Namjoon's P. O. V.

"Colonel you're allowed to leave" a young Private let the door open and almost instantly we rushed out to see a lot of commotion in the hallway as a hoard of soldiers busied themselves to follow their respective duties.

The Major who had fled from the regretful scene at the dockyard a year ago had finally been captured.

The escapee was dragged out of the elevator while a dozen armed soldiers encircled him, the very cadets who had saluted him once now believed that he deserved such treatment. It was a gruesome sight to watch a battered and bloody Taehyung in handcuffs but it was the man who had his strong grip on the Major brewed liquid rage in my blood.

Jin-Young's eyes momentarily flitted over Jackson and me as he passed by. I heard him report to the officials how the Major had resisted the request to quietly accompany them back to the headquarters under the General's orders and had even attempted to flee which was the reason why he had to resort to violent measures. I watched Taehyung throw him a silent glare and realized how shrewdly Jin-Young was playing this.

There's no doubt that it was Jin-Young who had survived the disastrous mission and had given the information to the General which could convict the Major. It was he who had relayed classified information to Axel, the mole who had brought down the team.

And if you ask me, I think it was not his brain which devised it all, I believe he is a mere pawn in the hands of someone who is used to playing big; a master puppeteer who revels in power and enjoys such cynical games.

Tension was slowly churning inside my head when a composed Yoongi walked out of the room in his crisp suit, a briefcase in hand and his eyes set on mine to silently assert that he was ready for the days' feat.

"There you go" a fussing Hoseok finally exhaled as he finished priming up Seokjin.

I know I might be risking it too much in putting an untrained, obviously-unaware and totally-not-ready-to-face-guns-at-his-head boy in the midst of such difficult stuff but I have no other choice but to trust his innocent zeal to rescue and protect, and Taehyung's instincts.

If things go well then they will get each other safely out of there, and if things go wrong...well, maybe it's finally time to check if prayers actually work.

"We're here" I said killing the engine as we reached the familiar parking lot at the basement and checked the two in the passenger seat "ready?" I saw Seokjin exhale loudly "I guess so" he said trying trying to gulp down his anxiety as his jittery gaze fluttered about.

A short nod was all I received from the doctor before we stepped out of the car.

From the corner of my eye I checked Jungkook drive in the black SUV and halt near the south-side exit of the building, gesturing me an 'all set' but worry still teeming in his eyes as he glanced over Seokjin one last time.

The kid is yet to learn that emotions in our line of work is a serious drawback, although it takes time to learn to be cold and one often loses the trait when out of practice. An image of a happy giggling Jimin flashed and I could feel needles all over my skin mocking me for that little cozy corner I had unknowingly reserved for the fluffball.

Yes, I have been out of practice.

Focus Namjoon, focus. I shook away the image to get back my head at the work at hand and led the two to the elevator.

"Dr. Min is here to check and tend to the Major" I asserted to the Privates at the mouth of the hallway. They gave me a pointed look but decided to show us the way, I followed with decided strides as a smirk slowly crept up...well folks, here we go.

Taehyung's P. O. V.

Six hours.

I have been on the same chair for six whole hours repeating the same sentence to every one of their questions over and over again "I do not have the document".

The room was one that you would usually see witnesses being inquired in, a one-way glass on a wall, a table in the middle with one chair for the witness and another for the enquirer.

Thankfully the handcuffs were off, I have not been declared a criminal yet so they cannot treat me like one.

"We have evidence Major, don't try playing innocent" the official jibed. I know I shouldn't have but I chuckled at that. "You think we're playing a game here" I could tell they are reaching their limits of aggravation "try being this smart and cheeky when you get declared as the criminal you are and they stamp that life sentence on you".

That little black dot of fright I had been forcing down gathered to form a lump at my throat.

They cannot do that.

How did this get so worse?

Namjoon always told we'd have to explain ourselves but this is...

I watch the two men in the sealed room, their attitude stiff, expression close to a snarl and agitation sky high; this is not them being authoritarian, I can see their anger and frustration.

My gaze falls on the man standing wordlessly near the door, his face calm and smug, still staring at me like he has been since the moment the officials began with their questioning.

Still waiting, expectantly.

We were in a car again after we left the company of Sunmi, most probably heading for the headquarters this time since Jin-Young had changed into his Privates' uniform.

The restraints are still on me and now they also have a bag covering my head. "Just so you know the offer she made stays till the trial is declared. Can't help you once the court martial steps in." Jin-Young's voice stiffly informed, it's odd how absolutely unaffected he is to be sitting right here with me.

I could tell the car took a right turn "It's funny isn't it Taehyung" he sounded amused "your very smart head came back to bite at you" I wanted to knock off that snigger when he spoke again "there are some things you just cannot outrun" he spoke into my ear "I hope you use that smart head for the better this time, since you know, a mistake made a second time becomes a choice".

A tune filled the silence and he replied into the phone "yes General Lee, I have the Major with me. We will arrive within the hour."

The short reply ensured my fear, maybe Sunmi was right, maybe General Lee was really going to put me in a secluded cell for the rest of my life.

This cannot happen...I still haven't avenged their deaths! I need to make Axel pay, they need to pay for what they did!

I felt my palpitation rise and the bag over my head felt suffocating "Hmmrrgh...urrgh..." I beat my head side to side trying to gesture Jin-Young to take it off.

"Easy tiger easy" his voice came out mocking me "don't want you to snap that head off! Wanna say something? Change of plans is it?"

The bag came off thankfully and as my vision settled from the blur he pulled the gag down to my chin to let me talk.

"Why are you doing this, you're a soldier" I couldn't stop myself from throwing the questions right at him. "They're terrorists Jin-Young, the-" "and powerful and rich and dangerous" he replied in a straight voice.

"You did all the right things right Taehyung? Then why are you suffering? Why did you flee from being the team leader and taking responsibility?"

I was stunned to silence at his words.

"I'd rather protect the people I love  and myself than make stupid attempts to play the hero" this is not the Jin-Young I knew "you must have learned by now that they're not someone you fight against" he looked away as his voice trailed off.

"What did they do to you?" I don't know why I am asking this but it feels like he has been through something as well. The car moved in silence for awhile, I saw lights zapping past us as we sped through the highway.

"They know how to break you until you have nothing left to lose" a soft sigh left his lips and I realized what he was talking about "they threatened you didn't they?"

"There was no other way to protect them, and I don't care what anyone feels but I'd trade everything just to keep my family safe".

A sudden pang of guilt racked through me as I remembered how my stupid and hardheaded zeal had taken the lives of so many people I had held dearly to my heart, I remembered Joohyuk's dying touch, Minho's thoughtful warnings, Young-Jae's constant support, BamBam's lively faith and my mother's last whisper to be brave. One would think I had nothing left to lose.

Seokjin...

I tried to gulp down the uneasiness as the image of him being dearly guarded by an over-protective Jungkook flashed through my head. But I was glad that he was being kept safe, safely hidden away from all that he did not need to witness.

I'd have preferred if it had been me protecting him but it's ok, he is safe and that's all that matters.

I tried consoling the irritation that had gripped at my chest. He is safe, they can keep him safe and protected.

The door opened suddenly to bring me out of my reverie and an official appeared "take a break you all. Major Kim follow me."

This would be a really good opportunity to ease off the cramps from prolonged sitting but the several hits I had received earlier made it difficult. I limped behind the Private who led me to one of the conference rooms and I sighed assuming another boring session of interrogation.

I was a bit glad when I caught sight of Namjoon when the door opened but confusion weaved its way in when I saw Yoongi by his side. "Dr. Min will be attending to your wounds" but before I could acknowledge the news my eyes fell on the figure behind Namjoon and panic shot through me.

An impeccably adorable face stared at me, his now spectacled eyes brimming with worry and affection, and it took every ounce of restraint in me to not rush and embrace him when he pulled his lower lip in between his teeth.

My panic-stricken gaze shifted from him to Namjoon.

What is he doing here? Why in the world would you let him come here? Why would you put him in the middle of all this? Why him?

Seokjin suddenly walked up to me and grabbed my arm " You need to relax and sit down. Dr. Min will check your wounds" he said as I let him lead me to one of the chairs. I stared up at him as I took my seat, his soft brown hair was now blonde and I can see he is avoiding my eyes.

The next fifteen minutes were him following Yoongi's instructions as he cleaned the cuts on my face.

"Are you in pain?" His soft voice near my ear soothed the sting of those antiseptics as he dabbed the cotton ball on the wound on my head.

"No" I replied, why are you here Seokjin? What have you put yourself into? I was desperate to ask but remembered the surveillance camera looming over us.

"This is going to sting" he said before putting another drenched cotton ball to the cut that ran over the right side of my lips. I shuddered and pressed my eyes close, damn! It stings bad!

I instinctively grabbed at his hand "relax, I'm sorry" and something swelled within me as I saw his eyelashes get moist.

Why must you care for me? Why do you look so hurt?

"Well, this should do" Yoongi said getting rid of his gloves while Seokjin got busy in gathering and cleaning those. I was glad that except the head wound none other needed stitches.

"Put on the bandaids and pain-relievers before you leave, I need to speak to the Officer-in-Charge here" he straightened his suit and headed out of the room leaving Seokjin alone with me.

They must have planned something. I watched Seokjin fiddle with the stuff in the briefcase Yoongi had left behind and my eyes glued to the varied medicine bottles and syringes set in an array.

He carefully placed butterfly bandaids on the open gashes while his eyes constantly flickered to look in to mine. I was trying to read him but his jitters got in the way.

"Please remove your shirt" I cocked an eyebrow at him questioningly "for the pain relief patches" he explained in a rush.

"Of course" I said and saw him pull his eyes away as he tried to get busy fiddling around the briefcase once again. "I'd appreciate your help" my request made him stiffen instantly.

It's amusing to see him on edge like this, I know he must be under immense pressure with whatever they have put on him.

"You see I'm in way too much pain to move my arms" I could see him grit his teeth, thankfully my back was facing the camera because I failed to keep my smirk in check.

"I understand" he voiced through his clenched jaw and dragged a chair to sit in front of me. I must have stood up abruptly since he flinched and stared at me wide eyed "it'll be easier to take my jacket off this way".

He moved behind me to pull it off and came back to face me. His hands came back to grab at the hem of my t-shirt, and  although our situation right now is a bit too tight I felt a tingle of excitement course through me.

He slowly pulled the t-shirt off as I tried to trace even the tiniest change on his face, and yet again he was avoiding my eyes. I felt goosebumps flare all over my skin as his cold fingers crawled over my bare chest.

"Take your time, the patches can wait" I teased to see his eyes drag over my naked torso to finally meet mine.

Do not look at me like that or you're gonna be in trouble.

He softly pressed his palms on my shoulders to hint me to take my seat.

Why are you trying so hard to look away Seokjin, I have seen how you look at me.  My eyes spoke to him and I was amused to see him stare back boldly this time his eyes screaming, Sue me if you want to!

"Arrgh" I groaned as he pressed at my wounded ribs, playfully trying to curb my insolence. I grabbed at his hand but his playfulness suddenly evaporated away as his fingers scribbled at my chest, swift but sure.

Can you run?

I stared at him surprised but gave him a short nod.

Then be prepared, you'll need to run.

My hand tightened on his wrist in warning, this is dangerous no matter how cautiously Namjoon must have planned it.

You know the south-side exit?

I gave him a nod again as he peeled the patch and placed it on my bruised left side.

We are going to head for that.

I let go of his wrist and placed my hand on his thigh , he flinched in response as my fingers scribbled over his wool trousers.

What about the cctvs? There are two Privates at the door and must be a few more in the hallway. How do we get past those?

He gulped peeling another pain relief patch and leaned closer to me.

Cameras will be taken care of. We'll use the five minute window of shift change.

I smiled seeing him so fluent in this, he really has come a long way from being that meek bullied boy I once tried to protect.

In six seconds the cameras will be down, and its two minutes till the guards will be gone for a break. There are clothes and stuff in the briefcase. 

...five...four...

You sure about this?  I stared at him, if we get caught we're both doomed.

...three...two...

There's no way I'm leaving you here.

...one

I pressed my lips on his, his hands lingered over my bare chest and blew my sensations through the roof. His tongue licked on the wound on my lips and the sting was an addition to the wave of excitement flooding through my veins.

I needed this, doesn't matter if I make it out or not, I needed this! 

His hands pushed at my chest to break away "you need to get dressed" he panted out. I grabbed his head to pull him back and pressed my mouth on his again, reveling in his taste as he let me explore his mouth, loving the feel of his plump bottom lip in between my teeth.

"We're losing time" he jerked away and got up, "here, change". I looked at the suit "I'd really appreciate your help, you see I'm in way too much pain to move my arms" I gestured to my jeans and grinned. He instantly rewarded me with a smack upside the head.

The hallway was clear as we stepped out of the conference room and hurried for the stairs. We are on the fourth floor and the elevator is out of our options and the only other way to reach the parking lot would be through the stairs. I could tell Seokjin had been made to memorize the map of the building intricately.

I am in a Privates' garb right now with a mask to cover away the wounds on my face, disguised to attend the assistant Dr. Min had brought along to treat the Major who has been detained.

A couple corners down the long passage we had to halt and hide away from two gleefully gossiping officials who strolled around with coffee in hand. As soon as the coast was clear we scrammed again, had to slow our pace again as we crossed the conference rooms where people were busy in their own debates and decision making.

We were only a few metres away from the stairway when I noticed through the glass doors a group of Privates heading towards us, it wouldn't have mattered since we're both in our disguises but one face among them made me skeptical.

I grabbed at Seokjin's arm and swiftly pulled him into a room to my left. Thankfully it looked empty and we can stay here till they pass us by, better safe than sorry.

"Do you think they saw us?" Seokjin asked huffing, I can tell he's really close to panicking. "No I'm sure they didn't" taking my mask off I assured trying to help him calm down "slow steady breaths". His eyes twinkled in the yellow light and I smiled to ensure things are going well, we will succeed.

"What the hell?!" A voice startled us and we snapped our heads in that direction. "You're the fugitive! You're the doctor!" A young janitor yelled at us. "What are you doing here?!"

"Please, calm down...it's not what you think" Seokjin mewled putting his hands up in submission. "You're trying to run!" The boy yelled again, and I realized we needed to escape asap!

I yanked open the the door and ran towards the stairs dragging Seokjin along.

"They're escaping! Stopp!"

I heard the boy yelling at our back, I pushed Seokjin through the door and grabbed a glimpse of the group of Privates rushing towards us but didn't realize that the familiar face among them had a gun aiming at me and before I could move away Jin-Young fired a bullet right at my wounded ribs.

I stumbled through the door after a moment, the pain blurred my vision and I could feel Seokjin's hands cupping my face and checking for the bullet wound.

"I'm fine" I croaked out "go go go".  He pulled my body to support on his and we rushed down the stairs.

The pain was awful but thankfully the suit Seokjin brought came along with a bulletproof vest. We had made a couple floors down the stairway when the electronic locks on the doors jammed and more bullets came flying. I was sure they must have blocked the exit by now and therefore we had only one other option.

I took charge and dragged the two of us to the door to the first floor, Seokjin followed the cue to rummage through the briefcase to find us little device and jabbed it to the locks' side and almost immediately it opened.

He hurried to lead to the fire exit. I am aware this is a dangerous move, the fall can break our bones. Yes plural, but this is the only option left.

Around another corner and the big window came into view.

It's ok...We will make it...almost done...

The little voice in my head assured constantly as we got busy to do away with the breakable glass.

A bullet grazed through my arm but my panic heightened when the next bullet lodged in Seokjin's leg and his agonized scream put me in livid frenzy. I glared at the man edging closer with his gun still aiming at us "It's over Taehyung, stand down".

Seokjin's pained whimpers echoed through my head and I forced my hand through the glass to get shot at my back right away. The shrill fire alarm resonated to open up all the doors and windows while several other footsteps trudged into the hallway.

I kicked open the briefcase and grabbed the IV tube just when a Private threw punches at me, wrapping it tightly around his neck. Used him as leverage as I kicked down two more and turned around to hit another when a taser was thrust into my neck to throw me down.

I writhed in pain as the shock lashed in waves through my body and watched a terrified Seokjin hover over me.

"Adrenaline shot" I whispered to him through gritted teeth and saw him drag the briefcase close. I pulled myself up from the wooziness to get cornered and kicked at, struggling to keep them away. From the corner of my eye I saw Seokjin drag himself near.

"Hmrgh" I tried to muffle the groan as I felt the sharp sting of the needle at my thigh but before I could react a Private lunged at the wounded boy at the floor. More hands came to restrict me and my frustration reached its limit.

"Leave him alone!!" I roared and threw off the soldiers trying to cuff my hands. The drug kicked in and I suddenly felt myself dilate, my senses sharpened acutely and I felt invincible.

There o'clock--Right Uppercut--duck.

Seven o'clock--Left Hook to the body--turn.

Eleven o'clock--Knee strike to the solar plexus--turn...no hit some more, asshole went for Seokjin!

Side whip kick for the snooping racoon at five o'clock.

My heart boomed in my ears, every thump rousing my strength and courage some more. I cradled Seokjin into my arms uncaring of the loud warnings to 'halt' and 'freeze', my eyes keenly raking over his damp eyes and quivering lips. He is in pain, he should not be here and the need to protect him was all my brain could process for now.

I jumped out of the window and bullets followed behind. 

[A/N] sorry for the huge chapter 😪

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