Detecting Falsehood

(K)18(M)(T)(A)224(A)

The sun seems to shine differently now. It's like the rest of the world knows you're gone. I hate it.

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"21? What are you doing here?" Jungkook's voice, the tone a little confused, just outside of my little cell.
"I am sorry, I didn't even know you were planning to visit Taehyung, I will come back another time if you want-"
"Don't be, we can both visit at the same time. Taehyung is not against seeing either of us. Besides, I would think he appreciates our existence."

"I can confirm that," I say calmly from inside, and Jungkook chuckles slightly, as the door clicks to open.
"See? I was right," he says conversationally, the tone surprising both 21 and I, from the expression on her face as they enter the room. "I know these things."

"And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" I ask as formally as I can manage, trying not to laugh as I do so. 21 frowns in confusion, and Jungkook just laughs, shaking his head at me. I've never seen him in such a good mood. "Why are you happier than usual?"

"I'm not really sure," he admits, gesturing toward 21 as if telling her to close the door. She does so, uncertainly, and he gives her a grateful smile. "I think it's because we both decided to visit at the same time, which never happens."

"I don't know why that would make you this happy, though," 21 puts in, confused. "I'm just another minion, after all."

"I would disagree," Jungkook says quietly, "you're the one that actually decided to make friends with Taehyung. You are the one that has the courage to befriend me, while other minions are too scared to step forward and talk to me like I'm human. There aren't many people like that, 21. And so it does matter."

"He's right," I tell her calmly, "you don't know how important that is. The vast majority of us aren't inherently evil, sure, but we're not perfect either. Sure, you were born in the wrong body, but that doesn't make you invalid. You have a good heart, and that's what matters."

21 sits down, clearly more than a little overwhelmed at the fact that both Jungkook and I are so determined to help make her feel more confident.

"Guys, I don't see how-"
"Well you will," I tell her determinedly. "We are your friends now, 21. Both of us. And you can't get rid of us that easy."
"Besides, it's not like we have anyone else to-"
"Maybe not the best thing to say," I say instantly, holding out a hand, and Jungkook nods in understanding.

"Right, sorry," he says awkwardly, lifting a hand to scratch at the side of his nose as he speaks. "I wasn't thinking. I don't normally have many friends, so social interaction has never been my thing. My brother was the one who could talk to anyone."

21 frowns, leaning forward and looking directly at him. "I thought I heard your father say-"
"21, with due respect, this is not an issue we should push," I interrupt quietly, placing a hand on her arm, and she nods in understanding.
"Okay. I won't mention it again. My apologies."

Jungkook manages a smile at her formal language. "Why are you so differential to me? We are just members of the same gang, nothing more. And we're friends. So we don't need to worry about all the formalities."
"But you are the son of-"

"My identity is not important, 21. I may be the son of the leader, that's true, but we are both humans, and I am not the leader himself. Therefore, the fancy stuff doesn't apply to me. Not when my father isn't here. I only fulfil the role of second in command when I am required. At other times, I am a minion. Just like you."

21 looks between Jungkook and I for a moment. "Then how will I refer to you when we talk as friends? I can't call you by name, like Tae, or by number, like myself."
"Jeon," Jungkook says decisively after a few moments of consideration. "Technically not a name, but it's not some fancy title either. And Tae can use it as well."