Chapter Text
Life in Bangtan began.
Jimin had to call his job with the family emergency excuse— thank god they love him so they would rehire him when he could come back— and he started his new job at ‘Hope World.’ Which wasn't so bad. Hoseok and Jungkook did their best to help him fit right in. He never worked with flowers before so Hoseok had him work the register and process online orders.
It was a nice experience. The flower shop had an aura around it, one full of positivity and happiness. You could feel it the moment Jungkook would smile at customers walking through the front door. The moment Hoseok crouched down to talk with the excited children, all while placing a flower in their hair (“Everyone is a pretty flower to me, even you,” Hoseok said when Jimin asked why, placing a flower crown on his peach hair).
The brunette was the definition of soft, warmth, and love. He had the cutest dimples and prettiest smile holy shit . Jimin was certain Hoseok could have the world at the palm of his hand if he truly wanted, that’s how persuasive his personality was. Jimin was honestly shocked Hoseok never used his persuasion for evil (or the gang) but he realized the brunette was just too much of an angel. Hoseok was also a dancer before he started the flower shop, a really good one at that with how many competitions he had won. Jimin asked him why he changed careers and the older male shrugged. “It was my Grandpa’s shop. I loved coming here when I was younger. When he passed away, I couldn’t let this shop die with him. No one else would have taken over. My parents were not a fan of it, and my sister had bigger plans for her life. So I decided to and even though I was young, I don’t regret it.” Now he danced as a hobby. He promised Jimin they could dance together, and bring Jungkook along since he’s been learning for a few years.
Jungkook was a fun character to be around. The youngest would follow Hoseok around like a duckling would with its mother. He was young and naive to a degree, but quick witted and mischievous. He was a hard worker too, studying at night to get his GED (Jimin understood why he didn’t go to high school like a normal kid). He loved video games and home work out videos, but also putting his hair in tiny pigtails and half man buns. He loved the natural fragrances from the flowers and researched how to turn them into oils. He liked when he and Hoseok painted their nails, insisting Jimin joined (his nails were light pink at the moment).
Jimin had made himself comfortable quite quickly. By the end of his first week Taehyung finally sat him down and explained all that he could. The two were sitting in Jimin’s new bed, legs criss-crossed, knees touching. “Ask me all the basics and I’ll answer as best as I can.”
“So, fire speed round?”
“Fire speed round— without the speed.”
“Who’re the core members?”
Taehyung pursed his lips, “Well technically the core members of Bangtan are Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, and me. But we include Jungkook and Hoseok because of how close we are. After that we have smaller leaders who oversee other branches that are farther than here.”
“Can you tell me about them? Or would you get in trouble?”
“Nah,” Taehyung waved his hand dismissively, “It’ll be fine.” Jimin sat forward, full attention on him.
“Alright so Kim Namjoon, 94’ liner and boss. His father is actually the big boss and ran Bangtan for a long time. But when Namjoon was 18, his father gave him the Seoul branch and then travelled to the US.”
“Did you ever meet his dad?”
Taehyung shook his head, “He left a little before me and Jungkook joined. Anyways, there’s Kim Seokjin. 92’ liner and second in command. He’s the only one who’s met the big boss because he’s known Namjoon since they were little. Seokjin’s dad was Big Boss’s right hand man. It was only a matter of time before they started to date. But he handles all the inventory and members.”
“Third in command is Min Yoongi. He’s a 93’liner and joined before me. Namjoon was in the underground scene when they met. They hit it off after that. While he’s very quiet and seems grumpy he’s actually a softie, though he hides it in this kind of business. Seokjin runs things internally and Yoongi handles the external stuff.”
Jimin nodded along, “Okay but how did you join?”
“We all came together around the same time. Namjoon became boss and wanted his own team. I just happen to be in Seoul at the right time. I left Daegu after working on my family’s farm for years. I didn’t want to do that anymore so I came and Namjoon found me.”
“What do you do in Bangtan?”
“I’m an informant. You’d be surprised how clever I actually am. It’s really not hard to trick people to give you what you need.” Taehyung’s smirk was borderline wolfish and it made Jimin smile, “Yeah you seem like you’re pretty devious.”
“Only on the job, I promise.”
“What about Hobi hyung and Jungkook?”
“Hoseok and Yoongi met before Bangtan. Hobi hyung got held up by some pervy people outside his flower shop. Yoongi was walking through when he found them. Did a good number on them too. After Yoongi joined Bangtan they took over that neighborhood and Yoongi kept visiting the shop to make sure Hobi Hyung was safe. And now they’re engaged.”
“E-Engaged?!” Jimin gaped, “You said they were dating!!”
Taehyung cocked his head, “I did?”
“Yes!”
“Oh well my bad! They got engaged last year. Dating, engaged— it’s all semantics, in the end they're together.”
The older of the two shook his head, “You stress me out Taehyung.”
Taehyung chuckled, “I get that a lot.”
“So, where does Jungkook fit in all this?”
Taehyung’s smile turned sad, “Jungkook came when he was fifteen, around the same time I did. It’s a touchy subject, so we don’t bring it up but let’s just say he ran away from home. Hobi hyung found him and took him in. Hoseok and the rest of us basically raised him even though we were all young ourselves. Well we’re still young but that’s life for you.”
“I find it crazy how Hoseok and Jungkook aren’t in Bangtan yet are so close to everything.”
“Could say the same about you.”
That made Jimin look at Taehyung in shock, “Taehyung it’s only been a week .” The blue haired member shrugged, “Doesn’t matter. You fit right in Jiminie.”
“When did you get this comfortable with me?”
“When you decided to kidnap me for a night and got us into this mess.”
“Oh wow still sticking with that huh,” Jimin laid back with a huff, “I see how it is.”
He felt his bed dip and suddenly Taehyung was lying next to him, “We’re the same age remember? Why not try to be comfortable and be friends.”
Jimin turned his head to face the younger male, “Would you like that?”
Taehyung mirrored his action, “Yeah I would.”
A pause. Then, “Ok Tae.”
The boxy smile sent this way made Jimin’s first impression of Taehyung resurface.
He really is pretty.
---
Jimin realized that the core members of Bangtan were all unique. Distinct characters coming together and making a group of guys full of promise and even softer feelings.
Jimin finally started to understand Yoongi aloofness. Basically, that it was a ploy. He put up a strong front when out but the moment he stepped inside his home, all of that dissolved into nothing, leaving a man with a gummy smile and heart eyes that stared at his soon-to-be husband (it was cavity inducing). He was a quiet caretaker. He noticed the little things, and acted accordingly. He liked to surprise his loved ones. He was fond of Jungkook and Taehyung, and even Jimin. He was a good friend to Namjoon when the blonde needed advice or was stressed by the job. He let Seokjin dote on him, with complaints falling from his lips, but Jimin knew it was all for show.
The Min family, a new name Jimin has given the flower shop residences, were not the only people he’s learned about.
Seokjin was in a special position. As the oldest he did his best to guide everyone where he could. He took care of the members, core or lower rank, and he gained respect from the whole gang. The purple haired male had sass and flippant confidence that wasn’t misplaced. He loved to joke but also knew when to be mature and that dynamic left the base in a good balance.
Namjoon was the one who surprised Jimin the most. Being the leader of Bangtan didn’t take away the fact he was still a young man. He was more clumsy than Jimin would expect and a lot more nicer than necessary. He let the core members do what they want, even tease him. He saw people as his equal. He was fair but led sternly, making sure the gang stayed on top. It was insane how intelligent he was. He did his job well and was still a good person.
Everyone was so kind to him. Everyone treated him like a long time friend. And even though he knew, somewhere deep in his heart, it was temporary, he was grateful for it.
---
Jimin started to notice something during his stay. Since it was usually just Jungkook and Hoseok with him, with a mix of Taehyung, he was able to spectate and observe how they orbited around each other.
It was so obvious how much Hoseok cared about Jungkook, always making sure he was taken care of (though Jimin had a feeling Hoseok just had that nurturing nature ingrained in him with how he also treats all the other members). How he would smile as he placed a flower crown on the younger’s wavy black locks, tucking his fringes behind his ear. How he would naturally call him baby without a second thought. It was all endearing. Jungkook had the same care but sometimes, his gaze and his touch would linger a little too long. Or his eyes would hold an emotion Jimin thinks he could describe but wasn’t completely confident to identify.
One afternoon, Hoseok had left to pick up some groceries, leaving Jimin and Jungkook in charge of the shop. It was quiet in the shop, the last customer was about an hour ago. Jimin cleaned up the front desk while Jungkook walked around checking their inventory. The younger had a different flower crown this time, one made of different colored roses that Hoseok made that morning. Remembering the look on Jungkook’s face as the older male smiled sweetly at him, Jimin decided to finally ask what was stirring in his mind for a while.
“Hey Kook?”
“Yeah Hyung?"
“Um, can I ask you something? If it’s too personal you don’t have to answer.”
Jungkook placed his clipboard down on the front desk, giving Jimin his full attention, “Ok. Ask away.”
“I was just wondering why you came to Bangtan and this flower shop.”
Jungkook was quiet for a moment, lips pressed in a firm line. Jimin instantly regretted asking, “Ah- ya know what, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have asked—”
“No no,” Jungkook cut him off softly, “It’s okay I can tell you.”
The older man watched as the maknae took a deep breath, “I… didn’t have a good home life. My parents were pretty toxic and abusive, dad physically and my mom verbally. I— I just couldn’t handle it anymore and ran away from Busan.” Jungkook noticed Jimin’s shock, “Yeah I had been saving up any money I could and when I finally had enough, I took a bus here. Was homeless for three days and in an alleyway when Hobi hyung found me. He didn’t hesitate to take me in and Yoongi hyung didn’t even protest when I was brought inside the shop, he just silently gave me a bowl of food.” Jungkook smiled at the memory, “I cried while eating and since then they’ve done everything to take care of me. The other hyungs have too. They became my new family.”
“I’m happy he found you,” Jimin smiled, “It’s really nice to see how much you care for each other.”
“I love him,” Jungkook said with so much confidence, so much vigor, Jimin was certain of his first suspicion.
He was hesitant to ask his next question, “Is… is it hard seeing him with Yoongi hyung?”
Jungkook locked eyes with him, a silent acknowledgment that said you noticed . The younger shook his head, his smile small but genuine, “They're happy. Hobi hyung gave me a home, and so much love, I couldn’t ask for more. As long as he’s in my life, as long as I keep his smile in my life, I’m ok.”
And Jimin knew he meant it.
---
If Jimin wasn’t in Hope World, he was at Bangtan. Taehyung would randomly come pick him up and take him to the base. He still doesn’t know how he got roped into it but he found himself shadowing Seokjin whenever he was at the base. If Taehyung had to go off and do a job he would push him to Seokjin. And the purple haired male would have him help with errands. Jimin didn’t understand how they could let him help out so easily, considering he is an outsider, but here he was looking at statistics and information about the gang. Seokjin would just roll his eyes whenever he asked. “Jimin-ah trust me, I’m a good judge of character. I know you won’t spill and do anything to hurt us. So stop all that questioning, let’s go.” That trust hit a soft spot in Jimin. He turned away so Seokjin wouldn’t see his shy smile.
“Now, on to the next errand.”
“Right!”
Sometimes Jimin found himself with Namjoon of all people. Jimin feels like a secretary on those days. He’s either filing papers or making sure Namjoon eats because once Namjoon gets immersed in business, self care becomes an afterthought. After eight hours of not even having water Jimin made the executive order to feed the man. He learns a little more about Namjoon and can see that yeah, even though he is a gang boss, he’s still young with many interests.
Jimin will help him tend to the gazillion plants in the office, each with their own names. Or see him surf the virtual museums and read about the art. Off chances Jimin will catch the blonde writing in a composition book. Sometimes he’s reorganizing his multiple playlists, or adding new vinyls to his collection. Music always plays in this office, always .
“Hyung if you weren’t the boss what would you want to be?”
Namjoon glanced up from the numerous reports on his desk, “That’s a good question...” He had a thoughtful look, “Something with music? Or a writer? An educator?” Namjoon stayed quiet for a moment before smiling at Jimin, but the younger could notice the small wistfulness in his eyes, “I’ll never know.”
Jimin realized, while everyone came to Bangtan willingly, Namjoon never had that choice. The moment he was born his fate was sealed. Wanting to lighten the mood Jimin said with a small smirk, “I could see you as a hot professor. All the first years would drool over you.”
If Jimin felt a puff of pride at making Namjoon guffaw, then that was no one’s business but his own.
---
Taehyung was the enigma. Jimin honestly didn’t get him sometimes. The bluenette was such a bright person, someone who was easy to read with his big eyes but also too clever and observant for his own good. Jimin also noticed how Taehyung loves to please. He would watch as Taehyung asked Seokjin, Yoongi, or Namjoon if there were more jobs to be done, if he needed to help in the base, if they needed him for anything . When they answered no he would pout for a moment before changing his focus on Jimin. And then ask him if he was comfortable and what he wanted to do.
He made Jimin a priority, and it warmed the peach haired male’s heart. Jimin couldn’t lie if he said he didn’t look forward to Taehyung bursting into the flower shop. Sometimes he would come with snacks or gifts, or would help when the shop was busy. Sometimes he would steal Jimin away and take him out. They would wander around the sections of the city that were safe for them, sitting in cafes, walking through a park, going to an arcade if they felt it. It was something different each time.
Jimin started to learn even more about Taehyung and his family, how the bluenette still wrote letters to his grandma in Daegu because she was the closest thing he had to a parent and loved her too much to not hear from her. He could honestly consider Taehyung to be his close friend. While it was unconventional how they met, Jimin’s never had a friend like this.
He could also say that “friend” probably didn’t title just what their dynamic was, at least for him. He never said anything about it though, never let himself think too long about it. One thought stopped him every time.
This is temporary .
---
The day had dwindled into night and Jimin was in his room laying in his bed, looking through his phone. He was watching old videos of his family, smiling at his little brother playing on the beach in Busan. A sudden longing hit his heart thinking how long it’d been since he contacted them. He’d been so wrapped up in this new world he hadn’t stopped to think about his old one, his real world. It didn’t feel like time had passed but when he looked at his calendar, he realised he’d been in Bangtan’s world for over two months.
Time went by so fast it completely escaped him. The saying, “Time goes by when you’re having fun,” was resonating with Jimin on a new level. The longing was even more heavy in the pit of his stomach. He missed his family, his job and his students. He really did, but he couldn’t deny the strange peace he had currently. How the members of Bangtan wormed their way into his heart and everyday life. The idea of not seeing them was just so foreign to him, and considering it had only been a short time, it was something that baffled him. How these six people could have impacted his life so quickly, so deeply like they have. How one of them specifically came and crashed into his life.
He was shaken out of his internal monologue when his phone began to vibrate, Taehyung’s ID popping up on the display. The longing he felt disappeared as he answered the phone, smile obvious when he spoke, “Hey Taehyungie”
“ Hey, are you doing anything? ”
“Not really, just in bed thinking…”
“ Thinking about me? ”
Jimin chuckled at the question, firing his own coy response, “Maybe.” It was silent on the line for a moment. “Tae?”
“ Can I see you? ”
“Right now?”
“ Please. ”
Something in the way the other said that made Jimin’s heart skip and gut twist. It was late, and Jimin knew he would have to help out in the shop tomorrow. But when it came to Taehyung, he really couldn’t stop himself. “Yeah, okay sure”
“ I’ll pick you up. ”
“I’ll be ready when you get here.”
“ See you soon ”
“See ya.”
Jimin set his phone down and stared at the ceiling for a moment. He’s been trying his best to ignore the signs, ignore the not so subtle interactions, ignore the warmth that lays in his chest when Taehyung smiled at him. It was hard though and Jimin was a weak man he could admit that. The peach haired male took a deep breath before rising out of bed to put clothes on. Just a simple shirt and some ripped skinny jeans (yeah he liked to show his legs off around Taehyung, sue him). He wasn’t sure exactly what the night entailed so he decided to bring a light jacket with him for the ride. He rushed to brush his teeth and hair when he realized Taehyung would be there at any second.
He walked out of his room to see Hoseok and Yoongi in the living room. The two were on a loveseat, Hoseok leaning into the other as Yoongi ran his hands through the brown hair. Jungkook must’ve been in his room playing games.
The oldest was the first to notice him, “Are you heading out?”
“Yeah, Taehyung is picking me up.”
Hoseok poked his head up to glance at Jimin before laying back down, his lips quirking slightly, “Ya know, Taehyung’s been around here more these past few weeks than in years.”
Yoongi hummed, his voice feigning curiosity, “I wonder why.”
Jimin could feel the heat rising to his neck as he coughed nervously. Hoseok chuckled at that, “I’m just teasing Jiminie.”
“But still, you guys are sickeningly sweet,” Yoongi added.
“Honey I don’t think we have the right to say that when we’re getting married.”
“ Eh. ”
“Eh?”
Jimin giggled to himself as he watched Hoseok and Yoongi squabble about the logistics of eh.
“What does that even mean babe?”
“Just means eh.”
“What—“
He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and knew Taehyung was downstairs. “Okay I’m heading out. I’ll lock up.”
“Be safe! Don't worry about helping out tomorrow in the morning, have fun!” Hoseok called out as Jimin strutted downstairs.
“Thanks bye Hyungie!”
Jimin locked the back door, turning to see Taehyung parked on the street. When their eyes met, happy smiles bloomed on their faces. The older of the two hopped in the vehicle and they were off. “Where are we going?”
“Back to the base! Just gonna eat some snacks and hang out. S’that good with you?”
“Sounds perfect.”
The rest of the ride was filled with goofy rendition of girl group songs and debates on the randomest things (“Tae you don’t put milk in first.” “Why not? You can’t see how much you put in if you do cereal first.” “Yes you can!!”). They finally made it to the base, Taehyung walking them through the building in a direction Jimin wasn’t familiar with.
“We’re not going to your room?”
Taehyung looked back at Jimin with a smile, “Nope I had a different place in mind.”
The two walked up a flight of stairs and when Taehyung opened the door, Jimin realized they were on the roof. It looked like it’d been restored into another area to hangout at. There were chairs and small tables scattered around. Taehyung noticed his surprise and chimed in, “People come up here to get some air or take a smoke break. Yoongi insisted on it.”
The bluenette grabbed the other’s hand and led him closer to the right edge of the rooftop. There were a few blankets and a cooler. Taehyung had set up a mini picnic. Jimin felt his heart warm at the sight. “Tae this is really cute.”
“Thought you’d like it! C’mon let’s sit.”
So they were sitting next to each other eating snacks as music softly played from a speaker. After all the debating and joking around they found themselves in a lull. A peaceful silence and time to be in their own heads, something Jimin took advantage of lately. He took in his surroundings, took in the warm body next to him, took in the complete tranquility he was feeling. He turned to look at Taehyung. His blue hair was moving with the wind and the moonlight was catching all his best features. With his eyes closed and soft smile he appeared so ethereal. How could someone be that pretty? It made Jimin’s heart clench. They’ve only known each other for a little, and Taehyung affected him this much. The boy next to him did so much to his emotions it was borderline scary.
He was so enthralled he didn’t notice when Taehyung turned to look at him. “Jimin-ah.”
His heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with him, “Yeah?”
Taehyung was silent for a moment, searching his face before full on grinning, lips boxy as always, “I’m glad you talked to me in the alley that day.”
Everything in him lit up in flames. He didn’t try to control the urge that overcame him anymore. He didn’t stop himself from taking something he’s wanted for a while. The funny thing was, he wasn’t the other one thinking this.
Like a magnet the two met in the middle, lips crashing into each other. It was rough and passionate, all their pent up tension finally being released. God did it feel good to Jimin. It felt good to climb onto the younger’s lap. To have those big hands settle on his hips. To grip the blue hair and deepen the kiss. He wanted more, he wanted to touch Taehyung, to be touched by Taehyung. He pulled away when his lungs started to constrict. The two were panting, staring with blown out pupils. It was as if they were seeing each other for the first time. Jimin ran a hand through Taehyung’s hair, moving his bangs off his face before pressing their lips together again. Taehyung closed his eyes, his hands gripping Jimin’s hips firmly. Jimin wanted more, so much more.
“Taehyung, I like you.”
“I like you too, so much.”
“Tae.”
“Yeah?”
Hands gripped at shoulders, “Take me to bed.”
Jimin heard the sharp inhale, felt the body twitch under him. “That’s what you want?” Taehyung stares straight to his soul with his big pretty eyes. How could Jimin now want any of this?
“ Yes, please .”
He doesn’t remember the time between them on the roof and being pressed to Taehyung’s bedroom door by said person. But here he was, hoisted up with his legs wrapped around Taehyung’s waist and against the door. Taehyung was nipping at his neck and Jimin could feel the shivers running through him.
It was all a blur, up until Jimin was lying fully exposed on a soft bed with Taehyung hovering above in between his legs. The blunette eyes were intense as they scanned him, taking in every dip and curve of his body. “Jimin-ah,” He pressed a lingering kiss on his plush lips, “You’re so beautiful. ”
Jimin couldn’t stop the moan that ripped out of his throat if he wanted to. It was different, hearing Taehyung say those words. It licked at the flames in the pit of his stomach. It seared into his skin like summer heat. He wanted to hear it more, “Say that again.”
The younger male didn’t hesitate, “ You’re beautiful. ” He pressed another kiss down the other’s neck.
“ Again .”
And he did. Again and again, he showed Jimin how beautiful he was. Showing him with his actions, how he held him so tight it was almost bruising, brushed kisses light and heavy across the planes of his collarbone. How he would press deep inside him, making Jimin see stars .
Again and again throughout the night, they were the only thing that mattered.
Jimin was scared things would change after that night. But the next morning he was greeted by Taehyung’s pretty eyes and wide grin and he knew he had nothing to be scared of.
“Morning Jiminie.”
“Morning Tae.”
It’s just them.
---
Today was like any other day. Jimin and Jungkook were helping around the flower shop for most of the morning. It was flowing with customers from the moment they opened and it was obvious Hoseok needed the extra help, so the two younger males had no problem doing what they could. Jimin took over the phone while Jungkook stayed at the register so Hoseok could focus on the bouquets. The grateful smile the oldest gave them made it all worth it.
It was around noon that the traffic finally settled down, the shop nulled to a calm silence. Hoseok sighed as he leaned against the counter, “Oh thank god.”
Jimin ended his last call and looked at the older, “That was quite the traffic.”
Jungkook nodded, “It’s rare we get so busy on a Wednesday.”
“Yeah it is,” Hoseok smiled, “Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it.”
“Of course Hobi hyung,” Jungkook was at the brunette’s side in seconds, “I’m always here to help.”
Jimin smiled at the adoration Hoseok reflected when he stared at Jungkook. It made his heart mushy and weak in all the right ways. It was honestly so cute how much Jungkook worshipped his hyungs, Hoseok especially. Nothing made his day better than seeing the two of them interacting (well maybe except seeing Taehyung but that’s a different story). The bell on the front door chimed, making the three workers look at the entrance, only to see Seokjin come inside. The purple haired male grinned at them, “Afternoon fellas.”
“Hey Jin hyung what brings you here?” Hoseok asked.
“I might need to kidnap your lil’ chicks for a few hours if you don’t mind. It’s inventory week and I need all hands on deck.”
“Ah okay,” Hoseok nodded at Seokjin, “You guys can go help out at the base.”
Jimin shrugged out an okay but Jungkook looked reluctant. “But hyungie, you need help here too.”
The brunette smiled gently, running a hand through the youngest’s wavy hair, “Baby I’ll survive for a few hours, plus the store will probably be slow from now on.”
Seokjin added, “Yeah Kook, Hobi can take care of himself.”
“But…” Jungkook still looked hesitant. Hoseok smooched him on the forehead, “You can help out all day tomorrow and we can even make lamb skewers and churros when Yoongi comes home.”
That made the maknae’s eyes light up, “You promise??”
“Of course baby.”
“Ok fine,” Jungkook relented, “But if it gets busy again call me and I’ll come right back.”
“You know I’m not going to do that.”
“ Hyung~! ”
Hoseok chuckled as he pushed Jungkook towards Jimin and Seokjin, “Go on now, shit’s not going to count itself.”
Seokjin pulled a reluctant Jungkook out of the building, “I’ll see you later Hobi!”
Jimin trailed behind them, “Bye hyung!”
“Bye!” Hoseok waved them off.
When the three were seated in the truck, Jimin chuckled at Jungkook who was grumbling to himself. “Jungkook you’re too cute.”
“I just hate leaving him alone...”
“Yeah,” the peach haired male’s smile turned soft, “You love him a lot.”
“Whatever,” Jungkook’s ears were dusted pink as he looked out the window. Jimin continued to tease him more, and Jungkook stubbornly blocked it all out. Seokjin watched the whole interaction from his rear view mirror, smiling to himself as he drove to the base.
Taehyung was waiting outside the building when the truck pulled up. The moment he saw Jimin, Taehyung grinned, “Jimin-ah!”
“Hey Tae,” Jimin gravitated to the bluenette naturally. The younger had his arms open and Jimin was quick to hug him, giving a subtle kiss to his neck. Jungkook only rolled his eyes, sending imaginary daggers at Seokjin that screamed ‘You made me leave Hobi hyung to deal with these two lovesick puppies’— to which the oldest just shrugged.
“C’mon minions it’s time to do work.”
---
Jimin never wanted to do inventory again. He knew that Bangtan was powerful and full of influence for such young people, but he didn’t really realize until he saw their inventory. They had so. much. stuff.
He couldn’t understand what they needed all this shit for, but then again this isn’t his life so he’s not going to question. Seokjin gave them each a clip board with a huge list of stuff that ranged from guns to ammo, random supplies, and then some. Jimin wondered if it was bad that seeing all these weapons didn’t phase him, but he decided he wouldn’t think about it either.
“Alright children you’re going to look at the stuff on your respective lists and make sure you accurately count everything and write it down.”
Taehyung paled at his list, “Do I have to count each bullet ?!”
Seokjin's face was deadpan as he spoke, “Yes Taehyung you have to count each one– of course not! ” He shook his head, “Just count the number of boxes for ammo, each box has the bullet count on it.”
Jimin and Jungkook snickered as Taehyung sighed in relief, “Oh thank fuck.”
“Please you’re giving me a headache, just get to counting thank you.”
So the long– long job began. And back to the initial thought; Jimin never wanted to do inventory again. It took them five hours to count what they had, and it wasn’t even the new shipment that was coming the next day. Thankfully Seokjin had mercy on them and told them they didn’t have to worry about it. Seeing Jungkook whimper in happiness as Taehyung put eye drops in the youngest’s dry eyes, he could tell he’s not the only one who’s happy with that thought.
Seokjin glanced at his watch, “Well you guys can go to the break room and relax until Yoongi is ready to go home.”
The three younger males cheered and hurried away. Seokjin smiled fondly, “Children, I swear.”
The break room was calm for a good two hours. Namjoon was relaxing in his special chair reading a book. Seokjin was eating snacks on the love seat while Jungkook was playing video games on the flat screen TV. Jimin was sitting on the couch next to the maknae watching him get absorbed in Overwatch. He contemplated playing but Jungkook was so serious Jimin was kinda scared to play with him (“Fucking asshole!” Jungkook shouted as another player continued to dodge his attacks, Namjoon instantly responding, “Language Kook,” from behind his book. To which Jungkook blatantly ignored, muttering more curses under his breath. Yeah, Jimin was not playing with him.). A little ways over Yoongi and Taehyung were engrossed in their fourth game of pool (Yoongi 2, Taehyung 1). Music played softly in the background and Jimin couldn’t help but feel at peace.
It felt like he was with his group of friends just having fun with each other. Maybe in another life… this could be them. Meeting each other in highschool, in college, as office workers, or even as some super pop group.
It just didn’t feel like Jimin was sitting in the base of the biggest gang in Seoul. Gangs were scary and closed off and deadly , but with Bangtan it wasn’t that way– at least with the core members (though the subordinates were nice when he met them). Jimin was certain Namjoon was going to kill him when Taehyung first brought him, but lo and behold, Namjoon gave him a temporary home. And honestly that’s what it felt like to Jimin– like home . He smiled to himself, maybe… maybe this life wasn’t so bad.
Taehyung was in the middle of hitting his stripe ball when a subordinate came rushing into the room. He bumped into the wall loudly, making everyone turn their heads to him.
“B-Boss!!” His voice was oozing fear and anxiety.
Namjoon picked up on it quickly, setting his book down, “What’s wrong?”
“H-Hope World! It’s been attacked!!”
Silence engulfed the room.
Only being cut by the sound of the pool stick falling from Yoongi’s hand.
Hoseok.
The thought kick started everyone. They were in Seokjin’s truck speeding down the road in record time. The oldest was definitely going over the speed limit, maneuvering around traffic without a care. The panic was rising every second, Jimin could feel it. Hell he could see it. Every single one of them had fear in their eyes, Jungkook and Yoongi visibly the worst.
Jimin grabbed the maknae’s shaking hands, “Kookie,” he said just above a whisper, “He’s going to be okay .”
“I should've—“ Jungkook only shook his head, “I should’ve stayed home…”
Jimin said nothing else.
Seokjin barely pulled up to the shop when Yoongi opened the back door. The rest of them followed quickly and gasped in horror. The shop was absolutely destroyed . The glass windows were broken and destroyed, multiple gunshot holes were on the door. When the group walked inside plants and dirt were all over the floor, the shelves were pushed around. Everything just looked a mess.
“Hoseok?!”
Jimin has never seen Yoongi so shaken. He didn’t think it was even possible for the older to get anymore pale. They searched the first and second floor of the building but there was no sign of Hoseok. Taehyung gripped Jimin’s hand, who squeezed back. “ H-Hobi— “ Jungkook couldn’t hold back his tears and it broke their hearts. The youngest was two seconds from losing his mind, thinking Hoseok was taken or worse .
Seokjin suddenly gasped, “Guys! The bunker!”
Yoongi ran behind the register counter and pushed the rug away. There was a secret door with a passcode on it. Jimin had no idea it was even there. Yoongi frantically put the code in and the door opened to a basement area.
They all rushed down and Yoongi opened the second door. There in the farthest corner was Hoseok hiding, sitting in a ball. His face was hiding behind his knees. There were some cuts and scrapes along his arms but nothing else seemed serious. The tension instantly seeped out of Yoongi. “H-Hope-ah…”
Hoseok gasped, snapping his head up. When his eyes made contact with Yoongi's, his tears just fell, “ H-Hyung .”
Yoongi had him in his arms in seconds. Jungkook ran and fell in front of Hoseok bawling, “ Hyungie! ”
“J-Jungkook.”
The youngest gripped his shirt, fat tears running down his face, “I’m so sorry I didn’t stay home.”
“Oh Kookie,” It was obvious Hoseok wanted to break down, they could all see it, but he kept a brave face for the maknae, “I-it’s okay Jungkook, it’s okay.”
“No,” Jungkook just shakes his head, crying harder into his shirt, “I could’ve lost you. ”
Yoongi stayed quiet, just holding both of them close.
There was relief in the air that Hoseok was safe, but an even worse tension raised at the meaning. Someone planned this, someone made a statement.
Someone called war on Bangtan.
Jimin now sees how the gang life isn’t as okay as he thought.