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  "That was so dreamy you won't believe it!" Jimin giggled shyly as he made himself comfortable on his chair. Putting down his cap nicely on the table he finger combed his hair which seemed to get a little dampened with the sweat. When the three other guys—Taehyung, Namjoon and Seokjin made no question he continued, "He took me to the car race, brought my favourite icecream, booked the whole gaming station for me, we played games, talked all evening. Dropped me at ten. Then within an hour he texted me goodnight and chatted with me afterwards until I fell asleep." Hand under chin he took a deep breath recalling the moments he spent with Yoongi. 

  Masculinity never attracted him, people with layers of meat coating their ribs never fascinated him; the softness, genuinity, and caring side of men was his ideal and Yoongi had all of it. He was like the man Jimin was waiting for all his life. 

  "But other than his name," Jimin sighed, "I got only two infos about him." Glancing at Taehyung, "One, he likes cats but doesn't have a pet, two: he's a better gamer than me."

  "That's it?" Said Taehyung. 

  "Yeah." Shrugged Jimin. "I asked him about his job, his home, family but he bounced my questions over to me and made me talk all night about myself." Another deep sigh. "He's sweet, but a bit strange."

  "I can bet he thinks the same for you." Seokjin, sitting across from Taehyung, taunted smugly. 

  Jimin laughed out, startling the waitress who appeared to serve their lunches. Fortunately, the plates and the drinks landed successfully on the table. Creamy broccoli rotini, Spaghetti with shrimp, tomatoes and feta, diet coke and a can of chilled beer for Namjoon. Jimin apologized to the young waitress until she smiled and left. 

  The sunlight ricocheting off the concrete building blinding their visions. The rainbow umbrella over their heads did nothing to prevent the heat; sweating underneath slightly. Apparently it was a bad idea booking the outside tables of this Italian restaurant on a clear sunny day just because it was near the art studio they were filming today. However, as the director was paying and the food was delicious, nobody was complaining. 

  After a while Jimin became aware that Taehyung's mind was occupied with something, he wasn't eating much, chewing slower than the rest. He asked directly, "So Mr. Kim, tell us what's cooking between you and him." 

  Taehyung raised his face. His skin had tanned slightly. The black shades that subtly were hiding the dark circles of his sleepless eyes, vividly reflecting the sun. The off-white formal shirt tucked in his pants neatly, the sleeves of both hands were folded up to the elbows. He looked annoyed hearing Jimin bring up that topic he wanted to avoid. Coldly replied, "Nothing."

  "Who is HIM?" Seokjin said with a lift of one brow, "Is there someone I don't know?" 

  Jimin, "You've seen him, hyung. Jennie's bodyguard who came with her that day?" 

  "Ohh that guy!" Seokjin pretended to be surprised, hiding a smirk he dropped his gaze on his pasta. 

  "Yeah, and Taehyung seems to have a big fat crush on him, and vice versa." Jimin grinned smugly at Taehyung's pinched face. 

  "Really?" Namjoon, sitting across from Jimin, settled deeper into his chair, seriously interested in this brand new gossip about one of his colleagues. "Is it true Taehyung? If it is,  you'll have to be cautious of the paparazzi." 

  "It's nothing like that."  Taehyung took a mouthful of the coke, swallowed slowly gazing at Jimin. "He's just overthinking."

  Jimin as usual ignored his glare. "Oh Joonie, you should've seen how that guy was looking at Tae, like he'd only Tae in his eyes."

  Taehyung rolled his eyes. Jungkook had a crush on him? Bullshit. Not in a million years possible because Jungkook was straight, not like him.

  Memories raced past his eyes— the day when he'd seen him kissing a girl and that night when he admitted that he enjoyed it.  

  It still spiked him inside. 

  Memories don’t work on a timetable. Sometimes it takes five years for an unbidden memory to feed out, Sometimes it takes fifteen or twenty years, or sometimes it stays forever in the dusky corner of one's mind. Maybe that's why as badly as Taehyung wanted to, couldn't forget it.

  "And Tae," Jimin asked, drawing him back from his memories. "Don't tell me you didn't find him attractive."

  Taehyung didn't know what he was supposed to say to that and the dejection left a heart-burn inside.

  Jimin went on, "The way you were looking at him, both intense and impulsive, I didn’t even sense you breathing, had me thinking you've got a serious type of crush on him. You better ask him for a date. I'm sure he wants it too." 

  "Stop it!" Taehyung's fork clattered to the plate as it was put down aggressively. He shifted in his chair facing Jimin and pinned him with an eye-to-eye glare. "When I say no, that means NO. Don't change the fucking narrative, dammit." 

  Jimin was taken aback with his sudden rage. He glanced across, saw Namjoon and Seokjin looking at them both, confused and surprised. 

  "Okay," Somehow Jimin got triggered by the denial and Taehyung's other words. They were friends for years, he knew Taehyung was hiding something whether he'd admit it or not. "Maybe you've too much pride to accept it. But I said what I've sensed."

  "Oh please," He didn't know what made him angry; was it Jimin mentioning Jungkook? Or the frustration he was having with this whole situation. Whatever it was, Taehyung just wanted it to end right here. "Are you fucking blind? Can't you read NOT INTERESTED clearly on my face? Just because you're my friend, must you always pretend to know all of me? Sorry, but I haven't given you the permission to interfere with my private life yet."

  Jimin said nothing. Only his neck bent forward, his hair falling a little about his face casting a shadow over his eyes. 

  Taehyung's heart pounded, realising he upset Jimin. He shouldn't have reacted this way. He could pass the topic laughingly or say that they'd talk about it later or maybe some other excuses. Jimin was laughing a moment ago, but now because of him he looked sad. F*ck, he deserved all the tantrums Jimin would throw at him, even a punch, but the saddest thing was he knew Jimin wouldn't do any of these, he'd forgive him like everytime.

  He didn't deserve Jimin's forgiveness. 

  His hand itched to hold Jimin's little fingers and make him look at him again. Say sorry, say something to make him laugh again. But he couldn't. He'd lost his softer self, or it could be he was scared to summon the old broken Taetae again. 

  Their team on the other tables were having their peaceful lunch, unaware of the thick tension encircling these two pairs of people. The street was busy with locals. School girls walking in the side, chattering and laughing. Silently the vehicles were running away, sounding like waves at the seaside. 

  "Can't believe it!" Seokjin said louder than his usual tone, catching everyone's attention, "Mmmm! This pasta is so fresh, it tasted like it came straight from Italy."

  Namjoon cleared his throat and pulled up a grin, "Yeah? Would you all like to have something sweet after this?" 

  "Yes please, director-nim. I think strawberry tiramisù would be perfect for a mood lifter." Seokjin grinning looking at his front, "Taehyung and Jimin both would love that. Isn't it Jimin?"

  "Excuse me." Jimin's chair creaked as he pushed to his feet. "Just realized I've to video call my parents. Dad has returned home by now I guess." Glancing at Taehyung he murmured, "I better go now."

  Taehyung's gaze dropped and tightened over his lap. Seokjin elbowed Namjoon. Namjoon said, "Hey wait. Let me drop you to the hotel." 

  "Uh," Jimin's fingers loosely around the strap of his cap, "My bodyguard seems to have finished his lunch and my manager has already left for the car. You don't need to come, Joonie. Thank you for the food." 

  "Call me if you need anything." Said Namjoon. 

  "Yeah."

  Silence extended between the three of them when Jimin left. 

  "So the Tiramisù…"

  "I need to go and get some sleep. You guys carry on." Taehyung said before Seokjin, getting up. He'd fucked up their happy lunch, now staying there getting difficult every second. He didn't wait for their reply as he walked down the footpath. 

  "Taehyung, wait!"

  He turned and found Seokjin following him in big steps. "Why did you,"

  "You're always my first priority." The manager slowed down and walked beside him quietly. 

  Taehyung glanced over his shoulder at Namjoon who was calling the waitress for the bill. Then looked at him, "That doesn't mean you'd have to abandon your crush for me."

  "I've to protect you, not him." Seokjin shrugged, casually putting his hand in his jean's pocket. 

  "You're not my guardian." 

  "I'm more than that."

  Taehyung halted and gave him a long look. Seokjin wasn't only his guardian, but an angel in real life. Not only was he an incredibly handsome guy with a great sense of humour, he radiated only goodness, and guided him whenever he felt lost. "Right though. You're more than that." 

  "See?" Seokjin smiled warmly, holding hands, "You can't live without me."

  "Delusional." He pushed his hand jokingly. 

  "Of course not. Now listen," Seokjin made his voice serious, "You'll talk with Jimin when we get back, okay?"

 "Kay. But after a nap." This time Taehyung's hand embracing the other's tugged towards their car which was across the road. Last night he couldn't sleep at all, urgently needing to rest his tired head on his pillow.

  In the reception of their hotel Taehyung was informed a guest was waiting for him in their private room. So one of the receptionists led them down a long open hallway to that room and opened the door for them.

  "Mr. Min?" Taehyung was clearly surprised to see Jennie's father settled on the large leather chair with four of his bodyguards around. "How long have you been waiting?"

  "A little while." A tiny smile ghosted across the man’s face when he got up and moved toward him swiftly to shake hands. 

  Taehyung gestured for him to sit and he took the couch with Seokjn. His Japanese bodyguard Tsuki remained standing on the doorway. 

  "You're probably wondering why I am here." Kyunghoon stared at his blank expression before continuing, "Well, I came to know more about you through my daughter how you not only are a great actor, but never feared to take challenges. Don't hesitate to sign for complicated roles that other actors refrain from taking…." 

  Taehyung was listening intently, mouth clamped shut to prevent a yawn that came out of tiredness.

  A few more complimentary words were added before Kyunghoon came to the point, "I have heard that you're planning to make a production house of your own? An abandoned storehouse at 29 Gangnam povence you wanted to buy but couldn't because the owner has demanded much more than your capacity."

  "Sorry," Taehyung apologized for interrupting, "How did you know, may I ask? I haven't talked about it with others except,"

  Reading his mind the old man smiled, "You're right. It was what my brother, the producer of this drama, told me. And he came to know from the director who's also your friend. Kim Namjoon, is he right?"

  "Yes Namjoon. What did he say?" Stretching his arm on the length of the couch behind Taehyung's back, Seokjin was fiddling with the hem of his collar. Now he got a little angry with the director for spelling their conversation to others, especially to that producer who was infamous for many reasons. Maybe Namjoon wanted to ask for his help, even if it was, he should have talked with them first. 

  "That he wants to buy a property for his office." Kyunghoon turned his eyes and continued his conversation with Taehyung, "I've done my own research, about your market value. Twelve leading brand endorsements. Net worth twenty million US dollars. Good. But it'd deliberately get doubled if you'd have your own production house." Kyunghoon paused, assured by his expression that he got him so far he added, "I've a deal for you that I was going to tell you that day." 

  "A deal?" Taehyung asked with surprise.

  "Yeah." Kyunghoon opened his palm over his shoulder, one of his guards from behind  handed him two similar looking files which he was holding all this time. Kyunghoon opened them slowly, taking time, displayed the papers separately over the oval-shaped tea-table they'd between, "Take a look. This is the paper of that property you wanted to buy. It'll be all yours once you sign the twelve year term contract which is on the left." 

  There it was. Seokjin's fingers drummed behind Taehyung's shoulder subtly, alerting him of the upcoming trouble. He didn't get why the hell were they still there? 

  And why the hell wasn’t he showing him the door yet? 

  "First off," Glancing at the papers, Taehyung said , "It is true that I had my eyes on that property for some time," His gaze raised up to Kyunghoon, "But I was ready to wait and buy when I'm able to." There was a pause. "And I usually stay away from people I've no interest in. Especially the mafia world. I have nothing against them. Just don't want to engage with them. This is the reason why your brother and I have never hung out together. Even in the premier of movies we usually avoid each other."

  "I see." Kyunghoon's smile was different this time. 

  In Canada, he had seen people afraid to have a talk with him, avoiding him when he approached with an open heart. Also he'd seen many high profile people walking to him, asking for his help legally or illegally. Actors, parliament members, business tycoons or could be leaders from other organizations. In the end, it was always Kyunghoon who had them around his finger. 

  But Taehyung was different. 

  Kyunghoon couldn't find any other weakness of this man which would make his job easier. Also he was a delicate subject. His daughter's feelings were involved in this, so he'd have to be careful dealing with him. 

  "I can see you haven't had enough experience in your little career, my son, to know how things work in this industry. The way you're kicking off an opportunity that definitely isn't coming again would cost you more than you've thought. Today the producers want to work with you, what if a brand new face replaces you tomorrow, just like you've done with veterans? I'm not here to lecture you, just wanted to guide you in this business. Also I'm not demanding much of your profit, only twenty percent which you won't even notice. This deal would be more beneficial to you than me." His lips curved in a full smile, "Trust me."

  Trust him? A stranger? 

  "Is this the real reason you want me to sign the contract?" 

  It had been Kyunghoon's turn to look surprised by his pointed question, "You're right. I need something else."

  "And what is it?" Said Taehyung, his deep voice so calm. 

 "Total loyalty to my daughter."  The old man declared, "After marrying her."

  Damn it, this was exactly what Jungkook had warned him that day. Taehyung could understand now why this old man acted so nice with him that night and today. It was all because of Jennie's childish wish and his father helping her to have it. 

  But that didn’t mean he didn’t immediately know what his answer had to be. "No." 

  Kyunghoon leaned forward, pinning him with those stern eyes. "I refuse to take no for an answer."

  "That's your problem," He's on his feet, "I shall not care about it." A step towards the door he halted hearing the roaring laughter of the mafia boss. 

  "I thought your intelligence would be as bright as your beauty." Kyunghoon retorted, "Turning down my offer, directly saying no to me is a kind of insult which I'm not going to tolerate, Kim Tae Hyung."

  Taehyung turned, his gut was now churning with a sense of impending danger. "What do you mean?"

  "The message is clear." The thick voice rumbled. "Think rationally. Sign the contract. Like I said, it'll only benefit you."

  "You're trying to buy me as a pretty toy for your daughter and telling me to think rationally?" His jaw clenched. Frustration flared in his eyes,  "I request you to go and inform her that I won't ever think of her as my wife. She shouldn't raise her hopes further."

  Kyunghoon raised two of his fingers, "Take him."

  "Mr. Min." Seokjin came forward guarding Taehyung's body with his tall and broad shoulders, "I guess my boss has made his point clear. Sorry not sorry, we're not interested in this deal."

  Kyunghoon checked him, then his watch and sighed, "Take him also."

  "Tsuki," Panicking, Taehyung shouted and his bodyguard lashed out with an open gun but before he could reach out immediately he got seized by Kyunghoon's men. They snatched his gun, pushed him on the floor and pinned him there with a knee pressing his back. "No-" A growl escaped from Taehyung's mouth when they were about to shoot him in the head. "Stop!" Glancing at Kyunghoon, "Don't harm him. Let him go."

  "What kind of bodyguard do you have?" Kyunghoon mocked while leaving his chair, "It's more like you're guarding him."

  "Let him go." He said again. Louder this time. 

  Kyunghoon gave him a look of astonishment, "Of course I shall let him go. I've nothing against him. Also we don't need such people around you, Taehyung-ah. According to the contract you're going to stay with us in our place. You'll get all the expenses and freedom to work in any field you want. But that'll be under our supervision. And I'll make sure to appoint the best bodyguards for you."

  Taehyung's jaw popped hard, like he was clenching his teeth hard enough to break a molar. Hands tightly fisted at his sides, angry and helpless at the same time. 

  Kyunghoon raised one eyebrow, "Why waste time when you know what to do? Just sign the contract and get what you want. The property at the heart of Seoul along with my other real estates here, a secured and healthy future, luxury, money everything will be yours."

  Could he buy his freedom with this money? 

  The corners of Taehyung's lips turn down remembering Jungkook's words. …………'Your reputation can't be bigger than your free will. Can you live all your life under others' conspiracy? You deserve to be happy, Tae.'.........and like an idiot he refused to believe him. 

  F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. I really am an idiot—he said to himself. 

  Seokjin spoke again, "It's so cheap of you Mr Min. It should be his decision. You can't blackmail an A-listed celebrity like this." 

  "I can do worse, wanna see?" Kyunghoon didn't need to say, a tall figure appeared before Seokjin and without a warning he got punched right on his stomach. 

  "Hyung," The growl escaped while Taehyung embraced his shrivelled body in his arms to prevent him from collapsing. He cupped his face with the other hand, checking if he weren't hurt much, "Are you-"

  "No-" Seokjin jerked his body to release himself from Taehyung's embrace but couldn't, so he kicked the air and cursed, "F*ck, you morons. I just had lunch. Otherwise I'd show you shouldn't mess with fifth degree kickboxers." 

  The man couldn't understand a single word as it was Korean so he turned his head to his boss for the next order. 

  Before Kyunghoon said anything, Taehyung held up his palm. "Enough. Tell me where to sign." 

  "Tae," Seokjin clutched his wrist, "Don't do this. He just wants to make you his fucking toy, don't let him."

  "It's not that." He whispered. "This man has a point. Would I ever get this opportunity to buy that property again?"

  "Tae-"

  Taehyung closed his eyes. 

  'Please, for God's sake get the signs and go away from this country,'.......Jungkook's voice came to him in a memory. He wasn't scared, but worried. Feeling paralyzed, unable to run. Instinctively he could sense the danger coming to himself and two more people related to him and there was only one way out. 

  He signed the papers. 

  "Aren't you going to read the terms and conditions?" Kyunghoon said before taking the papers from his hand. 

  "Will that change anything?" 

  "Certainly not." Smiled Kyunghoon, stretching his hand, "Welcome to family."

  Taehyung glanced at his hand and shrugged arrogantly, "I don't like to touch people I don't like. Try to keep a good metre distance with me from now on." He saw how Kyunghoon's lips thinned, unable to reply to anything. 

  Good. Get mad. You've asked for it. 

  "Now will you tell your dummies to make a fucking way?" Hands in his pockets, he walked away. Leaving an offended mafia boss behind. He realised very well that Kyunghoon was bound too. 

 Bound by the affection for his daughter. 

●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○

  Jungkook lit a cigarette and watched the needle piercing his skin. The low buzz of the machine vibrating over his forearm, He was used to this sharp pain as he'd been coming to this tattoo shop for two years. Mostly those times when he felt living wasn't working, it's better he'd die. The pain through his veins that jolted in his brain actually saved him. Pain had become a temporary escape from reality. 

  It was, however, addictive. 

  "So you're an artist?" Said the tall white chubby long haired tattoo artist whose eyes were sharply pinned at drawing a thin outline around the new tattoo. Excluding his face tattoos were covering every bit of available flesh. 

  Jungkook glanced at him, "What made you think so?"

  "You always ask for the right ink at the right place like you just know what you want. In fact you're my only customer with whom I don't need to waste my time choosing designs and the colours." 

  "Oh!" 

  "My guess, this clock tattoo represents something," The guy lifted his head for a second to ask, "What is it?" 

  Dragging a lungful of smoke Jungkook said, "I wanted to turn back time. Five years from now and do the things I'd left."

  "I see. So you've got some regret."

  "Everybody does." Jungkook shook off the burned part in the ashtray and relaxed his muscles. Living was hard. Living a life without a goal and identity was harder. 

  "Are you tired?" The tattoo artist said, not looking at him fully. 

  "A little bit." Jungkook replied. 

  "Why? Did you kill someone today?"

  "Killed myself again."

  A second's pause and the machine buzzing again. "It's almost done. Do you want me to add more details?" 

  Peeking at the tattoo he shook his head. "No. It's perfect. Keep it like this." Inside his pocket his phone began to vibrate. He pulled it out and answered, "Yeah."

  Hoseok's voice came from the other side, "Guess what, boss has seized Kim Taehyung just as you've predicted. And the fuck he's looking handsome even when he's pissed. A whisper in the end, "Aren't you coming?" 

  Jungkook exhaled, "I'll be there in thirty minutes, just keep an eye on him." 

  "Everyone in the house has their eyes on him. Heard some gossip in the kitchen." 

  "What gossip?"

  Another whisper, "Boss has called the wedding planner already, they're holding the wedding this weekend. Sunday most probably."

  "Sunday?" Today was Tuesday so… 

  "I donno. The maids were saying." 

  With an internal sigh Jungkook cut the call. 

  Just like he'd said half an hour later Jungkook knocked on Kyunghoon's office. "It's done." He said coming inside. "The traitors are caught and killed as you've directed."

  "They got what they deserved. Come here. Have a drink with this old fellow." Kyunghoon gestured to a single sofa which Jungkook took leisurely. Petting the Persian cat that remained on the couch beside him he said, "You seriously are a treasure my brother discovered."

  "It's my pleasure to serve you." Jungkook poured a drink for him and then for himself though let it rest on the table. "Heard that you've brought Kim Taehyung here!"

  "Why?" The older man flopped back against the couch studying him, "Are you also a fan of his?"

  "Kind of-"

 "Could say that earlier, I would've arranged autographs for you." The older man burst into a sarcastic laugh. Clearly looking drunk. 

  Jungkook waited for the laughter to dry, then said, "Not just an autograph, I wanted to have a full length picture with him." 

  "I see." A smirk, "Go then, fulfil your wish. See if he lets you."

  "Another thing," Jungkook had to be assured before going to him. "I've accidentally injured my leg while chasing those traitors." 

  "Oh! Shall I call the physician downstairs?"

  "Not that severe. Uhm, just need a couple of days rest if you consider it." 

  "Why wouldn't I?" Kyunghoon sipped the last from his glass then dropped it on the table, "Take rest as long as you want. Go for a vacation. Take girls with you. Enjoy your youth." 

  That's not what he wanted. 

  His mouth was dry. He swallowed before saying, "Actually, I want to do something else."

  "Shoot."

  "I heard that the wedding is at the end of this week. So can you appoint me as Kim Taehyung's bodyguard until then?" He thought his boss would dismiss then and there but it was a surprise when he heard him laughing alcoholically. Every muscle was vibrating. 

  Jungkook wondered what triggered him to drink that much today. 

  "Why don't you say your inner fanboy has come out suddenly?" Kyunghoon snorted, "Uhh! You young people amaze me, seriously. Out of all you want to be a bodyguard?"

  "Please."

  "Alright. What else?"

  Jungkook took a pause, "Is it possible to arrange the nearest room to him? For close observation and protection." 

  The old head nodded once, "Very much possible. Just get your stuff and come live with us like before. I'll prepare the attached living room connected to his room for your stay. Happy fanboy?"

  "Thank you."

  "Fuck with your thank you. I hate it when people say it to me. Just remember, five days left for the wedding. And I don't want any trouble within. Got it?" Kyunghoon groaned and grabbed the bottle, poured the rum raw in his throat. 

  "Yess boss." Jungkook had achieved the skill of hiding his smile, however there was a shadowy glint waving between his lashes. Finally he could be there with Taehyung. Even if it were for just a few days. 

  Getting up he pulled out his phone to switch it off. 

  No more tracking from now on. 

____________

How are you my little friends, I missed you so much. 

Hope you've liked this chapter. Please comment to share your opinion. It'll mean a lot💕

In upcoming chapters we shall get more of Tae's bratty side and some progress to their love story. Please look forward to it. Borahae💜