Win No Matter What

CHAPTER 25 - BANGTAN REGROUPS, PT. 2

You turn around to see Yoongi looking down at you, hands behind his back. He doesn't look amused. Internally flustered, you say quietly, "Yoongi, I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't read my thoughts anymore. Especially when I'm not aware that you're standing right behind me. Please," you add, in hope.

"Yeah Yoongi hyung, you gotta stop reading Rumi's thoughts, some of them might be too risqué for you to handle," someone else adds. You turn to see Ji Min on the other side, behind you, smirking with a cheeky grin.

Rolling his eyes, "Fine, whatever," Yoongi says as he goes to stand beside Nam Joon, while Ji Min, giving you a big smile, stays next to you. You're glad he seems to be in better spirits since you last spoke, but you really hope he can't sense your nervousness about his close proximity. At Nam Joon he says, "I'll go with Rumi to the library, Nam Joon hyung. It'll be quicker to find anything if we both go." He gives you a quick wink, "don't get any funny ideas Rumi." Shocked at his brazenness, you blush and quickly sit your head in your hands. You avoid all eye contact with this notorious Park Ji Min.

Yoongi addresses everyone and says, "Ji Min and I have just come back from visiting an old sage in the village who has existential foresight". 

You know it's possible to see multiple possible outcomes of an event, but people who possess such an ability are few and far between, so you are surprised to learn that such a person exists so close by. 

Yoongi continues, "I don't believe that our fates are written in stone since we are presented with choices and use our own will, so when Principal Bang suggested it, I didn't hate the idea of seeking him out. Long story short, he had some interesting things to say about Ji Min's upcoming coronation."

Looking around at everyone giving him their undivided attention, he continues, "He didn't give any specifics about how our encounter with Lord Luciferous could end as there are too many variables, but he did say that the coronation will take place in two or three days, and (Yoongi pauses slightly) there is a traitor in the school who is playing a vital role in all of this." 

Ho Seok and Tae Hyung let out audible gasps.

He looks at you pointedly, but you return his gaze, unwavering. You are obviously not the traitor and therefore have nothing to hide. This exchange has not escaped Nam Joon's notice, who says, "Ok, so clearly our priorities have now changed; we need to focus on finding this person and putting a stop to Ji Min being taken. I know this will be difficult since our peers have been here for years and many of them have been our guardians, but we need to put our feelings aside for the safety of everyone here. We will focus on tracking the staff in our own wings and keep an eye on everyone's comings and goings. Be on high alert and report anything even remotely suspicious to me straight away. We only have 24-48 hours to prevent the beginnings of a possible world disaster."

Principal Bang finally speaks up after being silent this entire time. "For the safety of our students, I have no other choice but to close the Academy and send students home early for the holidays. Also, with the students gone, it will be quicker and easier for us to keep track of staff movement, and as much as it pains me to say this, find out which one is the traitor. I'll ask the other Heads of House to inform the students immediately," and with that, he leaves the room.

Nam Joon continues, "Right, let's not waste any more time. Yoongi, Ho Seok, Tae Hyung and I will tell the students in our Houses. The rest of you, please start doing the necessary and keep me informed. Good luck."

Tae Hyung looks visibly shaken, Seok Jin appears to be deep in thought, while Ho Seok is worriedly looking at Ji Min for his reaction. Sensing that he should say something, Ji Min quickly speaks up before they all disperse, "Guys come on, we got this. We're the Bangtan Guys! We have no fear! Nothing can defeat us when we're together. And now we have Rumi too and I'm confident we'll find this traitor and defeat Lord Luciferous. You're my brothers and we got each other's back. Don't worry, I'm not afraid!"

You look at him, wondering whether Ji Min believes his own pep talk or whether he's saying all those things to disguise his own fears. After all, he was talking about going up against his destiny and his own Father.