PERSONA ✓

28.

Subunit: Double Trouble (Jungkook took full credit for the name, thank you very much) was turned into a trio when someone knocked on their front door after lunch.

As Namjoon answered it, Jungkook stuffed his phone into his pocket, along with a granola bar. He expected Jimin or Yoongi at the door, considering it was possible they bailed on their plans. So he was surprised when he heard...

"Hoseok?"

Jungkook glanced up. He headed to where Namjoon stood in front of Hoseok, who was standing at their door awkwardly.

"What're you doing here?"

Hoseok swallowed and straightened his posture, attempting to look more brave and less small---which was a challenge for him in general, considering he stood at about Yoongi's height.

"You're going to Kim Daehyun's house." Hoseok's hand went to twist his rings, which Jungkook knew was his nervous tick, but he stopped himself and continued, "I'm coming with you."

Namjoon considered this for a second, before furrowing his brows. "Hoseok... if you're trying to, like, prove yourself or something..."

"No."

"You don't have to---"

"I do."

"No one is forcing you---"

"I'm coming with you." Hoseok's tone implied that was his final decision.

Jungkook looked him over. Whatever Taehyung had told him yesterday, Hoseok seemed to take it in stride. He looked confident, almost---like he could take the world on.

Jungkook knew it was just a facade.

Because when Namjoon turned away, Hoseok's shoulders slumped and he exhaled, not noticing that Jungkook still had his eyes on him.

"Okay, well..." Namjoon slipped on his shoes and straightened back up. "If you ever wanna back out... then just say the word, Hobi."

Hoseok nodded, and the three of them (not Double Trouble. Trouble Trio? Team Trouble? Screw it, Jungkook would figure it out later) headed down the driveway and to the address of Kim Daehyun.

-

Glancing up at the apartment building, Hoseok swallowed nervously.

Namjoon, who stood next to him, glanced at him worriedly. "Hobi, if you don't wanna do this..."

"No." Hoseok shook his head and marched forward.

It wasn't that he had anything to prove.

Sure, what Taehyung had said had hurt. It was true. Whatever, Hoseok thought. That wasn't his main concern right now.

He'd never confronted Daehyun, although it bad been years since the incident. He was too scared to do it alone.

Now, though... he had Namjoon and Jungkook by his side.

And they were there for answers as to who could have possibly stolen the mind control tech. Those two weren't there for the same reason Hoseok was, but still, having their presence by his side gave him a bit of courage.

And he could really do with some courage right now.

The three of them entered and headed towards the elevators, veering away from the informant desk in the lobby. Namjoon punched in the floor number---floor 14---and the doors slid shut.

Hoseok grimaced, drifting towards the corner of the elevator, farthest from Namjoon and Jungkook. They noticed this, but didn't say anything.

When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Hoseok inhaled sharply and followed Namjoon out. Namjoon led the way, going down the hall and looking at the numbered doors.