Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 19 - mercy

As Namjoon stood there, his gun trained on J-Hope, he scrutinized the trapped man with a cold, analytical gaze. The tension between them was palpable, every word and movement weighed with the gravity of their situation. Namjoon’s mind raced with questions, each one aimed at probing the truth behind J-Hope’s pleas and ensuring that their safety wasn’t compromised.

“So, J-Hope,” Namjoon’s voice was icy and unyielding. “If you’re alone, what are you doing in a place like this? And why the nickname ‘J-Hope’? It sounds like a joke. You got any real skills or resources that could actually benefit us?”

J-Hope’s eyes darted nervously between Namjoon and Jungkook. His voice wavered as he spoke, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. “I—look, I know it sounds bad, but I can help you. I’ve got survival skills, knowledge of the area. I was just trying to get away from the others who... who would have done worse if they caught me.”

Namjoon’s expression remained unchanged, his skepticism palpable. “Knowledge of the area isn’t enough. What assurances can you give me that you won’t turn on us the moment you’re free? How do I know you won’t use this chance to get back at us?”

J-Hope’s desperation grew more evident. “I swear, I’m not looking to cause trouble. I just need a way out, and I’m willing to help you however I can. I have some supplies stashed away. I can show you if you—”

Namjoon cut him off, his patience wearing thin. “I don’t need promises. You’re a threat to my partner and me, and I don’t appreciate that. If I can’t trust you, then you’re just a liability.”

The cold steel of the gun seemed to grow heavier in Namjoon’s hand as he considered his options. The situation was deteriorating quickly. He made his decision, his finger hovering over the trigger.

J-Hope’s eyes widened in terror as Namjoon’s gun remained pointed directly at him. The threat was real.

“Please,” J-Hope’s voice was a frantic, desperate whisper. “You can’t do this. I—I'm not a threat, I swear. I can help you, just give me a chance. I know things, I can trade information, supplies—anything. Don’t do this. I—”

Namjoon’s expression remained unyielding, his gaze steely and detached. “You had your chance. You threatened my partner and now you’re a risk to both of us. I don’t have room for liabilities.”

The coldness in Namjoon’s voice was palpable, each word calculated and final. He adjusted his grip on the gun, the weight of his decision bearing heavily on him. J-Hope’s pleas became more frantic, but Namjoon’s resolve did not waver.

“Please,” J-Hope continued, his voice breaking. “I’ll do anything. Just—just don’t kill me. I’m begging you.”

Namjoon’s gaze hardened. “Forget it, you can't change my mind. You’re a threat that needs to be dealt with.”

Without another word, Namjoon’s finger tightened on the trigger. The decision was made. The harsh reality of their world demanded such measures, and there was no room for hesitation or sentiment.

Jungkook, who had been anxiously watching the scene unfold, felt a surge of panic. His heart pounded as he saw Namjoon’s resolve harden, the gun pointed directly at J-Hope. The fear of what might happen next was suffocating, and the thought of the man’s life ending right there, despite everything, was almost too much to bear.

Before Namjoon could pull the trigger, Jungkook stepped forward, his voice trembling but determined. “Wait! Please, don’t do this.”

Namjoon’s gaze shifted sharply to Jungkook. “What are you doing? He threatened us. He’s dangerous.”

“I know, but—” Jungkook’s voice was desperate as he tried to find the right words. “He’s still a person. We can’t just—end him like this. There has to be another way. If we can’t trust him, we can at least keep an eye on him and use his knowledge. We can’t just... kill him.”

Namjoon’s eyes narrowed as he assessed Jungkook’s plea. He could see the genuine fear and empathy in his partner’s eyes. The conflict within Namjoon was evident; he was torn between his instincts for survival and his growing concern for Jungkook’s moral stance.

The silence stretched long and heavy. Namjoon could feel the weight of the gun, the finality of his decision. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, with a slow, deliberate motion, Namjoon lowered the gun. He could see that Jungkook’s conviction had made an impact, and though he was reluctant to admit it, he saw the wisdom in Jungkook’s argument.

J-Hope’s relief was palpable, his shoulders sagging as the immediate threat of death was averted. Namjoon’s eyes remained cold and guarded, but there was a flicker of something softer in his gaze as he looked at Jungkook.

“Fine,” Namjoon said, his voice low and controlled. “We’ll give you a chance. But you try anything, and I won’t hesitate to finish what I started.”

Jungkook’s eyes met Namjoon’s, a mix of gratitude and relief shining through. The fact that Namjoon had listened to him, despite his usual stoicism, meant more than he could express. It was a small but significant step toward understanding and trust between them.