Rainbow - BTS

21 - Red

if you burn, you burn out
if you speak, you shout
if you think, you dream
if you cry, you scream

when you're red, things aren't just all in your head
pain doesn't hide away in the mind, it grows with every day
when you're red, things are too complicated to say
when you're red, you're broken instead

Maybe we need to cool down. Maybe we all know someone who can fix things.

Or maybe everyone needs to live to the extremes.

"Hey, welcome to Joon's comics, how can I help?"
"Kid, get out of my face. I don't have the energy for your customer service shit, okay? I'm just here to have a look."

The guy is clearly not in the best of moods, and so Jimin just nods slightly, stepping away and letting the stranger walk around. There's a sting of anxiety bubbling away in the back of Jimin's mind, but he says nothing about it, choosing instead to give the customer some space. He makes eye contact with Jin, who just smiles sympathetically at him and shakes his head a little.

Some people just don't know how to have manners. It's not their fault.

They both decide to keep an eye on him. Not because they think he can't be trusted, but more because there's something in his eyes, which seems more dangerous. Maybe he's planning to steal something, and hide it in the bag he's holding. Or maybe he's literally just an innocent guy. They don't know.

There's no harm in being careful, after all.

The caution turns out to be a good thing when the guy starts to head out, grabbing a few books on his way out. Jimin's completing a transaction at the time, so Jin is left to rush for the door and block the exit.

The thief scowls at Jin for a moment, and then Jimin finishes the transaction, logs out of the till quickly, and heads toward the situation as fast as he can, deciding that it's best to give his colleague some backup. The customers watch nervously, clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to be of assistance, and Jimin grits his teeth a little at that.

Sure, it's not their job to stop crime, or prevent thieves from leaving, but the help would've been appreciated. Situations like this are scary, and people can be dangerous. Jimin doesn't wanna fuck things up, for himself or for Namjoon. The blue-haired shop owner is a really friendly boss, and he doesn't deserve to be stolen from.

The shop is small anyway, so it's not like it wouldn't make a loss of some sort from the theft. So it's important. Really important. Even if confrontation has never been Jimin's strong point.

Jin's already arguing with this asshole, trying to remain calm, when Jimin walks over, and the relief on his face at the moral support is gratifying to say the least. But the thief in question just rolls his eyes at them both.

"Just let me out of the fucking store, both of you."
"Put the books back or buy them, and I will," Jin says as steadily as he can. "Stealing is against the law, sir. And we can't allow you to steal any books."
"I ain't got any books."
"We saw you take them, sir. Please don't try and fool us here. Just give them back or pay for them, and you can be on your way."

"Let me go or I'll bust your fucking face in, mate. How about that?"

A customer steps forward, finally, and Jimin's eyes widen in recognition when he sees Junghyun. The neighbour guy? Yeah, that's him. Friendly personal trainer who believes in helping people with their mental health through the magic of exercise? Married/partnered with/dating a guy called Hyojung? That guy.

"Hey, just give the books back, these two are just trying to do their job," he comments casually. The thief scowls at him.
"I'll bash your face in too if you want," he threatens. Jimin frowns, nervous, and the other customers step back a bit, feeling anxious for their own safety.