THE HIDDEN ROSE | Taekook

15. Giggles And Chaos

The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow across the expansive mansion. Taehyung and Jimin stood in the driveway, ready for their second day at SNU. Taehyung adjusted his bag nervously, his delicate fingers fiddling with the straps as he glanced toward the sleek car Jimin had proudly declared he would drive today.

Jimin leaned casually against the driver's side, grinning at Taehyung. "Come on, Tae. You don't have to look so scared. It's just a car ride, and university. You'll be fine."

Taehyung nodded shyly, still hesitant. The quiet boy didn't respond much, but his big doe eyes spoke volumes, nerves, apprehension, and a touch of excitement at the thought of stepping into this new chapter of his life.

Jimin opened the passenger door for him, his usual playful demeanor softening slightly. "Get in, kid. Let's show SNU what we're made of."

Taehyung ducked into the car, his hands clutching his sketchpad tightly. Jimin climbed in and started the engine, revving it unnecessarily loud just to see Taehyung's startled reaction. Laughing, he pulled out of the driveway and headed toward the university.

Inside the mansion, Jungkook watched from a window as the car disappeared down the driveway. He lingered for a moment, his dark eyes clouded with thought. He hated the idea of Taehyung being away from him, even for something as normal as university. But Jungkook knew this was what Taehyung needed, a chance to reclaim some semblance of normalcy in his otherwise sheltered life.

The moment the car was out of sight, Jungkook turned sharply, his expression hardening. The warmth that had been there while watching Taehyung vanished, replaced by the steely determination of the mafia boss he was. He made his way to the basement, where a large meeting hall awaited.

The meeting hall was a cavernous space, its walls lined with monitors displaying surveillance feeds, maps, and mission plans. Rows of chairs were filled with members of Jungkook's organization, their expressions ranging from curiosity to anticipation. At the front stood a long table, behind which Hoseok, Yoongi, Namjoon, Seokjin and Heejin were already seated, reviewing the details of tonight's mission.

As Jungkook entered, the room fell silent. His presence commanded respect, his every step radiating authority. Dressed in all black, his figure exuded power and intimidation, the very embodiment of a leader who was both ruthless and calculating.

He approached the table, standing at its head, and surveyed the room. His gaze was sharp, taking in every face before him.

"Tonight's mission," Jungkook began, his voice low but carrying across the room, "is critical to our operations. We've identified the rival gang's shipment route, and this is our chance to hit them where it hurts. But this isn't just about the shipment, it's about sending a message. They thought they could challenge us. Tonight, we remind them who we are."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, quickly silenced by a single glance from Jungkook.

He turned to Namjoon, who stepped forward with a tablet in hand. "Namjoon has the specifics."

Namjoon nodded and began explaining the plan, his voice steady and precise. "The shipment will be transported in three trucks, escorted by their armed members. Our intel suggests they'll take the east route, avoiding main highways to minimize attention. We'll intercept them at this point at the dock-" he gestured to a marked spot on the digital map-"where the road narrows and their movement is restricted."

He continued detailing the roles each team would play, from setting up roadblocks to handling the cargo. Jungkook listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions or adjustments.

When Namjoon finished, Heejin took over. She highlighted the potential risks, her analytical mind picking apart the plan to ensure every contingency was covered. "The rival gang might have backups stationed nearby. We'll need a second team to monitor their movements and handle reinforcements if they arrive."