The Lie You Keep

What Is Bravery?

After another tiring day of work, Jimin steps out the building alone, since he literally pushed Jungkook away the moment the brat said he was done.

There were less cars, but the city was illuminated with lights and various street signs.

He doesn't feel like going home yet.

Maybe a nice cup of tea would soothe his tingling nerves.

The cause? He doesn't know.

Maybe it was stress, or work overload. Maybe it was because he felt there would be danger.

After all those exhilirating and dangerous situations he was forced in, Jimin had learned to be on the lookout for any possible threats.

He was always aware, but maybe it wasn't enough.

Meters and meters away there was a man wearing all black, patiently waiting by the rooftop of his assigned building.

No, this wasn't Taehyung, since he'd long given up trying to make attempts at Jimin's life.

He was just tailing quietly behind the man, ever the observant one, trying to make out if there was any suspicious activity.

The brat wasn't with him, but there was a high chance that he was somewhere around here too, keeping a close eye on his target.

He and Jungkook had the same target, but for different reasons.

Taehyung was assigned to kill him, and Jungkook (aka Agent Gold), was assigned to protect him at all costs.

What a small world this is, filled with lies and cruelty.

But wait.

He halts his steps, trying to feel around him.

The leaves rustled by, blown by the wind, and the car horns were blaring because of the never-ending traffic.

Yet there was something wrong in the atmosphere, and Taehyung couldn't put a finger on it exactly.

Finally, he feels something.

He looks back, and with his perfect eyesight, was able to spot one of his co-workers with a long gun. No doubt this is one of the hitmans Boss assigned.

Throwing off his cap, he runs the opposite direction, away from Park Jimin, to reach that man and stop his ministrations.

He checks his watch: five minutes to seven pm sharp. Well he can make it in three.

He dashes and stumbles, but it doesn't deter him from his goal.

He has to protect him, even though he was initially assigned to kill him.

There, almost!

Feeling that the stairs would take too much of his time, he retrieves a grappling hook from the inside of his coat, aims, and shoots, pulling the trigger so he would be pulled up faster.

He lands on the ground smoothly and noiselessly, keeping it a point to stay quiet.

Thirty seconds.

He hurries, and throws himself on the man, making him lose focus and give Jimin some time to escape, even if he didn't know it.

But meters away and below them stands a boy beside Jimin, trying to coax his hyung into following him.

Taehyung's deductions about Jungkook was right, since he too had been present and was able to feel something weird.

Yet it took him aback once he saw that the unknown man was having a scuffle with another man, one he didn't notice before.

Who was that?

That's not important.

Instead, Jungkook latched onto Jimin's wrist and pulled him away, silently thanking the stranger for giving them time.

Up above, the unknown was still battling with Taehyung, who grunted and made sure that the other didn't reach his gun.

But the man kicked him hard, making Taehyung back away a few meters, and he quickly grabbed his gun and started shooting everywhere, close to where he last saw his target.

Taehyung gasped.

With newfound energy, he roared and again flung himself, but this time the man received his weight and used it against him, throwing the boy to the rough pavement once more.

"Stop this madness! I know Boss called you but stop it already!"

The man thankfully stopped, but the boy felt a cold and murderous aura.

Oh no.

"Tsk tsk tsk," he said slowly, mocking him, "Will you ever learn? There is no way out of this."

That voice...

"Hoseok-hyung?!"

The mask over the face was removed, and Taehyung was yet again correct.

Tears welled up in the younger's eyes, mixed emotions swirling inside his brain it ached.

"Hyung..." he whispers, Hope brushing past him and whistling sharply through the howling winds.

"I- I didn't know..." he tries again.

"Oh c'mon V, would it have made a difference even without the mask? You're smitten with him, admit it, and I've come to terms with the fact that you will never be brave enough to kill that piece of-"

"Enough already I get it!" he shouts, angry tears hitting the floor below him.

Hoseok regards him with emotionless eyes, before they both hear a whirring sound.

They look up to see a helicopter slowly descending.

Hoseok smirks as he sees a rope ladder come into view.

"What is bravery anyway?" asks Taehyung, making the older momentarily stop; he will never grow tired of the boy's questions in life, "Is it brave to protect someone? Is it brave to kill someone who you know doesn't have a single sin?" He turns to meet Hoseok's soft and surprised look.

Hope wets his lips.

"I never wanted to harm you Taehyung," he starts, "I only wanted what's best for you, but clearly we have different views."

The younger looks away, fists clenching.

He hears a sigh even through all the helicopter noises, and he only looks up when only silence greets his ears.

Another helicopter comes by, and Taehyung doesn't think twice to run away after seeing another large gun aimed at him.

There's a crash and multiple explosions, people looking up and gasping.

What was happening?

A man who had rented a motorcycle was just about to ride off when flaming debris comes falling down, him running away to save his skin.

Unfortunately it lands on the motorcycle, and he just wants to faint.

He was just about to curse out when he feels a presence few meters behind him.

He turns, and receives the shock of his life.

It was that attractive guy with the black shiny hair.

Oh no... he's injured.

"Help..." he whispers, the man coming closer, "me..."

With that, he falls to the ground.

Oh sh- crap.