Were Dripping In It

We’re Dripping In It

Chapter 8: Awake

The car rolls to a stop after it’s climbed up a gravel road, the door opens to reveal a large mansion standing in front of a sunset sky littered with mountain peaks.

Namjoon keeps Jungkook in his arms as he exits the vehicle, taking long strides into the house. Jungkook glances around at the marble flooring and empty halls until Namjoon pulls a door open for them. The room looks like a private study with a large mahogany desk in front of a large window, bookshelves around the walls, and a small living room set up in the center of the room.

Namjoon doesn’t say a word to Jungkook as he sits him down on his couch. He walks over to a tall cabinet and pulls out a small medical box before kneeling down in front of him.

He places the box on the coffee table and pulls out a small bottle of ointment. Gently he takes Jungkook’s hands into his and spreads the ointment over the darkening rope marks on his wrists. He then takes Jungkook’s chin in his hand and tilts his head to the side before putting a bit of the cool liquid onto his cheek.

“That should help keep them from bruising too badly,” Namjoon murmurs as he places the ointment back into the box. He sits down on the couch next to Jungkook, keeping a respectable distance between them.

Jungkook takes a deep breath as he wipes the stray tears that had escaped against his will. Namjoon wordlessly hands him a tissue and waits patiently for him to gather himself.

“I’m not exactly sure where to start,” Jungkook murmurs with a dry chuckle, wiping his face before peering over at Namjoon.

Namjoon nods in understanding, “It’s not the easiest thing to explain either, but I promise to be honest about it.”

Jungkook nodded, sniffing a bit before plowing through his hesitations to ask the most burning question, “Who are you?”

“My name is Kim Namjoon, son of Kim Gong-Yoo the Goblin of Ilsan. I am the Leader of the Bulletproof Company, the Rap Monster of Ilsan and the RM of Seoul.” He answers in a commanding tone, it speaks to the power those titles hold even if Jungkook doesn’t understand them.

“And what exactly does that mean?” Jungkook asks, scrunching his brow in confusion.

Namjoon pursed his lips in thought, “The easiest way to explain it, is that I control the company that was started by my forefathers. And that company runs the underground crime network of Seoul, as well as other provinces around South Korea. There is nothing that goes on in the city that we don’t know about. Any imports of goods in and out has to be approved by us. Any company activity is heavily monitored and regulated. We are currently in the process of gaining full control of the drug cartels that run through the cities unregulated.”

Jungkook blinked, “So you basically run the asian mafia.”

Namjoon barks up a laugh, “I suppose that’s one way to put it, yes. Some of my men might see that as childish to call us a mafia but it's close enough to the truth.”

“This doesn’t seem to be a recent thing, you said your forefathers have been in this?” He asks, trying to put the pieces of this hidden empire together.

Namjoon nodded, “The company is old, has been around for centuries, probably since the creation of Korea itself, but my company has only had absolute power for the last eight years. Currently, there is no one more powerful within South Korea than me.”

“Do you control the government? The police?” Jungkook can’t help the shocked face he makes when Namjoon shakes his head.

“There’s more to power than just controlling what people can and can’t do Jungkook-ah,” he explains with a gentle laugh. “Korea cannot run without its supplies, no matter how much the government or police try to govern their people. If they have no food, no water, no clothes, they have nothing. We don’t need to control their every movement, or their laws, we just need to control what keeps them alive, what keeps them happy. I’ve worked long and hard to get us to this point. I’m proud to say that we’re at our most peaceful time in years. The company wars for territory and supplies have been near bloodless for the last two years. Words will always speak louder than broken bones. Even if you do have to get your hands dirty from time to time.”

Jungkook glances down at Namjoon’s hands, they flex slightly under his gaze, “That day in the alleyway, who was that man that you were… getting your hands dirty on?”

“Ah,” Namjoon ducks his head sheepishly. “That was the mole we had in the Stray Kids Gang. His name is Han and he wasn’t listening to orders. While my company has become the big fish in the ocean of Seoul we still have some small fry that will shake the waters. The Stray Kids Gang is one of them. He just needed to be reminded who he owed loyalty to.”

“Do you often do that yourself? Isn’t that dangerous?” Jungkook protests with a worried look.

“He was a special case,” Namjoon explained with a reassuring smile. “I trained the boy myself and set him on the mission personally, so I was more than a little disappointed with how he was behaving. The only way to get my message truly across, was to go myself.”

Jungkook nodded in understanding.

“Besides,” he added with a smirk. “If I hadn’t been there that morning, I wouldn’t have met you.”

“I suppose not,” Jungkook agreed, smiling slightly.

“Your reaction that morning, I still can’t quite understand it. I can’t even understand how you are still calm with everything I’ve told you.” He continues looking at Jungkook with a bit of awe in his eyes.

“Ah,” Jungkook rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, “That might be because all of this isn’t quite a shock to me.”

Namjoon leans back against the couch and eyes him in interest, “Is that so?”

“Hmm, my father… his name was Jeon Jang Hyuk,” he pauses at Namjoon’s wide eyes and nods his head. “I see that you’ve heard of him, he wasn’t really around when I was growing up. He died when I was young, but he left me a journal when I turned sixteen. He never went into heavy detail about his missions or any names, but I could gather from it that he was a part of something big. And whatever it was had gotten him killed. The end of the journal detailed all the plans he had for me and my brother when he retired.”

Namjoon ran a nervous hand through his hair and took a shaky breath, “I didn’t know Jang-ssi had left a journal to his youngest son, or that he even had one. I only knew of your brother, Seokjin.”

“You know my brother? You knew my father?” Jungkook whispers in shock.

“I worked with both of them,” Namjoon says shortly, but then sighs to himself. “I promised to be honest with you, but I am not sure how you’re going to take what I’m about to tell you.”

Jungkook reaches forward and takes one of Namjoon’s hands in his, waiting for the man to meet his eyes. “Namjoon, please just be honest with me. How did you know my father?”

Namjoon stares at him for a moment then squeezes his hand before releasing it, “Your father was my father’s Second in Command and my mentor. He was set to retire at the same time as my father, but he wanted to oversee one last mission. My first mission as Leader of the company. It was on that mission that he lost his life, a member from a rival company we were negotiating with wasn’t happy with our demands and pulled a gun on us. He moved before anyone could react and shot your father right in front of me. It was the first innocent blood that was spilt on my watch, under my command, and I completely blame myself for his loss.”

Jungkook has no words and Namjoon can’t look him in the eye, so they sit in tense silence as the minutes tick by.

“My brother…?” Jungkook murmurs in question.

“When Seokjin learned of your father’s death he wanted revenge, he spent months training under my hand until we were able to bring the man who killed him to justice. The company that he was a part of was brought to ashes for his disgrace. They were the leading company in Seoul and our war with them brought new territory to us. When Seokjin finished his revenge he disappeared. But we heard whispers that he was working with other rival companies of ours from time to time.” Namjoon explained slowly, watching Jungkook with hesitant eyes.

Jungkook gives one swift nod as he takes in this information. He leans back against the couch until his head sits on the arm rest, stretches his legs out and places them on Namjoon’s lap. He crosses his arms over his chest as he thinks.

“Brother was in the mafia. Father was in the mafia. Was my mother involved as well?” Namjoon is quick to shake his head and Jungkook allows himself a sigh of relief. “At least I don’t have more family members lying to me. Do you think my mother knew anything about what my father did?”

“I didn’t even know he was married until Seokjin showed up at my door, demanding revenge for his father’s death.” Namjoon answers with a shrug.

“How did he find out then? If my father kept his life here a secret even from them?” Again all Namjoon could do was shrug and give a face of ‘your guess is as good as mine’.

“Your brother wasn’t exactly forthcoming on how he came to find us. Your father could have left a journal to him on his deathbed for all we know.” He mused aloud, allowing his hands to rest on Jungkook’s ankles when he made no move to remove them from his lap.

“That sounds like Jin-hyung, he likes to keep his cards close to his chest.” Jungkook mutters bitterly. “Did he blame you for our father’s death?”

Namjoon nodded, “When I told him the full story when he first came to us, he did. He made training and working with him very difficult in the beginning. His last words to me before he disappeared was that he’d never forgive me for what happened to his father. That he would always blame me for his death.”

“I don’t. I don’t blame you Namjoon. I don’t think my father’s death lies squarely on your shoulders.” Jungkook says after a minute, making Namjoon blink at him in shock.

“But I… I led the mission, I was the one in charge of ensuring our safe passage to and from the mission. And I failed. He died on my watch. He died… he died because he jumped in front of me… that gun was aimed at me and your father jumped in front of it.” Namjoon admitted hoarsely, swallowing harshly at the memory.

“Did you make him jump in front of that bullet?” Namjoon shakes his head. “Did you ignore his son when he asked for revenge?” He shakes his head again. “Did you already have plans of taking revenge before Jin-hyung showed up at your front door?”

“I had already started a war with the company before Seokjin arrived, no one left that warehouse alive that day. Apart from the man that killed your father, he slipped out before the carnage started.” Namjoon said, his expression clouding with anger at the memory.

“Then I don’t blame you Namjoon,” Jungkook said softly, making the man raise his eyes to him. “My father must have known the risks when he went on that mission. He must have thought there was a good reason for him to be there. He also made the choice to jump in front of that bullet. I don’t think he would have if he thought you weren’t worth the sacrifice. He must have seen what I do, you’re a good man Namjoon. I know he died without any regrets for dying for you.”

“You… you can’t know that for sure…” Namjoon whispers hoarsely, a stray tear falling down his face.

Jungkook sat up abruptly and moved himself to straddle Namjoon’s lap, taking the man’s face in his hands. “You are, you are a good man Namjoon. You’ve been showing me that since the day I met you and you put your jacket on some poor college student that was late to class. I do know that my father didn’t regret what he did, because he mentioned you in the journal he left me. Not by name,” Jungkook cut in as Namjoon opened his mouth to ask.

“He only mentioned the son of his boss that he was training. He always spoke about how kind you were. How, even in the anger of youth, you never took it out on people that had done nothing to you. He saw a great leader in you and felt privileged to be the one that helped build you into the man you are today. So no, I don’t believe he regretted dying for you, even if he was leaving my brother, my mother, and me behind.”

Namjoon sniffed and tilted his head back trying to stop the tears from flowing, but Jungkook pulled his head down to his shoulder and hugged him tightly as the sobs began to shake him. He held the man that led an empire but now cried over the loss of a man who had trained him, loved him, and died for him. Jungkook shed a few tears for the father he never knew but also sent a word of thanks to him for saving the man that was now held in his arms.

If you can’t think of anything to say about a fic, writers also like to know:

- what time it is

- how long you’ve been reading

- how many chapters you’ve covered in the last 24 hours

- what you were late for because you were reading

- the woeful few hours you have left to sleep

- the emotional outbreaks you’re experiencing

- the inappropriate place you’re having said outbreak

- the general public’s reaction to your outbreak

- how much phone battery you have left

We’re Dripping In It

Chapter 3: Your Eyes Tell

Jungkook groans as he returns to the waking world, burying his head onto his pillow to block the sunlight. He shuffles a bit to get further into the blanket, making a noise of confusion when he feels a soft t-shirt brush against his skin. He blinks as he looks down to see a dark black band-tee instead of the low cut white one and he can feel his bare legs brushing against the sheets. One of his hyungs must have gotten out of his stage clothes after he fell asleep.

He groans in embarrassment at the memory of Namjoon carrying him to bed, smacking his forehead and muttering ‘I’m such an idiot’ under his breath. He should have known better than to drink alcohol straight after a performance, it always made him sleepy.

Sunlight pours out of the window, eliminating the room in a warm glow as he sits up running a hand through his ruffled hair. Smacking his lips he looks around and spots two notes sitting on the bed side table. Scrunching his brow he picks up the first note.

Kookie!

You did so great last night! So proud of you! Yoongles and I just headed out for some grocery shopping. Help yourself to any food in the fridge. Please stay over for dinner too! Hobi-hyung and Jiminie will be joining us tonight as well.

Love,

Tae

Jungkook chuckled at Taehyung’s rushed note, full of the man’s excited personality. He set the note down and picked up the second one, he was instantly more alert to the address written inside.

Little one,

Truly still very amazed by your performance last night. Your hyungs were very proud of you and I am as well. I hope we can see more of each other.

XXX call or text me at any time, I’ll always have time for you.

Namjoon

Jungkook felt a flutter in his gut as he read the note and saw the number written at the end. He forced himself to at least get some coffee before pulling out his phone to send a message to Namjoon. He started off with a simple ‘Good morning’ and a thank you for attending his performance last night and for the drink they shared. Jungkook felt a pang that he couldn’t say ‘thank you’ taking him safely to his hyungs last night, but he really didn’t want to embarrass himself further. The reply came almost instantly and his hot mug of coffee was abandoned for their back and forth conversation.

Yoongi and Taehyung returned home, laden with groceries in their arms, to find Jungkook giggling on their couch with his phone in hand.

“Glad to see that you’re making the most of your day off,” Yoongi commented lightly as he passed. Taehyung bolted to the kitchen and threw his bags down on the counter, ignoring Yoongi’s yelp of protest, and threw himself on the couch next to Jungkook.

“Who are you texting, Kookie? You’re blushing like a little virgin over there,” He teased, trying to snatch the phone from Jungkook’s hands to see the messages.

“No one, hyung, no one!” Jungkook squeaked, clutching the phone tight to his chest and burrowing himself into the couch away from Taehyung’s grabby hands.

“That doesn’t seem like no one!” He sang, trying to tickle Jungkook's sides to make him vulnerable and drop his phone. He did not succeed because a foot pressed hard against his chest, shoving him to the other side of the couch.

“Alright, you two! Knock it off!” Yoongi called from the kitchen, as the rough housing started to gravitate off of his couch. “Come and help hyung put these groceries away!”

“Coming!” Taehyung and Jungkook yelled together, but not before giving each other one last shove as they entered the kitchen.

“I married a child,” Yoongi bemoaned with a sigh, watching the pair with fond eyes.

While Taehyung and Yoongi started their usual playful bickering, Jungkook weaved around them placing the groceries they sporadically handed him into their cupboards. They continue their discussion even after everything is put away and Jungkook has gravitated back to the couch and powered up their video game console.

He ran through two matches on Overwatch before Taehyung plopped down next to him and demanded they play Mario Kart together. The hours ticked by as they played round after round. Jungkook mainly winning and Taehyung cackling when he finally did manage a win, until the sounds of Yoongi’s cooking filled the air.

“Hobi and Jimin will be here soon, so get off that game!” Yoongi called from the kitchen, just as a knock at the door to their apartment sounded through the room.

“I got it hyung!” Jungkook called, tossing his controller at Taehyung and leaping towards the door.

“JK!!!!” Hobi burst out as the door swung open, his arms held out for a hug.

“J-HOPE!” Jungkook replied by throwing his arms around his friend and ushering him inside.

“What am I?! Chopped liver?!” Jimin yelped indignantly at being left in the doorway.

“Close the door behind you Jimin-hyung!” Jungkook hollered back, laughing at his squawk of protest. Jimin grumbled under his breath as he entered the apartment and closed the door behind him.

Taehyung rose from his spot on the floor and went over to greet Jimin, pulling him in for a tight hug and kissing the side of his head. Jimin wraps his arms around Taehyung’s waist and buries his head into his chest. The pair have a brief whispered conversation before pulling away from each other and following Hobi and Jungkook into the kitchen.

“All you hooligans better help set up the table, since I married a useless mess of a husband that won’t even help me in the kitchen!” Yoongi barked as the four of them entered his space.

“You didn’t say you needed help Yoongles,” Taehyung squawked in protest and flittered over to Yoongi’s side to help him finish their dinner.

Hobi and Jimin went straight for the china cabinet and began pulling out the dishes from inside. Jungkook busied himself with the utensils and goblets, teetering behind Jimin as he placed the plates down.

By the time they finished setting up the table, Yoongi and Taehyung were bringing out the plates of food. Conversation flowed over the passing of dishes and pouring of drinks. Yoongi only began to dig in after seeing the angry scowl on Jungkook’s face, knowing like they all did that it meant that he really liked the food.

“Are we going to be seeing another JK performance anytime soon?” Jimin asked with an eyebrow wiggle, he yelped when Hobi smacked his arm.

“He just performed last night, what more do you want from the boy?” Hobi hissed, ignoring Jimin’s protest of ‘this is an abusive relationship’ with an eye roll. “Hyung is very proud of you, Jungkook-ah. You did very well last night, you’ve earned your rest.”

“Thank you hyung!” Jungkook cheered, raising his glass of beer to him.

“Truly Jungkook, everyone in that club was very impressed with you. If you had stayed out longer, instead of running off to the VIP section, you would’ve heard the cheers for an encore.” Yoongi teased with a sly smile.

Jimin sat up in interest, “You went up to the VIP section, Kook? Why? Did you have a hot date?”

Jungkook ducked his head away from the prying eyes of his hyungs but nodded shyly. The table chuckled as they spied the blush blooming on Jungkook’s face and the pout growing on his lips for being teased. Jungkook tugged at his earlobes in embarrassment as his hyungs cooed at him.

“Is that who you’ve been texting all day?” Taehyung cooed, pointing excitedly at Jungkook’s phone on the table.

He nodded again and took a sip of his beer, “He’s nice, I invited him to come to the show the day before. I wasn’t expecting him to reserve time in the VIP section.”

“I hope you at least got a name,” Jimin teased, poking the boy’s ribs.

“Of course I did,” Jungkook scoffed, batting Jimin’s hand away. “His name is Namjoon, I didn’t get a family name.”

Yoongi shrugged, “Some people are private like that, I’m sure he has his reasons. He’s been to our club before, good customer. Never had any complaints about him from staff.”

“I wonder why I’ve never seen him before then?” Jungkook wondered out loud.

“He usually came on the days you weren’t on shift,” Yoongi explained with a shrug as he raised his whiskey to his lips. “He’s more of a morning person anyway.”

There seemed to be a bit of a private joke in that phrase, which Jungkook doesn’t understand but he’s distracted by Jimin and Taehyung’s teasing remarks before he can look too closely at it. They spent the rest of the night trying to whittle out any information they could from him about Namjoon, while Yoongi and Hobi huddled at the end of the table deep in conversation.

When Jimin and Taehyung couldn’t gather any more from Jungkook, they dragged him into the living room and powered up the games again. They sat huddled on the floor in front of the TV, periodically elbowing each other’s sides as they kicked each other off the map in the game. While Yoongi and Hobi sat themselves down on the couch behind them.

After they played their tenth round of Mario Kart, Yoongi clapped his hands to get their attention.

“Alright kiddos, time for bed!” He teased, chuckling at their groans of protest. “Pretty sure at least two of you have classes tomorrow, need to get plenty of rest for it. Hobi, Jimin-ah, you’re free to use our empty apartments downstairs. The renters moved out last week, but they’re fully furnished if you don’t want to make the journey home tonight.”

Yoongi waved off any of their protests, stole Hobi and Jimin’s car keys, and told Taehyung to show them to the apartments for the night.

“You like having us over, don’t you hyung.” Jungkook teased as he helped the older man clean up the piles of dishes from dinner.

“What makes you say that, Jungkook-ah?” Yoongi dismisses with a dry look that makes Jungkook chuckle.

“Hey! That’s my job, sho sho, you know the rules of this house.” Taehyung protested, batting Jungkook away from the sink and taking over the dishwashing. “You have class in the morning, go get some sleep.”

“Night hyungs!” Jungkook called over his shoulder as he headed back to the guest room.

“Night Kookie!” Taehyung coos back, smacking Yoongi’s shoulder when the man says a simple ‘goodnight’ before trying to leave Taehyung to do the dishes alone. “Come back here, Yoons. I helped you cook, now help me clean.”

“I did most of the cooking,” Yoongi protests. “You only helped after I called you out on playing video games.”

Jungkook chuckled to himself as he shut the door on the couple’s banter. He checked his text messages as he snuggled down into the covers, Namjoon’s parting message made his heart flutter.

‘Hope you had a good dinner with your hyungs. Sleep well, little one.’

He fell asleep with a smile on his face with the gentle murmur of his hyung’s washing dishes in the background.

We’re Dripping In It

Chapter 5: Best of Me

Jungkook spent his morning class giddy for his date with Namjoon. He practically skipped to the first dance class of the semester with Hobi, hoping that it would be an easy day overall.

He was wrong. So very wrong. Dance practice was brutal, Hobi did not ease up at all on the new choreography he wanted them to learn and Jungkook’s body was still sore from Saturday.

Jungkook was not ashamed of the light limp he had walking out of the dance studio. He felt like had a full leg cramp as he hobbled down the stone steps. As he descended he moved to pull his phone out to send a message to Namjoon. Only to catch a glimpse of the man as he stepped off the last step.

“Hey Jungkook, are you okay?” Namjoon called, rushing over to his side before he could limp any closer.

“Oh yeah, just a really hard practice today.” Jungkook answered with a slight wince as he tried to not put any weight on his left leg.

Namjoon noticed his wince of pain and frowned in concern, with a nod to himself he pulled out his phone and began typing away on it. “I have a better idea for today.”

“I’m really okay, you don’t have to worry about me, I bounce back pretty quickly.” Jungkook tried to protest, waving his hands. “You really don’t have to change any of our plans.”

“I think you’ll like this, here lean on me. I have a car coming around to the front.” Namjoon ignored any further protests from Jungkook as he placed an arm around his waist and pulled one of Jungkook’s arms around his broad shoulders. “If you keep protesting, I’ll just pick you up and carry you.”

Jungkook shut up immediately, making Namjoon chuckle, and leaned his weight on the man more comfortably. Thankfully the walk wasn’t long, but Jungkook was relieved when they arrived at the waiting SUV, stepping inside gratefully when Namjoon opened the door for him. It only takes a moment for Namjoon to round the car and slide into the seat next to Jungkook.

“Do I get any hints to where we’re going at least?” Jungkook asked as he gazed out of the window at the passing buildings and beeping cars.

Namjoon chuckled lowly in his chest, Jungkook turned to look at the amused look on his face. “Trust me, you’ll like it. And if you don’t,” he shrugged “you get to choose the next date.”

“You’re bold today,” Jungkook teased, trying to cover up how much he blushed at the prospect of a second date. Namjoon only smirks in reply and shoots him a wink that has him ducking his head away as his face heats up even more.

The further they drive the more Jungkook’s mind races with possible places; a park, a mountain view, a fancy restaurant, but nothing is quite setting in his mind. Then they are pulling up to a series of buildings that are familiar to him. They park and Namjoon rounds the car to open Jungkook’s door and give him a helping hand out of the door.

“You can leave your bag in the car,” he reassures him, slipping the backpack off Jungkook's shoulders and setting it on the seat. Namjoon settles his arm around Jungkook's waist again and keeps to his steady pace as they enter the modern art museum.

“Are you really going to be walking me around all day?” Jungkook asks honestly, as Namjoon opens the glass doors for them to enter.

“What I have in mind won’t require much walking.” Namjoon replies slyly, waving at the bowing staff as they walk through security unhindered.

“I called ahead.” He explains to Jungkook’s confused face. “My company has donated to this museum for years. It comes with certain privileges.”

Jungkook opens his mouth to ask more questions but Namjoon ushers him inside the elevator before he can. He presses the button for the seventh floor and they slowly rise up, watching the floors pass below them through the glass overlook window. The doors opened to an empty floor with wide windows overlooking the small garden between the art buildings. Namjoon leads him towards the back, raising a curtain that obstructs a room from view for him to step through.

Taking in Namjoon’s easy smile Jungkook ducks under his outstretched arm and gasps at the scene before him. Lanterns flicker in the dark room, coating it in a warm gentle glow. It adds to the ambiance of the ancient design, Jungkook feels like he’s stepped through a portal to the Joseon Dynasty.

The room is lined with dark wood pillars, scrolls of ancient art scenes hang on either side of the walls, and at the far end, behind a wall of glass, stands an ancient water clock. Two pillars of solid bronze stand tall with twin dragons carved into the metal, behind them stands a diagram of how the water clock would have worked in ancient times. Sitting in the midst of all of this, is a low couch the Namjoon ushers Jungkook to sit down on.

“How did you… Namjoon, this is beautiful.” Jungkook gasps, his eyes darting to each delicate painting on the walls and back to the bronze pillars.

Namjoon settles down on the couch next to him and simply allows him to take in the view for a moment, before explaining. “Most of these works are donations from my company. I’ve always admired the Joseon Dynasty, it's one of Korea’s most well known ancient periods. It brought much of our modern culture, etiquette, and Korean language. But I’m curious what you find so fascinating about the period, you mentioned it several times when we talked about art.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened in excitement and launched into a long monologue about his passion over the development of art during the Joseon Dynasty time period. Namjoon listened to every word with rapt attention, asked just the right questions to keep Jungkook going, and never failed to add his own comments and opinions on the matter.

When the discussion of the art period ended, Namjoon pulled out an audio guide for them to listen to. After the last recording played and hunger began to set in, Namjoon had one of the staff members bring in the light lunch he had ordered.

“You really thought of everything,” Jungkook said in awe, making Namjoon blush lightly.

“I like to be prepared,” he said with a shrug, pouring some wine into one of the glasses that was brought.

Jungkook raised his eyebrow at it, but took the handed glass without another comment. He returned his gaze to the water clock, his eyes drifting over the details of the twin dragons upon it.

“The history behind that piece is truly fascinating, I’ve never seen one in person. It’s beautiful.” Jungkook said with a sigh. “I bet it sounded just as beautiful, to be crafted so well.”

“It’s amazing how they constructed it, all those moving pieces to signal every two hours for the guard change. Many of the techniques used on ancient water clocks are still seen in modern wrist watches. Such humble beginnings for the advancements we’ve made today.” Namjoon praised, sighing at the beauty of the mechanics that make up the water clock.

They gazed at the bronze pillars in silence as they sipped on the wine, both contemplating various nuances of its creation. The sudden burst of a phone ringing pulls them both violently out of their thoughts.

Namjoon gives a sheepish look to Jungkook as he pulls out his phone, “Sorry, I thought I told him not to disturb me.”

“It’s alright, take it if it’s important.” Jungkook insists, smiling as he sees Namjoon’s shoulders drop in relief.

“I’ll be right back,” he promises, standing and swiftly walking under the curtain as he answers the phone.

Jungkook watches his long strides out of the room, until he disappears behind from view, and returns his gaze to the water clock. He’s relieved not to hear Namjoon’s voice sound angry from the other side of the curtain. While he can’t hear the words being said, at least it's not upsetting him.

As the minutes tick by, Jungkook finishes his glass of wine and turns his attention on one of the paintings hanging on the left wall. It’s a beautiful black and white landscape piece with a small mountain range, curved trees over a river bank, and a light silhouette of a gazebo overlooking the river. He spies the name in a corner plaque on the wall, ‘Keimyung Gok Amdo’ by Shin Yoon-buk, pseudo name Hyewon, painting dated: unknown.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Namjoon’s sudden voice makes Jungkook jump slightly. He tears his eyes away from the painting to look at the man standing behind him. “I think it’s one of my favorite pieces.”

“I can see why, it is a beautiful piece.” Jungkook agrees, shifting on the couch to look up at him better. “Did your call go well?”

Namjoon smirks down at him, placing a hand on the back of the couch near Jungkook’s shoulder. “It did, which unfortunately means I need to be getting you home to handle some work.”

Feeling bold, Jungkook places his hand on Namjoon’s and gives it a reassuring squeeze. Namjoon’s eyes jump down to his hand at the gesture, a smile growing on his face.

“Thank you for bringing me here today, Namjoon. I enjoyed it.” He says softly, before slowly rising to his feet. His leg felt much better after the hours of letting it rest. He feels completely steady on it as he joins Namjoon’s side to leave the room.

“I’m glad,” Namjoon whispers, raising the curtain for him once again. Jungkook does his best not to skip out of the room but it’s a near thing. The giddiness he feels in the moment is unreal.

“Are you staying with your hyungs again?” Namjoon asks as they enter the elevator and hits the button for the lobby.

“I think it’s time I stop mooching off my hyungs,” Jungkook says with a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. “If it’s not too much trouble, you can just drop me off back at campus. My apartment isn’t too far from there.”

Namjoon scrunches his brow for a second before the expression is wiped off his face, it’s so fast that Jungkook almost thinks he imagines it. He nods, “If that’s what you want, then that’s what will happen.”

Jungkook tries not to think too deeply on the implication of that statement and simply gives his thanks as they exit the elevator. The staff bow to them again and Jungkook returns it hastily as he follows behind Namjoon. The SUV is waiting for them at the entrance and once again Namjoon opens the car door for him before rounding the vehicle to sit next to him.

The drive back to campus lulls Jungkook into a gentle drowsiness that only ends when Namjoon is opening his door and giving his hand to pull him out of the car. He slips Jungkook’s backpack over his shoulders before placing a swift kiss on his cheek.

“I’ll see you soon, little one.” He whispers into his ear, before taking a step back and smiling at him.

Jungkook can only smile back in response and watch as Namjoon climbs back into the car, then continues to stare as it disappears into traffic. The cold air brings him out of his thoughts of Namjoon’s soft lips on his cheek, making him shake himself a bit before making his way towards his apartment. He sends a quick message to Yoongi and Taehyung, telling them not to worry about him tonight, as he enters his apartment and flops down on his bed.

It’s only after Namjoon sends him a goodnight text does Jungkook find himself falling asleep. Happy thoughts of the day spent with the man, and the kiss, float around in his head as he drifts off.

I’m tired of living in pursuit of someone else’s dream, even if that someone else was once me

We’re Dripping In It

Chapter 2: Standing Next to You

Jungkook groaned as a light beam hit his face, he buried his face into the pillow under him and took a long whiff of the laundry detergent Taehyung liked to use. He blinked and looked around the room in confusion, not remembering being moved last night from the studio. He gazed around at the guest room in Yoongi and Taehyung’s penthouse, taking note of the empty spaces from when he used to live in this room.

He had expected Taehyung to have set up his art studio in here, like he said he would, but the room still looked as empty as when he moved out. He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as the smells of food drifted through the crack in the door. He could hear movement from inside the kitchen and moved off the bed to see who was awake.

He turned the corner of the hallway and saw Yoongi hard at work at the stove. Jungkook’s unruly hair smacked him in the face as he went to sit at the breakfast counter that looked into the kitchen.

“Morning, Jungkook-ah.” Yoongi greeted, placing a hot cup of coffee in front of him.

“Thank you, hyung.” Jungkook murmured after a sip, clearing his throat from the roughness of sleep.

Yoongi shrugged, “Think nothing of it, our guest room is always open to you.”

He turned back to the stove and started setting food onto three plates when Taehyung wanders in, he drowsily places a kiss on Yoongi’s forehead before reaching for the steaming cup of tea his husband hands him.

“Do you have class today, Kookie?” Taehyung asks, his voice like gravel as he sips his steaming mug. The two of them sit on either side of Jungkook as Yoongi sets their plates of food down on the counter. They start eating as Jungkook pulls out his phone to look at his schedule.

“I just have a Math class at one o’clock, then its torture time with Hobi-hyung.”

Yoongi and Taehyung both chuckle at Jungkook’s groan of pain at the very idea of more hours in the studio with his dance mentor.

“I can drive you to class,” Taehyung offers, tossing Jungkook’s protests aside. “I have an errand to run on that side of town anyway, I won’t be able to pick you up after class but I can at least give you a ride there.”

“Thanks hyung, I appreciate it.” Jungkook murmurs, smiling widely when Taehyung simply ruffles his hair affectionately before continuing to devour his food.

Taehyung doesn’t let Jungkook leave the apartment without insisting that his sweaty pants and shirt need to be put through a wash. And that he will absolutely not be going to class smelling like a gym.

Jungkook finds himself being forced into a pair of dark blue ripped jeans and a semi-fitting white T-shirt, nothing like the black baggy clothes he usually wears. He slips the leather jacket over his shoulders as they head out the door. His clunky boots hitting the pavement with surety now that its warmth encases him.

Jungkook tries not to shrink at the double glances he gets as he makes his way across campus, Taehyung really had to take their flashiest red convertible to drop him off at the entrance. And his yell of ‘Have a good day at school, Kookie baby!’ did not help matters at all. Thankfully he wasn’t approached by anyone and Jimin wasn’t at the school to tease him, but it was one of the more embarrassing moments he’s had in a while.

As he makes his way back to the studio after class. He unconsciously begins to hum his song as he walks. Completely absorbed by going through the choreography in his head that he almost steps into a busy street, only to be yanked back by a swift hand.

“Why do I always seem to find you nearly getting in trouble, little one?” A chuckle sounds from a very familiar source.

“I seem to be a magnet for it,” Jungkook grumbles, making the man chuckle even more. “Thanks for the rescue, I don’t think even being plastered across the pavement would’ve saved me from my hyung’s wrath for being late for dance practice. So, you’ve really saved me twice today.”

“You dance?” The man quirks an eyebrow at him, slowly releasing the grip he had on Jungkook’s wrist.

Jungkook nods with a slight shrug, “It’s a fun hobby.”

“An interesting hobby, I’d say. Any good?”

“I’m not sure what would classify as good when it comes to dancing,” Jungkook says, trying to be diplomatic, but there’s a look in the mystery man’s eyes that makes him blurt out. “If you want to see for yourself, I’m performing at D-Town this Saturday at 12 o’clock. Do you know the club?”

A smirk forms on the man’s face, amusement colors his tone. “I’ve heard of it, Saturday you say.” He hums at Jungkook’s confirming nod. “I think I can make that, if you promise me a drink after your performance. I’ll give you my honest review then.”

Jungkook blushes and decides to be a bit cheeky, “I’ll agree to a drink, if I can get a name for the one buying it.”

The cheekiness seems to have paid off, the man bursts out into a delighted laughter, his dimples coming out in full force and his eyes crinkling into craters. Jungkook can’t help but smile at the man’s delight.

“You can call me Namjoon,” he answers, still smiling. “And I’ll get your name on Saturday.”

“Looking forward to it, Namjoon-ssi.” Jungkook says with a matching smile.

“Just Namjoon, little one.” He corrects before turning to walk down the street. Jungkook watches his retreating back until he completely disappears into the crowd. With a skip in his step he continues his way to the studio, more determined than ever to get the choreo perfect for Saturday night.

Jungkook spends the whole evening driving himself hard through practice and if Hobi is at all surprised by his sudden burst of energy, he doesn’t show it. He simply drives them harder to get it just right and praises them when they nail it. By the end of the night they’ve begun incorporating Jungkook actually singing the song and Hobi concludes the practice very pleased with their results.

“I believe after tomorrow you will be ready for that stage,” He tells Jungkook confidently, patting him on the shoulder as they part ways at the door.

Jungkook, after much persuading, stays with Taehyung and Yoongi again but only after stopping by his apartment for some spare clothes. He spends the whole of Friday meticulously singing his lyrics until he feels he knows them backwards and forwards. The last run of the choreo they do for the day is on the actual stage in D-Town, as Friday is their day off. Hobi takes full advantage of the empty space.

“It feels different on the stage as well,” He explains as they get themselves into formation. “You need to get a feel for it before performing to a live audience.”

Hobi is right, there is a whole different feeling to being on the stage, even if they are looking out to an empty bar and dance floor. Jungkook has never felt anything so electric as he performs, an actual mic in his hands as he sings through the dance. The sound of clapping resounds across the room as they end the practice run.

“Brava! Brava!” Taehyung yells as he runs across the dance floor. “You’re gonna kill them tomorrow, Kookie!”

Jungkook laughs as Taehyung bounds onto the stage and pulls him into a tight hug, he pretends to whine about being all sweaty as he clutches his hyung right back. He spies Yoongi walking across the dance floor with lazy steps and a gummy smile on his lips as he looks up at them.

“I look forward to seeing the real deal tomorrow night, Jungkook-ah.” He says, holding out a hand for the pair to jump down from the stage. He pats Jungkook's shoulder as they walk towards the private elevator. Jungkook waves to his dancers before following his hyungs onto it, leaning against the railing as they rise up to the penthouse.

“Go shower before dinner, Kook, you can sleep after we’ve fed you.” Taehyung snickers as he drags Jungkook out of the elevator and pushes him into the spare bathroom.

Jungkook falls into the guest bed with wet, fluffy hair and a belly full of food, feeling more amped up for tomorrow night than ever before.

Taehyung insists on dressing Jungkook himself on the big day, he bats away any of Jungkook’s feeble protests.

“I won’t hear it Kookie, you need to look banger tonight.” He says, tossing clothes down on his and Yoongi’s bed as he goes through his closet. He makes Jungkook try on various pairs of pants and shirt combos until he’s satisfied. Somehow it comes out to be a more simple outfit than he was expecting.

“You don’t need to be too flashy, your talent is what’s going to shine the brightest tonight.” Taehyung says over his shoulder as they gaze into the mirror together.

He has Jungkook in a black pair of dress pants and a black belt that cinches his small waist. The boots he wears almost disappear into the pants, but are practical for all the dancing he’s about to do. Then there’s the shirt, it’s simple and white but cut into a low V that nearly parts completely between his pecs. The short sleeves make his sleeve of tattoos on his right arm more prominent.

“Simple is better,” Taehyung states firmly, handing Jungkook some dangly earrings to put in his various piercings. “And you make simple look smoking hot.”

“Thanks hyung,” Jungkook says with a smile, butterflies fluttering in his stomach as he steps out of the room.

The hours tick by so slowly that Jungkook fears he’ll tear a hole in the hardwood floors of Taehyung and Yoongi’s apartment with his pacing. It’s not until Hobi comes up to fetch him and he’s standing behind the curtain of the stage, surrounded by his dancers and hearing the sounds of the crowd, that he begins to feel calmer.

He takes a deep breath, vaguely hears Hobi give some word of encouragement and pats him on the shoulder, before it's time to go out. And the music starts. And everything fades in the background.

“Play me slow, push up on this funk and give me miracles,” Jungkook sings into the mic, staring out into the crowd on the dance floor.

Jungkook feeds off the energy of the crowd, it’s nothing and everything like they’ve practiced. Every movement is fluid and seamless. Jungkook doesn’t miss a beat as he sings and his eyes, they can’t help but meet another pair of dark ones from across the club. It doesn’t distract him, no, it fuels him through the song to have those eyes on him.

The moment where he sets down his mic for the choreography he can almost feel the look he gives the crowd ‘you see how I dance with the mic?’ he seems to say ‘now see me without it’. Then he’s off and the crowd goes absolutely wild.

“Standing next to you,” Jungkook sings after picking up the mic, ending the song with a bow to the screaming crowd. There’s a pause to take in the applause then the stage goes dark and Jungkook follows his dancers off the stage.

Taehyung nearly tackles him as he comes around the curtain, Jungkook laughs as his hyung bounces them around for a moment before helping him get loose from the wires in his ears. Hobi pats his shoulder before going to each of the dancers to give his congratulations to them. Jungkook listens to Taehyung ramble on about how well he did while he cleans off the sweat from his face, but all he can think about is the pair of dark eyes that followed him throughout the song. Yoongi pulls him aside just before he’s about to walk out into the club.

“Someone is waiting for you in the VIP section, said his name is Namjoon.” Yoongi whispers to him, his eyes glittering with something that Jungkook doesn’t understand. Yoongi gives Jungkook an approving nod, wiping the confused expression on his face.

“Thanks hyung, for everything tonight.” Jungkook breaths, pulling the older man into a quick hug before darting towards the VIP section that sits on the second story overlooking the stage and dance floor.

The bouncer at the front nods to Jungkook and opens the door for him. The glass encased room is practically empty as he steps in and the sounds of the club below are muffled when the door closes. Jungkook spots Namjoon leaning against the bar that looks down over the stage. Their eyes meet across the room and Jungkook feels himself being drawn in until he’s standing next to him.

“When you said you danced,” Namjoon greets with a sly smile as Jungkook slides into the seat. “I wasn’t quite expecting that. I’m very impressed, little one.”

“Enough to buy me that drink?” Jungkook asks with a smirk.

“Of course,” Namjoon laughs as he calls the bartender over. “And to get your name.”

“Jungkook, Jeon Jungkook.” He answers, then gives his order to the bartender and takes a sip of it before setting it down on the bar.

“Jungkook,” Namjoon says his name slowly, like he’s tasting it on his tongue. “It’s nice to meet you, Jungkook.”

“Likewise, Namjoon.” He replies with a smile, sliding his hand into Namjoon’s offered one to shake. Their hands linger for a moment before they settle into the bar booths and sip on their drinks.

“So other than dancing, what are your other ‘hobbies’ as you call them.” Namjoon asks, a slow, easy smile on his face.

Jungkook snickers, “What would you call it then?”

“Raw untapped talent.” Namjoon says at once, smiling at Jungkook’s wide eyes. “I call it like I see it and I so rarely see a talent like yours. And you said it’s your first performance?”

Jungkook nods and blushes at Namjoon’s disbelieving scoff. “It’s true, this was my first time ever being on a stage. In front of a crowd. It’s the first song I’ve ever written myself, then performed it.”

“Song writer. Singer. Dancer. Is there anything you can’t do?” Namjoon asks incredulously, probably sarcastically, but Jungkook pretends to ponder it for a moment.

“I don’t know how to fly a plane, or play the violin.” He says with wide, blinking eyes and a sly smile. Namjoon looks utterly endeared by it.

“Probably couldn’t do brain surgery either, now that I think about it.” Jungkook adds as an afterthought, making Namjoon laugh, Jungkook joins him with a low snicker.

“You are truly something else, Jungkook.” He says, gazing at him with deep adoration. “I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard in years.”

“Ah you’re welcome,” Jungkook says with a small smile, glad to have brought some joy into the man’s life.

They spend the next few hours of the night and early morning just talking. Jungkook finds Namjoon to be an interesting person to talk to. And he’s shocked to find how much they have in common regarding art and music tastes. Jungkook has never met someone that he’s so easily fallen into conversation with.

By the time closing hours have approached, they’ve gravitated to sit on one of the long couches that line the VIP room and have been debating animatedly about the benefits of synthetic grass.

“Even if it were to help the environment and water intake of the city. You are still ripping up the earth and soil to put down plastic grass that serves no purpose, beyond not consuming water.” Jungkook protests passionately as he gestures with his hands at Namjoon.

“We’re in the middle of drought, what would your solution be to lower the amount of water Seoul consumes?” Namjoon asks, leaning his head into his hand on the ledge of the couch as he looks at Jungkook.

“I would first see where the water consumption is at its greatest and find a way to limit that first. Before trying to put synthetic grass in everybody's yard.” Jungkook huffs, rolling his eyes when Namjoon laughs but is unable to keep the smile off his face for long.

“Do you have a guess as to where the most consumption would be?” Namjoon asks, his eyes crinkling like half moons as he smiles.

“If I had to give a random guess it would have to be bath houses.” Jungkook says with a nod. “Public bath houses would have to consume a ton of water for their customers. To ensure proper hygiene they would, not only, have to clean their facilities regularly but also have clean water inside the tubs. I’m sure some do a good job of recycling and filtering their water supplies but that wouldn’t account for all of them.”

Namjoon hums in agreement, “And what would your solution to that be?”

Jungkook hums in thought, “In an ideal world? A central piping system for public bath houses that filters and recycles the water across Seoul. The amount of water needed for, let’s say, a hundred bath houses is calculated. Then stored in a facility that pumps, filters, and recycles that water for all of them. Any unusable water can be transported to farms, as long as it’s been tested to be safe to return to the soil.”

“And if it isn’t?”

Jungkook waves his hand in a general direction, “We do have an ocean you know, it can return to there to be purified by natural causes. There should probably be a study on the lasting effects of adding dirty bath water to the oceans, though.”

Namjoon chuckles, bringing Jungkook out of his rambling thoughts, “Your mind is a very interesting place, little one. I’m glad I’m getting a chance to get to know it.”

Jungkook desperately wanted to counter his words with something witty or clever but a wide yawn broke across his face before any words could form on his tongue. Namjoon chuckled and ran a gentle hand through Jungkook’s ever growing dark hair.

“Tired, little one?” He smiled at Jungkook’s sleepy, happy hum of reply as his eyes fluttered closed under his hand. “Let’s get you to bed then, hmm.”

“I’m staying with hyung and Tae, they live upstairs.” Jungkook murmured sleepily, as Namjoon helped him to his feet. He must have been more tired than he thought, because Namjoon caught him around the waist before he toppled over from standing.

“I’ll take you up to them then,” Namjoon said easily and waited for Jungkook’s hum of agreement before sweeping him up into his arms.

Jungkook is barely aware of leaning his head against Namjoon’s neck. Or of the steps he takes inside the empty club towards the elevators. Or when they arrived inside Yoongi and Taehyung’s apartment. There is a gentle murmur of voices that causes him to snuggle deeper into the warmth that encases him, then he’s being moved again and feels himself being lowered onto a soft surface.

A hand brushed through his hair, Jungkook leans into the gentle touch.

“I’ll see you again soon, little one.” A gentle voice whispers above him, then he falls asleep.