BLACK TIGER | YOONMIN

Fear

"To escape fear, you have to go through it, not around it." Richie Norton.

We arrived somewhere I have never been before. I knew we weren't far from Seoul, we were at some village in the surroundings of the capital. It was small compared to Incheon or Gyeonggi.

The surprising thing about this place is that there were more foreigners than Koreans.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"Seorae village." Hoseok answered. "Never been here, right?" he smiled. "It's a French enclave, it explains the pretty blond hairs and blue eyes."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "I have never heard of this village. Why are they so many French people?"

"Because in the past, the first French school was built here, so people started gathering around it."

I just nodded and kept looking through the window. I noticed that despite everything, this place looked like a common Korean village because it doesn't have any French buildings or signboards.

I put on my mask, fearing to get caught by someone who might recognize me.

"You don't have to worry about anything here." Hoseok said. "We usually do all our shopping here, so they know us."

"They know..."

"No." he laughed. "They know us, but nothing about our job of course."

He parked the car in front of a big supermarket. We entered to be welcomed by a young and tall guy with brown curly hair.

"Bonsoir Jérémie!" (Good evening Jérémie) Hoseok exclaimed with a broken French.

"Bonsoir!" the guy waved to us. He kept staring at me and I froze. I didn't know if it was because of my weird pink wig, or because he recognized me from the news.

"This is a new friend, so you'll start seeing him often too." Hoseok told him.

"Of course." the French guy smiled. "Bienvenue!" (Welcome)

I smiled back and mumbled a nervous, "Merci."

It seems like the little French I caught up in my last dance competition in Nice will serve well now.

"Let's go." Hoseok grabbed my arm and we headed inside.

"What do we need to buy exactly?" I asked, my eyes staring at a Korean employee interacting with his French colleague. The way the girl was smiling to him and shyly playing with her blonde locks proved enough than he was more than just the 'guy she worked with'.

I smiled because I always found interracial relationships very interesting and cute.

"Everything we'll need for a party." Hoseok interrupted my thoughts. "Paper towels, plastic cups and plates, garbage bags...Because when we organize a party, Namjoon lets the cafeteria employees rest, so we need to clean everything after."

"Very thoughtful of him." I said. "I'm starting to change my mind about him?"

"Who? Namjoon?" he laughed. "I don't know why you thought badly about him in the first place."

"Don't know..." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Maybe the arrogant way he talked to me, or just the idea of a stranger knowing everything about me and my life. It was creepy."

The orange-haired chuckled. "He knows all this for a reason, no? He brought you to us, so you should be thankful."

"Yeah." I nodded and pushed the cart, heading to the first section.

We took at least twenty dozens of plates and plastic cups. This was only for the agents who are going to attend the party, the rest were on a mission abroad or didn't like parties and people.

"So, does he have someone in his life?" I asked, out of a sudden.

"Namjoon?" Hoseok raised an eyebrow. "Why are you asking this?"

"I'm just curious, because he spends almost all the day outside the building, so I'm wondering if he goes to someone."

"He doesn't have anyone here." Hoseok answered, picking a bag of charcoal for the barbecue. "His mother and sister live in the US."

"Oh." I nodded. "And...his father?"

Silence.

Hoseok didn't say anything for a long moment. He kept putting stuff inside the cart, until he stopped and turned to face me. "He died in jail six years ago."

I froze.

I felt my eyes growing wider and my heart bursting inside my chest. I didn't know the story, but things started to make a lot more sense, especially that night when he warned me not to choose to get arrested.

"He was accused of murdering one of his colleagues. He was obviously innocent, but the real culprit was from a rich family so he did the impossible to make Mr.Kim the one who killed." he sighed. "He was condemned to spend the rest of his life, jailed behind the bars. They would barely let him see his family. As years passed, he grew sick and became his cell companion's punching ball. One day, they called his family to announce that he died from a heart attack."

I pressed my lips and shook my head, "This is horrible." I mumbled. "He must have suffered a lot."

Now that I think about it, I have never seen Namjoon sitting with the agents or doing any activity. If he's not in his office, he's outside.

"But don't worry." Hoseok said. "He's a strong man, and I admire him for that." he smiled.

We finally arrived to my favorite section; chocolate and potato chips.

"Pick whatever you want." he told me.

I widened my eyes, "What?!"

"This is all yours cutie, take what you want."

I must be dreaming. Do you know what it means, right? To stand in front of this paradise and someone tells you to take whatever you want.

This is life goals.

"Uhm." I rubbed the back of my neck and my eyes rested on that transparent box where a dozen of round golden packaging where was written a small Ferrero Rocher in brown letters.

My favorite chocolate.

"You're drooling Jiminie." I heard Hoseok chuckle. He picked five boxes and put them in the cart. "This is yours." he winked.

"Damn." I mumbled to myself. I licked my lower lip, already eager to eat the chocolate.

"Oh, we need a lot of these!" He took Pringles cans of all the flavors in addition to Lays bags.

Watching all this, I couldn't wait for the party to be honest. Not for the music or anything, but food.

Food is my type of party.

We didn't forget to buy beer bottles, whisky and soda cans for the ones who don't enjoy alcoholic drinks like Taehyung.

"Having a party?" Jérémie asked us with a smile.

He spoke Hangul with a French accent which makes it sound very cute, matching his flushed cheeks.

"Yes, next Saturday with the team." Hoseok answered.

He paid with his card and Jérémie helped us put everything in bags.

"Amusez-vous!" (Enjoy!) he shouted when we were leaving the supermarket.

"Merci!"

~~

"So, you didn't answer me about the date." Hoseok said after we got inside the car.

I didn't know what to say honestly. I had no idea what his real intentions were. I spent only a few weeks here and I realized that he was a social man. He's kind to everyone, so I don't know if this date is only friendly or not.

"Come on, we're just watching a movie." he made his eyes soft, without knowing that I couldn't resist it. It reminded me of my best friend, he used to act this way to convince me to go clubbing during Saturday nights or skipping classes to attend a dance competition.

I sighed and looked at the orange-haired who was patiently waiting for my answer. "Alright then." I said.

He smiled and started the car, "Deadpool 2?"

"Yeah." I laughed. "I wanted to watch it."

It was the most normal date.

Hoseok bought a giant popcorn and two sodas before entering the cinema hall.

I could already feel a difference when we sat in the VIP section. The hall was full, so we were lucky to have the best seats.

The movie was funny as expected, it's certainly one of my favorite Marvel films.

We obviously ate half of the popcorn before it started. I don't know why we always have that need to eat even while watching advertisements.

I nearly dropped my soda when I laughed at a funny scene. Hoseok saw me and laughed harder than he should until people turned to look at him weirdly.

Honestly, it was nice to spend the evening with him. It was really fun, I didn't feel bored at all and it's a good sign. Next timeI surely won't hesitate to hang out with him.

~~

We came back to the company a little bit late. He parked the car, we took the bags and headed to the entrance door.

We stopped walking when we say a crowd inside the building. Many agents were surrounding something, some of them were wearing their pajamas or half-naked.

I raised an eyebrow, "What's going on?" I asked.

Hoseok frowned and opened the door with his fingerprint.

We heard whispers and someone screaming with pain. My heart nearly stopped because it reminded me of Junsun and Heonwoo's screams when I attacked them.

I quickly shook my head to chase these thoughts and followed Hoseok between the crowd.

We saw one of the agents lying on the floor, his leg drowned in a tide of blood. I pressed my lips strongly when I saw the deep hole in his leg.

I saw the orange-haired put the bags on the floor and kneel next to him, "Donghyuk-ah, you got shot?" he asked.

The agent nodded and groaned, "D-damn it hurts."

"Did you call Dr. Lee?!" Hoseok shouted to the crowd.

"Yes, she's coming."

"Who was with him? You should have at least put a bandage around the wound not to let it bleed too much."

"I was with him." Jackson stood next to them. "But I couldn't find a clean cloth or anything, I was afraid it might get infected."

Hoseok nodded and rubbed his neck, "Who shot him?"

"One of his bodyguards."

I heard the entrance door open. Everyone was too busy comforting Donghyuk that they didn't notice the Black Tiger entering.

He was wearing his leather uniform and had a few scratches around his face. He saw the injured agent, but he didn't seem too surprised. It's like he was used to this happening in Bullet&Co.

It sent chills through my body, because it made me realize how dangerous the missions can be. If I was afraid during my first one, I wonder how is it going to be when Taehyung starts sending me on special missions. I can't even imagine it.

He caught me staring at him...again. Our eyes connected for a few seconds before he turned around to find Taehyung and give him a USB stick.

I didn't see his lips moving. This dude really doesn't say a word to them, that's crazy.

He took a last look at the injured agent before disappearing between the crowd.

"Give some space gentlemen!" a feminine voice sounded behind us.

The agents retreated to let a woman with short red hair arranged in a ponytail. She was wearing a white coat, which means she's the doctor they were waiting for.

Namjoon was behind her, he was wearing his black leather jacket and had his helmet in his hand. He must be the one who brought her here.

"Where is my team?" she asked after checking the patient's vitals.

A few moments after, five agents appeared in front of her, wearing their gowns. Three of them were nurses and the others were doctors too.

"Doctor Lee." the bowed.

"We need to remove the bullet." the doctor said. "Donghae-ssi, I need an MRI scan of his leg. Jisoo-ssi, prepare the operation room. The rest help me put him on the stretcher."

I was surprised to see all a medical team helping to move the patient. I thought they were going to get him to the hospital, but they pushed the stretcher inside the elevator.

I furrowed and asked Hoseok, "Is there any operation room here?"

"We have a whole clinique inside this building." he said. "It's in the basement."

I chuckled and stared at Namjoon in disbelief. This guy even thought about moving a hospital here for his agents in case they get sick or injured.

Unbelievable.

I watched him talk to the doctor, he looked worried about Donghyuk, "I'm counting on you Jihae-ssi." he told her before she took the elevator.

The CEO approached Taehyung, "Change the schedules of Kim Donghyuk. Find someone to replace him."

"Alright." Taehyung nodded.

The brown-haired rubbed his neck and took off his jacket. He then looked at me and smiled tiredly, "You just came back?"

I nodded.

"Hope you had a good time with Hoseok.

"I had." I smiled. "It was nice to take some air."

"Great." he ruffled my hair. "You should sleep now, it's late."

"Did you bring the doctor here?" I asked out of curiosity.

He nodded, "She lives a little far from here that's why."

"I thought she lived here."

"No, our surgeon works in the Seoul Hospital. We call her in case of emergency."

"But...is it okay if she knows...?"

"It's a long story, but Lee Jihae-ssi is someone trustworthy, she started working with us three years ago, we're also doing our best to protect her."

"She must be a great woman." I sighed. "I really hope Donghyuk-ssi will be alright."

"Yes, I hope so." he smiled. "Now, to sleep." he pushed me through the corridor.

"I'm going now!" I raised my arms. "You should sleep too."

"Not now." he said. "I'll stay at the clinique until the surgery ends."

I froze. I turned around and looked at him with admiration. In my entire life, I have never met someone who takes care of people the way Namjoon does . He doesn't give a s**t about our past mustakes, our gender or sexuality. He just helps us, believing that we are good people who deserve a better life.

"You're really out of this world." I told him.

"What?" he chuckled.

"Seriously, you're..you're really amazing!" I exclaimed, shaking my head. "The way you care about your agents is incredible."

He smiled and rested his hands on my shoulders. "This company represents all my life, and all the agents here are my family. Of course, I would care for them and protect them."

Family. It's been a long time since I last heard this word.

"Go to sleep Jimin!" he repeated again.

"I'm going!" I laughed.

"Goodnight Joon!" Hoseok tapped his friend's back.

"Goodnight guys."

The orange haired smiled to me and put his arms around my shoulders. "Let's go."

When I entered the bathroom, I took off the pink wig and let out a loud sigh. The weather was already hot and it just worsened it for me. I could finally feel the fresh air caress my scalp.

I took a quick shower and jumped on my bed. Hoseok was already sleeping, he must have been tired.

I looked at the ceiling and like every night, I started thinking about everything.

I thought about the evening spent with Hoseok. It certainly gave me hope that I can still have friends and have fun.

I turned my head and watched him sleeping. I snorted when I saw his hand tracing his skin in a very strange. Yes, there are those kind of people who tend to touch themselves while sleeping, because why not.

I thought about poor Donghyuk and his deep wound. I don't personally know him, but he always greets me with a smile if we meet in the elevator or the training room. I hope he will be alright.

Lastly, I thought about the Black Tiger and his stares. There is something special in his eyes that I can't take their image out of my head. Also, I'm curious about why he talked to me when he usually doesn't exchange a word with anyone.

Very strange.

~~

The next morning, I finally woke up at time. I showered and wore my training outfit, which means black sport shorts, a blue tank top and sneakers.

Hoseok woke up a few minutes after me, he asked me to wait for him until he gets dressed up to have breakfast together.

When he finished, we headed to the cafeteria, we saw Taehyung and Jungkook on our way, but they were too busy kissing to even notice us. I chuckled because I loved those early morning kisses from Junsun.

"Ew." Hoseok turned his head, not to see Jungkook who lifted his boyfriend to make him sit against the window. Taehyung cared less about people staring at them. He put his legs around Jungkook and cupped his cheeks and literally ate his mouth.

I took a breath because damn it was too hot for me. I needed some cold water.

As we approached the cafeteria, we saw Namjoon talking to a tall man.

I froze when I saw the police uniform. "Shit." I cursed.

Hoseok didn't say anything and looked at the two men who seemed to argue about something. "No need to worry Jimin, let's go." he said.

We were about to turn around when the police officer's gaze landed on me.

"You!"

I mentally cursed myself. I didn't turn around, I just couldn't.

My heart beat faster as I heard footsteps approaching.

"I was sure he was here!"

I gulped and slowly turned around. I was surprised because I have never seen such a handsome policeman before. He was a little shorter than Namjoon, with jet black hair, plump lips and broad shoulders. He should think about changing his career, maybe modelling would suit him better than an officer who looks ready to beat my ass.

"Park Jimin." he said.

"Y-yeah?"

"He's with us, okay?" Namjoon interrupted him. "Just let him go."

"No, no." the officer shook his head. "Not this time."

Oh, damn.

"What do you mean sir?" Hoseok asked. "You always worked with us without problems."

"I know." the black-haired nodded and stared at me, "But I'm working on his case, and I'm not intending to lose it."

Shit.

I stared at Namjoon with wide eyes, begging him to do something.

"Still, I'm not letting you take him." he crossed his arms. "You can close the case or do whatever you want."

"Namjoon-ssi." the policeman chuckled. "If I win this case, I get promoted and you know how important it is to me. I can't spend my entire life working in the same position, with the same low salary and watch you guys get Lambos and private islands for killing people."

I could feel Namjoon tense.

"I'm not changing my mind, I'm taking him." the officer added.

"Please...don't." I whispered.

My eyes caught the Black Tiger who just happened to pass by. He raised an eyebrow when he saw the policeman who was grabbing my arm. He stopped walking and kept looking toward our direction, like he was curious to know what is happening.

"Mr. Kim, he's still young." Namjoon told the officer who laughed loudly after.

"The two guys he killed were young too." he mumbled coldly.

I felt the blood freeze inside my body. I couldn't feel my arms nor my legs. What he just said hit me like a bulldozer.

Tears fell on my cheeks, their image appeared in front of my eyes for the thousand time after the incident.

I knew I will have the chance to forget my sin.

"Officer Kim, you can still get promoted, we will help you solve other cases and you know we can." Namjoon said. "Just leave Jimin alone."

The policeman stared at me and frowned. He violently took his arm off me and pushed me against the wall, "You and I are not finished yet." he mumbled before leaving the building.