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He couldn't help but release a sound of frustration. It resembled something of a groan; the rippling of a deep tone forcing its way up his throat, then trying to push past his red chapped lips but not necessarily being successful in doing so. The noise was blocked by an orange and white stick, it being more of a paper texture and having a hollow inside so the deadly herb of tobacco could be shoved within it. Coincidentally that same cigarette had been the reason why he was slowly growing irritated—or more so the small box of fire that was used to light it. With the fall breeze being at an all time high that Wednesday morning, it was a little difficult for him to just run his thumb over the track and then flames ignite. He had to turn away from the direction the wind blew; he had to cup his unoccupied hand around his mouth; and for a brief second he had to bend down. He almost wanted to curse at Mother Nature for making things so difficult, but eventually the end of the cigarette finally began to burn. His lips twitched, but they hadn't upturned into a smile; only doing so when he was able to inhale and then exhale disgusting nicotine.
A puff of smoke surrounded his head, temporarily blurring the beautiful scenery that was in front of him. A horizon that had a contrast of a beautiful blue sky (that was complimented with fluffy white clouds and the occasional small bird) and a busy city. Skyscrapers towered over puny pedestrians and black concrete roads housed more cars than a single human could count. The stoic man took another drag of his cigarette as he made his way over towards the metal railing of the balcony he stood upon. He leant almost all of his body weight on it, disregarding any stains or wrinkles that could be done to his all white suit. He actually forced himself to forget about anything that wasn't his view or the cancer stick that was kept snug between two of his fingers. He forced himself to forget about everything except for the way his lungs burned and mind slowed. Besides, he wasn't needed for another ten minutes; he could easily take a break away from reality before having to plaster on his best smile.
So he took drag after drag, lips reattaching themselves around the orange spongy part until it had shriveled into what it used to be. He had just blew the remains of the smoke into the once clean air, eyes also closing as he felt his lungs burn as they contracted. And he stayed that way for a few seconds more. He swayed with the wind. It wasn't until he was hearing two grand doors being shoved open did he do the same with his eyelids. His eyelashes fluttered apart and gave him the pleasing sight that was the same city view. He almost didn't want to hear the frantic voice that shouted his name repeatedly. But unfortunately with the voice came a body—hands, appendages that attached themselves to his own and tried to pull him away from his place. He barely had the chance to put out the lit cigarette; managing to drop it to the concrete ground and grind it with the tip of his leather shoe. Then he was being tugged back into the gigantic room that looked like the word expensive.
Everything was either white or neutral. The designs were intricate, all the furniture was clean. The young man felt if he did the bare minimum when it came to touch, everything would be damaged. He would be on his knees begging for his life because he personally couldn't pay for the heavy prices. So he didn't. He kept his frail pale hands to his sides, lanky fingers tapping against his legs anxiously. He refused to look in front of him; a tall mirror stood there. Just a simple glance would have the glass shattering. He didn't match the unusual amount of wealth he was surrounded by, therefore he never tried to fit in. He didn't order the many maids and servants around like they were anything less than him; didn't request only the best of fabric when it came to his clothes. He stayed quiet, waited for someone else to do the honors that was guiding him on what to do next. Many said he'd grow into it—get used to living the lavish life. He doesn't think so. He felt as if money would only get him into trouble.
The spotlight would follow him to where he tries to hide and force him out. Take all of his personal interests and make them everyone else's. Hell, even expose something that could ruin his future. So as discreetly as he can, he'll bow his head and pray that no one notices that he's using the wrong fork for his salad.
"Mr. Min you must not smoke. Not only is it bad for you, but its smell stains" It was said by one of the many trusted servants that had been rushed to fetch him. The man rightfully known as Min Yoongi has grown accustomed to the man standing before him. He's grown to recognize the wavy brunette hair and the fair skin that seemed to have gleamed within the sunlight. He's embedded the unique voice and huge smile that typically accompanied it within his mind. He could easily pick out the other within a crowd. "And what have I said about slouching?"
Hands that weren't allowed to house any decorative jewelry planted themselves against Yoongi's chest, smoothing out any wrinkles within the blazer. Fingers also moved to straighten the cute little bow tie that just made the much shorter male look as though he was a present of some sort. The tan man before him couldn't help but smile at the idea, catching the dull eyes of the other and making them shine even brighter than he has ever seen. They just stood there, holding gazes and keeping any life changing thoughts to themselves. Whatever it was going on between them had to end. No more lingering stares, or brushing of fingertips. All ties of a relationship had to be cut—no matter how agonizing it might feel at first.
"Do I really have to go out there?" Yoongi groaned. Their stare had been broken then, the younger man in front of him snickering as he then returned his attention to the gorgeous suit the other wore. He did a few more brushes against the shoulders before nodding in content.
"Yes, you really have to" He was teasing. It was obvious by his tone and cute giggle. He reached for a perfume bottle that sat upon a dresser not even a foot away. It was clear and made out of glass. Probably worth more than one hundred dollars like everything else in the room. It also probably smelled extremely gross. So Yoongi scrunching his face in distaste at the sight was understandable. "After all, you are the bride." The nozzle of the bottle had been pressed down, releasing a spritz of cologne. "I believe Mr. Hwang would be upset if his lover doesn't walk down the aisle."
There was a spray in the crook of Yoongi's neck, the taller male dragging his thumb across the exposed skin when seeing he might have done a little too much. A patch of liquid could be seen dripping from the other's skin. The male's one job at the moment was to make sure Yoongi looked perfect—and if that meant wiping away too much perfume, then he must. Even if the connection makes the pad of the digit tingle, making his heart speed up and lungs need a bigger dose of oxygen. One thing he learned from Yoongi was that the older one was always so cold. A great contrast to his normal warmth; as cliché as that sounds.
"I've met him one time. I wouldn't exactly call us lovers" The soon to be married spoke with an eye roll. "Hoseok, please don't make me go. We can just run away. Hail a taxi before riding literally anywhere that isn't here."
The younger one, Jung Hoseok, again laughed at the other. He was seen placing the cologne back on the dresser, back staying turned for a second too long. Yoongi didn't question it though. He was too focused on thinking about escape plans. He really didn't want to marry a man that his parents supposedly arranged back when he was first born. He always knew that the Min and Hwang family were great friends (had a partnership that's lasted for generations), but never to the point where his love life would be decided before he was even conceived. What if he was forced to marry a girl!? He probably would have left the country and changed his name by now.
"Unfortunately I can't do that—stop slouching" Yoongi heaved a sigh. He doesn't know if it was because of the sad news or the irritatingly repetitive phrase. Either or works. Hoseok on the other hand gave a lipped-grin. "Look, I know this whole wedding thing isn't ideal and Mr. Hwang is practically a stranger, but he'll grow on you. I promise he will. He's a great person and he'll treat you right."
"You're just saying that because you work for him" The shorter crossed his arms. Hoseok was quick to push them back to his sides and mumble something about creases.
"Yeah, and those years of service have exposed me to what he's really like—now open" He tapped at Yoongi's chin, referencing for him to unhinge his jaw and expose the inside of his mouth. It was a quick action, making Hoseok grab for a tiny bottle of breath spray just as fast. "You'll learn to love him. I guarantee it" He uncapped the tiny item before again pressing his index down on the nozzle. "You just have to allow yourself to."
"That's what everyone says. If you just give it time, you'll grow into it. Just give this life a chance. It's not as bad as you think" The smaller man almost crossed his arms again, yet fought against it when witnessing Hoseok's stare. He resulted in grimacing instead; stepping away from the mirror and moving to find a place on the expensive couch. He plopped down on the bouncy cushions, startling a small honey colored dog that rested previously. "The only thing that isn't bad here is Holly" He said it while picking up the fluffy animal and hugging it close. An action that had Hoseok cringing.
"That's because he's your dog," Saying it as he took the toy-poodle away. "Stand back up and wipe any hairs from your suit. I swear you're trying to make my job harder."
Yoongi huffed as he stood to his feet and aggressively wiped at the clothes he found himself hating. He honestly felt like tearing each layer off and then burning it; maybe stain it with something beforehand; rip it to shreds. Any damage to the suit was okay with him. It means the wedding would have to be postponed, giving him more time to conjure up a plan to run away. But of course those thoughts could only be part of his imagination—that is for however long Hoseok decides to linger and nag about his habits. Like slouching. Curse his stupid natural way of sitting, or standing, or literally doing anything that involves his upper body to be vertical.
"Okay, so I was told after making sure you look as beautiful as usual," It was a compliment that went completely over Hoseok's head, but definitely having an impact on the receiver. The apples of his cheeks reddening said it all. "-I were to guide you to the marriage hall, where of course you will be getting married. So are you ready?" The taller one placed Holly back on the couch, catching a glimpse of him finding another comfortable sleeping position, before placing it back on a displeased Yoongi.
"What kind of question is that? Were you not listening the entire time I complained?"
It was Hoseok's turn to roll his eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes" He heaved a sigh, running his hands over his own clean suit. Then when believing he looked presentable he held a bent arm out, motioning with his head for Yoongi to latch on. The older looked at the appendage with uncertainty at first, but eventually he allowed his delicate fingers to cling on. Both parties tried to dismiss the way there was an interesting feeling that went along with the rather professional touch, but it was becoming a little too hard with how long they needed to be so close. Yoongi was beginning to feel faint. It felt as though the world around him was spinning. He blames it on Hoseok's intoxicating cologne. It was sweet. A smell that matched him fairly well.
And he was forced to inhale it the entire way down an ungodly long hallway. He was forced to be trapped within Hoseok's warm space; and it felt as though if he were there for a second longer he really would have passed out from how overwhelming it all was. Luckily he was saved by another loyal person. She was a maid that much rather stick with the name Lia. She wore a beautiful lavender colored dress that matched with the theme of the wedding. She wore an eye smile as she quietly took Yoongi out of the hands of her friend. With no physical contact between them she guided the pale male towards giant wooden doors. He wanted to say that his father stood there as well, ready to walk him down the aisle with a grin as happy as could be; but under unfortunate circumstances he had passed and now could only watch from above. Who knows what his emotion was, Yoongi rather see it in person and whisper about it to him teasingly.
"Here are your flowers," Lia grabbed them off a nearby table. They looked generic. "Stand here and wait five seconds after the music starts playing to walk in. Alright?" She spoke softly when instructing him. She also didn't leave until he got confirmation. It was a simple head nod, but she took it nonetheless and then walked off.
Then the time has come. He could hear the typical Here Comes the Bride song being played by instruments. It was loud; vibrating the marble floor he stood upon. He could even hear the frantic chatter of guests, only truly calming down when the wooden doors had been pulled open from the inside. Usually Yoongi wasn't a nervous person. He kept all of his emotions in check; hiding them all behind a nonchalant expression and sarcastic comments. But as he took the needed steps that was walking into the humongous room where he shall sign his life away to another man, his smile turned crooked. Hwang Hyunjin was the man who stood in the center many feet in front of him. He looked just as uneasy as Yoongi felt. Neither one of them wanted this. Yet here they both were, destined to meet in the front and be watched by family and friends—saying faux vows to one another in order to make it seem more real. They were to slide silver rings onto each other's fingers and seal everything with a peck on the lips.
Then they'd get the company, right? All of the work and responsibilities would be placed on their shoulders; only truly enjoying the fact that they'll have money and the right to brag that they get to sit in the big boy chair.
At the thought Yoongi was going to call it there. He was going to throw the bouquet to the ground and run right back out those double doors. Maybe he'll steal Hoseok in the process. He'll grab hold of the taller that stood in the back of the crowd and leave as if none of it would ruin his reputation. He didn't though. He was already handing the flowers off to the maid of honor: Hwang Yeji, Hyunjin's twin sister. He was already turning back around to face his groom and hold hands in a much awkward way. He was already fooling everyone. So he inhaled with his best fake grin, trying to maintain eye contact with the man who held an inch over him. It was getting weird though. Especially when he was soon told that he was allowed to say his vows.
"Hwang Hyunjin, I know we barely know one another, but I was told that I would grow to love you. It was guaranteed" He wanted to look away. Find someone else to stare at, but he resisted the urge. He tightened his hold on the other male's hands, getting a comforting squeeze back in return. "So as we share this new life together," His voice was growing shaky and he was beginning to choke up. He really really didn't want this. "I will try to make things work. Make us work. That is if you'll let me."
He was crying. When did he begin to do that? The hot and salty liquid trailed down his face without existence until Hyunjin reached up to wipe it away. He understood and Yoongi found himself melting at that. Why couldn't he have a guy who just wanted to use him? He wanted a guy that much rather have him for the sake of their companies growing and not an actual relationship. Fuck Hwang Hyunjin and his precious heart.
"Wow this is embarrassing" He chuckled at the tears that still streamed down his face. He also replaced the other's hand with his own, dabbing at his cheeks in order to not smudge whatever makeup some random woman did an hour before. "Sorry, I'm not usually this emotional."
"It's okay. I won't judge" They shared a laugh. Then it was Hyunjin's turn to return a few words. It was nothing special, more so a response to what Yoongi had said only a minute before. There was a promise that he would also give their new blossoming relationship a chance; and too giving his word that if the older ever feels uncomfortable then they don't have to act like a couple. It could be strictly business—while giving the representation that they loved one another enough to still continue on with being married. He even encouraged Yoongi to find that one person he'll truly admire, only requesting that he be given that right as well. Who was the older to say no to that offer? He gripped at Hyunjin's hands again while nodding. The smiles they shared within that moment lifted a tremendous weight off their shoulders. Everything felt much lighter as they watched a man walk down the aisle with a purple pillow. Upon it held two matching bands. Once he approached the couple he got down on a bended knee and held the pillow outwards.
Hyunjin had been the one to reach for the ring dedicated to Yoongi first. His fingers had just barely grazed the cold metal before he was groaning out and falling to the floor.
It all happened so fast. Yoongi felt as though he was paralyzed. He didn't know where to look, where to move to, how to respond. He just stayed frozen, eyes blowing wide as he watched Hyunjin lay on the hard floor. He gasped for air a few times, stopping after the third inhale and eyes fluttering shut. The guest had been frantic. They screamed and rushed to leave the dangerous room. Yoongi couldn't follow them though. He instead dropped to the ground as well, shaky hands reaching out to press at the chest of the younger male. Quickly they became a crimson red. His eyes began to water again. But this time out of shock and confusion. Like he said, he didn't know the other male all too much, but after their vows he grew a connection. He much rather prefer that he doesn't die right there.
"Hyunjin! Hyunjin please wake up!" He kept his hands firmly on the wound. The blood wouldn't stop though. It kept gushing out. "You're ruining our wedding you idiot! Wake up!" The static of everything around him was so loud. He didn't hear the way Yeji also kneeled by her brother's side and cried as she prayed that he was okay. He didn't feel the way Hoseok pulled him away, exclaiming that he needed to leave and find safety. He was focused solely on his non-moving groom.
"Yoongi you have to get out of here!" Hoseok yanked at the shorter's body, finally getting him away from Hyunjin. "Lucas take Yeji to safety. Find the youngest Ni-ki as well. I think he got lost in the crowd. Paramedics should be on their way" The Lucas man grunted for agreement, too prying the ginger woman away from her brother. She of course protested against the idea, claiming that she needed to be with him, but was taken out of the room anyway. "Yoongi, we need to leave."
"We can't just leave him here" His words didn't match the way he automatically walked towards the exit. Didn't match how he looked back at a lying Hyunjin, tears caught in his eyes. "Someone has to make sure he's okay. That he's still breathing!" His entire body was trembling as he stared down at his stained hands. He could see them even better now that they had been struck by that same morning sunlight. What a gruesome sight. Yoongi could vomit. He might vomit. The sour taste was already clinging to his throat, warning him that if he stared a little longer he was going to puke all over his shoes.
"The police and ambulance are coming. He's going to be fine. My main concern right now though is you" He cupped his hands around the shorter's face and made them look at one another. Hoseok felt his heart break at the sight of the other. "I was tasked to look after you, and that's what I shall do. So let me do so, okay?"
Yoongi nodded. And that's all it took for Hoseok to bring him in for a hug. He let the shorter man bury his face in his chest, bloody hands gripping onto his blazer for some sort of stability. He let the older cry as he kept a firm gaze on everyone else who too stood outside the building. All the guests looked frazzled. They looked eager to leave, not bothered to wonder what really happened and just escape the possibility of being injured as well. Hoseok could even see Lucas help Yeji into a black vehicle, her younger brother stepping in not even seconds later. And for a second they held gazes, an unreadable look having been given. But that was everyone's expression. No one had a word on what happened, or who had been the one to do it.
"Let's go find your mother and brother. Make sure they're alright."
At the remembrance of his family Yoongi sucked back in whatever snot that dared to dribble out of his nose, while also swallowing any remaining sobs. He practically shoved Hoseok away, body then whipping around to search through the almost non-existent crowd. His blood-shot eyes darted back and forth in hopes of spotting his mother's face. It was when he craned his neck to the left that he spotted her. She stood beside a black van, her eldest son next to her and indulging in a conversation that was filled with concern. Yoongi had managed to forget all about his newly proclaimed bodyguard and began to dash his way past people. He wanted to scold himself for being such a crybaby. He doesn't believe he's cried this much his entire life. But as he soon found himself within his mother's embrace, more tears couldn't help themselves from forming.
"Oh baby, are you alright!?" She had spoken fast while also picking at his slender figure to try and see if he was wounded anywhere. Yoongi just shook his head. "You had me so worried. There were loud shots and people were screaming. I couldn't see you and thought that maybe you had gotten hurt too" She pulled him back in for a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're safe."
And just as the commotion around them had seemed to ease into a calm atmosphere, sirens could be heard. Multiple police cars had driven towards the curb and not even seconds behind them were two large ambulances. Many men and women jumped out of their vehicles, most if not all having immediately made their way towards the entrance of the building. Yoongi wanted to follow. He wanted to attach himself to a paramedic and watch them save the life of Hyunjin. Yet he kept still. He stayed wrapped within his mother's arms and watched from a distance. He could hear his older brother mumble something about the entirety of this being so sad; it being followed up by the mesmerizing voice of Hoseok agreeing.
"Alright everyone, this is now officially a crime scene! I need all of you off of the property immediately!" It was said by a woman officer. She was waving her hands while shouting. It distracted bystanders from the way two of her colleagues began to wrap yellow tape around the perimeter. "Anyone who may have been hurt please consult with one of the paramedics on duty, other than that please head home safely."
"My partner forgot to mention that a few of you will be called to the station for questioning! We need a detailed description of what happened here today, and if you possibly know who may have done this. Again, we will be pulling people. But if you want to come in and say a few words, that's fine as well" This time it was a man yelling.
Yoongi trembled at the thought. How would he be able to explain what he knew without having a panic attack?
"I know who did it!" All heads turned to face an unfamiliar woman. She didn't even look as if she attended the wedding. She wore normal day clothes and didn't look to be affiliated with the Hwang family. "I know who did it, officer!" The stranger ran her way up to the man and clutched onto his arm. All she got in return was a look of surprise, to which was immediately shifted back into normalcy out of professionalism.
"Ma'am if you'd like to give a-"
"He's right there! The person who shot Hwang Hyunjin is right there!" The woman didn't hesitate to point her finger in the direction of Yoongi. Someone who felt all air leave his lungs and face contort into one of pure bafflement. "That man did it! Or well he hired someone to do it. I'm telling you!"
All eyes were now turned towards the supposed bride, whispers having also erupted. Yoongi was frozen though. He couldn't even defend himself. He was trying so hard to wrap his head around everything.
"Now who are you to accuse my son of murder!?" Miss. Min exclaimed with anger. "He would never do such a thing! Do you know how harmful it is to be spreading false rumors like that!"
"Alright please calm down everyone," The woman police officer said while stepping so she was in the middle of the argument. "No more information shall be discussed here. But with the accusations, it's only right that we take your son into custody."
"What!? That's uncalled for! He's done nothing wrong and shouldn't have to be taken! You're taking some crazy bat's word just like that!" Miss. Min shouts. She would have even begun to stomp over to the officer if she wasn't being held back by her eldest son.
"I know what I saw!" The stranger replies.
"Bullshit is what you've seen!" After wiping hair from her eyes she sighed. "Excuse my language."
The talking went on. There was back and forth between the people around him. Their voices rose and fell. There were threats of a fight breaking out right there on the freshly cut grass. Yoongi would have snickered too—he would have grinned at the mere thought of his mother tussling with another woman—but he caught sight of people coming out of the building. It was some of the paramedics, two holding a stretcher and another briskly walking beside it. And it didn't take a genius to know who lay upon the makeshift bed. Gosh, Hyunjin looked lifeless. He was just limp limbs, chest just barely showing signs of life by rising and then falling. There was talk about having to move fast or else the problem could get worse. There was mention of immediate surgery when getting to the hospital. And as of right now Yoongi didn't care that he was being accused of murder. He wanted— needed to know that Hyunjin was going to be alright.
"He needs to come with us ma'am. You can meet us there. But for right now he needs to be in our hands" The male police officer spoke lowly. "He'll just be asked a few questions. And if he claims that he wants a lawyer before then, we shall not ask any until he is given one."
"Oh he'll definitely be needing a lawyer! This is absolutely out-"
"Mom!" Yoongi faces her with a solemn stare. He grabs for her hand and gives it a squeeze. "It's fine. I'll be fine."
"No, no, this isn't fair" She held his face. "You've done nothing! Please don't give up so easily."
"Like they've said, it's just a few questions. I think I can handle it."
"Well I'm going to be there when you do!" She dropped her hold on her son to look at the two officers. "Fine. Take him. But I'll be down there. And I'll be bringing my best lawyer."
"Fine by me ma'am" The woman officer pulled out a pair of silver handcuffs that were tucked into her black belt. "Hands behind your back while I tell you your rights."
Yoongi didn't complain. He didn't struggle. He turned like she asked, hands being placed behind him. He could hear Hoseok questioning whether the cuffs were necessary, not getting a response in return. Just the two officers continuing on with their job. The woman told Yoongi everything he needed to know, finishing when she opened the back door to her police car. The man in white tinted with that disgusting crimson red, sat quietly. His lips were kept sealed when the door was slammed on him; and they continued to be when he stared out the window towards everyone that stared back.