The bookstore felt even warmer after the sweet hot chocolate that Ms. Nam and Eunha had had together a while ago.

Eunha cut open the bundle of books, that had arrived in the recent shipment, with a tiny scissor. Putting down the scissors, she accidentally knocked over one of the books and it fell to the floor with a thud. In the silence of the day, the sound was louder than it should have been. Eunha carefully turned her head to glance back at Ms. Nam who had passed out shortly after drinking the hot chocolate. Eunha assumed that she must be tired and didn't wake her up even when she wanted to ask where she should put the newly arrived books. It was an exceptionally quiet day, she assumed, because there was snow on the roads and many people had avoided coming out of their homes.

Ms. Nam who seemed to be in deep sleep did not even notice the disturbance in the serene environment of the quiet bookstore. The entrance door opened with a soft swoosh and Jimin rushed inside. Eunha turned around to look at him and almost laughed. He was covered in so many layers of clothing that he resembled a stuffed fat teddy bear. Over a round neck and sweatshirt, he wore a skin sweater with a navy blue Parka jacket on top. A bright red scarf was wrapped around his neck and he wore matching red gloves that seemed to be a larger size than his hands.

"God, it's freezing outside." He muttered to himself as he pulled the hood off of his head, revealing his soft brown hair. As he proceeded to remove his gloves and scarf, his gentle eyes spotted Eunha and grew wider.

"Eunha!" Cheeks flushed, he beamed. 

"Hey," Eunha sent him a small wave as she put down the book she was holding.

"Are you okay? What happened yesterday?" Now he was rushing towards the Ombre-haired girl, his bag hanging from one of his shoulders. 

"I'm fine," Eunha reassured him. "Yesterday was kind of a crazy coincidence..." Eunha explained everything to Jimin and he patiently listened and nodded when she was done.

"I'm glad you got your money back," Jimin said as he dropped his bag in the nearest chair. He glanced at Ms. Nam who was dozing off with her head on the counter and turned his attention back to Eunha, seeming unbothered. Eunha had expected him to comment on it but he said nothing at all which made Eunha wonder if Ms. Nam always slept in the store at random times.

"I'm also glad that you're okay. If anything like that happens again, just tell me. My older brother is a police officer, he'll help you," Jimin told Eunha rather proudly. It felt nice to brag about one's siblings but Eunha felt bitter at the sense of pride in Jimin's voice because she couldn't relate to it. Her only sibling had walked out of her life long ago and the most recent text that she'd received from her was on last Christmas. Eunha had no idea when she'd hear from her again but she wasn't looking forward to it like she did before. It was clear to her that her sister did not care much about her life or how she was doing and Eunha had slowly taught herself not to care either.

She stared at Jimin for a moment before breaking into a smile. Having Taehyung as a friend, Eunha didn't feel comfortable knowing that Jimin's brother was a cop but she tried not to think too much about it. He wasn't going to be involved in her life anyway, or so she hoped.

"Did these arrive a while ago?" Jimin asked in a somewhat low voice as if he was partially talking to himself and partially expecting Eunha to answer.

"Yeah, I was wondering where to put them," Eunha said, casually tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Oh, no worries, I'll take care of them,"

"I'll help you," Eunha added when Jimin started picking up the books.

"No, it's fine, really," Jimin waved her off and continued.

"But I also work here now," Eunha pressed and Jimin paused to look at her as if he had just had an epiphany.

"Oh, right," He smiled lazily and scratched his head. Eunha smiled. Jimin was kind of an airhead. "Alright then, could you pick up this bundle and follow me please,"

Eunha nodded and did as she was asked. As she followed Jimin to some shelf at the far end of the bookstore, she cast a brief glance at Ms. Nam and noticed that she was frowning in her sleep. She wondered if she was having a bad dream.

"Aren't they a bit heavy?" Jimin asked as he turned his head to look at Eunha. He looked like he almost wanted to take the books from her.

"I've lifted heavier things." Eunha gave him a small smile as they stopped in front of the shelf and Jimin started picking up the books one by one from Eunha's hands and neatly placing them next to each other on the shelf.

"How was your day?" She asked Jimin, making small talk.

"At the university, you mean?"

"In general, and yeah that too," Eunha watched him fit a book in the space between two others.

"Pretty normal, same as always," Jimin responded absentmindedly.

"I see,"

"You know, they always show college life as exciting and full of drama in the movies but it's not like that in real life, it's quite simple and boring," Jimin whined, stopping for a moment to glance at Eunha.

"Real life is like that, isn't it?" Eunha agreed.

"Why are movies so fake?" Jimin pouted, picking up a book that had slipped out of his hand.

"Because they're movies, Jimin." Eunha laughed when Jimin pouted more. He sighed and muttered something along the lines of 'stupid life' as he placed the last book on the shelf then he turned and asked Eunha. "Where are the receipts for this order?"

"Oh, back at the table. I'll go get them," Eunha told him and strode to the table she had put the receipts on. Walking away, she saw Jimin turn to a mahogany vintage-looking bureau that was even farther back into the end of the bookstore with a decorative tree on one side and a small book stand on the other side. There was also a stool next to it. It looked like Jimin had built his own little workspace inside the store and Eunha thought that was cool of him.

With the receipts in hand, she was about to turn on her heels when she heard the entrance door slide open and turned to find a short man, almost about Jimin's height, making his way inside. The handsome man had dark hair, milky white skin, and was dressed in a full cop uniform. His round face was decorated with small delicate features. His chocolate eyes spotted Eunha and he paused.

"Hello. Welcome to The Villain's Den—" Eunha greeted him with a wide smile but the man cut her off.

"Did she hire someone new?" He asked but it didn't seem that he was asking Eunha as his eyes shifted to Ms. Nam behind the cash counter. Eunha thought she saw him heave a small sigh before shifting his gaze back to Eunha. She ignored the fact that he had cut off her polite welcome.

"Pardon? Yes, I recently started working here. I'm assuming you come here often,"

"Sometimes." He responded vaguely in his silvery voice then added. "Jimin's working holed up in that corner again, isn't he?"

"Jimin? Uh, yes..."

"Hey, Jimin, come out here!" Before Eunha could ask how he knew Jimin, the older man called out. She stood still for a moment in wonder until she heard Jimin's footsteps coming towards them.

"Yoongi hyung? What are you doing here?" Jimin appeared from behind a tall bookshelf with a pen clutched in his right hand. His head was slightly tilted to one side as he stared at the man with a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

"I was passing by so I thought I'd check up on you," The older male, Yoongi, answered. Jimin's eyes softened as he shifted his weight from one foot to another. "We're supposed to be going to uncle's in the evening, don't be late," He added.

"I won't be," Jimin rolled his eyes then noticed Eunha awkwardly standing there, questions lingering in her mind.

"Ah, this is my older brother that I was telling you about earlier," He told her as he pointed at Yoongi. "This is Lee Eunha, she's my new coworker." Then he pointed at Eunha and told Yoongi.

"Nice to meet you." Eunha simpered and Yoongi nodded considerately. Before any of them could say anything else, a sound caused them to turn their heads and glance at a disoriented Ms. Nam who had just woken up.

Yoongi waved.

~~~

There couldn't be a place that Taehyung hated and loved more than a club. He loved the music. He loved the drinks. He hated people.

Wild Stars was, just like its name, wild. It was packed with drunk dudes and dancing girls to the point where Taehyung and Jungkook couldn't avoid bumping into people to get through the crowd. Jungkook stuck close to Taehyung as they squeezed through and made their way towards the bar. Taehying sighed as he plopped down on an empty barstool, Jungkook taking his seat next to him. Even on such a chilly day, the club was loaded. It was the most absurd thing Jungkook had seen.

"I didn't know this many people liked clubbing," Jungkook snickered.

"Ugh, I hate physical contact with strangers," Taehyung complained to himself, brushing something invisible off of his blazer.

"What about me?" Jungkook asked, putting his hand over Taehyung's. Both of their hands were so cold that it felt like putting ice on ice. Taehyung looked at Jungkook like he was the stupidest person he'd ever seen.

"You're such a weirdo," He commented as he moved his hand away from Jungkook's. Jungkook squinted his eyes at him then let out a sigh.

"Hmm, you don't look too upset. Do you consider us friends now?" He said as he retreated his hand.

"Why are you so pushy? I told you we're never going to be friends," Taehyung blinked. He was scowling at Jungkook with the same annoyed look that he always gave him. Jungkook was convinced that was just his resting face.

"Hi there, handsome gentlemen, how may I help you?" A honeyed voice grabbed both of their attention. They averted their gaze to the young woman who had spoken. With her face caked in heavy makeup and dressed in a rather obscene outfit, she was leaning over the bar counter seductively. She flashed Taehyung a flirtatious smile and then repeated the same gesture for Jungkook.

"Tequila, please," Taehyung ordered, assuming that she was most likely the bartender.

"Same for me." Jungkook requested with a light nod. Taehyung sent him a glare as if he was unreasonably mad that Jungkook had ordered the same drink as him.

"Two Tequilas, okay. Would you like anything else, sexy?" The bartender insisted as she bit her lip and lowered her face to match Taehyung's face level. He stared back at her blankly.

"No," He spoke, sounding irritated this time. "just the drinks."

The woman's expression changed from flirtatious to a discontented one. Jungkook heard her mutter something like 'no fun' under her breath as she went away to get their drinks.

"Repulsive." Taehyung groaned.

"I thought you liked coming to places like this," Jungkook said, resting his elbows on the counter.

"I do, but just for the drinks and music, not that," Taehyung replied.

"That?" Jungkook questioned.

"Women," Taehyung rolled his eyes.

"Ah, not that type of guy, I see,"

"Are you?" He raised a questioning eyebrow at Jungkook.

"No. I've never even had a girlfriend." Jungkook shook his head sulkily.

"Never had a first kiss?"

He shook his head again with a sigh, his shoulders drooping.

"Oh—" Taehyung paused like an idea had struck him. "does that mean you're a virgin?"

"Excuse me?" Jungkook gaped at Taehyung, startled by the unexpected question. "In case you don't realize, that's an extremely personal question."

"You're a virgin, aren't you?" Taehyung insisted with a grin.

"Think whatever you want. I'm not telling you anything since you don't even consider me a friend." Jungkook huffed out. His cheeks had turned rosy.

"What a baby." Taehyung clicked his tongue.

"Have you had your first kiss?" Jungkook posed.

"Why should I tell you anything when you're not telling me?" Taehying smirked.

"Because I want to consider you a friend," Jungkook retorted and Taehyung's smirk dropped. He turned his head away, poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue.

"I have,"

"Was it love?" Jungkook inquired further.

"No, I just wanted to be rebellious and mess around," Taehyung answered honestly. "It wasn't worth it." He added with a lingering melancholy in his voice that held Jungkook back from saying anything.

They sat in the noisy silence between them for a few seconds before the bartender returned with their drinks and placed them on the counter in front of them.

"Here you go." She said unenthusiastically and went away immediately, without making another failed attempt at flirting. Jungkook and Taehyung had their drinks in silence, jamming to the music once in a while when a good song played. One drink turned into four and soon enough Jungkook had lost count of how many songs had been played so far, how many women had asked Taehyung to dance (he had refused all of them), and how many guys had he spotted kissing. He was starting to feel quite dizzy but he tried not to show it. Taehyung still looked completely sober.

"See that guy over there?" Taehyung spoke and Jungkook flinched at his voice as if he'd woken up from a dream.

"Where?" He asked, looking around lazily.

"There, in the right corner, on the couch next to the wall." Taehyung pointed out. Jungkook's gaze followed his finger and caught sight of a man in a glazed golden blazer who was laughing to himself on the couch.

"Mr. Gold blazer?" Jungkook asked and Taehyung nodded. "He looks dead drunk," Jungkook commented, feeling quite tipsy himself.

"Yes, but more importantly, he looks bloody rich."

Jungkook focussed on the man at Taehyung's words and noticed that he was drowning in designer brands. His attire and hair both suggested that he was the kind of man who could blow up cash in clubs as if it grew on trees.

"Mhm, are we going to steal from him?" Jungkook asked, eyeing the Rolex around the man's wrist.

"We?" Taehyung let out a hollow laugh. "I am going to steal from him. A 'we' never existed."

"Whatever." Jungkook rolled his eyes, too tired to argue. "But wouldn't it be easier to steal from a girl though? Like the bartender who was throwing herself at you earlier?" Jungkook suggested as he watched Taehyung finish his Tequila.

"I don't steal from women," Taehyung said.

"Why?"

"Why do you care? I just have my own boundaries and rules." He stated plainly.

"You're very complicated." Jungkook sniggered. "Sometimes it feels like you have a good heart, other times you act like utter garbage. If I had to pick between the two, it's hard to decide whether you're a hero or a villain," Jungkook continued to ramble on as Taehyung stood up from his seat and turned to him.

"Let me pick one for you then," Taehyung grinned. "I'm a villain." Then he was striding towards the man in the golden blazer with nothing but bad intentions.

____________________

A/N: If people keep testing my patience like they are right now, I'm about to enter my villain arc too.