Jungkook looked at the photos that hung in the halls. Each making the worry in his heart grow; one specific photograph was hung right by the kitchen. In it was Jimin dressed in a dragon onesie, his parents laughing as he tried to do the peace sign. Jungkook wondered where the boy had gone. The Jimin in the photo who had no worried and a striking smile. He looked back at the others who were loitering in the living room. Seokjin was bustling in the kitchen trying to cook up a dish out of the dry and canned foods in the cupboards. Namjoon went to get Yoongi, Hoseok was sitting next to Taehyung who had fallen asleep. Jungkook couldn’t blame him, they hadn’t cleaned a place so sparkling clean in ages. He spared another glance the photos along the wall before taking the one in front of him.

They moved so that Jimin was sitting in Yoongi’s lap against the door.

“So I’m the lucky guy.”

“Lucky guy?”

“You chose to talk to me, Seokjin hyung is sulking in the kitchen.”

“I didn’t mean to make him sad, I wanted your help with something though.”

“My help?”

Jimin pulled out one of the golden darts that was in his pocket. “For real, teach me how to fight.”

“And why would our Jimin have to fight?”

“I don’t always need to be protected. I’m stronger than you think hyung.”

The words sounded so familiar. It was as if he was quoting Seokjin. “I never said you were weak.”

“So you’re going to teach me right?”

“We can start on Friday. For now let’s go down, the others are worried about you.”

“You guys worry too much.”

“Not for you though. Never too much for you.” Yoongi helped Jimin up and glanced over at the bed. “Do you want to say goodbye?”

“What’s going to happen to the bodies?”

“We can give them a proper funeral if you wanted.”

Jimin shook his head. “They hated them, but could you bury them together?”

“I’ll tell that to Hoseok.” He helped Jimin over to the bed and watched as the boy pecked his parents on the forehead.

“Let’s go.”

Seokjin had just put the noodles in the pot when he heard the familiar clanking of metal.

“Hyung?”

“Hey Jimin, I hope you didn’t mind me going through your pantry. I hope you're alright with instant noodles.”

“No one would eat them anyways.”

“I’m sorry about your parents.”

Jimin shook his head. “It wasn’t like it was your fault.”

“Did Namjoon tell you about Seungho?”

“He’s the one who—” Jimin’s voice trailed.

“So he has,” The eldest turned back to the stove, voice quiet. “he used to be our friend.”

Jimin’s heart shattered, if Seungho was their friend then someone who was new to them, like himself, wouldn’t be as important. But if it were true then Yoongi wouldn’t have agreed to help him nor would Namjoon rat out the man’s name so easily.

Seokjin turned the stove off but didn’t turn around. “Before you jump to conclusions, I want you to listen to me. That man. He will get the punishment he deserves.”

“Didn’t you say that he was your friend?”

“Exactly, he ‘was’ our friend.” Jimin walked closer to the elder and met his pained expression. "When we first moved into the warehouse, it was to have a source of protection. Seungho was one of the few people we met along the way and everything was going well until he befriended this drug dealer from another district over. He was convinced that we would make money, more money if we helped him sell his stuff. But we never did this for the money and he wouldn’t stop pushing the topic. We kicked him out but he wanted to take me with him. Yoongi wasn't so happy about that.”

“But how does my parents come into the picture? None of you have ever even met them.” Jungkook came into the kitchen silently and took the steaming pot into the dining room.

“You must be starving after all that cleaning today, we’ll talk about this tonight alright?” As he walked out, Jimin couldn't help but notice Seokjin’s shaking hands.

They left in one car, leaving the other one for Hoseok who stayed behind. Jungkook and Namjoon were arguing at the computers, Taehyung had gone to take a shower. Yoongi was in the weapons room. Jimin followed Seokjin to his room with two cups of tea in his hands. It was the first time Jimin had seen the room and he felt calm for the first time that day. Photographs littered the wall, awards, certificates, even drawings that dated back ten years ago.

“We were all convinced that Hoseok would become an artist that year, he drew everything and anything that was handed to him. Even found a dead bird and managed to make it beautiful.”

“He should be back soon right?”

“He texted me a few minutes ago, found a good place under a tree. He’ll talk to the guy who’s in charge of the cemetery tomorrow. No one can deny the great J-Hope.”

“Did he make up the name himself?” Jimin let out a light giggle and relaxed when he saw the smile creep up in Seokjin’s face.

“He decided to call himself that after Seungho left. He wanted to be ‘full of hope’.”

“About Seungho, don’t get mad but did he do something to you?”

The tremble in the eldest’s hands came back and Jimin rushed to grab them with his small hands. “Hyung?”

“He had tricked me into going to his new place. Jungkook and Taehyung were still at school and Hoseok was out of town with Namjoon. He forced me to have with him,” Jimin gripped onto Seokjin’s hands harder. “it was alright though. Yoongi, always the over-protective one got to me before any serious damage could be done.”

“Thank god.”

“But that night when we found you, you couldn't believe how scared I was for you. I hadn’t gone through what you had but I was so worried. Yoongi was shaken up too, I think he saw me in you. That he’d failed you.”

“You guys saved me in more ways than you could ever imagine. You have no idea how grateful I am to you all.”

“The reason why Seungho did that terrible thing to your parents was most likely caused by us.” He saw the confused look in Jimin’s face and ran his hand through the younger’s hair. “Seungho always wanted me to join him, but after we parted ways things had calmed down. We didn’t recruit or accept any new members but I knew for a fact that he still had his eye on us.” He took a sip of his tea and Jimin tried to connect the dots.

“So by me befriending you, I made myself a target?”

“My thoughts exactly. But what doesn’t makes it confusing is why he had met up with the Beggar Master while he was still alive.”

“He did?”

“We’ll figure it all out soon, don’t worry. I’ve got a few friends of mine doing some research.”

Jimin nodded but still felt Seokjin’s hands shake. The tremble made Jimin remember how helpless he had felt. How weak and powerless he was. He wanted to be there for Seokjin. To give back all the love he received when he was in the same position. “Let’s take a nap.”

Seokjin was surprised, he was supposed to be the one comforting Jimin but it was the complete opposite. Jimin had already made himself comfortable on the right side of the bed, lifting the blanket in a welcoming position. “C’mon, I cant sleep hearing you think so loudly.”

Seokjin placed the mug on back down before taking one last sip and slipped next to Jimin.

“You really are something special Jimin.”

Hoseok considered going straight home but the idea of looking for any leads in Jimin’s house was dripping with temptation. The brown house was along the was and he parked his car back to where it had been earlier. He wondered if any of his neighbours had realized what had happened inside the petite building but knowing Seungho, the incident probably went down in the middle of the night when all the families were fast asleep in their beds. Yoongi’s name flashed on his phone and he put the call on speaker, not bothering to lift the device up.

“What the hell are you still doing out? It’s 5AM. Seokjin is going to whip your if he knew you were still out. Alone.” The way Yoongi had emphasized the last word made Hoseok smile.

“Are you sure it’s not you who’s worried?”

“Just be careful. It’s hard not to worry. Where are you anyway?”

“Standing outside Jimin’s house.” He made his way inside and cleared his throat. “And now I’m inside.”

“Stop being a little and just be careful Hoseok-ah.”

“Always am hyung. I’ll see if I can find anything.”

The next morning, Hoseok was still not back but Yoongi had reassured them that he was out on an errand. Taehyung grabbed Jimin and the set of keys on the kitchen table.

“Let’s go out.”

Seokjin overheard and reminded them that they didn’t have breakfast yet to which Jungkook lifted his wallet with a “We got it covered hyung.”

So there they were, just the three of them sitting in an ice-cream shop.

“I thought it would've been nice to just go out without any other agendas.”

“Thanks Tae.”

“So Jimin hyung, where did you go in your spare time?”

“Have you guys been to an aquarium before?”

“You mean the place with the huge fish tank?”

Jimin slammed his spoon dramatically on the table. “You guys still have that jar of money from a while ago?”

“Yeah, why?”

Looking at the two younger boys in front of him, Jimin gave a warm smile before reaching for his crutches. “Because we are going to have the time of our lives today.”

“Namjoon speaking.”

“Joonie hyung! Jimin want’s to go to the aquarium so get dressed! We’ll be home in twenty.”

The leader gave out a chuckle before making his way to the staircase. “All right, I’ll see you then.”

Opening the door to Hoseok’s room, there was a large black back that was out of place from the rest of the room. Light snoring brought his attention back to the sleeping figure. Hoseok must’ve done a lot of digging last night.

“Hoseok, Hoseok-ah.”

“Five more minutes, I’ll wake up in ten minutes, no fifteen.”

Namjoon chuckled and gently slapped Hoseok’s face. “Yah wake up or else we’re all going out with Jimin without you.”

“Three minutes.”

“That’s all I’m giving you.” Knowing any more attempts would be futile, Yoongi’s workroom was next. The elder was already dressed with his headphones in. Head bumping to whatever he was listening to.

“Out in fifteen.” The elder only nodded and Namjoon smiled before closing the door. Yoongi was always the easiest to make plans with and all that was left to do was call Seokjin. His room was empty and Namjoon was sure that the kitchen was the same. The only other places in the house was the lower floors and he knew the eldest too well to know that Seokjin would never go down there alone for no good reason. He saw light come from the washroom and knocked gently.

“Seokjin hyung?”

“It’s unlocked.”

Namjoon walked in as Seokjin was packing up the concealer that was open on the sink.

“We’re going to the aquarium,” He saw a reddish brown marl on the back of Seokjin’s right shoulder, his sweater sliding down to reveal the area that the makeup was supposed to cover. “you missed a spot.”

Seokjin looked back into the mirror with a sad expression, “I’m sorry you had to see that.” He reached back into the cupboard for the concealer.

“Let me.” He was handed the little round pack and the kept a comfortable silence as he covered the rest of the mark. His finger lingered on the eldest’s back for a moment longer as he finished and Seokjin shivered, pulling his sweater back up. “I’ll go get my camera, thanks Joon.”

The four eldest members were waiting on the couch, chatting. They looked up when they heard Jimin’s crutches echoing along the hall.

“Hyung, could you help me get the jar of money?”

Yoongi was about to stand before Hoseok placed a hand on his thigh. “I think he meant someone taller.”

“Brat.”

Jimin smiled as he was handed the familiar jar, it was perfect. He could show his thankfulness for all that they had given him.

“We have enough Jimin, you don't need to use that.”

“Seokjin hyung, let me do something for you guys as well too. I can’t believe you haven't been to an aquarium before.”

“Only this one time are you paying. Where are the other two?”

Taehyung insisted on driving and Jungkook didn’t want to give up his passenger’s seat.” He noticed the camera hanging around Seokjin’s neck. “Let’s go, you won’t want to leave once you're there.”

The car ride was loud but Jimin wouldn’t have had it any other way. They sang trot songs as they looked for a parking spot and although they wouldn't admit it, Namjoon and Yoongi were almost more excited than the rest. The glass jar sat in between Jimin’s thighs and Seokjin held his hand. Once they were inside, the looks on the six of them mimicked a child who had stepped into a candy shop for the first time. Jimin had snapped a photo of their faces, making Seokjin promise to print the photo out. Most people were minding their own business, only throwing dirty looks when Taehyung screamed bloody murder as a squid passed by him.

“Jesus Christ let’s just buy the thing and eat it for dinner.”

“I second on Taehyung’s idea.” Seokjin had already taken more than a dozen photos and Jimin could already see the group photo of them in front of a school of fish, hang in the living room.

A few smoothies and a dozen tasty looking squids after, they stopped in front of the dolphin exhibit.

“Aren’t those whales?”

“I swear to god, whales are at least twenty times bigger though.”

Namjoon coughed, getting the attention of the two youngest and nodded his head approving at Taehyung. “Kook, it even says here ‘Dolphins’.” His finger touching the description that was on the wall. The rest of them were sitting on the bench in front of the glass that held the majestic creatures. Seokjin pulled out a bag of apple slices, successfully catching everyone’s attention. They all munched until the soft sounds of Jimin’s sniffling brought them all to a halt.

“Are you crying?”

The said boy looked up at Yoongi who was gripping his shoulders. “I’m happy.”

“Aish, you can be so dramatic sometimes.”

“I think I have the right to be for a while. Jimin giggled through his happy hiccups. “Jungkook? You asked before and I’ll answer you again. This, what you felt today here, that is what family is. What is with that face?”

Jungkook never cried. No, he was manly. That was what he liked to believe but he couldn’t help but let a few stray tears run down his face. “You’re ugly when you cry hyung.”

“Get over here you little brat.” Jimin was using his crutches to the best of his abilities as Jungkook snickered loudly, purposely waiting for Jimin to get close before taking two jumps back. Taehyung ran in front of Jimin, making the boy fall onto him in a piggy back position. “Watch out Kookie, I’m high off of apple slices right now.”

“That doesn’t even make sense!”

“I’m older, I don’t need to make sense!”

“How do I get tired from just watching them?”

“You get tired from video games,” Namjoon answers. “and that’s considering you just watch us play.”

Yoongi scoffs and Seokjin excuses himself to the restroom. It took a while but Hoseok cleared his throat, capturing both Namjoon and Yoongi’s attention.

“So yesterday, or maybe this morning would be a more accurate time. I found some letters in the trash.” He reached inside his leather jacket and pulled out a coffee stained envelope. “The gist of it was a warning. That if they couldn’t hand Jimin to him, that they would tear down the house. Even if that meant taking them down with it.”

“I doubt it would be Seungho, boy doesn't even know how to use capitals properly.”

Namjoon quirked his eyebrow. “You think asked the Beggar Master to get Jimin after he saw us invite him over at his place?”

“That was what I was thinking but would’t the Beggar Master just hand him over since he was the one that controlled Jimin?”

“Let’s add us more into the situation, wouldn’t killing his parents make Jimin hate us?”

“Hyung you’re a genius.”

“Thanks.” Yoongi looked back at the dolphins that swam around. “We can finally kill that dumb sack of .”

“That would be calling for something much worse than a gang war. We need to think of our friends too, hyung.”

“Namjoon has a point, he wants two of us but he won’t get them.”

Yoongi stayed silent and thought about the consequences that were waiting for him if he did kill the man. “If he comes onto our territory though, I won’t guarantee a thing.”

Seokjin was leaning against the sink, hand turning white as he gripped onto the phone.

“I don’t need any more of your games.”

“But we didn’t even get to play last time my little Jinnie.”

He glared into the mirror. “You have no idea what you’re up against.”