Fall (Bangtan Sonyeondan BTS Alternate Universe)

53. Consider This A Warning

It was so dark where they had taken me that I almost didn't notice when they pulled the bag off of my head.

There was a rustic smell, like the kind that makes your nose scrunch up when you stand in an old basement or cellar.

Loud, pounding music assaulted my ears, and I noticed that the floor seemed to be shaking along to the beat. For a moment, I almost worried that the house would collapse from the pressure.

I glanced at the ceiling, where a single light swung, quite hazardously back and forth, probably because of the music. I imagine there was a tingling sound from the metal swinging, but I couldn't hear it over the music.

A hand grabbed my hair tightly, forcing my head to look forward, and I found myself face to face with a peculiar man. His teeth glinted, and I assumed it was because he had a gold grill.

He seemed like the type of person to have it. Silly.

I had no idea who he was, so I wasn't sure whether I should pretend to, or disrespect him by blatantly admitting it.

First, I jerked my head away from henchman's hand, scowling at the pain.

"When I say that I like it rough, I mean it in a sexual way man, and there is no way I'm sleeping with you, so stop trying to turn me on."

There was a loud laugh that seemed to captivate the very air in this place, and I looked to see that the unfamiliar man was amused by me.

Good, then maybe I can get out of this with minimal injuries.

"She's funny," the glint of his teeth suggested that he was smiling, "You're funny."

I shrugged, not sure whether it would be better to stay quiet or give an obnoxious answer.

"It would be nice if you could stay here, but you're Bangtan's little plaything, aren't you?"

I stood tall, rather indignant at his dismissive description of my relationship with Bangtan.

"I wouldn't exactly describe it like that, I'm a member, just as anyone else."

"Oh, I've offended you."

He didn't seem to give any apology, but I hadn't expected him to.

I didn't feel any malicious intent in the air, so it was hard to imagine this as the base of a rival gang. But then, who were they? And what did they want with me?

"Well, whatever you are, I know you won't stay here. A shame, but still, I guess we can't have everything."

I took a judgemental look at the single light bulb and cleared my throat loudly. "Yeah, clearly. I'm so sorry that you couldn't pay the electric bill."

Another laugh, and a hand reached out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me forward.

"You know, I generally don't let people drag me around unless I'm in a good mood. And your little attempt at a pick up was not that great. You know, you could've sent a car to pick me up instead - "

There was a brisk smack to my head, and a henchman leaned in to speak harshly in my ear.

"I suggest you fix your tone with Highness Jay."

I snorted, knowing I should take them seriously but completely unable to do so.

"Highness? Highness! My apologies, your highness."

I resisted the urge to laugh, pinching my stomach sharply to hold in the snorts.

"It has a nice ring to it," Jay explained before opening a door.

Immediately, the music seemed to be magnified, assaulting my ears and resonating in my chest.

There was more light here, and I noticed we weren't alone anymore.

Scantily clad women danced to the music, black masks covering all but their eyes.

Their eyes. Something in their eyes didn't seem right. It wasn't just a dangerous glint, it was an unsettling glow that made me uncomfortable, uneasy. I wasn't sure what it was, but I didn't really like it.

As Jay walked past them, they lay seducing hands all over him, as if trying to lure him to them. He brushed them off easily, and I took advantage of the light to get a better look at him.

A jacket hung loosely over one arm, as if he had gotten lazy half way through putting it on. I had a feeling it was to show off his muscles, though, and I could appreciate that.

His hair was in braids, and I could make out a blue tint from underneath the wide hat that he wore.

Before I could stare any more, he pulled me into another room, something of an office I would guess.

He sat down and motioned his finger at me before pointing to another chair.

I sat down slowly, glancing between the door and the two men who had followed us in.

If things went bad, could I make it through the door before they grabbed me?

Jay seemed to know what I was thinking, because a single gesture from him, and the men were standing stiffly in front of the exit.

I looked at his face, setting my jaw and discreetly clenching my fists.

Would I have to fight, then? I had a knife in my shoe, could I reach it without being too suspicious?

To start, I set my foot on top of my leg and grabbed my ankle before pretending to relax into the chair.

Jay raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

"So, you're probably wondering what I want, right?"

I gave him a look, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "No, not at all, curiously enough."

"Okay, you're the joking one. I get it."

Do you really though?

"The reason I sent for you, is because your boss is late on a payment."

Does he mean Namjoon? What Payment?

"I'm sure I don't know what you're saying."

He shook his head, tsking softly.

"Sweetheart, I like you. But not that much. Tell him that Ugly Duck will be waiting at the pickup."

I wisely decided to keep quiet on the topic of the name Ugly Duck. Bizarre or not, I was realizing the graveness of this situation.

I stood up, feeling that this was the end, but before I could pass his henchmen, they grabbed my arms.

I turned slowly.

"He better show up. I don't take kindly to being cheated, sweetheart. Consider this a warning."

As goofy as I found his teeth, I couldn't deny that he was intimidating.

I nodded slowly before exiting.

It took more effort than I'd like to admit for me to not run all the way back home.