FOOLS

Chapter 6

There was a knock on the door. Namjoon had just finished learning how to tie his bow tie before proceeding to the door. His senses heightened, he knew it was the mask and the venue. Itt didn't surprise him to know that they knew where he lived. He wouldn't be surprised for them to know his favorite food at this point or the color of his underwear.

To his disappointment and somewhat relief, no one was at the door. There was a small black box on the floor along with another gold trimmed envelope. His name was written in the same font as the first letter. "Please make sure you wear this mask so I know it's you. I'm ecstatic about to our meeting, Adelfós." The mask only covered his eyes, white marble like material with gold swirls. It was plain, uncomplicated, perfectly matching with Namjoon's personality and lifestyle.

His eyes did raise a little at the venue. The mounside temple ran by nonprofit organizations. Namjoon wondered how the Black Pandora managed to rent out the entire place. But it was a delight partly because Namjoon had been meaning to visit. So he headed off in his car, driving into such an irony. A delicate location housing something a group so sinister.

Two men in black masks that covered their whole faces planted themselves on both sides of the entrance. Namjoon immediately noticed that black box tattoo on the side of their necks. To his knowledge, it was like a badge that they wore proudly, but they're never seen out in public. They didn't ask Namjoon for the invitation, they only nodded and gestured for him to go inside. Namjoon adjusted his necktie before stepping inside.

It was a disarray, people with masks on were everywhere. Like pieces of a puzzle, or a very large chest game and Namjoon was simply a pawn, waiting for someone to attack. Men and women talked giddly about nonsense. Their shoulder shook as they laughed, but Namjoon couldn't hear any laughter, only air. From the outside, it looked like a real party where people are enjoying their times. But the attendees were soldiers of Adelfós, they all kept watches of Namjoon, even with their backs turned to him.

Never in his life has he felt so vulnerable. When he took the job as a detective, he hoped that he would never have to stand in the spotlight. He wanted to work in the shadows, where no one could see or ridicule him. He had enough of that in his childhood. In some ways, he felt that he was similar to the mafia leader, wanting to hide from everyone and everything. His eyes scanned the room, hoping to see someone. But it was pointless considering he doesn't know what or who he's looking for. He figured that once he sees that person, he would just know, like a bell being rung.

The orchestra was getting louder, as if to signal the shift of the atmosphere. But from Namjoon could tell, nothing had changed, except the conversations had also began picking up volume. It began to become unbearable for him. After determining that there was no one that was worth investigating, he took the back exit. Outside, he cursed himself for even coming in the first place. It was just a ruse and he fell for it. His feet took him a few yards from the temple to the bonsai garden. Namjoon observed the satisfying display of greenery and rocks. It was a place where conversations and music couldn't reach and he was grateful for it.

It didn't take long for him to realize he wasn't alone. A figure stood in front of the small waterfall that housed lotuses and koi fishes. The only light source was the illumination from temple. The stranger wore an all black suit and his curly hair almost reached his shoulders. The aura emanating from him was intimidating yet familiar to Namjoon, he wanted to approach rather than run away.

"Thanks for the invitation, Adelfós." Namjoon called out.

The stranger turned his head only slightly, so that Namjoon could see his side profile. "I didn't think you would show up." he chuckled. His voice was surprisingly smoother and younger than Namjoon had picture. In all honesty, he had conjured up an image of some old mastermind with decades of experience and bad deeds. But the man in front of him was nothing close to that, he could even be younger than Namjoon.

"I couldn't deny it since you personally invited me yourself." Namjoon said.

Adelfós turned around fully. Namjoon bit his tongue to mask his shock. As he deducted, he was young, so young. Big doe eyes and a small nose, he could pass off as a college student. His sharp jawline and thick brows were the only thing that could make him look remotely deadly. Then he smiled and Namjoon swore he never felt more confused in his entire life. It can't be him, he thought, how could this kid possibly be Adelfós?

"I'm pleased to finally meet you, Detective Kim Namjoon." the kid said, taking one steo closer all the while Namjoon did the same. "As you have figured out, I am Adelfós, leader of the Black Pandora."

"Why did you invite me? And what makes you think I won't arrest you right now?" Namjoon asked.

Adelfós chuckled. "I know you have all the power and the rights in the world to arrest me. But the purpose of inviting you here today wasn't just to meet. I have to tell you something that you might find interesting."

"What could you possibly entertain me with?"

"My name and our relationship." he answered confidently.

Namjoon tilted his head. "What are you talking about? I don't have time for your games."

"My dear hyung," Adelfós raised an eyebrow innocently. I wouldn't dare play games with you. It's time you know who I am."

"Hyung?" Namjoon repeated, his mind was a mess. The boy took a few steps closer until there was a foot of space in between them. Namjoon looked down at the boy, but he was standing his ground with the same amount of authority. The only thing that could be heard between the two of them was the fish splashing in their habitat, completely unaware of anything happening surrounding them. Namjoon held his breath as the boy spoke.

"My name is Jeon Jungkook, and I am your brother."