Taehyung soon discovered that Moon Tower was not a residential establishment. And nowhere near close to the beauty of Jungkook's Seoul Tower. It was the first time Taehyung had complimented something that belonged to Jeon Jungkook, albeit in his head. As they took the Dongchang Road ferry to cross Huangpu river Taehyung walked up to the railing and leaned over slightly, breathing in the crisp salty air. There was no comparison between Han river and Huangpu river. They both were beautiful and magnificent in their own terrifying manner. Night was setting in and the Bund seemed more alive than ever. Taehyung was still sour over the fact that he did not get to glimpse the Pudong Art Museum.

Not like I'm a tourist here.

Taehyung shook his head and chuckled to himself. He stiffened when he heard footsteps behind him. And then there was the pale guy, standing right next to him.

The male sighed, "Why couldn't you look like your father."

Taehyung turned his head to look at the familiar stranger with a frown. "Have we met?"

"Years ago."

"Were we friends?" Taehyung gulped.

"Fuck no." The stranger cracked a smile. "We spoke, once; I think."

"I don't remember." Taehyung said. "Maybe you're getting me confused with someone else."

"Or maybe the memory was beaten out of you." The stranger finally met Taehyung's eyes. They were so familiar. It took Taehyung a second to realise what the guy had just said. It connected to his childhood. A period of time he barely remembers. Or rather barely wanted to remember. If it wasn't for his sweet mother his father would have killed him long before he hit puberty.

Taehyung's voice was hardly above a whisper, his head low with shame, "how old were you?"

"Eleven, maybe twelve." The stranger turned his gaze away from Taehyung.

"I'm sorry." Taehyung wanted to say more. Taehyung wanted to admit and apologise, confess his crime. But if this guy was talking about a time when he was eleven, Taehyung must've been nine or eight years old then. And what could a skinny little boy do at that age except watch?

I'm sorry you had to live through that hell. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you. I'm sorry for not trying harder. I'm sorry for not being enough.

"I don't care."

"If you want to kill me right now-"

"I don't need your permission kid." The guy scoffed and turned to leave.

Taehyung whirled around, "wait."

He reached out to grab the stranger's wrist to stop him, to demand answers and possibly ask questions. But as soon as his skin touched skin Taehyung was grabbed by the collar of his shirt and thrown towards one of the bench chairs on the deck. He had no idea what had occurred in a span of ten seconds. But before he could even begin to comprehend he felt the cool barrel of a gun pressed to his forehead. He blinked the blur away, not achieving the clarity he desired.

"Don't fucking touch me."

"Yoongi!" Jimin's voice cut through the tense air.

Multiple footsteps were heard as Jimin was followed by the others onto the deck. Taehyung was hauled to his feet by one of Wen Junhui's men. He shook his head. His entire body was hurting.

"What happened?" Jungkook's tone was warm. When Taehyung managed to look up he realised Jungkook wasn't talking to him.

"Nothing."

"We're approaching the pier soon. Let's discuss this later." Jimin interjected with an odd sense of calmness. The anxiety that he'd heard in Jimin's voice a few moments ago was gone. What happened, indeed.

They docked at the pier and Taehyung was hauled to his feet by whoever was holding him. Taehyung groaned, repeatedly shaking his head to get rid of the blur and the pain. All he wanted was to get the man's name so that he could pull some strings on his memory. Ultimately he did get the name, Yoongi; however not in the way he wanted to. He wasn't looking for a fight, let alone offend the pale man.

He realised with a frustrated sigh that Yoongi was not wrong or overreacting. Taehyung shouldn't have touched him regardless of what his intentions were. Yoongi had just been reminded of a horrible period of time and Taehyung's presence itself is a constant reminder of the torture he must have had to go through for countless days and nights. His irritation rose when he was practically thrown again into a sleek black car. And of course, Jungkook climbed in after him.

"You have ten seconds to explain yourself." He said.

"Explain what? I don't even know the guy!" Taehyung chose to steer away from the truth.

Jungkook scoffed, then grabbed Taehyung's jaw and squeezed, bringing him closer to whisper in his ear, "There's no fucking way you don't know the guy Taehyung-ssi. Considering you liked playing nurse as a kid."

Taehyung's frown deepened with confusion and pain.

Jungkook let him go just as abruptly as he had grabbed him. It was clear with the death grip that Jungkook was controlling a raging storm within himself. If he allowed himself to unleash on Taehyung, this would be his last day on earth. The anger made the air in the car taste like fire. It felt innately wrong to enjoy the warmth of this fire. This was different than what he had felt in that basement. Jungkook wasn't hurting him just because he could. No. Jungkook was hurting him because he thought someone he cared for was in danger. And Taehyung knew for a fact that Jungkook cared for that man more than he showed. The softness in his voice on the deck and the fuming aura right now are evidence of a fierce leader of his people. Taehyung owed at least an apology.

"I was not trying to hurt him," Taehyung said. "I was trying to- I don't know. He said he knew me. And I just wanted to know-"

"There is no need for you to go digging in his past, Taehyung-ssi. There is no need for you to approach him or talk to him even if he is the one initiating it. I don't care about your connection with him. Fuck yourself with that pity you keep throwing around. Or go lick Kim Woobin's feet with your sentiments. Nobody here needs that filth of yours. My orders to you are very simple: keep your head down and your mouth shut. Do you fucking understand?" Jungkook's eyes were furious, his tone calm; every single word was a stab. It made Taehyung's skin crawl.

The voices inside his head agreed with Jungkook, pushing the knives further into his soul. There was no point in trying to explain himself to someone who had already convicted him guilty.

Taehyung gave a nod, keeping his head low. Doing what he was told to do like a well-trained dog.

~*~

After being deposited in a lavish hotel room and being given painkillers by a doctor, Taehyung laid in his plush bed not caring about his bruised back. How long is he going to endure these bruises? How many more are yet to show up on his body? Is this what he came here for?

Taehyung sighed.

A sudden click from the door grabbed his attention. He sat up straight, thinking Jungkook or Jimin decided to pay him a visit after all. If this was leading into another beating Taehyung was prepared to defend himself. Unless it was Yoongi who wants to take him up on his offer and get his revenge.

However, the person who came into view surprised Taehyung more than he could imagine.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Xu Minghao exclaimed as Taehyung stood up.

"My father made a deal with Jeon. I work for him now." Taehyung explained briefly.

"Does Seungchoel know?"

"I didn't have time to tell him." Taehyung rubbed his temple.

"What do you mean you didn't have time to tell him? You guys have runners and whatnot! Maybe even messenger birds!"

Taehyung glared up at Minghao, "you thinks it's that easy for us to communicate? Why do you think we haven't been able to arrange a meet up huh?!"

"Full of excuse. As always." Minghao accused.

"I didn't know I was being sent here! I only found out a week ago!"

"You had a week to send a word to Seungchoel!" Minghao spat, coming closer to Taehyung. Rage accompanied by fear in his eyes.

Taehyung understood, but refused to let Minghao win. "I was surrounded by Woobin's men. You out of everyone should know how suffocating that is."

Minghao ran his fingers through his hair and tugged at his roots, "this is bad. We weren't ready for this. We still need to find Jeonghan and now you're stuck-"

"I found him."

Taehyung dived into the story of how he found Jeonghan editing out unnecessary information for now. He told Minghao about the deal he made with Jungkook and how Jungkook promised Jeonghan's safe passage to Daegu. By the end of Taehyung's explanation Minghao's eyes widened with more doubts and questions.

"You can't give him Daegu! Have you lost your mind!" Minghao leaped forward to grab Taehyung's shoulders and shake him. "What about Seungchoel? Did you consider him while making such ridiculous deals with one of our biggest hurdles?!"

"There was no time for consideration!" Taehyung pushed Minghao away. His own anger rising to the surface. "Jeonghan was dying! I had to do something about it."

"You've basically outed us all! You think Jungkook won't dig further into this?! You think you've saved him?! You out of all us should know how important it is to keep our connections hidden!"

Taehyung growled, "things are getting worse Minghao. Jeonghan was being targeted by someone. In fact, someone knows about us! I am trying to protect us!"

Minghao inhaled deeply. He stepped away from Taehyung to give them both some breathing space.

"This is a mess. A huge fucking mess." Minghao said, still trying to process everything. "This is not how it was supposed to happen. Your father- he ruined everything!"

"Hao." Taehyung pulled Minghao towards a sofa and sat him down. "I'm sorry it's this way. None of us were prepared but the plan is in motion now-"

"What plan?" Minghao scoffed. "We never got to plan anything Tae. In the last two years, we've rarely had the chance to meet and talk things through. We're ambitious as hell but then what have we planned in reality? And now someone has a target on our backs. Tell me Tae, what is our plan?"

"Once Hannie is with Seungchoel we will work something out. Things are still in our favour Hao."

"Oh yeah? You could be dead tomorrow. Jungkook has already taken everything from you. How difficult would it be for him to take your life too?"

"Not everything." Taehyung said. "I still have my most precious thing safe with me."

Minghao seemed to softened at that. His expression changed from irritated to defeated. Taehyung rubbed his back to provide as much comfort as he could to his dear friend.

"We are doomed." Minghao whispered.

"No we are not. Have some faith in me, Minghao. I promised you, you will be free from the clutches of Junhui. I intend to keep that promise until my last breath."

There were tears of despair in Minghao's eyes, yet he gave Taehyung a small smile.

"Hannie, is he okay?" Minghao asked. Taehyung deflated with a soft exhale, shaking his head side to side.

"He was barely conscious. Bleeding so much it scared me. But I know he'll make it. He has to." Taehyung reassured not just Minghao but himself too.

"We are fighting a war on two sides, how are we going come out of it alive?"

Taehyung frowned, "Hao, did something happen? You're not usually like this."

Minghao gulped, averting his gaze from Taehyung. That further cemented Taehyung's suspicions.

"Xu Minghao." Taehyung pressed further for answers.

"Renjun... is dead. Junhui, tortured him to death." Minghao's voice broke as he spoke. "Someone sent Junhui a message revealing Renjun's identity. Junhui was livid when he found there's a mole in his gang. It was as if I was living in a nightmare."

Taehyung went cold all over. Renjun was introduced to them by Jeonghan. He was one of Jeonghans eyes and ears. They hadn't had a chance to interact with Jeonghan's supposed friends but they knew the boys who secretly worked for Jeonghan. Being an orphan boy himself, Jeonghan kept strays close to his heart and in return they gave him their loyalty. However, to keep them safe Jeonghan never revealed their identity to anyone unless it was absolutely necessary.

"Is this what Jeonghan warned you about?" Minghao looked at Taehyung. There was no rage, only fear in his eyes. Taehyung knew they were thinking the same thing.

"I don't know." Taehyung admitted. "Does Junhui know anything?"

Minghao shook his head, "that boy was strong as a mountain. Never uttered a single word."

He was a good kid. Taehyung knew that for sure. 

"Does Seungchoel know?"

"I sent a message as soon as I could." Minghao rubbed his face in distress. "We are fighting everything all at once. This is insane. We aren't prepared enough for it."

Taehyung placed a hand on Minghao's shoulder, "we wouldn't ever be prepared enough for anything. It had to start somehow. I just... I just hope it ends the way we want it to end."

"Taehyung, you have not just given Busan but Daegu as well, to Jungkook. Two of our safe havens. Our port cities are gone, our spy is dead, Jeonghan is about to die. Do you still not see who's winning? You think Jeon Jungkook will have a change of heart? Our safest route to L.A. may not even be safe anymore!"

"Look, I know you're angry and I know our situation is dire. But being this pessimistic is not helping anyone. So get your shit together and start planning." Taehyung has had enough of Minghao's tantrum.

As much as he understands the emotions Minghao is dealing with right now, he's dealing with the same if not worse. And if he wants to play the blame game he can play it all alone, Taehyung isn't interest in who did what in the past and how they should've done things differently.

"Have you been in contact with Jackson?" Taehyung asked after a moment of silence.

"No. But he is in the city. I've seen him." Minghao answered with a frown on his face. "Why do you ask?"

"Jungkook- wants him." Taehyung gritted his teeth. "I exchanged Jackson for Jeonghan."

"Sell a friend to buy a friend. You'd be a great leader."

"I don't need your sarcasm. Jackson is smart, I know he won't get caught."

"Jeonghan's the brain of this group, and look where you found him."

"Minghao-"

"I know. I'm being cruel and selfish. That's what's this place is doing to me. Years of serving a demon is making me turn into one too." Minghao chuckled. "Fine. Here's my decision: if I'm dying in the end, I might as well die fighting with dignity."

"Exactly what I've decided." Taehyung smiled.

"You and I are two different sides of the same coin."

They laughed through their tragedy. They laughed on it to make it hurt less. To show that their endgame is not going to be sad and one-sided. It's going to be a shipwreck, taking everyone down with them. They weren't the closest in the group but they'd found something in common always. Taehyung and Minghao weren't meant to be leaders, they knew that. They were meant for the sky and the ocean. One wanted to fly and they other wanted to dive; land was too boring. There were others, more capable, of taking care of their land.

"You should go. Before someone comes looking for you." Taehyung warned.

"I could beat you up and say you were trying to run away. You'd be a good excuse." Minghao shrugged casually.

Taehyung narrowed his eyes, "You haven't been meditating, have you?"

Minghao giggled at Taehyung's playful hiss. And just like that they were back to normal.

Thank you for reading x