You always tried to deal with your problems by yourself. I know you thought that nobody cared about you, but I did. I cared about you more than I did about myself...

[trigger warning, violent themes ahead]

02:13

''I told you, I could have handled this myself'' Taehyung said between his sobs.

''Cause that would have worked perfectly'' Jimin angrily answered, shivering from the pain.

''If you weren't that stubborn trying to play the hero all the time, we would never be in the situation we are right now'' Taehyung claimed and wiped the blood from Jimin's nose.

''You should learn how to appreciate people who care about you Taehyung''.

''I never had anyone to care about me. And if you think that I like people who care about me return to their apartments full of blood and bruises then you are mistaken. I wanted you safe''.

''We should go to the police''.

''Jimin, we can't do that!''.

''Why not?''.

''I will be caught as well. Call me sellfish if you want, but don't denounce them to the police. Most of them are good people''.

''Good people? They were exploiting you in there!'' Jimin angrily hissed, biting his bottom lip, that was constantly dripping blood.

''Jhope is just a waiter, Jungkook has never indulged into ''Lotus''  temptations. They never harmed anyone. And should I remind you that we have signed a contract? We gave them our consent''.

''From your words Taehyung, I understand that you want to return back there. Who knows what could have happened if I didn't interfere''.

''Thank you for saving me, honestly. But, did you have to drag Yoongi into this?''.

''Taehuyng, he was already there! And clearly you still don't trust me...''.

''You were the one that didn't want me to know his name in the beginning''.

''Stop hiding things from me godamn it! Can't you see how much I care about you? I am trying to help you. I know you are used to dealing with your issues alone, but I am here with you now...''.

three hours earlier

''Jimin, what is going on with your life? How many shifts are you going to lose?''.

''I am sorry boss. Things are really complicated now. I promise I won't stop until I repay you sir''.

''I am reducing your salary, you know that right?''.

''I know boss''.

''I don't know what you are doing Jimin, but it's better be worth it'' his boss spoke and ended the call.

''Trust me sir. He's worth it''.

Jimin entered ''Lotus'' his eyes gazing at the huge crowd that was gathered around the dance stage.

''Ohhhh, Mr. Min, how was your night with V ? I thought he didn't want to perform...''.

''Where is Taehyung, Jhope?'' Jimin asked the waiter in a hurry.

''Did he tell you his real name? And my name? He can't do that. Policy of...''.

''Of your fucking department. I know. For your information, not only do I know his name but he lives with me as well. Now tell me where he is''.

''Did your relationship move that fast? Damn, this motherfucker has some...''.

''Where is he Jhope?''.

''I don't know Mr. Min. Our boss has him''.

''Pardon ?''.

''Oh, hi Mr. Park''.

''Jimin !?''.

''Yoongi ?!''.

''I searched your names online. We are clear now. And Park Jimin and Min Yoongi, don't ever try to lie to me again'' the orange-haired waiter warned the duo.

''I can't believe you'' Jimin yelled to his friend.

''Like, I can believe you. Why did you have to use my surname?''.

''Why did you use mine ?''.

''I didn't want people to know that Min Yoongi is going to strip clubs''.

''So you chose to humiliate me instead? And it's not just a strip club''.

''This whole situation proves why we are best friends. We thought the same way. And what do you mean it's not just a strip club?''.

''It's a whorehouse Yoongi! Please start using your brain'' Jimin hissed, trying to discern Taehyung's red locks of hair from the rest of the crowd.

''How was I suppose to know that? Wait...how do you know? Why are you even here and why do you look so freaking upset ?''.

''I will explain, but it's not the time. Now  I have to find...''.

''Ladies and gentlemen, we have prepared something extra special for you tonight...''.

''At least, we didn't come here all the way for nothing, huh?'' Yoongi hit Jimin's arm.

Jimin was hating the way the words ''extra special'' came from the man's mouth.

''Wait, a man is going to perform? '' Yoongi clearly annoyed, asked Jimin.

Jimin didn't pay attention to Yoongi's words. His eyes were twitching, fear devouring his body.

''...V ''.

Jimin's heart sank at that exact moment. His eyes turned red from both anger and guilt, knowing that somehow he could have prevented the spectacle that was now happening right in front of him.

Taehyung was tightly tied with leather wires that were keeping his mouth closed, making him unable to scream or talk. His whole body uncovered, apart from his private parts, blood running from his nose to his chest. Multiple imprecations were written on his body and his legs were trembling from both apprehension and cold. He was slowly walking to the stage, while the mob was cheering for the boy.

Jimin was disgusted by the looks, people were giving to Taehyung, who was simply standing there incapable of protesting.

The brunet felt his legs debilitate, feeling as the white elephant in the room. He was useless, as if he was stuck in his place and couldn't move his body to help his friend.

All his sorrow and qualm faded and got replaced by rage and fury the moment he saw Taehyung being forefully groped and whipped by leather lashes, the crowd screaming because these masochistic acts excited it.

Jhope and another guy with shiny brown hair, were standing there with eyes wide open, impotent and powerless.

Jimin tried to make his way through  the crowd and the moment he saw the hooded figure raising his whip to hit Taehyung, he shoved him out of the way and punched the man in the face, his knuckles turning white.

The crowd started touching Taehyung without his consent, when Jhope and the boy next to him  jumped in front of Taehyung, ready to attack whoever tried to feel Taehyung up. The hooded man, kicked Jimin on his knee, causing Jimin to fall. The fight continued until the duo managed to bring Taehyung outside of the club, followed by a deeply concerned Jhope.

''Jimin, the boy is safe. He is outside'' Yoongi yelled to his friend as loudly as he could.

Jimin kicked the hooded man's private area and quickly ran away from the stage, pushing away  whoever tried to touch him.

''Give me your keys. You cannot drive in this state''.

''Who the hell are you?'' Jimin asked worriedly, licking his lips tasting the iron of his own blood.

''Jungkook, give me your keys. Yoongi told me you have a cab.  I will drive you home''.

Jimin hesitantly gave the boy his keys and the five of them run to the parked taxi.

Jungkook jumped in the driver's seat and Yoongi sat next to him.

''What? I came here by the bus''.

''Jimin, I have a car. Do you want me to take Taehyung with me?'' Jhope asked.

''Are you kidding? I am not leaving him alone'' the brunet quickly replied. Jimin and Yoongi took their jackets off and covered Taehyung, while Jimin sat next to him in the back seat.

''Call me and tell me if he's alright'' Jhope spoke and ran to his car.

Jungkook turned the engine on and the vehicle started moving. Yoongi tried to find some tissues and a water bottle in the car's compartment to give to Taehyung. Jimin was groaning from the pain, but he still tried to tear the leather ropes from Taehyung's body. The red-haired whimpered in pain, while Jimin attempted to rip the leather with his teeth and his bloody hands. He managed to free Taehyung's mouth, who immediately began to breath convulsively. Jimin grabbed his hand unconsciously, the bruises on Taehyung's hand combining with Jimin's sanguinary palm, creating a gory work of art. They were driving fast, leaving the unpleasant memories behind them.

''This is my apartment building'' Jimin told Jungkook, who took a sharp turn.

''What is going to happen with the cab ?''.

''I will bring it to you tomorrow. I will drive Jungkook home and then I will return it to you tomorrow morning. Take care of the boy, okay?'' Yoongi spoke and patted Jimin's back.

''Perhaps we should drive him to a hospital...''.

''Not the hospital, please...'' Taehyung mumbled and grasped Jimin's hand.

''I will see. Thank you guys, thank you so much'' Jimin said and lifted Taehyung on his back. He pushed the elevator button and then unlocked his apartment's door. He placed  Taehyung softly on the bed and collapsed on the wall afterwards, cracking a small smile to the red-haired to reassure him that he was indeed alright.

Thank you guys for appreciating this book! Honestly, I believed that you would like Se7en more, but since you find this better, I will try to update this book more! Love you. And as I have said many times, don't be silent readers. Share your thoughts with me!