Jungkook-hyung! || Jinkook

Epilogue

After the lab had to shut down, it took a couple months before the seven of us could figure out what we should do. They were pretty chill about it, but I was secretly spiraling with uncertainty since they first job I ever had went up in smoke my very first day working there. Would I ever be able to get a job again? 

Thankfully, Seokjin and Namjoon came up with a fantastic idea. Well, technically it was Namjoon's idea, but Seokjin was the one who actually made it happen; We've started a private investigation firm! We're all pretty smart and determined to solve problems, so it seemed to be a perfect fit since none of us felt like being holed up in a lab anymore, especially after what happened.

The idea first popped up after Taehyung got exposed for taking illegal pictures of people, and by people, I mean the whole town, specifically one of our colleagues. But seriously, he had photos of everyone. It made things pretty awkward, but Namjoon thought we could put his skills to good use. And thus the Bangtan Private Investigation Firm was born. We were all a little skeptical at first, but once Taehyung realized it was his only way of not getting turned in to the police, he quickly agreed. The rest of us soon followed suit. Even Jimin did, but only after Taehyung apologized for the photos about 5000 times. One apology for each photo of him.

Seokjin made sure to start up an official company and we managed to find an old office building to stay in as well. Soon we should be able to accept our first clients, we just need to clean the place up a bit before that. All of my friends are so cool. I'm just glad to be a part of this. I feel like I haven't done much to help, but they let me come along for the ride either way. Especially Namjoon has been very optimistic about working with me. 

A deep sigh makes me look over to my left. My dad wears a slightly concerned expression while driving back towards my apartment. For once, I asked him if he could drive me. I guess I just needed some moral support.

"I'm still not convinced this was a good idea," he says, more so to himself than to me. 

"You mean the firm? We haven't really started yet, so it's hard to tell."

He shakes his head, giving me a quick glance before turning his eyes back to the road.

"No, I mean your tattoos. You're only 19. What if you regret getting them later?"

"Then I can have them removed."

"It's not that simple."

"Well, then I guess I won't regret getting them. I'm actually thinking about scheduling another appointment already. The ones I got today are nice, but I'd like to make it into a whole sleeve."

That makes my dad laugh a little.

"Big words from someone who needed his dad to hold his hand the whole time. I was wondering why you didn't ask any of your friends to come with you, but I guess it's because you were a little scaredy-cat."

"Ugh, and here I thought you were gonna be nice about it," I mutter, but there's still a smile on my lips. I know he's just messing with me. "Maybe next time I'll go alone and get my whole body tattooed. Then you wouldn't be able to even recognize me."

"Nonsense. I'd always be able to recognize my son. Whether you're covered in tattoos or reborn in a new body, you can never escape me."

"I'm not sure if that's reassuring or frightening."

He just laughs and before long I join in. Spending time with friends is always nice, but sometimes it's best to have your family with you. 

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After spending a whole day in agony with a freshly tattooed arm, the next morning arrives and I head out to see if I can help at the office. It's February 10th today and it's a bit chilly outside. By the time I get to the office building, all six of them are already running around like confused hens, trying to get things in order as best they can. Seokjin is in the middle of carrying a big cardboard box when he suddenly sees me in the doorway. He freezes and I can tell he's focused on the new images on my arm. I feel a little embarrassed with him staring at me like that.

"What do you think?" I ask. "Does it suit me or is it too much?"

He's stunned for words for a second before shaking it off.

"No, you... it's fine. It looks good."

"Really? You're not just saying that?"

Jimin pops up behind a wall with a cunning smile.

"Oh, Jungkookie, can't you tell he's lost for words because he thinks you look so good?"

Seokjin immediately spins around with a red face.

"That's not it at all! I was just shocked because he didn't have them last time I saw him!"

"Mhm. Sure~"

They keep bickering about it for a while until Seokjin eventually chases Jimin down the corridor. I hope there's at least a bit of truth in what Jimin said. If Seokjin thinks I look good, then that's a big win in my book. He's never really shown much interest in me, probably because I've always been a kid in his eyes. But this is my chance to change that! Even though I'm still a teenager, I'm also an adult. I'll prove to him that I can be just as cool as any other guy!

"Hey, that looks good," someone says next to me. It's Namjoon. He's casually carrying three chairs on one arm, most likely to throw them away since they look old and worn. Namjoon is exactly the type of man I aspire to be like: strong, smart, tall and handsome. Even though he's still a bit of a nerd.

"You mean the tattoos? I got them done yesterday. I was worried about what you guys might think, but it's been nothing but positive so far."

He shrugs.

"It doesn't really matter what we think though. As long as you like them, that's good enough."

Yes, of course. Spoken like a real genius. As long as I love them, everyone else will have no choice but to accept and love them too. 

"Thanks, Hyung. Hey, are there any more chairs that need to be thrown out? I can help."

"Sure. There are four more in the back."

I instantly hurry over there, barely concealing my laughter on the way. I'll carry all four of them at once to prove that I'm stronger than him! I struggle to pick them up and even more so with balancing them so they won't fall over. I end up having to take two on each arm. I stumble through the corridor and I don't even notice the eyes on me before I hear Seokjin's laughter. 

"What are you doing? You look like a transformer stuck mid-transformation."

Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for, but from the way he slaps his knee while laughing with tears in his eyes, I can't exactly call it a loss. I'll just have to try even harder to win him over. I have a feeling I might just have a chance. 

The others eventually see me struggling as well, and the office building gets filled with laughter. Oh, well. I may not be the smartest of the bunch, but I suppose I at least have the ability to spread joy. Who knows, maybe that's worth more in the end?

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