Yes, it was common knowledge that the idea of asking Taehyung to meet them was a completely stupid, foolish, asinine one. (And perhaps a bit suicidal, Seokjin remarked with a quick glance at two boys in particular.) But, it was better than the alternative option of trying to send someone over the Japanese border to try to find Taehyung. There was a reason the more attractive young adults on the government watch list were sent to work in the entertainment industry: they had eyes on them at all times. If someone were to leave for no particular reason, it would draw attention. And this seemed like something that should stay a private event as long as possible.

“Hey, Jin?” Jimin soft voice cut through Seokjin’s rambling thoughts. He looked up from where he had been blankly staring at the computer screen to the younger boy’s face.

Jimin had an appearance that could only be described as soft. Even with all the sharp edges forced upon him by strict dieting orders, there was something about him that made him seem gentle and soft, like a child’s toy or pillow. Something comforting. (Not that Seokjin had favorites. Not at all.) So it was nice to just look at him when things were bad.

Wait, were things really bad?

It was hard to tell in those days. Good, bad; right, wrong. What goddamn difference does it make when the world is ending?

He was getting sidetracked.

“Yeah?” he answered.

Jimin raised a light gray inhaler to his lips, pressed down on the cap, then held his breath before releasing it like a smoker releases the smoke being held captive in his lungs. He shrugged his shoulders. The end of his earring was hiding under the collar of his shirt. “You’ve been zoned out for a while.” He waved an abnormally small hand in front of Seokjin’s face. “You okay?”

With one raised eyebrow, the older boy li