Carpe Diem ; YGᨀJM

──── 16. New Objective

In a room dimly lit by the flickering light of a desk lamp, the air was thick with tension, just broken by the soft hum of the fluorescent light and the rustle of paper as it was carefully handled. Above it, an unfolded map showed meticulously marked strategic points.

In the center of the room, Hyung-kyu was staring at the map, drawing lines with a red marker with an unfriendly face.

Beside him, Eun Bin watched him carefully with every trace of the map, her mind working at full speed as she evaluated the possible consequences of their actions. The silence stretched on, they didn't want to ask questions since Jimin returned and simply wanted to do something to vent out there. It was noticeable that he hesitated a lot between his thoughts remembering something he had left behind, pushing his body towards that void that existed somewhere in the world.

- I think it's ready.

Hyung-kyu showed the map to Jimin, to which he responded by simply nodding his head. He went to the door without saying anything but both he and the girl were very worried.

-Are you sure you want to do this? If you don't feel well, we can-

- I'm fine. Let's just get out of here.

Hyung-kyu stood in his way, waving Jimin's arms trying to make him see reason.

- Damn it, Jimin! If you don't talk to us, we can't help you. I'm sick of you hiding how you feel from us, even about Yoongi!

-Don't mention that damn name again! - Jimin confronted him, grabbing his friend's jacket tightly with obvious annoyance. - Don't ever say it again, I never want to hear it again.

It was well said that words could lie, but not the heart. That's why, even though Jimin sounded upset, his friend could see through all that hidden pain.

-If you hate him so much, why are you crying?

Jimin hated it.

He hated him with all his soul...

He hated how his eyes were red and small when he cried... It was ridiculous. He let go of Hyung-kyu and hung his head in shame.

-Shut up... Just forget that he ever existed.

Jimin went alone to clear his head on the roof of the dimly lit building where they operated. Even when Kitty Gang was supposed to be "his stronger side", he felt helpless trying to get the thought out of his head that wouldn't leave him alone.

He beat his head repeatedly, muttering to get it out of his head until he became dizzy and cried angrily...

- Shit... What am I doing?

The boy fought with all those memories that only hurt his heart. He squeezed his hands and tried to take refuge in his own arms trying to be safe. But was it a healthy safe place? It wasn't the same... Not when a voice in his head kept telling him to stop running away from the world...

Despite the hard blows of his bad luck, Jimin stood up ready to continue with his decision to follow that unhealthy path. I thought he deserved it... That's what his punishment could be until now. Jimin was the coward, not Kitty... If he had to forget about Jimin to live, he would be left with only the part that gave him at least the security that he would be fine for a while.

Anyway, he couldn't help but go out with Eun Bin and Hyung-kyu for a drink out there. The only thing left was to drown his sorrows in alcohol and hopefully, he would forget about it in the morning. And although the course of the party makes him forget a little, he knows that it is not good to be like Kitty Gang on the streets as if nothing had happened.

Neon lights flashed in the darkness, drawing crowds eager for fun and escape. Upon entering, the surround sound of electronic music hits the senses, making them feel instantly alive. The walls vibrated with the beat of the bass, while strobe lights danced over the crowd, creating a hypnotic and electrifying spectacle. Bodies contoured on the dance floor, releasing energy and passion in each movement. In the center of the bustle, an illuminated bar offered a variety of exotic and colorful drinks, while bartenders masterfully and quickly mixed cocktails, pouring doses of euphoria into each glass. In the dark corners, couples got lost in passionate hugs and kisses, looking for a moment of intimacy during the chaos. Laughter and mutterings filled the air, creating an atmosphere of harmony and complicity among those attending.

Jimin just watched that scene as if it were the most boring thing he had to do... His drink was almost empty so he went to the bathroom trying to dispel the dizziness in his head.

- Excuse me, young boy.

A male voice stops him, and when Kitty turns around he sees a tall, elegant boy older than him with semi-curly dark hair and a square smile framed by a piercing in his lower lip.

-I think you dropped this. - Says that boy, showing a small bracelet in his hands. Jimin tenses and it shows in his tone of voice.

- That's not mine. Leave me alone.

He wants to leave immediately but this time the stranger gently takes him by the hand, leaving the matter of the bracelet behind.

- I'm sorry, I didn't want to bother you. Forgive me... I think it's okay to distrust a stranger.

- ... I suppose it's fine. - Kitty analyzes him from head to toe and the boy notices it, to which he speaks again to ask something. - What is your name?

-Are you interested in my name?

The stranger laughs, puts his hands in his pockets, and moves his head to the rhythm of the music that's banging outside the bathroom.

- I'll tell you my name if you let me buy you a drink. Just one, I promise this won't be like those kidnapping stories where they put something in your drink.

- ...Fine. Let it be just one. - Kitty Gang responds to the stranger's proposal in a more friendly way and then turns to go to the door.

Even when leaving the bathroom, they can hear the music make a difference in volume when they are in the bathroom. But in the middle of a disaster like that, anyone could get lost.

- By the way, my name is Jungkook... Nice to meet you, doll.