Taehyung shut the door behind him and fell back against the wall beside it, weak, trembling legs unable to support himself. He closed his eyes and took in a slow, measured breath through his nose, exhaling slowly and trying to ignore the dizzying pulse of his heart crashing over his ears and threatening to burst from his ribcage. He clutched his chest and dug his fingers into his skin, breath hitching on a tiny note of despair, an ugly whisper giving voice to the unbearable pain coursing through his body and numbing his limbs. He knew it would hurt. He'd known since several months ago. Maybe it was from when he saw the moonlight dipping over Jungkook's face and washing it silver, and the words "I love you" had tumbled out of his lips so easily and naturally it'd scared him. Maybe it was even from when he first saw Jungkook smile.
But he hadn't expected it to hurt this much.
Taehyung swallowed grittily and clutched his chest harder, trying desperately to calm himself down, think of something that deviated from the pain and sheer panic starting to surface. His heart rate was speeding up until he was drawing in quick, heaving breaths that did nothing to elevate the iron-like pressure weighing down on his chest and constricting his lungs. It was too much, everything that had happened in the last couple of months was too much. His nerves were shot, he'd constantly been on edge and on the verge of snapping and breaking down for far too long, and he could barely suppress the scream that was battling its way out. The pain beating at him now only served as a catalyst to push him further towards tipping over that edge. Despite his best efforts his mind flickered back to the first time he'd seen and approached Jungkook all those months ago.
"Taehyung, you got new prey."
"Can you not word it like that, boss?" Taehyung drawled but grinned, feeling excitement flaring up at the prospect of another task. A task of deception and lies sweet as honey, luring in some other poor, poor unsuspecting gambler, with hooded, flirty eyes full of promises and sinful words to ensnare their mind solely on him and his body. Tricking some other poor bastard, playing with them and making sure they kept coming to the casino until they were too immersed in this world and could no longer leave. Then Namjoon would set the ball rolling, destroying their life with debt, before introducing the horrors of a powerful, heartless mob. Taehyung guessed he could call what he did - seducing. What Taehyung was best at, and quite enjoyed, being the dick he was becoming. It was a little sad sometimes, when he could tell the beginnings of true feelings starting to emerge in his victims. That or if they'd completely fallen for him, which had happened a couple of times before. He'd just flashed a charming smile and reminded them gently that he was only in it for sex, but for some reason that didn't always crush their hopes and they remained utterly, utterly trapped between Taehyung's fingers.
It was fun. And Taehyung scared himself sometimes, thinking about it. He hadn't expected, in fact he'd subconsciously dreaded turning out like this when he'd first...
"Who is the unlucky bastard this time? Praying for the poor soul. As long as they're not married, as soon as Taehyung gets to them, it's game over. They're not ever leaving." Jimin spoke with a light, relaxed smile and shot Taehyung a look to which Taehyung just winked in response. He guessed he had a bit of a bad reputation, but nobody ever believed that when they first started talking to him. Perks of having a bright, seemingly easygoing and fun nature, he supposed.
"It's the guy we've been focusing on. Jeon Jungkook." Seokjin answered mildly and Taehyung paused, mixed feelings turning over in his mind. He glanced at Jimin to see that he'd dropped his gaze and his jaw was clenched, sudden tension gathered around him at the mention of his best friend. Taehyung bit his lip, knowing that Jimin didn't want to set his friend up, and hadn't even wanted to bring this Jungkook to the casino or introduce him to cards in the first place - but orders were orders.
"It might be a bit hard for Jimin to get information from Jungkook about Mr Jeon, but Taehyung should be able to. And you'll be keeping him coming back here, where we can keep an eye on him." Namjoon flicked his gaze up to Taehyung from where he sat on the couch, legs propped up on the coffee table. Taehyung gave him a lazy salute, breaking into a grin again.
"Of course. Don't worry boss, I remember the objective. I guess even big, scary ol' Mr Jeon has his weaknesses to exploit. I wonder what his son's like. The Red Ace, huh?" Taehyung mused, pushing himself off the wall and running a hand through his hair, turning to saunter through the door and go fuck up someone's life once again. But who knows? Depending on what Namjoon wanted to do with Jungkook, they could afford to use a tricky pair of hands like he owned. He might even be coaxed (or coerced) into joining them. That'd be a trump card against Mr Jeon, so to speak.
"Don't fool around too much." Namjoon's tone was brittle and stony, and Taehyung stopped, sighing and turning his head back to slide his stare over to his boss. He grinned.
"Why so serious?"
...
Taehyung slipped out into the casino, making sure to stay hidden within the shadow of heavy velvet curtains, surveying and scanning the place with keen eyes. He felt a presence beside him and turned to see Yoongi, who had his hands in his pockets and a scowl on his face as usual.
"Hey sugar, what's up?" Taehyung greeted brightly and Yoongi slapped the back of his head in response. Taehyung winced but laughed, expecting that.
"Don't call me that."
"Aw, but I put your number as "S" in my contacts in reference to how sugar-sweet you are." Taehyung pouted and Yoongi closed his eyes, taking in a breath in an obvious attempt to keep himself calm, and he didn't bother replying to that.
"The boss decided that if we ever do set the Red Ace up in a game, we're going to make him lose nine million." Yoongi informed him stiffly and Taehyung couldn't help but let his eyes widen.
"Nine million? Jesus. Isn't that a bit overkill, even for us? He's a big catch, isn't he." Taehyung exclaimed a little in awe. The most they'd ever set someone up for was four million. And even that had Taehyung shaking with pure thrill. This Jungkook guy was worth nine million?
"He's a millionaire, or so I've heard. And must be a good player, if he's already made a name for himself. The boss will explain the details later, but for now, remember that you're going to bet $140,625. Exactly. I'll text it to you later so you don't forget." Yoongi replied and Taehyung filed that number away, nodding and thinking. A bet of $140,625. How would that multiply up to nine million? His boss loved to keep people guessing, even Taehyung, an executive.
"Which game?"
Yoongi shrugged. "He didn't say. Choose whatever. I heard the Red Ace likes to play Red Five."
"Hmm... Red Five's more Jimin's specialty. He learnt back home when he first started out with cards and everything, so I guess that's why he taught Jungkook that? Hm... No. I'll go with Texas Hold 'Em." Taehyung decided thoughtfully and Yoongi shot him a sidelong glance.
"Why Texas Hold 'Em? Don't you usually play Big Two?"
"Well... I wanna have fun this time. Give myself a bit of a challenge. I'll pass on Red Five too, because in Texas Hold 'Em, there are no jokers." Taehyung replied with a bright grin and Yoongi just sighed and shrugged, patting him on the shoulder before turning and leaving. Taehyung smirked. He could practically hear the unspoken 'why do you make things difficult for yourself' but he didn't care.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" Hoseok appeared to ask brightly and Taehyung just smiled wider, sweeping his eyes over the casino inhabitants.
"I'm gonna charm my way into another sucker's pants and heart, that's all. Which one's Jungkook?" Taehyung murmured, wondering how old he was, and if he was cute. He shouldn't be too much older, and he'd have to be above twenty to be gambling so... hopefully around Taehyung's age.
"Jeon Jungkook? Ah, he's... that guy over there." Hoseok pointed at a boy who looked in his early twenties, sitting at the bar with a white violin case on his back. Taehyung felt something in him shift, slightly, as he took in the sight of him and he swallowed, suddenly feeling a little irrational trepidation creep in. He shook himself and let the excitement take over again, letting a smirk curl his lips.
"Shit. Sweet Jesus, he's so hot. Fuck, I wanna drop to my knees right now. I'm gonna have fun with this one." Taehyung purred and Hoseok groaned in distaste, shooing him off. Taehyung laughed and ran a hand through his hair again, stepping out of the shadows and making his way over to the bar. He felt fire slowly start to intensify and grow in his stomach as he neared and he could barely believe his luck. He'd landed just about the most attractive guy he could ever imagine as his next target. He hoped he was good in bed.
Taehyung sat himself down a couple seats away and just looked him over for a few seconds, wanting to groan aloud just at the sight of him. His toned body was slim in just the right places, and stupidly thick in others, like his impossibly muscled thighs that stretched the jeans he wore in a way that had Taehyung wanting to drool. Taehyung wanted to reach out and trace the veins snaking up across his forearm, and trail his lips along the sharp cut of his jaw. Taehyung swallowed the hunger he knew would be lurking around his eyes down as best he could and took his card out of his wallet, flicking it over the bar counter and watching it skim across to pause beside Jungkook's glass. Jungkook glanced up in surprise and the expression slackened on his ridiculously attractive face as he took Taehyung in. Taehyung could barely stop from smirking. Jeon Jungkook was caught. Taehyung knew he looked good, but it was an unbelievable self esteem boost to have that reaction from the hot guy before him. He spoke with a smile.
"Do you play?"
"Stop fucking punching me! Do you punch a person every time they say something you don't like? You must be good at shutting people up! You look so used to it as well, I'll bet you get plenty of practice using your boyfriend's body as a punching bag, right?" Taehyung jumped as he heard the sudden shouting and flinched at the completely foreign and unfamiliar note of unbridled bitter rage roughening Jungkook's lovely voice. He stiffened, eyes wide at the harsh, almost unrecognisable tone of utter hatred and felt his heart splinter and the shards of pain lodge throughout his chest. He'd been the one to drive Jungkook this far. A dazed few moments later, the door was flung open and slammed shut again, and Taehyung closed his mouth, wiping his expression blank as was appropriate, shutting himself off in a fraction of a second. It was getting easier, lately. He barely batted an eye at a heavily breathing, completely and utterly pissed off Yoongi, watching the veins straining in his neck with little interest. There was a turmoil of emotions flashing in Yoongi's blazing eyes, and one of them, surprisingly, was guilt, or maybe doubt, at least.
"How did Jungkook find out about your relationship with Jimin?" Taehyung asked emotionlessly and Yoongi snapped his head up, shooting Taehyung a deadly look.
"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" Yoongi growled in a tone screaming danger, coloured in resentment, and a lesser man would probably have started running. As it was, Taehyung just glanced away, unable to compete with the crazed fire alight in Yoongi's eyes, but not stepping down either.
"I didn't tell Jungkook anything about you or Jimin. I didn't ever mention your name." Taehyung replied calmly and Yoongi laughed, pinning Taehyung with a stare that hadn't softened in the slightest.
"I guess the proper question should've been... How did you find out about Jimin and I?" Yoongi asked quietly, still smiling ever so slightly, almost malevolently. Taehyung edged away slightly, seeing as Yoongi's fingers were twitching a bit and he'd rather not end the day with broken bones.
"Jimin told me. I've been fixing him and cleaning up your mess every time you've left him broken and bleeding." Taehyung replied coldly and Yoongi slit him a glare, likely not very used to Taehyung's abrupt, outright manner of hostility. It was foreign even to Taehyung. Even when he'd killed or tortured people in the name of the mob, he'd always joked around with them, smiled and spoke pleasantly, politely, as he watched their blood drain in the basement. But he couldn't muster up a smile right now.
"What's with the tone? Are you pissed over the shitty tragic end to your romance and taking it out on me?" Yoongi goaded and Taehyung had to laugh at that. Out of everyone, Taehyung was the one person Yoongi didn't usually speak to like this.
"Yes. But so are you, aren't you?" Taehyung pointed out dryly, humorlessly, and Yoongi just snorted, expression a storm as he stalked off.
"Touché."
Taehyung closed his eyes, letting his head fall back against the wall and taking in a deep, steadying breath. So Yoongi hadn't known Taehyung was the one comforting his pitiful, abused boyfriend and putting him back together to be broken, time and time again? Of course, Jungkook hadn't known either. That one night after he and Jungkook had gotten back from the trip around the country, he'd been about to tell Jungkook everything. Jungkook didn't even know the main reason Taehyung had taken him on that trip in the first place, though Taehyung did genuinely want to take him anyway. But it was mainly because he knew, before Namjoon or anyone else, that the police were coming to search BigHit, and he had to take Jungkook away from the casino during that time, to make sure he didn't catch on to anything.
But in any case, that night after they'd gotten back, there was a moment where he'd seriously considered coming clean with everything - not just about being a mobster. But then he'd gotten a call from Jimin and the distraction had killed his resolve. Jungkook hadn't known where he was going and didn't say much, but Taehyung could hear the hurt and resentment in his voice sometimes, although he knew Jungkook was trying to hide it. That time too, he'd been with Jimin, and then after that... Jinwoo.
"Last week we took out Lee's group. That makes around forty two now. So far there's been no movement. Not just from Jaeguk, but from any other big boys on this concrete playground. So, we've got to think-"
"-are they keeping themselves under the radar right now? Do they not know what we're aiming to do, that we're coming for them after all the rest have been cleaned up? Or are they afraid to retaliate? Or what else." Yoongi cut in and finished Namjoon's words. Taehyung wasn't really listening, nothing really sinking in. He sat across the room from everyone else, hiding himself away in the shadows to escape the necessity of responding. He could tell Namjoon was watching him, and analysing him. He probably wanted to get to the bottom of why Taehyung was so uncharacteristically subdued and close-lipped during the discussion. Taehyung was just... out of it. He didn't want to think about any of this for a little while longer. But Namjoon's order had been explicit - as soon as he got back from the trip, he was to report back and catch up on anything that might have been changed or decided on in his absence. That horrid, gnawing feeling of despair swallowing him whole, and a sick guilt curdling in his stomach only intensified now, after spending that wild, beautiful month with Jungkook, out on beaches and in the sunlit forests.
The door opened quietly, and Seokjin came in.
"It's not that they don't know. Or that they're afraid. They're choosing not to do anything. We all know that. Mr J's lot are quite a tough crowd to please." Seokjin stated calmly, matter of factly, as he crossed the empty, open space of the dimly lit office, stopping beside the leather couch Namjoon and Hoseok were seated on. He didn't sit down with them, instead opting to remain standing, resting his hand lightly on Namjoon's shoulder. Taehyung didn't look up or acknowledge him as he would've in the past.
"What, so we just wreak all the havoc we want? How degrading. Maybe if we put on a flashy show, our audience will wanna get in on the fun as well. Although, is that what we're wanting, right now?" Hoseok spoke thoughtfully and Taehyung didn't know the answer, even if he wanted to reply. He studied the gradient of light to shadow crossing the wall and curving over the backs of couches, spilling over the leather seats in harsh lines, and let his mind wander to Jungkook's beautifully exuberant expression when Taehyung had told him he loved him.
"It's not as if we ever started throwing our weight around for the sole purpose of provoking Jaeguk to attack us in some way. That wasn't the intention, still isn't, so I'd say until they do challenge us, there's no reason for us to get upset over the fact that we're being left alone to take over underground Seoul at our pace." Namjoon shrugged as he spoke, keeping his posture casual, but the steady, firm tone conveying his unspoken order of "so don't do anything to them" was heard loud and clear to everyone in the room.
Seokjin was speaking. "Namjoon. We have to consider that they might actually feel threatened, and are planning something behind the scenes, in enough secrecy that our intel doesn't reach that far."
"That's why I have people keeping an eye on various members. Jinwoo, for example. So far, nothing's been happening on that end." Namjoon replied softly and Taehyung twitched at the mention of Jinwoo. Taehyung didn't have to look at Namjoon and Seokjin to know they were having their little moment, which was happening more frequently as of late. For a moment, Taehyung really hated them. They were allowed to be with one another, without any deception, without any lies and inevitable oncoming betrayal, there was nothing keeping them apart, yet they chose to play around with each other like this. Whereas Taehyung knew his days with Jungkook were dwindling.
"Yikes. The bedroom eyes are getting too much for me." Hoseok exclaimed cheerfully and hopped off the couch, stretching and promptly turning to leave the room. Yoongi followed suit, although in a much more leisurely, Min Yoongi-esque "this is a waste of my energy" way.
"You both know that we're only here to talk business. You can stay." Namjoon snorted, voice flippant but echoing with a sort of emptiness that Taehyung couldn't help but feel sympathy for, for at least a moment. Seokjin didn't say anything.
"With all due respect, boss, I'd rather fuck myself on a cactus than watch you two tiptoe around each other for any longer than is completely necessary." Yoongi drawled over his shoulder as he slipped his hands into his pockets, striding out the door alongside Hoseok. Namjoon snorted again but didn't rebuke him. Taehyung almost smiled. Typical Yoongi.
"In what language would that even be considered remotely respectful?" Hoseok asked Yoongi amusedly, voice fading as they shut the door behind them and moved away.
"Namjoon." Seokjin spoke quietly, and Taehyung felt that calculating, analysing stare fix itself on him, and so knew the next comment was said for his benefit. "Taehyung and the Red Ace had been on a trip for a while, hadn't they? The Red Ace hasn't shown up for a solid month and a bit. But they're back now."
"Apparently so, yeah." Namjoon replied slowly, also watching Taehyung. Taehyung didn't give them any reaction, or showed any signs that he'd heard them. "What do you think of him?"
"I'm not too sure. I'd like him, except... the circumstances being what they are. Well, I've only ever met him once. And that was months ago, now that I think about it. Late summer." Seokjin moved forward as he spoke, and Namjoon didn't reply, raising his hand in a silent proffer, turning to stare at him again. Seokjin paused, something flickering in his eyes, expression tightening just a tiny bit before he reached out and grasped it, slotting their fingers in a light hold, almost obligingly. Taehyung stood stiffly and turned to leave, knowing his input or presence wasn't necessary right now.
"Joker." At Namjoon's hard, commanding tone, Taehyung stopped in his tracks, turning back slightly. Namjoon's didn't say anything, and Taehyung could feel his eyes on his back. He shoved down the ugly black emotions swirling in his chest and gritted his teeth.
"I know." Taehyung muttered in response after a few beats of silence, before swiftly, quietly exiting the room.
~
Taehyung closed the door behind him quietly, glancing over to the bed to see if Jungkook was awake. He seemed to be fast asleep so Taehyung made all his movements careful and quiet as he got changed and got ready for bed. He paused beside Jungkook before getting in bed, watching him sleep for a moment, gorgeous face caught in the slight glow of a sliver of moonlight. When Jungkook slept, he lost the usual edge of fire and power that he naturally held about him, and Taehyung could lose track of time for hours just watching the beautiful innocence resting in his slack features. He flattened his lips, swallowing with difficulty and trying to convince himself it was worth it. Worth destroying what he had right now. Taehyung took in a deep breath, pain and gloomy despair weighing his chest down like chains fastened to his body. He lifted the blanket slightly and lay down beside Jungkook, pressing himself against Jungkook's warm body and draping his arm over Jungkook's arm. He closed his eyes and breathed in Jungkook's familiar smell, feeling Jungkook stir and shift.
"Taehyung...? I thought you were at the casino..." Jungkook mumbled blearily, voice airy and soft, and he lifted the blanket up invitingly. Taehyung smiled and shifted to get comfortable, pressing himself closer into Jungkook's warmth. He hummed and rested his head against Jungkook's shoulder, sighing a little.
"I was. Just came back." Taehyung replied quietly, smiling wider involuntarily as Jungkook shifted and nudged him up a little to place an arm beneath his back, wrapping it around him and curling warm fingers over his shoulder. He felt a kiss on the top of his head.
"How many times have I told you not to take those long ass walks by yourself at night? Especially when it's so cold. See, you're shivering. Take a cab or something." Jungkook sighed, tone stern and scolding but Taehyung just grinned, heart fluttering as always, whenever Jungkook fussed and nagged over little things like this and let Taehyung know he cared. Taehyung whined, tugging the blanket up further and burrowing closer against Jungkook.
"Wanted to." Taehyung replied indignantly, and Jungkook tsked, tightening his fingers on Taehyung's shoulder until Taehyung squirmed in discomfort, laughing silently.
"Should've gone back to your place then. It's much closer. Why come all the way over here?" Jungkook muttered exasperatedly and Taehyung snorted, knowing he didn't mind.
"I wanted to cuddle." Taehyung announced with firm finality, and Jungkook sighed again, poking and prodding at Taehyung's cheek and jaw, and Taehyung giggled. Taehyung raised a hand and pawed blindly at Jungkook's fingers, bringing them to his lips and kissing a fingertip.
"You've been cuddling and sleeping with me every single night for a whole month. We just got back from Busan today. Aren't you sick of me yet?" Jungkook spoke, pressing the pad of his finger against Taehyung's lip and Taehyung stuck out his tongue to lick it, grinning. He would never, ever be sick of Jungkook.
"Never." Taehyung declared and planted a firm kiss on Jungkook's chest, wrapping himself around Jungkook as tightly and bodily as he could. Jungkook grunted at his weight and twitched in discomfort as Taehyung shoved one cold foot between Jungkook's calves and pressed the other somewhere up near his hipbone. Taehyung only grinned wider as Jungkook sighed, loving how he could sense the smile even in the darkness. Point having been made, Taehyung released him from the bear hug and once again settled against him comfortably, resting his fingers against Jungkook's taut stomach. He fell quiet for a while, breathing slowing and evening out, tension melting away from his body as he lay against Jungkook.
Taehyung couldn't stay relaxed for very long though, the sharp taste of guilt probing at his tongue and pushing it to speak. He could tell Jungkook was still awake, and he wondered what he was thinking about. Even as he tried his best to just forget everything and just fall asleep curled by Jungkook's side and soak in his warmth, images of dark, deep folds of shadow flashed behind his closed lids. A sick feeling churned in the back of his throat as he lay beside a completely oblivious Jungkook, who was terrifyingly unknowing of the schemes he'd been caught up in. Namjoon's harsh reminder, when he called Taehyung by his casino name, resonated in his mind, ringing in his ears incessantly despite his best efforts to shut the sound out and just stop thinking about it. He knew Namjoon was starting to suspect Taehyung had thoughts of betraying the mob for Jungkook, and he let Taehyung know to remind him of his place, of his duty and what he had to do.
Don't get too invested.
That's what Seokjin had advised Taehyung the first time he'd baited in someone like this. He'd laughed it off, thinking it to be an unnecessary, ridiculous statement. Of course he wouldn't get invested in someone he was setting up. He wasn't an idiot. But now...
He really was an idiot, wasn't he. Never mind Namjoon, even Taehyung was starting to suspect himself, and where his loyalties truly lay. With Namjoon, with Jungkook, or with...
Taehyung spoke up abruptly, offsetting the drowsy, still and quiet atmosphere, his fierce inner turmoil slipping past his self control as a breath of air.
"Hoseok asked me where we'd been. Apparently some of the pros have been asking about you." Taehyung murmured, and felt Jungkook shift slightly. He knew he shouldn't say anything and stir Jungkook's suspicions. He should just swallow the black, poisonous coil of conflict back down and sleep, but he was getting so, so tired recently. He couldn't stay with Jungkook like this all the time, he had to get back to work, both his day and night occupations and everything weighing down on him and looming up ever closer was... getting to him a little. He hadn't ever expected the possibility that he couldn't handle it.
"Have they? That's good. I've been looking forward to start playing seriously again." Jungkook replied with innocent excitement and Taehyung tensed, feel despair suddenly surge up in a suffocating tidal wave crashing down over him. The words tripped out of his lips before he could stop them.
"You ever thought about... doing anything else? Quitting gambling? Getting a degree, a job, and leaving dark rooms and dirty cash behind as just a memory?" Taehyung asked quietly, softly, feeling as if he was touching an abstract something best left alone, like he was whispering words of irredemption. He hadn't ever considered the thought. But the words had just slipped out, perhaps from the very roots of his subconscious. What if he just... came clean with everything? What if he stopped everything? Did he really need the money? Did being part of the mob, did belonging to the casino bring him anything but dread and a tired, reluctant resignation anymore? Not to mention a constant fear suspended over him, fear of being caught, fear of what Namjoon might do to him as punishment if he ever committed a wrong against the mob, fear of becoming the pursued instead of the pursuer, fear of retribution and fear of losing. And now with Jungkook... Taehyung felt Jungkook stiffen, fingers tensing against Taehyung's skin at his words.
"What do you mean? What do you mean quit gambling? What else would I do? I... what else can I do? Why all of a sudden?" Jungkook spoke slowly, a little testily, and something tiny snapped inside Taehyung at the bewildered, slightly defensive response. Taehyung scrambled up so he leant over Jungkook, hands pushing himself up on either side of Jungkook's shoulders, staring down at Jungkook intently, at his tight, concerned expression.
"We could do it. I know we could. We're millionaires. We could just disappear off somewhere. We have enough money to get by, and you're still in university, you could study properly from now on and get yourself a degree and a proper job. I know you could. We could- we could stop gambling." Taehyung spoke urgently, a little desperately. The moon slipping through a gap in the curtains dashed a claw of light across Taehyung's face and he watched Jungkook's eyes widen slightly, glittering with confusion and tense worry. Part of Taehyung wanted to sigh and lie back down. He himself knew he wasn't going to listen to his own words. They were like a joke that wasn't very funny at all. Run away? As if he, as if either of them could. The corners of his eyes were stinging slightly.
Jungkook's face set into a trepidated, uneasy frown as he reached up to touch Taehyung's face, fingers pierced by the silver light. "Taehyung what's- Are you okay? What's going on-?"
"People die from this, you know. Maybe not from a single game, maybe not even from a hundred games. But they always do, if they don't stop. And if you don't, you end up killing. Maybe not with the intention in mind, but every time you win a game, somebody else loses." Taehyung whispered and turned his head to the side sharply, avoiding Jungkook's touch, unable to maintain eye contact with his unsuspecting, innocent boyfriend. He knew Jungkook knew all that already, but the words just wouldn't stop coming, serving as a warning to them both as they hung with a disproportionately heavy weight in the still air between them. Gambling was dangerous business. Everyone knew that. But not all heeded to that knowledge. Like Jungkook. Jungkook didn't speak immediately as he stared up at Taehyung with a sort of muted shock flickering in his wide, beautiful eyes.
"What- are you- Do you really want to stop? Are you being serious? I didn't know you thought about... I- You want me to stop too?" Jungkook asked slowly, seriously, as the faces of all the people Taehyung had cheated, crushed, lied to, tortured and murdered, flashed in his mind's eye, and it was like a slap to the face, as Taehyung realised that no, he wasn't being serious. Taehyung flinched a little, like Jungkook stating the idea only solidified an unwelcome, unpleasant thought that shouldn't have been spoken aloud.
"No- I... I didn't mean... I don't... really want to stop, I- it was just a... a thought. Just thinking about... 'what if's, I guess." Taehyung muttered, slowly deflating a little, uncertainty and hesitation staying his tongue and whispering at him to reconsider. It was too late for him to turn over a new leaf at this point. He'd never leave the underground mob scene, he knew that now as he heard Jungkook's words and realised that he truly didn't want to stop. He was too immersed in bloodlust. At some point along the way, the blood staining his fingertips no longer disgusted but instead thrilled him. In that case, he would continue to carry out his role, and keep his mouth shut and curved in a bright, easy smile. But... he couldn't do this to Jungkook, after all. The thought was like a lightning bolt striking him, igniting his mind with conviction again, and Taehyung tensed, snapping his gaze up to meet Jungkook's eyes. He was going to tell him everything, and figure out the rest later. "Actually- there's something I have to-"
Taehyung's phone rang. It rung out jarringly, dissonant notes cracking their way through the room, filling it with an incessant, obnoxious buzz. Taehyung froze, words dying on the tip of his tongue, and the conviction and resolve vanished in a second, his thoughts curling in on themselves, shutters from the disturbance and distraction sapping him of strength to continue. It was like the sudden noise brought the world crashing back down around him, and Jungkook's confused expression only served to push him down further. He blinked, a million words left unsaid, escaping from his tongue and lips, and he tore his stare away from Jungkook's magnetic gaze before he lost himself in those warm eyes. He hopped off the bed, finding his phone and picking up the call. It was Jimin. He took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and steeling himself, slightly dizzy.
"J- hello? What's up?" Taehyung answered quietly, pressing a hand to his chest and gritting his teeth as he felt his pulse racing beneath his skin. He had to pull himself together to help Jimin. It was most definitely about Yoongi again.
"T-Taehyung, I'm sorry- did, did I wake you? I... Please come help me... It was Yoongi again... It- it hurts-" Jimin was breathless, voice barely above a whisper, and Taehyung understood even before he'd spoken, really, so just kept it brief.
"Where?" Taehyung asked simply, feeling pain tug at him listening to Jimin's harsh breathing, catching on the usual tiny sobs here and there. At least his pain couldn't be compared to Jimin's, pain caused by the very hands of the person he loved so much. At Jimin's mutter of "casino", Taehyung replied, "I'll be there soon."
"What happened?" Jungkook asked quietly as Taehyung ended the call and got changed. Taehyung paused, biting his lip at the hollowness in Jungkook's dry tone. He'd... he'd come back and fix this once he was done helping Jimin, and... and when he felt he could take looking Jungkook in the eyes again.
"A friend's in a bit of trouble. Mind if I take your car? I'll be back soon." Taehyung replied simply and Jungkook didn't press the issue, answering easily.
"Keys are on the dresser."
~
"Are you okay now?" Taehyung murmured as he stood from the bed. Jimin crossed his legs beneath him and nodded absently.
"Yeah. Thank you for staying with me, as always. Hurry and get back to Jungkook. It's already morning, he'll be worried." Jimin whispered and Taehyung stared at him for a beat of silence, wondering whether Jimin ever envied him. He turned and made his way over to the door of the dark little room, opening it when Jimin spoke again.
"Is it worth it?"
Taehyung paused, turning back to meet Jimin's haunted gaze. He asked himself the same question.
"I don't know."
Taehyung smiled humorlessly, pausing his trip down memory lane right there. He kept his eyes closed as involuntary images flashed through his mind, of the complete and utter shock, betrayal and overwhelming hurt settling into Jungkook's slack, openly heartbroken expression. The beginnings of hollow anger had begun flickering through the dazed disbelief in his wide eyes as he stared up at Taehyung from where he'd been held down by the lackeys.
Taehyung didn't know how he was going to live with himself. But he had to. His job was not done yet. Mr Jeon had been put behind bars, but there was plenty left to do. Jungkook was... Jungkook had just been a small, irrelevant part of the package in carrying out his duty as a mob executive working at BigHit.
~
Jimin first met Yoongi at BigHit.
He'd just been a regular innocent boy who'd moved into a big city all by himself for college, heard about the style and grandeur of one of the biggest casinos in town, BigHit, and decided to go try his luck once. He'd been a pretty good card player, nothing like Jungkook when he'd first started out, but still enough to slowly, steadily gain recognition, letting his head surface above the rolling waves of cash. But he'd only discovered his aptitude as a gambler when he met Yoongi.
The moment he saw Yoongi, something had changed. He knew it in that moment, that his life was never going to be the same. He never knew just what it'd become, but even so, he didn't regret a thing, not if it meant being able to be by Yoongi's side.
Yoongi had approached him first, not attempting to hide the danger simmering in his smile, not attempting to be someone he wasn't, and Jimin fell for him, hard. He knew there were going to be costs, but he'd figured those would be small prices to pay.
"You have a really innocent face." Yoongi commented flippantly, smiling slightly as he gazed at Jimin, who grinned and raised an eyebrow, scooting forward and resting his chin on Yoongi's shoulder.
"Hm, well is it cute though?"
"I guess you could say that." Yoongi replied with slight amusement hinted at in his tone, and he nudged Jimin's cheek lightly with the knuckle of his forefinger. Jimin couldn't stop his smile widening uncontrollably if he tried, entire body light and floaty as he basked in Yoongi's attention.
Yoongi smirked a little. "You could try bluffing in games, you know. You'd probably pull it off pretty well with this face. I could teach you."
And so Jimin started learning how to bluff his way through any and all games, going off the basics Yoongi had taught him and using his "innocent" face to pave the way for him. He began developing his own playing style and honing the skill to perfection, learning exactly how and when to bait opponents in, sending all the right, subtle visual cues as if he had total control of the game and scaring them off with unshown loser cards. Yoongi had introduced him to a big name in the casino, the Blank Card Seokjin, and he'd taught Jimin how to read players, how to know which tactic to use to approach opponents ranging from utterly oblivious to paranoid and suspicious of every little thing. He was winning all of his games, subtly, bit by bit, purposefully forgettably, to make sure nobody ever caught on and figured him out. It wasn't long before he'd earnt himself a place among the big names, alongside Seokjin and the boss, Kim Namjoon, with the title of the Two-Faced Bluff. The name had bothered him a little at first, but he took it in his stride once Yoongi had praised his skill. He kept everything on the down low and remained an obscure, vague and hidden entity within the casino, someone everyone knew by name but not by face, as Yoongi advised him to do. Otherwise, if he was known to all, his opponents would start off games with eyes peeled, and remain on high alert the entire time, expecting him to pull bluffs, making his job a lot harder. Yoongi was right about that, as he was about everything.
Bruises started to blemish his skin with greater frequency the longer Jimin stayed beside Yoongi, and he'd thought nothing of it at first, turning a blind eye to the momentary flashes of darkness crossing Yoongi's face sometimes, pretending he couldn't hear the sometimes menacing tone. But when Jimin had gotten curious, once, as to where it was Yoongi always disappeared off to behind the casino, he'd followed him and seen something he shouldn't have, and Yoongi never treated him the same again.
"Y-Yoongi." Jimin gasped shakily, taking trembling steps backwards, hand rising slowly to cover his mouth in pure shock. Yoongi's head snapped up and his terrifying, wild, fiery stare locked with Jimin's in a moment of suffocating silence. Jimin's stomach churned, and his vision shook a little. Yoongi's pale fingers were coated in thick, dark blood, beads of it rolling down the sharp, gleaming knife and dripping rhythmically, forming a tiny, dark puddle that grew across the dirty, cracked concrete infinitesimally. There were tiny specks of red dashed on the tips of his fringe, giving the illusion of bleeding into his eyes that glinted from the shadow of his face. The body crumpled on the floor twitched once, before falling still. For a moment more, Yoongi just stared at Jimin, standing over the body, as eerily unmoving as the corpse was. Then he spoke, in the most dangerous, threateningly low voice Jimin had ever heard.
"Are you going to run?"
After that, Jimin had merely shook his head mutely, too shocked and terrified to really comprehend what he'd witnessed, and so later, when Yoongi had dragged him back into the casino, he'd explained everything in a huge room hidden away in the back that looked like an abandoned warehouse. How Yoongi was a mobster, how he killed people for a living, how he'd already forgotten the name and face of the person he'd just murdered, how being one of the big names at the casino meant he was an executive. Yoongi told Jimin everything about BigHit, about the boss Namjoon, about the inner workings of the casino, even about how he'd originally approached Jimin because he'd looked like he could be useful in the future.
Jimin didn't know what had made him accept joining, even after Yoongi said he could choose to ignore everything he'd seen and heard that night. He met Namjoon, was sworn to secrecy, went through all the proper procedures and trials including committing his first cold-blooded murder - all of which flashed past in a blur, and thus, he became the Two-Faced Bluff Jimin, a mob executive. He'd risen to a position of power in no time at all, after having proved his worth in both cards and completing the nauseating, dirty deeds of the underground world without flinching, due to his lack of hesitation and uncertainty in doing anything Yoongi told him to do. He'd met the other executives, Hoseok and Taehyung. Hoseok and Taehyung were even more terrifying than Yoongi or Namjoon. They killed people with bright, radiant, exhilarated smiles on their faces.
Jimin quickly became close friends with Taehyung despite this. Taehyung became the one he'd always turn to after bearing through one of Yoongi's fits of rage. Taehyung never complained, and never suggested he thought badly of Jimin and Yoongi's relationship, despite all its obvious problems. If Jimin had opened up to say, Jungkook instead, his other best friend he'd met in college, during his past life spent soaking in the sun's warmth up on the surface, he was sure Jungkook wouldn't have understood why Jimin refused to leave Yoongi's side. He would definitely try to persuade Jimin to leave, for his own good, Jimin knew, but nevertheless... He didn't want to hear it.
No matter how many times he killed, cheated and lied, or partook in the cold watching of various gruesome executions carried out usually by Hoseok, Taehyung or Yoongi, he could never get used to it. He never truly wanted to be a part of it all. He wanted to run, now. But he couldn't bring himself to choose freedom over Yoongi. Yoongi had laughed, reminding Jimin of his hypocrisy.
"You don't want to do this anymore? You hate cheating people?"
"...Yeah."
"Don't be fucking ridiculous. What have you been doing all along? What do you think wearing the mask of a bluffer means?"
When Jimin was delegated the task of introducing Jungkook to cards and bringing him to the casino, ultimately to destroy his life in the long run no matter what the outcome was, that was the first time he'd paused to question something Yoongi had asked him to do. Namjoon wasn't too thrilled when Jimin had showed signs of doubt and unwillingness, but after a few harsh words from Yoongi, Jimin had just swallowed down his reluctance and got to work.
When Namjoon had shifted the role of double-crosser to Taehyung, Jimin had heaved a sigh of relief. Not just because he didn't want to lie to Jungkook anymore and it was getting harder and harder to keep up a smile around him, but because he wanted to distance himself. He could tell after watching Jungkook play game after game, that Yoongi would most definitely hate him. Once Yoongi met Jungkook, he would get angry at Jimin for being friends with him. So he'd considered breaking off his relationship with Jungkook for a while, and then he'd accidentally bumped into Mr Jeon at Jungkook's house. For a moment there, Jimin thought he was about to be shot in the head. He had not expected to meet Mr Jeon in a place without the protection of the mob surrounding him. Mr Jeon had recognised him, for sure. Jungkook had been confused to no end, and suspicion had flared in his eyes when Jimin had accidentally let it slip that he thought Mr Jeon was supposed to still be in America. He wasn't supposed to have known, and though he covered it up, the suspicion in Jungkook's stare hadn't lessened in the slightest, which Jimin couldn't blame him for. After that, it just settled it for Jimin. He could not and no longer wanted to stay around Jungkook. So he blocked Jungkook's number and made sure to never make contact with him, avoiding crossing paths with him at all costs whenever he was at the casino.
Yoongi's temperament had only worsened as time passed, and Jimin hadn't meant to call Taehyung so frequently, but he couldn't help it. Then a few months ago, he'd called Taehyung at night, only to have Jungkook pick it up for him. He hadn't expected Jungkook to be with him, seeing as at the time, Taehyung had stayed cooped up in the casino for a whole week, eyes red from tears and expression tight with tension. When Jimin had accidentally informed him of the nature of his relationship with Yoongi over the phone, Jungkook had, as Jimin expected, badmouthed Yoongi and spoke derisively of the relationship. It had hit a little too close to home, when Jungkook had just casually slapped down the word "abusive". Having never heard it said aloud to him, what with Taehyung being so quietly accepting all the time, it was like a rude wake-up call that Jimin didn't want to hear. It drove him to saying things he didn't truly mean, and effectively drove Jungkook away from him for good. He'd told himself it didn't matter about anyone else, as long as he had Yoongi.
And now, as Jungkook spat scathingly at them from across the card table, just barely restrained by the lackeys holding him back, something having snapped inside of him and releasing a terrifying inferno of rage on par with Yoongi on his bad days, Jimin could barely look anyone in the eye, least of all Yoongi. Upon hearing Jungkook's harsh, real words accurately depicting his and Yoongi's relationship flung out in the open like that, Jimin felt like he was going to pass out from the blow. He couldn't really focus on the rest of the conversation anymore, after Yoongi had stormed out.
Jungkook was staring wide-eyed, shell-shocked up at Namjoon, as he found out that his father had been arrested.
~
Notes:
Ah man I don't even know why this chapter was so hard to write even though it was like entirely flashbacks :') I am so sorry for not following up on that cliffhanger I'm procrastinating :')) Next chapter, next chapter... But anyway I hope this chapter explains a few suspicious things that happened in previous chapters :))
I am having such a hard time coming up with a good name for the mob Taehyung and Namjoon and them are in oh my gOD it's actually getting ridiculous I just can't thI NK OF AN Y TH ING THA T DOES N'T SOUN D AWKWARD so if anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly, greatly, greatly appreciated and I would love you forever!
AND ALSO 201 KUDOS?? I'm so speechless... I started posting this expecting maybe 30 kudos at most but 200...? Thank you all so, so much for taking the time to read this fic!! I get so happy every time I see a new hit :D
Thanks for reading!