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Bangtan Origins p.5 | BTS Fanfic

Words: 1355 | Inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video. 

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

Previous chapter

Of course you’ve never been here. You only ever needed to be in three places, school, home and the restaurant. It was hot and dark with many, many bodies. It was so loud. You weren’t surprised that the boys would spend their time here.

Jin had his hands on your shoulders as he guided you past different crowds. The other boys followed close behind.

“I can’t see the others.” You tried to tip toe to see past shoulders.

“Wait for it. They said it would start soon.” Taehyung shouted in your ear. The boys pushed you past the crowd to the very front. You saw the space in front of you. It was simple with some stage light stands on the sides. There was the carpet to signify that the space in front of you was a makeshift stage. They weren’t serious, were they? The lights turned off and the crowd started screaming.

“Are you ready?” You heard Namjoon whispered into a mic so his voice was loud. Well if that wasn’t the sexiest thing you’ve ever heard. A shiver ran up your spine as everyone around you cheered.

The stage lighted up dimly and you could see two figures with their hoods up. You could tell who it was. Strings started to play as a strong beat thumped from your ears to your heart. Jimin and Hoseok started dancing as Namjoon stepped out in the middle of them. He raised the mic to his lips.

 좋은 집 (좋은 집) A good house

좋은 차 (좋은 차) A good car

그런 게 행복일 수 있을까? (있을까) Will these things bring happiness?

In Seoul (In Seoul)

To the SKY (to the SKY),

부모님은 정말 행복해질까? (해질까) Will the parents really be happy?

꿈 없어졌지 숨쉴 틈도 없이 Dreams disappear

학교와 집 아니면 There’s no time to rest

피씨방이 다인 쳇바퀴It’s a cycle of school

같은 삶들을 살며 home or an internet cafe

일등을 강요 everyone lives the same life

받는 학생은 꿈과 students who are pressured to be number one

현실 사이의 이중간첩 Live in between dreams and reality

 Yoongi stepped out to the center.

우릴 공부하는 기계로  Who is the one who made us into studying machines?

 만든 건 누구?  They classify us to either

 일등이 아니면 낙오로 구분  Being number one or dropping out

짓게 만든 건 틀에 가둔 건  They trap us in borders, the adults

어른이란 걸 쉽게 수긍   There’s no choice but to consent

할 수밖에 단순하게  Even if we think simply,

생각해도 약육강식 아래 It’s the survival of the fittest

친한 친구도 밟고 올라서게 Who do you think is the one who makes us step

만든 게 누구라 생각해 what? On even our close friends to climb up? What?

At this point, Seokjin, Taehyung, and Jungkook past you and started to join the boys. You put your hands on over your mouth as you watched your friends.

어른들은 내게 말하지 Adults tell me that hardships

힘든 건 지금뿐이라고 Are only momentary

조금 더 참으라고 나중에 하라고 To endure a little more, to do it later

(A/N: Imma skip the rest of this song, you all know how it goes :P)

The crowds cheered and you went along with them, how did this happen?! The boys left the stage, giving high-fives and shaking hands with everyone around them. The crowd surrounded them, leaving you speechless at the boys. Yoongi saw you and pushed through to you.

“So?” He gave you a smug expression. You returned a smirk, “Perfect.” His smug expression quickly changed to a gummy smile you’ve never seen before in your entire life. There was a sense of pride you could tell from the glint in his eyes.

“Wow, guys. How long have you been doing this?” You set down the rare meat on the table and took your seat. Seokjin was already putting the meat on the grill.

“I don’t even remember. Do you?” Namjoon looked over to Yoongi who was eating a piece of lettuce.

“I started in March. You came in around July.” Namjoon nodded and looked at you. You turned to Hoseok.

“Where are your bones?!” Hoseok laughed at your question and winked, “Oh trust me, I have bones.” Your look of admiration quickly turned to a look of exasperation.

“Calm down, boy.” You stuck out your tongue.

“You do that again, and I’ll bite your tongue.” He bit the air in your direction and laughed, making you look away and blush in annoyance again. You turned your attention to the boys who brought you to the site in the first place.

“And you guys! I never would have pegged your vocals. None of you ever show this side of you at school.”

“Why should we? It’s school. People are annoying and school sucks.” Taehyung shrugged, picking up a piece of side dish. You looked down at your plate, “Because what you all did was amazing. And inspiring.”

The boys said nothing and looked at you.

“Glad we struck a nerve. It was the point.” Seokjin smiled and handed you a piece of meat. You thanked him.

“Where’s Jimin?” You asked.

“He said he’ll come here later. Speak of the devil.” You looked up to the closed doors of your restaurant. Jimin just showed up, knocking lightly. It was dark out so you couldn’t really see him well, but you knew it was him. You went to open the door and he entered, passing you. He sat down at the very end of the table without a word, everyone else stared at him in silence. You raised an eyebrow and walked back.

“Jimin?” You asked for his attention.

“Hmm?” He looked at the food and started to help himself. You stared at him and your jaw dropped. You quickly got up and went around the rest of the boys to him, kneeling by his side and grabbed his face.

“What the hell?!” You quickly went to the back and came back out with a first aid kit.

“What happened? Who did this to you? Where are they now?” You yelled out your questions. The boys stopped their eating and surrounded Jimin as well.

“It’s nothing. I was just on my way over here and some guys decided to bump into me.” Jimin wouldn’t make eye contact with you.

“So you hit them?” You asked angrily.

“They asked me to apologize!” He finally looked at you angrily. You both kept glaring at each other. You finally broke eye contact as you took out the hydrogen peroxide and dabbed his knuckles. He flinched but didn’t utter a sound. Boys….

You dropped an egg into the hot pot. When the time was right, you took out the hardboiled egg, wrapped it in a paper towel and handed to him to roll it on his bruised cheek. The rest of the boys went back to eating as you stayed by Jimin’s side, wrapping his knuckles with gauze.

“Thank you all. For this morning.” You said, catching their attention.

“I’m weak. And gullible. If it wasn’t for you guys, I would have never stood up against our teacher, or even told the principal the truth. I did want to hit Jun, but I felt like it wouldn’t have made a difference. You guys do what I don’t have the strength to do.”

“You can. You just won’t. I see it in you, it’s there.” Yoongi said shrugging.

“Maybe.”

“It is. You demonstrated it this morning when you hit our teacher with the chair. You just needed a push; the last straw.” Taehyung pointed out. He started laughing at the memory of your teacher’s face.

“And I’m sorry,” You looked at Jimin again, “You were trying to defend me and…I don’t know why I tried to help him up.”

“It’s because you’re gentle.” Namjoon spoke up, staring at you. You looked at him.

“You’re a very rare breed. Many people don’t deserve the kindness you demonstrate. But you do it anyway. Really, you’re a breath of fresh air in this corrupt world. But you do need to stick up for yourself. It might be at the cost of other’s pain,” he laughed when you made a face at that, “But we’d rather see them hurt than you. Of all the people in the school, you shouldn’t be where you are.”

You couldn’t help but smile. They were all being so sweet, it wasn’t normal to you.

“Seriously, what is today? Did the sun rise in the west and set in the east when I didn’t notice?” You tried to make them laugh. No one laughed and just stared at you seriously, making you feel awkward.

You cleared your throat and looked back at Jimin, “Please don’t get into any more fights.” You said sternly.

He shrugged, “I make no promises.”

You made a frustrated pout, “You wouldn’t make a girl cry, would you?” reminding him of what he said this morning. He looked at you and chuckled. He ruffled your hair, “Never.”

A/N: So y’all know where I’m going with this by now? Yes? Please say no. EVERYBODY SAY NO! lol, anyway, I’d like to get to my ending. So if you’ll excuse me, I’m writing more. Let me know what you think! 

BTW, I’m sorry for the lil Jimin angst/fluff, this is supposed to be an ot7 fic. He’s a damn bias wrecker and I’m mad at him for that. I swear, that’s the end of his fluffing in this fic. It’s mainly because I see him as the most physically violent in BTS so he got that sort of attention. He needs to chill out and so do I, make him get back in line... I can’t stay mad at him, or any of them for that matter...sigh....

Next chapter

Bangtan Origins p.6 | BTS Fanfic

Word count: 1,347 | inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video. 

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

Previous chapter

If the point of making you clean the classroom was to make you reflect on anything, or even made you feel bad, it didn’t work. For the first 20 minutes, everyone just cleaned quietly; sweeping, wiping, throwing away garbage and desk ruins. All it took was one trip from Taehyung to knock over Jimin’s garbage bag and have all the ruins spill out again. After that, everything just fell apart.

Hoseok and Jungkook started fencing with the broomsticks, Yoongi and Namjoon started writing on the ruined chalkboard for new lyrics. Taehyung, Seokjin, and Jimin started playing with the garbage bags, having potato sack races. Only you didn’t join the others, but you weren’t necessarily stopping anyone. It was too entertaining.

You took your camera and camcorder out. Your camera hung on your neck while you recorded the fencing and potato sack races on your camcorder. You took pictures of Namjoon and Yoongi’s pictures, but they started to bring their palm up to your lens, not letting you see their drafts.

“If it’s not ready, you don’t get to see it.” Namjoon teased.

“I got to see Yoongi’s lyrics previously. That worked out so well!” You protested.

“I’ll let you see the lyrics again if you give us the negatives.” Yoongi ade a deal. You looked at the pictures you were able to take of the drafts. It was a great angle and the lighting was great.

“These are really pretty pictures. They would look so well in my scrapbook! These drafted amphigories are so raw and beautiful! There will be so much nostalgia when you look back at your original works, reminding you to move forward with them!” You started to admire your own pictures than their lyrics, but the subject of the picture was so good too! It was probably the happiest picture you’ve taken this week. You looked up to see Namjoon and Yoongi’s eyebrows raised at you.

“You should go into photography.” That lowered your smile.

“But I’m doing really well in psychology right now.” You’ve been working your way towards psychology and work as a social worker.

“But your passion is photography.” Namjoon pointed at your camera and camcorder.

“What this? It’s just a hobby. It just keeps me sane.” You shrugged.

“So that just means when you do photography, you’re enjoying yourself more than you would if you were a social working psychologist. Why wouldn’t do something that makes you happy every day?” Yoongi asked.

“Well…” What could you say?

“I guess I don’t want my hobby to turn into my work.”

“So why do you want to be a social worker?”

“To help people.”

“That answer sounds so automated; well-rehearsed. There’s not a lot of conviction in your words. If you wanted to help people, what part in the social working is it that inspires you so much to do that in order to help people” That shocked you and got you mad.

“Who are you to tell me that my reasons are not enough?” You yelled which made everyone stop. You grabbed your stuff and left the room.

That night, you looked over your scrapbook. You had already printed out the pictures today, putting things on your scrapbook. You made your scrapbook stand upright, admiring your work and then looked at the subjects of your pictures.

Where am I going? I’m going here and there but I always come back here.

Follow your dream like breaker. Even if it breaks down, oh better.

You found yourself thinking about all the lyrics you’ve heard them spit out like fire in the past week. Their words were so inspiring, but you never recognized the words pointed at you. You don’t think you were the specific point of interest, but you just happened to be the audience that could understand them really well. It feels so real to you to hear their words.

You looked around your room. You were submerged. You had a large corkboard on top of your dresser. You had a map of the world, pins on specific locations, you pinned pictures in certain parts of the world; pictures of poverty, beautiful sceneries, the different ideal beauty types of the world. You did have a dream: you wanted to travel the world, taking pictures of all things inspiring and be able to inspire others through them.

You looked around the room, every corner in this room was taken over by your photography tools. You researched photography on your spare time, you invested your part time job money and chores allowance in all the proper tools to make a makeshift darkroom. You had a list of places you fantasized to travel.

On your bookshelf, you had books about different countries, different points of interests, and the unique characteristics of culture; only on the last two shelves had your textbooks about psychology and social work. You did enjoy the content in your psychology class, but only in class. The moment the school doors open, your mind went straight to your list of sites to visit in Korea, thinking small.

You didn’t even realize your room reflected your dreams so palpably.

Well shit… you ruffled your own hair in frustration. It’s all the boys’ fault! How did they break you? Why was it so easy? You were graduating this year! What were you going to do?

You quickly called Namjoon.

“Hello?” You could hear he was with his boys.

“I am so mad at you!” You yelled. You heard him tell the boys to shut up. You heard some ruffling and muffling.

“What are you talking about?” He asked once everything on his end got quiet. He was trying to stay calm, but anyone would be upset for someone randomly calling them and yelling at them.

“I want to travel the world and take pictures. Of people, poverty, food, beauty, I want to see emotion in every frame and capture raw humanity.” You said quietly. He didn’t say anything for a while. You didn’t either, just swiveling in your chair slowly, staring at your corkboard.

“Good for you.” He chuckled, finally speaking up. You looked surprised. That’s it?

“So where do you want to go first?” You heard Hoseok ask. Apparently, you’ve been put on speaker. You got up to the front of your corkboard and stared.

“New York.” You said. You stared at the picture of Time Square. The lights were crazy over there. The people were probably crazy. You heard the traffic was crazy. It was going to be so much fun, so alive over there. You would find so many things in every little corner.

“I want to go there too. Let me know what it’s like.” Yoongi said, his voice sounded a little farther away.

“Oh yeah, I’m just going to pack my bags and go.” You snorted.

“Oh that’s right. You have to tell your parents, don’t you?” Seokjin asked. You remembered why you were mad at them.

“Yes! I’m graduating at the end of this term! I’ve already sent in my college apps! I have a roadmap to success for going into social work! I can’t do this to my parents. Do you know how long it took for me to choose psychology and foreign language?” You asked, getting angry again.

You heard Yoongi start laughing super hard, “A roadmap to success? Are you kidding me?” You were kind of shocked that he would be laughing so hard at that; actually you were just surprised to hear him laugh like that. He finally calmed down.

“Go downstairs, tell your parents. Right now.” He ordered. You scrunched your eyebrows at his order.

“Hey, I’m older than you.” You reminded him.

“Sorry.”

After some silence, Seokjin spoke.

“Go downstairs, tell your parents. Right now.” You laughed. Yoongi had Seokjin, who was older than you, to order you.

“Cheap shot, Yoongi.” You said dryly. You could just hear everyone twitching the corners of their mouth.

“I should go. See you tomorrow.” You hung up and looked at your door. The moment you go downstairs, there would be no turning back.

A/N: I had a couple days of writer’s block, but today, the moment I figured where I would start, it just flowed :D

Next chapter

Bangtan Origins p.7 | BTS Fanfic

OMG that GIF! This chapter is not Namjoon-focused, but I saw this GIF and i’m just...damnit, who did this?!

Word count: 2,208 | Inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video. 

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

Previous chapter

“Y/N!” You turned around to see Taehyung and Jimin run up to you, the others slowly walking behind him. They all looked at you, trying to read your face but you looked pretty blank; just staring at them staring at you.

“Um, how did it go?” Jungkook asked. You shrugged.

Your fingers drummed the stairwell railing, stopping at the foot of the stairs. Your home was built above the restaurant. Your parents worked so hard here, prepping food for the customers, raw or cooked. They only had one or two staff serving outside.

“Where’s the rest of the staff?” You asked loudly. Without another word, you rolled up your sleeves and went out to clean two dirty tables and ushered a party to their respected table and take orders.

At the end of the night, you and your parents sat at the table, finally taking a break. You massaged your dad’s back and your mom was leaning against the table.

“You guys should have told me earlier that you guys needed help.” You said.

“We figured you’d be studying. Didn’t want you to lose focus.” Your dad said, with his eyes closed. Really? This just made it ten times harder.

“It would have been okay….” You said quietly. You felt guilty that you weren’t even studying, like they thought. They wanted you to do so well that they made it even harder on themselves. They wanted good things for you but you discovered that it wasn’t even on your priority.

“By the way, when do colleges reply to you?” Your mom asked.

“April.” You said.  You’ve researched that so many times, your answer has been robotic, like saying you wanted to help people through social work. You internally shook your head, trying to focus. Now that you knew for sure what your dream was, you really didn’t want to turn your back on it; no matter how tough this was going to be. But really, how could you, after such a hard working day for your family? Maybe tomorrow…

The boys couldn’t say anything automatically after you explained to them what happened.

“So you didn’t listen to your elder, did you?” Yoongi asked.

“Could you? After what they said? Don’t tell me you don’t care that your parents are working so hard for something that’s you know is good for you.” You spat at him with a glare. Yoongi didn’t say anything but his eyes shifted down.

Seokjin exhaled loudly, “It’s understandable.” You nodded, grateful for his small piece of empathy.

“But you will still tell them, won’t you?” he asked, breaking the empathy and pushing you again.

You inhaled sharply and didn’t reply to him instantly.

“Tomorrow.”

“Come with us.” Hoseok roughly pulled you to Seokjin’s car. It’s the weekend again. You still haven’t said a word to your parents. You didn’t say anything; neither did they. You knew they were disappointed in you every time you told them you would tell your parents “tomorrow”. But apparently they had something to say to you, just not in the car.

The ride was quiet, everyone staring out the windows. You felt trapped between Taehyung and Jimin. Jungkook in front of Jimin, Hoseok in front of Taehyung, Seokjin in the driver’s seat and Namjoon in the passenger’s seat. Once again, Yoongi had gone before everyone. Apparently he’s been preparing for this all week, so you knew it was super serious, you were actually pretty afraid of what they were going to do.

You remembered where their stage was, the boys no longer pushing you forward. You actually lost them at some point, but you knew where they were going. They were performing again.

“We’re a little different today, but listen carefully.” You heard Yoongi’s voice. You clapped along with the rest of the crowd as the music started. You listened carefully, as you were told. But unlike last time, you were ready with your camera, already taking pictures.

A/N This GIF be mine. Not perfect, but I’m too lazy to recreate. If you want to watch the full video of their amazing performance, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TrtmogCvrI

니 꿈을 따라가 like breaker    Follow your dream like breaker

부서진대도 oh better              Even if it breaks down, oh better

니 꿈을 따라가 like breaker     Follow your dream like breaker

무너진대도 oh                         Even if it breaks down

뒤로 달아나지마 never            Don’t ever run backwards, never

 해가 뜨기 전 새벽이               Because the dawn right before

가장 어두우니까                      the sun rises is the darkest

먼 훗날에 넌 지금의                Even in the far future,

널 절대로 잊지 마                    Never forget the you of right now

지금 니가 어디 서 있든            Where ever you are right now,

잠시 쉬어가는 것일 뿐             You’re just taking a break

포기하지 마, 알잖아                 Don’t give up, you know

 너무 멀어지진 마 tomorrow    Don’t get too far away, tomorrow

멀어지진 마 tomorrow             Don’t get far away, tomorrow

너무 멀어지진 마 tomorrow     Don’t get too far away, tomorrow

They had so many people crying by the end of the song. You didn’t realize it until they all saw you; your tears had fallen as well. At some point, you forgot that you were taking pictures. You would have felt regret to not focus on capturing the boy’s performance, but you captured it in your memory and in your heart.

You couldn’t help it, you ran up to them from the crowd and hugged Yoongi.

“I’m sorry! I get it. I know…” He seemed shocked but slowly returned the embrace; you looked at the other guys with tears but had a smile on your face.

The rest of the boys returned smiles as they wiped the sweat off their brows. Hoseok put a hand on your shoulder and hugged you from behind, the rest of them followed suit and everyone ended up in a group hug with you in the center.

It was pretty awkward in that environment, but none of you guys cared. Since the crowds realized you guys didn’t really give a shit that you guys were all huddling in a group hug, one girl, seven guys in a public place, they decided not to mess with that and went to watch some other performance.

You broke the group first, stepping back from everyone and letting them pack up their stuff.

You sat on the table, watching them pack up, taking some pictures, going to other performances and taking some pictures as well. Everyone felt so real, but nothing could top the performance your friends did. They were really on some other league you couldn’t explain. And you hated to admit it, but they were all super good looking. If they didn’t always have such a scowl at school and showed off their talents, you would probably never get close to them since girls would just fawn over them. It was selfish to admit this to yourself when you realized it, but you would rather keep this a secret between you and the boys; never share them with anyone else. But really, if they could bring the crowd to tears and inspire you to do what you want to do, imagine the possibilities outside of the underground!

“Y/N, let’s go. We’ll take you home.” The boys were already gathered by the exit direction, waiting for you.

“I still need you guys to be there for me. Could you…at least stay outside until I finished talking to my parents? I think it would give me confidence and keep me accountable of actually getting through this.” You twiddled your thumbs as Seokjin came to the corner of your street.

“Sure. If anything happens, we’re right here.” Seokjin looked at you from the rearview mirror as he came to a halt at the restaurant. You gave a thankful smile to him and unbuckled your seatbelt.

“Y/N, fighting!” Taehyung pumped his fist in the air with a rectangular smile. Was there a smile any more adorable than that?! He looked like a child!

“Thank you.” You got out the car and Seokjin turned off the engine, indicating that they really weren’t going to leave you.

You took a deep breath and went inside.

The restaurant was closed now and everything has been cleaned up. Your parents were upstairs now, taking a break after a long day.

“Y/N, you’re really late. You didn’t even let us know where you were, just texted us saying you were with your friends. Is it that band of boys again? I think they’re nice boys, but it worries me that you only spend time with them and not with other friends.” Your dad faced the television, not really paying attention to the segment, more of listening to you and your mother’s conversation.

What other friends? You scoffed in your head. You were third class, the other boys ignored you because most of the ideal girls boys had did not belong in third class, no other girls were there anyway for you to befriend. If other people didn’t want to befriend you, that was their problem, not yours. You may be late often and forgot to turn in your homework, but you did hold up a high academic standing with the work you did receive credit for. You were good enough to be in first class, but something as stupid as a third class title hindered people’s view of you and that isn’t your fault.

You gave a smile and shrugged at them. You gently put your bag on the floor.

“It doesn’t matter to me; they’re good friends, the friends I need. Anyway, mother, father, I have something I want to talk to you about.” You sat down at the table, across from them. Your mother tilted her head, intrigued at your sudden request for their audience. She nudged your father and he turned off the television to face you.

“I don’t think psychology or social work is what I really want to do.” Your parents looked at each other.

“What…do you want to do?” Your mother asked cautiously. You took a deep breath and looked up. You remembered the boys were downstairs and won’t leave until you texted them that you did it and they could go home.

“I want to travel the world. I want to take pictures that will inspire people to make a difference. I want to capture raw humanity in every aspect of life. You can see in my room, it’s where my dreams are. This isn’t just something that is spur the moment; the realization is, but not the dream.” You said, gaining more and more confidence in every word. Your dream inspired yourself, giving you confidence that it really is something you wanted to do.

“I know I am at the last year of high school, I will be going to college, choosing the best college that will accept me, but I will want to change my major. If they won’t allow it, I’ll minor. If I still can’t do that, I’ll finish my degree and still go forward with my dream with whatever talent and skill I acquire through the years, but just so you know, I’m not doing social work. You’ve worked hard, mother, father. I know. I don’t want to disappoint you or make you feel like all your hard work has not paid off because I won’t go to college. I don’t mind going to college, but what I do will not reflect my major at all, I hope you two know it early on.” You let out all in three breaths. You wanted to prove to them that this was your definite route, no matter what they told you.

“I don’t know what to say, Y/N.” Your mother looked concerned at you.

Before you could try to convince them any further, your father finally spoke up, “Your mother and I will discuss this. Go to bed, you have school tomorrow.” You looked back and forth between your parents; both had the same thought in mind, we need to discuss this. That look was a wild card to you; it was never fully for or against your favor.

You nodded and bid them goodnight and finally going to your room. You took out your phone and texted Yoongi, who you knew was most concerned with the outcomes.

You guys can go home now. I did what I had to do. Your phone blew up with seven messages in an instant.

Do you need to get out of there for a while? ­- Namjoon

Are you sure you want us to leave? – Seokjin

What did they say? - Yoongi

Are you okay? - Hoseok

Want us to get you some milk tea and hang out here all night? – Jimin

Can you come out and tell us real quick what happened? – Taehyung

How did it go? – Jungkook

You smiled, they were adorable; so many people didn’t give them credit for that, granted they don’t know. If your parents had a definite answer, you would have told them, but your parents kind of gave you a cliffhanger. Instead of replying to all of them with the same thing, you decided to reply to the first responder, Namjoon.

I’m not too sure, it’s a long story. I’ll explain it tomorrow. Go home, get some rest. Thank you all so much!

It was about 10 minutes after you sent that text that you finally heard Seokjin turn on the car and drive off.

Next chapter

Bangtan Origins p.8 | BTS Fanfic

Word count: 1,929 | inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video.

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

Previous chapter

The next day, the boys crowded you for an explanation. They were more anxious than they were; you didn’t explain anything to them the night before, but neither did you parents to you.

“They didn’t really react.” You told them.

“Do they usually react?” Namjoon asked.

“Not really.” You shrugged.

“So there’s really no good way to analyze them?” You shook your head.

“They’re pretty elusive to me. They’re the emotionless curve ball types I think they planned for that since I was little so I could never manipulate them.” You looked away, feeling awkward by their contemplative silence. Your parents didn’t give you much to go on, so you couldn’t really give the boys anything to go on.

“The important thing is that you said it.” Taehyung finally spoke up. No one could disagree that.

“I think they’ll agree. Agreeing would be more of a curve ball than saying no.” Hoseok smiled, trying to be hopeful.

“Not everything has to be a curve ball. They have their very traditional moments.” You said. After that, there really wasn’t much to say about the topic. All it was now was a waiting game.

During lunch, you were looking at the pictures you’ve taken of their performances. You still haven’t given the negatives to Namjoon or Yoongi, hoping they’ll forget it as you quickly passed the pictures with those raw lyrics on the damaged chalkboard. Raw and candid were one of your favorite types of pictures to take, but if they were to be inspirational, it might take a little more refinement.

“Have you guys ever thought about performing outside of the underground?” They all looked at you, slowing down their chewing of food. Your eyes darted between all the boys, waiting for an answer. When no one said anything, you shrugged and looked at your camera. You weren’t too willing to press on any further anyway for the sake of your selfishness, but it wasn’t fair to keep those thoughts about them in your head. Besides, it’s been stuck in your head since the weekend.

“What’s wrong with the underground? If we get into the actual entertainment scene, it will be just that. Entertainment, we’ll lose the originality we want because we need to tend to the audience more than giving our actual sound.” Namjoon pointed out.

“So bridge the gap. I mean, as ambitious as it sounds…there are many artists who came from the underground. They ‘re thriving in the industry and people do look up to them…” Yoongi said softly, starting to entertain the idea.

You tried to keep your breathing steady, but really, it wasn’t your choice, it was theirs. But if they did get in, would they neglect you? Being an artist for an audience means they would be busier than they would be than if they stayed in underground, wouldn’t they? But what if you weren’t even going to stay? What’s the point of holding them back if you weren’t even going to be there for them anyway? You couldn’t be selfish.

Your inner battles raged within you as the boys continued on the topic.

“We could definitely reach more people.” Hoseok smiled.

“Yeah, man. Can’t hold myself back and keep this a secret to the rest of the world, can I?” Jimin jumped up and started dancing. When he saw no one was hyping up as he was, he slowly stopped and sat back down, trying to ignore the raised eyebrows.

“You’re all no fun.” He laughed embarrassingly.

Taehyung patted his friend on the shoulder with sympathetic tight lips, “It’s okay, bro. I got you.”

“Think of the places we can travel! Going everywhere. Hey, Y/N, since you want to travel so much, you can come with us, or be the tour guide if you’ve been there already.” Jungkook nudged you, joining you in the conversation.

“Aren’t you guys getting a little ahead of yourselves? I don’t even know my future yet. And even if I am to travel and take pictures, you guys are one subject. I want multiple, seeing everything in different angles.” You said. You couldn’t be with them even if you wanted to.

“You could still travel alongside us.” Taehyung shrugged.

“I guess.” You wouldn’t dare let yourself keep dreaming about that. You were already waiting on your dream; you didn’t want to add the heartache of not being with them.

“Besides, this is entertaining the idea, but is it even you guys’ dream? You guys showed me mine. So where’s yours?” You asked.

This time, having them stay would have added to your anxiety, so you shooed the boys away from the entrance when you got home. You hoped that is the moment where your parents finally had an answer for you.

You reached home. It was quiet and it didn’t seem like anyone was home. You sighed and made your way to your bedroom. When you opened it, you saw your mother and father. Your father sat at your chair, hunched over with his arms resting on his knees. In his hands were some of your pictures. Your mother had her arms crossed, staring at your corkboard. You sucked in your lips and greeted them.

“Hello father. Hello mother.” They returned the greeting.

“You know, we always had a feeling that you felt strongly about photography. I think this is the first time I’ve really taken a look at your room.” Your mother looked at the different destinations your pins were on the map.

“I really like these pictures.” Your father raised your pictures to you. You took them and saw the ones he chose from the smaller corkboard on your desk, leaning against the wall. These pictures were more personal to you. The pictures were from the playground in the neighborhood. Kids playing with each other, whether they were friends or strangers, parents with their kids, teenagers on a date, adults on a date, elders with each other doing exercises or feeding birds, you’ve once captured a proposal. The playground had all types of people in different stages of life. You could have caught all types of people in one day, the playground was so diverse. By age 17, you’ve started taking pictures of things, other than people. You learned about capturing one thing in different lightings, focuses, angles, bringing a whole story through a series of pictures on one single subject.

“So…” You tried to hint about the discussion last night.

“It would seem like you gave it a lot of thought, the different alternatives about college. But you haven’t thought about the technicalities and logistics of making your dream a success. How are you travelling? Provided food and shelter wherever you go? You said you could learn skills through the years of college if you can’t change your major or minor. But that’s impractical; you still won’t have enough skill to take the pictures you want. And that would really take away the focus of your education, that’s even worse! You don’t have a real plan. You only know what you want to do.” Your mother lightly admonished you.

“Isn’t that what everyone does when they first decide their dream?” You asked, your heart beating fast as you tried to defend your lack of plans. Your mother and father surprised you with mirrored smiles.

“Yes.” Your mother laughed as if she was remembering some embarrassing past.

“Do you know where you want to go first?” Your father asked you. You raised an eyebrow but answered, “New York.” He nodded and looked at your mother.

“You know, Michael has a pretty successful restaurant in…Flushing?” He reminded your mother. Your mother nodded and looked at you.

“Would you like to go there for the break, before college starts? You can stay with a friend of ours, Uncle Michael and work at his restaurant and raise some money for yourself first. You’re really going to have to save up though, get used to the idea of being very frugal if you want to continue this for a long time. It’s not going to even get you started to buy a ticket to your next destination, but you can at least travel there, see the culture a little bit.

“On your time off, you can take pictures and get some information of successful photographers in America or other parts of the world and the styles you like, do some research, see what photographers you might want to intern or start an apprenticeship. Create a portfolio for them and a request letter for them to keep an eye out for you when you graduate, or whether they would like to train you. You will need letters of recommendations too, not necessarily about photography, but about your character. We can’t provide that since we’re related to you. Uncle Michael is not related to us, you can ask him by the end of the time you spend your break. Do you have any teachers you can ask?

“You have absolutely no skills that were acquired through lessons or classes, every skill you currently have is self-taught, but show them that you have potential, or let them decide and critique if you have potential. If they are as professional as the title they’re given, they should see your potential even in its rawest nature. Keep in mind: if they say you have no potential, then you really have none, you’re just going off of your hobby. You will have to figure out on your own where to go from there.

“If you are unable to change your major, I would personally like you to focus on what you are given, so you have a lot of hard work ahead of you if you want to make your dreams a reality.” Your mother randomly threw out all the advice she and your father have discussed today and you just stared at her with your jaw open. Your parents were right, if you wanted your dream, it wasn’t enough to just dream, you had to put the research and effort to do so. You closed them when you felt saliva was about to spill from the corner of your lips.

“So, you guys are supporting me? You asked, swallowing your saliva, “This is great, but it sounds so…too good to be true. You two stayed here and thought it through all day?” Your mother nodded as if it was obvious from all the advice she just gave you.

“We know of dreams we’ve never fulfilled ourselves,” your father looked at you, “We tried our best not to push our dreams in your future. Since we see that you have your own dream for your future, the best we can do is support you.” Your tears welled up in your eyes and you jumped to your father to hug him, sitting on his lap like you did when you were a kid. He cradled you, missing you in his arms for the longest time. Who knew when you two would get this chance again?

“Thank you so much! I love you guys!” You cried as you looked at your mother. At that moment, you realized you haven’t taken as much pictures of them as you should. You wanted to capture inspiring things and people; if your parents weren’t inspiring you right now, you would not find anything worth taking a picture of in the rest of the world. This is one dream in the world, in the making of being fulfilled, a million more people waiting for inspiration to get them started on their own dreams.

Next chapter

Bangtan Origins p.9 (Finale) | BTS Fanfic

Word count: 1,875 | inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video.

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

Previous chapter

It felt like forever, but at least you felt like there was some sort of traction in your road to your dreams. You followed your parent’s advice and started looking up inspiring photographers and started choosing any pictures you want in your portfolio. You had the boys take you to the underground pretty often. Not only do you go to watch the boys perform, but you’ve taken a lot of pictures of the different performances. You went to many tourist sites, and even some parts of Korea that were underrated to gain as much diversity as you could in your portfolio. Your parents gave you Uncle Michael’s contact information and you had to arrange the summer yourself.

You had given your applied universities really late notice on switching majors. They told you what they could do was allow you to switch majors, as long as you were willing to wait another year on the application process, with your application on hold. Your parents disagreed with that and you compromised with the school by letting you minor in photography. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it was enough for you for now. If you were able to get in touch with top three photographers, it was possible to actually be an apprentice instead. You might have to argue with your parents on whether to finish college first and then start apprenticeship, or go right ahead with the photographer. Your research showed that your photographer might want you to get a degree first, incase things don’t work out of you, so you were pretty sure that it would be in your parent’s favor.

You and Seokjin finally graduated and after a week, it was time for you to go. The boys decided to send you off. You rode in Seokjin’s car with them as your parents had all your luggage and what not ahead of you guys.

“So, I’m thinking that acting might be fun. Can you see this face on camera as a rich heir type?” Seokjin put a checked finger under his chin and looked at all of you through the rearview mirror. You smiled, you sure could.

“You’re good looking enough.” You said. The boys looked at you and you laughed, “What? I never said any of you were ugly.” All of them gave you cheeky looks and quickly changed to charismatic boys, making you blush and laugh embarrassingly shy. You all arrived and Seokjin parked in the two hour parking. You all got out and everyone walked with you to the baggage drop off since you’ve already checked-in online.

“Who looks the best?” Namjoon asked with cheeky eyebrows raised. All the boys automatically gave you a very charismatic expression. You bit your lip and looked down to shake your head.

“I’m not answering that.” You said. You never tried comparing; you’ve seen all of them on their good days, you weren’t sure if any of them really had a bad day though.

“Why not? Come on. Is noona shy? You said we’d be in the entertainment business. Who is best suited to be the visual?” Hoseok waved his hand for your attention.

“Yeah, well, when you get into the entertainment business, you can have your fans answer that one for you.” You quipped.

“Are you not a fan of us? Underground has fans too, you know.” Yoongi asked.

“You have many more; they’ve been your fans longer than I have. They’ve seen your charisma longer too.” You tried to avoid the voting again.

“Yeah, but we don’t know them personally. We know you.” Jungkook said. You ignored him and opened up your luggage and took out a huge photo album before you put it on top of the weigh. You turned to Namjoon and put the photo album in his hands with a small smile.

“This is my goodbye gift to all of you.” Everyone just stared at it as you played it coolly and turned around, giving your attention to the airport attendant.

Namjoon opened up the first page. Although it’s only been half of a school year that you’ve known each other, you were a photographer, so that means you’ve taken a lot of pictures of them and with them throughout the rest of the school year.

Pictures of them and you with them at hot pots, your family restaurant, your failed date, the time they took you shopping for your first date, lunch time, karaoke nights, underground nights, at your house, eating at midnight snack stalls, the beach, lazy days, arcades, etc.; you’ve done so much with them and it was only now that they’ve noticed. It only registered to you as you were making the album.

By each picture, you wrote the date, the highlights, the place, and maybe things on your mind about them. You wrote inspiring quotes everywhere and some were their own lyrics. You decorated each page with colors, ribbons, stickers. On the eighth to last seven pages, you had a letter written for each of them with a picture of you and them individually. On the very last page, you put in seven audition papers to Big Hit. Under it, you wrote Thank you for helping me realize my dream, now realize yours.

“I did some research through many companies. I personally think this company would be great for you guys.” You said quietly as they stared at the last page.

“You and my parents, the two most important groups of my life, made me realize it’s not enough to idly dream, or not even realize it. It takes effort, and this will be your first step. I really hope these seven audition slips get sent to Big Hit with your names on them.” You smiled and made eye contact with each of them.

“You’re so sweet, Y/N! You’re a little cinnamon roll!” Taehyung was the first to reach out and give you a big hug as if you were his most prized teddy bear. Please, if anyone was a cinnamon roll, it would be the seven of them. Through your experience hanging out with them, no matter how they glared at every other student and teacher, no matter how they spat out curses in their songs or presented themselves on that makeshift stage, you knew the truth that they were just a bunch of goofballs with adorable hearts.

I now interrupt this program to give you derping Bangtan....

And now, back to Bangtan Origins...

Jimin also crushed you in his arms but said nothing. Jungkook was next to hug you but his hug was a little less crushing, but you could feel how tightly he held you.

“You’re going to be one hell of a photographer, Y/N.” Hoseok dared to give you a peck on the forehead, leaving you to blush intensely. He shrugged at the rest of the boys

“Who knows if I can ever see her again to do that?” The other boys nodded and the ones who previously gave you a hug, gave you a peck on the cheek as well, Taehyung and Jimin fought over the same cheek though, claiming an upper side and lower side of your cheek.

“You know I’m the visual, don’t you?” Seokjin whispered in your ear as he gave you a hug. You were surprised by his gentleness. You twitched a smile and shrugged at him teasingly. He smirked and let you go; he was confident that when you think about it long and hard enough, you’d know he’s right.

“I’m so proud of you, Y/N. Do well.” Namjoon gave you a hug and pat on the head even though you were older than him. You frowned at his playful gesture and smoothed out your hair. Yoongi didn’t say anything but he did hug you longer and harder than the other boys.

You looked at your parents to the side. Your dad had his arms crossed and with a raised eyebrow; the rest of his face didn’t give much away, but you knew he was clearly surprised at how close you were with the boys, luckily you were going away though. Your mother had shock in her eyes, darting at you and the rest of the boys. The boys bowed with a humble apology.

“Please understand, it’s only because she’s going away for so long and we don’t know if we’ll really see her after this.” Namjoon looked up at your father.

“It’s just four months.” Your dad said tensely, his arms still crossed.

“Dad, please. Really, we won’t be seeing each other for a long time.” You tried to mollify your dad. You thought about how true your words were. Dreams often led people down separate roads, only when they achieve their dreams, they might find the people of their past. You were going down your road, you would hope the boys would go down theirs, whatever it may be.

“Time to go!” Your mother clapped, breaking the tension. Your dad turned his heel and walked ahead with your mom. You shyly had your hands in front of you as the boys walked with you, following your parents.

You got to the gate and gave your parents a card, explaining that you had a photo album for them as well when they got home. With such a sentimental gift, you believed that they would most definitely use any of the pictures in your future wedding so you cleverly chose pictures that you liked of yourself.

“I can’t explain to you how much I am grateful to have such wonderful and understanding parents. I know not a lot of people get that luxury.” You sobbed in your mother’s arms as she stroked your hair.

You let your mother go when your emotions settled. You then hugged your father, your emotions started to waver again but your dad gently hushed you; for some reason since you were a baby, your father told you that his hushes would always help you.

You finally waved bye and you settled in your seat, praying for everyone and their dreams…

The boys were quiet as Seokjin drove them all to their favorite hangout. Yoongi had his chin rested on his hand as he looked outside the window. He turned his slightly back to the group, seeing Namjoon just staring at the Big Hit audition slips in his hand.

“What are you thinking about?” He mumbled in his hand. The rest of the boys turned their attention to Yoongi and then Namjoon.

“I’m…thinking about what song I want to rap at the audition…” Namjoon sighed. Yoongi raised his eyebrows. Hoseok leaned forward to Namjoon and took an audition slip from his hands and sat back.

“I am too.” Hoseok felt a tap on his shoulder to see Taehyung with his hand out. Hoseok gave him his slip and looked at Jimin and Jungkook who also nodded as well. Hoseok leaned forward again to grab three more for himself and the two younger boys. Namjoon looked at the driver’s side to Seokjin. Seokjin glanced at him and nodded to his hands on the wheel, “I’ll get it when we get there.”

Namjoon turned his head to look at Yoongi. Yoongi stared at the slip waving in Namjoon’s hand, honestly, he’s been waiting to grab it as well. Yoongi let go of his chin and leaned forward to take the slip from Namjoon.

“So we’re really doing this, huh?” Seokjin asked. Namjoon smiled and nodded. It was inspiring that you went ahead and gambled everything to fate. They’ve inspired you and now you unintentionally returned the favor. It’s their turn to gamble themselves to fate, to go down this path.

We’ll see you again, Y/N, standing at the end of this road…

A/N: The End! Thanks for reading, everyone. Thank you Bangtan :)

A Confidence Game~Character Profiles | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been living as con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

(M) Warnings: angst, swearing, trigger warnings of character death, drug use, drug abuse, graphic violence (in future chapters. If any of these are triggers you don’t want to deal with, you might as well not read the beginning and get hooked to the story and deal with the frustration of whether or not you want to continue reading, k? )

Character Profiles:

The Bangtan Administration

Namjooon: Crime boss of the Bangtan mafia. He’s straightforward, focused, detailed-oriented, protective, flexible, and impatient. He can be indecisive but can make the quick decisions under pressure; still, he never cracks. Although he’s fine with a detailed plan, he prefers to give more freedom and flexibility for his members to thrive on their own to get the jobs done; it’s less planning anyway. He’s extremely detailed-oriented, so he makes sure he understand how each member likes to work and how they choose to complete their tasks. As long as he’s let in the plan, he’s normally okay with anything they do. At pressured situations, when his members need it most, he steps in with striking and aggressive power to complete the job. He will break down every aspect in order to find his opponent’s weakness and constantly and consistently crush it. He’s over protective and uses his aggression to show it. He feels insecure of his own position. Although it is not the case, he feels like more like a supervisor than a boss. Occasionally feels the need to exert unnecessary dominance and reinforce hierarchy, especially when it comes to his underboss. He’s drawn to the way con artists work because they are thorough but flexible.

Seokjin: Consigliere of the Bangtan mafia. One of the most contradicting people you’ll ever meet. Empathetic but detached. Idealist but practical. Cares for many, trusts a few. Unsympathetic to enemies and has little patience to the ignorant. He advises the planning phase. When the plans don’t look easy, but he likes the idea, he will mold it so it will become a very appealing opportunity. He occasionally acts as a mediator between the boss and underboss. He’s Namjoon’s most trusted confidante and his oldest friend. He’s very controlled with his emotions, but when he finally expresses any ill feelings, he doesn’t hold back and is recognized as the most sadistic. He’s paranoid of anyone to be deceitful. Only trusts Namjoon, Yoongi, and his wife, more than he’s comfortable to admit. In contradiction, he’s irked when people don’t trust him; has he ever given anyone a reason not to? He thinks the con artists are amusing because of the quirkiness in real life, but can completely switch into a different character for a con.

Yoongi: Underboss of the Bangtan mafia. He’s the perfect underboss and takes action. Precise, loyal, efficient, stubborn, hates change, results-oriented, calculative, meticulous, and logical. He always executes a clean job, which doesn’t leave much need for backup plans. He thinks he sees every option, and when he chooses what to do, he will not change his ideas. He’s easily annoyed. He’s confident in planning and tries to keep his head clear from any unnecessary thoughts. He’s a perfectionist so he’s always fearful that he hasn’t thought through everything yet and that could potentially lead to failure. Failing those who trust him is the greatest guilt he will ever come to know. He need to feel like he’s reliable to others and will go lengths to prove it. More often than not, con artists are far too fluid for his taste, but he can’t deny that they are quick-witted and effectively finishes a job.

The Bangtan Capos

Jimin: Retrieval specialist and head of gambling. Aside from handling the casino that Bangtan owns, every once in a while, there’s some idiot who doesn’t “remember” to pay up and Jimin is the man to find. Charming, charismatic, bold, decisive, quick-witted, and sincere. He’s a short term thinker who looks at all possibilities and chooses whichever will choose the best quality outcome. People normally mistake him as simple-minded, but he just knows what he wants and is quick to achieve his goals; he’s already considered everything that is probable for him and is quick to choose which ever best suits him. He can grasp emotion well and learn to spin off of that, making him an easygoing conversationalist. He makes people feel comfortable to speaking to him, even to the point of accidentally leading information, but thinks nothing of it because he is seemingly harmless. He’s great a manipulating the atmosphere and people’s emotions. He cares for a spotlight, so he’s great at making a scene and diverting people’s attention. Emotions are very easy for him to feel and express, so he is very aware that his sincerity makes him vulnerable to others. He feels the need to hold himself back on many occasions so people don’t get the wrong idea of him, or the right one…If anything, he is the con artist in the mafia, so he feels like the con artists are kindred spirits because of the nature of their work so he can understand their M.O. very well.

Taehyung: Blackmailer and head of drugs. He’s interested in drugs trafficking and his insight is alarming. He keeps all his acquired information to himself and knows exactly when to use it, making him an ideal blackmailer. He’s an energetic, calculative, manipulative, analyzing, chaotic opportunist. He feeds off of your insecurities and fears, making you spill your guts and take impulsive actions faster than a bullet. He doesn’t see the need to be physically sadistic, but he is psychotically sadistic. He’s easily bored and changes tactics often, making it difficult to follow his train of thought or see his vision. If someone can, they are an ally. He will consider that person to be respected and should not be underestimated and he is very fortunate. If not, he considers himself superior and that person is nothing. The moment he thinks anyone can catch on, he feels vulnerable. His tactics are convoluted and he often likes to test people to see where their reasoning skills lie on his scale. If they do catch on, he feels the need to keep you close and watch you carefully. He never wants anyone he doesn’t trust to have an upper hand on him. He’s intrigued by the con artists’ M.O. and is more than willing to assist so he can watch the cause-and-effect.

Jungkook: Protection racketeering and head of arms. No one likes to be head of defense more than this guy. Honest, loyal, direct, protective, responsible, reflective, and adaptable but uncomfortable with change. He only looks at the details, he only needs to handle those and the bigger ones can handle the bigger picture. He’s unforgiving to those who’ve done him and his friends wrong; he will only remember to hold a grudge for those people. He likes to stick to the plan, out of convenience and for other’s sake. He remembers every event and is very efficient. He’s cautious of his actions, a great executer, and most reliable, and also most vulnerable out of the three capos. He’s broken by guilt too easily. He’s contradicting in the sense that his family, Bangtan, is his number one priority and will go out of his way for them, but is strongly upset by ruined plans, especially if he’s the one who’s caused them. He feels the need to be protective of those around him and will eliminate all threats, even if it means to ruin the plan. He believes his greatest strength and weakness is caring for Bangtan before anything else. Initially annoyed by con artists because they’ve ruined the mafia’s plans a couple times.

The Con Artists

Hoseok: Charming and enthusiastic con artist. Specific skills include hacking, fighting, and grifting. Charismatic, cautious, organized, protective, and responsible. He’s very self-aware and aware of others. He’s a loving person in his personal life, and also very serious and precise in his work. Between Y/N and him, he is the planner. He wants to settle and get things done without making a mess, but sometimes the dirty work is inevitable. He plans well, far too many steps ahead of others. He knows that every plan has potential to slip up, so he tries to keep a cool head and stays flexible when things go down. He’s got the next plan in his back pocket and can quickly find another one to replace the backup. He has the most conscience out of everyone (which isn’t saying much), and puts family and love first without a care about what that implies to him. Anything else is just a luxury and an extra factor that he will force himself to make-do without if necessary. Unlike Jungkook, he sees it as his strength because family and love is where he draws his strength. He feels the need to take care of both with everything he’s got. He will not let anything happen to them. It makes him predictable in the sense that people know that he will take action for his family and loved ones, but he’s unpredictable in his methods. He’s very wary of the mafia and finds them untrustworthy until proven otherwise.

Jung Minsuk: Idealistic femme fatale con artist. Special skills includes grifting, thieving, and money laundering. Genuine, authentic, creative, imaginative, enthusiastic, perfectionist. Unlike Jimin who fears of his own sincerity to become his own downfall, she uses her true nature to gain trust from others. To everyone else, she’s gullible, genuine, and authentic, and that is the key for her to manipulate. Her desires and goals make her most devious in such a depth that no one can perceive. She easily identifies everyone’s intentions and fears. She uses that knowledge to break people and push them to make the choices she wants them to make. She tends to method act so she can be the most authentic when grifting; she never breaks character in the con because it is essentially her. Between her and Hoseok, she executes the con and enjoys it more than her brother. Unfortunately, all of this means she puts herself in danger and getting caught up. She’s most likely to fall for her own con. Very driven, so she’s stubborn to finishing a job, and flexible in finding using whatever ways to get to the end. She feels like she’s able to handle all self-sacrifices necessary to pull off the job. She is well aware that she puts herself in trouble, and while she doesn’t want to bother anyone with her own problems, she believes it’s the best way to reach for the outcomes and no one can convince her otherwise. Tries to be a perfectionist in execution, but like Hoseok, she recognizes that plans can fall out and tries her best not to blame herself for the smallest mistake that makes changes in plans, but she does. She sees potential everywhere and in everyone. She feels like people don’t trust her judgment enough so she feels the need to push the limits of everything and everyone because their potential is far more than they can perceive. She will force them to get there so they will know she was right from the very beginning. She doesn’t care about the mafia, although she’s very curious about the people in it and why they are in the position they are in.

More OC characters as the story goes on

Read this story

A Confidence Game 1.1 | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

Words:4,248 | Drama/angst/violence (at some point. we’re dealing with the mafia and con artists here)

Warnings: (M) mature themes

Character Profiles

Part 1: Foundation Work: The preparations, which are made before the scheme is put in motion, including the elaboration of the plan, the employment of assistants, and so forth.

Jung Minsuk makes light conversation with Mr. Kim as they both wait for his artwork inspector. Honestly, she’s not the type to make small talk, but rich heiresses are; and that’s what she is right now. Mr. Kim is a middle aged man with too much money to enjoy any other pursuit in life other than collecting artwork. Such men have plenty to share and they’re perfect sponsors for her college fund.

A clean and slim man with handsome features and thin frames walks into the shipping warehouse. He carries a large silver briefcase, loaded with an artwork inspection kit. Mr. Kim turns around at the sound of his entrance and extends an arm to introduce him to her. But she already knows him.

“Ms. Song, please allow me to introduce you to Park Jinhyuk. Mr. Park, this is Song Sooyoung. Mr. Park is very adept in verifying artworks. He’s helped me on numerous occasions.” She gives a polite nod at her brother and he gives her a quick head bow as if it is their first meeting.

“The Cyclone, Tsunami, Firestorm. They are all verified by this man right here. I’ve spent the last half year hunting down the Natural Forces Collection. Now the only one that’s missing – “

“Is my Earthquake.” She finishes his sentence for him and he nods at her with a grin. She looks over at Hoseok who silently and diligently gives a once-over on the artwork before he set down his brief case to take out his inspection kit to examine the painting.

“And why is it now that you want to verify this artwork with Mr. Park, after so many times you’ve bought so many other artworks of mine?” She asks Mr. Kim. In total, he’s bought four other artworks and antiques from her; all were real, but at a much lower price than the Natural Forces. That doesn’t mean the Natural Forces are any more valuable though. If anything, they’re less real and practically worthless.

“The Earthquake is a bit more important to me. My other experts need to eat too. I request for Mr. Park’s expertise on the more expensive and important artworks.” She inwardly shakes her head at the ignorance. Though he’s spent a little less than a decade pursuing art, he knows nothing about it. He’s just another pretentious old man. She’s dealt with too many ignorant people. She’s grateful at some level; they technically were the ones who’ve pays her to learn a lesson. But still, she is astounded and disappointed by the number of ignorant people in this world.

“I guess the previous items in my possession were too good for you to pass up before you came to my Earthquake.” She smiles. They better be. She and her brother spent almost a whole year to acquire them to be their bait.

“Yes. I can’t believe I’ve dealt with you so many times, that I never asked whether you knew about the Earthquake, let alone ask if you had it. You had so many other…tempting collectables for me to acquire, that I completely forgot about the matter for a period of time.” Mr. Kim’s lids lowers halfway as his eyes trails down from her brown contacts to the pearl necklace resting on her collarbone.

“To be fair,” she brings his attention back up to her eyes, “I probably wouldn’t have told you when we first met.” He looks at you quizzically.

“The Earthquake is a very prized painting, Mr. Kim. I didn’t let it out of my sight for two weeks. I kept it in my bedroom so I could just stare at it until I fell asleep.” She peripherally notes that Hoseok’s hand twitch at her words. Really? You’re laying it on a little thick, aren’t you? She can hear him chastise her.

“So why do you want to sell it now?” Mr. Kim clears his throat.

“I’m looking into another collection right now. I’ve had the Earthquake long enough. Besides, you already have the other three. Might as well reunite them since I can’t have it.” She explains. You are a fickle rich heiress who wants doesn’t care for long term sentimentality and have a business mind, she reminds yourself.

“Oh, and what collection are you looking into?” Mr. Kim raises his round glasses.

“Ah, sorry. I can’t tell you. I wouldn’t want you to fight me for it. I can get pretty vicious.” She wink.

“Well, I don’t doubt women being vicious sometimes. But who would want to fight you for anything?” She just smiles at him, letting his imagination run wild. That’s the funny thing about humans; their imagination. But most of them are very small minded.

“Mr. Kim.” His attention is brought to her brother. All Mr. Kim needs is Mr. Park’s nod and his grin widens at the approval. He looks at the paining and gestures at his men to take the painting.

“Ms. Song, I’m still astounded by your resources to have obtained this painting at such a young age. “ He praises her as his men cover the painting and moves it out the room.

“Well I’m home alone quite often. I must keep myself busy, no?” She crosses her milky white arms and saw two large silver briefcases that replaced her brother’s inspection kit on the table. The briefcases opened up to reveal cash bundles neatly stacked to fit all 300 mil won. She smiles and hides her greed as she closes the briefcases.

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you again.” Her rented bodyguards take the two briefcases and she holds out her hand to shake. Mr. Kim takes it and puts his middle-aged lips on the back of her hand, lingering just a little too long.

“I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He says to her. I already have.

“Same to you.” She smiles and turns away. Minsuk waits until she’s out of his sight. She waits until she gets in the car and her men drive her away before she furiously and disgustedly wipes the spit off the back of her hand.

“Minsuk!” She looks up from her laptop. She just placed the money in plenty of different bank accounts. Now it’s just to wait for the banks to verify the amount. She pushes up her reading glasses as the descending sun’s reflection flickers on the lens. Behind her glasses are her strange eyes: one is a dark chocolate brown, one is a deep sea blue.

“Oppa!” She calls out. Hoseok emerges from the hallway of their home. Her smile turns into a large grin when his hands from behind his back reveal a large envelope. It’s SNU’s reply to her college application.

She jumps up from the couch and runs to him. She jumps on to him for a hug and then takes the envelope from his hand with a squeal.

“An envelope that big, there’s no way that it’s –“

“I got in! I got in!” She prances around the living room and Hoseok joins her, dancing around like complete fools. Seven years ago, she and Hoseok were conning for his college fund. After he graduated, they waited until he stabilized his job as a software engineer at an IT company before she thought of saving for her own college fund. Now, eight years into the confidence game, they are finally able to plunge deep in the lake. She’s starting college two years late, but it doesn’t matter. The fact is she’s in now.

“Ah, my beloved dongsaeng. I’m so proud of you!” Hoseok calms down before her and they exchange the biggest smiles of their day.

“And I thought conning Mr. Kim for 300 mil won was the highlight of the day.” She rereads the congratulatory words in the acceptance letters. Today is a good day. Mr. Kim has been their mark for almost two years now. The con is finally over.

“You did really well, Ms. Song. But did you really have to flirt with the guy so much?” she knew this was coming.

“He got so much spit in your hand. I wanted to rip out his eyes for the way he talks about and looks at you.” Hoseok frowns. In the past 7 months, he’s been Mr. Kim’s artwork inspector.  He’s heard Mr. Kim talk about you very inappropriately before, but he didn’t tell you. Con or not, it bothers him to see anyone look at his sister, or any other lady, with such disgusting mannerisms. Luckily, after today, all contact information and personnel files about a Song Sooyoung and a Park Jinhyuk will be wiped from the face of this earth. Mr. Kim will never find either of you again.

“Well it was the approach. I’m an underestimated rich heiress who loves art and desperate for attention. Men always fall for the fun-loving type. And he needed attention away from your lame verifying tricks, Mr. Park.” He flicks her forehead and she returns him a cheeky grin. He knows it isn’t the sole reason she puts herself in such a compromising role. She always got a thrill of playing characters.

“Hey, I’ve done a very good job as his art inspector. He’s taken me to other deals to inspect and I can actually verify them. It’s funny, ruining someone else’s con. I actually give his other experts a run for their money.” He takes her hand and rubs away what she hasn’t already sanitized three times.

“We’ve done this for so long. I know what I was doing.” He looks at her with concern.

“I understand, oppa. Besides, the job’s done. We’re lucky we’ve been able to take the job so far.” He wants to shake his head at her. She never understood when she takes it farther than she should. But when he finally decides to chastise her for it, the results were evidently effective. She’s always proved herself to finish the job unharmed and so he never got past her justifications.

She gives Hoseok a hug and he holds her for a long time until his nose twitches at the smell of dinner. He smiles and turns around to see the dinner set on the table with the covers.

“What’s for dinner?” he asks as he drags her to the dinner table.

“Kimchi, yakiniku, dolsot. Your favorite for a good day.” You both sit down and he hisses a cheer.

“I’ve already placed about three fourths of the money in our different accounts. We can start transferring and layering this weekend with what is already done while I layer the rest in cash.” It’s her favorite part, but also the most complicated part. Layering is basically spending money and investing it. It continues to spend the dirty money and make it hard to trace until she can bring the clean money back to under their name.

“That’s good. It’s just in time, now that SNU has accepted you. We can start paying the college tuition and your other expenses.” He starts chowing down on the meal. She stares at her brother and then around the apartment. This place has been their home for two years now. She and Hoseok have been living independently for eleven years, and eight years since their first con. She is the most important part of Hoseok’s life and he’s hers. He worked so hard in the first three years so he could take care of her all on his own. It was so tough on him. Even when she was 11, she understood a lot of the tough things in life. When she was 14, she felt like it was time for her to start giving back, make things easier on him. She was so young, but then again, so was he.

Thus, Minsuk pulled her first con with him.

Hoseok was across the street as he watched Minsuk profusely bow her head to the middle-aged restaurant owner.

“I really thought I had money in my pockets before I left home. I distinctly remember counting the money. You’ve seen me eat here, I’ve been here many times. I’ve always paid. I’m not lying!” She pleaded. She shook her 14 year-old hands nervously as she looked up to the woman with her big doe-like and distinctive eyes. The woman just looked at her with skeptical and stern eye. The lady had her hands on her hips and her lips were pursed.

“Okay, my home is two blocks away. My wallet should be home. I distinctly remember it on my coffee table before I left. I’ll be back in 10 minutes, I promise.” She turned away but the woman pulled her back before she could even see the door.

“That is not happening, girl. If you can’t pay, you are going to stay here and work it off today.”

“No, I can’t. School starts in less than an hour.” her eyes darted everywhere before it settled on her wrist; there rested her bracelet.

“Look, here. This is a bracelet my aunt from America bought for me for Christmas. I will be back for this bracelet and I will have the money. I promise you. It’s real. Please, I’ll be very fast. I’ll run.” The lady saw Minsuk’s breathing quicken as she looked up at the clock and the lady looked at her school uniform that indicated Minsuk’s school. Her different eye colors were the most distinguishable feature; surely, she could find Minsuk again if she needed to. Minsuk took the bracelet off herself and put it on the woman’s wrist before she could reject her. The lady greedily looked at it as the gems flickered from the sun’s reflection.

“I will see you back at this very spot in 10 minutes. If you are not back with the money, I will be looking for you at your school. I recognize your uniform, it’s the same school my son goes to.” She warned Minsuk. Minsuk exhaled with relief and she bowed countless times with a strong thank you. She ran out, on her way home to grab the money.

Hoseok walked in the door, dressed clean and looked older than his true 18 year-old identity. He ordered a quick to-go coffee and breakfast. His eyes rested on the bracelet. For as long as the restaurant woman has been fixing his coffee, his eyes are fixated on the bracelet.

“You are a very lucky woman. My girlfriend keeps talking about that bracelet. She hints that if she doesn’t get it for her birthday, she’ll break up with me.” Hoseok chuckled bitterly as the woman came forward with the coffee.

“This is just collateral until some little girl comes back with the money to pay for her meal.” The woman looked at the bracelet. Hoseok raised his eyebrows.

“How old is that little girl? Does she realize she has this year’s limited edition of that brand? Tsk, kids these days, don’t understand value. How can she use this for collateral? For a mere breakfast, no less! If she truly left because she couldn’t pay for a meal, she would be the fool, not you.” Hoseok scolded the absent you. The restaurant woman’s ears perked up at limited edition.

“H-how much did your girlfriend say this was?”

“About 3000 US dollars. And it’s limited to 200 in this world. So…” Hoseok whistled lowly. He heard her quietly suck in a breath.

“Are there anymore left?” she probed.

“Trust me, if there was any left, I would have found it already. My girlfriend has been good to me; she helped with my college tuition. I wish I could show her that I can provide for her well…” Hoseok licked his lips and ripped his eyes away from the bracelet for the last time before he leaned forward.

“Listen, I’ll be willing to pay 4 million won today, in cash, for that bracelet. I have to go to work now and my girlfriend’s birthday is less than a week away, so I’m in a rush. Tell that little girl to give me a call today. I can return at the end of the day to make the deal. Here’s my contact information. I really have to go. Thanks for the coffee.” Hoseok left without a passing glance at Minsuk, who just returned from around the corner. The restaurant woman wanted to call out to Hoseok who just went out the door and disappeared in a hurry to catch the bus, but something stopped her. The bracelet still glistened in her peripheral. She felt the heavy weight of the silver bracelet that was laden with gems on it.

“I’m here! 7 minutes! I told you I’d be back.” Minsuk said breathlessly. She had a hand on the counter with her wallet in her other hand, resting on her waist as she was bent, trying to catch your breath. She finally looked up at the clock. She only had 35 minutes to pay and make her way to school that was 15 minutes away.

“Here. How much was the meal?” she opened up your wallet, ready to count out the cash.

“Uh-10000 won.” The restaurant woman blankly watched Minsuk count out her measly 1000 won bills out. 4 million won still throbbing in her head. The man was willing to pay for 4 million won, when the bracelet cost roughly 3.4 million won. He must have been desperate. The lady looked at her wrist. This bracelet has started to look better and better on her wrist with each passing minute.

“You know, this is a very nice bracelet.”

“Yeah, my aunt sends these things to me all the time. I’m usually not a luxurious person, but she’s very nice. I’ve gotten so much from her.” Minsuk said lightly. So, maybe she wouldn’t even miss this.

“Can I have it?” The lady asked. Minsuk looked up in surprise. The lady looked down with a strong air around her; haggling was her business.

“I will pay you 3 and a half million won for this.” She said quickly. Minsuk eyes widened and she looked at the bracelet.

“I didn’t know it was that expensive.” She breathed out. The little girl really didn’t know the value? The woman should have started lower.

“It’s not.” The lady said quickly, trying to cover up how much the value of the bracelet really was, “But it’s my daughter’s birthday in two days and I haven’t come up with anything remotely close to her liking. This might be my only chance to shop around before her birthday. I want to get her something really nice. Please. You don’t know what it’s like to be a mother.” She said. It was a lie. Her husband was the one who didn’t get his wife anything for her birthday two weeks ago. She could pretend this was his gift. Minsuk’s lips tightened and she looked up at the clock.

“I’ve only had this for three days. I’m not sure I’m ready to let that go.” She looked at the bracelet. The lady moved it out of Minsuk’s sight and she pulled out cash from the register. She ran to the back to find more stashed.

“How about 4 million?” That’s more than what the bracelet was worth.  Minsuk’s eyes bulged out at her call. This greed of hers was far more than Minsuk expected. She’s willing to take all the money in this restaurant. Since it was Minsuk’s first con, she was surprised by the lady’s greed.

“I-“ Minsuk had no idea what to say. She’s never been offered money, let alone 4 million. The lady waved the cash in her face and she nodded slowly, eyes following the cash.

The exchange was quick. The lady would have to let that man know that the bracelet was not for sale. She put the bracelet safely in her pocket, feeling the weight of it as Minsuk left for a school she doesn’t go to. Minsuk and Hoseok were 4 mil won richer. And the restaurant woman? All she had was just one cheap bracelet, only 100k won worth, in her pocket…

“I saw an apartment in Seoul. It’s about 10 minutes away from SNU by the subway. It’s about 10 mil won for deposit, 725k per month. It’s not bad with two rooms, 2 baths. It has a really nice kitchen where I can make more recipes with convenience. If not, there’s one that’s outside of the city, so it’s an hour away by subway. But its 2 rooms and 1 baths, 8 mil won for deposit and 650k per month…” Minsuk starts to say. Hoseok looks up from his plate. Food is still in his mouth. He quickly chews and swallows.

“No. We’ve talked about this. All of that 300 mil will be going to your college fund. You’re there for four years. Groceries, utilities, transportation, expensive tuition, and miscellaneous expenses. And that’s just you alone, in dormitory. It was easier for me because I stayed in Gwangju and our living expenses weren’t as they are now. Add me in Seoul? You know the math. I’m not moving.”

“But oppa, we can –“ Minsuk starts but he cuts her off.

“No. We’re not. You’re going to be clean from now on. You’re going in to university! There’s new opportunities for you to do what really interests you. You get a clean slate. I’ve tiptoed around with you long enough with these cons. They’re good, and we can get by, but we can’t do this forever. I don’t want you to do this forever. You already lost four years where you could have already graduated college now because we were too busy with my tuition, and that’s at GIST! You’re just starting. You’re not doing anything else but getting that education for the next four years.” He isn’t going to have this discussion again. He’s her brother. What he says goes, and that’s final.

“Okay, oppa.” She says quietly, poking at her food. He looks up and sighs. He reaches over to her hand on the table.

“I know you want to stay close. But really, you’ll be fine. And you’ll love Seoul. It’s so exciting over there.”

“But…you’re all I know.” She says with tears welling up. Really. Their parents left them one night; bags packed and everything. They left them. If that is the whole story, she would never forgive them. But that isn’t the end of it. Their train derailed and crashed. She can’t be mad anymore, even if she wants to. But the only thing constant in her life was her brother. Everything else was always temporary: jobs, cons, homes, education. It doesn’t make sense to her to lose the one thing that has always been so stable; the only thing stable.

“Hey, hey, hey.” He drops his utensil on his plate and comes over to her side to hold her tight, trying to shush her as she struggles to hold on to her tears.

“We knew you’d be going to college soon. How are you still not prepared, after two years?” he lightly laughs, trying to make her smile too.

“You were still here! You had me while you went to college. We had each other!” She cries, lightly slapping his arm, too weak to truly fight him, not like she really intends to hit her brother anyway.

He laughs and holds her tighter, keeping her from loosening her arms so she could hit him again.

“Look, I’ll visit you. All the time. You can show me the sights. Let me feel like a tourist, yeah? It’s going to be fun. You’ll make good friends; you might not even have time for me. Especially if you’re studying hard and making me proud, right?” He looks at her when her cries subside.

“I’ll always make time for you, oppa.” She sniffles, grabbing the napkin on the table to wipe her nose. He takes an extra one to wipe her tears, chuckling at he.

“I have no doubt. My little dongsaeng loves me will never forget me, right?” She meekly nods. He goes back to his side of the table and waits for her to take a bite of her food before he picks up his utensil again.

He really doesn’t want her to touch the dark side anymore. For the past eight years, while they dirtied their hands for sure, he always made sure to scrub hers clean. He hacks into the system every day to make sure there were no tags for a young pale 22 year-old girl with straight black hair and wore large brown contacts to hide what makes her stand out.

He always checks up on her. She’s as innocent as a young con artist can be. She still prefers to spend a Saturday in her pajamas and pink bunny slippers, eating cereal while reading the newest fantasy novel while humming a Saturday morning cartoon theme song from her childhood.

The moment Minsuk steps into the university, he’s going to make she’s done with all of this; the both of them. He’s a software engineer in an IT company in Gwangju. He has a stable day job. She’s going to make her own path and be just like any other happy, simple woman in South Korea. Her only distinction will be her beautiful eyes he loves dearly. She would never have to hide her eyes away from authorities again. He needs to make sure she stays that way.

Next chapter

A Confidence Game 1.2 | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

Words:3,298

Drama/angst/violence (at some point. we’re dealing with the mafia and con artists here)

Warnings: (M) mature themes

Character Profiles | Previous chapter

Part 1: Foundation Work: The preparations, which are made before the scheme is put in motion, including the elaboration of the plan, the employment of assistants, and so forth.

Over the weekend, Minsuk and Hoseok go to Seoul to get to know the university, the area, and go to the bank to make some bank-to-bank transfers. Minsuk already layered the last bit of the money through online banking in one account. This time she’s going to layer some in person from a different account. This con was the biggest one the two of them have ever pulled; kind of as the last hurrah before they leave the game for good and also for raising Minsuk’s college fund. 

Since it is first time they conned such a large amount, she and Hoseok have set up numerous accounts in different countries, aside from the ones they already have. Majority of the money are in off-shore accounts in those countries and they have accountants there on high authority of secrecy that help them launder those thoroughly. They basically help set up regular transfers in-and-out of those accounts to give the impression of income and investments. Each transfer in each account has varied amounts and they cover its origins to be from its own country. After this, the pair will go on a wonderful shopping spree, to launder a small amount through purchasing assets and also a way to celebrate.

“Gangnam prices are crazy.” Minsuk mumbles as Hoseok hands his card over to the waiter to pay for the lunch.

“It’s not that much more expensive, food-wise. Not like we don’t have the money for it. And it was well spent. Look at your plate! You practically licked it clean.” Hoseok laughs at her as he stuffs his wallet into his back pocket. She looks at her plate.

The restaurant has a dark atmosphere with one lamp over every table. The light is blinding through the reflection of her large white plate. Food residue is apparent, but Hoseok is right, she had taken her finger to wipe the last bit of sauce off the plate.

“If I don’t have you with me, I probably wouldn’t come to such an expensive place though.” she sighs, subtly reminding him how much of an impact it was for her that he wouldn’t be with her. He caught it, but he isn’t going to let her off like that.

“Well, you will be once a week. Remember? I will visit you all the time.” He grins. She returns a half smile. She’s normally more stubborn than he is, but this is one thing the two of them have argued time and time again. If he put his foot down so many times, she knows he will out-stubborn her on this one.

He isn’t just arguing with her though, he knows that if he wants her to see it through his way, she needs to see what is offered in his ideas. They have visited the university campus and to be honest, the both of them really had a blast. He got her excited about going back to school and learning everything in a more formal, but casual setting.

They walked into one of the summer classes, and since it was college, no one really cares. She loves the feeling of anonymity but also being of something bigger, it was being in a con to her. He told her to have fun. She could even go in with different personalities. He played on her playful and creative spirit she indulges in whenever she has to pull a con; just as long as the teachers who actually takes attendance knows who she is. He made her laugh and get embarrassed when he winked at some college girls in passing. She’s going to have to keep him off campus, for college girls’ sake.

“Where to next?” she asks when the two of them step out of the restaurant.

“I think, we should go invest in some stocks.” He winks. They hop onto a train to make their way to the stock exchange.

Today is super packed and they have to squish themselves in the middle; but with Hoseok, Minsuk is still content.

Hoseok is her pillar of strength wherever she goes and she will comfortably admit her dependence on her brother. As much as he enjoys her dependence on him, he often feels the complete opposite. Minsuk gives him something to live for. He honestly feels dependent on her, for her dependence on him. He loves the fact that it has always the two of them against the world. But when two people are co-dependent on each other, they will spiral down into reclusive existence. He can’t allow that to happen to her. She has a lot to offer to this world and he needs others to see her. He needs her to see that. The cons had implanted darkness in her like a parasite. He’s so afraid that it will be all that she ever knows. She has to see what else she can do with her life.

The overhead voice in the train notifies them of their stop, but it is also for just about everyone else. At first, there is not much to think about, just to keep herself from tripping over, but Minsuk starts to notice some sort of pattern that has everyone moving her along, farther than Hoseok, him being forced back. She wants to turn her head, but with everyone forcing her body forward, she can’t orient herself properly. She feels like Batman in a stiff suit.

Hoseok notices the pattern too and senses intention to it. He starts to assert himself to shove through everyone. His heart rate and breath quickens as strangers’ heads disorient his vision of Minsuk getting farther and farther away. When he finally makes his way through, she’s gone. 

He has his hands up in his hair as he feels anxiety. When the two of them were still starting out as amateurs, not every paper trail was burned. Not every con from start to finish had been finished completely clean and they both had their fair share of repercussions. Since eight years ago, the two of them have been able to improve their act for clean executions but they can’t be sure if they are able to cover all their past tracks. For all he knows, this is another person who had finally tracked them down.

His phone rings and he knows it was Minsuk. He picks it up without looking and keeps looking around.

“Where did you go?”

“Calm down.” her voice is far too calm, it’s rigid. He looks at the phone and it’s Minsuk’s number. So at least she can communicate.

“Where are you?” He takes a deep breath and asks a little more calmly this time. Whoever has her, they want him to cooperate.

“The information of where they’re taking me is stored in my phone. Hack into it and you will figure out where I’m going. I’ll see you later.” And then the phone is cut off. Hoseok closes his eyes and sighs. This is a test. If it is a test, then this isn’t going to be the end of it. Either way, he needs to find Minsuk before anything else.

He quickly sets himself aside to a corner and opens his bag to take out his laptop. He hacks into Minsuk’s phone too many times for cyber security purposes; he basically created his own security system in her phone to keep her phone from being hacked. He keeps hacking into her phone in order to know how to improve its system; so at this point, only he knows how to get into her phone and all her history. Luckily she doesn’t have anything to hide from him, especially when they agreed for him to do so on her phone. 

It takes him 2 minutes to hack into Minsuk’s phone. She doesn’t have any files, no new contact information, where is he going to find the information? He searches her browsing history and finds two paired sets of three and four digits. He instantly clicks that they are phone numbers but the pairs are obviously scrambled. He fixes the numbers and gets two phone numbers. He hacks the two phone numbers and although they are obviously just disposable, they also have a security system from being hacked. But they are next to nothing compared to his hacking system. 

He quickly gets in and finds one latitude coordinate and one longitude coordinate on the two different numbers. The moment he gets the two coordinates, the phones disappear from his screen; they are destroyed. He plugs in the two coordinates on an online map and finds the address. He looks up and sees that the train that is about to leave is the one he needs to take. He jumps up with all his stuff and scrambles his way, luckily there are less people and he makes it in time.

When he settles himself, he looks at the address more closely. It is a hotel in Gangnam; they were just there in the restaurant of that hotel. It’s possible that the two of them had been followed since then. But if someone has worked their way into phones and kidnapping, obviously they’ve been watching them for a while. All of this is premeditated.

He rubs his face and puts away his computer; he knows where he needs to go now. He watches the train map above the door. The blinking light indicates that he has two more stops. That’s two stops too many.

The moment he steps into the hotel, he realizes he is still missing one more crucial piece of information. This hotel is big. He doesn’t know her exact location.

He hacks into her phone again, hoping to look for any new information. There is a new memo note on her phone with 7 symbols. He breaks the encryption to turn the symbols into numbers and hacks into the new number. Once again, there is another memo note on the new number: 1164-816.

He rushes to the elevator to the top floor, where the room numbers starts on 1100’s.

On the top floor, he finds the room which is the penthouse suite with a number keypad. He punches in 816 and enters.

His first instinct is to focus on Minsuk and he sees her sitting on a chair with her legs crossed and her hands resting in her lap. Her head whips to the sound of the door opening. Her nervousness turns into relief. He rushes his way towards you but is stopped by men.

“Hello, Mr. Jung. Let him go, boys.” Hoseok looks to the man who had given the orders. He is a young man, probably younger than Hoseok. He has orange hair that is parted in the middle and his hair waves out. He is shorter than him, but most definitely more built than him. He is obviously a fighting type. By strength, this man overpowers Hoseok, but Hoseok is an accurate speedster. He wonders how he would fair in a fight with this man. But something tells Hoseok that he won’t fight him unless Hoseok throws the first punch. Either that or he was given an order.

This man has the mark of the mafia. The man has many thick and heavy rings on his fingers, but there is a gold one that stands out. There is probably an insignia on it but Hoseok is too far away to see it clearly. If only he sees it, he’d know which mafia they are dealing with.

Hoseok walks slower this time to reach Minsuk. She holds her hands out and he connects with her as soon as he gets close enough. Her hands are still warm; that is a good sign.

“Get Mr. Jung a chair; he’s been running all over the place. How are you? Do you need some water?” Hoseok looks to Minsuk’s side to see her glass of water. She obviously drank some, so the water is safe. Even so.

“No, thank you.” One of the men sets a chair next to Minsuk and Hoseok slowly sits down. His hand never leaves hers. He looks to her and her eyes speak only confusion. If her eyes still holds confusion, that means that she hasn’t been able to obtain any information about why they took her and why the two of them are here. Either she is too cautious or they won’t budge. At least her eyes don’t hold any fear.

“Now that you two are here. Let me just say, it is incredible to see you work, Mr. Jung. And the swiftness when you rushed through those train doors. Talk about cutting it close. I was actually really nervous, I wasn’t sure if you’d notice that it was the train you had to take. It was like watching a movie.” This man was watching him?

“Oh, by the way. I’m Jimin.” The orange top finally introduces himself.

“Why are we here?” Hoseok asks directly.

“You’re not nearly as tactful as your sister.  She at least tried to have a regular conversation first.” Jimin shakes his head in disapproval. He grabs a chair and sits down in front of them two; very casually to keep the mood light.

“Anyway, it’s been an honor to see your work. I wanted to ask you, why do you think you’re here? I mean, you came so willingly. I know it was for your sister and she must be your everything, but there was absolutely no hesitation. All for your sister. I’ll admit, I find that very admirable of you.” Jimin goes on talking about the two of them until he realizes he isn’t getting any reaction out of either of them.

“So, I mean, back to our topic. Take a guess. Why are you here? I bet you noticed by now, I’m in the mafia, Bangtan to be exact.” Hoseok stiffens in his seat now that his speculation is confirmed. Bangtan mafia is quite big, as far as their influence goes. Even when they went over to the States to set up accounts, they heard whispers of Bangtan’s name. It’s a big deal that a big mafia group would spot out the two of them; unsuspecting con artists who works for themselves.

“Who was it?” Hoseok asks, “Who did we con that made you notice us? Was it an associate of yours? Another member? I’m sorry. But let my sister go. I’m the one that plans our cons, not her. She’s usually the one who executes it, that’s all.”

“But isn’t she the one who picks your mark first?” Jimin points out. He knows that she’s the picker. So that must mean that they’ve been followed for a while.

“It’s okay. It’s not the point. I mean, yes. A lot of your cons deal with the rich, and well, you’ve crossed us before. Do you know how much you took from us? We saw them first, but you two strike faster than a King Cobra. Once again though, I applaud your eye for the ignorant. It would seem that you two are very compatible with our vision, our targets.” It clicks into Hoseok that this isn’t about revenge. Something about Jimin’s demeanor that tells Hoseok that today is not about murder or revenge. He sees Minsuk shift in her seat. She’s caught on as well; probably a little earlier than Hoseok because she’s been here longer, just needed more evidence.

“You want us to do a job.” Minsuk finally speaks up, declaratively more than interrogatively. This whole time, they aren’t watching the two of them, per say, they are watching their work. The mafia is very business-like. Her guess is that they are looking for potential associates.

Jimin looks at her and throws his head back in laughter, “Very intuitive, Ms. Jung. Yes, we do. We need someone of your talents. You see, there’s a po – “

“No.” Hoseok declines, cutting off Jimin. Jimin looks at Hoseok in surprise. Hoseok’s not sure if it’s because Hoseok declines, or because he interrupted Jimin.

“We are not con artists for-hire. And we just did our last con.” Hoseok is going to put his foot down. He already doesn’t want Minsuk to mess around in this life anymore. And it’s even worse now. 

The mafia wants her to plunge her hands in filth again. They will want to control the con, not her. They will keep her in their books longer than she will live. All this time, the two of them have been doing all of this for survival, not for money; at least Hoseok wasn’t. Minsuk isn’t doing it for the money either, but she might have taken to the thrill of a con. He needs that to stop. There will be no turning back with the mafia.

“I know. Your sister is going off to college, you have a stable job. I get it. It sounds like a great time to start anew. We can help you. We can pay for your sister’s college.” Minsuk perks up at the mention of that. That would mean the money they saved up for her college could be used for something else. Say, an apartment in Seoul for Hoseok.

“We only need one job from you guys. This is a make-it-or-break-it on our end so after this, there’s no point in asking for more help from you two. Not that we will cut you out after helping us, no, no. We never forget the help, we don’t hurt those who help us. We simply want your help on one job. Afterwards, your life is still yours to live. Not ours. We will not hold anything against you. We will burn every paper trail of your existence that will connect to us in anyway. If we ever get caught and give names, not that we ever will in general, but your name goes to the grave with us. We can promise on that.” Jimin looks at the pair seriously.

The funny thing about the underbelly of every society, there is like some sort of code for the evil.  The rest of the society always gets hurt because they don’t retaliate; no eye for eye. But every criminal has their individual abilities to hurt another, and they’re not afraid to do so if anyone ever crosses them. It’s the reason why there are no secrets. One will never hurt anyone who has the ability to hurt one back, and possibly twice as hard. But criminals are still skeptical in every corner, believing it’s the way to stay alive. If one wants cooperation, it’s best to keep one-self open and loyal, put honesty in every word.

Still, the two of them are con artists. Hoseok is right, they never did a job for anyone else, so why start now, when they want to end this career? Jimin personally thinks that they contacted them a little too late, but it isn’t his job to speak up about that. He looks back and forth between them too. Minsuk obviously shows interest, but still wants to know more. Hoseok just looks stern.

Jimin sighs; the administration really should have asked Tae to do this. He gets up to go to the next room and speed-dials.

“Yoongi, it seems that the brother is a little more hesitant right now. Minsuk looks interested but she’s not going to move if her brother won’t. I really think Tae should take over at this point. I –“

“Don’t worry about it, you’re doing just fine. We expected this to happen.” The underboss reassures Jimin, but that just makes him more confused.

“If you didn’t think I was going to get them at the first try, then why’d you –“

“You are step one.” A few more words from Yoongi and he hangs up. Jimin scrunches his lips to one side. Okay; whatever Yoongi says, goes.

Jimin goes back to the room where Hoseok and Minsuk are quietly talking to each other.

“So, how goes it? What do you think?” Jimin asks with a smile.

“If you really wanted cooperation, first of all, you’re not giving us enough information to agree to anything. Secondly, you started on the wrong foot. How is taking my sister going to make me want to cooperate with you?”

“Fair enough,” Jimin shrugs, “So let’s start all over. How about dinner?”

Next chapter

A Confidence Game 1.3 | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

Words: 4,156

Drama/angst/violence (at some point. we’re dealing with the mafia and con artists here)

Warnings: (M) mature themes

Character Profiles | Previous chapter

Part 1: Foundation Work: The preparations, which are made before the scheme is put in motion, including the elaboration of the plan, the employment of assistants, and so forth.

Minsuk smooths her dress down and takes her brother’s hand on the ride up the elevator to the restaurant floor. Jimin scheduled with Hoseok to have dinner to talk things over, and Hoseok demanded to speak to the ones with highest authority in order to get good word from the ones who have most control. To ensure the two of them will come, Hoseok needs Jimin to promise not to have people follow or escort them, otherwise they will run and make things difficult. Jimin promised and you were good at spotting lies. He doesn’t want things to get difficult either and wants to prove his honesty and credibility to them.

Rather than the same hotel, it is another one in Illsan, but by Hoseok’s research, both hotels are owned by Bangtan. Hoseok used the rest of the afternoon to come up with an escape plan, should things go wrong. Minsuk on the other hand took time to choose what the both of them should wear, what cologne Hoseok should put on, what perfume she should put on, or if it was even necessary. Hoseok is on defense mode, but she wants to take another approach. She wants Bangtan to let their guard down. She wants to present the both of them as cooperative and respectful; to respect the meeting, the dinner, and to show that they are open and receptive to the ideas. She wants them to feel like they can work with them. When doing so, she finds that people are more flexible and she always needs flexible.

To be honest, she is already entertaining the idea when she saw the opportunity for Hoseok to move to Seoul. Not only will this help the meeting, if she digs deep down, she’s on Bangtan’s side. She wants Hoseok to see that this is doable and beneficial to both of both.

She snaps out of her thoughts when she felt Hoseok squeeze her hand at the sound of the elevator ding.

The large metal doors slide apart and they step out to the restaurant lobby. Every hotel Bangtan owns screams prestige. At the previous hotel, the color scheme is a dignified and professional teal and silver. Here, everything is passionate and regal, with the colors of red and gold, giving the sense of an oriental palace.

The lady in the front wears a red and gold cheongsam with a loose bun held together by hair chopsticks. Minsuk wouldn’t be surprised if she took out her chopsticks to reveal dangerously sharp pins if fights ever ensues in this mafia-owned hotel. She leads them through the mass of tables, each filled to the max capacity of each table. At first, Minsuk would have thought that the mafia would close the restaurant for this special event, but come to think of it, it might make Hoseok more at ease to see many people, provided that they are truly normal citizens and not the different associates of the mafia. She can already see Hoseok’s eyes darting left and right to take in the real visual of his plan, rather than just blueprints.

The women leads them to the last and largest room. There, Jimin is already waiting for them. He wipes his mouth from his food and stands up from the long rectangular table to greet them.

“You are very punctual, that’s cool.” he smiles at the two of you.

“Glad you got started without us. I would have felt bad, if you were starving just by waiting for us.” you greet him like this is a high school reunion.

“Yeah, I mean, I’ve been here for a while now, so I figured it’s a good time to eat as any.” he gestures for the both of them to sit and hands Hoseok the menu.

“Everything is on the house, of course.”

“Of course.” Minsuk chuckles.

“As if you could give any authority of when things are on the house in this hotel.” Another voice speaks up. A man comes out of a door on the side. He has flared blond hair with a pink tint to it.

“Hey, I practically run this place. The casino downstairs is my home.” Jimin counters leisurely and leans back on his chair. The second man comes around to Jimin’s chair and rests his arm on the high back of the chair.

“Yes, speaking of gambling.” the man looks at Minsuk and Hoseok and gestures to the roulette table against the wall.

“Play for a meal?” she guesses with raised eyebrows. The man smiles lightly and nods. His smile is very concealing.

“As in, I get to choose my own meal, I pay for the meal, or who gets to eat?” she asks as she gets up. If she plays along, it will prove her willingness. Hoseok has no choice but to loosen his grip on her arm.

“How would you like to play? Either way, sounds fun, right?” the man reveals a full and innocent rectangular grin now. She offered many options for the results of the game and it intrigues him how else she might want to spin the game.

“First, I never play with people who I don’t know. For you, I’ll make an exception, but I still need your name.” she crosses her arm but kept her charming smile.

“Ah, forgive my lack of introduction. My name is Kim Taehyung.” he bows and she returns it.

“What, what happens when we lose?” Hoseok attempts to stop the game from continuing further.

“Depends how she wants to play. Corresponding to the options she gave, if she loses, I get to order the food, she pays for everyone’s dinner bill tonight, with money, mind you, and I get to choose when she eats and how she eats. By a single option though. Everything else will be fairly split if she so chooses.” Taehyung looks at Hoseok as he specifies the punishment so Hoseok won’t feel gipped. Minsuk takes the menu from the table and scans the food choices.

“How flexible are you about the rules of this game? And choosing options?” She asks and looks up at Taehyung from the menu.

“Very flexible. What did you have in mind?” Taehyung’s grin twitches again in concealment. He resists his grin because people typically mistake his grin to be malicious, when all of it is just excitement and curiosity. He knows it scares people, so he does his best to hide it when he first meets people. The intrigue never leaves the glint in his eye though.

“I think I’m actually pretty picky, so I would rather choose my own food. I don’t mind paying for the bill in the confines you set, but I’d rather not let money get in the way of our first encounter. I think it’s fair if we split the bill for our own meals. I would like to be able to eat how I want and when I want, so I do not want to include option three in this game, but I think it would be intriguing if I were able to win…” she thinks out loud as she looks at the roulette wheel.

“You make fair points about the money, I will not argue with you on that. But we never talked about what would happen if you won.” Taehyung points out. she looks up at him and breaks out into laughter, “Oh yeah.”

“We can set your winnings as what you just said. But only,” he hands you a white ball and holds up a black one of his own.

“If you get your single, you win all three components of the bet. If you don’t get the number, color, or even/odd number right, then I either choose your food from the menu, you pay for it, or you have to feed me when I want it and I feed you when I feel like it. If you don’t hit your number but you get the corresponding color or even/odd number and I do, I will decide which one of the components of the bet you lost. Vice versa if you win. If neither of us gets it, then we just consider this meal without a bet and continue the night as it is.” From the side, Minsuk can hear Jimin’s low whistle and a screech on the floor as he gets up from the chair.

“Hey, Tae. Is that really necessary?” Jimin puts an arm around his friend, trying to not take it too far on the first encounter.

Taehyung shrugs and looks at her, blocking her view from Hoseok. He recognizes easily that she always looks to Hoseok for guidance, but she has her own mind more than anything. Taehyung wants to see what she would do on her own.

She has already started the intriguing bet and the rules are already talked about. She can’t back out. No way but through and through.

“Who said he would win though?” She counters at Jimin’s words and looks at Taehyung with an accepting smile. He can tell that she isn’t challenging him, but humoring him. That’s all he need.

29. A black odd number. You give him your bet and hold up your ball.

12. A red even number.

He spins the roulette wheel so fast, her mind starts playing tricks on her; she sees the blurred red and green squares moving backwards. She goes first and spins her ball against the wheel’s direction. Hers land on 31 black. Taehyung gets his 12. 

Hoseok immediately comes to her side and puts an arm on her shoulder, ready to fight anyone who takes her, if they dare.

“You can’t take it too hard on yourself. He comes here often to gamble in the first place.” Jimin runs a hand through his hair and gives her a sympathetic smile.

“And you didn’t care to mention that?”

“You didn’t ask. It’s okay, not bad. You were close.” Taehyung notes in fake consolation; she knows he really doesn’t care. But doesn’t really care if he cares anyway.

“So, which component do I want you to pay up?” Taehyung tilts his head and taps his finger on his chin. She cracks a small smile because she feels like he looks like a child who won a game against an adult. Taehyung and Jimin are confused by her smile but they hid their confusion.

“I agree that I don’t want us to have any monetary grievances between us, even though it is fully warranted. I’ve met many a man who still gripe about losing to me fair and square. I don’t believe you are, but this isn’t a simple bet you’re here for today anyway. I know you’re not allergic to anything on this menu, so I think I can order anything and it won’t cause any harm to you…” Taehyung glances at Hoseok, who has his fist clenched on his side.

“I think I want you to feed me. And I’ll feed you.” Taehyung decides with a silly grin.

“Pleasure to play the game, Mr. Kim.” she shakes his hand out of good sportsmanship. Everyone is able to order their own food. Jimin orders four extra entrees which both Minsuk and Hoseok assumes it would be for the Administration who are supposed to be on their way.

“So where is the Administration? They don’t seem to respect this appointment very well, do they?” you speak up after some small talk.

“They’re here. They just figure you would like to be a little more comfortable before they reveal themselves. They tend to take extra precautions with potential associates. who feel a little uneasy about their reputation.” Taehyung directs his eyes at Hoseok. Hoseok just looks at him with wariness.

“Maybe a one-time partner. We will not be your long-term associate.” Hoseok clarifies his position.

“We don’t ask for anything else.”

Four men come in from the entrance of the dining room, escorted by the lady who escorted you two earlier. Jimin and Taehyung stands up to greet them. Out of social instinct, the siblings also stand up to greet them.

The tallest man wears a fancy black suit with velvet lining. His blond hair is buzzed lowly on the side and the rest is gelled back. His stature is tall and straight and looks down to everyone, exercising his dominant approach. 

The next man is paler, shorter and thinner. His cold exterior with slit eyes easily takes away any mistaken underestimation. He sports platinum blond hair which is longer than the first man but doesn’t pass his eyes. 

The third man is tall and the most handsome. The air around him is much calmer. He may not be the tallest, but his stature is most posh. 

The fourth man is about an inch taller than the third man. He has a boyish face and his black hair is styled to match, but it is clear in his eyes that he’s seen and done more evil than any boy ever should. His expression almost matches Hoseok’s expression of distrust, but his bear more enmity which confuses Minsuk because it’s the first time either of them has seen him.

“Perhaps we waited too long before making our entrance?” The handsome man tries to spark pleasantries to act like he really gives a damn. Does he really? Maybe for pure manners like she would, but not for the sake of the business, which is the attitude Hoseok takes.

“Too be honest, it felt a little pretentious; your entrance was too grand.” She glances down but looks back up to him. He’s amused and gives her a gentle but disapproving smile as an elder would to a child.

“Our apologies, Miss Jung.” The tallest man bows to her with a little amusement to his dimpled smile, and the rest follow suit; the boyish man is a little stiff though. He takes his seat at the end of the table. 

The siblings continue to watch who took which spot. By their research, the tallest man is the crime boss. Jimin and Taehyung moves down to allow the short man to sit next to the crime boss’ left; the underboss. The handsome man takes the short man’s left; the consigliere. Hoseok is on the right and she is on his. Taehyung sits next to her and Jimin sits next to the consigliere, across from Taehyung who is next to you. The boyish man sits at the end of the other side of the table.

“My name is Kim Namjoon. My underboss and consigliere, Min Yoongi and Kim Seokjin. You’ve met Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung. That man at the end is named Jeon Jungkook.”

“I’m Jung Minsuk.” She greets. Namjoon raises an eyebrow, “I know.”

“I know you know. But it’s manners to introduce oneself.” She smiles like a child. Hoseok puts a hand over hers which rests on the armchair. They both agreed earlier that he’d be the one to talk to the mafia.

“I’m Jung Hoseok.” Her brother greets, removing the stiff fear in his manner.

“I realize that earlier in the afternoon, we’ve made a bad first impression. Please forgive us, we would truly like to start all over. Starting now.” Namjoon gives a diplomatic smile as a waiter knocks his way in with the food.

The dinner proceeds with learning about job and term negotiation.

Kang Yeonseok is a politician who Minsuk recognizes and has seen his speeches at least a couple of times on television, even though Minsuk hates politics. The man is charismatic and inspiring. She always feels out of the loop with politics, but at least this man makes it a little more bearable. Even if she doesn’t know the other politicians, she would probably bet that he is one of the few who are actually making a difference. But at the same time, she finds him rigid and probably very intimidating if she ever meets him.

“He’s a threat to Bangtan. I need him corrupted, preferably under our thumb.” Namjoon is very direct about his aim but…

“He’s currently one of the greatest politicians in the country and you want to screw him up? Our country needs to be done being stupid. With him, the country has a fighting chance.” Hoseok raises an eyebrow.

“The stupid country is where we all draw our income. There is no perfect world, country, or society, so why bother? That’s not the point. He’s cleaned up a few of my foes, I’ll give him that, but he’s cleaned up a fraction of my men as well. One is already too much. I’ve got to feed my brothers. It does you no benefit for him to be here either. I know you’re going clean, but we found you, he could find you too. Politicians are stupid, but stupid with unlimited resources. Imagine that unlimited resource in a man who is determined to look up every scum in the underworld. No offense, but that includes you and your sister. She’s no underground rat, but you know where her hands have been, no matter how much you’ve tried to help scrub her clean.” Namjoon nods his head towards Minsuk.

Hoseok resists a gulp and his eyes flickers to his right to see her in his peripheral. She is his endearing sister and there’s no greater fear for him than her consequences coming back to bite her in the ass. She was so young when she got pulled in to the ugly game. All she wanted to do was to help her brother support this family. He’s always been guilt ridden that he can’t provide for her enough to make her feel like she has to help and step in. Namjoon had grabbed his attention.

Unlike Hoseok, Minsuk prefers to read her information and research; besides, he’s supposed to take over the conversation. The files came hidden under the food cart.

Taehyung had already been warned that his gambling reward shall not get in the way of the negotiations. He agreed, but it’s not a promise. Every now and then, he opens his mouth and taps her shoulder. She feeds him and dabs the corners of his mouth gently. He makes a proud face with every bite. He smiles and laughs with Jimin, who tries to stifle his laughter. Jungkook is unamused, and the Administration does their best to ignore the event on that half of the table.

Taehyung gives her either small nibbles or overly big bites that stun her and she almost can’t close her mouth, greatly ruining her table manners. That is only at the beginning though. By every inconsistent bite, he tries to tick her off but as she read more and more, he realizes that she won’t care enough to give him any response. She’s preoccupied with reading Kang Yeonseok’s background information. She barely notices the amount of food she ingests in one bite. Taehyung recognizes her seriousness and compares it to Hoseok’s hostility, favoring her cooperative nature.

He slowly assists her by feeding her regular bites and taking care of his own meal, now that the bet is obviously shot. He reads over her shoulder.

Jimin and Seokjin soon notice her dismissive behavior to the rest of the group. She’s clearly in another world and her quirky multitasking behavior has them amused. She mentally highlights notes and visualizes them on everyone when her head feels like she’s taken in too much. She giggles to herself as she visualizes a post-it on Seokjin’s cheek.

There are many files that she has sprawls them all open around her part of the table and invades Hoseok and Taehyung’s space too, not that they mind.

She busy herself to look at multiple files, interconnecting Politician Kang’s relationship; be they family, friends, partners, and acquaintances. She learns his background, growing up history, his clean record, his family’s records; this guy seems incorruptible. But not everyone around him has the same standards as him.

As she is busy reading, Hoseok negotiates the terms to this “potential” partnership. But really, at this point, everyone knows that Hoseok can’t back out now. Everyone knew this dinner is to hook them long enough to say anything but no.

That is exactly how the Administration had devised the plan. Jimin would hook them with sincerity and honesty. Taehyung’s gamble would keep them obligated to stay for dinner, giving enough time for Namjoon to convince them two, or namely Hoseok, to agree to take the job.

“Minsuk’s education fund will be laundered by her to bring it back into our accounts; that’s how you will pay for the tuition. You are to leave us alone when we are not working, no oversight on our private lives. From the beginning to the end, we will not be revealed of our involvement with you, ever. This is our only job with you; we are not involved with anything else in your business. No side jobs, we are not your associates, we are not your partners aside from this. Our names will not exist in your books and they never leave your lips to your grave. Because this is a job, obviously we need to be actually paid, aside from Minsuk’s education; that’s just a benefit. I say, 5 million won per week.” Hoseok organizes his terms with Namjoon.

“That’s fair, but we will need open communication and constant updates from them. That means that you will update us of your progress every night as well. Seoul is your world now, since your sister will be going to SNU. It’s compromised from being our rendezvous, so we will move to a different location every time, but don’t worry, Cinderella will be back in her dorms before midnight.” Namjoon glances at the distracted Minsuk before turning back to your brother.

“This job is huge, so we know it cannot be done by you two alone. We will provide you any assistance. Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung will be under your disposal. If you need anyone else, you let us know. Only for the con’s sake, they will be our eyes, providing close-distance observation, just so we know that the information we receive is consistent from you. It’s not really that we don’t trust you, but – “

“It’s out of precaution. We understand.” She speaks up as she’s still reading, speaking up before Hoseok will get the wrong idea from Yoongi.

This entire time, Yoongi has done his best to ignore the sounds of food being munched, paper being flipped, files being plopped on the table and slid towards Minsuk for easy access. He already knew he doesn’t have to convince her, and so he only cares to focus on the one he has to convince. However, her actions may have come across to him more as dismissive and probably impolite with not being quiet. Her brother is much more diplomatic to him, probably because he’s actually speaking to him in a business-like manner.

Hoseok notices Yoongi’s not-so-subtle glare at her interruption and Hoseok pats her thigh, signaling her to notice her surroundings again, something he constantly needs to remind her of.

She looks up and sees what he sees. She lowers her eyes and gives a small head bow, apologizing for her loud behavior and interruption, even though it is for his good. She goes back to her file and continues what she was doing, but making slower and quieter movements.

Hoseok looks at her concentration, he knows she’s in. He also knows that he can’t say no at this point. Now it’s just the matter of his perspective; needing to be in line with Minsuk’s in order to feel okay with the plan.

“We originally thought that would like you to get close to Kang and slowly make him spin off-track. And when he does, it needs to be related to our businesses so that we have a hold on him.” Namjoon starts to say but she raises her hand. He cocks an eyebrow at her again.

“Yes, Miss Jung?” He calls on her.

“I think your plan has a problem. First of all, have you seen this guy? He’s incorruptible. He can save himself from problems and Hoseok can only get so far with him. He needs to be motivated from a problem that’s not his to solve. It needs to be someone else’s problem that’s related to you and he chooses to involve himself, tricking him into believing passive participation doesn’t mean anything.” She finally tears her eyes away from the last file and gently settles it on top of the other overlapping files in front of her.

“What do you suggest then?” Seokjin asks with a small smile. She blinks at him and looks around the table, flashing a smile. She settles her eyes onto Hoseok, asking him, “How do you think I would do as a model?”

What?

Next Chapter

A Confidence Game 1.4 | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

Words: 5,174

Drama/angst/violence (at some point. we’re dealing with the mafia and con artists here)

Warnings: (M) mature themes

Character Profiles | Previous chapter

Part 1: Foundation Work: The preparations, which are made before the scheme is put in motion, including the elaboration of the plan, the employment of assistants, and so forth.

Minsuk sighs as she plops file over file on top of one another. She and Hoseok took all the documents home that night. Hoseok is currently reviewing the contract with Bangtan as she maps out the important information; the things that were vital to know about the con.

“Honestly, all these information, they’re good, but they’re just scratching the surface. They’re still not as in-depth as you usually can pull up for us. You might have to do some extra digging.” She mumbles and hears Hoseok’s hum as a reply. She looks up. His eyebrows knit together as he analyzes every word.

“Relax. I trust that they need us more than we need them. They tailored this contract for us. You even watched them write it out, print it, staple it, and put it in the folder, before passing it on to you. It hasn’t left her hand since then. Have a little faith.” Hoseok snorts at her last words.

“Faith? In the mafia?” He raises his eyebrows at her, “Minsuk, the world cannot always be trusted, especially not the underworld. It’s because they need us more than we need them that they could trap us. We tripped at our own finish line for them and now we’ve started another race. I need to make sure we finish this and there will be nothing else. I will not allow us to be blindsided by what they’ve offered, which really isn’t enough anyway.”

“You could have given them an outrageous term. You know, throw them off and decide they don’t want to work with us.”

“If they thought I’m just toying with them, they could kill me and sell you.”

“I guess so. Then I’m glad you were cooperative to them.”

“It’s because, beyond me, I know you want to do this.” He reaches out for her hand.

“I know you’re excited that I can be in Seoul with you, but it’s at such a dangerous price. We never mingle ourselves with the depths of the underworld. We don’t know what we’re dealing with. So I want you to promise me.” He makes her look at him dead-straight in the eyes.

“We’re going to keep each other in check to stay safe. We’re going to stay sharp against the mafia. We’re partners for one con with them, but they’re not our family, we are. Family is always going to be the priority here. The moment we are in too deep, we stop. Between the law and the mafia, I’d rather be in trouble with the law.” She inhales sharply.

She knows that the checking on each other is really him checking up on her. She’s more of what Hoseok would call “impulsive”. She’s pulled extemporaneous stunts that could have literally stopped her heart on several occasions, not to mention break his. Not only is Hoseok primarily a planner, he is the one who takes the background roles while she is the main face of each con. He has every right to act cautious for her sake since she isn’t.

Hoseok’s right to not underestimate the mafia’s ruthlessness. But even though they don’t dabble with the rest of the underworld, she knows the common rules. Partnership requires a certain amount of accountability between two parties to pull through; it’s good business. 

Bangtan had a strong name on a global scale, how else can they get there without a fair bit of accountability and efficiency? It’s their good name that had them climb up the ladder. Such reliability doesn’t spout out of nowhere without some truth.

She doesn’t know if there’s an official reason why they spotted them out of all the con artists in South Korea, but it’s true that there have been whispers of their M.O.; but no names, thanks to Hoseok. This matters to Hoseok, but not Minsuk necessarily. At this point, Hoseok is going to keep his sister close and his enemies just as close. Given that she is the closest thing he’s got, it’s saying something.

Maybe she is crazy, getting high off of the thrill. She isn’t sure whether she’s greedy for the rewards or prideful of her work, but there’s some sense of accomplishment at the end of every trick that she can’t find anywhere else. Granted, she’s never really put herself out there to experience anything else that can give her the same feeling. 

Maybe she’s far deeper than her brother hoped and he doesn’t see that because he doesn’t want to. Whatever the case, she knows she has to appease her brother in order to see this through.

“I promise. But you will also promise me. Ever con is dangerous, we both know that. You can’t expect everything to be smooth sailing in this one, even if we have more help, especially because they’re from the mafia. When we do dangerous things, we still need to stay and stick it out to get it done, so we don’t get stuck in a dangerous position. We’re going to put our best efforts because of three reasons: 1) this is our last con, so we need to do this right for ourselves. 2) Even if we don’t care about the mafia and their reasons, we need to execute this con the best we can so there’s no backlash from them. They are technically our first and last client. 3) Clean job is our M.O. We will not allow ourselves to have repercussions from the mafia or the law. We never left any unfinished business, and we will not start now.” she holds out her pinkie. He looks at her pinkie and smiles at her childish gesture, but one she still uses quite often.

“Deal.” He hooks his pinkie on hers and stamp her thumb with his to seal the deal.

The next day, they introduce their proposed con to the mafia.

“We’ve thought it through last night. You said that you would prefer that he is under your thumb, but we’ve already established that you can’t do that because he’ll probably figure a way out. So what we should do is essentially just take him out of the political game. Since he can see past direct attempts, we need to look for someone in his life who can’t. When that person gets backed into your corner and he feels like he needs to help him out, then he consciously chooses to plunge his hands into the filth. He’s in such a pedestal to the public. The moment he falls, he has everything to lose.” Hoseok begins.

“What’s the bad choice he has to make?” Yoongi asks.

“Don’t know yet. We’re still digging through for more information. Somehow, you’ll make a deal with him that he can’t say no to because of that person he’s helping out. It needs to be a deal that you can attempt to rationalize for his benefit though. This is essentially a con within a con.” Minsuk folds her hands and smiles at everyone.

“A dream within a dream.” Jimin mumbles through his fingers and gives a sly smile at Yoongi like some sort of inside joke. Yoongi just grunts and gestures to Hoseok to continue.

“Who’s the person you are corrupting?” Namjoon asks Minsuk.

“His son.” Hoseok took out a folder and slid it over to Namjoon.

“He’s a third year at SNU, majoring in photography and journalism. I’m still working on how to approach him though. The idea is in here,” she taps her skull, “but I’m still working out the plan.”

“What are you doing while she’s working on her mark?” Seokjin points to Hoseok.

“I’m going to be on Kang’s side. Working out the politics, keeping an eye on him, and figuring out a way to find a “beneficial” deal for you to give to him.”

“How long will all of this take?” Yoongi asks.

“The university semester starts in the beginning of March. Elections are mid-April and it’s cleaner to just have him drop out of the race before then. Right now is just the beginning of January. We’re looking at three and a half months. But since March is when semester starts, we actually have a month and a half to actually con Mark and his father.

“Since the semester starts in March, what are you going to be doing now?” Namjoon asks.

Minsuk looked at Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook.

“I’d like to get to know you.”

The first person she goes along with is Jimin back to the first hotel they met. She looks at the different cameras in front of her. They’re currently in the security office, watching the people gambling their lives away in the casino.

“Why gambling? I mean, Koreans aren’t known for their gambling.”

“You’re right, but how many Koreans do you see down there, other than those who work for me? It’s very few. Most of the people who enter in are tourists. We’ve landed casinos in Las Vegas, Macau, Atlantic City, Monte Carlo, Reno, and other places with a high gambling reputation. They all highly recommend ours back in this country and so we technically monopolize majority of the gambling joints in Korea, and we’re in Seoul so there’s a lot of people who pass by. We’ve got other smaller casinos all around the country as well, so I don’t have to stay in one place all the time. Since we have the ability to monopolize it, why not? It’s a market others can’t compete with us.”

“Do you personally enjoy gambling?” She asks.

“Being a firsthand observer of those addicted, I’m not tempted. But I’m not really in it for the gambling aspect.” Before she can ask for further explanation, his phone alerts him something. He looks at the notification and smirks.

He looks at her, “Do you want to know what I’m talking about? Fair warning, it’s a long drive.” She nods and goes along with him.

“Stay in the car. Wouldn’t want your brother putting me in a headlock for bringing you to some place dangerous. You can observe through the tinted windows.” Jimin doesn’t look at her and slides out of the car and closes the door before anyone outside can sneak a peek to know she’s still inside.

She cracks open the sunroof to hear the conversation outside and scoots closer to the window. She looks at the driver who quickly glances at her through the rearview mirror but angles his head so it won’t look like he’s looking at anyone in the back of the car. She stares at him until he looks away and so did she.

“Mr. Park.” The man walks towards Jimin and they meet halfway.

“Mr. Long, I heard you were in a fair bit of trouble. What’s going on? Tell me everything” Jimin shakes the hand of the man who’s already shaking. Mr. Long sniffs as he looks left and right, and then to the car.

“Can we go inside? It’s a little cold out.”

“Sure.” Jimin turns towards the car and walks towards it with Mr. Long tailing behind him. His piercing stare made Minsuk feel like he can see her even through the darkened windows. Passenger’s seat, he mouths.

She quickly hurdles herself forward and climbs to the front passenger’s seat. She slouches as low as she can and raises the privacy window between the driver and the backseats. She looks at the driver, again with another awkward stare until he looks away.

She hears the car door in the back open and close. The weight of two men shift the car.

“How about some brandy to warm up?” Jimin takes the brandy bottle in the back and a glass.

“Thank you.” When Jimin hands him the glass, Jimin shifts himself to face the man and stretches his arm to rest on the back of the seat.

“What’s going on?”

“So I’m here on vacation, right? I stayed at the casino hotel nearby and I kind of spent the past four days gambling. A couple hours ago, I realized I’ve gambled away everything except for 600k won. I played my last game of black jack with the ante starting at 295k won. I had 19 and I kept raising, hoping to buy the pot but the dealer had a 20. I lost to a damn 20. The pot was 2.4 million won…”

“So now you own the casino 2.4 million won.” Jimin plays with the rings on his finger while expressing concern in his eyes.

“Yeah. Look, I know we haven’t met long, but seriously, you introduced me to the hotel. I need some fast money. I can’t get the money from home, that account is being watched by my wife. Luckily, I already have my round trip ticket home, but I know I can’t leave until I pay.” Jimin looks stressed as he rubs his eyebrow and puts a finger to his lips.

“So let me get this straight. You actually do have the money at home, but you can’t get it? It’s just a matter of your wife right? You can convince her, can’t you? It’s a problem stuck in whether or not you can convince her. It’s not necessarily that you don’t have the money.” Jimin clarifies.

“My wife can’t know I’ve been gambling here. She thinks I’ve been clean for half a year. Look buddy, you introduced me to the hotel, you got me that escort that used up a good fraction in one night. You need to help me.”

“You’re putting the blame on me, huh? It’s your own damn fault for giving in. Who told you to listen to me? We met at the bar in an airport.” Jimin slowly shows his true colors.

“I – well, you told me that if anything happens, come to you.” She raises her eyebrows at the sound of that. It sounds very familiar because she’s heard it many times in her own cons. Jeez, people are stupid.

“I did. And I did say that I’ll help. But I never said I’m helping you. You’re asking me to help you pay myself back. What idiot would do that?” Jimin tilts his head at Mr. Long and gives him silence to figure it out.

“You – you’re –“ Mr. Long puts the pieces together and turns around to open the door and scramble out, but Jimin quickly locks the door on his side and lunges towards Mr. Long. Jimin puts his arm horizontally to lock Mr. Long from moving his arms to defend himself and gives him a few solid punches. Jimin rams his knee to the man’s right gut. He rams Mr. Long’s head against the window and the window cracks. He throws him to the other side and elbows the man’s calf. Minsuk winces when she hears a sickening crack.

Mr. Long shakes as he unlocks the door and opens it, rolling out of the car. He crawls forward as he cries and Jimin leisurely steps out of the car, playing with his rings again. Minsuk raises her head slightly to see Jimin’s back as he crouches down to Mr. Long and gives him a pat on the back.

“Look, all you have to do is fess up to your wife. It sucks, no doubt. But consider the alternative: me. How much is 2.4 million won in your country? $2000, give or take? It could be worse. You have two more days until your flight back home. I suggest you convince your wife to transfer the money to you overnight. The mafia isn’t patient or lenient with people who don’t pay their dues.”

“The ma–mafia?” Mr. Long sputters and finally sees the shadows on Jimin’s face, seeing his true nature.

“Yeah, uh, the hotel? It’s owned by Bangtan. If you don’t know who that is…jeez, have you been living under a rock? Pay the casino tomorrow by 4pm. If not, let’s just say you’re far too easy to find. I don’t need you to message me to know where you were, just saying.” Jimin stands up and takes in the surroundings. He exhales and runs a hand through his hair.

“You’re right, it’s pretty cold. Here.” Jimin goes to the back trunk and pulls out an extra coat and throws it on top of Mr. Long.

“Wouldn’t want you to freeze to death before you paid. If it’s after 4pm tomorrow and you haven’t paid yet, well then, I’ll be taking the coat back.” Jimin turns his heel and goes into the car, signaling the driver to go, leaving Mr. Long.

Minsuk lowers the privacy window and turns her body to look at him. She peeks through her seat to look at him and he looks at her, or only up to her nose.

“You look cute.”

“You look scary. It wouldn’t truly faze you if my brother did put you in a headlock, would it?” Jimin barks in laughter as he rubs his rings again. He kisses them even though she’s pretty sure there was some blood on it.

“What did you expect? I’m a part of the Bangtan.”

“I don’t know. I don’t really have any expectations.” He stares at her for a second. Sure, she admits that she thinks he’s scary, but she really doesn’t show that she’s actually afraid. If anything, he thinks she’s intrigued.

“Well, now you know me. Did you get what you wanted? What did you want anyway?”

“I guess so. I’m trying to see how I can integrate you, Taehyung, and Jungkook into the job. If I figure your strengths and weaknesses, I can put you in a place where it’s best for you so you can be as natural in your roles as you can.”

“I see. Well good luck in doing that. And trust me; I’m not the worst one out of the three of us.” Jimin looks out the window. Minsuk turns her body to face the front again.

The next one is Taehyung. His “home” is an unassuming small medical facility in Daegu. In there, Minsuk finds many of Bangtan’s soldiers in one side of the medical facility, getting treated and checked up. Apparently, they come with their own medical insurance and hospital. It actually has all the technology for any health related conditions ready for emergencies.

The other side of the facility is open to the public, sort of.

Taehyung is the drug dealer for Bangtan, dabbling in all sorts of narcotics and stimulants. Minsuk wonders if any of that could account for the strange extra bounce in his stride. He has her walk beside him as he strolls through the facility to the employee’s only door in the back. He swipes his card key, punches in a code, and uses an actual key inserted into the door before opening it.

“So much security.” Minsuk notes as they go through and pass a cold hallway into a hot boiler room. They descended underground of the facility and finally came to her destination.

“Welcome, to my lab.” Taehyung exclaims and bounces down the metal stairs and she follows him.

Many people are in confined glass cubicles and it seems that they are doing chemical tests. At the top of every cubicle’s door, there is a series of different symbols.

“I made that. It’s my own language.” Taehyung says proudly when he turns around and sees MInsuk trying to make sense of it.

“What are they supposed to stand for?”

“Only those in the cubicles and I know. But I’m sure you’ll figure it out, it’s fairly easy. Just don’t say anything.”

She observes the people through the glass but doesn’t say anything.

Taehyung moves on without another word either and she knows that he’s going to leave her here if she doesn’t recognize that she needs to follow him. She’s supposed to be the well-trained puppy that follows its master without a leash.

They come to the end where there is another door. She follows him into a tunnel. The end is into a bright, white clean room with just three people working there. They walk up to the three people in the room and see one of them working on drug pills, one on powder, and the last one working with liquids.

“Are these all the same drug?” MInsuk asks.

“Correctamundo!” He exclaims and takes a pill to show her.

“This is the Victory drug. It’s from a Russian plant which thrives in harsh conditions, thus named as the Victorious Flower. I would show you the flower, but we don’t have it right now. It’s currently being imported here though.”

“What kind of drug is it?”

“It’s a stimulant drug. Major effects include euphoria, pain-numbing, and hallucinations. Interesting isn’t it?”

“What are the side effects?”

“Victory is not for everyone. Do not consume it if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Side effects may include excessive sweating, aggression, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, short term memory loss, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased body temperatures, tremors, seizures, or even death. Consult your doctor before taking Victory.” He speaks quickly and smoothly like a detached pharmaceutical commercial that makes her laugh.

“For real though, you need to be in a safe environment if you ever do consume it.” He puts it down and she follows him back upstairs.

She goes to the second half of the medical facility where there are a few people around.

“They’re here for…medication?” She asks quietly as they pass some people. She can see the restlessness and dark circles in some of their faces.

“Yup. And they aren’t allowed to leave with Victory. That’s why we have this room for them to stay in until they’re done. Because of the increase in body temperature, we have a cold room for them to make them feel more comfortable.” Taehyung opens the door for her and she goes in. He closes the door on her and watches her from the window. She turns her head to look at him and then back at the rest of the room.

People are sprawled on the floor, the chairs, couches, tables, corners; anywhere and everywhere. Everyone is drugged and experiencing the high of it. The room is cold and bare other than the simple furniture for the people to relax on. Everything is bolted down on the floor though, so there’s no throwing chairs or overturning tables. On the wall, there is a sign that says no weapons.

There’s a guy squatted on the floor against a wall. He looks up to Minsuk with his head tilted and lolling around. He gets up and staggers towards her. He takes out a knife in his pocket and screams, running towards her. She backs up to the door and bangs on it, screaming to be let out. When the man gets to her, his movements are rather slow enough for her to grab his wrist to keep him from stabbing her.

“Let me out, Taehyung!” She yells behind her. The man wretches his wrist out of her grasps and throws her on the floor.

“The symbols mean what drugs you have in your lab!” She yells. The moment the man is about to stab her, Taehyung steps in and grabs his wrist. He twists his wrist and the man dropped the knife. Taehyung catches the knife in midair and spins the man. Taehyung knees his back and the man falls forwards to the wall. He’s taken out of the room by other men.

“I thought you’re not supposed to have weapons in here.”

Taehyung looks down at her with a glare. He pulls her up and holds the knife up to her.

“I thought I told you to not say anything. You don’t know how to follow the rules.” he threatens her.

“You don’t either!” she yells back.

“You don’t get to consult the doctor before taking Victory.” He says lowly. Taehyung pulls her out of the room and back to the lab where he takes liquefied Victory in a syringe needle and walks towards her. He traps her on a chair and has the needle looming over her collar bone.

“I’ll give you one more chance.” He says. He rests his cheek on his hand as he looks at his needle dancing above her skin. What chance? What did he want?

“Name the first drugs in the cubicles on the right and left. Get it wrong, then this goes into you, and you go in the boiler room.” He explains. He’s a little irritated that she doesn’t know what he was talking about. Too slow.

She closes her eyes and tries to flashback to the symbols but it’s too difficult, especially when there’s a needle with a drug about to be inserted into her. Instead, she decides to remember inside the glass cubicles. She at least knows the first cubicle because of the identifiable black sticky mush on the table. She tries to remember the left cubicle but she can’t. She doesn’t even remember what the drug looked like.

She feels the needle poking at you, but not breaking skin yet. She can’t wait and guesses.

“Meth and opium!” She yells. She feels the needle move away from her and the pressure of his arm is lifted off her chest.

“Did you deduce it from the drug itself or the symbols?”

“I’m not telling you.” she looks at him. He raises his eyebrows and shrugs. He turns away and puts the needle down on the table.

“There’s a car waiting outside for you. You’re done here.”

Jungkook silently goes about his way, ignoring Minsuk. He doesn’t slow down for her to keep up with him, he glares at anyone passing by who looks at her longer than they should, and she almost has the door close on her face.

“Slow down.” she calls after him, picking up her pace again. He only walks faster.

“What is this place? Hey, I’m talking to you. I know you don’t like me. I don’t know why so you should at least tell me that.” She tries again. He stops in his tracks and turns around to look at her with his biggest glare.

“I’ve lost men because of you.”

“Huh?” she tilts her head in confusion. This is the second day they have met and she’s been unaffiliated with Bangtan before that.

“Do you know why you were picked? I don’t know either! You’ve got in the way of several payments that I couldn’t collect because your cons were directed at my clients. I can’t complete deals in my business because someone had already drained my potential clients of all they’re worth. I get my men in a lot of trouble and hassle in order to get things done and you are an inconsistency that I can’t seem to escape from. We’ve gotten caught from the police because you heightened the senses of my clients and they’ve been able to catch a few of my men. My ass gets chewed while they purposefully locate you and hire you!”

“Hey, don’t blame me for not being able to do your job right. It’s not my job to make sure I don’t hurt anyone else’s agenda in the process of feeding me and my brother. What the hell do you think I do for a living?” she shoots back at him. He shakes his head at her with a glare.

“It’s exactly that I know what you do that I don’t trust you. You’re a con artist. I don’t know what you could do to us, but I know what we have to offer. Any idiot who’s greedy enough will try to take it and I know you’re that greedy idiot. I won’t let you do that. You are not going to break Bangtan, do you hear me? And I will not be ordered around by you. You are not the authority over me. Stay away from me.”

She raises her eyebrows at him. This is his real concern; not the fact that she’s messed up his plans on several occasions, even if she had no knowledge of it. His real concern is that she would mess up the actual organization.

This guy is delusional! She barely acknowledged their name before they approached her, let alone come up with some hidden agenda in the span of two days. She has the ability to do so, but Hoseok wants to finish the mission and be done with it. As much as she enjoys being a con artist, she knows he’s right and she’s willing to finish this and be rid of Bangtan forever.

“Look, I don’t want to cause trouble. If I did, I’m sure you or Bangtan would have no problem getting rid of me or my brother. But here I am and here you are. If we both want to not have to see each other again, we need to be efficient and cooperate so the job is done as soon as possible. I’ll do my best to not order you around, but remember, we’re here only for a job. It’s your bosses’ request, so at least respect that and try to work with me. Just a little while. Just three and a half months, if that.”

Normally, it’s probably not a good idea to stare at the mafia straight in the eye, in case they take it as some sort of defiance or challenge, but she usually does so people would trust her through eye contact.

He just looks at her for several moments before turning his heel, “We’re going down to my warehouse.”

She lets out a silent breath and follows him. His steps are still fast, but at least he doesn’t pick up the pace when she catches up to him.

Underground is his warehouse. Men in black walk around carrying large wooden cases. Jungkook has one of them crank open the case and takes out a firearm. Minsuk quietly observes him with his men surrounding him as he checks through the product.  She looks at other open cases. Grenades, hand guns, rifles, shot guns, machine guns, anything with fire power really. He gives a head nod to them and puts it back in the case, having his men take it away.

“Who do you sell these to?” She asks. She sees Jungkook’s shoulders rise and fall from his heavy breathing.

“Overseas organizations, overseas mafia, and individual consumers.” He answers quickly. She looks around the warehouse. This place must be over several hundred acres and three stories high worth of weapons in this place. Enough for the whole army and then some.

“I got to go. Thanks!” Minsuk runs up the stairs and Jungkook turns around to see her walk out of the door. 

He clenches his teeth. He takes the firearm in the case, cocks it, and shoots at the door where her head was just moments ago.

A/N: Finally finished this chapter! Yay!

Brownie points to you if you can figure out why I named it Victory ;)

Next Chapter

A Confidence Game 1.5 | BTS Mafia and Con Artist AU

Plot: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants MInsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con.

Words: 3,297 | Drama/angst/violence (at some point. we’re dealing with the mafia and con artists here)

Warnings: (M) mature themes

Character Profiles | Previous Chapter

Part 1: Foundation Work: The preparations, which are made before the scheme is put in motion, including the elaboration of the plan, the employment of assistants, and so forth.

Yoongi and Namjoon settle on the bar chairs and Seokjin goes behind the counter to pour out a couple drinks.

“You know, with the Jung’s reputation, I would have expected a little more concrete plan. Right now, it’s just goals and objectives.” Yoongi looks at Namjoon who looks forward at the folder that holds the plan outline the con artists concocted last night.

“Well, it’s normally how a plan starts. Give them some time, since they have a whole month anyway. Not everyone plans their every breath like you do, Yoongi. I’m already surprised they gave us an outline, bet they never had to do that before since they’ve never had a client.” Seokjin says with his back turned at them.

“I think they’re on a relatively proper pace.” Namjoon stares at the folder that Hoseok slid over to him earlier at the meeting. Minsuk had drawn a cartoonish girl giving a wink and an okay sign on the cover of the folder. Yoongi follows his gaze. Namjoon rarely gives credit to their associates; mostly because he rarely shows his face to majority of them. But it still stands that he rarely gives credit, and he rarely gives slack.

“She’s a con artist.” Yoongi reminds Namjoon. Seokjin turns around at that time to put the drinks down in front of his friends.

“I know.”

“She can’t be trusted.”

“I know.”

“We hired them because they are the best at what they do. That’s it.”

“I know. I found them. I chose them. I watched them. I know exactly what their capabilities are and who they are. I run this. Namjoon snaps.

“You’re usually not the one to do the research. Because of that, it’s messing with your head. You observed them for so long that you’re deluding to establish some sort of connection with them. You are rarely directly involved in any of our business. You’re the boss so you don’t have to. So what are you getting out of this now?” Yoongi presses.

“Because this is big. We’re facing our biggest threat here. You’re right. I’m the boss and I need to know this won’t screw up.” Yoongi stares at him. Does that mean he doesn’t trust Yoongi to get it done? What the hell has he been doing this whole time then?

Yoongi is about to open his mouth again but Seokjin interjects.

“Guys, look. We all know who they are and what they can do. Namjoon, you did the work and you’re prepared, or else you wouldn’t have ordered to use them, we get that. But we’ve met too many deceptive people. We never completely trusted what the files tells us or what our eyes observe, no matter how prepared we are at the start. There are always uncertainties we can’t afford to ignore. It pays to stay skeptical of everyone’s motives at this point. It’s only natural. We don’t trust them, it’s nothing new. Since when have we truly trusted anyone outside of the seven of us?” Seokjin puts his outstretched hands on the bar and leans casually.

“You are married, you know.” Namjoon murmurs.

“Yeah, okay. Fine, eight of us.” Seokjin rolls his eyes and looks at the clock.

“Speaking of my wife, I’ve got dinner. Remember, we don’t ever trust those outside of us. We only trust their professionalism enough to get shit done.” Seokjin grabs his coat and leaves.

Namjoon and Yoongi just sit next to each other in silence, rubbing their glass in their hands.

“She’s lively, that’s all.” Namjoon finally says. Yoongi looks at him.

“It’s rare to see anyone in the underworld with so much spirit.” Yoongi snorts.

“I think she’s just naïve. Her real world is nothing but cartoons, her brother, fiction, and cereal. She doesn’t even watch the news. She’s ignorant of the rest of the world is all. It’s stupidity, not liveliness. Not to mention, she’s reckless. I would have never believed that she was the one who conned well for eight years if it wasn’t for the results. Her brother is the more sensible one but he isn’t helping the situation for her. He is so protective of her. Either way, it’s their skill set that we are interested. Not them. And anyone with that skill set, no matter how ignorant they may be, they aren’t trusted.” Yoongi corrects.

“I don’t remember the last time I felt so blissfully ignorant.” Namjoon mumbles. Blissfully is Namjoon’s keyword, but Yoongi ignores it, even though he feels like he needs to correct it. Ignorance wasn’t bliss to Yoongi. It gets in the way of what is true.

“Good, you wouldn’t want to. You shouldn’t, especially in our line of business.” Yoongi says as he raises his glass to his lips.

“You’re right. I’ve been watching her for so long, so it feels like I know her. I may be a little distracted, but my head is on straight. I know what I’m doing. Our ultimate goal is to get rid of Kang. I won’t think anything else.” Namjoon turns his head slightly to Yoongi but still doesn’t look at him. There is something unsettling with his choice of words again. “Ultimate” goal stuck in Yoongi’s head but he chooses to ignore it again.

“Good. That’s all we want.” Namjoon and Yoongi clinks glasses.

“So I went with Jungkook to his warehouse. He’s the weaponry capo. Apparently he deals with weapons and protection racketeering. What do you think?” Minsuk asks Hoseok the moment she settles down at home again.

He hums in response, “You’re thinking of using weapons as the deal Bangtan will make with Kang.” She smiles. She loves working with her brother because of well they know each other.

“Yeah. Say Bangtan wants to find more opportunities to make money and make use of their assets -”

“- and then strike the deal with Kang, since he knows people in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.” Hoseok finishes off for her.

“Exactly.”

“Let me do a little research on the current suppliers and the procedures.” Hoseok already starts typing away to do his research. Minsuk plops on the other side of the couch as she watches her brother.

“I’m thinking of doing some modeling for Mark Kang. You know, to get to know him. In his photography class that he’s taking this semester, the past few syllabuses say that he needs to create a portfolio by the end of the term. I want to be one of his subjects and I think that way, I can spend some time with him.”

“What happens after the job ends?” She shrugs at him.

“Probably won’t bump into him anymore. The school’s pretty big. And besides, I don’t really think he’ll pay attention to one of his models after what he’s gonna have to go through.”

“If you’re the one who lures him into it, he will. If he connects the dots…”

“Come on, I’m going to have to get in touch with him at some point. We knew that the moment I chose to choose him as my mark, it was because he goes to the school. I have no time to run around Seoul for another contact of Kang’s without any authentic reason. I’m new to Seoul and I want to earn a little extra money and if being taken photos by photography majors can help with that, then little ol’ me is all up for it. It’s why I came into college two years later than all other freshman, because I’ve had to slave to save tuition.”

Hoseok shakes his head as she threads her story together so naturally. Something she learned in this line of work is to create a story; interesting enough to get people hooked, but not so overelaborate that she’s memorable. Blending in while standing out is quite the feat. Only difference this time, she’s incorporating her real life into it. It’s dangerous because one, she can get her personal life involved, and two, she might become overinvolved with the job.

The sooner this is over, the better.

“I looked through the previous syllabus for photography majors in the class that Mark is taking. Every semester, the photography class needs to create a portfolio of only the things they’ve worked on this year. Minsuk will be his subject. That’s a perfect situation for her to be in, seeing how she’ll be a part of the university anyway.” Her brother says and he shifts his attention to her in the corner of his eye. It took her a little persuading him because he’s concerned it’s going to mess up her education/real life. She had to convince him it was the easiest and simplest way to find someone to corrupt. Any other situation would have taken more effort and they wanted to finish this job fast.

“When we con, we’re exploiting people’s vulnerabilities. We figure out their desires and we give it to them on a silver platter to the point that they rely on us for its availability. In this particular case, we need to figure out what Mark’s vulnerability point is and then find a way to hand off his reliance to you.” She explains her part of the con.

“We found out a little something about our military. Did you know that the Trigrams mafia is one of the domestic military weapon suppliers for the Republic of Korea Army? I’m sure you know that the Trigrams has four branches, each branch signifies as one of the trigrams on our flag. The supplier is the Heaven Branch.” As evidence, Hoseok slides a photograph of the butt of one of the military’s assault rifle. There was a small insignia of three unbroken bars as the Heaven trigram.

“We believe that there is a mole or undercover mafia in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, specifically within the Republic of Korea Army, what we know as ROK Army. Only the ROK Army has this insignia on their military equipment. Kang has connections with the Ministry of Interior. If we give him clues to help figure out there is corruption involved with the suppliers and help uncover the mystery, and then we can effectively take the person out as well as gain Kang some attention. When we do, there is a reason for you, the mafia with strong weapons, to swoop in and take over as the new supplier. Mind you, there are holes and concerns. If it is simply a mole, he is much easier to deal with. If he is an undercover mafia, we are directly in contact with another mafia. Either way, we are going to go against the Trigrams, but if the person is undercover, direct contact is much more dangerous to handle.”

“Wouldn’t it be stupid for Kang to uncover the Trigram’s involvement and then find another mafia to take their place?” Namjoon asks with knitted eyebrows.

“That’s the thing. This hole in our plan is actually a decoy. You see, all he needs to know is that his son is in trouble with the wrong people, the deed is done and the hands are dirty. He needs to scrub them clean for his son, and that’s when you offer the deal in exchange for his son. He’ll know your deal is stupid, and he won’t take it. The moment he makes contact with you guys, he’s black, all you have to do is claim proof of his involvement and he’s done for. But I mean if he does agree with you, there’s no loss on your half. Your fake proof will become real evidence. But I highly doubt he’ll agree.” Hoseok explains all in three breaths. No one claims objection to it so Hoseok goes on with the plan.

“By being on Kang’s side, I’ll be able to look into the conspiracy and slowly hand the information to Kang.”

“What do you need from us, other than that last bit of the plan?” Yoongi asks.

“Your men.” Minsuk looks at the three other guys in the room, other than the Administration and points to them, “I need Jimin and Taehyung to come with me to the university. I need the both of you with me to figure out his weakness. Jungkook is your military capo so he will be the one making the deal with Kang. He can stay low until then.” Jungkook looks away from her but glances at Yoongi. Yoongi nods and Jungkook looks down in acknowledgment. Jimin and Taehyung both give Minsuk a curt nod.

“Who will be watching you then? We need someone to keep tabs on you too.” Yoongi says to Hoseok. Everyone is silent, looking around. The Administration won’t get involved and the current capos are now occupied under Minsuk’s authority.

“This person could assist you in keeping watch over Kang. Maybe his assistant or something?” Minsuk suggests to Hoseok.

“Not his personal assistant. That person would have no business in contacting me. If I’m going to be a part of his political campaign, so will that person. We can find someone to take a role in the campaign.” Hoseok discusses.

“We’ll look through our men and see who can take up the task. Are there any criteria to fulfill?”

“They’re getting involved into grifting and politics, so someone who can bullshit is pretty crucial. Detailed oriented and reliable. Any background in politics would be helpful, but not necessary. We don’t go in each role with one hundred percent related skill set. But if no one has ever been a grifter, to have some knowledge is better than none in order to bluff your way through.” Hoseok advises.

“No.” Seokjin crosses his arms and stares down at the shorter man. After the meeting with the con artists, the mafia goes off to do their jobs and hunt for another capo or soldiers they can find. Yoongi, however just follows Seokjin home and here they are, standing in the middle of Seokjin’s living room.

“But she can do this. She was a political science major and you know she’s a capable person. She’ll help.” Yoongi tries to convince Seokjin but it seems like Seokjin is pretty firm.

“This isn’t any of her business. We don’t family involved. I’m not getting my family involved in this.” Seokjin says firmly.

“Get me involved into what?” They both turn to see Seokjin’s wife return home.

“You cornered me home so she would find out.” Seokjin whips his head to Yoongi and glares at him.

“Maybe.” Yoongi shrugs. He looks at Sangmi. She is a beautiful woman who is the same age as him. She and Seokjin met in her last year of college and they got married three and a half years ago.

“You know, I haven’t really got in touch with much politics since I married Seokjin.” Sangmi starts after hearing the whole story.

“But you still keep up with the news; you know what’s currently going on. They say the actual skill isn’t required, just preferred if you’ve never had any grifting experience. We don’t need you to grift on Politician Kang as much as keep an eye on the con man. As long as you can stay by Kang’s side, that’s all we need from you. Our men’s eyes are far too intense to pass as a simple political campaign team member. If you keep under the radar, you can be forgettable after the job ends.” Yoongi tries to convince both Seokjin and Sangmi after they all sit down.

“Sounds easy enough. You say this will help you guys? I’m more than willing to help. I can see why none of your soldiers would want to do something as tedious as babysit a con man.” Sangmi chuckles and looks over at Seokjin’s set jaw.

Yoongi sees Sangmi is okay with it, now it’s just Seokjin.

“We don’t get family involved.”

“Technically, we’ve never established that, seeing how the only family we have outside of us is Namjoon’s family who started this and Sangmi. It is preferred, but really, she’d be great at the job.” Yoongi argues.

“Not saying that getting married to you isn’t the best thing in my life, but before getting married, I was focused on the wedding. Now, I’ve focused on doing some remodeling in this house. I can hand it off to the architect and get myself out of the house a little bit. It’s only a month or two, right? You guys don’t have to make contact automatically.” Sangmi helps Yoongi’s argument.

“The other grifter doesn’t have to make contact yet, but the one you need to watch will integrate himself onto Kang’s team as soon as possible to get as much time to plan and dig.”

“So one extra month, three months. That’s still not too bad. It’s a lot of quiet supervision and reporting to you right? I’ll be fine. Kang would barely know I’m there. I know how to be quiet as a mouse too.” Sangmi rubs Seokjin’s arm lightly, soothing him into agreeing.

“Seokjin, come on. I’ve never let you down before. This is a simple task and it doesn’t get her hands dirty. We’ll make sure Hoseok won’t have her do anything like that.” Yoongi promises.

“Okay. It better be as simple and small as you say. I don’t want Kang to notice her. And don’t get chummy with the grifter either. We don’t tell them anything about Bangtan other than what’s necessary for the job. Anything else is crossing the line, got it?” Seokjin pats Sangmi’s hand on his arm. Sangmi nods in understanding.

Sangmi smiles at both of them.

“So, when do I start?”

The next morning, Sangmi is introduced to Hoseok.

“Alright, now it’s the matter of finding a spot in his campaign to fill.” Hoseok announces.

“We’ve got that covered. We’ve recently got in touch with their volunteer coordinator. She just quit.” MInsuk and Hoseok instantly narrow their eyes and Minsuk stands up.

“Did you guys make her quit? What happened to her? Did you guys kill her? This isn’t part of the plan; we don’t kill anyone, ever!”

“We do.” Jimin points out.

“We are not going through with this if this is how we get the job done. I’m not going to agree to this.” Minsuk crosses her arms.

“Relax. She’s not dead. We just gave her a good reason to retire. She’s safe, off the radar, living normally. No threats were involved.” Taehyung rolls his eyes at Minsuk. Her eyes stay narrow though.

“First of all, she’s a regular civilian with no bad background; there was no reason for us to harm her so we doesn’t, alright? Second of all, you’re currently doing a job for us. Other than your contract terms, you have to live with what we choose to do on our end. Your contract says you two aren’t getting involved with murder, so you’re not. And if she was murdered, the fact is you’re not involved. Neither is Sangmi, she’s just another innocent applicant after the volunteer coordinator retired and neither of you are a part of that either. Third of all, you are in no authority to give us ultimatums with that attitude. So, chill; sit down.”

After a few awkward silences, Minsuk settles back into her seat.

“Sangmi, I’m sending you in first. Since they just lost someone, they’re quicker to replace that person than any other positions. Do you need help to guide you through the interview?” Hoseok asks, breaking up the tension and focusing back into the meeting.

“No, I’m pretty sure I know how to get through a job interview.” Sangmi smiles politely. Hoseok gives a curt nod. He files in her application to the system and in two days, Sangmi is called in.

A/N: Hey, it’s been a while, but here I am. Giving in the next chapter, hurray! Enjoy.

To Hell and Back p.1 | Jungkook

Greek mythology!bts / demigod!bts

 Inspired by @kimnomster‘s fanart here, here, here, and here

Summary line: Jungkook will literally go to hell and back for you

Red isn’t just the color of blood. It’s the color of wrath. The color of war. It’s the only color Jungkook sees as he stands up from his kneeling position from his last strike down on the enemy. Everything was red: the hills, the fire, the countless bodies and discarded shields and weapons that are stuck in the corpse. Smoke filled the open space all around him, and it felt hotter than the underworld. Actually, that is false, but he wouldn’t know; he’s never been to the underworld, he only sends people there.

All in a day’s work. He tells himself, walking away from the lifeless battlefield. Everything is still red. Not just all around him, but on him as well. The blood of his enemies is smeared on his skin, stained on his armor and shield, and the liquid is still hot at the tip of his spear. And despite the last 72 hours he spent coursing through the field, twisting his spear into the bellies of every warrior, blood lust still courses through his veins.

Don’t get him wrong. He never starts anything, but at any fight he’s involved in, you can be sure he’s the one to finish them. The blood lust, the never-ending hunger to see his favorite color, that’s all in his blood; that’s what you get for being the son of Ares.

It’s no secret that Jungkook despises mere mortals. Mere mortals engage in epic battles, but for what?  Pathetic and absurd reasons to the eyes of Jungkook. For glory and honor? You can’t take it with you. For land and assets? You will never stop fighting to retain it in your possession. For a woman Aphrodite claims was the most beautiful woman in the world? Eh, to Jungkook she was only an 8.

That’s why he finishes every battle, they were all useless and troublesome, they might as well end. Ares tells him of what battle must come to an end and Jungkook is the first of his children to strap on his armor. He was a complicated man. 

He loved the battlefield, he loved the blood. But he hated the stupidity involved and couldn’t wait for it to end. Every man he fought was not up to par. In the heat of battle, most men tend to forget common sense and lash out aggressively without tact. He could see the fear in many of the young pairs of eyes, but he only thought, if you didn’t want to be here, you should just stay home. However, many have no choice and they send them off to battle anyway. Such a waste of blood.

Give him a good reason to fight, a smart man to oppose, that’s when he feels like there’s something to fight for. But don’t you ever tell him he’s irrational in his pickiness, it’ll be the last words you’ll ever say.

Lucky for the both of you, you have better sense than that. You are his one and only solace from the battlefield. It’s only when he’s with you, does his blood lust give out. It was really a rare sight to see; almost no one can live to tell the tale of how Jungkook’s tense muscles relax only when you’re around.

You were a smart woman. Jungkook would have pegged you as Athena’s daughter, if it wasn’t for Zeus’ claim on you the day you were born. Your eyes held intuition and your lips only poured words of wisdom of strategy. Maybe Jungkook would like to check on that paternity test; or maybe a maternity test to double check your relations with Athena because your mother may not really be who she says she is, who knows? Zeus is pretty loose about where he chooses to strike his lightning bolts. 

But by the looks of Athena’s strict stone eyes, the only close physical contact Zeus would ever get to have with Athena is when she came out from his head. But Athena also saw the resemblance in you. She usually chooses warriors to patron, but you happen to be one of the fair few women she claims under her wings as a patron. Though, you are not a warrior, you are a strategist like she is.

~•~

Jungkook has finally returned home. His feet would be sorer from the walk home if he wasn’t already used to it; his skin is too thick to feel pain. But any possibility of pain is forgotten. His senses are on alert, because it took him a split second to see you weren’t home. Chairs overturned, tables shifted from its spot. The pot your lovely fern you’ve spent 4 months cultivating in is shattered into pieces.

Jungkook senses no need to draw his sword; he already knows no one’s here. But he does so anyway because his blood is boiling at the mere thought of how you, a peaceful strategist, would ever have to fight your way out of someone’s arms in the comfort of your own home.

Your name thunders from the confines of the walls of your home, out from the open windows, and frightening the sheep into frenzy out in the neighboring field. He steps out of the house, his head whipping back and forth to find any living creature to slice his sword through.

In 5 seconds, every sheep’s white wool is stained in red and he mindlessly drops his bag of gold coins on the field to reimburse the owner threefold.

He stalks off in search of watchful eyes.

~•~

“Argos!” Jungkook’s roar shakes the cave of where the many-eyed giant resides.

“Jungkook.” Argos reveals himself from behind a bed of rocks. At the tone of Argos’ voice, Jungkook’s eyes have already narrowed.

“You sound surprised that I am here.” He says with clenched teeth.

“Yes, I’m quite surprised that I’m surprised. But not very surprised, seeing how I have just awoken, so it makes sense.”

“You have four eyes, they are never closed at the same time. Not since the incident with Io.”

“You’re right. Huh, surprising, isn’t it?”

“Stop saying that!” Jungkook’s fury is quickly ripping through the seams of his patience.

“I don’t know where she is. I don’t know who’s taken her. There’s no use in killing me.” The giant attempts to persuade Jungkook as he cautiously taps Jungkook’s spear point downwards from the perfect killing strike.

“But I do see something. You were probably too busy slicing sheep to notice.” It must be something you left.

“You better talk fast.” Jungkook said, his strength rising above the giant’s finger on his spear.

“Your poor neighboring shepherd is sobbing while he’s collecting your coins, by the way.”

“The point.” Jungkook raised his voice as does his spear, making his own point.

“Under the shattered pottery, lies a sign in the dirt.”

“What’s the sign?”

“Half of a caduceus.”

It would make sense. Hermes was the one who first and only one who has charmed Argos’ eyes to close when freeing Io. But from the information he currently has on Hermes, he’s too busy guiding a man across an ocean. Hermes may be a trickster and easily bored most of the time, but there really is no rhyme or reason as to why he would choose to kidnap you. It’s not Hermes, then who? Half a caduceus could possibly mean you didn’t have the time to finish the second half, seeing how you were too busy trying to fend for yourself. But you were a quick artist, one of the many gifts bestowed on you by Athena.

He had left Argos’ mountain, to sought after Athena, to see if she knew anything about her missing apprentice.

But by his fifth step, his legs gave out and his eyes weighed heavier than any shield he’s ever held. He drifted off.

Jungkook stood in the middle of your home. How did he get here? Where were you? That’s right. You’ve been kidnapped. Jungkook let out a frustrated yell. What is going on?!

“Stop yelling. I’m here to help, damn you.” Jungkook’s head whipped at the sound of a slow and raspy voice. He saw Yoongi in his shimmering white cloak that looked as evanescent as smoke, but as graceful as a feather. Yoongi had a silver laurel that sat above his blond hair which its bangs were low and nearly covering Yoongi’s sleepy eyes. At the presence of Yoongi, he knows he’s dreaming.

“Where did she go, hyung?” Jungkook’s voice raised. Yoongi only closed his eyes and exhaled loudly, trying to calm down.

“I’m serious, if your voice is any louder than 60 decibels, I’m out.” Yoongi opened his eyes and glared. Jungkook maybe a wrathful demigod, but even Yoongi’s glare can give Jungkook’s own glare a run for his money.

“I’m sorry. What are we doing here?”

“Look at the sign she left for you.” Yoongi nodded over to the broken pottery and dirt. Jungkook walked over and squatted down to inspect it. By first glance, it really did just look like a mess. Jungkook moved away the pieces, careful not to ruin your work to see exactly as Argos said: half a caduceus.

“What am I looking for?” Yoongi rolled his eyes and walked over to his young friend.

“Why do you think she only drew half a caduceus? What is her point?” Jungkook attempted to keep his patience, but Yoongi spoke in riddles, and your drawing was no help to that. But at the thought of you, at the thought of your hard work, he was willing to think it through.

“Half of Hermes. The person who took her is a demigod.” Jungkook realized.

“Correct. Now, what demigod of Hermes do we actually know who would have any rhyme or reason to kidnap her?” Jungkook looked at Yoongi and breathed, “Jimin.”

“Hoseok told me that Jimin hid her in the underworld. Jimin had bribed Hoseok with fifteen thieving souls in exchange to conceal her whereabouts.” Yoongi finally gave Jungkook the first good news he’s heard all day. It slightly calmed him down although not really, because you’re now in the goddamn underworld.

“Why would Hoseok tell you this?” Jungkook asked him.

“Hoseok hasn’t been getting much good sleep lately. The souls of the underworld give him more of a headache than he’s willing to mention to his father. He asked for at least a week’s worth of beautiful dreams in exchange, some information. She’s a nice girl, I’d hate to see her stay too long in the underworld, you know? The longer you stay down there, the more your soul wears out. She may be a daughter of Zeus, but she is a mortal offspring, unlike us.” Jungkook shook his head of the idea you are just lying in the pits of the underworld, having your soul slowly give out as the rest of the wandering souls attempt to have you join them. Jimin has taken it too far.

“What should I do now? How do I get down there?” Yoongi shrugs at Jungkook’s questions.

“I don’t know. I’ve helped you this far. Your turn.” And with that, Yoongi disappeared and Jungkook woke up, still five steps away from the bottom of Argos’ mountain.

“Taehyung!” Jungkook ran to find his friend in the Apollo temple. Taehyung is easy to spot, even if he didn’t turn around. Taehyung’s collar and sandal wraps glowed an orange-yellowish hue, making him recognizable even in the darkest moments.

“Hey there, Jungkook! Wow, you look awful.” Taehyung looked at his friend who still hasn’t washed away the old blood from his most recent war. 

Taehyung is quite the jubilant demigod, even if he is the keeper of plagues. He enjoyed coming up with songs about sickness and wrote requiems for every epidemic. That makes him a very contradicting man, but that’s one of the many reasons he and Jungkook got along so well. But as much as he got along with Jungkook, he was also on great terms with Jimin.

“Taehyung, you have to help me. Jimin kidnapped Y/N and now she’s confined in the underworld.”

“Jimin? I just saw the guy two days ago. He asked to borrow my cloak of concealment I got from my dad.” Two days? Two days?! Is that how long he had you in the underworld? Mere mortals can only last 36 hours. Lucky for you, your half-divine bloodline status bought you an extra 60 hours from that.

“Do you have any ambrosia?” Jungkook asked quickly.

“I don’t, but my half-brother does. He’s around here somewhere, I’ll go ask him.” Taehyung rushed away in search for his half-brother.

“Jimin, when I get my hands on you…” Jungkook’s fist clenched, drawing blood in his own hands. If he didn’t see red in the next second, he might have to offer a couple thousand sacrifices to Apollo for shedding the innocent blood of the nearby worshipers in Apollo’s temple.

A/N: planning 2-3 parts to this I think. namjoon and seokjin have yet to appear, but of course i will never forget them. wanna guess who their parents are?

Part 2

To Hell and Back p.2 | Jungkook

Greek mythology!bts / demigod!bts

Inspired by @kimnomster‘s fanart here, here, here, and here

Summary line: Jungkook will literally go to hell and back for you

Part 1

“This guy comes highly recommended, just follow my lead.” Taehyung speaks over his shoulder as he and Jungkook entered the House of Muse. Jungkook would have been walking faster than him, if only Jungkook knew where he was going; he had no choice but to follow the leisure strides of his friend.

“You’re the one recommending him. And Y/N is in the underworld. I have less than 60 hours to travel down there and get her. What are we doing here?”

“Oh, so you know how to travel down into the underworld, navigate it, pick up a living soul, and return unscathed, am I right? Then by all means, you can go on. Regardless of you, I was going to come over here anyway.” Taehyung taunted without turning his head. Jungkook rolled his eyes, but he didn’t deny that his friend was right. Jungkook was tactful, but only on the battlefield. He’s not exactly a man of strategy, strategy is more of your forte. He’s more of the strike first, ask questions later. If he went in, spears sharp and swords blazing, he won’t even be able to get past Charon, and that man is decomposed.

“Alright, I know you’re just worried about Y/N. Let’s walk faster.” Taehyung could read between the lines of Jungkook’s concern that you didn’t have much time left.

They reached the courtyard and saw a tall man holding a flute. The lining of his off-white robes was shimmering with golden words that seems to change by the flicker of the light.

“Namjoon!” The tall man turned around to see Taehyung.

“The Apollo to my Artemis! What surprise visit is this?” Namjoon gleefully stretched out his hands to greet Taehyung and looked at Jungkook, “A son of Ares, in my courts? You look a bit out-of-sorts.”

“My girlfriend is stuck in the underworld. I need help to get down there and retrieve her and Taehyung says you’re the man to see.” Jungkook explained quickly. Namjoon just blinked at him.

“This is why I told you to follow my lead.” Taehyung whispered to Jungkook.

“His beautiful lover was taken away, the poor soul. She’s in the underworld; we must search it in whole.”

“I guess he wants a way in like my father, Orpheus. The best way is to follow his way, that’s obvious.”

“But as you know, he’s the wrathful son of Ares. He won’t last two minutes down there, help him, please!”

“Yes, the souls may be unconcerned, but one hint of his fury, reeking and leaking, he will probably be burned.” Namjoon frowned.

“So can you help me, s-son of Euterpe?” Jungkook stuttered on his second half, catching on the necessity of rhymes in order to communicate to the demigod of lyrical poetry.

“Ah! Your rhyme expresses your sincerity. What love you must have for the lovely lady! Alright, I’ll help you. Let me go get my father’s lyre.”

“Hey! I thought you only spoke in rhymes, my friend!” Taehyung gasped.

“I can communicate without rhymes, but outside of my home, you’re the only I can communicate that way with. You’re a good friend; you’re my favorite person to talk to. Besides, I’m going on a quest with a son of Ares; do you really think he’s able to withstand a full conversation of rhymes? I’m afraid he’ll send me to the underworld before we even rescue the damsel in distress there.”

“Hoseok is the one who hid Y/N, we should find him and ask him where she is.” Taehyung said.

“But why would he tell us if he was the one who hid her in the first place?” Jungkook asked.

“Well, he exchanged souls for concealment, sweet dreams for information. It sounds to me like this man is a trader of sorts. We need to find something he wants.” Namjoon figured.

“Yoongi said the souls were giving him a headache, I guess he guards the River of Acheron, where the River of Cocytus meets with it.” Taehyung recalled the information told by Jungkook.

“Agreed.”

By Namjoon’s song and lyre, Charon was charmed to lead the trio down the different rivers to find the son of Hades. Jungkook finally experienced the heat of hell. It didn’t help that one of the rivers they crossed was the Phlegethon, nearing the depths of Tartarus. All the corpses he’s ever burned cannot even begin to compare to the Phlegethon.

The heat was intense. You’d think the place would smell like a rotten corpse, that’s false. This is a place for souls, not dead bodies, those stay above ground. In fact, the souls themselves held cold air to them, but the last thing you would want is to feel the shiver up your spine from passing them.

“Hoseok!” Jungkook jumped off the boat as soon as he saw the son of Hades. He wore a pitch black robe with a hood over it. In the underworld is where his power is greatest, and everyone else dissociated with the underworld is absolutely no match. His powerful aura emitted from his body like purple smoke. Despite the lyre working on Hades and Persephone, Namjoon wasn’t his father; he yet has power over the son of Hades. Hoseok wouldn’t even let Jungkook within five feet of him; Jungkook halted in his place.

“You dare come into my territory and try to hurt me?” Hoseok looked at Jungkook incredulously. Jungkook’s teeth clenched as he willed his body to move, but no avail.

“Calm down, Jungkook. Your rage is gaining attention.” Namjoon sang softly, reminding Jungkook to keep his emotions in check. Jungkook glanced around to see souls slowly turning their heads towards him.

The underworld isn’t necessarily evil, it is merely the host of souls, but how someone dies greatly influences the air around them. The more violent death, the more vengeful the spirit feels. As there is no one around to claim revenge on, the soul’s malevolence slowly turns dormant. Even if you met your murderer in here, there’s no use in fighting.

Living beings aren’t exactly allowed to be in the underworld because of their great essence of life still in them. It draws attention to the souls and reminds them of the things buried deep within. If it wasn’t for the cloak of concealment, you wouldn’t be able to stay living in the underworld; it wasn’t just to hide you from Jungkook, but from the souls and guardians of the underworld as well. The son of Ares must be the worst type of demigod to be in the underworld. So many of these souls have shed their blood on his skin, no matter how much he cleans himself, the soul will always recognize their own blood.

Jungkook’s labored breathing lowered his rage, and with the help of Namjoon’s voice and lyre, souls slowly turned away and continued to move.

“Hoseok, we mean you no harm. We merely want to know where Y/N is.” Taehyung said, raising his hands in the air.

“You’re Taehyung, the keeper of plagues. Did you trip or something when you let out that plague in Athens 70 years ago?”

“Well, my father was telling me that there was a concern of overpopulation. I merely followed orders.”

“Yeah, well guess where those rates of overpopulation went?”

“Well, I mean, it’s not like your resources here gets used up…”

“You do realize that over half of the world hasn’t been discovered yet, right? We’re far away from world overpopulation, why worry? When resources grow scarce one place, they migrate. Everyone dying at the same time just makes them overpopulate next time. People recycle out of here almost every other lifetime.”

“Well then you have a very efficient system to keep overpopulation, I guess.” Taehyung grinned. Hoseok’s lips held tight together irritated.

“We know you’re man who likes to trade. What do you want in exchange of information of where Y/N is?” Jungkook asked calmly, grabbing Hoseok’s attention again. Hoseok tilted his chin up in superiority and looked at Namjoon. He pointed at the lyre, “I want that.”

“What?! You can’t have my father’s lyre. We need this to get back up there! Besides, my mother would kill me and so would I if I wasn’t down here already.” Namjoon exclaimed, he paused on a note but continuing the moment he saw a twitch of the enchanted Charon still standing on the boat in the river.

Hoseok shrugged. He looked at Jungkook, putting the ball in his court, “Don’t you want to know where Y/N is?” Jungkook glared at him and looked at Namjoon, who held his lyre tighter in his hands.

“Y/N would not approve of me selling out a friend’s family heirloom like that.” Jungkook turned back to Hoseok.

“Wow, what loyalty. But if you don’t give me that lyre, Y/N wouldn’t even know about how her man held his ground so chivalrously.”

“You just want good sleep. Yoongi is already providing you that.”

“Yeah but the souls still give me a headache when I’m awake. Vengeance is dormant in the souls, but everything gets dumped in here, to cleanse the soul of their triggers. Why do you think this is the river of woe and pain? Do you hear that right now? Silence. Have you heard any wailing on this river since you came here? That’s what the lyre can do for me.”

“You don’t get a lot of peace here, do you? How about I introduce you to the daughter of Eirene? She’s my neighbor. Go follow your father’s footsteps and make a bride out of her, yeah?” Taehyung offered.

“I’m not like my father like that. If I want to marry someone, she will actually have to love me first.” Hoseok’s eye twitched.

“Oh, you want love, huh? Well then how about – “

“I don’t need a woman right now, I want peace, damn it, and you’re doing no help on that.” Hoseok shook his finger at Taehyung. Taehyung raised his hands in surrender again.

“I’m sorry. I’ll let Jungkook do the talking.”

Okay, so you want peace,” Jungkook began to negotiate, “I promise, I will find you an instrument of peace and give it to you.”

“What instrument of peace?” Hoseok needed more details that Jungkook couldn’t immediately provide.

“The daughter of Eirene has tears of silence. A few drops will calm the river down.” Taehyung suggested.

“No. Nothing can touch this river but pain.” Hoseok stated.

“If we can’t manipulate your surroundings, then we’ll manipulate you.” Namjoon said, strumming away at his lyre.

“What?”

“The lotus plants from the land of the lotus-eaters, their leaves can be fashioned into an incredible pair of earmuffs. It’s better than the honey, it’s all sticky and waxy; gets stuck in your ears.”

“Fine. Get me lotus leaves earmuffs and I will tell you where Y/N is.”

“Can you tell us now? If you tell us where she is, lead us there to get her, and help us leave this place, then I swear the River of Styx that I will return to you in a month with the lotus leaves earmuffs.” Taehyung lowly whistled at Jungkook’s oath. Any oath sworn by the River of Styx is a pretty hefty oath.

“We have a deal. She is currently resting inside the trunk of the biggest tree in the Asphodel Meadows.”

A/N: soo i started constructing the plot more last night, it’s possible that there are four parts to this, we’ll see. Enjoy!

Part 3

To Hell and Back pt.3 | Jungkook

Greek mythology!bts / demigod!bts

Inspired by @kimnomster‘s fanart here, here, here, and here

Summary line: Jungkook will literally go to hell and back for you

Parts 2

It didn’t take long to travel to the Asphodel Meadows, and the biggest tree wasn’t hard to find. The only problem was when Hoseok opened up the trunk to reveal you.

“Where am I? Who are you? Who am I?” You had forgotten who you were, you forgot who Jungkook was. Jungkook jaw dropped slightly. He pulled you out of the trunk and into his arms, “Y/N. I’m Jungkook.” When he saw that you weren’t very responsive to your name or his, he glared at Hoseok, “Why doesn’t she remember anything?”

“Anyone who lives in the Asphodel Meadows must first drink from the River of Lethe. I didn’t give her any though; she’s not a permanent resident here. It must be this tree,” Hoseok touched the trunk, “This tree’s sustenance is the River of Lethe. It’s humid inside this trunk. The moisture must have gotten to her.

“Jungkook.” Taehyung stretched his hand out to deliver Jungkook the jug of ambrosia liquid. Jungkook quickly uncorked it and held it over your lips. You weakly tried to push away the jug, unsure if you should drink it. Who was this man with blood stained skin and armor? His body said warrior, his aura spilled wrath, and the only contradicting element to this person was the desperation in his eyes of having a lost lover.

“Please, Y/N. This will make you strong again.” Jungkook cooed and you finally gave in. When you had had your fill, your strength was recovered, but not your memories.

“Take her to the River of Mnemosyne to recover her memories.” Hoseok said. Jungkook carried you despite your quivering protests for the stranger to let go of you.

“I will never let go of you, Y/N. Save your breath.” Jungkook whispered harshly at you. He wasn’t mad at you, but this whole ordeal has been very frustrating for him. Namjoon sang in your ear, which helped you to relax in Jungkook’s arms, making the trip to the River of Mnemosyne a lot easier.

Jungkook sat down on the floor and set you down on his lap. He quickly took the sheath of his sword, ready to fill it up with the river beside him.

Taehyung and Namjoon were celebrating a little prematurely, dancing and singing quietly on the side so they wouldn’t draw much attention. But as luck would have it, Namjoon accidentally knocked into a soul who fell into the river.

“Oh my Zeus, I’m so sorry, sir!” Namjoon gasped as the man came out sputtering. He shook his head and climbed out of the water and rubbed the water out from his eyes. Jungkook was the first man he saw.

“You! You were the one who killed me and my men! The battle would have been ours if it wasn’t for your interference. You killed everyone on the battlefield!” The man exclaimed, the latent fury rising above again.

“No, your enemies were preparing seven catapults. You had more men but you had no resources on your side. If you attempted to find resources and build your own while letting your men face unnecessary battle, the outcome would have been the same, just long after I can end it.” Jungkook said without looking, unconcerned about the soul who now paid attention to him.

“You arrogant demigod. I will kill you!” The man took up Jungkook’s abandoned sword. Jungkook quickly emptied the sheath of the river’s liquid to hold off the sword. He was so close to helping you regain your memories. Jungkook’s teeth clenched at this extremely inconvenient disturbance.

Jungkook reached behind him for the shield on his back and brought it forward to hit the man on the head. The man stumbled backwards and looked up to see Jungkook already in position, ready for the fight. The man hollered as he ran towards Jungkook again with the sword up in the air. He attempted to strike Jungkook but Jungkook swung his shield to dodge the sword as well as push it away so he could punch the man.

“Quick, do something!” Taehyung yelled at Hoseok.

“I cannot interfere with the soul’s actions.” Hoseok shook his head. Taehyung watched helplessly as his friend continued to fight with the man of vengeful spirt. Despite Jungkook being much stronger, agile, and better fighter, vengeance was a strong motivator for the man to keep going.

Taehyung took the edge of his cloak and dipped it into the river.

“Y/N, please open up. This will help you remember who you are.” You looked at Taehyung and then at Jungkook. You hesitantly opened your mouth and let the drops of river fall into your mouth.

At that moment, everything came back to you.

The way Jimin’s eyes uncharacteristically lit up like flashes of lightning, the dirt sign you drew quickly before the inevitable, and the next thing you knew, you were cocooned in a tree trunk with the air cold. But the humidity was strong, so strong that you slowly slipped into weakness, confusion and forgetfulness until there was absolutely nothing.

None of that mattered at this moment though. What mattered was that the love of your life was fighting off a vengeful spirit.

The battle was quickly drawing attention. Namjoon’s music could only hold off the souls from the breaking point to join in, but waves of vengeance were rolling off of the crowd, creating a bigger crowd at every second the feelings of vengeance would influence souls in passing.

You looked beyond to see the River of Lethe across the way. You scrambled over there, passing by the crowd of souls who ignored you, despite Taehyung’s request to stay put. You reached around your neck for your pendant’s knot. The large pendant was the shape of a circular, concave shield. You scooped up some of the river into the back of your pendant and stood standby the fight. You waited for the perfect opportunity where Jungkook saw you and forced the man to go backwards, closer to you.

At the opportune moment, it was if you two had previously planned it. Jungkook lunged forward and held the man’s wrist, locking it. He sheathed the sword as you wrapped your arm around the man’s neck, putting him into a headlock. Jungkook grabbed the man’s jaw to open it and you forced the man to drink the water from the river.

The man’s muscles grew slack and his eyes glazed over. The two of you let go of him. Jungkook quickly pulled you behind him and kept his shield up as he handed you his sword and sheath. Namjoon was now back in control of the crowd, having everyone slowly go back into their ways.

“I can’t believe Jimin had the audacity to kidnap you. What was his point, anyway?” Seokjin shook his head as he hammered iron into shape. Jungkook had brought you to the home of his blacksmith, Seokjin. He was the son of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. It was quite obvious to everyone that he took after Aphrodite; it was almost suspicious if he was Hephaestus’ son at all. But with his natural potential in craftsmanship at a young age, Hephaestus was willing to compromise as long as Seokjin would learn the art of blacksmith by his side. As the son of Ares, Jungkook grew close with this beautiful blacksmith. He was a kind and humble man, except for when it was about his beauty.

Seokjin immediately settled you both down. In 10 minutes, Jungkook’s armor and weapons were clean. You had a blanket wrapped around you and hot soup in front of you. Jungkook stood in front of Seokjin’s forge, where there was the never-ending fire.

“No idea. I thought he was completely over the fact that Y/N chose me. I’m going to kill him, and then I’m going to ask him.” Jungkook tightened his fist.

“No, Jungkook. This wasn’t Jimin’s doing.” Everyone looked at you and Jungkook walked over to sit down beside you.

“What do you mean it wasn’t him? Then why’d you draw half a caduceus?”

“That was to tell you who took me, but it wasn’t his fault. He was under the influence.”

“Of who?” Jungkook’s blood began to boil. He was already mad at Jimin in the first place. Now that he knew his anger may be misdirected, he was even angrier. Jimin wasn’t exactly his close friend ever since Y/N chose him over Jimin, but at least Jimin remained on civil terms that were borderline friendly. It wasn’t fair that Jimin was used like this.

“Zeus.” You sighed, looking at your soup. You recalled those flashes of lightning in Jimin’s eyes once more.

“Your father? What is he doing, telling people to kidnap his daughter?” Taehyung asked.

“There’s been talk in Olympus that Zeus and Hera’s home has been thundering. They’ve been fighting but no one really knows why.” Seokjin said as his eyes were trained on the yellow-hot metal.

“With Hera, it’s always going to be about Zeus’ infidelity. But why bring this up now? You’ve been claimed by him since day one.” Namjoon shrugged. He strummed along to the beat of Seokjin’s hammer strikes on the metal, earning a friendly grin from the beautiful man with course hands.

“Y/N…who’s your mother?” Jungkook asked you. You glanced up at Jungkook and then back to your bowl, not that you were really trying to avoid his gaze.

“I don’t think my mother is who she says she is, and I have an idea of who my mother might be, I just don’t want to jump to conclusions just yet. I think my mother is Metis. Athena is Zeus’ favorite daughter, it’s already a sting to Hera that it was not a son or daughter born from her. Chalk up another offspring to Metis on Zeus’ scoreboard, Hera’s probably not having any of this again. 

“Zeus can’t outwardly do anything to help me, since everything is still speculation. It’s possible that he chose Jimin to hide me because he is the son of Hermes. He would have ways to close Argos eyes, and since he’s a psychopomp who travels the whole world to guide the dead into the underworld, it’s not suspicious that he visits the underworld often. The exact person Hera wants dead; it’s unimaginable to hide the person she wants dead at the exact place that holds dead people.” You looked up to see Jungkook’s jaw jumping. 

He was tired of this. It’s been over 72 hours since he’s shed any blood. All he needed now was revenge on the person who took you away from him, whoever it was. The one who took you away from him, held you hostage in the underworld, the one who forced him to use his connections to travel down to the underworld and back, and the instigator of his secret heartbreak when you couldn’t recognize him.

Seokjin finally dipped the metal in cold water, breaking the silence with a loud hiss from the cooling metal. He wiped it down and handed Jungkook a new sharp sword.

“I’m done talking. I’m going to get to the bottom of this. Starting with Jimin.”

A/N: Don’t think Seokjin’s mother as Aphrodite is a surprise, or the fact that Hephaestus may or may not be his son, but how about the fact that he’s a blacksmith though?! How will Jungkook ever settle a battle that’s not even in his power or place to fight? Anyways, enjoy! Last member to reveal themselves is the one and only Jimin!

Next chapter

The Struggle is Real p.1

The request: p.1 and 2

Summary line: The struggle between the group’s rivalry isn’t the problem, the love is.

Jungkook snickers at Jimin when he asks for Yoongi to pass him a new sheet of parchment paper. The “sheet of parchment paper” is emphasized with a lot of saliva in the mouth. Ever since last night, after the picking of mandrake leaves, the boys have to hold the leaf in their mouth for a whole mouth, so the leaf can soak up the DNA of the owner, before the brewing of the animagus potion.

It’s not that they can’t speak, eat, or drink, but everything is definitely a lot more difficult. Everyone already sounds like they’re wearing a retainer 24/7, but Jimin and Yoongi already have a natural lisp to their speech. The only difference between Jimin and Yoongi is that everyone is readily able to tease him rather than the mint hair-colored Slytherin; it’s practically legend that says that anyone who teases Yoongi will experience 3 years of bad luck.

“Oh, what we have here?” at the sound of a feminine voice, the three boys turn to look up at another trio.

The Gryffindor girl bends down to Jimin’s eye level and grab his jaw, making him to drop his jaw.

“Hey!” Yoongi quickly grabs the Gryffindor girl’s hand and wretches it away from his friend. Jungkook stands up.

“What do you think you’re doing, Wren?” Yoongi practically hisses at the Gryffindor fifth year. She shrugs with a smirk as she straightens herself up.

“Animagus potion?” the Ravenclaw fifth year speaks up. The three boys widen their eyes and look at her. She already caught the green in his mouth.

“Come on guys. You have freaking mandrake leaves in your mouths. You’re not exactly discreet. Thought you guys are smarter than that.”

“It’s none of your business, Vanessa.” Yoongi glares at the Ravenclaw.

“No, of course it’s not our business. But I wonder, what animals they’ll become?” Wren laughs.

“Let me see,” the Slytherin girl speaks up, tapping her chin, before pointing at Yoongi, Jimin, and Jungkook, “I bet it’s a snail, a warthog, and a pig.” The girls laugh at the Slytherin’s prediction.

Jungkook rolls his eyes, “No one asked you, Arabella.”

“Oh hush child, you know you want to know. I’m giving you an upperclassman’s well-seasoned opinion. It takes so long to wait for the right timing to do this transfiguration. Anticipating the right storm takes rare patience.”

“Have you tried?” Jimin asked curiously.

“Don’t have to. Just listen in class and you know the difficulty.” Vanessa shrugs. Yoongi rolls his eyes.

If it’s fate, it’s the worst kind. Of all the fifth years, these girls stand out the most to the boys. These three girls are the top of the class in their fifth year, one year ahead of the boys. In the fifth year students, these girls are practically worshipped like idols for their legacy of brains and beauty. It shouldn’t be any of the boy’s concerns, but they have a bone to pick with the trio.

Vanessa Larkson is a Ravenclaw, the smartest of any student of any house in her year and above.  The only reason she can’t say in the whole school is because Namjoon is strongly competing on that title for those in his year and younger. To the boys, she’s obnoxiously proud of her own achievements, but the rest of the school doesn’t see it because they’re too busy fawning over her beauty. Jimin used to have a crush on her, but that disappeared when Namjoon came into the Great Hall in their second year, blowing up about a debate he had in class with her. Since Namjoon was so heated about it, Jimin decided bros before hoes. It’s been two years since then and Jimin’s tiny crush has been well buried and inactive.

Wren Nazario is a Gryffindor, and she’s quite the firecracker. She’s also a Gryffindor chaser. She drives Yoongi insane on the Quidditch field because when he’s against Gryffindor, she’s one of the stronger chasers on the field, making him break sweat and he’s not even a chaser! Because of her, his Quidditch captain trains them longer and harder more than any other team, even on rainy days, and those are the worst. His captain actually has an insane crush on her, but she always rejects him, which makes him let it out on his team. Yoongi hates it when his captain is like this, but he blames Wren even more, because if wasn’t for her, his captain could be an okay guy.

Arabella Timberlake is a Slytherin and actually a part of the Quidditch team with Yoongi. Yoongi recognizes that she’s the strongest player on their team, and because she’s actually Wren’s friend, she’s not afraid of the competition. Yoongi doesn’t have a serious problem with her, but Jungkook does. Out of all the boys, Jungkook has the boldest competitive streak. At first, he thought his friendly competition is with Yoongi, seeing how they’re both the seekers on their respective teams, but no. Jungkook has caught the snitch a fair amount of times, but because Arabella actually scores so much, she can single-handedly beat his 150 points. It’s so rare in Quidditch history, let alone their own school. He once came up to her just to tell her good game, what she said was, “Mhm. Thanks.” And that was the end of his admiration.

The girls laugh and go on their way, making the boys sulk.

“Do you think they’ll tell Professor McGonagall?” Jimin asks. Last time, the fight that he got into in his third year at Hogsmeade was ratted out by the Slytherins that he and his friends beat. His parents were so mad at him. They couldn’t give him a howler because they’re both muggles, but he got it bad when he got home. He doesn’t regret it, because he’s gained a really strong friendship with Yoongi, but he still would rather not get in trouble from his parents like that that anymore.

“Don’t worry about that right now. You have a game today! Against Ravenclaw, and Vanessa isn’t even on the team. So she’s none of your concern.”

“I’m only a beater. Not like I contribute to points.” Jimin automatically felt the weight of another body on top of him.

“Hey I’m a beater too! What are you trying to say? Put some pride in that. Remember how you saved one of your teammates from a bludger?” Jimin looks up at Taehyung, his closest friend of all the boys.

“That’s because you hit that bludger towards her.” Jimin glares.

“I thought we’re over that. I apologized remember? And you became a star in your own house.”

“That’s right. Remember all your fangirls? Every Hufflepuff girl sent him fanmail that night.” Hoseok wiggles his eyebrows, ratting out his fellow housemate.

“Ugh. That was a nightmare.” Jimin buries his face in his hands, blushing.

“Are you kidding? Who doesn’t want fangirls?” Namjoon plops down on the table across from Jimin.

“It’s not that, but think if you have to reject over 70 girls in the same house as you. Seriously, think about it.” The boys were silent before met with shivers.

“Oh, the pain!” Hoseok clutches his chest like his heart hurts at the mere thought of a girl crying for him.

“You did your best. They at least still talk to you.”

“Yeah, but there’s still some who consider me dead to them now.” Jimin mumbles. The boys look at each other. Jimin is one of the sweetest boys in their group, none of them can really stand it when he’s upset, more so than any other.

“It doesn’t matter. Be yourself, and they’ll see that it’s a loss that they don’t even have you exist in their world. You’re worth isn’t based on whether they think of you anyway.” Seokjin ruffles Jimin’s hair. Jimin nods and pats his hair down.

“Jimin! Jungkook! Hoseok!” They look up to see their Quidditch captain calling them from the Great Hall entrance.

“Here we go.” Jungkook stands up and so does Jimin, to join Hoseok who’s already up.

“Good luck guys, don’t lose your leaf!”

Wooshing sounds hit Jungkook’s ears as the game goes on. He’s perched high above the Quidditch pitch to make way for the rest of the team below. Right now, it’s 70/60, Ravenclaw’s lead.  The game has been over an hour now. Jungkook’s eyes dart all over the place to search for the snitch. Finally he sees it. The Ravenclaw is just a second later than Jungkook, but that’s all he needs. Jungkook leans forward and speeds off as fast as he can with the Ravenclaw at his tail. The Ravenclaw team may be more in points, but Jungkook will be damned if he allows them to win.

Jimin sees that Jungkook has finally put into action, he figures that his friend sees the snitch. Jimin aggressively smacks a nearby flying bludger away from him, that amazingly knocks the quaffle out of a Ravenclaw chaser’s hands and it falls into the hands of Hoseok who speeds the other way. The crowd is wild for Jimin. He grins and waves towards the crowd. No one can know that it was a happy accident.

Jungkook dips lower to follow the snitch, and by now the Ravenclaw has caught up to his side. The snitch is within a 10 foot radius, Jungkook starts to knock sideways at the Ravenclaw.

The Ravenclaw seeker however, is no longer paying attention to the snitch. Above, Jimin is currently waving to the crowd who’s going nuts over his latest achievement. Before Jungkook realizes it, the Ravenclaw pulls up in the air.

Jungkook glances up for a second to see the Ravenclaw give up on the snitch, but it’s no longer his concern, the snitch is.

Just a little closer. Jungkook presses his body against the broom and it quickens, just enough for him to reach out and…

The moment the snitch is in his hands, he yells in victory. But that’s the same moment the crowd gasps, not out of Jungkook’s victory, but out of horror. Jungkook looks up and sees someone in yellow robes falling of his broom. It’s Jimin!

Jungkook’s instincts kick in and he zooms to catch his friend. Jimin is almost a quarter of the pitch away from him. Jungkook lets go of the snitch and reaches for his friend. But what he caught was his robes.

The quick tug of Jimin’s Quidditch robes helps break Jimin’s fall, but not enough because Jimin slips out and makes the rest of his way down.

Jimin takes a deep breath and feels pain. He winces and starts to hear voices.

“He’s awake!” He hears. Jimin’s eyes flutter open and he sees six horribly worried faces.

“You’re alive!” Jimin coughs at the instant weight of Taehyung hugging his body and he yelps.

“Get off of him! He’s in pain!” Namjoon pulls Taehyung back.

“Madam Pomfrey says you’ll be bedridden for a week.” Yoongi informs Jimin. Jimin looks down to see him laying in an infirmary bed. He feels like he can’t move his limbs.

“Jimin, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” Jungkook is practically choking back tears and Jimin automatically reaches out for him, despite the pain.

“W-What are you talking about? If it wasn’t you, I’m sure I’d be in worse place right now. Don’t feel bad. And besides,” he sticks his tongue out to show the mandrake leaf, “I still have my leaf.”

“See, I told you he won’t blame you, Jungkook.” Hoseok pats Jungkook on the back.

“But there is someone we do have to blame.” A scary silence falls on the boys and Jimin looks around to see hardened glares.

“There’s a bed in St. Mungo’s that has Coleman’s name permanently carved into it.” Seokjin’s voice is so low, they almost can’t hear him.

“Guys…” Jimin says, trying to break the trance out of the boys, “It’s a game. Things like these happen.”

“No, they don’t, Jimin. They really fucking don’t.” Yoongi can’t wipe the glare off his face when he looks at Jimin.

“Please don’t do anything. It’s not right.”

“An eye for an eye, Jimin.”

“What about ‘don’t do to others as they do to you’? Guys really. Knowing your lengths, you could end up in Azkaban. I would really like to keep my friends, thank you very much. Really. Let this go. I’m not dead. I’m not even paralyzed. Jungkook saved my life by saving me half that drop.”

Jimin took an hour to convince the boys to drop it by dropping the subject itself. By the time it was dinner, the boys really didn’t want to go, but Jimin convinces them to sneak dinner food to him. And all of them have to give him something.

“You’re too good of a guy, Jimin.” Hoseok mumbles before they leave.

The moment the boys are out of sight, Jimin closes his eyes and groans for the rest of his body.

“Here. This will help.” Jimin gasps in surprise because he didn’t expect anyone here, let alone Vanessa Larkson.

A/N: New Hogwarts AU! Set in the same universe as all of my Hogwarts AU. This scenario ties in with the happenings of the fourth year I wrote for them. The way I will do this is a two-part scenario series/fanfiction for each of the three members Jimin, Yoongi, and Jungkook. All in all, there are six scenarios.

This took me so long because I had to map out a plot. I think I’ve gotten most of it, but we’ll see how this goes.

Happy Halloween!

To Marauders anon: You thought I forgot about you didn’t you? lol, i’m sorry it took me so long! But as promised, before the end of October..at least for America... :) I really hope you like it!

Next chapter

The Struggle is Real p.2

The request: p.1 and 2

Summary line: The struggle between the group’s rivalry isn’t the problem, the love is.

Last chapter

“What are you doing here?” Jimin asks Vanessa as she sets down a cup on his bedside table. She sits down on the visitor’s chair next to his bed.

“I came to give you this. It doesn’t really numb the pain, but it relaxes you; helps you sleep better.” She looks at the cup.

“I mean, why are you even here to give me this? What business do you have here?” He asks. Vanessa looks down at her hands, her eyes begin to dart everywhere as if her brain is debating whether to construct a story or tell him the  truth.

“Um, t-the Ravenclaw seeker? Stuart Coleman. We were actually dating up until 2 months ago.” Vanessa starts. She still doesn’t look up to him.

“So?” Jimin shrugs. He’s conflicted. He’s surprised to see Vanessa act like this. He always thought she was a brilliant witch, but with that, came confidence that never let her show herself to be nervous. He’s curious to know what she’s doing here, but he kind of wants to prolong this rare moment.

“I broke up with him, for my own reasons. But he’s been trying to win me back. After the game, he told me that he did what he did to you for me. He thinks that, well, Wren, Arabella, and I are always against you, Yoongi, and Jungkook. He thinks if he takes out my eyesore, it wins points with me as my knight in shining armor or something lame like that.” She rolls her eyes.

“Eyesore, huh? Thanks. It’s what any patient wants to hear when someone confesses the reasons why he’s lying in a hospital bed.” Jimin crosses his arms.

“I never said that I think you are an eyesore! I said he thinks you’re my eyesore!” Vanessa exclaims. She finally looks up to him, “You’re not an eyesore. I actually think you’re pretty good looking. But you are quite the simple-minded person.”

“You’re not making me feel any better.” That’s a lie. Jimin’s already pretty psyched that she thinks that he’s pretty good looking. It’s a nice ego boost for a guy who was just knocked off his broom.

“Not that being simple is a bad thing. Less things get to you, am I right?” Vanessa tries, but Jimin just quirks an eyebrow at her. She sighs and gets up.

“I know it wasn’t directly my fault, but it’s exactly the fact that this got out of hand because I couldn’t ease the break up for him, nor does he understand my clear instruction that we’re not getting back together again. Even if it could happen, this is not the way to win my heart. I prefer someone with a lot more grace than this.” With that, she turns away, but he calls out to her.

“I don’t blame you.”

She looks back at him, sitting up on his bed, twiddling him thumbs.

“This is the cause of his actions. He’s responsible, not that I really look into any pay back. People break up, that’s what happens sometimes. And obviously you did the right thing for yourself because I bet you really don’t want to be with a guy like him now. It’s not your fault he can’t take rejection. It’s not your fault this happened to me. I need you to be clear about this. Are you clear on this?” Jimin looks at her at his last words.

Vanessa can’t breathe. She’s the kind of person who ends up low-key always blaming herself for things that really aren’t necessarily her fault. Wren and Arabella always try to convince her that it truly isn’t, but of course they say that to her; they’re her best friends. She knows she’s a person who knows so much, who understands so many things; but if she really does, how come bad things still happen around her? Why can’t she foresee these domino effects that end up hurting others?

People outside of her friends and family allow her to take that blame though. Why? Because it’s easier to push blame onto others. She recognizes that foul human characteristic despite the fact that she despises it so. It’s not like she really disagrees with them anyway.

But this guy. This Park Jimin. He doesn’t blame Stuart. Jimin holds him responsible for his actions, but that’s not blaming. He doesn’t even look for pay back, unlike his friends she overheard earlier when they left the hospital wing. He doesn’t blame her either. In fact, he validates her decision. Neither friend nor family, this is objective; and he’s the victim nonetheless.

“You don’t seem like you understand my words right now. Are you okay? Sit back down.” Jimin gestures at the chair she was just sitting at. She plops down, still a little dazed by his words.

They don’t really say anything to each other and Vanessa is just looking at him. Jimin takes the cup, looks in, and sniffs it.

“This is just chamomile tea.”  He looks up.

“Yeah. So?” She snaps out of her daze to reply to him. He starts busting out laughing.

“Nothing, I was just. Yeah. Chamomile’s great. Simple. I like it. Simple remedies for the simple-minded. It’s perfect.” He grins at Vanessa and takes a sip.

“I’m sorry, were you expecting high and mighty Vanessa Larkson to give you something with a lot of firepower?” She snaps, getting defensive.

“No!” He sets down the cup and dramatically waves his hands in her face, “I like chamomile! I was just thinking about having some anyway. It was the best thing you could have brought me. Besides, I didn’t expect you to be here, and give me an apology with tea nonetheless. This is great, really. I’m telling the truth.”

There he goes again. Sincerity spilling from his every word even though he has no relationship with her; in fact, they tend to be on opposite sides of the argument. He is her opposite end. Is this something she can call balance?

“Why are we always at odds?” Vanessa wonders aloud.

Jimin twiddles his fingers again before grabbing the cup to drink more tea.

“You should go. It’s dinner time.”

For the next few days, other than his brothers, his most frequent visitor is Vanessa. She always brings him a nicely brewed cup of chamomile tea. She tends to come during meal times. Because Jimin started noticing her pattern, he’s a little more thrilled than expected when he shoos his brothers away to go eat. The boys aren’t the only ones to recognize something interesting about a new habit forming in their friend.

“So Vanessa? We didn’t see you at your dinner table until a lot later. You’re always coming in late in the second half of dinner. ‘Fess up.” Wren swings her arm around Vanessa’s shoulder and Arabella comes to the other side to hook Vanessa’s arm with hers.

“Nothing. Lately, I’ve just been staying in the library a little longer. There’s this massive book in there that’s a really good read, but I don’t want to borrow it out of the library.” Vanessa lies between her teeth.

“Uh-huh. Well, I was there since 4:30pm working on my essay until dinner time. How come I didn’t see you?” Arabella raises an eyebrow on her.

“You were there? Oh, I didn’t know. I would have found you. I was in a wee little corner. It’s a different spot from where we normally sit together. Without you guys, I find other places to sit with less people.” Vanessa shrugs.

“Nope. I’m not buying it.” Arabella and Wren tug her to the bathroom and checks all the stalls to be empty.

“You’re up to something. And you’re not telling us. Not cool. Spill it.” Wren and Arabella trap Vanessa between them and raise quills dipped in permanent ink up to her face.

“Okay, okay. Lower your weapons first.” Wren and Arabella look at each other and slowly bring it down.

“Stuart knocked Jimin off his broom on purpose, because he wanted to get back at Jimin for me.” Vanessa confessed. Both of her friends raised their eyebrows at each other and then at Vanessa.

“I know. I was just as confused. Some sort of “let me solve your problems for you” mentality.” Vanessa blew away the bangs falling in front of her face.

“So, what have you been up to because of that?”

“Visiting Jimin during dinner.” At that, both of the girl’s face changed. They waved their eyebrows at her and they all started laughing.

“It’s not like that! I feel bad that this happened to him so I’ve been giving him chamomile tea to relax him from the pain so he can rest better.”

“Yeah, but you’re gone for majority of dinner. How long does it take for Vanessa to drop off some tea?”

“Less than 15 seconds. It’s literally just in and out.”

“Yeah, well – “

“What is it about that orange-top you find so endearing, you stay around for so long? The fact he can’t stay up on his broom? You like clumsy, mochi-like people?”

“A hushed Hufflepuff in exchange for a rash Ravenclaw. Quite the change. How would his simple-mind fair with the complexities of our little Vanessa, though?”

“He’s kind! I’ve never seen a more sincere and graceful guy in my life. As simple as he is, it’s his simplicity that holds the innocence. Not innocent as in naïve, but the rare kindness you don’t see any more in a grown man. He doesn’t blame me for what happened him, he doesn’t blame Stuart for what happened to him either.” Vanessa pouted at her friends. Arabella and Wren cracked smiles at her.

“Hey, don’t get defensive. As long as you have a good reason, as long as you don’t find another bonehead like Stuart, who cares who you like? Who dares stop you from liking who you like? I’ll fight them.” Arabella ruffles Vanessa’s hair.

“Yeah. The important thing is that you find a good guy. From what you just said, he does sound like an okay guy. We just want to look out for you, Vanessa.”

“Thanks guys.”

Jungkook can’t get over the fact that he can’t be fast enough. Fast enough to catch the snitch? Maybe. But how could he tell in this last game? The other seeker gave up the game to hurt his friend. It doesn’t matter that he can catch a snitch, with or without competition, but he can’t save his friend from getting hurt. What good is it to be on a broom then?

Hoseok turns over in his bed to catch the ends of Jungkook’s broom brushes outside of the window before turning back to sleep.

Jungkook zooms off from his bedroom window.

Jungkook races no one but his own frustrations to the Quidditch pitch. He gains access into the Hufflepuff storage room where they keep their own set of practice Quidditch equipment, extra brooms, and their sportswear. He yanks open the closet to grab the snitch. He takes a pause to glance at Jimin’s beater’s club before closing the closet.

Jungkook sits in the middle of the Quidditch pitch, staring at the golden ball in his hand. Golden. Hah.

Among his friends, he is the one who learns the quickest than everyone. With that speed, he can always pass beginner’s level faster than anyone else. It was a “Golden” trait, everyone calls it. Quick to learn how to fly, quick to learn the rules of the game, quick to catch a snitch. But not quick enough to save a friend.

Jungkook sighs as he opens his hand to let the snitch feel the magical elements in him willing the ball to activate. The wings of the snitch unwraps from itself and begins fluttering. As if it has some sort of sentience, it stays within Jungkook’s perimeter, twitching the angle of itself to look at Jungkook to see if the boy is okay, before flying off. Jungkook sighs and lies on his back, giving the snitch a couple minutes to warm up its wings the same way a butterfly’s first flight is to dry its own wings.

Not even 10 seconds, he sees a shadow zooming across his vision. He sits up and looks at the silhouette circling around in the air before flying back down to him. Feet settle in front of him and he stands up to meet the eyes of the Slytherin who is handing him back the snitch.

“What are you doing setting this out?” Arabella asks him.

Jungkook scowls as he snatches the snitch away from her and throws it, setting the snitch free again; letting it fly free to its own desire. Arabella watches his movements and raises her eyebrows at him.

“I’m letting it have a moment before I go to catch it. What’s it to you? Why do you have to ruin it? What are you even doing out here?” By his every word, his voice raises.

“Woah! Hey, don’t yell at me. I know you feel bad for not being able to catch your friend in time, but you can’t take it out on me. I don’t know what you were doing, and I see the ball; naturally, I’m going to catch it. If you lose it, your team is going to mad at you. I bet your captain doesn’t know that you practice at night. If he did, he’d be here.” Jungkook takes a deep breath as he listens to her rationale.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you.” Jungkook sits back down, not really caring anymore that he’s caught out of bed. Arabella sits down in front of him.

“Hey, look. What happened to your friend happened. You did the best you could. And before you tell me it wasn’t good enough, hear me out. You did not screw up. Screwing up means that you could have done more. But you did what you could, the best you could, at that moment. You did more than anyone else could at that moment. You put out the best efforts that you could at that moment. But that moment has passed. No one is perfect; no one has to be perfect. All you have to be is the best you that you can be and it doesn’t happen the moment you’re born. It comes with lessons you learn from experience, be it mistakes or not. You can only get better from here on out; be better than the you that was at that moment that saved him from something worse. But you won’t get better by just regretting what you believe was you ‘screwing up’. You can’t dwell on the past. That keeps you from moving forward. Regrets, guilt, and shame: all of that prevents you from getting better. So stop being mad at yourself, it’s a terrible drive.” Jungkook looked up at Arabella’s piercing gaze that demands him to listen to the words she has to say.

“Thank you.” Arabella looks into the sincere appreciation in his eyes and she finally sits back. Vanessa talked about how Jimin is a very sincere person. It seems that so is his friend. Is it just this band of boys, or the people in the year below her and her friends?

“So why are you out here?” Jungkook asks.

“Practice, same as you. You think me beating you so many times comes by natural ability? I’m human like everyone else too, despite what some people say.” Arabella shrugs and smirks as she leans back on her hands to support her.

“The way you hold yourself, I would have thought everyone’s compliments got to your head to make you believe you were some sort of goddess.” Jungkook mumbles at his senior.

“Of course not. I suffered like everyone else to get to where I am today. I won’t ever forget the blood, sweat, and tears that led me here. What others say doesn’t really matter to me because I don’t go by their standards. I go by my own. The first night that I was chosen to be a chaser, I didn’t have my own broom, my family’s too poor for that. I snuck into our practice room to use the extra brooms to practice my speed. Since the quaffle doesn’t move on its own, I use the snitch to practice catching things, seeking out my targets, and using bludgers to train myself to stay alert for my surroundings. The reason why I was anxious about your snitch is because I actually lost our practice snitch before. I used up all my money that year to replace it before anyone found out.” Arabella laughs and continues to go on with her previous secret practice techniques. Jungkook listens to her every word, taking in all that he can learn from his senior.

As Jungkook listens to her, he slowly sees the grand image of her breaking down into a human, just like everyone else. She wasn’t as arrogant as he first thought she was, and she’s very practical and hardworking. It truly is inspiring to him. As Arabella continues to look at Jungkook in the eye as she speaks, she can feel his will and interest to learn radiating off of him.

Arabella looks up at the sky, “I’m pretty sure that snitch has had enough time to warm up. Ready to catch it? Since I’ve practiced with the snitch, I’ll try to catch it with you. You didn’t really get much competition in the last game.” Arabella smirks and gets up, prompting Jungkook to get up himself. Jungkook grins.

If anyone who can give him a good practice, other than his friends, it’s probably the one and only Arabella Timberlake.

A/N: Changing up my format just a tiny bit: it’s that not every chapter is strictly one member and their OC pairing. Set in the same universe as all of my Hogwarts AU. This scenario ties in with the happenings of the fourth year I wrote for them.

Next chapter

To Hell and Back p.4 (Finale) | Jungkook

Greek mythology!bts / demigod!bts

Inspired by @kimnomster’s fanart here, here, here, and here. (btw people, i think her commissions are open. help out a fellow poor college student!)

Summary line: Jungkook will literally go to hell and back for you

Last chapter

Jimin knows what he is doing, and at the same time, he’s completely clueless. He knows what he’s doing as he’s doing it; his actions are completely his own. But the significance of wrongness for kidnapping you isn’t registered to him. As Zeus commands him, Jimin feels like his motives and ways are pure.

The moment Jimin had dropped you off in the underworld, he forgot the whole thing; just believed he was leaving the underworld after another regular job as a psychopomp.

He forgot the cloak of concealment he borrowed from Taehyung; all he did was drop off those 15 thieving souls to Hoseok as he dropped you off as well. No big deal.

He went on his merry way. There really wasn’t much after that until Zeus found out that a certain, angry demigod wouldn’t leave you alone. Within 12 hours, Jungkook had rescued you from memory loss, but to Zeus, there was more at stake. Zeus has once again called upon Jimin.

Not only is Jimin capable, but he is the son of Hermes. Jungkook would no doubt do his due diligence if he knows your life is at stake. But he is still the son of Ares, the son of Hera; Zeus will not leave any margin of error. As Zeus recognizes the necessity of some offensive powers against Jungkook, the demigod offspring of a warrior god, Zeus gave Jimin lightning bolts. When Jimin holds them tightly, the energy courses through his veins and you can see them all on his forearm.

Jimin is a natural navigator, which is necessary for his job of searching the souls who need guidance to the underworld. As someone who is used to searching for souls, he could find you easily. 

So here Jimin is, eyes shining as bright as flashes of lightning into the front of your home, looking for trouble even if it isn’t his intention. Jimin’s winged sandals, that are similar to his father’s, allowed him to gently make it to the ground, but that is the only thing graceful about him right now.There was nothing to say about his baring teeth, slit bright eyes with fury, pouted lips, and muscular arms with brightly lit veins and arteries.

Jungkook finally takes you home to rest, but by the time you finally close your eyes to nap, Jimin is already disrupting your rest and Jungkook alert with his thundering entrance.

You swiftly pull back your covers to follow Jungkook but he quickly turns around to stare you down with his stern eyes, “He’s here for you. It will be wise that you stay inside and not provoke him.” He reasons with you. You don’t have an argument against that so you simply nod. But there is no way in hell you will stay under the covers and nap.

Jungkook goes out to see Jimin. One look at his arms and eyes, he knows you are right, Zeus is the one who chose Jimin to carry out the deed.

“Jungkook, you know why I’m here, you need to give Y/N to me.” Jimin glares at Jungkook.

“I know why you’re here, but Y//N cannot live in hiding for the rest of her life. Let me protect her, Zeus!” Jungkook calls out to the mastermind himself, knowing that he is watching.

“Zeus is mighty alone, and yet he cannot carry the deed himself or put a stop to this. How do you think you can do any better?” Zeus is probably not happy to see his puppet calling him out like that, but the puppet is still there to do his job.

“Zeus is a cowardice husband! He will not face Hera himself. He’s resorted to find young demigod to do his bidding. How are you any different from me? You and I are no different aside from one: Y/N loves me and I love her. I will redo every battle I’ve ever fought, unarmed, for her. I will face Hera for the rest of my life and Y/N’s.”

The Jimin who is still in his own body gritted his teeth at the mention of your choice of who you love. He’s had 2 months to get over it, but there is a sting when the man who has your love still parades that in his face. Jimin is disappointed in your choice of such a proud, over-estimating-self pompous. Jungkook sees Jimin’s ready stance and Jungkook counts down to Jimin’s attack.

But before Jimin can sprint towards him, a woman appears before them.

“So you say you will face me, huh? I admire your devotion to Y/N; a lot more right-sighted than my husband. But you’re in my way, this I cannot allow.”

Jungkook’s target changes the moment Hera shows up, and it would seem that so has Jimin.

Both of them turn towards Hera. They look at each other and come to an understanding: Hera is the bigger enemy right now.

“You’re the goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth. What can you even do to me?” Jungkook almost laughed.

“I will not let your unborn child see the light of day.” Hera looks over the house in which you are hiding. Jungkook freezes and his sword lowers at her words.

You are with child? Do you know?

“Don’t listen to her, Jungkook. If you surrender, she will take Y/N and you will have neither Y/N or your child.” Jimin tries to convince Jungkook. The lightning bolts are still held tightly in his hands.

“Shall we ask the mother?” Hera grins deviously as she raises her hand towards the door. At the flick of her wrist, the door swings open and you fly forwards into Hera’s grasp. Hera puts one hand around your throat and the other one on your stomach.

“No!” Jungkook raises his hands as a useless attempt to reach out to you.

“Do you feel that, Y/N? I already know what you name your child, well what you want to name your child.” Hera’s touch triggers you to register the life in you, making you gasp. Even you have no inkling at the early stages of pregnancy.

Jungkook’s heart clenches at the sight of tears flooding out of your eyes. Neither of you even had the luxury to let the news sink in; to allow expectancy to fill your lives in the present moment, and now it’s not even certain if you will ever have that chance with this once.

Hera’s grip tightens on you as you sob. Jungkook and you looked at each other. What to do?

“The child is innocent and pure from all infidelity, as we all are. Please.” You try to reason with Hera but she won’t hear it.

“You are innocent of infidelity? Your mother is Metis, the mother of Athena.”

“The actions were not mine, the choices were not mine.”

“Haven’t you heard? The sins of the father trickle down.” Hera spits.

“Fair Hera, have mercy on my child!” You plead.

“By respect for our love and fidelity towards each other, please!”

But Hera is a woman scorned. Your pleas are pathetic and useless to her hardened ears.

Your tummy starts feeling disturbed and you cry out. It’s the second time you can feel your unborn child in you, but this time you feel it helplessly struggling against the powers of Hera.

“Stop!” Jungkook roars. He realizes what’s going on as your cry is the worst thing he’s ever heard come out of your lovely lips.

“Hera. Enough.” A firm voice shakes the ground and Hera knits her eyebrows together as she recognizes who is here to disturb her revenge. A strong and wise goddess with stern gray eyes.

“Athena.” Hera greets with contempt.

“Hera, leave the innocent child alone. You know their love. You know this child is made of love. How dare you take away something so rare and precious in this world?” Athena scolds her, “I understand my father, your husband, has done you wrong. But does that really make you resort to taking revenge on the innocent lives of the third generation?”

Hera says nothing. You, Jungkook, and Jimin stare in awe. As the goddess of wisdom and strategy, Athena voice brings calm reason into every word that keeps Hera or anyone at bay.

“Athena, what are you doing? You’re only making her change her mind from hurting my child to hurting Y/N.” Jungkook speaks in a low voice. Athena can hear him but she pays him no mind.

“I am a virgin goddess. Y/N is my apprentice, but she is no longer a virgin. I denounce her as my apprentice, but she is still my half sister. This is what I propose. Speed up her pregnancy, allow her child to be born. The child is a girl, so give the child to me. This child will become my priestess.” You and Jungkook freezes at Athena’s proposal.

Your child is a girl? Is this deal fair to never let you see your child again? You and Jungkook still feel like you two have been given the short end of the stick. But it’s not fair. Neither you or Jungkook are at fault. But this satiates Hera’s thirst for revenge.

“I accept.”

“Wait!” But your tummy grows without your consent. Everyone watches as your stomach grows. And all of the sudden, you cry out an ear-splitting scream. Your pelvis is stretching.

Several hours have passed and Jungkook has not stopped gripping your hand as you continue to push.

Jimin has left, Hera is your midwife, and Athena is watching in the corner.

“Y/N, you can do this.” Jungkook brushes the hair away from sticking on your sweaty forehead. The impending threat that your child will be taken away from the two of you still looms over your heads. Neither of you forgets it for a moment, but right now the safety of both the child and the mother are the most important things to you two.

“Jungkook, I want to keep our child.” You cry as you take a breath before pushing again. Jungkook has no words of comfort for you, because he needs it as much as you do.

His jaw jumps and he just holds your hand tighter.

One more push and you let yourself go on the pillows. There’s one moment of silence and then a cry erupts in the room.

You are almost too tired to look up to see your child, but you are able to with Jungkook’s help. You reach out for your baby, but you’re disappointed when Hera puts the baby in Athena’s hands.

You sob uncontrollably and throw yourself back on the pillows. Jungkook rushes towards the two goddesses.

“You are taking our daughter away by force and you can’t even give the mother and I a chance to meet our daughter for one moment? You might be goddesses, but even you should know that’s far too cruel for humanity.” Without another second for him to convince them, Athena hands him his child. His daughter.

He gently cradles the tiniest person he has ever seen. He turns over and slowly walks over to you.

You’re still sobbing when he comes by your side. Your emotions are highly sensitive after giving birth.

“My daughter! My daughter!” You cry out in hysterics. Jungkook uses his strength to help you up once more as well as holding his daughter.

He hands her over to you and your hysteria is gone. All is left is love and a moment of serenity.

“I will give you 6 hours with your child and to name her. I will come back to retrieve her then.” Athena leaves and Hera leaves with her.

“What are we going to do?” You ask Jungkook nervously. You look down to your beautiful daughter. So beautiful. So tiny. So innocent.

You watch as Jungkook’s tears fall from his eyes. He wipes them furiously and your heart clenches for him. Of all battles he’s fought. He’d be willing to lose them all if it could mean he could win this one. He’s never lost a battle until now.

Jungkook overlooks the balcony to see his favorite color over the sunset horizon. He wishes it reminded him of the walls of his home. He wishes it could remind him of the smoke from your chimney to signal your cooking as he returns home. He wishes it could remind him of the color of your lips. But no.

Red is not the color of you, passion, or comfort. It’s the color of blood. The color of fire. The color of his armor. If red is such a negative color to him, why does he still like it so much? It’s because he knows no other color.

There’s a bonfire in the town center today. The smoke from the burning wood rises combined with the warm colors of the sunset reminds him the end of the battlefield, when the warriors burn their brothers in battle as a way to send the dead off. He inhales sharply and closes his eyes. He wishes he didn’t witness so many wars to the point it makes that his initial association. Because it feels a lot like what’s happening now.

He hears your footsteps and he looks over to you coming out with your daughter in your arms. Despite his negative thoughts, he can’t help but smile. Time is short, and none of it should be wasted.

You two of those same thoughts and he takes her from your arms. He cradles the tiny being and holds her close.

“Jungkook –“ You begin but he hushes you gently as his eyes are trained on his little girl. He moves his hand over her to give her his finger.

Oh, what an intuitive child! Her eyes are not opened, and yet she knows her father wants to play with her. She grabs his finger with both hands and her tiny hands can barely wrap it over his thick and calloused finger.

He chuckles, “Why do babies have such a strong grip?”

“Because she never wants to let go.” You choke. He swallows harshly and clenches his teeth, “She will know her father. And her mother. I won’t let it happen any other way.”

“Jungkook, Athena will be here soon.”

“I don’t care. She’s not taking our daughter. She’s not taking her from you.” You double back on his words.

“If you can insure that she won’t be taken from me, you can insure she won’t be taken away from you either, right? Right?” Your throat tightens as he stays silent.

“Jungkook, tell me what you’re thinking. We can figure this out together.”

“If…If I can find some way to make a deal with her. To become a hero to do her bidding. Or to be a warrior in her hand…” Before you have a chance to speak, your half-sister shows up.

“Absolutely not. Your heart has pure intentions and merciful, but I will not take you in. You are not a hero I would patron.” Jungkook hands your daughter over to you and steps in front to shield you both.

“I can’t let you take her.”

“Jungkook, you realize you are powerless against me. And there’s no need to be hostile with me. I am not your enemy.” Jungkook’s lips tighten. How dare she say she’s not his enemy right now?

“I am of strategy, not of war. I am not your father; that’s my brother. If Hera took away your child, you would unleash yourself and fall into rage and bloodlust for the rest of your life. As much as I am not your patron, I do not wish such consequence to befall on men. Besides, Y/N is my half-sister. That counts for something.” You two say nothing so she just continues.

“I told Hera I’d take your daughter to be my priestess. My priestess will dedicate her life to me. But your daughter is much too young for me right now. I will allow you two to raise her for three years before you hand your child over to me.” You two widen your eyes and you tighten your hold on your daughter.

“In order to keep Hera satiated, after your child is mine, I will only allow you two to visit her every half-year. This is the best I can do, do you understand, Y/N? Do you understand, Jungkook?” You understand. Jungkook is still having a hard time to swallow this, but he understands enough. You two nod at her and she nods back.

“You raise her well, Y/N. You teach her right before you give her to me, or I will have a hard time to deal with her and will discipline her the way I see fit so she grows to be a deserving priestess.” Athena warns and you nod at her, practically speechless.

Athena leaves. Jungkook resists to give you a bone-crushing hug because he literally has that strength, and your daughter is in between you two. He ops for a kiss and gently plants one on your daughter’s head as well.

“What’s her name, Jungkook?” You whisper as tears of relief fall on your soft cheeks. He wipes them away and looks at her with a smile, “Jiyeong. Ji for your wisdom, and yeong for my heroism. She will never forget us. She will know us.”

And he will work hard, raise her right, so she will know him. He would go to hell and back to make sure that happens.

The Struggle is Real p.3

The request: p.1 and 2

Summary line: The struggle between the group’s rivalry isn’t the problem, the love is.

Last chapter

Jungkook is out again, but he’s not alone. Ever since he talked with Arabella in the Quidditch pitch that first night Jimin was in the hospital, he hasn’t been alone on his nightly escapades. Typically Jungkook is the kind of guy with a plan. But without warning, without notification, he runs into Arabella every night, and she acts as if it’s been an unspoken decision to meet up every night. He would be a little more irritated with that if their nightly meetings didn’t help him reap any important benefits.

Every night, Arabella teaches him something new. A broom trick, new observation skills, teamwork tips, anything and everything she can think of. To be honest, this is the exact opposite of what a rivaling team member should do. But when there’s someone in front of her so willing to learn, with genuine interest, she cant help but give him everything she’s got. She tells herself that this is a way for her to practice her teaching and training skills. If she wants to play on a professional Quidditch team and retire as a Quidditch coach, then this will be a good training ground with someone so willing.

“Jungkook, I realize that when you first see the snitch, you lean down to the broom before you rush in for the kill. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself forward. First of all, trust your broom. It’s in your hands, you use it every night; you know your broom. First of all, leaning and then rushing slows you down. Your broom runs on your instincts and you need to let your broom have your instincts, do you understand?” Arabella flips the beater bat in her hands as she’s teaching him. She points out to their right.

“I’m going to hit bludgers towards you, okay? It’s really going to throw off your concentration on searching for the snitch. I’m giving you five minutes for this. If you can’t find the snitch in five minutes again, I would have already scored enough goals to ruin your catch.” She taunts him and he exhales loudly.

“I can do this.” Jungkook nods. Arabella smiles at him, “Good.”

She zooms off and he starts looking for the snitch. Not 10 seconds, two bludgers zoom his way. One below him, one in front of him. He doesn’t even know how the hell can she fly so fast she hits them both at the same time in different directions. But he can’t think about that right now. He dodges right and the bottom one has made a quick curve that makes him veer left again, narrowly dodging the one in the front.

He tries to find Arabella to glare at her, but she’s not having any of that; he needs to focus. A bludger is coming in the back, and he flips on his broom to avoid it. As he’s upside down, the snitch glistens from the moonlight glow and he grins as he’s upside down.

Arabella has taught him the necessity of speed, he has no time to flip right-side-up on his broom. He pushes himself forward upside down and he zooms. Vertigo gets to him and his grip on his broom loosens. After his upper body falls forward, the grip he has on the broom with his legs crossed also lets go.

Now he knows how Jimin feels.

But unlike Jimin, the one who catches him is someone a lot more seasoned in flying and grilled herself to improve on her own.

He’s less than a quarter of the way before he hits the ground and Arabella grabs his arm. Her grip is tight but he’s still heavier than she can bear. She can’t lift him up on her broom, but she can hold on long enough to make a quick but safe descent for him to the ground.

Without missing a beat, she hits the ground walking to hold the little-less-than-conscious boy into her arms. She drops to the floor and allows him to lean against her.

“Jungkook. You okay?” She lightly taps his cheek. She sits as straight as she can so he will too and allow himself to feel the ground and recognize his surroundings again.

“Uh–“ Jungkook leans forward to their side and starts vomitting. She rubs his back, “Okay. Let it out. It’s fine. It can get cleaned up. Just let it out.”

After he expelled out all the contents of his stomach. He leans back on the first thing that’s there, which is against Arabella.

“Vertigo is really common for flying, so it’s nothing to worry about, nothing to be ashamed off. But I’m sorry. I should have warned you to not do that upside down. Safety first, buddy. Safety first, coolness second.” Arabella pets his head to calm him down and checks for the color of his face. He’s still pale. After he feels right again, she’s needs to give him some water and food.

“It’s…okay.” Jungkook says slowly. She looks down at him, “Hmm?”

“I don’t…I don’t blame you. For not warning me. I should’ve known…” to not have done that. He thinks. He’s just too weak to say it right now.

“Shhh…You’re gonna be okay.” She clenches her teeth as her eyes prickle with tears. He’s not supposed to put this on himself. She’s upset with herself for not watching out for him.

“Dude, you look like hell.” Yoongi smacks Jungkook’s back and hears him groan.

“Woah, you okay?” Jungkook sighs, “I’m fine.” Jungkook feels a pair of eyes on him and he looks up to see Arabella looking at him with concerned eyes. He gives her a light smile and nod. She returns one and looks back down on her work. Yoongi follows his friend’s gaze and raises his eyebrow.

“Uh, kid. What have you been up to? Did you sneak out during my shift again? I guess you succeeded in missing me.” Yoongi probes.

“Uh…yeah. I’m that good.” Jungkook gives Yoongi a little smug smile. Yoongi ruffles his hair, “Brat.”

It’s really not a secret to walk around the school at night for Yoongi, he’s a prefect. But it’s the fact that he’s not really doing his job; but if he’s to be honest, has he ever really been doing everything by the rules?

Ever since Jimin has been in the infirmary, Jungkook hasn’t been the same. Jungkook tends to put a lot on himself, so that makes Yoongi really concerned. Jungkook’s not really the self-destructing type, but from what Yoongi witnessed this morning, nothing is impossible.

So here Yoongi is, walking along the open corridors that leads to the outside courtyards, keeping an eye out for a certain mischievous Hufflepuff. There are more than one prefect patrolling the corridors at night, and everyone has a specific area they patrol. But when Yoongi sees a shadow in the air, that jurisdiction rule goes out the window for him. His focus is in the air of the direction of that flying shadow. He goes out the open area and sees that shadow getting smaller and smaller, towards the Quidditch field.

He’s positive that’s something Jungkook would do, but as Yoongi is closer to the Slytherin commons, he recognizes that shadow came from the same direction, not in the direction of the Hufflepuff common room. It’s suspicious activity anyway, and it is within his own house; he feels obligated to check it out anyway. Hopefully Jungkook isn’t sneaking out and is resting well.

Yoongi quickly returns to his dormitory to pick up his broom and zooms out the window. He lays low so whoever was the shadow won’t see him coming and try to sneak away.

Yoongi gently touches the ground outside of the Quidditch pitch. He quietly enters through the Slytherin Quidditch storage room and the light is on. He knows for sure that someone has been here, and that was a Slytherin. He peeks out of the door to see the Quidditch pitch.

He can’t say he’s shocked to see Jungkook, since Jungkook is a frequent flyer and the latest Quidditch match has really shaken him up. He can’t say he’s shocked to see Arabella Timberlake here because she’s always been the type to do what she wants, and this is definitely one of the lesser evils he’d expect her to do.

What he is shocked about, is seeing them both in the air together. After observing a little bit, he understands. Arabella is teaching him.

Initially, Yoongi’s mad. First of all, a Slytherin teaching a Hufflepuff? Where’s the rationale for that? Second, if any Slytherin should teach Jungkook, it should be Yoongi.

Yoongi is about to step out to put an end to this, but someone pulls his collar back.

He doesn’t care who it is, he’s going to give him or her his infamous death glare for pulling him back like that.

“Wren. Why am I not surprised? What are you doing here?” He takes her wrist and rips her hand off his collar.

“Neither of us should be here right now.” She tries to lead him away but he wretches his hand away from her.

“None of us are supposed to be here. Including those two out there. Why are you stopping me?” Yoongi turns back to open the door, but Wren pulls him back again.

“Stop. That.” He growls.

Before either of them can continue, someone is jiggling the door to this room from the entrance side. Wren is quick. She turns of the light and points her wand at the crack of the door that leads to the inside of the Quidditch pitch. Golden sparks fly out of her wand and out of the door. She grabs Yoongi and shoves him inside the broom closet along with her.

They use their black cloaks to cover themselves in the corner so they can hide in the dark shadows of this closet.

“What are you doing? I’ll give you detention.” He threatens her in whispers.

“We’re both in trouble for being here, you idiot. Shut up.” Wren covers his mouth and from the crack underneath the broom closet door, the light outside is turned on. Shuffling is heard outside and they both close their eyes in anticipation when the broom closet is opened. But only for a quick second. The broom closet is closed and the person out there turns of the light and leaves.

They both exhale and drop the cloaks.

“What are those golden sparks you made?”

“It’s a warning for Arabella to leave before she gets into trouble. She would’ve seen them and left.” Yoongi raises his eyebrows. Maybe his friends needs to make some sort of sign like that too.

“I can’t believe you’d call out your friend. What kind of friend are you?” She calls him out.

“She’s on the Slytherin team and he’s on the Hufflepuff team. What are they doing exchanging Quidditch secrets. I’m not sure whether I should be mad at her for betraying her team or him for not –.“ He stops himself, but she continues for him, “For not coming to you?”

He looks away and clenches his teeth.

“To be honest, I’m not entirely thrilled about this really random arrangement either. Why didn’t she tell me what she’s doing? Why is she doing what she’s doing? Why are they randomly all buddy-buddy? I bet you feel the same. Why didn’t he come to you for help? It makes you feel like he doesn’t trust you or any of your other friends. But it is what it is. Before I pass judgment, I won’t make any rash decisions about it. And she’s my best friend. Whatever she’s doing, I’m going to protect her first and foremost.”

“Is that why you didn’t want me to bust them? Because you don’t want your friend to get in trouble?”

“Yeah. I was following Arabella because she has been exhibiting strange behavior. My friends are getting weirder every day and it’s bothering me. Now I know what everyone’s been up to. And now that my curiosity is satisfied for now, I’m good.” Wren shrugs. Yoongi’s eye twitches. It’s not enough for him to know what’s up. He wants to know why.

“Well, I wouldn’t have given them detention. I would have wanted an explanation then and there, and you stopped me.”

“There’s probably good reason for them to not tell you anything. If you haven’t noticed, it’s only been a couple days since their strange behavior. It’s fairly new and they probably don’t even have a whole handle on what’s going on either. Let them figure it out first. If you trust your friend, they’ll tell you on their own time.” Which to be honest, is not Wren’s way of handling things. She just wants to hear the answer from Arabella herself first before Yoongi gets there. For no reason, she feels competitive about that.

Yoongi exhales loudly and looks at her, “I guess I should give you some grace in gratitude of you hiding the both of us in here, huh?” Wren looks around the closet and at the really close gap between her and the Slytherin.

“I guess so. But I’d like one more thing as well.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, “And what’s that?”

She closes the gap between their bodies and their lips.

Masterlist | Scenario Series, Specials, and Fanfictions

Scenario Series

Scenarios vs Scenario Series: Scenarios are basically stories with only one scenario. Scenario series (my own term I made up) is either every related member gets a scenario based on the prompt/summary line, or canon scenarios of the same story/au/plot, but not necessarily a continuation from the previous scenario

First Impression

Summary line: What is the first encounter/interaction with BTS? What were you doing that made them so interested to interact with you?

Namjoon | Seokjin | Yoongi | Hoseok | Jimin | Taehyung | ♥Jungkook

I Ship It: Based on the “BTS, please choose” corner, there was one question where they were split 4-3 where Suga and Jin were not in the same group. That question has all the extroverts in the same group + 1. Also, thank you @petaelwriting for helping me out with sorting out some thoughts for this scenario series.

Summary line: Different members of BTS are subtly matchmaking other members to you. (Not every member will be matched, but every member will appear in the series.)

Suga ft. Jin | Jungkook ft. Jimin and Taehyung | Namjoon ft. Hoseok

Specials

(series of scenarios, imagines, etc. that run on a the same theme):

♥♥ 2016 Winter Stars | 2017 Secret Santa

Fanfictions

Bangtan Origins: OT7 fanfiction inspired/based on the Red Bullet Trilogy Intro video. Badboy!AU (I guess) |  Warning (T)

Summary line: How did BTS become BTS? Where did you play the part?

1~•~2~•~3~•~4~•~5~•~6~•~7~•~8~•~9 (end)

♥ Instinct: hogwarts!taehyung (request #2)

Summary line: It’s Taehyung’s instinct that you will be a very important person in his life

1~•~2~•~3~•~4 (end)

The Struggle is Real: The struggle between the group’s rivalry isn’t the problem, the love is. (this is only the tag for now. masterlist will be created when the series is finished. Hogwarts!au

♥ A Confidence Game: Mafia!bts and con.artist!hoseok

Summary line: Hoseok and Minsuk’s parents have died 11 years ago and they have been con artists for 8 years now. The moment Hoseok wants Minsuk to have a chance to start a new life, the Bangtan mafia approaches them to pull one last con. Warning (M)

Character Profiles

Part 1: Foundation Work: Preparations are made in advance of the game, including the hiring of any assistants required

1.1~•~1.2~•~1.3~•~1.4~•~1.5

♥ To Hell and Back: demigod!Jungkook inspired by @kimnomster‘s fanart here, here, here, and here.

Summary line: Jungkook will literally go to hell and back for you

1~•~2~•~3~•~4

                                                   ----------------------

♥ An Impossible Order: ceo!yoongi and bestfriend!hoseok loosely inspired by Secretary Kim and this third bullet point of the prompt list

Summary line: Mr. Min is a stoic boss who will never outwardly show appreciation for you. Not until you’re gone does he recognize how much you do. And what you do matters to him.

1~•~2~•~3~•~4~•~5~•~6~•~7~•~8

♥ =  personal favorites

↳ Index [Chapter 40 - Finis]

Pairing: Taehyung x f.Reader, Yoongi x f.Reader, Jungkook x f.Reader

Warnings: utter heartbreak, loss, it then becomes more hopeful, also Tae & Kook are lowkey angry flirting with each other like my bOYS CHILL, emotional kissing, deep regret and not wanting to let go, listen this is a ride & wasn’t planned at all it was supposed to end with the letter, this is the end of an era besties and this breaks my heart

Wordcount: 7k

a/n: i cried ugly tears throughout the entire writing process. No but on a longer note, there is pain and then there is having to watch Sanguis Alpha come to an end. I feel honest sadness right now and I will probably go into a complete state of grief for the next three months. Sanguis Alpha is my baby, it’s the longest story I have written so far and the world I created is so fucking dear to my heart. I am serious, Sanguis Alpha was my peak and maybe knowing that I will never again be able to feel the immense joy I felt during its creation process makes me feel as broken as I do right now and also maybe gives me such immense writer’s block. I don’t want this story to end and to be honest with you, I may be crying right now as I’m writing those notes. And maybe because I don’t want this story to end, I refuse to write anything new. I just want to stay in this world, oh my fucking god I don’t want to leave. Either way, thank you so much to everyone who stayed with me on this journey and who talked to me about it. I love you so much 💗

“No!” you fall to your knees, “no, nonono. No. Please no." 

"Darling”, Taehyung has his arms wrapped around you instantly, “don’t cry. It will be alright. Don’t cry." 

"No, please no. Please no”, you wail, clutching the letter to your chest with trembling hands.

Yoongi left. He left. Your safe haven left. Your comfort after a long day. Your arms to fall into when a nightmare plagues your mind. Your never faltering support. Your strong shoulder to lean on. Your sweet Yoongi Boongie.

He left. 

Yoongi left.

“Please no”, you cry out, voice breaking in pure agony. 

“Darling”, Taehyung presses you closer before you can hurt yourself. He tries to comfort you. He tries by kissing your hair. He tries by kissing your temple. He tries by holding you close. He tries and fails. He can smell it, hear it, feel it too.

Your heart is broken and there is nothing that can fix it. No hugs, no kisses, no embraces. And the only thing which would be able to fix it left. 

“I’m so sorry my darling. I’m so sorry”, Taehyung cries with you for he truly understood your grief. After all, he also lost a part of himself not that long ago. And because he understood just how much it hurts right now, it breaks him even more.

You try to breathe but sob. You try to sob but choke on your tears. And as you choke and cough and wheeze for air, you cry more and more. 

This can’t be happening. You have just realised what you feel for him. You have just come to terms with the intensity of your feelings. You have just started to explore the love you and him share. This can’t end now. Not now. Please, not now. 

“It’s okay”, Taehyung chokes out, pulling you into his chest as you begin crying even harder, “I’m here. I’m here, it’s okay, I’m here.”

You have just gotten Taehyung back. You have just begun your life again. And Yoongi was supposed to be in this life. He was supposed to grumble about Taehyung’s cooking skills and steal kisses from you when everybody is looking. He was supposed to train you to get better at fighting and kiss you as a reward. He was supposed to force Jungkook and Taehyung to make up in his typical way and later when Seokjin returned with Hoseok by his side he was supposed to tell them about his newfound humanity and then kiss you again just for good measure. And then life would have finally been great. 

But now he is gone. He won’t do any of those things and you will never feel his kiss again.

“I wasn’t done”, you wail, “I wasn’t done." 

You just began kissing him. You weren’t finished with it. Oh, you wanted to do it until your lips would grow tired of each other. And even then you would have continued as, in truth, you could never grow tired of his kiss. 

"I’m sorry darling, truly it hurts me as well." 

"He wasn’t supposed to leave. I wasn’t done. I wasn’t done.”

“I know, I know darling, I know.”

“I can’t anymore. I can’t lose any more people. I can’t." 

"You won’t lose me. I’m going to stay." 

"Why am I so cursed? I just want to be happy, but it is always soiled by one piece of me missing or getting ripped away or leaving. Why? Please make it stop, I can’t take any more. Please make it stop." 

Taehyung struggles with keeping you upright, fearing that if he had to hug you any tighter, he would break you. And perhaps that is what you wanted to do. Break. Finally break so the world couldn’t shatter you anymore.

"Please stop, please… please stop”, you beg, hitting your own chest for it ached unbearably.

“I can, darling. Just tell me and I will make it stop”, Taehyung offers in his last attempt to lessen your grief.

“Please Taehyung please.”

“I will, look at me. Tell me what you want to forget and I will make you." 

Your eyes meet.

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