'I'm in love with a criminal ' Chapter 17

In the meantime, Jungkook spent the night hiding in his room to avoid running into Taehyung and engaging in unnecessary conversations which would lead to zero. There was nothing more to be said. Nothing more to analyse and continued talking about this woyld only add further pain.

MinJoon was thoughtful enough to send him dinner and forbid everyone to bother him. The younger was grateful for not being dragged into answering uncomfortable questions and had a quiet night. 

Not to mention he avoided talking to Hyunjin because he wasn't ready to face him, afraid he'd lose his patience and burst. Deep inside he recognised the man wasn't indeed responsible for Taehyung's deeds, he simply needed time to digest it. It wasn't his fault his brother was a sick bastard!

First thing in the morning, he marched to the stables all excited to see his horse. The perfect opportunity to distract his mind from the current situation and yesterday's events. A snow-white, Arabian horse breed, loyal to his rider was waiting for him.

" Hi boy! I've missed you so much!!" Jungkook whispered,smiling and fondling his head and mane. Kookie neighed in delight at the gentle touch, brushing his snout on Jungkook's face, sniffing, causing the boy to giggle." I see someone missed me more.. How's my sweet boy? Ha?Let's get you cleaned and ready for a ride."

He brushed his body with a soft brush, mumbling sweet words,trimmed the hooves, fed him fresh hay, cleaned and refilled the water buckets. Then he mucked out the stall and replaced the fresh bedding before taking him out for a ride. He couldn't wait!

He was already dressed in black breeches, a white button up shirt, a riding coat in dark navy blue,black boots, a helmet and gloves. After the saddle and a blanket was perfectly adjusted on the horse's back along with the bridles and reins, he stepped on the stirrup and gracefully climbed up, holding the reins to control his Kookie.

The gentle morning breeze carried the scent of sweet,dew-kissed grass and the earthy fragrance of dust, caressing his face, blowing soft kisses on his red cheeks.The clouds were neatly arranged on the sky, scattered over light blue, gratified to shift where they fell. Magical!

The huge ring granted him the liberating freedom he longed for, discarding the troubled thoughts and emotions, unanswered questions and disturbing faces. The ride on Kookie was magnificent and filled his soul with courage.

Taehyung, being an early bird, had decided to take a stroll around the premises to clear his mind and ended up stalking Jungkook, well hidden behind a brick wall.

Watching him daintily riding the white horse, felt twinges tingling his heart. He had to admit Jungkook was a feast for the eyes! The way he gently bounced on the horse, the serenity of his face, the glistering smile on his rosy lips..God he was gorgeous! 

For a moment the temptation of approaching and talking to him was roaming in his mind but he quickly dismissed it. What was the point? What was he going to say? I'm sorry for thinking the worst? For calling you a man whore? For deceiving you? For abusing you? 

No, he should stay away from him, ignore him till this whole wedding would complete and head back home. To the States. Suddenly the thought didn't sound so appealing. The cigarette in his fingers burnt out and he threw it on the dirt, crashing it under his shoe sole.

He shunned,going back inside to get a cup of tea and work if possible because it was the best form of distraction.

______

The next day, around noon Jungkook's family arrived in blithering joy, met Hyunjin,who they found adorable and a perfect match for old grumpy MinJoon and after freshening up they had lunch together. An extremely awkward moment for everyone. Taehyung, equipped with a slight, vague gentleness in his usual cold face, greeted the Kims and gaily avoided any harmful conversations regarding him and his life.

Jimin simply threw a condescending nod when Taehyung addressed him and the man affirmed Jimin knew everything. The continuous rolling of his eyes, poking of his tongue but mostly that spine- chilling face scrunch he was giving him, made his blood run cold. Every time his hands held the knife he thought he'd aim his forehead.That man was a menace. His brother was right. If looks could kill Taehyung was dead and buried six feet under ground and nobody could dig him out!

They were at the big dining room.MinJoon was at the head of the table next to his fiancé who had Taehyung by his side. At the other head, opposite MinJoon was Namjoon with Jin, Yoongi, Jimin and Jungkook. Jimin's eyes were fixed on Taehyung observing his every move, ready to jump at him. Jungkook was deliberately avoiding looking at the man's side out of the fear of his face betraying his emotions.

" What the fuck is he doing here? I thought he left." Jimin quietly barked through gnashed teeth, leaning closer to Jungkook's ear.

" Apparently he couldn't miss his brother's wedding. He got into a lot of trouble to make it happen." he replied in the same tone.

" Did he cause a fuss? Did he bother you? "his eyes squirted.

" He made a scene in front of hyung when I arrived but I took care of it.." Jungkook admitted, throwing daggers at the man, who was piercing him with his nonstop gaze. He sliced a piece of meat, shoving it in his mouth. Anxiety and stress grew his appetite ever since he was a child.

" What an asshole. You'll stay away from him Kook. In two days this will be over and you won't have to see him again." 

Jungkook swallowed his food, munching on his lips." Let's hope our parents won't suspect so act casual." 

Jimin gritted his teeth." I want to punch the guy every time he dares to look at you."

" Ignore him. Two more days and it's over." Although he tried to hide it, his voice exuded sadness which Jimin automatically picked up and whispered again.

" Don't go soft on me now. We hate him."

" Yeah…"

" We love to hate the asshole." he added, putting his hand on his brother's leg under the table.' Or we just love him period!' he thought,shaking his head. He had to admit Taehyung was sinfully handsome,armed with a savage beauty. That explained his brother's infatuation and difficulty forgetting him.

" What are you two whispering about?"

Both men jumped at Jin's voice.

" Nothing." Jungkook replied.

" The food." Jimin said at the same time, gulping.

Jin took a good look at his sons." Nothing or the food?" 

" Nothing important, just the food. That's what I meant." He could sense everyone's eyes glued on them, especially his papa's inquiry, doubtful gaze with his face turning crimson red so he lowered his head.

Jin hummed, having a pretty good idea what was going on. He hadn't failed to notice the intense, meaningful glances between Taehyung and Jungkook, believing no one observed them. Nothing escaped Jin's hawky eyes. So this was the man who hurt and rejected his son…interesting!

" Taehyung, MinJoon told me you live in the States." Namjoon noted, tapping the fingers of his right hand on the table.

" For the last eighteen years." he responded sternly. He was familiar with police interrogation techniques and he was well prepared to deal with them. Kim Namjoon couldn't be worse than the smart asses back in the States. Acting tough, flashing muscles,spitting threats till they were on his payroll.

" Which state?" 

" Nevada. Vegas."

"Vegas.. I've been there once for a case. We were working with the Vegas Police Department and CSI about a serial killer. After solving the case we had some fun,visited a casino, gambled.The guys insisted and I went along. Fascinating city. Crime, corruption, filth and glamour." Namjoon's gaze trailed from Taehyung's dour eyes to the calmness of his chest,his open, balanced posture,observing and recording every move.

The man kept his shoulders back, arms on the table, his long legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor while leaning slightly forward.

" Vegas is the city of contradictions.You will either like it or hate it. A city that combines good and evil like everything else in life." Taehyung remarked,taking another small taste of the wine.

" I presume you love it." Namjoon added."Since you decided to settle there permanently and leave Korea."

" It suits me better. It's more my style." 

" Savage and filthy." Jimin popped out cockily, gaining the attention. He didn't bother to take it back but rather took pleasure in watching the man become slightly pale.

"And what line of work are you in?" It was Yoongi's turn to continue and to be honest Taehyung was relieved because Jimin was giving him the creeps.

" I'm a businessman."

" It sounds vague." Yoongi stabbed him with his staggering eyes." What kind? Real estate? Construction? Something entirely different?" 

" A little of everything."

Yoongi and Namjoon got the indirect hint. He was trying to avoid talking about his business and reveal too much, which raised their suspicions. They exchanged odd but meaningful looks, ending the conversation there.

The rest were witnessing the scene,holding their breaths with a horror look on their faces, for different reasons. MinJoon and Hyunjin out of genuine fear of being exposed and Taehyung's real profession gets out, them knowing and not telling.Jungkook and Jimin were scared they'd find out about Kook's involvement with Taehyung. Jin, on the other hand, was casually enjoying the show, eating his delicious food, attentively monitoring them.

MinJoon coughed." Hobi and Bogum are coming tomorrow. They are dying to see you again." he stated,addressing Yoongi, pouring more red wine into the crystal glass.

" I can't wait to meet them. It's been too long." He turned to Taehyung, taking a sip of the sweet wine." You're business associates, correct?" 

" They manage my companies in Seoul."

Yoongi slumped backwards in his chair, stretching his legs." And you're childhood friends. I wonder why we haven't met before. We go way back with both of them. From Daegu. I don't recall meeting you."

" I wonder that too." 

Yoongi understood he was hiding things from his past. Things he didn't want to come to surface. Things he was avoiding to discuss that's why he was giving vague answers. And Yoongi was tempted to discover them. 

" Daegu..Do you have relatives there?" 

His persistence was irritating Taehyung although his face preserved the same cold bearing." Only my brother. Our parents died a long time ago." 

" I'm sorry to hear it. Who raised you after your parents death?" 

Jungkook kept his mouth airtight shut, praying this parody would end soon and they'd all go back to their rooms. His family's apparent interrogation and Taehyung's almost one word replies were crashing his mentality.

Taehyung was badly cornered. He had no intention of answering his questions and found him too snoopy for his own good. Fortunately his phone rang at the right time, offering him the perfect excuse to flee." Sorry I need to get that." He stood up, relieved and walked out of the room to talk.

MinJoon and Hyunjin breathe a sigh of relief as the first one spoke." Coffee in the living room?"he suggested, getting up and showing in the direction of the other room.

The interrogation was over.

_______

Hyunjin was outside Jungkook's room for fifteen minutes striving to find the courage to knock on the door and face him. Though he had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to say, his mind was chaotic and his thoughts were jumbled. 

But he had to do it, not only to ease his troubled conscience but sincerely apologise to the boy for the mess his behaviour brought in his life. The reluctant knocking met Jungkook's calm response.

" Come in." 

Hyunjin opened the white door but didn't enter." It's me..could I come in?" 

Jungkook got out of bed and nodded." Of course,please." 

The man walked in, closing the door behind him. His palms were sweaty and the intense heartbeat echoed in his ears like drumsticks.

" I know we got off on the wrong foot and didn't have the chance to talk..so I was hoping perhaps we could..now." 

Jungkook was well aware this conversation was bound to happen sooner or later but standing face to face with the cause of his misery found him mixed up. 

" I had prepared a long speech of what I wanted to tell you in my head but I realised it's pointless. No matter how many times I say sorry,it won't change the fact I'm responsible for what happened between you and Tae." He sat on the beige couch, his hand pointing at the empty space beside him while Jungkook timidly took a seat.

" You hate me, don't you?" 

Jungkook froze at the statement. Truthfully,a part of him somehow resented the man mostly because he had the one thing he couldn't. Taehyung's undying love.

" I.. don't hate you. It's a bit awkward..this entire situation is bizarre." 

Hyunjin sighed deeply, biting his lip." I'm sorry. I'm so sorry my false conclusions caused you pain. Because of me and the misunderstanding my brother treated you unfairly. He hurt you, misled you…"

" Hyung, don't beat yourself up for what your brother did to me. It was his choice to hurt me, not yours. He..loves you too much to see you in pain." He coughed to clear his clogged throat. It was hard for him to discuss about Taehyung and their indescribable story. 

" That over protectiveness and blinded love he has for me is sometimes suffocating. It strips him of clear and fair judgement, making him act irrational. He's determined to provide me with everything I want or don't want. He's been like that since we were kids. It's his duty to take care of me and I think it's time to tell you why." He took deep breaths because talking about that period of their life was traumatizing and filled them with scars and open wounds.

" You really don't have too." He cut him off." It's pointless to dig into the past. What's done is done and we can't change it."

" Please let me talk. I'm not trying to justify my stupid brother but I can't have you hating me. MinJoon loves you like a son and I don't want shadows between us. I need to build a solid bond for us. I really like you Jungkook." His eyes were full of sincerity and Jungkook, as the kind hearted person he was, nodded.

" Fine." He couldn't reciprocate the feeling out of scepticism but he obviously didn't hate him.

Hyunjin rubbed his palms on his thighs and started talking." Tae was twelve and I was four when our parents died in a plane crash. Foster care was our only option since none of our relatives wanted to adopt us till a distant uncle, my father's third cousin, appeared and was willing to take us in. For a year everything was great. Uncle Han seemed nice and cared for us. He owned a bakery in Daegu, coaching basketball to children and was highly respectable in the city. Taehyung would take me with him while helping in the shop. We were smiling again, feeling blessed we weren't separated and had a home. But nothing lasts forever." He stopped,wiping the tears dripping on his cheeks and gulped.

" You don't have to continue if it's painful, hyung." Jungkook could see the pain in his teary eyes and feel his agony and Hyunjin's chest bloomed at the younger calling him hyung.

" It can't be worse than living it, Jungkook. Even if I don't talk about it, it's always with me..part of me."Hyuinjin's words came out with difficulty, recalling past events that changed their lives forever. 

Jungkook listened carefully without interrupting him and when the older finished tears were venting on his pale cheeks, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.The younger blinked slowly, taking it in and his already big eyes grew into wide circles, staring at nothing in a catatonic stupor.

His mouth opened in a silent scream and jaw went slack. His entire body became impossibly still. In the far distance he heard the muffled weeping and without hesitation, he grabbed Hyunjin,hiding his face in his neck allowing him to cry and grieve.

A huge lump formed in his throat, watching the older in his arms, trembling and sobbing, letting all his emotions submerge. Shock gave way to rage, contemplating the dreadful events the man described so eloquently. The veins in his neck throbbed, clenching his fists and letting out an exasperated sigh.

After a while, Hyunjin calmed and stopped sobbing. Jungkook wiped the tears from his face, timidly smiling." I'm so sorry.. I'm so terribly sorry for what you went through.. this..this is..monstrous..no child should endure such pain at such a gentle age.. I'm sorry, hyung.." he said, tears welling up in his eyes.

" Thank you.." 

" For what? " It was hard almost impossible to restrain the tears from running but took in a deep breath, determined not to collapse in his presence. It was the last thing he wanted.

" For listening.. for understanding and not judging.." 

" I would never do that, hyung. I can't begin to imagine what you..both went through." His voice broke and he could barely hold back his tears.

Hyunjin cropped up his head, eyes swollen red from crying." I'm not trying to make excuses for Taehyung but I need you to understand what this has done to him. It completely changed him. Transformed him into a heartless man who wants to get rid of the shadows and scars of his past but carries them every step he makes. Jungkook.." he held his hands." He's not evil or bad. Just lost. He's hurting and the only way to cope with the pain is to turn cold." A hummed laugh escaped his lips." He has never dated, fell in love and had an affair in his life.. doesn't know how to treat another person..he's a virgin in that field. I get that you're mad and disappointed and angry for what he put you through and I'm not asking you to forget or forgive simply not to judge him harshly." 

Jungkook didn't know what to do or how to act. He couldn't forgive him for the horrible things he did to him but a part of him understood why he became like that. His trust in people's kindness was tested and failed in the cruelest of ways. He had lost his parents, his childhood, his innocence, his entire faith to the world. In Taehyung's eyes he struck first to avoid the pain and over the years had lost his humanity.

His love and obsession for his brother's happiness came from the hardships he faced. He had taught himself to protect Hyunjin at all costs, putting his needs above everything and everyone. His life was all about his happiness. 

However, it was unforgivable of Taehyung to treat Jungkook so cruelly as a fucken toy even if he was in fact the things he accused him of.

It was recklessly criminal to use him and play with his feelings.

" I won't judge him but I can't forgive him, hyung. He had a choice..to confront me, ask me but chose to shut his eyes and continue his revenge plan." 

The older hesitated for a brief moment, uncertain whether or not to reveal to him another part of Taehyung's nature. But Jungkook needed to know, to protect himself.

" There's something else I have to tell you. You're entitled to know…Haruto the man I told you about was a Japanese mobster. A member of Yakuza. A killer. Taehyung became his successor and took over his business after his death.Legal and illegal. My brother owns the biggest,most popular casinos in Vegas. Although he appears as a successful businessman in Korea, back in the States he's..a criminal. A real criminal. A killer.One of those your dad and Yoongi hunt down." 

Jungkook was serene. Not at all shocked at the revelations. He had already figured out Taehyung was no ordinary businessman from his attitude, his conversation with Hobi. From the firm, unemotional threats against him. Hyunjin had verified his suspicions.

The older frowned." You're not surprised." he stated calmly.

" No..I had suspected it." 

" You're not scared of him? Or me? I mean I come from a family of criminals, in a way."

Jungkook laughed." I come from a family of police officers..and I fell in love with a criminal. How ironic is that?"

It was Hyunjin's turn to hug Jungkook and offer him a shoulder to cry on when it was no longer possible to restrain his tears. It was the piled up pain, agony, rejection, the realisation of how totally different they were , the opposite worlds they came from that set his break down in motion.

Hyunjin allowed him to grieve because it was the only way to cope with the loss. He knew how vicious and brutal and bloodthirsty his brother was and he could only imagine a third of the cruelty Tae had shown to this poor boy, whose only mistake was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

" You love him.."of course he knew it and it sounded a little stupid saying it outloud but he needed to hear it." I'm sorry.. I'm sorry you had to fall in love with my brother Jungkook."He patted his back." I'm sorry for being the cause of your sadness. My happiness is based on your pain.." 

Jungkook drew back, wiped his tears, sniffed and straightened his upper body. He had promised himself to put his misery aside,enjoy the wedding and not ruin the mood. He was doing the exact opposite and he hated it.

" My 'relationship' with your brother belongs to the past. I let myself believe he was in love because I needed to believe it. I needed to feel wanted and loved. The signs were there and I chose to overlook them. His actions, words, his eyes..his eyes were as cold as ice and I thought.." he purred humming." I thought they were melting for me. A fool.. I've been a fucken fool!" He shook his head." It's over. We're gonna be as polite as we can during the event and then we won't have to see each other ever again. He'll go to the States and I'll move on." 

Hyunjin recognised the agony behind his words and the desperation in his voice. His guilt was eating him up. All because of him. His wedding was built on the crumbles of a broken heart.

" If it's any consolation I believe my brother is a fucken asshole for letting you go."

The younger succulent, rosy lips curved into a smile and said firmly." Yes, he is." 

" You could have made him the happiest man on earth!" 

"I know…he's an ass." Jungkook wiggled his shoulders and rolled his eyes,making both of them snigger.

Hyunjin ruffled Jungkook's hair and chuckled at him giggling." I like you Jungkook." The boy was an absolute delight. 

" I like you too hyung..and you can call me Kook. All my friends do."

" Friends then?" 

" Family." Jungkook pratted and accepted Hyunjin's hug." My hyung is a very lucky man!" 

The man laughed loudly." That's what I've been telling him for years."

" You can't blame him for being a slow learner." Jungkook joked.

" He told me how persistent you were about him reconsidering his decision. How you insisted on giving us a chance and I can't thank you enough. I owe you my happiness." 

" I can't take credit for it. MinJoon loves you very much and he'd be a fool to lose you just because he's hardheaded." 

" I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. He's everything I've dreamt of and I'm lucky to have him." 

Jungkook was genuinely joyful for both of them but that twingle of jealousy in his chest was irritatingly persistent. He also wanted to feel loved and wanted. Spent the rest of his life with a man..a particular man he couldn't have but he'd go into overdrive to hide his sadness at this particular occasion and not spoil it for them that's why be put on a dazzling smile and said.

" And you will, hyung. Now tell me how I can help." Jungkook definitely needed the distraction!

_______

Taehyung inclined towards barging inside Jungkook's room to have one last conversation with him. The words were neatly rehearsed in his head. He knew exactly what and how to say them. He only lacked the determination to look into those gorgeous, big eyes and put them into motion.

He wanted to tell him how sorry he was for misunderstanding his relationship with MinJoon. Apologise for using him, misleading him, seducing him the way he did and for the horrible,rude and insensitive words he spewed at him. 

His fist touched the door ready to knock but having second thoughts, it widely opened and his fingers caressed it as he rested his aching head on the hard surface. His foggy mind was so messed up and his chest pounding while breathing heavily. 

Nervous..he was nervous to face and talk to Jungkook because he recognised his mistake even though he hadn't admitted it outloud. His brother was right. He had forgotten how to be and act as a human,sensitive and gentle, becoming warped, corrupt and sadistic. But that's how he was raised. Not to feel. Not to show emotions. To hide whatever was left of his humanity. To strike first before anyone could destroy him. Haruto used to say ' It's better for people to be scared of you than feeling pity.' 

His nickname V wasn't from victory but from vampire. That's how his friends and the slew of enemies saw him. A man deprived of sentiments. A man with superpowers stripped of any human emotion. In the past he found it useful and praising now it sounded insulting.

Jungkook was the first, besides his brother, to melt his icy heart, penetrate the inaccessible walls he had built around him and force him to question his life. Thanks to him he had exhibited human emotions he thought he was incapable of.

And how did he repair him? 

Treated him like a worthless piece of shit. 

Insulted him in the most vicious way.

Hurt him and humiliated him.

Even thought about killing him.

Was he supposed to just walk into his room and tell him what? 

' I'm sorry for being an asshole? A fucken bastard? A scumbag?' It sounded ridiculous! Jungkook would throw him out and who would blame him? 

He stepped back,took one last good look at the closed door and walked away. He found himself entering the study on the downstairs floor to have a strong drink, smoke and borrow a book from MinJoon's priceless collection. Taehyung loved reading. A habit he had picked up from his dad and Haruto. He used to make him read tons of books growing up.

As he stormed in,absentminded and in a hurry he didn't pay attention to the tall figure sitting on the couch, legs crossed,slurched backwards, holding a book in his hands.

" What's the rush? Who's chasing you?"

The sweet, gruffy but gravelly voice startled Taehyung and flinched, turning towards its origin. 

Jin was comfortably sitting on the caramel, leather couch, glaring at him as his eyes were shining with a harsh,bright light. Glaring at him like a lion in a trap.

" Didn't know anyone was here."

" Otherwise you wouldn't have come."

Taehyung moved slowly to the sleek, stylish, modern library that blended luxury with innovative design and drowsed at the impressive collection of books, making considerable efforts to fight shy of the man's tenacious gaze. He was like the odd one out.

When Taehyung remained silent Jin crossed one leg over the other and continued." I thought of stealing one of MinJoon's rare cooking books." He flashed the book around for the man to see.'Mastering the Art of French cuisine.'

" You're interested in cooking?" 

" I don't like bragging but I'm an excellent chef!" Jin's face lit and his bright smile reminded him of Jungkook." I've taught both my boys how to cook. Passed my knowledge to the next generation. My Kook..well Kook is remarkably gifted. He cooks like a pro!" 

"Mmmm.." Taehyung hummed, feeling every muscle in his body tensed when Jungkook's name was mentioned. For a moment he thought Jin was doing it on purpose.

" I've always found cooking a form of relieving pilled up tension. Others punch punching bags at a gym or people, go jogging,play video games.. I cook. Creating and expressing yourself is like telling a story. Showing your love to the people you care about."

Taehyung's face remained unaltered,destitute of any sign of emotion.A frown,a grin,a long face, a grimace. Something. Anything. 

Jim's eyebrows narrowed. He got up, looming up next to Taehyung. He wasn't naive and had an excellent ability in studying people and their emotions by observing their gestures and facial expressions. Jin was an exceptional judge of characters and was never wrong.

There was something about this man that confused him. On the outside he gave the impression of a harsh,abrasive, arrogant and bossy man but his eyes held so much sadness.

As if the weight of the entire world was on his shoulders and he couldn't escape.

" Do you cook?" 

Taehyung's mind involuntarily trailed back to when he attempted to make breakfast for Kook and nearly burnt down the kitchen. His eyes softened and the corner of his mouth rounded into a faded smile which quickly vanished but not before it was caught by Jin.

" No."

" It's a nice distraction."

" If you say so."

" I'm speaking from experience."

" I bet you are."

" I see.. you're not much of a talker,are you?"

Taehyung grabbed the first book he got his hands on and moved to the door in an effort to flee as quickly as possible. Jin's pervasive gaze made his skin crawl. He felt as though he was being scanned from top to bottom. As if this man was seeing right through him. Knew what he was feeling and thinking. Reading him like an open book. Baring his soul in the eyes of a total stranger.

" Interesting choice of book." Jin commented, placing his book on the small, side table next to the couch." The picture of Dorian Gray..the man who sold his soul to the devil to remain young. The level of wickedness a person can reach and ultimately destroy himself in the process."

Taehyung huffed,his feet stuck on the floor. This man was surely tenacious and wouldn't shut up. Asking questions and wanting to know, demanding for answers in a furtive way. Coming here seemed like the wrong thing to do as much as his choice of book leading to silly collimations.

" One of my favourites." 

" Do you have similarities with Dorian? Recognise a part of you in him? His desire to remain young? His inability to show kindness?" 

" Do you mean have I sold my soul to the devil?" He fixed his eyes on Jin with a relentless sneer on his pinkish lips." Maybe I am the devil."

The older gave him a sly smile." Perhaps you are indeed..or someone convinced you, you are." He shifted position, taking a few lazy steps to the small table, grabbed his book and headed for the door. He didn't bother to turn when speaking." I'll leave you alone now. You strike me as a man used to his solitary. Enjoy reading." He waved at him, nodding his head.

His hand gripped the handle, opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him. 

Taehyung was left staring at the shut door and eagerly breathed, realising he was holding his breath without even knowing it.

What the hell had just happened?

He could take a hint and Jin was full of them.