Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 47 - a group forming

Namjoon stood in the entrance hall, his back against the cold stone wall as his eyes scanned the doorway. He had been waiting for Jungkook, a quiet sense of worry gnawing at him. It wasn’t like him to wander off without saying something. Namjoon didn’t like not knowing where the younger was, especially in a place as unpredictable as this city.

But when he saw Jungkook approaching, a soft smile spread across his face, the tension in his chest easing. Jungkook's eyes were bright with excitement, his entire posture exuding energy, and Namjoon found himself smiling a little at the sight.

“You’re back,” Namjoon said, his voice calm but tinged with relief.

“Yeah,” Jungkook replied, walking over to him. “You wouldn’t believe the day I had!” His words came out in a rush, his excitement contagious. “I went to the mechanics. You know, where they fix cars and stuff? I actually helped them a bit. Well, mostly I just watched, but they showed me how the engine works! It was so cool! I think I could really learn something there.”

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, impressed by how animated Jungkook was. “Really? That sounds... good. I didn’t know you were interested in that sort of thing.”

Jungkook shrugged, a small grin still on his face. “I didnt know either, but it was fun! I felt so… useful, I guess. It felt good!”

Namjoon smiled softly at that. “I’m glad, Kook. It’s good you found something you enjoy.”

"What about you? Are you going to search for a job here too? We're gonna stay, right?" Jungkook suddenly questioned, remembering they initial plan to only stay for a while.

"Yeah Sure, if you'd like that." Namjoon simply answered.

As the conversation shifted, his expression became a little more serious, though not in a bad way. “I talked to Yoongi,” he said, lowering his voice slightly. “He told me a lot more about the gang. How it operates, who’s in charge of what… he wants me to help him out.” He paused, glancing down at Jungkook.

“We also talked about the past—about how things used to be. And I think… I think I can trust him. It’s not the same as before, but… I feel like we’re on the same page now.”

Jungkook listened intently, nodding as Namjoon spoke. The younger seemed relieved, too. It was good to know that Namjoon wasn’t carrying the same heavy weight of uncertainty that had clouded him before. Jungkook had felt that burden on him ever since they had arrived in the city, but now it seemed like things were shifting for the better.

"So ... what I'm saying is...I think you're right. We should stay." Just as they were settling into their conversation, Hoseok and another man approached from the side, both looking slightly worn but in good spirits. Hoseok waved enthusiastically, the man following behind with a wide smile, his hands stuffed into his pockets.

“Hey,” Hoseok greeted as they neared, his voice as bright as ever. “Guess what? I’ve been working on the farm today. Met some pretty interesting characters.” He glanced at the man next to him with a knowing grin, clearly including him in that description.

The stranger blinked, his gaze wandering, though his smile didn’t falter. “Yeah, I'm the boss, he works under me now!” he said, though from the way Hoseok raised an eyebrow, it was clear that explanation needed a bit more background information.

Namjoon nodded, his gaze shifting between the two newcomers. “I see everyone's been busy today.” he remarked, then looked at the newcomer. “I’m Namjoon, this is Jungkook.”

Jungkook gave a shy nod, his eyes lingered on the man, clearly intrigued by him. “Hey,” Jungkook said, offering a small smile.

The man tilted his head slightly as he spoke. “I’m Taehyung. I… work on the farm. Mostly. Nice to meet you, Jungkook. Namjoon.”

The four of them stood together in the dim light of the entrance hall, the energy around them relaxed as they dove into a conversation. It seemed so easy to talk to each other, the four of them clearly seemed to be on the same page.

Jungkook looked around at the group, feeling a little lighter, his worries about being alone having disappeared long ago. It was so nice, feeling so light and...so normal again.

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Sorry, my motivation is dying down a bit these days... that's why the chapters are held so short (⁠´⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠.̫⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠'⁠)