iris . vkook

sixty seven

육십일곱

Narrator's PoV;

F L A S H B A C K

"Jesus, Gguk, where did you learn to do makeup?" Bora gasped happily as she stared in awe at the blended burgundy in her crease and the thick black wing that stretched along the expanse of her eye.

"Mmm, I have a sister." Jeongguk said, the end of a makeup brush between his lips, "and I know what good colour combinations are, I'm an artist."

Jeongguk had encouraged Jay to take Bora out on a surprise date, since the two had been up to their neck in Boss' cases and missions. Jay had hacked into so many computers in two weeks, that the mere sight of a screen made him feel sick. Bora was bored to death of reading over information and essays, trying to pick out the important shit for analysis.

The two had a harder job, in some ways, than Jeongguk. Unlike the younger, the duo were always running around the place and jetting off to other countries. Jeongguk was currently on a medical break, heavily advised by the 'doctors' at the gang's hospital and forced by Boss, despite Jeongguk's complaints. 

It wasn't because of money, because he had more than enough for a lifetime. It was because he enjoyed his job: though it wasn't as sadistic as it seemed.

Jeongguk didn't tend to feel much emotion, especially towards strangers as his childhood had made him extremely unsure of people and so he approached everyone with a cold glare and a closed heart. And therefore, whenever he'd fire the bullet that'd lodge in their skin, plunge the knife into their neck or throw the lit match atop their petroleum-soaked body, no thoughts would cross his mind, no sympathy - nothing. If anything, he was more concerned about the smell of fire staining his clothing.

The only people he could feel emotion for were his sister, Jay and Bora. Boss got the occasional cheeky remark and slight chuckle, but he wouldn't take a bullet for him. He wouldn't think twice before jumping in front of the gunman for the three people who meant the absolute world to him.

Jeong-ja was always happy, smitten with her husband. Jeongguk thoroughly disliked said guy, but as long as he kept Jeong-ja safe and loved, he didn't mind his presence and he'd push back the thoughts of slitting his throat.

But the stress had been building upon Jay's and Bora's backs. You could see it in their face.

Jeongguk did his best to keep the place clean and tidy, but he wasn't the most organised kid. He couldn't cook, and he couldn't read the recipes, so he opted for paying for takeaways. The two were always extremely appreciative of the actions, ruffling his hair and squeezing his cheeks, claiming that he didn't have to go through such 'struggles'.

And so, he decided that a break from work would be the best thing for them. He couldn't do their jobs, as he couldn't work a computer well nor could he read the essays. But, he encouraged Boss to use other employees for a week, begging and claiming that he'd be on time for every meeting. 

Reluctantly, Boss agreed. Unknown to Jeongguk, he had a soft spot for the kid for two reasons: he was a favourite and Jeongguk had a place in his weary heart. Whenever Jeongguk would leave his office, he'd smile and chuckle to himself at the young boy's character. He brought a small bit of light to his life, reminding him of his son - except Jeongguk was way, way feistier than his timid son. That's why Jeongguk was allowed contact with 'enemies' such as Taeyong and Ten. Besides, they never posed no threat anyway - they'd just been sucked into their gang and forced to stay.

"Bora, stay still." Jeongguk ordered through clenched teeth.

She looked up at him in glee, smiling happily at the swipe of glitter on his cheekbones (her forced recommendation).