four years ago...

"what's your name again?" it's more of an annoying hiss than an enthusiastic way of getting someone's introduction, considering that it's still their first meeting. "jungkook? jeon jungkook?"

"y-yes," the eighteen year old nods, on the verge of dropping tears from his eyes as his head whips back on the loud noises of people screaming and sirens goings off is heard from near by. his hands tremble as he lifts them up to wipe the sweat on his forehead, staring at the grown group of men before him, hoping that this won't let him end up in jail.

the man, who seems to be the leader,chuckles amusedly and jungkook shudders under his crushing gaze like it weighed one-hundred tons on his body, rolling from head to toe gradually, almost in a painful manner. he shifts on his feet, gulping the fear away for he still believes that even the extremities here would be better than rotting in a cell with criminals for the rest of his life.

"take the boy in," jungkook looks up at the voice, feeling a wave of relief hit him like a cool breeze at the seashore. although he doesn't relax much, turning back instant to glance at the police officers searching for him. "give your shirt and jacket to this one, and put on something else. quick,"

the boy nods hesitantly, taking off his jacket, sparing one glance at another young boy who stepped forward, looking sleek and thin, ribs nearly protruding out due to his poor health and eyes sunken as though he didn't sleep for a month. his hair and skin tone is pretty much like jungkook's, just that jungkook is a bit healthier and looks less traumatized when compared to the other boy. the exchange their uppers, sighing deeply as jungkook realises what probably his new friend is trying to do.

the man- the leader, if he was- nodded at one of his men, watching with a coy smirk, his arm circling around jungkook's underdeveloped body, feeling the boy shiver with fear as the his 'twin' is sent off towards the half remaining mall. a grenade hooked on the jungkook's shirt that is hanging loose on the malnutritioned boy's body as he makes his way towards the police, keeping a baseball cap on his head to not show his face.

"jeon jungkook, surrender yourself right now!" one of the speakers say, getting a sigh from jungkook for he recognises the voice too well to mistake it for anyone else's. he steps back, not wanting to be seen, however the elder man beside him holds him into place, letting the boy see what unravels for him.

the fake jungkook is shoved inside a car, and the real one feels himself tensing up beside the stronger body when it lets out an evil laugh, drawing attention from the boy which turns out like a huge mistake for the next second the car is blown off into flames with a loud explosive noise.

"jeon jungkook, welcome to the team, buddy. my name is min yoongi if you don't already know," the man states, patting jungkook's back as they head to the back where some cars are waiting for them, "you're a strong boy, and i expect you to be my ace,"

jungkook's more than just scared, trembling and wanting to run away but he only manages to nod, not forgetting that this man just killed one of his old guys to sve jungkook's life. "don't be scared, that boy was going to die sooner or later. people like him don't survive in this world, but the ones like you can," yoongi says, "so work hard with me and i promise you, jungkook, nobody can do anything to hurt you,"

"why are you helping me?" jungkook hushes out, "my hyung wants me to give up, my mom hates me... why are you willing to help me? i can't even pay you,"

"you don't have to pay me. and about why i'm helping you," yoongi sighs deeply, getting in the car and scoots inside further, making space for jungkook to sit.

the boy fiddles with his hands, nodding subtly, "thank you..." he mumbles, "what do i have to do?"

yoongi's lips tug up into a half crooked smile, glancing straight ahead as he withdraws his hand from jungkook's back and leans on his seat, "you'll know eventually," he breathes out.

___

a/n- okayyyy what do you think? i'm trying hard to build it up omg 😭 how many of you are first time readers? welcomeeee! i hope you enjoy the book and please vote and comment if you do. that will mean a lot to me ❤️❤️❤️