Taehyung
It feels like everyone is losing their mind, especially Jimin and Jungkook – not that I can blame them. Minji is Jungkook’s sister and Jimin’s girlfriend after all and I can’t imagine what they must be going through. Just imagine, one of the most important people in your life is missing, or rather, hunting a psychopath because she thinks it’s the only way to keep everyone safe.
Minji is smart. She’s a genius in every sense of the word. She’s book smart but also street smart which makes me admire her even more. I’ve always admired the way she seems to always know what to do or what to say, the ways she plays with words and the way she manipulates things to the way she needs them to be. She knows what is expected out of her and she does it without reservations. She’s quick-witted and a problem solver and she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty but this too much.
She’s putting her life in danger. She should have known that we would have gone with her all the way – I guess she did which is why she did what she did. I know she’s doing it to keep everyone safe but how can she not think about her own self? Doesn’t she realize that if something happens to her, it’s going to destroy Jimin and Jungkook? They’d never forgive themselves.
‘Where could she have gone? We have no clue where Lee is.’ Jimin says as we all sit in the living room. Anyone can hear the fear and panic in his voice, just as anyone can see it in the way Jungkook is pacing around the room like a madman.
I look at the clock hanging against the wall. It marks six in the morning which means we’ve been discussing the same damn thing for an hour but going nowhere. It’s been one long agonizing hour of us knowing she has left but God knows when she did actually leave. Then again, it must have been after two in the morning because that’s the time we all went to sleep.
‘Lee has disappeared. We put up surveillance at the airport, train stations and docks but it doesn’t mean he can’t still leave the country if that is what he wants.’ Adam says but he doesn’t sound too convinced.
‘I don’t think he wants to leave the country Adam.’ Mr. Kyung says with a sigh. He looks pale and almost sickly. I think sometimes we forget that he’s not just a professional trying to help but he is also a father. ‘I think Minji was right. He did that to Oh out of anger and he’s going to hate Minji. He probably thinks she turned Oh against him and we both know what the profile says.’ Mr. Kyung says.
‘Profile? What do you mean?’ Yoongi asks. I look over at him as he holds Yun’s hand in his. Yun is quiet… actually, in the past hour she has not uttered one word. She’s just been sitting down, hand holding tightly to Yoongi as occasional tears run down her cheek.
‘In law enforcement we do what is called criminal profiling. It’s a process of identifying patterns of an individual so we can figure out what he is doing, why and what we expect him to do.’ Adam explains.
‘In that way you can try and predict his next moves and stop him before he can do it.’ I say and Adam nods. ‘So, what about Mr. Lee? What does his profile say?’ I ask. Adam and Mr. Kyung look at each and Mr. Kyung sighs.
‘He falls under the organized criminal typography. He is someone who likes to assert his power in any form, whether if it’s through sexual dominance or through violence.’ Mr. Kyung explains.
‘He’s a narcissist who thinks the world revolves around him. All of this started out as a game for him – whether he could get Yoona to fall to his demands but then Minji was a wildcard. She reveled all his plans. Now, it has become personal, especially the moment Oh got involved. He’s going to blame her.’ Adam says.
‘And Minji knows this. She knows that Lee blames her and that he will want to get to her and the best way to get to her is through you guys, especially you two.’ Mr. Kyung says looking at Jimin and Jungkook. The two of them look at each other and then Jimin lowers his head down. I hear him sniff and I know he is blaming himself for this.
‘That’s why she is going after him herself. She is trying to be one step ahead of him so that she can protect you.’ Mr. Kyung says, his voice soft and gentle. ‘I know you think she must be crazy for doing this and I know that maybe a part of you is really mad at her but she cares for you two a lot. She’ll do anything to keep you safe.’ He says.
‘We know. We may be mad but I don’t care about that. I just want my sister to come back home to us.’ Jungkook says, his voice cracking a bit.
‘Jungkook is right. I already almost lost her once when she walked away to keep me safe. All I want is to hold her in my arm safe and sound but I feel like I keep failing her. I keep failing to protect her.’ Jimin says.
‘You’re not failing her Jimin.’ Mr. Kyung says as he places his hand on his knee.
Before he can say anything, Adam’s phone begins to ring. He stands up and leaves the room for a moment. ‘I know you’re worried but Minji knows how to take care of herself pretty well. She’s going to be just fine, trust me.’ Mr. Kyung says after a few moments of silence.
‘I hope so because I can’t lose her.’ Jimin says and Mr. Kyung nods his head. Adam walks in with a weird smile on his face and everyone turns to look at him.
‘Detective Tong has gone missing.’ He says and Mr. Kyung raises one eyebrow. ‘He’s the same one that Minji identified as the one who killed Rei last night and I did some digging. He was also on duty when Jung-Hwan allegedly killed himself in his cell.’ Adam explains.
‘Minji went after him. She’s going to extract information from him in the same way that Jung-Hwan tried to do with her. She’s going to use him to get to Lee.’ Mr. Kyung says. For the first time, I feel a certain buzz in the air – a certain excitement.
Come on Minji – do what you got to do – we believe in you but stay safe. We’re coming. I think to myself.
Byung
I wake up and try to stretch. As I do, I look at the clock which marks half past six. What a night it has been as I sit up and switch on TV and leave it on low volume. I go through the channels until I come across the news. The newscaster goes on about some car accident before she starts to talk about my father’s case.
‘Yesterday evening around six o’clock, Mr. Oh – owner of the Oh Hotels and Enterprise was rushed to the hospital. It is believed that Mr. Oh was attacked in his home and found by his son Oh Byung Hoon. So far, we have not managed to get any further information.’ The newscaster says and I sigh. I didn’t wish for the whole of South Korea to find out already. I think it would be better if Lee thought that my father is actually dead.
‘Another shocking event happened later in the night around nine in the evening. Ms. Park Rei was walking through an alley where she was shot dead. Police are investigating….’ The newscaster says.
My mind zones out as I look at the picture of Rei on the screen. I can’t help but gasp, unable to believe what happened. She was just here yesterday. I look over at Seob and Mark who are still asleep. I know that Mark and her aren’t together anymore but he still cares a lot about her. The last time we were talking, he said he regretted that they rushed in and he wished they could have taken it slow and maybe it would have worked out. He still had hoped that they’d get together again.
I stand up and approach him as I shake him. ‘Hmm what?’ He murmurs as he tries to snuggle into the chair.
‘Mark wake up. Now.’ I say. He groans as he begins to wake up. He stretches and as he does so he accidentally hits Seob in the face.
‘What the…’ Seob complains as he pushes off Mark. ‘Watch what you’re doing *. I don’t need you to break my nose.’ Seob says as he rubs at his nose. Mark snorts as he sits up and looks at me. His smile quickly disappears as he studies me.
‘Byung what’s wrong? Did something happen to your father?’ He asks as he quickly turns his head towards my father who is still sleeping peacefully. I shake my head and see Mark relax a bit. ‘Then what is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’ He says, eyeing me carefully.
‘It’s Rei.’ I say. I instantly see him stiffen up again and Seob looks between me and him. I see Mark gulp as he looks at me, trying to read my face.
‘What about Rei? Is she okay?’ He asks and I shake my head. ‘What do you mean? What happened? Did she get into an accident or something?’ He asks, his words coming out mumbled together. He’s trying to keep calm but it’s not working.
‘Mark, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.’ I begin. He stands up as he glares at me while he approaches me. I see his fists shaking.
‘Byung just spit it out. Where is she? What happened to her?’ He asks trough gritted teeth.
‘I’m sorry Mark but someone killed her.’ I say, my voice low. I see Seob’s eyes go wide as I say so while Mark takes a step back. His lips part as if he wants to say something but nothing comes out. His eyebrows furry together as his mind whirs. He takes another step backwards, his legs giving in. Seob holds him before he can crash as he leads him to the chair.
‘No… no she can’t be dead.’ Mark says. His breathing starts to quicken as his chest rises and falls. He starts to hyperventilate and Seob kneels down beside him.
‘Mark calm down.’ Seob tries to tell him but Mark shakes his head. His breathing starts to get worse and I motion Seob to get up.
‘Go get one of the nurses.’ I direct him. Seob nods while I take his place and kneel down in front of Mark. ‘Mark, focus on me. I know this is shocking but…’ I begin.
‘Byung – why would anyone kill her? It doesn’t make sense. She would never hurt anyone.’ He says.
‘I know Mark. I don’t know what happened. The news just said that she was found dead in the alley.’ I explain.
‘I should have walked her home. She looked rattled yesterday. Someone must have seen her confused and took advantage of her. Oh God… Byung… Byung she can’t be dead.’ He says as he suddenly bursts into tears. I quickly wrap my arms around him as I rub his back.
‘I’m sorry Mark. I really am.’ I say as he continues to sob. My mind is going at one hundred miles an hour right now.
He's right. It doesn’t make sense. Rei has always been the balance rod in that trio. Usagi is quite cute but she’s immature compared to Rei and Minji. Minji on the other hand is a whole level of crazy, not that it made me like her any less. Rei always seemed to be the right level of mature and nice… maybe too nice sometimes.
Yesterday, her and Usagi had come to visit because of what happened to my father. Rei had sprinted after Minji and she came back a few minutes later with red puffy eyes and a botchy face and she left after a few minutes later. I was too preoccupied with my father to even ask her if she was okay. Could I have done something differently.
Mark and Seob leave the room so that Mark can calm down while I look at my Appa who is still asleep. I take out my phone as I decide to text Minji.
Byungie: Hey Minji. Yesterday we both were a mess. How are you?
Minji: I’m better. I’m really sorry Byung. I’m sorry we couldn’t protect your father like we promised.
Byungie: It’s not your fault. My Appa and I both knew there were risks.
Minji: I still feel responsible and I won’t stop until I get to Lee. I promise.
Byungie: Yah! Don’t do anything stupid, got it?
Minji: Don’t worry about me Byungie. How’s your father?
Byungie: I know how you’re like so I won’t stop worrying. Appa is still asleep. Minji…. Did you hear about Rei?
Minji: … yes… I… I was the one who found her Byung. They wanted to shut her up.
Byungie: What do you mean? Who wanted to shut her up?
Minji: Lee. He got her to be his spy by pretending he was looking out for me. As soon as she found out she wanted to do the right thing and went to report to the police except one of them is corrupt and he shot her in the alley.
Byungie: Oh my God. Who the hell is this man? Why is he doing all this?’
Minji: Because he’s a sick individual Byungie. I need to go for now. I’ll check up on you later.
Byungie: Okay. Stay safe.
Minji: I will.
I turn to look at Appa again and frown. ‘Aish Appa what is going on?’ I ask him as I take his hand in mine. ‘I wonder where Minji is right now. I have a feeling she’s doing something rash.’ I mutter to myself when I feel his hand twitching. ‘Appa? Can you hear me?’ I ask him. He groans as his eyes twitch. I wait patiently as he finally opens his eyes. ‘Appa?’ I call out quietly again.
‘By—ungie.’ He says and I nod as I feel relief washing over me. ‘Where am I?’ He asks as he goes to sit up.
‘Hey take it easy.’ I warn him as I help him sit up. He looks around and frowns. ‘Yes, you’re at the hospital. You were stabbed.’ I say.
‘I know. I remember now.’ He says but his face twists in anger. ‘Have they caught Lee yet?’ He asks and I shake my head.
‘He disappeared before they could get to him.’ I explain and I see him get even angrier. ‘He was the one who stabbed you right? That’s why you’re angry.’ I say and he sighs.
‘No son. I expected some kind of retaliation but he told me something that I never expected.’ He says. I look at him, willing him to continue. ‘He’s the reason that… that your mother is dead. He’s the one who sent his men to kill her so that I’d join him. I was such a fool. All these years, he’s been lying to me and using me…’ He says, his voice trailing away while I stare at him, in complete and utter disbelief.
Minji
I pace around the small space of the train we’re in. Detective Tong is still passed out and I sigh as I decide to call Eomma. I sit down on the edge of the train which is open, my feet dangling. I wait until Eomma picks up.
‘Minji, sweetie. Where are you? Do you know how worried everyone is?’ She asks and I gulp as I realize she already knows about everything.
‘So you know.’ I mutter and she sighs. ‘Of course you do. I bet Appa called you and told you about my outburst. I’m not sure I can look him in the eye after what I did.’ I say, feeling ashamed of my lack of control when I punched him.
‘Oh sweetie. He feels pretty terrible too. He told me you two were arguing and he was the first one to slap you. He’s really upset at himself, not you.’ Eomma says, trying to reassure me and I sigh.
‘Everything just felt too much Eomma.’ I say and I hear her sigh again. ‘Eomma… I left home and come after the one who killed Rei.’ I say.
‘Is that so?’ She asks, not sounding in the least surprised. I look back to where Detective Tong is. He’s fast asleep, his face different shades of black and blue. ‘I’m not surprised really but listen to me sweetie, go to your father. I know you think he’s too rigid with the law but he always does the right thing. You know that. Besides, it’s not safe for you to do this alone.’ She says, sounding deadly serious but also understanding.
‘I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt Eomma. Seeing Rei dead like that made me feel so useless. I don’t… I can’t let anything like that happen to Jimin or Jungkook or any of the others. I can’t take it.’ I say, my voice breaking with emotion. Just the thought alone makes my heart beat faster with fear.
‘I know sweetie but have you thought about what they are feeling? Your Appa is concerned but those two – they’re going crazy. Appa told me everything. What’s your plan? Trying to meet Lee and take him down on your own? What if he’s prepared for you?’ She challenges and I sigh. ‘Minji, sweetie, I know you’re strong and smart but trust me when I say, you can’t do this on your own. Part of being a good agent is knowing your limits and when you need help and trust me sweetie, you’re going to need help.’ She says and I frown.
‘Fine. I’ll take him home and come up with a plan with Appa. How’s Yoona doing?’ I ask, hoping for some good news.
‘She’s in surgery right now so we have to wait and see. Hoseok is on his way to Seoul too. He left as soon as he heard.’ She explains and I sigh. ‘Minji, promise me you’re going to your Appa.’ She says and I nod, even though she can’t see me.
‘I promise. I love you Eomma and thanks for making me see things more clearly.’ I say and it’s almost like I can her smile on the other side.
‘That’s my job. I love you too. Now go to your Appa and catch that son of a *.’ She says, making me chuckle.
‘We will Eomma. Bye bye.’ I say before I hang up. I walk over to Detective Tong as I press the same pressure point of his neck. ‘Good morning sleeping beauty. We’re going to take a walk.’ I say as I force him to stand up.
I arrive at the dorm as I look at Detective Tong. He has a blindfold over his eyes while his hands are handcuffed together. We get out of the car and I push him forward. I reach the dorm and ring the doorbell, not wanting to risk letting go of Detective Tong for a single moment. I was actually surprised that he didn’t fight back.
The door opens by Namjoon whose eyes go wide as he sees us. ‘Minji?’ He says, rather loudly. I nod as I give him a small smile.
‘Let’s get this * inside and then we can talk.’ I say. Namjoon nods as he gulps and moves to the side. As I push Detective Tong inside, I hear running footsteps as I see Jimin there.
‘Minij!’ He calls out as he runs into my direction. I let go of Detective Tong as I let Jimin embrace me. His hug is tight and almost bone crushing. ‘Jagi, I was so worried about you.’ He says, not letting go of the hug.
‘You’re not mad at me?’ I ask him. He finally lets go of the hug and looks at me, his eyes piercing mine as he shakes his head.
‘Baby I’m not mad. I know you’re tying to protect me but I was terrified. He didn’t hurt you right?’ He asks as he lets go of the hug. He places his hands securely on my shoulders as he looks me up and down.
‘I think you should ask him that instead.’ Yoongi’s voice says, startling Jimin. Jimin looks at Yoongi and then at Detective Tong. His eyes go on the detective’s bruised face and I see Jimin gulp.
‘I had to get answers.’ I say and he nods. ‘Does this change your opinion of me?’ I ask quietly, almost afraid of his answer. He's seen many sides of me but never this brutal, violent side. His hands travel down my arms as he grabs my hand and squeezes them tightly.
‘No, it doesn’t change anything. This * killed Rei, someone innocent. He got what he deserves, or actually less. He deserves a whole lot worse than this.’ He says as he looks at him with hatred in his eyes. I sigh in relief, knowing that he doesn’t think any less of me.
Yoongi grabs Detective Tong and pushes him to the living room where everyone is. Jungkook stands up as he sees me. I realize how pale he actually looks.
‘Ohh Minji.’ He says as he comes towards me and pulls me in a hug. ‘Don’t you ever do that again, got it?’ He asks and I nod. ‘I was worried sick. We all were. What the hell where you thinking?’ He asks, his voice raised but also shaky.
‘Jungkook, not like that.’ Jin says but I shake my head, to show him it’s okay. I expected this and a lot worse. I place my hand on his cheek and smile.
‘I was thinking that I had to protect you, brother.’ I say and he sighs. I turn to Appa who looks at me, unsure of what to do. ‘I’m sorry for the way I acted Appa.’ I say as I bow down low.
‘Yah! Stop that Minji. You were right.’ He says as he also comes to hug me. He ruffles up my hair before he turns to Detective Tong who has been forced to sit down on the chair. ‘So, you’re the corrupt mole. Looks like my daughter did a good number on you.’ He says, almost sounding proud.
‘Your daughter is a manipulative *.’ He says. I feel Jimin and Jungkook both tense up but I just smirk.
‘Oh yes, she can be.’ Appa says smugly. ‘Let me guess, she managed to trick you into giving her the evidence she needed.’ My Appa says but Detective Tong doesn’t say anything. He just scoffs and turns to look away, even though his eyes are covered.
‘Yep. I mean, I used an empty gun and basic human instinct. No one wants to die.’ I say before I pull out his phone. ‘All the evidence on him is on here. He recorded every phone call with Lee, including his orders to kill off Rei and Jung-Hwan and confirmation he carried out the deal.’ I explain.
‘Well done Minji but what else is there?’ He asks and I smirk as I roll my eyes. I look at the boys and Yun who all look expectantly at me.
‘I might have convinced him to call Lee and set up a meeting with him. We’re meeting at midnight but I’ve been thinking. Lee has always been one step ahead. If he gets even the slightest hint of something like this, he’ll retaliate.’ I explain.
‘Got it.’ Appa says. ‘For now he stays here, where we can keep an eye on him. As for us, I can call a few men we can trust and come up with a plan.’ Appa says.
‘Please let me be part of it Appa.’ I beg. Appa exchanges a look with Adam who looks at me and smirks. He lets out a ragged breath and shrugs.
‘Whoa. Don’t tell me you’re even considering it. She’s not a cop or an agent.’ Jungkook says. I look over at Jimin as I bite my lower lip while he gulps.
‘Actually, she’s been trained like an agent. Her mother and I are both NIS agents.’ Appa explains. I see Jungkook’s eyes go wide along with the rest of the boys. Yun smiles a bit since she has known for a long time about my family’s secret.
‘Well now everything makes sense.’ Taehyung says as he begins to chuckle to himself.
‘What do you mean Taehyung?’ Yoongi asks and Tae smiles again as he looks at me.
‘I always thought there was something different, something special about you. The way you fight and the way you think wasn’t of a typical person but of someone who was trained but I always shrugged it off. Now it makes sense how you always were a step ahead of us.’ He says.
‘Okay, let’s say she is trained like one, it doesn’t make her one.’ Jungkook argues. ‘It’s too dangerous for her.’ Jungkook says and I sigh.
‘Jungkook, let her decide. It’s better if she is with them than she is on her own.’ Jimin says, surprising everyone, especially me. I look back at Appa who nods.
‘He’s right. I know that if I say no, you’ll probably try some other crazy thing. Besides, you need closure.’ Appa says and I nod.
‘Actually, having her there might give us the opportunity we need to trick him.’ Adam says, getting excited. I see Jungkook gulp and his hand balled into fists but he doesn’t want to say anything.
‘Please don’t tell me you’re thinking of using her as bait.’ Namjoon says, clearly worried at the very idea.
‘Rather than bait, decoy.’ My Appa replies, his eyes not leaving mine. ‘Let’s get to work.’ He says but Detective Tong starts to laugh. ‘Anything you’d like to share you corrupt pig?’ Appa asks.
‘You’re underestimating Lee. He’s a lose canon and if he wants her dead, he’ll have her dead.’ Detective Tong says.
‘And if you keep blabbering your mouth, I’ll give you to Lee with a note saying how quick you were to betray him to save your skin and we’ll see who dies first.’ I reply, determinedly. Instantly, I see Detective Tong’s smirk fading away.
