Chapter 16
Days turned into a week. Taehyung, surprisingly, managed to rein in his adventurous impulses, mostly. College consumed his mornings, but his evenings were still dedicated to devising new, less life-threatening ways to integrate himself into Jungkook's world. Jimin, still traumatized by Luna's cuddle attempt and the bathrobe incident, kept a wary eye on him.
One afternoon, a few days later, the apartment door chimed. Taehyung, expecting a delivery or perhaps a visit from a friend, casually opened it. His eyes widened when he saw Jungkook standing there, impeccably dressed as always, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile on his face.
"Bunny Boss!" Taehyung exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "What are you doing here? It's not our usual time!"
Jungkook stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the familiar apartment. He briefly acknowledged Luna's enclosure, then looked at Taehyung. "I had a break between meetings. And I had a thought." He paused, his eyes twinkling slightly. "I thought you might need to come to me."
Taehyung blinked, confused. "Come to you? But... for what?"
Jungkook's smile widened. "For your treat, dramatic darling. The one I promised you for eating all your vegetable soup." He gestured towards the door. "Get your coat. We're going out."
Taehyung's face lit up. "A treat? Oh my god! Is it chocolate? Is it cake? Are we going to a fancy dessert place?" He bounced on the balls of his feet, already reaching for his jacket.
Jimin, who had been listening from the couch, slowly lowered his phone. "Jungkook-ssi? Taking Taehyung out for a treat?" He looked between the two of them, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity on his face. "Should I be worried?"
Jungkook merely glanced at Jimin, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Only if you expect to be invited, Jimin. This is a private matter. Between a certain dramatic darling and his mafia wifey."
Taehyung was already practically out the door. "Bye Jiminie! Tell Luna I'll be back later! Wish me luck for my super special treat!"
Jimin watched them go, Taehyung's joyful chatter echoing down the hall. He shook his head, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Only Taehyung," he muttered to himself. He picked up his phone, knowing that whatever "treat" Jungkook had planned, it would undoubtedly be something extraordinary.
Jungkook drove them in a sleek, dark luxury car. Taehyung, strapped into the passenger seat, bounced with barely contained excitement, peppering Jungkook with questions about where they were going.
"Is it a chocolate factory, Bunny Boss? Like in the movies? With a river of chocolate?" Taehyung asked, peering out the window as they left the city's main thoroughfares behind.
Jungkook chuckled softly. "Even better, dramatic darling."
They pulled up to the familiar, imposing gates of Jungkook's mansion. This time, there was no sneaking. The gates swung open silently, revealing the grand drive and the sprawling palace that Taehyung had only glimpsed from a distance.
Taehyung gasped, his eyes wide. "We're going to your palace?! My mafia wifey actually lives here!" He practically vibrated in his seat as Jungkook parked the car near a discreet, almost hidden entrance to the side of the main building.
Jungkook led him inside, not to the opulent main hall, but down a gleaming, minimalist corridor that led to a heavy, unassuming steel door. Jungkook placed his palm on a scanner, and the door hissed open, revealing a breathtaking sight.
Taehyung's jaw dropped. It was a massive, subterranean garage, stretching further than the eye could see, bathed in cool, ambient light. Rows upon rows of vehicles gleamed under the immaculate lighting: not just luxury cars, but customized SUVs with reinforced plating, sleek motorcycles that looked built for speed and stealth, and even a discreet, matte-black helicopter nestled in a corner. State-of-the-art equipment lined the walls, and the air hummed with quiet power.
"Wow," Taehyung breathed, his voice filled with genuine awe. He slowly walked forward, turning in a circle, taking it all in. "Bunny Boss... what is this place? Is this where you keep all your secret gadgets?"
Jungkook watched him, a rare, relaxed smile on his face, clearly enjoying Taehyung's stunned reaction. "This, dramatic darling, is where some of my resources are kept. It's... a private collection. And your treat."
Taehyung turned to him, his eyes shining. "My treat?! Oh my god! This is the best treat ever! It's so cool! Look at that one!" He pointed to a menacing-looking armored vehicle. "Does that have bulletproof windows? Can it go really fast?"
Jungkook nodded. "Among other things. And yes, it's very fast." He walked over to a sleek, dark sedan. "This one, for instance, can deploy smoke screens. Or fire a warning shot."
Taehyung's eyes widened even further. "No way! That's like something out of a spy movie! Can I... can I sit in it? Can I press the smoke screen button?" He looked at Jungkook with puppy-dog eyes.
Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "We don't press buttons randomly, Taehyung. But yes, you can sit in it." He opened the door for Taehyung.
Taehyung practically leaped into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel, his imagination running wild. "This is amazing, Bunny Boss! This is so much better than chocolate! This is what happens when you have a mafia wifey! You get to see all the cool, secret stuff!" He looked at Jungkook, who was leaning against the car door, watching him with a fond expression. "You really do take care of me, don't you?"
Jungkook's gaze softened, his eyes meeting Taehyung's. "Always, dramatic darling. And now you see why." He gestured around the vast, secure garage. "This is the kind of protection I offer. And it ensures no one ever gets close to you again." He didn't need to explicitly say the words. The display of power and control was his silent, enduring promise.
After the awe-inspiring tour of Jungkook's private collection, he drove them to a different part of the city. The vehicle was sleek, discreet, yet undeniably luxurious. Taehyung, still buzzing from the earlier 'treat,' kept glancing at Jungkook, a mixture of excitement and a new sense of wonder in his eyes.
They pulled up to a lavish restaurant, its facade elegant and understated. A doorman, impeccably dressed, immediately opened Jungkook's door, then Taehyung's, with a respectful bow. The interior was even more opulent: soft lighting, plush furnishings, and an atmosphere of hushed exclusivity.
"Wow," Taehyung whispered, looking around, his eyes wide. "This is... really fancy, Bunny Boss. Do I look okay? My jacket is just a normal one!" He nervously patted his hair.
Jungkook chuckled, a rare, genuine sound. "You look perfect, dramatic darling. And yes, it's a bit fancy. Your treat continues." He guided Taehyung by a gentle hand on his back towards a secluded, private table.
As they were seated, a waiter appeared instantly, bowing respectfully before handing them menus. Taehyung looked at the menu, his eyes widening at the unfamiliar names and the prices. "Kimchi ravioli? Sea urchin? Bunny Boss, I don't even know what half of this is!"
Jungkook smiled, a fond glint in his eyes. "Just pick what sounds interesting. Or I can order for you. Trust me, it's all exquisite."
"Okay, you order!" Taehyung declared, trusting completely. "You know all the best fancy mafia food!"
Jungkook ordered with quiet confidence, speaking a few precise words to the waiter before turning back to Taehyung. "So, about your earlier 'treat.' Did it live up to your expectations?"
Taehyung leaned forward, his eyes sparkling. "More than! Oh my god, Bunny Boss, your cars are so cool! And that helicopter! Do you really fly that? Can you take me for a ride sometime? And is there really a secret tunnel under the mansion?"
Jungkook listened, a soft, amused smile on his face as Taehyung recounted his excitement. "One question at a time, dramatic darling. And yes, the helicopter flies. As for the tunnels..." He left the sentence hanging, a mysterious glint in his eyes that only made Taehyung more intrigued.
Their food arrived – beautifully plated, aromatic dishes that looked like works of art. Taehyung, despite his earlier apprehension, tried everything with gusto, exclaiming over each new flavor.
"This is amazing, Bunny Boss!" Taehyung said, his mouth full. "You always find the best places! This is so much better than hospital food. Even Luna's mice probably taste better than hospital food."
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Glad to hear I'm still preferred over reptile cuisine. And yes, I always ensure the best for what's mine." His gaze held a deeper meaning, a silent reminder of his protective vow.
Taehyung, however, just grinned, basking in the attention and the delicious food. He squeezed Jungkook's hand across the table. "You really are the best mafia wifey ever, Bunny Boss. This was the best treat. Even better than the helicopter. Almost."
Jungkook let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. He knew that for all his power and control, this dramatic, joyful boy held an unexpected sway over him. This dinner, this moment of shared indulgence and quiet intimacy, was a different kind of victory, just as precious as any war won.
After dinner, the exquisite flavors lingering on his tongue, Taehyung felt a comfortable fullness and a wave of pure contentment. He looked at Jungkook, who seemed relaxed, a subtle softness around his eyes that was rarely seen.
"Bunny Boss," Taehyung said, pushing his plate slightly away. "That was the best dinner ever! Thank you!" He then glanced towards the large windows that offered a glimpse of the illuminated city. "It's such a nice night out. The stars look pretty." He turned back to Jungkook, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Can we... can we go for a walk? Just a short one? To enjoy the night?"
Jungkook looked at him, then at the bustling, yet discreet, restaurant. A walk in the city, even a fancy part, wasn't exactly his usual post-dinner routine, especially given his line of work. His security instincts immediately kicked in.
However, he saw the genuine longing in Taehyung's eyes, the simple desire for a moment of quiet normalcy. Taehyung had been through a lot, and this was a small, innocent request. And after the day's "treat" and the elaborate dinner, denying him a simple walk felt... wrong.
A soft sigh escaped Jungkook, but it was one of quiet acceptance, not exasperation. "A walk?" he murmured, a faint smile touching his lips. "You really are something else, dramatic darling." He met Taehyung's hopeful gaze. "Alright. A short one. But you stay right beside me. Don't wander."
Taehyung's face lit up. "Yay! You're the best, Bunny Boss!"
Jungkook signaled to the waiter, settling the bill swiftly and discreetly. Moments later, they emerged from the warmth of the restaurant into the cool, crisp night air of Seoul. The city hummed around them, a symphony of distant traffic and muted chatter, but here, on a tree-lined street, it felt almost peaceful.
Taehyung immediately linked his arm through Jungkook's, a contented hum leaving his lips. "It's so nice out here! The air smells so fresh." He looked up at the sky, dotted with a surprising number of stars for a city night. "Look, Bunny Boss! A big dipper! And a little one!"
Jungkook walked beside him, his posture still alert, his eyes subtly scanning their surroundings, but he didn't pull away from Taehyung's affectionate hold. He felt the light pressure of Taehyung's arm, the warmth of his presence. It was an unusual feeling, walking aimlessly under the stars, but with Taehyung beside him, it wasn't unpleasant.
"Careful," Jungkook murmured, gently guiding Taehyung away from a small crack in the pavement. "Don't trip."
Taehyung just squeezed his arm. "I won't! I'm with you, Bunny Boss! My personal bodyguard! Nothing bad can happen when I'm with you." He looked up at Jungkook, a genuine, trusting smile on his face. "This is the best night ever."
Jungkook simply looked at the sky, then back at the boy beside him, his hold on Taehyung's arm unconsciously tightening. The city, the stars, the quiet hum of the night—they all faded into the background. All that mattered was the steady rhythm of their footsteps, and the secure presence of his dramatic darling by his side.
The stroll under the stars, initially a moment of serene normalcy, quickly began to shift. As Taehyung and Jungkook turned a corner onto a slightly busier street, the gentle hum of the city seemed to swell, and the shadows around them deepened.
Taehyung, still happily linked to Jungkook's arm, noticed it first. "Bunny Boss, look! There are so many people! Is there a festival or something?" He pointed towards a growing cluster of figures ahead of them, their forms indistinct in the dim light.
Jungkook's eyes, however, had already narrowed. His grip on Taehyung's arm tightened, subtly but firmly. His casual demeanor vanished, replaced by an instantaneous, coiled alertness. The way the figures moved, the way they positioned themselves, wasn't random. It was too deliberate. Too focused.
"Stay close, Taehyung," Jungkook murmured, his voice low and guttural, a stark contrast to his earlier calm. His gaze swept over the approaching group. They weren't dressed like typical city folk. Their jackets were bulky, their postures tense, and their eyes, even from a distance, held a sharp, predatory glint.
Then, one of them stepped forward, a tall, gaunt man with a distinctive scar above his left eyebrow. Recognition, cold and immediate, flared in Jungkook's eyes. This wasn't a coincidence.
"Well, well, well," the scarred man sneered, his voice rasping through the night. "Look what the cat dragged in. Jeon Jungkook. And he even brought his little plaything." He gestured dismissively at Taehyung.
Taehyung, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere, instinctively pressed closer to Jungkook. He felt Jungkook's muscles tense under his hand. He looked at the scarred man, confusion mixing with a dawning fear. "Bunny Boss? Who are these people?"
Jungkook ignored Taehyung's question, his eyes fixed solely on the scarred man. "I thought I'd made it abundantly clear, Ahn. The Han-san clan is finished. Every last rat in your pathetic nest was exterminated. What makes you think you're still breathing?" His voice was cold, lethal, devoid of any warmth.
Ahn chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "A few of us managed to escape, Boss Jeon. The ones who saw this coming. And we're not Han-san anymore. We're a new outfit. And we remember who put our brothers in the ground. Especially Park Chul-soo's men." He took another step forward, his hand subtly moving towards his jacket. "And we remember who you went to war for. We heard about your little 'dramatic darling.' We figured he'd be the perfect way to get your attention again."
Taehyung gasped, his eyes wide with renewed terror. "Park Chul-soo? They're... they're his men?" He instinctively tried to pull behind Jungkook, his earlier fear of the outside world suddenly, violently, real again.
Jungkook didn't take his eyes off Ahn. "You've already made your mistake, Ahn. You won't live to make another." His hand, swift as lightning, moved under his jacket. The casual stroll had just become a battleground.
The air crackled with a sudden, dangerous tension. Ahn's words hung heavy, a final challenge hurled into the night.
"You've already made your mistake, Ahn. You won't live to make another." Jungkook's voice was a low, guttural growl, utterly devoid of mercy.
Before Ahn could even fully withdraw his hand from his jacket, Jungkook moved. His hand, a blur of motion, materialized a sleek black pistol. There was no hesitation, no wasted movement. He didn't even aim. His first shot was a precise, deafening crack that echoed through the quiet street. Ahn, caught completely by surprise, staggered backward, clutching his shoulder as a crimson stain bloomed on his expensive jacket.
"Get down, Taehyung!" Jungkook roared, shoving Taehyung roughly behind him, pushing him against the cold brick wall of a building. He covered Taehyung's body with his own, his arm a shield.
The sudden gunshot ignited the street. Ahn's men, startled but quickly recovering, shouted and scrambled, pulling out their own weapons. The sound of their footsteps, amplified by the tension, filled the air.
Jungkook didn't wait. He leaned out from behind Taehyung, his movements fluid and deadly. *Pop. Pop. Pop.* Three rapid shots followed, each one precise, aimed for incapacitation rather than kill, but delivered with lethal intent. Two of Ahn's men crumpled to the ground, clutching their knees, their own guns skittering across the pavement. The third let out a choked cry as he dropped his weapon, grabbing his wrist.
"Bunny Boss!" Taehyung whimpered, pressed tightly against the wall, his eyes wide with terror, the sounds of gunfire deafeningly loud. He could feel Jungkook's solid back against him, the tautness of his muscles, the vibration of each shot. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to make himself as small as possible. The 'cool car chases' he'd imagined were nothing like this cold, brutal reality.
Ahn, now snarling, recovered enough to raise his own pistol, aiming wildly. "You bastard! You won't get away with this!"
Jungkook was already anticipating the move. He twisted, pulling Taehyung even closer against his side, his body completely shielding the younger man. He fired two more shots, deliberate and controlled. One grazed Ahn's other shoulder, making him drop his gun. The second struck the hand of a man attempting to pull a knife.
"The police will be here!" one of the remaining men screamed, panic in his voice.
"Let them come," Jungkook snarled, his voice a chilling whisper. "They'll find you lying here." He moved, a swift, practiced motion, his hand reaching out and grabbing Ahn by the collar, dragging him forward. "Tell me, Ahn. Who else survived? Who else is foolish enough to try again?" His voice was a low, dangerous rumble, promising agony.
Taehyung, eyes still squeezed shut, could only hear the heavy breathing of Jungkook, the distant wails of sirens beginning to cut through the night, and the whimpering of Ahn's defeated men. This was Jungkook's world, stark and terrifying, playing out right beside him. And he was caught right in the middle.
The street became a maelstrom of shouts and sporadic gunfire. More figures emerged from the shadows, responding to Ahn's cries. Jungkook, still shielding Taehyung, knew this wasn't a skirmish; it was a full-blown ambush. He couldn't risk Taehyung in the open.
"Get down! Hide!" Jungkook roared, his voice cutting through the din, pushing Taehyung harder against the wall. His eyes, cold and calculating, darted around, assessing the best cover. He spotted a large, overflowing dumpster in a narrow alleyway just a few feet away. "See that dumpster, Taehyung?! Get behind it! Now!"
Taehyung, however, was already in a panic, his mind reeling. He saw the new attackers, felt the chill of imminent danger, but his eyes were fixed on Jungkook, who was now expertly dodging a wild shot. "No! Bunny Boss! I can help! I can distract them! Or... or call the police again!" He fumbled for his new phone, uselessly.
Jungkook swore under his breath. There was no time for persuasion, no time for debate. Taehyung's presence was a dangerous distraction. He had to ensure Taehyung's immediate safety, even if it meant harsh measures.
A split-second decision. Jungkook aimed his pistol. Not at an enemy, but at the ground.
CRACK!
The shot rang out, impossibly loud, digging a small divot in the concrete just an inch from Taehyung's right foot.
Taehyung yelped, a high-pitched sound of shock and sudden, sharp fear. His eyes, wide with terror, shot down at the smoking mark near his shoe, then back up at Jungkook.
"Are you insane, Bunny Boss?!" Taehyung shrieked, genuinely startled.
Jungkook's eyes were icy. "Go! Now! Or the next one won't be a warning!" His voice was a whip-crack, cutting through Taehyung's shock. "Stay hidden! Don't move until I come for you! Do you understand?!"
The raw, undeniable threat in Jungkook's voice, coupled with the real bullet mark, finally broke through Taehyung's panicked desire to help. He scrambled, terror lending him speed, and dove headfirst behind the overflowing dumpster, pulling his knees to his chest and burying his face in his arms. The stench of stale garbage filled his nostrils, but it was nothing compared to the acrid smell of gunpowder and the chill of pure fear.
Jungkook didn't wait to see if Taehyung was settled. His focus immediately snapped back to the approaching figures. He spun, his pistol spitting fire, covering Taehyung's retreat. The fight was far from over. And now, Jungkook fought with a renewed, brutal intensity, every shot fueled by the absolute certainty that his dramatic darling was safe, for now.
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