Welcome To The Kim Line Net! This Network Is Dedicated To The Lovely Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, And Kim

Welcome to the Kim Line Net! This network is dedicated to the lovely Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, and Kim Taehyung of BTS. This network is a place to find anything kim line related, meet fellow kim line enthusiasts, and have fun!

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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: 2,494 Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 “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 18: Magic Shop

"I won’t say clichéd things like 'have strength'. I’ll just listen to you, listen..."

Busan - Marine City; Haeundae District South Korea

The trip to Busan yielded much fruit.

Seokjin expected no less, however, when it came to Anastasia.

While she already submitted her letter of resignation to her own company, holding true to her word, Seokjin decided it was best that he kept his as well. He would give her time to bid her co-workers farewell and to get her affairs in order. When she brought the contract, it was signed and he also put his own signature on it as well – completing the deal with his sealing stamp. It didn’t surprise him that she was anxiously waiting for anything to change; for the final nail to sink into her coffin.

But no, this was the beginning of a very beautiful relationship. He would make sure of that.

And he did. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Seokjin informed her that she needed to pack a suitcase so they could go on a business trip. He wanted to take the time to properly get to know her in the business aspect. He knew what she was like personally, at least from what the younger ones often mentioned. She was funny, loyal, and fair. But she also had self-esteem issues, mostly stemming from attempting to claim a dream and failing in said endeavor.

He didn’t want her to feel she couldn’t take anymore risks. Certain risks could bring the greatest rewards. But some gambles left a person completely destitute. Seokjin wanted to make sure that she was capable of discerning which types of deals she would be willing to take to bring more profit to the company, as well as reassure her that it was okay to make mistakes.

They took the train to Busan. There was no need to rush. They had three days of work ahead of them, all paid for and then some. Seokjin explained the details of what they were to do while they were out and about. It was also a chance for her to explore and get some downtime away from the cramped office space of a corporate building. Most of her work would involve being at his side as he conducted business deals and attended corporate meetings. Again, something she was used to, but not in such an intimate fashion.

Anastasia enjoyed taking photos and would do so every time they stopped. She had a keen eye for location and architecture, as well as for anything that looked aesthetically pleasing or what sorts of things could use improvement. It was a little difficult to get her to talk about herself, but when she did, the American woman did not hold back and it was something Seokjin appreciated. Her honesty made her human and being more human meant being more empathetic to the ideas and understandings of others. It was a necessary skill when it came to being an investment company. Sometimes it wasn’t always about turning a profit.

He took her to various shopping centers, allowing her to take notes on a variety of stores. They tried different foods and tested out a plethora of products. Everything from electronics to makeup and skincare items. She seemed a little surprised at how her complexion looked after having a makeup artist provided her with a color palette to suit her skin tone. Seokjin purchased the kit, as well as the skincare lineup that accompanied the makeup. Anastasia protested, of course, but he simply told her that it was work-related and to let it be. She couldn’t properly help to advise him on what to do with his finances if she didn’t know what they were investing in.

The first day blew by faster than either anticipated. They enjoyed a nice meal at a high-end restaurant where he offered up suggestions. She listened and even asked the servers what they recommended for the evening. Again, Anastasia took notes even while they ate, which amused Seokjin.

The second day was much more productive and they visited more stores. A few of them offered sales pitches to which Seokjin listened politely. He offered his ear to Anastasia, wanting to hear what her thoughts were on a few of the companies. Practical and fair, she agreed that some needed to be reworked before they could be given investment funds to continue their ventures. She even reached as far back to the factory workers who would be producing some of the items that were being pitched to them. This was something most people failed to consider or would completely disregard the workers’ financial needs in the production line. Could they afford to give compensation and pay their people overtime? Would they have paid holidays off and was there a rollover system for PTO?

Every single detail was not overlooked by Anastasia and she gave advice even when they looked to Seokjin since he rarely spoke in these instances. In actual board meetings with a few of the companies he’d invested in, he made sure that she was right beside him to hear and comprehend everything that was going on. She didn’t have very many questions and when she did, she did not hesitate to ask them to the other board members. There were whispers about her being disrespectful for speaking for Seokjin, but he quickly squashed those comments when he explained her position on his staffing team.

They took breaks often, which he insisted. She didn’t complain but he could tell that she was averse to the idea of breaking her momentum. But after the eighth meeting scheduled for the day, he could tell that Anastasia needed a break.

Seokjin took her to a variety of places, explaining the reasoning behind wanting to invest all the way out in Busan. The Golden Jackals weren’t planning on working the underground circuit forever. Assimilating their assets, selling off those they didn’t need, was all part of the plan to legalize themselves. Golden Star was just the beginning. With Jimin working Jeju and Taehyung dipping into the entertainment industry alongside Namjoon, eventually they would be able to build from those foundations and focus on key aspects of their company that they wanted to shine the most. Even Jungkook’s eyes were turned toward industrialization and Yoongi’s foreign relations were key to solidifying their own need for investment overseas.

And Hoseok would be the figurehead over it all.

Their final night in Busan was a celebratory one. He wanted to reward Anastasia for all her hard work. She agreed to the reward, but only accepted it on the terms and conditions that it would be a casual night. Nothing fancy and nothing that involved her having to walk around in high heels all night. Seokjin laughed, obliging.

They agreed on dinner and a movie. Anastasia preferred actions or thrillers to horror films and Seokjin wasn’t really a fan of romantic comedies. They came to a happy medium, settling for a murder mystery film instead. After it finished, they discussed when they were able to conclude who the actual killer was at the family estate.

Seokjin liked it when Anastasia laughed. He enjoyed seeing her nose wrinkle up when she blew her food and how freely she smiled when something tasted good or if she saw something amusing. There were times when she seemed to have a faraway look in her eye, but then he’d have to catch her as she tripped over her own feet. As organized as she was, he found it a little humanizing that she was also a bit of a klutz.

“I want to shoot fireworks on the beach,” she said suddenly as they walked and ate Bungeoppang.

He chewed, the sweet red bean paste thick on his tongue as he looked down at her. “What?” Seokjin laughed. “Do you know how cold it gets at the beaches here during this time of year?”

She took another bite of the fish-shaped bread, blowing around her teeth to cool the snack. “So?” Anastasia swallowed, puffing one of her cheeks out at him as he scrutinized her. “I’ve never done it before. Get off me.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “And you want to do it now?”

Anastasia shrugged. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back out here just for fun.”

Seokjin grinned, nudging her shoulder just a bit. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, “you’ll be able to come out here when you have time off and enjoy yourself. I promise.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and your promises.”

“I haven’t broken one yet, have I?”

Anastasia raised her brows at him. “Well, no…but—”

He shook his head. “Then trust me when I tell you that you’ll be able to come out here again.” He leaned in toward her as they continued walking. “…when it’s warmer.”

“I’m holding you to that,” she said while pointing at him.

“Feel free,” Seokjin replied easily, polishing off the rest of the fish-shaped bread. He watched her do the same. “Tired?”

Anastasia gave a nod while attempting to stifle a yawn. “Yeah, a little bit.” She stretched her arms over her head. “Are we still scheduled to leave in the morning?”

He nodded. “We are. Unless you’d prefer we leave tonight.”

“Getting train tickets this last minute is expensive.” She frowned up at him and he did his best not to smirk. He merely arched a brow with mild curiosity. They began walking down the street to head back to their hotel. “Besides, we haven’t even packed our things or checked out of the hotel yet. Don’t be unreasonable.”

“Who’s being unreasonable?”

“You are,” she clipped while rolling her eyes, “knowing you, you’d make the staff work double time just so they wouldn’t get a bad review.”

Seokjin laughed outright as they turned the street corner, his hands slipping into his coat pockets. “So harsh. Last minute checkouts aren’t unheard of, nor are they unreasonable.”

“No, they’re not. But in this case, it’s completely unnecessary. Don’t make those people sweat for no reason.”

He laughed at the reprimanding expression painted over her face and nodded, making sure that she walked on the inside of the sidewalk and away from the street. It was a little late, but Seokjin knew that they would have enough time to pack and get everything together tonight before leaving first thing in the morning. As soon as they arrived back in Seoul, it would be business as usual. He’d already received the reports from Namjoon and the others. Taehyung was out of the hospital and Hoseok was uneasy after his meeting with Changkyun.

He knew that Hoseok would never say it out loud, but Namjoon conveyed his worries over the phone. Things were moving faster than they anticipated and Seokjin couldn’t help but wonder if The Jade Fangs were in the process of making another move to expand their reach.

“Seokjin-ssi?”

Seokjin looked at Anastasia, blinking a few times when he realized she had a concerned look on her face.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“No, you just looked like you were deep in thought.”

His smile fell a margin. “Did I worry you?”

She nodded and, again, he appreciated her honesty.

Seokjin reached out to press his hand to her lower back, ushering her toward their hotel just as a sleek gunmetal sedan pulled up by the entrance. He took note that her brows were furrowed and he tried to give her his best smile. He didn’t like that he even had such a look on his face.

Strange, he thought, I normally don’t let people read me like that.

As they made their way toward the front entrance, Seokjin’s eyes narrowed when he saw a familiar figure exit the vehicle. He leaned toward Anastasia so he could whisper into her ear.

“Go ahead and get some rest.”

She seemed to take note of the situation, reading it quicker than he’d anticipated. Her brows furrowed with concern as she tried her best not to bring any attention to herself. He really did appreciate her care.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, an attempt to reassure her. “Yes, I’ll be inside soon.” Seokjin met her gaze, smiling to alleviate any worries she may have had. “I promise.”

Anastasia bit her lower lip before nodding and entering the hotel. Once inside, Seokjin waited until she entered the elevator. Once the doors closed, he turned and glanced over his shoulder as the person approached him. His lip piercing was connected to a chain that was attached to his right earring. Seokjin saw him grin widely at him, however he didn’t return the smile.

“Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here of all places, Jin Hyung.”

“Wonho-yah,” came Seokjin’s even tone, a soft lilt toward the end of it, “I didn’t expect to see you here either.”

Wonho shrugged. “Oh, you know, business meetings and the like.” Seokjin watched his eyes dart toward the hotel lobby where, thankfully, Anastasia was no longer located. “Was that your personal assistant?” Their eyes met once more. “She’s kinda cute.”

“Don’t even dream about it,” he said while grinning, “you wouldn’t be able to keep up with her.”

He saw Wonho’s lips form into an “O” shape before it melted into a smirk, his eyes narrowing deviously. “Is that a challenge?”

Seokjin scoffed while tilting his head to the side. “She’d eat you alive. Salvage your pride a little, will you?”

Wonho belted out a full laugh, his eyes almost disappearing as he did so. Seokjin grinned but there was no warmth behind his eyes. The younger male held his hands up in mock surrender while shaking his head. After a while, the two just stood shoulder to shoulder, faces in opposing directions.

“You know, Jin Hyung, I heard an interesting little rumor.”

“Do I want to know?”

Wonho shrugged, his head lifting to the sky. “If it’s true, it’s a shame.”

Seokjin cast a sidelong glance to him. “Yeah, I don’t think I want to know.”

He pivoted on his heels to head back into the hotel. Just as the sliding glass doors opened, he heard Wonho shifting behind him.

“When you’re gone, Jin Hyung, I want to see just who is going to be able to stop us…”

Seokjin paused, craning his neck slowly to look back at Wonho, whose smirk was still firmly in place.

“…when we decide to completely take over.”

He narrowed his eyes at Wonho as the younger man stuffed one hand into the pocket of his leather jacket.

“It’s not smart to aim for the sun, Wonho-yah.” Seokjin smirked, scoffing soon after. “Icarus died when he tried.”

Then he went inside the hotel lobby and made his way toward the elevator. A soft buzzing reverberated in his pocket and he pulled out his phone to see a text from Namjoon.

Namjoon: Hyung, it’s almost time.

Seokjin’s eyes narrowed.

We’re almost there, my brothers. I promise it’ll all be over soon.

You Can’t Live Without Me - KNJ

Plot: Kim Namjoon has it all. Money, top pedigree, and a guaranteed future. But he lacks true affection in his life. He has no one to blame but himself because the one good thing he had, the one good woman he had, he tossed her aside. He tries to drown his regrets in alcohol. He tries to tell her one more time...

Rating: PG-13 // SFW

Genre: one-shot | break-up!au | angst | broken romance | exes

Pairing: Kim Namjoon x Female OC (Mileena)

Warnings: Heavy alcohol use, language, class separation, angst, heartache, interracial/intercultural relationship, suggested drug use

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 2,782

AN: Not gonna lie, I had mixed feelings about this. I know I was all gung-ho about it in the beginning, but now I’m just hurt for a variety of reasons. My intent was to have this be a hot and steamy “we-can’t-be-together-but-screw-it-and-screw-you-while-we-get-naked-on-the-floor” story, but it didn’t turn out that way. I can’t complain. My goal is to hurt feelings. Mine included. All reblogs, critiques/reviews, comments and affection are accepted! Happy reading!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Something. 

Anything. 

Preferably vodka. 

Oooh yes, vodka vodka vodka. 

That's what he desired at this moment. That was what he needed. Even a shot of gin would satiate his hunger and need for a drink. It was not like he could go back home and just order his pints and be done with it. The closest place to home was Seoul Tree, but Namjoon wasn't feeling that tonight.

Normally Namjoon would rely on his lovely tobacco infested cigarettes or the sweet taste of THC in his lungs and throat, but fortune was being a bitch and his last pack had been lost, having smoked his last joint that morning. Disappeared and vanished into thin air. Plus a bit of alcohol in his system was always a better fix. 

Fingers groped in his pocket, sighing in defeat and disappointment at not discovering a smoke he may have hidden from himself. Instead, he was rewarded with a stick of gum. 

Better than nothing.  

Tearing open the wrapper, he stuck the gum in his mouth and made his way into the bumping, noisy Club Fetish.

Namjoon found his way inside easily enough in the dark. Honestly, he could really find just about any club in the world with his eyes closed if necessary - he snuck in them often enough when he was younger. He'd ditch classes at his boarding school back in Ireland. It was a hell of a place; one of few sanctuaries to him - almost like detention. Wow, was that kind of screwed up for him to think such a thing?

He sighed and passed a few bucks off to the bouncer, allowing him entrance before he was soon greeted by the noise and smells of the club. Drugs were afoot, and whiskey flowed like water as the potent sweat of dancers and grinding club goers reached his nares. Bass from the speakers pulsed across his body. They were calling out to him.

He was a regular at this place for the past couple of days. It showed in the staff's actions of grasping his wrists and guiding him to the nearest booth, fervently asking him what it was he wished to eat. To drink. 

Asking for some side dishes for the time being, he looked at a familiar face and smiled. "Can you bring me some whiskey if you have any? Otherwise, just some vodka would work." 

The waitress, Libby, gave him a look of concern, worried that the side dishes may not be enough for him to handle the alcohol content of vodka and that he shouldn't be drinking during a work night. However, Namjoon quickly waved off the woman's worries. "Don't worry, Libby, I can handle at least that much. And if you're intent on making sure I get fed properly, just bring me some of that kickass fruit and we'll go from there, yeah? Please?"

After hesitating for another moment, Libby disappeared in the back for a moment before returning with a bottle and glass. The glass of the clear liquid was set before him. 

Finally. 

Tilting his head back, the glass was drained and the familiar buzz warmed his soul. Thank God, he thought, smiling and pressing the glass against his face; the cool surface doing wonders to his warm skin. That's all he needed. Well actually he would have appreciated some more.

Soon, dishes of food were prepared for him and he partook of them happily. Libby continued to refill his glass faithfully and to ease the woman's troubled mind, Namjoon made sure to eat something every time he took a drink. It wasn't until he was half bleary eyed and into his eighth shot that an unsettling thought crept into his mind. A worm of worry taunted how he might turn out to be like his uncle. A drunken, pot-addicted madman without a care for the world and overly aggressive with his flourishes - caring more about his appearances with his colleagues and peers than his own nephew. 

Well fuck him.

Namjoon had some tolerance to liquor as he often stole booze from his uncle just to escape the reality of living in that insanity; of dealing with the morbidity of having to acknowledge that his parents were dead and gone. Well, his father was still alive but he may as well have been dead as far as he was concerned. 

He moaned slightly at the pitiful thoughts. He was not here to think about that. For God's sake, he went to America to escape from everything. Except now it seemed to be haunting him.

Only one thing could make this better. Well, several one things. But weed and company would always be welcomed. 

Libby filled his glass again and as Namjoon chewed on a cracker, he sipped the shot of vodka down - umber eyes glossy and with a slightly hazel sheen - wet from the intoxication reflected in their depths. He stared down into the glass, lost in the swirls of liquid and neon lights dancing at the bottom of it.

He needed to learn to stop thinking. Thinking brought on these issues with family, with his ex and her new lover. She was sprouting thorns, the very same thorns he’d once taken the time to pluck away. 

Yes. He needed to cease all thoughts.

More. Alcohol.

The sound of the doorbell ripped through the silence of the apartment. Mileena jumped from her bed, wielding her pillow in both hands. Her hair and sleeping shirt were disheveled and anyone who looked at her would easily have pointed and laughed. 

Thankfully, no one was there.

The ringing continued, reverberating off the walls, and a series of heavy knocks followed suit. Dropping the pillow onto the bed, she trudged out of the bedroom and into the living room. Her eyes veered toward the clock on the wall, spying the time. It was an ungodly hour of the morning and she wasn’t having it. She didn’t care if it was an emergency either. Heads would roll.

Grasping the handle, she wrenched the door open violently. Mileena prepped her leg to shin-kick the person waking her up this early. It didn’t matter that it was her day off. She barely slept and every hour was precious to her.

On the other side was her ex, Namjoon. She pulled a disgusted face as he lazily rolled his neck to peer down at her. He reeked of booze. Her eyes roved over his appearance. He was dressed nicely, like he was out at the club or leaving a company dinner. His suit jacket hung off his shoulders and his tie was half pulled from his neck. Their gazes met and she sighed, folding her arms across her chest as he leaned heavily against her doorframe.

Life had a way of messing things up. It was no different now. They came from two different worlds. Namjoon was the nephew of some big-shot CEO. Mileena worked two jobs and attended night school. She was just starting down the road of obtaining her Masters when she met Namjoon; when he swept her unknowingly off her feet. 

Was he a bad boy? No. He was a hurt boy who had too much time and too much money on his hands. He walked a self-destructive path and Mileena almost fell into the volcano with him.

Being called into the Dean’s office about her attendance record was the wakeup call she needed.

“Hey, Millie,” he rasped, his voice thick with his lack of sobriety, “busy?”

“I hate that goddamn nickname.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I was busy sleeping. You know, that thing that normal people with regular jobs do?”

He chuckled; that low, rolling sound that held a baritone timbre that always made her heart flutter. It was the sound that he made whenever he was going in for the kill. When he was getting ready to open himself up to showcase a sliver of vulnerability. The side of himself that he rarely showed anyone.

But Mileena saw it. It was the reason she fell for him all those years ago in the first place. 

“What do you want, Joon?” 

“What do you think?” he asked, his hand moving out toward her; to touch her. 

She immediately took a step back, moving just out of his reach. His drunken grin fell from his face, replaced with a dour expression. Her eyes narrowed slightly. 

“You’re drunk,” she snapped, moving to shut the door in his face, “call a cab and go home. I don’t have time for this.”

The door rattled beneath her fingers at the sudden blow from Namjoon’s fist against it. She blinked away what little haze of sleep remained. Mileena slowly reached a hand up to run her fingers through her raven-colored hair, digging the pads into the back of her scalp. Releasing a slow exhale, she cast her stormy hues up at Namjoon.

“You need to leave.”

“Just hear me out, Mills.”

“Why should I?” She scoffed. “You smell like you swam in a vat of whiskey. There’s nothing you could possibly say that would convince me to take it seriously.”

“I can’t live without you.”

Mileena felt her jaw grow slack. She stared straight into his eyes, taking note of the surprise on his own face. Namjoon must have realized what he actually said at that moment - the internal conflict clearly showcasing itself across his visage. For a while, neither of them said anything as they lingered in her doorway entrance.

She waited for him to take it back. She expected him to. 

Instead, he looked back at her expectantly. A cold feeling slowly washed over her entire body, chilling her spine as it continued sinking down to the balls of her feet. Her vision swam with the onset of tears and Mileena roughly swiped at her cheeks to prevent them from falling. She saw Namjoon moving, his hand reaching out toward her face. This time, she side-stepped out of reach - her own hand angrily smacking his wrist away from her.

“Then why aren’t you dead yet?” Mileena snapped. “Why are you still breathing, Kim Namjoon?”

Her words hurt him. She knew it did. But the damaged part of her, the part that was hurt that Namjoon came to her again like this, couldn’t feel a shred of remorse for her callous words or her icy tone. She didn’t even care that she would probably regret it in the morning. 

All Mileena could focus on was damaging his spirit.

Namjoon bit his lower lip, his brows furrowing harshly. “That’s not fair,” he murmured, taking a step toward her. 

She took a step back.

“I think it’s very fair!”

She could feel her heart jack-hammering against her ribs, but Mileena refused to relent. She wouldn’t give him an inch. Because already, without having to be told, she knew he would go a mile. 

He moved faster than what should have been possible for someone who was drunk. In seconds, Namjoon was crowding her space and forcing her back into her apartment. Mileena watched him kick the door with his heel, slamming it shut behind him. She stumbled backwards, nearly losing her footing, but a sharp pain twisted around her wrist as Namjoon grabbed her before she could fall. Her body was pulled forward and she gasped when her chest crashed into his.

“Mileena!” he yelled.

“You never cared about me! About my life!” she screamed, trying to free her wrist from his hold as she pushed away from him. There was a sharp pop at her shoulder from the strain pulling at her arm. “Why should you, when your future is already guaranteed?!”

Namjoon blinked down at her. The angry expression he wore slowly began melting away. Mileena felt him loosen his grip on her wrist and she took advantage of the opportunity - yanking herself fully from him. 

They were five feet apart now. Mileena could barely hear her own breathing over the drumming of her heart. Angry tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes. She shouldn’t have been entertaining any of this. She should have just threatened to call the cops on him. Overwhelming feelings of desire and inadequacy always threatened to strangle her when they were around each other; when he was this close . 

Our lives can never meet in the middle, she thought sadly, feeling her lower lip tremble, and that’s why you ended things.

Gravity held her by the ankles, pulling the rest of her body down to the floor. She collapsed to her knees, her hands falling limply at her sides. All she could do was stare at the hardwood floor, consciously forcing herself not to look up at Namjoon. Mileena already knew. If she looked at him now, he’d see the truth behind her eyes. He’d catch the lie in her seemingly frigid words. It didn’t matter that she was dating someone else.

He would know that she still loved him.

“Please,” she managed to croak, the sound of her voice reflecting how tired she truly was, “just leave.”

There was silence at first. Then the subtle shuffling of feet before hearing her front door open and close - the hinges softly squeaking before the latch caught. Mileena quickly covered her mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. 

The silence returned and she knew, for certain, that she was alone.

Namjoon barely felt the people he bumped into on the streets and he didn’t hear their protests. The world was a blur of lights and muffled sounds. But none of it mattered to him. Not one single bit. 

Because the world seemed almost colorless.

Traffic zoomed by and he felt his legs carrying him toward something more quiet and solitary. He needed to get away from all the lights. He needed quiet. He needed a place where he could think; a place where he could fill his head with nothing but thoughts of her.

Pain blossomed over his right knee as he ran into a park bench. He stumbled into the seat, his back popping from crashing into it. For a moment, his vision blurred and there was a soft ringing in his ears. The world swirled in a kaleidoscope of colors momentarily before correcting itself. 

Pressing a hand to his forehead, he shook his head as his palm slid down to cover his eyes. 

“I’m so fuckin’ stupid,” he muttered, pressing the pads of his fingers against his skin.  

It wasn’t like he didn’t know the reason they weren’t together anymore. Namjoon was a selfish prick who had home life issues that stemmed from neglect coupled with substitution methods in the form of “buying affection”. Classic, cookie cutter, spoiled rich kid. He played the misunderstood bad boy and the girls were drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Women filled his bed and faces changed as often as the cleaning staff changed the sheets.

Everything changed when he met Mileena. He wanted to change. He wanted to be better. He wanted to be better for himself because she made him see that there was a different way to do things. Throwing money didn’t gain influence. Behaving like an asshole didn’t achieve success or respect.

But Namjoon knew he was selfish. She wasn’t a dime a dozen. She was his unicorn. 

And just like in fairy tales, his touch tainted her. 

Days bled into weeks. Weeks into months. And then one year became two. The more he wanted her, the more selfish he became. The more he pushed, the more she pulled away. She was right. He didn’t care that Mileena was working and studying. He depended on her and demanded her attention way more than what was necessary. But she continued to give and give and give.

Until one day, she just couldn’t give anymore.

Namjoon collapsed under the pressure of his world. Its fake smiles, fake promises, and cold outer shell. Nothing was genuine, but that didn’t make it any less real. The truth was harsh and slashed at him from the inside out.

He heaved a heavy sigh, leaning forward to rest his elbows onto his knees. With a heavy heart, he let everything settle over his body like a lead blanket. He’d fucked it all up and had no one to blame but himself. Because he wasn’t strong enough to truly fight for what he wanted. He was too scared to leave his privilege behind.

Mileena was right. He could live without her. He could still breathe without her. 

But that didn’t mean that he wanted to.

A bitter laugh pushed from Namjoon’s lips as he slowly shook his head.

At least she was free from the shackles of his bullshit.

Shouldn’t Be -KNJ [Part 3]

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Plot: Kim Namjoon is a Doctor whose most challenging client ends up teaching him about how love could heal.

Rating: PG-13 // SFW

Genre: dystopian!au/dystopian themes | angst | romance/fluff

Pairing: Kim Namjoon x Female OC (Madeline) ft Kim Seokjin

Warnings: Strong language, mentions of conversion, violence

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin L’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 1,698

AN: This certainly was a challenge to build a world like this. It was a bit different than what I like to write (supernatural and fantasy) but I feel satisfied with it. I hope you guys like it as well! Comments, reviews and all around messages are always welcome!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin L). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Two months had passed and Madeline had been healing quite nicely. Namjoon’s careful manner had ensured that she healed within the maximum limits of her body. However, he had gotten to know her a lot better since she was staying with him. The authorities had come by several times during that time to ask him what had happened that night but it was a strange thing that nobody was missing her. He didn’t want to pry into her life but after that amount of time, it was starting to become apparent that there would be nobody else looking for her. 

So that meant that she wasn’t of their Caste. 

He’d come to that conclusion about 3 weeks into her stay with him because with the higher castes or even the ones with him in it--they would be looking for people if they had gone missing. With that relevant information, he decided to go ahead and run her genes and her blood type since he would have access to all that information. The results of that had his heart nearly falling out of his chest because everyone was required to submit their genetic data and all health issues to the System. He had stashed the paper with the results in his room, safeguarding it as best as he could. 

Because she was a Rebel. 

However, the longer she stayed--he found out that there was more to her than the Rebellion. Namjoon found that he could talk to her much easier than his wife of 8 months. He could gaze at Madeline and not feel the chasm between the both of them. They sat outside and marveled at the way that everyone was able to rebuild with what they had. She even expressed her sorrow about how violent some of the Rebel’s were. They talked in great detail about the emotions that he’d been missing out on like the sorrow she had felt about that latter topic. 

The subjects that would come up between them were deep and profound like he had been sitting with someone from long ago near a river. He could almost imagine the scene including the cold air on his face as the stream trickled by them. 

Felicity noticed the difference in her husband almost immediately and constantly pestered him to come over. Namjoon could tell that she was a good person but she was misguided by her upbringing. His wife constantly complained to him that she needed to move in with him or for the opposite to happen. Even bringing up the fact that it had been long enough for them to conceive a child, heading to his place of work to file for paperwork herself. He had that stopped right away when he found out, finally bringing her to reality for the moment. Since then, his wife had been quiet and demure in the times that he was actually able to meet with her. 

But with the days with Madeline there, he felt no such pressure to exist. Namjoon was free to relax around her, to question things and ask her more about things he had been wondering about. She even acquired an old movie tape for them to watch together, Old Yeller. He’d never felt such joy when watching the thing, even had a few tears escape his eyes. To feel such things, it moved him and gave him a brightness that he’d been missing since being born. He found that looking at Madeline then brought him a bit of what they called happiness in his dull life. The colors in the world were finally starting to make sense, actually becoming colors that were vibrant and meant something other than the words that he learned. 

Felicity, however, had finally seen what was going on in her husband’s life. Even from speaking to his colleagues, it wasn’t hard to figure out that she needed to enter his house. That was where she found the paper with Madeline’s information and all of his notes concerning her health. That was when his wife picked up the phone to call the Authorities to report the woman that dared to invade into their lives. 

They were able to track where her husband had gone that day but he wasn’t alone. Madeline had insisted on seeing the sea, finally able to get out and enjoy the weather. They had no idea of what was coming for them, only the scream that Madeline emitted when they were charged at from the back. A group of heavily armed men came rushing towards them and separated the both of them, Namjoon confused as to what was going on while Madeline was fighting them to the best of her ability. 

“So… that’s how it happened, Mr. Kim?”

The therapist looked over at him, his glasses sliding down his nose just a bit. Some would say that his face was perfectly symmetrical, baffling the others on his looks. His dark hair and just as dark eyes seemed to stand out in the white of the office that Namjoon was now in. The therapist noted that the man looked even more haggard since he was brought in, a combination of life stress and the unfortunate situation that he was now placed in. 

He noted that his work record and his achievements were beyond explementary, even taking a scientific approach to life itself. Now, from what he’d seen of the man--this was something strange for him to go through. Even his wife proclaimed that he had been acting strange since the Rebel arrived, even going as far as suggesting that she did some sort of mind altering drug on him. Toxicology reports came back to disprove that, much to her chagrin. However, that still didn’t show why he all of a sudden decided to help the Rebel. 

When Namjoon nodded his head, unwilling to speak to him--Seokjin jotted that down in his notes. There was no room to feel pity for the man as he should have known what would happen should he help her. The man before him had given up on everything, he could see it so there was really a couple of things he could do from there on out. 

“You do realize that we have submitted Madeline into our Converted Therapy?” Namjoon’s head shot up, eyes finally at full attention. His face dropped even more than what he thought it could when he heard the news. Seokjin, however, kept his neutral face and adjusted his glasses once he saw the reaction that came from him. Every little bit that he noticed, he jotted down and from what all that he’d seen--he might suggest the same thing for the good Doctor as well. 

“According to the doctrine we have to apply, Madeline will not remember much of you. We will start purging her emotions and other facets of her personality that she had developed according to the law. You know this, Namjoon….” He leaned out of his chair to get a better look at the man, “So why are you so upset at this news?”

Namjoon rested his head in his hands, something sorrowful coming over his body. He recognized the feeling when he watched Old Yeller with Madeline, the feeling like someone had reached inside of him and pulled something out. He now fully understood the depth of grief that was portrayed in the movie, the sense of hopelessness that he had once he knew that she would be gone...forever. Knowing that, it sent him into a fit of rage--a fit that finally burst through the dam that was taught to him since a young age. The unfair treatment that Madeline had talked about, it was all beginning to make sense to him. 

“BECAUSE I LOVE HER! IS THAT SO WRONG?!” He slammed his hand down on the table before lifting it up, sending it crashing to the side. “She was the first person to truly talk to me, speak to me in a way that didn’t need words sometimes. She understood my work and why it needed to have been done--didn’t p-push or anything, just let me be me…”

A sob came from his body, leaving his last few words broken and struggling to escape. He crouched down, crumpled from his outburst. Seokjin’s eyes were wide as he avoided the trouble but then knelt down with him, patting him on the back. He may not have understood what was going on but by all accounts, this man was having a mental breakdown and would have to be dealt with accordingly. 

“I-I want to be put through the same therapy.”

Seokjin’s eyes couldn’t have gotten any wider at his statement. The treatment wasn’t for the faint of heart, only needed for the cases of Rebels and some of the Converted when they slip off the train after the first time. He had to know why he wanted to go through it with her. He licked his lips and got just a bit closer to him, the faint keening sound that he just realized he could hear--coming from Namjoon in his grief. 

“Why, Namjoon?”

He looked up at him and the determination almost left him open mouthed. The man had decided on what he was going to do and there was no talking him out of it. 

“Because I love her and there is no use of living with my memories if I can’t have her with me. And you all have taken her from me, so what use am I to anyone now? Sign the papers and let me go.”

Seokjin sighed and got up off the ground, crossing it to his desk. He pulled out the same paperwork that he signed off on for Madeline, scribbling his name and why he was suggesting the therapy for one--Kim Namjoon. Soon, the men came and collected his body from where it sat in sorrow. It never got any easier sending someone to the Compound but it had to be done, regardless of why they decided to take the unlawful road or not. It was just a shame that someone of his caliber had to go through something like that. 

Case closed. 

The Sweetest Things [Kim Seokjin]

this fic is entirely based on a future project that @stutterfly​ is working on called Wisked Away as a valentine’s day gift for her as a part of the ‘made with love project’ by @bangtansmutcentral! I heard her bias is Jin so from one Jin stan to another, I hope you enjoy!

paring: Seokjin x reader

genre: Smut (light smut for me but still smut I guess)

rating: 18+

warnings: food play?

word count: 1,968

summary: Chef Seokjin decides to feed you in more than one way.

It was the one rare day that he didn’t have to bake or do anything food wise and there he was in your apartment as he whisked away. Seokjin just couldn’t help himself, you noticed. Even still, it brought a smile to your lips as you watched him make something so passionately. His hands kept busy as he bustled about the kitchen, your eyes watching his every move. He was supposed to come over and relax after taking you out, filling each minute with each other’s presence.

However, when he saw the state of your kitchen–his instincts kicked in. The day ended up turning into a cooking festival, only for you.

Not that you minded about the food that was being made but it did make you a little upset that he wanted to spend his day slaving away in there instead of in your arms. He’d been so busy the last couple of weeks with the weddings and the parties that everyone had the money to throw, that you didn’t get to see much of him. So between your job and his? There hadn’t really been much time to be alone with each other. Though, you did have to appreciate the way that he came over as he cooked.

The white, button-up that defined his back shoulders and the now rolled-up sleeves that graced his olive skin. He insisted on taking you out somewhere but then the distraction happened. It smelled like his bakery, only more intimate. The warm smells and the distinct waft of his cologne, it was all doing things to you as you watched. Every shake of the powder, some landing on his black slacks and the way that moved through the space. It was like artwork, something that only a few could see. You bit your lip, eyes traveling from his hands that were holding the whisk and up his arms. It was something that you’d never told him that you appreciated the most, aside from his shoulders. His large hands that were delicately opening up an egg before discarding the shell.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the way that you had eyeballed him suddenly. Seokjin’s lips turned into a tiny smirk as he continued to move in a way that he could subtlety watch you as well. It gave rise to his ego, being appreciated like that as he worked by someone that he’d given his heart to. It stirred something inside of him, one that he was planning on springing on you later on in the evening.

His glances went unnoticed as you tried to keep your rampant thoughts under control. You didn’t want to disturb him as he worked but the creeping lewd thoughts kept breaking through. The way that you wanted to run your hands over his broad chest, slowly unbuttoning his chest to discover the hidden skin underneath. Shifting around anxiously, you had straightened up only to find that he was staring directly at you. His eyes were large and dark as he stood before you with a smirk on his lips.

He had turned some of the eyes off on the stove without you noticing, deciding that his dessert would have to come now instead of later. Pushing his glasses up, he leaned over the counter as he got closer to you through the space leading out to the bar area you had been sitting at.

“It looks like you need some cooking lessons, Miss.”

He got up from his spot and gestured for you to join him in the kitchen. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at his statement but joined him regardless, with a smile on your face. Once there, he handed you a whisk and a bowl, standing behind you–looming over your body as he covered your hand with his to show you the proper way to stir the ingredients. He always like to use his body to cover yours, a size kink that he had. It was something that he’d never thought he would enjoy until meeting you.

Your eyes snapped to his hand, noticing all the veins and the way that his hand almost completely covered yours. Heart starting to pick up, you had to try and calm it down as he gently moved your hand around but the thoughts kept bleeding in–about how well his hands would feel against your body, swirling around down there.

“It seems you’re not paying attention, my little lamb.”

You jumped when you felt his breath on your ear, realizing that you’d been stirring a little too hard and some of the mixture had spilled on his hand. Taking the bowl from you, he held his hand out to keep it from getting on you but once he set it down–he trapped you with that same arm, pressed against him. You could practically feel him vibrating against you but you were absolutely certain that he could feel the pounding of your heartbeat with as close as you were. The mixture was on his fingers but instead of wiping it off with a napkin, he leaned in again and pressed kissed to your ear as well as neck.

He held up his fingers to your lips, a silent command to lick it off. You automatically opened your mouth, letting him have entrance. He hummed in satisfaction as you sucked the substance off his fingers, the vibration becoming stronger as it went on. His hips started to rub against you in response, using his whole body to crowd you in that moment. The hand that had you trapped gripped you a little tighter as he finally pulled his fingers from your mouth. His thumb wiped at the corner of your mouth, to make sure that you were fully clean and lingered on your chin.

Seokjin finally was done playing around with you and turned you fully around to face him, pulling your front to him to meet his growing erection. An unwilling gasp escaped your lips when your bodies met but his lips quickly swallowed it up. One hand was around your body while the other cupped your head, kissing and nipping at any place he could reach. He ended up backing you up until your body hit the counter, causing a delicious moment of pain as he pressed his body against yours even further. The makeout session lasted for all of two minutes before he decided that he wanted you up higher, lifting you up on the counter and settling himself between your legs.

Your hands were fast as lighting as you rushed to unbutton the simple shirt he had on but he was getting in the way with his hands and lips. Growing impatient, a small sound of irritation came out which caused him to pause and look at you, eyes glinting in a way you’d only seen once in a while.

“What was that, little lamb? Are you getting impatient with me?”

You couldn’t stop the gulp that happened as you paused in what you were doing at his words. He reached over for a strawberry that was left out and grinned, placing the food in your lips but before you could bite down on it–he clicked his tongue at you.

“Now, you better not bite through this or we will have a bigger problem. Do you understand?”

The strawberry was perched delicately on your lips and teeth as you nodded, heart racing even more than before. He slapped your hands away as he got rid of his own belt and settled between your spread legs again. Sliding your shirt off, his lips attached themselves to the clothed area where your breasts were trapped. He suckled on your nipples through the fabric, teasing you even further. His hands scooted you closer to the edge of the counter before dipping one of them into your pants. His fingers found your aching area quite easily, moving aside your underwear and dipping one long finger inside.

You could neither bite into the strawberry nor take it out for fear he would punish you so the fruit precariously trembled there as he worked his fingers inside of you. Soft sounds kept spilling out as you held onto the cabinet as best as you could. Finally, he got bored of that and ripped your pants off of you so he could have better access to your wet folds. He gave one last look at your face, red from blushing and at the strawberry still perched in your cherry lips. He couldn’t help the low laugh of satisfaction before dipping down to have his own dessert.

Once his tongue met your area, your hands flew from their spot and into his dark hair. You couldn’t help but whine, the sound almost trilling as you did your best not to soil the large strawberry in your mouth. He suckled and teased the folds like he was taste testing the best cuisine in the world. His hands held your hips on the edge, to keep you from falling off as well as to keep you from bucking your hips into his face. He would let you ride his face later but at the moment, he wanted to taste something he’d been without for so long.

Nipping at the wet area, he finally inserted two fingers and pumped them ever so slowly after his meal. Being super sensitive from his mouth, a moan erupted from your mouth and it brought his attention to the strawberry still in your mouth. He finally relented and took it out, eating it himself as he relished in the taste of your juices mixed with the sweet and plump strawberry. He pumped faster and faster, giving you a kiss as he did so. Your hands enveloped him when he did so, trying to get more friction on his hand. He chuckled again as you did so, removing his hand from where it was.

“Kim Seokjin!” You protested but was silenced with another strawberry. He held a finger up to his lips as he reached inside of his slacks to pull his leaking member out. He took his other hand and rubbed against your nub, collecting some of the juices that had collected there and stroked himself before lining himself up with your entrance. He eased in, slowly but surely and watched as your eyes closed in pleasure with the new strawberry held in your lips. Your ass was perched perfectly on the counter as he thrusted into you, prolonging the pleasure for as long as he could handle it. Groans and nice little sounds were all you could manage as he did so, his body pressing to yours in every way that you both liked.

Finally, his pace picked up as that familiar burn built in your bodies. He almost had you in his arms, bouncing on his dick as he got faster. Your arms and legs trembled as you struggled to keep the strawberry in your mouth, wanting more than anything to burst forward to have your way with him. However, he had you right where he wanted you as he adjusted and hit that spot–just right.

A cry came out as you finally bit down on the strawberry, the juices falling from your lips and down your chin. Seokjin kept at that spot, grunting more and more as finally the both of you fell apart in each other’s arms. Whimpering and shaking, you rode out your orgasm on the counter. The leftover strawberry had landed on the floor, near his feet as you held onto him. Both of you were panting, Seokjin looking into your eyes afterwards and kissing the juices off your face.

Later on, he brought you to bed with more treats for the two of you to enjoy.

Way To You

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day! 

Plot: Taehyung is happy with his life because that’s how he’s supposed to feel. He lives his life by routine to the minute. In the new world order, love is a dangerous emotion - and therefore illegal.  That’s perfectly fine - until the lingering ‘dreams’ of a strange woman throw him out of sync. Mostly because that woman isn’t his wife. 

Rating: M // NSFW

Genre: dystopian! au/dystopian themes | angst |  smut | fluff if you squint

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female OC (Tempest Estrellado)

Warnings: Strong language, interracial relationship, mentions of drugs, blood, main character injury, implied smut 

Word Count: 2,886 

AN: This hot mess has 3 parts. Please enjoy and thank you for loving all that we do © thebiasrekkers (Admin T). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Links:

FAQ

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BTS Masterlist

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[ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

--

“Can we stay like this forever?” She always asked him this after. Their bodies drying in a cool summer breeze through an open window. Their limbs tangled and he could feel her breath against the skin of his neck. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders. Taehyung kept his eyes closed, living within the sounds and sensations around him. His fingers could trace the colony of goosebumps on her skin. He could smell the heat of her so close. The faint sweet, salty mix of their love lingered on his lips turning upward into a dreamy smile. The rumble of his laugh deep and sensual caused her to smile. 

He could always remember her eyes - they were unique. Leonine. A golden-amber concoction, a genetic mutation that added something wild to the already fierce attitude within that petite form. 

His mouth formed her name, but he could never hear it. She tilted her gaze to his face as his fingers slid along her jaw. 

He’d always say something - it was something that he knew he shouldn’t be saying. But, they said it to each other. They said it freely. 

Then there was always pain that seared his mind. 

Then the alarm would ring and it would be forgotten again.

5:30 am. 

Wake up.

5:45 am.

Shower.

6 am.

Coffee. Toast. Protein bar.

6:15 am

Run 4 miles. 

7 am.

Shower again. Protein bar. Protein Shake.

7:15 am.

Lock the door.

7:55 am

Arrive at work. Clock in. 

8 am.

To say that Taehyung was methodical was to point out the obvious. He always showed up minutes early to work, making sure the office was lit and inviting. As inviting as their line of work was, anyway. He stared at a stack of folders on his desk. They never seemed to shrink, these stacks. Names, faces, and pertinent information lined flimsy manila folders.

It was time to gather candidates to increase the population. 

He sipped a cup of coffee as the voices began to filter into the office. Taehyung carried the stack of folders to the meeting room nearby. A presentation loaded as he stood in the corner. 

“Good morning, everyone. We’ve compiled the candidates for this year.” Everyone settled in their seats. 

He talked numbers and statistics for almost 3 hours. 

“Any other questions?” The room was silent as the lights brightened. “Alright, you know what to do.” They all stood with a nod in his direction before they filed out of the room. 

12 pm.

Lunch and coffee in his office. 

5 pm. 

Debriefing with The Council liaison. 

7 pm.

Lock up and head home. 

8 pm. 

Late Dinner.

“Taehyung, dinner is in the oven. I have to report to R&D tonight.” A female voice spoke softly as he walked into his home.

“I suppose it cannot be helped. Do be careful, April. Things have been slightly tense in the riot zone.” He hung up his jacket as his ‘Wife’ slid hers on. She offered a slight smile as she grabbed her badge. 

“Rest well, Taehyung.” A brief touch on his shoulder. Like a dear friend wishing another friend well. 

10 pm.

Sleep. 

“Taehyung! Seriously! You’re slow as molasses.” A voice taunted him, a petite figure outlined in front of him. He could feel himself licking his lips. An eagerness, an urgency to get his hands on her. 

She was teasing him. She knew better than to tease him. He felt heat fire through his veins. The world was so bright and vibrant. There was the crash of water, the air salty like the...sea? 

The ocean - the moon was full. Full like he hadn’t seen it in ages. When was the last time the sky looked like this? 

He called her name and she turned around, her full lips tilted upward in a smile. She reached behind her back tugging at the string of a bikini top. Turning away from him as it fell down her arms. He heard a sound, like an animal nearby. 

He realized it was him. He growled as the sight of skin glowing under the moonlight fueled him further. It was like time sped forward and he saw her face beneath him. Their bodies intertwined, her face scrunched in orgasmic bliss as she purred. He was losing his mind, he could swear he felt her around him. 

The sound of the ocean was like a lullaby as their voices crescendoed and they cried out freely. She dug her fingers into his back and dragged them across his shoulder blades. He roared as he exploded inside of her. 

Time went funny as they lay together, again, on the sands. Her face obscured as she leaned over him. She smiled down at him, saying something. She called him...something. The world began to fizzle as exhaustion washed over him. 

“We could stay like this forever, querido.” 

The pain was stronger this time. 

5:31 am

Turn the alarm off.

Taehyung clawed at the throbbing pain in his skull. He stumbled to the bathroom, reaching for the vitamins April reminded him constantly not to forget. He swallowed them down with a glass of water. 

He winced as the pain throbbed behind his eye. His hands gripped the sink until his knuckles were white. 

It took ten minutes for the pain to subside. 

Taehyung saw the reflection in the mirror and hardly recognized it. There were bags under bloodshot eyes. He splashed cold water on his face. He stripped down to jump into a hot spray of water. He stood there for fifteen minutes letting the water loosen his muscles. 

“What the hell was that?” 

Flashes of dreams kept creeping into his mind, the pain increased each time he tried to access them. 

7:27 am

Hasty breakfast. 

7:58 am

Barely makes it ‘early’. 

8:05 am

Two cups of coffee as he grabs the stack of folders for today’s patients.

“Good morning, everyone. We’ve compiled the candidates for today.” Everyone settled in their seats. 

There was a new face today. It was scary how all heads turned in her direction. She adjusted the glasses on her face as she stood. 

“I’ll be working with your department as the liaison from the Medical Division starting today.” She approached Taehyung with a hand extended. “My name is Tempest Estrellado.”

She looked up at him ...leonine eyes. Taehyung’s brow twitched momentarily as he accepted her hand. “Ms. Estrellado, a pleasure. I look forward to our continued success.” He held her hand for one second more than he should have. “If you please take your seat?” She offered a curt nod before settling in her seat. Tae cleared his throat, clapped for the lights to dim. 

Taehyung paced around the table slowly as he flipped between screens. Numbers, percentages, and her eyes are so bright even in the low light. He shook his head as he found himself staring at the top of her head. 

The peek of collarbone caused his lips to part as two people spoke on some extra bit of information just made available. His thoughts suddenly wandered to the delicate fingers tapping on the keypad of her tablet. 

“Mr. Kim…” Someone calling him had his gaze snapping upward. The young tech from R&D tilted her head. “...your thoughts, sir?” 

“Ah, right. If we run into the same rabid sequences as last year? Protocol as normal unless we get clearance to combine genetic materials. It is still a curious matter for The Council if proper citizens can come from Rebel couplings.” He waved a hand moving toward the front of the room. 

“Any other questions?” The room was silent as the lights brightened. “Alright, you know what to do.” They all stood with a nod in his direction before they filed out of the room.

1 pm 

Lunch.

1:30 pm

“Mr. Kim.” A voice caused him to look up from his desk. 

“Yes, Ms. Estrellado?” He wiped his mouth, cleared his hands and stood. An arm spread to offer her the seat in front of his desk. 

She wore her hair in a ponytail, slicked back. Its length easily the middle of her back. She was petite - even for what he was used to. She was maybe 5’5 outside of the two-inch heels she wore, that is. 

“...so I’m going to need a space to work. I hope you don’t mind?” She arched a brow as he shook his head again. 

“Uh, n-no. That’s not a problem. The office next to me is quite large. I’ll have it ready for you tomorrow, should that suffice?” He maintained his professionalism as she offered that slight smile. 

“Splendid.” She stood offering her hand once more. “I’ll be heading to collect my things - I’ll be here bright and early.” 

They shook hands.

She left his office, and he found himself sagging against his desk. 

The pain ringing like a bell in his ears. 

Promise me, Taehyung. No matter what. Promise. 

He shook his head violently as he settled back at his desk. It seemed like he stared at nothing until his phone rang. 

“This is Mr. Kim.” A receptionist pleasantly announced his Wife calling.

“Taehyung.” April spoke, that pleasant friendly tone, “...are you alright?” His brow furrowed as she asked.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” 

“You didn’t eat your protein bar this morning. That’s unlike you.” He could detect the stirring of worry. 

“Ah, I had a bit of a headache this morning.” He sighed quietly.

That worry seemed to turn into something...else. “Did you take your vitamins, Taehyung? You know how important it is for you to take your vitamins.” 

There was something almost cold, ominous in her tone. His brow furrowed deeply as he answered her, making sure the hesitation was absent from his voice. “Of course, April. I took them immediately when I woke up. I was quite fine after a shower. I think I was just alarmed at the one minute tardy. I assure you, I’m fine.”

There was a long, thick silence before she spoke again. Her tone was light and friendly once more. “I’m sure it was jarring, Taehyung. Just let me know if you feel strange, alright?” 

He forced himself to smile, so it filtered through into his voice. “Of course, April. I need to stay late tonight. We have a new colleague who’ll be using the empty office. I’d like to have it ready for her use.”

“Of course, Taeyung. You’re not the only ones busy. I will leave dinner for you. Have a good night, Taehyung.” 

“Of course, April. You do the same.” The line goes dead but he still holds the phone aloft. It’s almost a full minute before he placed the handset onto its base. There was that bothersome echo in the back of his mind again.

It was exhaustion - wasn’t it?

10:37 pm

Nails on a chalkboard. That was the sound of the heavy furniture sliding across the floor. Tae had removed his jacket and dress shirt. His white t-shirt had slightly grayed from cleaning the other office. He worked quietly adjusting the office to spec. There was a certain placement for all of the furniture in the office. They all looked the same, even when facing different directions. 

11: 32 pm

Taehyung grunted as he dropped a box onto the floor. He rotated his shoulder to work out the strange soreness. It was unusual for him to suffer such strains. “Mm, I didn’t have much to eat today.” He sighed. That conversation with April caused his brow to furrow. He glanced at his watch with a deeper sigh. He didn’t understand that sudden change in her demeanor. He didn’t understand why he felt the need to keep up appearances. There had been no reason to be dishonest with her. 

She was his wife. She was also a medical researcher. She would have understood his symptoms, right? April would have offered some kind of solution, right? 

Why am I thinking about this so hard? Taehyung pushed to stand. One more cup of coffee would give him the energy he needed to push through. That’s what he believed. The office was a strange place at night. There were a few occasions that warranted his presence in the office so late. He shouldered into the break room, pulling the fridge open in the darkness. The light seemed eerie as perfectly situated rows of water and milk lined the shelves. There were fruits and vegetables in the drawers. Small bags of freshly cooked proteins. 

He reached for one of each, plus a bottle of water. He waited those few extra minutes to brew a small pot of coffee. His hand scrunched over the tops of the bags holding the food. The other held a hot cup of caffeine against his face. 

1:48 am

Exhausted. 

Taehyung was exhausted and he couldn’t explain why this sensation caused something to spark inside of him. He sprawled on the floor, making sure not to disturb the exact precision of his work. His eyes closed as he paid attention to the thundering in his ears. The tightness in his chest as he fought for more air. 

Why did this interest him so? Why did it seem suddenly...familiar?

“I shouldn’t have had that extra coffee.” His voice was gruff as he drifted into sleep. Just a small nap, just a moment to close his eyes and rest.

The sky was bright, fiery - hot. 

“Taehyung!” She called him her hand extended as he pulled himself up from the ground. “We have to get out of here.” Those leonine eyes were hard and filled with determination. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest. 

The coppery taste of blood filled his mouth causing him to spit. The sound of gunfire echoed above their heads. They returned to fire on opposite sides hiding behind the shattered pieces of building near them. 

“We have to make a run for it.” He told her. She frowned but hardened her gaze with a nod. They were sitting ducks this way. Taehyung reached out and grabbed her hand - there was a break in the fire. Then they ran - hard. 

“We have to find a way to meet up with the resistance, Tae!” The female’s voice was loud over the sound of violence around them.

“We have to live through this first!” He growled pulling her in front of him as he spun around a corner. “Listen to me, we …” His hands framed a set of tiny shoulders, holding them firm. “...we need to split up.” 

And as he anticipated, “No. NO! Fuck no, Tae! Tae that’s madness! We can’t!” 

“LISTEN TO ME.” He shook her harder feeling his brow crease. He didn’t like it. He abhorred the idea of being away from her. But this new world order gave them no option. They had to find their way to the Rebels that would help them. “Please, I beg you. Please, we have to split here. I’ll draw their fire. You have to run. I promise you, I’ll find you.” 

He hated it. He hated seeing those rare eyes filled with tears. He hated seeing that strength seep from her. “Please.” He framed her face as their foreheads touched. She grabbed his wrists squeezing her eyes shut. 

“Don’t you die, Taehyung.” The female took a shuddering breath as her tears fell over his fingers. “Do you hear me? Don’t you fucking die. I will find you.” She dug half-moon indentations into his arm as their lips smashed together for the last time. He could feel his tears burning hot craters against his cheeks. 

“Go ____..” He croaked as she sobbed quietly. She finally pulled away running toward a thicket of bushes. Taehyung felt himself hyperventilating as he held his weapon tight. He wanted to run after her. He wanted to scream for her to stay where she was. He swallowed his cowardice as he moved beyond the cover to open fire on the enemy.

I won’t die. 

He pushed toward the open field, drawing their attention to him. Searing pain radiated on his left side, causing him to take a knee. The world was silent as the sky seemed to come to meet him - or he met it?

The weightlessness of the world was apparent as the blue of the sky filled his eyes. The fiery blast sent him, others, and debris hurtling to the sky. He heard the crack of his body as he landed on his spine. 

The tears filled his eyes as the world crumbled around him. He made a promise. “I’m sorry…” Taehyung coughed blood in spurts as his world began to fade to black. 

Taehyung. He could hear her voice even as his body pulled him into the darkness.

Taehyung, wake up! It was her. He was sure of it. 

I want to go back to her. I want to go back to her!

Taehyung! 

He sat up grabbing the arm that shook him from his slumber. His eyes wide as their close proximity gave them both pause. “T-Tempest?” There was worry etched across her face. He could feel her pulse racing under his hand. 

They both glanced at their connected skin - and Taehyung saw the time.

7:52 am