The café is winding down for the night. The soft clatter of dishes being cleaned and the gentle hum of conversation between the few remaining patrons fill the warm space. The glow of the overhead lights casts a cozy feel, making it the perfect place to end a long day.
Jungkook and Jiwoon sit at a table near the window, both sipping the last of their drinks. Sarang is behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine, while the other staff prepare for closing.
Jungkook checks his watch and then looks out at the darkening sky. “I should get going, Jiwoon. If I miss the last bus, I’m stranded,” he says with a half-laugh, standing up and stretching his arms.
Jiwoon remains calm, almost unfazed by the rush. She casually finishes her drink and stands up, her jacket draped loosely over her shoulders. “I leave around this time every night. It's routine for me,” she says with a shrug, her tone cool and collected. “You won’t see me scrambling for the bus.”
Jungkook grins, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Wish I could be that laid back. I usually drive, but...” He pauses, scratching the back of his head. “I couldn’t find my driver’s license this morning. Came here with Hyunsoon by bus. Tomorrow though, it’s back to normal. No more chasing after buses.”
Jiwoon raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Hyunsoon, huh? Still can’t go anywhere without him?”
Jungkook chuckles. “He’s just being cautious. With everything going on, it’s better that way.” He glances over to the counter where Sarang is finishing up with the last customer.
Jungkook approaches her, his voice soft but urgent. “Sarang, I’m heading out. Jiwoon’s gonna leave with me, just so you know.”
Sarang looks up, offering a gentle smile. “That’s fine, Jungkook. I trust her to keep you in line,” she teases lightly, but there's a warmth in her eyes as she nods toward Jiwoon. “You both stay safe, alright? And don’t miss your bus.”
“Will do,” Jungkook replies with a grin. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble on the way out.”
Jiwoon smirks, adjusting her jacket. “I’m more likely to keep you out of trouble.”
Sarang chuckles softly, watching as they prepare to leave. “Take care, Jiwoon. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Jiwoon nods. “Yeah. Same time as always.”
The two step outside, the door chiming softly as they exit. The cool night air hits them, and the street is quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. Jungkook glances toward the bus stop at the end of the street.
“Looks like I’m right on time,” he says, relieved. “I really can’t be missing the last bus. Not in the mood to walk halfway across the city.”
Jiwoon stuffs her hands into her jacket pockets, her pace steady beside him. “Walking’s not so bad. Clears your head.”
Jungkook nods. “Yeah, but I’ve got too much to think about right now. A nice bus ride sounds better.” He glances at her, then adds, “You don’t drive either? Or you just prefer walking?”
“I drive when I need to. But at this hour, I prefer walking. It’s quiet. No distractions,” Jiwoon replies, her tone calm as ever.
Jungkook smiles, slightly impressed by her cool demeanor. “I gotta say, you’re pretty collected for someone who always leaves this late. Most people would be rushing.”
Jiwoon shrugs. “There’s nothing to rush for. I get where I need to go.”
As they near the bus stop, the street remains empty save for a few flickering lights in nearby buildings. Jungkook stops just before the bus arrives, glancing back at Jiwoon. “Guess this is where we split for the night. You sure you don’t want to hop on with me?”
Jiwoon shakes her head. “No need. I’m good on my own. Besides, it’s not far for me.”
Jungkook watches her for a moment, then nods. “Alright. See you tomorrow then?”
“Tomorrow,” she confirms, her gaze steady. Jiwoon gives a short nod, her face calm but her eyes sharp. "Yeah, tomorrow." She turns and starts walking in the opposite direction, her steps steady and sure.
Jungkook watches her for a moment, feeling a strange sense of curiosity about Jiwoon, before turning toward the bus stop. As he waits for the bus, he wonders what exactly she’s thinking, and why she always seems so calm, even at moments like this.
Jungkook boards the bus, still thinking about how calm and composed she always is, even in the most mundane moments.
The bus pulls up, and as Jungkook boards, he glances back at the street, but Jiwoon’s already gone, melted into the shadows of the night.
He leans back in his seat, glancing out the window one last time to catch a glimpse of Jiwoon before she disappears into the night.
End of POV
Yoongi's POV
The dimly lit room was filled with the quiet hum of machinery. Yoongi sat behind his sleek black desk, the faint scent of cologne mixing with the smell of leather. Papers were scattered, maps pinned up on the walls, and his computer monitor flickered as he leaned back in his chair. The world outside his office might have been chaos, but inside here, Yoongi was in control.
There was a knock on the door. His eyes flickered to it lazily. “Come in.”
The door creaked open, and one of his informers stepped in. A man in his mid-thirties, dressed in dark clothing, blending in with the shadows of Yoongi's office. He looked nervous, but Yoongi’s stoic face gave nothing away as he gestured for him to speak.
"Boss, I have the information you asked for," the man began, his voice low, almost as if afraid to be overheard, despite the thick walls of Yoongi's office.
Yoongi sat up straighter, his fingers drumming on the desk in impatience. "Go on."
The informer licked his lips nervously. "Officer Minho... he’s tightened security around Sarang’s house. Guards have been placed there. But that’s not all—Sarang is being protected at her café too. The person protecting her isn’t just any guard. They could be anyone. Maybe an employee, a regular customer, or even one of her friends. They blend in, making it difficult to identify."
Yoongi's brow arched slightly. "Someone inside the café?"
"Yes," the informer confirmed. "And here’s the twist—the person who’s watching over her also works in the BOC department."
Yoongi's eyes gleamed at that. The Bureau of Operations and Control (BOC) wasn’t easily penetrated. Only the highest-ranking officers had access to that department. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You managed to get this far. Impressive," Yoongi said, his voice low and almost dangerous.
The informer swallowed hard. "But... I couldn’t get any further into the BOC section. Security’s too tight, and only officers of high rank can enter. I did find out that the person guarding Sarang is working directly under the group responsible for planning the raid on Bangtan Mansion."
Yoongi leaned forward, his hands clasped under his chin. His eyes locked onto the informer's, sharp and cold. “So, you couldn’t identify the protector, but you know they’re working on the raid?”
The informer nodded quickly, handing Yoongi a thick file. “Here’s everything I could gather. Names, affiliations, details on who’s planning the raid.”
Yoongi took the file, flipping it open. His eyes scanned the pages, taking in the information with a clinical, almost disinterested expression, though his mind was already racing ahead. The names on the list were no surprise. Minho had been a thorn in his side for a while now, but this—placing someone so close to Sarang—was a bold move.
He smirked, a dark, menacing curl of his lips as he closed the file with a snap.
“You’ve done well,” Yoongi said, pulling out a thick envelope from his drawer. He tossed it onto the desk in front of the informer. “Your reward. Make sure to stay under the radar. If you get caught, you’ll know what happens.”
The man’s eyes widened at the hefty amount of cash, but he nodded quickly, not daring to speak more than necessary. “Thank you, boss. I’ll keep my head low.”
Yoongi waved him off, his focus already back on the file. He didn't need to say more—the man knew better than to linger. The door closed softly behind him, leaving Yoongi alone in the silence once again.
His fingers drummed on the file, his mind already moving through the next steps. If Sarang was being protected, that only made things more interesting. Whoever this so-called protector was, they'd just painted a target on their back. Yoongi was nothing if not patient, and he knew exactly how to flush them out.
With a dark chuckle, he muttered to himself, “Let’s see how long they last.”
End of POV
Meanwhile
The night had settled over the city as Sarang flicked off the lights in her cozy cafe. The warm glow that once lit up the room was now replaced by the soft shimmer of street lamps outside. Taehyung, Jimin, Yuna, and little Yeontan waited just outside, their shadows stretching along the sidewalk.
The hum of a distant bus echoed in the night—a reminder of Jungkook’s hurried departure half an hour ago. Jiwoon had left around the same time, as always, her routine unwavering.
Inside, Sarang smiled to herself. She closed the door, pulling her scarf tighter around her as she joined the others. Jihan, who had been clinging to Taehyung all evening, was nestled in his arms, wide-eyed and stubborn about leaving his newfound favorite person.
Taehyung chuckled as Jihan nestled closer to him, his tiny arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Jimin stood nearby, holding Yeontan in his arms, gently stroking the little dog’s fur while Yuna leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with a soft smile.
Sarang walked toward Taehyung and reached out for Jihan. "Come on, sweetheart , time to go home," she said gently, though she already knew the battle she was in for. Jihan pouted, his grip on Taehyung tightening as if letting go was the last thing he wanted. She cooed, reaching out to take him from Taehyung, "come to Mommy, sweetheart. It's getting late."
But Taehyung stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. "Let me take him home," he suggested, his voice warm and firm. "He's already half asleep, and if I carry him, he won't cry. You can take him once he's in bed.”
Sarang hesitated, looking between Jihan and Taehyung, but Jihan’s small yawn and the way his head rested on Taehyung’s shoulder made her smile. "Alright," she agreed softly, "if you think that's best."
With that, the group started walking down the familiar path toward Sarang’s home. The evening air was cool and refreshing, the soft sounds of their footsteps echoing through the quiet streets. Jimin shifted Yeontan in his arms, glancing at Taehyung with a raised eyebrow. "Seems like you've got a little fan, Tae," he teased, nodding toward Jihan.
Taehyung chuckled, adjusting the sleeping boy in his arms. "What can I say? The kid knows a good man when he sees one," he joked, though there was a softness in his tone that betrayed his genuine affection for the child.
Sarang walked beside them, her heart warmed by the easy camaraderie between them all. Yuna stayed close, offering quiet words of reassurance as they approached Sarang's home.
15 mins Later
By the time they reached Sarang’s house, the little boy was fast asleep. Sarang smiled tenderly as Taehyung handed him over, the transfer smooth and quiet to avoid waking him. She laid Jihan gently in his bed, brushing a soft kiss across his forehead before returning to the group.
Taehyung’s POV
As they pulled up in front of Sarang’s house, a wave of warmth washed over Taehyung. It wasn’t a grand mansion like his, but it was perfect. A beautiful, peaceful home filled with memories, laughter, and love. It felt like a sanctuary. He looked over at Yuna's house, just next door, and felt the same sense of belonging. This place had something his world often lacked—serenity.
Walking into the house, Taehyung felt like he was stepping into a dream. The table where he sat offered a clear view of the kitchen. There she was—Sarang, smiling as she prepared dinner, her hair falling loosely around her face. Yuna was beside her, helping with the vegetables, both of them laughing softly at something Yuna had said. The soft sounds of their conversation floated through the air, adding to the warmth in the room.
Jimin sat on the couch nearby, absentmindedly playing with Yeontan, who was curled up in his lap, wagging his tail. The sight made Taehyung chuckle quietly to himself. For a moment, he let his mind wander. He imagined what it would be like if this was their life—his and Sarang's. Coming home to her, watching her prepare meals, hearing her laugh like that every day, maybe even with Jihan running around, filling the house with more joy.
He closed his eyes, letting himself sink deeper into the fantasy. It was all too perfect, too tempting to believe that one day, this could be their reality. He imagined coming home after long, exhausting days, where the weight of his dangerous world felt too heavy, and finding her waiting for him. They’d have moments of peace like this, far away from the chaos that chased them in the outside world.
But reality intruded when his phone buzzed, snapping him back to the present. The name "Yoongi" flashed on the screen, and his thoughts quickly sobered.
Taehyung answered, his voice calm but edged with tension, “Yoongi, what’s up?”
“We’ve got a situation,” Yoongi’s voice came through, low and direct. “We need to meet. Now.”
Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “What happened?”
“I’ll explain everything when you get here. It’s urgent,” Yoongi replied.
Taehyung’s eyes flickered to Sarang, still engrossed in her conversation with Yuna, completely unaware of the world he lived in—the danger that always lurked around them.
“Give me thirty minutes,” he said before hanging up. He took a deep breath, forcing his mind to shift back into the reality he couldn’t escape. This peaceful dream he was imagining... it would have to wait.
“Is everything okay?” Jimin asked, his eyes filled with concern as he noticed the shift in Taehyung’s demeanor.
Taehyung nodded, though his thoughts were already miles away. “Yeah. Just some business I need to handle. Nothing to worry about.”
But the truth was, there was always something to worry about in his world. He glanced one last time at Sarang, committing the scene to memory. He’d come back to this—he’d make sure of it. But for now, duty called.
Dinner ‘s ready guys Yuna shouts from the kitchen
In the Dining Room
The warm glow of the dining table’s chandelier filled the room with a cozy light, casting a soft, golden hue over Sarang’s modest home. The faint aroma of the evening meal lingered as Sarang, Taehyung, Jimin, and Yuna sat together, winding down after a long, tiring day at the cafe. Jihan was already fast asleep in his room, the day's adventures having worn him out completely.
Sarang, her face still glowing with gentle fatigue, leaned slightly forward, her eyes resting on Taehyung who sat across from her, a relaxed smile on his lips. "Taehyung," she began softly, her voice polite, "Are you sure you're okay? You’ve carried Jihan around the whole day, and you still managed to help us with the cafe." Her concern was genuine, her eyes reflecting her usual warmth.
Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he glanced at Jimin before returning his gaze to Sarang. “I’m more than okay,” he replied, leaning back in his chair with a content sigh. “Honestly, this has been one of the best days of my life.” His voice softened, but there was a spark of deep affection in his tone. “From now on, when I’m at the cafe, I’ll be the one taking care of Jihan. No one else.”
Yuna, sitting beside Sarang, laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “That’s a bold claim, Taehyung,” she teased. “What if Jihan gets too attached to you? You’ll have to carry him every day!”
Taehyung smiled, unfazed. “I wouldn’t mind that at all,” he said, looking toward Jihan’s room for a brief moment. “He’s like a part of me now. I didn’t think it would feel this natural.”
Sarang’s heart swelled with warmth at his words, and she exchanged a glance with Yuna, who grinned knowingly. “You two are spoiling my son,” Sarang remarked, though her voice carried no trace of complaint. “He’ll end up demanding all your attention.”
Jimin, who had been quietly listening with a smile on his face, leaned forward, joining the conversation. “It’s not just Taehyung though,” he said with a playful smirk. “I think Jihan’s got everyone wrapped around his little finger. Even me. But I’ll gladly let Taehyung take on the heavy lifting. I’m more of a ‘let’s play when he’s awake’ type.”
Everyone laughed at that, the mood light and filled with a shared sense of joy.
"You’re off the hook then," Taehyung shot back playfully. "I’ll take care of Jihan, and you can handle all the dirty dishes at the cafe."
“Deal,” Jimin grinned, raising his water glass as if sealing the pact. “I’ll take dishes over carrying a kid any day.”
Yuna leaned back, enjoying the playful banter between the two men. "Sarang," she teased, “Looks like you’ve got a whole team helping you now. We might as well call it ‘Sarang’s Family Cafe’ from here on out.”
Sarang laughed at that, her shoulders finally relaxing after such a busy day. “I guess I’m lucky to have all of you,” she said with genuine warmth. “It really feels like family.”
As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere at the table was filled with a pleasant sense of camaraderie. Taehyung and Jimin eventually stood to leave, but not without some final light-hearted banter.
“Alright, Sarang, Yuna, we’re heading out,” Jimin said, pushing his chair back. “And don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow for my dishwashing shift.”
Taehyung grinned as he put on his coat. “And I’ll be back to carry Jihan around all day,” he added with a wink at Sarang.
Sarang stood up, walking them to the door with Yuna beside her. “Thank you both for today. It really means a lot,” she said, her voice sincere. “Don’t be strangers. The door is always open.”
Taehyung’s smile softened as he met Sarang’s gaze. “We’re not strangers anymore,” he said quietly, his voice filled with meaning. “See you tomorrow.”
As they stepped out into the night, Jimin couldn’t resist a parting joke. “Try not to miss me too much, baby,” he called out, making Yuna roll her eyes with a chuckle.
“Goodbye, Jimin!” she called back, shaking her head with a smile. “You’re impossible.”
And with that, the door closed, leaving Sarang and Yuna in the warm, peaceful glow of the house, their hearts full after such a long, but beautiful day.
Once outside, Taehyung and Jimin exchanged a quick glance, sensing something unusual in the air. A few men lingered near the house, subtly guarding it. Their presence was quiet, almost unnoticeable, but Taehyung’s sharp eyes caught it immediately.
“See them?” Jimin asked under his breath, his tone low but alert.
“Yeah,” Taehyung responded, his voice steady but edged with awareness. “Looks like extra security.”
Guess they’re keeping an eye on the house," Jimin remarked, glancing back at the door they had just exited. "Maybe for her safety."
Taehyung’s expression darkened slightly, the protective instinct he felt for Sarang and Jihan growing stronger.
It's Minho's men. I know that but for now, he decided to let it go. He shared another look with Jimin, silently agreeing not to bring it up in front of the other .
Let’s head back,” Taehyung said, his voice calm but thoughtful. As they began walking away from the house, their steps echoed in the quiet night, both men deep in their thoughts .
Jiwoon and Minho's Pov
The moon light filtered through the large windows of Jiwoon’s minimalist, well-organized home. Her laptop sat open on the table, work scattered around, but Jiwoon's fingers hesitated over the keys. She hadn’t moved much in the past hour. Her mind kept wandering back to someone she didn’t want to think about: Jeon Jungkook. The more she tried to push him out of her thoughts, the more his image seemed to loom large, invading her concentration, despite her attempts to keep them under control. Jeon Jungkook's face flashes in her mind .
The intensity of his eyes, the way his presence always unnerved her, and the way she couldn't stop thinking about him, no matter how much she tried to push him away. She had been avoiding these thoughts but it's different she couldn’t escape them.
Minho, seated across from her, notices her growing distraction. He pauses, setting his pen down.
Minho (gently): "Jiwoon, what's on your mind? You’ve been off all day."
Jiwoon blinks, pulled out of her thoughts by his voice. She quickly shakes her head, dismissing his concern with a tight-lipped smile.
Minho studies her for a moment, knowing that wasn’t the full truth but deciding not to press further. He had known Jiwoon long enough to understand when she wasn’t ready to talk. He goes back to his work, but Jiwoon remains still, her fingers still idly twirling the laptop.
Silence hung between them for a moment before Jiwoon’s expression shifted. A thought crossed her mind, and her eyes darkened with resolve. Something clicked, a plan forming as she glanced back at Minho with newfound determination.
Jiwoon spoke in her serious tone "Actually... I need you to do something for me, Minho."
Minho sat up straighter, recognizing the sudden shift in Jiwoon’s mood. When Jiwoon switched from distant to focused like this, it usually meant she had a mission in mind.
Minho sat up straighter, recognizing the sudden shift in Jiwoon’s mood. When Jiwoon switched from distant to focused like this, it usually meant she had a mission in mind.
Minho: "What is it?"
Jiwoon leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest, her mind racing. The names she was about to say weren’t casual requests. Each of them held power, secrets, and ties that ran deeper than most. But this was necessary. She had to know, no matter how much it made her stomach twist with anticipation.
I need information. Detailed information. I want you to task Yeojun with finding everything he can for three people."
Minho tilted his head, curiosity piqued. Jiwoon rarely asked for personal investigations like this unless it was serious.
Minho (nodding): "Who?"
Jiwoon’s gaze hardened as she spoke, the names falling like stones in the quiet room.
Jiwoon: "Kim Taehyung, Park Jimin, and she took a pause before speaking but she gradually spoke to Jeon Jungkook.”
The last name lingered in the air. Minho paused for a second, his eyes narrowing slightly. He knew there was something more behind that last name, though Jiwoon’s face betrayed no emotion now.
Kim Taehyung, Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook hmm Minho repeated those names again .
But Jiwoon didn’t flinch. She kept her expression neutral, though her mind flashed briefly with memories of Jungkook—his piercing gaze, his presence that always unsettled her in ways she didn’t want to admit. But this wasn’t about emotions. It was about control.
Jiwoon: I need all the information Yeojun can gather on them. Make it a priority."
Minho nodded, his face thoughtful as he scribbled the names down on his tablet.
Minho : "Is there something specific you want to know, or should Yeojun dig into everything?"
Jiwoon’s lips curled slightly, her eyes hardening further as she thought about Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin. Three men tied to her past, her present, and possibly her future.
Jiwoon: "Everything. I want Yeojun to uncover anything useful—weaknesses, connections, movements i want to know everything."
Minho didn’t ask further questions. He knew better than to pry when Jiwoon was this determined. He rose from his seat, ready to carry out her orders.
Minho : "Consider it done. I’ll have Yeojun start immediately." He stands up, gathering his things as Jiwoon sits back, her mind racing once again. As Minho walks toward the door, he stops and looks back at her.
Minho : "If it ever becomes about more than that, you know you can talk to me, right?"
Jiwoon meets his gaze, her expression softening for just a second.
Jiwoon: "I know, Minho. Thank you."
Minho gives her a small nod and leaves the room. As the door clicks shut, Jiwoon exhales, running a hand through her hair. Alone again, her thoughts immediately drift back to Jungkook. The way she missed him was gnawing at her, but she couldn’t afford to indulge those feelings. Not now.
She looks out the window, her eyes narrowing slightly as she speaks to herself in a whisper.
Jiwoon : "I need to know everything."
Her fingers tighten around the edge of her desk, her mind already working through the next steps. Whatever Jungkook was doing to her that wasn’t enough to stop her from finding out the truth.The thoughts she tried to suppress rushed back, filling her mind with images of Jungkook. But now, instead of uncertainty, she felt in control
And soon, she would be The truth, Jiwoon thought grimly, was something she needed more than anything.
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