Still With You ?

12

“That’s a lie, but okay, I’ll take the lie,” he said coldly, making Jin pause. Before Jin could say more, they heard Mr. Kim’s voice.

“Yes, arrange it for tomorrow. Alright, I’ll hang up,” Mr. Kim was saying on the phone as he entered the dining hall. Jungkook stood up and bowed to Mr. Kim, who didn’t even nod or smile back. Jin gave a slight bow as well. After hanging up, Mr. Kim spoke, his voice calm.

“Sit down.”

Jungkook and Jin sat.

“Where’s Tae?” Mr. Kim asked, drinking a glass of water.

“He’s in the workshop, Dad. He has some work to do there,” Jin replied. Mr. Kim nodded, glancing briefly at Jungkook, who looked down. With a sigh, he turned back to Jin.

“So, Jin, I’m going to Busan for some business. I’ll return friday, just before the celebration,” Mr. Kim said.

Jin nodded. “Yes, Dad… umm, w-what’s the secret you mentioned?” Jin asked hesitantly.

Mr. Kim glared sharply. “Do you have the guts to question me?”

Jin shook his head. “N-no, Dad. I was just asking,” he said.

“You don’t have the right to ask. You’ll know when the time is right,” Mr. Kim said, standing up. “Jungkook, come to my room,” he ordered and left.

Jungkook glanced at Jin, who seemed confused. Sighing, he followed Mr. Kim to his room.

---

In Mr. Kim's room, Jungkook saw him sitting on the couch, looking a bit angry.

“So, Kim Jungkook, I assume your best friend delivered the file I gave you?” Mr. Kim asked bitterly.

“He’s not my best friend,” Jungkook replied through gritted teeth. “But he delivered the document.”

“I know that. Start working on the mission today. I don’t want your hyungs to know what you’re doing. If you have questions, ask Hyun Woo. eunwoo will also be working with you on this. You can come to the base or set up a place for your research. I want all the information within one month,” Mr. Kim instructed. “Make up an excuse to tell your hyungs,” he added, emphasizing the word “hyungs.”

Jungkook clenched his jaw. “I can’t work with eunwoo.”

“WOah, he said the same thing: ‘I can’t work with Jungkook.’ Soulmates for sure , or should I say enemies?” Mr. Kim said bitterly.

“I said I don’t want to work with him,” Jungkook replied.

“Why? Do you think if you get close, he’ll forgive you?” Mr. Kim taunted.

Jungkook glared at him. “I don’t want any forgiveness from anyone.”

Mr. Kim chuckled. “Even if you did, they wouldn’t forgive you. You know why? Because you killed your hyung. Maybe your mom, too.”

Jungkook’s anger calmed, but he stayed silent, the words hurted him, it reminded him the past.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter if you want to work with him or not. You two are working together, and that’s final. No more talk about it,” Mr. Kim said sternly. Jungkook sighed, frustrated.

“Why did you hide that they both rejoined the mafia?” Jungkook demanded angrily.

Mr. Kim stood up. “Why should I tell you? Do you actually care about them?” he asked, his voice dark.

Jungkook glared, and Mr. Kim smacked his arm hard, making Jungkook wince. “Drop that attitude, you useless animal,” he said coldly. Jungkook glared again, and Mr. Kim smacked his arm once more.