Whiplash | jjk.

[14]: Inclusion

"So, as you know, we haven't had much information about the case to work with."

Namjoon stands before the five of you, with his hands resting on the desk, sprawled out fingers. He leans over, moving his gaze from one person to the next every few seconds, as if animatronic.

"But now, we have an in. A real lead." the confident authority in his voice makes you forget that you have no idea what he's talking about. "Sohn, I'll let the boys brief you on what they've been told."

You nod, not particularly looking forward to it.

"What's the new lead, Cap?"

"I received word of an event where the drug will be present, for the first time. On sight."

The boys are amazed at how deep Namjoon's inner-workings must run. They have questions, but they know they'll go unanswered, even if asked. That man has ins on every corner of the city, and even beyond. His accessibility was almost nauseating, and near impossible to get a grip on.

There is a feeling of uneasiness bouncing around the walls of the narcotics office, as you don't know what to expect and neither do the others.

Namjoon looks over the five of you with stiff lips, and a blazing sense of wrath on his face.

He's plotting. 

"The fact that the drug will be on scene means that the whole thing will be tight-knit. I think it's the first introduction for the Nexus drug, before it goes on the market. Whoever out of you that I chose to send, will have barely any wriggle room when it comes to cover. You'll need to be on your best game." he goes on to explain, the steel in his voice making your skin crawl. "I organised entry to the event, but your names aren't on the list. Once the others help you inside, you'll have to blend in if you want any chance at staying long enough to gather intel."

As soon as Namjoon mentioned the associates, you realised that this job was going to be no walk in the park.

"What's the objective, Cap? If we see the drug being sold or taken, do we make arrests?"

"No, absolutely not. Not this time." he assures firmly, as if threatening repercussions. "There will be no warrantable arrests given the circumstances. The objective is to silently observe. Cover. You'll be in there with the big dogs. You need to fit in with the crowd. Act rich, gluttonous, and, subjectively...innocent."

It seemed relatively solid, as far as these things go. But still, you couldn't shake the feeling that was gnawing at your gut. The idea of the founders hosting a party to launch a new drug on the market?

This had your father all over it.

"So, we're there to see some faces." Jimin muses, his fingers holding his chin as he thinks. "Witness the drug first-hand?"

"Precisely." Namjoon agrees, a conniving grin infecting his features. "Although you'll be undercover, you're going to make sure our little mice know that we're right on their tails."

You stare at Namjoon while the others exchange anxious looks between each other.

"So who are you sending in?"

"Jungkook. You're in. And Taehyung, and Jimin." Namjoon points at each person suited to the name, "Haru and Hoseok, you'll take bench for this one. But don't worry, there will be no shortage-"

"No."

The air turns icy with silence as everyone turns to face you.

"Captain, I'd like to go."

He softens his gaze in a way that really does seem sorry. "Not this time, Sohn. You haven't proven how you flow in the field yet, and I can't risk this opportunity. We have been at this for months, and finally got a tip. We can't bait our luck."

"I haven't proven myself yet because I've been in narcotics for all of forty-five minutes." you snap back, "Please, Sir. You won't regret giving me a chance."

A long pause comes, and you can feel your chest tightening as your brain refuses to let you breathe.

He's holding eye-contact with you. And initially, your eagerness seemed like it was just a desire to be included. But as waves of pleading wash through your eyes, and your lip trembles as if your desperation is going to bring you to tears, Namjoon realises the real reason for your ambition.

The person you're searching for.

And once he is reminded of your incentive, his cloud of doubt washes away. He knew better than anyone, that there was no line you wouldn't cross to catch who you're chasing - and having that on his team was a treasure worth drowning for.

"Fine, Sohn. I'll bite."

You see Jungkook's shoulders drop in your peripherals.

"You're in."

——————

The five of you sit around the conference table, discussing between one another while Namjoon oversees.

You weren't exactly talking though - there was a menacing black rabbit sitting across from you that had made your throat swell with rage.

"So this will all go down in two days." Taehyung says, reading from his own case file. "And we have our entry lined up?"

"You do." Namjoon nods once. "The roof is your access point."

"The roof?"

"Yes. And I must say, it's a good thing you're not women, because what you've got to do wouldn't be much fun in a dress."

Ah, misogyny. How refreshing.

"The area is remote, and cash heavy. The building, even more so."

You all nod and listen.

"If you don't have clothing suited to a high end black-tie event, give word to me and we can organise something for you to wear," Namjoon looks your way, probably because you were the person he was least familiar with. "I advise watching some movies or videos where you can gather intel on how to act, although you might already be up for it."

"I'm ready, Chief." Taehyung states.

"Me too. I'll be ready." Jimin agrees.

You and Jungkook glare across the table at each other, fighting the urge to kick one-another in the shins. Your eyes are sending volts of hot electricity between you, making everyone else uncomfortable.

"And you two? Do you think you'll be ready?"

"I'm ready." you and Jungkook claim in perfect synchronicity.

"And Hobi, you sure you're happy sitting this one out?" Namjoon asks considerably. "The team is a little bigger than expected, given Haru's objection, so, i'm not exactly prepared to add another random face to the mix."

"No, Sir. I'm more than happy to take a back seat." he smiles warmly, making your heart flutter. "I could aid the team in other ways: maybe be their getaway driver?"

Namjoon's eyes widen for a moment and he nods. "Now that's a good idea. Would you?"

"Absolutely. I'd love to."

"That works out well," Namjoon thinks aloud, momentarily looking off to one side of the room. "So, it seems most of our bases are covered. All that's really left now is to prepare yourselves for the performance of a lifetime."

You had to admit, this was a rush.

There was something very exciting about being a part of the world that you never knew you'd have access to.

It was exhilarating.

"You know you can't wear sweatpants and a tee, right Haru?"

You send daggers Jungkook's way, frowning.

Exhilarating was suddenly an understatement.