Chapter 54: No Touch

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A/N: Hiiiiii!!!!

I overcame my writer's block and voila—

Anyway, this chapter contains mild depiction of gore. (Nothing too revolting)

Also, there's an important announcement/surprise to the end of this chapter...

Happy Reading♡

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"Dont get any funny ideas. Shut up and walk" Taehyung warned, shoving at the man's shoulder who stumbled few steps ahead. He turned to look at the Detective and threw a scowl, which Taehyung readily rolled his eyes to.

The daylight burglar, Yoo Suho was now cuffed behind his back and his mask ripped off from his face, being escorted to the Department.

"Is your boyfriend not coming along? He not a cop?" Another snide remark.

Taehyung pursed his lips shut, the image of Jungkook being something more than whatever he was at the moment left a sweet taste in the mortal's mouth, but Taehyung knew better than to indulge in it. The pace of their... complex relationship was just fine for him. He didn't want to be greedy and hope for more, to end up recieving none in return. Taehyung was smarter than that. (A/N: lol nope)

The Detective sighed and simply gave another shove at the shoulder "I told you to shut up didn't I? Walk."

Unsatisfied with not being able to get a rise out of the Detective, Yoo Suho grumpily complied.

Taehyung's eyes met many as he passed down the hallway of the Precinct, his expression cool and focused.

"Sit here." Taehyung muttered, pointing to a shot row of metal chairs fixed on either side of the hallway. Hands still cuffed, Suho trotted towards the empty row and promptly sat down with a loud exasperated sigh.

"Can I atleast get ice for my forhead?"

Taehyung rolled his eyes "Dont move an inch–"

"I won't! Jeez calm down old man–" Suho scowled.

Taehyung ignored the address and pulled out his phone, searching for the schedule but paused just when he spotted a tall man emerge down the hallway, a tall cup of coffee in his hands.

The Detective whirled around and Johnny waved his hand, nonchalantly "Ah Taehyung Lt. Mingyu is still wai–" He paused, glancing at the other figure who sat stiffly.

"Oh wow will you look at that—" Johnny huffed a breath "what's he in here for?"

Taehyung glanced at Suho and then back at Johnny "you know this guy?"

"Extended family." Johnny shook his head in dismissal with an exasperated sigh.

Taehyung perked his brow, surprised.

"Mother's side." Johnny clarified, as if that was the most important part. "Sorta the talk of town on being a professional disappointement but he doesn't really give two fucks about what the rest think– they're filthy rich ofcourse. Infact I admire his ferocity of being able to come up with an even more of an immensely idiot plot a human could possibly conjure–"

Taehyung pursed his lips together, not knowing what to say.

"Uh.. he snatched a purse and attempted to run away–?" Taehyung explained, hands gesturing.

"I was going to return it anyway!" Suho interrupted "the cash in that purse wouldn't even amount to anything Oh please— and yes I was listening. Old man here isn't too subtle."

Taehyung mentally crossed another line off,  keeping a ledger on the amount of times the younger man called him an 'old man'.

"It still counts as an attempt to theft you bonehead!" Johnny snapped, frustrated "take your Parkour and young-dumb-wild-and-free thesis of your damned youtube channel to the playground or a park atleast."

"YouTube?" Taehyung looked at the taller man.

"Yeah and you interrupted my prank thankyou very much. God knows where my friend is even stranded right now–" Suho groaned

Taehyung blinked, unbelieving at first.

"And you thought it wasn't important to tell me that first? Forget that— why did you run away even when I tailed you????"

Suho smiled "I simply enjoy pissing off cops."

Taehyung's lips twitched.

Johnny chuckled awkwardly, invading Taehyung's line of sight. He smiled painfully, in hushed tones "Ah- don't mind him he comes from a generation of degenerates—"

"I am still here and I can hear you just fine—!"

Johnny clapped his hands on Taehyung's shoulders and twirled him around "You go ahead and meet Lieutenant. I'll deal with this eyesore's bones"

Johnny cracked his knuckles, grinning menacingly at the younger male.

Suho laughed "You're in security division. Even a degenerate from my generation knows security division doesn't handle this."

Johnny laughed, just as insincere "yeah but I can call your mom and have her break your bones just fine—"

Suho let out an audible gasp, eyes widening "UNCLE YOU WONT!!! YOU KNOW HOW CRAZY SHE BECOMES WHEN—"

"Oh???? I am your uncle now???? Do you finally recognize me? Will you look at that Mm???" Johnny chided, ignoring the Suho's desperate pleas, he threw a thumbs up to Taehyung and then proceeded to walk off with his one hand around Suho's nape, whilst leisurely sipping coffee from the other.

Taehyung stared at their retreating figures for few good seconds and then shook his head in dismissal.

What a strange set of events.

To be this unfazed on Johnny's account, Yoo Suho must have been escorted to the police station quite a number of times.

Why do people even take such great risks for these meaningless pranks??? Taehyung could never understand.

He turned on his heels, making his way to the Lieutenant's office.

The Precinct was in a state of perfect languidness, unlike the bustling, unstable, rushed environment it had before when the Reaper's case first arose.

With the arrest of the Reaper, Seoul had returned to calmness, the streets were less dangerous and the citizens could finally take a breath of fresh air without fearing for their chest and eyes to be carved out.

And speaking of the Reaper... there still seemed to be no response from Minki and the Government Specialized task force who had overtaken the investigation and legal procedures of the sentencing.

Taehyung let out a small sigh.

He didn't know how long it was going to take and he wouldn't rest peacefully until he finds out why was he specifically targeted.

But speaking of being targeted—

Taehyung shook his head and the dastardly events of Hongdo Island with it.

The second one is obviously the worst.

Fighting and dying, in a battle of equal terms of physical capabilities— Taehyung will accept that.

Fighting and dying, in a one sided battle where the other party clearly wields inhumane wizard archery— is just painful to even comprehend.

How in the world did he, a complete atheistic person wind up in the most Biblical aspects of beyond mortal understanding????

A cloud settled over Taehyung's head, casting a gloomy shade on his naturally-unamused face.

He exhaled and knocked onto the door, only stepping in when he heard a clear 'Come in' from the other side.

"You called for me?" Taehyung enquires, hands pressed behind his back.

Lt. Mingyu looked up at him, pausing mid-way on the file he was going through.

"Oh‐ yes. Yes, Taehyung. Sit." He replied, hurriedly keeping the file down and walking upto the table.

Taehyung nodded, taking the empty seat across the table as his eyes vigilantly watched the older who seemed unnaturally antsy- a first.

"Is everything alright Lieutenant?" Taehyung asked, keeping his frown on low.

Lt. Mingyu took in a deep breath, hands resting on his hips. He licked his lips, to begin yet paused, words dying out.

He cleared his throat, looking away "Uh..  have you, have you received any updates on Jin's condition?"

Confused, Taehyung answered monotonously "not anything new other than that he's stable now." He paused, eyeing the other man "Hoseok is at the Hospital to attend some work, uh– he did say he'll stop by to check up on Jin. I could ask him to relay you Jin's current condition, if you'd like‐"

Lt. Mingyu's eyes lit up, he nodded "yes, okay that'd be great."

The frown on Taehyung's face gave him away.

"Is... everything alright Lieutenant? Is there something bothering you?"

Lieutenant Mingyu ran his tongue against the inside of his cheek, the lines of worry on his forehead deepening. He exhaled, exasperated.

"I suppose you have heard few of the rumors that were running around in the Precinct a while ago..." Lt. Mingyu began and Taehyung forced his face to remain calm.

Oh he has heard of them— a ghost running rampant in the halls, a ghost who attacked a forensic specialist to  meet a bloody mess, a ghost- who is infact not a ghost but something even more sinister that had once walked amidst them as one of their own, but had now "supposedly" disappeared according to Jimin's expertise.

"Yes, but I don't believe them Lieutenant." Taehyung lied, straight through his teeth.

"And you don't wish to ask me on why I hoarded the cctv footage then?" Lt. Mingyu returns  leaning against the table.

Taehyung pressed down the grimace.

Everytime somebody asked him this question, he was certain the answer on the other side was incredulously bizzare.

Taehyung doesn't wish to know.

When it's out of sight and out of mind, he can hope for some peace despite his curiosity-ridden diseased nature.

"The Department rests under your decisions." Taehyung replied calmly "it is only natural that we trust you, Lieutenant."

Lt. Mingyu's lips eased into a small smile.

He walked around the table, taking his seat opposite to Taehyung.

"I take you've not yet seen the footage then."

Taehyung doesn't reply, waiting for the man to continue.

"The times were already hectic as they were and I didn't want to pressurize anybody, whether it be a camera glitch or something else... here take a look–"

And do Taehyung does,

The footage of the only two cameras that survived the disastrous night begins as it is, the hallways empty except for few officers passing across the Forensics Department.

The other camera situated in Jin's cabin, showed a faintly blurred image of the Doctor seated behind a microscope. It's quality, not as quite as good as the others lying around the cabin.

Lt. Mingyu didn't speak, his fingers resting over his lips, cradling his chin.

Taehyung watched Jin, as he stood up and moved to his desk, sitting behind the computer. His lips moved faintly, as if he were talking to himself– something he oftenly did while analyzing things.

Taehyung's eyes switched back to the camera showing the deserted hallway. Nothing occured for another minute.

And then... it happened.

The recessed light panels under the fake ceiling of the roof, at the end of the hallway began to brighten stark white and dim, drawing closer to the door that lead to the Forensic department in a consecutive brighten-dimming manner.

Taehyung watched the odd light phenomenon, with heart clutched in his chest. The light panels stopped to brighten right across the closed door that next opened to thin air and shut close on itself.

Oh...

Oh no.

Taehyung finally came to an understanding of why these tapes were confiscated.

If this were to reach to somebody else— Taehyung let out a shuddered sigh. Not everyone was as willing as him to indulge in paranormal activities.

The camera situated in Jin's cabin began glitching, the ceiling lights faintly flickering. A low, but steadily rising noise of static began flowing in through the speakers. Yet the man, in the footage paid no attention, his eyes glued to the screen and finger furiously clicking onto the mouse.

There was a moment of silent rejoice, when Jin put his hands up over his head in disbelief, as if having had put together an extremely difficult puzzle.

A moment of silence.

A moment of silence.

And the Doctor's neck struck up straight, as if grabbed by the nape and the next moment, his head went hurtling straight into the keyboard.

Once. Twice. Thrice. Four times. Five times. Six times.

A moment of silence.

Blood spurt out, spilling onto the desk and to the floor, cascading down the Doctor's limp hand.

Taehyung saw a figure step into the Forensics Department through his peripheral vision, but he couldn't lift his eyes from Jin.

The static noise disappeared, as did the flickering lights.

A woman broke into gasps, falling to the floor. A shrill scream breaking out from her throat, her face twisted with fear and stained with tears. Jihyo scrambled backwards on the floor, helplessly screaming until the door bust open and 2 officers rushed in for aid.

Taehyung watched the frozen screen even as Lt. Mingyu paused the video, waiting to hear Taehyung's thoughts.

Taehyung stood up straight, his lashes lowered "I..." he began, throat bobbing "I don't really know what to say sir..."

Lt. Mingyu didn't respond. Sighing exasperated, he took his seat.

The wheels in Taehyung's head began to whirl.

He has to tell this to Jungkook. Or Jimin perhaps.

It didn't make sense.

Why Jin?

It still doesn't make any sense!

Taehyung looked up to meet Lt. Mingyu's gaze.

"What... what are we supposed to do about this sir?" Taehyung asked, his tone low.

Lt. Mingyu's blinked rapidly, shaking his head he let out another defeated sigh. "I... I honestly have no idea. I thought perhaps it'd be a better option to wait it out until Jin wakes up and gives us an account of what happened that night, but it doesn't seem like it's gonna be anytime soon..."

Taehyung nodded. He has to drag Jungkook in here. No matter what.

"Also I heard Jin was side by side working on the remnants of Han SoJoong's case. Do you by any chance happen to know what it was about?" Lt. Mingyu folded his fingers.

Taehyung shook his head in denial "no, he did tell me that but he didn't give me any specifics." Taehyung paused "what about his computer? I'm sure there–"

Lt. Mingyu sighed "it's wiped clean."

"What?" Taehyung's eyed widened.

"The drive's empty. The folders are deleted." Lt. Mingyu explained. "I had it sent to an agent to have it recovered, but he said it's a lost cause."

Taehyung pressed his fingers to his lips, deep in thought.

A paranormal spirit attacking Jin, seemed senseless but it did give a leeway of understanding. But why would some spirit go as far as crashing a whole system of high powered computers and files?!

Unless the paranormal spirit had something to do with the case.

Or possibly Han SoJoong?

Wait.

Han SoJoong is affiliated to the Reaper as well.

Does that mean the spirit has something to do with the Reaper too?!?!

Taheyung blinked.

He remembered Jungkook saying, he couldn't interrupt a mortal issue unless it had to do with immortals.

The foreign language, as called the Silver runes and the supposed sacrificial ritual— nothing about it was human-thought, seeming to be simply egged on by something even more sinister.

Are Jungkook and Jimin aware of this?!

Are the Heavens aware of this?!?!

"Taehyung."

The Detective snapped out of his thoughts, startled.

"If I had known, it'd stress you so much I'd have kept it to myself." Lt. Mingyu clicked his tongue, chuckling bitterly.

"No.. no it's" Taehyung mumbled, sighing "I'm just thinking. I'm alright."

Lt. Mingyu shook his head "as I said, it has to be a camera glitch or something else similar... eitherway, the only one who can answer to this is Jin and we can only wait for him to recover."

Taehyung hummed along, not revealing much of his initial thoughts.

Just the other night when Hoseok had realized the presence of Immortal beings, the heaven had descended for inquiry and things from there had gone from bad to worse.

Dragging another innocent acquaintance into this trap of immortal business was the last thing Taehyung wanted to do.

"And about the computer files..." Lt. Mingyu paused, leaning back into his chair. His eyes glinting, with a knowing thought that Taehyung quickly deciphered.

"You suspect it too then." Taehyung mumbled, his voice low.

Lt. Mingyu's face remained professionally calm "You told me that, it's only natural the lot of you put their faith in me. But it's the same for me too when it comes to the Department. I rely on all of you, just as same to preserve peace in Seoul..."

Lt. Mingyu sat upright, continuing "but there has been too many coincidences now and it'd simply be foolish to cast a blind eye over the fact that we might actually have a traitor who has been aiding the Reaper and selling all information."

Taehyung had already suspected this, but now that it came from his Superior too, it only solidified his judgement.

Yet, Lt. Mingyu didn't seek to rest, dropping the bomb just as quick as he revealed it "Is there anyone you suspect? In the Department?"

Suspect?

Taehyung fumbled for words.

There were too many faces in the Department, half of which Taehyung had never even interacted with.

How could he possibly pinpoint like this?

Taehyung shook his head in denial "no. Not yet."

Lt. Mingyu sighed, defeated. "Alright. You can take your leave"

Taehyung nodded and straightened up, bowing to the man.

Taehyung hesitated, "Um– Lieutenant.. is there anybody you'd like me to keep an eye on?"

No response came by, but Lieutenant's eyes spoke louder.

The computers were wiped clean. The drives deleted.

The rumors regarding the division hadn't yet settled.

Taehyung understood and in a hushed tone, "the security division."

Taehyung let out a shuddered sigh, lashes lowered.

There were a lot of acquaintances in the Security Division. If Taehyung was bold enough he would even call them friends.

Friends to some extent.

Friends he had shared meals with.

Friends he had trusted to have him lead to safety during danger.

Friends that Taehyung was sure who'd never betray him.

Taehyung bowed his head once more, to be dismissed. He lift his head up and his heart abruptly froze.

A ghostly white veil stood right behind an unsuspecting Lt.Mingyu.

Taehyung grit his teeth, heart palpitating in his chest so loud he could hear it in own ears.

What the hell is that thing?

Where did it come from?

Was it here the entire time?!

His hand went straight to his holster and he swiftly pulled out his gun, aiming above Lt. Mingyu's head.

"Taehyung?" Lt. Mingyu voiced out, horrified. "What are you doing?"

Taehyung didn't respond, clicking the safety off of his gun.

Adrenaline surged through his veins.

What is that thing?

"Taehyung what are you–" Lt. Mingyu's words cut short.

A blinding white light surged in and Taehyung felt his eyes melt into his skull.

A dull throb rose from the back of his head, almost as if it was trying to split it open. His ears rang, his limbs moving languidly. His back was pressed against something hard— he tried spreading around– it's the floor. Taehyung had fallen to the floor.

What about my gun? Taehyung searched frantically, still blinded– but his movements were still slow, as if his limbs had grown heavy.

What kind of attack was that?

Am I going to die?

Is this it?

"Are you alright?" A voice rang out.

Taehyung squint his eyes open.

There was a person above him in district white robes.

Everything was.... white.

Am I dead already?

Is this heaven?

No no... I can't go to heaven....

"Are you alright, Kim Taehyung?" The voice spoke again, more clearer this time.

"Am I... dead?" Taehyung mumbled out, delirious

The figure zipped it's lips.

If Taehyung could squint his eyes open any further, he could assume the other was only frowning.

"Do not wish for things with speaking of it." The figure– a man clearly, clicked his tongue.

Taehyung groaned and blinked few more times, to ease his eyes until they returned to a state of normal vision.

Just as his sight came back, he ran his gaze around.

He was still at Lieutenant's office— and Lieutenant Mingyu is–

Lieutenant Mingyu is unconscious?!?! Or is he dead?!?!

Taehyung snapped his neck to look at the nameless figure standing few feet apart him, his presence slowly looming over him.

"Do not fret. He's alive." The man in the white garb answered to unspoken questions.

Taehyung instinctively backed away from him. He scrambled to clasp his scattered gun and quickly got back up to his feet, his back pressed against the wall.

He pointed the gun at the stranger— his face flawlessly clean and jaw, angled. His eyebrows were dark and fuzzed out. His composure remained calm and elegant, except for his eyes remained expressionless.

The man standing before him was not a mortal.

The bullets in his gun would be nothing but pellets of air to the stranger.

There was no time to draw up a pentagram or grab his phone.

If another of that blinding white light attack hits him– Taehyung knows he will lose.

"Who are you? What are you? What do you want?!" Taehyung chooses to draw it out. His eyebrows knit close, not willing to give in.

"We've met a couple of times." The man replies, without moving an inch "and I assure you, I'm not your enemy."

Taehyung scoffs under his breath. "I asked you, who are you? What are you? And what do you want?. Whether you're my enemy or not, I'll decide that myself."

The man remains silent, his eyes narrow.

He then shuts his eyes close and let's out a sigh "I'm KiWoo. A Silver Angel under brother Namjoon's guidance. I'm here to carry my duty of erasure."

Kiwoo?

Namjoon?

Now that Taehyung looked closely at the man, he did indeed look familiar.

Taehyung lowers his gun, sensing no hostility from the other.

"Erasure?" Taehyung questions.

"Erase thoughts, memories." KiWoo explains. "Kim Mingyu here, witnessed something unnatural and out of human bounds. The video he showed you, just a while ago was proof of a demonic entity's presence."

Taehyung's throat dried up.

KiWoo continued "mortals are weak, for they cannot comprehend the intensity of evil. Even if it is dangerous, they blindy trudge onto the path that would eventually lead them to ruins." He paused and looked deeply into Taehyung's eyes  "even if the presence no longer remains, the mortal mind doesn't rest– that would mean, they'd fret to their bones. And more they fret, the more they'll be lured into the grasps of the entity itself. "

"Erasure allows to selectively delete memories from a mortal's mind and as of now, I've deleted the events of what attacked the mortal Kim SeokJin from his mind. If he doesn't remember it, he won't trail it foolishly risking his life. Besides, he's too weak to fight something of that caliber of oppression."

Taehyung purses his lips lips shut.

Even if this meant to save Lt. Mingyu from falling to his death, the words uttered by the Silver Angel showed how he viewed mortals in general.

Weak and pathetic.

Even Jungkook didn't have a stick as far up in his ass as this guy did.

"Anyway he should wake up in 10 minutes–"

"Wait! What about the rest? What else have you erased from his mind?" Taehyung queried, gripping onto the base of his gun.

The Silver Angel hummed, glancing over to the mortal "oh- yes, I've erased the part where you pointed your gun at him, just so that you don't face any repercussions when he wakes up. But other than that, nothing else." KiWoo paused "mortal business doesn't concern me unless something inhumane is involved."

Unless something inhumane involved?

It's universal whether it be the Devil or an Angel?

If what he says is the truth, the suspicions related to the Security Division will be retained in Lt. Mingyu's mind when he wakes up, Taehyung concludes.

"Is everybody who encounters something inhumane, likely to be treated to Erasure?" Taehyung asks, curious.

The Silver Angel turns to face him. "There are two exceptions, first, the special cases. For example, your friend, Jung Hoseok had his breath revived by the Devil. Although he witnessed the events on his own volition, the other party, that being the evil contender holds no intent to dismantle him... so we can leave it be as the mortal's life isn't inherently in danger"

Taehyung's lips twitch at hearing 'Evil contender'.

"The second exception... the imperials. You, belong to this class." KiWoo pauses, his gaze tense "We are not to touch you unless we are willing to face the Devil himself."

Taehyung blinks.

That's it?

That's it?!

Taehyung's face contorted into distaste. This sounded nothing different than being pointed at and branded as a boytoy for a good laugh.

"Do not take me wrong. I simply do not wish to be caught by wrath." KiWoo explained, face expressionless "My banished brother already holds pointers against me and many others present for what happened at Hongdo Island. I'm not sure how far brother Namjoon's negotiation got through, but it cannot be much in our favor. So it's better if I keep my fair distance from you, even if I have to carry on with my duty."

Taehyung's shoulders relaxed, he exhaled yet his knitted eyebrows didn't recede, holding onto the frown.

"And what of the Demonic entity? Are you going to tail it?"

KiWoo lifts his chin up and gazes at the mortal through the slits of his eyes.

"Do not concern yourself with things that need not be concerned by you." The Silver Angel sharply replied before turning away.

"Wait! Just answer me!" Taehyung yells, frantic.

The Silver Angel, looks over his shoulder and towards the Detective.

Taehyung stuns at the wave of coldness washing over him.

"I simply do not recall agreeing to answer everything you ask." The Silver Angel bites back, before disappearing into a blinding flash of white light.

And Taehyung's vision goes out and the throbbed ache returns.

Thanks for that, I guess?

**********

"Tch tch tch tch" the Devil clicked his tongue "I said about having matching scars, not matching bumps Detective Kim."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, trying hard to not pay attention to the other.

"How did you even end up with a bruise on your head hm?" Jungkook danced around him.

"I slipped. And hit the wall." The mortal replied, monotonously. Half truth. But its should work.

Jungkook sighed, almost dramatically.

"Showing up all bruised infront of me... you're asking to be kissed and fondled, aren't you Detective Kim?"

Taehyung whirled around to look at the raventte, who grinned maliciously at him.

"Who wants to be kissed and fondled?! Go away!" Taehyung snapped, equal parts embarrassed and angered.

Jungkook snickered and stuck even closer to the Detective, like sticky rice, not willing to let go.

Taehyung sighed exasperated.

Taehyung wasn't possessed, but he could finally understand horror movie protagonists who had Demons latched onto them.

In his case however, no harm was done to him— but enough harm was done to his self esteem with the Devil's incessant yapping.

"Just to remind you, the thing I said earlier... the offer still stands." Jungkook blinks innocently.

Taehyung grimaces "you think you're some hotshot?"

"Am I not?" The Devil preens.

It's hopeless. Taehyung concedes.

"Why are you insisting on wanting to sleep with me?" Taehyung bluntly asks. "Am I going to be put through some soul extraction process this time?"

Jungkook scoffs out loud, upset with the words "Dear Devils! Who taught you to speak like that?! Soul extraction process?! Detective Kim, that's a little too much going off boundaries even for you."

Taehyung knew he unconsciously hit a sore spot.

Ugh his mouth—

"Alright. Alright. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." Taehyung quickly apologizes. He continues "but seriously though, why are you persistent about it?"

The Devil once more steps into the Detective's personal space. "Should there be a reason?"

Taehyung lowers his eyes to the footpath.

Ofcourse there is no reason.

Taehyung felt a little bitter. If only his heart didn—

"Can't it be simply because I admire you?"

The Detective looks up at the raventte.

Jungkook smiles down at him, eyes fond. The sunlight glistens off of his face. His hair moves softly in response to the gentle breeze.

Mesmerized, Taehyung stares at him with wonder.

How in the world did he land such a—

"Also I'm very much incredibly horny and repressed." The Devil confesses with an unabashed grin.

—Such a pervert!!!!

Annoyed, Taehyung twists away from the Devil's clasps and begin to speed down the footpath, keeping clear distance from the other.

"Where do you think you're running off to Detective Kim hm??" The Devil chuckles, trailing the mortal man in attempt to catch up, but not overtaking to keep the loose cat and mouse chase.

The Devil prances behind, throwing teasing comments here and there, not caring if the lingering nurses or patients hanging about threw weird looks at him.

"Detective Kim, won't you answer me? Detective Kim~ Detecti—" Jungkook bumped into the mortal.

"Is that who I think it is?" Detective Kim mumbled, his voice shaking.

Jungkook scrunched up his nose and put his hand over his eyes, shielding himself from the sunlight and then squint his eyes in towards the direction where the Detective was pointing at.

Jungkook lowered his hand, recognizing the blob of pink hair tussling on the ground "Oh? Oh... yeah haha!"

Taehyung gave a displeased look and then turned away, stomping his way over to the other side.

"Jimin! Jimin?! what are you—" Taehyung paused, staring at the figure trapped between Jimin's hands, turning red and purple.

"JIMIN STOP WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LET GO! LET GO NOW!!" Taehyung yelled, grabbing onto the Demon's torso, trying to pull him away but to no avail.

Taehyung maneuvers his hands to grab onto Jimin's face, digging his fingers in hopes the other would let the poor victim in his hands go, but the pink haired Demon only strengthen his hold.

Taehyung turns his head over to Jungkook who was standing fair distance away, yawning to himself, holding no interest whatsoever in interrupting the attempt to murder.

Taehyung grit his teeth and wrapped his strong legs around the Demon's torso, their bodies aligned and flush against each other. "JIMIN PLEASE I BEG OF YOU. ENOUGH!!"

The Demon's hold loosened and Taehyung landed on his back against the grassy lawn with Jimin over his chest, hands still wrapped around him.

A moment of awkward silence and a hand swooped in, promptly peeling off the Demon from the Detective's embrace and tossing the blob of pink hair away.

"So sticky. Put some distance, will you?" Jungkook clicked his tongue, complaining nonchalantly but his eyes glimmered darkly.

Taehyung, who was still on the ground failed to notice the intense aura of possessiveness radiating from the raventte.

Oblivious, Taehyung stood up and dusted off his hands, quietly mumbling a "You're one to talk about that—"

Taehyung quickly knelt before the coughing figure who would have been strangled to death, if he hadn't arrived on time.

"Hoseok? Hoseok! Don't speak. Just breathe. Just breathe. Do you want me to get you some water? Just nod." 

Hoseok weakly shook his head in denial.

"What happened? What? How did it lead to this? Jimin? Jimin?!" Taehyung turned to face the Demon, demanding for answers.

The pink haired Demon, blankly stared back at him.

"He knows what we are." He bluntly replies.

Taehyung scoffs in disbelief "I know, that he knows what you both are!— Infact so does Jungkook!"

Jimin narrows his eyes at the raventte. "You set me up."

Jungkook shrugs.

"I cannot personally beat him up, because I very much care about Detective Kim's personal feelings for his friends. But the same can't be told for you, right?" The Devil snickered "you take pleasure in beating up friends—"

Red flashed in Jimin's eyes "You—!"

"Enough! Enough! Quit it. Both of you! Jungkook first shut your mouth!" Taehyung snarled, slapping his hand over the raventte's mouth before he'd rile the Demon anymore.

Jungkook eventually shut up, basking under the mortal's close presence whilst continuing to smugly stare at the pink haired demon with mocking eyes.

Jimin averted his eyes to the Detective. "The moment he saw me, he began walking away and then soon broke into a sprint... it was suspicious... I thought he was going to... bring trouble for us..." he explained, eyes filled with guilt.

Taehyung sighed.

"I'm sorry you got caught up in this mess Hoseok." Taehyung bowed his head, in apology to the man who was still seated on the lawn with red handprints around his neck.

"It's a—" Hoseok rasped, his voice strainin but Jimin quickly cut in.

"No! You shouldn't apologize... I should. I should be the one"

Oh?

Both, Taehyung's and Jungkook's eyes widened with surprise.

Jimin, willingly declaring to apologize was unheard of.

They say, there's a first time for everything. Was this the miraculous first time?

Was this the point of character development?

Taehyung watched with eager eyes.

Jimin began "I.... I.." he paused, his adam's apple bobbing.

"I..."

"I hope you don't do that again."

"Pffttt—!" The Devil wheezed and the pink haired Demon whipped his head to look at him.

"That's it. I'm going to kill you!" He snarled, making his way towards the raventte.

Taehyung quickly detached himself from Jungkook's side watching blankly as the raventte stumbled back and onto the ground, taking a power kick from Jimin.

The two immidiately settled into a brawl.

Not paying any attention to either of them, Taehyung walked upto Hoseok who weakly watched the intense fight.

"Is this even alright?" Hoseok rasped, vaguely gesturing at the overturned pieces of lawn chunks scattered around the two immortals.

"Their communication abilities are far more worse than mine." Taehyung shook his head in dismissal "Fighting each other is the only sense of understanding they have got and while they're at it, if they die, they die. Just leave them be"

"Detective Kim I can hear you bad mouthing me!" Jungkook's voice shot out "You're mistaken if you think, I'm losing to candyfloss here–"

A loud snarl erupted and Jimin lunged at the other, sending several clear cut punches straight into the Devil's head. Even as blood spurt out, the manic King continued to tease and laugh at the Demon.

"Wow..." Hoseok mumbled, in dazed terror "If those hands put real intent on me, I would have died for real."

Taehyung smiled bitterly, his ribs faintly aching at the memory "we have all been there."

"EEEEEEKKK!!!— WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING?! WHATS THIS?! CALL SECURITY! SOMEBODY CALL SECURITY!—" A woman in a nurse's uniform shrieked.

"HOSEOK IS THAT YOU?! AND YOU—! YOU!!–"

Taehyung's eyes widened.

Shit.

By this time, both Jungkook and Jimin had ceased fighting, much more curious on the diversion.

The woman stomped towards Taehyung and the man shrunk back. "Ma'am let me ex—"

She grabbed Taehyung by his collars, pulling him lower you match her height "YOU! BECAUSE OF YOU I LOST AN ENTIRE MONTH'S WAGE. DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND WHATS LOSING AN ENTIRE MONTH'S WAGE LIKE AFTER GROVELLING UNDER DAY SHIFTS AND NIGHT SHIFTS AND HEARING REMARKS FROM UNHAPPY DOCTORS AND SUPERIORS ALL THE WHILE CLEANING PISS AND POOP FROM PATIENTS YOU UNGRATEFUL BAS—"

Hoseok tried to step in, trying to mediate between a very helpless Taehyung and the angered nurse, but just as his eyes skimmed to two other figures, Hoseok swore he could almost see flames engulfing their bodies, their eyes soullessly dark, almost flickering red.

oh no.

OH NO.

WOMAN DONT TOUCH THE MAN!!!!

Hoseok grabbed onto the woman's petite wrists and pulled her away from Taehyung.

"Minah calm down! It's alright! It's alright! EVERYTHING'S ARLIGHT!" He announced in a panicked tone, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Is it though?" A voice creeped in and Hoseok looked to his left, only to come face to face with the Devil himself, who was mere inches away.

Hoseok sweat nervously looking at the ominous deathly smile.

"Jungkook stop with that—" Taehyung reprimanded, pulling the raventte away. "What's wrong with you today?"

Hoseok almost cried happy tears with the interruption.

He's going to head back and pray for Taehyung's happiness for the rest of his life.

What a true savior!!!

Taehyung exhaled, standing before Hoseok and the nurse, Minah.

"Ms..?" Taehyung paused.

"Park." She replied, her tone cutting and cold.

Taehyung cleared his throat. "Ms. Park, I apologize for my actions of that day. It was an emergency and so I had to take my immediate leave—"

"Emergency leave, this. Emergency leave, that. Everybody gives the same damned excuse! What are you? Police? Military?! Navy?! What now huh?" Minah scoffed, hands still bound by Hoseok behind her.

Hoseok gave a slight shove, his eyes desperately pleading her to not say more.

"He's actually my superior, in terms of rank." Hoseok whispers.

Minah's eyes widen, looking at Hoseok in disbelief and then turns to peek at the man ahead of them.

With her struggling, finally gone nil, Hoseok breathes in relief and let's the woman out of his hold.

Minah clears her throat, a little fearful now, yet she doesn't back away from putting up a brave front "so what? Hoseok managed to come back and apologise despite his emergency. Superior or not. You're still shi—"

A hand clasps over her mouth and Hoseok desperately pulls her away "MINAH YOURE GONNA GET US ALL KILLED IF YOU KEEP SPOUTING NONSENSE!—"

"IM SORRY! WE'RE TERRIBLY SORRY! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT! WE'LL BE TAKING OUR LEAVE!" Hoseok bowed his head, quickly away and scurrying way with a struggling Minah in his arms.

"What's up with him now? He's acting as if she's shit talking about Lt. Mingyu here..." Taehyung scoffed, mumbling to himself.

"Perhaps it's because he too realizes that you're far more glorious than Lt. Mingyu. Also, I completely agree with this analogy." Jungkook interjected, adding his thoughts.

Taehyung snorted, not willing to buy the words "Stop sweet talking me."

"Stop me if you can." Jungkook winked.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, embarrassed.

"Jimin? Jimin? Jimin! Yes, please stop death glaring at the wall. They're gone now. And please, don't do anything to either of them."

The pink haired Demon turned to look at him and narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah okay no stop. Enough of that. Fall out once and you're sleeping on the streets."

Jimin's eyes widened and then he scoffed out loud "Fine whatever! I'm not interested in them eitherway—"

"You're still glaring at the wall." Taehyung deadpanned.

The Demon grit his teeth and promptly turned, walking away. "The one who has been throwing daggers the entire time, is the one standing behind you!!!"

Behind you???

Taehyung paused.

Frowning, he swiftly turned to look at Jungkook who smiled innocently at him. His lips curled into a pleasant curve and his eyes folded to crescents, the ends crinkling.

The Devil tilt his head, almost adorable "do you wanna have dinner with me?"

Huh...

Makes sense why Hoseok seemed like he was absolutely going to shit himself.

This uncouth man—

Jungkook grinned, eyes mischievous "hm Detective Kim?"

___________________

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Author's Note:

Gaslighter Devil!Jungkook leaves a different taste in my mouth... as much as Jeonlous does.

Pls he's totally not at all adorable, bullying Jimin like that. but OH WELL. It's the Devil haha so I can get away with whatever this time writing about this character.

Detective Kim simp nation back at it haahhaha. I promise you, this is purely TK ff. But I love adding Jimin here and there to make everybody writhe, including the characters themselves.

No I'm not sorry. I love being mean.

There will be a semi update of pt2 of this chapter with a 2k word count coming up next. But after that I'm back at 5k word count or more.

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DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN.

As for the surprise/ Important Announcement:

This author. Is Covid Positive.

Yeah so if I die— hhah.... well shit.

Not dying. Not dying. I refuse to let an outbreak take me away.

I plan to outlive my haters.

Anyway, don't mind me crash bombing my irl problems. This lowkey feels like a safe space to me....

I'm venting on annoynymous social media sites haha. I've lost it.

I'm fine. A little paranoid maybe. But just fine.

Spare me a bit if the updates are delayed, this sis is tired all the time these days.

Stay safe, don't turn up like this Author.

Love,
J