Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 20 - tense moments

Namjoon’s gun remained trained on J-Hope as he considered Jungkook’s plea. With a tense nod, he gestured for Jungkook to search J-Hope for any weapons. The action was swift, the atmosphere charged with uncertainty. Jungkook’s fingers found the cold metal of J-Hope’s gun, and he handed it to Namjoon, who pocketed it with a grim expression.

“Now, let’s get you out of there,” Namjoon said, his tone clipped. He and Jungkook approached the collapsed cement wall, assessing the weight and positioning. J-Hope winced as they worked together to shift the heavy debris just enough to free his trapped leg. The effort was painstaking, every inch of movement eliciting pained grunts from J-Hope, who was clearly struggling with the pain.

Finally, with a synchronised push, they managed to create enough space for J-Hope to pull his leg free. He wiggled it around, a grimace of pain crossing his face, but he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief once it was out. Before he could fully recover his composure, however, Namjoon’s hand was at J-Hope’s back, forcefully shoving him down onto the rubble.

“Hands behind your back,” Namjoon ordered, his voice brooking no argument. J-Hope complied, albeit with visible discomfort, as Namjoon secured him with a rope they had found earlier. Hissing as Namjoon had tied the rope a bit thighter then necessary J-Hope really got the message that they wouldn't become friends anytime soon.

“Now,” Namjoon said, crouching down beside J-Hope, “you mentioned a hidden stash. Show us where it is.” he demanded leaving no place for arguments with his stern voice.

J-Hope, still reeling from the pain and the sudden shift in circumstances, looked up at him with a mixture of fear and begrudging resignation. “Alright, alright,” he said, his voice trembling. “I’ll show you. Just—just don’t hurt me. It’s behind an old service door where the Knh-Building stood.” he mumbled trying to scramble up on his feet, wich wasn't as easy when his hands were tied behind his back.

Jungkook and Namjoon exchanged a glance. Namjoon nodded curtly, and Jungkook moved to the indicated location, he knew where it was as he had walked past the big logo a few time the last days.

Namjoon kept his gun trained on J-Hope as they moved through the rubble. Jungkook walked slightly ahead, guiding the way to the old building J-Hope had indicated. J-Hope limped along, his movements sluggish and pained, his hands bound tightly behind his back.

“Keep moving,” Namjoon ordered, his voice firm. “If you try anything, if you even think about making a run for it, I’ll put a bullet in you without hesitation. Understood?” he threatened once more, still not fond of the idea of having the black haired man with them.

J-Hope nodded vigorously, his eyes wide with fear. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. I’m not going anywhere. Just—just keep the gun away.”

Namjoon didn’t lower the weapon but adjusted his grip to make it clear he wasn’t joking. “The way you treated my partner a few days back it seemed like you had quite the fun. Aren't you enjoying this?" he remarked sarcastically, earning a grumble from the tied man.

"Wait Jungkook, we’re going to take a little tour before we get the stash. I want to make sure he's not leading us into a trap.” Namjoon remarked going to the left even though the fastest way would have been straight ahead.

They proceeded cautiously, with Namjoon occasionally jerking J-Hope to the side or stepping in front of him to ensure he didn’t attempt any sudden moves. J-Hope’s face was etched with a mix of pain and anxiety as he followed their direction.

As they reached a dilapidated building, Namjoon gestured with the gun towards a narrow, shadowy alleyway. “Show me where this stash is, or I’ll make sure you regret it.”

J-Hope, wincing with every step, led them to the old service door, its paint peeling and rusty. "That's the one." He mumbled.

Jungkook stepped forward, fumbling with the opening mechanism a bit then swinging the door open to reveal the stash inside. Cans of food, bottled water, and medical supplies were stacked haphazardly in the dim, musty space.

Namjoon stepped closer, keeping his gun pointed at J-Hope’s head. “This what you promised? Anything else you’re hiding from us?”

J-Hope shook his head frantically. “No, no, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got.”

Namjoon scrutinized the stash for a moment, then turned back to J-Hope. “Alright, it looks like you were telling the truth. But don’t think this means you’re off the hook. You’re still a liability, and I’m still watching you.”

With that, Namjoon motioned for Jungkook to gather the supplies. As they worked, J-Hope, now visibly shaking, could only watch, knowing his fate rested in the hands of the two strangers he had wronged.

Namjoon let his eyes sweep around the stash again, thinking about how long this would keep them alive. He then turned back to J-Hope, who was now sitting on the floor, hands bound, looking both relieved and exhausted.

“Good enough,” Namjoon said, his voice devoid of warmth. “You’ve got one chance to prove you’re worth keeping around. Let’s see if you can follow through.”