Jikook Oneshots 2

Encounter

He laughed a bit, and then again. It was as if the laughs were forcing their way out of his body—like he tried to suppress them, but couldn't. He stared at the water as he did this.

Oh how he loved watching the river turn red.

*

'This week, two more men go missing. Ivan Carter and Zachary Allen, two men in their 20s, are nowhere to be seen. Law enforcement are working diligently to find answers, but for now, the growing number of missing men from the humble town of Tiger Creek remains unsolved.'

"Sad, isn't it?"

"Hm?" Jimin looks from the TV to the bartender, who's cleaning a glass. The bar is empty besides the two of them—it's the middle of a weekday.

"The news," The bartender points at the screen. "All those guys going missing. I mean, young guys are disappearing from this town left and right. It's so unusual."

"Ah yes," Jimin sighs sadly, hiding his real emotions. "I wish I was more upset about this all...but I'm so used to it at this point. Men started disappearing about 10 years ago. One guy must've run away, and it caused a chain reaction."

"I hope it's not something really bad, like a serial killer or some shit," The guy put the glass down. "You don't seem worried at all. You're a young, attractive guy in his 20s. If there is a serial killer on the loose, you're just his type."

Jimin huffs out a laugh. "Yeah, well, I've just lived here my entire life, it's a really safe town. And I mean this thing's been going on for a decade, and not one body has been found. I know law enforcement is stupid, but they can't be that dense, right?"

"...I guess not," The bartender shakes his head. "You're reasonable. I've been kind of freaking out."

"I've been told I'm level-headed and intelligent," He chuckles. "I'm good at providing clarity. Hey, can I get a beer to go?"

"Yeah, sure," He grabs one from the fridge below the counter. "How are you paying?"

"Cash," Jimin puts a couple bills on the table, taking his beer. "Thanks for the company."

The bartender smiles. "It was nice talking to you."

Jimin returned the smile, until he turned around. Once he turned around a switch flipped, and he couldn't help but glare a deep glare.

The parking lot was empty and isolated. Jimin threw his bottle of beer against the pavement, as hard as he could. The bottle shattered, bits of green glass flying everywhere. His eyes were piercing as his muscles clenched, unbelievably furious.

"Who is Zachary Allen?" He mutters as he stalks to his car. "Who the fuck is Zachary Allen!?"

*

Jimin makes his way through the crowded bar. Now that it's Saturday night, the bar is alive with activity. The music was loud, the talking was loud, it smelled like alcohol and sweat. The town didn't have a club, so they made do with what they did have.

"Oh hey," The bartender smiles as he approaches the counter. "Good to see you again. What can I get you?"

"Just a soda for now," Jimin scans the room as he pats the top of the counter once. "I'm waiting for a man to buy me a drink—I tend to get flocked at these things."

"Okay, just stay safe," The bartender gives him what he asks for. "You're a pretty good guy. I would hate to see your face on the news."

"I would too," Jimin smiles a small smile. He knows the reason won't be because he's gone missing. "I'll be safe, I promise. I may be smaller than some of the other guys here, but I know how to defend myself."