|Revised|
Jungkook was leaning against a wall as V sat on a chair, his hands dropped in between his legs as his head hung low. The two had hurried off to a motel nearby, knowing they didn't have a lot of time to converse because 1) Taehyung could reappear any second and 2) Bighit couldn't know V was helping Jungkook out. Jungkook tapped his foot nervously on the ground, cursing as no one picked up the phone.
"I can't get a hold of Joon-"
"Joon?" V looked up. "How has...Is Namjoon doing good?"
Jungkook looked at the male and nodded. Namjoon was right about V. Anyone could tell that the man cared dearly for the older. Namjoon was doing fine, though. Hell, he was living with his crush for who knew how fucking long.
It still ticked Jungkook off that Jin had been alive all this time but he knew Jin had no control whether he survived or not. V stood up and ran both hands through his messy hair.
The younger male rubbed his temples. "I feel like I'm screwed... I can't- I don't understand, though! Hoseok told me I'd be safe for six months."
"Jackson told me the same thing. You weren't supposed to be a part of our lives anymore. After I joined again, Taehyung signed the contract stating he'd sign another contract at the beginning of January to renew his contract with Bighit but.....it only applied if he got rid of me...so they terminated mine. He finally let go and let me take control again and I refused to sign it so some things happened and I- fuck the things he made me see and hear, I couldn't get the images and sounds out of my head. I was suppressed back and it hurt so much, I had to force my way out yesterday morning and I haven't slept knowing that he could come back before I could warn you. I don't want to sleep. Every time I close my eyes I see him- I can't sleep or else he'll come back-"
V stared at Jungkook with sad, vulnerable eyes. "His contract stated that since you and Namjoon never died we'd have two more tasks so we could reach 95 by the end and he finished his 94th while on tour and when he got the file with you again I just- I'm sorry for involving you in the first place, I should've just fucked off and minded my own business-"
Jungkook walked up to the panicking V and cupped his cheeks, staring into his eyes. "H-hey, calm down. If you start stressing you'll be vulnerable for him...deep breaths for now Remember you never stressed about him at your place? That's how you need to be, V..." V nodded and closed his eyes while relaxing into the warm touch. "Now...I want to ask you something and I need you to answer me honestly...."
Jungkook retracted his hands. "....Something hasn't really been adding up and the thoughts are just...gnawing at me. I know you and Taehyung switched every five kills...but from doing a little more digging, shouldn't Taehyung have been the one to....have Namjoon as a task instead of you? I know you said he suppressed you for a long time but...why were you able to come back and talk to Namjoon in the first place?"
V just blinked and tilted his head to the side. "I'm...not sure I understand what you're asking....."
"Namjoon was your 5th kill. After that, you took a break for some months before getting me as a task. He was supposed to be Taehyung's 5th kill, not yours. I know Taehyung appears when you're stressed or angered but you weren't that stressed over Namjoon. You were mad but you'd never hurt him....."
V froze and blinked multiple times before parting his lips. "He made sure to get me intoxicated that night, Jungkook. I couldn't control my mind when I tried to surface to protect Joon. When he found out I tried calling Namjoon, and that we planned on meeting up that night, he saw it as an opportunity, I'm guessing..."
"So, you were drunk?"
"No, I wasn't intoxicated in that way. He made me take too many of my pills. It inhibited me and I just- I couldn't- couldn't control anything-"
Jungkook's phone started ringing loudly and he quickly answered it, forgetting all about V for a few moments. "Ah, Joon-"
"Jungkook, where the Hell did you go-"
"I'll tell you later but I'm not safe going to Yoongi's house. Meet me in Nampodong now. I'll be waiting for you by the big mall." He hung up and looked at V. "I-..I'll get going-"
"I'll come with you."
"V, you can't. I refuse to fuck up your guys' life again-"
"Jungkook, I became permanently screwed when I refused to kill you." V grabbed Jungkook's shoulders and stared into his eyes. "My life is already screwed, let me just make sure you get there safe."
"I can't risk you getting caught helping me. I don't want you to hate me more than you already do."
V stilled and let his hands drop to Jungkook's wrists, holding them softly. "...Jungkook, I don't hate you....you shouldn't care what I feel towards you anyway, I'm just a personality-"
"Of course I do!... you're not just some personality, you're a person just as much as Taehyung is and I don't want to ruin your life more than I already have," Jungkook argued.
V stared at the floor. "At least let me walk you there. As soon as we get there I'll leave you alone. I just- I need you to be safe when we get there."
Jungkook nodded and the two left the motel quickly. V stood close to Jungkook's side as they walked through the crowded city, making sure to stay hidden beneath his mask, some times adjusting the hat on his head to make sure none of his hair fell from it.
"Are you sure it's safe to meet them somewhere so public, buttercup?" V asked as he shoved both hands into his coat pockets.
"It's the safest option I have. No Idol is going to stalk me out in the public eye, right?" he whispered, tugging his coat to cover his lips as he walked quickly, spotting the mall he was meeting the others at. He pushed through the crowd and saw that none of his friends were there yet.
"I'm staying with you until they show up," V whispered, grabbing Jungkook's sleeve to keep him close.
"V, stop being a stalker. I'm not going to be attacked with all these people around. If Tae is assigned to kill me then no one else will."
"That's not how it works, Jungkook," V whispered, glancing around. "Taehyung is one of the few people assigned to kill you. The idol that succeeds in killing you stays. The other three get...'fired'. Three other people are out there looking for you while thinking I- Taehyung is resting from the tour."
Jungkook paled at hearing this. He did not...think three other people would be after him as well. He scoffed and folded his arms, pulling away from B. "Either way, well-known idols aren't going to attack me out in the open-"
"But some people tried to earlier."
Jungkook just frowned before feeling something hard come in contact with his back, knocking the wind out of him. He gasped and fell forward, looking up and noticing some guy with a lot of bags pushing past people as he spoke on the phone. V helped him up off of the snow-covered ground, rubbing his back. Jungkook pushed away and brushed the snow from his knees, pointing away from him. "V...seriously, I got this."
V sighed. "Fine. If you say so." He engulfed him in a quick hug before scurrying away. Jungkook stood there, hands in pockets as his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Kook, there are so many fucking people, it's hard to get out of here. Meet us at the station near the mall."
"How far is it?"
"It should only be around the corner if you're coming from the South."
Jungkook hung up and started walking. He glanced over to see the sign pointing to the stairs that led underground. He hurried down the steps and out of the snow, removing the hood of his coat as he shrugged off the snow on his sleeves.
He looked over the ocean of people who stood still to mingle with their friends away from the snow. "No wonder it's so crowded, these wimps just don't want to stand in the snow," he muttered to himself. He heard a loud crack and looked down to see he dropped his phone.
"Shit," he hissed, bending over and picking up the phone. He turned around to see a figure staring at him but it quickly moved to hide in the crowd. Jungkook felt his skin crawl, trying to shrug it off as he continued to walk.
But the more he walked, the more anxious he became and he decided to look over his shoulder to see the same figure following him quickly. Jungkook picked up the pace, shoving some people to the side.
He wasn't going to be able to find his friends in this mess. He'd have to call them and tell them to meet him upstairs in the snow and as he pulled out his phone he tried navigating his way to another exit. As soon as he called Namjoon it hung up, saying there was no service where he was. This only pissed him off and he shoved his phone back in his pockets, spotting another exit. He ran to it, feet gripping the steps as he skipped some, wind hitting his face in an unexpected rush.
When he was around fewer people he started running a little slower before a hand grabbed his arm and shoved him to the ground. He spun around and fell on his back with wide eyes, seeing a hooded and masked figure about him, trying to pin him down. Jungkook struggled to get him off as people walked past, side-eyeing the two but not doing anything to stop it. "G-Get- Off of me-"
"I'm not dying when a brat like you can die easily!" the figure hissed before being flung back, landing still in the snow. Jungkook breathed heavily as he sat up, seeing another figure with clenched fists. He looked at Jungkook and Jungkook blushed as he laughed.
"Still think you're fine by yourself?"
"Shut up, V," Jungkook scoffed, standing up and rubbing his back with a frown. V smiled before hearing a gunshot, ducking and grabbing Jungkook's hands. "I can't- It hurts to run-"
"Jesus Christ-" V spun Jungkook a little, scooping him hip like a bride as he started to run.
Jungkook gasped in surprise and tried his best to ignore the burning pain in his back from the fall. It was hard to. His back not only hurt but it was also wet. Wet and cold.
He was starting to shiver from the cold, hugging himself with a shaky sigh, trying to control his breathing so he didn't have any problems breathing again, so he buried his face in V's neck, wrapping his arms around him. More gunshots were heard and some bystanders screamed out in fear and ran away, some making phone calls to the authorities. "V-!!!"
His eyes widened as a sharp, stinging pain barely scraped against his neck, the cold only adding to the pain. V looked down at him, seeing the small graze on Jungkook and on his own shoulder, then he behind him and noticed they were getting closer and their aims were becoming more accurate.
Jungkook hissed out in pain, arms tightening around V's neck as he heard a soft groan leave him, the arm supporting him almost coming loose. Jungkook felt himself slipping as V tripped, falling into the snow.
Jungkook rolled out of his arms and looked up to see blood on the snow, a fresh wound in V's bicep, V grabbing it and hissing as he forced himself up. His eyes shot around to find Jungkook before seeing him in the cold snow.
"Jungkook!" V yelled, running back to Jungkook. Jungkook turned on his back and tried pushing himself up again, eyes widened as he saw a man in the distance holding up a gun, aiming straight for his head. The bullet left the chamber and charged at Jungkook and the younger felt his life flash before his eyes but before the images could finish an arm wrapped around his waist, hoisting him up and everything was slow.
Jungkook's feet lifted from the ground and his arms instinctively wrapped around V's neck again as V's other arm flung around, holding a gun in his hand, Jungkook's legs hanging over his arm as he shot multiple bullets, hitting one of the men shooting at them. Jungkook buried his face in V's neck and nuzzled him as he breathed heavily, coughing softly between breaths. V didn't stop to check if Jungkook was alright after firing his gun. He spun on his heels and darted off, holding Jungkook bridal style as he ran through the strip, pushing people out of his way.
Jungkook felt his shivering slowly die down as the warmth engulfed him, helping his breathing as well. Jungkook sucked in a deep breath through his lips, lifting his head and resting it on V's chest, covering his face with the collar of his jacket. His eyes fluttered shut as he tried to feel safe in the man's arms as he ran.
After what felt like forever, they entered a warm place, a door closing behind them. Jungkook slowly opened his eyes and looked around, noticing they were in a dim lit location. V spoke deeply to the woman behind the counter and she gave him keys. He carried Jungkook up some stairs to a room, unlocking the door and entering. He set Jungkook on the bed before locking the door, pressing his forehead and hands against it.
Jungkook sat up and rubbed his head, staring at V's back. "V-" he really can't be the bad guy "-....thank-thank you..."
V didn't reply. He just stood there silently, his breathing slow. Jungkook fully sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed to stand up. V slightly turned his head to side eye Jungkook over his shoulder. But he remained silent.
Jungkook stood up and walked to him, placing a hand on his shoulder blade. V's breath hitched and he turned around quickly, grabbing Jungkook's wrist. Jungkook's eyes grew as he was spun around, switching spots with V, being slammed against the door. He gasped at the impact and looked up, staring into all too familiar eyes. Eyes that once scared him and sent chills down his spine just like they did on their first encounter.
Jungkook opened his mouth to speak but the other placed his hand over it, shaking his head vigorously. "Please," he croaked out, hand tightening over Jungkook's mouth as he leaned down and placed his forehead against his shoulder. "Let me explain everything...."
Jungkook froze at hearing the vulnerability in his voice. The straining in it and how hoarse it seemed to turn. he nodded, feeling the hand over his mouth loosen its grip before completely moving itself, both hands gripping Jungkook's shoulders.
"I'm not gonna hurt you," he whispered. "I never want to hurt you. Never wanna see you look at me that way again..." Jungkook just stayed still, his words confusing him. "Want nothing more than to see you safe but I can't help but want to hurt you. And it hurts holding back. I've never done it before but the pain is bearable. If you're happy."
"V-"
"Please...." he repeated quickly. "God, please.....Don't hate me."
Jungkook reached up and placed his hands on V's shoulders, gently pushing him away. V didn't look surprised and he looked up at Jungkook and the man looked terrible under the lighting. He had bags under his eyes that weren't nearly as deep as Jungkook thought, his eyes were bloodshot and his posture was faltering, and his skin seemed more pale.
"What the fuck have you done to me, Jungkook," he whispered, shaking his head. "I'm so fucking confused.... I had everything. Everything anyone could ever ask for. I had money. A job. A life. People who were there for me- and...and I gave it all up for you," he growled, taking small steps to Jungkook. Jungkook hitched a breath and reached back, trying to unlock the door.
The change in V's tone scared him.
"You took away my friends. My sanity. My knowledge of who I am! But now I don't know who the hell I am without you! Of all people!!"
Jungkook's hands stopped fumbling with the doorknob and he stared at V. What? "Taehyung didn't do shit. Didn't do shit to help you. Never did anything to help you! Taehyung isn't fucking real. He isn't me and he makes me out to be such a terrible fuck in your eyes!" he growled, now standing toes to toes with Jungkook. "I don't know who the fuck I am, Jungkook.." His voice began to waver and he grabbed Jungkook's shoulders tightly. "Please don't hate me...."
"V-"
V's entire aura changed and he gripped Jungkook tighter, actually causing the younger pain. Jungkook winced and looked into this eyes. "He's making me," V breathed out, burying his face in Jungkook's neck. "Taehyung's making me loose control at all thoughts. I can't think straight, I haven't slept- when I'm vulnerable and don't sleep he comes and I don't know when I'll come back if he has control."
V's grip on Jungkook loosened until he let go, his hands falling to his sides and forehead resting against his shoulder. Jungkook just stood there with his back against the door, not knowing how to reply.
In his mind, his reunion with V was going to be brutal and crude with curse words thrown back and forth. Not like this. Not with V saving him and trying to find who he is with Jungkook there.
The older seemed so vulnerable, and even if Jungkook tried not to believe what he was saying it would be so hard. Never did he think he'd have V there almost sobbing on him. He could feel how bad he was shaking against him, and he couldn't help but lift his arms up and wrap them around his shoulders, giving him a squeeze. V's arms hesitantly wrapped around Jungkook's waist and the two stood in their silent hug.
This felt nice to Jungkook. It made him forget about all the bad and remember the sweet things V did. How he comforted him when he didn't need to, tried making him smile and laugh, to see him cheer up. When they sat on the roof. When they kissed. All times.
How both of them felt that spark and warm feeling when their lips touched.
It was so magical.
It was amazing.
Jungkook rubbed the back of V's head and nudged him a little, and when V pulled his head up Jungkook's heart sunk. V's bloodshot eyes were now red from his soft and unnoticed crying, eyes squinted in pain from the dryness. Jungkook reached up and wiped his tears away with his sleeve, tilting his head to the side. V left his hands in Jungkook's back as he let the other help him.
Jungkook nudged his chin with his fist, eyes sparkling before gently cupping his jaw, pulling him lower and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
V didn't kiss back this time. He just stood there. Frozen. Jungkook pulled away and pressed their foreheads together. V squeezed his eyes shut. "I don't want to hurt you," he whispered barely loud enough for Jungkook to hear. Jungkook closed his eyes, shaking his head.
"We'll talk about that another time. Not now, though. Later...". Jungkook sighed deeply and resting his hand on V's biceps, looking at the wound. "You're hurt. Let me help-"
Jungkook's wrists were pinned to the door quickly and V was looking down, not showing his face. His shoulders were trembling, grip tightening.
Confusion morphed onto Jungkook's face, eyes squinting at V as V breathed out shakily. "He's making me-" he choked and before Jungkook could say anything everything went black, clouding his vision.
_____
"Dad!" Jungkook giggled as he watched his father hop out of the tree, dusting his pants off. His father smiled softly at the boy and knelt beside him.
"What's wrong, Kookie?"
"I thought you were gonna get hurt!"
"Don't worry, kookie. Dad's fine, see?" Jongsuk stood up and did a little dance, a smile on his face as he twirled. His smile wavered as he saw his wife walking towards them with another man. Jungkook stood up and tried hiding behind his dad's leg as his mother smiled, clearly forced.
"Haeun. Daehyun," Jongsuk said as he nodded his head, turning and picking Jungkook up, holding him in his arms. Jungkook frowned at his mother and refused to meet her eyes. Haeun frowned at this and cleared her throat.
"I came to pick Jungkook up."
"You don't get him this week. Your week was last week but you were off doing who knows what," he replied respectfully. "And Jungkook doesn't want to go with you."
"Of course he does, I'm his mother!" Haeun huffed, stomping her foot. "A child always wants to be with their mother!"
"Not a mother who neglects and hits them," Jongsuk growled, hugging Kookie. Kookie looked up at the man next to his mother, who just smiled gently at him. Kookie grinned back a little and tugged at his dad's shirt.
"Pa....Daehyun wants to hold me."
Jongsuk frowned and glanced at the other man before letting Jungkook go to him. Jungkook giggled softly as the mom rolled her eyes. "See? He's fine with us-"
"I know he's fine with Daehyun. It's you I'm worried about. I don't trust you around him." Jongsuk continued to watch Daehyun with his son as he spoke to Haeun. "If you want my son, then prove to me you aren't after the money. Because I know that's the only reason you stick around. In hopes he'll go with you, that he'll like you and talk me into signing things over but I've made myself very clear. Everything under my name will go under his when I leave. Never will it ever be under your name or your husbands. Ever."
Haeun stared at her ex-lover with rage as she grabbed his shirt, sneering at him. "I always get what I want, Jongsuk. Don't test me."
"Obviously not because you didn't get a daughter as you wanted and you didn't get to stay with me as long as you wanted." He took a step back and called Jungkook. Jungkook hopped from Daehyun's arms and giggled, going back to his dad.
"Bye-bye, Daehyun!" He looked at his mom and cowered behind Jongsuk. "....."
"Kookie, say bye to mom," Jongsuk spoke softly. Jungkook gulped and stared at her. "....Bye, Haeun."
Haeun froze and bit her lip, nodding while tugging Daehyun with her. Jungkook looked up at Jongsuk and giggled. "Pa, can we go get ice cream?"
"Not today, Kookie. It looks like it'll rain soon."
Jungkook stomped his feet and folded his arms, making his dad smile and let out a chuckle.
"....You're just like your mom........."
Jungkook gasped as he sat up quickly, holding his heart as it thumped against his chest rapidly. He looked around the room, the familiarity slowly coming to him as he gulped. Why the fuck am I here?
It was a good question he wanted an answer to. This somewhat ticked him off. He never wanted to see this fucking room ever again, not since that night. The uncomfortableness started flooding his mind as he looked away from one of the dim, neon orange lights near the bed.
As he sat there he slowly remembered being in that motel room with V. V looked so broken and confused and Jungkook felt bad that he couldn't help him out but the question still stood. Why was he at the dammed club? He pulled himself out of the bed and slowly walked to the door, seeing it was cracked open. He peeked through the slit, seeing the VIP room that Bighit had their artists stay in months ago.
Stupid memories.
He froze at hearing some murmured voices that were quickly approaching before seeing Hoseok enter the room with another male. "What was your purpose in bringing him here?"
"I-I panicked, Hoseok! I didn't want to hurt him and Taehyung was forcing his way through-"
"Then why did you involve him in all of this again?!" Hoseok yelled, spinning around and poking V in the shoulder roughly where his wound was. "You had no right bringing him here. I can't really help you! I can't help you, V- my hands are tied!"
"Please Hoseok!" V hollered, shoving Hoseok back. "He's not safe by himself. You can't send him there, they'll follow and get caught-"
"Oh, since when the fuck did you care about the well being of artists that went against their contracts?!"
"Since seeing the look Jungkook gave me that night at the club!" V shouted, panting. Hoseok stared at him and hissed, rubbing the spot between his eyes as his other hand settled on his hip. V continued to stare at him, waiting for some kind of reaction out of the other. "Hoseok, Jackson lied to me-"
"Well, that's your fucking problem for not reading the fine print on the contract-"
"It had nothing to do with the contract, can you stop being petty for one god damn second? He told me Jungkook wouldn't be involved with any of this, that he would guarantee his safety for six months!"
"And that's exactly what he's been doing-"
"Hoseok, he's Taehyung's last fucking task again and I know damn well you know that! You never gave me that damn file but Jackson gave it to Tae- why didn't you tell me Jungkook was Jeon's son????"
Jungkook flinched at hearing his last name, not use to hearing it or using it ever since he signed away part of the company. It made him feel guilty. "Why are you yelling at me?! You brought him here for me to help you yet this is where they're going to make you kill him! Is that why everyone's sitting out there? V, what the hell were you thinking, you should've just taken him to the- fucking hell...." Hoseok sighed and shook his head. "It wasn't important at the time-"
"Wasn't important? Hoseok, Jeon owns the side of Bighit that controls us fucking idols, of course it's important! Namjoon and Yoongi poured their blood, sweat, and tears into finding out why Bighit wanted him dead and you acted like you were trying to find out too but you knew all along that Jungkook was associated with them!"
"He's not associated with them, V," Hoseok snapped. "Jungkook's not associated with any of them! He didn't even know he was associated to the company that owned Bighit until talking to me and someone else. Jungkook did not need that pressure-"
"But we needed that information! We could've ended all of this just like that and-"
"Don't fucking act like you've been on our side this entire time. May I remind you that you tried killing Jungkook multiple times behind his back in that house? You wanted him gone, you didn't want him anywhere near you because he ruined your life, so don't go acting like you were any help. All you did was scar the poor boy and break him more than needed, V."
"That's not true," V growled. "That-that wasn't me. I've been framed this entire time-"
"And how the fuck are we suppose to believe you?"
V went quiet and looked at the ground, not speaking to Hoseok. Just standing there. V clenched his fists and looked back at Hoseok. "I was scared I'd lose Taehyung because of him."
Hoseok stared at V and sighed, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him into a hug. "You don't need to worry about that-"
"I know that now. I'm not worried about that anymore......" V pulled away and stared at his manager. "I just want him safe."
".....V, I think he's safest with you," Hoseok said, surprising both Jungkook and V. V blinked and stepped back.
"Hobi, what the fuck-"
"Think about it, V. No one else is as motivated to protect him. Look at where you're at. You're the strongest out of them. The most cunning with combat. Jungkook is safer with you. He'd get hurt with one of us."
V opened his mouth to speak but a booming voice spoke behind the doors that separated the VIP section to the actual club. V's jaw clenched and he stiffened. Hoseok groaned and frustratingly combed his fingers through his jet black hair. "Okay- listen. I'll figure something out. Go out there and deal with them, I'll contact Yoongi and Namjoon for help."
V nodded and closed his eyes, trying to put the mask on that everyone was familiar with. He reopened his eyes seeming stone cold, nodding before leaving the section, followed by Hoseok. Jungkook took a few steps back before stumbling to the floor, sitting there dumbfounded. V brought him here to Hoseok...which was also the place he was supposed to be murder at....in front of a bunch of people he didn't even know?
"What the fuck did I get myself into this time," he groaned, placing his face in his hands.