Jungkook collapsed against the wall, clutching his shoulder. 

He’d been shot once, but just a graze. That didn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell though. 

Namjoon and Hoseok had eventually caught up to him and helped him raze down the remaining men who’d ambushed him and Taehyung. 

They were sitting across the hall from Jungkook, reloading their guns. “You good, Jk?” Namjoon asked, getting his gun fully loaded and ready. 

“I’m fine.” Jungkook rasped out, loading his own gun. “It should be Taehyung you’re worried about. He went in alone.”

“You sent him in!?” Hoseok exploded, standing quickly. “What the fuck were you thinking!?”

“I was thinking that there were dozens of armed men shooting at us, and one of us had to go on and the other had to stay and fend them off so both of us wouldn’t die.” Jungkook snapped back. “And I know Taehyung hasn’t had enough field experience to hold off that many men. He’s too soft hearted to kill them all, anyway.”

“Or you’re too soft hearted to leave him alone in a situation like that.” Namjoon muttered. 

“What was that?”

“Nothing, it was nothing.” Namjoon added quickly. 

“Hurry up, we don’t have time to just sit around and fight then. Taehyung still needs our help, and I’m not going to leave him without it.” The others nodded and Jungkook turned, peeking around the hallway to make sure no other men had come running as back up. 

When he saw that the coast was clear, he moved forward, Namjoon and Hoseok following close behind him. 

Together they all walked down the hall, approaching Jeon’s office. Jungkook stopped in front of the door, however, right before he could open it. 

“What are you waiting for?” Hoseok hissed. 

“You don’t know my father like I do. He’s planning something, he’s got to be. He’d know we would make it to his office, he knows I’m capable of that. But he’s always been a...he’s always been a step ahead of me.” Jungkook begrudgingly admitted. “I don’t know how he does it, but he always knows my every move, and it irritates the fuck out of me. He’s up to something, and I don’t know what.”

“And you’ll never know until you open that door.” Namjoon said. “Jungkook...when have you ever been someone to hesitate? It’s one of your weaknesses, but it’s one of your biggest strengths, too. You always go in, dive right into whatever life throws at you, and have you ever failed, yet?”

“No.” Jungkook whispered. 

“Then don’t let anything fail for you now. Do what you always do. Just because your father has been thrown into the equation, doesn’t mean anything had to change. You act differently when he’s involved, you move more unsurely, you hesitate. Stop doing that. It’s something he banks on you dong. You said he’s a creature of habit? If you fall into his habit, he will win.” 

Jungkook nodded slowly, clenching the gun in his hand with more force. “You’re right.” He finally whispered. “Let’s do this.”

He slammed the door open suddenly, gun up and pointing. 

Only to stop dead at the sight in front of him. 

Taehyung was sitting on the floor, playing cars with Yoonbin, while Jeon watched from his desk. Taehyung’s gun was resting on the desk, right beside Jeon. 

“Taehyung…” Jungkook breathed out. But the man refused to look at him, unable to face him. 

“Son.” Jeon said, commanding attention to him. Jungkook turned, fire burning in his eyes. “What did you do?” He demanded, taking a step forward. 

Taehyung slowly rose to his feet, shuffling over to Jeon, behind the desk. 

“Why, we had a little chat, your little toy and I. I made some things clear, and he made some things clear to me as well.” Jeon smiled. It wasn’t a smile Jungkook liked. “We made a deal.” 

“Taehyung, Whatever he told you, don’t do it. He always goes back on his word—“

“Silence.” Jeon snapped. Jungkook clamped his mouth shut obediently. “Mr. Kim and I have come to an agreement. I will hand over Yoonbin to his caretaker, which shall be named Park Jimin. In return, Mr. Kim has agreed to do anything I ask.”

“And what have you asked of him?” Jungkook grit out. 

“To not do anything.” Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows, confused. 

“What?”

But he did not get to receive an answer. 

Because the gun was raised far too quickly for his eyes. 

And the shot went off. 

The pain bloomed. 

And the world went dark. 

-

“Anything?”

“Yes. I will do anything.” Taehyung remained on his knees, his head bowed. “I will do anything, just release my son. He will have no part in this kind of world.”

Jeon sat back and thought about it. “I suppose. You are very valuable to me and have proven yourself irreplaceable. Very well.” Jeon smiled cruelly. “Earlier. You said Jungkook doesn’t love you. But you never said you did not love him.”

Taehyung did not respond. “You see, when I am looking for heirs, I need them to be heartless, I need to break them in some way. You will be my heir, Taehyung. Jungkook has proven himself to be...rather difficult to control. He’s branched off, done business without my knowing, trying to overthrow me...I have no more use for him. But you...well, you’ve proven yourself that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.”

“What does that mean?”

“When my son comes barging in here, like I know he will, I will kill him.” Jeon stated casually, like it was nothing. “I will break you, Kim Taehyung, and you will do everything I say afterwards. You will take over all of Jungkook’s assets and become the son he never was. Your son will be released to the custody of someone you trust and will never have to hear of a word about this world. In exchange, you will be tasked with finding another heir, I honestly do not care where, an orphan off the streets will do. But you will be my puppet, and you will find yourself someone to follow in your footsteps, when you pass. Does that sound like a deal?”

“And if I refuse?”

“I kill Jungkook anyway, I make your son into his heir, and I make you watch as I turn him into my puppet. And then I’ll make him kill you as his test of loyalty to me.”

Taehyung clenched his eyes shut, knowing that he couldn’t do that. He couldn’t let that happen. “Okay.” He finally whispered. “Okay, I agree to your terms.”

“Excellent. Now, why don’t you go and play with your son? He seems to be having so much fun over there, and I’ve heard that you’re an excellent father.”