Myblacklilame - Chrissixoxo - Tumblr Blog

Hoseok, the tease.

My first fashion icon was Lucy

Also a kind of self indulgent piece bc it’s my birthday soon!

nobara, queen, your crown never left

a thief's origin✨ || bts • kth - chapter 1.3

"you're afraid I won't wait." "I'm afraid you will."

a criminal and a doctor should be as different as the sun and the moon - but unexpected things happened every day. like him finding his safe haven in her.

© 2024 | eleni_cherie

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masterlist: here

— genre: thief au, gangster comedy, adventure, romcom, humour, angst, fluff, sexual tensiON, slowburn, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers s2f2l

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS. ALSO VERY UNREALISTIC PLOT LOL - JUST PRETEND READING A MANGA/COMIC OR WATCHING A FILM, REALLY.

SUGGESTIVE THEMES. MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE & BLOOD (BUT NOTHING TOO GRAPHIC, IT'S STILL A COMEDY!)

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20th March

Barcelona, Spain

Having just finished a night shift, a long yawn escaped the young physician's mouth. Her rookies had almost messed up a patient's medication and she had been busy fixing it all night long.

After a torture of a ride, the metro being unusually stuffy, she headed down her street. It was still early, most people with normal work hours not leaving for another hour or two. The sun barely out. So the only other persons around were her and suppliers delivering stores.

Entering her apartment building, she fumbled out her keys, taking longer to find the right one in her sleep-deprived state. Only to almost drop them when realising her door was left ajar.

There was no way in hell she had left it like that, she always made sure to lock before leaving.

Her heart beat picked up as she slowly pushed it open. She couldn't hear anything. With her phone in her hands, ready to dial 091, she pushed the door open. Making sure it went all the way and touched the wall to ensure no one was standing behind it. And with careful steps she entered, closing it behind her slowly and repeating the same tactic with every other room.

Thankfully, there wasn't anyone. The apartment was empty - except for the pure chaos that was left behind.

Someone had definitely been there, looking through her belongings. Shelves were pulled out, objects were on the ground. She was sure it must've been burglars until she realised that nothing was missing. Not that she had many objects of value. But the few she had, like her laptop and tv, were still there.

Leaving her relieved, but also puzzled.

Who the hell would break in, leave a mess but not take anything?

A headache was beginning to form at the thought of having to spend hours cleaning up now in her already exhausted state and she rubbed her temples.

With a sigh, she turned around. Deciding to not touch anything and try leaving again without altering the crime scene. First she'd report it to the police although she knew already they most likely wouldn't do much since nothing was stolen, but if she learned anything from her films it'd be to report it nevertheless. But as she was about to exit the apartment, a piece of paper stuck on the entrance door which she'd missed previously, caught her eye.

"Bring the golden figurine to the marina in Bangkok in 2 days if you want to see your pack of thieves again."

She instantly froze.

So this was related to Taehyung?

She reread the message.

That wasn't good, the situation was serious.

Her heart was racing while at the same time not beating at all. She felt nauseous but also on alert. Her mind screaming while being totally blank. More than anything else though, she felt helpless.

Her eyes wandered up to her ceiling. Whoever this was, they'd probably searched through her apartment for that figurine. She looked down at the piece of paper again and swallowed.

Bangkok marina, she repeated in her mind, in two days. She began agonizing and racking her brain to figure out how to find that figurine and get there in time. There was no way they were indeed expecting her to find it. They had to know she got no clue on how to. Perhaps they were even anticipating just that.

That was what she got for being a sucker for crime films and getting involved with thieves.

When the doorbell rang thirteen hours later in the evening, Cassandra hesitated to answer it.

Shoving the books she was currently organising into the shelve, she stood up and walked to the door with careful steps. She knew it was unlikely, yet she was still afraid it might be the intrudor returning for more. But much to her surprise, instead she found someone else on the other side when peeking through the spy hole.

There was indeed a man standing in front of her door. And another one.

"Hello, I hope you remember me. I'm -"

"Agent Jeon. I remember," she nodded when opening the door to the young interpol agent, "W-what do you want though? Taehyung isn't here."

He offered her an ambiguous, almost pitiful smile. "Oh, I know. May we come in?"

Her brows furrowed but she let them enter nonetheless. The other, unknown to her, agent facing her with a polite smile, offering his hand then which she accepted shyly. "Agent Jung, nice to meet you. Or well.." His gaze wandered and she caught a good sight of his side profile, his nose curving in a perfect angle when he abruptly turned back to her. And he scratched his neck awkwardly. "..as nice as can be expected under the circumstances."

"Y-yeah, nice to meet you," she blinked irrirated over the whole situation, her attention returning to Jungkook. "So why are you here?"

The younger man was standing in the middle of her living room. Seemingly dismissing the still light clutter as he looked around with impassiveness. "We know who did this."

Perplexed at his nonchalantness, she stopped in her tracks and stared at him. "H-how?"

Jungkook only motioned his chin to his colleague who gave her a nod. "I'm from organised crime," Hoseok explained, "My team identified the guy."

"No, I mean.. how did you know someone broke in?"

The two agents exchanged a quick glance, before offering her a suspiciously wide grin.

"That doesn't matter right now," Jungkook waved her off with a tattooed hand, "Instead, tell us if he found what he was looking for."

She bit the inside of her cheek and looked away. Uncertain whether it would help or if she'd only get the guys into more trouble by entrusting interpol with this.

"So.. so you know who did this?" she asked again out of insecurity and to buy some time.

"This guy was working for someone my team and I are after," Hoseok began then. Friendly expression changing as he suppressed his inner loathing when mentioning his team's target.

After one of the agents tasked with observing her, had seen that suspicious man entering and leaving her building, they'd immediately sent his photo to Jungkook who then sent it Hoseok's way. One of the female agents in his team had pretty quickly identified the intrudor as working under Via, a known underground business man - the fancy and legal cover-up for saying gangster boss - who frequented Korea quite often.

"We just couldn't figure out what his man wanted from you. We only figured it has something to do with Taehyung, which meant it had something to do with Jimin."

His dashing manner changed, however, when noticing her stressed expression at the mention of her boyfriend, despite her trying to downplay it. Giving Jungkook a look of appeal then and motioning to Cassandra. The agent of the robbery department sighed and nodded as he took a step towards her.

"We kept an eye on you ever since the questioning," Jungkook admitted, "That's how we know of this man."

Cassandra's head shot up, surprise crossing her features for a moment only to be replaced with epiphany.

Of course, it made sense. No surprise Taehyung had become so careful ever since. Her eyes narrowed then. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"I want to be open and honest with you, to show you that you can trust us." He gave her a smile, too sweet and cheerful for an interpol agent. She remembered, however, not to let the agents' friendly faces mislead her, remembering how she'd almost got fooled by it before.

He took another step towards her, cocking his head to the side in an innocent manner. "So? Are you gonna tell us now what he was looking for?"

She gave in and nodded. After all, she didn't have any other option so perhaps their presence was a blessing in disguise.

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22nd March

Bangkok, Thailand

"Told you we shouldn't have come in the first place." Jimin clicked his tongue at Taehyung's nonstop complaining. "Well, what else could we do? If we didn't show up at all, he'd have hunted us down," the dyed-blonde retorted, "You saw how obsessed that guy is with that figurine. Besides, it's not my fault that idiot opened the box too early. We would've got away with the fake one if that stooge didn't trigger the smoke-bomb before we could leave." Taehyung rolled his eyes. If they weren't tied up against each other on a chain on the ground right now, he'd have most definitely kicked his friend. 

Sure, it'd seemed easy first. Accepting the deal of that shady gangster boss Via of stealing the precious figurine of a female deity from the national museum in Bangkok. And then cheating him out of it by giving him a knock-off and keeping the money while eventually returning the figurine after a few months. But unexpected things always happened. Like one of Via's men re-opening the wooden box with the fake one before they'd managed leaving.

Yoongi, who had been quietly trying to medidate, sighed. Blinking an eye open. "Stop bickering you two, it doesn't matter anymore." He let his gaze wander around the locked room then. It'd have been a cakewalk to escape if they had their weapons at least, but of course not.

Taehyung wiggled his hands behind their backs in a pointless attempt to loosen the rope around their wrists. He hadn't expected those goons to be smart like that. Tying them up this way made them unable to even move much less stand up.

Footsteps were heard outside then and soon the doort opened. One of the goons standing in its frame.

"Move," he commended, all three looking at him funny.

"If we could move we'd be long gone, buddy," Jimin muttered only earning a grunt. He waved at another colleague and the two untied the rope holding them to the chain on the ground before pushing them out of the room and to the boatyard. Although used to such places, a queasy feeling still lingered in their guts as they entered.

Yoongi immediately spotted his katana stuffed among wooden boards in a barrel next to a scaffolding then. Almost scoffing in offence as they passed by it and some other yacht supplies.

He coughed under his breath then, catching the others' attention and motioning with his eyes to it. Taehyung and Jimin caught his exciting glance and nodded. The three, still tied to each other, came to a hold close to it. The two henchmen brushed past them then, leaving them stand there like lost children before heading to Via.

Their boss was currently walking up and down with a impatient expression. As if he was waiting for something.

Taking advantage of the unsupervised moment, they took slow and small steps towards the katana. Stopping whenever one of the men glanced at their direction, acting innocent.

They had almost reached it when the gate to the boatyard opened and Via let out a relieved laugh, the three standing too far away at the other end to really see what was going on. They only saw one of his gorillas walking up to him when noticing someone shorter tailing behind him. But despite the distance, they still recognised the other person. And all three froze.

"Cas," Taehyung breathed, not believing his eyes.

No way, this couldn't be.. but it was her.

His mind went blank only for him to raise his voice. "Cassandra! What are you doing here!" he yelled rashly, forgetting completely how irrational it was in that moment.

Jimin and Yoongi tensed and straightened, hoping the goons didn't notice what they had been attempting. And luckily they didn't, not paying much attention to them in the distance and dismissing Taehyung's reaction completely instead. As if they had already expected it.

His girlfriend only swallowed and folded her lips, ignoring his far-off cry and continued walking straight to the man who she knew was the leader. Recognising him from photos interpol had shown her.

"You're the one responsible here, right?" She rummaged in her bag before pulling out a shimmering object. "Here's what you wanted. Now let them go."

The thieves' eyes grew wide when seeing her holding up what looked like the figurine they had stolen a few days ago. Something impossible.

"It's a counterfeit, isn't it?" Taehyung whispered for only his friends to hear. There was no way she could've found the original one. It was securely shipped out to their hide-out in Algeria after all. Jimin hummed lowly. "Yeah, pretty sure." "Where's she got the fake one from though?" "No clue." "Hey, you! Be quiet!" The admonition of the bulky henchmen who walked up to them forced a grin out of them. "Of course, sorry!" Jimin quickly said only to stick out his tongue to him the moment he turned away. Peeking at Yoongi then who was trying grabbing his katana behind them, eventually succeeding.

None of the other people present seemed to pay attention to the scene as they observed Via at the other end of the area beginning walking towards Cassandra. Followed by two of his men.

"Nah, nah, not so fast, doll," the criminal grinned, "First I gotta ensure it's the real one this time."

Cassandra didn't show any hesitation and Taehyung forgot they were still tied up, attempting to run to her only to get pulled right back.

There was no way it was the real one. And the moment Via realised that, she'd be in danger. She was already in danger for even being there, but if the guy realised she gave him a fake, he might.. he might.. He began panicking, his mind going on overdrive.

"Taehyung, calm down," Yoongi urged him in a hushed tone when sensing his tremble and seeing his tense expression, "We have to stay clearheaded." "That's easy for you to say," he retorted, immediatelly regretting it. Yoongi was right after all, but Taehyung was terrified nonetheless. In his entire life he'd never felt more terrified than when seeing Cassandra walk in there. "S-sorry." "S'alright, I get it." "Hey, didn't I tell you to be quiet?" the henchman growled. He made the mistake to come closer, because Yoongi had managed cutting the rope w the katana's blade by now and freeing his wrists.

Not wasting any second, he grabbed its shaft and pulled it completely out of its sheath. Slicing the man's suit in half with one precise swing of his sword and a smirk, grabbing the ends and tying him up with his own clothes. He grabbed his gun out of its holster before cutting Taehyung's and Jimin's ties as well. The three quickly seeking cover behind a pile of masts right when everyone started shooting at them.

"I need my gun," Taehyung mumbled, looking around but unable to spot his magnum anywhere. He was sure it had to be around there along with the sword but he couldn't see it.

"Just take this one," Yoongi said and pressed the semi-automatic one he'd stolen from Via's man.

Taehyung cringed at the foreign weapon but accepted it nonetheless. After unlocking it, he leaned out. Immediately spotting two men nearing them and shot them down. Thankfully his skills didn't depend on the kind of gun.

"I'll go look for ours," Jimin said then, already sprinting to the back. Taehyung gave him cover by aiming at whoever shot their way while Yoongi dodged any bullets nearing them with his sword. Jimin returned after a couple of minutes already. His walter-ppk in one hand while twirling a familiar recolver around the index finger of his other.

"Look what I found," Jimin sing-songed with a smirk. Taehyung instantly grabbing his beloved magnum from him, huffing when seeing the barrel being empty though. "Seriously?" You forgot cartridges, idiot." Jimin remained unohased. Waving his hand only to skillfully reveal one cartridge between each of his fingers, resembling a magician playing a card trick. "Did I?" Taehyung laughed under his breath. Already used to his friend's attics, he just took them and pushed them inside the barrel. "I need to get Cas," he announced then, not even waiting for a response from the two before darting out.

He ran towards the front, piercing a barrel with his bullets on the way and spilling all its content on two goons. Drenching them in oil before taking cover again behind another container. He peeked out again, seeing Via shouting at his men to get them. The golden object securely held by his hand.

The young marksman let his irises wander behind the gangster, catching a glimpse of Cassandra behind an inverted boat.

Nine men between him and her. Not easy but he had to get to her no matter what.

One deep inhale and he ran out again, making sure to pass behind boats and other objects to dodge bullets shile shooting anyone who came into his peripheral view down. One by one, he hit their kneecaps, their shooting arms or let heavy objects fall on them until reaching the yacht and sliding behind it. Causing Cassandra to flinch only to relax again when seeing it was only him. Her bambi eyes wide and erratic.

"Taeh-" Before she could even say his name, he had already engulfed her in his arms. And she almost forgot where she was, melting into his hug. Only for him to back off, holding her by her arms.

"What the fck are you doint here!" It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Doesn't matter now," she said only to jump into his arms at the sound of a bullet hitting the scaffolding above them.

"It does matter though," he mumbled right when he spotted a goon turning around the corner. His hand on her back tightening and he protectively turned her away before shooting at the guy.

But Cassandra didn't seem alarmed by that, instead she faced him again with determination in her eyes.

"I need your shooting skills," she said then and took his hand, tugging him at the edge of the boat. She peeked out, searching for Via and when she found him hurling with the figurine behind a container she pointed at him. "I need you to shoot that figurine in two."

Puzzled, his brows furrowed at her. "Why?" "Just do it, please." "It's a fake, isn't it." She snorted, "Obviously." "And where did you find it?" "Pops gave it to me," she said, matter-of-factly. Only to earn a bewildered look from Taehyung. "Pops? You mean interpol is here?" "Of course, you think I just came here all by my own?" she giggled before flinching once more when another bullet hit the yacht close to her. She composed herself again, looking at him with urgency. "That's why I need you to cut it in two. They couldn't come too close to the boatyard as Via's men were patrolling all around it and they couldn't wire me up since I got checked. That's why I was supposed to drop the figurine after finding you. But then this whole shooting started and.. and he just grabbed it out of my hands before I could. Inside is something like a panic button? I didn't entirely understand but when it's actuated they'll get the signal and come." She sighed, shaking her head. "I should've smashed it immediately but hesitated. It's my fault."

"Cas-" He got cut off by another bullet hitting the scaffolding. He drew closer to her, grabbing her shoulder. "None of this is your fault, got it?"

She swallowed and nodded.

Running a hand through his dark waves, he shook his head then. "Can't believe pops would let you get in this dangerous situation.." "It's not like he wanted to, but there wasn't many options," Cassandra quickly objected, "These goons came to my house, searching for that figurine while I was at work and since they couldn't find it, wanted me to bring it here. They knew who I was, so I had to be the one doing it." She paused to frown at him, adding with a huff, "And as you probably already know, interpol was observing my place and found out about this story."

Taehyung dismissed her side-blow to process her words. So Via really didn't hold back when saying he'd make sure to find what he was looking for. He even found out about her and assumed, as his girlfriend, she might be hiding it.

He held her gaze a moment longer before dragging out a breath. "Alright." Letting go of her, he switched places with her and tightened his fingers around the magnum. Glancing out to get a clear view of Via who attempted to crawl out of his stash towards the open gate from where more of his men had previously came in.

One shot and he hit it, the object bursting into pieces right between Via's hands. The gangster boss yelped in surprise, devastation running over his features when realising it was yet again another fake and not his beloved figurine. He almost looked like crying on the spot when one of his few remaining men dragged him away and behind another boat.

Taehyung sat back next to Cassandra when suddenly another thought crossed his mind. "Wait, you said interpol will show up? Now? How long will they take?"

Her eyes widened, realising what he was hinting to. "Less than two minutes, agent Kim said."

He cursed under his breath, peeking out before grabbing her hand and tucking her out. Both running behind containers and boats for cover while heading towards the back where Jimin and Yoongi had already injured and taken down most men. But a rope laying on the floor got tangled in Cassandra's feet and she tripped, falling on the ground. If she hadn't, a bullet would've hit her back. Now it only grazed her arm. It still burnt though and she winced lightly. Taehyung immediately located the shooter and let a sail drop on him by shooting on a mast, turning to Cassandra then who was holding her arm.

"Cas, are you alright?" he asked concerned and helped her stand. She only nodded. There wasn't any time to dwell over the burning now, so they continued running.

"Pops is coming!" he yelled as soon as his friends were in earshot and both looked at him perplexed.

"Pops?"

They followed them back to the storage where they'd been held captive, shooting at the gang members behind them before shutting the door and shoving any big objects they could find in front of it.

"Time to cut something useles again," Yoongi mumbled then and held his katana in front of him before slicing the walls and creating gateway for them. Just in time when hearing someone outside shout, "Cops!".

As they went through the hole to the backside of the boatyard, they cam face to face with the sea. The waves crashing right underneath them.

"Where to now?"

Jimin winked and pointed at one of the lined up yachts. "Perfect way to escape, isn't it?"

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"There's only one thing you love, Danny. That's danger. Cliff hanging. You could never love a woman like you love danger. And as long as your luck holds out, you'll stay in love with danger."

The quote from one of the old heist films they'd watched together long ago, emerged from his memory and kept repeating itself during the whole boat ride.

When eventually reaching a safe enough spot outside the city, Taehyung asked Jimin and Yoongi to wait for him on the shore. From his agitated expression they could tell he wanted to talk to Cassandra, so they hummed understandingly and got off the yacht.

Taehyung hesitated for a moment, licking over his dry lips before chewing pensively on his bottom lip. A million thoughts rushed through his mind and with a deep sigh, he finally pushed open the door to the cabin.

Cassandra had just finishing up bandaging herself with some make-shift gauze out of sheets and an antiseptic spray she'd found around.

When she saw him entering, he saw that lovely smile of hers spreading on her lips and the film quote began playing in his mind all over again.

Back then, he hadn't thought much about it. Not believing he could relate to it in the slightest.

He loved Cassandra. As pure and silly and deep as love could be. And yet, he couldn't let go of this life, this danger, not even for her. Not yet at least. But this didn't mean he'd allow her to be in its clutches as well.

"Cassandra.." Taehyung eventually spoke up only for his lips to press together into a straight line again. She noticed a deep crease set between his usually warm eyes, now filled with troubled thoughts and sorrow. "It's okay, don't worry," she assured and waved it off, instantly knowing what was going on behind those brown eyes. "No big de-"

However, the look on his eyes when he abruptly sat on the edge of the table in front of her, caused her to cut herself off. Even without saying anything, she unintentionally flinched. Feeling small under his rigid glare.

"Cassandra.." he pressed once again, causing her to quietly scoff and look away.

"It really isn't a big deal though," she mumbled like a defiant teenager and in any other situation her stubborness would've educed a smile or chuckle from him, but not this time. Eventually shaking his head in disapproval. "It is a big deal. You got hurt. Again. Because of me. Again." There was an edge in his tone. A rage. He was upset. Her sulky expression deepened, instantly feeling the need to calm him. "I'm clumsy. It wasn't because of you." "Of course it was." He was unable to control his anger anymore but his expression softened just as fast when looking at her afflicted eyes. "That's what I've tried warning you of." Her brows furrowed and she tilted her head away from his touch. A sad smile tucked on the corner of his lips as he looked at her adorably puzzled face. For someone as smart as her, she surely refused to use her brain in moments like this. "All these years back, that's what I meant when saying I'm no good."

The frown returned, finally understanding. "Not this again.." She attempted to stay up, but his hand grabbed her wrist firmly. Urging her to stay seated. "Right, this again." His voice returning to being stern. "Look," she sighed and her eyes fell briefly, "I'm not denying that it could've been risky. Even with interpol close by.." She wasn't necessarily surprised about his reaction. After all, it wasn't the first time she unvoluntarily got involved in his outlaw life. And this time it could've surely gone worse, she knew. But she'd never blame him for any of it. Especially not when he'd shot his way through countless armed men to get to her. "Could've been?" he repeated with an arched brow, tilting her chin towards him so she'd look him in the eyes, "Stop being stubborn and acting tough. I know you were scared. I know because I was."

Her jaw clenched. It was a poor attempt to keep these thoughts she tried suppressing, from emerging. She'd lie if saying she hadn't been scared at all. It was definitely an.. experience. Although it'd also be a lie if she said it wasn't thrilling at all, but only because she'd got out of it with a mere graze. If it was more severe she'd probably not find it so exciting anymore. A lump formed in her throat at the thought of that. 

"Yes, okay, fine, you're right. I was scared, a little bit." His grip loosened as he stared at her flustered face. It hadn't changed much since the night of their first encounter. Same mesmerisingly fierce eyes he had fallen in love with seven years ago. Her cheeks might be less chubby and the grey rings under her eyes deeper due to her work schedule, but nevertheless, still the same witty, beautiful and, at times like this, dewy-eyed woman he knew. "I'm so sorry, angel," he whispered, "Will you now stop refusing to see it?" Although he tried sounding serious and persuasive, his voice cracked. He felt outraged and ashamed, mostly with himself. And she glanced up, meeting his sad eyes before they fell to the space between them. 

Cassandra drew closer then, running her fingers through his raven waves and forcing him to heave his head to face her again. "Let me decide what's good for me and what not," she said softly, "I love you and I want to be with you. And some wannabe goons won't change that." His hand wandered up then, covering hers and lowering it into his lap. "I don't deserve this. I was so selfish all this time."

The car chase and shoot out, the embassy, the interpol interrogation and now this. He should've stayed away from her, from the beginning. He should've ignored whatever it was that kept pulling him towards her.

Had he really believed it wouldn't get worse with time? Had he really believe he could keep her away from it all?

"I thought.. I thought not telling you specifics was enough to keep you safe. But it only worked for interpol. I should've known the others.. the criminals we encounter.. it wouldn't have kept them away." He paused and screwed his eyes shut for a brief moment. "I let my feelings blind me."

With a shaky breath, she captured his face between her palms. Squishing it lightly as she searched for his eyes in the downcast air. "You tried back then, it's not that you didn't. But I never minded the risk and do what I want, I thought you knew as much about me."

With memories of the past hours flooding his mind, he cracked a weak smile.

The bubble. Once again he felt his bubble, the bubble of naive optimism and escapistic delusions, bursting. And this time she couldn't convince him otherwise. He wouldn't let her.

"I know you're stubborn," he pressed her hand, "And I know you're strong, much stronger than I could ever be because I'm weak, Cas, I'm weak when it comes to you. But since you're so stubborn, I've got to be the one stepping up for you now." "Tae, what.. what do you mean?" His hands wandered up the cool skin of her arms, holding onto them firmly with a sense of appell.

He'd have never guessed to ever say the following words to her, but there wasn't any other option left. Perhaps it wasn't even an act of selflessness. Perhaps it was pure selfishness again, the fact he'd rather choose a life than a world without her.

"We shouldn't see each other anymore."

Glass. Cassandra could swear hearing the piercing sound of glass breaking somewhere. Her eyes shot wide open. "Taehyung, don't even -" He ignored her warning tone, the grip around her arms tightening. "Be honest, Doc. Admit that it's the only plausible way." "If you want to break up with me, do it. But don't wait for my approval, I won't give it to you," she countered. The sudden soberness of her voice and her straight face taking him aback for a moment.

The silence that followed was deafening. Echoing in every corner of the cabin. Seconds passed with nothing but the ticking of the clock accompanying their racing pulses. They held each other's relentless gaze until eventually, Taehyung's lips parted.

"I'm breaking up with you, Cassandra."

Her heart left its place in the mediastinum, sinking heavy and bitter to the pits of her stomach. No warm blood was pumped through her veins anymore and her body began to freeze. She had bluffed after all, convinced he would, too. ".. you don't mean that. Right?" Irritation evident as she grew louder. "Tell me you're not actually breaking up with me over a minor injury." "Does that matter?" he simply argued, "The other time it was also minor. Next time it might not be anymore. What then, Cassandra?"

Her hands balled into fists as she stood up abruptly, his grip sliding from her.

"You're afraid I won't wait," she stated matter-of-factly. Trying swallowing down the tears which welled up in the corners of her eyes. She couldn't stay calm nor rational, she became frantic and desperate. "Just admit you don't believe I'd wait for you anymore after today." Taehyung was somewhat amused by her certainty over that conclusion even if it couldn't be further away from the turth. His expression full of adoration and rue as she managed to make him unexpectedly smile again. "I'm afraid you will." He got up to touch her cheek and she let him. "And I know you will, that's why I need to do this. You're the only thing that matters to me, the only thing worth anything in my life. No jewels, no artefacts, no antiques - only you. I just couldn't live with myself if anything ever happened to you." "Then what about this?" She pulled out the necklace with the tiger pedant from under her blouse, accidentally grabbing the heart locket out along with it. Both glimmering golden in the evening light seeking through the window. "Was that promise a lie?"

The ghost of a smile was on his lips. "Of course not. I meant it, every word. But I realised I might never be able to escape this life. And you shouldn't waste yours waiting for someone who might never be able to keep his promise."

The lump in her throat got harder, pressing the tears in the corner of her eyes to finally break loose. They rolled down her burning cheeks in big clear orbs. Taehyung let go of them to wrap his arms around her smaller frame instead. Embracing her tightly as she sobbed against his chest. It broke his heart all over again, the way she was shaking against him and fisting his shirt. She heaved her head with a pained smile then. "It wouldn't be wasted, cool guy."

He breathed out, wanting to object but couldn't. Her words soothed over his flushed skin as he cradled her more. Unable to contain the tremble in his own voice. "You're my only weakness, Cas. And as long as I'm in your life, there will be people who can take advantage of it."

His forehead brushed over her fluffy curls as he backed away. Wiping the unending tears with his thumbs before leaning down and pressing a kiss on her salty-tasting lips. The kiss was warm and soft. Making her forget her sorrow and halting the tears until the moment their lips parted again.

Cassandra knew that this hadn't been a consoling kiss or like any other one ever shared by them. She felt it in every fibre, every synapse. There was a lack of the usual happiness-inducing neurotransmitters, hormones and endorphines.

It was a goodbye kiss.

He meant it this time. She could tell by the determination in his eyes. His usually gentle features now hard. And she wasn't even attempting arguing this time. A tiny voice of reason which the rest of her emotions almost suffocated, knew that if it was the other way round, she'd have done the same. Still, she was unsure if she could really fathom what was happening in that moment.

With shaky hands, she reached behind her neck then and fiddled with the chain around it. "I should - I mean, you - your necklace." But Taehyung paused her with a chaste kiss on the forehead and lowered her arms. "Keep it. The promise was for you and you only. I don't intend to give it to anyone else."

The tiger-pedant had used to be a memento of his grandparents, but now it symbolised the part of his heart that would always be with her. It was hers now. It had always been. So he wanted her to keep it.

Cassandra watched him silently let go, however, only when she saw him head to the door, her lips found the will to move again.

"You're a good guy, Tae," she said, new tears threatening to bypass her eyes, "Don't forget that."

Pausing in his tracks, he swallowed his own tears down his dry throat. Not daring to move and meet her gaze, knowing the moment he'd see those lovely doe eyes any little strength left in him would be completely sucked out and he'd cave in, running back into her arms. He had to keep it together, he couldn't give in now. It was the right decision.

"I'll try."

And with that, he walked out of the door. And out of her life.

»»»

next chapter: epilogue very soon!

(make sure to check it out!! 👀it'll be a good one, i promise!)

Don't forget to like, comment & leave feedback!♡ It motivates me to keep writing :)

taglist: @lilanyxta @naoolammao345 @memna234 @tetehion @myblacklilame

kento called kazehaya at 2:30 am bc he was so excited to tell him he and ayane are dating now and then went on gushing over her and rant over men being dumb for not appreciating her. kento is a real one and should be the standard. period

"Why do you like angsty stories so much?"

the ship that shaped my 17-year-old as* back then:

(I'm so happy this finally got animated)

"Why do you like angsty stories so much?"

the ship that shaped my 17-year-old as* back then:

or alternatively: "why are you still single?"

- bc kento miura is a fictional character 😩

ryu my boy i love him so much

ryu is usually quiet, taciturn and doesn't show much emotions but rather keeps a straight face.

chizu has always been the only one who understood him:

and he only opens up and smiles in front of her:

a thief's origin✨ || bts • kth - chapter 1.2

"you're afraid I won't wait." "I'm afraid you will."

a criminal and a doctor should be as different as the sun and the moon - but unexpected things happened every day. like him finding his safe haven in her.

© 2024 | eleni_cherie

»»»

masterlist: here

— genre: thief au, gangster comedy, adventure, romcom, humour, angst, fluff, sexual tensiON, slowburn, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers s2f2l

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS. ALSO VERY UNREALISTIC PLOT LOL - JUST PRETEND READING A MANGA/COMIC OR WATCHING A FILM, REALLY.

SUGGESTIVE THEMES. MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE & BLOOD (BUT NOTHING TOO GRAPHIC, IT'S STILL A COMEDY!)

»»»

14th September

Barcelona, Spain

"Do you mind that I'm not calling you any pet name?"

His tired eyes met the ceiling first before gazing down at Cassandra in his arms as she was absendmindedly drawing patterns on his bare skin and contemplating the degree of silliness of her question.

It was late, minds heavy with sleep at this point. They'd spend all evening just laying on the fluffy carpet of her living room, listening to their joint playlist. Until 'Wicked Game' by Chris Isaak started playing and an unserious quarrel had broken out over which one of them has added it there.

But only for a short moment. Because the last thing Taehyung could remember then were her tender lips on his neck and his hands on her hips.

"What do you mean?" he eventually asked.

She turned her head and propped her chin on his chest to look at him better. The tousled waves messily sticking out in all direction along with his unsteady gaze and lazy smile made him look too cozy not to snuggle back in.

Her fingers gently tucked at the small golden tiger pendant that had slid off his neck then, before grazing Taehyung's jaw.

"I mean, I know we both don't really do the typical corny names, but you do call me in charming ways occasionally.. while I.. I don't."

She didn't call him baby, babe, honey, darling, mi amor or whatever else there was. She only called him 'cool guy'. Sure, he always claimed he preferred that over anything else. Yet, she wondered if maybe he wanted something more endearing. Not that he was using any of the forementioned either, it simply was neither one's style. It didn't feel like them, like Cassandra and Taehyung. But sometimes, out of a whim, he did call her 'angel' or even 'my girl' along with the good old 'Doc',  which always made her heart flutter.

Humming, he brushed off an unruly curl from her vision. Beginning to understand. And a mischievous smirk tucked onto his lips. "But just ten minutes ago you call-"

Her eyes shot open, cutting him off with flushed cheeks. "That's not what I meant, you idiot!" she whined embarrassed, wiggling in his embrace. And he bursted out laughing, his warm chest vibrating hard underneath her.

"I wonder if 'idiot' counts as one then," he faked musing, chuckling again when seeing her pout.

He gently flicked his finger on her forehead then, a soft smile resting on his lips instead. "Told you, I love you calling me 'cool guy'. Gets me every time."

"Hm, but you are a cool guy. So it's just facts and not really a pet name," she argued with puffed out cheeks. And he poked into them amused. Feeling more awake by now.

It indeed got him when she called him that. He wasn't exaggarrating.

"And it's facts when I call you 'angel' or 'my girl'. So I don't really see the issue here," he retorted with furrowed brows.

Flustered, she bit back a coy smile. "Oh, okay then."

Her head returned to its previous spot, nuzzling into his shoulder and he smiled sleepily.

She always made fun of him being clingy in his sleep but in reality, she could be just as much. Not that he'd ever mind. She could cuddle into him as much as she wanted, it was more like that fire rained down from the sky than him never minding the feeling of her so close to him.

His eyelids fell heavy as his arms wrapped around her smaller frame. Cradling her against himself as he drifted off to sleep to her breath warming his skin.

Tiredness overtook Cassandra's mind as well, the sound of his quiet breathing lulling her.

There in Taehyung's arms, she felt safe. It was the only place on earth that made her truly feel at ease, like everything was alright. Like everything was going to be fine.

And that thought comforted her as she fell asleep.

It hadn't been even five hours. The leaves outside rustling in the strong wind when Taehyung woke up from his phone screen illuminating the darkness of the room.

With a light grimace, he reached over and blinked his eyes a few times to adjust to the sudden brightness.

rich kid (4:39am): meeting place C

rich kid (4:39am): see you in 2 days

It was from Jimin, informing him which hideout they'd meet at their designated location.

With a sigh, his gaze wandered to the woman sleeping silently beside him. Having slid off of him in their sleep.

The screen's light got reflected on her pale skin and he noticed the curled hands in front of it. Fists balled towards herself. He knew by now what that meant from all the cold nights he'd spent with her. So he pulled the cover over her shoulders and tucked it right under her chin.

For a moment, he simply observed her breathing quietly. A heavy feeling lying on his heart. Not only because yet again he had to leave her, but also an overall anxiety that kept nagging in the back of his mind.

First that car chase and shoot-out she'd accidentally partaken, then the embassy heist she'd been compelled to participate in and to top it off, interpol interrogating her. A dragged out sigh left his nostrils out of frustration. About the situation, about himself.

At least he knew her save by interpol observing her. It was a blessing in disguise really. Of course he had noticed the obvious car with an agent inside near her entrance door and at work. He had anticipating them doing something like this after the interrogation since they couldn't pin anything on her and she couldn't provide them any useful information. Surely, it complicated things a little bit for him since he could only come and go with disguise (his preferable one being the old neighbour) but it was a price he was willing to pay with ease if it meant there was someone watching after her when he couldn't. He actually appreciated it and who knew, maybe one of Seokjin's intentions had been that and not only spy on her in case Taehyung showed up.

So far, he hadn't told her about the car with the agents though. It shouldn't look like she knew and he also didn't want to worry her. Telling her the disguise when going or leaving the apartment and him not picking her up at work anymore would just be a precaution. Just like them always going to different places to hang out at in the city. He didn't like leaving her in the dark but it wasn't a complete lie either.

Perhaps a white lie more than anything.

With a sigh he slid away from Cassandra's side.

End of summer was approaching fast, announcing itself with strong coastal winds picking up in the first light of dawn. He could clearly hear it outside, behind the blinds as he got up.

A quiet whine left her lips then as her sleeping body wiggled under the covers, making him tense up for a moment before exhaling in relief. It seemed he hadn't woken her up after all.

He knelt down in front of her adorably scrunched up face and pushed away some coppery curls to press a tender kiss onto her temple. It was her first free weekend in weeks, she deserved to sleep in. 

He slowly rose again, contently making his way to gather the rest of his clothes and his gun - only to stumble over something in the sparsely lit room. His shin hit against the leg of her makeup mirror with a thud and he winced in pain, quickly covering his mouth to muffle the sound.

Had her clumsiness rubbed off onto him?

It was already too late, however, because as the light sleeper she was, Cassandra stirred up. Dishevelled curls sticking out of her ponytail as she blinked her eyes, trying recognising the source in her still draws state.  

"Tae?" she yawned, rubbing her eyes. Falling back into the pillow then. "What time is it?"

"Sorry, angel," he whispered, "Remember? I gotta leave early to catch the train." He picked up his shirt from the floor after groping for it in the dark and slid it over.

A disatisfied hum was heard behind him followed by the rustling of the bed sheets. And suddenly the room was bathed in the warm light of the cloud-shaped lamp on the nightstand. His gaze wandered over his shoulder, seeing Cassandra having sat up again, resting against the bedrest. She did her best rubbing the sleep out of her face. And the thief exhaled softly. "Go back to sleep, Cas."

However, she only shook her head. Refusing and simply sitting there, watching him as he continued getting dressed with a gaze full of wistfulness. Like every time he had to leave her. She tried masking it, but nothing could be hidden in those big doe eyes. And it always pained him.

Pausing from buttoning his shirt, he met her eyes. Her brows arching curiously as she watched him walking up to her and taking a seat next to her. The matress dipping under his weight. But before she could question it, his hands had already gone behind his neck, unclasping the necklace with the tiger pedant. Placing it around her neck instead.

"Wh-" She scrunched her nose in confusion and the corners of his lips curled up when seeing her adorably puzzled face.

"Keep it save for me, yeah?"

She swallowed, her features softening as her fingers touched the golden pedant which had joined the heart locket on her collarbone. Feeling the symbolic weight heavier than its physical one. She knew how much it meant to him after all.

"What if I lose it?"

He shook his head lightly. Placing a light kiss on her forehead with certainty in his smile.

"I know you won't."

»»»

15th November

With a fond smile Cassandra discovered a new postcard for the collection on her wall in the mail box. This time depicting a painting of Hongkong's skyline by night.

She flipped it while walking up the stairs to her apartment, eagerly reading the new set of films she either had already watched or planned to add to her watchlist.

Taehyung's charmingly messy handwriting making her giggle. It was quite ironic, as a doctor she was supposed to be the one with an infamous bad handwriting after all.

"some heist and spy films shot/set here:

johnny english 2, tomb raider 2, gambit (the one from 1966), revenge of the pink panther, die another day, vengeance

Wished you were here, you'd have liked it.

Love, T"

»»»

13th January

"Look, who am I?" 

Cassandra's head perked up at Taehyung's random question and she almost spit out the hot tea she was sipping on. Her boyfriend was wearing his signature black sunglasses, a lollipop stick hanging loosely from between his lips and he was pointing a finger-gun at her. Causing her to burst out laughing, spilling a few drops of the beverage onto her woolen coat after all.

Of course she immediately caught the film reference but didn't want to give into his - once again - teasing of her guilty pleasure, which frankly was his, too. So instead she pursed her lips and redirected her eyes onto the vast sight of the city in front of them. Non-chalantly sipping on her tea again. "I don't know, am I supposed to recognise that?"

Taehyung gasped at that, the half-finished lollipop almost slipping from his lips. "Mh, I'm pretty sure you do," he smirked then, glancing over his sunglasses after sliding them down the bridge of his nose. "You laughed, so you do."

She swallowed, the warmth soothing her body from the low temperature as they were sitting on the roof of Casa Batlló - thanks to the museum being closed for another renovation.

Winter wasn't particularly her favourite season. Bald trees, cold humidity and shorter days. She didn't like freezing contrary to Taehyung who enjoyed the cold over the heat of the summer. However, there was also a serenity to it. It wasn't her favourite season, but through Taehyung she started to appreciate it more.

Winter was his season while hers was spring.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. 

His hair was shorter, choppy bangs gracing his forehead making him look a lot younger. Reminding her of the night she'd first met him, his hair similar back then. Now looking back at that memory, it felt like an eternity ago.

His face had definitely changed since that night. It got a lot rounder, fuller with soft edges. Perhaps more mature. But the thing that would never change were his eyes. The same sparkling deep-brown almost black irises with the childlike curiosity she had falled in love with seven years ago.

Except in this moment. A sulky expression set on them due to her pretending she wouldn't recognise the film character he was portraying. A cute pout burried behind the evergreen scarf she had gifted him for his birthday. An unusual sight. Taehyung and a scarf.

She remebered knitting it within a month, working on it while watching a show or during tranquil nights at the hospital. And she was quite proud how it'd turned out, after all she'd put a lot of effort into it and even asked her grandmother for advice on how to do braid-patterns during her last visit.

Coming up with a present for someone like him was certainly not easy at all and she could also not bare seeing him walking around in the cold with an exposed neck every winter anymore. Acting like he couldn't sense anything and everytime dismissing her stern: "You'll get sick, wear a scarf!" with a sarcastical grin and a "Is that a doctor's order?" So she figured a scarf would be an ideal gift.

"The scarf.." she began but cut herself off, shaking her head before mumbling, "Nevermind," into her own scarf. Sure, she wondered whether the only reason he constantly wore it was because it was a handmade gift and he'd feel guilty if he didn't, or if he genuinely liked it. Nut at the end, it didn't matter. It served its purpose of keeping him from getting a laryngitis, since he wasn't sharing her 'onion'-style and that was the most important thinf.

His thick brows rose and Taehyung took the lollipop out with a plop before shooting her an inquiring look. "What about the scarf?"

"Nothing," she smiled nonchalantly but he could tell it wasn't nothing. Folding his lips, he only hummed. Already guessing what it was.

Her doubts were redudant. He genuinely liked the scarf and he didn't only wear it out of guilt. Besides that it was in his favourite shade of green and unbelievable soft, just the mere thought of her making him something herself despite her busy shifts, warmed him more than the scarf itself could ever do. "Can I expect a pullover next time?" he grinned then, watching her her eyes widening. 

"A pullover?"

"Yeah, since you turned out to also be a knitting-pro on top of everything else," he shrugged to which she only laughed out. She was far from being a 'knitting-pro', the only things she'd ever knitted in her life being that scarf which anyone who took a closer look on it, could tell. So she knew what he was attempting to do there and it flattered her.

"Sure, I can try," she played along, "But can't promise it'll fit."

He laughed under his breath. "How am I supposed to wear it then?"

She giggled, facing him with a smirk. "I don't know. But surely you'll firgure it out."

Taehyung only rolled his eyes, nudging her arm with his. 

"Oh, by the way!" Cassandra suddenly exclaimed then when another thought surfaced and she set her cup aside, her hands reaching under her scarf and behind her neck then. He arched a curious brow when catching her fumbling with something and sturggling due to her hair. A golden chain flashing in the light then and he realised she was trying unlocking one of the necklacec around it. "I still got- ah, dammit. I just had it," she muttered frustrated when sending Taehyung's grip on her elbows. His hands gently urging her to lower her arms.

"Keep it." Cassandra blinked. Taken aback. "I thought.." She paused, frowning. "But it's yours." He only shook his head though. Plopping the lollipop back between his lips. "Keep it. As a promise." Her eyes narrowed with an uncertain smirk. Intrigued at his words. "A promise? For what?" He simply smiled, not meeting her curious glare. "For trading it with something better some day." "Huh, like what? A platin necklace?" she joked to which he only shrugged. The candy's stick stuck between his teeth as he grinned mischieviously. "You gotta be patient, I fear." He could hear Cassandra huffing before leaning back as well, nudging his side. And Taehyung chuckled lightly, peeking at her before taking in the afternoon sky.

Those thoughts and worries he had of the past and present still laid heavy on his mind, but when he looked at Cassandra, all he could see was the future. His future.

With her paintings and his postcards decorating their home.

"Cas?" His girlfriend hummed in aknowledgment. Neither one taking their eyes from the beginning dusk and the glistening lights of the city. White, red, blue, yellow. "I mean it. Some day. I can't tell you when. I can only promise you that one day, when I can leave this life behind, I wouldn't want anyone but you by my side."

He wanted to believe that one day they could make it real. He'd make sure to replace that necklace with a sapphire or ruby, his opinion not having changed after all: a diamond would be too ordinary for her.

Cassandra's lips parted. Hoping she wasn't misunderstanding his words. But when facing him and meeting his gentle eyes, she knew she didn't. And there, in the afternoon gleam she could swear he'd never looked more entchanting than in that moment.

He was such a dork. But she was quick to realize the one good thing that happened: he was her dork.

Eventually, a smile spread on her features and her hand found his, lacing their fingers together.

"I'll wait for that day then."

»»»

next chapter: 1.3 soon!

Don't forget to like, comment & leave feedback!♡ It motivates me to keep writing :)

taglist: @lilanyxta @naoolammao345 @memna234 @tetehion @myblacklilame

more likely that my anime crush comes to life than gosho ever finishing this story

I have a funny idea for all my fellow detective conan fans! reblog this, stating things that are more likely to happen than gosho ever finishing this series (considering plot-wise we're only 6 months in.. after 104 volumes it's only been 6 MONTHAVSBSHDHDHD)

I'll go first: it's more likely for me finding a boyfriend, getting married, having children AND grandchildren before detco ever ends.

was watching kimi ni todoke s3 and almost forgot i'm supposed to update a thief's origin tonight haha new chapter coming in a few minutes!

update: IT'S HERE!

a thief's origin✨ || bts • kth - chapter 1.1

"you're afraid I won't wait." "I'm afraid you will."

a criminal and a doctor should be as different as the sun and the moon - but unexpected things happened every day. like him finding his safe haven in her.

© 2024 | eleni_cherie

»»»

masterlist: here

— genre: thief au, gangster comedy, adventure, romcom, humour, angst, fluff, sexual tensiON, slowburn, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers s2f2l

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS. ALSO VERY UNREALISTIC PLOT LOL - JUST PRETEND READING A MANGA/COMIC OR WATCHING A FILM, REALLY.

SUGGESTIVE THEMES. MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE & BLOOD (BUT NOTHING TOO GRAPHIC, IT'S STILL A COMEDY!)

»»»

14th February Barcelona, Spain

Cassandra never had a reason to pay attention to any holidays or celebrations which didn't concern her. Valentine's Day being one of them. She was so used not to pay attention to it or not think too deeply about all the commercials, that when she spotted a package at her return from work, her first thought was that it was for her next door neighbour. Mistakenly placed at her doormat instead. Only when reading her name in a familiar messy handwriting, she realised it was for her. Excitement filling every fibre of her as she carried it to her living room.

Inside, the package contained a blue rose along with a velvet box and a card.

"For my favourite sweet tooth :)  Wished I could be there.

- Love, T"

Giggling softly, she opened the box. Finding it filled to the brim with different kinds of chocolate. Her eyes instantly lit up and she tried one. And another. And another. Happily humming and smiling to herself while losing count of how many pieces she ate that evening.

For the first time, she cared about this day.

»»»

28 // 4th year - assistant physician

13th June

interpol branch office Madrid, Spain

"So Miss -" "Cassandra is enough."

The interpol agent arched a brow at her before laughing under his breath. "Sure, Cassandra then," he nodded with a bright grin, "I'm agent Kim Seokjin. These are agents Kim Namjoon and Jeon Jungkook." He gestured to his colleagues. "Should I get a lawyer?" she asked. Her tone flat and nonchalant. "Do you need one?" the other Kim shot with a curious brow to which she straightened again. Her inner tension returning. "I haven't done anything illegal, if that's what you imply." The tall man gave her a dimpled smile at that, holding some kind of irony which only hightened her suspicion. "Good. You know why we wanted to talk to you then?"

With a quick shrug of her shoulders, she sat back in her uncomfortable chair. "I can think of a reason or two.." "Or three?" Namjoon countered, making her fold her lips. "Or three." "Very well then," Seokjin nodded, taking the lead back in the questioning, "Makes it easier for us, right, JK?" Her eyes followed his gaze that was directed to the young colleague who had remained quiet all this time, currently busy browsing through a file. Hearing his nickname, however, he stirred and looked up like a deer caught in headlights. "Huh? Uh, yeah, yes." His round eyes found hers and she mimicked them.

Her tense shoulders relaxed at their subtle but warm demeanor. Frankly, she couldn't imagine those three in intimidating situations despite their profession. Perhaps that was their secrete though, lulling suspects into comfort to get them spilling all their secrets. So Cassandra stayed on guard, not falling for their friendly eyes. Even if many years had passed, she did recognise Seokjin and Namjoon from that night back in Cologne after all. Despite not catching any glimpse of their faces, she was certain from their tall statures and voices that it'd been them at the reception the night she'd met Taehyung and the guys. 

"So-" agent Jeon - or otherwise known as 'JK' - cleared his throat, "You know you're here for your connections to Park Jimin and his gang."

The young physician sighed, gathering an attitude of calm. "Yeah, wasn't hard to guess since my only other illegal activity would be downloading mp3's as a teenager. And I doubt interpol cares about that." At this Seokjin bursted out laughing, being genuinely amused by her put-on confidence. He could tell she was nervous, of course she was. Everyone who wasn't used to getting interrogated by police let alone interpol, would be - whether innocent or guilty. However, he definitely had to give her credit for not only acting confident, like many others did as well, but also being comedic while doing so.

"You're right, we don't," he grinned then, folding his hands in front of him on the cold table top, "We'd much rather want to know what exactly is going on between you and the guys."

Her brows rose. "What do you mean?" Namjoon flashed her a sarcastic grin. "I think you know what he means." "No, please enlighten me," she retorted instead with her most innocent smile.

Seokjin scoffed, nudging Jungkook then. "Yah, we got a sneaky one here." The younger agent only hummed with a light scowl, visibly less entertained by Cassandra acting dumb than his older colleagues. The file in front of him contained photos collected from around the world over the years. While majority were grainy and shot from further away with less quality, taken by some cheap security cameras of neighbouring buildings or traffic cameras, one was clearly showing Cassandra and Taehyung together. And considering the gunman and / or his accomplices had been identified on majority of the others, it wasn't unreasonable to assume the photos with the shorter feminine figure that wasn't Arabella Valentine, was her. Perhaps not in all situations, but at some at least.

"You and Kim Taehyung.. He spends an awful lot time with you," Seokjin pointed out then. But Cassandra remained unimpressed. "Oh really, is that so?" Jungkook frowned beside him. "You're together, aren't you?" The two older agents shot him a surprised glance at his unexpected conclusion. "And if so?" she deadpanned, feeling their eyes shifting to her now. It felt like watching a tennis match. "You know he's a criminal." "His friend is a thief and he helps him." "That still makes him a criminal though." Cassandra, however, remained quite unfazed by that, much to Jungkook's lasting irritation.  "I'm not willing to discuss my personal or love life with you," she countered then. A bit of an edge in her voice and Seokjin felt the need to quickly step in before they upset her and she closed off completely. "That's understandable and we don't want that either," he assured her with a cheery smile, "We're just here to do our job, you know? Our job is to catch these guys and to do so, we also need to gather information and follow every clue. And, unfortunately, that involves having to talk to you as a person so close them."

Folding her lips, she nodded. She knew she had to remain calm and collected in order not to mess anything up and get her boyfriend in any trouble. So she swallowed down her ego. "I understand," she slowly said.

"Look," Namjoon spoke up then, trying a more diplomatic stance, "We get it. They're not crude jackasses like other offenders. We know that ourselves. And certainly, they're not as bad as drug dealers or commit atrocious crimes. But, they're armed criminals, nonetheless. The number of crimes go from robbery on a grand scale, to identity theft, to unauthorised hacking, to-" His listing of criminal records was abruptly interrupted by the pen he was holding, slipping from his fingers due to his animated hand gestures. Flying across the table to which Cassandra flinched in fright, causing her knee to hit the table. And she winced in pain.  "Oh, no - Sorry, I'm sorry," he was fast to reach out with an apologetic look, only to hit his elbow against the table and wince as well. Both sitting there groaning in unison. She surely hadn't expected to meet someone as clumsy as her there. "It's alright. Co-continue," she assured eventually, the short pain having subdued by now. 

And Namjoon cleared his throat with burning cheeks, pretending as nothing had happened and continued. "Like.. like I said, they've committed numerous crimes all over the world. As well-behaved and genteel they might be to you, they need to face consequences for their actions." Jungkook stared at him in complete awe and Cassandra was certain they all agreed with him. Catching Seokjin also adding a quick nod.

She was the only unimpressed one.

"I genuinely don't believe I could be of much help though," she simply countered, seeing them perk up and facing the person of interest in front of them again. "See, Tae would never tell me any details of their heists or any plans. Purposely so for, I guess, situations like this one right now. He -" She abruptly paused, realising that mentioning her not even knowing when he'd visit her next would be too much information. They might not even know that he kept visiting her regularly. "He really doesn't tell me anything," she finished instead, not to raise any suspicion of her cut off sentence, "So if you hoped for any insider info, I must disappoint you."

Three pairs of bewildered eyes stared back at her and she purposely held their gazes to ensure they would believe her. She wasn't lying after all, it was facts but she couldn't risk her nervousness making her look like a storyteller. Because in a sense, she was guilty after all. 

And if she wasn't guilty of committing a crime, she was guilty of loving a criminal at least.

"So you don't know where exactly they're located right now or what their next coup is," Jungkook confirmed, even more taken aback when seeing her shake her head. His lips shaping a small 'o' when mumbling something inaudible and taking notes before raising another suspecting brow at her. "And you're not lying?" he pressed, just to be sure. "Nope," she confidently said, "You can search my apartment or wire me to a polygraph or whatever. I don't know anything about what they're up to."

"That's fine," Seokjin ensured, looking way more perky than Jungkook or Namjoon. Latter hiding his pensiveness behind his folded hands. "Never had Taehyung for a big secrets-spiller anyway. Although.. quite disappointing that he won't even tell you, his girlfriend, where in the world he is right now. Isn't it?" He paused for dramatic effects, eyebrows furrowing in fake empathy. "Must be.. sad, I imagine. Are you never worried?" 

Her jaw clenched unintentionally. She instantly knew what the lead agent was trying to do and she wouldn't let him succeed. "N-no." Dammit, she stuttered. She swallowed, her voice becoming firmer. "No. It's okay, he only does it to keep me safe." He nodded and his lips pressed into a straight line, pondering. "Is he though?" Taken aback by his rhetorical question, she blinked. Unsure of what he was implying. "What do you mean?" "Oh nothing, nothing. Forget it," he only waved her off and Cassandra felt validating in her gut-feeling of not underestimating their friendly nature because right now, she could feel their interrogative glares piercing through her soul.

After a dragged out moment of silence, Seokjin averted his eyes from hers to take out a note and Cassandra unintentionally exhaled in relief. "Could you perhaps do us a favour then?" He eyed her briefly before scribbling down on the note with a shiny pen. "If you want me to rat them out, no." "Hmpf, please," he said dismissingly with an offended huff, "I'd never try such cheap tricks." He held the piece of paper out for her then, a wide smile returning to his attractive features, "I just want you to hand this to Taehyung the next time you see him. That's all."

Her eyes narrowed at his request, eyeing the note for a second before accepting it and shoving it into her bag.

"You're free to go."

After hesitating for a moment, she eventually stood up. Bidding goodbye to the three agents and walked out.

A tired sigh left Seokjin's lips then when facing Namjoon. "I believe her, she doesn't know. None of them is the type to drag an innocent person into it by letting them know too much." Namjoon hummed. He might've been eyeing the position for department manager of special victims, but after spending years chasing after those thieves alongside Seokjin and Jungkook's predecessor, Hoseok, it had become a personal matter in some sense.  "Perhaps, but he already got her more involved than he should have." "Mh, let's hope we'll be the only ones she'll meet from this part of his life."

"Aish," Jungkook exclaimed then when abruptly snapping the file shut, catching their attention, "But we know she must've been involved more, don't we? Even if we can't proof anything besides that she knows Taehyung." "Yah, Jungkookie, don't be mad." Seokjin nudged his younger colleague who was pulling a harried face. "Just keep an eye on her from now on. Okay?" To this, Jungkook's face instantly found its colour back. Giving his supervisor a confident nod. "Will do."

»»»

Cassandra wasn't naive, she always knew there was a risk when being around people like Taehyung. Even if he tried his best to shield her from his world, she knew something like that interrogation would inevitably happen sooner or later. Still, she wanted to believe she'd managed going through with it quite gracefully. As gracefully as she was able to for an unexperienced person.

Leaving the airconditioned interpol offices and entering the afternoon heat, she made her way towards the bus stop. Ensuring to walk down the street as casual and nonchalant as possible, while occasionally looking behing her in case someone was following. She couldn't let her guard down just because she left.

The bus ride didn't last long before she got off and took a look around again. The streets were empty except for two teenagers sitting at a kerbside outside of a convenience store. The sun standing high, the concrete burning. When deaming the coast clear, she walked straight to the car with the tinted windows parked away under an oak three. Sliding into the passenger's seat, she dragged out a breath when feeling the soothing coolness inside. A smirk spreading onto her lips then at the sight of the mop of honey-coloured waves beside her.

"This long hair suits you." Her delicate fingers lightly tugged at the strands at the back of his neck then and leaned in, pecking Taehyung's cheek. She'd only seen him with blond hair once, years back, but it was a different shade back then - cool ash-blond, if she remembered correctly. Quite different from the warm brown-blond that adored his head now. "Makes you look quite dangerous and wild." His lips parted with an amused scoff. "Am I not dangerous and wild enough for being a criminal?" And the way his almond eyes went round made her stifle a laugh. "Mh, maybe a little," she smiled and planted another peck on his cheek before sitting back. Recalling the piece of paper Seokjin gave her then, he observed her rummaging it out of her handbag.

"What's this?" Arching a brow when she held it out for him, he took it from her grip and began reading it carefully. His fingers unintentionally crumbling its edges. He didn't even notice how his jaw briefly clenched, before loosening again as he mused over the handwriting with a hum.

It was a riddle clearly meant for Jimin.

With a sigh, he folded the note and stoved it into his pocket. He sat there in silence then, causing Cassandra to wonder why he wouldn't drive off. She could tell by the way his bottom lip was slightly pulled out and his brows set in a mild frown that something was occupying his mind. And she was about to inquire when his lips eventually parted.

"Cas, what are we doing?" His voice was unusually hoarse. His throat felt dry.  "What do you mean?" she asked confused. Heaving a sigh, he locked gazes with her. "You just came back from an interpol interrogation. Because of me," he began, shaking his head. And she started to understand what he meant. "Tae-"  "I should've known you'd get on their radar sooner or later," he interrupted her, his palm hitting the steering wheel in sudden frustration, "I should've known.. No matter how hard I try to keep you away from it all, it'd never be enough." 

The last sentence breaking by his cracking voice and Cassandra couldn't help but swallow. She hated how he blamed himself. Always blaming himself. Her hand embraced his and she intervined their fingers, squeezing it.

"I'm not naive," she quietly began, her voice gaining confidence then,"I knew what I was getting myself into when letting you into my life. And I don't regret it." The ghost of a smile crossed his lips when he glanced at her fierce eyes, only to shake his head. "Not yet," he breathed then with a sad smile. However, Cassandra only scoffed. "Why would I? And as long as I don't do anything illegal myself, they can't do anything anyway. Because as far as I know, it's not against the law to be in love with a thief." The corner of his lip twisted into a cheeky smirk. "In love, huh?" Her eyes widened for a moment before laughing. "Don't act like you didn't know." "I just like hearing you say it." His fingers squeezed her hand back and he placed them both in his lap. Looking at them quietly while deliberating before speaking up again. "But you forget you helped us. Helping a criminal is against the law just as much as breaking it yourself is."

Cassandra contemplated his words. It was true, she hadn't thought about her assistance in some cases. And Jungkook had implied something like that. She sat up straighter."But if they could prove that, they'd have said or done something by now, right? And if it comes to the worst, I could still say you coerced me and I didn't have a choice. They can't prove me otherwise." She was grinning smugly and Taehyung laughed under his breath, stunned by her unshakable and almost cocky faith and confidence. It seemed like her guilty plessure of being a fan of the crime genre was paying off, she'd picked up a thing or two. Still, he wasn't convinced it was indeed so easily. He decided to know better and not argue with her about it though. At least not now.

"You know I love you, Cas. That's why I'm worried and regretting getting you in this situation."

"I know," she eventually sighed, "But you need to accept that it was also my decision. You didn't force me to be with you. I'm here because I want to."

"And I don't get why, " he mumbled. Brown irises wandering out at the sunlit buildings. He knew he didn't deserve someone like Cassandra in any way, she was way too good for his sorry self. And he knew bubbles were meant to burst sooner or later.

An annoyed groan left her lips and she frowned at him. "I told you to stop that. I'm not a saint. And you're not a demon." He smiled. "You're an angel to me, though." She huffed and looked away, masking her blushing cheeks. "S-still," she mumbled bashfully. "But even if my profession wasn't the problem, I'm not a great boyfriend anyway.." At this she shot him a puzzled glare. "How so?" "I mean.." he swallowed. "I'm never there when you need me, am I? I'm all around the globe. You could've someone better, someone who can always be there for you. You'd deserve that."

He felt her fingers clutching more around his hand, nails digging harshly into his skin before unclenching. "You are there for me though, despite travelling the word you're always there for me." Her hand let go and she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "And I don't want anyone else but you. So why do you make everything we have sound bad and meaningless now?"  Her sudden change of tone startled him and he looked at her with wide eyes. "Cas-" "No, I won't just sit here and let you talk about yourself or our relationship like this." She was clearly upset now. "It hurts me hearing you say all this, don't you get it? It sounds like you're questioning my judgement. llike I was a naive kid, not knowing anything." "You're the smartest person I know, you know that," he said calmly, "I just fear.. your love for me might blind you." She pressed her jaw together. Cassandra was too agitated to even form any more coherent sentences in her mind. Seconds passed before she calmed herself enough not to snap at him. "Look," she began slowly, "If you're willing to just throw everything between us away because of a simple questioning - then fine. Go ahead. But stop saying you'd be doing it for my sake. I can make my own decisions."

Silence settled between them once again. Taehyung was unsure what to counter to her words.

Part of him, the rational one, warned him not to become the one blinded by love and reminded him that he was just endangering her. That interpol might not be a threat right now, but they could turn into one later, along with other things. The part which always kept telling him that a criminal and a doctor could simply never work out on the long run, got louder. They were both just deluding themselves.

However, the other part in him, the selfish part, agreed with her. Of course he'd never want to lose her. He was too madly in love with her to imagine a life without her. And he knew if Seokjin had anything against her, they wouldn't have waited for so long and already arrested her. No, they didn't need to be concerned about interpol. For now at least. Maybe she was right, maybe he was just looking for excuses because he was scared. Even though, if he was scared, it was for her.

He knew, though, that she was stubborn. More than anything else. No one could force her into doing something she didn't want to. She always stood her ground, which was one of the things he loved about her. She'd always call him out, whether it was him being a coward or him patronising her.

"You're right," he eventually said then and leaned towards her. Gently capturing her chin between his thumb and index finger, urging her to look at him. "You're more than capable of making decisions yourself. And I trust your decisions, I always do. So if.. if you're certain -" "I am," she said. And Taehyung nodded when seeing the determination and certainty in her lovely brown eyes. 

He wanted to believe her. He needed to believe her. He wasn't ready yet. His selfish side wasn't ready to give up on her or their relationship. She was the only good thing in his life besides his friends and he wanted to cling to her as much as he could.

"If you are, then so am I."

»»»

next chapter: 1.2 soon!

Don't forget to like, comment & leave feedback!♡ It motivates me to keep writing :)

taglist: @lilanyxta @naoolammao345 @memna234 @tetehion @myblacklilame

reminder not to watch or promote the olympics.

the only olympic games I acknowledge are those of my ancestors over 2 thousand years ago.

goes to show how important each fan message is, knowing just one could result in a moment of awareness and education like this, even if acknowledgement is bare minimum. we’ve got to stop the censorship that deprives idols of the CHOICE to read and respond.

reminder that both actors, hugh jackman and ryan reynolds are zionists, marvel wants to make a movie of a zionist character and - in case that wasn't enough - marvel belongs to disney - which is on the BDS list anyway.

BOYCOTT // 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

So today marks 50 years since that SHITSHOW in Cyprus got even worse than it already was!

I’m not gonna say much beyond that.

No doubt the Turkish government have put out some putrid triumphalist statement.

Ghastly stuff!

I’m saying this as someone who’s had their own country (Ireland) split in half.

On this day, 50 years ago, on the 20th of July 1974, Turkey undertook a military invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. Thousands of people were killed and hundreds of thousands lost their homes.

50 years later, and while 37% of the island is still under military occupation, generations of Cypriots are born and grow up in the toxic environment created by Turkish aggression and the uncertainty of the whole situation.

source

let's bet whether i'll manage updating a thief's origin tonight or not.

chances are 50-50 haha

a thief's origin✨ || bts • kth - chapter 1.0

"you're afraid I won't wait." "I'm afraid you will."

a criminal and a doctor should be as different as the sun and the moon - but unexpected things happened every day. like him finding his safe haven in her.

© 2024 | eleni_cherie

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masterlist: here

— genre: thief au, gangster comedy, adventure, romcom, humour, angst, fluff, sexual tensiON, slowburn, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers s2f2l

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. CHARACTERS NOT NECESSARILY LIKE THE REAL PERSONS. ALSO VERY UNREALISTIC PLOT LOL - JUST PRETEND READING A MANGA/COMIC OR WATCHING A FILM, REALLY.

SUGGESTIVE THEMES. MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE & BLOOD (BUT NOTHING TOO GRAPHIC, IT'S STILL A COMEDY!)

»»»

20th December Barcelona, Spain

Most days in the hospital were surprsingly good. Despite the unholy shift rotations - sometimes going from a late to an early shift, only giving her six hours of sleep before having to return there - Cassandra liked her work at the hospital overall.

She appreciated the routine, but also the occasional challenges. Even Pavlo decided to stop being a massive nuisance.

She even got her own group of first-years now she did the round with. Now being the one acting like a quiz master which was highly entertaining, even if she had to stay professional and couldn't openly show it.

Sure, sometimes it got tiring whenever the rookies came running to her for every silly question, but she also enjoyed it. It made her feel important.

Her upskilling in surgery also began soon. It'd surely be interesting and instructive to get more insight in the opposite medical field. And frankly, she was kind of excited to witness her first real surgery.

All in all, it went well.

However, that didn't mean all days were pleasant like that.

That particular day, for example, had been one of those not-so-great-ones. The cloudy weather and her pms not helping either. Making her extra emotional after treating one of her older patients.

Her early shift ended and after bidding goodbye to Stella who had a double-shift ahead of her, she made her way out into the pre-Christmas coldness.

Christmas season was joyous for most people - or at least that's what commercials wanted her to believe - but for the young physician it had ended being fun when she'd found out Santa wasn't real at the age of eight.

The only thing she linked to this holiday now were family chaos and, well, presents. Quite superficial, in retrospective. Although she did miss the family chaos as she hadn't been able witnessing it quite often due to her work these years.

This year she'd get to witness it all again, though, one more shift tomorrow and then she'd fly over to her home country. However, she'd have been more thrilled if there wasn't one thing that concerned her. Or rather someone.

Taehyung.

He knew she'd leave soon, she'd told him over the phone. And he wanted to visit her before, but couldn't promise being able to do so.

Cassandra wondered if her boyfriend could make it after all, he still had one and a half days left. And if not, she wondered if he'd visit her in her hometown instead. He'd met her parents when randomly showing up during one of their visits a few months ago anyway, so the biggest hurdle had already been taken.

Her brown irises focused on the ground as she adjusted the grip on her backpack. A heavy sigh leaving her lips.

She was glad it was time to go home after a draining morning. The harsh December wind brushed against her flushed cheek, wiping a few strands over her eyes which she quickly tucked away only to abruptly stop in her tracks.

And her shoulders fell, only now noticing how tense they'd been all this time.

There he was - her favourite worst menace, casually leaning against a black car.

One hand shoved into the pocket of his dark coat while the other was pushing back the sunglasses on the bridge of his nose which he had on despite the cloudiness. Igneoing the wind tousling his slightly trimmed waves. Evoking a small laugh from her.

Of course she knew it was a lazy attempt to cover himself, but it'd never work for her. He looked too cool and airy, too effortlessly attractive for her not to recognise him.

And her heart swelled with the sight of him after several weeks again.

Taehyung was absentmindedly resting his eyes at nothing in particular when his gaze instinctively wandered to her. Heart-shaped lips curling upwards into a beaming smile when spotting her and he was about to call out for her, when he paused instead. Noticing her gloomy expression, a frown replaced his smile.

Cassandra's jaw unintentionally started trembling.

She couldn't contain it anymore, she had to let it go. She'd planned to do so when arriving home, but seeing him there now made everything from the day along with the fact she'd missed him, raise to the surface. but it was also how he always showed up when she needed him the most. As if he knew, by intuition.

And before she knew, she was sprinting towards him, crashing into his arms and embracing him tightly.

The brunette froze for a moment before his hands curved around his girlfriend's smaller frame. Cradling her against himself. His fingers brushed a few coppery strands from her face then, urging her to look at him by holding her cheek with one hand.

"Cas, what happened?"

Cassandra didn't say anything, though. Her glistering eyes looking up at his warm ones before she wordlessly kissed him.

The fact he made sure to visit her before she left, warming her inside. Making her forget the depressing day at work for a moment.

It was a gentle press of her lips, taking him aback at the unexpected gesture. But he didn't move or backed away, he simply closed his eyes and reciprocated it. Having missed the warmth of her more than anything. And he hugged her closer to him with the arm that was still wrapped around her waist. His hand moving from her jaw to the back of her neck.

The kiss merely lasted seconds before her heels return to the ground. A weak smile grazing her face as their noses brushed and she sniffled. Her head returning to his chest then, right above his heart.

"I love you."

It slipped past her lips so naturally, so easily. He almost failed to hear it the way she so casually said it. As if she commented on the cloudy weather or that she preferred chocolate over gummibears. But he heard it after all and swallowed. His heart contracting in a strange way and he could swear a beat was skipped, completely missing.

Taehyung was her happiness and strength and the sole reason she hadn't lost her mind at the hospital yet. The only person whose weirdness was compatible with hers, really. And she had to admit, the only time she was truly carefree and at peace was when he was holding her. A terrifying realisation. Especially since she didn't want to know the alternative.

With a light giggle Cassandra stepped back and let go of him, the only evidence of her blue mood moments ago being the drying tears now. "Sorry, that was random. Let's go," she said then, readjusting her backpack. Attempting to walk to the passenger seat when Taehyung grabbed her arm and pulled her right back into another kiss.

She had the guts, he thought, she really had the guts to say it first.

"Idiot," he muttered against her lips then, a chuckle erupting from his throat, "You think I'd risk getting caught every time if I didn't love you, too?"

Cassandra pouted with a nothing but teasing shrug. "I don't know.. For all I know, you could have multiple girls all over the world."

Taehyung's brow perched up at this with disbelief. "You really think that of me?"

"You really think I'd be with you if I believed you were such a guy?" she huffed, "Of course not, I trust you."

His lips curled into a boyish smile. "Good. 'Cause I only want you, no one else." He patted her flushed cheeks with the sleeve of his coat then, drying them. "Anyway!" he spoke up then with sudden glee, "It's almost Christmas and I extra came all the way here to celebrate with my girlfriend. So let's celebrate!"

Cassandra looked at him suspiciously. "And what did you plan?"

"Don't worry, you'll like it."

"As long as I get some sweets.. been really craving some chocolate," she grinned. Already certain she'd love whatever it was anyway. The mere fact he was there was already enough to lift her mood for the entire month.

He arched a brow at her then. "Of course you'll also get your obligatory holiday sweets. Are you doubting me?"

And he laughed when seeing Cassandra's large eyes gleaming at the mention of desserts.

»»»

The shrill scoring sound echoed above them when the white puck slid passed his hand and into the whole. Cassandra immediately leaped up, almost bumping at a girl playing at the table behind her. Face beaming with joy as the display announced her victory with 10 - 7.

Taehyung's brows rose, his head tilting while still processing what had just happened. "Huh," he huffed eventually, licking over his lips then. He had to admit defeat.

Cassandra grinned victoriously as she propped her hands on the airhockey table and leaned forward. "Say it." Rolling his eyes, he chuckled lightly. "Fine, fine. You're the arcade champion. Content, she nodded to herself and folded her arms. "Music to my ears."

They had spent the last two hours trying out almost all games around the arcade, competing in most of them - just for fun of course, although both tended to occasionally forget about that part. And they were sore losers, too, Cassandra more than Taehyung though. And with her total of five wins against his four, airhockey having been the tie breaker, she gloried her win. All for fun, of course. "Don't tell me some relative of yours is also an arcade genius now," Taehyung whined. He was only teasing but was surprised to see her folding her lips in a mischievious manner. "Not in all games, but my aunt was an expert in Pacman and other videogames if that counts." "Of course," he laughed under his breath, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and walking her to one of the empty tables.

Truth was, he'd purposely gone easy on her. Not only because of her becoming whiny and pouty when losing - an adorably childish sight - but it also served another reason. At least, that's what his ego reminded him of.

"Anyway, since you're the winner, you should get a prize, right?" Cassandra's eyes widened at his excited smile. Watching him pulling out a small box wrapped in fancy paper from the inside pocket of his coat that was hanging over one of the chairs. "A prize?" "Technically your Christmas gift, but I figured it'd fit as a prize, too." He laughed at her eagerly grabbing it out of his hand after sitting down. He had originally planned to hand it over while avowing his love to her, but she'd preempted him there at the parking lot. So he decided to give it to her as her prize after beating him at the arcades.

Unwrapping it, she opened the box. Laying brown eyes on a golden heart pedant shining under the colourful blinking lights from the games around them. And the corners of her lips tucking into a soft smile. "It's beautiful," she glanced up at him, "Thank you." He motioned with his chin towards it. "Open it." Her eyes frowned briefly, not having realised it was actually a locket and she obeyed. Bursting out laughing the moment she did, finding nothing else but a silly photo of him inside. Of course.

"You can swap the photo if you want." But Cassandra only shook her head. "Nah, it's perfect." And she leaned over, pecking his cheek tenderly. "Thank you." "You like it?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck ,and she wondered where that insecurity came from. "Yes, of course," she smiled brightly and reached out to grab his hand and squeeze it. And Taehyung smiled shyly back. Taking it from her hands then, he motioned for her to turn around and she did. Feeling his fingers brush her hair aside before putting the necklace around her neck. And she touched it briefly before facing him with a smile and another kiss on his cheek.

She genuinely loved it along with the photo inside. Even if she was usually going for silver jewelery, she found it beautiful and could tell it was of value save for the emotional one. She wasn't an expert, but it must've been pure gold, which made her a bit nervous when thinking about wearing it in her daily life. On the other hand though, whenever she felt dull at work, she could take a look at it and instantly get a serotonin boost.

They finished their drinks, which had been forgotten while playing and decided to leave. Stepping outside into the now dusken streets.

"So where to now?" Cassandra asked. Voice muffled underneath her thick scarf. They climbed into the car and she shivered from the sudden warmth when the heating started. "I promised you sweets, didn't I?" He chuckled when seeing her nodding vigorously.

»»»

"How much longer?" "Just be patient. I know I have it here somewhere." Taehyung took a sip from his red wine before he laid down onto the fluffy carpet, folding his fingers under his head as he let his gaze wander over the ceiling. Coloured in a yellowish hue from the lamp in the corner.

He got tired of waiting as Cassandra was rummaging through her wardrobe and cabinets in search for his present. She couldn't remember where she'd stored it, not knowing when she's see him again.

"It's alright if you can't find it, you don't need to give me anything," he said in between of yawning. Hearing a faint scoff from the other room. "Of course I need to! It's not only Christmas but also your birthday soon. Don't be ridiculous."

"But I'm bored," he whined, "Just come here and give it to me some other time."

"Don't make me regret confessing to you." he heard her laugh.

"You won't," he countered with a smug grin lazily spreading onto his features, "You love me after all."

And she only rolled her eyes, shaking her head in defeat before concentrating on looking for the small box when something caught her eye. "Found it!" she exclaimed happily and appeared seconds later above him with an object decorated by a green bow.

Curiously, he sat up and reached out for it as she sat down cross-legged in front of him. Nervously, she took a sip from her own wine- Watching him furrow his brows when unwrapping it. Seemingly not understanding what it was, he gave her an inquiring look and she sighed.

"It's a mini portable projector," she explained then, "Thought this would be the perferct gift for a film-lover on the run like you. You could always carry it around and use it wherever." His brows rose and he glanced down at the box in his hands. "Are you kidding?" Cassandra grew more and more fidgety. "If you don't like it I can return it. Not sure if I still have the re-" However, Taehyung quickly cut her rambling off with a kiss. His smile bright and square. "It's perfect, Cas. I didn't even know such things existed. Thank you." She couldn't help but bite back a reliefed smile. "We could test it out right now," she suggested then. But Taehyung only smiled and tucked a curl behind her ear before leaning in. "Maybe later."

 And he pulled her into his embrace, kissing her all over again.

»»»

"By the way, when will you tell me why you got so emotional earlier?" Taehyung wondered into the silence. It was late, past midnight for sure. The film they had settled on, 'How to steal a million', had ended some time ago and he glanced down at her with furrowed brows. Observing her eyes fluttering open. His hand sliding up and down over her warm skin as he waited for her to muster her courage.

Sometimes Cassandra was worse than him with being withdrawn and keeping her sorrows to herself.

With a sigh, her fingers fumbled with the bedsheet covering them. "It wasn't anything special," she mumbled then, causing him to roll his eyes. "You know, if I am more vocal with my feelings, you gotta be more vocal with your concerns, too. It'd only be fair, don't you think?" Peeking at him, she folded her lips in embarrassment. He was right, he was her boyfriend after all, he should know.

"Maybe I'm in the wrong profession after all.." she eventually spoke up then, dragging an exhale. Her hand had abandoned the sheet, lying flat on his bare chest now. "I still let things get too close to me." And Taehyung realised it must've been about a patient. She couldn't tell him details, he knew so he didn't ask for any. "Isn't that good though?" he countered instead, "You aren't emotionally numb."

"It can be.." She propping her chin on his chest, eyes focusing on the small tiger pedant that had slid from his neck. Toying with it as she collected her thoughts. "But it can make me lose objectivity when I like or care for a patient too much. At the end of he day, I have to treat them the best way possible and that's not always pleasant."

He hummed, not entirely sure if he related to her dilemma. "Better to care too much than not caring at all. That's what I think at least."

She let out a noise of agreement although not seeming very convinced. And he gave her a worried look as he caressed her head before his arms wrapped around her lower back. It hadn't been the first time he'd seen her like that after all. "If this profession causes you so much sorrow, why don't you quit?"

She shrugged, eyes still fixated on the tiger. "I don't know.. Why are you a thief despite having to constantly run away from interpol?"

It was a rhetorical question. He understood what her point was.

It wasn't always logical, it wasn't always pleasant, but that what having a passion was like. An inner force that constantly drove you, unable not to follow it whether it made you suffer or brought you joy.

He had to be a thief and partake in heists with his friends. It was the only thing he knew and was good at. Of course, he was certain that wouldn't last forever the older they got. For the time being, however, that was his inner pulse. Until it changed and something else replaced it.

His gaze rested on Cassandra who was seemingly absorbed in thoughts when she abruptly sat up in his lap. "But it's alright. I'm over that slump by now anyway." He eyed her suspicious. "Are you sure?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, don't worry. Beating you at the arcades and cake managed lifting my mood again," she giggled, causing him to scoff only to tickle her sides. Making her squeal and pushing his hands away. She leaned over him to reach the nightstand then, suddenly feeling the urge to eat some of the left-over of the cake they had bought in the afternoon.

Christmas was celebrated there in the beginning of January but thankfully, bakeries and patisseries already had the taditional tronco de navidad. Athin cake spread with cream and rolled into a cylindrical shape to form a tree trunk, covered with a thick layer of chocolate.

"Gotta remember that place, it's really good," she mumbled with her mouth being half-stuffed. She was munching on the cake and seemingly saviouring every bit of it with eyes closed as she sat there on his lap.

His thumb wiped away brown cream from the corner of her mouth, his hands settling back on her hips then with a fond smile. Skin warm and soft under his fingers, holding her there. His irises fell on he heart-pedant that swayed on her colarbones with every bite she took, peeking between her cascading curls. And he smiled to himself.

He really loved her. He was utterly and hopelessly in love with that girl. And he was glad seeing her so cheerful and carefree again compared to hours ago, this look suiting her the best. Sunlight burst into the room whenever she smiled like this, no matter the time of day.

Cassandra's happy humming interrupted his train of thoughts.

"You can change the photo inside if you want." His mellow voice took her attention away from her cake and she followed his gaze to her new necklace. She swallowed the dessert. "I know, you already said that. But I don't wanna."

She liked the photo of him inside the locket. He looked cuddly and cute on it.

Taehyung only huffed and she almost cooed, finding his random shyness adorable. "Isn't it corny though?" "A little bit, but I don't mind," she shrugged, before adding with a smirk, "Unless you stole the necklace and are now afraid of leaving evidence." Her tone was obviously teasing and he squeezed her hips. "Please, what do you think of me?" he fake-pouted.

Of course he had paid the full price. Cassandra was worth every price after all. Furthermore, he could never bring himself to give her something stolen, it'd be insincere. Gifts were meant to deliver his feelings to her - giving her stolen goods wouldn't make sense.

Cassandra smiled gently and bent down. Kissing his pout away with her chocolate-tasting lips.

»»»

next chapter: 1.1 soon!

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BOYCOTT the KBS K-POP WORLD Festival

They're allowing Is*ael to participate & the Korean Embassy is holding a preliminary there - FCK THEIR ARTWASHING

JOIN BDS KOREA'S CAMPAIGN OF EMAILING THE KOREAN EMBASSY IN ISNOTREAL TO NOT LET THEM PARTICIPATE AT AND ALSO SPAM KBS + KOREA'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIR'S SOCIALS!

KBS Twitter: KBS World TV , My Love KBS , KBS Kpop , KBS Music Bank

Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twitter: MOFA_KR

KBS Instagram: kbsworldtv kbs_kpop_official

우리는 KBS + 대한민국 외교부 에게 시온주의와 모든 관계를 끊고 2024 KBS K-POP WORLD FESTIVAL에 참가하는 이스라엘을 제거할 것을 요구합니다 대량학살을 자행하는 국가가 참여하여 그들의 선전을 더욱 촉진하도록 허용할 수는 없다. #NoToArtwashingInKpop #KpopFestivalOutWithZionism

Email: israel@mofa.go.kr

Google Doc with Email-Text:

Google Docs

K-Pop 월드페스티벌 이스라엘 참가 외교부 항의 문구 샘플

외교부는 <한국문화축제 K-Pop 월드페스티벌 이스라엘 예선(2024.7.15)>을 철회하기를 요구합니다 2023년 10월 7일 이후 이스라엘은 팔레스타인 주민 약 4만 명을 학살했습니다. 피해자는 실시간 늘고 있으며, 최근 국제 의학 학술지 랜싯은

THIS is exactly what we meant w Scooter having influence

HYBE artist are the only ones whose movies are getting screened in Isnotreal! Watch them actually performing LIVE there next.

I WANNA SCREAMMMMMM this all could have been avoided if it wasn't for antiboycotters being spineless fcks and feeding into Scooter's pockets

srsly, it's not to late to join the efforts to pressure this damn company into divesting from zionism.

find all the info about the divestment campaign here and check my previous post to find all pro Palestine kpop fanbases here!

Also help Carat4palestine's campaign to prevent seventeen's movie from being shown there.

btw, you don't know what artwashing is (which is what Scooter uses your fave artists for)? check out this post by BDS to understand what it is and why it's bad.

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸