Why? Why can’t I say it?” He argues, a little annoyed.

“Because…” you try to think an excuse “Because…” you stammer

“Because you don’t feel the same.” He finishes for you.

“No!” You belted “That’s not it Kook.”

“y/n...it’s easier if you say the truth” Jungkook looks away, jaw clenched obviously disturbed at your stuttering.

You both are sitting on the edge of a small wall, behind, a little convenience store you often frequented. From there you can have a perfect view of how the sun sets on the horizon. Jungkook had just kissed you for the first time, and you kissed him back. Only your lips had touched, both too scared and inexperienced, it was sloppy, but also gentle, and needy; It was absolutely perfect. For the first time ever you felt alive, really alive. You finally understood the “butterflies in your tummy” sensation you always read about, but never experienced, the sensation like you could burst spontaneously into flames and still be grateful. After separating you both opened your eyes, petrified, staring deeply into each other. Jungkook licked his lips coyly, you looked down at his lips, wanting to reach out for them again but too fearful of the limits you were breaking. But he opened his mouth, hastily saying those three words you dread the most- until you stopped him. And here you were, he was mad probably. Who wouldn’t....

You messed up.

“Jungkook…” You began, he scoffed turning his head. Biting your lower lip, unsure if to leave it be or insist. You start again “Jungkook...I-” You repeated, but he pretended not to listen, okay he was now being a little annoying. “What the fuck do you want me to say?” you shout out, protesting.

Jungkook turned around baffled, lifting one eyebrow “Excuse me?”

You frowned, was he really being this childish?“You heard me,” said confronting “What the fuck do you want me to say huh? That I feel the same? Why?” you wave your arms around “What good is it if I confess to you or not?, Do you think that means anything in the end?” your voice raised, scolding. Jungkook remained silent looking at you, so you continued. “So let’s say I do say those words back… then oh no, a letter arrives at your doorstep, and guess what-” you clap as if you just delivered a magic trick  “it’s a blue seal, and oh no- guess what...IT’S NOT ME WHO YOU SEE 48 HOURS LATER” you swallow harshly, mouth running dry “And then what? What did those words mean?...I CAN’T SAY THEM BECAUSE EVEN IF I DO FEEL THEM JUNGKOOK-” Your voice faltered, a knot forming in your throat, tears in your eyes. “Even...If I do” you wailed “Even if I do...and you- if we- are not…” you looked at him, the water of your eyes making your vision blurry “Even if we say it now, later when it’s not- it would sound like a lie” you sobbed, cleaning the dampness with the back of your hand, breath hitching. “I don’t want it to seem like a lie” you bemoaned. Next to you, Jungkook rose to his feet, jumping off the edge of the wall and walking to be in front of you, spreading your legs apart and placing them to each side of his waist, he closes the distance embracing your teary self in a comforting hug. You hide your face on his chest.

“It’s not a lie” he assures you, in a quiet whispery tone. “It can never be a lie...” he adds, caressing the back of your head soothingly.

You grab onto the hem of his shirt and pull him in, enveloping your arms around his waist entangling them behind his back.

“I’m sorry…” Jungkook rocks from one side to the other. “y/n I’m so sorry…”

“I’m sorry too…” you cry.

“You don’t have to say anything…” Jungkook brings you back to lock gazes with you “I just want you...right now”

“Jungkook-” you start, but he quickly places his index finger over your lips.

“No, just...let the future be, We don't have to do anything, or say anything, I just need you like this, by my side, nothing else.”  

You nod, cupping his cheeks and caressing them, he keeps his hold on you; unwavering. “Kiss me again…” you croaked. “And then- kiss me again..”

Jungkook leaned down to you, and he’s kissing you. Once, twice, until you had a taste and realize It’ll never be enough.

Now here you both are. That distant future is happening. Now.

You look at the screen on the television

10:30 PM.

“What are you looking at?” Jungkook opens his eyes, finding you blankly staring back at him.

You shake you head “Nothing”

He chuckles “You are supposed to say ‘the most handsome man of the milky way’ y/n” he complains, smugly rolling his eyes.

You lift one eyebrow amused “Why restrain yourself to the milky way?”

“Because ‘the most handsome man of the universe’ is a little unrealistic bro” he explains.

“You are hardly the most handsome man in this room” you countered.

Jungkook blinks shocked, holding his chest pretending to be outraged. “Pardon?”

“Yeah,” you point to the screen of the television “Donkey Kong is daddy material bro. See how strong he is, his expensive and neat red tie, also how much coins he has...” you say imposing a sexy voice while describing it.

Jungkook who is looking at the screen turns his eyes to you, narrowing them and scrunching his nose, apparently disgusted “oh,y/n” he clicks his tongue disappointed, suddenly when he turns to the screen once again his features go back to normal and tilts his head “Wait...you have a good point though, he ripped too” he adds nodding.

“I'm always right” you sing.

Jungkook chuckles “You are…”

His words resonating deep inside your mind.

11:47 PM. 38 hours.

“I should take a bath!” you shout, after sipping from the glass on your hand. Jungkook is upstairs cleaning the mess on the bag he uses for the gym.

“Why are you advertising it?” He answers, shouting as well. “Just go and take one”

Well, you aren't just hawking it around, the truth is you need clothes. Before, when you left the apartment you forgot to take some with you, something silly from your part since you are spending a whole 48 hours away and you must, at some point, bathe.

You climb up the stairs to explain the situation to him. "I mean, I need to borro-" you stop mid-sentence once you reach the top, petrified by the image. Jungkook is at the bottom of the bed, unfolding a white t-shirt -only his jeans on- his upper body displayed for your delight; The perfectly toned and marked muscles of his wide back twitching with each move he made, fumbling the fabric to spread it open.

“Borro-?” he inquires,turning around towards you.Your jaw must have slacked because he smirks cockily your way.

The ‘S’ curve of his back left your mouth dry as you travel your eyes down. Gulping- probably audible- and blink repeatedly, you try to remember how to gather words to build a sentence  

“Borro-...Borrow-...” you stammer, scanning him from head to toe. Is his skin glowing? “Borrow some clothes” you finish, forcing yourself to look away.

“Oh, alright...here,” Jungkook says, throwing the t-shirt he had on his hands- which of course you didn't see until it's over your head.

“Thanks.” you reply, getting it off your head.

“No problem, do you also need pants?” he queries,walking to the wardrobe.

“No, it’s fine.” you finish, answering almost robotically. Your eyes trail back to the curve of his back, there are some small bacne scars, probably from his younger years, it's weird, but you only found that more charming.

Jungkook peeks from above his shoulder,  “y/n this is hardly the first time you see me without a shirt” he snorts.

He's right, you never got intimate with Jungkook, but you would often wait for him to get back from the gym or training in his apartment, and saw him walking around with his bare torso, or he would change -like he so often did- his t-shirt anywhere if he thought it is too dirty. You blink twice “Oh no, I know,” you tilt your head “But man, Ive must have missed some after-gym-class 'cause damn Jungkook…” you walk closer to him, he turns around showing his chest.“You have some muscles…”

Your compliments do not go unnoticed, and he takes an opportunity to scratch his head innocently grinning, and flexes his bicep. “Yeah, I kinda do.”

Fucking tease.

“You know what they say about false modesty brat?” You scold, pinching one of his nipples jokingly.

“Ouch!” He blurts, pretending to be offended.

“Bye bye!” you waved, walking to the bathroom.

After turning the faucet for the tub and letting the lukewarm water run, you decided which bath bomb, from the little basket Jungkook had, you would use this time. You absolutely adore all the different fragrances he buys, some fruity and some more flowery. As a joke, you once sneakily dropped a glittery bath bomb after he left the tub running, resulting in a very sparkly -and very pissed- Jeon Jungkook. That memory is dear to you, and you are sure it would remain always there so you can look back at it lovingly anytime you needed it. You stared at the water rising, concentrating on the sound and the bubbles the water makes at the end of the stream, where it touches the surface. Why are you talking like he is already gone? Why are you talking like he will disappear? Blank from all thoughts, spacing out, you lift one of your legs entering the tub, the fabric getting soak since you are still fully dress.

Will that happen thought? Will I simply forget about him? About all, we did together?

Slowly, you crouch to sit down; your jeans completely damp, the water rising due to your weight, and wetting your shirt; hugging your legs, you bring them closer to your chest.

No, I’m not gonna forget, Not at least the actions…but I’m gonna forget how he makes me feel, won’t I? I’m gonna forget the butterflies, I’m gonna forget the tickling he leaves over my skin every time he touches me; how bad it burns.

The water begins to drip over the edge of the tub.

I’m gonna forget how the world turns and disappears when he graces his lips over mine, how my heart hurts whenever he chuckles because I’m too weak, and I grab his shirt pulling him in despising the none existent, and yet, very present distance between us.

It falls down onto the tiles of the floor, but you can’t hear it.

How my heart jumps on my chest every time he smiles at me.

The sound of the water flushing,   blurs in the back of your mind.Gradually slithering down the door.

I’m gonna forget how much I always need him. How much he means to me.

You slide down, slowly, the polished material of the tub offering no resistance, until your head is completely under the water.

I’m gonna forget…

Your eyes close.

I’m gonna forget…

Then, a knock on the door.

I’m gonna forget…

The knocks repeat and repeat, more intensely, more aggressive, and there’s a voice…too muffled to bring you back from the reverie.

I’m gonna forget…

How much I love him…

The water around you stirs.

Cold strikes suddenly, and your body is lifting from the blanket of water, your eyes open and your mind wakes up from the disheartening vile cycle that’s going through.

Taking a deep, and long breath, the air enters your lungs painfully. You are aware of everything happening, you can hear the water dripping from your clothes, the faucet still running, the big “flop” of waves behind you when you are taken from the tub.

And Jungkook, shouting your name.

“y/n!” he wails “y/n!” he repeats desperately, calling for you. “y/n! What the fuck are you trying to do?”

He is holding you in his arms,  eyes moving rapidly along your face.

You stare at him, completely confused in your daze.

He is angry, you can tell by the wrinkle that is formed between his eyebrows, but also, his features are filled with anguish, eyes teary and his mouth trembles while saying your name.

“Jungkook…” your voice weak and feeble. ‘I love you’ You confess inwardly.

“Jesus fucking Christ y/n…what were you thinking?!” He scolds.

Carefully he steps back, carrying you outside the flooded bathroom.

You can’t see the mess, but you can hear, even after you are being moved to the bedroom, some light splash of water on the floor.

You lift your chin,  eyes focused on his teary features. I love you. I love you. I love you.

You chant, while your head rests against his shoulder.

Jungkook kneels, bending over to leave you on the floor. You are still in shock.

I love you.I love you.I love you.

You lift your sight to meet his watery eyes “wait here” he commands, between sobs. He leaves you alone.

I must tell him.

In a blink, he returns with a towel and leaves it over your shoulders- not until now you notice how they are shaking.

“y/n” he calls, choking, unable to control his emotions. “y/n, can you hear me?” You nod slowly.

I must tell him.

“good...y/n, you have to dry yourself, okay?” he continues, talking haltingly.

You look up to him and lock gazes.

Should I tell him?

“Baby...” you heart clenches with his words. “baby, tell me you understand what I’m saying…” Jungkook is cupping your cheeks, looking for a signal of catching his instruction.

You nod.

I can’t tell him.

Jungkook nods back and leaves again.

Absently your hands move to grab the towel and start to dry yourself. You bring it to your face, wiping the drops falling on your face.

I can’t tell him because it’s not fair.

You bite the towel, burying your face in it.

It’s not fair. It’s not fair.

You bite harder.

I can’t tell him, cause if I do, then it’ll be selfish… I’m leaving him, behind. It’s my fault…I should have told him before, but I’m such a fucking coward. I was scared to be hurt and now I’m scared to hurt him, cause I know it would hurt him.

Cause I’m hurting too…

You know Jungkook is returning, his heavy steps vibrating on the floor.

Isn't there anything I can do?

“y/n?” He calls, calmer than before. “You are still wet…” You can't see him, cause if you do...you will cry. Silently he takes a sit next to you.

“y/n, what happened?” he asks, genuine concern on his tone.

Maybe… You look up, slowly lifting your face from the towel, your eyes scanning all the way up to his face. His head tilted, waiting for you to convey a word to him. “y/n…” he repeats, softer. “Make love to me.” you blurt out, determined. Jungkook mouth goes slack. “What?” his eyes, wide as plates, looking you in awe.

“Make love to me, Jungkook”

You looked to the side, pursing lips into a thin line, holding your desperate need to bark at him

“No.” you answered.

He pretended to be shocked.

“So you’re saying...you don’t study. And you have important thing to do? Maybe another job?” He wondered. Placing a hand on his chest faking being worried 

”No.” you repeated, licking your lips.

“And you have no family,” He directed his eyes looking up as if remembering “so...no hospital or family emergencies.” He tilted his head trying to catch your eyes. “So… what will you do today?” He crossed his arms.

You coughed.

“I’m covering night shift” accepted nodding and with a grin.

Your manager smiled taking out from the pocket his phone

“Good! Thanks Y/N! You are a great employee!” He exclaimed nudging your shoulder with a fist acting friendly. Rolling your eyes, you resumed your cleaning tasks. ‘One more’ ‘One more’ you chanted mentally This honestly wasn't something shocking coming from your asshole manager. He always had this particular fascination ever since you started working at the shop 5 months ago with ruining your plans or your day. Of course, this attitude of his wasn't exclusively aimed to you, but it was certainly one of his top priorities. Something he never ever forgot to do on his list, among other things like constantly looking at his phone. Often you’d caught him taking calls on the employees bathroom. But lucky for you,it’d wouldn't be much longer until you could leave this dreadful job behind ‘One more’ ‘One more’ -- The bell of the front door rang. You looked at the watch on your wrist. A little over two on the afternoon. Turning around you approach the stand to take the order of the newcomer. “Welcome to Starbucks! Can I take your order?” you politely ask not looking straight to their eyes. “Macchiato venti with a blueberry scone please” a silvery,male voice answered. The young man at the other side tapped anxiously on the wood of the of the counter. “Very well…” you grinned while clicking the order on the screen of the computer. “That’d be    , ten dollars please” you kept your grin “Card or cash?” you asked “Card” he replied,you couldn't see his face but you heard the rumbling of him taking his wallet out of his pocket. You nodded and handed the reader machine to him so he’d swipe his credit card. You then entered some numbers and waited for the ticket to come out.      “Coming right out, please go take a seat and it’ll take it to your table” you bowed to him and raised your eyes to meet his. And as you would expect.

He had a bruise. The guy walked away from the counter and headed to the tables. You grunted a little bit once he was out of sight. ‘I told that boy not to get injured...goddammit!’ You shook your head while thinking to yourself. You started running the coffee machine

‘I’m gonna kill Jungkook...’

----

After you delivered the order, you sat down facing Jungkook with your arms and legs crossed. Crumbs and some droplets of coffee staining his long coat. He was sipping from the drink and eating on the scone like if he hadn't had a proper meal in his whole life. The bruise on his left eye was not swollen, so you wondered how old it was, but judging by the faint yellow closer to his nose, you’d say about 2 or 3 days old. Luckily in your line of work, you had some pretty powerful anti-inflammatory drugs and makeup of course. So that made you wondered why he didn't put some on, since you were deadly serious when you ordered him not to get hit on the face. Jungkook was completely oblivious of your existence while nomming on his scone, but soon enough he had no more left. Clearing your throat you got his attention. Jungkook blinked twice when he noticed your intense stare on him. “Apologies” He put down the cup on the table, tidying himself up  and sitting straight. “What happened to your face?” you blurted out, making him shrink a little. Jungkook scratched his neck. “I fell,” he tried to lie “full face...” you remained unimpressed by his words, “On my knee” You snorted “ So,” you began, grabbing your chin between index finger and thumb “you’re telling me… my most valuable asset— tripped and fell...” He was looking at the floor with a blank face “On his knee…” you continued, he nodded. “with his left eye?” Jungkook looked up and shrugged “It could happen to anyone really” “Maybe to anyone who was not trained to be as skillful as you are my dear” you exalted. “Maybe…” He agreed, bobbing his head. You hold the bridge of your nose.“Goddammit Jungkook, your face needed to be absolutely perfect for this next mission” said nagging. “Hey boss! No worries, I’ll just put on some makeup and,” He clicked his fingers “off I go!”

“Then why didn't you put on some for this?” you motioned between the two. “Ah!, because I don’t know how to cover bruising, and if I did it wrong, you were gonna nag me because I lied to you, and if I didn't you were gonna nag me anyway, so I just...came here bare face” he grinned showing his big front teeth. “Who says I’m gonna send you either way huh?” you leaned forward “The specifics of the contract was that you should have a perfect model face, but now! You looked like a punched sack of potatoes!” you scold waving your arms and pointing at his bruise. Jungkook pouts and looks down resting his back on the chair, placing his hands over his lap and intertwining fingers. You do the same as him not taking your eyes away. He seems to think about your words internally, and his face looks regretful. Raising his gaze to you, Jungkook shrinks his eyes “Do you think I have a perfect model face?” He smirks. “I’m gonna punch you...” you warn “Not in the face!”Jungkook gasps dramatically, cupping his cheeks. You scoff at him. “Boss c’mon...” he begins, sitting up to move his chair near to you. “You said it yourself...I am your most valuable and handsome asset” You dedicate a cold killer stare at him. “You gotta...” He pulls out that silly puppy eye game he has and sweetly begs again for another opportunity. You sigh. “You’re… lucky you’re handsome” ---

The next day you came to work exhausted. Being the mastermind behind a private assassin network, and having to cope with putting up with the bullshit your boss gave to you at the coffee shop was tremendously draining. ‘One more’ ‘One more’ After spending the whole time after you finished your night shift at work helping Jungkook to cover the bruise left you completely out of energy. As usual, the request for Jungkook’s next mission was anonymous and half of the payment was forwarded to your private bank account. He was supposed to infiltrate on a model agency ball, this particular agency however traded meth and use their models as mules. You had no other information about said agency other than that what the contractor sent ;the address, the invite, how the agent should dress to blend in, and a plea for help. This was certainly not the first time the request was directed with taking down a network of drug dealers, but you did preferred to do some recon before since you weren't given more information. Jungkook was the most skilled agent you had, and he was particularly methodical and meticulous with his work, so sending him on this mission was your first choice. You had your doubts about the mission, but your motto was ’Money does the job’, so after handing all the gadgets that he needed, guns and a burner phone to only contact the two of you, you sent him away. ---

Back at the coffee shop yawning and stretching your arms and joints, you were grateful that another lazy day had passed. It was almost sundown, and as of it now the place only had 4 customers on the shop and you were ready to end the shift. Like every other day you checked the money on the cashier counting until the last penny, and left everything neat for the employee of the next shift. Today your boss didn't showed up for his usual round of fuckery, and you deemed that to your positive attitude. The last you saw him, he was going down to the supply basement. Protocol demanded for you to go and talk to him so he knew that you are leaving the cashier alone, but since he didn't came out (and it was absolutely forbidden to go down on the basement), you shrugged and thought ”Time to go change” heading for the bathroom after grabbing the bag with your everyday clothes. Some soap and a splash of cold water on your face did the trick to make you feel relieved and renewed.  Letting out a cheery cooing off your chest grabbing the handle on the door, you twisted and pulled towards you opening it.

“What are you doing?” a nasal and strident voice stopped you.

“Oh” you looked up to the eyes of your manager. His clothes smelled faintly like bathroom cleaner and coffee beans “I have finished my shift and now i’m going home” “No you dumbshit, I meant you left the cashier alone” he flicked your forehead with his fingers “If we get robbed who is going to replace the money huh? You?” he mocked, snorting. “You were on the basement boss” you mentioned, swallowing for trying to maintain your composure. “And we aren't allowed in there” “So you want to blame this on me?” he threatened. “You should had stayed there like a good little employee behind the counter waiting till I came back” he leaned in closer pushing you back. “It won’t happen again boss...” you assured. “You have to stay today too...as a payback for your incompetent work,” You nodded looking down at the floorboards. He left chuckling at his victory and you presumed at the control he had over you. Closing the door of the bathroom you began to get dressed again. ‘One more’ ‘One more’

---

The night arrived, your boss once again hide out on the basement,and the shop was now empty of customers. You were sitting down on one of the tables, arms supporting your head. You wondered why you did to deserve such pain in your life “oh right…” you remembered “silly me”. The white watch on your wrist beeped and you let the high pitched sound to resonate on the room a little before you decided to turn it off. 00:00. You wanted nothing else than to go home and change. Feel the sweet sensation of the warm water touching your every crevice of flesh, making your muscles relax. The scent of the soap flooding your skin with a sweet musk of red rose, maybe even bring a glass of wine to the tub filled with bubbles. But no, instead you were still away from home and smelling like coffee beans and latex from the gloves you use to clean. Bzzt Bzzzt! Bzzt Bzzzt! The phone on your pocket vibrated. The phone… The burner phone. Taking it out of you pocket you looked at the screen. ‘JK’ It read. “10-11?” you answered, a cautious tint on your words,It was not normal for him to use the phone cause it had only one purpose. Emergency. “10-11” you repeated. “I require confirmation of your identity.” On the other side only muffled and rattling sounds. Focusing hard on identifying some of them you were able to distinguish echoed footsteps, you brain instantly pictured a wide space; it had walls, and judging by the rebound, little to no furniture or objects on it.   Another sound. Voices. Two voices. Not Far. “10-11, report” you insisted, they were getting closer and closer. Tapping nervously with you index finger on the wood of the table you bit on your lip almost drawing blood. The voices were so close you could swear you could recognize the word “Find” and “him”. Squeezing the device closer to your ear, and shutting your eyes to take away any visual distractions you dedicated all the concentration on figuring out the next word. “There” Your eyes widen,  hoisting from your seat violently, the table flipped around and the chair you were sitting on flew far away.

Rumbling and running footsteps on the other side of the line. Gunshots. Then a clear and familiar tone. “10-11, S.O.S” The call ended. His voice. “Jungkook” you gasped, froze in place. You had to act now.

Instantaneously you rushed to your secret shelf behind the coffee machine.The heavy appliance was easy enough to move for you, giving the rush of adrenaline now waving through you whole body. On the other side of one of the tiles in the wall was loose and you kept two hidden guns and four magazines, in case of emergency. You were never attacked or followed to work but being cautious was always first. Taking the magazines and loading them, you placed them on your back seized by the belt of your pants; the backup magazines on the pocket of your pale brown pants. Bolting through the rooms, you arrived to the outside of the boss office and with decisive firmness you opened the door by kicking it with mighty tenacity. As you entered the room you sizzled because the door was now dented but there was no time to think about the consequences of your actions. Sprinting to the back of his desk, you began  to rummage through papers and stuff he had until you found what you needed. The car keys.

“I’m on my way Jungkook” ---

On the end of the road you could appreciate at the distance the white and imposing manor where the party was being hosted. You wanted to call back to Jungkook’s phone but discarded that idea, since you didn't know if he was engaged in an already more dangerous situation. Parking relatively far from the site of the model party you hid your boss black sedan between some trees and bushes. Between you and the manor, there was about 3 more blocks so you decided to trot your way up to the site through the wide field of grass. As you got closer, the rows of expensive cars and some people outside at the door chatting began to be more distinguishable. Both females and male guests were dressing fancily and you remembered the uniform you had on. “Fuck” you cursed, quickly you mind contemplated a new tactic that permitted you to blend in with the guests. Estranging away to the back of the manor, you search for some windows where you could infiltrate inside. And then you see it, slightly open frame with the lights off. A rattling sound of leaves perks up your ears. someone is dangerously close. “Hey!” the person exclaims. Steps approaching. As a reflex, you look for quick cover when you see a bush and jump behind it. “Dude,” the faceless voice begins “you saw that?” another two pairs of steps are recognizable. “Saw what?” the second voice growled. “I think it was…” the first voice stepped critically close. The two guns on your belt were too far away from your reach,your breath hitched and you could feel the sweat forming on the palms of your hands. “A duck...” “A duck…” the second voice repeated “Are you fucking kidding me? You brought me out here for this?” it scoffed. “I love ducks…”the first voice admitted a little embarrassed.

“Dude this is a high fashion model’s party...” the second voice commented “There is ducks inside...and a lot of other animals too…” “You’re right...let’s head back” The two people left and soon enough you were free to climb the window. Once you get in ( after hiding in the bushes for a couple of seconds) you make sure no one is inside or out the dark room. The only light on it came from the window you used, but it was enough for recognize that you break into someone's bedroom. Tip toeing to the door you make sure to lock it while you search for some wardrobe where you could find any type of  fancy clothes. On your head you try to list the next steps on your ‘rescue’ mission. The first one was infiltrating; ‘Done’. The second, changing your clothes and blend with the rest of the participants of the party; ‘On it’.   “Hang on Jungkook” you said aloud, taking one of the hangers out and closing the wardrobe. ---

The tattle, and the scent of expensive types of alcohol surrounded you. The music playing on the background was some type of modern alternative jazz. You knew this because it remind you of the coffee shop. “fucking starbucks” you thought. 

Your head scanned the manor, looking for some sign that could let you know where jungkook was being held. Maybe see some thugs guarding a door. But indeed the guy from before was right, inside you found people dressed as ‘tamers’ among the crowd, handling different species of small monkeys, or other bigger types of animals; like lions, panthers and tigers (all of them of course lying down doped to the eyeballs). While heading to the kitchen door across the crowded space,someone clashed their shoulder with yours and in consequence you almost drop the tray you were holding with empty glasses. Looking down at the fine fabric of the white shirt you grabbed from the wardrobe you check it wasn't scratch or stained. And thankfully, it wasn't. The apron that hangs from your hips took most of the spilled drink. “Look where you’re stepping” a posh voice scolded. “Apologies” you replied with a bow. The person stayed shaking their head haughtily, but without minding it too much you continued your way to the kitchen. The costume of your choice was a ‘server’. ‘Will this be my curse until the end of days?’ you wondered when you started dressing up back in the bedroom. Once you reached the kitchen you left the tray to be refilled by the personnel. While everyone screamed at each other trying to speed things up to take the orders and re-stock the empty trays of drinks and food you took a chance to sneak out a little without drawing attention to yourself.  

Taking a walk around the kitchen area (pretending to change the drench apron but not doing it) you catch, on one of the back doors, glance of a tall and bald guy dressed with a Italian cut suit; on his ear a intercom cable. “Bingo” After the baldie walked away you followed behind him, as close as you could without being suspicious. He headed to the backyard of the manor, and then he turned around a corner. Quietly, you imitate his trail. Taking the gun from your back as you got near to the place where you lost baldie your ears perked up once again. No sound. Aiming with the gun you turned the corner just as the thug did, but no one was there. Instead, you found yourself in front of a rusty copper door. Touching it delicately to not make any noise you pushed it and got inside. A strike of air, coming up from the stairs at your feet brought a musty but metalic smell flushed your nostrils. The musk made you sick. “So what have we in here?” an echoed voice inquired. You began walking down the stairs. “A spy,” a second voice replied. A voice you recognized as the “duck guy”. “I see, did you tell the boss?” the first voice asked. “No,” duck guy replied. “The boss said not to interrupt him” Closing in to the end of the stairs you search for some place to hide behind some tall wooden boxes. Stretching your neck you finally saw three faces,one of them Jungkook’s. He was tied up arms and legs to a chair, with his head hanging. “How long has he been unconscious?” the first guy asked. “About 30 minutes,” “And you found out who he is?” “He had only the invitation on him as any ID, then I found ; a gun, this mint tin case, a  white wrist-watch ”  The duck guy pointed at a table not far away from him. You took a mental note. “Oh, and this” he walks to the table and hold up the burner phone. “But he broke it when we caught him” The first guy nodded. “Let’s interrogate him then” the first guy walked next to Jungkook and strike Jungkook’s face. The smack was so powerful your own flesh hurted from the noise that resonated on the room. Jungkook lifted slowly his face spitting blood on the floor, his features filled with pain. “Wakey Wakey” the thug cooed. Jungkook’s strained face had another bruise on his right cheek, his lower lip exposing a cut. “Five more minutes mom” Jungkook chuckled opening one eye to look at the punisher.

Another strike. “Pretty boy thinks he’s funny” the duck guy added mocking him. “He does....” the first guy agreed. “But pretty boy is gonna have all his face crushed under my foot if he keeps being funny...” he threatened grabbing jungkook’s chin with his big hand. “Guys, please...You two are way prettier than me” Jungkook smirked, and sent a flying kiss. “How did you get in the party, pretty boy?” duck guy inquired, crossing his arms. Jungkook spitted once again. “I was invited by the host…” He answered galantly. The two guys looked at each other. “Wrong answer...” the duck guy barked. Jungkook received a punch on his stomach for it, making him sputter. “You see, the name on your invitation...belongs to a dead man” Jungkook looked up, obviously shocked by the declaration. “Well...i’m obviously not” He insisted, lying expertly. “An eighty year old...dead man.”  he added, lifting his eyebrows. Jungkook blinked. “Got me there” he shrugged, winning another punch on the stomach. There was only so many punches he could take so you took action.

Thanking to a higher power the place was poorly illuminated, you began to walk crouched on the shadow of the big wooden boxes; getting closer, with your gun ready to be used. A phone rang inside the jacket of ‘not duck guy’, taking a few steps away from Jungkook he turned around and answered it; “Yes boss” he talked back at the device, placing it on his pocket again. He then moved to the table holding Jungkook’s belongings and grabbing the mint tin case, opening it and grabbing one of the candies taking it to his mouth. Stepping closer to ‘duck guy’ he whispered something to his ear you couldn't catch, turning around  heading to the stairs behind you after. Luckily you changed the hiding spot, since he would've saw you otherwise. After the ‘not duck guy’ walked out the door you knew the job was 100% easier for you now, and the thought of it provoked an amused snort. Hiding again the gun on the back of the belt, you unraveled the knot of your apron and twisted the straps around your hands. ‘Duck Guy’ was about 3 heads taller, so you would have to take a big jump to be able to smother him with the apron straps. But you had to wait for the right opportunity to do it. Jungkook coughed, the sweat on his forehead dripping down to his chin. He was in very bad shape, and you wondered if maybe he’d be able to run away once you freed him. Looking back at your target you noticed he was with his back facing you, and the adrenaline kicking in pumping air to your lungs and blood to your chest,so you took it as a chance to stand up  dash through the boxes and go for the kill. But as you were mid run to him, by mistake, you elbowed a tall wooden box with some piled up boxes up that were lighter in weight making them tumbled down near you. The blue content of one of the boxes came out and landed at your feet. By the faint light that reached it, you managed to differentiate a blue-ish tint to it. The meth. Duck guy then turned around with a loud “Hey!”taking the gun off the holster under the jacket ready to shoot in sight. Crouching once again on the shadows you cursed. Heart in mouth, you could hear the big guy walking on your direction “Step into the light!” he demanded, his voice raspy and threatening. “Hey, is that a duck?” Jungkook voiced out curious. “Where?!” the big guy let down his guard, turning excitedly away from where you hid. You took a risky chance, leaving the shadows that protected you and propping yourself up, sprinting and taking one of the boxes on the floor as aid to jump to his back. The guy tried to shake you off turning around violently, but your legs were tightly grasping his sides; the apron strangling his neck, making him unable to utter a word. His face was turning red. The last efforts of being released fro you grip proved to be hopeless, and finally his strength gave in; the big guy fainted and fell down slowly sliding to the floor. You hopped off of him, breathing heavily and sweating. “How did you knew about the ducks?” you asked Jungkook. “He walked in here before sad because he couldn’t find one upstairs...” He shrugged. You nodded looking down to the pile of muscle you named ‘duck guy’ at your feet. You reached to his neck taking his pulse placing two fingers on his neck.

“Boss, you came...I’m touched” Jungkook fanned his dark eyelashes at you. “Of course, you are my most valuable asset” You insisted. “So, you just didn’t came here because you really like me?” He pouted at you. You didn't answer. “He’s alive” you walked to Jungkook to untie him. “A server?” Jungkook mentioned suddenly examining your choice of clothing“Really boss?” “What?, it’s the only thing I found…” You retorted, throwing the apron away.

Jungkook tilted his head lifting one eyebrow. “Shut up” You finished. “He saw my face, shouldn’t we kill him? ” He asked looking up to you. “Nah,” you ripped the bonds off “We didn’t get paid for him” “Boss, you’re heartless” he gasped, pretending to be offended “I like that in you” he winked flirtatiously. “Doesn’t it hurt to do that?” You motioned at his eye “Your eye looks like shit” “I’m in terrible pain...but it’s worth it.” He repeated his wink and added a silent ‘ouch’ after. You couldn’t help but giggle at his foolishness. “There, get up” you ordered once you were done releasing Jungkook. “Can you walk?” you inquired. “Yes,” He sat up,fixing his suit. “I still have to kill the entrepreneur upstairs though boss” You agreed with a nod. Walking to the buff guy body you took his gun handing it over to Jungkook. “First, you found out who is holding the cargo?” Jungkook nodded “It’s not the models...it’s all here on this boxes.” he pointed to where you were hiding before. “These are where they carry the animals, the meth is with them for transport”   “We have to get rid of them then” you said looking at the boxes. “What was the plan for the target?” “I was thinking on using my poisoned mints to kill him. You know? Offer a candy as treat without raising suspicions to the guards”Jungkook shrugged “but since Mc Tough-guy took them, I guess we must find another way now, a more… dull way to assassinate him” He scrunched his nose. Jungkook liked to interpret roles on his missions, classy or refined ways to go unnoticed and such. A more elegant and less messy way to fulfill his duty. “The target was not at the party itself…” He continued to inform “I suspect he is aislated on one of the rooms” Jungkook cleaned his mouth of dry blood with a handkerchief he kept on his pocket. “We will, but the other guard is up there god knows where so we have to be careful” “He ate one of the mints. So let’s hope he likes to share them with his colleagues” He chuckled mockingly “It takes about 15 minutes for the poison to take effect” “Do you know where on the manor the dealer could be found?” Jungkook nodded. “The room on the second floor, it’s an internal greenhouse.” “So we can probably see it from the outside. Perfect” You were heading to the stairs “What about the duck fella?” Jungkook said pointing at his body on the floor. “Let him sleep” ---

Sheltered by the vast dark silhouette of the manor you both continued with the assignment. According to Jungkook you would be able to find the greenhouse where the target was secluding on the second floor. So the first task at hand was locating the dome of it and climbing our way to it, somehow. Until now ‘not duck guy’ was not at sight, though finding a few of his friend along the way, securing the perimeter around the house. Jungkook and you stopped your tracks upon arriving one of the furthest walls of the manor. “Boss, there's a ledge” He mentioned pointing up from where both stand “I think we can use it” “We need to find a way to climb up, it will be easier to find the dome of the greenhouse if we are up there” You whispered, looking for anything that can help you to use as a ladder. Jungkook took the white wrist-watch from his pocket and showed it to you “This is how we can climb, but we have to take turns, it’s a Grappling hook-watch” He licked his lips “I might need to rename it”

“You go first”  

Jungkook looked around making sure no one was watching him, walking a few steps forward strapping the watch around his wrist. He directed the device to the higher part of the wall and pressed down on the crown of it, releasing a long and thin string that attached to the concrete. Jungkook pulled to check the grip to the wall. Once confirmed it was solid, he pressed the crown again and was propelled upwards. You followed his trajectory and waited of him to throw the watch so you can follow him. After fetching it you mimic his actions, Jungkook welcomed you and helped you getting up on the edge.   You both now found yourselves on the roof of the second floor.   “There,” you motioned behind Jungkook once you visualized the dome of the greenhouse. “Let’s go” You rushed Jungkook as you began trotting.

Jungkook sprinted trying to keep up with you. The dome was glowing spreading the light inside, some taller plants were visible through the tainted yellow glass. Some type of muffled classical music was perceivable as you got closer.

"That's him" Jungkook confirmed, peeking out leaning over the glass.

On the floor below you took a mental note. Amidst all the leafy nature of the greenhouse, you saw two outdoor tables. On one of them (the person Jungkook pointed at) was an elegant man with grey hair sat with two other disarrayed young men surrounded by guards; you counted at least three of them, and one particular one. ‘Not duck guy’ .

“Let’s move” you exclaimed,  turning around to find a way inside. But you swallow your words, because your eyes meet the barrel of a glock. Next to you Jungkook is also being pointed to his head by another guard. The two buff guys, dressed exactly like the two you deal with before. “Indeed” one of the suited tall man says, shaking the gun to a side “ Hands up and move” he commands. Jungkook and you oblige moving away from the dome. “Search them” The guy pointing at you commands to his partner, reaching for Jungkook first. “Guess he is not a shear person” Jungkook laughs sarcastically glancing at you. You direct an unamused glare at him. ---

“Who sent you?” Inside the greenhouse Jungkook and you were held  down on your knees, hands behind the neck. The two disarrayed young man were nowhere to be found. The classical music sounded softer inside, and it was relaxing ironically. The smell of the herbage was also extremely soothing. You were tired, and your mind allowed itself to go back to those thoughts about a nice and long bath, drinking wine.  This time adding some herbal essences to the water. “Who sent you?” The dealer repeated, his voice sounded croaky as if his his throat was dry. Neither of you answered to him. “Was it Armstrong? Or was it Ricci?”  The dealer inquired, but neither of you even lifted their head. Having a big and long laugh to himself, he turned around to met one of the guards who handed over a piece of paper. The invitation. Dealer walked taking a sit on one of the adorned iron garden chairs, to read the piece of paper. His jacket lifted and revealed a pistol on the inside of it’s holster. Looking at Jungkook with the corner of your eye you hoped he had noticed that peculiar detail. But given the fact his eyesight might be compromised you couldn’t be sure of it. “Who ever sent this…”He rocked the object on his hands “Obviously wanted to see you dead” He chuckled “You see...this was the invite of a very dear old friend of mine,” The grey haired man started explaining crossing his legs “a very... dead old friend.” He tilted his chin up looking down at you two. “But I guess he sent this as a warning. Because If you used this to get inside my party, then I was unsuccessful and he is still walking this earth” the man pondered scratching his jawline “Marion,” He called out and ‘not duck guy’ stepped forward “Take care of that please.” He motioned with his hand “Yes, sir” Marion bowed walking away. “So what shall I do now with you two?” He leaned forward to look at you both. “I have some pretty animals out there who would very much appreciate fresh meat” “Chief!” One of the other guards shouted. A big and heavy weight fall to the ground behind you. The grey haired man sat up looking past where you were found “What’s wrong Marion?” He walked past Jungkook With the biggest smug smile you ever saw Jungkook turned to you “My mints!” Swiftly Jungkook rose to his feet twisting the arm of the target behind his back and clutching one of his arms around the dealer’s neck. The guards realized about the turn of events. But they were too slow, for you rapidly shadowed Jungkook’s movements grabbing the pistol from under the jacket of the grey haired man and pointing it at his head. “No one move or he’s dead!” You growled at the suited guards, taking the safety off with your thumb hearing a ‘click’. The guards took a step closer “Ah ah!, another step and my friend here will snap the boss’s neck” You warn holding one finger up to them. Jungkook grip on the dealer’s neck tightens eliciting a choke out of him.

“Kick them to me” you gesture about the guns. The guards exchanged glances with their boss who nodded defeated at them. Leaving the guns down they slide them across the floor to your feet. Slowly you crouched and grabbed once kicking the rest far away. “Now- “ you began, when a loud and desperate scream interrupted you. The fire alarm resonated everywhere inside the manor with it’s high pitched ring.

Outside the greenhouse the guests of the party screamed. One of the guards downstairs entered violently almost breaking the door. “Someone stole the boxes downstair, sir!”  The newcomer saw the scene confused, taking his gun out fast “What the Fu-” He was muttering when you shoot him. Jungkook gasped and looked at you shocked.

“This is taking too long!” You exclaimed. And the next was all a blur. The five suited man charged against you. Throwing the second gun you were holding onto the air, you managed to take two of them out of the game while Jungkook snapped the dealer’s neck and catches it mid air and shoots one more guys. ‘two more to go’ Throwing a high kick to the face of one of the guards, you knocked him enough to place the barrel of the pistol over his stomach and shoot him at close range, His blood splashing all over you nice white shirt .Jungkook struggles a little more. The other guard clutched his gun and and tussled with him, But Jungkook headbutts his face breaking the guy’s nose and finally shoots him on the chest. There is blood spilled everywhere and the body of the dealer is on the floor his neck twisted 180 degrees. The job is done. “We should go” Jungkook advises grabbing your waist and pulling from your white shirt hurrying you. You run out the greenhouse and find yourself in a long hall. Downstairs the place is in complete mayhem, the animals are let loose and in their panic attack civilians. There is fire covering all entrances and windows and people screaming in terror. “Wait here Y/N” Jungkook told you, then he ran away from your sight back inside the greenhouse . You stayed there looking at the manor, slowly catching on fire. The sight was stunningly beautiful in a way. Jungkook grabs your hands from behind and starts running with you to one of the rooms down the hall. He opens the door and closes it behind him

“The window,” He utters “quickly”” He had the white watch on his hand, pulling from the invisible string he ties it around a heavy furniture close to the window as you open it. “Excuse me boss” He apologises while grabbing your arm and snaking it across his neck to have a good hold of you. He then jumps faster than you can complain and both fall on the grass outside the manor. The landing was a little rough and left your legs hurting. An immense explosion is heard from the other side of where they are standing, the wave of the blast knocks the two of you unto the grass. The manor is crumbling majestically before your eyes.

Jungkook grabs you by the arm and lifts you up “We need to move” he insists.

You nod, with a gesture you tell him to follow you steps. ---

The ride back was silent. The gun placed over the dashboard of the car. Jungkook looked like a mess, and so did you. Neither of you talked or asked any questions. As you park the car, Jungkook look outside the window. The coffee shop. Inside everything was just like you left it.

“Boss?” he stuttered. “We need to follow the son of a bitch who sent us there” your eyes fixated on the gun in front of you. “ I’m in. I'm going to blow that motherfucker’s brain that sent me as bait” Jungkook declared. “I’m sure it’s the same guy that stole the meth,” “But first i need to do something, wait here” You commanded, taking the gun. Jungkook coughed directing his gaze to the front and nodded. Getting out of the ar you walked to the door and opened it, you wondered if maybe someone figured out that the cashier was alone, and how easy it’d be to steal all the cash. But that will not be your problem anymore. Determined you reached the basement door and turned the handle. It was open. The door creaked “Who goes there?” the voice of the manager sounded alarmed. You didn't answer. There was a small set of stairs. “I have a gun!” He warned. You walked down, a constant rhythm in your steps “Me too” you replied chuckling in a low tone. “What the fuck are you doing down here?” Your manager demanded an answer. “I can ask the same boss,” you replied lifting the gun to eye sight once you reached the bottom of the stairs. Your boss was standing in the middle of the basement gun in hand, shaking nervously. Next to him, and on the floor, there was a tied up teenage boy. His face was a scratched, because probably he got injured the day he was kidnapped. You exchanged glances with the kid, in his eyes a glimpse of hope. “I’m gonna have to kill you know” Your boss threatened, holding the gun with both hands because they were shaking uncontrollably. “I’m gonna do it you motherfucker!” Sighing you glared at your boss one last time.  “promises, promises”  in a blink of an eye and without hesitation you pull the trigger, the sound of the shot lingering in the air. The tied up boy flinched away scared whining in distress.

The lifeless body of your former boss falling to the ground.

Pacing slowly to the teenage boy you tried to calmed him with soothing words “It’s okay, your parents sent me here, don’t worry...he won’t hurt you again” The boy was scared but still looked up at you “I’m gonna untie you now okay?” you talked warily, the scared boy nodded reaching his hands to you. After you release him you reach your dead boss phone on his pocket and hand it over to the boy. “Here” you say “Call your parents and tell them the job is done” The boy does as requested and after the call finishes he tell you his parents are on his way. You nod. “You never saw me kid, okay?” you warn him. He nods taking a look at the body on the floor. “Grab something to eat and drink from upstairs” you say inviting. You take the gun and hid it behind you back, jogging upstairs you take a ticket that popped out the card machine. The payment was transferred.  Jungkook was waiting outside for you, turning around the car heading to the driver door he follows your moves until you are inside the vehicle. “That’s why you were working here?” He asked confused. “Yes” “Why on earth you pretended to be an employee?” Jungkook inquired further.