A tiny bell rung from above while Jimin stepped past the doorframe, then quietly began to make his way down the familiar narrow pathway toward Abyss Karaoke's lobby. The establishment was much quieter during the day, and seeing as there was no one behind the front bar upon arrival, he figured the place was currently closed.

He let out a low sigh, loitered around the lobby for a bit, by one of the bar stools and looked over the vacant halls around him. He hopped upon the closest stool beside him and waited, until eventually the sound of footsteps grasped his attention. Seconds later, Yerin appeared from the other side of the wall, with a familiar man following behind her.

"Oh—! Jimin!" The girl perked up at the sight of her friend, then made a skipping movement to approach him. "What are you doing here? You looking for Hoseokie?"

The blond's eyes widened and he quickly shook his head to the side. "Ah, n-no, I was.. looking for Jeongguk.." He quickly spoke up, finally meeting her eyes. "I couldn't reach him, so.. I figured I'd ask around here. There's a gang meeting soon, right?"

"Yes there is." The man who stood beside Yerin finally spoke up, and Jimin's eyes narrowed in focus, recognizing his face.

"Ah, you're-... Hiro. The guy from—"

"Namida, yes. Glad you remember my name." He gave a chuckle and bowed his head slightly. "I'll be representing my gang again at today's meeting, which..." Hiro gave a tap at the woman's shoulder. "Need I remind you we need to go set up for, Yerin-ssi?"

"Yes, yes! We can go now."

Jimin blinked, then watched as the two already started down the hall.

"See you later, Jiminie~ Say hi to Ggukie for me when you see him!" Yerin called out with a wave of her hand. The blond's lips lifted to a smile before he heard yet another array of footsteps begin to descend from the opposite hall. He swiveled his body over the stool to turn behind him, and saw a tall man walk in, unlit cigarette in hand, and long wavy dark hair cascading down his eyes.

Jimin's brows rose in surprise, and the man matched his expression while coming to a full stop.

"Well if it isn't my favorite bowling buddy~" A large mischievous grin formed across Jimin's face.

Taehyung cracked an amused smirk, reached to prop his cigarette beside his head, tucked behind his ear. "Mmn? I'm your favorite now? What happened to poor little Jeonggukie..? Y'know. Your bestie?"

"Hm, well victory with Jeongguk isn't always guaranteed, so.." The blond gave a shrug, then lifted to cross one leg sassily over the other. The older man gave out a hefty chuckle while walking closer to stand beside the boy. "Speaking of which, have you seen Gguk? I thought he'd be here with you."

Taehyung crossed his arms and perked a brow up. "How'd you know I was here?"

"Hoseok mentioned you guys have a gang meeting soon, and... When I messaged Gguk he never responded, so I assumed he was down here with Abyss' shitty cell service."

"Mm." The older hummed, then gave an innocent blink. "Well unfortunately for you, Jeonggukie stayed at home to sleep in a little." A suggestive smirk slowly tugged at his lips. "We had quite a long night, you see... and so naturally, he needed to recover."

Jimin scowled at the man, a puff of air huffing from his throat. "For fuck's sake.." He muttered. "Can he at least walk? I was hoping to hang out with him later."

Taehyung paused to think. "I'm sure he can get around.. but he was limping out of the bathroom—"

"You guys fucked in the bathroom?" The blond glared, causing the other male to pause and merely grin back.

"Mhm. In the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen—"

"Ooookay, I regret asking," Jimin quickly interrupted, standing up from the stool and walking off to scan the collection of alcoholic drinks behind the bar. "Ever since you two went on that trip for your date you've been attached to the hip. When will I get my own Jeonggukie time? Stop stealing him from me!"

Taehyung chuckled at the pout over the smaller boy's lips, then uncrossed his arms while stepping to lean over the bar's countertop.

"So sorry. But he's mine. I just can't keep my hands off him."

"God, I despise people in love." Jimin muttered, carefully checking labels on the glass bottles. "And you should start being nicer to me. After all, I'm going to be Jeongguk's best man during your gay ass wedding."

The man stifled a laugh, his small smile remained at his lips after hearing that one word.

Wedding.

Him and Jeongguk. Getting married, of all things.

But before he could let himself entertain such a fantasy, a new voice piped up from behind them.

"Hey now, what're you doing there kid? Trying to steal our precious merchandise?"

The blond turned to look over his shoulder, where another tall man stood with furrowed brows, eyeing him skeptically. He let out a small laugh. "I was just looking, Seokjin-hyung."

"Hyung," Taehyung blinked in somewhat of surprise, "What are you still doing up here? The meeting's starting soon."

"Could say the same for you." Seokjin rolled his eyes before walking over to discard a medical kit toward one of the drawers. "I was patching up Dumbass Number 1 downstairs, who got into a fight with Dumbass Number 2."

The two younger men stared silently at him, simultaneously wondering who on earth these 'dumbasses' were, that he was referring to. Seokjin then gave a quiet sigh and looked toward Jimin.

"Hoseok. He's at the small medical room downstairs, if you want to see him."

Jimin's eyes grew wide, mouth slightly agape while he processed what it was the older was saying. That Hoseok had gotten hurt in a fight.

He didn't need to hear much more than that, to quickly step away from the wine bottles and charge straight toward the connecting hall.

"I'll talk to you guys later," He called in a hurried voice, then disappeared toward the staircase exit.

※ ※

A quiet hiss left Hoseok's mouth as he retreated the mug full of a steaming hot beverage from his lips. He carefully placed the cup down on the table in front of him and reached to open a cabinet, until suddenly there was a quick knock on the door.

"Hoseok—!" A worried voice filled the small room as Park Jimin burst in, brows high in concern. Hoseok turned to look behind him, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the boy.

"Jimin..? What-... Why are you down here at Bangtan's base?"

"Never mind that, I-... heard you were in a fight!" The blond hurried towards the older, reached his hands out to place them gently on the other's shoulders while he examined the bandages over his face. "What on earth happened..?"

Hoseok's face fell into a stagnant expression, eyes wavering while he avoided looking at the other. "I'm alright.." He pushed the words out softly. "Do you keep forgetting that I'm a gang captain? Fights are inevitable, y'know."

Jimin's hand hovered over the covered bruise on the older's cheek, brows now lowered in a permanent frown. His lips tucked out for a moment, then parted while he spoke his next words.

"You're hiding something from me."

Hoseok's hands balled into fists beside him.

And Jimin continued. "Just who did you get into a fight with, hm? With someone from a rivaling gang?"

The older remained quiet, gaze now fallen to the ground.

"Or perhaps..." The blond's voice lowered. "With a fellow gang member?"

Hoseok hands snapped up to hold Jimin's arms, gently prying him away so he could walk off back towards the cabinet. He rummaged through small bottles and pulled out a container of painkillers, grumbling something beneath his breath. Jimin watched him in silence, then let out a numbed sigh and crossed his arms from where he stood.

"You picked a fight with Yoongi, didn't you?" The blond nearly grit his teeth together. "Even though I told you guys to just.. let him be."

"He broke your heart, Jimin."

"It's a little more complicated than that." The younger huffed out in frustration, dug a hand to scatter his own hair strands. "You really didn't have to meddle into this shit, hyung. Seriously. Why would you do that?"

"Look, I wasn't planning for things to escalate," Hoseok grumbled out, popping the capsule into his mouth and lifting the mug back to his lips. Jimin waited as he gulped down on the drink, and then their eyes met while a short silence filled the room. "I just wanted to confront him a little. I couldn't help it. And then he-... He said something that made me snap."

Jimin watched the older, listened intently at every word that left his lips. For a second he felt his heart tremble, a short lived fear rising in his veins. Somehow, Yoongi had figured it all out before. About Jimin's own crush on Hoseok, about how much he yearned to be with one of his best friends. That secret of his, that the boy was ready to take to his grave. Never let Hoseok himself know about such a thing.

Because Hoseok had Yerin, and they were happy.

Whenever he thought about it, the most important thing to Jimin was always Hoseok's happiness.

So he'll never let him find out his feelings. Ever.

But for a moment he thought, maybe Yoongi might've told him such a thing. Because that, certainly, would be enough to trigger a fight between the two men.

"W-What-... What did he tell you..?" The blond finally spoke in a wavering voice.

And Hoseok merely looked back at him, sharp gaze finally breaking eye contact once he moved to settle down the mug in his hand.

"He told me, that I don't really know you. Not even a little bit."

Jimin watched as the older's grip tightened on the mug handle, almost in sheer irritation.

"Can you believe that shit...?" Hoseok continued, voice falling to a raspy grunt. "That I don't know my own best friend..?"

The younger gulped in silence, gaping at the other while he thought on what to say. His eyes glossed over in a rush of emotion, and before he could think on uttering another word, the door suddenly swung back open.

"Hoseok!"

The two men turned their heads to see Yerin dashing into the room, her feet carrying her directly toward the red haired male, who she wrapped her arms around in one swift movement.

Jimin watched the two, teeth slowly sinking into the flesh of his bottom lip, an odd ache in his heart.

"What the hell were you doing?! I heard you got into a fight with Yoongi? What were you thinking!" Yerin raised her voice, her tone scolding yet clearly laced with affectionate worry for her lover.

"I'm sorry.." were the words quietly whispered by the man, and Yerin pulled back with a frown, only to turn her head and see the blond boy stood a few feet away from them.

"Jimin? You're-... still here?" The woman said in initial surprise, then cracked a small smile, slowly removed her arms from Hoseok's neck. "Did you find Gguk yet?"

Jimin's lip quivered, a curt breath caught in his throat, and he bowed his head forward and shook it furiously before making a sudden start towards the door.

"Sorry, I-... was supposed to be somewhere else. Good luck on the meeting, you two."

"Jimin—"

The red haired's sentence was cut short once Jimin fled quickly from the room, his hurried footsteps echoing down the hall until they disappeared to the staircase.

※ ※

The rattle of keys swinging over a hooped chain rang quietly as Namjoon turned the recently unlocked knob to the side, then swung the door open to Taehyung's apartment.

He slipped his shoes off and proceeded down the hall, scanned the silent living room before he slowly quirked a brow up.

"Taehyung?" He called out, a familiar sinking feeling falling over his stomach. It was never a good sign when the air in the apartment was deadly still, no response from the boy when he'd call out his name. And usually it would be even worse if——

Oh no, he thought. His feet walked slowly towards the kitchen island, where he saw a pill container out beside a stack of plates.

Not again.

The gang leader was quick to dash down the hall, sprinting quickly towards Taehyung's bedroom, the loud beating of his heart nearly masking the sound of a wavered breath coming from the slightly opened door. He pushed the door open all the way, hands gripped tightly to the knob as he exhaled in sheer anxiety.

"Tae—!" He stopped midway, pausing where he stood while his jaw then lowered at the sight he had burst in to. The first thing that came into view was Taehyung's bare back muscles, the broad shoulders that towered above a petite body beneath him. There were pale, smooth legs wrapped over the man's waist, shielding his naked ass from Namjoon's view while Taehyung snapped his hips down, a high pitched moan emitting from the person below him.

Namjoon's mouth dropped, eye twitching at the sight. Though he quickly took a moment to sigh in relief, as the situation had been different from the life-threatening scenario he had assumed in his head.

"Oh-.." Taehyung exhaled breathlessly, head turning to his right to glance at the older. "Hyung."

Namjoon's eyes narrowed, his hand slowly falling from the doorknob before he moved to cross his arms in front of him, a rather blank look replacing the agape expression on his features. He watched as large innocent eyes peeked up from behind Taehyung's shoulder, finally taking notice of the gang leader's sudden presence in the bedroom, and the air was quickly filled with a surprised squeal.

Namjoon belted out a loud chuckle and raised his hands up in defense. "So sorry you guys," He spoke up with a large grin. "That's my bad—I'll wait out in the living room~"

The older then quickly shut the bedroom door and retreated back down the hall, teeth dug into his lip as he tried to hold back another laugh. He leisurely removed his jacket from his torso, rolled his sleeves up, and settled into the kitchen to pass the time preparing sandwiches. By the time he was done with the second, he heard shuffling down the hall, and seconds later Taehyung appeared by the doorframe in mere sweatpants, his skin flushed and covered in bruises.

Namjoon's brow perked while he scanned his rugged appearance. "How indecent of you. Put a fucking shirt on, you animal."

Taehyung scoffed out a laugh, fingers running through his messy hair while he leaned his arms over the kitchen countertop. "You can't just walk in on people while they're having sex, you know."

Namjoon pushed out another smirk. "I didn't fucking know."

"Well you made my baby embarrassed," Taehyung huffed. "Apologize to him."

"Where is Jeongguk anyway?"

"Mm. Shower." The man reached to grab an apple from the arrangement of fruits at the center of the kitchen island. "He's got an evening class."

"Ah." Namjoon turned to peek at the other. "Hey, put that down. I made sandwiches."

"Grilled cheese?"

"You know it."

"Fuck yes." Taehyung hurried to the older's side. "Thanks, dad."

Namjoon snorted out a laugh, then moved to remove the last sandwich from the grill. "Either way, I'm glad I walked in on you and Jeon this time, instead of V and some poor woman. It was truly a refreshing change of pace."

"Yeah?" Taehyung's voice came muffled from the food in his mouth, already holding up a sandwich in his hands. "Well V hasn't... quite fronted in a while."

"Really?"

"Mhm. Not since the date with Jeongguk."

"Why not?"

Taehyung chewed in silence, leaning back to lean against the counter, his gaze trailed off towards the window in the distance.

"I think he's processing."

"Processing?"

"His feelings," Taehyung swallowed, then lifted his head to look at the older. "For Jeongguk."

Namjoon merely blinked back at him. "He really has feelings for Jeongguk?"

"I believe he's had them for a while now.. But of course, he would never admit that."

"Hm.." The gang leader hummed, placed the two remaining sandwiches into their own plates, then moved to sit over one of the stools. He grabbed the bread into his hands and lowered his head for a bite. "So then... That means all of you have feelings for Jeongguk, no?"

Taehyung watched him, slowly chewed on his food. He then gripped the edge of the counter with his free hand, rubbed his nails against the surface.

"I spoke with Jimin before today's meeting earlier.." He suddenly said, a distant glint in his eyes. "He joked about Jeongguk and I's wedding, and it got me thinking... I realized I've never in my life thought of marriage. Not for myself. I wouldn't even be able to imagine that kind of lifestyle for myself, let alone believe marriage was something I could ever achieve. Especially with my condition.."

Namjoon was the one silently chewing while he listened this time, his eyes attentive to the man standing in front of him.

"And for the first time ever, I imagined marrying someone. Marrying Jeongguk—really spending the rest of my life with him. Because, when I thought about it, it only took me a mere second to know. Know that there's no one else in this world I'd call mine. Forever."

The corner of Namjoon's lips pushed into a gentle smile. "He's it for you, isn't he.."

Taehyung finally met his gaze, mirroring the tender smile on his face. "Yeah.." He spoke quietly. "He's the one. The only one."

Namjoon swallowed the food in his mouth and seemed deep in thought for a while. In that moment the two men fell into a comfortable silence, the words of their conversation lingering in the air around them. And after the brief pause, the older male spoke up again.

"So then.." Namjoon quietly cleared his throat. "You'd pursue a future with him?"

Taehyung replied without hesitation. "Of course I would."

"He's a good kid, though, Tae." Namjoon lowered the half eaten sandwich in his hands. "You two should have a future free of criminal activity, if you're thinking long term on this. Don't you think so? It's what he deserves."

Taehyung blinked back at him, slowly processing the point the man was getting at.

"So if that's the case, then..." Namjoon paused, fingers clenching into fists over the countertop. He pushed out a low breath, then inhaled sharply. "If that's the case..." He repeated, "Then why don't we make that mission with the Coin group your final one?"

Taehyung's large eyes widened, lips prying open at the older's implication.

"Finish that one last mission, and then... Relinquish yourself from the underground scene. Focus on school. On Jeongguk. And live a good life. Graduate. Travel. Find a proper job. Get married, adopt some kids. Be a good husband and father." Namjoon's voice jolted, a peculiar tone to his words. One that rang deep inside Taehyung's chest. "I can see that kind of life for you. I want that kind of life for both you and Yerin. And at this point, you two can make it happen. With Jeongguk and Hoseok."

Taehyung's gaze fell back to the floor, jaw clenching while he rubbed a finger over the marbletop. "W-What..?" He whispered. "Then what about you? And-... what about Bangtan?"

"Me?" Namjoon laughed softly. "If I don't propose to Seokjinie soon I'm afraid he'll be the first to wholeheartedly kick my ass off the planet."

Taehyung burst into quiet laughter, hand reaching to clasp over his mouth.

"And Bangtan..." The older continued. "Is really just a connotation I made up. It's a word that holds my dreams for the three of us. 'Bulletproof.' Meaning that you, Yerin and I will overcome every single obstacle we'll face, to become happy."

The younger man lowered his hand and gave a short nod, a faint smile tugging on his lips.

"Whether we're a criminal group or not, the meaning should always hold true."

Taehyung then puffed out a low breath. "Well that sounds lovely and all, hyung. But I can't just leave Bangtan. You know that."

"Hm. Maybe not now, but-..." The older trailed off when he began to hear soft approaching footsteps, and the two men turned their heads to the hall to see Jeongguk dressed in Taehyung's clothing, a bag settled over his shoulder.

"U-Uhm.. Hi, hyung." He bowed fully towards the gang leader and pressed his lips firmly together while he rushed towards the couch, where he had left his jacket.

"Ah, hey kid," Namjoon cracked an amused grin, then reached to pull the extra plate closer. "I made a sandwich for you to eat before you go."

Jeongguk's eyes bulged, and he quickly slipped his jacket on and scurried past the kitchen. "O-Oh no, I'm a-already really really late, s-so... T-Thank you! M-Maybe-... Maybe s-some other t-time!"

Just like that the boy disappeared from the apartment entirely, the sound of the door shutting echoed down the hall. Namjoon and Taehyung looked at each other for a stalling second, and then burst out into loud laughter, their cackles persisting well into the afternoon.

※ ※

"And then— And then Namjoon-hyung walks in and sees us having sex!" Jeongguk whisper-yelled before giving out a loud groan. "Oh Jimin, it was so embarrassing!!"

The blond laughed loudly beside him, keeling over the cafeteria chair only to receive a harsh slap to his shoulder that nearly knocked him to the floor. "Ow—?! Rude!"

"It's not funny!" Jeongguk screeched, hands flying up to cover his rosy face. "Namjoon means so much to Tae, and-... and now he probably sees me as some whore.."

"What are you talking about," Jimin rolled his eyes and slapped a hand down to the table. "That guy's probably used to walking in on weirder shit. Besides, he's probably grateful to you."

Jeongguk slowly lowered his fingers, peeking at the other from behind his palm. "G-Grateful...? Why...?"

The blond shrugged and sipped from his drink innocently. "Y'know. For making Taehyung happy. That's just how it seems."

The younger's stare lingered on his best friend before he placed his hands to his lap and slumped in his seat.

"And, oh, that reminds me..." Jimin then continued. "I've got a project to do on the sex life of college students, so help me out here—" He lowered his coffee cup down and smirked at the other suggestively. "Is Taehyung really any good in bed?"

Jeongguk's pout faded, and he blinked back at the blond mindlessly. "W-Wha-... Well, um.." He looked down sheepishly. "Of course he is, he's-..."

"Oh yeah? And he's got a big dick right?" Jimin leaned in, spouting his bold question shamelessly.

Jeongguk's cheeks flushed redder. "Um... Y-Yes, it's—"

"How big?"

"Is this really for a project?" The boy's brows pushed together into a frown. "W-Why am I even answering these questions..."

Jimin leaned back into his seat and crossed his legs, moving to stir his coffee with a sigh. "Nah, it's not for a project or anything, I'm just bored and curious and you're a gullible baby."

Jeongguk scowled at his best friend and rose from his chair in an instant, then leaned down to grab his bag from the side. "I'm leaving now," he stuck his tongue out. "Have fun with your night class."

Jimin's mouth opened to whine for him to stay, but sulked once he saw it was indeed time for him to leave to his own studies. The two friends then parted ways, and Jeongguk soon made it out the cafeteria building, the cold breeze welcoming him to the outside world.

He pulled his jacket's collar closer to his neck, wished he would've bundled up a little better to fight the cold weather tonight, and as he proceeded down the gravel path over the empty campus grounds, he heard the sound of something falling promptly to the ground.

Jeongguk's eyes snapped towards the sound, watching as a bottle of water rolled over to his feet. He lowered himself down and picked it up, then watched as someone approached him with a wave of their hand in the air.

"Ah, sorry about that!"

He looked up at the sound of that familiar voice, and when he stood back up he was face-to-face with his ex lover once more.

"Oh-... Jeongguk," Seojun slowed down, coming to a stop in front of the boy. Jeongguk noticed how the male was hauling two bags with him, which he put down on the floor before bowing his head slightly. "Thanks."

"Ah, it's-.. no problem." He let out a small laugh and handed Seojun the bottle. "What's with all the stuff you're carrying?"

The man slipped his backpack to one shoulder and began to store the bottle away. "Oh, you know. A bunch of shit for a project that's due soon. I'm heading to the studio to work on it." He huffed, zipped the bag closed and gave the boy a meek smile. "Were you on your way home?"

"Oh, um.. Yes," Jeongguk gave a short nod. "Taehyung's picking me up at the gate."

"I see." Seojun hummed softly, then turned to look around them while a short silence fell. "So is-... Is he making you happy?"

The boy's big eyes blinked in slight surprise at the sudden question, and a helpless smile tugged at his lips at the mere thought of his current lover. "Very much so. He makes me the happiest I've ever been."

Seojun gave a slow nod and forced a smile back. "That's great, then. I'm glad." He lowered his head, let out a quiet sniffle from the cold, then gazed back at the boy. "If he wasn't being good to you then I'd have to kick his ass, you see."

Jeongguk snorted out a lowered giggle, a puff of his cold breath flushing in the breeze.

"That's if you even could. Taehyungie's very strong."

"S-So am I," Seojun huffed. "I've been working out, y'know!"

Jeongguk laughed again, louder this time. And Seojun watched the pretty grin on the boy's face, falling into focus at the mere sight. Jeongguk's giggles gradually faded, and without thinking twice the other man spoke up once more.

"It's so nice to see you smile like that again.." He said in a quiet voice. "It tells me that you really are doing okay." A short pause. "I'm glad."

Jeongguk looked up at him, cheeks remained rosy from the chilly air. He opened his mouth to say something in response, and then felt his phone rumble from his pocket. "Ah.." He mumbled, reached to pull the device out to see a message notification.

— ' look behind you :) '

Jeongguk turned around, looked into the distance where the campus space ended at the gate. Standing by the exit was Taehyung, who waved a hand at him. The boy smiled and waved back, then turned to Seojun and bowed his head.

"It seems like you're doing well, too. You look healthy." Jeongguk said, a sincere tone to his voice. "I'll see you around then, Seojun."

"Yeah," The man nodded, bowing once more. "I'll see you around, Gguk."

Jeongguk returned the nod, then turned back and excitedly jogged over towards the gate as fast as he could, finally reaching Taehyung's side. He reached to hold his boyfriend's arm and leaned toward his cheek, where he placed a light kiss.

"Thanks for picking me up, hyung." He spoke gently against his ear, then pulled back to see Taehyung still held his phone in his hands, and was typing something into it.

In a few seconds, his phone vibrated inside his pocket again, and Jeongguk dug for it to see his new message.

— ' it's no problem. you look cute today. '

Jeongguk giggled at the words, then turned to look at the older. "Dot? You fronted just to pick me up? I thought you didn't like being outside."

His phone buzzed.

— ' i still wanted to see you. '

The younger gave a boyish smile, then watched as Taehyung began to remove the muffler he wore, and instead reached to wrap it around Jeongguk's neck.

— ' was that your ex back there? seojun? '

Jeongguk looked down at his phone to read the message, then lifted his head toward the older.

"Yes, that was him." He hummed gently. "I used to be really anxious about seeing him around, or even thinking about having to talk to him... But, his presence isn't a big deal to me anymore. I think it's because I've already forgiven and forgotten. And I've moved on, found the true love of my life." His shoulder bumped lightly against Taehyung's. "Or should I say true loves? Plural?"

Taehyung gave a silent laugh, his lips stretching into a big grin.

— ' do we really make you happy? '

Jeongguk frowned at his phone, eyes rereading the man's newly sent message. "Of course you do!" He huffed teasingly, as though he were truly offended. "I wouldn't trade any of you for the world."

Taehyung's smile slowly faded, and he went into deep thought for a few seconds. Jeongguk watched him in silence while they walked down the isolated streets, then waited as the alter began to type out another message.

— ' jeongguk. '

— ' i'm really sorry we couldn't protect you. from that girl. '

The boy read the texts, then let a quiet breath leave him.

"I don't blame you guys for it, Dot.." He responded in a softened voice. "Besides, V saved me. You've all saved me, one way or another."

— ' still. you shouldn't have gone through that kind of experience. not someone like you.'

Jeongguk opened his mouth to say something, and then another text arrived on his screen.

— ' i know what it's like.'

The boy held his breath while he read the words. Words that rendered him speechless for a moment. His head fell blank, a short wave of confusion rushed into him while he processed them, and then a question settled at his tongue. One he didn't get to utter out loud once he felt Taehyung's hand grip quickly to his shoulder.

The man came to a full stop, and Jeongguk halted his steps beside him.

"Dot...?" He uttered softly, unsure why the male stopped walking just to hold on to him. He watched while Taehyung's unfocused eyes were locked on the ground, body seemingly shaking slightly.

And then, everything happened so fast.

In the span of only seconds, Taehyung's grip loosened on his phone and the device fell quickly to the ground. Following the small thud, the man's legs then gave out, hand slipping from Jeongguk's shoulder while Taehyung's entire body was the next thing to drop harshly to the concrete.

"Dot?!" Jeongguk screeched in sheer panic, knees dropping to the floor beside Taehyung's sudden unconscious body. "Dot?!" He cried again, shaking the man's body desperately, then he reached to push his bangs up to touch his forehead.

No fever. Nothing. What was going on?

He lowered a finger beneath Taehyung's nose, checking his respiratory. But he couldn't feel any air being pushed out.

What...?

Why wasn't he breathing?

A swirl of more panicked thoughts began to consume him while Jeongguk rushed to the caller on his phone to dial 119, tears quickly filling his eyes in confused fright.

He glanced down at Taehyung's face, where a light string of saliva foam began to froth from his mouth.

"119, what's your emergency?"

Jeongguk let out a frightened cry, tears now rushing frantically down his cheeks.

"P-Please-..." A helpless sniffle. "Please h-help..!"

✱