A/N: Hello my loves, first of all, a very warm welcome to my new followers and new readers. Thanks for choosing my book. I hope you are enjoying it so far.
Happy reading.
Love ya xx
Ruchi π
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Author's POV:
Jin and Taehyung came out where other's were waiting for them. Jin quickly went to Jimin who was sitting silently in the car. Jin worriedly looked at his best friend. He knew Jimin was trying not to show it but he was shaken up and was on the verge of breakdown.
"Taehyung- I mean captain?", Jin looked at Taehyung.
"Yes?", Taehyung asked.
The fact that Taehyung didn't even looked bothered by Jin's little mistake made Jungkook and others confused.
"Can you please drop me and Jimin off to our house?", Jin asked.
"I can do that", Jungkook said.
"No it's ok. You guys go back to the station. I will drop them off and join you", Taehyung said while getting in the car.
*****
The car ride was silent, Jimin's head was resting on Jin's shoulder. Jin was just worriedly staring at him.
"Jimin ah?", Jin said.
Jimin looked up.
"Are you okay? Do you want to talk about what happened?", Jin asked wanting his friend to open up rather than suffering alone.
"I am okay now Jin. You guys are with me, so I am fine", Jimin said while giving a small smile.
Taehyung sighed, "Jimin, even though I don't know you personally. But I promise you I won't ever let something like that happen to you ever again. Jin and I will make sure you are safe".
Jimin smiled, "you are really nice person Taehyung-shi. I really appreciate that. Also thanks for keeping my Jinnie safe".
"Yah! I don't need anyone to keep me safe!", Jin said.
"Yeah that's why you keep on putting yourself in dangerous situations without thinking", Taehyung said.
"I don't do that without thinking! I know what I am doing!", Jin said.
"Yeah right!", Taehyung said with a scoff. Jin didn't know what got over him, he leaned forward and slapped Taehyung's arm.
"Did you just hit me?!", Taehyung asked with wide eyes.
Jin was about to respond when he heard a laugh. He saw that it was coming from Jimin. Jin smiled seeing his best friend laughing freely.
"You guys are so cute!", Jimin said while laughing.
"What?! No! We are anything but cute!", Jin said while pouting.
"Talk about yourself. I have heard that I am cute many times", Taehyung said while smirking. Jin rolled his eyes.
"No no, I mean you guys together look cute. Personally I think my Jinnie is cute and captain- you are hot!", Jimin said while laughing.
Taehyung smirked. Jin glared at his best friend.
"Woah! Calm down Jin, I just complimented him. No need to get angry", Jimin said while smirking.
"When did I get angry?! I don't care. Also I am not cute! I am hot!", Jin said.
"I won't argue with that", Taehyung mumbled.
"What did you say?", Jin asked. Taehyung shook his head and said, "I said we are here. Now get off".
Jin and Jimin got out of the car. Jimin peeked inside the car and said, "Taehyung-shi, thanks. Thanks alot for helping me". Taehyung gave him a small smile and nodded, "take care". Then he drove away.
*****
When they reached home, Jimin instantly headed towards his room but Jin stopped.
"Let's sit here for a while", Jin said while pointing at the couch.
Jimin nodded slightly and sat on the couch. Jin sat beside him. Then he placed his hand on other's lap.
"Jimin ah it's okay to feel scared and angry. Just let it out. You aren't okay, are you?", Jin said.
Tears started flowing down from Jimin's eyes, "no Jin I am not okay. I don't know why I always manage to find such people in my life. I am now scared to trust anyone. I don't know what could have happened if you guys didn't reach on time. Why is it always me?!". Jin stayed silent, he wanted Jimin's bottled up emotions to come out.
"It's okay. It happens sometimes, it's not your fault. It's Lee Young-guk's fault. But trust me I know this, I am sure you are going to find one amazing person who will value you more than anything else and he will stay by your side till the end", Jin said while pulling Jimin in a hug.
"Really? You think I will be able to find someone like that?", Jimin asked while hugging his best friend.
"Yes", Jin said. Jimin smiled and tightened the hug, "I don't know what good I ever did, to have a best friend like you. Thanks for being my best friend Jinnie". Jin suddenly pulled away from the hug and took out his phone, then he started recording Jimin.
"Alright now say that again. I have to keep this as proof for future purpose", Jin said while stifling his laugh.
Jimin punched his shoulder and said, "In your dreams! I am never saying that again!". Then both of them started laughing.
*****
(At the station)
Taehyung was tapping his fingers on the table.
"Hey! Stop that already! Are you that bored?", Yoongi said who was sitting across him.
"Who said I am bored?", Taehyung said.
"I can see that on your face. If you get this bored just because Jin isn't here, then why don't you tell him how you feel?", Yoongi said.
"I told you I am not bored and definitely not because he is not here", Taehyung said.
Yoongi sighed and got up. Then he came and stood beside Taehyung. He placed his hand on Taehyung's shoulder, "Taehyung ah. Stop that already. I see the way you look at him. I know that look really well. Why can't you just stop fooling yourself and do what your heart wants".
"I can't", Taehyung said.
"Do it now before you lose your chance. Afterwards even if you want to tell him how you feel, it will be too late for that", Yoongi said.
"It will be better don't you think? I mean he will be much happier, if he finds someone else. I have only been hurting him or making him sad anyways", Taehyung said.
"Yah! Why did I get you as my best friend?! You make me tired", Yoongi said while plopping down on chair near him.
"Yoongi you know, it won't end good for us anyways. Like last time", Taehyung said while clenching his fists.
Yoongi's eyes softened as he looked at his best friend worriedly, "it was not your fault Taehyung ah".
"I don't know. But all I can remember, are his last words that he said to me-", Taehyung said as his eyes glistened with tears.
Yoongi grabbed his wrist, "don't! Please don't do this to yourself! You need to give yourself second chance. Please stop punishing yourself for the mistake you didn't even commit!".
Before he could say anything further, someone knocked on the door. Hoseok came inside worriedly. He heard some shouting coming from Taehyung's cabin, where Taehyung and Yoongi sat. So he came inside to check if everything was okay.
Yoongi's smiled at Hoseok, "everything's fine, we are just arguing about some stuff. You know how stupid he can be", Yoongi said while pointing at Taehyung. Hoseok smiled and nodded awkwardly.
"Alright then I will leave. You two can continue", Hoseok said.
"No. Take him with you. We are done talking", Taehyung said. Yoongi glared at him but got up and left with Hoseok.
Taehyung sighed tiredly and put his head in his hands.
*****
Jin looked at Jimin who was sleeping peacefully. He smiled seeing that his best friend finally feeling better. Then he remembered Taehyung. He never properly thanked him for helping him save Jimin. Even though he knew that other will probably say that he was just doing his job.
He took out his phone and dialled Taehyung's number.
It rang for a while but no one picked up. He was about to hang up the phone but then someone answered from the other side, "Hello".
"Captain?"
"Yes Jin. Everything okay?"
"Oh yes everything's fine. I just called to thank you as I didn't get to do that properly", Jin said.
"Oh. No it's ok. I am glad your friend is safe", Taehyung said.
"Captain?"
"Yes?"
"Are you okay?", Jin asked worriedly.
"Yes of course I am fine. Why?", Taehyung answered.
"You don't sound fine. Did something happen? At the station or outside?", Jin asked.
"No. Nothing happened. Everything's fine. Jin now I have to go, I have some work. Talk to you later", Taehyung said.
"Wait! Do you want me to come to station?", Jin asked.
'Yes'
"No. I gave you off right, just rest", Taehyung said.
"Are you sure? I feel like I should come", Jin said.
"I said no Jin. Stay at home. Now I have to go. Bye", with that Taehyung hung up the phone.
Jin sighed and kept the phone aside.
'Something was definitely wrong with his voice. What happened? Did I do something? Was he crying?', Jin thought. He wanted to go to station and see what's wrong but he stopped himself. He also didn't want to bother Taehyung, as the other made it very clear that he didn't want Jin come.
Jin just decided to go get some rest instead. His head was hurting because of all the rush caused due to Jimin's kidnapping.
*****
(Back at station)
Taehyung was thinking about what Yoongi said. But the events from his past keep coming back to him, making him want to let go off all the feelings he had for Jin.
Just then someone knocked on his door. Jungkook entered inside, "captain there's one grandma who has come to us to register missing complaint of her grandson".
"So? Get it registered, what are you waiting for?", Taehyung asked.
"Actually sir she has requested to meet you in person", Jungkook answered.
"Alright. Let's go", Taehyung said while getting up from the seat.
Taehyung saw an old lady standing with her back to him.
"Madam? You wanted to meet me?", Taehyung asked. Old lady quickly turned around, "Taehyung ah!".
Taehyung's eyes went wide. He couldn't respond anything for a minute as he saw her face.
"Taehyung ah?", Old lady called him again.
"Ah yes. G-grandma? What are you doing here?", Taehyung asked.
"Sir do you know her?", Jungkook asked. Just then Yoongi entered in the station, he was shocked after seeing the old lady. His eyes immediately went to Taehyung.
"Taehyung ah, please. Please help me find Sunwoo. I am worried that he might be in some danger", that old lady answered.
"Why? What happened to him? And what are you two doing here in Seoul?", Taehyung asked softly while bending down to her level.
"Our Sunwoo brought me here. Both of my sons have left me to stay alone in Daegu. But after my grandson Sunwoo decided to move here, he brought me with him. He has such a kind heart, why would someone try to hurt my precious grandson!", With that she started crying.
"Jungkook ah, bring some water. Grandma calm down. I will find him but first you will have to tell me why you think he is in danger", Taehyung asked.
"Our Sunwoo was in lot of stress these days. He wasn't eating well. He was in a bit of debt, that's why many times few debt collectors even came to our house to threaten him. I am worried, someone from them might have taken my Sunwoo with them. Taehyung ah please find him. I can only trust you", Old lady said as she slowly drank the water Taehyung gave her.
"Why would you trust me?", Taehyung said. Yoongi placed his hand on Taehyung's shoulder. Then he came forward and kneeled down to her level, "grandma you remember me right? Come with me, I will guide you, you can register your complaint and explain everything in detail to me". With that Yoongi took old lady away with him, but she kept looking back at Taehyung who was still kneeling on the floor lost in thoughts.
Jungkook looked at him worriedly and said, "captain? Are you okay?".
"Yes. Let's get her complaint registered and start the search operation immediately", Taehyung said while getting up.
After registering the complaint, Yoongi was talking to her. Jungkook came to Taehyung and said, "sir her name is Kang Eun Jeong. Her grandson who's missing, his name is Kang Sunwoo. She said she haven't seen him since yesterday. He left for an early morning jog yesterday, but he didn't return home after that. She said she waited till today because sometimes he used to do that. He used to hang out with his friends for full day and return next day. But he always used to be back by morning. She is worried because his cell phone is also off. She told that he never used to turn off his cellphone. She is worried that debt collectors might have taken her grandson and he might be in danger".
"Alright got it. Ask her if she can identify those debt collectors, if she sees them in person. Circulate Sunwoo's picture everywhere and ask to report to station if anyone knows anything about him", Taehyung instructed.
"And Hoseok?"
"Yes sir?", Hoseok asked.
"Alert your informers and ask them to give us information about all the local loan sharks. We need to round them up", Taehyung said.
"Got it", with that Hoseok left.
Taehyung looked at Eun Jeong who was sitting with Yoongi and was crying in his arms. He took a deep breath and went towards her.
She looked up as she saw Taehyung.
"Taehyung ah, did you find anything about my Sunwoo?", she asked.
"Grandma don't worry. I promise I will give my all to find him and bring him back to you. But till then you have to take care of your health and try not to worry too much", Taehyung said.
Old lady smiled and held his hand, "I trust you Taehyung ah. I know you will find my Sunwoo. Thanks for your help". Taehyung didn't say anything, he didn't know what to say. He just stood there.
Later Yoongi came up to him, "Taehyung ah? Are you alright?".
"Yes I am fine. Why won't I be?", Taehyung answered without looking.
"Because you are forced to be face to face with the past that you want to forget", Yoongi said.
"No Yoongi. I don't think I can ever forget it. It's just that seeing her here, is making it feel more real", Taehyung said as he looked at old Kang Eun Jeong sitting on the chair.
"Why don't you sit this one out? Me and others will handle the case and will give you the report", Yoongi suggested.
"No. I have to solve this myself. I owe it to her", Taehyung said. Yoongi shool his head.
*****
Jungkook came to Taehyung, "sir we have put Sunwoo's phone on tracking. From his call records as well we haven't found any particular lead yet".
"Alright keep trying. There has to be something that we are missing out", Taehyung said. Jungkook nodded and left.
Taehyung saw that Eun Jeong was still sitting on the bench outside the station. He went to her and sat beside her.
She looked at him and gave him a small smile, "Taehyung ah, don't worry about me. I am fine sitting here, I will be more worried at home".
"It's not good for your health to sit like this outside, please go home. I promise you I will give you all updates I am getting about Sunwoo. Please rest at home at least for Sunwoo", Taehyung said.
"Alright alright I will go and rest. I will leave my worry with you then", Kang Eun Jeong said.
"Good. I will ask someone to drop you off", Taehyung said while getting up.
"No! No need for that. I will just call the cab", she said.
"No I know you won't take cab and will walk all the way to your house", Taehyung said.
Old Kang Eun Jeong smiled, then she placed her hand on Taehyung's head, "you are still the same. Always caring about everyone. You know how happy I was when he introduced you to me". Taehyung froze, he couldn't utter a word for few seconds. Then he held her hand and said, "alright then I will ask one officer to drop you off. Take care. I will let you know once I find anything about Sunwoo". Eun Jeong smiled and nodded.
Taehyung went back inside, tiredly rubbed the bridge of his nose. 'I have to find Sunwoo as fast as possible, so that I can just close this chapter again', he thought.
*****
They were able to track the location of Sunwoo's phone but it was of no use. It's location was just few blocks away from his house. They searched that place thoroughly, then they found his cell phone lying on the roadside as if someone deliberately throw it away.
Taehyung didn't leave the station at night. Everyone asked him to go home and take some rest but he insisted on staying and digging a bit more in Sunwoo's call records.
(Next day)
Jin came a bit early to the station, Jungkook informed him yesterday that they have got one more suspected kidnapping case and that it's of someone related to Taehyung.
Jin thought he was the first one from the team to come at the station. He came early to go through the materials others collected about this case yesterday.
Then he saw a familiar figure. He saw Taehyung sitting in his cabin with his head buried in some paperwork.
'Why is he here so early?', Jin thought.
Then he knocked on the door and went inside the cabin.
"Captain what are you doing here?", Jin asked while standing in front of him.
Taehyung looked up from the papers, "what are you doing here so early?", he asked back.
"I came here to go through the materials of Kang Sunwoo's case from yesterday. But you still haven't answered my question, what are you doing here? You didn't go home yesterday, did you?", Jin asked worriedly.
"I um- had to go through these call records. I keep getting this feeling that we are missing out something", Taehyung explained.
"You could have gone through these today as well! I could've helped you. Do you not care at all about your own health?! Because of these continuous cases, you barely got any time to rest and here you are pulling another all-nighter!", Jin said while glaring.
"It's okay. Just this one case, then I will get rest", Taehyung said.
Jin looked at him worriedly, "are you alright Taehyung? You don't look fine. Is something bothering you?".
"Yes nothing's bothering me", Taehyung replied. But Jin didn't buy it and kept staring at him worriedly.
Taehyung sighed, then held Jin's hand and pulled him towards him. Now Jin was basically sitting on his lap. Jin was too shook to react or say anything.
"I am fine and I will be better if you helped me to go through these records instead of interrogating me", Taehyung said. Jin could feel Taehyung's breath on his neck, it made him shiver.
'How is he acting like this is no big deal?!', Jin thought to himself.
'Alright! If it's no big deal for him then I will also act like it's no big deal', Jin thought . Then he started going through the call records while sitting on Taehyung's lap. This time Taehyung was taken aback, he thought after this action Jin will abruptly get up and stop questioning him. But instead the other made himself comfortable on his lap and started working. This made him smile. Taehyung thought, 'he really brings light into my darkest times'.
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A/N: Here you go! Thanks for reading. Let me know your thoughts about this chapter.