Ch.15
It was another day at school. This morning, you had woken up to a nice surprise by your sister. It was safe to say the two of you made up with each other. Of course, there are still a lot of things the two of you could patch up. Everyone was out for lunch. Jimin and you made your way through the cafeteria to join the gang outside. Taehyung was eating his noodles happily and you wanted to express how happy you were to Seokjin today. If it weren't for his advice to just swallow your pride, then you probably wouldn't be feeling as great as you did now. Breakfast was really good and all your classes have been a breeze so far.
Sitting down on the floor, you sat next to Taehyung with Jimin on your right. Jungkook already had his face stuffed by the time you showed up. He gave a small pout to see you sitting away from him. You gave him a smile since he looked so cute. Sometimes Jungkook reminded you of a cute little bunny. He's been recovering well and the symptoms were slowly subsiding. Jungkook used to be constantly sweating, vomiting, feeling nauseous and refused to eat. It made him weak and he was always tired then he soon found himself losing weight. Now, he was healthily returning to his weight and getting his strength again. Everyone still recommended that he didn't push it. Jungkook smacked Taehyung's shoulder and with a full mouth told the silver hair to switch spots.
It took some convincing, but Jungkook got to sit next to you. Jimin had a slight frown of disapproval to see the young one try and get next to you. Though you didn't mind sitting next to Jungkook, you did feel bad for Taehyung who didn't purposely sit next to you. Seokjin, Namjoon, and Hoseok came outside with their food. They all sat down across from the four of you. Immediately, the second years began to eat their food without hesitation. Seokjin took his time to open his box of food that sent a delicious aroma through the air. Raising your head, you watched the eldest pull out a napkin before he looked up to see you staring.
"Has my handsomeness finally captured you?" He gave you a stunning smug grin.
"I thought it already did." You giggled to have the two boys next to you quickly look up in your direction. "The bullet boys always cheer me up." You tried to stifle a giggle as Taehyung gasped in delight. Jimin started cracking up too while Jungkook face palmed.
"Good." Seokjin smirked, bringing up a piece of meat to his lips before winking at you.
"I wanted to thank you for what you told me to do last night. My sister and I are on good terms again," You said, catching his attention. He stared back at you for a while before smiling.
"...well, that's even better to hear." Seokjin's eyes fell to the ground. "Family is important and apologies are really necessary. Only when they deserve it though."
"Yeah." You shrugged, furrowing your brows slightly. None of the members showed any emotions when he said that. The most was Hoseok giving Seokjin a cookie to make the black hair's smile grow bigger.
Today, all the boys had new colors except for Seokjin. His hair remained breath takingly dark while Taehyung made his hair grey again. The color was starting to fade so Taehyung made it return to what it originally was. Jungkook's hair was light brown now with a few blonde highlights to make his hair appear brighter. Jimin's hair looked completely bleached and he even gave it a different texture. His hair used to look casually messy and wavy, but now it was fluffy and curly. Namjoon's hair used to have purple hair that was fading beautifully, and he now had adorable pink hair that suited him perfectly. The color wasn't threatening as the word 'gang', but he could still look intimidating if he wanted to. Hoseok used to have a fading pink and then decided to dye his hair completely red.
Personally, you were too afraid to let go and dye your hair. The school could care less, but your parents would certainly mind if you changed your hair drastically. The colors were gorgeous and dyed hair always looked nice. You just couldn't imagine changing your hair color and worrying if it'll ever return to its natural, healthy self. At that moment, Yoongi pushed open the door to come outside to eat with the rest. When he walked over to the group, everyone noticed a tall male in the cafeteria who was eyeing Yoongi. His uniform was sloppily put on and he looked like another dangerous student. Yoongi sat down with a new look as well. He used to adorn a mint color, but it now it was an electrifying blue.
"It's him," Jungkook muttered.
"Who?" You asked, looking at the male again. He saw everyone in the gang looking at him and made sure to leave. Before he completely disappeared, his eyes made contact with yours and it sent a shiver down your spine. He was terrifying.
"One of the members in the new gang," Jimin whispered. "I didn't know he went here. His uniform says he's a third year."
"You don't have to whisper." Yoongi sighed. "Woohyung, he's their maknae. Don't interact with any of them."
"You never told us about your old friends." Taehyung pouted. Yoongi already looked so done and exhausted. He stared at everyone, but you. The two of you haven't talked since he admitted he was the root. Yoongi tossed his chopsticks back into his plate, his glare tearing Taehyung apart.
"They're not my f*cking friends. They never were, especially Myon." Yoongi pointed his finger at everyone here.
Hoseok instantly asked for the full story of what happened yesterday. Last time, they were all being so vague so you internally thanked Hoseok for wanting to know again. If it had been you who had asked, they wouldn't have told you. They still could be secretive with their gang activity despite you being close friends with them. The older members say it's to protect you and the young ones say it's so they don't ruin your innocence. Either way, thanks Hoseok. You listened in as the first years told the story, repeatedly talking over one another. They were outside when they heard a loud bang to see the new gang. That's when it all went down.
They were very vague about the beginning of their story. It got more detailed once the gang came in. Apparently, Myon is the leader of the new gang who is strangely outgoing. Jungkook told you not to trust him even if he comes off as friendly. Jimin and Taehyung quickly nodded their heads. Seokjin didn't add too much the story. He mainly let the others tell it. You did want to hear his version of it since Taehyung's words couldn't always be trusted. As he said, Myon was a giant with sharp teeth. That description got him another smack from Jungkook. It made Jimin laugh and you couldn't help but smile. You had to remind yourself that Taehyung getting smacked shouldn't be funny.
Namjoon sat with his arms crossed, his eyes staring down at the ground. His expression let everyone know he was busy in his thoughts. None of the members spoke until he made up his mind about the situation. He said it wasn't a big deal, but it was starting to look like it would become one. Woohyun goes to SuChin and for some reason went out of his way to follow you guys here. He watched until his cover was blown. Not that he was that good in hiding. Jimin could do it better. Sometimes you would be in physical education class and you wouldn't be able to spot him. Then next thing you know, he was right at your side and was only hiding nearby.
"It's a little frustrating to hear about the gang." Namjoon looked up. "But I think the real problem is that they're trying to pick a fight. I don't want to get involved in the sh*t they want to pull us into. We've never been about that. We just want to get money and do our own things. Getting stuff like this is just part of it." He pointed to the prominent scar on his cheek. All the members silently agreed, remembering the night he received that cut. The memory flashed in your head quickly as you recalled the night you discovered they were a gang.
"What does that mean we do?" Yoongi asked, picking up his chopsticks again.
"Well, you know them even if you don't get along with them. You're familiar with how they work so we're all going to be extremely alert. The warehouse used to be a place we could relax, but now treat it like we're doing a deal there," Namjoon said to receive quiet protests.
Taehyung frowned. Hoseok shared the same displeasure about the idea. The warehouse was supposed to be a happy place or at least one where they could be themselves without getting judged. They could escape their problems without the hassle of other students watching or nagging parents. It was one of the main reasons you took such a quick liking to the place. You could never feel alone in that giant place. It could resemble a playground to you and the rest of the first years. Maybe a hangout place for the second years and a home for the third years. All in all, that place made everyone family. There were fights, but things would return back to normal after talking about it. You hadn't confronted Yoongi, but you were certain Seokjin did for you.
"Jimin and I can make sure they mind their own business," Hoseok suggested to get an approving look from Namjoon. Jimin gave a quick nod at his new assigned job.
"Taehyung can watch over Jungkook to make sure he doesn't push himself." Namjoon looked at the grey-haired boy.
"What? Why me!? He doesn't listen to me!" Taehyung whined as Jungkook stuck out his tongue.
"Seokjin is gonna be our temporary muscle," Namjoon stated. Jungkook stopped messing around with Taehyung to scoff at the news.
"Oh, okay." Seokjin laughed in amusement. He looked over at the brunette with a small smirk, saying, "Stop throwing up so I can get a new job."
"You're mean hyung." Jungkook gritted his teeth. "I swear, I'm fine. I can take those guys any day. Especially if I had a gun."
"Enough with the gun." Namjoon groaned to make the youngest shut his mouth. Hoseok gave the young members a look that told them not to upset their leader. You remained quiet through the whole thing, hoping that they wouldn't hold back information because of your presence. If they continued to ignore you then you would be in this with them. Sometimes you felt so conflicted. One moment you want them to stop being gangsters, the next you want to help them fight against another gang. "We're not going to make this a big rival war. We're going to be as peaceful a we can until we have to become violent. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Tonight, we're investigating." Namjoon scanned each member's face before his eyes landed on you.
"I coâ" You quickly opened your mouth, but he was already shaking his head.
"No, it's not safe. You're going to stay away from the warehouse so just go home." Namjoon didn't hesitate to shoot you down.
Any further attempts would only make him angry. When Hoseok gave the look to the first years, that included you. Even though you considered yourself more mature out of all of them, you were positive the older members knew better than you. But the thing is! You really wanted to go to the warehouse and have their back to confront the other gang. Yoongi gave you a cold glare out of the corner of his eyes before focusing back on Namjoon. He told the pink haired male the information he should know about the new gang. They play dirty, they're full of lies, and make you want to do something more illegal than selling drugs and vandalizing city property.
Their plan for tonight stopped there and you knew it was because Namjoon had finally acknowledged your presence. He didn't want you there at the warehouse which was understandable. He was just looking out for you and trying to protect you. Except you didn't want to be sheltered. Namjoon could occasionally be rude when telling you to back off from gang related things. He wasn't like Yoongi, but similar with the blunt part. Though he told you to just go home, you had different plans. The rest of the first years gave each other side glances. It looks like you were all on the same page.
After school, the plan was in action. Jimin guided you to the parking lot where Seokjin's truck was parked without you getting caught. Taehyung made sure to be the distraction in the plan. He would catch everyone's attention at the entrance by picking a 'fight' with Jungkook. The two were currently yelling at each other over who was Mr. Pyo's favorite. Out of all the choices, of course. There was a tarp in the back of Seokjin's truck. Jimin helped you hide under it while making it natural. He was a pro at stealth and quickly taught you a breathing technique to receive enough air without getting caught. D*mn, these boys really didn't play around.
At this time, Jungkook pushed Taehyung onto the ground. Students were crowding around in confusion by the time Jimin popped in. Taehyung's acting skills were a lot more impressive than Jimin expected. Especially since they were fighting over who was the grumpy teacher's favorite. Jungkook was panting and fell forward onto the ground. That part wasn't planned. The rest of the members showed up, puzzled by the first years yet again. Jimin worriedly picked Jungkook who suddenly had a wave of fatigue hit him. Taehyung continued acting on the ground despite being equally worried for the maknae.
"Get off the f*cking ground and let's go." Yoongi plucked Taehyung off the ground, pushing him towards the truck. Seokjin shook his head as he walked over to his truck. You were peeking your head to view it all and instantly hid under the tarp with Jimin's advice in mind. Hoseok and Namjoon were scolding the two youngest ones for doing something so stupid. It was making their leader regret putting Taehyung in charge of Jungkook because instead of taking care of him, he made him collapse.
The engine of the car turned on. Next thing you know, the truck was moving and the voices of the members got louder. The second years entered the truck while all the first years came into the back with you. As they came on, it sounded like Yoongi tried getting in the back with them. They all started telling Yoongi to get lost and you scrunched your face tightly under the tarp. They sounded so obvious, but only because you knew. Yoongi was forced to get inside the truck with the others before Seokjin started driving again. The ride isn't supposed to be long, but it felt like centuries under the black trap. The heat from the sun was beating down on it, making you sweat profusely. It didn't feel nice to have your clothes sticking to you and not getting any of the fresh breeze the young boys must have been receiving.
That's when the truck slowed down and came to a stop. Did they park? Someone smacked the tarp, hitting your hip to let you know that they had arrived. You did not agree to that being the method. At least they didn't smack something else. The boys began snickering and you were ready to jump out of the tarp to hit them. You'll teach them about respect! The older members got out from the truck, slamming the car doors harshly. Immediately, you heard Taehyung say 'we have company' in a tone that let you know the other gang was here.
Lifting the tarp off your body, you quietly slid it off and enjoyed the cool air touching your skin. It was refreshing after baking. Jimin closed the tailgate, his eyes never leaving you until he walked to the side of the truck with the others. You heard multiple footsteps come closer while the 'bullet boys' didn't move an inch. You wanted to see everything happen in front of you, but you couldn't blow your cover. Since you got this far without getting detected, your heart wasn't racing with too much adrenaline. In your opinion, you were very safe with Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook having your back.
"Yoongi! Is this everyone?" A voice asked with overwhelming enthusiasm. You assumed this was Myon, the untrustworthy leader of the new gang. "Seven members in total, huh? That's a nice amount. Must feel like a family, right?"
"What do you want?" Yoongi practically growled.
"Calm down," Namjoon's voice instructed the blue hair. No one questioned Namjoon's order over Yoongi and that's when it must have clicked in Myon's head. It sounded like he was having a heck of a time.
"Oh! Yoongi, you aren't the leader?" Myon laughed in disbelief. It was easy to see how he was mocking Yoongi but tried to pass it off as nothing. "You never listened to anyone before! What happened? Did you become his bâ"
"I'm the leader, Namjoon." The pink hair interrupted.
Slowly lifting your head, you witnessed the sight in front of you. The adrenaline was rushing through your body again. Namjoon was standing in front of everyone with his right hand slightly hovering over Yoongi to hold him back. Behind those two were Seokjin and Hoseok. All the first years stood in the back watching with frowns. Yoongi was grinding his teeth, tightening his fists so tight that his knuckles were turning white as milk. The other gang stood opposite of your boys. Myon was in the front, wearing a hat and a sleazy smile. Woohyun was standing right next to him, his brown hair curly hanging above his face. The rest also terrified you to the core. Unlike your 'bullet boys', they actually looked what you assumed gangster would look like.
"Namjoon? Never heard of you before. You all look new." Myon shoved his hands in his pockets. "Yoongi has always been a street rat though."
"F*ck you." Yoongi tried taking a step forward, but Hoseok grabbed his jacket to hold him back. Namjoon was getting frustrated with Yoongi's short temper. How were they supposed to handle the new gang if Yoongi is the main one causing problems on their side?
"Stop it, Hyung," Hoseok whispered as the first years stepped closer.
"Go back in the warehouse if you're going to be like this." Namjoon sighed to have Myon bending over in laughter. It seemed like Myon was the most familiar with Yoongi compared to the others. Whatever he found amusing, Myon was getting on your nerves. Just staring at his face was enraging you. Now you understood by what Yoongi meant.
"Wow, you really have Yoongi under control!" Myon grinned as Namjoon shook his head.
"There is no 'under control'. Look, we just want you guys to understand this is our property and not to bother us." Namjoon crossed his arms, changing the atmosphere around the male who wore a hat.
"Is that how it's going to be? I really didn't want that to be us. We just wanted to be friendly neighbors!" Myon whined, but no one was buying it. His members didn't look interested in being good neighbors anyway. "What? Are you hiding something in that warehouse? A weakness?"
"There's nothing to hide. The warehouse is just ours so don't intrude." Namjoon was doing his best to keep his patience. He was really good at dealing with difficult people from what you've seen. It felt like he truly was a born leader. Everyone stood their ground against the other group as Myon eyed them all intensely. His eyes looked wild as if he was trying to get them to break, but they wouldn't. You hated him already and your blood ran cold once his eyes suddenly found yours.
"Oh? We have a guest." Myon pointed you out, having all the members look at you with shocked expressions besides the first years who were terrified. Namjoon was furious but masked it well. His nostrils flared as you instinctively looked at the first years on what to do next. This was a bad idea from the start. Why did you do this? "Who is she?"
"Get her in the warehouse." Namjoon stopped looking at you but noticed none of the members handling you. "NOW!"
Jungkook hurried to open the tailgate with his head down. Taehyung and Jimin got into the bed of the truck and pulled you out. They brought you inside the warehouse as the older members were still in shock that you were here. Namjoon didn't bother to look at you after seeing you once. Myon was licking his lips, excited on his new find. Yoongi probably hated you even more now. Soon you were forced into the warehouse, each of you terrified to be scolded by Namjoon and the other elder members. You definitely didn't help them like you wanted to. You should have gone home, but it's too late to regret. What's going to happen now?