Crimson Thread [BTS Imagine FF]

Prologue

Smartphone pressed to your ear, you lean against the wall of your favorite bar—the only good thing about this side of town. Sure, it's a bit seedy, but the happy hour specials cannot be beat, and you could really use a drink right about now.

There's no answer, just more ringing, resounding in your skull. You scratch the back of your leg with a stiletto, annoyed but unsurprised in the face of your brother's behavior.

You hate even calling him, because he's been MIA for the last year and you're holding a grudge, but these are desperate times. Wherever he is, he probably has money. As much as it pains you, you need his help. Aren't older brothers supposed to be responsible?

You leave him an anxious voicemail, "Oppa, please, I need your help. I haven't heard from Dad, and I'm worried about our safety. Call me." You heave a sigh and end the call, catching sight of your close friend, Bomi. She waves with enthusiasm, but you wonder if it's just your imagination that her smile seems strained.

"Wah, you look nice!" She calls. "I like that red on you, very spicy."

"Byuntae," You giggle. "You told me to dress for a date. Since it's you, I'm expecting the worst, but I guess I'm holding out hope."

"Ye of little faith," Bomi quips, clapping a hand on your shoulder. You notice it's shaking. The cold, perhaps?

"Hey, if you're that chilly, let's go inside."

For a moment, Bomi is quiet as a church mouse. Then, she nods slightly. "Yeah."

Yup, something is definitely off. You'll have to pry it out of her later. For now, you both take a seat at the bar where the pleasant bartender, Gordon, greets you by name. You're regulars, after all.

"Stunning ensamble, [Y/N]. Who's the lucky guy?" Gordon winks and sets a brightly-colored cocktail in front of you.

"Dunno yet, blind date," you smile at his good-natured chitchat. He's obviously a pro. "Maybe Bomi can enlighten us."

Bomi flinches, glancing up from her own drink. She swirls it nervously. "Well..."

"Pardon me."

Three sets of eyes dart to a young man in an impeccable black suit. He appears to be a few years younger than you, twenty, if that. His dark hair is coiffed, his skin is flawless and glowing, and his doll-like eyes hold a strange allure. He's leanly muscular, and looks like he should be posing on a poster in a teenage girl's bedroom, not hanging out in a seedy place like this. In spite of yourself, you can't help but stare at his sharp jawline, his broad shoulders, his hands, folded neatly in front of him.

"You even old enough to drink, kid?" Gordon asks gruffly. He's unaccustomed to dealing with these types.

"I am, but that's not why I'm here." Smiling like a gentleman, the man glances at Bomi, then takes a long look at you. "[Y/N]," you flinch when your name leaves his perfect lips, "my name is Jeon Jungkook. I'll be your date for this evening."

"M-me?" You point at yourself, dumbstruck. A spark of laughter enters Jungkook's eyes as he simply nods in response. "Bomi?" you ask, averting your eyes to the blinding presence that is Jeon Jungkook to stare pleadingly at your friend.

Bomi has gone pale. It raises all sorts of questions, but she doesn't seem willing to answer any. "Go on. Go with him." Her words hold an indescribable sadness. Your stomach drops.

Offering you his arm, Jungkook flashes you that golden-boy smile again. "Shall we, noona?" What is this? Why do you feel like you can't refuse?

You take his arm and head for the door. Glancing back at Bomi, you see her tossing back her cocktail. You don't hear her glass hit the table as the mysterious stranger ushers you into the cool night air. He leads you into the darkness, heading away from the main roads and away from the bustling downtown nightlife.