The Bias Rekkers 2020!

The Bias Rekkers 2020!

Happy New Year from The Bias Rekkers! 

We ended 2019 on a good note - and steady growth! 

So, this is a little spiel about our current offerings! 

Make It Right [Mafia!AU, Smut [later], Slow Burn, Angst, Heavy/Graphic Violence, BTS as main characters - Multifandom character usage.] 

Type: Series by Admin E

Current Chapter: 8

Posting: Tumblr, AO3, and Wattpad.

7 boys. 7 Brothers from the countryside in South Korea come up with a plan at the peak of their adolescence. They want more than what they have. They want more than what their small town offers. So they risk it all on a plan - a gamble, in Seoul. 

Fast forward ten years later and somehow those 7 boys from the countryside are a well-respected part of the criminal underground. But they didn’t plan to stay forever. This is a tale of 7 men trying to leave the darkness and step into the light. 

And the fight to keep all they hold dear safe in the process. 

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Edge of Forever [Space/Sci-Fi/Outlaw Star!AU, Smut [later], Slow Burn, Angst, Heavy/Graphic Violence, BTS as main characters with Multifandom character usage]

Type: Series by Admin L

Current Chapter: 9

Posting: Tumblr, AO3, and Wattpad.

A rag-tag crew of misfits suddenly find themselves on a mystical ship. Maybe it’s the mystical woman, her strange cargo, and a vessel cloaked in mystery and intrigue. That precious cargo is a part of an ancient relic from long ago. 

The only way to find its purpose is to journey to the deep outer ridges of space. That would be perfectly fine if it wasn’t for every organization in the galaxy attempting to track them down! As they pick up strange and, at times, annoying characters on the way - they all realize something strange pulling them together.

And pulling them all to the edge...

What lies for them there?

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No Words [Idol!AU, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Porn With Plot, Angst, Fluff (if you squint), NSFW, BTS as central with OCs]

Type: Series by Admin T

Current Chapter: 7 [plus completed Interlude Flashback series.

Posting: Tumblr

A love of music brings you to a prestigious program at the local college in Chicago, Il. As a surprise, your class is invited to the next BTS concert happening that night. By chance, the technical director gives your class a chance to run the show. 

Under careful guidance, you impress - and enjoy the rest of the show. You were high as a kite while helping backstage - that is until you bumped into Kim Taehyung. 

And he decides he wants you all to himself - now, he just has to figure out how to make that happen.

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And that’s that! We would love to hear what you think of our pieces! Our ask box is open! We take requests! We take threats of legal action for hurting your feelings, or making you question your bias choices! 

Thank you for enjoying so far! Please love these stories as we do! 

These stories are just getting started - keep an eye on us! We update every 1-2 days here: Bias Rekkers Masterlist

Happy Writing! And Happy Reading! 

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn WC: 1461 “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 06: Serendipity

“I’m your tricolor cat, here to meet you...”

Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6

Jimin sighed softly, scuffing the edge of his boots along the sidewalk. His breath came out in a soft translucent cloud, his eyes lifting at the streetlight just outside of the office building. There was a part of him that really wanted to leave, or at least get some coffee from a nearby street vendor. Seokjin, however, told him to be patient and wait. That this was worth standing out in the cold for. They’d been through worse so waiting around for someone in the chilly bite of Autumn would be a cake walk.

At least that’s how he was able to convince Jimin to even do this in the first place.

Then again, it wasn’t like he was going to say “no” to his Hyung either. Jimin was the sort of person who readily accepted a task that was given to him, no matter how big or small it may be. In a way, this also would cause him to take on more than what was necessary. Taehyung told him once that if he wasn’t careful, he was going to bite off more than he could chew and choke one day. But if he was helping the group and doing his part, then that was all that mattered to Park Jimin at the end of the day.

He just wanted to be useful.

Checking the time, he wrapped his jacket a little bit tighter around himself. It was getting colder these days and he wouldn’t be surprised if it snowed soon. In fact, didn’t the reports say that snow would hit in the next few weeks?

Just as he was thinking this, the doors to the corporate office opened and several workers began to exit the building. Jimin pulled out his phone, making sure that he had the right picture up, and waited as everyone filed out of the office. After politely staying out of the way of traffic, he was able to spy the person he was supposed to meet. Thankfully for him, she hadn’t changed much in the last year or so.

Reaching out with his hand, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him. A soft gasp left the woman and she looked up at him, green eyes fluttering in confusion as her honey wheat hair flew about her shoulders. She peered up at him through the lens of her glasses in what Jimin could only presume as her trying to figure out who he was. He’d changed his hair since she’d last seen him.

Then came the recognition.

“Jimin-ssi?”

Jimin smiled, thankful that she remembered him. That would make this easier for them both. “Hey Ana Noona. Long time no see, right?”

She nodded slowly, gripping onto her tote purse as he let her go. Ana brushed some of her hair out of her eyes, giving him the once over. “What’s going on, Jimin-ssi? Is it important because I have another meeting?”

He nodded, holding out his arm for her. “I’m here to pick you up for it.”

“Huh?” she said, unable to keep her head from tilting sideways.

Jimin smiled when she slowly slid her arm through his. “Your appointment? I’m here to pick you up for it.”

Ana pressed her lips together in a thin line while furrowing her brows. “My appointment is at an investment firm. Last I checked, weren’t you running with a bunch of gangsters?” The continued walking. “Did you decide to make a career change in the last year?”

Even though her comment was a little bit barbous, he maintained his smile. Mostly because he knew just how kind and honest Ana was. He’d known for years now and from what he’d found out, she hadn’t changed all that much.

She blinked and placed a hand over her mouth. “...I didn’t mean that how that sounded.”

Jimin gave her a warm smile. “I know you didn’t.”

Anastasia D’Angelo was a transplant to South Korea and she’d been there for three years. Out of those three years, one year was spent getting acclimated. After a few company parties and making friends on her own, she ran into Jungkook and they began a relationship shortly after. It was at this time that the others of the Golden Jackals were introduced to her. Jungkook was always about being honest and he didn’t want to hide what his job entailed, even from his girlfriend. The relationship didn’t last long - they were together for about eight months - before they both decided that it was better for them both to stop. Jungkook didn’t want to impede her drive to climb higher in her company.

They remained friends and there were a few times where Jimin and Taehyung were dragged out by Jungkook to go hangout or even pick Anastasia up versus taking a cab. As a financial advisor for her stocks company, Anastasia was a miser. She would pinch a penny wherever and whenever she could. Not that the boys minded - she was honest and that was ultimately what mattered to them.

Which was why Seokjin was absolutely determined to have her working for them instead of her current stocks company. And that was where Jimin was taking her. 

But she would find that out soon enough.

“And anyway, I don’t think that’s really important. I’m just supposed to take you to your appointment.” Jimin leaned in, practically pressing his nose to hers even though they were still walking. “Besides, did you really want to go to another company dinner? I thought you were over that nonsense.”

Ana sighed, nodding her head resolutely. “You’re right. But you know how it is. I have to keep up appearances and all that bullshit.”

“Again,” he said slowly, looking at her as he slowed their pace some, “I thought you were over that.”

She puffed one of her cheeks out at him. “Well, what the hell else am I supposed to do?”

“You could always quit that job.”

They were completely stopped now.

“Ha!” she balked at him, unable to hide how big her eyes were getting behind her glasses, “okay, sure. And then I’ll have to move back to the States.” She shook her head. “I’d rather not.”

Jimin watched as she seemed to finally be taking a look at where they’d stopped at. It was only a few blocks away from her actual building. She probably hadn’t realized they’d walked all that way. Jimin urged her to release his arm so he could open the door, ushering her inside.

It looked like a standard office building, just like any other. The difference was the emblem emblazoned in the main lobby. A secretary looked up just as they entered and smiled to Jimin. He bowed his head politely and she buzzed them in where they were able to gain access to the elevators. Once inside, he swiped his keycard and pressed the number to the topmost floor. 

“Jimin-ah,” called Ana, dropping the polite form of address which, in turn, caused him to turn his head to look at her. She appeared genuinely confused and a little worried. “...do you really work here now?”

There was hesitation in her tone and it almost hurt Jimin a little. Not that he could blame her and he most certainly never would. But they weren’t just scruffy thugs anymore. They had bigger plans for themselves, just like Namjoon dreamed for them long all those years ago.

Reaching out to brush a few strands of her hair behind her ear, he smiled before gently poking her nose. She went cross-eyed for a second and he laughed. 

“Yes, I really work here.”

The elevator dinged and he guided her out of the elevator when the doors opened. There was a single corridor they had to walk down and a set of large, redwood double doors on the other end of the hall. Two large door handles were fitted on the outside and Jimin pulled one open so that Ana could enter. She gave him another look, clutching her bag a little bit closer to her body. He smiled, urging her to continue forward.

“It’s okay, Ana Noona. I promise . Now, go inside.”

He watched her visibly swallow before smiling at him and then entering the door. When the door clicked closed, he took about three steps away from the door. In his mind, he pressed a finger to his chin and absentmindedly wondered how she would react upon seeing who was on the other side.

And then he heard the scream.

“W-Wait a minute!”

Jimin stifled an outburst of laughter with his hand, settling himself on a nearby waiting bench. He pulled out his phone and opened up his reading app, picking up where he left off in the Webtoon he’d been reading. 

Edge of Forever [BTS Space!AU]

BTS Space!AU [ ♧ ✪ ✿ ☆ ❂ ☾✘ ] “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” The stage is set and the stars are the guide for the lost souls that have congregated to one point. A fixed constant in the universe for others to discover and fulfill their wishes but will it come to ruin for others?

Pairings: BTS X OC (s) Genre: BTS Space!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language

AO3

Chapter 9- Lucia di Lammermoor

A chill creeps into my breast! trembles every fiber, falters my foot! Near the fountain next to me sit a while!

We really needed to get an engineer or someone with some tech experience .

Nyala worried over that fact with all the recent attacks. With how aggressive their tactics were, it would only be a matter of time before something serious happens and none of them would be able to fix it. Her thoughts swirled with those thoughts so much that she failed to notice Jimin come up behind her again. Normally she could sense others through the energy that they gave off, her other side would have picked up on someone too because of her connection with the world but nobody was perfect. She was allowed to be worried and blind to things when faced with things out of her control.

“Miss Nyala?”

She nearly dropped the device she had and turned around to see Jimin, his unmarred face barely looking up at her. The thought crossed her mind about how he seemed to innocent to be around the business and people like Yoongi. Not that she had anything bad to say about him, but his whole demeanor seemed to suggest that he was more innocent than what others thought. Or would it be the other way around? Nyala had been monitoring the levels of the cryosleep, not convinced that the unit was entirely safe. She wouldn’t really breathe a sigh of relief until they got someone on board who had actually had some sort of knowledge.

“Is everything alright? You keep checking the container like something has happened.”

She shook her head gently, a soft smile gracing her lips. She set the device down and leaned against another piece of cargo, still deep in thought. There were a lot of things weighing on her mind and they ranged from guilt to the current situation. She really didn’t like sharing things with others, a trait that she had grown up with since studying with the other High Ones in her temple. Before it was destroyed and things happened in her life that took the choice out of her hands.

“Yes. Everything is fine, I was just checking since we were in that skirmish not too long ago.”

“You are worried and you are attempting to close yourself off.”

His sudden words seemed to slap her in the face, not expecting that to come out of his mouth. Was he really like Yoongi, another species where he had mental abilities that would transcend some barriers of the mind and soul? She couldn’t pin anything down with him, almost like he really was like Lirael. She just couldn’t figure him out and the way that he moved around the rest of them, it was like he was water. Her mouth opened and closed for a moment before she had a moment to gather herself up again. There really hadn’t been someone like that since she was in the Armada and that was something that she cared not to get into again.

No matter what kind of pull she was sensing.

“See? You’re doing it again, running away from the present and into your own world. Whatever it is, it must bother you greatly that you have to escape from it. I cannot read emotions or such like Yoongi but I have other skills that I use to see such things.”

Jimin walked a bit closer to to Nyala, not breaking eye contact as he studied her. He wanted to know more about her, someone outside his realm. Though he was the way that he was, even he still felt the pull and was more sensitive to things than the others realized. Well, aside from Yoongi which he could never hide anything from. He owed everything to him and now that he was exploring more than what was him, there was a dangerous current that seemed to sweep him up and ignite his curiosity. There really hadn’t been anything like that since--well before everything happened to him. Before all the alterations and the suffering, when he used to look up at the stars and wonder about the world itself. That naive man that had rose up again in their presence, despite experience telling him that he should use extreme caution.  

However, she was not an enemy nor did she feel that he was one either. Just the magnetic pull that Nyala could sense and Jimin could see. There was something fueling the current that was binding them all together, pulling them in the same stream that he navigated without knowing what it truly was.

He had sworn that he would never again but found himself breaking that oath.

Nyala was almost powerless as she drowned in the sensation, her own senses that were encouraging her to delve into the current. She reached out and carefully touched his face, fingers a stark contrast against his skin. His eyes, round and inviting, were just as still as his body as he allowed her to touch his face and trace her fingers down his jawline. He turned his head, making his face mold into her soft hands as she explored him. He had started to breathe heavily as he took in all the sensations that he could while she was still willing. He would never take without permission, as he knew all too well what that felt like.

“Please, come to me Nyala. I want to know.” He breathed, in her personal space and almost pressing his body against hers, “There is something that we both can feel but I will not take. Not without your permission.”

She, at that point, was breathing heavily herself. Her normally iron-clad restraint was being put under the test at that moment and he hadn’t even touched her. He hadn’t even done anything but plead that she listen to the surrounding currents. To forget what was going on around them and focus on her senses because that might be what was needed at the moment.

Nyala bent down a little and pressed her lips onto his. Jimin took that as his answer as he responded back, lips closing in on hers for more contact. After a moment of feeling, a moment of just being in that energy--he pulled back just a hair to whisper to her. The soft breaths of his voice played with the distance that was between the both of them, his presence seeming to be bigger than he actually was and spread all over her body.

“Nyala.”

It was more of an urgent call now, Jimin calling her again. His hands, that were still at his sides, now inched forward to grasp at her. The robes that she was wearing were being pressed and crumpled underneath the weight of his hands. He pushed at her, getting her to move from the spot that she was at and towards the exit door without breaking eye contact. They moved in tandem, however slowly it might have seemed to them. He whispered her name again, the sound jolting and electrifying the energy between them. She was breaking, he could see it on her face as she struggled. They reached the lift that would take them to the crew quarters level and he pressed her against the side even more.

Nyala sighed at the contact, the last of her resolve being unraveled like he had been untying the ribbons around her will. He gave one last push, one last plead with her before he would start making commands. She could see it in his eyes, the intent on what he wanted to do and it honestly scared her. That alone was keeping everything intact, keeping her safe for so long that she didn’t know what else to do with it. He pressed his entire body against her, holding the back of her head as the other arm pulled her to him. She was warm and fire, the scent of her body filling his mind with one thing.

But he would not take unless she gave her permission.

The doors opened and they made their way to her room, having decided on their accommodations the second that they were safe. He took her lips again, since he had permission to do so and traced his way from them and down to her neck--still with his hold on her. The door to her room suddenly opened and they both nearly fell through but with the both of them so intoxicated with each other, it was nearly a fall if it wasn’t for the fact that Jimin used his strength to his advantage.

He laid her out on her bed, hovering over her. Jimin gazed into her red eyes, now glowing again like the embers had been reignited for a roaring fire. His hands moved again and they now touched her face. He closed the distance again, ready to make the final push.

“Nyala.” The tone was more of a command, exerting his will into the word. The word that he wanted to chant before her and worship like the Goddess she was. He wanted to drink deeply into the energy, into Nyala herself. However, at the tone of Jimin’s voice--it broke her.

“Yes.”

The simple release of the sound, of the world nearly caused him to not be a gentleman. He smiled and dove into devouring the opening to the soul. He bit her lips, caressing them soon after in the excited bout of the affirmation. He was going to delve so deeply into her and find out why they had been sensing that current since they met. Why they were so drawn to each other but the exploration wouldn’t happen that day. Yoongi had sensed what was going on and headed down there, his thoughts intruding in on Jimin with his words of caution. The man grew agitated at the intrusion and stopped what he was doing to look down at the woman he had in bed. Her lips were perfectly swollen from his attack, breathing still at an all-time high. He was sad that he had to stop but he could at least calm her down and let her rest.

For now.

Jimin placed his hands on her face, stroking the skin there before using his powers on her. The tranquilizing effect that he could produce, that he used on so many others for information, was now being used to sedate Nyala. She gave a contented sigh of relief, relaxing against the bed as she succumbed to the powerful action.

“Nyala, sleep for now. I will be back and we will continue this at a later time. I want you to have the sweetest of dreams and not worry.”

Her eyes drooped as she sank into darkness, watching his form get off of her bed and throw a blanket over her. His back was the last thing she remembered when she finally fell asleep due to his power. A beautiful sleep, one where she felt protected for once.

Jimin stepped outside of her room, turning to his left and seeing Yoongi there with a frown on his face. His body was rigid, unlike Yoongi’s who was loose and accusing as if he was anticipating a fight. He asked a simple question: Why?

“Because... getting involved with one of them will only lead to trouble. Why are you so infatuated with them? With her ?”

“There is something there that I cannot ignore. You won’t be able to ignore it soon either. None of us will because this current is pulling us all along. You have the ability to look into a person’s feelings and mind but can you truly see? I have faith again, something that I did not have for a long time and if it leads to my ruin--then so be it.”

Jimin turned on his heel and left Yoongi there, dumbfounded at his words. Never had he been like that since he rescued him, since he saved him from that Hell he was in. They were using and abusing him, even altering his very body to fit their needs. It worried him that the man was making such decisions and he was powerless to help him. His own feelings aside, he wouldn’t let anything else hurt him. Jimin was his brother, more so than his own family. Fuck, even Jin and Jungkook were too since he drove right in against his own judgment to help them. He always said that it was because he had investments with them.

But could he truly leave them to the Pirates, those that take and take without any mercy? His own soul hurt, just like Jimin’s did. He could see that at least and that was why he wouldn’t let anything happen to them. Nothing at all.  

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn WC: 2996 “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 07: Look Here

"Us meeting isn’t just coincidence. Meeting you was what I wanted."

Anastasia took a deep breath as Jimin closed the doors behind her. When the soft click ensued, she stepped forward and noticed that the person sitting behind the large desk was not facing them. In fact, all she could see was the desk, the nameplate (which had traditional Chinese characters on it), and the back of the large leather chair. She cleared her throat in an attempt to get the person’s attention, but when there was no response, she decided to wait patiently until she was acknowledged.

This wasn’t America, after all.

Taking a moment to busy herself in the silence, Anastasia made a note of how big the office was. The floor was made of premium marble and the oak desk was clearly well-polished. There was a set of six black leather chairs, three on each side, around a black and marble topped coffee table. Another black leather chair sat at the head of the table just feet away from the desk situated on a slight riser from the rest. 

It was modestly decorated, dark green curtains framing a set of bay windows and French doors led to an outdoor balcony. A few pictures hung on the wall but there was a hand-embroidered image of a golden jackal situated on black canvas that was framed and hung over the desk. This kept her attention longer than it should have, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from it. Anastasia knew that she’d seen that before somewhere, but less ornate and less prominent. 

She could at least say that it was a lovely piece of artwork.

But where have I seen that from?

“Long time no see, Anastasia,” came a voice suddenly, knocking her out of her thoughts.

Even though she hadn’t meant to, a soft squeak escaped her as she felt her shoulders jump. Anastasia lifted her purse up to her chest, clutching it just a little bit tighter as her eyes focused on where the voice came from. Blinking at the back of the chair at the desk, she watched as it slowly turned. It was like a scene from The Godfather , and when the chair was fully turned around, there in the large leather chair was none other than Kim Seokjin. If he’d been holding a cat, he would have been Claw from Inspector Gadget and then she really would have fallen out.

“W-Wait a minute!” Her eyes practically bugged out of her skull. “Kim Seokjin-ssi, what are you doing here?!”

Pouty lips spread into a knowing smirk, his elbows resting on the arms of the chair while he steepled his fingers. “I work here.” He answered like she’d asked him a math question. “Or, rather, this is my company.”

Anastasia blinked rapidly, her lips opening and closing as a few stammering sounds spilled forth. “What did you say?”

His smile widened further. “I said that this is my company. I own Golden Star.”

She couldn’t believe it. There was no way that he was serious. Seokjin must have cashed in a favor and she was being played a fool. Someone was playing a prank on her! The Kim Seokjin that she knew was a gangster. All of his friends, the ones he called his brothers, were all gangsters. Weren’t they all running around trying to make a name for themselves, getting themselves caught up in the streets?

Her eyes lifted to spy at the art piece of the golden jackal. Their gang was known as The Golden Jackals. Anyone who was even remotely aware of the underground circuit knew of them and was also aware that they were an up and coming group. Their domain was the street, though. At least that was what Jungkook told her when they were still together before they ended their relationship.

So what had changed in that short amount of time? Had they been working on building toward this even back then?

Anastasia suddenly remembered why she was there. She was supposed to undergo an interview to see if she was qualified to be a financial advisor for another company. Not that she had anything against the stock exchange firm she was currently employed with. But she knew that there was limited room for her to grow and to really showcase her skills. Coming from a background that lacked money taught her how to utilize funds and how to properly shift one’s finances to benefit a company and to encourage its growth. This was her chance to finally climb higher and to stabilize herself without worrying about living from paycheck to paycheck.  

But this? There was no way she could have prepared herself for this.

Her moment of shock started to ebb away and she took a breath. Anastasia’s eyes narrowed and she frowned. “No.” 

Seokjin’s smile fell as he canted his head slightly. “What?”

“No way.” She pivoted on her heels and made her way toward the door. “There is absolutely no fucking way .” 

Her hand landed on the door and she began to pull. However, instead of wrenching the door open like she’d anticipated, it held; resisting against her. For a second, all she did was blink - staring at her hand in disbelief. Had she been locked in? Again, she pulled - harder this time, and again, she was met with resistance. 

“What in the hell?” Anastasia began pulling more aggressively, using both hands and all the door did was rattle in response. “What the hell is happening?!” She swiveled around, ready to ream into Seokjin when she saw he was directly behind her. Anastasia let out a scream, pressing a hand to her chest as her back slammed into the door. “Wh-Wh-What do you think you’re doing?!”

Seokjin leaned forward, peering into her face. Her cheeks flushed and she mentally kicked herself for her own body reacting involuntarily. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was so close to her or if it was because she was halfway down the road of embarrassing herself. Or was she already there? Well, whatever the case, Anastasia didn’t appreciate him invading her personal space like that.

“I don’t know what’s funnier,” he said slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, “the fact that you’re spazzing out for no reason or that you’re pulling on a door that you’re supposed to be pushing on.”

“Huh?” 

What had he just said? 

Seokjin reached forward, gripping the handle of the door and he pressed the latch situated at the top. With a gentle push, the door swayed open. Anastasia peered over her shoulder and saw Jimin sitting on the waiting bench, thoroughly engrossed on whatever was on his phone. When the door opened, he looked up and then smiled - giving a pleasant wave to the two of them before going back to his phone. 

All she could do was blink in both parts amazement and disbelief. 

When it looked like Jimin wasn’t going to intervene, she saw Seokjin moving out of the corner of her eye. He reached forward, grabbed the handle, and then pulled the door closed. Anastasia felt it brush against her shoulder blade, her eyes never leaving Seokjin’s profile even as the door closed with a soft click . His arm lingered there a moment longer before he straightened up to his full height. Some of his hair fell across his brow line and the lump that was unknowingly forming in her throat made her even more aware of their close proximity.

Seokjin normally wasn’t the type to invade another person’s bubble like this. At least from what she knew and of the few times they interacted with one another.

Finally, his smile returned and he looked at her. “Now then,” he began, turning to the side and gesturing toward the array of leather chairs with a wide flourish, “if you’d be so kind, can we get this little meeting underway?”

She felt his hand resting at her lower back and Anastasia’s legs moved unconsciously. What in the world was happening, exactly? Well, she couldn’t be sure. But before she could issue a protest, she was sitting at the chair closest to the one at the head of the table. 

“Can I offer you something to drink?” he asked, already making his way toward the area where various liquor decanters were situated. 

“Bourbon if you’ve got it. Whiskey if you don’t.” 

He chuckled while setting aside two glasses. “And if I have neither?”

“Vodka.”

This elicited a sudden laugh from Seokjin and he came back to the table, holding out the glass containing the amber liquid. Two cubes of ice were inside the tumbler and she looked at it before lifting her gaze to give him a curious look. He settled into the chair, his own glass filled with a similarly colored drink. His contained no ice. 

“I remembered that you’re a fan of bourbon. I was just teasing.”

Anastasia pouted, taking a ginger sip of alcohol while secretly thanking him for remembering to pour her drink on the rocks. After taking a moment to appreciate the smoothness of the booze, she set the glass down on the wooden coaster. She crossed one leg over the other, not caring that the toe of her shoe was brushing up against one of the table legs.

“Seokjin-ssi,” she said, her tone as serious as she could manage. He raised a brow at her as he drank. “What is this all about?”

He swallowed, setting his glass down. “I thought you knew what this was about. Isn’t that why you came out here?”

“I came because I was called about a financial advisor position.”

“Well, that certainly hasn’t changed, so what’s the issue?”

Anastasia felt the vein near her temple throbbing. “The issue is that I didn’t know this was your company!” 

“Is that a problem?” He smirked. “I didn’t realize me being the boss was a problem for you.”

“It’s not about you, dammit!” she snapped, her neck flaring up with the steady rise of her anger. “You know of my history with Jungkook and it’s not like I’m completely ignorant to who you guys are.”

Seokjin’s smile fell just a fraction. A thoughtful expression soon replaced it as he crossed his legs. “I thought you and Jungkook broke up mutually and are still on good terms.” He looked at her, a single brow raising. “Is that not the case?”

“Well, no, we’re still friends...but--”

“And if it’s the background you’re worried about, you can do some digging if you’d like. Golden Star is a legitimate company, Anastasia.”

“That’s not--”

“Then I guess I’m failing to see what the problem is.” Seokjin folded his hands in his lap. “Care to enlighten me?”

For one of the few times in her life, Anastasia actually had no words. None. It wasn’t like she despised the company of the Golden Jackals. She mostly hung out with Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin. She could confidently say that they were her friends. Namjoon and Hoseok were nice and Seokjin was always a polite gentleman toward her. There was no real reason for her to be on the defensive.

And yet she still felt like she’d been suckerpunched in the stomach.

She sighed, her hostility deflating as she sank back in the plush leather chair. “Why me?”

Seokjin’s smile returned. “Why not you?”

She scoffed. She couldn’t help herself. “Oh, don’t give me that, Seokjin. You could hire anyone. Especially if you can afford to run your business out of a building like this. It’s almost as big as the company I work for.” Anastasia gave him a pointed look. “I’m one of hundreds of office workers. I literally work from a freaking cubicle. I’m a damn dime a dozen.” Her accent was coming out and she hated it, but she knew that once she got rolling, there was no stopping her. “So why me , Seokjin-ah?”

Anastasia was a professional 99% of the time. It was very rare that she wasn’t, especially when it came to her work. But when the polite form of address was dropped, when honorifics and protocol were thrown out the window, it was when she meant business. She loved her job and she loved the country she was now living in. If it was one thing she wasn’t about to do, it was jeopardize any of that for any reason at any time and not for any one .

A moment of silence passed between them and Seokjin’s arms moved to rest on the arms of the chair. He steepled his fingers again, pressing them against his lips. Anastasia watched him as he tried to formulate the words that she needed to hear. If it was something she wasn’t okay with, her plan was to walk straight out of that office and not look back. Her career meant everything to her. Stability meant everything to her.

She wasn’t in the business of taking risks for no damn reason.

“You’re driven, Anastasia. You’ve always been like that.” He looked at her and she felt her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress pants. “The company you’ve been working for doesn’t know what to do with you. You’ve been with them for five years and three of those five years have been spent here. It’s unheard of for employees starting out to get reassigned to other countries. You’ve clearly got ambition.”

Warmth touched her cheeks and she wasn’t sure what to make of what he was saying. Were they compliments? He wasn’t trying to pull a fast one on her. It simply sounded like he was stating the facts. 

She remained silent as he continued.

“But you’ve hit a point where you’re not going to be able to move forward. You’re smarter than half of your co-workers but because you lack a certain set of connections, you’re at an impasse. You can’t move ahead and you can’t just go back.” Seokjin paused, his smile returning. “What if I told you that you wouldn’t have to worry about that here? I need someone who can keep this company financially on track but who also isn’t afraid to make a few risky moves if it means turning a higher profit.”

His offer was enticing. How could it not be? But while she was in the business of taking risks, that didn’t mean she was going to step out on thin ice if she was confident enough to swim in freezing waters. 

Reaching for her glass, she tried to appear unimpressed with his words. “What’s the pay?” Anastasia pressed the glass to her lips, letting the alcohol gently touch her tongue.

“Ten thousand dollars the first month.”

A mist of alcohol sprayed from her mouth. Anastasia began coughing furiously, her hand slapping her chest in an attempt to open up her airways so she could breathe. When she was able to gather her senses, she looked at Seokjin with eyes as wide as saucers. 

“...what did you just say?”

“And you’ll be getting an additional ten thousand dollar signing bonus.” Seokjin winked. “But that’s because I like you.”

She frowned, coughing one last time as her eyes narrowed. “Stop playing around.”

“I am dead serious.” 

“You’re crazy.”

He shrugged. “I’ve been called that and then some, but I can promise you that I am very much within my right mind on this.” His eyes met hers, the smile gone from his face completely. “So, what do you say? You in or out?”

Anastasia picked up her drink and drained the glass. Once she was finished, she stood up from the seat and looked down at him. “You’re only getting one chance to draw up a proper contract. If it’s not to my satisfaction, you can forget it.”

Seokjin stood, one hand sliding into his pocket. “You’ve got yourself a deal.” He looked like he’d already won and this made the muscle at her jaw tick. “I’ll have it sent to your place and you can look over it at your leisure.”

“Fine.” She slipped her purse over her shoulder and made her way to the door. “You’ve got three days, Kim Seokjin-ssi.” 

Anastasia pushed the latch on the door handle and pushed this time, the door swaying open easily. Jimin seemed to be waiting on her and he slid his phone into his pocket. He smiled at her cheerfully and she immediately puffed her cheeks out defiantly. Ignoring the arm he held out for her, she huffed her way down the hall. 

“I’ll see you in three days, Anastasia D’Angelo,” called Seokjin from down the hall. 

Jimin caught up with her and pressed the button to call the elevator. She knew she wouldn’t be able to get back downstairs without his clearance. But that was the only reason she was even waiting on him. As they stepped into the elevator, she saw Seokjin still standing in the doorway of his office. Just before the doors closed, Anastasia stuck her tongue out at him and she had to ignore the way her heart thumped as he laughed - watching him disappear back into his office.

As Jimin swiped his card, he pressed the main floor button. “Did you have a good talk, Noona?”

She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “Don’t you start,” she warned and he laughed. “You’re in trouble.”

He nodded, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Yes, yes, I know,” he said, gently bumping her shoulder with his own. “Can I buy you dinner to make up for it?”

She folded her arms across her chest and huffed. “Black Bean Noodles or it’s no deal.”

Jimin laughed. “It’s a deal!”

A sigh left her as she side-eyed him, wondering how she wound up in this situation. She certainly couldn’t be mad at Jimin. He was just doing his job. But this?

Well, this was just something she wasn’t really prepared for. But one thing was certain. She would know in three days what her answer was.

Anastasia could play nice until then.

No Words - Interlude

Pairing: Taehyung x OC

Type: Interlude [Flashback]

Genre: Idol, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Angst, Fluff [if you squint]

Warning: None.

A/N - Felt the need to roll back before moving forward. So, you’ll get two releases this weekend! This is the first two of 5, Thank you for reading this mess of a story!

Words:  3712

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2 Years Ago.

Lucky.

You couldn’t have asked for a situation to be luckier.  Her heartbeat could have doubled as a production drum track. One of her classmates, another girl from the inner city, looked bored as they sat in the auditorium. They both wanted to make music, good music - exciting music. They wanted to be at the forefront of technology and techniques for producing. They wanted the keys to the kingdom of hit songs.

The college decided that they could only get that experience - by working with the best of the best. They had invited a range of performers to come and discuss their methodology. Each had a formula that worked for them. Each performer had a story to connect to their songs. It wasn’t about the number one hit, it was about making honest music. About being true to themselves in the best way they can. Especially in an industry, and a country, that didn’t always accept differences.

She had been listening to various music styles, genres, and languages from a young age. It started in Jr. High, taking Spanish in 7th grade. She followed that throughout her High School time. She’s not embarrassed to say that Ricky Martin was apart of her foray into the Latin sounds. She listened to older songs, love songs, the music, and the story enthralled her.

Japanese animation spurred her love for J-Rock and J-Pop. X-Japan dragged her into the world, Dir en Grey kept her attention. She was in love with Visual Kei. Old rock, alternative rock, a smidge of country, and anything with a beat that caused her to lean her head toward it. She was an audiophile, plain, and simple.

Lead by a thin thread of melody until she had to devour the whole discography of an artist. She wanted to know all the ins and outs of the industry. Granted, there were other worthwhile fields to explore, so she was told. There was almost an expectation of finding easy money in business or even medical fields. She wrote poetry and song lyrics as long as she could remember. Music had been apart of the highs and lows of her life. She could associate a song for every pivotal moment of her life. The playlist spanned generations and the globe. It started when someone introduced her to Super Junior. Then it spiraled into 2NE1, Shinhwa, and the list went on and on.

She was so thankful her family didn’t try to limit her. Her parents expected her to be open-minded to the world around her. It was something instilled in her upbringing. That open-minded was the bane of her existence during her high school years, unfortunately. In a place where anything different made you strange or weird. She didn’t care for the urban selections that most of her friends were into.

There were times when her father put on his old school albums that she felt a connection. She wanted the story of music. She wanted the lyrics to strike her heart. That’s what she wanted in her music. She tried to write music, make music like that. All the artists she admired took chances, grew, and came back with something new.

And now?

She was sitting in an auditorium waiting for the most significant thing in music to come speak to their group.

She had a plethora of questions, worries, and fears. Everyone on the planet had heard about BTS at this point. There were a few of them who had managed to jump on the train early. Especially finding that they were working with legends in the rap community. Some watched expecting a spectacle - and to a degree? It was a spectacle.

Some wanted to see the thinking process of pinnacles of music that filled many a block party or high school dance. Let’s not forget backyard BBQs and family gatherings. Songs that whether you cared for the genre or not? Still managed to cause your body to move.

An elbow dug into her side as her friend stared wide-eyed at the line of men entering the auditorium. They were all seated semi-circle on the stage. BTS stood in front as the students clapped.

The boys had soft, quiet, smiles waving as RM straightened with a smooth phrase. It was almost military in precision as they saluted, bowed, and introduced themselves. They each took a moment to say hello in English at that. She tilted her head as they spoke.

It’s always a treat to hear a singer’s speaking voice. Some sharply contrasted their sounds. Others were no different from one to the other. She enjoyed the vocal textures, rich, or light tones as they spoke. Her friend saw her grinning like an idiot as her eyes rolled.

“Girl, get yourself together!” Tasha finally whispered to her. There was a thick swallow as she realized what she’d been doing. The boys were provided seats and microphones. They were treated to an acoustic version of one of their songs. To see the look of shock on the other student’s faces was an absolute treat.

She could only smile as time seemed to zip by. Filled with questions and curiosities. She asked all the questions she could. Always sure to ask for clarification, examples, and advice. RM was ready with a smooth, dimpled smile as he translated.

They all had solos under their belts at this time. So it was interesting to hear their thought processes. They all had one thing in common, though. The need to tell a story and convey emotion. To make sure that those who heard their music heard a message. It had been the most successful tactic thus far.

“So that ends our time. Everyone lets give BTS a round of applause!” The professor stood, the students followed. The boys bowed again and joined in the applause. They all gathered to shake hands, thanking them for taking time out of their grueling schedule.

RM raises his hands, spreading them wide. “Thank you for your time! We’ll see you tonight!” Everyone stared blankly at him, then their professor, who smiled widely. “Oh, I forgot to mention. We have permission to go backstage and watch operations for a tour.” To say that the sound that rose from the sudden silence was almost choral? It echoed off the walls as hands shook vigorously, shoulders were clapped - and the excitement caused tears.

“Alright, let’s get a picture!” The professor tried to get them all to find a spot. She managed to shake hands with most of the boys. Before she got a chance to shake Taehyung’s hand, they were being herded for a photo. She wound up, almost stepping on his foot as she tried to find a comfortable position. She wanted to shrink into nothingness. There was a bit of jostling before they used the bleachers to get them higher. She remembered one of the first words of Korean she’d learned. An apologetic smile as she mumbled an apology. Tae gave that infamous boxy smile with a wave of his hand. Tasha pulled her close as they sat on the bleachers smiling as the picture was taken. “Alright, you guys, meet back here in an hour - we’ll get shuttled to the stadium. Make sure you have your IDs..” The professor went on about etiquette, decorum, and rules. Nobody was listening - there was too much of a buzz about the show. They dispersed, waving the band members off. She bit into the bottom of her lip as they disappeared.

“Oh. My. God!” Tasha grabbed her and spun around. They laughed as she eyed her friend.

“Wait a minute, you were unimpressed just about an hour ago.” Tasha’s brow shot up with a devious grin.

“Girl, we get to go behind the scenes of the hottest tour yet! I may not understand anything - but I’m happy for the opportunity.” Tasha laughed as she tapped the base of a high ponytail. She pursed her lips, swinging its length. “Honey, that RM, though?” Ah, how many times had she heard that?

“Come on, I have to make sure you don’t embarrass me,” Tasha smirked, yanking her by the arm.

“W-what? That’s mean, Tasha!” She frowned slightly as the other woman rolled her eyes.

“It’s the truth.” She quipped as they hurried across the campus to her dorm.

“We’re going backstage, there’s nothing to dress for.” She kept the frown on her face Tasha bouldered into her apartment and pulled her in.

“Hush! Shower, now!” Tasha was taking no excuses as she pointed to the bathroom.

She grunted, rolling her eyes trudging to the bathroom.

Tasha respected her need to stay ‘practical’ about everything. She preferred oversized shirts, nearly formless skirts, and pants. Her friend wasn’t about that tonight. Tasha stuck her in a pair of jeans, a button-down shirt slightly tucked. She wore a pair of ankle boots accented with a silver chain. And by the time Tasha finished with her makeup? She hardly recognized herself.

“T-Tasha, I think you went a little overboard?” Her friend had just finished her own face. The subtle smokey eye with lower-liner really made her eyes pop! Tasha smirked as she grabbed their bags and pushed her out of the door.

“You’re not used to wearing makeup. Of course, you’d think it was too much.” The other woman rolled her eyes as they sprinted back to the meetup spot with minutes to spare. They all clambered on the shuttle.

All of a sudden, they were there. This was real.

They were walked through the various crew hiding spots. The makeshift dressing spaces underneath the stage. Everything was centrally located for the ease of the members.  The head PD was showing the group the setups, the chasers, and they finally arrived in ‘Monitor World.’ The place that was basically production HQ.

Some took notes, some lingered in the back looking around. Not her, no. She wanted to know what buttons did what. She wanted to know how they were sure that the upper-level fans could hear appropriately.

There were a few people with her curious about various other things. They could hear the crowd until they queued the chase pattern for the opening song. The boys rose from a floor lift. The group went wild as they started in on Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Walkie talkies were going off left and right. Every time something could possibly go wrong? It was pointed out, corrected, and communicated. It was a tight run ship. They moved along to the area under the stage, just as the boys were lowered for a set and costume change.

They were breathing heavy, sweating, and peeling their costumes off. There were people on the sides taking them, ushering them into the makeshift spaces. The students stayed back out of the way. The transition was so fast the students couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed. They made it back to the control hub.

As if to make sure they were paying attention? The Head PD asked them to point out what they remembered. Tasha nudged her with a thumbs up. You got this, she mouthed. Everyone shifted on their feet as they fought to not being first.

She straightened her posture as she stepped forward. “I’d like to give it a try.” The Head PD double-blinked as stood next to him. Ah, it was probably her height. She offered a gentle smile and nod, “If that’s ok?”

“Please do. The routine is the same as before.” He smiled with his walkie talkie in hand. She took a deep breath, stepping closer to the operators at the panel. A headset sat on her head as the plethora of voices filled her ear.

The Head PD let them know that a student was making the calls, but he was overseeing. Two more students joined the panel board, the techs looking over their shoulders and pointing out controls.

She counted them down for each new element.

The lights went dark as the chase pattern activated. They could do this - she could do this.

45 very long minutes later?

“Holy fuck, you did it?!” Tasha grabbed her in a frantic hug. “Y-you really fucking did it! I was scared shitless, man!” Her mind was still hazy over what just occurred. Tasha looped their arms together as the concert sailed to a close. They stood in the back eyes trained to the fireworks display above them.

“I thought I was going to vomit.” She admitted quietly. Tasha moved rainbow-colored braids from her face.

“You should be proud of yourself.” They shared a smile as the professor rounded them up again. They followed the road crew as the stage was broken down. The last fans had long gone, and they were all alone again. The trucks, vans, and equipment checked and secured. She had followed the equipment with a few other students. They watched the breakdown and helped to carry pieces to be stored. There were, of course, a few quips of concern as she hauled a miniature subwoofer to the van.

She politely reinforced her ability to contribute and promptly turned with the item in hand. She rolled up her sleeves, forearms contracting as she moved along the corridor. Ah, why did she let Tasha try to doll her up? The familiar burn in her muscles ebbed away as she handed the equipment to the technical director. She was at home when she could tomboy her way through situations.

She offered a bow turning to make her way back to the main group. A moment too long of watching everything around her left her in an area she didn’t recognize. A frown as she spun in a circle taking the next left turn under the created passageways - and she slammed into something.

“Ah!” A voice, male exclaimed as she staggered backward.

She stumbled, and that someone, thankfully, pulled her arm hard to keep her from landing on her rump. She sucked in a breath as her gaze lifted. “Shit! I’m sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was-” A grunt rumbled through the air as her eyes went wide. “Oh.”

Kim Taehyung was plucking the final buttons from his shirt. His gaze lowered to the floor as he fought off exhaustion. They had to get changed to meet up on the stage again. It took him a little longer to get the cramps out of his legs. He barely made out a shadow before his body collided with it.

He saw her bounce from foot to foot before he pulled her arm. He heard the remorse in her voice as she rambled. His brow furrowed as she spoke too quick for him to pick out words. He still had his fingers wrapped around her forearm as she looked up at him.

She smelled … magnificent. His lashes lowered, nostrils flaring, on an inhale. She watched the perfect heart shape of his mouth part softly. She lowered her gaze to the expanse of flesh in her face. He was one button away from a cheesy romance novel cover.

They stood in silence, trading body heat before she glanced at the long fingers burning into her skin. Their gazes locked again, “You should be more careful.” He rumbled softly. Her lip caught between her teeth as she nodded rapidly.

“R-right. I’m sorry. Thank you.” She coughed softly, stepping away from him. His fingers still lingered until they loosened. Her eyes were wide as she turned on her heel, trying to get back out to the main walkway without that hint of desperation in her steps.

Tasha came rounding the corner at that very moment. “Hey! They’re waiting on us on stage for a final picture. Come on! I’m not missing this because of you.” Her friend yanked her along with a stupid grin on her face.

“Tae, Hyung, come on!” Jeongguk showed up as Tae went in the opposite direction. The maknae let him in their makeshift space. He helped Tae peel out of a sweaty costume. “I can’t wait to get some food and a beer.” Tae shrugged on a turtle neck, an oversized sweatshirt, and black slacks.

“That makes two of us.” The visual croaked tiredly. “Come on, then.” Jeongguk gave that bunny-like smile as he dragged Tae toward the stage. Tae sulked, “What are you doing?”

Jeongguk’s brow shot up as they walked into the wings. “We have to take a picture with the class from earlier!” Tae rolled his eyes as he was dragged out. They made it in time for Namjoon to address everyone.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet you all. Good luck in the future. Please wish us well - and maybe? We’ll see you backstage with us someday!” There was a round of applause as everybody tried to find a spot to fit in the picture. Tasha winked as she made her way over to squeeze near Namjoon.

The betrayal of it all! She laughed as Tasha found a sweet spot to brag about later. She, on the other hand, wanted to just kneel down the front. The professor frowned with a wave of her hand, “Come on, you know you’re too tall up here! Stand back there.” There was a grimace on her face as she moved to the back. They were staged in layers again.

“Everybody in!” She felt jostled as arms pulled against her shoulders. Before she had a moment to register anything? Jeongguk squeezed on one side of her, his arm around Taehyung, who squeezed on the other.

Students, Staff, and Band were connected in the joy of a show well done. The camera flashed, and she smiled on autopilot. A few flashes, more applause, and she was quick to escape the trap she found herself in.

Jeongguk had caught a whiff of something pleasant, tilting his head curiously at the tall female. Both he and Tae seemed to find each other’s gaze as they flitted looks at the woman between them.

She turned to shake their hands with a quiet thank you. Both of them seemed to take TOO LONG to let her hand go. She beat feet in Tasha’s direction as soon as she could. Tasha had this dreamy look on her face after speaking to Namjoon for a few minutes.

“Is this what heaven is like?” Tasha’s eyes were glassy and hooded. You’d think the girl finished smoking an exquisite bouquet of the studded sticks.

“It could be, Tash. It could be.” She smiled, turning to look at the empty stadium. The students have all huddled together once again. The professor was talking with the TDs and PDs, even Namjoon was there. There was a look of stern concentration on various faces. A cellphone in the middle of the group seemed to be the main focus.

The chill in the air didn’t phase them as they spoke of their experience. They lamented their mistakes. They reveled in techniques to apply later. They were buzzing with excitement and a renewed appreciation for following their current educational path.

“Ok, everyone, listen up!” Their professor walked back over with a massive smile on her face. Tasha was rambling with her arms wrapped around her frame. She could see the heat of breath wavering in the air. The professor’s excitement was palpable with a gesture back to the team behind her. Suddenly, she could feel her heart thundering against her rib cage. Maybe the others could hear it too? They all got quiet.

They were all staring at each other, then at her. Her mouth was half-open as white noise filled her head. Her brow furrowed deeply as others around her wore looks of shock and disbelief. Then there was more applause.

Tasha grabbed her, jumping up and down, her voice pitched to shrieking. She felt her body shake as she turned the dazed look to her friend.

W-wait, what?

Tasha cupped her face and looked ready to cry. She blinked down into her friend’s face, prepared to be violently sick.

She turned back to the professor, catching the end of her statement as her hearing filtered back in.

“…you passed…” Her eyes went wide. “…intense work-study opportunity…” She was surely going to be sick. “…traveling with the tour…” More applause. “You’ll still need to complete courses, you’ll be provided with online links.” She staggered into Tasha, who laughed even louder.

“We wanted to see how this first run would work, and you surpassed all expectations. Congratulations, you’ll set the tone for the future students of the program.”

You blinked back tears as you engulfed Tasha in a hug. Not only were you all going to be able to get the first-hand experience? You’ll get it with BTS. It all made sense as to why they required a passport as an admission qualification. The professor stepped away to join the technical team while you all rejoiced. Namjoon and the rest of BTS gathered to shake your hands, and offer their congratulations.

Comments expecting good things ahead were traded. She was happy. This was unbelievable - a stroke of luck.

Tasha managed to steal a hug from Namjoon, crying almost harder when she turned around. A firm hand landed on her own, leaving her with a beaming Jeongguk. A half bow, a smile, a nod of thanks as he lingered. Taehyung all but moved the maknae aside to get her hand in his again.

He had that arrogant tilt to his head. The tip of his tongue caught between his teeth as he lifted her hand. The light caught the dark chocolate of his gaze as he let his breath ghost across her knuckles.

He eased up, flashing a boxy smile before grabbing Tasha, doing the same. She shook off the strangeness of it all, turning to her friend with open arms.

“We did it!”

Their arms looped as they finally made their way off stage. The shuttle was waiting to get them to a small celebration. She still couldn’t help looking over her shoulder. For just a moment, she felt something staring a hole into her shoulder from the shadows.

Her brow furrowed as Tasha pulled her attention forward.

…just missing the two silhouettes lingering in the wings.

No Words, pt 7

Pairing: Jungook x  [mention/flashback of Tae x OC]

Type: Series

Genre: Idol! Poly!, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Angst, Fluff [if you squint]

Warning: Smut. Voyeurism. Masturbation. 

A/N - I wrote this so weird - I’m sorry. I cannot even explain. But, you should read chapters 1-6. Then Interlude I-V.  Or be a Rebel and read the interludes first then read through the chapters. You’re the captain of your crazy reader-ship. Now we can continue on!

Words:  2.5K

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The Maknae was flustered as he burned miles on the treadmill. The trainer turned the speed up a few more notches. Jeongguk was so lost in his thoughts? He barely registered he was getting closer to max speed. It was easy to let the body do what it needed to when he spaced out. It was like a weird auto-pilot, the trainer knew that far away gaze. It was the best time to really push the maknae to his limits.

“You what, Jeongguk? You what..?” Tae leaned in with a baritone growl.

Ki-Nam knew that Jeongguk was preoccupied with something. They had gone through this whole scenario many times, over many years. If Gguk had a problem he couldn’t talk out? He’d work it out - hard. The maknae’s brow furrowed, Ki-Nam turned the speed up another notch. He felt bad, honestly. Watching the main vocal sweat out his troubles in such a rough fashion. But, everyone knew that Gguk still had some troubles when it came to his emotions. They laughed over a session, a few years ago, saying it was akin to meditation. A really, really, rough and vigorous meditation.

It has been one month since they had a bit of a break. The holidays were closing in on them again. That time of the year always seemed to do something to him. He didn’t understand why. He couldn’t put his finger on it.

No, that was a lie. He didn’t want to put his finger on it.

“I don’t know, Taehyung!” A hissing whisper turned to the elder. Jeongguk’s tongue poked at the side of his cheek as his leg began to vibrate. “I don’t fucking know.” Tae scoffed as he gave the maknae a once over.

Jeongguk felt his heart beating a race in his chest. The sweat finally started to burn his eyes, he blinked it away rapidly. Why didn’t he want to touch it? Because it would change things. What was wrong with change? It took time to get used to new things. So what? Who cared? It was safer than the alternative right?

She was safer than the alternative. Right?

“I do.” Tae continued his stroll toward the end of the hall. “I knew some time ago.” Was that a warning?

“Fuck?!” Jeongguk was at a break-neck run when Ki-Nam turned the dial to MAX. Yes, that’s fine. He needed this run, he wanted to run! But, from what? What was he running from? It hurt. His body hurt and his lungs burned.

“OK! Ok!” Ki-Nam saw the focus slip and turned the speed down to a light jog. “Alright, breathe it out. Breathe it out.” He handed the maknae an electrolyte replacement as the jog turned into a brisk walk. Jeongguk felt a towel land over his head, snapping him from the recesses of his mind. “Man, I don’t know what you’ve got going on in your head? But, it’s been a while since you’ve maxed the treadmill.” Ki-Nam crossed his arms watching the Maknae slow to a stop. He brushed the towel over his sweat-ladened hair.

Jeongguk watched as Tae disappeared down the hall - their eyes meeting one last time as he disappeared around a corner.

“Hyung,” Gguk panted heavily while bracing his hands on the arm of the treadmill. “..can you be in love with two people at the same time?” Ki-Nam blinked at Gguk with a soft whistle. The maknae groaned while rubbing his hair vigorously.

“Absolutely.” Ki-Nam’s straight, unflinching answer made the maknae look from under his towel. The, slightly, older man arched a brow. “What? Did you think I was going to say no?” He chuckled as Gguk gave him a sheepish look.

“Gguk-ah, you can’t help who or how many people stir your heart.” Ki-Nam shrugged as if it was common knowledge. “Granted, it’s not exactly acceptable to everyone. But,” He clapped a hand on the maknae’s moist shirt covered shoulder. “…everyone doesn’t know what makes you happy. Look at the world we live in, Jeongguk-ah. People exist in many forms. Don’t you think it’s only reasonable that love does as well?”

Jeongguk blinked wide and Ki-Nam smiled giving him a soft shake. “For as many combinations in the world, that a person can exist? So too does love, Gguk-ah. Only you know the combination that’s right for you.” There was a stern set to the trainer’s face suddenly. “Regardless of the form that combination takes? You fight for your own happiness, whatever it may be. And also, be careful.” The trainer pushed his index finger into the maknae’s pectoral. Right above the quivering beat of his heart. “While it’s true love is fickle, sometimes she can be impatient.”

The maknae frowned, trying to ponder the meaning. Ki-Nam didn’t waste that time leading him on. He got straight to the point. “Love can be a once in a lifetime thing, Gguk-ah. She can decorate the table. She can wear a pretty dress. She can paint you a picture worth a thousand words. But, if you’re too busy to turn your head in her direction? She leaves you.”

Jeongguk’s eyes went wide as a thought unburied itself from the tunnels of his mind. Christmas time.

“…and she may leave you for a good while before trying again.” It was so easy to just text them, and know they would be there.

“…and if you miss the opportunity too many times?”

Taehyung..cried. He remembered it so vividly now. Just when he thought that she understood. Just when he knew she felt the same? She was gone. She stopped answering their messages, then her phone no longer took them. He was so concerned about Taehyung. They did what they always had to - they picked up and moved along.

How could she do that to Tae? How could she do that to Taeyung? How could do that to him? To him?

“She may never come back around again.” Ki-Nam finally finished as the light seemed to flare in the maknae’s eyes. As if a realization slammed into him. How could she do that to him? Jeongguk’s tongue prodded at the corner of his cheek. Ah, that’s what it was. It wasn’t just him -Taehyung.

It was also him - Jeongguk. How could she do that…to them?

Ki-Nam didn’t press, but he knew that look. A smirk lifted the corner of his mouth as Jeongguk nodded to himself, resolute. “You good?” The trainer asked the maknae with a fire burning in his eyes.

“Yeah, hyung, I am.” The maknae bowed to his trainer, tossing the towel back atop his head as he made for his room and a shower. He looked deep in thought as he took the stairs two by two. He didn’t want to bother with the elevator, not with all the thoughts still jumbled in his brain. He knew his feelings for Taehyung - that was sort of a given. But, he will admit he noticed a change when she was around.

He thought to indulge Taehyung on his fixation with the foreigner. They would only be around for just a bit of time, so what could it hurt? He opened the door to his floor and shuffled to his room.

It hurt a lot, actually.

His brow furrowed as he rolled back the reel of memories. She didn’t want to really get close to them - that much was apparent. She almost reminded him of himself in the beginning. Waiting until everyone else was out of the room or the way before eating or showering. There were differences between them that could make things difficult. But, Tae being Tae didn’t care. They watched her butt heads, clash ideas, and disagree with senior staff. It didn’t always work out to her benefit, but she stayed true in that she wanted to speak her mind. She always took it constructively, at least, when they disagreed with what she presented.

But, she had always mentioned she appreciated the ‘why?’. She appreciated that they tore her ideas up and presented the pros, cons, and protocols as a rebuttal. You couldn’t help but respect that. Just as they had come to respect that she wanted to be wrong - so she could develop stronger ideas. Most people would become resentful and frustrated at repeated ‘no’. But, not her - no. She studied refusals and prepared herself for a stronger showing at the next juncture.

But, not her - no. She studied refusals and prepared herself for a stronger showing at the next juncture.

Jeongguk felt himself sag as he entered his room. The bed looked inviting but he knew he needed to shower. The last bit of willpower left was exerted to undress and press himself into the hot spray. The water cascaded over his body as it protested his earlier mistreatment. His hand braced against the wall as his eyes closed.

How could she do that to him?

…there was no singing coming from that room. Jeongguk excused himself to go to the bathroom. He could hear all the off-key singing, but he couldn’t hear her voice. The water echoed a weird silence underneath the noise. He stepped out of the bathroom turning back toward the raucous bunch at the grill tables. He turned toward that corner where the karaoke room was. He bit into the meat of his cheek as he made his way down the hall.

He was turning the corner when he heard it. A loud thump that made him rush to the door. It was concern that brought him, but when he peeked into that little window? What he saw made his skin flush as he pressed himself against the wall. He could feel that fire creeping along his skin and settling in his face. Even though all his blood immediately ran toward his dick. It was dark back there, the burn of the karaoke screen and mini-lights provided enough light for him to see it.

To see her, crouched in front of Tae with her face against his stomach. Tae with his hand between his teeth somewhere between insanity and ecstasy.

He should have forgotten it. He should have left. He was turning to leave, he shouldn’t see this. But she pulled Tae across the room to the couch. He was off-side so he could see everything. Why was he so aroused?! He couldn’t really hear what they were saying.

But when Tae grabbed handfuls of her hair and pushed his cock into her mouth - and didn’t stop until she was pressed against his stomach again? Jeongguk had to suppress his moans as he reached into his pants.  

Tae got louder as he moved closer to orgasm. Gguk knew the signs. The muscle tick in the jaw, the way his body bows backward. He watched Tae use her, trying to shove himself inside of her.

“…H-ha…hah…”

How?! How could he have caught up so quickly?

“Mmm. Mhm, mhm, just like…t-that..”

Jeongguk felt his stomach twist and knot.

“Ah-f-fuck. Fuck…fuck…”

He felt his balls draw tight as lightning coursed through his body.

“F-fuck, gonna come…gonna come….gonna -Ah!?”

And then he…

“Fuck?!” Gguk had spaced out thinking back on catching her and Tae. He wound up working himself back up, and as the water turned cold - the orgasm knotted his muscles. One hand tight around the base of his dick as he dropped to a knee.

He was in love with her, too. It wasn’t just Tae that was hurt by that spontaneous disappearance. He was too. He was also him. He was hurt. He was mad. He tried to play it off, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t play it off anymore. His body lurched as he kept the iron grip on his throbbing erection.

Why was he being so stupid? What did it matter?! Tae loved her. Tae knew he loved her. It wasn’t a threat he lobbed at Jeongguk that night. It wasn’t a warning. It was a fucking realization. The truth of it had his eyes rolling back in his skull. As he finally took that chance and let himself think back.

Back to that Christmas.

Back to that kitchen.

Back to her apartment.

Back to when she was sandwiched between them. He thought…

The sounds they made together with a reckless abandon that night.

He thought… He remembered….he felt….

…the sound of her voice “Come for me.” She moaned.

Jeongguk cried out as let himself go. His back hit the tiled wall. He exploded, thick ropes of cum shooting skyward and against his abdomen as he fought for air. He reached out shaking hands to bat the nozzle to stop the water beating down on his skull.  He sank down on his side as his cock twitched and spasmed even though there was no liquid left to sputter.

Cold. He was fucking freezing when he snapped to twenty minutes later. The heel of his palm dug into his eye socket. “Mphffucking hell…” He pushed himself to stand, turning on the water again. The hot water not wasted as he showered and tended to his sore muscles.

He exited the shower, toweling his hair, frowning at the now swollen bowl of ramen that had been waiting for him. He ate it anyway, greedily sucking down the noodles and broth. He dug around in the fridge for leftover chicken and an apple.

He saw his phone on the table and narrowed his eyes. Gguk stormed over to the table, snatched up the cellphone and sent off a rapid-fire text.

—

Ding.

  Ggukie: Hyung…

Taehyung grunted as he felt around for his phone. Trying not to spill the glass of water, he fumbled before pulling the phone to his face. He spied the time.

                                                4:30 am

“What the hell?” A deep rumble of sound as he responded.

  Hyungie: Gguk-ah, it’s late? Early? You ok?

Tae fumbled for the glasses he kept nearby, his vision sleep-blurred. The glasses were pulled right back off as he read the next text.

  Ggukie: I can’t, Tae. I can’t do this anymore.

  Hyungie: Can’t do what, Jeongguk?

  Ggukie: Pretend.

Taehyung smoothed the hair back from his face as he watched the chat bubble dot away for the next response. His phone pinged with a received message.

  Ggukie: I knew it, too. Back then, I knew it. We need to talk.

The Visual felt the smirk curving his mouth as he tossed the phone on the bed beside him. He stretched his arms upward as he fired off a reply. He rubbed his hands together as he got out of bed.

  Hyungie: Let’s have breakfast, Gguk-ah.

Taehyung knew he didn’t need to wait for a reply. He slipped on his robe, popped into his tata slippers, and grabbed his phone. He couldn’t help the pep in his step as he made his way down to the maknae’s room.

Taehyung had a hunch. He didn’t know what got Jeongguk to ponder the situation deeper? But, he was glad he did.

Because now? Now the real work could start.

Now they could plan ahead. Because they had about three and a half weeks before Christmas. A little over a month until the New Year.

And it looks like neither of them had any intentions of letting her sneak through their fingers this year.

Tae raised his hand to knock on a door that quickly opened before he could. A fiery-eyed Jeongguk, clad in black shirt and sweats, stepped aside to let him.

It has now been 121 days post kiss.