Smoke Song

Rescue

Jungkook flinched, gagging as Soomin pressed an arm to his windpipe so he could turn and look at Mingyu.

"Who are you?!" Mingyu demanded, advancing on them.

"His partner," Soomin said, smiling as Jungkook whimpered and gasped. "What, he never told you who he is?"

"He's my employee, and that's enough!" Mingyu shouted. "Let go of him!"

"I can't," Soomin said, faking a pout. "See, he's not supposed to be across the border. He belongs with the anti organization, not your, ah, coffee shop."

Mingyu's eyes widened. Jungkook felt Soomin let him down, and he coughed, curling into a ball and pressing his hands to his head. Soomin patted his hands, laughing softly.

"Don't worry, bud. We'll go home soon."

"If he belongs with you people what is he doing here?" Mingyu demanded. "He ran away from you!"

"Only because I let him," Soomin said. "He knows he's safer with me, anyway. Right, Kookie?"

Jungkook gasped and flinched as Soomin ruffled his hair, and Soomin laughed, hauling him to his feet. "He always runs back to us. I'm just trying to speed up the process."

"He doesn't want to go!"

Soomin snorted, rolling his eyes. "And what do you know about him? He hasn't even told you his full name!"

Jungkook met Mingyu's eyes, and he could see the confusion there. Mingyu was faltering, glancing back to the closed door. He was actually considering leaving him alone. Sudden pain ripped through Jungkook's heart, and he twisted in Soomin's grip, turning to face Mingyu.

"Please," he mouthed, tears flooding his vision. "Help me."

"I don't see how his name matters," Mingyu said.

Jungkook let his head drop. Soomin had won. It was plain in his tone as he pulled Jungkook closer, wrapping a firm hand around his waist.

"Ever heard of the runaway singer?"

Jungkook closed his eyes, but he still heard twin gasps, and he knew Wonwoo must have come out to see what was wrong. Everything was over. These men would reject him. They would attack him, tell him to leave. He ignored Soomin's soothing hand on the back of his head as his body began to shake, his legs giving out.

"Jeon Jungkook?" Soomin continued. "Mute Maknae? Come on, I've been to your cafe. I've heard the nicknames you gave him. Never thought he'd be this kid, did you? It's why he belongs with us."

Jungkook's hands fell, limp, from where he'd been trying to push Soomin away, and he turned, wiping his eyes. He couldn't see clearly-- it looked like there were three people instead of two facing him, watching as Soomin started to back him toward the car.

"Please," Jungkook mouthed, stretching out a hand. "Please. Help. I'm scared."

But rather than lunge at either of them, to Jungkook's surprise, Mingyu started rapping. Wonwoo quickly followed, and Soomin let go of him to begin singing. Jungkook dropped to the ground, too weak to hold himself up, and curled up, pressing his head against his knees.

"Hey, hey, you can't stay here. Come on, quick." The voice was familiar, and Jungkook obeyed without thinking, pressing himself close to the newcomer as he was dragged to his feet and led around the cafe to a car in the front. They climbed into the backseat and the man had Jungkook lie down on the floor, resting his head against the seat as he ran his hands through his hair, singing softly.

"You'll be alright," the man murmured between songs, as Jungkook slipped further and further toward sleep. "You're safe here. We'll protect you, I promise. Sleep for now."

And, exhausted, Jungkook obeyed.