Archive of Our Own ^omega

Jungkook was excited. Excited like many were to turn 18. Because as soon as the clock struck midnight he would see what flower showed up on his wrist. The flower that would match his soulmate’s. He was perched on the edge of his bed, leg bouncing with nerves as he waited for the moment the tattoo would appear. Unable to stop himself from frequently glancing at the clock on his nightstand. Jungkook could feel his tension growing as he starts wringing his hands, thoughts a jumble in his head.

He wanted to know what kind of flower it would be, what color, what it meant, how that connected back to his soulmate, how it connected to their bond.

What would his soulmate be like? What was their gender? Were they already 18? Or were they younger than him? Had they gone to his school? Did they live in Busan? Did they even live in Korea? He knew that he would most likely have to wait to find out any of these answers, but he couldn’t stop himself from feeling a certain thrill when he let his imagination go.

But too long in his imagination and the fear would start to come. What if his flower was withered already? Dark, grey, and devoid of life? No chance left for him to meet his soulmate. Already taken from the world. Forcing him to live alone until he found someone willing to be with him. He didn’t really want to spend his life alone. Friends and family were amazing. He knew he would be fine in that sense, many were, but that romantic connection meant a lot to him. He yearned for it.

He couldn’t help but be concerned that he may never have it.

Jungkook groaned, tilting his head back. Stop thinking about that. He sighed, looking at the clock to see 11:51 blinking mockingly at him. Nine minutes to go. Not long, but still too long. He flopped back on his bed, looking at the plastic stars stuck to his ceiling. He should probably take those down now. They had been up there since he was eight years old. Placed with a lot of laughter by him and his mom as he tried to make sure she put them in some semblance of the constellations. He had been adamant that his stars be more realistic than other kids. He was surprised they continued to glow after all this time, even though they had been growing duller for at least the last seven years. He was going to be an adult. Adults shouldn’t have little plastic stars stuck to their ceiling. Though maybe he could leave them for now. They still glowed. He shouldn't get rid of something that still worked. Another glance at the clock. Six minutes. He couldn’t help his sigh. He could probably call one of his friends to try and distract him, but he didn’t want to get too absorbed in a conversation and miss the moment his mark appeared. It was why he had left his family not long after dinner, even if that had been more than five hours ago. He had wanted time to be prepared and to be completely alone at midnight when it happened. He wanted to have that moment completely to himself and his mother had respected that. His dad would just find out in the morning, having no vested interest to be there and Jungkook was okay with that. He turned his head to look at the clock again. Four minutes. He chewed on his lip, eyes drifting to look around his room in an effort to keep his mind occupied. He looked at the mementos he had collected over time, the ones from his three years in high school probably taking up the most space. Sports trophies, sketches, pictures, graduation gear all rested in various spots that made his room into more of a shrine than the room he remembered. He had come home for his birthday, thankful to have a break from college, even if it was barely more than two days off in the end. But coming back just reminded him of how he had moved to a new chapter in his life.

He rolled on to his side, looking at the arm stretched in front of him, wrist still blank, before looking at the clock once more. One minute to go. He felt his heart jump and start to hammer in his chest, sitting up abruptly, breathing a little more labored as anxiety and anticipation thrummed in his veins. His skin prickled and he sat cross-legged on his mattress, back facing his door and looking once at the bright moon outside his window. He watched the clock as the seconds ticked by, mind buzzing with white noise and now unable to linger on any specific thought.

The clock rolled to midnight and Jungkook held his breath in the momentary stillness. Then with no preamble, he felt an intense warmth on his wrist. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the clock immediately, stuck in disbelief, until he forced himself to look. The tattoo had already started to form, strokes appearing as if painted with an ink brush before becoming more distinct. Jungkook realized that petals were forming unfurled and he felt his excitement spike, breath rushing out as he started to smile. That means they were already 18. He waited as the process continued, noticing the pink that began to fill in each petal. Pink, not grey. He felt a prickle in his eyes as the fears that his soulmate had already passed were alleviated. He tried to figure out what it was as the strokes became clearer. It looked like a camellia, and he tried to remember any meanings that may be associated with that particular flower.

But any relief or joy he felt began to crumble, his brows furrowing as he looked closer. The flower seemed... sickly. Bloomed, but not fully. The color was paler than he was used to seeing from soulmate marks, even those that had more pastel tones. His skin pricked uncomfortably.

He sucked air in harshly, fear choking him, as he watched a petal fade and drop to the base of the stem. It was... it was wilting? He held his breath for as long as possible, waiting for it to happen again.

For now, thankfully, it didn’t.

Fear mellowed to anxiety with no more petals falling, but the flower remained sickly. Gorgeous, but dulled. Beautiful, yet sad.

What did it mean? Was this even possible? Jungkook racked his brain, trying to remember anything about wilting flowers in relation to what he knew about soulmate marks. He gripped his hair in frustration but could think of nothing. Finally giving in, he dug out his phone, motions jerky and disconnected, struggling to tear his eyes away from the flower. He ignored the few messages he had, aware that it was just friends wishing him a happy birthday or asking about the mark, opting to instead open a search and type shakily with one hand. The results for ‘wilting soulmate flower’ were slim and Jungkook chose to just click on the first article, eyes skimming the contents hastily. His hand began to tremble as he read, eyes trailing over one part repeatedly until his motions finally stilled, dropping the phone into his lap as he stared vacantly out the window. He looked down at the flower on his wrist, struggling to swallow.

Sometime later he heard a knock. A soft hush as the door was opened. “Jungkook?” His mom. “Did you find out sweetie?”

He didn’t have the energy to respond, hearing her shut the door with a quiet click. Her feet shuffled across the carpet. Jungkook felt the bed dip next to him, unable to pull himself from his daze. The silence rang loud in his ears. Fingers came up to trail over his cheek, and he flinched at the contact before realizing she was wiping away tears. When had he started crying? He wasn’t sure. He still couldn’t drag his mind out enough to acknowledge her.

She gently took his hand. “What’s wrong?” Hesitant, afraid. A reasonable reaction when your son had been so excited about this only to find him dazed and crying. He gave her the chance to look at his wrist, feeling her confusion as she saw the flower. As she realized it wasn’t grey and dead. She probably assumed his soulmate had passed with his reaction. He’s not sure if that might have been better. She opened her mouth and he finally found the effort to shake his head minutely, enough of a reason for her to close it and stare at him in silent question. With trembling fingers he opened up his phone again, screen long having turned off, before handing it to her to read instead of explaining on his own. He’s not sure if he could even get it out if he tried to speak right now, throat painfully constricted around the sobs he hadn’t let loose yet. He wasn’t sure he believed it. Not yet. Not fully. He heard her gasp, looking at the loose petal on his wrist before looking at the screen again. He already knew what she was reading, and reality was starting to close in as he remembered the words.

A wilting soulmate flower is an extremely rare condition that is indicative of one’s soulmate being “in danger.” The rate of deterioration of the blossom indicates the extent of the issue, as represented through the shedding of petals. This danger can be physical, such as an illness, but it is generally found to be of a more mental or emotional nature, such as intense depression or possibly a general feeling of hopelessness in relation to their soulmate relationship.

This sickness affects the bond, even if the other party is completely fine. It is important to discover the cause and work together toward a full blooming. If left unchecked it is highly likely the soulmate will die...

“Oh, Jungkook.” The softness in her tone, the gravity of the situation laced in her exhale, was what finally broke the dam. He threw his arms around his mother, sobbing into her shoulder, like he hadn’t in years, as she held him against her. She murmured somewhat meaningless reassurances as Jungkook cried harshly, unable to hold back the crashing waves of his situation. His soulmate was hurting. His soulmate was out there, out of reach, and in pain. He caught sight of the pink camellia on his wrist again, lone petal laying forlornly by the stem, and choked up as the tumblers clicked into place, memories of discussions on flower meanings filtering through his mind. Longing. Pink camellias meant longing, and Jungkook felt his heart break further. He somehow found intense irony at how much he had longed being reflected in the choice of blossom. Longing for his soulmate mark, longing to someday meet his soulmate, and longing to love them. So drastic in opposition to the longing his soulmate must be feeling.

He wanted to scream.

Now his soulmate was out there, longing and losing hope, and he had no way to know where they were. No way to tell them it’s okay. No way to tell them how much they were already loved. How much they would be loved. And now Jungkook was afraid that love would never reach them. Afraid in a way so similar yet so different from his seemingly more innocent fears of the appearance of a flower already dead. Having and losing felt like it was so much worse than never having at all.

It took a long time before he lost the energy to keep sobbing, tears slowing to the occasional drop, before finally coming to a halt. His mother held him the whole time, rocking them gently and humming under her breath. She coaxed him off her shoulder once his breaths had become less labored, ignoring the wet fabric and wiping the lingering tears on his cheeks instead. She leaned forward to kiss his forehead. “It will turn out alright my baby bunny. Just you wait. I’m sure your soulmate is strong.” She leaned back, eyes soft as she looked at him. “How about you try and get some sleep first okay? This is... a lot to take in.” All he could do was nod numbly, crawling to get under his covers as his mom stood and placed his phone on the nightstand. She leaned over, placing a hand on his shoulder and a kiss on his head. “It will be alright. I promise”

As the door was shut once more, Jungkook was left to lay alone in the darkness. The moon had been covered by clouds and he distantly registered that the stars on his ceiling didn’t really seem to glow anymore.

How could it ever be alright if his soulmate was hurting? His mother couldn’t promise that. Not like she promised he would graduate, or that the stains would get out of his favorite shirt, or that he would get onto the team. This was so much harder and so much bigger, though he appreciated the sentiment. He looked at his wrist, heart clenching painfully in his chest as he traced it with delicate fingers. Why did his soulmate suffer? Why couldn’t he help them? He took a shaky breath. He would have to work even harder to find them now. Before they...

He closed his eyes, tears beginning to track down his face once more as he drifted into a fitful sleep. Resigned to deal and come up with a plan when he woke up. Unaware of the brief brilliance that his blossom took on as his soulmate felt a fleeting moment of hope and happiness where they slept in another city, before quickly growing dim once more.

***

“Jungkook!”

He looks up, barely sidestepping the person he had almost run into. “I’m sorry.” He bows his head, cheeks flushing slightly at his carelessness.

They sigh, reaching out to ruffle his hair affectionately. “It’s alright, kid. Just maybe sit at your desk to look at that? Then you can avoid running over hyungs.”

Jungkook smiles, closing the file he had been absorbed with. “I really am sorry Yoongi hyung.”

He watched his senior officer roll his eyes, though there was next to no bite in the action. “You’ve been in the department for a while now Jungkook. No need to be apologizing all the time.” Jungkook bit back another apology, one for apologizing too much, as he nodded, allowing a smile to creep onto his face. It’s true. He had joined Seoul’s police force a little over a year ago and was now no longer the newest member, even if he remained the youngest. He was already gaining a bit of a name for himself too.

The Golden Maknae. A title bestowed on him by senior officer Namjoon. Praised for his natural instincts and athletic ability. Even if he was stuck at the desk more than working in the field, he had shown the makings for something greater already.

Some days he still couldn’t believe he was a police officer. After his 18th birthday, he had gone back to school and finished a short arts program before completely changing his path. Choosing instead to enroll in another program and join the police force. Completely giving up on his original plans to be involved in some arts or entertainment career. Sometimes he wondered if that had been the best course of action, but a long conversation with his mom had helped him find some solace in his choices. As long as he could find his soulmate it would be worth it. If he could get to his soulmate in time this path would be the right one. He bit his cheek and forced himself to focus back on his hyung, finding him answering another officer’s question. Jungkook felt like his wrist was burning. He took a deep breath, choosing to focus in, and wait for Yoongi to stop talking.

As he watched the older man talk, he saw him rub at his neck in thought, letting Jungkook catch sight of the cluster of daisies on his wrist. The little white flowers seemed to almost glow against the man’s skin. Jungkook remembered talking with him about it a few months into working at this station. Mostly because he had been surprised to see such small and delicate flowers on his wrist at first. He remembers saying something along the lines of “It can either mean cheerful or innocent love and I have no idea what that’s supposed to mean because you are literally so grumpy.” Jungkook’s comment had gotten him a (playful) smack on the head as Yoongi muttered soft complaints, smiling the whole time. Now Jungkook thinks he can kind of get it. Is sometimes even curious who Yoongi’s soulmate could be. If they will get to meet and be happy...

Jungkook goes to itch at his wrist when something blocks his way. He looks down to see the file he forgot he was holding. “Ah, hyung! I need to drop this off. I’ll talk to you later!” He bows to Yoongi and the other officer, taking off to where he had been heading originally.

He opens the file on his way. Eyebrows furrowing as he went over the details once more. It was an older report, from around five years ago. This was not the first time Jungkook had looked at it, but he couldn’t understand why he was drawn to it at all. Just a report on some suspicious activity that they never found the source of. It just detailed an unsolved threat that had been filed as a false tip. No details on the participants, nothing.

He sighed, shutting the folder and filing it away. He took out some more reports and returned to work. From there the day passed with a general sense of monotony. The job wasn’t always exciting and fast-paced, nor was it always gratifying. Jungkook was glad he hadn’t had to deal with any cases that were too bad so far, a few people drunk in public, some bar brawls, and many more everyday cases, but he knew it was probably only a matter of time. He had seen enough of those from the sidelines for now. Had helped Namjoon and Yoongi enough to see what ugly existed in the world. Abuse, drugs, violence. He just hoped he never found his soulmate in one of those cases. Even if there was always the possibility, especially considering his situation, his soulmate’s condition, but he’s not sure how well he would be able to handle it...

A tap on his head pulled him from his thoughts, letting go of the tight hold he had on his wrist.

“I’m heading out. Want to grab something to eat?”

Jungkook lit up. “Lamb skewers?”

Yoongi rolls his eyes, lips twitching into a smile. “Sure. Just hurry up.”

***

“You may be put on more difficult cases soon.”

Jungkook looked up, cheeks stuffed with food, and doe eyes wide. He struggles to swallow quickly. “You think so?”

Yoongi nods. “That’s what it sounds like. Though based on your instincts and how long you’ve been around already, it was gonna happen eventually.”

Jungkook hummed, poking at some rice in front of him. He knew. Of course he knew. But it still seemed daunting. He chances a look up. “What if I mess up when it happens?”

“Then you get left at this level of work or you’ll be given another chance somewhere down the line. It’s not a big deal either way, even if I’m confident you’ll do fine.” Yoongi shrugs, nonchalant as he shoves some more food in his mouth.

Jungkook furrows his brows, looking down once more. Yoongi was probably right. He usually is really. It’s just another step up. A step further into danger. He rubs at the band around his wrist absently, missing the look he gets from his friend across the table. Jungkook sighs.

“You’ll be fine. Now, are you finished eating?”

Jungkook quickly shoves more meat in his mouth before pouting. “Just a little more?”

They put in another order, and the conversation moves on.

***

Jungkook shifts nervously as Namjoon continues sorting through papers at his desk. The older man had called him into his office not too long ago and he had no clue as to why. Thoughts about how he may have done something wrong start flooding his mind. As if sensing his oncoming distress the senior officer looked up and smiled, though it was a bit tight from exhaustion. “Go ahead and sit Jungkook. It’s nothing bad.”

Jungkook nods, feeling some of the stiffness leave his shoulders as he sits down.

After another moment Namjoon crosses his hands on top of his desk. “I wanted to discuss adding you to a case that I’ll be giving to Yoongi. We just got the call for it and I would like to put you on it. This is more than just us dealing with a shortage of staff at the moment. I truly think you may be a valuable asset, and since Yoongi is taking the case and I know you two work well together it should all work out in our favor. We’re not completely sure yet of the size of the case, but it could be a good one to fully immerse yourself in either way.”

Jungkook looks at Namjoon in shock. Sure he had discussed the possibility with Yoongi two weeks ago, but it was still surprising that it was finally happening.

“Yoongi would of course still be the lead in the case, but you would be above your usual position. Though not necessarily a full partner, you would still be primarily acting as such. A more second in command to Yoongi than the work you’re usually a part of. This would be your first real case.”

Jungkook nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

“I only wanted to touch base with you before preceding. Would you be fine with it?”

Jungkook swallows harshly, overwhelmed but appreciative of Namjoon reaching out to him ahead of time. Especially when they need to work quickly. He takes a deep breath, already knowing his answer before he opens his mouth. “I would be honored, sir.”

Namjoon’s smile is warmer this time, dimples making an appearance. “Good to hear. Yoongi already has the details, since it matches up with cases he has handled before. Meet with him before heading out to the scene.”

Jungkook nods quickly, standing from the chair. He makes sure to bow before he turns to leave.

“Oh, and Jungkook?”

He stops to look back.

“Good luck.”

Jungkook smiles; excitement and nerves bubbling under his skin as he walks out the door to find Yoongi.

***

On their way out Yoongi gives him a brief rundown of what they know from the call and what has already been relayed by the officers on the scene. The call had come from the owner of a higher-end gallery in Seoul that was actually a part of an entire arts complex, so it also operated as an art museum. They had called concerning the fact the gallery had been broken into during the night. So far it seemed that nothing was taken, though paintings had been shifted around so it was hard to tell. The owner had preferred to call first to be sure, not wanting to risk holding off, finding something had been taken, and have any possible evidence compromised in the interim. At minimum, they want to know who broke in. Yoongi tells him that he wasn’t surprised to get the call, considering this was not the first art establishment to have reported something similar in the last few months. That was why they were taking the investigation seriously for now, especially since this string of reports were lining up with something Yoongi had been investigating for a couple of years already. Jungkook knew very little about that investigation, and Yoongi wasn’t ready to share any information about it unless this break-in turned out to be related.

Jungkook still feels his nerves buzzing as they drive.

It was finally happening.

He was on a case.

And he had to admit he was torn on how he wanted this to go. For the most part? He hoped this was a break-in that led to nothing, or any other relatively simple case. But then there was a small part of him, the one that sought out thrill and adventure, that hoped that this case was big. Exciting.

He turns to look at Yoongi. “Was anyone hurt?”

“Not that I’ve heard. Though if this was a failed break-in that’s really not surprising. And better for us in the long run. Less paperwork.” He flashes a gummy smile at Jungkook, before looking back at the road.

Jungkook chuckles. “I’m the one that deals with the most paperwork hyung.”

The older man laughs. “It would still be less.”

Jungkook snorts, before looking out the window again.

He knew when they arrived. It’s not like the place was hard to miss, the entire complex and even the surrounding area was quite imposing. It also helps that there were other officers already on the premises.

Once they are parked and out of the car, Jungkook finally takes a good look at the building, and his mouth opens in awe. A curved facade, with large windows on multiple floors, stands before them. He can see elegant carvings on the pillars around the entrance even at this distance. He turns his head as a low whistle sounds next to him.

“I’ve been here before, but really the architecture for this entire place is impressive. I keep meaning to look up the architect, since the work seems familiar, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. Maybe I will this time.” Jungkook can only nod as Yoongi speaks.

“Anyway, we have a case to be working on.” Yoongi waves him to follow, and Jungkook quickly moves to walk behind him.

Yoongi glances at him with one raised brow. “You’re basically my partner. No need to be back there.”

Jungkook feels his ears turn red as he moves to be almost alongside Yoongi. “Sorry. Force of habit.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes. “Again with the sorry.”

He flushes, making a mental note to stop, but smiles.

When they reach the officers outside, they’re quickly directed where to go.

And if Jungkook was impressed by the outside, he’s floored when he gets inside, mouth gaping open as he takes it in. He remembers very little from his art courses, he will own up to that, but he can tell that the work in this gallery is truly on another level. You don’t need a degree to recognize that. He remembers Yoongi mentioning that this gallery will host both local and famous artists’ pieces. He wonders which is which, wishing he had looked at the map when they walked in or even looked something up about this place on their way over. He’s almost intimidated as he follows Yoongi to where the owner waits for them.

When they enter the exhibition space he takes notice of the state of the walls almost immediately. A couple of paintings are resting on the ground, and a few are definitely hanging askew. One piece is definitely set apart as the main feature, having more lights and the way it is framed. However, it looks like the biggest evidence is just to the right of it. The painting in question is barely attached to the wall and it looks like there is stuff all over the floor. An officer, Choi if Jungkook remembers correctly, is speaking with a man that, now that he’s looking closer, Jungkook assumes is the one who called them in the first place.

The man is tall, dressed in a nice suit that looks tailored considering how it hugs his shoulders. His aura definitely exudes that of a gallery owner. As they approach he can see the man is talking animatedly with his hands.

“-which is why I called you here, since we never leave anything-” He pauses as Yoongi and Jungkook step into his line of sight, probably sidetracked by the new faces.

“Ah! Detective Min.” Officer Choi bows his head. “This is the owner of Epiphany Gallery. The one who called in the case.”

The man bows. “My name is Kim Seokjin. I appreciate you coming so quickly.”

Yoongi bows his head. "It's not a problem. I'm Min Yoongi, the primary detective for this case." He gestures at Jungkook. “This is Jeon Jungkook. He will be helping me on this case, so feel comfortable speaking in front of him as well.” Jungkook bows deeply before finally allowing himself a good look at the man. He was right about him being tall. His shoulders are broad, his suit making sure to accentuate that. However, Jungkook is a little surprised to see how handsome the owner is. There was no denying that fact. Jungkook is starting to feel intimidated and decides to just focus on what is being said instead.

“When I came in everything was a mess, which I’m sure you can see. We only recently put up this display, but the work had been finished, so nothing should have looked like... well. This.” He waves his hands particularly at the painting they’re standing next to.

“Honestly, I’m not sure why they were even interested in this work, even if it is still valuable. That one-” He gestures at the piece Jungkook took to be the main display earlier. “-is much more valuable. It’s a piece by Van Gogh! The mess has me thinking that this might have just been intentional vandalism, except why only take the paintings off the wall? And if it was a break-in, especially with what others in the community have been dealing with, I cannot figure out why they didn’t go after that one.”

“Maybe it was too valuable?” Jungkook offers, snapping his mouth shut when he realizes he interrupted.

Seokjin tilts his head as if thinking, not brushing him off as he expected. “Perhaps... It would be a lot easier to track down. Or at least would be more recognizable.” He hums, mulling it over.

Yoongi nods his head slowly. Jungkook feels like there is a lot more going on in his head than his expression lets on. “Mr. Kim, is it alright if I ask you some specific questions?”

“Of course.”

“Jungkook?”

He stands straighter.

“Can you at least look around the Van Gogh piece? I’m not looking for anything in particular, but just see if you see anything.”

He nods slowly before walking toward the main display.

He could hear Yoongi’s rough voice as he starts talking, until it was just a low murmur as he stops in front of the painting. Jungkook realizes he probably should have recognized Van Gogh’s particular style earlier, but he gives himself a pass as he takes a look, tilting his head side to side. It really is impressive to look at. Seeing artwork in person never compared to photographs. However, the longer he looks, the more he feels something is off. An insistent nagging at the back of his mind.

Jungkook steps closer, squinting. Is something wrong with the color? The brushstrokes? He sighs. He doesn’t know enough about art to make an educated guess as to if this feeling really has to do with the painting itself. He crosses his arms, turning his attention to what’s around the painting instead. Maybe he could find a clue to his feeling there. He’s looking at the frame when he notices scuff marks on the wall. He looks at them closer. They seem like they’re from someone putting it up. Jungkook twists his lips in thought. How did they hang this? He assumes that they would have used professional workers in the install. So why would they have marked up the wall? Though he supposes anyone can mess up. However, shouldn’t they have removed any marks if this was from the original install? Seokjin had mentioned that the work had been finished, so that should have included that kind of clean up. Especially if this was the centerpiece.

He takes a step back, an idea already starting to form in his head. It was hardly more than a hunch, but... He bit his lip in thought, looking back at Yoongi. Should he ignore it? Should he say something to his hyung? Namjoon and Yoongi were always telling him to trust his instincts, does this count?

As if sensing eyes on him, Yoongi glances over at Jungkook, raising one eyebrow in question at his expression. He glances at Seokjin for a second, gesturing at Jungkook, before walking over. “What is it?”

Jungkook curled then uncurled his hands from nerves.

“I. Well. Is it possible.” He takes a deep breath, glancing between his hyung, the painting, and the owner. “Is it possible this painting is a fake?”

Yoongi and Seokjin both look taken aback, though for different reasons.

Yoongi turns to look at the painting, eyebrows furrowed as Seokjin begins speaking in a flustered tone.

“That would be almost impossible! This painting looks just like what I remember it did yesterday. Why would you even have such a thought? It would have to be one spectacular forgery, but at first glance the brush strokes even look correct.”

Jungkook lifts his shoulders slightly in embarrassment. “Well. By the painting. There are scuff marks and I don’t think you would leave that when finalizing the display, so-”

“Is there any way to test the painting? To be sure? Someone you can call?”

Seokjin is startled by Yoongi’s questions, and Jungkook is blinking rapidly in disbelief. Does he believe him?

“I mean, there is. I could call in someone more experienced with the artist's work, and if they think it could be forged we can always test it, but that’s expensive and it would take some time for the necessary equipment-”

Yoongi nods, expression almost stony. “I would appreciate it if you could make it happen Mr. Kim. If that’s alright?”

Seokjin nods, silenced by the detective’s seriousness. "I'll get right on it."

***

Jungkook is almost not surprised when he learns an expert is in town from authenticating the work the first time around. He had stayed to see the final exhibit, so he was thankfully still in Seoul. He had been sent for immediately, only given the barest details on what was happening.

Jungkook fiddles with his fingers around the coffee cup Yoongi had handed him 20 minutes ago. He wasn’t necessarily the biggest fan of coffee, but it had given him something to do with his hands while they wait. Yoongi had gathered updated intel while Jungkook had taken a look at the other paintings to see if he could notice anything else. Only one other print had caught his attention, but he had written it off. It didn’t incite the same suspicion.

When the man finally arrives to authenticate the work, Jungkook kind of wants to laugh. The man is normal, sure. Older if his greying hair is any kind of indication, but his glasses are comical. Huge lenses that look like they might be for distance surrounded by obnoxiously colored frames. He makes eye contact with Yoongi, who flashes him a look that shows how much he also finds it amusing, before returning to his more professional demeanor.

Seokjin greets him and the man makes a brief introduction, but the name is foreign and Jungkook struggles to recreate the syllables. He still bows, trying to remain polite.

He steps closer to the painting, glasses off, and hanging from his suit pocket as he examines the piece closely. He looks a lot more serious, reminding Jungkook of a professor. The longer he takes to look at the painting the more nervous Jungkook feels. He feels Yoongi’s stiff posture next to him, even if his face appears relaxed and focused.

Jungkook wonders why Yoongi believed him, and why he seems so invested in all of this. Is this about that other case he’s working on? The one he couldn’t tell him about? How is a break-in or forgery part of any bigger case? Was this common? A serial offense?

Jungkook hears the man mutter something, before turning to speak to them in heavily accented Korean. “This is amazing.”

Seokjin tilts his head. “Amazing?”

The man nods, eyes wide in what appears to be awe and disbelief. “The work on this is stunning, and if I hadn’t just looked at it I would have a harder time noticing it, but...” He looks at the painting once more, before turning back to them.

“This is definitely not the painting I looked at. This is a forgery.”

Jungkook can’t keep the surprise from his face. He was right? He turns to Seokjin, who seems flabbergasted, mouth hanging open just a bit. When his eyes land on Yoongi, he feels a chill run down his spine. The older has his eyes narrowed and Jungkook can’t tell if he’s upset, or excited. Yoongi turns to him.

“This just got a lot more complicated.”

***

Jungkook expected a certain level of chaos once it was revealed that the painting was a forgery and the original had been replaced. Instead, Yoongi was quick and efficient. Jungkook was glad he was there. He’s not sure what he would have done if he was doing this alone. Yoongi sent the inspector to another officer for a statement and to check the other works he may have looked at, directed someone else to gather more specific evidence around the forged painting, and talked with Seokjin about what this might mean for the future of the case and for his business. Seokjin agreed with most of the suggestions he wanted to put in place. As they wrapped up the director handed over his card as well as the card for one of his main curators in case they wanted to get in touch with him. Yoongi thanked him, bowing and saying he they would be in touch, before heading toward the door. Jungkook bowed as well, aiming to follow, but Seokjin called out to him and he hesitated, looking back. Seokjin’s expression had his ears turning red at the intensity.

“Thank you for figuring this out.” His tone is impressed. “I’m glad I called, and I hope you can get this resolved.”

Jungkook’s smile is small. “I hope so too.” Then he bows once more and rushes after Yoongi.

He misses the director’s expression fall as he turns back to the painting. “And I kind of hope my own assumptions are wrong...”

Yoongi is silent as they walk and Jungkook takes it in stride. Both of them tended to get quiet when they were thinking, and with the turn this case had taken he wouldn’t be surprised if the older’s mind was in overdrive. Jungkook couldn’t deny how scattered his own thoughts were.

This was no longer a failed break-in. It wasn’t even a simple case where something was stolen. The painting was switched out with a forgery. This meant it had to have been heavily planned. But if it was that planned how did the actual switch go so poorly? What happened? Was it a distraction? That doesn’t seem right.

“Your first case just got a whole lot bigger.”

Jungkook turns to look at Yoongi as the man chuckles.

Jungkook tilts his head. “You said something like that earlier. Why? Is this related to what you’ve been working on?”

Yoongi nods, shoving his hands into his jacket. “I can’t say with 100% certainty, but too much lines up for me to ignore it.” He sighed, stopping to fully face Jungkook. “I’ll be upfront about this. I have to speak with Namjoon about legitimately putting you on the larger case. But before that, I have to warn you that long term this could be dangerous. What I’m working on has been easy enough so far, but that could change now that I’ve gathered more intel. Would you be alright with that? Are you ready?”

Jungkook could only blink, thrown by the serious tone. He had been happy about getting a case, to be moved from desk work and to get in the field. It was the point of this job to an extent. But was he ready? He hesitates, seeing that Yoongi was waiting for his answer.

“What does your gut tell you?”

Jungkook takes a deep breath, steeling his expression. “That I’m in.”

Yoongi nods and Jungkook feels like he gave the right answer.

“Then let’s get back to the station. I need to talk with Namjoon as soon as possible.”

***

Jungkook can’t help watching the door to Namjoon’s office. They had gone to him immediately when they got back, not wasting any time. Jungkook had joined Yoongi long enough to give the initial report on the situation before he had been sent outside to wait while the senior officers talked. However, that had been over an hour ago and they still weren’t done.

Jungkook sighs, starting to reorganize the top of his desk again. His nervous energy needing some kind of outlet. He had already drafted the initial case reports, finished checking up on a report he hadn’t finished this morning, and shifted the contents of his desk at least twice already. He just couldn’t keep still. He already felt invested in this case. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was supposed to be his first case, because it was shaping up to be something bigger, or because of something else entirely. It reminded him of the case file he couldn’t stop looking at, the one he kept in the drawer of his desk. An inexplicable draw that made him just a bit antsy, a little nervous, and the smallest bit excited.

The door starts to open and Jungkook is on alert in an instant, turning to fully face Namjoon’s office. He watches Yoongi come out, and is glad to see his expression isn’t tight. Namjoon is just a step behind him. He and Namjoon make eye contact, the older only giving him a nod and a tired smile, before he’s shutting his door again. Jungkook turns his attention back to Yoongi, who jerks his head toward his own office. He wastes no time to stand and follow, stomach turning.

Once the door is shut, Yoongi gestures at a chair for him to sit.

Jungkook settles, eyes focused on the older man as he sinks into the chair at his desk and groans, head tipping back.

“So he agreed to assign you to the case.”

Jungkook sits up straighter. “He did?”

“Yep. Which means you need to be caught up to speed. So,” He sighs, taking a moment to shift and look at Jungkook. “Short version first? Or do you want to just jump right into it?”

“Um. Whatever you think is best hyung.”

“I’ll give you a quick run down, then we can look at the files themselves.” Yoongi sits up. “Basically I’ve been looking at a string of art forgery cases for a few years now. Almost always replacing the originals where they’re held, and the originals get sold off. Though it looks like a couple of the forgeries have been sold off themselves.”

Jungkook didn’t try to keep the surprise from his face. Yoongi leaned forward on his desk.

“The originals are generally sold at extremely secretive and high-end auctions to whoever ends up the highest bidder. The auctioneers tend to claim that whatever one’s displayed has always been a fake, and someone just recently managed to find the original. Dating and other tests can prove that whatever one being sold really is the original, which is why no one has felt any need to expose these auctions. Nice and convenient really. Someone buys a stolen artwork, but believes the lie they’ve been sold the original because they get some fancy piece to show off to their friends and the ones orchestrating the whole thing get a bunch of money with no fuss.” The man scoffs, nose wrinkling. “The problem isn’t even the forgeries, though that is an issue. Believe me. The problem is the organization involved with this scheme.”

Jungkook nods, gulping as Yoongi narrows his eyes.

“My running theory? This is from an organized crime unit, most likely one of Seoul’s gangs.” He pauses, gives Jungkook a moment to absorb before pressing on. “I wouldn’t necessarily say whoever is responsible is from the biggest gang in Seoul. That group tends to operate in different fields, and this type of orchestration doesn’t necessarily fit their leader’s M.O. Not to mention this operation is only in Seoul. This is a group that found a loophole - an untapped market - so they can operate without stepping on any toes and risking getting taken out. And they did well. This went undetected for longer than we probably even realize.” He leans back, crossing his arms. “What we suspect so far is that this all started at least twelve years ago, and it really took off somewhere around seven years ago. No one may have even caught onto the forgery situation if it wasn’t for a slip up about five years back. It took even longer to recognize the scale. Considering what we saw today I’m going to assume that this case at Epiphany is a part of the larger one I’ve been handling. Which I’ve been doing alone for almost three years now. The case that you are now going to be a part of.”

Jungkook’s eyes are wide and it takes him a moment to respond. “This is the case you mentioned at the gallery?”

Yoongi only nods.

Jungkook hesitates, eyes darting to the side as doubts creep in. “Are you sure you want me to be a part of this? I’ve never actually had a case before. I mean. I’ve helped with cases, and have dealt with fieldwork, but this is. This is huge. You mentioned it was dangerous, and obviously Namjoon must be in if you’re telling me this but-”

“Jungkook.” Jungkook snaps his mouth shut at the firm tone. “I trust you with this. When I talked to you about harder cases I was already considering bringing you in on this eventually. Even had a discussion with Joon about it.” A chuckle. “I just expected you to have some time before I did. Not to bring you in on your very first case.” His expression becomes more serious. “I told you to trust your gut, and you said you were in. I can give you some time to really think about it if you want, but I trust you. I think some fresh input could really help and that is exactly the skill you have offered to others on their cases. I believe you can do this, but you need to believe it too. You need to want this.”

Jungkook looks down. His gut reaction had been to want in. He had still wanted in when Yoongi had gone to talk to Namjoon. So why hesitate so much now? Even if he’s never had a case himself he has helped others with their own cases. He has some experience, even if not physically in the field, but is that really enough? Is he really enough? He takes a deep breath, forcing his mind to calm down. Doubts shouldn’t be holding him back from this. His eyes drift to his wrist before he looks at Yoongi. Jungkook clenches his jaw. “I’m still in.”

Yoongi’s approving smile makes Jungkook smile in return.

“Welcome to the case then.”

“Glad to take part.”

Yoongi laughs. “We’ll see about that.” He gestures to a filing cabinet on his left. “Ready to start?”

***

Jungkook rubs at his eyes, hoping to relieve some of the burn as he leans back in his seat. He had taken the case files Yoongi had collected over to the couch after lunch and had now spent hours pouring over them in an attempt to be up to speed moving forward.

Yoongi had left to submit today’s report at some point, called and talked to Seokjin at another, and it looks like he had slipped out again without Jungkook realizing it. He blinks rapidly, still trying to get the film from his eyes, and takes a look out the window. When he sees the sky is dark he glances at the clock to find it’s already 10. He sighs, looking at the few scattered case files around him. He had made a surprising dent and was nearly finished.

And he could already tell what Yoongi had meant earlier. This was being done by a well-organized group, and it had been going on for a long time. More than one case would have been completely ignored and considered handled as is if it hadn’t been for the case from five years ago even suggesting the forgeries. Jungkook picked up that file again. There had been sloppy work in both the painting and in the switch. Not to mention the gun powder found on the canvas. It was enough to raise suspicion and spur the entire investigation.

One case had really changed everything. Jungkook tilts his head, fingers tracing over the words on the page. Something about that seemed to nag at the back of his mind. One case, one slip, and all of this had been brought to light. Or a part of it at least. It seemed almost like destiny.

The door clicking open catches Jungkook’s attention, only to find Yoongi stepping through with two cups in his hands.

Jungkook looks at him with confusion. “Coffee?”

Yoongi chuckles, handing him one of the steaming beverages. “Hot chocolate actually. I’m going to try and not ruin you this early into it all by messing up your sleep schedule.”

Jungkook smiles. “Thanks, hyung.”

Yoongi’s smile is bright. “It’s no problem. Thought you could use the boost at least. It’s still chocolate. Mood-boosting properties and all that jazz.”

Jungkook giggles and finally takes a sip, enjoying having something after so long. Yoongi sits back down at his desk, spinning to face Jungkook. “How’s it going with the files?”

“I think I’m through almost all of them now. I know I haven’t gotten to a couple of the newer ones...” He shuffles through them again. “I’ll probably have to relook at a few of these to have the information down more, but I’m no longer totally clueless.” He scrunches his nose. “Hopefully.”

He gives a lopsided grin to Yoongi, who gives one back. “That’s good to hear.” The older takes a sip of his own drink before sighing. “The next step will be going over the case from today with everything else.” He roots around in his drawer before pulling out one of the business cards Seokjin gave them. “I’m interested in talking to this guy too.” He flashes the curator’s card at him. “Mr. Kim seems to use him for a lot of the gallery’s operations from what I gathered when talking on the phone earlier. So, he should hopefully have a lot of knowledge we can leverage for the case.” He looked at the card, lost in thought for a moment. “And if he isn’t a suspect in some way then it’s possible he could give us some insight into how the forgery and original could have been switched out like that at least.”

Jungkook nods. “Maybe he can even give us some insight into why things went so awry in this case.”

Yoongi hums. “Maybe.”

“I mean.” Jungkook looks down at the files in his lap, before looking back at Yoongi. “This looks a lot like the first big slip up five years ago. And something seems fishy with that one too. Do you think these are intentional?”

Yoongi looks at him thoughtfully. “You mean like a taunt? Flaunting that this is going on and we haven’t and won’t figure it out? That’s usually more of a serial killer thing.”

“No.” Jungkook is quick to shake his head. “No, I’m not sure why, but that doesn’t seem right. I don’t know. If this operation is so clean, why the slip-ups? How could this happen? It seems like it might be intentional, but I don’t know. It doesn’t seem like a taunt...”

“I kind of know what you mean. There is definitely something strange about all of this. Any leads I’ve gotten have definitely just added to that.” Another sigh. “I haven’t figured it out yet though. Maybe you’ll be able to.”

Jungkook looks away. “Hyung, I’m not that special.”

“Jungkook you already picked up on how strange the case from five years ago was, and you were the one that guessed something was up with the painting today. Don’t put yourself down. You’re doing well.”

Jungkook looks back at Yoongi. “If you say so.” He murmurs and moves to pick up another case file as he yawns, hand hovering in front of his nose.

“Hey.”

He looks back up at Yoongi, stopping in his motions at the gentle yet firm tone.

“Head home for tonight.”

Jungkook looks back and forth between Yoongi and the files. “But I haven’t finished yet. This is an important case.”

“That’s been around for years already.”

“Not the one from today,” Jungkook argues stubbornly, frowning. “It’s a fresh lead.”

“That won’t be solved if you drive yourself into the ground when we've barely begun.” He watches as Yoongi stands up, stretching his back. “I’ll be heading home myself soon. I’ll contact the curator in the morning and see how soon we can meet. So,” He gives Jungkook a firm look. “Go home. Get some sleep. Come back ready to go tomorrow.”

Jungkook sighs, knowing his stubbornness wouldn’t win out here. “Okay.” He starts cleaning up his space a little.

“I’ll lock the door if you’d prefer to leave that out.”

Jungkook pauses, before shaking his head. “I’d rather make sure it went back where it was. I have less to look at than what’s out anyway.”

Yoongi nods, cleaning up his own space as Jungkook finishes up. Jungkook rolls his neck once he’s done. “I’ll go change, grab my stuff, and head home.”

Yoongi hums as confirmation he heard, looking up at Jungkook from his desk. “By the way. You can come in plains clothes instead of a uniform if you would like on some of these days. Dress nicely obviously, but the uniform isn’t as necessary for this case.”

Jungkook looks down, biting his lip. “I’ll think about it. Thanks, hyung.”

“No problem for me.” He waves his hand. “Now go. Change. Sleep.”

Jungkook smiles. “Goodnight. See you tomorrow.”

He hears a mumbled goodnight back as he shuts the door.

***

Jungkook trudges up to his apartment, opening the door and walking inside almost on autopilot. He hadn’t realized how drained he actually was until he had left the precinct. Now that he was so close to his bed it took all of his willpower to force himself to at least eat something small and make his way to the shower.

Under the warm water he lets himself relax, thoughts drifting through nothing. At least for a little while. It doesn’t take long for thoughts of the case to invade his mind once more. He groans, rinsing off before he steps out. He wraps a towel around his waist and grabs another one to dry his hair. He has made a lot of connections that Yoongi had already while looking through the files earlier. Being on the same page would definitely make working together easier, though Jungkook had never been too worried about that. He stopped drying his hair and dropped the towel into a basket. He starts walking to his room. They need to look into the case from Epiphany Gallery more in-depth, but he thinks that this could really be a breakthrough. At least, he hopes it will. He’s not sure where that hope is coming from, but he’s willing to trust his instincts more. Yoongi had faith in him. Namjoon had faith in him. Seokjin had even thanked him specifically, putting his trust in a stranger. That should tell him at least something about trusting his gut more. If others trusted him with that, he should take that step.

Jungkook sighs, changing into sweats and a loose-fitting t-shirt, before going back to brush his teeth. He slips under his sheets soon after, hands crossed over his stomach as he stares up at the dark ceiling. He closes his eyes, waiting to drift into sleep, but the rolling nerves in his stomach and the unexplained worry crawling under his skin have him opening them once more. He furrows his brows. He had been so tired, what was it now? He lays there for a long time hoping to drift to sleep, but he soon finds that to be a fruitless endeavor. He contemplates pulling out his phone and finding some ASMR video to watch when he feels the strange tingle on his wrist. Anxiety courses through him like a lightning bolt as he jolts upright, fumbling to turn on his lamp with one hand as his eyes go to his right wrist. As soon as it was bathed in light Jungkook’s face pales, eyes stinging immediately. He watches helplessly as another petal of his soulmate mark falls. He sits up properly, cradling his wrist with one hand and dragging his knees up to support his arms. As if he could physically protect the mark from suffering any more damage. Cradling it with tenderness as if he could actually reach his soulmate through the bond.

“Why?” He chokes on the word, tears clogging his throat. It had been a long time since a petal had fallen. Shortly after the mark had appeared Jungkook had been worried about how fast his flower would wilt. Would it take years? Days? When nothing happened immediately he had been relieved. Until a few weeks later he had felt a tingle on his wrist, something between a bug’s crawl and the prick of needles. He had watched the color dull and two petals fall in the span of an hour. Jungkook remembers calling his mom in a complete panic at the time and she had done her best to calm him down, even going so far as to sing to him over the phone like she had done when he had nightmares as a child. Embarrassed he had tried to apologize, but she brushed it off and told him to call her anytime.

And he had. The first few times. He lived each day in almost constant fear. Uneasy and distressed he had hardly been able to focus. Thankfully the falling petals had spaced out over time, and now it had been over a year since a single petal had fallen. Jungkook had felt some hope that even if his soulmate wasn’t getting better enough for the mark to bloom, he may have at least gained some time. But now. Now the anxiety was crushing and he was an adult. An adult that felt too much like a child. Too afraid to reach out and call his mom again after so long.

He tries to imagine how his mom had sounded on those calls. Choosing to just draw comfort from his imagination, rather than bother her in the middle of the night. After that first call, Jungkook had been in a similar position as he was now. Curled around his wrist and trying desperately to make his soulmate feel how much he loved them. That he would find them. Promising that he would help them. Jungkook takes a shuddering breath and closing his eyes. Then he starts to sing. Singing helped calm him, reminded him of his mom, and sometimes he hoped, probably in vain, that that calm could reach whoever held the matching flower on their wrist.

At some point, he finally drifts into a fitful sleep while still curled protectively around his wrist and hoping for his soulmate’s safety.

Unaware that in the same city another laid in a similar position, tears streaming down his face as he reached for his phone and whimpered in pain.

***

The next morning Jungkook wakes up early. He feels drained from the previous night, contemplating calling in sick so he doesn’t have to deal with people, but he pushes through it. Goes to the gym for a quick workout, eats something small, before coming home and showering. He stands in front of his closet, thinking about what Yoongi told him yesterday. Maybe it would do him some good to feel more comfortable today. So after throwing on some nice regular clothes, and double-checking he had everything he needed, he heads out to work.

Though once he’s there, he realizes he arrived earlier than Yoongi. So he finishes a few tasks that others had left with him and takes some time to chat with those who approach him. He feels relieved when he finally sees the older man arrive, joining him outside his office door. He startles slightly when a cold cup is shoved into his hands. Yoongi never spares him a glance, digging his keys out.

“I just got you what I got. Hope that’s fine.”

Jungkook nods, mumbling a small thank you, reading ‘Iced Americano’ on the label and taking a sip. He scrunches his nose at the unexpected bitterness, but lets it go as he keeps drinking. He really needs the caffeine.

He follows Yoongi through the door, shutting it behind them as Yoongi strides toward his desk.

“Feel free to get started on those last files you wanted to look through.” He drops his keys on the desk. “I’m going to check in with Namjoon and then contact that curator. See when they’re free.” Yoongi finally looks up at him and narrows his eyes slightly. “Do I need to give you my coffee too? You look rough.”

Jungkook shakes his head, dragging his hand through his hair. “No, just couldn’t sleep well. I’ll be fine though.”

Yoongi looks at him as if weighing how much he believes him, before nodding. “Alright. You can always nap on that sofa. It’s more comfortable than you think.”

Jungkook smiles. “I’ll keep that in mind hyung.”

Yoongi just hums. He grabs a file off his desk, taking a step toward the door. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.”

Yoongi nods as he walks out.

Jungkook sighs. “Time to get started.” He mumbles, getting out the last case files and settling in.

Just a few hours later, and Jungkook has finally gone through everything. He even took the chance to reevaluate a couple of the files from the day before. He grasps his hands together, raising them above his head and stretching out his arms and back. He leans his head onto the back of the couch, letting his arms drop to his sides and closing his eyes. He would need to go through the information from the newest case, but Yoongi had to come back with the file still. As he sits there with his eyes closed he notices how heavy his body feels. Looks like caffeine wasn’t the answer to his exhaustion, unfortunately. Should he take that nap Yoongi suggested already? Jungkook remains still, mind floating somewhere above him as he relaxes before snapping back to reality. He huffs, sitting upright and clapping his hands together. Now was not the time. He had a while to go yet. He turns his head toward the door when it swings open, Yoongi shuffling back in. The older man nods in acknowledgment when they make eye contact.

“All done then?”

“Yeah. Just need to go over the stuff from the newest case.”

Yoongi hums, handing the file over as he walks to flop on the other end of the couch. “We can talk to the curator later this afternoon actually.”

Jungkook looks up from the file. “That soon?”

Yoongi nods, staring up at the ceiling. He seems lost in thought.

“Hyung?”

Yoongi turns to look at him.

“What’s up?”

Yoongi seems almost embarrassed to answer. “It’s nothing.”

Jungkook raises an eyebrow at that response.

Yoongi shakes his head. “Just read the file.”

Jungkook shrugs, deciding to leave it alone and just do what he's told. Considering how new the case was, there isn’t much to go through. So it doesn’t take long to skim over the information. He makes sure to go through it twice, committing as much as he can to memory, before he snaps the folder shut, startling Yoongi who had seemed almost lulled to sleep in the silence. Jungkook laughs, hitting Yoongi's arm with the file.

“You can’t fall asleep! I didn’t! You’re not that much older than me, come on hyung.”

Yoongi grumbles. “Shut up brat. I was just relaxed and thinking.” He looks over at the clock, before turning back to the younger. “Want to grab some lunch before we meet up with the curator?”

Jungkook was quick to nod and smile. “Yes, please!”

“Always happy when it comes to food.”

“Especially free food.”

“Of course.” Yoongi stands up, straightening out his shirt. “Grab your stuff and then we’ll go.”

Jungkook scrambles to grab his few belongings and tidy up. He bounces to a stop next to Yoongi when he’s done.

“Ready!” He chirps, wide grin in place.

“Alright, let’s go then. Just remember we’re still working, alright?”

Jungkook nods as they head out, Yoongi locking the door behind them.

***

They drive closer to the gallery before they grab something to eat and head to a park not far away to talk. Out in the open, they can discuss the case with less risk of the wrong person overhearing them. Plus the weather was actually decent enough to do it, so no point in sitting inside a restaurant or car to eat when they could do it outside.

They set up at a more secluded table, avoiding the many others who had a similar idea on such a nice day. Jungkook helps to put out a majority of the food, moving quickly, mouth watering, and once Yoongi had grabbed some the younger quickly stuffs some into his mouth.

“Could hardly wait for me?”

Jungkook just gives him a cheeky grin.

Wasting no time Yoongi drives their conversation to the case. Considering the culprit had swapped out the painting, this was definitely a planned operation. That had been obvious from the beginning. It looks like the cameras had been tampered with, though they were still learning to what extent the footage had been edited, and it was done on a day when no one was supposed to be in the building after hours. So this operation was planned and it was definitely done with some intimate knowledge of the gallery’s operations. Nothing else appears to have been swapped or stolen, so they only needed to focus on the one painting thankfully. Although one painting did mean fewer instances of it showing up to provide them a clue. And in the end, they had managed to scrape up very little evidence from the crime scene. Whoever it was had taken precautions like they should have done in this kind of job. They had managed to narrow down whoever did the swap was male, buy who swapped it may not be the same person who does the forgeries. That possibility was even unlikely, so they had next to nothing on that. They weren’t even sure if the person who slipped up is the same one who usually does this, or if they had never done this before. All essentially leading to a lot of loose ends. Jungkook looks up when he hears Yoongi sigh.

“I think what’s bothering me the most is what you mentioned. Why the slip up now? Why the one five years ago? Is it just one-off sloppy jobs? Is it intentional? And if it is intentional, what possible reason could there be for it? This is offering me more questions than solutions at this point, so even if we have a lot we have so little that it’s borderline maddening.” Yoongi’s face is twisted up in frustration.

Jungkook looks down at his food. He understands what the older man is saying and he’s even more frustrated that he can’t give him any answers. He clenches his jaw. They had an opportunity here. Whether done intentionally or not, there was an opening and they needed to follow it.

“Do you think the curator is in on it?”

Yoongi chews slowly. “I’m honestly not sure.” He looks up in thought. “He sounded decent over the phone. Definitely bright. Like an overall good person. But something in my gut is telling me we’ll have to watch him.” He looks back at Jungkook. “It’ll be easier to tell when we actually meet the man, since it’s hard to get the best read on someone over the phone, but I’ll trust my gut when I can.”

Jungkook smiles. “Instincts again?”

Yoongi nods. “Instincts can help you a lot. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not always correct, but sometimes looking deeper at a hunch can lead you in the right direction when you start finding facts to back it up.”

Jungkook nods, eyes a little wide. He’s not sure he had ever thought of it quite like that.

They go back to eating in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. A small commotion starts up and they are quickly on alert, turning their heads to find the source. Jungkook’s stomach sinks uncomfortably.

“Ah. Found their soulmate it looks like.”

The two girls are talking excitedly, bodies pressed close and wrists held next to each other to compare their soulmate marks.

“Do you think theirs is romantic?”

“Hard to tell at this point.” Jungkook murmurs. The closeness was considered natural for soulmates, romantic or platonic, and since all they were is close, there was no way to tell. Jungkook’s hand twitches, wanting to check on his own soulmate mark. He knew there was no way he missed another petal falling, but the anxiety from the previous night still weighed on his mind. A constant nagging that he wasn’t doing enough. He was leaving them in danger. A failure.

“Sometimes I wonder what my soulmate will be like.”

Jungkook just hums in acknowledgment, going back to picking at his food, though he had lost his appetite.

“All I have to go on is that they’re younger than me.”

“Oh?” Jungkook couldn’t help the response as he lifted his head. That was new. Yoongi hadn’t mentioned that before, though Jungkook generally avoided the topic like a plague. He didn’t want to try and explain his own soulmate mark. The response he usually got is why he had gotten in the habit of covering it up in the first place.

“Yeah. Those buds were tiny. Might have wondered if the whole thing wasn’t grey since I couldn’t see the petals, except the stems were so vibrantly green I knew that wasn’t the case.”

Jungkook envies how fondly Yoongi can look while talking about this. He used to. He wants to.

“It was a bit of a shock when they bloomed. Wasn’t expecting it. It took a while. I was worried they would be way younger and I would look like a creeper.” Yoongi laughs a little.

Jungkook rolls his eyes. “You know that doesn’t happen that often hyung.”

Yoongi grins. “I know. You just start to worry when it's been three years. But at least I know when their birthday is. How old they are now too. Even if that doesn’t really help me to find them. It’s just sort of a special date now.”

Jungkook pauses. He had never really thought about that before. From the other side of it. If his soulmate is older, they know his birthday. They know their age gap. He feels the corners of his mouth twitch up. Is it special to them too?

“You haven’t found yours either, right? Is your soulmate younger than you?”

Jungkook startles at the question. “N-no. They’re older.”

“Ah. That’s harder. Romantic right?”

Jungkook avoids eye contact and nods slowly, a little uncomfortable the attention has been turned back on him. “Should be...” He feels like his wrist is burning again, a neon beacon of his failure to find his suffering soulmate even though it’s hidden.

Yoongi waits for him to say anything else, but when the younger remains silent he just sighs. “Well, I hope you find them.”

Jungkook looks up, hoping the smile he flashes doesn’t look too broken. “Me too.” He checks the time, trying to distract himself. “Should we be heading out soon?”

Yoongi pulls out his phone, swearing under his breath. “Definitely. Let’s clean up.”

Jungkook rushes to help.

As they go to leave the park Jungkook catches sight of the girls from earlier. They’re sitting on a bench now, leaned together, and still talking. Smiles full of warmth. Content. He swallows harshly at the sight, clenching his fist and walking just a little bit faster.

***

Jungkook is awed once again when they arrive at Epiphany Gallery. The place truly is impressive, and he should try and check out the entire complex when this case is done. He can feel the itch, the longing, of having not done any of the creative pursuits he used to. This might be the place to do it when he’s ready.

Yoongi leads the way this time, Jungkook just a couple steps behind, movements a little sluggish as the tiredness and recent meal drag on his limbs. He follows Yoongi through the doors, but they take a slight detour from the previous rooms they visited.

“He mentioned working on another exhibition, to make up for the one we’re investigating.”

Jungkook nods, a soft acknowledgment leaving his lips so that Yoongi knows he heard him.

As they turn the corner Jungkook catches sight of a few people bustling around and working hard. It looks like they’ve finished up a large portion of the new installation. He lets his eyes ghost over who’s there, but it’s easy enough to tell who’s the curator. Like Seokjin, he exudes an aura that commands attention. Not necessarily domineering, or overpowering, but rather a presence that demands you recognize it. He notices they look shorter, daintier than the owner. He thinks he sees the flash of several rings and earrings. He turns his head as they approach and Jungkook is just a little awestruck at the delicate features that pair with such intensity, until he’s smiling and Jungkook is just as confused how much those features soften.

“Detective Min I assume?”

Jungkook looks toward the older man and tries to hold back a snort as he sees a flustered Yoongi for perhaps the first time ever. He’s quick to school it, but Jungkook will not be letting that go later.

“Yes.” They stop in front of the curator and Jungkook notes that he's shorter, close to Yoongi’s height. They bow in greeting. “I’m assuming you’re Park Jimin?”

“The one and only.” A smile, that almost seems like a smirk, before he turns to Jungkook. “And you are?”

“Jeon Jungkook. I’m working with Detective Min.”

Jimin’s smile softens. “Ah. I remember him mentioning a partner. It’s nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.” His eyes shift away momentarily, expression conflicted, before he’s looking at them once more. “How exactly can I help you?”

Yoongi steps back into the conversation, looking somewhat more composed now. “Well, we wanted to talk to you to see if we could get some more leads in the case or to try and get a different perspective that can help us.”

Jimin nods, gesturing toward the door they came through. “Let’s take a walk while we talk.”

As they move out, Jungkook shifts to walk slightly behind the two, preferring to observe more than anything. Plus, he hopes maybe to fluster the senior officer just a bit.

“We are sure that none of the other works have been replaced or stolen. I made sure to authenticate every piece that I could to be sure of that. We also have made sure to close down that room for the foreseeable future, and have made an excuse to donors and the public about why we won’t be opening that exhibition.”

Yoongi nods. This was information he had been told, and Jungkook had read most of it in the file. “Do you have any ideas as to who might have done it?”

Jimin turns his head to look at Yoongi before looking away. “We have nothing solid at the moment. Honestly, we have a decent-sized staff but there aren’t many who could really pull this off in my opinion.”

Yoongi just nods again, so Jimin continues without an answer.

“We try and keep any information about when the paintings will be vulnerable under wraps for obvious reasons. And there doesn’t seem to be any forced entry on the files for those schedules.”

“So it’s from someone within the gallery?”

Jimin hesitates, then nods. “That seems the most likely answer, although I guess I can’t say for sure. They messed with the cameras, what else could they have gotten away with?”

Jungkook watches as Yoongi’s eyebrows furrow. “I suppose you have a point.”

In the momentary lapse, Jungkook decides to speak. “Do you have a list of who would be likely to know this information?”

Jimin looks away from Yoongi and at Jungkook, his expression looking like he forgot the younger man was even there before shifting into a more contemplative one. “We do, though I’ll be honest that it’s not a very long list. I can give you the list of staff, donors, etc. that may have had access to that information.”

Jungkook nods, and Yoongi shoots him a small smile of encouragement.

“Anything will help us.” Yoongi looks at Jimin again. “What do you think about all of this?”

Jungkook tilts his head, slightly confused by the random question.

Jimin seems to think about his answer as they finally step into the room with the swapped painting, turning slightly toward them as he talks. “I think that this is awful. For a lot of people. Jin hyung is dealing with major changes and the possible loss of reputation with all of this, not to mention the donors who are unhappy, I’m scrambling to get this new exhibition done with my other work, we have workers and employees back for some overtime to get the new installation ready, which burdens them and affects our overall budget, and you guys have to be involved.” He sighs, crossing his arms over his chest as he turns to look at the painting. Jungkook doesn’t miss the sad edge to his eyes. “I also have to wonder about who’s doing this. Are they okay?” He bites his lip. “Like, why the forgeries and the swaps? I’m sure it would all be easier if this was some bad guy, but what if it isn’t?”

Jungkook sees Yoongi’s hand twitch, before he shoves it into his pocket.

“You almost sound like you sympathize with them?” The older is watching the curator intensely.

“Sympathize? Well. It’s always easy when the world is viewed in black or white, but you often will find it filled with shades of grey.” He flashes them a bright smile. “At least that’s what a friend likes to tell me. So sometimes I force myself to look at that. At the ambiguities that exist.”

Yoongi hums. “They are doing something illegal.”

“Oh, I know that , believe me. I’m just taking a second to try and think outside the box as to why .”

Jungkook looks at Yoongi, watching how the older man is lost in thought. They’ve strayed off-topic now. The younger opens his mouth to redirect the conversation back to the case when a loud ringing fills the space. Jimin stiffens, before hurriedly digging for his phone. His expression flickers through emotion so fast Jungkook doesn’t have time to pinpoint them all, but none of it seems good.

The curator holds up a finger. “Let me answer this.” Before stepping away to talk.

Jungkook moves closer to Yoongi. “Still focused on the case?”

Yoongi startles a little to look at Jungkook. “Yes?” He narrows his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, nothing. Just making sure.” He throws a somewhat mischievous smirk at the other.

“It was actually an enlightening conversation.”

“I suppose.” Jungkook hums, turning his attention back to Jimin who's wrapping up his call.

His expression is tighter as he comes back over. “Unfortunately a very personal matter came up, so I will need to be leaving you.”

“Ah. That’s unfortunate.”

Jimin’s smile takes a different edge. “It is. Very unfortunate.” His phone vibrates in his hand. “I do need to go though. I will send that list over with anything else I think of no later than tomorrow.”

“That would be greatly appreciated.”

They all bow to each other, and Jimin takes a step around them before pausing. “I will see you later Detective Min. I promise to keep in contact for the case.”

Yoongi seems to hesitate, hand twitching again. “You don’t need to be so formal Jimin.” Jungkook watches the older struggle for just a moment. “And I hope that personal matter isn’t too bad for you.”

Jimin’s smile is warmer. “Thank you... hyung.” He bows his head. “Goodbye Jungkook.”

“Goodbye.”

And then the other man is gone, and they’re left alone in the gallery once more. Jungkook only hesitates a second before snorting. “What happened to remembering that this is still a case?”

“Shut up. I do. He just looked... upset.”

He raises an eyebrow at that.

Yoongi sighs. “Let’s just go. We still have work.”

Jungkook’s eyes crinkle with how hard he’s smiling.

***

The room is too white. Too devoid of color and he wishes he was somewhere else right now. He hears a commotion outside the door, unsure what is happening until he makes out a familiar voice. “Let me in to see him!” and “I was the one contacted!” the only snippets that make it through to him.

Taehyung shifts, wincing.

More stilted conversation and the door is finally sliding open with a flustered Jimin making his way in.

“Tae...” Jimin’s face crumples as he comes closer.

Taehyung smiles even if it hurts a bit. “Don’t worry. Nothing is broken.” Jimin walks closer to the hospital bed. He reaches a hesitant hand out to hold Taehyung’s. Thankfully nothing was wrong with them, so he felt no pain as the other tightly gripped his fingers. Jimin's eyes scan him from head to toe, even if part of him is covered by a blanket. Though nothing is broken, he must look like a mess. He can feel the way his hair is in disarray from the bandages. His right cheek is swollen and the area around his left temple is tender and it makes any facial expression painful for the most part. His ribs are definitely bruised, maybe his back. It’s kind of hard to pinpoint where the pain is originating in his torso, so it’s probably both. He knows his hips and legs are a mess. He sighs. “It feels a bit like I was danced on by a herd of buffalos.”

Jimin doesn’t laugh and Taehyung can’t blame him. It was a poor attempt to lighten the situation. The other boy glances back at the door to make sure no one is there, but he still drops his voice to a murmur as he speaks. “What happened? Was it...?”

“Yeah.” Taehyung sighs, gingerly sitting upright. “He found out about the investigation at the gallery.”

Jimin winces and Taehyung feels bad, but it’s the truth.

“He hoped to send a message, so he had some of his guys drive it home. Sounded like they wanted to go after you too, but looks like I was the only one this time.” He scans over Jimin’s face, but he already can tell that he was fine. Taehyung chuckles, but there is no warmth in it. “They left my hands and that alone at least, though I’ll admit I was kind of protecting... them.”

Jimin glances at Taehyung’s wrist in silent understanding, just catching sight of the bloom. His gaze flickers back up. “Taehyung...”

Silence hangs heavy, the two friends looking at each other. It’s broken when Taehyung looks away, eyes shining as he sniffles. “I just...” It’s another beat before he continues. “I’m not even sure getting the injuries was the worst part.”

Jimin tilts his head, squeezing his hand in a silent request for him to explain.

“It’s just. As it was happening.” A shuddering exhale. “I felt so hopeless Jimin.” He looks at him, eyes watery and mouth trembling. “Is this really worth it? Am I really worth it?”

Concern, confusion, and anger war across his features. He cups his face. “Tae? What do you mean?”

Taehyung can only shake his head, the first tears falling. “It’s been so long and it isn’t getting better.” He tries to take a deep breath but it’s broken and comes out as a sob. “Jimin. Jimin, why?”

Jimin just holds him gently, knowing that question was asking a lot more than he had the answers to. “I don’t know. But it will be okay... You’ll see.”

Taehyung tries to believe him. He really does.

***

“So, what do you think hyung?”

They’re back in Yoongi’s office now. Jungkook is settled on the sofa while Yoongi is leaning back in his chair.

“Jimin is hiding something.”

“I mean, he did seem off. But some of that is just the odd things he said. Any specific reason you think that?”

Yoongi sighs. “He’s a good person, like I thought he was on the phone, but he’s not telling us something.” He turns to look at Jungkook. “It’s just a feeling, a hunch, at the moment, but I’m sure we’ll find something.”

“So is he a suspect?”

Yoongi hesitates. “I’m not entirely sure.”

“Do you think that phone call was an excuse? A cover-up to give himself time?”

Yoongi is quick to shake his head. “No. His emotion was too raw for that to be faked, unlike other points in our conversation.”

“Wow. You were paying close attention.”

“I guess you should have been paying more.”

Yoongi laughs at Jungkook’s pout for failing to get the right reaction.

“He’s still involved in this case Jungkook. It’s better I have a general read of his character. An idea if he’s one to trust or one to watch, or in this case, a little bit of both.”

“So what now?”

Yoongi looks at the ceiling. “We wait for him to give us the list, investigate any leads from that, and then we proceed from there unless we find something else before that.” He turns to look at Jungkook.

“And you finish up any outstanding work the next couple of days while you can. Be prepared.”

Jungkook sighs. “Aye aye. I’ll get on it.”

Yoongi smiles. “Hopefully we’ll have more soon.”

Jungkook nods, muttering under his breath. “Hopefully.” He steps out the door.

***

Unfortunately, it’s slow going after the quick pace they started with. Three weeks have passed and they’ve barely managed to make any progress at all. Jimin had kept his word, sending a list of names and some other pertinent information over in an email the following afternoon. They had worked through the list, contacting people and bringing them in for questions if needed. Except for no one they talked to had truly given them anything solid to launch off from. A few other names and a couple of dead ends that only lead them back to the starting point. They either had solid alibis or had so little motivation or connection to the crime it wasn’t even worth it to suspect them. Yoongi had heard nothing about any other auctions for the time being from his own network. The first lead of any kind in years and they were losing out on that opportunity. Jungkook was frustrated and he knows that Yoongi isn’t doing much better.

Jungkook can feel his patience wearing thin. He was tired and anxious from another petal falling after so long, and upset with the lack of progress after being put on the art forgery case, and frustrated with his own inabilities.

How could Yoongi and Namjoon think someone who continuously fails their own soulmate is capable of helping on an important case like this?

He tugs at his hair, sighing heavily. They didn’t know about that. He shouldn’t focus on that. He couldn’t spiral. If not for himself, then for his soulmate.

Jungkook picks up the last papers from their recent interviews and gets back to organizing them. The more they had done, the more he begins to wonder if Seokjin or Jimin wasn’t involved in this case. He frowns. It would be way too risky for Seokjin to call in the case if he was directly involved. He remembers him having an alibi too. Which leaves Jimin. The curator that Yoongi seemed a fixated on. He chews his lip. Should he bring up the suspicion to Yoongi? He knows that the older man had mentioned Jimin was covering up something. Except there was no easy way for them to get the information out of him. He thought back about their conversation in the gallery. About the motivations behind the crime. Was that from a personal investment? He rubs his hands on his face. How could they figure this out? He stares at the files, mind whirring. It would be best to talk to a friend of his, but how? He looks at Yoongi’s office. He needs to talk about this with the senior officer.

He gathers up the files and hesitantly makes his way to the door, knocking and waiting a moment before heading in. Yoongi is hunched over his desk, scribbling on something, but he looks up when Jungkook walks in.

“What’s up?”

Jungkook holds up the files. “I wanted to drop these off.”

Yoongi tilts his head to the tray on his desk. “Just set them in there for now.”

Jungkook shuffles across the floor, depositing the papers and taking a step back. He grips his fingers, hesitating to speak.

Yoongi notices he hasn’t left and looks up at him again, completely stopping what he was doing. “What is it?”

“I think we need to look more into Park Jimin.” The words rush out and Jungkook snaps his mouth shut to prevent any more, watching Yoongi’s expression scrunch up in confusion.

“You... what?”

“I think we need to look more into Park Jimin. The curator.”

“I know who he is. Why are you saying this?”

“Just. We’ve hit a dead end. After all the interviews and everything we’ve looked at. I don’t know. It feels like we should be looking at either Seokjin or Jimin as possible suspects, and Seokjin doesn’t seem likely even without his alibi. So that leaves Jimin.” He shifts his weight, antsy as he continues talking. “You even mentioned that something was up with him. I think so too. And that whole conversation at the gallery? That feels personal to me. I’m sure you noticed that as well.” Jungkook starts gesturing with his hands, words flowing without a filter. “But we can’t just talk to him directly. I think he’ll realize we might suspect him, or at least his involvement, so we need to talk to people who know him. And not just the employees, because that seems too professional of a relationship for them to know enough about him to be useful to us. But we can’t just ask him to tell us who his friends are and how to contact them because he can just warn them and tell them what to say. And I don’t think we’ve seen any mention of his friends, so I don’t know how we could do it, but I feel like we should. Look into him. I just do. It’s the whole instinct thing again hyung. I just. I have a hunch.”

Yoongi watches him silently, humming as he waits for Jungkook to calm himself a little. “I think... you have a point.”

“Y-you do?”

Yoongi smiles. “I do. Kind of wish you would stop being surprised by that.”

Jungkook looks away, embarrassed.

Yoongi sighs, tapping against his desk. His expression seems almost like it’s conflicted. “We probably should be looking into Jimin. I did mention having odd vibes from him at the beginning, but my belief in him as a good person overshadowed the investigation a little.” He snorts. “You had a right to tease me.” He makes eye contact with Jungkook. “And all the points you made are completely valid, and I appreciate you coming to me.” He gestures for Jungkook to sit as he takes a deep breath. “As for those we could talk to. His file says he works in the dance department of the arts complex. There is another instructor there that he works with. He mentioned him in one of our conversations...” He digs through the papers on his desk, continuing to speak. “We could talk to him, try and find out some information about Jimin. Ah!” He finally finds what he was looking for, skimming down the page. “So I think we should get in contact with this... Jung Hoseok. See if we can get any kind of leads.”

Jungkook’s smile is a little lopsided in disbelief.

Yoongi smiles back, reassuring. “Maybe your instincts will help us yet.” Yoongi makes his way over to ruffle his hair.

Jungkook only halfheartedly protests, feeling the lightest he has in days.

***

It takes a few more days, but they get in contact with the studio and find out when Hoseok will be there. He will be teaching a class and the receptionist lets them know that the man is usually there hours before and after his classes if they’re trying to catch him. It’s the perfect opportunity to get in contact.

Jungkook is buzzing as they make their way over. He’s excited at the potential for a lead in the case, but he’s also nervous to step foot in a dance studio. It’s been years and a part of him is worried it will hurt. He absently touches his wrist. He has his reasons for letting all of it go, but it’s no less painful of a reminder.

“I’m hoping that by coming later we’ll be less interrupted.”

Jungkook turns his head as Yoongi talks.

“We need to make sure we don’t intimidate the guy.”

“Can you do that hyung?”

Jungkook sees him roll his eyes as he laughs. “I’ll try.”

“I’ll try too. Honest. I want this to go as well as you do hyung.”

Yoongi nods, grip on the steering wheel tightening. They lapse into silence for the rest of the drive, thoughts caught up on different things.

Jungkook notices when they arrive that the buildings in the complex, though keeping a similar theme, definitely stand out from one another. The dance studio has less organic lines than the gallery. It’s more traditionally squared off, with smaller windows and less decoration, but it is no less impressive.

When they head in, they stop at the reception desk to double-check if Hoseok is still there, and what room they could find him in. They both felt a moment of relief as the woman confirmed that he was still there, in room 218. As they stepped away and began walking down the hall, Jungkook was hit with a wave of nostalgia and sadness. He peeked in some of the rooms, flashes of memories of his own time in dance studios flickering in his head.

“Remember. I’ll try to talk the most. Only join in if you feel like it.”

Jungkook nods, focusing on the echoing sounds of their steps in the stairwell as they made their way up. Even without the room number, they would have figured out where to go based purely on the heavy beat of music that echoes as they got closer. Jungkook peeks in the window as they approach and sees a man dancing. He feels his breath leave him as he sees the fluidity and power of his movements. Yoongi doesn’t waste his time knocking, the other man wouldn’t hear it anyway, choosing to just open the door and walk straight in.

If Jungkook was breathless through the small glass pane, he didn’t know what to call how he felt now. He was nothing short of awed at the style and technique that was being displayed, the ache in his chest coming back as they stand there. It doesn’t take too long before the man notices their presence. When he does a bright smile overtakes his face, stopping immediately to jog over to the stereo and turn the music down.

He grabs some water and a towel before turning back to them and waving. Jungkook sucks in a sharp breath. Hoseok’s soulmate mark is one of the biggest he has ever seen, maybe even larger than Namjoon’s magnolia blossoms. It was two sunflowers, one overlapping the other, and they almost seem to dance as the muscles in his forearm shift. Jungkook feels self-conscious of the band around his wrist once more, thankful for the slightly more casual wear to hide it today.

“Hey there! I’m Hoseok. Mia mentioned that someone had been looking for me. Would that be you guys?” He’s still smiling wide.

Yoongi nods. “Yeah. My name’s Min Yoongi, and this is Jeon Jungkook.”

“Nice to meet you.” The younger bows.

Hoseok nods, bowing just a little back. “Nice to meet you too. How can I help you? It sounded like it was important when you talked with Mia?” The dancer wipes at his forehead, shifting his weight.

“Ah, well. We actually wanted to talk to you about Park Jimin.”

Jungkook watches Hoseok’s expression fall into confusion. “About Jiminie? Why?”

“Well, we just wanted to know about him. We’re trying to find someone and we think that Jimin might know him. We heard you’re his friend, so we hoped maybe you can help us.”

Jungkook nods, hoping that this would turn out fruitful.

Hoseok tilts his head to the side just slightly. “I mean we’ve worked together for a while. Jimin and I have known each other since college. Who are you looking for?”

“One of his friends.”

Jungkook internally winces at Yoongi’s response, especially as he sees the confusion on Hoseok’s expression grow.

“I mean Jiminie had a lot of friends in college, but I don’t think he’s kept in contact with a lot of them. He’s really been focused only on his best friend, which should really be my title you know, but their bond has always been a little different.”

“Are they soulmates?” Jungkook bites his tongue. Why is he incapable of blurting stuff out?

He relaxes as Hoseok laughs. “No, no. I know that they joke about being platonic soulmates without the mark, but they have romantic soulmates to find still.” He huffs. “They are close though. We hang out sometimes, Seokjin even joins us on occasion, but those two are definitely the closest out of our little group. They’ve known each other for a long time though so it makes sense.” His expression saddens. “Something is definitely up with him though. Jimin doesn’t talk about it, but in the last few years, those two have only been acting odder. Dodgy I guess? Avoiding a lot of personal questions. Even more so recently. I’m worried. I know Jimin even had to help him with something super personal maybe... three weeks ago? I didn’t hear from them for a bit and then Jimin was moody for days after he came back.”

Jungkook steals a glance at Yoongi, who looks like he made the same connection he did. The phone call. He doesn't know why the man looks hurt though.

“This friend. What’s his name?”

Jungkook feels his nerves going a little haywire. His body is too on edge for the situation, waiting for something more important than the revelation of a name to happen.

“You could just ask me directly, detective.”

Jungkook’s breath rushes out. They turn to find Jimin leaning in the doorway, expression hard and unreadable.

“Jimin...” Jungkook can see how hesitant Yoongi is as he speaks. This was not what they wanted.

“Detective?” Hoseok looks between the two of them. “Are you working on that art gallery thing? Jimin mentioned something... But why are you asking about who Jimin knows? And what does that have to do with T-”

“They probably suspect I have something to do with it.” Jimin stalks closer, and Jungkook isn’t sure how the man can look so intimidating in a tank top. The towel around his neck looks like he just came from practice. “But why not just talk to me directly? Why sneak around? You’re suspecting me?”

“Jimin. We needed to know who else you were close to, because yes. You are a suspect. We couldn’t be sure if you would be honest, or if you wouldn’t compromise the investigation.”

Jungkook thinks he catches sadness in Jimin’s eyes, before they harden again. “I would have talked to you. I thought you trusted me. I trusted you. I thought you were different when we talked. More understanding. Your messages made it seem like you were. Made me think that you were.” He pushes at Yoongi’s chest and Jungkook is surprised that Yoongi almost looks hurt by the man’s words. Jungkook narrows his eyes as he processes what Jimin said. Have they been in contact since they went to the gallery? Why has Yoongi never told him?

“It’s not like that.” Yoongi’s expression is pleading even as Jimin’s remains stony. “Please. Understand my position Jimin.”

Jimin is throwing his hands in the air. “Why should I? You didn’t think about mine!”

 “I didn’t-” Yoongi’s words die in his throat as his eyes widen. Jungkook’s expression morphs into confusion as the older man stares, going still. He follows the older man’s sight and he feels his blood run a little cold.

“What? Cat got your tongue or something?” Jimin huffs, waving his arm around in annoyance.

“Your-” Yoongi swallows harshly, looking at Jungkook with wide eyes, before softening his expression as he looks at Jimin. “Your wrist.” He murmurs.

Jimin looks bewildered before looking down at his wrist, where his soulmate mark rests.

It’s a small cluster of daisies.

“My mark?” He squints his eyes and looks back up. “Why are you changing the topic? I was mad at you! I am mad! You seemed like a decent person and I thought maybe I could talk to you when things had blown over a little, but you’re making this impossible with how you’re-!”

Yoongi hesitates only a moment before rolling his sleeve up and putting his wrist in front of Jimin’s face to stop his tirade before he could get going.

Jungkook feels dizzy. Time seems to be slowing down. Jimin hesitantly reaches out to touch the mark on Yoongi’s wrist. They both let out a soft gasp as they make skin-to-skin contact. Their blooms sparkle and Jimin snaps his head up to look at Yoongi.

Jungkook hears Hoseok gasp, but he can’t tear his eyes away from what’s happening in front of him. He can almost feel his nails biting into the skin near his wrist, but he can’t quite seem to quit the vice grip he has around his own soulmate mark.

Again. It was happening again. Someone was experiencing what he wanted to again. He feels everything around him start to lose focus. Why was someone else able to meet the one they were destined with? Why couldn’t he when his soulmate was in danger? Why was he the only one failing his soulmate?

He watches Jimin and Yoongi stare at each other, Jimin’s body rigid as Yoongi looks at him in a mixture of fondness and pain.

Jungkook feels his heart sink. Jimin was a suspect in the case. His hyung’s soulmate was a suspect in the case. The man he is pretty sure Yoongi has stayed in contact with. It starts to make sense. Their connection was probably why he so easily noticed something was off when they talked in the gallery. And why he believed Jimin’s phone call wasn’t faked. Jungkook bites his lip. What were they supposed to do now?

A loud sniff pulls Jungkook out of his thoughts and spurs Yoongi into action. The older hesitates for only a moment. Then he opens his arms in invitation, and after a brief smack to the other’s chest, Jimin wraps himself up in the embrace.

As Jimin sniffles into the crook of Yoongi’s shoulder, the older makes eye contact with Jungkook. They share a look, words passed silently, before he turns his attention back to the other man.

“I think it’s time to talk Jimin.”

***

Yoongi places the warm beverage in front of Jimin, before moving to sit by Jungkook on the other side of the table.

Jungkook can see how hard he’s working to stay separated from his soulmate. He wishes he could sympathize more. Wishes he felt happier for him. But he can’t help the lingering bitterness.

Hoseok had fussed over Jimin and Yoongi being soulmates for at least fifteen minutes before Jimin had managed to send him away, promising to talk more later. Hoseok had left with a quick hug to his coworker and a threat that Jimin owed him details after. The rest of them had then moved into a break room to talk.

Jungkook watches Jimin grip the cup tightly, chewing his lip in thought. He hadn’t made eye contact with them yet. Jungkook glances at Yoongi, who isn’t moving either. He takes a deep breath, clearing his throat. The soulmates startle, making eye contact before subtly glancing away. Yoongi clears his own throat as he sits up straighter.

“You know why we’re here Jimin.” He nearly whispers the words.

Jimin sighs. “I do. I’m a suspect in the case right?” He finally looks at them fully.

Yoongi nods.

Jungkook fidgets. “We’ve talked to everyone on the list you gave us. None of them had the motive or opportunity to enact the switch.”

“Which really left us down to you or Seokjin, in all honesty. So we needed to investigate that angle.” Yoongi holds Jimin’s gaze. “Are you going to cooperate with us? Or should I have doubts about your honesty?”

Jimin glares. “My honesty? What about yours detective?”

Yoongi flinches at the term of address. Jungkook does feel bad for him. “Jimin, please. We are just trying to wrap this all up.” Yoongi pleads, hands twitching toward the younger man before drawing them back and twisting his fingers together.

Jimin looks down, expression conflicted.

The three sit in thick silence. Jungkook opens his mouth to speak, just wanting to break the tension, but snapping it shut quickly when Jimin lets out a heavy breath.

“I want to talk to you about this. But I’m.” He shifts, hesitating. “I’m afraid of how this will play out. For me and the ones I love.”

Yoongi nods slowly. “If you can work with us Jimin we’ll do our best to help you. I’ll do my best to help you. You have my word...”

Jimin is back to chewing on his lip. He makes direct eye contact with Jungkook before finally holding eye contact with his soulmate. His next words are quiet, but strong. “I was the one who switched the original and the forgery.”

“Why?” No judgment in Yoongi’s tone, only confusion.

“I had to. Because of who asked me to do it. Well, forced me really.” Jimin fidgets, eyes darting around the room. “A gang. The Sparrows.”

“The Sparrows?” Jungkook repeats, and Jimin only nods.

“I’m not familiar with them. Though I knew the organization handling this wouldn’t be as well known.” Yoongi fiddles with his ear in thought.

Jimin tightens the hold on his cup. “Well, no. The Sparrows aren’t huge from what I understand, but they definitely have influence. They’re still dangerous.” Jimin shifts, nervous. “The leader, he... He’s the one who has brought them up with this elaborate forgery scheme. Well, his father started it, but he made it take off when he took it over. It’s given the gang a name and a place in the underground.”

Jungkook nods, but Yoongi remains still.

“Jimin.”

The man looks up at his name. Yoongi’s expression is pinched.

“What does this have to do with you? Why are you involved?”

“I said. Because they’re dangerous. I was forced. The leader. He threatens everyone around you. Nothing is sacred. His.” Jimin swallows harshly. “His preferred method is to threaten soulmates when he can, and marks when he can’t...”

Jungkook recoils in horror, hand unconsciously wrapping around his mark. He can see Yoongi brushing over his own mark and looking at Jimin sadly.

“I’m sorry.” Yoongi hovers his hand before letting it rest on Jimin’s forearm for a moment and then pulling back. Jimin smiles forlornly.

“I got mixed up in all of this. He’s threatened me, and those around me. I’ve been helping him switch those forgeries for years, but I’ve only personally been involved in a handful. He tries to switch around who does it. Make sure no one person can give away too much information. No one has met the one who does the forgeries. Or ones. No one actually knows if it’s only one person for sure.” Jimin starts fidgeting again, nerves seeming to get to him. “I know there were rumors of a college student being involved...”

“Yeah. I came across that when investigating this case, even started looking at some possible leads at the time, but that rumor is from several years back now.” Yoongi taps his fingers on the table. Jungkook thinks of the unfinished case in his desk that he can’t let go of, the one from the college campus, but Yoongi is talking again. “Plus, the forgeries have been going on longer than a college student should even be involved in this. They would likely be in the 23 to 27 year age range now. That means they would have started in their early teens. Too young to have the technique down to the extent they do.”

Jimin looks flustered and Jungkook watches him before his attention is drawn back to Yoongi.

“Anyone I’ve had look at the forgeries has suggested that this is all the work of one person too. Or at least a very select few with similar training. That makes it hard to be a college student, though I would never completely discount the idea.”

Jimin hums, tracing one finger on the edge of his cup. “I see.”

“However, you may be able to help us.”

Jimin pauses his motions. “How?”

Yoongi leans forward. “By telling us as much as you can about this operation.”

Jungkook sees Jimin’s adam’s apple bob as he swallows.

“What can I tell you?”

Yoongi and Jungkook share a glance.

“Well, you could start by telling us who the leader is, and if you know of anything coming that could help us.”

Jimin nods, a crease in his brow. He’s no longer fidgeting. “His name is Kang Minho.” His expression is determined as he finally looks back up. “And I can tell you when he’s holding another auction.”

***

The door clicks shut. Shoes thudding in the entryway. A heavy sigh as feet shuffle into the living room.

“You’re back late...”

Jimin flinches at his voice, head turning toward the couch. He puts his hand over his heart, chest stuttering. “You scared me!”

Taehyung would feel worse, except he’s been worried. He can’t help pouting, eyebrows furrowed in concern. “You’re late. Where were you? I was...” He breaks eye contact. “I was worried.”

He hears Jimin shuffle closer. “I’m sorry Taetae. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Taehyung narrows his eyes, frustration growing. “If you didn’t want me to worry so much then you wouldn’t have started all of this stuff with the gallery Jimin! You should know how dangerous that is! I do! What happens if the gang realizes that it wasn’t an accident? That you did it intentionally?” He hisses. “What will Kang do? This is serious Jimin! I don’t.” He swallows harshly. “I don’t want you to get hurt either.”

Jimin cups his cheeks. “I’m sorry.” He hugs him tight, sitting down next to him. “But I want them to stop this. I really do. I don’t want you hurt either. Not again.”

Taehyung deflates. He had hated calling Jimin all those weeks ago. “That’s exactly why this is dangerous. They sent me to the hospital. Please. I don’t want anything worse to happen.”

Jimin hangs his head. “I don’t either, but if we don’t do this they won’t stop. I just. I want it to stop.”

Taehyung sighs, before whispering. “I do too...” He leans his forehead on Jimin’s shoulder.

They let silence envelop them for a while, wrapped up in each other as a form of comfort. The moment is broken with Jimin’s phone vibrating in his pocket and him fumbling to pull it out quickly.

Taehyung watches his expression turn a touch giddy and fond and he narrows his eyes in suspicion. “Chim.”

Jimin stiffens, looking at him sheepishly.

“What happened? Where were you?”

Jimin fidgets. Taehyung is even more suspicious. Jimin is almost never nervous.

“Jimin.”

He sighs. “I got hung up at the studio.”

“Doing what? You’ve been better about keeping a routine lately. It’s why I was here waiting for you...”

Jimin takes a deep breath, before letting the words out in a jumbled rush. “I actually kind of met my soulmate?”

Taehyung blinks twice before it sinks in and he’s instantly sitting up straighter. “You what?! Oh my god! Seriously?”

Jimin nods.

“How? Who is it? What are they like?”

Jimin laughs. “I actually.” He chuckles. “I had already met him. It’s Yoongi.”

“Yoongi? The detective you haven’t shut up about?”

Jimin flushes, shoving Taehyung who only laughs. “Yeah, actually.”

“No wonder you were so obsessed.” He shifts closer. “But really. How?”

“Well, he and his partner, that kid I mentioned, both came to see Hoseok. They were, well, investigating me as a suspect in the case.”

Taehyung sobers up. “Jimin... Did you?”

“I only told them as much as they needed to know.”

Taehyung purses his lips.

“I promise Tae.”

He just nods, urging him to continue.

“Anyway, I got mad and pushed him. He saw my wrist, showed me his, I touched him to confirm, and that’s kind of it.”

Taehyung groaned, throwing his head back. “Seriously? Boring.”

Jimin squawked. “Boring? The detective in charge of looking into the art forgery case that I had a hand in is my soulmate and you call that boring ?”

“No! But you guys basically just showed each other your wrist and that was it!”

Jimin looks exasperated. “He was there with his partner for work. Did you want us to have a steamy makeout session or something when we found out?”

“I don’t know! Maybe! I’m supposed to have lived this vicariously through you! You know that!”

Jimin looks at him sadly and Taehyung can’t help but look away from the pity in his eyes. “Tae, you will find them. You know that right?”

“I can’t Chim. You know that .” Taehyung curls in on himself, eyes stinging. He looks back when a warm hand is placed on his back.

“I know.” Jimin smiles, understanding, and Taehyung hesitantly smiles back. “Now. Do you want me to tell you more about Yoongi? Since you’re apparently supposed to be living vicariously through me when it comes to soulmate meetings?” Jimin teased.

“Yes please!”

Taehyung listens attentively as Jimin speaks, working hard to ignore how his heart felt so heavy in his chest and how his entire being ached with longing.

***

Two weeks pass again, and Jungkook would probably categorize them as, well, rough. The case is actually going somewhere with Jimin’s help, even if the progress is still too slow for his liking. Namjoon actually praised them for the breakthrough when he found out. But all of this meant Jimin and Yoongi were in more obvious contact and Jungkook had to hear about it. They met rarely, and generally in public as a group. However, the two still talked constantly and Yoongi was just so happy now that he had found his soulmate. And since Jungkook was one of the only people he talked to regularly, not to mention one of the only ones that could be privy to Jimin’s information, Yoongi told him.

Told him everything.

Constantly.

And he should be happy. He knows that he should be ecstatic. He knows. But it got harder to fake it each time the older man shared some new anecdote outside of the strict case details they should be focusing on. Shared how he got to know his soulmate.

Jungkook was on edge as he got to closely experience the newly found soulmate pair, even if by proxy. His jaw was stiff from clenching his teeth and he had to actively work not to snap at others. His overwhelming failure felt like it was being flung back in his face. The longing in his chest just grew with each day and it made even looking at his mark a difficult task at times.

Which had led to nightmares in which he ultimately did fail. Nightmares where he lost his soulmate. Where he watched his soulmate mark completely wither and go gray. Sometimes he got to his soulmate, a flicker of hope, meeting them only to ultimately fail and watch them slip away. He was plagued by them so bad last night he could only catch a few light hours of rest.

And now today. Today Yoongi had picked him up from his apartment, where he had unfortunately snapped at him about not knowing ahead of time, so they could check out something for the case, and halfway through the drive, he realized he hadn’t put on the band to cover his mark in his rush. Even with the long sleeves, Jungkook felt antsy. Exposed.

They stopped at the station to pick up a couple of files and he had remained tense as he worried about the bare skin. No one had seen it. No one looked at him with pity. He wanted to keep it that way. What would they think of him? Would they baby him? Hate him for failing his soulmate?

He breathed a sigh of relief when they finally left, though he was hyper-aware of his wrist in the car. Noticing if he shifted his arm right how the sleeve would gap. Worried about it slipping if he so much as moved hair out of his face. Curling in on himself as fear bled into his actions and he worked to not constantly check or touch on his mark. Not failing to notice that Yoongi’s mark tended to be out now when they were alone. The frustration started to bleed back in. Frustration with himself. With Yoongi. With the universe. Would he get to be happy? Would his soulmate? Was he destined to fail?

So caught up in his thoughts, he misses that the car has stopped.

“Jungkook?”

He whips his head to look at Yoongi, whose expression was concerned.

“Are you okay?”

Jungkook grits his teeth, then fakes a smile. “I’m okay hyung. Just a headache.”

Yoongi looks at him critically. “Do I need to take you home?”

“No. I’ll be fine hyung.”

He could tell the older was hesitating. He rubs at his neck. “Alright. Just. Just tell me if I need to okay?”

Jungkook’s expression softens at the genuine concern, forcing his shoulders to relax. “I will. Promise.”

Yoongi nods, turning his eyes to look back out the window. Jungkook follows his gaze, but quickly realizes he couldn’t remember why they were here and that he hadn’t paid enough attention on their way over.

He glances at the older man, embarrassment flushing up his neck. “Hyung?”

Yoongi hums, turning to look at him.

“What are we doing again? I’m sorry. I spaced it out.”

“We’re meeting up with Jimin.”

Jungkook tries hard to not grit his teeth again. “Oh?”

“He has some information, and I want him to look over the copies of the files we brought. I’m hoping he can give us some insight.”

“Ah, okay.” He looks back out the window. “Where are we meeting him this time?”

Yoongi points across the street. “That cafe over there.”

Jungkook hums, eyes finding where Yoongi was talking about. Considering Jimin’s involvement with the gang, they didn’t meet him often to lower suspicion. And he knows they don’t have him come to the station for the same reason. Consistent visits could put the other man in trouble. At least with the ongoing investigation, it isn’t too weird for them to meet up with the curator. Jungkook can guess that Yoongi wishes they could be together more often, and he can understand, at least in theory. He catches sight of Jimin’s sandy blonde hair, shifting in his seat. He pauses though when he sees him turn to talk to someone with dark brown hair. It’s a man, taller than Jimin. He can’t see anything else from this angle, and he’s fidgeting. They only talk for a moment, Jimin placing a hand on his arm in what looks like a comforting gesture, before the other man is walking away. Jungkook can’t tear his eyes away from him, trying in vain to catch a better glimpse but unable to do so.

Yoongi clearing his throat pulls him back. “Let’s head in.”

Jungkook glances at the cafe, already feeling drained. He looks back down the street once more, eyes searching the crowd before he finally gives up and opens the car door. “Okay hyung.”

***

Taehyung stands on the sidewalk around the corner from the cafe where he had just left Jimin. There was a nagging thought in his mind. A need to turn around and trace back his steps. He tilts his head up, expression pinched in thought. Had he forgotten something? That was nearly impossible. He pats his pockets, mentally running through everything he had. Nope. Nothing out of place. However, he still can't shake the feeling. He hums taking an extra second until his feet finally start moving.

It takes some time to make it back to his apartment. The entire time he can’t shake the vague anxiety crawling under his skin. Settling in whatever open cracks it can find. It puts him on edge, and he wishes he knew why. There’s no good reason. He makes his way into his apartment, thoughts muddied. Relief seeps into his system as he hears his phone ring.

He picks up without looking at the screen. “Jimin? Did you finish up already? Can we talk?”

“Not Jimin. But we do need to have a chat Taehyung.”

Taehyung feels his face pale, blood freezing in his veins as his feet are pinned to the ground.

“K-Kang...”

***

The bell chimes as they enter, the strong smell of coffee and pastries surrounding them. Jungkook’s nose twitches, the smell overwhelming him today. He did his best to ignore how much Yoongi lights up when his eyes fall on Jimin.

He pats Jungkook’s shoulder. “Go sit down, I’ll grab us something.”

And before Jungkook could even begin to protest he was striding toward the counter. Jungkook reluctantly shuffles over to Jimin, making sure to smile as he sits down across from him.

“Ah, hello Jungkook!”

“Hello.” He mumbles. “How are you?”

“I’ve definitely been better, but I do have good news today.”

Jungkook perks up at that. “You do?”

Jimin nods, glancing over at Yoongi. “I do, but I’ll wait a minute.” Jungkook shrinks at his fond smile.

Silence stretches between them and Jungkook sees a flash of dark hair and a tall frame in his mind.

“Who were you talking to when we got here?”

“Oh.” Jimin’s smile falters for just a moment. “He’s a friend of mine. A close friend.”

Jungkook tilts his head to the side in thought. “Is it the one Hoseok mentioned?”

Jimin gives a stilted nod. “Yeah, it is.” He taps his fingers on the edge of the table. “I didn’t realize you would remember what Hobi said.”

“Well, it was for the case originally. It just stuck in my head.” He stays silent a moment, but there is an itch he can’t quite fulfill with this and he finds himself speaking once more, unable to let it go. “How long have you known each other?”

Jimin’s fingers twitch. “Years. We met in high school. Went to college together. That’s why Hobi knows him too.”

“Oh wow. That’s really nice you’ve known each other that long”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Yeah...” Jungkook fidgets some more, mind desperately clinging to this line of questioning and he has no idea why. “What’s his name though? I’m not sure anyone has ever said it.”

Jimin’s frozen like a deer.

“Alright, I have everything.” Yoongi interrupts them, setting down three beverages and two pastries. “I got you guys some sweets, but I wasn’t in the mood for any myself.”

“Oh!” Jimin waves his hand. “Hyung you shouldn’t have.”

Yoongi shakes his head, settling in the seat between Jimin and Jungkook. “It’s fine, really.” He pushes each of them a plate. Jungkook is only slightly offended that Jimin’s appears to be bigger. “You mentioned having something to tell us?”

“Oh, the good thing you mentioned earlier?” Jungkook asks, picking up his drink.

Jimin nods, looking at the two. “I do actually.” He subtly shifts closer. “An auction is coming up.”

Jungkook sits straighter, but Yoongi only hums.

“I heard wind of it, but you have something more concrete?”

“I do. More pieces than usual might be sold, and it looks like the piece from Epiphany will be in there.”

Yoongi’s eyes brighten. “So a direct link to this case.”

Jimin nods and it takes Jungkook a moment to realize. “Oh.” He breathes. “So it shouldn’t be as suspicious if we’re there?”

Yoongi’s smile is warm as he elbows Jungkook lightly. “Exactly.” He turns his gaze back on Jimin. “We’ll have to figure out how to not link the info back to you, but thankfully there were already whispers floating around.” He taps his fingers against his cup, lifting it to take a sip, before speaking once more. “Do you have an exact time?”

“Exact time? Not so much. I just know that it’s in two weeks and there are two possible locations.”

Yoongi nods, lips pressed in a thin line. “That’s a good amount of time to get prepared, though I might have preferred longer.”

“We don’t always get what we want detective.”

Jungkook’s eyes are drawn to the curator at his tone. The edges came off as defeated. Yoongi grasps his hand, squeezing it and rubbing his thumb over his knuckles in reassurance before drawing back.

Jungkook decides to finally eat his cake, avoiding looking at the soulmates any longer. He hears their conversation drift to the files Yoongi brought, Jimin giving what insight he could, but Jungkook remains zoned out and uninterested. Well, more he couldn’t find the energy to be interested enough to deal with the subtle flirting, occasional bickering, and overall fondness that existed in the way Yoongi and Jimin dealt with each other. It would just make his frustration and bitterness worse than it already was, and he was trying to not subject anyone to that more than necessary. It wasn’t their fault they met. It wasn’t them that kept him from his soulmate. They weren’t to blame for the universe’s messed up game. It wasn’t their fault he was a failure. He gripped his fork tighter, forcing himself to put it down. A failure . He was a failure. He had barely done anything for this case and not nearly enough for his soulmate. He squeezes his eyes shut tight, chastising himself. He couldn’t be hopeless. He couldn’t.

Another little fit of laughter had Jungkook biting the inside of his cheek and clenching his fist. He was on the edge again.

“Jungkook?”

He forces himself to look up.

“Are you okay?”

He tenses at Jimin’s concern.

“Is your headache bothering you?” Yoongi’s brows are pinched.

“I’m okay hyung. It’s nothing.” He smiles, but he knows it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He just hopes it doesn’t look like a grimace.

The older man watches him and Jungkook can’t tear his eyes away. It feels like he can read all the ugly thoughts in his mind. They break it up when Jimin clears his throat. Jungkook turns, and Jimin glances at his watch before smiling at them. “I think I should get going.” He stands up, Yoongi and Jungkook quickly following suit. “It was nice meeting up with you both.” Jungkook tries not to roll his eyes. He hardly existed to them. “I’ll let you know if and when I get any specific details on the auction.” He bows to them both. As he steps by Yoongi they clasp hands and squeeze before Jimin is pulling out his phone and walking out the door.

Yoongi sighs, ruffling his hair. “At least that was a productive meeting.”

Jungkook can only nod, worried about the bile rising up his throat.

“Let’s clean up and get out of here.”

“Okay.” Jungkook swallows harshly, forcing his limbs to start working and hoping his mind can shut down soon.

***

Jimin is quick to dial as soon as he is out the door. He had taken a lot longer than he planned too. It was just hard when he’s with Yoongi. It was his soulmate. All he wanted to do was just curl up with him all day and talk. Listen to his deep soothing voice. Jungkook’s face comes to mind and he frowns. What was wrong with that kid today? He’s worried about how tense he had been the whole time. He barely talked. Except for all the questions about Tae. What was that about? And at the end he had looked so sad. The expression had reminded him of the one Taehyung makes when he feels lost over his current situation. The phone clicking as the line is answered pulls him out of it and he starts talking immediately. “I’m so sorry Taetae. I’m finally done here. Where are you at now? Do you want to go somewhere? Or should I come to you?”

Silence.

“Taehyung?”

A choked sob.

The hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. “Taehyung what happened?”

“N-nothing happened.”

“You’re crying, how can nothing-?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it on the phone.”

Jimin struggles to keep the panic out of his tone. “Okay. Okay I-”

“I. I promise Chim. No injuries. No hospitals.”

Jimin forces himself to relax. “Where are you then? Are you home?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Alright.” Jimin picks up the pace, heart pounding. “I’ll be there soon.”

“Please.”

***

The car ride is almost deathly silent as Yoongi takes Jungkook back to his apartment. No one is talking, even though they have a development in the case and a plan to be making in relation to the auction. Yoongi had started talking a little about Jimin and his happiness and then about the case, but he had gone quiet at Jungkook’s complete lack of a response. He probably had a sense of his irritable mood.

Yoongi is likely aware something is up with him, but he’s letting Jungkook stew for now. Jungkook’s on edge, waiting for him to ask and he isn’t sure where he would even start. He’s bottling it all up and he feels like he might explode. Soon.

He’s desperately trying to figure out what to say for the rest of the drive and even as Yoongi follows him up to his apartment. The silent presence is just adding to the mounting tension inside of him and he’s anxious and afraid and angry.

As they stop outside the door, his hand already on the handle and just cracking it open, Yoongi finally speaks.

“Kook, what’s wrong with you today?”

“Hyung, I told you. It’s-”

“Don’t start with that. I think I know you well enough to know if you’re feeling off. Just talk to me.”

Jungkook grips the handle tighter, snorting and opening the door fully. “Sure. Like you’ve noticed the other times.” He doesn’t look back to see the expression on Yoongi’s face. He’s not sure he wants to know. He hears Yoongi grab the door before it shuts and Jungkook lets him follow him in, but he focuses instead on taking off his shoes. Trying to tamp down his anger.

“I don’t understand. What is that supposed to mean?”

“That you haven’t noticed me feeling off before. Why should today be any different?”

He can feel Yoongi’s disbelief as he follows him into the living room.

“Just leave me alone.” He knows his tone is too clipped. Rude. But he feels like he’s drowning.

“No Kook.”

Jungkook tenses at the soft tone. Softer than he expected.

“No, you need to tell me what’s going on. Why are you like this today? Actually, why have you been off for days? You need to talk. Talk to me. Tell me. Because I do notice something is wrong.”

“Then you should already know why.” Jungkook snaps, keeping his back to Yoongi.

“Just because I’m generally good at reading people doesn’t mean I can read their mind.”

“I would have never guessed.”

“Seriously what is wrong with you? You have been zoned out, irritable, and have barely spoken today. Jimin gave us a good lead and you almost completely ignored him-”

Jungkook’s laugh is bitter, and he hears Yoongi stutter to a stop at the sound. He turns back to catch Yoongi’s bewildered expression, before turning his head away.

“Of course. I didn’t acknowledge your soulmate. How poor of me.”

He can see Yoongi bristle out of the corner of his eye. “That isn’t it Jungkook.”

“Isn’t it?” He grabs at his hair. “Isn’t the fact your soulmates the whole problem?” He tugs, feeling the frustration and desperation start to bubble up. Boil over. “Isn’t the fact that I have to watch you find and be happy with your soulmate the whole issue? That you don’t have any problems?”

“Jungkook that’s ridiculous. We have problems. This whole situation-”

“No!” He’s too hot. Too jittery. “That’s not what I mean! Your problems haven’t had too deep of an effect! They haven’t-!” He cuts himself off starting to pace. He catches sight of Yoongi standing there helplessly - lost - but he can’t focus on it. Can only focus on the storm in his chest. “You two can find happiness. You found each other. You found them. They’re okay.” He’s breathing heavier.

“Jungkook. Is this...” Yoongi stares. “You’ll find your own soulmate someday, it’s just a matter of time-”

“I don’t know how much time we have!” He whirls on Yoongi who remains still, but his eyes are wider.

“Well, no one really does but that doesn’t mean-”

“You don’t get it!” He’s almost screaming, words sharply resonating around them. “I’m on more of a clock than anyone! I don’t know how much time we have but there’s still a deadline or I won’t get that happy ending! I don’t even know if I can have a happy ending when I find them!” His breathing is labored, eyes wide and unfocused. “They’re out there and I can’t find them. It’s been five years and I can’t find them. They’re in danger and I. Can’t. Find. Them.” He’s trembling.

Yoongi takes a hesitant step forward. “You’re scaring me a little kid. Please. Sit down.”

He shakes his head, shuffling back a step. “No. No. I can’t find them. What if I completely fail them?” His nails dig into his palms. “No, no, no. I can’t be hopeless. If I turn hopeless it will affect them. Then they. No. I can’t.” His full body is wracked with tremors. “But I’m failing them. I can’t.”

Hands tightly grasp his shoulders, but he’s too stuck in his head. “Oh god. A failure. I’m a failure.” His fingers wrap in his hair, tugging harshly, bordering on painful, but he can’t ground himself. “Even. Fuck. Even if I find them-”

“Jungkook!” He startles as the voice booms in his ears.

His vision sharply comes into focus and Yoongi’s face becomes clear. His hyung looks somewhat shaken, eyes shiny, and he processes that there are tears on his own cheeks. He didn’t know that he had started crying. He takes a shuddery breath, limbs weak.

“Jungkook.” Yoongi searches his face, trailing over tear tracks and blown pupils. “Kid. What is going on with you?”

Jungkook sniffs, swallowing down a defeated chuckle, before rasping out an answer. “A lot, hyung.”

“I can see that.”

Jungkook feels the corners of his lips twitch up involuntarily. Yoongi moves his hands off his shoulders, eyes watching him carefully like he’s some scared animal that might take off at any moment.

He supposes that’s not too far from the truth.

“Calmer?” He asks, voice hesitant.

Jungkook nods. His throat feels raw and his limbs are still weak. He can see the questions swimming in the older man’s eyes but he needs a minute to recover. “I’m going-” He swallows. “I’m going to get something to drink.”

“Do you want me to get it?”

Jungkook shakes his head. “No. No, I need a minute.” He looks him in the eye. “Then I’ll... I’ll answer your questions.”

Yoongi nods, finally taking a step away from him so that he can head into the kitchen. He’s careful as he works, somewhat uncoordinated after the adrenaline high. He shuffles around, slowly piecing his thoughts back together into some semblance of coherency so that he can at least be a little put together when he has to face Yoongi. His throat closes up at the thought of revealing everything to the older man.

He doesn’t want Yoongi to look at him any differently, but he’s sure that it would be almost impossible for him not to now. He just hopes he doesn’t necessarily change the way he acts with him. Especially not with Jimin around him. He didn’t need to ruin another soulmate relationship just because his own was so up in the air.

He turns as the pot whistles, clutching the mug in one hand as he takes a step forward. Anxiety claws threw him and he freezes. “ No. ” His wrist tingles, but it may as well be burning. He drops the glass, scrambling for his sleeve as it smashes on the ground.

“Jungkook?”

He takes in heavy breaths, yanking the sleeve up his arm, the sound of stitching ripping as Yoongi comes around the corner.

“Jungkook? What-?”

Jungkook is near hyperventilating as Yoongi steps next to him, cautiously setting an arm on his bicep.

He chokes on a sob, watching a petal, smaller than the rest but still too big for his fragile state, slowly droop and fall.

He hears Yoongi’s sharp intake of breath. “What the fuck-”

“No.” He trembles. “No, why? Not again. It’s too soon.”

Yoongi kneels with him as he sinks down to the floor, body finally giving out, making sure to guide him away from the broken shards strewn across the ground. He stands to deal with the screaming pot and Jungkook doesn’t hold back anymore as he begins to cry. Violent sobs tearing from his chest, ripping him apart. Yoongi leans into him, offering comfort, and Jungkook is grateful.

It isn’t the comfort of his mother or the comfort he gives himself. It isn’t necessarily even the comfort that he needs. But Yoongi’s hand is a solid weight around his shoulders, and he appreciates it in this moment. Keeping him together. Keeping him from fully falling into despair.

When his cries finally slow to a stop he spills everything, reluctantly, unable to hold back after Yoongi witnessed it himself.

He waits for the pity in his hyung’s gaze.

***

Taehyung sighs, the air rushing out over Jimin’s neck where his face is buried. They’re wrapped up on the couch, cuddling. Have been for an hour. Feeling calmer than before he lets himself think back over the events of the last couple hours.

When Jimin had shown up, Taehyung knew he looked like a nervous wreck. He was. He started talking almost as soon as Jimin had stepped through the door. Started by telling him about the strange anxiety and the need to return to the cafe that he ignored. Jimin had tried to say something about how he could have come back but he had interrupted to tell him that Kang had called. Jimin’s expression had been equal parts concerned and terrified. Kang had finally come to him about Jimin’s involvement with the police. He tried to explain their story to the gang leader, how they were just talking to them about the painting from Epiphany Gallery. That they didn’t know more right now. He thinks Kang is still suspicious, but he had let it go to threaten Taehyung instead. Threaten his soulmate and his mark again if he didn’t have more work ready soon before hanging up with a promise that he would be checking in more often. Which was when Jimin had called.

Already teetering on a thread while they talked, driving further into a helpless state with each word, he had gone rigid when he had looked down and found his soulmate mark looking sickly. It still made his stomach twist to think about it. The overwhelming panic and despair that had coursed through him, driving hopeless wails from his throat. At the time he wasn’t sure what was wrong, just that something was off with his soulmate. He had even feared that his soulmate was dying. Jimin did his best to calm him, but it had been nearly thirty minutes before he had stopped.

He shifts his head, looking down at his wrist where his mark is. The lone pink camellia looks fine now.

“Honestly,” Jimin murmurs into his hair, voice low and soothing. “I couldn’t really see a difference with your mark. Are you...” He can hear how much hesitation is in Jimin’s tone, and he hums to get him to continue. “Are you sure anything was actually wrong? Or were you in such a poor mental state it affected your view of it?”

Taehyung furrows his brows. It’s nothing he had ever really heard of, sure, so he can see Jimin’s hesitation. But he knows what he saw. What he felt. “No, I don’t think so. I may not understand how or what but something was wrong.” He shudders, burrowing his head back into Jimin’s neck. The other doesn’t respond, but Taehyung soon feels fingers threading through his hair. He lets out a deep breath, letting the motion soothe him for a while.

“I told them about the auction...”

Taehyung stiffens, then sighs. He knew it was coming. “Are you sure about this? I know how I feel about Kang’s threats, but he can make real on them with you if he finds out about Yoongi.”

Jimin’s hand stills, dropping onto his shoulder. Taehyung sits up to look at him. His expression is conflicted. They stare at each other, silent, until Jimin finally breaks eye contact. “I know that.” He can see the smaller man’s brows pinch together. “But I trust him.”

“Is it just because he’s your soulmate?”

He shakes his head and chuckles. “I trust the quiet kid with him too.” Taehyung cracks a smile before turning serious

“I want to believe this will work Chim. I really do.” He wraps his arms around himself. “I want out of this if I can.” He stares out at nothing. “If we... If we take care of Kang is it over?”

Jimin sighs, sitting up and rubbing at his forehead. “I honestly don’t know.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “The Sparrows might not be completely over, but Kang’s operation will be. He’s been so paranoid about this that it would be hard to recreate it when he’s no longer a part of the picture.” He turns to look at him. “I mean, take you for example.” He gestures vaguely at his entire body, and he can’t help the questioning tilt of his head. “I mean really Tae, hardly anyone knows about you in the gang from what I’ve gathered, and even less know about how you’re involved. They have no idea who the current artist for the forgeries is. They just know that someone ended up replacing-” He snaps his mouth shut.

Taehyung shakes his head. “It’s okay. I know. The gang members only know that Kang was able to find a replacement who was equally skilled. A replacement for the person his dad had found who died. No one realized he would do it with the son she taught.” The smile he cracks is bitter and sharp and it has Jimin reaching out to take one of his hands. He squeezes the small palm in thanks. “I appreciate what you’re saying, but that won’t help me in the long run.”

“What are you saying? The operation would be done! You would be free of this.” Jimin’s hold is tight.

“We don’t know for sure that I would be safe from other members Jimin. Not to mention the fact I’ve been involved in the crimes themselves.”

“They can excuse that Tae, you know that. If you just help, give some input into the case, you could have immunity. And then Kang could end up behind bars and you would be free. You could even take the chance to actively look for your-”

Taehyung rips his hand from Jimin’s hold. “We don’t know that for sure. I can’t put them in danger Jimin. I cannot give myself any hope about that.”

“It’s not good to be hopeless Taehyung!”

Taehyung stands, rounding on Jimin. “I can’t allow myself hope Jimin! I have managed to not have any hope for years! The one time I let myself hope it-” He chokes. “You were there. You know what happened.”

Jimin’s expression falls. “I’m sorry Taehyung.” He hesitates before placing a feather-light touch on his wrist, the one with his soulmate mark. “I’m sure they wouldn’t want you so sad though. Just like I don’t.”

“You can’t speak for them.” Taehyung’s lip trembles. “I can’t. I want to protect them.”

Jimin stands up, grasping both of his hands. “I understand your thought process Tae but,” He makes sure to hold eye contact this time. “You need to see that there is a chance here. A real one. You have more knowledge than even I do about what’s going on. If you help then this chance could be an actual opportunity for us to leave this life. For you to find happiness with your soulmate like I plan to someday.” He places his hand on his cheek, wiping a stray tear. “Please.”

Taehyung looks at Jimin, thoughts running rampant until he finally tears his gaze away. Could he? Could he let himself hope? He looks across the room, shoulders slumping. “I’ll-” He swallows, looking back at Jimin. “I’ll think about it.” He whispers, and he can see how Jimin’s expression slips. Resigned, but understanding. He ignores the glimmer in his eyes that screams of hope.

Hope has only led to greater despair.

“I’ll take it.”

Taehyung nods, gently removing his hands from Jimin’s hold. “For now, I need to work.” He gestures at the large easel and paints. “You can...” He takes a step back. “You can stay if you want?”

Jimin smiles, hugging him tightly. “I’ll always stay.”

Taehyung allows himself to feel some warmth.

***

Jungkook tells Yoongi everything. About his mark appearing, what a wilting flower means, his decision to forgo a career in the arts to become a police officer, the recent petals that have fallen, his nightmares. He even mentions how the interactions with Jimin had exacerbated some of his feelings. Yoongi had let him spill it all out, quiet and intense, until he was completely done. He had looked at Jungkook for a moment, observing him. Then he had stood up, cleaned up the broken cup, made tea in two new mugs, and maneuvered them both back into the living room and onto the couch.

That had been almost 15 minutes ago, and Jungkook fidgets in the silence. He’s debating on whether or not to open his mouth when Yoongi sighs, breaking the thick atmosphere.

“You said a lot was happening, but that’s a whole other level Kook.”

One side of his mouth twitches up as he snorts.

Yoongi leans his head back before dropping it to make eye contact. “You’re really strong.”

Jungkook’s eyes widen. “What?”

Yoongi presses his lips together, gaze intense. “I knew you were strong. Knew you had good character. But damn kid. After hearing all of that? I have way more respect for you.”

Jungkook’s shoulders lift in embarrassment. “I’m not that special hyung. I’ve told you that before.”

“And I’ve mentioned you need to stop doubting yourself and my belief in you. Not that many people would be able to handle what you have, much less for five years.” Yoongi’s expression falls a little. “I’m sorry I never noticed what was happening. Especially after meeting Jimin.”

“Hyung, it’s okay. I didn’t want you to know. You were happy. I didn’t want to mess with that, even if I could get upset about it. But that isn’t on you. That’s on me.”

“Still, I should have taken a step back. Realized you were going through something or that you were uncomfortable with what was happening.” He rubs at the back of his neck and sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted. On one condition.”

Yoongi raises an eyebrow in question. “And that is?”

“No more sorrys about you and Jimin.”

Yoongi chuckles. “I thought it was my job to say no more sorrys.”

A cheeky grin spreads on Jungkook’s face. “Not tonight.”

“Alright.” Yoongi reaches out and ruffles the younger’s hair. “Just for tonight.”

Jungkook giggles and they fall into a more relaxed silence this time.

Yoongi shifts to set his mug down before turning to face Jungkook more fully. “I’ll help you try and find your soulmate.”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide. “No hyung, you don’t have to! That wasn’t the point of me telling you.”

“I know. But it doesn’t mean I don’t want to help.” He taps his fingers on his thigh. “I’m not sure how much we can divert our attention, but I will start helping now. And once this case is wrapped up I will help you any way I can so that we can help your soulmate.” His face softens. “I want you to experience it too.”

Jungkook can feel tears springing back into his eyes. He rubs his hand across his face. “Hyung...”

Jungkook feels warm. So warm. He smiles, even as a few tears make it down his cheeks. Yoongi smiles back.

***

As Taehyung paints he lets his mind wander. He always enjoyed the act of painting. Of losing himself in the brush strokes and letting his mind flit from thought to thought without restraint.

Tonight though his thoughts are staying in one place, focused on the conversation from earlier as he puts down the base coats.

He understands what Jimin is saying. His arguments are solid. He’s just struggling to get past the fear. The fear of failure. Of failing himself, his friends, and especially his soulmate. His soulmate . His number one priority to keep safe in all of this, even if he could never meet them. If he met them it would just be a real person that Kang could threaten. Even more than he already did. And he didn’t doubt that the gang leader would go after them. He learned from his father how to be cruel, and figured out how to exploit something that most of the world regarded as sacred. Taehyung has wondered if it’s because of the gray blossom on Kang’s wrist, the one he flaunts to show he has no weakness like those he threatens. A chill climbs up Taehyung’s spine. It doesn’t change how messed up he is. Like his father. Like this gang. The ones who forced a young boy to do what they wanted or they would harm his soulmate after they took away his parents. He stills in his motions, eyes screwed shut at the memory of his parents before continuing with his work.

They had been soulmates. Taehyung had looked up to that relationship when he was young. Longed for that happiness between them as his own. His mother was the one that had taught him to paint after he wouldn’t leave her alone at five years old. She had told him he was gifted. He enjoyed painting. Enjoyed spending time with her. As he got older she started to get stressed about painting. Always recreating works from photographs or other paintings. He realized later that she was forging copies, but at the time he had only known painting didn’t make her smile the same. He remembers overhearing them shortly before his 18th birthday about trying to make it out. Something about a change in leadership. He knew about the gang, it was hard not to, but he hadn’t realized how deep they were in it. That his mother’s painting was involved in it.

They had celebrated the holidays together. They had seen his soulmate mark appear, closed and waiting to bloom, and had fussed over him. Then it had all disappeared. Kang has told him that they tried to get out when his soulmate mark appeared. He doesn’t want to believe it, but he knows the man probably wasn’t lying. He knows that they had already discussed it. He remembers his mom and dad leaving for a job. An auction. He was back in college already. He remembers them not coming back.

He called them in as missing. Their bodies were found a couple of weeks later, and shortly after that he had been pulled into a black car and taken to the Sparrows headquarters.

He remembers meeting Kang Minho. Remembers him saying that he was going to help or they would take drastic measures. Taehyung wishes he had taken what those measures were more seriously.

Instead of being reminded two years later when he had allowed hope into his life when his camellia bloomed.

He pauses, brush hovering over the canvas as he looks at the mark on his wrist. Some days he did still wonder about them. What they were like. Who they were. Most of the time he tried to pretend there was no one on the other side of the connection. No person out there with the same mark. It made it easier to bear. To keep hope tamped down and smothered under fear. Except he couldn’t always forget them. Couldn’t help but wonder about them.

He thinks about what Jimin said. Would they not want him to be sad? Would they want him to take this chance? He lets his hand drop. Should he take this chance? The last time had gone so wrong.

Except...

Except that was five years ago and they had more help now. Maybe this was a real opportunity. Maybe he could be happy with his soulmate. Maybe he could...

Maybe he could at least give this a chance, even if he didn’t hold any hope.

“Jimin?”

He hears the other startle on the couch after so long in silence. “Yeah Tae?”

“I think I will.”

A heartbeat. Soft footfalls. Then arms are hugging him from behind. “I’m glad.”

Taehyung nods, clutching one of the small hands on his chest as he resumes painting.

He could at least try.

***

Jungkook waits on the couch as Yoongi brings their mugs back to the kitchen.

“Feeling better?” He sits down, eyes scanning Jungkook’s face.

Jungkook nods. “Yeah.” He takes a deep breath. “Can we talk about the case some? I feel bad about being so out of it today.”

“Are you feeling up to it now?” Yoongi’s expression is full of concern and it makes Jungkook feel good.

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Alright.” Yoongi’s demeanor quickly shifts, becoming professional in just seconds. “You heard Jimin mention about the auction?”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah. He said it should be in about two weeks right?”

“Based on what he’s gathered. It matches some news I’ve gained from my own sources. Which is good because it means leaks are happening outside of Jimin and puts him under less suspicion in the long run.”

“He said it’s between two locations?”

Yoongi nods. “That makes it a little tougher to nail down a plan, but we can start with a basic idea and solidify from there. I’ll be reaching out to see if anyone else might know the location in the meantime. I’m hoping we can find out before the last day.”

“Do you think Kang will be there?”

Yoongi frowns. “No idea. It would definitely be easier if he is, but any evidence will help us. Especially if the Van Gogh painting is actually there. At least we’ll have some solid proof of illegal operations.”

Jungkook hums, tugging at his shirt sleeve. “Do you have any idea who’s doing the forgeries? You mentioned a college student and I remember something about that in one of the files, but that’s it.”

“That college student lead came right around the first slip up five years ago. It was from a university here in Seoul. A talented student who’s artistic style could have matched up. Another student seemed to think he had the painting. Except it was just a reproduction for a class. A damn good one, but still nothing more than an assignment.”

Jungkook scrunches his nose, a thought niggling at the back of his mind. “Is there any way it actually was him?”

“Like I told Jimin, I would never completely discount the idea. Except he would have been doing this for way too long. Like since he was 12 or 13 at least. Even if he was that good it would be quite the feat to pull off forgeries of that caliber at such a young age. This looks like a one-person job. Maybe more than one if they were taught in a similar way.”

“Could he have been taught then?”

Yoongi raises an eyebrow. “I suppose so. Why the line of questioning?”

Jungkook can feel his ears go red. “I’m not sure.” He hunches. “It’s that instinct thing.”

“You plan on looking into it like that file you constantly look at in your desk?”

Jungkook’s face is turning red now.

“I don’t know why you’re interested in some college report from like five years ago. I glanced at the first page.”

Jungkook fiddles with his fingers. “I don’t know.”

“Same college I investigated that kid on though oddly enough.”

Jungkook stills. “R-really?”

Yoongi nods. “Yeah, interesting right?”

Jungkook looks at his lap, eyebrows furrowed. “Very interesting.”

They lapse into silence.

“What happens with Jimin if we do expose Kang?”

Yoongi stiffens and Jungkook immediately regrets the question.

“You don’t need to answer that.”

“No. No. It’s a good question. Honestly? Not too much should happen. He’s aided the investigation so he has a level of immunity. I don’t think he’s been a part of any of the more sinister acts the gang may have committed, which makes it easier to keep him clean and out of the main mess.” He sighs. “Just kind of hope he can live freely after this.”

Jungkook hums. “Is it nice?”

Yoongi looks at him, confused by the topic change. “Is what nice?”

“Being with your soulmate. Is it nice?”

Yoongi smiles. “Yeah... It would be nicer if we could fully be together obviously. But it is nice. Comforting. He’s so bubbly and it makes me happy, even just being able to hold his hand the few times I have.”

Jungkook chuckles and Yoongi smacks his arm. “You asked!”

“I know! I know! It’s just, I told you what daisies meant right? Cheerful and innocent love. That sounds a lot like what you just described.”

Yoongi looks up at the ceiling. “Huh. I suppose it kind of does.” He turns his head to look at Jungkook, expression hesitant.

Jungkook smiles a little. “You can ask me questions.”

“You know a lot about flowers. Why?”

Jungkook leans his head back. “Because I was fascinated by soulmate marks.” He sighs. “I looked up a bunch on the meanings of flowers and memorized as much as I could. I liked figuring out what soulmate marks mean, and seeing if I could make the connection to the relationship. I couldn’t wait for my own mark. Counted down the days to when it would show up. Imagined what might bloom there...” He bites his lip. “I didn’t expect it to go the way it did.”

“I’m not sure anyone would have.”

“I suppose not.”

Yoongi looks at his wrist. “What flower is your mark?”

“A camellia.”

“What does it mean?”

“What?” He looks at Yoongi, startled.

“Camellias. What do they mean?

“It kind of depends on the color actually...”

“Oh? So what does it mean when they’re pink?”

Jungkook hesitates. “Longing. Pink camellias stand for longing.”

Yoongi nods, letting the silence stretch for a beat. “What about other colors?”

Jungkook’s eyes get wider, brows lifting up to his hairline. “For camellias?”

“Yeah.”

Jungkook thinks, dragging out knowledge he hasn’t touched for some time. “Well, camellias as a whole tend to stand for faithfulness and longevity. At least in Korea. Um. White camellias are associated with purity. Red with desire and passion.” He presses his palm to his cheek. “And red and pink together are an expression of romantic love.” He smiles sheepishly. “That’s all I can remember for now.”

Yoongi hums. “I think it makes sense for you.”

“You what?”

“I think it suits you Jungkook. It’s a horrible situation, but considering your dedication and how much you want to find them... It makes sense to me.”

Jungkook’s smile is much larger, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thank you hyung.”

“No problem kid.” He stretches his arms out above him.

Jungkook flushes as his stomach grumbles, covering his ears in embarrassment, and Yoongi laughs.

“You can eat constantly can’t you?”

Jungkook nods, thoroughly mortified.

“How about I make us food and then we can talk some more before you head to bed?”

“That sounds...” He nods, expression soft and chest filled with warmth. “That sounds really nice hyung.”

***

As the car door clicks shut, he can’t help but be still and take a moment to try and absorb everything that had happened.

“Fuck.” Yoongi groans, tipping his head back. “That kid... Seriously?” He’s still having a hard time believing it. Everything that Jungkook told him. He had no idea what he was going through all this time and he feels awful. Rationally he had no way to guess. Sure, he knew something was up. Had seen how Jungkook acted about the subject of soulmates. Noticed how he never showed his own mark. But this? He wasn’t prepared for it. And his heart was heavy at finding out what he had been going through. He wasn’t lying that he had newfound respect. Jungkook was stronger than he had ever known. But he had noticed something was off with Jungkook before. Noticed the odd behavior with his mark, always keeping it covered. And yet he had still flaunted his own newfound soulmate. He felt like a dick for it in all honesty.

He would just have to help Jungkook find his soulmate. Save him from failure. He’s not sure the boy could handle actually failing. It might break him. He’s not sure he could handle seeing it.

His phone ringing drags him out of his thoughts. He softens at seeing Jimin’s name, until he processes the time and becomes concerned.

“Jiminie? You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. No worries hyung. I’m sorry for calling. I should have checked first. Did I wake you up?”

“No. I just left Jungkook’s. Kid was having it rough tonight.”

“How is he? He seemed off today.” Yoongi swears he can hear Jimin pouting over the phone.

“He’s okay now. Why are you calling though?”

“Oh. About that. There’s someone I want to help. That I need you to help.”

“Jimin. I can try, but I can’t promise...”

“He can help with the case.”

Yoongi’s more alert in an instant. "What? Who? Is it okay to get them involved? Can we trust them?"

An airy giggle drifts through the phone. “We can trust them. I trust him completely. He’s important to me.”

Yoongi nods, even if Jimin can’t see him. “Who though? And how?”

“You need to promise to help him.”

“Jimin...”

“He’s my best friend. He works for Kang.”

"Sunshine..."

“He’s the artist behind the forgeries.”

Yoongi stills, heartbeat picking up.

“When can we meet him?”

***

Jimin looks happy as he walks back into Taehyung’s apartment.

“I’m guessing he accepted?”

“Yep!” Jimin jumps onto him on the couch. “He asked when they can meet you and I told him I would let them know what you said.”

“Chim... I.” He fiddles with a thread on Jimin’s shirt. “I really think I can only handle meeting your soulmate right now.”

Jimin pouts. “What? Tae, they’re both working on the case.”

“I-I know. But I’m already pushing past my comfort zone. I think I can only handle meeting Yoongi. And that may only be the one time.”

Jimin sighs. “Fine.” He types out a quick message before dropping his phone on the floor. “I let him know.”

“Thank you.” Tae smiles. “I hope his partner is fine with this.”

“He’ll be okay Taetae. The kid is nice.”

Taehyung nods and Jimin snuggles closer.

“Can I sleep here tonight?”

Taehyung smiles. “Sure.”

Jimin beams. “Alright!”

He runs off to the bedroom and Taehyung chuckles. He hears a vibration and looks down to see Yoongi’s messages appearing on screen, agreeing to meet him alone. Jimin was lucky to have met such a great soulmate.

Taehyung stares at where Jimin disappeared. Would he be so lucky?

Could he let himself hope?

“Where are you? Get in here!”

“Coming!” Taehyung stands, grabbing Jimin’s phone.

One step at a time.

***

It’s only a few days later and Jungkook is sitting alone in Yoongi’s office, looking at some hospital files that Yoongi had suggested he skim to see if he could find any information on his soulmate while the older officer stepped out for a while.

He had expected a shift in his world after revealing the secret of his mark to Yoongi. But not much had changed and, in a way, he was grateful for that. The most noticeable differences were that Yoongi was more attentive about the subject of soulmates, tried not to bombard him about what was happening with Jimin, and had kept his promise of at least starting the search for his soulmate. The day after they had talked, Yoongi told him how Jimin planned on introducing the artist of the forgeries to help with the investigation. Jungkook had nearly jumped on him, firing off a hundred questions, filled with excitement at the development. Unfortunately, he had requested to only meet with Yoongi. Something about only being comfortable with his friend’s soulmate. Jungkook had been disappointed, admittedly pouting, but this was too important to throw a fuss. So he had sent Yoongi off with a smile, and they had made great strides in the case already.

The sound of ringing startles him in the quiet office. He pulls out his phone and draws his brows together in confusion until he realizes his phone isn’t the one ringing. He looks around, trying to pinpoint the sound, only to see that Yoongi left his on the desk. The call cuts out, and he decides to leave it be. He’ll let Yoongi know when he gets back. Then it’s ringing once more. He stands up quickly, crossing the floor to look.

Artist T flashes on the screen, and Jungkook hesitates. Should he answer? Yoongi mentioned not being back for a while and this could be important. He bites his lip before swiftly clicking it on and bringing it to his ear.

“Hello?”

“O-oh. I’m sorry.” Deep. Warm. A voice like honey. Jungkook didn’t expect that. “I must have the wrong number. I’ll just hang up.”

“Wait!” Jungkook struggles to speak. “A-are you looking for Yoongi?”

“I am...”

“Then you have the right number. This is his phone. He’s out right now so I answered for him.”

“Ah.” Some shuffling. “Is this the partner? The quiet kid Jimin mentioned?”

Jungkook makes a strangled noise, embarrassed. “I’m not a kid! I’m 23.”

He hears a snort on the other side of the line and his cheeks flush. “My apologies.”

“It’s okay.” Why did he say that in the first place? Idiot. “I’m Jungkook.” He feels the tension in his body ease as he speaks.

“Nice to meet you Jungkook. Do you know when Yoongi will be back?”

“Not for a while. Don’t know exactly when.”

“I see...”

“Why were you looking for him?”

“Oh. I just. I had some information and wanted to talk.”

“Oh, right. You could tell me?”

“I...”

“Ah, right. Sorry. I can just tell him you called when he gets back?”

“I would appreciate that.”

“Okay. I will.”

The crackle of the phone line is all that’s heard between them.

“Oh, um. I suppose I should hang up?” Jungkook chuckles nervously. He doesn’t know why he’s hesitating. Doesn’t know why the thought of separating from that voice so soon has his stomach in knots.

“Wait. We could... talk some more? If you want? Until Yoongi shows up at least.” The man’s voice is strained like he wants to avoid hanging up as well.

“Sure! We can do that, um...” He pauses. “I don’t know your name actually.”

“Oh.” His voice is quieter. “It’s Taehyung.” Jungkook feels tears stinging the back of his eyes and he doesn’t understand as a wide smile stretches across his face.

“Taehyung. That’s a nice name.”

“Thank you Jungkook”

“Now, what should we talk about?”

***

It’s easy. So easy and warm to talk to him. Taehyung isn’t sure he’s even had this with Jimin. The sheer, overwhelming comfort. He could listen to Jungkook forever. This was supposed to be a quick phone call to update the other officer, but he’s almost glad Yoongi left his phone behind. He almost regrets not meeting Jungkook when he met Yoongi. Jimin’s soulmate had been nice. Even if they had butted heads briefly, they had quickly resolved it. He wonders what the younger man would have said. Wonders what he looks like. Is he tall? Short? What color was his hair? His eyes? Scratch that. He definitely regrets it. They’ve only been talking on the phone, but he can’t stop thinking about him. Sure they were going on two hours so he had learned a lot about the younger man. But still. He barely knew the guy in the grand scheme of things.

But he wanted to know more. Almost needed to.

“You still there?”

“O-oh, yeah. Sorry.”

“Am I boring you that much?” He wonders if he’s imagining the hurt tone.

“No! No. I’ve really been enjoying this. I promise. I’m just a little tired.” Not entirely a lie, but he just doesn’t want the other to be upset with him. And he can’t tell him that he was so busy daydreaming about him, while still on the phone, that he had missed out on what he said.

“Ah. You should get some rest then.”

“I can’t.”

“Oh right, you haven’t talked to Yoongi yet!”

I can’t because I want to keep talking to you. “Right.”

“He should be back soon. But maybe you should just call him another time. Take a nap for now?”

Taehyung feels panic. “B-but I’m having a good time talking with you.”

He blushes at the other’s giggle. “I am too, but I should probably get back to work myself.”

“Oh...” He can’t keep the disappointment out of his tone.

“I could... I could give you my number? And we could talk there?”

Taehyung’s smile is wide. “Yeah. I would like that.”

“Alright.” Jungkook rattles off his number and Taehyung writes it down, repeating it to be absolutely sure before shooting off a message.

“Got it!”

Taehyung just can’t stop smiling. “Good. Then...” He sighs. “Then I guess it’s time we hang up, right?”

“Yeah...”

“Don’t be sad. You’ll be hearing from me again.

“I better.” He laughs at the obvious pout in his tone.

“Alright you baby. Go back to work."

“I’m not a baby.” It’s grumbled and it only makes Taehyung laugh harder. “I’ll get off though.”

“Okay. Can’t wait to hear from you again.”

“I can’t wait to hear from you too. Goodbye, hyung.”

Taehyung’s heart flutters. “Goodbye.”

Once they finally hang up, which was really a struggle, Taehyung is left sitting on his couch and staring at nothing. He feels sad now that he can’t hear the other’s voice, but the thought of him makes him smile. He groans, kicking out his feet and flopping onto his back. “Get yourself together Taehyung. You’ve only talked to him once.”

And yet it felt like they’ve known each other all their life.

He shakes his head. “Okay. Time to do something else.” He stands, brushing off invisible dust.

He still couldn’t keep himself from smiling.

***

Jungkook leans back, unable to wipe the wide grin from his face. That had just been so nice. It had felt so comfortable to talk to Taehyung. His voice. His personality. It all interested him. Every detail. He just wanted to know more and more, and he could only hope he would have the opportunity. He really wishes that he had been able to go with Yoongi to meet him. He had only seen him from the back, at the cafe when they met Jimin, but he wonders what his face looks like. What kind of face matched up with that heavenly voice? He contemplates asking for a picture right away, curiosity burning inside of him.

“What’s gotten into you?”

Jungkook startles, turning to see Yoongi shutting the door. He curls in on himself in embarrassment. “O-oh. Taehyung called.”

Yoongi’s eyes widen. “What?”

Jungkook realizes how that sounds and shrinks into the couch further. “You left your phone. It was ringing and I was worried it might be important, so I answered. It was Taehyung. He had something to tell you, but he wanted to wait until you were back. We. We ended up talking and it was really nice.” Jungkook’s features relax as he smiles again.

Yoongi lifts one eyebrow. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll have to get back to him. Did you plan on heading home soon?”

Jungkook looks at the time and his mouth pops into an “o”. “I did plan on heading home earlier tonight...”

“Well, you’re free to stay for a bit if you want. I’m going to check back with Taehyung later.” Jungkook feels giddy at hearing the other man’s name. He looks down and sighs. “I actually need to finish up some of this, plus one other assignment I’m helping with.” He starts gathering up the materials. “I’ll talk to you later hyung.”

“Okay. See you later Kook. I’ll let you know once I talk to Taehyung.”

Jungkook nods and walks out, a smile on his face. He feels good. Really good.

He doesn’t make it 15 minutes before he’s texting Taehyung, work pushed to the side.

***

One week. It’s only been one week. Taehyung has smiled more in the last week than he has in years.

And it’s all because of Jungkook.

They’ve been texting almost constantly, and they talk on the phone at least once a day. The younger is funny, sweet, passionate, silly. He’s amazing and he makes Taehyung just so happy.

Taehyung feels lighter talking to Jungkook. Better. Just a little less hopeless all the time.

Which scares him.

He’s not supposed to be letting himself hope. Not supposed to be letting himself think that this can all work out. But Jungkook makes it so damn hard to not see the world in a brighter light.

To not think that it’s okay to dream and hope and be happy.

He looks at the contact photo Jungkook sent. Dark hair and big doe eyes that look like they hold galaxies. He clicks his phone off, groaning. He’ll admit that he’s whipped, and he still hasn’t even met the guy in person. He looks down at his wrist, tracing a finger over the camellia bloom. What decorates Jungkook’s wrist? What is his mark? What would it be like if Jungkook was his soulmate?

He pinches himself. Not a good train of thought. At all.

It would be too good to be true for Jungkook to be his soulmate anyway. He’s just so perfect. Jungkook is probably waiting for his soulmate too. He seems a romantic type like that. Bright, beautiful, lovely Jungkookie. And it’s not like he could be with him. Not unless he was out of this whole mess. Not unless he was free of the gang. But he finds it hard to not daydream. To not daydream about being able to be with someone like Jungkook. His heart flutters, and sinks. No. Not someone like Jungkook.

Just Jungkook.

Only Jungkook. 

His phone vibrating brings him back to reality. And in no time he’s smiling. Wide and boxy and bright.

Maybe, just maybe, he can let himself enjoy this. Whatever this is with Jungkook.

***

Jungkook can’t stop fidgeting. Too wired. Too anxious.

“Calm down kid.”

He almost hurts his neck with how fast he turns to look at Yoongi. “This is a big deal! I can’t calm down.”

“Yeah. I know. But you should probably try to. You need your head on straight. Maybe at least try to fidget less?”

“I’ll try to hyung.” He takes a deep breath, butterflies wreaking havoc in his stomach.

Tonight was the auction.

Taehyung had relayed the time and location a week ago and they had set out to finalize a plan immediately. In the end, they had made the decision that he and Yoongi would be attending with a team on standby. Jimin was not invited to the event this time, likely because of his known “cooperation” with the police. He had kicked up a small fuss from what Yoongi’s told him, but the man was smart enough to not push the issue. However, Taehyung was required to attend and would be meeting them inside at some point. Taehyung. He feels jittery for a new reason. In the nearly two weeks they’ve been talking he’s grown quite attached to the older man. They talked at almost every opportunity. Yoongi had complained that Jungkook was almost as bad with Taehyung as he was with Jimin. A comment which had definitely left Jungkook flustered, and a little uneasy. Jimin was Yoongi’s soulmate, and Taehyung was... well, he was Taehyung. Smart, funny, beautiful Taehyung. He had blushed so much when he had finally gotten that selca. Dark hair, sharp eyes, strong brows. The man was stunning, and his personality just made him so much more amazing.

And Jungkook should probably admit he has a crush. Except Taehyung wasn’t his soulmate. The soulmate he was still trying to find. He couldn’t be. That would almost be too perfect.

But he kind of wishes he was.

He tugs on his ears in embarrassment. He needs to get back on track. He turns to Yoongi, who is readjusting his tie. He fiddles with the knot on his own.

By attending the auction as guests they could try and get an eye on what was there and confirm the situation with security before calling in any backup. There shouldn’t be many people that could recognize who they were, so as long as they kept a low profile it should be fine. Taehyung had told them that Kang wasn’t planning to attend either. It was disappointing for sure, but his absence would hopefully make the operation smoother in the long run.

He tugs at the end of his sleeve. The suit was still a little uncomfortable. He was used to looser fitting clothes. His thoughts drift back to Taehyung. What was he wearing tonight? He only knew what color the older’s hair was. Would that be enough?

“Why the emo fit by the way?”

Jungkook looks down at his all-black attire. Maybe he could have gone with a more traditional white shirt, but he was more comfortable like this. He fiddles with one of his long earrings as he looks back up at Yoongi, shrugging. “I was just more comfortable like this.” He gestures at him. “Why did you go with that?”

Yoongi looks at his own black suit. He’s wearing a white dress shirt and a black tie. “It’s classic?” He looks back up at Kook, rolling his eyes at the teasing smile on the younger’s face. “You weren’t serious. Got it.”

“Sorry hyung.”

“At least you’re more relaxed now.”

Jungkook sighs. “Yeah. A bit.”

Yoongi pats his shoulder, squeezing once in reassurance. “Ready?”

Jungkook nods, standing straighter. “As I’ll ever be.”

***

Taehyung shifts his weight onto his heels, restless. It’s the auction, and everything could change with that, but right now that isn’t what he’s focusing on. Rather it’s the fact that Jungkook will finally be in the same place as him. Sue him if he's acting like a ditzy teenager at 25, but he can’t help it. He’s giddy and flustered and nervous. He should be taking the situation he’s in seriously, but as it has been for the last two weeks, he has a hard time focusing on much outside of the way Jungkook makes him feel.

Would he be as comfortable with the younger man as he was over the phone? What would Jungkook’s laugh be like when not filtered through a speaker? He adjusts his cuffs, even if it was unnecessary. He wanted to look his best. His phone vibrating in his pocket has him scrambling, nearly dropping it in excitement. They’ll be coming into the building soon. The butterflies in his stomach take wing, but reality starts to press down, crushing them before they grow too great.

He needs to take a last look that everything is in place. He’s going to try and make sure as much evidence as possible is available when they raid the building. He wants to make sure that, even if Kang isn’t going to come, it will be hard to not shut down the operation. He’s glad the leader isn’t here tonight. Kang always made his skin crawl when he had to deal with him in person. He was unhinged under his mask of superiority and indifference, which was a dangerous combination more often than not, and it could make him unpredictable. Not to mention he would have surely recognized Yoongi and Jungkook, and that would put this entire operation at risk. He shakes off the thought as he makes his way to the room where the auction items are held. Gang members are guarding further down the hallway. He unlocks as many cases as he can, and does an inventory of what’s there. He had gone through them once already but he’s still amazed at how much is here. Kang really was trying to get rid of more than usual. Was he afraid because of how close the investigation into him had gotten with Jimin’s stunt at Epinany Gallery?

Taehyung sighs as he thinks about Jimin. Not having his friend here to calm him was doing a number on his nerves. He heads back out, making sure to keep a low profile as he makes his way back to the main hall.

The auction would begin soon enough. He hears a text notification, pulling out his phone to see it’s from Jungkook. They’re here now. He smiles, picking up his pace and putting away his phone. He’s not going to answer. He wants to find the younger in person. He’s not sure he can wait anymore. He takes a long way to avoid more people. He can hear them calling attention on the stage. The auction must be about to start. He steps into the hall, biting his lip and trying to catch sight of Jungkook. His phone goes off and he furrows his eyes at the ringing. Why were they calling? He steps away and pulls it out. The name on the screen has his steps faltering.

He answers with shaking fingers. “Hello.” He struggles to keep his voice calm.

Why was Kang calling him now?

***

Jungkook shoves his apprehension down, looking over the crowd of fancily dressed people sipping champagne at small tables. They had gotten in easily enough, passing off invitations with fake names and slipping inside without anyone raising alarm. They chose to settle in close to the wall, out of the throng so they could keep a better eye on their surroundings. He tries to be happy about the smooth progress, but it was hard to not let himself be wound up by the ease.

He pulls out his phone, sending a quick text to Taehyung, eyes scanning the crowd to see if he can catch sight of him.

“Settle down.”

Jungkook turns at the rough voice of the detective, pouting. “I’m just trying to see where he is.”

“I know, but you’re going to draw too much attention swiveling your head like that all the time. We don’t need anyone paying attention long enough for us to get recognized.”

Jungkook’s shoulders slump. “Sorry.” He murmurs, fiddling with his shirt sleeve.

“It’s fine. Just. Try and be more relaxed?”

Jungkook nods, forcing himself to loosen his muscles and lean against the wall.

“I’m going to take a look around. Stay here. Keep an eye out. Preferably with less obvious head-turning.”

Jungkook pushes at his shoulder. “Just go.”

“Contact me if anything goes wrong.”

Jungkook nods and Yoongi leaves him alone.

The first text update from Yoongi has him on edge, but it’s just some pictures of what appears to be storage. He wonders if it’s the paintings being sold and another set of pictures soon confirms that. He goes to his messages with Taehyung and frowns. He hasn’t heard anything from the other man and he’s concerned.

His phone rings and he’s quick to answer.

“Hyung?”

“I stayed too long back here.” It’s whispered into the receiver and Jungkook feels his heart rate spike.

“Are you okay? Should I-?”

“I’m fine. I’m hiding back here. Hold off on calling anyone in for now.”

Jungkook notices the lights dimming and a stage being illuminated. “I think it’s starting. What am I supposed to do?”

“Stay put. Watch the auction. If the painting is displayed call it in, unless it’s too risky. Having it auctioned is a golden opportunity.”

“Okay hyung.” Someone tries to call the group to attention. “I need to go.”

“Wait.”

“What? It’s starting.”

“Try and get in contact with Taehyung again. Warn him of what’s coming so we can keep him out of some of this.”

“I’ll try hyung.” His eyes scan the room once more as he hangs up. He sees a familiar head of hair just off the stage and immediately perks up. Taehyung. He goes to make a move after him when a painting being unveiled draws his attention away, the crowd shuffles and he loses sight of him. He bites his lip, choosing to settle back into his position. He needed to keep an eye on the stage until Yoongi could get back here. So, he sends one last text to Taehyung before pocketing his phone and focusing on the auction.

***

Taehyung can’t stop trembling, even though he’s willing himself to stop. He’s staring off into the distance, mind frantic. Kang is coming. He’s almost here. He sounded so angry on the phone. This is bad. So bad. He so rarely has to deal with him in person. What if he finds them. Jungkook. He has to warn him! He struggles to type, sending a text as quick as he can. He stares at the screen. Why isn’t he reading it? A loud voice, one amplified by a microphone, reaches him and he groans. The auction. Right. He tries to call, but it doesn’t go through. Why?

He swivels his head around. What should he do? He knows that Jungkook is supposed to be in the hall, but can he find him there? He looks at his phone and sees the last message they sent. The raid. They’re waiting until the painting is supposed to be on stage if they can. He sends a text to find him behind the stage when he can.

He takes a deep breath. He needs to calm down. Kang needs to be caught here. He wants to throw up. He will need to make sure Kang stays.

The minutes are long. Agonizing. Taehyung wishes Jimin was here. He wishes Jungkook was next to him. He looks at his phone again. He wishes he could at least hear his voice.

He stiffens as someone places a hand on his shoulder. As soon as they tighten the grip he knows who it is and he feels sick. He turns and is face to face with Kang. His eyes shine dangerously, jaw clenched.

“Do you want to guess who I just saw is here?”

Taehyung can’t help but start trembling again, phone shaking in his hands.

“Guess!”

He flinches. “I-I don’t know.”

“Oh I’m sure you do. Because it’s one of the fucking officers your friend has been in contact with, and I’m sure his partner is around here somewhere! Did you know about this?”

He’s digging painfully into his shoulder now. “I-I.” He’s struggling to swallow.

“Did you?!”

“N-no.” His phone vibrates and Taehyung’s face goes pale. Kang looks down, ripping it from his hold.

His expression becomes darker and Taehyung knows. It was Jungkook. And he said something that confirmed Kang’s suspicions. “Open it!” His voice is violent. He wants to refuse. The phone is nearly shoved in his face and he wants to cry. Doing as he’s told. Kang steps further into his space as the conversation is opened.

Kang is here?! Please stay out of his way!

At least we can catch him in the raid if he’s in the building. Stay safe!

Without thinking he types a message before Kang processes what is happening. SOS.

His phone is skittering across the floor in an instant, the screen cracking. Kang grabs onto his wrist, fingers digging in painfully by his soulmate mark and his fear spikes to the point it’s near debilitating.

“How fucking dare you.” Kang shoves him into the wall and he’s petrified. The mask is gone. His mask is gone. Kang’s tether of sanity. “You betrayed me? After everything? After all my warnings?” He almost growls the words. “That was a mistake. After almost getting us all caught five years ago you pulled this shit? If it hadn’t been for that assignment bullshit we would have never gotten past it. You even went and had someone file a report that someone was under threat! Thankfully you kept your goddamn mouth shut then and they didn’t figure it out. But now?” He’s pulling out a knife and Taehyung is terrified, struggling in his hold. Kang hits him in the temple. His head lolls sideways and he feels dizzy. The sound of fabric ripping has him looking at where Kang has sliced his suit to completely reveal his soulmate mark. Panic starts to seize his limbs. “Maybe now you’ll understand that a warning is a warning.” He presses the knife to his throat when Taehyung tries to move, drawing blood. Taehyung hisses in pain before he stills, breathing in rapid, shallow spurts. It’s starting to settle in just how unhinged Kang might be. Kang moves the blade away to hover over his wrist. “What should I do? Cut the mark itself? Scar around it?” He taps the blade against his skin. “Maybe I should just kill you for all of this. This operation is done for anyone. Then your soulmate’s flower will die. Fitting punishment, yes?”

Taehyung’s afraid, but at the thought of his soulmate, of them suffering, he starts to cry. “Don’t. Please.”

“Why should you care? They haven’t found you at this point. They probably don't care.”

“N-no.” Taehyung hates that he believes him for a moment. “You’re wrong.”

“Don’t lie to yourself. They don’t care.”

“I. They do, I’m sure-”

“Shut up.” Kang bares his teeth, moving the knife. “Just shut up! You deserve this.”

“Don’t!” Taehyung shoves at his hand, blinded by fear and adrenaline. He can’t let that happen. He can’t. He can’t. He can’t.

Another blow to his temple has him stumbling and they crash to the ground, the knife bouncing out of reach. He hears loud cries and shouts in the distance. The raid. It’s started. “You-!” Kang wraps his hands on his throat, pinning him down on the floor. “This is all your fucking fault!”

Taehyung grasps at Kang’s hands uselessly. His vision starts to tunnel and he can feel his panic grow, even as his mind gets fuzzy. Is this it? Kang is going to kill him. He’s still screaming above him. Kang is going to kill him and his soulmate is going to suffer. Tears gather in his eyes, from lack of oxygen and from the pain in his heart. The thought that he never got to meet Jungkook passes through his mind.

He blinks and it sounds like someone else is yelling, voice distant. Then Kang is being ripped off of him and two bodies thud to the ground. He gasps, coughing violently. He struggles to get his breathing regulated, hacking every time he takes in too much. He tries to get his mind in order as the scuffle continues near him. He turns his head just in time to see Kang get knocked out, knife falling from his hand. When did he get that? His face is bruised, nose broken and bleeding. Taehyung feels satisfaction at that. His limbs start to feel heavy as he looks at who’s on top of him. His brows furrow as he catches the sight of blood on their face. A cut? His mind is sluggish, only registers the anger on their face. The grim relief that seems to shine in their eyes.

“Who-?” He croaks, vision swimming.

“Taehyung-!”

He smiles, he knows that voice.

“Jungkook.”

He thinks the boy might say his name again, but everything fades to black.

***

Jungkook feels restless the longer the auction runs. He can tell they’re getting close to the painting they need in the way the presenter on stage is talking. Yoongi finally made it back, and having his presence has soothed him, but they weren’t able to talk. Not now.

His skin crawls with anxiety as the announcer makes some comment that an amazing piece by a famous artist will be up in just a few short minutes, and Jungkook is just happy that they’re so close now.

He finally takes the chance to pull out his phone, relieved as he sees that Taehyung texted him. Until he reads the actual messages. He taps Yoongi’s shoulder. “Hyung.”

Yoongi turns his head and Jungkook shows him the phone. He presses his lips into a line, looking at the stage. “That can still work out for us. Tell him to be careful.”

Jungkook is already sending a text when Yoongi answers. It’s read almost right away and he’s happy that Taehyung seems to be back on his phone. He turns to say so to Yoongi when his phone vibrating distracts him. He looks down and dread floods his system.

SOS

“Yoongi.” His throat constricts the words, making the sound pitch.

“What?”

He shoves the phone in Yoongi’s face.

“Go.”

Jungkook doesn’t wait for more. He takes off, shoving through groups of people as he heads in the direction he remembers seeing Taehyung. On stage they’re revealing the Van Gogh painting. Yoongi will be calling in the raid. He needs to move. Find Taehyung.

Once through the door it’s quieter. The halls are mostly empty. It looks like they didn’t care so much about security within the venue itself. Jungkook can feel his lungs heaving in fear.

Where is Taehyung? How can he find him?

He hears distant shouting. He spins, running down one of the hallways. He feels his soulmate mark tingle, but he assumes that’s just the fear he has for Taehyung. He doesn’t have time to check.

The voices grow louder. A thud. A voice full of anger screaming. Shouts echo back from the main hall. The raid must be in full swing.

He rounds the corner and his vision goes red. Taehyung is pinned to the floor. A man is choking him. Kang is choking Taehyung, whose movements are jerky and weak.

“Taehyung!”

He starts running again.

“Get off of him now!”

The guy turns his head just before Jungkook tackles him to the ground.

He can hear Taehyung struggling for air and all Jungkook feels is rage.

He punches hard enough to crack Kang’s nose and it feels good, but it’s not enough. The man punches back, but Jungkook avoids most of them as they roll on the floor. His vision is focused on making this man pay. Kang flails around, grasping the handle of a knife, swinging wildly and managing to cut his cheekbone. Jungkook grunts, slamming his fist into his face once more, snapping it back into the tile. The knife clatters to the ground and Kang is unconscious. He feels a grim sense of satisfaction from it, even as it feels like it isn’t enough.

“Who-?”

He almost breaks his neck to look, relief flooding through his system.

“Taehyung-!” He smiles.

He sees him smile back, but something is off. “Jungkook.” His voice is weak.

His eyes flutter shut and Jungkook lurches forward, heart in his throat. “Taehyung?!” He grabs his shoulder, shaking him. “Taehyung!” No response.

He hears thudding boots, looking up to see officers rounding the corner. “I need a paramedic!” His voice cracks with distress.

Someone breaks from the group, pushing him aside. Relaying the injuries of both parties.

They ask what happened and Jungkook explains in a daze, watching as they handle Taehyung and arrest Kang around him as if he isn’t in his own body. A hand on his shoulder yanks him up.

“Jungkook.”

He turns to look, finding Yoongi in front of him.

“He’s going to be fine. They’re taking him to the hospital.”

Jungkook nods, swallowing harshly. “Kang.” He clenches his teeth, the name bitter in his mouth. “He was choking him. Had a knife.”

He can see his own anger and concern reflected in Yoongi’s eyes. “We’re going to make sure that asshole ends up behind bars. But you got here in time. He’ll be okay.”

Jungkook looks after where they’ve taken Taehyung. He’s restless at the separation, a hole in his chest clawing around his heart. Yoongi squeezes his shoulder to get his attention back.

“I’ll finish up here. You go with them.” He ruffles his hair affectionately. “And I’m not sure you’ll be too much help if you’re worrying about him.”

Jungkook gives a weak smile. “Thanks hyung.”

“I’ll let Jimin know in the meantime. Be on the lookout for him.”

Jungkook chuckles lightly, nodding once, before finally taking off after Taehyung.

***

Too bright. Too loud. That’s what Taehyung notices, eyes burning even while they’re still closed. He can’t get his eyes to open, mind not wanting to take the final step into reality.

Taehyung pushes against the fog, trying to remember what’s going on.

Anxiety trickles into his system and he’s gasping for air, bolting upright. Eyes unfocused as he remembers Kang choking him, threatening him. He hears a high pitched repetition in time with his heart and his panic spirals upward, unable to process the extra stimuli. Where was Kang? Did he get away? Was he coming back for him?

He can’t take air in fast enough. It’s leaving him too soon. No matter how quickly he drags it in, it's gone too soon. Hands on his throat. There are hands on his throat.

Voices. Someone touching his arm. He starts thrashing. He’s being pinned. He needed to breathe. Needed to breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Someone’s calling his name. He freezes frantically trying to find that voice. Safe. It’s safe. His eyes lock with big brown doe eyes, wide and fearful as they watch him. He feels pain in his arm, but he can’t look away.

Even as he drifts into darkness he can’t look away.

***

Jungkook fidgets on a chair outside of Taehyung’s hospital room, head hanging down and tracing the pattern of the tile. They had tended to the cut on his cheek when he had arrived frantically asking about Taehyung. He had been told to wait outside and his heart beat irregularly in his chest as he was forced to wait. Even though he had been assured that Taehyung was fine, no internal injuries or major physical injuries, he was anxious to be in the room. To be able to see that Taehyung was alright with his own eyes. He stands up, unable to sit any longer, and starting to pace away from the room. He makes it to the end of the hallway, doubling back. His emotions are still haywire. It felt like his anxiety was crawling up his throat, squeezing tight. His mark itches, tingles.

“His vitals are spiking!”

Jungkook’s heart takes off, straining his neck when he picks his head up to look as nurses rush past. He freezes as they enter Taehyung’s room. He stumbles as he starts to run. The frantic beeping of monitors reaches his ears as he makes it to the door. They’re holding Taehyung as he desperately fights all of them. Fear clogs his throat, making it difficult to speak.

“Taehyung!”

The older man freezes, looking around in distress before making eye contact. Jungkook can see someone inject something into his arm out of the corner of his eye, but he refuses to look away. Watches as Taehyung slumps and he’s laid back in the bed. He’s still struggling to breathe.

“W-what happened?”

One of the nurses turns to approach him. “It seems like he woke up in a panic. Likely still experiencing trauma from earlier. He’s sedated now, but hopefully next time he wakes up calmer.” She tries to guide him out of the room, but he refuses to budge. His eyes stay on Taehyung.

“Please. Let me stay?” He whispers it.

The nurse hesitates, the other staff filing past them. She looks between him and Taehyung's face scrunched in confusion before she sighs. “Fine. Let us know if anything else happens.”

Jungkook nods already striding over. He drags a chair next to the bed as the nurse shuts the door. He sits down, unable to tear his gaze away from Taehyung. He reaches a hand out, stopping abruptly and drawing back before twisting his fingers together.

He finally had the chance to look at Taehyung closely. He truly was even more stunning in person. Even roughed up from the night’s events. He lets his eyes trace over his features, heart calm for the first time tonight. For the first time in awhile. He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Please get better soon hyungie.” He rests his elbow on the armrest, laying his chin in his palm. He planned to keep watch for as long as he could.

Hours later and the adrenaline crash catches up to him, eyes dropping as he continues to look at Taehyung. He doesn’t understand why now, but he feels the most content he has in a long time. Perhaps it was just the effect of Taehyung. As he drifts off he feels a pleasant warmth in his wrist, making him smile as he finally falls asleep.

***

Taehyung’s eyes flutter open slowly. He feels sluggish. He turns his head at the sound of soft rustling to see someone standing at his bedside.

“Jimin?” He croaks, throat raw.

Jimin stops with the flowers he has on the stand, whirling on him with wide eyes. “Taehyung!” He throws himself on his chest, hugging him tight. “You’re finally awake!”

Taehyung pats Jimin's hair, trying to sort out his thoughts. “How long have I been out?”

Jimin pulls back, eyes shiny. “A little over 24 hours.”

He sits up straighter. “What?” He furrows his brows, thinking. He tenses as memories filter back in, he trembles slightly. “What... what happened to Kang?”

Jimin’s smile is predatory. “Already charged and being dealt with.”

Taehyung just stares. “He’s... not free?”

Jimin shakes his head. “Nope. Enough incriminating evidence against him. Plus it helps that Jungkook knocked him out. Kept him from running off.”

Taehyung’s heart does a flip. “Where is he?”

Jimin chuckles, smirking and poking at his side. “He had to go take care of some stuff. Yoongi had to basically drag him out of here because he wouldn’t leave your side.”

Taehyung blushes. “He stayed here?”

Jimin nods. “Yup. Even through the night. Wouldn’t leave you alone after they let him in here.”

Taehyung feels a smile tug at the corner of his mouth.

Jimin’s expression goes soft. “Taehyungie. Kang is no longer a threat.”

Taehyung blinks slowly, trying to process. “No longer a threat?”

Jimin shakes his head. “Shouldn’t be according to Yoongi. Actually a lot of the gang involved in the forgery scheme has been arrested and charged.”

Taehyung can’t process the words. “But. I can’t...”

Jimin squeezes his hand. “Take your time Tae. I just wanted you to know.”

Taehyung feels the first seed of hope planted in his heart.

Jimin giggles. “Maybe in the interim you can date Jungkook.~”

“Jimin! That’s. I don’t-!” Taehyung turns scarlet, stumbling over his words and smacking Jimin’s shoulder. He just laughs, squishing Taehyung’s face.

“Oh come on. I recognize a crush, even if I think it is my little winter bear’s first.”

“Jimin.” Taehyung whines, lips pressed into a pout. Which just makes Jimin coo at him more, making sure to overly exaggerate the noise until Taehyung’s laughing.

“Should I come back later?”

Taehyung looks toward the door, shrinking as another wave of embarrassment rolls over him. Jungkook is there, hands tucked into jeans with a loose button up. The younger is even more attractive in person and Taehyung feels a little breathless. The younger smiles and Taehyung’s heart skips a beat.

Unfortunately, he’s still attached to a monitor that loudly beeps the irregular step. Jungkook’s face falls. “Are you doing okay?”

Jimin sniggers as Taehyung frantically nods. “I’m fine Kookie! I just. I was startled.” He bites his lip. “I didn’t hear the door open.”

Jungkook nods, stepping closer. He smiles again and Taehyung works to keep his heart under control. Stupid smile making him look adorable. Like a bunny.

“Did you get whatever you needed to do wrapped up?” Jimin asks next to him, and Taehyung is grateful for the breath he can take once Jungkook’s eyes are off him. Except he kind of wants them back on him immediately.

Jungkook nods. “Yeah. Shouldn’t need me for a bit.” He jerks his head toward the door. “Yoongi might still be here actually.”

Jimin lights up. “I’ll go see him before I go! I was about to head out anyway.” He kisses Taehyung’s forehead. “I’ll see you later!” He waves to them both as he walks out the door.

Taehyung turns his attention back to Jungkook whose eyes are already on him. He feels a faint blush crawl across his cheeks.

The younger scratches at his neck. “How are you feeling now?”

Taehyung softens at the worried tone. “I’m better now. Thank you for asking.”

Jungkook nods. “It sounds like you only need to stay another day so they can be sure about head trauma, but otherwise you’re okay.” He scuffs the toe of his boot on the floor.

Taehyung hums. “That’s good then.” He smiles at Jungkook, who’s ears start to turn red. Cute.

“Y-yeah.” He shuffles closer, eyes tracing his face. “You look better at least.” He sighs, twisting his fingers. “I got really scared when I saw you with... with Kang.” Taehyung watches Jungkook’s jaw tick when speaking the man’s name. “I feel bad for not getting there sooner.”

“Jungkook...” Taehyung wants to reach out for him, but stops. “You got there. That’s what really matters. I’m okay now. Thanks to you.”

Jungkook nods slowly, eyes shiny with tears. Taehyung holds his breath. They really did look like they held stars. Jungkook smiles, chuckling a little. “I’ll try and remember that hyungie.”

Taehyung just smiles wider.

Jungkook shuffles, eyes darting away for a moment, before coming back. “It’s nice to officially meet you in person.”

Taehyung laughs. “It is.” His eyes crinkle, smile turning box shaped. He reaches a hand out and Jungkook takes a step forward.

“Oh. You’re back.”

Jungkook’s steps falter as a nurse comes into the room. “Yeah. I’m back.” He shuffles aside as she comes to check on Taehyung.

An awkward silence follows, and Taehyung tries to smile reassuringly at Jungkook.

“Everything looks great honestly.” The nurse smiles as she straightens. “You should actually be able to leave later today.”

“Oh? That’s great!” Jungkook perks up.

The nurse chuckles. “It is.” She turns to Jungkook wagging a finger at him. “Just take it easy on your boyfriend.”

Taehyung turns red. Jungkook is floundering, face flaming as the nurse cackles and leaves the room.

They shyly avoid each other’s gaze.

Taehyung would admit that the thought of being with Jungkook made his heart flutter. Except. His shoulders slump. He doesn’t know if Jungkook is waiting for his soulmate. If he won’t consider anyone outside of that. It wasn’t common practice to date outside of a romantic soulmate relationship, even if some were okay with it. Taehyung twisted the sheets in his fingers.

Jungkook clears his throat. “I’m guessing she got that idea because I wouldn’t really leave your side.

Taehyung looks at him through his lashes. “Jimin mentioned that to me.”

“He did?”

Taehyung nods. “I really appreciate it Jungkook. I was happy to hear that.”

The bunny grin is back on the other boy’s face. “I’m glad. I was worried I might come off as creepy.”

“I probably would let you get away with anything.” Taehyung stiffens. Did he really just say that?

Jungkook raises one brow, smile a little lopsided now. “Really?”

Taehyung nods. “Y-yeah.”

Jungkook shifts nervously. “What if... what if I asked to go on a date?”

Taehyung freezes, rapid heart rate reflecting on the monitors as he stutters out a response. “Y-you want to go on a date?”

Jungkook’s eyes flick to the monitors before the corners crinkle in amusement. “If that’s alright with you?”

Taehyung nods, with a little too much enthusiasm probably, but he’s okay with that. Jungkook actually just asked him on a date.

“Good.” Another nurse stops by and Jungkook takes a step toward the door. “I’ll talk to you about it later?”

“You better.”

Jungkook giggles. “Okay hyungie. Talk to you later.”

Taehyung waves him goodbye. He puts a hand over his heart once he’s gone.

That seed of hope has definitely sprouted.

***

Jungkook groans as soon as he’s around the corner. “Did I really just ask him out?” He blushes, covering his ears. “Oh god. I asked him out.”

What was he doing? His heart flutters, butterflies swirling in his stomach. He asked Taehyung out on a date! His cheeks hurt from smiling. He drops his hands. He goes to adjust the band on his wrist out of habit and freezes.

What was he doing? Taehyung had a soulmate. Probably a romantic one considering the older deserved nothing less. He shuffles. He really liked Taehyung, and he had agreed to the date, but would that be okay?

He starts making his way out of the hospital. Should he still go through with this? He sighs as he steps out the doors. He scratches at his head, looking around. He reaches for his phone to call Yoongi, thoughts still conflicted when he feels intense warmth in his wrist. He freezes before stumbling around the corner, away from others. It didn’t feel like it usually did, but he was still panicking. He finally manages to get off the wristband and freezes completely. His mark... It’s glowing faintly. He brings it closer. He gasps. “What the-?” There, next to the original bloom is a small bud.

He stares for a long time, trying to comprehend it. His soulmate mark is looking healthier than it probably ever has, even with the petals scattered around it. What did a new bud mean?

He tilts his head back, sighing heavily. What was going on? He digs out his phone, dialing Yoongi. He chuckles, still in disbelief, as soon as the line is answered.

“Okay, so I have something weird to tell you...”

***

Taehyung is stressing big time. He’s been out of the hospital for a couple weeks now. The case against Kang and the other captured members is going well. Jimin and him have both given what they could for statements and been granted immunity, at least temporarily. But right now he’s finally got a date with Jungkook in a few hours. They had talked the whole time, growing even closer, but they had never managed to find the time to go out. Until tonight.

“I have no idea what I should wear.” He whines.

Jimin laughs. “I’m not sure he’s going to care that much Tae. It’s not like you don’t always look fantastic anyway.”

Taehyung pouts. “But I want to look good. It’s a date. I want to impress him and enjoy it in case there aren’t any more.”

Jimin wraps his arms around him. “You don’t know that Taetae. I think the kid is whipped for you.”

Taehyung fiddles with a shirt he’s holding. “You don’t know that for sure.” He looks at his wrist. “Plus, what about his soulmate Chim?”

Jimin sighs. “You don’t know anything about that Tae.”

“Exactly! What if-”

“No. Tae. We don’t know anything. His soulmate could be romantic or platonic. I’ve literally never seen his mark. He always has it covered. Always. I don’t even know if Yoongi has seen it considering how consistent he is.”

Taehyung’s mind clogs with possibilities. “Do you think it’s-?” He can’t get the word out, sadness flooding his system at the thought Jungkook’s soulmate might be gone.

Jimin flinches. “Like I said. I don’t know.” He squeezes his arms before letting Tae go. “You can always talk about this with him.” He cups Taehyung’s face. “It probably wouldn’t hurt to talk about it at some point. Especially if you want to take this further.”

Taehyung blushes. “I haven’t even made it out on the first date with him!”

Jimin giggles, pinching his cheeks. “Exactly. You still need to get through this first date. You can think about all the big scary future stuff after that.”

Taehyung sighs. “Yeah.”

“Now. That is not the shirt you are going to wear if I have any say about it.”

***

“You sure about this?”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah hyung. There’s no point ignoring how I feel.”

Yoongi huffs. “What about-?”

Jungkook looks at his currently uncovered wrist. There was no change on the bloom recently. Yoongi had been as confused and freaked out as him when he called him at the hospital. They hadn’t been able to find anything concrete to go off of since then. At least nothing beyond the obvious improvement in the bond.

“I still want to find them. But I’m feeling some hope now that their condition has improved. And I want to at least take a chance with Taehyung.”

Yoongi nods, humming. “You probably should tell him. About your mark. Yours is a romantic mark. It’s pretty uncommon to not end up in a relationship with them.”

Jungkook smiles, but it’s pained. “Not like my situation isn’t already uncommon.”

Yoongi puffs a short laugh. “I guess you have a point.”

Jungkook sighs, tracing over the new bud. “I’ll tell him. But I want to go on this date first. At least have a chance. I haven’t exactly put myself out there.”

“Understandable really.”

Jungkook nods. “I know.”

“Well, I trust you’ll do the right thing in this.” He gives him a gummy smile. “But you should probably start getting ready for your date lover boy.”

Jungkook looks at the clock. “Shit! Why did you let me talk so long?!” He starts scrambling to get ready as Yoongi laughs at him.

***

Taehyung tries to not fling the door open as soon as he hears someone knocking. He may have still been too quick though when he sees the wide eyes and startled expression of the younger man on the other side. “Jungkookie.” He smiles, blush spreading rapidly.

Recovering quickly the younger smiles back, putting his hand down. “You ready?”

Taehyung nods. “I just need to grab my phone.” He turns around, jogging toward the living room. He jumps slightly when he turns the corner to find Jimin standing there. “Jimin! You startled me.”

Jimin laughs, holding out Taehyung’s phone. “Here.”

“Thanks Jiminie.” He mumbles, turning back around.

“Stay safe!” Jimin calls after him once he’s at the door.

“I will!” He calls back, before turning to Jungkook. “Now I’m ready.”

“Alright hyung. Let’s go.”

***

It doesn’t take them too long to get to the restaurant Jungkook had picked out. Taehyung is speechless as they head in, flustered by all the attention he’s being given by the younger. He’s been the perfect gentleman and it just makes Taehyung’s heart flutter more. He wonders if it’s okay to be falling this much already? If it’s okay to be falling at all?

Taehyung looks around the restaurant, a homey kind of place that’s lively with all of the people packed inside on a Friday night. He looks back at Jungkook as he clears his throat.

Jungkook rubs at his neck, expression flustered. “I-I just thought I should go with the classic kind of date? If you don’t like it we can figure something else out!” He chuckles awkwardly and Taehyung is just endeared. Jungkook’s shoulders start to curl in. “It’s lame. I’m sorry. Let’s go-”

He startles out of his reverie, flapping his hands. “No! No, Kookie I’m fine with it. Dinner dates are classic for a reason!”

Taehyung swears if this boy had bunny ears they would be at attention now with his excitement. “You sure?”

“I’m sure. I’m actually excited to eat here.”

Jungkook’s smile is bright.

And it’s just so easy from there. As easy as texting. As easy as talking on the phone. As easy as anything else had been between them. They laugh and tease and Taehyung feels so good. They eat from each other’s plates. Jungkook steals the food from his chopsticks at one point. Taehyung flicks water at him at another. It’s just so easy. He hopes that Jungkook is enjoying this as much as he is. That the expression on his face is as happy as he feels.

The hardest part was not touching him. Taehyung just couldn’t get himself to do it. Even though his hands itched to reach out. To touch his arm, hold his hand, maybe even run his fingers through his hair. Jungkook was the sun and he was drawn to reach out for him like a sunflower.

Jungkook’s rubbing at his eyes, wiping tears from laughing so hard at one of the stories Taehyung had told him. It’s all so warm. He doesn’t want to get burned.

They quiet down for a bit, picking at some of their food. It feels like they need to be leaving soon and Taehyung dreads that. He doesn’t want this date to end quite yet. Doesn’t know if they will have more. He remembers the conversation with Jimin. He should talk, but he can’t bring himself to bring it up. Can’t figure out how.

“We should probably go soon...”

Taehyung looks up, shoulders falling. “Oh. Yeah. Probably.”

Jungkook rolls his chopsticks on the table. He looks nervous. “We don’t...” Taehyung can see him swallow. “We don’t have to be done with the date though?”

Taehyung perks up. “Did you have something in mind?”

Jungkook flushes. “We could head to the Han River and walk around for a bit?”

Taehyung’s smile is probably blinding, eyes almost closed from how wide it is. “I would love to do that.”

Jungkook’s smile may even outshine his own. “Then let’s get going.”

He calls the waiter over and pays while Taehyung is digging out his wallet. He can’t help pouting as they leave. “I’m the hyung. I should at least pay for my own food.”

“Yeah, except I was the one that asked you out, so I should pay for my beautiful date.”

Taehyung giggles, flushing at the bold move. “Well if we’re doing it based on looks then I probably should have paid for the handsome man I went with.”

The flush on Jungkook’s face was worth stepping outside of his comfort zone for the remark.

Jungkook chuckles. “Let’s get going then.”

Taehyung doesn’t need to be asked twice.

***

Jungkook is happy he made the suggestion for them to go to the Han River. He just hadn’t been able to imagine ending their night together when he decided to suggest it. Now they walked close to each other, smiling and blushing, and continuing to talk about everything yet nothing like they did at the restaurant. Like they’ve always done.

Jungkook can feel himself falling even harder the longer they’re together, and it feels like heaven and hell. He knows how he feels about Taehyung now. This date only solidified that. He wanted more though and he couldn’t ignore what Yoongi had mentioned to him. He didn’t know about Taehyung. Had never looked at his mark when it was visible at the hospital, because he didn’t want to know. Didn’t want to realize Taehyung had a romantic soulmate. If they got together, would Taehyung end up leaving him for his soulmate? Would he do the same to him? He couldn’t ignore the predicament with his own soulmate. Even if their condition was improving based on how his mark looked, he couldn’t ignore that they had started out so hopeless. In danger.

Taehyung giggles and he’s pulled back, smiling at the joy on his face. He was definitely falling in love with Taehyung, and that scared him with all of the uncertainty, but he thinks maybe he should just enjoy this moment. Enjoy the laughter. Enjoy the warmth. Enjoy how the moon reflects off the planes of Taehyung’s face and sparkles in his hair, making him even more ethereal.

Jungkook still can’t believe he didn’t make a fool out of himself when Taehyung opened the door of his apartment. He assumes Taehyung thought he was startled by how quickly he answered, which did admittedly play a part, but he was actually more overwhelmed by how amazing the older man had looked. His hair was growing some, he had put on just a little makeup, and his jewelry made Jungkook think of the princes in fairy tales.

Taehyung pauses, looking out over the water, and Jungkook stops beside him. “It’s so pretty.”

Jungkook lets out the air he had been holding, eyes never leaving the other man. “Yeah. Beautiful.”

Taehyung looks at him, smiling, and Jungkook feels lighter than air.

“Oh my god!”

Taehyung turns his head at the shout and Jungkook struggles to look away. What he sees has him crashing back to earth.

“Oh.” He looks at Taehyung when he speaks. “Soulmates.”

Jungkook chances one more look at the pair. The woman having her arms thrown around the man’s neck, the vanishing glitter on her wrist telling of what just happened.

He stands frozen before finally gathering the courage to speak. “Should we keep going?”

Taehyung looks at him and nods. They resume walking, but no one’s talking anymore.

***

Taehyung wants to say something, anything, to break the atmosphere that has settled around them. Seeing a soulmate pair meet had harshly shoved reality back on them and he knows they should talk.

“What do you think about soulmates?”

Taehyung startles as Jungkook finally speaks. There are less people here than before, but the younger still almost whispered the question. Taehyung is only a little relieved he hadn’t had to initiate this conversation.

“I do like the concept.” He starts. Jungkook hums and Taehyung realizes he probably isn’t going to talk much right now. “I think having people who complete you, whether that be romantic or platonic, or with one or three or some other number completely, is just beautiful. It’s probably comforting for most people.”

“Most people?” Jungkook turns his head to look at him, but he doesn’t want to look back right now.

“Well, I haven’t had the same opportunities to be comforted by the thought. I did when I was young, when my mark first appeared. I was so invested in that little bud. Except I met Kang not long after that, and you’re aware of what he does. What he did.”

Jungkook just nods stiffly.

“Well, I started to realize I couldn’t have that if I wanted my soulmate to be safe. I couldn’t hope to find them because if I did then Kang could just use them to hurt me. He would hurt them and that terrified me.” He sighs. “Then it bloomed and I let just a little hope into my heart. When it was closed it was easy enough to ignore. But when it bloomed? When it bloomed I started to wonder about them. I wanted to meet them. To get out of the whole thing with the gang. I even managed to convince Jimin to help me.” He glances at Jungkook, who isn’t looking at him still, but he can tell he’s listening. “It was about five years ago. We tried to mess up the switch job on a painting so that the police would notice. I started carrying the painting out in the open so another student would see it, which someone did, hoping to draw the investigation in the right direction. Jimin even called in an anonymous report about me without putting any names in hopes someone would just investigate more.” Jungkook’s steps falter a little beside him and he looks at him in concern. His eyes are wide, filled with curiosity and disbelief.

“Wait. So, you were-?”

Taehyung laughs, though there isn’t much mirth in it. “Yeah. Yoongi was a little shocked when he realized how close he had been to the answer in his investigation.”

“He didn’t tell me.”

“I asked him not to. I still wasn’t sure about talking to him, let alone you, and even after you and I talked it never occurred to me to bring it up.”

Jungkook sighs. “But why didn’t you get caught then? Push harder?”

“Kang threatened me again.”

Jungkook bristles and Taehyung wishes he could soothe him.

“I decided I couldn’t let myself hope to find my soulmate anymore. Didn’t want to get them hurt, or worse.” He shivers. “So though I absolutely love the idea of soulmates I was too afraid to let it happen.”

“What about now? I mean. Kang isn’t getting out anytime soon. Seems like most of his operation has fallen apart too. Are you going to... Are you going to try and find them?”

Taehyung is quiet at that, thinking over his response. “I don’t know...” He murmurs. “I kind of want to, but I’m still afraid. They shouldn’t be in danger but I’ve lived so long in fear I don’t know if I can go to them.”

Jungkook just murmurs a quiet acknowledgment.

Taehyung takes a deep breath after a few minutes, preparing himself. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“What do you think of soulmates?”

“Ah.” Jungkook is quiet, and Taehyung lets him think. Even as anxiety digs into his heart.

“I love it. The thought of soulmates. Like you said, the concept of people who can make you so much better consumed my mind. I was so happy with the idea. Obsessed about having my own. I would study flower language and figure out other people’s marks and dream about what mine would be someday.” The smile he gives Taehyung is sad, broken, and Taehyung wishes they didn’t need to have this conversation.

“I never expected what would happen when my mark appeared.” He bites his lip, chewing, and Taehyung wishes he could pull it out, make him stop.

“What happened?” He asks, after it takes a little too long for Jungkook to continue.

“Well it started off bloomed, so I knew my soulmate was older. Already had their mark. Except something was wrong.”

Taehyung is confused. “Wrong? Like...?” Dead.

“No. Though sometimes I’m not sure if that might have been better.”

“What?”

“A petal fell off.”

“W-what?”

“My flower turned sickly and a petal fell off. It’s really rare, so there’s not a lot known about wilting soulmate marks. However, they have narrowed it down to your soulmate being in some kind of danger. Generally from emotional distress, though it can be physical.”

“Jungkook...” He didn’t know what to say. How do you respond to that?

“I was heartbroken. I gave up going into an arts career to become a police officer. I wanted to find them and I thought that it would be a good way to do it. Though when more petals fell over time I felt so lost. I was so worried that I would never make it to them.”

Taehyung’s heart clenches. Aches.

“I still haven’t found them.” He murmurs and Taehyung’s heart sinks further. “I want to. I mean. They’re still not good, even though the mark has been looking better. I want to be able to help them. They are still my soulmate...”

Taehyung swallows harshly. Who wouldn’t want to help their soulmate? To save them? Taehyung wishes his own soulmate saved him. Like Jungkook. Maybe then this wouldn’t hurt so much. He feels tears gathering in his eyes. Why did Jungkook have to go through that? He was too good. Why did he have to suffer? Someone selfless enough to give up what they wanted for someone they had never met?

“Tae?” Jungkook stops. His eyes are wide as they catch sight of the tear tracks on his cheeks.

“It’s unfair.”

“What?”

“It’s so unfair.” He sniffles, clenching his hands into fists. “Why do you have to go through that? You deserve to find them. To save them.” His lips tremble, and he can see Jungkook’s expression fall. “You deserve to be happy with them. But. But.” He roughly wipes at his eyes. “But I feel bad that I can’t be with you.”

“Tae, we can-”

“N-no. Your soulmate is out there and you should be looking for them. Not on a date with me.”

“But Taehyung-”

He shivers at the softness in his tone. “I want this. I want you. This night has been amazing. Meeting you was amazing. I have felt lighter than I have since this nightmare started. Possibly ever. I’ve fallen so hard in the last month.” He doesn’t catch the small confession that just slipped. “But I shouldn’t be the one holding you back from a relationship, a bond, that you really deserve.” He hiccups.

“Taehyung...” Jungkook just looks at him, expression so soft Taehyung thinks he might melt.

Why does he have to be so perfect?

“Taehyung, I know why you are saying that. I do.” He gives the barest smile. “But I’ve fallen for you too.”

Taehyung’s traitorous heart flutters.

“I wouldn’t have asked you on this date if I wasn’t interested. I’ve never...” He looks away, flushing slightly. “I’ve never gone on a date before because of a similar guilt. That I needed to be actively finding them. That any relationship would hold me back.”

Taehyung opens his mouth and Jungkook puts his hand up.

“However, I really care about you. A lot. I couldn’t imagine not being out here with you tonight. I had to give this a chance.”

Taehyung is chewing on his lip now and Jungkook’s eyes flicker down at the motion, before he goes back to making eye contact.

“I would love to continue going on dates with you, if you are okay with it. We never have to do anything more than we did tonight. We can see if this just ends up transitioning into an even more solid friendship someday. But I would love to try. If you’re willing?”

Taehyung looks into those sparkly eyes and feels himself sinking. He does want to try. He wants to. Except... “I’m afraid of the pain.”

“So am I Taehyung. There’s no guarantee you wouldn’t manage to find your soulmate first.”

Taehyung slowly realizes Jungkook is right. He’s in just as much of a position for heartbreak. He stares for what feels like an eternity before he gives the slightest nod and he swears Jungkook’s eyes sparkle even more.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He rubs at his eyes some more.

Jungkook smiles, finally reaching for his hand.

When their skin makes contact Taehyung gasps.

***

He was just grabbing Taehyung’s hand, intending to comfort him and maybe finally pull him closer, feeling giddy that the older had just agreed to try this out, but Jungkook freezes instead. He feels like he’s been struck by lightning, sparks crackling under his skin. A tingle in his wrist, warm and fuzzy like soda bubbles.

They break apart from one another pulling up their sleeves to find their marks glowing, sparkling in the pale moonlight with a light all their own. He quickly looks up and locks eyes with Taehyung.

Taehyung. His soulmate.

His soulmate.

A wave of emotion crashes over him, overwhelming him.

He found his soulmate. Taehyung was his soulmate. The possibility he had passed off as a wish was reality. They had been so close to each other, just out of orbit.

The tears he feels in his own eyes are reflected in Taehyung’s, tears streaking down his face anew. But Jungkook knows that they’re not from any pain this time.

He reaches up to wipe the tears with his thumbs, gentle as the contact crackles through them. He feels Taehyung do the same before placing his hands over Jungkook’s. Jungkook steps closer, resting their foreheads together. No longer ignoring the tug he has felt all night. The tug that was supposed to drag him to his soulmate. He chuckles.

Taehyung looks at him in disbelief, and he understands it well.

“We’re-” He starts, choking up, and Jungkook nods.

“Apparently.”

“We’re soulmates.” He breathes and the most brilliant grin breaks out on his face as he throws his arms around Jungkook’s neck. “We’re soulmates!”

Jungkook holds him tight, laughing. “We’re soulmates!”

They’re giggling like idiots, surely drawing attention like the couple did earlier, and Jungkook finds he doesn’t really care. Finally understands the tunnel vision that happens. Finally understands the rush that comes from finding your soulmate.

They pull back, still smiling and laughing. He’s not sure which one leans in first, but soon they’re kissing.

It sparkles, warm as a summer day. The feeling spreads from his chest to every part of his body, electrifying and soothing in equal measures.

They pull apart, breathing hard and smiling.

The warmth hasn’t left, but he realizes it isn't really in his whole body. It’s concentrated at his wrist. He pulls back further to look and he and Taehyung both gasp at his still glowing mark. They watch as the fallen petals fade and the pink camellia fills out. Watch as the bud next to it unfurls to show a smaller red camellia, vibrant and healthy. Healthy. No longer wilted. A mark fully bloomed. The tears are back as Jungkook looks, profound relief and joy flooding through his system.

“Kookie. Kookie look!”

He looks at Taehyung who has now brought up his own glowing wrist. A matching red camellia has bloomed there as well.

Jungkook smiles. He picks Taehyung up, unable to contain his joy any longer as he spins them around.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung’s laughing, clutching onto his shoulders. “Kookie!”

He grabs his face, tilting Jungkook’s head up so he can kiss him while still in his arms. It feels right. He feels whole.

Jungkook sets him down gently, resting their foreheads together again when they finally pull back from the kiss.

He just observes, taking time to try and memorize every feature on Taehyung's face. His soulmate's face. His heart fills with emotion until it’s overflowing and he’s speaking without thought.

“I longed for you from the day I learned the concept of soulmates. Maybe even from the day I was born. I was never not longing for you.” He takes a deep breath. “I love you.”

Taehyung gives him a swift, soft kiss. His eyes speak before he does. “I love you too.” The words still make his heart leap.

They kiss again, unable to stay apart. Jungkook is starving for the affection, the closeness. Their kiss heats up, deepens until they’re pulling away, panting yet unable to break apart.

Taehyung has a rosy blush on his cheeks that has Jungkook's heart racing. He gives a cheeky smile and Jungkook raises one eyebrow in question. “So. We haven’t finished our date quite yet.”

Jungkook tilts his head, mind too muddled still to understand.

Taehyung gives him a quick kiss, before whispering in his ear. “Your place?”

Jungkook claims his lips once more.

There isn’t as much talking after that.

***

Jungkook can't help himself as he kisses behind Taehyung’s ear and the older chuckles at the action. Jungkook nuzzles into his warmth immediately after, humming in content, and Taehyung is hopelessly endeared. They lay there for a little longer in Jungkook’s bed, the early morning light streaming in. They’re both awake now, but Taehyung keeps his eyes closed, content to just be there and Jungkook feels the same way. He's tracing patterns on Taehyung’s bare stomach, admiring how the golden light falls across his skin. He still can’t believe he found him. Can’t believe how close he had been to him. His soulmate. Can't believe they are next to each other like this. He wants him to stay. To stay here, by his side.

He chews on his lip, before finally deciding to break the stillness. His voice is rough with disuse as he speaks. “Tae?”

A hum. “Yeah?”

Silence returns.

Jungkook waits as Taehyung turns to look at him, butterflies erupting in his stomach at the boxy smile.

“What is it Kookie?”

Jungkook looks into his eyes. The eyes of his soulmate. “Will you be with me?”

“What do you mean?” Taehyung’s eyes are wide, searching Jungkook’s expression.

“Be with me? Be my boyfriend for now?”

Taehyung goes to speak, but he pauses, expression turning confused. “For now?”

“Yes, for now. Because I can imagine us being more someday.”

Taehyung’s cheeks are red and Jungkook tries not to coo.

Jungkook instead kisses his forehead, lingering for a moment as Taehyung’s eyes flutter shut, hoping his fondness transfers through the simple action. “So? What do you say?”

Taehyung surges forward to kiss him, breaking apart just enough to mumble against his lips. “For now.” He smiles as he pulls back completely. “And I’m looking forward to someday.”

Jungkook twines their fingers together, kissing Taehyung’s knuckles as their newly bloomed marks press together. 

“Now, do I get breakfast Mr. Romantic?”

Jungkook laughs, pecking his cheek. “Of course.”

Anything for you.