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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 "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 00: Prologue

"I’ve grown a bit taller  My voice has gotten a bit stronger..."

Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Ten Years Ago Hwaseong – Gyeonggi Province South Korea

The air was frigid and crisp. There was a feeling of absolute quiet across the vast expanse of tall reeds; half dead while others tried desperately to cling to what life remained in their roots. The occasional crunch of leaves and scuffle of rocks could be heard – ripping through the quiet as the afternoon sun soon sank into the horizon. More undergrowth was crushed underfoot, approaching a certain spot. A destination was set by those same sets of sounds; the distinct sound of sneakers trudging with a purpose but were in no hurry.

A lone figure sat on a large rock near the Hwaseong Riverbank. One leg hung lazily off the edge, the other perched so that an elbow could rest along the knee. His blazer was loose, the tails fanning around his backside just where he sat. A cigarette poked from his full lips as the ember burned silently, flaring a bright orange when a sudden gust of wind would push against him. The sound of the brush being pushed aside began to grow louder but he made no move to face the direction of the noise.

After all, he knew who was coming.

“Namjoon-ah,” came a voice, familiar and deep. Namjoon craned his neck, the cigarette still hanging from his lips. Looking up at him from the ground, the person flashed him a half gummy smile. “You wanna start a fire?”

Namjoon grinned. “Yoongi Hyung.”

Reaching into the inside pocket of his blazer where a crumpled pack of cigarettes were hidden, he tossed them down to Yoongi and he caught them easily. Namjoon watched as the older man lit one of the smokes before clambering up onto the rock beside him. Yoongi handed the pack back to him, exhaling as he leaned back on his hands to look at the sky.

“Those things are going to be the death of you one day,” came Hoseok’s voice from the tall reeds.

They both turned to see Seokjin and Hoseok pushing the honey wheat stalks to the side as they looked up at them.

Seokjin clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth. “Both of you.”

Yoongi made a motion for the two of them to come join them on the rock. Namjoon opened and closed the lid of the Zippo lighter – the soft clinking sound a cadence that helped put him at ease. They clambered onto the rock, Seokjin choosing to stand as he turned his head in either direction – as if he were trying to spy something out. Namjoon caught Yoongi bumping Hoseok’s shoulder, holding the cigarette out to him and he couldn’t help but chuckle at the disgusted expression that painted Hoseok’s face – his dark fringe flying in every direction as he shook his head to decline.

The conversation that bubbled between them was short-lived as another body burst through the reeds, looking winded and as though he’d just gotten finished with a track meet race. Namjoon raised a brow as Jimin’s hair clung to his semi-sweat soaked brow, his hand gripping tightly to his uniform jacket. Yoongi clicked his tongue repeatedly along the back of his teeth, cigarette moving up and down with the gesture. Namjoon was already putting his out on the edge of the rock.

“Sorry I’m late, Hyungs!”

“What took you so long?” Seokjin asked, though everyone knew that he wouldn’t really give Jimin grief about it. “We were waiting here forever.”

Jimin’s smile fell a margin, worry lines creasing his brows. “W-What? Really?”

Seokjin laughed as Hoseok elbowed him in the leg while casting Jimin a reassuring gaze. “We just got here. Don’t listen to him.”

Relief washed over Jimin’s face just as Taehyung came strolling through the brush, bumping his shoulder into Jimin’s playfully. The two of them shared a smirk as Taehyung shoved his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants. The stick of a lollipop poked out the corner of his mouth as he flashed his boxy smile to them; sandalwood tresses falling around his eyes.

“What did I tell you about the sugar, Taehyung-ah?” chided Yoongi, taking a drag of his cigarette. Translucent smoke expelled from his nostrils as their eyes met. Taehyung’s smile dropped as he continued to suck on the candy. “You’re hyper enough without that shit.”

Namjoon watched Taehyung’s boxy smile return almost instantly and he rolled his eyes. “It’s the only way I can stay awake in my classes these days.”

“It’s luck that he’s made it this far,” said Jimin, sighing softly, “and he keeps bugging me to help him with homework all the time.”

Taehyung pulled the sucker from his mouth, blowing a raspberry at Jimin. “I’m not even going to college. Why are they pushing me so hard?” He frowned. “It’s annoying.”

The others cast a sidelong glance toward Namjoon and he shrugged, retrieving another cigarette from his jacket. Spinning the Zippo between his fingers, he lit the end and expelled a half sigh after the first drag. Out of everyone in the group, he was the only one who received a full sponsored scholarship to Seoul University. Like most post-graduate students from high school who were planning to attend college, they usually took a few months off before going to school.

For a year, he’d moved away from Hwaseong and left the rural country life behind. He got to see Seoul in all its splendor and all its glory. There were good and bad things about the big city life. It was crowded, loud and smelled thick with smog. It was the odious stench of a thriving metropolis and where people cared more about themselves than each other. Money talked even more in the city than in the country and there were few people he could trust in the city. Not like in the countryside. Justice was practically laughable, and gangsters walked the streets proudly, as if the law couldn’t touch them. Usually because they couldn’t.

It had been a disgusting year of solitude and study.

He’d missed his brothers.

“So Namjoon Hyung,” cut Taehyung’s voice through his thoughts, “why’d you call us out here anyway? Come to brag about city life to us ignorant country folks?” Even though he was smiling, Namjoon could hear the quiet bitterness nestled in the back of Taehyung’s words.

Hoseok cut his eyes toward Taehyung and snapped his fingers at him. “Watch your damn mouth, Kim Taehyung.”

Taehyung rocked back on his heels in the grass, a few pebbles crunching under his sneakers as he shrugged with his hands still in his pockets. “What?” he asked, closing his eyes as he sucked on his candy for a moment. “Figured he left for the big times and wasn’t planning on coming back. Who can blame him though, right?” His eyes reopened as he looked up at Namjoon just as a column of ash fell off the end of his cigarette. “I wouldn’t come back to this backwater town if I was him, either.”

“Cut it out, Tae Hyung,” came a softer voice in the reeds.

They all turned to see Jungkook appearing through the pale stalks. He looked tired, as if he’d been carrying the weight of their nation on his shoulders. But they all knew what the truth was. The duffel bag hanging from his shoulders as one of the straps of his overalls fell off his arm and the smudge of dirt on his cheek was proof enough. His face looked a little red and sweat dripped from his hair and chin, his work boots scuffing along the grass as he dropped the duffel at his feet – setting his white hardhat on top of it.

“Namjoon Hyung didn’t come home to gloat.” Jungkook wiped a forearm across his forehead to rid it of the sweat. “Stop being an asshole.”

Namjoon frowned, the image of Jungkook in his factory work clothes twisting something inside of his heart. His year in Seoul had opened his eyes to a reality he’d wished he’d remained ignorant to. He could have said fuck college and stayed in Hwaseong with his friends – with his brothers. Finding work in their little country town would have been easy for Namjoon and he could have been happy, blissfully ignorant to the truth of just how dirty the real world was.

Call him selfish, but he didn’t want to leave his best friends behind while he suffered in silence alone. Would they understand him? Would they hear what he had to say?

“Namjoon,” called Hoseok, bringing him back out of his thoughts; out of his own internal guilt. “Tell us what’s on your mind. Why did you want to meet?”

He looked at all of them and they waited patiently to hear what he had to say. He didn’t just call them all up to hang out or talk about the good times. No. He came back because he wanted to ensure that his friends had a future, and a successful one at that. But it would mean dipping their hands into the dirt; to feel the grime under their fingernails.

Not like farmers did, but the way that criminals lived and breathed.

He jumped from his perch on the rock, picking up a flat river stone as he pulled one last drag from his cigarette. Namjoon reared back and slung the stone out into the river, all of them watching as it skipped along the dark pool’s surface before finally sinking down below and onto the riverbed. One by one, they all approached him – forming a semi-circle around his back. There was no turning back from this once he said what he had to say. They would either listen or cast him aside. He just prayed that it wouldn’t be the latter like he continued to fear.

Spitting the butt of the cigarette out into the water, he turned to look at his friends – a wistful smirk forming on his face.

“You guys wanna come to Seoul with me?”

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 “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 01:  Just One Day

"Out of all those words I had to swallow because of the excuse of reality, I’ll pick one and tell it to you for sure..."

Chapter: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6

Present Day Seoul – Cheongdam; Gangnam District South Korea

The nerves in Jungkook’s right fist tingled, his stance a picture-perfect representation of one who spent most of his life in brawls. There was a harsh scraping sound as his opponent’s shoulder slammed into the concrete. The spectators were small fry, standing on the sideline as they watched their senior attempt to go toe-to-toe with The Steel Claw of the Golden Jackals . They’d all tried to convince him that it wasn’t a good idea. Jungkook’s reputation preceded him and despite his youthful appearance, he had nerves of steel. Just like his fists.

His opponent struggled to sit up. Jungkook knew he’d won the fight, but he refused to relax his stance. Until he was sure that the guy was going to concede, he was prepared to strike again, and he would do so with a quickness that none would be prepared to see. His breath puffed out softly in the cold warehouse, the oil drums aflame barely heating the large space the group occupied.

Yoongi moved to stand beside Jungkook and he could feel the muscle at the base of his neck tensing up slightly. His eyes never moved, however, as they were still trained on the fallen gang member.

When it was clear that his “prey” would not be getting back up for another round, Jungkook’s stance smoothed out and he stood like normal. The gang member coughed out blood, staining the gray concrete beneath them. Jungkook shook his right hand out to chase the tingling sensation from it. Yoongi placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, before moving to stand in front of him.

“How many times is it gonna take for you dogs to fucking get it?” Yoongi’s voice was cold and cruel. Even after all these years, Jungkook still wasn’t quite used to that sound. “Do we need to break all of your legs so you can go crawling back to your master? Hm?”

They all took a step back, the two who moved to help their senior back onto his feet freezing in their spots. Jungkook felt the muscle at his jaw tick, his brows furrowing harshly over his dark eyes. The thrill of the fight was over, and his adrenaline high was starting to come down, albeit slowly.

Yoongi cocked his head to the side, a distinctive crack sound resounding as he popped his neck. This caused a few to flinch and they shook their heads, realizing that they hadn’t answered his question. A scoffing sound huffed from Yoongi as Jungkook watched him shove his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so. Now fuck off.” He snapped his fingers at them before they could make another move. “And tell your boss that this is Jackal territory. If he sniffs around here again, I’m coming to take his bone out personally. Got it?”

They all nodded, hefting their senior and all but hightailing it out of the warehouse. Yoongi turned to Jungkook and the other members that they brought with them. Jutting his chin out toward them, they all straightened their backs. “You’re dismissed. Don’t go around getting into shit.”

“Yes Sir!” they said, bowing their heads low before quickly vacating the premises.

Jungkook remained, lifting a hand to rest his palm along the back of his neck. “…Hyung, I’m hungry.”

Yoongi grinned, a gesture he knew he reserved for those closest to him. He ruffled his hair like he was still a teenager, but Jungkook didn’t have the urge to protest against him. “Then let’s go eat. You’ve earned a free meal from your Hyung.”

Jungkook gave him a lopsided grin and nodded, allowing Yoongi to usher him out of the warehouse. He already knew that Yoongi was going to take them to a street food stall, but he didn’t mind. It wasn’t like Jungkook was a picky eater and he knew this particular food stall was a favorite of Yoongi’s as well.

It served lamb skewers.

The walk took about ten minutes, the two men not really indulging in any kind of conversation. It was typically like this after having to handle business. Jungkook didn’t care about the lack of chit-chat. A moment of silence, even amidst the busy Seoul streets, was welcome after having exerted himself. He made sure to match Yoongi’s pace, remaining at his side the entire way.

When they arrived, Yoongi ordered two bottles of soju, two bowls of jampong, an order of chicken feet, and six lamb skewers. The woman who owned the tent house greeted them warmly, telling them to sit anywhere and so they chose the usual table near the back. The plastic blue chairs were worn from use and the two of them fell into them easily. The soju was the first to arrive to their table, along with two shot glasses. Yoongi picked up Jungkook’s glass and began to pour for him.

“Hyung, wait —" Jungkook began to protest.

Yoongi sucked in air through his teeth before clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth. “When are you gonna quit actin’ up?”

Jungkook’s eyes lowered to the table. “Yoongi Hyung…”

He watched him finish pouring the soju into the shot glass before Yoongi moved to pour some into his own. “You’re a good kid, Jungkook-ah. Let your Hyung reward you every now and then, hm?”

He gave a slightly sheepish nod. He was twenty-seven now, but around the others Jungkook still felt like a kid. Not that he minded it too much. As the group’s maknae , it was expected. Even so, he sometimes wondered if he was a burden or if there was more he could be doing. Being the Steel Claw of their group had its merits and he’d certainly earned the title, but there were times when he wanted to do more but assumed it wasn’t his place to ask or even worry about such things.

“You’ve got that look on your face again.”

Jungkook’s head immediately lifted, his eyes meeting Yoongi’s as he watched the man lifting the shot glass to his lips. Reaching out with both hands, he picked up his own glass of soju and turned away from the table to drink in tandem with him. Once finished, he placed the glass back on the table and had to resist protesting a second time when Yoongi began pouring him another shot. He curled his hands into fists at his knees instead.

“What look?”

Yoongi grinned at him from across the table as he finished pouring him another shot. “That ‘I don’t think I’m doing enough for my Hyungs’ look.” Jungkook blinked, watching as he tipped the shot back with ease while making a satisfied sound from the drink. Yoongi raised a brow at him. “After all these years, you’re still thinking like that, Jungkook?”

All Jungkook could do was sigh. It wasn’t like Yoongi was wrong and it shouldn’t have surprised him how observant he was. Yoongi was known for being able to spot things a mile away and this situation was no different, it seemed. He hung his head a little, both from shame and embarrassment. He hadn’t meant to have his feelings exposed so openly and he certainly hadn’t meant to cause any worry for any of his brothers.

Hands reached for the shot glass, cradling it between his fingers, but Jungkook made no move to drink. He heard the clink of glass to glass and he knew without looking that Yoongi was pouring again. The lady brought their food to the table, along with two steaming bowls of rice and a fresh pot of barley tea. She handed them their utensils and they thanked her while also saying they would enjoy the meal.

Out of habit, Jungkook waited for Yoongi to begin eating first before digging into his own food. The loud sounds of smacking and slurping were a momentary reprieve from the heaviness that had been hanging over the table just moments prior. But Jungkook knew that this conversation was far from over.

Yoongi set his chopsticks down so that he could pour himself a cup of tea. “You’re doing enough, Jungkook-ah.”

The spoonful of rice that he was about to shovel into his mouth hovered near his lips. His eyes widened slightly before he lowered the spoon back down to the bowl. “Hyung…”

“I mean it,” he reassured him, raising the steaming cup of tea to his face, “so stop looking like that. You’ve been way too hard on yourself these days.”

“It’s just that…” Jungkook paused, biting his lower lip as he contemplated whether he wanted to continue. Yoongi gave him a look, urging him to go ahead. “Well, Hoseok Hyung seems like he’s more stressed out than normal. Jin Hyung and Namjoon Hyung look just as on edge and —"

“Stop.” Yoongi interrupted him, holding a hand up. “Stop right there.”

“Huh?”

“That’s not anything you need to be worrying about.”

“But Hyung!”

Yoongi sucked in a harsh breath between his teeth, quickly silencing Jungkook. A handful of seconds passed between them before he continued. “The three of them are just trying to figure out the best way to expand our territory and wondering just how much danger they’re willing to put us in. But that’s to be expected, what with the amount of reach we’re wanting to gain.” Yoongi sighed, his expression relaxing a bit as he tried to ease Jungkook’s worries. “It’s something the three of them need to worry about. That’s their roles, alright? There’s no sense in you beating yourself up over something that isn’t your job in the first place.”

Jungkook remained silent, his brows knitting in concern.

“Trust your brothers, okay? What they decide on is almost always for the best.”

He nodded, resuming his meal. He hadn’t intended for the conversation to turn sour or even stressful. He knew that Yoongi had his own worries that he didn’t exactly voice, but he was better at keeping a level head than most of them. Even though they’d all grown up together, Yoongi was still the hardest to read. If an expression was readable, it was because Yoongi allowed it to show. Generally, though, he was seemingly impassive.

Jungkook admired that about Min Yoongi the most.

“So, how are things with that girl you’re talking to?”

A choking sound came from Jungkook in mid-sip of his tea. He stared at Yoongi with wide eyes. He watched him nonchalantly picking up one of the lamb skewers.

“W-What?”

Yoongi pulled off one of the pieces of lamb and chewed before pointing the end of the skewer at him. “You know,” he said with his mouth full, “the one called ‘Stubborn Tiger’ in your phone. You’re always texting and calling her.”

A lump formed in Jungkook’s throat and his mouth dried out almost instantly. He hadn’t realized he’d been that obvious. Nothing was solid yet and she was so damn stubborn. But so was Jungkook and he wasn’t about to give up when she got under his skin so thoroughly.

He coughed a few more times before setting his teacup down. “I mean, I dunno.” Jungkook shrugged. He wasn’t sure how much he wanted to divulge. “It’s not like we’re a thing.” He frowned. Yet…

Yoongi canted his head slightly. “You two aren’t even dating?” Jungkook shook his head. “…then how did you get her number?”

“I stole it.” He said it automatically and instantly regretted it. He watched Yoongi blink at him before he started laughing. “I mean, I made her give it to me!”

He continued to laugh. “You made her , huh?” Jungkook watched as he shook his head. “Well, that certainly isn’t like you at all.”

Jungkook hung his head and groaned. “I know…”

“Does she know what you do?” Yoongi’s laughter died off, but the amusement was still in his voice. Jungkook nodded. “Good. That’s good.”

“Huh? How come?”

“It’s good she knows and is still willing to talk to you, even if she’s being stubborn about it.” Yoongi reached for his shot glass, lifting it to his lips. “It’s better to be honest from the start. Relationships should never be built on lies, Jungkook.”

“Hyung…”

“If she can see you for who you are and still care about you, hold onto her.” Jungkook saw a look in Yoongi’s eyes that seemed to be a mixture of regret and something else. Something he couldn’t quite place. “No matter what.”

The nerves in Jungkook’s right fist tingled, his stance a picture-perfect representation of one who spent most of his life in brawls. There was a harsh scraping sound as his opponent’s shoulder slammed into the concrete. The spectators were small fry, standing on the sideline as they watched their senior attempt to go toe-to-toe with The Steel Claw of the Golden Jackals. They’d all tried to convince him that it wasn’t a good idea. Jungkook’s reputation preceded him and despite his youthful appearance, he had nerves of steel. Just like his fists.

Character: Jeon “Steel Claw” Jungkook Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

After all these years, he still possessed an almost insatiable sweet tooth. It was one of the few things in life that he just couldn’t seem to give up and could also maintain his interest. As much of a flirt that he was, women came and went from his bed. Or he from theirs.

Character: Kim “Shadow Claw” Taehyung Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

A chorus of “A-men” resounded throughout the sanctuary and Jimin joined in with his fellow parishioners. His head was bowed low and he clasped his hands together in prayer, hoping that he could commend his spirit unto the Father whom he so desperately believed in. He wished to leave his burdens on the altar and rest his mind as easy as he would dare.

But even in that act, Jimin was a sinner.

Character: Park “Crimson Claw” Jimin Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

“Namjoon,” called Hoseok, bringing him back out of his thoughts; out of his own internal guilt. “Tell us what’s on your mind. Why did you want to meet?”

He looked at all of them and they waited patiently to hear what he had to say. He didn’t just call them all up to hang out or talk about the good times. No. He came back because he wanted to ensure that his friends had a future, and a successful one at that. But it would mean dipping their hands into the dirt; to feel the grime under their fingernails. 

Not like farmers did, but the way that criminals lived and breathed.

Character: Kim “Stone Claw” Namjoon Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

“Hoseok-ah, listen to me…” Seokjin’s voice was calm; collected. It eased the hammering of Hoseok’s heart a measure. “You are the most qualified to lead us. You’re level-headed, merciful, and your overall image suits what is needed today. We are young and inexperienced, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be like that forever.” 

He paused, standing so that he, too, could be at Hoseok’s side. “You’re the strongest of all of us. Because we know how scary you can really become. That image is what we need to really make an impression.” Character: Jung “Death Claw” Hoseok Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

Seokjin hated meetings. 

He especially hated these kinds of meetings.

There was a part of him that had to keep his comments to himself throughout the whole sordid affair. Mostly because he knew it wasn’t his place to voice his opinions aloud. Namjun and he were there simply to facilitate and comply with the wishes of their boss. It was the role he chose to take up and with that role came certain responsibilities and caveats.

Speaking out of turn was not one of them. Character: Kim “Ice Claw” Seokjin Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

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 “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 02: Fake Love

"You say I’m not the person you used to know What do you mean? No, I’ve grown blind."

Yoongi stepped out of his car, a cigarette poking out from the corner of his mouth. A piece of ash fell to the pavement; forgotten as he looked up at the sign of the building he’d parked in front of. His dark hair fell across his brows and he reached up with one hand to scratch at the back of his ear – the edge of his finger touching the silver hoop dangling from his ear lobe. A chilly gust of wind blew against him, his heavy wool trench coat shielding him from the cold bite of autumn while hanging from his form. Dark brows furrowed as he took another drag from his cigarette, the amber glow from the cherry burning brightly while staring at the sign.

EDEN CUSTOMS

He didn't understand why some people felt the need to hide their lineage. It wasn’t something that could be hidden - not with technology the way that it was now. Anything could be dug up on anyone at any given moment with the right amount of dollars and an equally right motive. But that was what it usually took. A motive.

No one really had a motive to dig up her background.

So, of course, outside of people like Yoongi, no one truly knew Eden’s family history. How could they? She was always the sort of person who kept her feelings, thoughts, and other such personal rubbish to herself. It had always been that way, even when they were younger. A young half Korean girl living in the States, with all the responsibilities and stereotypes that came from being of mixed heritage – she turned her back to it all. Without hesitation. Eden chose the life of a normal woman who was no longer tied to mundane responsibilities, who started her own business and was making her own way. Despite being an orphan, she was independent, strong, and a soldier.

Eden was...dirty.

At least that’s what Yoongi thought as he looked at the female mechanic who had a smudge of oil across her cheek and nose, bangs disheveled as she pulled her cap off. As Yoongi slipped his shades off his face and onto his head, Eden rubbed her hands against a rag that looked well over-used and in need of a washing. Yoongi tilted his head some, wrinkling her nose before shaking her head.

He could not understand why such a talented woman insisted on wasting it all away in such a vocational profession. Yoongi recalled her being a skilled dancer and artist. Yoongi remembered attending a ballet recital with Eden being the main star on stage. She was as stubborn and rough around the edges as they came, but even he could not remember a time when Eden had looked more beautiful...and more upset after he’d gone into her dressing room to change her clothes when she thought no one was looking.

Eden looked so angry and disgusted with the world.

“Well, aren't you a sight,” came Yoongi's easy tone, “you don't look glad to see me.”

She muttered something, waving at the rest of her crew as she looked at her watch. Eden gestured for Yoongi to follow her, to which he did. Not on command, but on request. Eden didn’t talk much, something he was used to. After all, he didn’t talk much either. Yoongi dropped the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under the heel of his shoe before making his way behind her into the shop.

Eden threw a few “choice words” towards her young male co-workers who were clearly eyeing Yoongi suspiciously – something along the lines of bodily harm – before opening her office door and letting Yoongi enter first. After she closed the door shut behind her, Eden dropped into the chair in front of her paperwork piled desk and leaned back far enough to kick her feet on top of the surface between a column of files.

Yoongi raised a brow slowly at her, folding his arms across his chest before settling into the empty chair across from her. “So, things are good I take it?”

She shrugged. “As good as they can be.”

“I'm upset that you haven’t bothered to look me up since I got back.” This time she raised her brow at him. “I remember emailing you that I was coming home.”

Eden snorted, her dark brown eyes narrowing while scratching the side of her nose. He knew that was a tell-tale sign that she was irritated but didn’t feel like saying it out loud. Her olive skin seemed to take on a strange glow as the sun began to set out in the world beyond the large window to the right of her.

Suddenly, her phone started to buzz with life on the desk. Yoongi looked down and saw the name “Petty Mutt” appear on the screen. Eden glanced at the phone, waiting for it to stop ringing. When it finally did, Eden rolled her eyes. Not long after it stopped, it started buzzing to life once more – the same name popping up on the screen. Unable to hide his curiosity or his amusement, he smirked as she reached for the phone and turned it face down on the desk.

Yoongi leaned back in the chair, holding his hands across his stomach. “Well, someone’s persistent.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” she quipped, scratching at the back of her neck.

“Is it a guy?”

Her eyes cut toward him and Yoongi had to bite back a laugh. He wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or concerned that he was still able to get under her skin the way he did.

“That’s none of your business.”

He shrugged. “Why don’t you just block him if you’re not interested?”

This time she was the one to give him a devious smirk. “Who says I’m not interested?”

Yoongi’s smile fell almost immediately before he had a chance to catch himself. She seemed to have noticed this and her smile grew a few more inches. In turn, his blank face molded into an irritated scowl which only served to amuse her further.

There was no reason for him to visibly get jealous. After all, he was the one who chose to end things with Eden two years ago. He’d been living a double life when he was with her and she knew nothing of his ties to the Golden Jackals. A part of Yoongi was afraid that she would turn him away or even ridicule him for associating with gangsters, let alone being one of the upper tiered members. Eden had standards and a code of morals she stubbornly adhered to. There was nothing wrong with that. In fact, that was one of the many reasons he was so attracted to her when they’d first met in the States.

He never thought she would come to South Korea. A part of him was shocked that she was willing to take a chance on a new place, a new culture and set of customs that she was mostly unfamiliar with. Or, at least, as unfamiliar as he’d believed. Truth be told, he was a little shocked that not only was she fluent in the language, but that she wasn’t ignorant to his culture. It was only after they’d started dating during his time in the U.S. that the truth came out.

Eden was an orphan and she had no idea who her parents were. She didn’t really care about their whereabouts as she was about her own origins. After digging through a few records, she’d discovered that she was of South Korean and African American descent. Growing up in America, she had no way of discovering her roots unless she did some digging for herself. For years she studied Korean culture, history, language and customs and even served as an interpreter for hire for corporate offices like Kia and Hyundai.

It wasn’t until she met Yoongi that she finally took the plunge to go to a country where half of her origins hailed from. There was a part of Yoongi that had been terrified of the idea of her discovering the truth about him. That he wasn’t some young entrepreneur in search of something greater than himself; that his success stemmed from gang-related activities and how he spent most of his time in the criminal underworld. He wasn’t ashamed of his brothers or the Golden Jackals. Yoongi just didn’t want to see the disappointment on her face when she found out that he’d begun their relationship with lies.

Even though they’d broken up, Yoongi couldn’t do the right thing and simply stay away. No. Her energy and attitude continued to draw him in, and he constantly felt a need to be around her. Even for just a drink and conversation. It had taken some doing, but he finally was able to get her to talk to him again without throwing a socket wrench at him. After a few drunken nights and even some accidental hookups, he was starting to realize that he was an idiot for ending things with her. But Yoongi figured it was for the best.

He still missed her, and it drove him crazy.

Clearing his throat, Yoongi crossed one leg over the other. “Are you busy tonight?” He didn’t want to bring up the guy on the phone, knowing it would probably cause an argument to stir up between them.

Eden slung her feet off the top of her desk and began sifting through some of the paperwork on her desk. “A little.” She paused, looking back at him. “Why?”

“I wanted to get a drink with you.”

She barked a laugh while tilting her head slightly. “Why? So you can get me tipsy enough to have another row with you in the sheets before you leave me in the middle of the night like some man cheating on his wife?” Eden scoffed, resuming her rustling of paperwork. “No thanks.”

Leaning forward, Yoongi snatched Eden’s wrist in his hand and held tightly – instantly stilling her movements. Her smirk faded as her gaze lifted to meet his – her eyes glaring darkly at him.

“It’s not like that.”

"Oh? It’s not?” Yoongi felt her trying to pull her hand free but his grip tightened. He could see the anger exploding across her face. “Then how come it’s been like that the last few times we’ve gone out? Do I look like some fucking whore to you, Min Yoongi? Huh?!”

“Dammit, Eden, I told you it’s not like that!”

“What is it then?!”

She finally yanked her hand free and stood up. Yoongi followed, unable to handle her glaring down at him. Eden slammed both of her hands onto her desk, causing a few papers to flutter from the stacks and onto the ground.

“Didn’t you make it clear that there is nothing between us anymore? Weren’t you the one who said that things were over?” Yoongi watched her face scrunch up in that way that he knew she did when she was trying not to cry, causing some of his own anger to ebb away. “Then stop playing these fucking games with me. I’m sick of it. I’ve fucking had it, alright?”

“Eden…”

He didn’t know what else to say and even though it hurt to see her like this, he called her name anyway. Even though he didn’t have any right to do so. She was right. He was being selfish and it was hurting her. It wasn’t fair to either of them, but it most definitely wasn’t fair to her.

Sighing, he held his hands up. “You’re right. I’m…I’m sorry, okay?” He watched her angrily wipe at her cheeks, further smudging it and he gave her a gentle smile. “Look, I just want to get drinks tonight, alright? Nothing more. No strings attached; I promise.” Yoongi held his hand out to her and she gazed down at it speculatively. “Friends?”

Eden seemed to be considering this and for a moment he was almost sure that she was going to tell him to go fuck himself. He would have deserved it, but it wouldn’t have hurt any less, that’s for sure. But he felt relief hit him as she wiped her palms along the front of her jeans to take his hand into hers. A wave of nostalgia hit him as her grip tightened around his hand – reminding him of when they’d first met each other all those years ago.

“Alright,” she said gently, a more genuine smile gracing her lips, “friends.”

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 “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 03: Spine Breaker

"What’s going on? Are you falling behind on the trend? You whined and complained to get it, did I strike a nerve?"

Seokjin hated meetings.

He especially hated these kinds of meetings.  

There was a part of him that had to keep his comments to himself throughout the whole sordid affair. Mostly because he knew it wasn’t his place to voice his opinions aloud. Namjoon and he were there simply to facilitate and comply with the wishes of their boss. It was the role he chose to take up and with that role came certain responsibilities and caveats.  

Speaking out of turn was not one of them.  

All the district heads sat in plush leather chairs around a well-polished redwood table. They typically held these sorts of gatherings in conference rooms at the swankiest hotel in the area. Whatever district the meeting was held determined who sat at the head of the table. It was a showcase of both power and respect, as well as tradition.  

Hoseok sat at the head of the table today.  

Both Namjoon and he stood on either side of Hoseok and just a few inches behind him. Other Seconds and Thirds mirrored their stance, standing behind their respective bosses. They remained silent as the heads talked among themselves, catching up on whatever idle gossip they wished to engage in. But on the inside, Seokjin knew that everyone had beef with Hoseok in particular, seeing as how he was one of the youngest at the table.  

At thirty, Hoseok had maintained his position. Seokjin and Namjoon ensured that he kept a firm hold on his territories. But something that most seated at the table failed to grasp was that Hoseok wasn’t just chosen to lead the Golden Jackals. Namjoon and the others may have urged him to take up the mantle, but Hoseok continued to be the boss on his own strength and merits.

  He wasn’t one to be trifled with.  

Hoseok flashed a casual grin, his gaze hooded – seemingly lazy – as he leaned back in the plush leather of his seat. Clapping his hands twice, he gathered up the attention of the others and they all soon quieted down.  

“Gentlemen,” he said, his tone deep and with just a hint of his country drawl curbing the end of it, “I believe it’s time we got things started. I know we all have things to do, so let’s keep this as brief as possible.”  

Shin Dongwook, leader of The Silver Snakes of the Guro District, scoffed as he raised a dark brow at Hoseok. His blonde fringe fell across the bridge of his nose as he lifted his drink, his rings clinking along the rim of the glass. “You hear that? The m aknae thinks he knows what our schedules are.” Some of the others snickered, bumping elbows with each other in amusement as Dongwook took a slow drink of whiskey. “Tell me, Hoseok-ah, is there really anything that we need to discuss today?”  

The muscle near Seokjin’s jaw pulsed as he ground his molars together. His eyes narrowed slowly as he watched the others smirking derisively toward Hoseok. He could see Namjoon shift uncomfortably out the corner of his eye, but Hoseok merely chuckled as he rolled his neck toward Dongwook.  

“Why Dongwook Hyung, I’m shocked you were able to attend at all. Seeing as how you can’t keep your own territory in order. I heard it’s quite a mess where you are.” Hoseok steepled his fingers while resting his elbows on the surface of the table. “Do you need some help?”  

Dongwook’s glass hit the coaster harshly as he bared his teeth at Hoseok. The table got quiet save for the sound of Dongwook’s throaty growl.  

“Watch your mouth, Jung Hoseok.” His dark eyes narrowed into slits. “How I handle my turf is my business, you got that?”  

Hoseok lifted his hands in the air in what Seokjin knew to be a mocking show of surrender. It surprised him. He didn’t think that Hoseok would be the first to begin needling into the others. Even though it was his right as the meeting was being held in his district, it normally wasn’t his style. Clearly the conversation the three of them had prior to the meeting had been weighing on Hoseok’s mind more than he’d initially let on.  

“Ease up, Dongwook-ah,” chimed Kim Pilsoo from across the table, causing everyone in the conference room to face him. “We’re in Hoseok’s territory and sitting at his table. You’d do well to remember that and give that seat the respect it deserves.”  

He was one of the older leaders at the table and one that everyone mutually respected. He’d been scuttling around in the underground circuit for some time and was one of the few who still remained from the older generation of gangsters. Pilsoo’s dark hair was showing a few slivers of gray and it was clear that this particular lifestyle had taken a toll on him – crow’s feet revealing themselves in the corners of his eyes. Pilsoo flashed Hoseok a knowing smirk as all the other bosses bowed their heads in respect toward him.  

Clearing his throat, Dongwook sat back in his chair and undid the button of his jacket. Hoseok leaned back in his chair as well, running a hand through his dark hair and the silver hoop in his ear seemed to gleam for just a moment. Seokjin kept a close eye on those around the room, watching their expressions and to see said expressions change the moment that Hoseok addressed everyone with what his main concerns were.  

“I’m only bringing it up because you seemed to have gotten a little too greedy these days, Dongwook Hyung.” Hoseok’s smile remained even though it was clear that he was about to unearth a sour topic at a typically non-hostile meeting. “You think that we don’t know what you’ve been up to, hm?”  

Dongwook scoffed. “What the hell are you talking about, Hoseok?”  

Hoseok’s eyes narrowed only a fraction, but it caused Seokjin’s lips to part slightly. Surely, he wouldn’t bring it up now. Not with all the other brothers in the room. Namjoon must have picked up on this as well, seeing as how he was giving Seokjin a curious glance. Shaking his head quickly, they both decided to wait for Hoseok to continue.  

“I’m talking about how you’ve been poking your nose into my affairs, Hyung. I don’t appreciate that.” He leaned back in the chair while tilting his head to the side. “That’s not very nice at all.”  

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  

Hoseok raised a brow. “You sure about that?” He let out a breathy chuckle. “Because I think you do, seeing as how you sent your dogs to sniff around and mark my territory as your own.” There was a pause as he leaned forward a bit to rest his hands on the table. “I had my people take care of them though. Took them out like they were garbage.”  

“What?!”  

Seokjin reached his hand out to gently press his palm to the back of Hoseok’s chair. He felt it lean back, putting pressure into his hand as Hoseok sank back into the plush leather. He was treading a very thin line and he was taking a big gamble by letting Dongwook know about his little group encroaching into their domain.  

“Ambition is great and all, Hyung, but don’t you think you’re being a little rude coming into someone’s house and treading mud all over the floor?” Hoseok’s voice was light, as if he were telling an interesting story. There was no warmth in his words, however. Seokjin could hear the chill in his tone. “The least you could do is take off your shoes and bring a fucking fruit basket.”  

Dongwook shot up from his chair, as well as a few others. Dongwook may have been older than Hoseok, but age meant nothing in a circle of gangsters. No. It was about respect and experience; the ability to maintain control and to continue to hold the respect of one’s underlings. It was no secret that Dongwook’s hold on his entourage was starting to slack. There was clearly some in-fighting going on that he wasn’t at liberty to speak about. The fastest way to regain that hold and reclaim respect was to take over another boss’s territory.  

Treading into the Golden Jackals’ domain, however, was a big mistake.

Hoseok rose from his seat, causing the others to stand as well. Namjoon helped him slip into his coat while Seokjin handed him his phone. They all watched him finish his drink and set the empty glass back on the table.  

“I let your boys off with a warning, Hyung, because I respect you and the other brothers in this room. But make no mistake, I earned my place at this table, maknae or not.” He paused, readjusting his coat to sit more comfortably on his shoulders and Seokjin moved the chair out of his way. “I won’t sit still the next time you try it again.” Hoseok turned to the others and bowed his head in respect while Namjoon and Seokjin did the same. “See you at the next meeting, Hyungs. Pilsoo Hyung, I’ll come by to your hotel’s grand opening next month.”  

Seokjin hung back with Namjoon, waiting for Hoseok to move in front of them before they followed – not looking back into the conference room as an explosion of curses spilled from Dongwook’s mouth and the others attempted to get him to calm down. They made their way down the long corridor and entered the hotel’s lobby where the female clerk at the desk flashed them a nervous smile. Seokjin smiled back to her and he watched with mild amusement at the flush that crowned her cheeks.  

It wasn’t until the three of them were fully settled in the backseat of the large black sedan did Seokjin finally heave a soft sigh. His brows furrowed as he looked across from him to Hoseok who looked as laid back as he often did. It was like the meeting hadn’t affected him at all.  

“Was that really necessary, Hoseok-ah?”  

Hoseok sighed, a guilty smile forming on his lips. “Jin Hyung, I know what you’re thinking alright?” His gaze moved toward the window as he propped his chin in his palm. “But I wasn’t going to wait around and let him think he’d gotten away with it or that we were going to continue to play stupid.”  

Namjoon sat next to Hoseok and gently bumped his elbow against Hoseok’s. “I get where you’re coming from, Hoseok, I do. But I thought we decided we were going to handle Dongwook Hyung’s issues one-on-one?”  

“I know, I know,” he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice, “but it’s better to get that mess out in the open where others can hear. I don’t want them getting any funny ideas.”  

Seokjin looked to Namjoon and nodded. “He’s right. I think it was a good idea to put it all out on the table like that.” He paused, looking back at Hoseok. “But don’t you think you should have discussed it with us first?”  

Hoseok looked at him and smirked, giving him a half shrug. “What? So you two could convince me that it wasn’t the smartest of moves? Come on, guys, give me a little credit will ya?”  

A buzzing sound issued from the inside of Seokjin’s jacket pocket. He pulled out his phone and saw that it was Taehyung calling. He sighed before answering. “What is it, Taehyung-ah?”  

“Why do you always answer the phone like that, Jin Hyung? What if I’m just calling because I want to hear your voice?”  

“ Did you call just to hear my voice?”  

“Um…no."

“Do you ever call just to hear my voice?”  

“…uuuuh…”  

“What do you need, Taehyung?”  

Namjoon smirked while Hoseok shook his head and rolled his eyes. Seokjin pinched the bridge of his nose as Taehyung went on another mini tirade before finally pausing long enough to catch his breath.  

“Anyway, I was just calling to let you know that the night clubs we secured last month are finally good to go. We shouldn’t have any problems since Jimin Hyung and I were able to grease a few palms.”  

“Good.”  

“How was the meeting? Is Hoseok Hyung doing alright?”  

“Everything’s fine. We’ll see you back at the house.”  

“Alright, alright. Yeesh. Bye.”  

Seokjin hung up and placed the phone back into his pocket. “Taehyung said the night clubs are good to go.”  

Hoseok gave a relieved sigh. “Oh good,” he said, pressing a hand to his forehead, “I was worried we were gonna have to secure some more cash.”  

Namjoon shook his head, half laughing and half disgusted. “Politicians are easy. It’s the DA’s office we need to be concerned about.”  

“We might be moving a little too fast, guys,” Seokjin said softly, his voice tinged with worry. “I’m worried about Yoongi and Jungkook with the boys.”  

“They’ll be fine.” Hoseok’s tone was reassuring but the worry lines were still deep on Seokjin’s brow. “We can’t afford to wait another year. You saw what Dongwook Hyung was willing to do, pressing his luck like that. We have to make our moves now or else we’ll be crushed under heel.”  

“He’s right, Hyung,” came Namjoon’s soft voice, “it’s now or never. We have to turn the tide or else we’ll drown.”  

Seokjin knew they were right. Hell, it was a suggestion he’d made a couple of years back. But something was settling in the pit of his stomach and it made him worry for his brothers. He knew that each of them was more than capable of taking care of themselves. But this was a different game they were playing. Ten years of living in Seoul had hardened them for the dark and gritty underworld. Now was the time to strike and really dig their claws into the ground – to truly make their mark.  

But if they got too far ahead of themselves, there was a chance that the ground would crumble right out from underneath their feet.

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

“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 04: Blood, Sweat & Tears

"But your wings are wings of the devil In front of your sweet is bitter bitter..."

9 Years Ago Seoul – Itaewon; Yongsan District South Korea

He’d been in Seoul for a year now. Hoseok could hardly fathom it. He never thought he would be here in the big city. Maybe as a tourist, but not as a permanent resident.

For his entire life, all he’d ever known was the vast countryside of Hwaseong. His family was one of the more well-known ones of the area. The Jung family had the most land and descended from a long line of people who tilled the land. South Korea reached its peak in technological advancements. Farming equipment was better, and people still had to work hard, but not as hard as they once did decades back.

When Namjoon asked if they would come to Seoul with him, Hoseok had his reservations. They all did. But one by one, they arrived in Seoul. Jimin was predictably the last to get there.

The first year was the hardest for them all. Or maybe it was more difficult for everyone else except Yoongi and Jungkook. Hoseok wasn’t quite sure. What he did know was that Jungkook thrived in the city. He was no stranger to hard work and manual labor in the industrial aspect, taking on odd jobs from restaurant delivery to factory work.

It was a little more difficult for the rest of them since all they really knew was farm work. For a time, Hoseok worked in a produce warehouse. The job itself was rewarding, and he was able to secure a few connections. Namjoon seemed to be pushing himself even harder in school – going so far as to take night classes. There were times when he would come home to their cramped two-bedroom apartment, attempting a smile but there would be a nosebleed soon to follow.

Jimin and Jungkook took on extra jobs to make things easier on the others. Namjoon could only do so much while going to school. He seemed damned and determined to finish faster than the rest of his classmates. Hoseok remembered him talking to Seokjin late one night when the others were asleep. Hoseok had gotten up to get some water and that was when Namjoon explained how he was basically going to hit the ground running for them all. He wanted them to succeed - to live like kings.

Hoseok admired his ambition.

Taehyung entered the apartment carrying two large plastic bags. The aroma of food filled the room and Hoseok stood from his perch in the corner. He immediately made his way toward the kitchenette to retrieve the small table they all ate from. Yoongi was right behind him, a case of beer in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. Seokjin looked up from reading his book on the top bunk bed, peering over the edge to see who all had returned home. He waved to Yoongi as he dropped his bag just by the door and Hoseok smiled as a sleepy Jungkook appeared from the other bedroom, scratching at his head and tummy at the same time.

Yoongi smirked, reaching up to rub Jungkook’s head as Hoseok handed him a glass of water. The older man made his way toward the mini fridge to put up the beer and Hoseok grinned as Jungkook drank his water slowly. 

“Did you have a late morning, Jungkook-ah?”

He nodded, heading to the kitchenette to wash the empty glass. 

“What time did you get in?”

Jungkook yawned. “Five this morning.”

Hoseok frowned just as Seokjin came down from the bunk bed. “I told you to quit one of your part-time jobs, Jungkook,” chastised Seokjin, his brows furrowing slightly, “Your Hyungs will take care of everything.”

Jungkook laughed as he plopped down on the floor where the table was being set up by Taehyung. It was a modest spread that probably came from a variety of street carts and tent houses. Yoongi was busying himself in the kitchen, retrieving utensils and bowls for everyone. 

A sigh left Hoseok’s lips as his phone buzzed in his pocket. Looking at it, he shook his head when he saw it was from Jimin. Apparently he’d left his key at home and was making his way up the stairs. Without having to say a word, he looked at Yoongi and watched him cross the short distance to the door and opened it - revealing a slightly winded Jimin on the other side. He beamed, tossing his delivery hat to the side as he shrugged out of his uniform jacket and slipped out of his work boots.

“Something smells good!” he said cheerfully as Taehyung drug him down onto the floor to sit beside him. He looked around the room, noting that they were one person short. “Where’s Namjoon Hyung?”

No sooner had he said it, the door opened to reveal Namjoon. He immediately dropped his school bag to the floor and kicked off his sneakers. He had a troubled look on his face and Hoseok frowned. It wasn’t hard for him to figure out that something was weighing on his mind and it had been for quite a few weeks now. Yoongi handed Namjoon a beer and just as he was about to take his seat at the other side of the table, he stopped. 

Namjoon looked at Seokjin who was seated at the other end of the table. Hoseok peered at the oldest one of his friends and then watched as the two of them shared a nod. Soon, they were turning their eyes toward Hoseok and he blinked, not understanding why suddenly their attention was on him. What chatter was happening immediately quieted - disturbed only by the sound of clinking silverware.

“Hoseok-ah,” came Seokjin’s soft voice, causing Hoseok to look at him, “go ahead and sit over there.”

Hoseok’s lips parted. He was talking about taking Namjoon’s seat at the head of the table. Looking between the two of them, he wasn’t sure what to say. In fact, he was pretty sure he could say nothing in this moment. He saw Jungkook chewing on a piece of kimbap while Taehyung cracked open a can of beer. Jimin set his rice bowl down and Yoongi lowered his chopsticks to the table. 

“H-Hyung,” stammered Hoseok, unsure of what to make of this, “sitting there…”

“Means you’re the leader,” finished Namjoon, grinning. He shifted over to where Hoseok continued to sit and held his hand out to him. “So get up and take your seat.”

Grasping Namjoon’s hand, he could barely feel his body leaving the floor. He glanced back at Seokjin who simply nodded. After a moment, Hoseok’s eyes met everyone’s at the table. It was no secret what they were about to get into. They’d all talked about it in length for some time and while Jimin had been the most against the idea, he relented in the end. 

They were finally going to delve into the dark criminal underworld. They were going to become gangsters.

It was assumed that either Seokjin or even Namjoon would be the one to lead them. It had been their idea. These part-time gigs and scrimping for every chunk of change they had to make ends meet was only temporary. Hoseok was simply waiting for the next set of instructions to come from either of them.

“But why?” The question came out a little harsher than he’d intended. However, Namjoon’s and Seokjin’s expressions remained pleasant. He couldn’t explain it, but this almost seemed to upset Hoseok more. “Why?”

“Because you’re the only one who can, Hoseok,” said Namjoon, placing his hand on his shoulder. Hoseok couldn’t hide the confusion on his face and this made his friend grin. “I’m still in school, though I’m gonna bust my fucking ass to get out early. Seokjin Hyung has to get us established so his face is going to be all over the place. Yoongi Hyung prefers to stay out of that seat because he’s already doing his part to get everything together for the other gangs to learn about us.”

Hoseok looked over at Yoongi who smirked, holding his can of beer in the air in a ‘cheers’ sort of fashion. He blinked as the three youngest merely smiled and nodded while putting food into their mouths. 

Apparently this was all discussed without him. While part of him was upset, he knew the reason why they’d done it. If he’d been involved in the conversation, he would have fought tooth and nail to make sure that someone else was put in that seat. Because he didn’t believe he was qualified enough.

“Hoseok-ah, listen to me…” Seokjin’s voice was calm; collected. It eased the hammering of Hoseok’s heart a measure. “You are the most qualified to lead us. You’re level-headed, merciful, and your overall image suits what is needed today. We are young and inexperienced, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be like that forever.” 

He paused, standing so that he, too, could be at Hoseok’s side. “You’re the strongest of us all. Because we know how scary you can really become. That image is what we need to really make an impression.” 

Something flickered in Seokjin’s gaze and Hoseok’s brows furrowed. 

“ That is the edge we need to survive in this world.”

  Present Day Seoul - Hannam; Yongsan District South Korea

Hoseok stood on the second floor balcony, a glass of scotch in his hand. It clinked softly as the cubes of ice shifted while he leaned on his back leg. The chilly night air barely registered along his skin, though he knew that one of the others would appear with a robe or light lounge jacket for him to wear. The house was so big but he always knew when there was movement around.

It was part of his nature to be aware of his surroundings.

His eyes lowered to the street as he waited for a set of headlights to appear. He turned his left arm over to peer at his wrist. It was getting late and while he wasn’t normally worried for his friends, it gave him relief to know when they were all able to return home. 

No sooner had he looked at his watch did a pair of headlights round the corner and up the hill. Without having to guess, he knew that it was Taehyung with Jimin. They always returned home around this time. Jungkook was napping in his room and Yoongi said he would be on his way after meeting up with a friend. Another set of lights appeared and he guessed that it was Yoongi right on the other two’s backs.

Hoseok vacated the balcony and closed the glass French doors behind him. Making his way downstairs, drink in hand, he saw Seokjin appearing from the study while Namjoon poured away over some paperwork in the den. They never were in the business of bringing work home, but these days it couldn’t be helped.

The beep of the security lock echoed in the foyer just as Yoongi, Taehyung and Jimin entered the house. They stepped out of their street shoes and slid into their house slippers. A sleepy Jungkook slowly made his way down the stairs, getting his head rubbed by the three men before they all trudged into the den where Seokjin and Namjoon were waiting. 

Taehyung handed several thick manila envelopes over to Namjoon and Seokjin just as Hoseok sat in the large plush leather chair. There were two leather couches on either side of a glass coffee table - the surface inlaid along intricate metal workings. Jungkook stole a sip of water from the glass Yoongi’d just brought in, leaning in to sniff the older man and Yoongi laughed. 

“Hyung, you smell like booze and engine exhaust…”

Yoongi smirked, shrugging. “I do?”

Hoseok grinned, crossing one leg over the other while his house slipper dangled from his foot. “You look pleased with yourself, Yoongi Hyung.”

“You could say that.” He took a seat next to Jungkook and Jimin as Taehyung handed off the file that Jimin gave him. “Looks like you two were busy.”

Taehyung flashed his boxy smile, a hint of mischief sparking in his eyes. His silvery blue and black fringe danced along his brows and ears. “You could say that.” There was a playful tone in his voice.

Yoongi rolled his eyes while taking the glass of water from Jungkook when he was finished. 

Jimin sighed while brushing his chestnut bangs off his forehead. “We just did what we were supposed to. I don’t know why he’s gloating.”

Taehyung’s cheeks puffed out in defiance. He was a grown man and he still acted like a child. Expelling the air from his mouth, he looked at Hoseok with raised brows. “How was your meeting, Hyung?”

Hoseok chuckled while setting his glass on the nearby coaster. “I guess you could call it productive.” He leaned back in the chair. “Though Namjoon and Seokjin Hyung just about had heart attacks.”

“Lies,” said Seokjin while holding up an envelope in the air, “we were just trudging through, oh, I dunno, a proverbial minefield.” He paused, looking Hoseok in the eye as he raised a brow. “Hoseok forgot to mention that he was carrying grenades in his pockets, is all.”

Jungkook grinned as he rested his hands behind his head. “You must have told Dongwook Hyung that we trashed his crew.”

“I did,” came Hoseok’s nonchalant reply, “and I also told him not to come stomping through our turf again just because he can’t handle the shit going on in his own house.”

There was an edge to Hoseok’s voice that none in the room missed. Namjoon stilled his hands long enough to brush one of them through his ash blonde locks. “It was risky, but Hoseok made it very loud and clear that everyone needs to stay out of that particular area of Gangnam.”

“Dongwook Hyung is such a fucking piece of work,” snapped Taehyung as he stretched his long legs out in front of him. “He’s all bark and no bite. Always has been.”

“That doesn’t make him any less dangerous, Taehyung-ah,” Hoseok said calmly. “I gave him a warning, but that doesn’t mean he’ll take this insult lying down.”

“Let him try it,” Jungkook half-snarled, as if he were ready to launch an assault. 

Hoseok held out a hand to Jungkook. “Hey, none of that,” he chastised before looking to Yoongi. “There’s no guarantee that Dongwook Hyung was the only one with the itch to move into our territory. Don’t let your guard down and don’t make any hasty movements. Got it?”

Everyone nodded. They had spent some time making a name for themselves and it probably didn’t help that they had their fingers in a lot of different pots. Gambling. Investment banking. Night clubs and various other forms of underground entertainment. International dealings with other investment firms. Their next move would be to take over a few hotels and start going into the real estate business.

Land was more precious than gold.

“Seokjin Hyung,” said Namjoon suddenly, causing everyone’s eyes to look in his direction, “did you find a personal financial advisor that’s willing to work just for us?”

Seokjin grinned as he folded his arms across his chest. “I think so. It’s just a matter of getting them to bend a little.”

“Good. The sooner we get them working for us, the better off we’ll be. We need to start consolidating assets soon and focusing all of our energy into just a few projects. Spreading ourselves this thin worked in the beginning because we needed to get our names out there.” Namjoon paused, leaning back into the couch while tossing the manila envelope in his hand onto the table. “Now that people know who we are, it’s really time to sink our claws into the ground.”

Hoseok nodded. “The sooner, the better.”

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

“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 05: Boyz With Fun

"The fun boys go until the dawn moon sets, This is so fun, all fakeness has gone home."

Seoul - Cheongdam; Gangnam District South Korea

Taehyung leaned against the side of the building, the stick of his lollipop poking out from between his lips. After all these years, he still possessed an almost insatiable sweet tooth. It was one of the few things in life that he just couldn’t seem to give up and could also maintain his interest. As much of a flirt that he was, women came and went from his bed. Or he from theirs. The rough and tumble life they led in the earlier days of their beginnings had seemingly lost its attraction. But sweets? Well, those just never got old.

However, there were some people that could keep his attention. It was a feat, yes, but not impossible. One such individual worked in the very building he was leaning against. In fact, he’d been shadowing them for the better part of a few months. They were stubborn and liked to appear that they weren’t interested or even a bit curious as to why he was shadowing them. But that was fine. Taehyung didn’t mind.

It made the chase all the more delicious.

As he spied the time on his watch, he knew that this person was going to be clocking out soon. Their routine in this place was like clockwork; predictable and consistent. There were times when a wrench got thrown in, ultimately ruining the schedule, but those moments were rare. Unable to hide the growing excitement on his face, he pushed himself off the concrete surface and made his way through the automatic sliding doors of the hospital.

Not even a handful of steps into the lobby, he saw the person he was looking for. Or, rather, waiting for. She was dressed in her scrubs – a soft, periwinkle blue – clutching her bag while her coat draped over one of her arms. Tall with brown skin and curling dark hair, her glasses were situated on her face in a way that made her seem almost adorable. She was talking with one of her co-workers, probably about the patients they had for the day and what their plans were for the coming weekend. Would they trade off shifts? God, he hoped not.

She let out a laugh and Taehyung crunched into the hard candy, chewing methodically as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. He was mentally counting down how long it would take for her to notice him.

Three…two…one…bingo!

When the countdown finished in his head, she looked up and their eyes met. Her smile fell a fraction and she slowed her pace down a measure. Her co-worker seemed confused by the action until the other nurse caught sight of Taehyung. She gave a small wave and he returned the gesture just as she smirked playfully toward the woman whom he couldn’t take his eyes from. The other woman gently nudged her and told her she would see her tomorrow. Taehyung closed the distance between them, standing just a foot in front of her.

“Hey there, Gorgeous,” he said, the candy’s stick clamped between his teeth as he flashed her his trademark boxy smile, “long day?”

The woman, Raelyn Briggs, rolled her eyes as she side-stepped him so she could walk around him. “What is it now?” She asked him the question, but continued walking – as if she really didn’t care one way or the other if he answered or not.

Pivoting on his heels, he jogged up beside her while spitting the stick into the garbage. “Was it a bad day?”

“It was fine until you showed up.”

She refused to look at him, but this didn’t stop him from smiling or from being persistent.

“Aw, c’mon. That’s not a nice thing to say.” He dramatically placed a hand on his chest, palm resting over the spot where his heart was beating steadily beneath. “I need you to give me a check-up.”

Raelyn scoffed. “Then schedule an appointment.”

Taehyung clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth. “Don’t be like that, Rae Noona.”

"Like what?”

He pouted. “You’re such a meanie.”

“And you’re a menace.”

He tried to maintain his pouty expression, but he soon dissolved into a small fit of laughter. He didn’t know why but annoying her was so fun. Maybe it was because she made it so easy or because she didn’t immediately tell him to go fly a kite in downtown traffic. He couldn’t help his curiosity when it came to Raelyn.

She wasn’t the first transplant to come to South Korea. In this day and age, it was pretty common for foreigners to immigrate to other countries for work. There were all kinds of programs for teaching as well as through vocational or technical skills. Trade skills existed all over the world and like Koreans often went to other countries to learn, the same could be said for others wanting to expand their knowledge in a variety of fields.

From what he was able to glean, Raelyn was one such individual. Even though he’d known her for the better part of three years, she’d lived in South Korea for four. The more scandalous side of it all was that Raelyn used to date Hoseok. Things ended on her terms, though the reason for it was a bit hazy. At least what he was able to learn from the other Hyungs. No one really wanted to talk about it and so Taehyung didn’t pry.

He couldn’t remember why, exactly, the topic had been broached, but he did recall that Hoseok said he was over the relationship. That things ended for the best. Not that Taehyung was in the business of taking someone’s second serving of a dish, but if she was a girl interesting enough to turn Hoseok’s head then he had to know what she was all about.

Imagine his surprise when he discovered that she was a nurse, darker skinned and a foreigner.

Taehyung ran a few paces in front of Raelyn and stopped, forcing her to come to a halt. She had a clear look of irritation painted over her face, but this made his smile widen. He knew that she was just taking off from work and probably wanted to have nothing to do with him, yet he just wasn’t selfless enough to leave her alone. Maybe she was playing hard to get. Who knew? But she kept his interest and that made him even more determined to get her to give him a chance.

“Look, Noona,” he said, brushing his fingers through his silvery blue and black hair, “I know you’ve probably had a long day and that’s why I wanna take you out. Nothing fancy or uncomfortable, I promise.” He held his hands up in a show of playful surrender. “Just dinner and a drink. You think you’d be up for something like that?”

Raelyn gave him the once over, canting her head slightly in a way that made the lens of her glasses shine off from the many streetlights along the corner. There really wasn’t a reason for her to accept his offer. Then again, there really wasn’t a reason for her to decline it either. It was a win-win situation for both. He had a few days of down time before Jimin and he would have to hit the streets again to collect on some things. Normally Taehyung made an effort to get ahead of the game, but he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to get a chance to really get to know Raelyn for who she was. Not just the professional nurse mask she wore, but the real face that hid behind it.

After a few more grueling minutes of silence, Raelyn sighed slowly and Taehyung had to contain his excitement. He knew that he’d won. As he was mentally giving himself a pat on the back, he watched Raelyn setting her purse down on the ground so she could slip into her coat. Taehyung moved so that he was behind her, helping her arms slide into the sleeves. He leaned down and picked up her purse and she set it on her shoulder.

With a wide gesture of her arm, she cocked her head to the side. “After you.”

Taehyung grinned, holding out his arm for her and she shook her head while rolling her eyes. He gently elbowed her persistently and when her arm finally slid through his, he beamed proudly. For whatever reason, he felt like he was suddenly on top of the world.

Like he promised, they walked and talked amicably. It was no secret what circles he ran with and there was no sense hiding it from her. It wasn’t like she was ignorant to his world. He was curious about her day-to-day activities and quickly ascertained that he admired her drive to help people. But she wasn’t above taking care of herself. Self-care was important. People tend to forget that.

He most certainly did not .

It didn’t take them long to arrive to their destination. It was a quiet café with a nice atmosphere that also served modest entrees. He remembered her saying once that after a long shift, the last thing she wanted to do was gorge on food and pass out. It normally gave her indigestion in the morning and she wasn’t about that life. Taehyung could eat enough for three people, but that was just his metabolism and active lifestyle talking.

She ordered a deli sandwich, soup and coffee while he ordered a plate of pasta with tea. Their conversation continued on the tamer side and he ignored the looks that a few patrons gave them. He knew that he was good looking and there were people who also knew that he was part of the underground circuit. He didn’t care for their judgmental eyes or thoughts, keeping his attention on Raelyn as she ate politely while indulging him in conversation. Also politely.

Then the anvil fell.

“So,” she said, raising the mug up to her lips, “do you think it’s a good idea to be gettin’ fresh with your boss’s ex-girl?”

Taehyung was in mid-sip of his tea when he inhaled suddenly, racked with a coughing fit that he thought would never end. People were looking at him for a different reason now. He stared at her, unblinking, wondering just where the hell that even came from.

In fact, he was going to ask.

“Where the hell did that come from?”

She scoffed, sipping from the mug and then setting it down. “Oh come on , Taehyung- ssi ,” she said, putting extra emphasis to the polite way of addressing him, “I don’t know what game you’re playing but I know that you’ve been poking around me because you want to know something, don’t you?” Raelyn pushed her glasses up along the bridge of her nose. “‘What could my boss, Jung Hoseok, possibly have seen in a woman like this?’ That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it?”

His mouth opened to protest, but he soon closed it when he realized that she wasn’t completely wrong.

But she wasn’t completely right, either.

However, instead of answering, all he could do was remain silent – his lips pressing together in a thin line.

Raelyn chuckled because she knew she’d gotten the upper hand. It wasn’t in his nature to not throw something back at her in rebuttal. But he knew he couldn’t regain the advantage. Not in this conversation.

“I’m pretty sure you already know that I was the one to end things. You’re wondering why that is, aren’t you? Why a woman like me would walk away from the benefits and opportunities that come with being the boss’s girlfriend?”

His eyes narrowed slightly. Anger flared behind his eyes, but he couldn’t pinpoint just what he was angry for . If it was because he’d been outsmarted, or if it was because Raelyn was taking Hoseok lightly.

No , he thought, his grip tightening around his cup of tea, she knows exactly what he is capable of.

“I’ll tell you why, Taehyung-ssi, so that you’ll finally get an idea of who I am and maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave well enough alone.” Raelyn finished up her coffee and began digging through her purse. She pulled out a black and silver clutch, removing a few bills from within. “As glamorous as your world is in movies and in books, it’s ugly on the inside. Turf wars were happening constantly and, if I’m not mistaken, they still are. Hoseok was good to me. In fact, he was great. But that charm and goodness wasn’t enough to keep me away from the one thing I treasure most in this world.”

She paused and Taehyung let out a breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding. Once again, their eyes met and the deep purple glint that shined behind her glasses caused his lips to part slightly.

“My freedom.”

Raelyn stood up from her chair, laying the bills on the table. Taehyung jumped from his seat, almost knocking the chair over.

“Rae Noona, wait—”

“You’re cute, Taehyung-ssi.” She smiled at him; a genuine one. The same smile he’d seen her giving to her co-workers after they clocked out for the evening, time and time again. “But not cute enough to give up my freedom for.”

Without another word, Raelyn left him in the café alone. There was nothing he could say that would stop her in her tracks. In fact, everything she’d just said stunned him. After a while, he slowly sank back into his chair – staring at the seat she’d once occupied.

And then a slow smile crept over his face.

This just got a lot more interesting, Raelyn Noona…

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. 

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: 2,771 Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 “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 10: So What?

Anastasia cradled her cup of coffee in her hand as she sat at her desk in her upstairs loft. She scrolled through a series of emails, work and non-work related. On her days off, she normally didn’t indulge in busying herself with work things. But it was the third day and she was feeling antsy. This was her fourth cup of coffee and she was only just now starting to feel the effects of it.

There were a few clients she was planning on getting in touch with about a few ambitious business ventures that she was hoping to steer them clear from. Not that she was above taking a few risks in her life. She certainly wouldn’t have gotten this far in her own company had she not impulsively taken the plunge. But she also didn’t believe in going “all in” unless there was a guarantee that success would be waiting on the other side.

Her eyes lingered on the screen for a moment longer, a low groan issuing from her throat. Anastasia couldn’t stop thinking about the offer that Kim Seokjin put on the table for her. It wasn’t like it was some chump change he was throwing at her. While she had to get her hands on the actual contract for her to be sure, Anastasia never earned that amount of money in an entire month. Double the amount and she could remember that that was what she would make in a full year when she first started out with her company.

Who said “no” to that much money?

No one, that’s who, came the bitter thought.

She stood from her chair, picking up her phone while still holding her mug of coffee. Anastasia ignored the messy blankets on her bed. It was her day off and she didn’t feel like she had a need to straighten up. She’d already done laundry for the day and had every intention to lounge around in her pajamas all day.

In the back of her mind, Anastasia was hoping that Seokjin was just messing around. There was no way that he could afford to throw that kind of cash in her face. At least that’s what she wanted to believe. But then she thought back to a conversation she had with Jungkook back when they were still together. He’d been upfront about his association with the Golden Jackals. He was a gangster, plain and simple.

Blame it on her naivety, but she always believed that anyone associated with the mafia was rough around the edges, getting into street fights and being mowed down by guns. Sure, civilians owning guns outside of sporting and hunting was against the law in South Korea – something she was internally relieved and grateful for. People could get into brawls and, hell, if someone was persistent enough, they could kill with a set of metal chopsticks. But it curbed the violence significantly. When she’d started dating Jungkook, he always looked so put together and the rest of his friends, his “brothers”, were equally well-kept.

This was the glamorous side of the mafia, she guessed. Anastasia remembered the ridiculously large mansion Tony Montana had in Scarface or the deep family connections that were intertwined in The Godfather. But this wasn’t some movie or book or television show. This was the real-life Korean mafia she was dealing with and, frankly, it hadn’t been so bad. Jungkook had been a gentleman and was always sweet to her. However, the feelings only stopped to a certain point and they both agreed that they were better off as friends.

But even in that short amount of time, Anastasia had seen the boys struggle from time to time. Not as much as they probably let on, but she’d still seen it. At least from Taehyung, Jimin and Jungkook. She’d crossed paths with Namjoon and Seokjin by chance and she’d seen Hoseok at a glance. Yoongi was often gone, leaving on business trips here and there. Was that when things were starting to get better? When things were less dirty and leaning toward something more legitimate?

Jungkook told her once that they were trying to play it straight, but they just weren’t ready yet. It wasn’t time.

Is now the time? Is that why Seokjin offered that crazy deal?

Making her way down the stairs from her loft, Anastasia sipped her coffee – her mind focusing on what the motive could be. And why her? Why did he seek her out personally for something like that? Was it because of her connection with Jungkook from the past? But they weren’t even together anymore. Why would that even hold any bearing on wanting to hire her to handle something as important as money?

Beep. Beep.

Anastasia jumped, a soft squeak pushing from her throat as the door buzzer to her apartment sliced through her thoughts. For a moment, all she could do was stare at her front door and blink. She looked at her phone, noting the time but not seeing any notifications. No text messages. No missed phone calls. Not even any new email pings.

Maybe if she pretended not to be there, the person would go away. Besides, there was no way that Seokjin was able to put together a perfect contract in three days. She’d been in enough meetings and engaged in numerous business dealings to know that contracts were amended and changed until both parties were absolutely satisfied. Seokjin knew what he wanted from her, but that didn’t mean that he knew what she wanted from him.

A handful of seconds passed, and she sighed – her body pulling toward the kitchen so she could start a pot of tea. No more coffee. She’d had enough. It was time to wind down.

Loud banging issued from the other side of the door and Anastasia jumped again, dropping the cup into the sink with a crash. The ceramic cracked down the side and she frowned as her coffee leaked into the sink and slid down the drain. Her lips pressed into a thin line, brows furrowing over her eyes. A few strands of her hair fell across the bridge of her nose before she blew them off her face in frustration.

She stalked towards the door, feet heavy even in her house slippers, and wrenched the door open angrily. “What in the ever-living fuck?!” she yelled, not caring if her neighbors protested. Clearly, her unannounced guest didn’t care about them either, what with them banging on her door like that.

On the other side stood Seokjin. He seemed unfazed by her outburst, holding out a manila envelope out to her as well as a brown paper bag. He must have stopped by somewhere on the way. Smiling, he waited for her to take either one or both from his hands.

“Breakfast?”

Blinking at him, she wasn’t sure what to make of this. Anastasia was expecting a parcel, not a personal visit. Part of her was a little impressed with his persistence, but then a spark of irritation jumped near her temple as her cheeks flushed a soft scarlet.

She was standing around in her sleeping clothes while he looked dressed to the nine. Like always.

He shook both things in his hands, the noise bringing her attention back to him. He continued to smile while Anastasia frowned, attempting to look indifferent at how Seokjin was now seeing her in all her unkempt glory. She snatched the manila envelope from him, pivoting on her heels and making her way back into the kitchen. Seokjin would surely be behind her and the resounding beep of her security lock only confirmed it.

He slid the bag on the small island in her kitchenette. Anastasia filled the electric kettle with water, pulling out two mugs. She wouldn’t give him the pleasure of hearing her ask if he wanted tea. She’d just give it to him and dare him to be rude and not drink it.

Out of the corner of her eye, Anastasia watched Seokjin taking in his surroundings – as if he were appraising her interior decorating choices.

Say something, she thought, I dare you.

“I like your place, Anastasia,” he commented while folding his hands behind his back, still looking around.

“Thanks,” she muttered through clenched teeth. She’d never tell him that she appreciated his compliment.

The kettle whistled with life and she threw two oolong tea bags into the cups, pouring the boiling water over them. She set the steaming cup on the counter while cradling her own cup between her hands. Seokjin noticed the cup of tea and he smiled, reaching out for it as he bowed his head politely.

“Thank you for the tea,” he said, blowing the steam over the rim of the mug. Anastasia took a seat in one of the chairs at the counter and he sat next to her. “Enjoying your day off?”

She rolled her eyes. “Should I not be?” Sipping the tea carefully, she set it down off to the side so she could open the manila envelope. “I can’t believe you drew this up in three days.”

He gave an easy grin to her and shrugged one shoulder. “I’m a man of my word.”

“You gave me no such thing,” Anastasia responded with snark, opening the flap of the envelope and pulling out a stack of papers. Her eyes took note of how thick the contract was and she had to force herself to keep a neutral expression. “Jesus.”

“I left nothing to chance.”

She scoffed. “We’ll see about that.”

Reaching over the counter, she fished around the container where some of her kitchen utensils were until he fingers grasped the handle of something. Pulling it forward, she flopped back into the chair and lifted the magnifying glass up to her face. Anastasia could practically feel Seokjin’s eyes boring into the side of her head.

“…you actually have a magnifying glass?”

Whipping her head to glare at him, she raised a brow. “Why? Don’t you have one?”

Seokjin laughed. It seemed he was unable to hold it back and he held his hands up in surrender before reaching into the bag to retrieve a few containers. “Take your time then,” he said, setting out the containers of fresh fruit, croissants, jam and a carton of orange juice.

“I will, thank you.”

As he set himself to the task of putting breakfast together, Anastasia’s eyes moved back to the contract. All she needed to do was find one thing wrong and she could tell him to get to stepping. Sure, it was an offer that a person would be stupid to refuse. Anastasia wasn’t stupid. If anything, she’d been money hungry since she was a child. Her family kept pushing her to focus on a career that was stable – forcing her to ultimately give up on her dream to open her own restaurant.

Making money was easy, she learned. Managing money was a little more complicated, but not impossible. Maintaining a business that could see success for years to come? That was something she’d lacked when she first started out on the path to her dream. A path she stepped out onto faithfully and failed at walking on miserably. Business finance was her next step and she found that she had a knack for it and there was a darker side of her that loved the thrill of knowing how to handle large sums of money so easily – like they were handfuls of marbles.

Detail-oriented to the level of being a pest, Anastasia knew there was going to be a flaw. There was going to be a clause somewhere in that contract that wasn’t going to sit well with her. And when she finished stripping it down to the bare bones, she was going to send Seokjin packing.

But with each turn of the page, she felt her worries beginning to mount. Ten pages in and she hadn’t found anything misleading or dissatisfying with the terms of the contract. If anything, most of the details drawn up were in her favor. There was no penalty for breaking the deal once signatures were placed and if there was a breach of contract, it was the fault of the benefactor – the employer – and Golden Star would pay the price, as well as provide reparation and a hefty severance pay.

Overtime was given and any outside expenses were covered through Golden Star. Goosebumps peppered out across the back of her neck as a new realization dawned on her. From what the contract was stating, Golden Star was wanting to consolidate assets and merge several companies under a few umbrellas. They would invest in those ventures. All the companies were owned by people she knew.

They were all owned by the top-tiered members of The Golden Jackals.

“…shit.” Anastasia quickly slapped a hand over her mouth. She hadn’t meant for that to be said aloud.

Shifting her eyes toward Seokjin, he smiled as he handed her a plate with a croissant with cherry jam and a side of sliced apples and strawberries. “Something wrong?”

She hesitated at first before taking the plate from him, swallowing thickly as she set the plate down beside the contract. “No.” Her voice came out quiet and she turned to the last page.

All that was left was to sign her name. She looked to the left side of the paper to see that Seokjin had already signed his.

Seokjin leaned back in the chair, holding his mug of tea to his lips. “Is there anything not to your liking in the agreement?”

Anastasia set her magnifying glass down next to the plate, ignoring the soft clink it made when it hit the counter. She wasn’t sure she had enough words to properly convey what she was feeling. Hell, she didn’t even know what this feeling even was. She rarely needed to read something twice, but even if she did, she already knew that she would not find anything wrong with the contract.

It was perfect.

Dammit .

She’d lost and she knew it.

Worse still? Seokjin knew it too.

Lifting her head to look at him, he finished his tea and moved to stand. Anastasia remained rooted to her seat, watching him pick up her cup and heading into the kitchenette. The sound of running water barely registered until the clinking of glass brought her out of her inner thoughts. Looking at him, she saw him shrugging out of his blazer so that he could roll up his shirt sleeves.

“Wait a minute,” she began, rising to stand, “what are you doing?”

He picked up the broken mug and threw it into the trash, then set to cleaning the dishes. It didn’t take him long and she watched him set the mugs in the drying rack near the sink. Grabbing a clean kitchen cloth, he dried his hands and rolled his sleeves back down while looking at her.

“Enjoy your breakfast.”

Really? That was all he had to say after all that? No bragging, gloating, or rubbing into her face that he’d succeeded where she believed he would fail?

She watched him slide back into his blazer, fixing the lapels of the jacket. He brushed some of his hair out of his eyes and gave her a knowing wink, his legs moving toward the front door. He stepped out of the house slippers and put on his dress shoes, lacing them up swiftly and then turning to glance at her over his shoulder.

“So,” he said, his smile widening a measure, “I’ll see you in two weeks.” Seokjin’s eyes flitted down to the contract. “Bring that with you.”

And then she watched him leave her apartment. It wasn’t until the latch clicked and her security lock slid into place did she finally react. Anastasia fell back into her chair and stared at the breakfast he’d prepared, wide-eyed and amazed. Her eyes moved to the contract and that was when she snapped, baring her teeth and then grabbing the paperwork. She threw it into the air, a loud yell bursting from her lungs.

He’d gotten the best of her. Again.

Once she’d calmed down, Anastasia let out a long sigh. There was no reason for her to say no. There was nothing in the contract that bound her to the point of feeling like a prisoner. 

So, really, there was only one thing left to do.

Pulling out her phone, she began typing out an email.

She would need to schedule a meeting with her supervisor first thing tomorrow morning.  

“Wait a minute,” she began, rising to stand, “what are you doing?”

He picked up the broken mug and threw it into the trash, then set to cleaning the dishes. It didn’t take him long and she watched him set the mugs in the drying rack near the sink. Grabbing a clean kitchen cloth, he dried his hands and rolled his sleeves back down while looking at her.

“Enjoy your breakfast.”

Really? That was all he had to say after all that? No bragging, gloating, or rubbing into her face that he’d succeeded where she believed he would fail?

She watched him slide back into his blazer, fixing the lapels of the jacket. He brushed some of his hair out of his eyes and gave her a knowing wink, his legs moving toward the front door. He stepped out of the house slippers and put on his dress shoes, lacing them up swiftly and then turning to glance at her over his shoulder.

“So,” he said, his smile widening a measure, “I’ll see you in two weeks.” Seokjin’s eyes flitted down to the contract. “Bring that with you.”

And then she watched him leave her apartment. It wasn’t until the latch clicked and her security lock slid into place did she finally react. Anastasia fell back into her chair and stared at the breakfast he’d prepared, wide-eyed and amazed. Her eyes moved to the contract and that was when she snapped, baring her teeth and then grabbing the paperwork. She threw it into the air, a loud yell bursting from her lungs.

He’d gotten the best of her. Again.

Once she’d calmed down, Anastasia let out a long sigh. There was no reason for her to say no. There was nothing in the contract that bound her to the point of feeling like a prisoner. 

So, really, there was only one thing left to do.

Pulling out her phone, she began typing out an email.

She would need to schedule a meeting with her supervisor first thing tomorrow morning.