Minji
Hearing Yun screaming out for me to fight back sends chills down my spine but I can’t do anything, not while Markian still has a hold on her. I can’t risk it. I won’t lose my best friend as well – I refuse to lose Yun as well. My only hope right now is the boys. A part of me knows that they must be here. That’s the only explanation for why they could have brought Yun – unless they’re hurt. Oh God don’t let them be hurt.
Lee snickers as he swings the bat one more time across my ribs. ‘STOP IT!! PLEASE YOU’RE GOING TO KILL HER!!’ Yun screams again as she sees me collapsing to the ground. I taste blood as it pools in my mouth while my whole ribcage is screaming in pain.
‘YUN!!’ A new voice suddenly yells – Yoongi! I watch as in a split of a second a whole chaos erupts. Markian lets go of Yun who falls to the ground while Yoongi flies on top of him, taking him down. I see Lee and Chi-Won getting distracted and I try to stand up just as I hear running footsteps.
I turn to look and I see Jimin, Jungkook, Hoseok and Taehyung running in our direction with Jimin and Jungkook at the front. ‘Stop them!’ Lee yells at Chi-Won who nods. Two more guys come out from behind the walls and I curse under my breath. These guys are criminals who don’t think twice about pulling that trigger.
Chi-Won takes out his gun and goes to aim it them. ‘NO!’ I scream. I push past the pain as I stand up. I grab Chi-Won’s arm with whatever strength I can gather. I might be in a lot of pain and barely able to breathe but Chi-Won is a horrible fighter.
I manage to twist his arm while he tries to fight me off. We turn the gun towards the wall as he squeezes on the trigger. The shots echo against the wall just as I see Taehyung and Hoseok going for the two guys while Jungkook tries to stop Lee.
Jimin manages to pry off Chi-Won from me as he punches him with all his strength. Chi-Won staggers to the ground, completely knocked out, his gun flying out of his hand. I fall down to my knees but Jimin is quick to hold me before I can crash completely against the floor. ‘Min-Minji.’ He says as he looks at me with panic written all over his face. His lips are trembling and his hand is shaking as he tries to touch my face.
‘I’m… I’m okay jagi.’ I say as I try to sit up. I wince and I see him stare at me. He has tears running down his cheeks and I try to give him a small reassuring smile.
‘You’re not okay. We need to get you out of here right now.’ Jimin says, trying to regain his composure. He helps me to stand up and I can’t help but cough. As I do, some blood comes out which seems to alarm Jimin. ‘Oh God. You’re badly hurt. We need to get you to a hospital.’ He says, panicking.
‘It’s my ribs. They’ll heal.’ I try to assure him. Suddenly, I hear a yell as see one of the men elbowing Taehyung in the face, sending him crashing to the floor. ‘Taehyung.’ I say as I go to take a step forward.
‘Tae!’ I hear Hoseok yell as he tries to go and fight him but he is stopped by the other one. Tae tries to stand up to help Hoseok.
I look over at Jungkook who is still trying to fight Lee. Lee looks like a man possessed right now as he twists Jungkook’s arms behind his back. Jungkook lets out a muffled cry as he tries to turn around only for Lee to punch him across the face. I realize he’s still wearing the metal rings as I see blood flying out of Jungkook’s mouth.
‘KOOKS!’ I scream as a wave of pain hits. I try to go forward but I fall to one knee. Jimin helps me but up holds me behind his back. ‘Jimin let me go! He’s my brother.’ I yell out as I grunt, my hand grabbing at my ribs.
Jimin doesn’t say anything but he looks at me with a broken look. I realize that he is torn – wanting to protect me and wanting to go to his brother. I see Lee hitting Jungkook again as Jungkook falls down to one knee. Lee grabs the baseball bat from the ground once more as he walks towards us.
‘I am not walking away from here unless I have her head so if you want to live Jimin, I suggest you move.’ He warns him. Even his voice sounds different right now. It sounds like a voice erupting from hell itself.
‘If you want her, you’re going to have to go through me.’ Jimin says, his voice sounding steady. He’s standing in front of me, determined to protect me at any cost. I feel my heart swelling with love for him but also fear. I can't lose him.
‘Jimin don’t. He’ll kill you.’ I say, my hands shaking and my tears finally falling. He doesn’t look at me but I feel his hands grip mine tighter.
‘Minji, my love, you are worth dying for.’ He says and I can’t help but cry more. My whole body grows cold as I hear him say that.
‘No, Jimin please.’ I beg but Jimin doesn’t budge from in front of me. My breath hitches as Lee laughs, seemingly having snapped completely. He twirls the baseball bat around as he walks towards us. Jimin lets go of me as he tries to take a defensive position.
Jimin
I stare at Lee as he swings the bat but he misses me by a few inches. Jungkook has been trying to teach me some moves so that I know how to protect myself and Minji but I know I’m no match for him.
I feel so many emotions running through me – worry, panic, fear, anger, regret, self-blame and frustration. It feels like a whole emotional overload right now. Seeing Minji’s swollen face makes me angry and seeing her coughing up blood makes me sick with worry. I feel frustrated to know we let it get this far but I also feel regret knowing my actions is what brought this.
‘No, don’t Jimin, please.’ I hear Minji begging. I can hear her crying but I try to focus on Lee. I know she’s scared of me getting hurt but right now I don’t care about at. All I care about is keeping her safe from him.
Lee snickers once more and I don’t know what happens next but he suddenly throws the bat at me trying to distract me. I react to it but not to him as he rushes at me. He slams me against the wall and I feel a burning ache in my whole back. I see Jungkook approaching and Lee must have sensed him as well.
We try to fight him off – two against one but it still doesn’t matter. ‘You think you silly little boys can beat me?’ He asks laughing as he elbows Jungkook in his face and he kicks at my stomach, forcing me down to one knee. I feel him knock the wind out of my chest.
‘Jimin! Jungkook!’ I hear Minji screaming as she tries to approach us but I hear her coughing. Hearing that makes me feel enraged at Lee once more. The moment she tries to move, she falls to her knees.
‘Minji keep back.’ I shout at her as I stand up. I rush at Lee as I punch him across the face. Jungkook stands up as well as he spins and kicks him in the stomach, sending Lee a couple of steps back. I punch him again and Jungkook grabs the baseball bat from him.
Jungkook swings it as he hit Lee on the knee. Lee lets out an angry yell as he falls on one knee. I punch him once more and Jungkook and I both look at him panting. He stands up as he grabs his knife from his side pocket.
‘Look out!’ I yell as I push Jungkook away. I feel Lee’s knife sliding across my arm while Jungkook almost tumbles. I can’t help myself but wince as my arm stings.
‘JIMIN!!’ Minji screams as my hand flies to my injured arm. I feel the blood trickling through my fingers but it’s not that bad. I look at Minji as she tries to stand up to come near me.
‘No Minji. Stay there.’ I say as I raise my hand to keep her behind me. She shakes her head, her eyes wide. I can see she’s desperate to come to me. I see her hand holding at her ribs as she tries to steady her breathing. I can see that even breathing is hurting her right now which makes me angry all over again.
Jungkook stands up as well and I see Lee eyeing the gun. We move in circles, his hand still holding the knife up, preventing us from going anywhere close to him. I see him grabbing the gun and he starts to smirk while he points his gun at me.
‘No please don’t!’ Minji screams but I make sure she is behind me. I hear her voice breaking, almost pleading.
‘Now what are you going to do?’ He asks, still smirking. ‘Time to say goodbye pretty boy.’ He says to me as he cocks his gun, ready to shoot. I close my eyes for a brief second – my only thought is Minji.
‘NOOO!!’ Minji screams when I hear a shot echoing. I flinch and open my eyes. I look at myself first, surprised not to have felt anything but I soon realize I’m not hurt.
My heart stops for a moment as I look at Minji but she seems just as fazed as I am. ‘Are you okay?’ I ask as I quickly turn around and grab her by the shoulders. She nods her head but she does look weak from the beating she got earlier. Her eyes go on Lee and I follow her gaze. I see Lee’s hand on his stomach as blood comes out from his wound. Lee smirks as he looks past us and I look in the same direction. I gasp as I see Mr. Kyung with his gun raised.
‘So, after all these years, it comes… down to me… and you huh Kyung?’ Lee says with a grunt and Kyung nods, seemingly unfazed.
‘Seems like it. Surrender Lee and you might survive this. I’m offering you more mercy than you deserve - more mercy than you showed Oh or Rei.’ Kyung says almost sounding emotionless. Lee shakes his head.
‘There is no such thing as… mercy, only weakness.’ Lee says as he raises his gun but Mr. Kyung is faster. I hear two more shots and then Lee’s body collapses to the ground. I stand frozen for a moment as more cops rush in. I finally turn to Minji. She looks at me with her tear-stained face as I embrace her tightly in my arms.
‘Jagi! It’s over. It’s finally over.’ I say as I look up to see the cops coming in. I watch as they go to arrest Chi-Won and the others. I see Yoongi supporting Yun as they approach us with Jin and Namjoon following behind. I turn my head back to Minji. ‘Minji?’ I say as I feel her growing weak in my arms. ‘Baby?’ I ask again as I pull away to look at her. I see how pale she actually looks as her eyes begin to close.
‘Ji…Jimin…’ She croaks out before she collapses in my arms completely. I hold her as I go on my knees, with her in my arms. My eyes go wide as I look at her, fear taking over me.
‘MINJI!!’ I yell out as I shake her. I hear running footsteps as Mr. Kyung and Jungkook come beside us. ‘Minji wake up.’ I say as I touch her face gently. Mr. Kyung touches her neck and lets out a breath of relief.
‘What’s wrong with her? Is she going to be okay?’ Jungkook asks just as worried as I am as he kneels down beside me. Mr. Kyung checks her and then raises her shirt. I gasp loudly as I see her bruised ribs.
‘Some of her ribs are broken. She must have passed out from the pain.’ He says as he looks at me. ‘We need to get her to the hospital.’ He says and I nod. He motions for the others as I see two paramedics rushing in. They put her on the stretcher and place a mask on her face to help her breathe. ‘Jimin you go with her. I’ll follow soon.’ Mr. Kyung says. I look at him, grateful as I nod.
It’s been about four hours and my mind is still registering what happened earlier. Lee is dead and so are a number of his men. The others, including Chi-Won and Markian, the guy who took Yun have been arrested. All of Lee's assets have been seized and it seems the guy was involved in money laundering and trafficking as well as drug trafficking.
Two cops were injured during the shootout but luckily no one on our side died but it doesn’t mean people were not hurt. Minji was rushed to the hospital. Her face is bruised and swollen and she has four broken ribs. She must have been in excruciating pain but the adrenaline had kept her going. Yun got stitches on her forehead and the doctors wanted to keep her for the night for observations because she has a mild concussion. She’s actually in the same room as Minji and she finally fell asleep while Yoongi and I stay in the room looking at them.
I got stitches on my arm from where Lee had managed to slice at with his knife. Taehyung has a bruise on his forehead, a bit of a bump where he was hit earlier but at least he didn’t need any stitches. Hoseok also had his lip busted during the fight. Jungkook has his ribs bruised but at least not broken or fractured. In truth, Minji is the one who got hurt the most.
Yun told us how she was brought there as a leverage. The moment Minji saw her, she didn’t even try to fight. After what happened with Rei, she was not going to risk it, especially with Yun who is her best friend.
I sigh as I keep looking at Minji’s sleeping figure. She still has her mask since breathing is difficult for her. ‘You okay Jimin?’ He whispers.
‘Not really hyung. I hate seeing her like this. I wish I could trade places with her.’ I admit and he nods. He knows exactly what I am saying because his own girlfriend is in a hospital bed as well. ‘I feel like this is all my fault hyung. I should have trusted in her and her father. Instead, I *ed up things for everyone. I even put Yun at risk hyung.’ I say but Yoongi shakes his head.
‘No Jimin. Yun being in danger wasn’t your fault. It was mine. I’m the one who failed to protect my girlfriend, not you. Yun isn’t your responsibility and I know you were just trying to keep your own girlfriend safe.’ He says firmly.
‘You’re both wrong.’ Mr. Kyung says, making both of us jump. I didn’t even hear him coming in. He smiles at us as he gives us a warm cup of coffee each. I nod at him as I take mine. I wrap my hand around the cup, warming up my hands as I look back at Minji.
He looks at the girls and sighs and then at us. ‘Lee was prepared for us. If you hadn’t come, he would have used Byung. He called me earlier, told me someone was watching him and then suddenly left.’ He says and I sigh.
‘How could he have been prepared for everything?’ Yoongi says and Mr. Kyung sighs. ‘It’s just so frustrating.’ He adds and I nod in agreement.
‘I know Yoongi. Lee has always been smart, it’s how he has survived so long so we should just be grateful that the girls are okay and so are you. If you weren’t there, if you boys hadn’t acted, Minji and Yun would have probably been killed and Lee would have gotten away. I know it’s hard to congratulate yourself right now but you should be proud of yourself. You did protect them. You did keep them safe.’ He assures us. He places his hand on my shoulder and looks at me. ‘I couldn’t be prouder to call you my girl’s boyfriend. I know she’s in good hands with you.’ He adds.
I wake up to someone touching my hair. I sit up and look at Minji who is smiling at me as she plays with my hair. ‘Hello handsome.’ She says as I smile back while I grab her hand.
I look over at Yun who is still sleeping peacefully and Yoongi who is asleep on the chair, her hand in his. I look back at Minji and rub her palm with my thumb. ‘How are you feeling jagiya?’ I ask.
‘If I’m being honest, I’m in a little bit of pain but I’ll be fine.’ She admits and I sigh. She lets out a small chuckle and I look at her confused.
‘What’s so funny?’ I ask her and she shrugs. ‘Are you just going to laugh at me because I’m worried about you?’ I ask her and she giggles and nods. I sigh as I shake my head and then I see her get all serious. ‘What? What is it? Do you need me to call the nurse?’ I ask, slightly worried that she might be trying to cover up the pain she is feeling.
‘It’s over Jimin. It’s finally over.’ She says and I nod, squeezing her hand as I relax for a moment. ‘After everything we went through, it’s over. He’s dead and we’re safe.’ She says. I see her getting slightly emotional as she wipes away the single tear that has fallen.
‘All because of you.’ I say and she looks at me. ‘You drove me mad while you have been at it but you stopped him.’ I say with a slight smile of my own.
‘I didn’t stop him. Appa did. What I did was leading everyone in ambush.’ She says with a frown as she goes to cross her arms. She seems to remember that she has broken ribs as she quickly removes her hands.
‘Baby, they knew. Your Appa and Adam and even you knew that he might have known, that’s why you prepared for it. If anything, I’m the one who put a hitch to your plan by choosing to follow you. We left Yun behind, thinking she’d be safer at the house than bringing her with us but we left her vulnerable.’ I say.
‘Appa already told you he was prepared for that. If it wasn’t Yun, it would have been Byung.’ She says and I look at her with one eyebrow raised.
‘You heard us last night?’ I ask and she nods. She goes to sit up and her hand immediately goes to her ribs as she tries to hold in her pain.
‘Take it easy Minji. You have four broken ribs.’ I remind her as I help her sit up. She looks at me and reaches for my hand again.
‘Appa was right.’ She says again, still looking serious. ‘You protected me. You put yourself in danger and kept on protecting me, even when he had a gun pointing at you. Do you know how I felt in that moment?’ She asks and I keep looking at her, unable to tear my gaze away or to answer her. ‘I felt like I was going out of my mind and I know you must have felt it too but it’s over now.’ She says.
‘I know. I just can’t help myself but overthink the whole situation. I keep thinking that if your Appa didn’t show up, you could have died. I can’t lose you Minji.’ I say as I sniff.
‘You didn’t and you won’t. I’m staying right here, with you.’ She says and I smile. I lean closer to her as I give her a peck. We rest our foreheads against each other and close our eyes. ‘I know it’s difficult but we’re going to move forward from this, together and do you know how I know we’re going to be okay?’ She asks.
‘How's that?’ I whisper as I nuzzle my nose against her cheek. I feel her smile as she places her hand against my cheek, forcing me to open my eyes to look at her.
‘Because I love you and I know you love me and there is nothing, nothing stronger than love.’ She says. I nod as I kiss her. Our kiss grows deeper as if this kiss could take away all the previous pain and suffering and fear and open the door for a better future.
Mr. Kyung
I smile as I see everyone gathered by the two beds where Minji and Yun are. All the Bangtan boys are here along with Bang PD-nim. Adam and Baekhyun are here as well as Byung and his three friends Mark, Seob and Usagi. Yoongi is sitting on the bed next to Yun, still holding her hand. Jungkook and Jimin are both next to Minji and I can’t help but smile.
Suddenly, I hear hurried footsteps and I look at the door as Dong-Min walks in wearing a bright pink shirt and skinny jeans which makes me smile.
‘Cupcake! Kitten!’ He exclaims, causing the two girls to smile widely. Minji goes to laugh, her hand on her ribs.
‘Yah don’t make me laugh Oppa.’ Minji says still smiling. Dong Min frowns as he places his hands on his hips.
‘You leave the apartment and next thing I know you’re both in a hospital bed and you dare say I’m the one who is always getting into trouble.’ He says, his voice raising in pitch. Yun and Minji are trying to stop themselves from laughing but they seem unable to stop. Even the boys are laughing and smiling. ‘What in the seven worlds happened? Who would hurt my pretty pumpkin?’ He asks.
That’s all he needs to say before the whole room erupts in laughter. Dong-Min rolls his eyes as he sits down on the chair and puts one leg over the other as he touches her face. She gives him a small smile and then sighs. ‘Things got complicated Oppa but it’s over now… I just wish Rei didn’t have to die.’ She says. The room falls silent and I see Mark approaching her.
‘She would be happy to know you caught the * who killed her Minji. I know she’s proud of you and looking out for you.’ Mark says. Minji gives him a small smile and nods.
‘We all are proud of you. You did a lot of things for a lot of people.’ Byung says. Before she can reply, I hear the sounds of high heels clicking. I smile, recognizing the steps. Minji looks at me, one eyebrow raised.
‘Is that…’ She begins just as my wife walks in. ‘Eomma!’ Minji calls out. She smiles at her as she goes to hug her. I see my wife hugging her tightly but also careful not to hurt her. She finally pulls back and then hits her on the back of her head. ‘Yah! Eomma what that was for?’ She exclaims.
‘I told you to get the son of a * not to get your ass beat up.’ She replies making Minji roll her eyes. ‘Anyways… I have a surprise for you.’ She says with a smile as she points to the door. We turn to the door and I see Minji’s face light up.
‘Unnie!!’ Minji exclaims. Yoona comes in with her mother pushing the wheelchair. Her mother hands her the crutches and my wife and Yoona’s mother help her to reach the bed. ‘Unnie!’ Minji says again as the two girls hug. ‘I thought you had the month in New York.’ She says.
‘I couldn’t stay there when my dongsaeng needs me here.’ Yoona replies as she pulls away from the hug. She sits down on the edge of the bed and takes her hand in hers. I see her looking at Hoseok who is smiling at her. ‘The surgery was a success and the surgeon cleared me to come here. Your Eomma and some doctors here will be ensuring I get the physical therapy I need but I will walk again and doc is convinced I’ll even dance again.’ She says.
‘Oh my God. That’s amazing news Unnie.’ Minji says with a huge bright smile on her face. Hoseok is quick to go beside Yoona and hug her.
‘I’m so happy jagi.’ He says as he starts to cry. I feel my phone vibrate and I take it out to see a message from the Director.
Director: Come to the cafeteria.
I look over to my wife who has also received a message. She smiles at me as the two of slip outside without the others noticing. We start walking down the corridor as I take her hand in mind.
‘I’m really happy to see you again Mrs. Kyung. I missed you.’ I say and I see her smile.
‘I missed you too Mr. Kyung. You kept our daughter safe.’ She says and I nod. We make our way to the cafeteria where we see him sitting down, sipping on his coffee. He’s wearing an expensive looking suit and sunglasses and I can’t help but smile.
‘Can you look any more like an agent?’ I ask as we both sit down. He puts the coffee down and smiles.
‘Good to see you Mr. and Mrs. Kyung.’ He says as he turns slightly on his chair. ‘You did a good job with Lee. You brought his whole operation down.’ The director says.
‘His operations were not really our priority and a girl was killed.’ I remind him and he sighs.
‘I know. We all want to save the world Mr. Kyung but the truth is we can’t. We can only save one person at a time.’ The Director says as he takes another sip. ‘I want you to know the NIS is taking over the case and finishing it up but that is not why I am here.’ He says.
‘You’re here about our daughter Minji.’ My wife says and he nods. She looks at me, her eyebrow raised.
‘She has shown exceptional talent. She might not realize it yet but she has the potential to be an amazing field agent. She is smart, she is quick witted, she knows how to fight and she is resilient. I want to recruit her and train her but out of respect for you, I am talking to you first.’ The Director says.
‘Director, we may be her parents but Minji is a grown girl. As much as it worries me to have her in the field, that is a decision that only she should take.’ My wife says and I nod.
‘I agree. We cannot make the decision for her but we will support any of the decisions she takes – whether she chooses to be a teacher and an agent on the side or whether she has had enough.’ I say.
‘Good. I’ll make sure to have a talk with her.’ The Director says with a smile as he takes another sip of his coffee.
