FOOLS

Chapter 13

As soon as Namjoon was released from the hospital, he instantly got back to his usual routine at the station. The white board remained, but he added minor details like a new red tack somewhere on the map or moving a red line from one location to the next. It was a gradual change so that the boys wouldn't notice. But he underestimated them, they were a team of elite investigators, they would notice anything.

When it first happened, they didn't think much of it, believing that being kidnapped gave him some insights about the Black Pandora. But then it continued without him telling them anything. It was unusual and they felt hurt that he wouldn't include them in the knowledge. Namjoon was a reserved person, that's a given. He likes to reminisce to himself and to be independent. But that was never the case with the team. They were his lifeline, his own heartbeats.

"It's like we don't exist anymore." Taehyung had said. "He bumped into me one day and didn't pat my back like he normally does, or even ruffle my hair."

"I've noticed the change too," Yoongi continued. "He talks to himself a lot more now, or he would be on his phone during his break. He used to never go on that thing unless it was an emergency."

Hoseok was getting more aggravated, he hated being kept in the dark, especially by someone he trusted. "Something happened while the was taken that he's not telling us about. I just don't know why he would do that." he sighed.

"Maybe because Adelfós made a threat about us." Jimin suggested.

"It wouldn't be the first time and he would tell us that. He tells us everything." Seokjin commented.

"I'm not really sure about that anymore." Hosek whispered, throwing his head back as he sank further into the lounge sofa.

Once Yoongi caught Namjoon staring at the board, not to evaluate the findings, but to see if there's anything he could change that would lead the team somewhere else very specific. Yoongi raised his eyebrow and barged into the room. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Namjoon's shoulder perked up a little, but his body remain calm and composed. "Oh, hyung. Nothing. I'm just trying to look at things in a new angle. We might have missed something." he answered.

The elder one yawned and walked out, it was late at night and he missed the warmth and comfort of his bed. But before he left, he told one of the interns to keep an eye on Namjoon. "But sir, he's the lead investigator, he would notice."

"Well then I guess you'll have to make it so that he won't find out. Bring him tea every now and then." The intern gave him a salute as an answer, something Yoongi found cringe yet satisfying. The first time the intern came into his office, Namjoon was surprised but thankful for a cup of tea. He was worried that his plan might be uncovered by some untrained interns, but for a while, nothing happened. Then Namjoon noticed the sharo stares of the intern as he walked up and down the hall, purposefully glancing at Namjoon and observing his movement. Namjoon shook his head and closed his blinds, passive but necessary. The intern flushed and went back to his table.

They're onto me, he thought. Then he thought back to all of his behaviors since getting out of the hospital. He should have been more careful. But he couldn't explain to them now. It was time for him to act, bringing into motions the chest pieces he had prepared. Though, he still needed Jungkook's answer. The two of them had been talking occasionally, updating about each other's health. He even apologized for the rough delivery of Namjoon to the station.

Just then, his phone dinged. It was from the boy. Come over for dinner, it read. Namjoon looked at his watch, it was close to 10 p.m. The team had left long ago so it would be safe for Namjoon to leave. Nonetheless, he checked his surroundings as he made his way to Jungkook's house.

Jungkook's idea of dinner was some beef bulgogi and a case of beer. Namjoon didn't mind, the house offered a great view of the city at night. It felt like he was on top of the world. He doubted Jungkook would give this up. "I've been thinking a lot about what you've asked of me over the past week." Jungkook began, letting the cool city air blew in his face, running through his hair.

"Look, I don't want to just come into your life and demand that you change everything. But if you continue down this path, at some point I have to put my job and my team first. And I don't want that to happen."

"If I say yes, it doesn't mean I'll escape any repercussions."

"You're right. But at least you'll get to choose what happens to you. Your future is in your hand, Jungkook."

The boy took a long sip of his beer, letting out a sigh. "Hyung, having a loving family was something I've always wanted. Aside from the money and power, being in charge of Black Pandora meant that I had a family and people who needed me, who won't leave me. You're suspicious, I feel it. There are a million other ways to feel a part of something, like you working with your team. I envy that. Overtime, people began to fear me and I had no one to talk to. Ajumma doesn't admit it, but I know she's afraid of me too."

"She's only afraid that you'll hurt yourself."

"Thanks."

"But you're right, why would you get yourself into this life? Is it fulfilling?"

"You really don't know much. I don't blame you, we cover our tracks pretty well." Namjoon tilted his head, awaiting the explanation. "Do you know what happens to the money?"

"Your cars and houses." Namjoon said flatly, he was not amused with the amount of egotism right now.

Jungkook laughed. "They're investment for the future. But no, they go to the members and their families. But they also go to all the orphanage in the country. So that kids like me wouldn't be lost when they get out, they would all receive the same opportunities."

"Jungkook," Namjoon said carefully. If he was too loud, the boy before him might break. He could see hints of glimmer in his eyes. "I'm sorry for thinking so poorly of you."

"Don't be." he shook his head. "Why would you think any other way? What I do with the money doesn't excuse me from the fact that I sell drugs for a living, drugs that could kill someone. To be honest, this wasn't what I had in mind when I revealed myself to you. I had expected you to arrest me right away and I'd be in jail right now. And I would have let you."

"Why would you do that?"

"I don't want to do that anymore, hyung. I want to go home."

Namjoon beamed to himself. "We'll go home together. But before that, I guess I'll tell you the plan now."