The Pilot || MinJoon

Chapter 37

Namjoon can't remember the last time he feared for his life. Although airplanes do fall out of the sky, he knows for a fact that his chances of dying in a plane crash is about one in 11 million. The odds of him dying on the job is slim, and the knowledge makes him enjoy being a pilot, despite the occasional turbulence or overheated engine.

But right now, he's not so sure if he still feels confident about his ability to cheat death. Knowing that his life is in the hands of two extremely incompetent and volatile men makes him wonder if one wrong word or one wrong move is all it takes for them to end his life. 

Still, it was worth the risk, and telling Jimin not to give in to their demands was worth it. His boyfriend worked too hard to build ARCADIUM and make it what it is today. And that's when Choi started screaming, his spittle flying every which way. 

"What was that?! What the fuck was that?" Choi screams, getting into Namjoon's face as Yang hastily shuts off the camera. 

"What was what?" Namjoon replies, feigning innocence as he leans back to put some distance between himself and the furious man.

"That- that thing you just said, motherfucker!" Choi says, flinging his arms around. "Nefo- nefi... what was that huh?"

"Oh," Namjoon says looking down at his shoes as he attempts to appear bashful in front of his captors. "I was just telling my boyfriend that I love him. Can't I say that to him?"

"Really?" Yang says, confused. "But why couldn't you just say sarangheyo?"

"It's our thing, okay?" Namjoon mutters, lifting his bound hands  to scratch his cheek. "Jimin likes it when I tell him that I love him in different languages."

"Jesus fuck," Choi swears, spitting on the faded and peeling linoleum floor. "I swear to God... I swear to God you better not be messing with me or Imma beat the shit out of you, boy. You better believe it."

Namjoon stays silent, keeps his head down as Yang and Choi argue about who gets to watch him first while the other goes to town to buy food. He only hopes that Jimin got his message.

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Jimin has never felt so helpless in his entire life. Trained to handle all types of crisis in the hotel business, Jimin sailed through them all, starting when he took over as CEO at the age of 21 after his father had a mild stroke. The following year, one of their hotels burned down and he had to work long hours dealing with the media and insurance people while making sure that all their guests and staff were safe. Jimin was able to calmly and efficiently overcome all these ordeals while keeping a cool head.

But after seeing Namjoon, with his hands tied by his captors, all Jimin could do is cry. Right now, he can't help but wonder if this is all his fault. Surely Namjoon wouldn't be in this situation if they weren't  involved? He always knew that being a CEO of a major company in South Korea was bound to make him some enemies, some more ruthless than others. But taking someone away from him? Demanding ransom for his lover's return and asking him to give up his position? This was the work of someone who was just plain evil. 

Jimin is now quietly sobbing in Yoongi's arms, while Taehyung and Jungkook continue to rack their brains, trying to think of other people who could help their friend at this moment. 

"Should we call Mr. Chang?" Taehyung says in a hushed tone. "Doesn't he have ties to all the gang leaders? I think maybe he could help us find out who's behind this?"

Jungkook shakes his head and gently pulls his husband close for a side hug. "No, Tigerbun. I don't think this is a gang-related crime. There's something kinda sloppy about the way they kidnapped Namjoon-hyung. Doesn't seem like the work of professional kidnappers to me."