╔═════ ∘◦ ✾ ◦∘ ══════╗

08
Emergency

╚═════ ∘◦ ❈ ◦∘ ══════╝

JISOO

January 10th

School has been canceled for the next week after the traumatizing events of yesterday. I fell asleep as soon as I came home, but luckily for Jin, I de-transformed this time. When I finally arise from slumber, it's well into the afternoon already. I text Jungkook that I'll see him later today before I have to go to the shelter to work, and proceed to get a meal ready.

Out of nowhere, a white light flashes in front of me, along with a puff of smoke. I flinch a bit, but relax when I find Jin smiling cheekily at me.

"Good mor--"

Before I can say anything, Jin pulls me into a bone-crushing hug with a series of squeals and starts jumping around. In my half-asleep state, I don't retaliate.

"You did amazing! Oh my gosh I was so worried but you handled it so well! It's like that wasn't even a challenge for you!" He finally pulls away with a wide smile.

My heart swells with pride. "Really?"

"Yes! You practically did all of that on your own too! The other holder has quite a bit to catch up on," He says, taking a seat at the table and casually grabbing an apple.

"He helped me a lot actually." I sit down too.

Jin gives me a knowing smirk, "I'm sure he did." I give him a weird look since he's chucking devilishly. "You know, when I'm in the bracelet, I can kinda feel what you're feeling."

It takes me a second to process his words, "Okay...?"

"I think you have a crush on him."

"You said what?!" My eyes bulge out of their sockets.

Jin chuckles again, "It's so freaking obvious you like him."

"Why would you say that?" I have no idea why but I'm panicking right now--which doesn't make sense because what Jin is saying cannot be true, right?

"I know when your heart races, when you get hurt, and when you feel happy. I can't know exactly what you're thinking, but I'm definitely good at making assumptions." He keeps grinning like there's no tomorrow and I huff in annoyance.

"That means nothing."

"Sure, whatever, I think you'll figure it out yourself anyways."

We talk for a bit longer, Jin reminding me that he'll be zapping my bracelet whenever there's trouble. Although the events of yesterday were anything short of terrifying, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Two girls and one guy were wounded.

I wasn't able to take a good look at them, but I saw them bleeding. Apparently they had each been shot in the shoulder, although no major organs were hit, luckily. They're both recovering at the hospital right now, and aren't expected to be back until a few months.

My throat goes dry when Jin and I find out about it through the TV news.

Could that have been prevented? Did I have the power to stop that?

Did people get hurt for no reason because I wasn't good enough?

"Don't mull over it," Jin commands, breaking my train of thoughts. "Whatever happens, know that you're never at fault. It's The Sender's fault for tainting them. And these criminals were especially bad, since they actually remember some of their time tainted."

A weight is lifted off my shoulders at his encouraging words.

"Remember, those who are truly evil won't forget about their actions, beca--"

"Because they were already really tempted to do it," I say for him. He nods in approval, and I flash a small smile.

He's right. Those criminals haven't claimed to have amnesia, so it's safe to say that they were already pretty evil.

Jin surprises me by reaching over the table and patting my head. It's a very motherly gesture and I find myself feeling nostalgic.

"This town is really lucky to have you. Imagine how many more people would've been hurt if you didn't show up. You're amazing."

I gulp, forcing myself to believe in his words and ignoring the pang of longing in my chest.

"Okay."

He smiles, making me feel like a five year old kid again. He reminds me of my family. My old family.

Speaking of family, my phone vibrates, and I check the screen to see Jungkook's contact.

"Hey, what's up--"

"Are you okay? I just saw what happened on the news! Why didn't you call me? Where are you--"

"Woah woah woah, calm down."

Jungkook's panicked voice on the other side of the line makes me chuckle, and I proceed to tell him that while I'm a bit shaken up, physically I'm A-Okay.

Jin left at some point, but I didn't realize because I was busy telling Jungkook about yesterday. He accepts the explanation, but only after a good ten minutes of me reassuring him.

"I'm glad that they got caught. Apparently two masked teenagers beat them up, isn't that crazy?"

I swallow my saliva, "Yeah! That's so crazy!"

"I know right! Those super-teens seem really cool, though. I wish I could thank them for saving your life."

Biting my lip in an attempt to fight laughter, I chuckle, "I wish I could thank them too."

For some reason, V's eye-smile from last night pops into my mind.

TAEHYUNG

January 15th

"Is your, uh diarrhea better?" I ask Jisoo in an attempt to fill the awkward silence as I lead her through my house.

After the... incident, the due date for the essay got pushed back. It's Sunday and our essay is due this Tuesday once school starts up again.

"My what?" She looks confused, "Uh, I mean, yes! It's much better now."

"That's good."

She trails behind me, seemingly intimidated by the size of my house as I lead her to my room where we'd be working.

We get our things ready and start working for a bit. It's mostly silent, because neither of us know what to talk about. The incident at school is out of the question for conversation topics, since it was traumatizing for a lot of us, myself included.

I'm pretty sure I've had a nightmare every night this past week.

"Taehyung, I have to ask you more questions. I have no idea what to write for this part," she groans, and I perk my head up.

"Okay, go ahead!" She's making conversation!

"So, is there a particular activity you feel passionate about? Like something you can do and it makes you feel at home no matter where you are?"

That question makes me want to throw up.

"No."

"No?" She echoes.

"Nothing. I don't have a passion for anything." I hope she doesn't sense how much I hate talking about this.

"Nothing? You seem like a passionate person, though." Jisoo takes her hands away from her laptop and gazes at me in curiosity.

"Like, hobby-wise, there's not much that I like to do."

Jisoo nods while furrowing her brows. She is much more expressive now than when I first talked to her.

"What about a career choice in the future? Any idea about that?"

I try not to groan at that. I have no idea what I want to do in the future.

"Nope." I pop the "p".

Jisoo still hasn't started typing again, so I sense that I probably haven't given her much to write about. Now she knows how I felt. I chuckle internally.

"Well," I say, "I guess you can just write that I want to become a surgeon or doctor or something."

"But that's not what you want, right?"

"Yeah but it'll give you something to write about, and it's probably what I'll end up doing anyways." I shrug my shoulders, "Hey, maybe we'll see each other in med school!"

If Jisoo and I went to the same university, maybe becoming a surgeon wouldn't be too bad.

"Why would you do something you don't want to do?" She frowns as she starts typing.

Many reasons. I don't usually talk about it, but Jisoo told me stuff she doesn't usually tell people about, so I might as well.

"My parents. They're quite persuasive. Being rich is one of their main goals in life, and becoming a doctor will ensure that for me." I stretch my arms in an effort to look less nervous talking about this than I am.

"Ah, I see. You have a brother too, right? Does he also want you to do that?"

I smile at her questioning. She remembered that I have a brother.

"Yep. Namjoon's a surgeon and he was the top in class in highschool, so I kind of have to live up to that."

Ew.

I hate talking about it. It makes me feel insecure and unmanly because I'm always compared to him. Now Jisoo knows about it.

Her eyes widen as she looks at me, "That's a lot of pressure."

Her sympathetic expression throws me off guard.

"But why don't you do something else? I don't think you can follow through with a demanding career like being a surgeon when you don't really have the passion for it."

Ah there it is, that bluntness of hers.

"You really think I'm not capable?" I joke, but she looks at me seriously.

"Yeah. You should find something that you really love instead of going with a decision that's made for you from other people."

Her words are strangely encouraging yet hurtful.

"B-but there's nothing else I have like, a passion for."

"So?" She rolls her eyes, "You're going to be a lot happier in life when you make decisions on your own, even if you regret them. It's better than having someone tell you what to do."

I blink a few times.

"Sure there are careers that may be better for people who have certain passions, but it's also okay if you don't have one."

It's like those were the words I've been wanting to hear all my life.

Her gaze returns to the laptop, "Your 'main goal' in life doesn't have to be to get rich or fulfill a passion. It's enough to be passionate about reaching happiness."

She continues typing casually as if she didn't just cause me to have an epiphany.

Jisoo is right.

I don't need to be passionate about anything in particular. I don't have to be trapped in someone else's dream, because I don't need to have a dream to be happy. I always felt like the only way to be successful in life was to have something, a goal, a talent, anything.

But that's not true. I just have to be happy.

"Anyways, I can't write that down in the essay, but I think I'll figure it out."

I stare at her typing figure. Her eyes are focused on the laptop screen, reflecting its light in a way that makes them seem mesmerizing. She's cutely biting on her pink lips in concentration.

"You good?"

"Huh?" I snap out of my trance and notice that she's giving me an odd look. "Yeah, just peachy!"

She scoffs at my overly bubbly response.

JISOO

"Jisoo, we have an emergency!" My boss, Mrs. Cho yells over the phone.

"What? What's wrong?"

Taehyung gives me a concerned look from across the table as I turn away to take the call.

"I have to pick up my daughter from school early because she broke her leg from playing soccer with the boys, and the other guy who was supposed to work today called out last minute!" She frantically explains, "We have no one looking after the animals!"

"Mrs. Cho calm down, it's gonna be okay. Do you need to go now?"

"Yes, I'm so sorry, I promise I'll make it up to you later."

"It's all good!" I love hanging out with the animals, so this is no problem for me, "I'll be there in fifteen."

"Thank you so much Jisoo. You should bring someone else to help you out. They're especially rowdy today."

I look at Taehyung and consider it. He looks like a puppy himself with his round, curious gaze. I don't think he's worked a day in his life.

"I'll be okay. See you in a bit!"

I end the call and start packing up my stuff.

"What was that all about?" Taehyung asks.

"I have to go to the animal shelter today because we're short on staff. I'll finish the essay tonight and send it to you. We still have a few days to finish it at least."

After packing all of my things, I stand up to leave in a bit of a rush.

"Wait!" Taehyung calls out, standing up as well, "Let me go with you! Didn't that lady say you should bring someone?"

"You heard that?"

He sheepishly giggles, "Just take me with you!"

I consider it. If I went by myself, I probably wouldn't be done until 8 or 9 tonight.

"Okay, fine. But don't complain about working."

"Yay!"

He looks like a child.

He hurriedly packs his things and gets ready while I wait at the front door. He emerges five minutes later wearing the most idiotic thing one could wear to an animal shelter.

Gucci shirt, Louis Vitton bag, and Chanel pants, or is it Gucci pants? I can't tell because I'm bad at recognizing brands.

"I'm ready!"

"Are you seriously going to wear--you know what, nevermind." He looks momentarily confused before breaking out into a grin again. "Let's just go," I say.

____

"I'm so glad you brought someone!" Mrs. Cho greets Taehyung and I with a warm hug. "I would talk to you guys more, but I really have to go."

"No worries!" I laugh, "Tell your daughter I said hi and to stay safe!"

"Will do!" Mrs. Cho grabs her bag and dashes out to see her 7 year old daughter.

"Wow, this place is really cozy." Taehyung comments, looking around the facility. "Where are the dogs?"

I scoff, "Of course you'd ask that first. The animals are in the hallway to your right. But first, we have to set up the lobby and do some check ups, then we have to clean. THEN we can play, okay?"

"Yes ma'am!" He salutes.

I'm curious for how long it'll take him to lose that energy. I think he'll last until he has to clean up the poop.

TAEHYUNG

I've been crouching down and scrubbing the floor of this bathing room for a good twenty minutes now, but the grime just won't come off. Jisoo is doing some organizing and check ups or whatever, but I get stuck with the dirty job, of course.

I took a peek inside the hallway with the animals earlier, and they're all so adorable! I just want to play with them.

"Taehyung! Are you done yet?" Jisoo appears at the door frame with her hair tied up in a high ponytail.

I gulp at the sight. I've never seen her with that hairstyle before.

"Yeah, just finishing up. What do you need me to do?" I ask casually.

She motions for me to follow her and we leave the humid bathing room.

For the next hour, Jisoo and I fed all of the animals. There were a good amount of dogs and cats that we had to go through and I had a blast helping them out.

There was one cat, Luna, who only had three legs. Jisoo told me that she's been here for like, two years now but no one has adopted her.

I made sure to give her extra food.

We worked in silence, aside from the barking and meowing of the animals, that is. I had to hold myself back from talking to all of the animals because I didn't want Jisoo to think I'm not manly or something.

I finish up my row of animals and turn to find Jisoo. I have to fight a grin from seeing her sporting that rare smile again.

She's looking at one of the dogs. It's definitely a younger one, and it's huddled at the back of its cage, seemingly cowering in fear.

"Hey Yeontan, you want a treat?" Her high-pitched voice reminds of the first time I spotted her with Dude. "It's really good."

The dog eyes the treat outstretched in her hand and slowly approaches. Jisoo's smile grows and her eyes light up when the dog takes the treat. She reaches out to pet the Pomeranian, and surprisingly, he doesn't back away.

"Good boy."

That fond expression of hers is getting less rare to see. I like that.

She stands up and notices me staring at her. With an awkward cough, we look away from each other.

"Taehyung..." Jisoo starts off quietly, "I don't know how to say this, but..."

My heart skips a beat. What is she talking about?

Oh my god. It can't be. There's no way.

Is she going to confess to me?

"Uhm, yes?" I choke out.

"It's totally okay if you don't want to, but..."

C'mon, just say it!

A moment of silence passes and I get redder by the second.

"Will you help me clean up their poop?"

.

"OH! HAHA! Yes! Of course I will help you pick up poop! That is exactly what I was expecting you to ask!"

"Really?" She looks pleasantly surprised and I nod as enthusiastically as I can to mask my nerves. "Oh thank goodness. I thought you'd want to keep those clothes clean."

I look down at my fancy attire and immediately regret my words, but it's too late now. Ugh, this is my favorite pair of Prada pants.

"No it's good! I can just buy a new pair if it gets dirty." I thought she'd laugh at that, but instead she rolls her eyes in annoyance.

Wrong move?

Wait, why am I even trying to get her to like me? What the fuck.

"Here." She hands me a pair of gloves, and puts some on herself. "I'll take the right, you take the left, okay? Just put the shit in the bag."

"Alright," I laugh, a little surprised at her language.

We start clearing the poop from the litter boxes, and I can't help but wince every time I inhale the stench of it. Jisoo looks unbothered and I try to match her expression.

One particularly large clump that was stuck to the bottom of a cage almost made me throw up.

I glare at the perpetrator, a small cat. Seriously? The litter box was right there? It helps that it's cute, because I feel my frustration dissipating when it meows. Still though, I struggle with the poop.  Jisoo notices and makes her way to me.

"So for ones like these, it helps to scrape it like this." She uses the side of her hands to slide against the poop, and it all comes off. "It's a little gross, but you'll get used to it."

She chuckles to my surprise, and walks away with light laughter as if she's having fun seeing me struggle.

I mean, ever since I was born, I'd never done a single chore in my life. Even now, a maid comes in every week to clean the house and do my laundry.

But as I watch Jisoo walk around with a bag of literal shit, a sudden realization hits me.

I think she's cute even though her hands are smeared with dong. I want to see her laugh even though I'll likely get ignored every time I try to tease her.  I want her to like me.

The three-legged cat, Luna, meows in pleasure when Jisoo walks by, petting her with her less dirty hand.

She smiles again.

When she really adores something, her eyes light up and she gets too lost in admiration to notice that her 'tough girl' facade has broken. Those expressions are precious, even though I've only seen it a few times.

The feeling in my stomach is hard to describe. It's like I'm falling off a cliff but in the best way possible.

This is an emergency.

I'm fucking screwed.

Author's Note:

Sorry about switching POVs so much in this chapter! The first half of it was originally part of the other chapter so I had a hard time changing the format haha.

HUGEE shoutout to ssoolhi and enigmatickpopper_ for always showering me with kindness! Y'all have no idea how much you inspire me to write 😭 so here is an extra chapter before I get busy w/ school.

Thank you for reading!!!

<3 lalalalala7fire