•revised 11/29 2021•

A tad long. 9k words

Looking over such familiar scenery seemed like a far away dream to Jungkook. Never did he think he'd be back where it all started. Breathing in the cool air, smelling the familiar scent it had. Despite living in America for years, the smell it held was still so unfamiliar to him. But this...

This was the smell that was home.

It was uncomfortable for him to get off the plane and wander to a safe place to think more, not knowing if he could've been followed or if there were people, enemies, that recognized him. He knew he was overthinking. Those thoughts were hard to get rid of when home was now known as enemy territory.

A huff left him as he sat in a chair, backpack resting beside him as he scrolled through his phone. Where the hell was he suppose to go now? The note Daehyun left him said he knew where to go, but he didn't. He didn't know. Where would I go to find Namjoon? I don't know where the fuck they'd keep him....

He ran fingers through his hair and leaned back in the seat, eyes staying on each person that walked a little too close to him. "I don't even know anywhere here," he spoke aloud. "I only ever went to school, work and home. Fuck— I should probably look into booking an extended stay hotel." He leaned forward a little and quickly tapped at his phone, shaking his head.

The air was a bit cooler than in California, a bit less humid, and it was almost like a blessing to his lungs. Although, the pollution seemed the same, which didn't really help. His asthma wasn't agreeing with it, and he found himself wheezing into the sleeve of his shirt every few minutes. I should've at least brought a mask.

Jungkook eyed his phone as he continued to book a hotel in Seoul, muttering words under his breath about how ridiculous the price was for it. Maybe being with Namjoon made him a bit more picky when it came to things he liked in life. Rather than choosing the cheapest, and probably dirtiest, hotel, there he was booking something at a 5 star hotel.

It had a pool, a gym, a small little sauna, a bar in the lobby that was open 24/7, even options to rent out a tour guide. Would he use any of these? Probably not. He wouldn't even have time, or feel secure enough, to take a dip in the pool or even drink. But, he was at least guaranteed a comfortable place to stay for the time being.

If he was on edge and stressed for the time being, might as well try to ease his nerves with a comfortable and clean bed.

He tucked his phone away and pushed up from the seat, walking to the doors to exit the airport. Walking outside made his emotions bounce off the walls. The scenery was breathtaking, watching people greet each other and others hurry off to their destinations. There were a lot more foreigners than he remembered, though. Tourists? Is it that time of year here?

He cleared his throat and stood near the street, waving down one of the taxis that picked people up from the airport. The car slowed down and came to a stop next to Jungkook, and the male got in, sighing at the warmth of the car. The man looked at him through the rear view mirror.

"Where you heading?"

"Seoul," Jungkook answered.

"Alright. It'll be about 20 to 30 minutes." With that, the car lurched forward, and they were off.

Jungkook looked out the window and admired the passing cars, eyes looking up every now and then at the planes entering and leaving Korea. His eyes sparkled at seeing everything around him, at slowly recognizing his home. The place he grew up in.

It was a bit uneasy for him, though. The constant fear of everyone around him wanting his head on a platter. With everything that happened with Namjoon, Jungkook didn't doubt that people were still after them. Did that mean that Daehyun made sure newer idols knew who they were? To search for their faces?

I still have no clue where exactly I need to go once I get to Seoul, he thought to himself, looking down at his lap and toying with his fingers. He was lost at this point, not knowing how to further his search for the end of all of this. But he was suppose to know where to go— at least Daehyun thought so.

He looked back up and looked out the window to see the beautiful city from the distance, with the towering buildings and beautiful build. This city...this city was what really started it all. The businesses in this city, the people. The danger.

I don't even know why I have to play such a big part. If Daehyun can build up assassins through idol companies, surely he's capable of rewriting any documents involving me. I haven't even been to Bighit, and the last time I went to Jeon Corp. was when I was 10. Maybe 11–

Jungkook's thoughts came to an erupt stop and he stared at a tall building in the distance, the glass on it sparkling in the light. "Drop me off at BigHit," he rushed out, moving eyes to look at the driver.

The driver nodded and strummed his fingers to the wheel. "You must be one of the new idols, huh?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder. "Can't tell you how many people come across seas to work for that big company."

"Yeah...I bet."

"Don't get tied up in that mess too badly." His eyes averted back to the road. "Contracts can be a hassle. Make sure you have the energy to perform 24/7 before signing anything."

"Thanks." Jungkook pressed back into his seat and looked down at his balled fists. Of course that's where he needed to go. Daehyun was right. BigHit was the place where this all ended. Where he'd save Namjoon and end all of this.

Though, he wasn't sure how to do either of those. Maybe sign a document stating Daehyun was the owner of both companies? But there was still the chance of Daehyun killing him on the spot. He'd take the chances, though. He needed to, what other choice did he have?

Before he could figure out his thoughts, though, they arrived at the destination. He stared at the building through the window before nodding to himself and getting out of the car. He handed the man some money and thanked him before watching the car speed away.

Jungkook turned around and stared at the building as he held the backpack close to him, becoming aware that he had a gun in the waistband of his pants. He gulped, feeling his hands turn clammy, and the butterflies in his stomach become more untamed.

With a few hesitant steps, he looked over his shoulder to the street, seeing a few people walking along it. He felt like someone was watching him, that itching feeling spreading through the back of his head. He reached up and rubbed his neck as he walked towards the building, his free hand gripping the handle and pulling it open.

A fresh scent wafted over his nose, making his scrunch it slightly, and cool air blew across his face. He shivered and closed the door behind him, eyes seeing a woman at the reception desk. Clearing his throat, he walked towards her. Her brown eyes flicked up in confusion as he neared, tilting her head in question.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

Jungkook nodded. "I'm here to see Daehyun."

"Mr. Kim isn't currently here—"

"Tell any higher up Jeon Jeongguk is here," Jungkook stated quickly, balling one hand into a fist as his nervousness made his voice quiver.

Her eyes widened and she immediately clicked a button on her phone. "Sir, he's here...okay...." She looks back at Jungkook and smiled, gesturing to the elevator. "Top floor. Go right ahead."

Jungkook nodded and spun on his heels, quickly making his way to the elevator. He heard slight clatter from behind him, and looked over his shoulder to see the girl standing up with worried eyes. "Be careful up there...please."

Jungkook's clenched just jaw and nodded slowly, entering the elevator and closing the doors. Was she one of the people who knew of him and the mess he left behind? If she was so concerned, could that mean she was an Anti; an AWOL undercover? He was more so expecting her to hiss at him about whoever he was seeing, to tell him he was going to die.

It gave him slight courage to know there was someone in this building rooting for him.

Waiting in the elevator, he reached down and adjusted the gun on his hip, the cool metal pressing against his hot skin. He grunted as he itched the spot by it, his skin sore from having the piece of metal pressed up against him. Eyes flicked down as he tugged his shirt up, staring at the gun for a few silent moments.

"I won't need to use this," he breathed out, letting his shirt fall over the gun again. He looked at the elevator doors as it dinged. "But if I have to...I will..."

The doors slid open to reveal cubicles and doors, a small and dimly lit chandelier hanging in the center. It was dead, but smelled of expensive colognes and cigarettes, kind of like an old man. The walls were beige, and the floor being tiled. Offices didn't usually have tiled floors, and Jungkook couldn't help but think of why it would be tiled.

It's easier to clean up if they need to get rid of someone up here, he thought with a gulp, stepping from the elevator. He walked along the cubicles until he reached a narrow hallway, a few doors on his left and right, and one singular door at the end. The walls around it were glass, blinds closed to shut out any sight. The handle was a sterling silver, and the plaque on the door was a bright gold that read: DIRECTOR SUHYEO.

Jungkook read over it a few times before reaching the handle, turning it and pushing the door open. A quick breeze swept across his face and he closed his eyes, scrunching just nose as the smell of vanilla and pine trees filled his nostrils.

"Knocking would've been more polite."

Jungkook slowly opened his eyes as he stepped in, meeting an older man who sat behind a desk in a leather chair. His hair was slicked back, and thin glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, wrinkles imprinted on his forehead, and a tired look settled in his eyes.

He gulped and stepped forward, closing the door behind him. "I didn't know there was such a thing as polite in your guys' game..." Jungkook responded.

"I let you up here freely, didn't I?" the older man questioned, tapping his fingers against his desk. "I could've had five men drag you up here instead. But I didn't. I was being polite." His black eyes stared at Jungkook for a few seconds before the male relaxed in his seat and smiled, entwining his fingers together. "I'm Suhyeo; partial owner of BigHit."

"...I'm Jungkook."

"Oh, I know. Have we ever met before, though?"

Jungkook eyed the man. "Once...a while ago."

Suhyeo nodded his head and gestured for Jungkook to sit in the chair across from him. The younger glanced at the chair cautiously, hands gripping the straps to his backpack tightly as he walked around and sat in the chair. He adjusted himself a bit, feeling the gun press into his skin more.

"Where's Namjoon?"

"Oh-ho," Suhyeo laughed. "Cutting right to the chase. Guess it's better than beating around the bush." He sat up and reached over, pressing a red button on the work phone that was resting in the corner. "Send up Mark and Yeonjin." He sat back in his chair and folded his arms. "I'm surprised you came so fast. Daehyun was expecting you to wait a few days— not the night Namjoon was taken from you. In fact...I think you got to Korea before Namjoon even did."

Jungkook furrowed his brows. "What...do you mean?"

"Namjoon only arrived here 20 minutes ago. Seeing as you don't know anyone here, I'll take into account your ride here...plus the time you took figuring out where to go. You've been in Korea for a few hours at least?"

Jungkook just stared at the man, not making any sound. He was more focused on hearing the door being him after Suhyeo called for two other men. He wasn't so scared in a one-on-one situation, but he knew he didn't stand a chance if more people were involved. "...Where is Namjoon."

Suhyeo smirked a little and stood from his desk, walking around to the front of it, leaning back to sit on the edge. "Did you really come here for Namjoon? Or are you just using that as an excuse in your mind?"

The younger stiffened. "I'm here for Namjoon. Why else would I be here? To partake in your game again?"

"I don't know..." Suhyeo taunted, eyes narrowing and the smirk on his face growing. "Not because...V is also here?"

Jungkook blinked.

"In this building."

Jungkook's breath hitched, hands twitching at the news. What was this feeling overcoming him? Butterflies flying around frantically in his stomach, nausea swarming around his stomach, and a sickness that felt searing, burning in his chest. He clenched his jaw, body becoming tense. "..."

"It took us a while to get him to stay... The kid has a thing for causing us trouble, even under our supervision." Suhyeo tilted his head to the side. "If you wanted to, you could easily get up and walk out to search on your own. Without anyone stopping you..."

"Wh...what?"

Suhyeo pushed off his desk and took a few steps closer to Jungkook before he grabbed the younger man'a face, squishing his cheeks with his tight grip. Jungkook glared up at the man, his breath increasing as that anxiety started to rush through him. "You don't know what team is playing what," Suhyeo whispered. "Daehyun. Me. Those damn AWOLs. You've been gone for so long, you don't even know which one of us is on the good side. The winning or losing side."

"You're all the same," Jungkook hissed out, trying to pull his face away to no avail.

"You're lippy, alright," Suhyeo grumbled. "Now I see why it was necessary for them to have to put that in your file. I bet Taehyung had quite the joy ride with you when he was assigned to you, huh? Having to deal with someone like him yet completely different."

Jungkook felt his eye twitch at the mention of the past, his heart pounding against his chest and his lungs trying to intake the oxygen slowly rather than quickly in anger. Man, how badly he wanted to just punch the man in the face repeatedly right then and there. But he couldn't...He couldn't, knowing two other men were on their way to them.

"Maybe that's why he became so fond of you," Suhyeo continued, eyes scanning Jungkook's. "No one ever talked to him like that. I bet it pissed him off."

Jungkook chewed on the inside of his cheek as he balled his hands into fists, one reaching up and loosening as it grabbed Suhyeo's wrist. The older snickered and leaned down, closer to Jungkook's face. "Who ever said I was siding with Daehyun? Do people honestly think I want my company to go down in hellfire to some crazed lunatic?" He hissed out quietly. "Think something through before assuming, Jeon. Was I ever part of your guys' little game? Did I ever partake in either of your killings?"

He pushed Jungkook's face away as he straightened up. "I'm caught up in this mess as much as you are. What sane person would let their workers kill others to 'keep them in line'? Tell me that. You think I authorized my idols to start killing politicians? Doctors? Innocent people?"

Suhyeo squatted down, looking up at Jungkook's face. "Daehyun runs Jeon Corp., one of the biggest corporations in South Korea. His power and influence is above mine in every way. He had my idols kill without me knowing. And when I found out, what do you think happened? I was threatened, is what happened. I make sure this business doesn't go bankrupt...Daehyun runs everyone's life. From the managers, to the newest idol."

Jungkook scrunched his brows, confused as to why the other was telling him this. He didn't care, he wasn't interested in playing this game with him. With Daehyun. With anyone. He just wanted Namjoon back— not so they could go back to go their lives used to be. So Jungkook could get answers from the one who had been lying to him since day one.

As useless as this information was, it was also intriguing. Sparked his curiosity, because he had always assumed Suhyeo played in Daehyun's team. But...it made sense. Daehyun wanted full control of both Jeon Corp. and BigHit. If he got rid of Suhyeo, and Jungkook, he'd have that. But to lessen the dirt on his hands, he forced the older man to work under his plan. It was less work for Daehyun.

Made it so all his focus could go on getting rid of Jungkook.

Suhyeo sighed and stood up, walking back to his desk. Jungkook watched him closely and swallowed the lump in his throat. "If what you say is true...then why do you have Namjoon. And...and V."

Suhyeo's eyes flicked over to the boy. "V escaped from Daehyun a few nights ago. My men found him on the streets near unconscious. He's been here, not as a guest, but as a tool. To use against Daehyun." Suhyeo looked off to the side. "That bastard may say he'll kill V, but he's had plenty of opportunities to do it. Instead he keeps him alive, and each time V escapes. Daehyun can't kill him. He won't...His biggest threat is the one thing he can't get rid of...Under me, V is safe. For the time being. I can't afford to have him out there risking his life. Just because Daehyun won't kill him, doesn't mean his men won't. Clearly, he's not safe with AWOLs either. If that were the case, V never would've been caught after his first time escaping."

He shrugged his shoulders and sat back in his chair. "As for Namjoon...since I'm working 'with' Daehyun, he assumes his hostages are safe with me, away from Jeon Corp. Because everyone working under me is as loyal to him as his own lackeys. No one knows I pray for that man's death...no one knows the damage I could do if I got my hands on Daehyun..."

His eyes moved back to Jungkook. "That's why Daehyun thought it was a good idea to have you come here. So I could fuck you over, and throw you away with V and the others."

Jungkook gulped. "But...you aren't?"

Suhyeo shook his head. "No. I want out of this game just as much as you and all of those AWOLs do. I can't leave like you did. Everyone will have eyes on me...know where I am. And, frankly, I care too much for my idols to leave them to fight on their own." He looked down at his desk as a conflicted expression crossed his face. "Sadly, I only have one other person who's on my side, and knows about what I'm doing. Who knows I don't stand for what Daehyun is doing."

"Then why don't you just tell me where Namjoon and V are? Why can't I just leave here with them? V...V could be safe with us."

Suhyeo looked up at Jungkook, an almost disgusted look crossing his face. "You're a naive boy. You wouldn't be safe. Even if you think you are, there will always be that person to sell you out. Sometimes, your enemies can get confused for those close to you, Jeon. Namjoon wouldn't keep V safe. He could hardly keep you safe."

Jungkook glared at Suhyeo and sat up in his chair, pointing finger at him. "You don't know what Joon's capable. He's kept me safe for years. You don't know him."

"Oh? And I suppose you do?" Suhyeo said with an amused grin. "How do you suppose Namjoon was able to keep you safe?" He questioned. "He's one of the biggest producers in America. He's always on TV, known internationally for his lyricism. Do you not think people in Korea have seen him on TV?"

Jungkook's stomach dropped and his mouth went dry, paling at the man's words. Why did he never think of that? Of course, how stupid was he? Namjoon was always on TV, doing interviews and promoting the artists