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"It is an honor to welcome you to my humble abode, Mr. Jeon."
The maroon-colored heels of expensive leather shoes repeatedly hit the cool tiled floor. The even clacking flatters the dominance and confidence their owner exudes. Calm yet determined; he stalks through the suspiciously empty hallway like some kind of predatory cat. His black suit vails him in a mysterious and noble charm, while his dark leather gloves stir up a spark of danger. A coat made of the same expensive material conceals his powerful stature.
"Please save yourself the false courtesies, Lee. You should already be aware that my men and I prefer strictly business and efficient agreements. Now guide us and stop with the chit-chat."
The untrained eye might think that the mysterious man with the baritone-laden voice was a simple business tycoon. But the deceptively beautiful, emotionless mask of a face hides the real monster within. A monster named Jeon Jeongguk. A beast that was born into this industry. His father was a foolish man to not notice how he corrupted his only heir. At that time, when his successor was still innocent, polluted by no sin, while dreamy butterflies caressed his soft baby skin with their gentle wings. He failed to observe as the young boy giggled and hiccupped. The beautiful silver wings crushed in between his tiny fists.
He remembers the day as if it were yesterday. The horrified screams of his parents, frozen in shock as his nanny had to pull him off his so called friend. Small fists coated in the blood of a broken nose. He wasn´t at fault, really. Jungyo was the one who tried to steal the blue shovel. It was rightfully deserved; the blue toys were Jeongguks toys, and he didn't like to share. Everyone knows that. Even more so when someone thinks they'd get away with it. That it would go unnoticed by him. For Jeongguk still has in mind how the beautiful crimson spread throughout the wooden floor and how, for the first time in his life, genuine joy fulfilled his body. Good old times.
Jaded. Blunt. Apathetic. Psychopathic. Crazy. People call him several things behind his back. However, Jeongguk wouldn't really agree with any of them. He's not crazy. He is numb. Most of the time, he is quite empty. Not depressed in any sort of way. Not happy either. He is simply free of moral and ethical shackles. That's how he would describe himself. Free. His dark eyes appear to be dead, with no sign of a soul in sight. However, the coal black orbs are enveloped in a perceptive, calculating shimmer. Just a little insight into the complex mind of the mob boss.
"Of course, of course, Mr. Jeon. As you must know, I run the largest human and creature trafficking ring in the eastern hemisphere. Humans, shifters, even hybrids if you so wish. You name it, we have it. Would you be longing for anything, Mr. Jeon?" Lee asks carefully, secretly trying to seem as inconspicuous and professional as possible. He is aware that one wrong move will invariably lead to his guts being sprayed all over the clean-cut tiles.
"Just some company."
The answer is short and clipped.
The two goons that accompany their boss stifle a hint of a smirk. Anyone who knows Jeon Jeongguk would never believe this obvious lie. Jeon Jeongguk is many things. But lonely? Not so much. He couldn't care less about emotional bonds. The day he killed his own parents confirmed it. Neither does he search for a lover or backstabbing friends. Not able to see the appeal of whiny gold-digging men or women by his side. Well, even if someone were to fall in love with him, it's not like he'd be able to return those emotions. However, the answer seems plausible to the nervous trafficker, who simply nods in silence as he leads the three men through his property.
Min Yoongi, one of the goons, suppresses the urge to scoff. How could such a gullible, nervous wreck of an ass kissing person seriously think that they wouldn't notice his schemes? How this shell of a human being managed to embezzle money from the one and only Jeon Jeongguk is a mystery he's not willing to solve. Plenty of their own men had already died by their hands, simply because they let a mole sneak through their cracks. It's honestly an embarrassment and the reason Jeon Jeongguk decided to come in person. He never liked to share, and as it seems, he really needs to set an example once again.
“Do you have a special request? We will pass by the hybrids soon. Maybe you'd be interested in one of the cats? Some of them are even in heat right this moment!"
Jeongguk doesn't pay his question much mind. A hum is the only response he's willing to give. He'd prefer to just get this over with. Each and every second in which the sweaty old pig still breathes counts as an insult. His breathing is labored and laced with panic. At least he's aware of the danger he's guiding through his home. Rooms are starting to appear by their sides now. Well, if you can call them that, at least. They're prison cells at best. Huge glass doors block the hybrids' path to freedom. The poor creatures chained to the wall by metal collars that painfully dig into their skin. From predatory to cuddly cats, wolves to chihuahuas. Everything is available: rabbits, bears, foxes, etc. With their brows drawn together, Min Yoongi and Kim Namjoon examine the pitiable creatures. If Hoseok, Jimin, or Seokjin had been there, they probably wouldn't have stopped begging Jeongguk to free the poor hybrids.
Oh, that's why he left them at home.
Jeongguk lets his eyes wander over the hybrids as well, but no warmth fills his gaze. No pity. No grief. Boredom would probably come closest to his facial expression. Lee frowns and his forehead wrinkles in confusion. He tries to ignore the way his heart is pounding against his ribcage. A bored Jeon is a rather dangerous and unpredictable Jeon. Even he's aware of that.
"N-not too enthusiastic, I see. How do you feel about some exotic dancers? No one can resist their seductive curves."
"Not interested."
Once again, the short answer leaves Lee speechless.
"T-then we will definitely find... something different for you." The old man grumbles and tries in vain to hide his nervousness. In addition, he tries to regain every remnant of confidence that he can scrape together as he leads the three men into a huge courtyard. An equally gigantic pool stretches throughout its middle. Lee points towards a wide marble path that not only runs around the pool but also stretches over it like some kind of elevated bridge. “I'd ask you to pay attention to the floor. If you happen to slip and fall, I won't be able to guarantee your safety."
Curious, Namjoon slightly leans forward to stare down the dark blue abyss. Not even the smallest hint of an end in sight. Just a deep, ice-cold pool full of water. "Is this your shark tank?" He decides to ask, an interested twinkle brightening his eyes. Even Yoongi seems more cautious once he regards Lee's constipated facial expression. An uncertain laugh follows. "Let me put it this way. The beast that lives down there usually owns sharks as pets. "
"A mermaid?" Yoongi mutters to himself. He heard of their existence, yet only few managed to catch a glimpse of them in real life.
Lee just shakes his head. "Mermaids are usually harmless and spend their time playing with dolphins. This-" Lee begins, searching for the right words. "He´s a predator. My trophy. Probably worth more than the rest of my collection combined. Seductive, beautiful, magical, rare, and-" Lee swallows. "Fatal."
Yoongi's eyes widen minimally once he notices the corners of Jeongguks lips twitching upwards and how interest begins to sparkle in his eyes. Oh no, that can't be a good sign.
"A siren.", concludes Namjoon. His calculating eyes sparkle, as he takes several steps back from the abyss. "Known to drown fisherman just for the fun of it. Sadistic creatures and quite cunning as well. Or so I heard."
"Yea, this beast has drowned more of my men than I can count. He's a beauty and intelligent as well. A pain in the ass to feed. He has taken quite a liking to snacking on some of my men as well, ripping chunks of their flesh out while humming some silly little songs to himself. Usually lets them bleed out while he waits for someone to come help them, only to drown that person as well as soon as they come too close to the edge.
"And how exactly were you able to catch something this dangerous?"
Lee doesn't even try to be subtle as his chest swells in pride.
"Patience is the key. It's a known fact that sirens enjoy sunbathing, as silly as it sounds. They crave the sun's warmth after being cursed to a life in the deepest depths of the ocean. I only needed to wait until one of my men spotted it comfortably sleeping on a slightly raised rock to enjoy the hot sun rays. All we had to do was inject him from a distance with narcotics and collect him without much difficulty." Even as he talks, he always seems to have an eye on the water.
"I want to see him."
The resonating voice has an unusual tone to it. Immediately, Namjoon and Yoongi exchange annoyed glances, while Lee turns towards the mafiosi in disbelief. His head automatically shaking from side to side. "I don't think that's a-"
"Do you think you're in a position to deny me, Lee?"
It's almost comical how the colors drain out of his face. As pale as a sheet, Lee stutters out some sort of apology. Not that Jeongguk even pays him that much attention to care. “Now, how do we get him to come up?"
A humorless laugh escapes Lee while he crosses his arms in front of his chest. Searching for some sort of safety. "This sneaky siren already knows we're here. However, he won’t come to the surface just yet, since I still have precautions set up against him, which, of course, are not too pleasant for him."
Jungkook's gaze exudes such coldness that Lee's eyes close with the hint of a prayer on his cracked lips.
"Blood." He finally exhales. "As soon as he perceives blood, he will appear. Simple. However, I would propose that you take a little more distance from the edge as he will certainly have no problems with dragging one of you down the depths." Jeongguk hums in satisfaction as he pulls out a knife. The effect on Lee is instantaneous as his knees buckle. He's about to start begging for his life as Jeongguk cuts a long line up his own forearm. No hesitation whatsoever. "What, Lee, thought I'd poison your trophy with your filthy blood?"
Yoongi just shakes his head once again while keeping an eye out on the water. His boss is now squatting near the edge, and he´s more than ready to shoot if anything tries to pull him down. The gangster lets his hand hang down until the thick, dark red liquid trickles down his fingertips. Breaking the eerily calm surface of the water.
"J-jeon, you really should-"
"Silence-"
Jeongguk hisses in annoyance. Not even lifting his head to observe Lee's outraged facial expressions. He simply stares down into the freezing depths with even colder eyes. In contrast to his own position as the bait, his body exudes the calm and secure aura of a predator. Yoongi's gaze expresses so many annoyed emotions at once. Namjoon just quietly sighs in return. "Let him have his fun."
For a few minutes, nothing really changes. At least to the visible eye. The room's energy is electrifying by now as the buzzing nerves of three concerned men pollute the air. Only Jeongguk stays calm and collected. Patience is indeed the key as something starts appearing beneath the water surface. Something light, bright and glittering. It sparkles and reflects every ray of light it touches. It seems so peaceful that everyone is entranced. Then, three men hold in their gasps, while one feels his numb lips stretch into the slightest smirk. A cool fingertip is all it takes for Lee to jump behind the two fascinated goons.
Slowly but steadily, a single finger breaks the surface from beneath. Slightly longer, stronger, and more pointed nails than those of a normal human appear. Their base is a light pink that bleeds into other cool tones and finally ends in a very faded, turquoise-like color. Delicate, surprisingly tan, long fingers follow, and on only five of them Jeongguk manages to count seven rings, made of the finest gold and, to him, partly unknown crystals. A kind of thin, white-coral-glittering membrane connects the bases of the individual fingers. And finally, the criminal holds onto a dainty hand. The smirk resting on his face turns into a narrow, fascinated smile as soon as he feels how the beautiful hand gently tries to pull him deeper into the water. Luring him, enticing him.
Namjoon and Yoongi are, to put it into simple words, dumbfounded.
The Jeon Jeongguk is…smiling.
"I know you can hear me, gorgeous. Play nice and I promise I'll be nice to you in return."
His playful grin only widens as he feels the cool hand completely go limp in his gentle hold. Now, the mob boss is the one pulling the mysterious creature upwards. Slowly, more and more sun-kissed skin is exposed. A thin arm, decorated with the most beautiful golden chains and pearls, comes into contact with the warm air. Suddenly, a second arm appears, which looks quite similar. Only that there are even more gold chains hanging down on this one. Then five other fingers start wrapping around Jeongguks wrist and the siren finally appears before their eyes. Everyone runs out of air.
Lee out of fear.
Namjoon and Yoongi out of amazement.
And Jeongguk out of confusion, as he feels his heart painfully throb behind his usually calm rib cage. The killer almost loses himself in those icy eyes. Pools of sparkling sapphire jewels in which sparks of lilac bloom. Those curious observing orbs stare at the stranger, framed by full, dark eyelashes. The golden crown of hair cascades in shadows over the perfectly symmetrical face of the siren. The straight nose, like the rest of his visible body, is decorated with gold jewelry. As well as the crimson lips that look ready to kill.
"Welcome, beautiful."
The eyes of death lock with his. It's like looking into a mirror of his own soul. Without averting eye contact, the ethereal siren tenderly pulls the strong, muscular, and veiny arm closer to himself as he takes in the bloody aroma. The eye contact breaks as the silent killer hums in pleasure.
"Boss, I think it's getting pretty dangerous...even for you. Take a step back." Namjoon whispers into the tense air, feeling his heart skip a beat as the sirens gaze now lies on him. He knows that if he were to take a step forward, his throat would be ripped to shreds. The underwater creature seems to be testing its limits as it crowds closer towards the bleeding arm. The calculating eyes slowly fit back and forth between the frozen men. As soon as the eyes lock onto Lee, the latter slips even further back and petrifies on the spot. The siren's gaze radiates such coldness and hatred that no one is surprised once a mixture of hiss and growl rips its way out of the siren's throat.
"Eyes on me, beautiful. Don´t mind Lee, he´s utterly unimportant."
The old man gasps in offence, but immediately regrets it as the icy glare of Jeon joins the sirens.
"Silence. I hate having to repeat my words, Lee. You don't want to know the consequences if you don't stay quiet. Trust me, you won't like it."
Lee stays silent.
The siren suddenly stares at Jeongguk with confused, big, sparkling eyes and in such an oddly innocent way that the gangster decides to take measures into his own hands. He offers his arm up to the siren. Holding it closer and tilting it until scarlet lips brush against the blood-splattered fingertips. "Would you be kind enough to clean this for me, darling? We shouldn't waste anything now, should we?"
Jeongguks men wonder if their boss has discovered a new kink for cannibalism. Or at least for being eaten alive. However, even after the clear permission, the siren seems uncertain. Not for moral reasons, of course. His hateful gaze stays on Lee's trembling figure. The stench of his fear pollutes the crisp air while his aquamarine eyes dangerously gleam. The nameless creature raises himself further from the water, his claws reaching for the bright marble flooring. The sharp nails leave deep scratches in the otherwise spotless stone.
"Eyes on me, beautiful. I won't repeat myself again." Jeongguk speaks with such authority that the siren immediately obeys. The criminal takes his time as he lets his eyes wander over the narrow, petite, but also powerful and deadly body of the underwater creature. His attention is caught by broad shoulders and sharp collar bones. His stomach seems soft despite the defined muscles covering his body. Powerful enough to survive in the deepest parts of the ocean, but not prominent enough to distract from his alluring and soft curves. Although the most obvious parts of the siren's body are the white-sparkling scales that irregularly cover patches of smooth, blemish-free skin and the gills, which twitch along the curve of his long neck. A metal collar similar to the ones the hybrids wore seems to painfully dig into them. Although, this one seems heavier.
"Do you have a name, precious?"
The siren's eyes narrow. His head tilts as he obviously tries to understand the strange human. But his lips don't open. Instead, their corners turn downwards. "H-he doesn't really talk much, Mr. Jeon. He is quite capable of understanding our language, but he won't answer. The only time we hear him is when he starts humming. No one really knows-"
"Taehyung."
The raspy voice has a deep timbre, the kind that resonates throughout your soul. Lee’s jaw drops wide open, while Jeongguks eyes glint in delight. But before any of them respond, the siren's dark lips open one more time, while his seductive eyes keep everyone spellbound.
"You are not afraid of me."
It's a statement, not a question.
The crimson lips slowly approach the pale wrist of the mob boss and gently kiss the blood-smeared skin. He seems to enjoy himself, the corner of the siren's lips curving up. It's a crooked smile. Beautiful nonetheless.
"You are aroused, your blood steadily pumping through your dilated veins. Your scent not corrupted by the stench of fear." A quiet, seductive breath escapes his parted lips. "Appetizing."
"What's stopping you, gorgeous?"
A breathy laugh escapes the bloody mouth, opening wider and wider as quite gentle kisses caress the unprotected skin. The action is seemingly innocent until a warm and long tongue slides over the entire wound. The siren's gaze locked onto the even hungrier stare of the human. His grip gradually tightens and his beautiful claws painfully dig into the offered flesh, more blood escaping the new wounds as the siren starts to suck and nibble. A new sensation starts tugging below the gangsters ripped stomach, already completely blending out the other present men. The siren is quite a greedy little thing, Jeongguk observes as sharpened fangs break into the skin of his wrist, drawing even more blood.
Oh, he already knows that they will get along wonderfully.
Their own bubble suddenly bursts once a loud beeping sound resonates throughout the echoing room. Immediately, the feasting siren´s eyes widen in horror. He lets go of his meal and wraps his dainty hands around his own neck, more precisely, the heavy metal collar covering his throat. A weak attempt to get rid of it.
Jeongguks enraged gaze immediately falls on Lee, who is now holding some kind of remote control in his trembling, sweaty hands. A shrill hiss escapes the full bloody lips as the siren trashes into the water. The hiss soon turns into a scream of agony before the cheeky siren disappears back beneath the surface. Eyes closed in distress. The white-glittering tip of a breathtaking fin is the last thing to be seen.
"What the hell did you do?" Murderous would be a kind way to describe Jeongguks expression. Faster than Lee could even begin to comprehend the consequences of his actions, two strong, locked hands find their way around his neck and slam him down against the smooth marbled floor. Scarlet dripping from his skull onto the clean tiles.
"S-saved you f-from being eaten... to... be... e-" Lee gasps in panic and tries to loosen the steel chokehold. In vain.
Yoongi immediately takes the remote control from Lee's limb hold and grumbles in annoyance.
"What did you do?"
A gurgling sound is the only answer.
"Boss, wait a second. I can't understand a thing. You can continue in a second."
Despite his sinister expression, Jeongguk listens as he gradually weakens his hold. Lee's inevitable death has already been sealed.
"E-elec-" Lee holds onto his bruised throat while he tries to get as much air as possible back into his lungs. "I-it stops shocking him...as soon as the beast is twenty meters away from me." Jeongguks' anger triples, but then from one moment to the next, his facial expression changes. His anger turns into anticipation. A wolfish grin spreading his narrow lips wide. "Don't worry, Lee. This beauty will no longer be your prisoner, not anyone’s prisoner." Lee's eyes widen. Immediately, he shakes his head and almost growls at the syndicate leader. "F-forget it. He's mine! I could get six-figures just for his rings alone!"
"A brave statement coming from someone who stole millions."
Lee loses all control over his facial features, while Namjoon and Yoongi suppress a snort.
"Did you seriously think that you could steal something from me, of all people, and get away with it unscathed?" Jeongguks eyes are as icy cold as the rippling water beneath his feet. Nothing of the somewhat warm and fond glow that could be seen when he looked at the quiet siren is present anymore.
“At first, I wanted to kill you. Maybe torture you, let you suffer, but-"
A pause.
“I don't think it would be my right to kill you, as I finally found someone that makes me...feel…thanks to you."
Namjoon and Yoongi feel their jaws dropping in astonishment. Flabbergasted. At a loss for words. Processing the enormity Jeongguks statement carries. The Jeon Jeongguk...actually feels something besides annoyance or boredom. Seeing a chance of survival, Lee immediately scrambles up to his knees. "Y-yes, of course. He's yours! All yours! You can have him! In return, let me live!"
“Well, I don't think that would be quite fair to my little siren now, would it? Seeing as you've been his tormentor for God knows how long, I can only imagine how badly he wants to sink his claws into your fatty flesh." Pale fingers wrap around Lee's neck once again. The rough grip pulling him up onto his trembling legs.
"What do you think, sweetheart? Wouldn't you like some sweet, sweet revenge?"
The gangster laughs as he pushes the fidgeting old man towards the edge of the bridge. His chokehold on him being the only thing keeping him from falling to his certain death. "You needn't be afraid, darling. He no longer has his stupid little remote. He's just a stinking, fat, old man."
"Y-you're fucking sick! H-he will-"
"You interrupted his dinner with me. It's only a fair exchange, don't you think?" Jeongguk concludes with a demonic glint in his onyx orbs. They already see the beautiful, white sparkle scurrying around beneath them. Death, hiding behind the most beautiful facade. "How about a little game, Lee? If you manage to escape, I'm going to be generous and let you stay alive. Unless my little siren manages to catch you first, of course.”
Roughly, the mob boss tosses the hysterical Lee back onto the marbled bridge. Grinning from ear to ear as the pig slips on his own blood. In a frantic panic, he tries to cross the pool as quickly as possible and get to safety. Lee gasps in horror as the sound of happy humming echoes throughout the entirety of the room. Only a few meters separate him from safety as he smiles to himself in victory. He is going to survive this and get the hell out of this country. Yet, he is not fast enough to escape the white-glittering sun-kissed body that propels itself out of the water. With a crazed smile on his perfect scarlet lips, the siren jumps over the marbled bridge, dragging a horrified and screaming Lee back into the water with him. Yoongi and Namjoon lift their heads to look in the direction where the screaming was just heard. Now the only thing left is the settling of the agitated water. Nothing more is to be seen of Lee.
Fascinated by the fact that his heart is pounding in his broad chest, Jeongguk philosophizes about the new burst of feelings thrumming throughout his body and mind. Just what is this? Is this how other humans feel day by day? Has he finally found his counterpart in this godforsaken world? Someone who is not afraid of him and enjoys his kills with an equally crazed laugh on the tip of his tongue? Someone who truly understands him? The water slowly begins to turn red beneath their feet, and after a few minutes, Namjoon´s the first to notice how the bright fin is now circling right below them.
How creepy.
Jeongguk just kneels down once again and waits for his little siren to reappear. A few minutes pass, minutes in which his siren does only God knows with Lee´s pitiful remains. He wishes he could see throught he muddy reds below. Yet, sooner than later the siren jumps out of the water. A genuine happy giggle escapes his blood-smeared lips. The movements are so fast that Yoongi almost stumbles backwards into the pool. A sparkle brightens the ocean eyes as they stare into the soulless soul mirrors of the mob boss. Seeing himself, colored in crimson, reflected in them.
"Satisfied, beautiful?"
"So satisfied!"
The reply is immediate, his lust for murder still thrumming in the hoarseness of his voice. Slowly, he seems to calm down again as he wraps his elegant arms around the strong neck of the human. Jeongguk doesn't care about his five-thousand-dollar suit getting wet. Instead, he reaches for the siren's pointed chin and gently holds it in between his gruff fingers. His gaze seems almost fond of the excited creature. The siren tilts his head to the side. His own eyes relaxing and an alluring smile lightened up his perfectly sculptured features.
"Search for the key to his collar. I want it gone as soon as possible.” Jeongguk orders his men, not breaking the intense eye contact even after his men scurry into action. “Something this...unsightly shouldn't adorn such a pretty neck.”
"Will you try to put a new one on me?"
The question has a subliminal danger to it that the mafiosi recognize as a threat. However, Jeongguk doesn't fear. Never has and never will. Instead, he chooses to tease the siren. "If it’s a collar you desire, I won’t hesitate to fulfill your wish, darling. But we don't want something so ugly corrupting your beauty now, do we?"
"You are quite an unusual human."
"That I have been told most of my life."
"Why don't you fear me?" The siren is back to sounding innocent and confused. His lips are actually pouting, seemingly upset about the fact that the human regards him in the way humans usually look at barking puppies.
"Sweetheart, does the grim reaper fear death?"
Brows furrowing, the siren decides to stay quiet as he stares. Attempting to decipher the complex human's intentions. Yet, he comes up with nothing. No human has ever returned his stare when not under his spell. So, he decides to whine and pout.
“You confuse me! Usually, humans either run from me or drown for me. There´s no in between. I don't know what you want from me. Tell me, I can't kill you without knowing why! It bothers me!" It seems this siren is quite the brat once he's not trying to lure humans down into the depths of the ocean. For some reason, the whining doesn't annoy the mob boss. On the contrary, his fingers itch with the urge to tame this cheeky little siren. But that will have to wait until later. "Why aren't you affected by me?"
"Oh, trust me, angel. I am affected." He whispers beneath his tight breath. Never has someone made him loose his breath. Not in the bedroom, not in a fight. "For the first time in my life, I actually feel. Sweetheart, you made me feel alive. I couldn't tell you why, even if I tried to. I just…want you. I need you. I´ve killed and seen death thousands of times, but not once has it been as beautiful as you are. I'm obsessed with you. Is this sufficient enough for an explanation, sweetheart?"
The siren only grumbles to himself. Seemingly not truly understanding what he does to the human. "That's not how it works! You are not supposed to want me after I stop seducing you! Or are you still under my spell and lucent enough to talk? You are weird! What is wrong with you?"
"Psychiatrists are still trying to figure that one out, darling. I wouldn’t know."
Huffing in annoyance, the siren regards the human with squinting eyes. "Theoretically speaking, If I don't drown you once this collar is gone and decide to come with you, what will you do? Keep me locked in an aquarium filled with dumb fish while you stupid humans watch me for entertainment. Because I will find a way to kill everyone that means something to you and eat them right before your eyes!"
"That mission would end right as it starts then."
"You are so annoying! Be serious for one second!"
"I've never been more serious, sweetheart."
At this moment, Namjoon and Yoongi decide to return. A jingling ring full of keys announced their arrival. Astonished, they watch the weirdly hilarious exchange of words. Normally, anyone who dared to disagree with their boss would be dead before their sentence even finished. But right now, Jeongguk actually seems to enjoy himself as he watches the siren complain and whine. Not even trying to put up a seductive facade anymore.
"Took you guys long enough to return." Jeongguk decides to speak and turns his face away from the upset siren. Taehyung gasps in offense. How dare he look away from a threat like him and expose his vulnerable throat. Never has Taehyung been insulted like this before. However, just as he was about to go for the kill, the amused glinting eyes fit back into him and stop him in his tracks. “Don't push your luck, darling. Don't think I'll be an easy kill. I guess no one has ever put you in your place before. You're just begging for my attention, aren't you? Now, get up here."
The sirens mouth drops open without his control. How dare he, a human, command him. Just as he´s about to curse the men out like the sailors he´s drowned before, he is once again interrupted in his schemes. "Think carefully, is this behavior going to get you what you want?" Taunting, he sways the keys right before the enraged, burning sapphire orbs. How dare he. How dare he! How dare he-
"I'm going to kill you."
"The name´s Jeongguk, sweetheart. Now be a good boy and shut that sweet mouth of yours."
Rough fingers squish into the soft skin of his cheeks, completely shutting him up without his compliance. Immediately, the siren sinks his long, sharp nails into the pale wrist, drawing blood. It must be painful for the human. So why does he not even bat his eyes at him? Instead, the siren feels his own body go limb as the human tilts his throat up. Effectively turning the predator into a docile little thing, exposing his most vulnerable parts and unlocking the heavy collar around his neck.
"Good boy."
And even though the heavy collar sinks down into the deepest parts of the pool, his body stays limb as if he were being held down by something even heavier. The only thing keeping his body upright being the human's grip on him. "Aren't you just adorable?" The condescending tone has the siren opening his eyes again. When did they even close? Is this how humans feel once they're trapped in his spell? He realizes that he shouldn’t have opened his eyes as soon as the pitch-black orbs of the humans stare back at him. A whine leaves his lips; something warm rushing through his frozen body. What is this?
"Submitting to me so beautifully after a few words of praise. You're looking quite famished there, darling."
"M-not!"
"Oh, you are darling. You're starved of true affection, aren't you? So used to humans willingly dying for you. No one able to treat you how you’re supposed to be treated...like the spoiled little prince that you are."
A shiver runs down the gentle curve of his spine.
"Such a needy little thing for me."
Never has the siren felt...like this. Never has a human had such an impact on his body and soul. He has never felt such warmth caress him before; not even the heat of the sun could make him feel so...fulfilled. He wakes up from his foggy daze as the grip on his cheeks lessens. His body immediately sinking deeper into the coldness around him. A wakeup call to his true self. The siren bites back the embarrassing whine sitting on the back of his throat. Instead, he rips himself away from the alluring warmth of the human and flees into the cold abyss. The endeared chuckle of the human is the last thing he hears.
"No need to be ashamed of your true nature, angel."
"Boss?" The silent question redirects the mob boss's focus back to his men. The tilt of his head enough of an encouragement to continue the question. "I guess your plans have changed now, haven´t they?"
"No, we´ll still destroy everything that pig Lee managed to establish. Before that, however, we're going to relocate back to Busan." Namjoon and Yoongi fail to hide their groans of displeasure. "Busan? We just started adjusting to Seoul, Boss."
“Seouls landscape is not really fitting for my little siren, is it? Try to find something close to the ocean. And please avoid Haeundae beach if possible; something a little more hidden from the outside world. We can't have him mass murdering civilians and tourists on a daily basis. Also, let some of Lee's men live. We need them to spread the news of Jeon Jeongguks having a siren by his side."
"So we're just going to let that beast run free?"
“I meant what I said. He's not going to be anyone’s prisoner anymore. Not Lees, not mine. He'll stay with me because he wants to, not because I force him to." The confidence is anchored deep in the core of his being.
"What makes you think he'll come back to you?"
"His eyes."
The answer is so short and simple that neither Namjoon nor Yoongi manage to follow their boss's train of thought.
"Those beautiful ocean eyes are full of longing. A longing I'm sure he's becoming aware of. A longing no one but me will manage to quench. At his core, he is so used to getting what he wants without having to work for it that it's going to bother him until he returns to my side. He is an entitled little prince that truly only wants to feel wanted. Not desired because of his silly little charms. I´m the only one that sees him for what he is. Death. Beautiful, beautiful death."
And only the grim reaper will remain by deaths side until the end of time.