Chapter Text
[At the marriage counselor's office]
“So, how long have you two been married?”
“Four years.”
“Five.”
There came two different answers at the same time.
Jeongguk turns sideways to look at his husband who he’s been married four years, he’s pretty sure about that, “Sweetheart,” he begins in his sweet voice, “We’ve been married four years.”
Taehyung doesn’t look away from the counselor, small smile hasn’t left his face since the moment he has entered the marriage counselor’s chamber, he repeats, “Five.”
Jeongguk chuckles lightly and looks back at their counselor, Jung Hoseok, “Between four and five maybe.”
“Sure,” Mr. Jung responds and writes something down on his notebook, “And on a scale of one to ten, how happy are you as a couple?”
“Seven.” Jeongguk answers.
“Eight.” Taehyung responds at the same time and then looks at Jeongguk hearing the seven, “Seven huh?” he scoffs lightly.
“Se-seven’s not so bad right?” Jeongguk is quick to ask Mr. Jung.
“Of course not, anything above five is great.”
“See,” Jeongguk takes a sigh of relief. That was close.
“Alright,” Hoseok says, “How often do you have sex?”
Both Taehyung and Jeongguk look at each other and the alpha sees a flush of red appear on Tae’s cheeks.
They both stammer and look at the counsellor again.
“Umm… is this a one to ten question?” asks Tae.
“Yeah, I want to know this too. How – how do we respond to this?” Jeongguk adds.
“It's a simple question,” Hoseok responds.
“Like in a week?” Jeongguk asks.
“Sure.”
“Umm...” Jeongguk thinks while Taehyung is curious to hear the alpha’s answer, “In a week... probably once,” he finishes and looks at Tae who nods along to that and says, “Yeah once.”
Both of them know that’s a lie.
They haven’t touched each other in a while.
“Okay.” Hoseok smiles at them.
…
[Back home]
Taehyung is in their huge walk-in closet wearing just a bathrobe which has Jeongguk written in the corner in italic and purple stitching (he couldn’t find his own Taehyung one) looking for his next outfit. He is humming a song and tapping his leg on the floor when Jeongguk enters the closet too. The omega just spares him a glance when Jeongguk starts unbuttoning his shirt.
Taehyung selects a beige shirt, he looks at it properly and then decides to wear it today, and he puts the shirt down on the small seating space and speaks, “I didn't know you were not happy in the marriage Jeongguk?” He asks without looking at the alpha.
Jeongguk looks at him a little startled, shirt now off his body and into the basket, “What?”
Taehyung turns to look at him and crosses his arms around his chest, “Your rating? Seven?” he raises his brow.
“Baby…” Jeongguk sees Tae roll his eyes at the nickname, but he continues anyways, “You heard Hoseok, he said anything above five is great.”
“Why didn't you just say five then?” Taehyung turns around while also untying his robe, “That would have been great, isn't it?”
“Tae, I...” Jeongguk looks down to the floor when he sees Taehyung stand butt naked in front of him, he doesn’t know why he does that when he has literally kissed every single inch of that body, but lately things have been rough between them and he doesn’t know if they are okay. “You said eight. Seven or eight, it’s literally the same.”
“Is it though?” Taehyung asks from over his shoulder.
Jeongguk looks up at Tae who is now buttoning his shirt up, still no pants, he can see those long, lovely legs and a sliver of that heavenly ass.
The alpha sighs, he is tired, and he has to go and complete a mission today, “I don’t know what you want me to say Tae.”
“Nothing,” Taehyung huffs, he pulls up his brown trousers, buttons them and makes a move to leave the closet, “I don’t want you to say anything.”
“Wait,” Jeongguk is quick to follow the omega towards the bedroom; he can smell the lilies of the omega’s scent withering and curses himself for it, “Where are you going?”
“Work, where else?” Tae brushes his hair and puts on a gold Celine earring in one year and some scent blocking patches on his neck.
“Oh, okay.” Jeongguk frowns when he notices the scent blocker. He can just scent Tae, right? Is he that mad?
“And by the way,” Taehyung turns around to look at the alpha, “We are married five years.”
“No,” Jeongguk is quick to defend, “No we are not. Don’t argue with me on this.”
Taehyung laughs, clasps his bracelet and moves to grab his overcoat, “Its five years Jeongguk, and maybe you forgot, but that’s okay,” he shrugs, acting like it’s no big deal, “It isn’t an important date to remember anyways.”
Taehyung is walking past the alpha to leave the bedroom when Jeongguk holds his wrist and jerks him towards himself.
Jeongguk gets the sarcasm coming from the younger, “And maybe you are forgetting that I am older than you,” He sees Tae frown, “What’s up with the disrespect since morning? Where’s the hyung?”
Taehyung tries to free his wrist but to no avail as the grip just tightens, he sighs, “Alright, we are married five years hyung.”
Jeongguk just rolls his eyes and mumbles a small ‘four’.
“I need to go, I am getting late,” Taehyung holds up his wrist which is wrapped by the alpha’s hand, “Do you mind?”
Jeongguk lets go then, “I could’ve scented you.” He says in a small voice.
“No need,” he rubs at his wrist and looks at the dejected alpha, he moves forward and presses a kiss to Jeongguk’s cheek softly, he moves behind and averts his eyes from Jeongguk’s brown ones, “Dinner’s at seven,” He mutters and turns around to leave.
“I’ll be there.”
Jeongguk watches Tae leave and then he plops on the bed and screams into the pillow.
…
[At the Phantoms]
Taehyung enters his office building. He works for a top-tier, elite assassination organization. The office is disguised as a corporate entity in a huge building. The interior is filled with cutting-edge technology needed for getting their job done. He quickly goes through the iris scanner and enters the office.
Taehyung works as an assassin for this organization, and he is pretty good at what he does. He has the record of getting the maximum hits in the short time that he has been here, but his friends and family don’t know about this job. For them he is a very good financial consultant in a big firm.
Even for Jeongguk.
He enters a cabin where his colleagues are already waiting for him to discuss the next mission, it has a round sleek black desk to seat almost seven people at a time.
“Late again Taehyung-ah?” The said omega just rolls his eyes while he takes a seat, his colleague for a few years now, Hyungsik makes a remark which he tries to ignore but Hyungsik continues, “We are not even surprised anymore, did Ggukie baby not leave you alone?” Hyungsik laughs and a couple of others join in too.
It had been a joke when one of them had seen the caller ID he had kept for Jeongguk and since then it has not left his back.
Taehyung just smiles at the other, “Are you jealous hyung?”
Hyungsik widens his eyes at that because almost the whole office knows about how he harbors a little crush over Taehyung and had been devastated to know that some Ggukie guy just came and swept Tae off his feet.
With no response to that question, he just says, “You wish.”
“Okay guys, that’s enough,” Yoongi, the mission planner and also an assassin, who is also Tae’s closest friend in the company intervenes, “But seriously Tae, this is the third time this week that you are late.”
“I’m sorry hyung, I had to make a detour. I felt like someone was tailing me.” He lies through his teeth. He is good at that.
“Okay that’s alright then.” Yoongi says and goes ahead with explaining the mission.
“You know,” Hyungsik whispers from beside him, “If you had married me, I would be the one tailing you day and night.”
Taehyung just looks at him blankly and whispers back, using the alpha’s words back at him, “You wish.”
…
After the meeting about the new mission is over, Taehyung finds himself drinking milkshake when Yoongi along with his alpha boyfriend, Namjoon come and sit beside him.
“Trouble in paradise?” Yoongi asks casually.
Taehyung huffs, “There is no paradise.”
Yoongi narrows his eyes at Namjoon who just shrugs, “What’s wrong Tae, I thought everything was cool with you and Jeongguk.”
Taehyung deflects slightly, “It’s nothing… just some stuff. We’ll be fine.”
“Come on Tae,” Yoongi tries to push once again.
“I said it’s fine,” Taehyung snaps and then regrets it quickly, he pauses, “It’s nothing hyung... I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Sure Tae, you can talk to us anytime alright?” Yoongi sees Taehyung nod so he backs away, “You should prepare for the hit tonight, we can’t lose to the Ravens again.”
“Yeah, I know, will this be done by seven though,” Tae sees Namjoon arch his brow in question, “I got an alpha to feed hyung.” He grins, gives a hearty push to Namjoon and leaves.
Taehyung enters his cabin and leans against the large window; he has no idea how his married life has come to this. They were so good, but lately it’s like they don’t talk anymore. He knows both of them are keeping things from each other, but he never knew it would come to this where his colleagues can also pick up on the issue.
It was different when they had first met almost five years ago, or four he doesn’t know anymore. They were in Bogota.
He was there on a mission to kill a politician, and he had done that successfully. The local police and armed officers, all were searching for every tourist who was alone, but for some weird reason they were not searching or interrogating any couples.
He had just entered the small cafe, when a couple of police officers also barged in and started searching and asking the tourists if they are single or with their partner. Taehyung was a little startled because he had a couple of knifes in his thigh holster.
He scanned the café, looking for a way out without alerting the cops when his eyes had landed on a beautiful and buff stranger, leaning against the counter, who had his eyes already locked on him.
The man was Asian, he had hardly seen any Asians out here and he was glad, the man was wearing a pair of clean black trouser with a short sleeved linen white shirt and he could see the tattoo sleeve on one hand and could also make out some tattoos on the chest and torso which could be seen from how thin the material of the white shirt was.
When their eyes locked, they both had the mutual understanding of helping each other out and leaving behind these cops. He could see how the stranger who was clearly an alpha was eyeing him.
He smirked and moved right ahead, near the beautiful man, “Hi there,” he said in his sweet voice.
“Hi sweetheart,” The stranger had moved halfway, held his hand out to hold the omega’s and kissed his knuckles softly, “Wanna head out?”
“Sure.”
Jeongguk
Jeongguk was the alpha’s name.
He was funny, charming, flirty and so bloody hot.
They had found a small bar at the outskirts of the city, people were loud, clinking glasses and dancing to the loud music.
He doesn’t remember how long the alpha and he were in the bar, but he was currently sitting on Jeongguk’s lap (he doesn’t know how he ended up there either) and playing with the silver chain that the alpha wore with his finger, all while Jeongguk stared at him intently, occasionally taking a swig of his beer.
Taehyung felt Jeongguk’s hand creep up under his shirt and holding his waist, he looked up to meet the other’s hungry gaze. He doesn’t know who moved first but suddenly he felt lips on his own, hands under his shirt and his own hands tangled in the alpha’s hair.
Soon they were in a hotel room and Jeongguk had the younger on his knees while he stroked his own cock to hardness, and used his other hand to slip his thumb inside Tae’s mouth, “Gonna open wide for me, right sweetheart?” Taehyung had nodded and sucked him so good. Jeongguk couldn’t help but groan looking at the tears flowing down the omega’s cheeks, lips wide open to accommodate his cock.
In the next moment they were lying on the bed; Taehyung writhed while Jeongguk kissed all over his body.
Jeongguk had made him fall apart on his fingers first and then on his cock, over and over again. He doesn’t remember an alpha that had made him come so many times in such a short span of time.
Jeongguk was to leave Bogota in two days, and in those days, they just stayed in the room playing cards and stupid games, Taehyung would cockwarm the alpha and by evening they would be all over each other again. They laughed and fucked and laughed and fucked.
They shared contacts and when they were back home in Korea, they met continuously. They dated for two months straight before they decided to marry.
It was so stupid to get married after knowing a person for literally two months, but it felt right for the both. And Taehyung was a goner for the alpha.
And it was good, at least for the first three years and then life threw them back to reality.
Taehyung can just wish that time back.
…
[At the Ravens]
Jeongguk had just entered his workplace when he is suddenly engulfed by Jimin, his co-worker and the tech genius of his team. He pushed him away and made a disgusted looking face at the short alpha who was now grinning.
Jimin loved annoying him.
“Hmm,” Jimin speaks while following Jeongguk and sniffing him, “I smell distress and a hint of sadness… aww Jeonggukie, did Taehyungie not suck you off this morning.” He giggles and Jin, another assassin, joins in too.
Jeongguk just groans, no, Taehyungie did not suck him off, he has not had Taehyung’s mouth on his cock in so long and it’s a crime really.
He just ignores Jimin and moves towards his desk and lights up a cigarette and takes a long-awaited drag.
Jeongguk was an assassin, and the head of a firm called The Ravens. He has hidden this part of his life for a very long time. No one knows, not even Taehyung. Especially Taehyung.
For him, he is just a landscape architect who designs high-end gardens and outdoor spaces for some rich folks. Bullshit.
He just hopes Taehyung never finds out.
He takes another drag and lets out the smoke. From the corner of his eye, he can see Jimin looking at him cautiously, “What?” he asks gruffly.
“Did you have a fight with Tae?” Jin is the one who asks.
“Don’t call him that,” Jeongguk says, annoyed, “It’s Taehyung for you. And why is my relationship any of your concern?”
“We are just asking so that we can be of help if it’s something serious.” Jin replies.
“We’ll handle it,” Jeongguk says coldly, “Drop it already and tell me about the next hit.”
Jin and Jimin just sigh.
They explain about the next hit where he has to attend a gala and kill the chief guest Choi Hyun-Jae– who is the Chairman and Managing Director of one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea – and who also has his hands dirty in arms dealing and human trafficking.
They got a huge sum to get this job done by someone named “The Handler” ensuring that that the work is done smoothly and cleanly without causing a ruckus on the site.
“That’s it?” Jeongguk asks.
“Yes,” Jimin grins, “Easy right?”
“Yeah,” Jeongguk nods, “When’s the gala?”
“It starts at seven-thirty.” Jimin replies.
Jeongguk groans, “Fuck,” he curses lightly. He is going to have to miss dinner at home. This is the second time this week and he knows Taehyung gets mad when he does that even though he acts pretty chill.
“Something wrong?” asks Jimin.
“No, no,” Jeongguk shakes his head, “Eunwoo get my guns ready please.” He tells the weapon handler of the team and steps out of the office to text Taehyung of not being able to make it.
…
Taehyung is preparing for his own mission when he feels his phone buzz. He looks at the sender’s name and opens the text quickly.
Ggukie Baby
Hey Sweetheart,
I’m really sorry but I won’t be able to make it for dinner tonight, got held up with some work.
How about hyung gets you your favorite ice cream and cook Japchae tomorrow, yeah?
Taehyung reads the text over and over again and feels his eyes sting with unshed tears.
It’s the second time this week that Jeongguk has canceled on him. It’s beside the point that he wouldn’t have been able to make it for dinner either but Jeongguk being the first one to cancel hurts.
He feels like he is the only one who is trying to hold onto this oh so lovely marriage together.
He doesn’t know where the old Jeongguk who kept him on pedestal is gone and he is tired honestly. He is just so tired.
Taehyung sniffs quietly and quickly regains his composure, he locks his phone and decides to put his attention on completing tonight’s hit. It’s an important and a big target and he is not going to fuck it up by getting distracted.
…
[At the Gala]
The Gala is taking place at a very high-end and luxurious venue especially catering for the elite.
Jeongguk enters through the huge double doors and into the grand foyer adorned with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
He walks some more to enter the ballroom where the main event is to take place but is stopped by a staff member, gesturing towards a small counter where a couple of staff are distributing masks. All the masks are black and adorned with different intricate gold designs.
He takes one, thanks the staff and fastens the ties of the mask on the back of his head before he enters the ballroom.
Jeongguk walks into the gala with a quiet, commanding presence exuding confidence.
He is wearing a navy-blue pinstripe two-piece suit. His hand is casually tucked in the pocket of his matching trousers.
Underneath the blazer, he is wearing a crisp white shirt with just one button on the top undone so as to hide the tattoos on his neck and collarbones (because he gets a lot of shit for them by majority of people), but the open button still allows a small peek of a tattoo near his neck, just a subtle glimpse.
He kept his accessories minimal, wearing a silver chain around his neck and a couple of silver chunky rings in his right hand and his wedding band on the left one.
The main event space is huge, people gathered in small circles talking and clinking glasses. He couldn’t help but be in awe of the magnificent ballroom. A live band is playing softly in the background while some people are sitting at the tables, some near the bar and some dancing away.
Oh, how he wishes he could dance with Taehyung here. His pretty omega would look gorgeous underneath the dim light illuminating from the grand chandeliers.
He moves towards the bar; he can feel some gazes on him but he ignores and keeps moving. He asks for a whiskey sour and checks his phone.
Still no text from Taehyung, his messages were left on read and he just knows he has fucked up yet again. He sighs.
“Hello, hello... JK, JK...” Jimin speaks through the earpiece that Jeongguk is wearing which is camouflaged well with his ear and hidden by few of his locks.
“Shut the fuck up.” He grits out to Jimin subtly without being noticed.
“I was just checking,” Jimin says dejectedly.
“Shut up or else I will close you off. You talk only when I say or ask something first. Remember that.”
“Okay okay... Jeez, all the best.”
“Thanks.” He mutters quickly.
Now he just needs to wait for his target to arrive and be done with it quickly so he can go back and make it up to his omega.
….
Taehyung enters the gala alongside Hyungsik who is his plus one for today and he is not a least bit happy about it. He knows that he is here just like a decoy of sort; he won’t be playing any part in the hit that is going to take place, but he will be as a backup if things go south.
He is still not happy about it.
He ignores the feeling and keeps moving forward, they both are offered masks which they fasten and move ahead.
Taehyung steps into the grand ballroom and immediately has heads turned towards him, catching others’ attention with his bold yet elegant attire.
He is wearing a sheer white blouse that has a loose, flowing fit. The fabric is light giving a glimpse of his toned figure underneath; the blouse also has long billowing sleeves loosely tied at the wrists. The neckline has delicate ties as well, giving a soft touch to the entire outfit.
He has tucked the slightly oversized blouse into a pair of high-waist leather pants which fit him smoothly down the legs.
He completes the look with minimal jewelry, wearing a couple of delicate gold toned necklaces, complementing his honey-glazed skin. He is also wearing three very dainty thin rings on his right hand on the pointer, middle and little finger. And his left hand adorns his platinum wedding band.
He looks effortlessly chic and elegant.
Hyungsik on the other hand is also dressed appropriately for the event, looking nice and handsome, complimenting him well.
“We are in,” he announces it to his team with the small in-ear comm device. They both hear a “Got it and watch out.” from Namjoon and relax.
He can’t wait to kill the bastard of the politician.
“You know,” Hyungsik starts; looking at Taehyung admiringly, unable to hide is attraction, “If anything, people are watching you out. You look very… distracting.”
Taehyung acts unfazed by the blatant flirting and gives an amused smirk to the other, “I couldn’t care less because I have my full focus on the task at hand,” he takes a sip of the wine and mutters, “Unlike you.”
Hyungsik chuckles and steps closer to Tae, clearly invading his personal space, “Well if you ever need a break from all that focus, I’d be happy to help,”
Taehyung doesn’t smile anymore; he gives a sharp glare to the other, “I hope you do remember that I’ve got a husband,” he says in a calm but firm tone, “Jeongguk, my very loving and very real husband.” He is not very sure about the ‘loving’ part, but Hyungsik doesn’t have to know that. He says it in a tone generally used for kids and then makes a show of dusting his wedding ring so that the point is clear.
“Oh, come on Tae,” Hyungisk tries to laugh it off, this is the nth rejection now, “I know you are married, but you both have got problems so a guy can still try right? I was jus-”
“Not with me, you can’t,” Taehyung cuts him off sharply, unable to entertain the other anymore, “Jeongguk and I are just fine, and I would appreciate it if you don’t meddle in my personal matters.”
“Alright, point taken,” Hyungsik replies.
Taehyung turns around and walks ahead, keeping an eye on the guests in the ballroom as if the conversation doesn’t faze him at all but he is irritated.
He just wants to get this mission done successfully. He cannot get distracted; he feels his phone buzz in his pocket, and he finds new messages from his husband.
Ggukie Baby
Baby…
Hyung is sorry sweetheart
Talk to me please.
:(
No, Taehyung doesn’t want to talk.
Even the sad emoticon won’t make him talk. He clicks his tongue, annoyed and puts his phone back in the pocket. His alpha will have to do more than just text to make it up to him.
Jeongguk huffs sadly when Taehyung leaves him on read yet again. He even sent a sad face; he wants to whine so badly.
“Huh? What’s wrong?”
He hears Jimin speak and growls lowly, “Didn’t I say-”
“Sorry, sorry,” Jimin apologizes, realizing his mistake.
“Dumbfuck,” Jeongguk grumbles. He is going to have to make it up to his omega later.
He starts scanning the place when his eyes land on the entrance and finally, finally his target walks in, “He has arrived,” he tells Jimin on the comm.
“We are ready JK, let’s get this bastard,” Jin is the one who speaks, “Jimin?”
“Yes, I have the access to all the cameras in the Gala, will inform about his every step,” Jimin answers, he hears both his colleague hum, “But only if JK asks,” he grumbles that part, not happy with the rules.
But Jeongguk is very happy, he does not need distraction and says, “Good.” to Jimin, “I am moving to the balcony, can keep a better eye from there.”
He hears his teammates agree and makes a beeline towards the stairs to go to the balcony.
…
Taehyung sees the exact moment the target enters the premises; he is alert in a second and so is Hyungsik.
Taehyung subtly eyes the target, keeping a close eye to not lose sight of him. He has been ordered by Namjoon to keep the kill as clean and as subtle as possible. He is tasked to just monitor the target’s behavior while Hyungsik’s is to monitor the security and bodyguards of the target so that there is no interference from them when Taehyung takes down the main guy.
Taehyung signals Hyungsik to keep a watch from a distance, mostly using him as a decoy.
They both try to get closer to the target, not making it obvious and get close to the bar.
Taehyung tries to be in the line of sight of Choi Hyun-Jae so that he can use his charm and get the old fuck somewhere more private. He has the poison needle ready to use on the person as soon as he is in close vicinity and somewhere more secluded.
Taehyung and Hyungsik get into the act, chatting loudly and laughing occasionally. Tae even fake laughs at Hyungsik’s jokes, keeps one hand on his shoulder and shakes his head at nothing funny, the other hand busy holding the champagne flute and occasionally he steals glances at his target, making sure that the other sees him.
And he feels triumphant when from the corner of his eyes he can feel the Choi’s eyes bore onto his frame.
Hyungsik feels the shift too and plays the act well of charming the pretty omega. They both sense when they feel the target walking up to them.
“Good evening,” Choi Hyun-Jae, their target for the night, a man in his early fifties dressed sharply like every other person in the gala. His salt and pepper are slicked back neatly, one can see the wrinkles on his face but cannot deny the charisma he carries. But what’s the point of all that charisma when he is a perverted old fuck.
He greets the two assassins, but his eyes are stuck on Taehyung, “Hope I am not interrupting,”
“Of course not,” Hyungsik speaks and puts his hand out as a greeting.
Hyun-Jae shakes his hand and moves his gaze back to Taehyung, “Hello, you certainly stand out tonight, don’t you darling?” He offers his hand for the omega to take, and Taehyung takes it gladly.
The old man kisses the back of Taehyung’s hand and he cringes internally, he is going to have to scrub his hand now, but he smiles his charming smile, “I try, it’s good to see you Mr. Choi.”
Hyun-Jae acts surprised, “Oh you know me?!”
“Who doesn’t know you?”
Hyun-Jae chuckles, “Good to know that, but where have you been hiding? I’m sure I’d remember seeing someone like you.” His eyes linger on the omega, and he leans closer.
“Oh, I got enough places to hide,” Taehyung answers in a smooth voice, he tilts his head back and smiles, “But I thought tonight I’ll make an exception.”
Choi lets out a slow smirk, enjoying whatever little game that is going on with the omega in front, “An exception for me, I hope.”
“Maybe,” Taehyung takes a sip of the wine in hand and glances at the man in front over his drink, “Or maybe not.” He knows that he has Hyun-Jae intrigued and he is going to play it to his advantage.
Hyungsik chuckles lightly from beside, sensing the light tension, “He is a tease, isn’t he?”
Hyun-Jae pays him no mind, gaze still fixed on Taehyung who looks right back at him, “Want to join me to the more private bar sweetheart.”
Taehyung hates how the endearment sounds from this man’s mouth whereas he absolutely adores when Jeongguk uses it, but he smiles and nods nonetheless, “I would love to.” He holds the other man’s extended arm and saunters to where he takes him, somewhere more secluded and private. He might be able to go home earlier than he thought.
He gives one last look to Hyungsik who nods back at him, clearly aware of the plan.
“He is with the target,” Hyungsik whispers into the ear-comm to Namjoon and Yoongi.
“Great,” Yoongi speaks, “Stay close to him but don’t show up in front of Choi.”
“Yes.” Hyungsik answers and tries to linger close to where Taehyung is without making his presence known.
…
Jeongguk observes the target from the balcony. He has a flute of champagne in his hand, acting nonchalant and talking to another omega close by to not seem suspicious.
His eyes are trained on the scene downstairs where the target is talking to a couple? He’s not sure, but the omega Choi is taking interest in is certainly dressed to charm. The omega is dressed in sleek leather pants and a sheer white top which glints under the chandelier lights. There’s an undeniable grace with the way they move.
Jeongguk watches closely and his eyebrows knit together when he observes the omega. Something about them is familiar, yet he can’t place it. The way they tilt their head, the hand gestures, the laugh, all of it stirs a sense of recognition but he cannot pinpoint where and whom.
He sees them move someplace else, leaving the other bulky man behind near the bar.
“Do you wanna get out of here alpha?” The omega standing beside him murmurs seductively. He kind of forgot the guy’s name but whatever. He smiles at the other, his charming smile and speaks, “You know what, you are just way out of my league,” Jeongguk drags the ‘way’ and gestures to the omega’s whole body with his hand, “I don’t think I can handle you honestly, forgive me pretty.”
The omega widens his eyes and starts shaking his head, “Absolutely not, you are perfect.”
Jeongguk rolls his eyes at the response and doesn’t bother to hear the rest, his eyes are too busy following the Choi and the omega ascending the stairs and he needs to get out of here fast. “Listen,” he starts firmly and takes hold of the omega’s wrist which is on his forearm and removes his hand, “You are like a complete ten and I really thought I could handle you but I-I can’t.” he pretends to look apologetic, “I may not be able to perform up to your expectations. I’m sorry. I gotta go. Bye.”
He drops the other’s hand, downs the champagne and makes a run towards where the target has moved.
Once he is alone, he scans the crowd on the floor, he has lost the sight of the target, he presses a finger to his earpiece and speaks, “Jimin, where to?”
“They have moved towards the second corridor, near the west wing. He’s only got one bodyguard with him; you can finish him easily.” Jimin replies.
“Alright, cool.”
“Your flirting skills are a shit show by the way, how did you pull Taehyung again?”
“Fuck you.” He hisses into the ear comm and hears Jimin laugh.
Fuckin’ asshole.
Taehyung likes his flirting skills plenty. Thank you very much.
Jeongguk huffs, his eyes narrow and he moves swiftly towards the direction mentioned, determined to make the kill quick and run back to his upset omega at home.
The said upset omega is walking beside Choi, the latter’s bodyguard is following closely behind. Their footsteps echo in the dimly lit corridor leading to a private room Choi asked for. The soft hum of the music fades away as they move further away from the ball room.
As they enter the private suite, Choi places his hand on Taehyung’s back guiding him in, he turns to look at Tae who is smiling up at him, “You carry yourself with such confidence. It’s… intriguing.” Choi says with a sly smile.
Taehyung chuckles and pretends to shy away from the other’s gaze.
Choi loosens his tie slightly and pulls the omega close with his hand on the other’s back, his eyes darken with interest, completely unaware of the predator who stares right back at him.
Taehyung plays along, he glides his hands over the other’s shoulder blades and neck teasingly, his hooded eyes showing that he is interested too.
Choi Hyun-Jae groans when he feels Taehyung’s hands on his neck, tightens his hold on the omega and rasps, “I need to see you, let’s take off your mask.” He moves his hand to untie the mask, but Taehyung stops him.
“I am eager to show you my face too, but only you.” He signals towards the bodyguard that is in the room with them, asking to get rid of him subtly and Hyun-Jae understands so he pulls back.
“Wait for us outside Park.” He orders the bodyguard.
“But sir, it will be better for me to stay close to you.”
Taehyung clicks his tongue and gets away from Choi’s grasp, feigning disappointment for the other to see.
The older alpha clicks his tongue too, “I’ll call you if I need you. Now leave. That’s an order.”
The bodyguard immediately bows and leaves the room, standing right outside the door.
Hyun-Jae locks the door and approaches Taehyung, who is standing in the middle of the room with his back towards him. He has a dark grin on his face, feeling proud to have gotten such a pretty omega tonight, “Are you happy now pretty?”
“Mhmm.”
It is the only reply he gets because Taehyung’s fingers ghost on the hidden poison needle which he had tucked in the waist of his pants. He smirks when he hears Hyun-Jae make his way towards him.
Choi turns Taehyung around, his mask is off and now he wants to see the omega, “Now can I see your face?” he asks in a low voice.
Taehyung just chuckles softly, gaze as sharp as glass, not wavering from Hyun-Jae, “I bet you are dying to see me, aren’t you?” he lifts his hand to brush his fingers against the man’s collar in a soft caress.
“You have no idea.” Choi smirks and leans closer.
Then, everything happens in a flash. Choi doesn’t have time to think. Taehyung moves swiftly with no hesitation, and he is behind Choi in a blink, an arm locked tightly around his throat and the poison needle pressing just below the other’s jawline.
Choi struggles, a gurgled breath escapes him, but Taehyung’s grip is iron, he does not falter and keeps the other in place even when Choi is few inches taller than him.
Taehyung leans closer, his breath is warm against Choi’s ear when he whispers with a dark delight, “Still wanna see my face honey?”
“Y-you,” Choi struggles to talk but Taehyung just chuckles at the poor attempt.
“You made it too easy you know, I thought you’d be more fun.” Taehyung whispers dangerously, “I’m going to kill you so quietly, no one will even miss the sound of your heartbeat.”
Taehyung presses the poison needle closer, poised under the jaw of the target. His breath is steady, and his grip is firm – until it isn’t.
Just as Taehyung was about to strike, a hand wraps around his waist from behind, and before he has the time to react, cold steel is pressed against his throat.
“Not so quick, love.” The man whispers from behind, “Step away, slowly.”
Taehyung has been in these type of situations countless times, where his plans have been interrupted, but right now, this man’s familiar voice and hold makes his heartbeat faster, not from fear but something deeper.
His eyes flick down to take a glance at the man’s hand wrapped around his waist and then he catches the faint glimpse of a tattoo peaking from between the coat sleeve and leather gloves the other is sporting.
A tattoo he knows.
A tattoo he has traced with his fingers and lips countless times.
He could recognize each and every tattoo on the body of the man behind him with just a glimpse.
It’s because he knows him.
It’s his alpha.
It’s Jeongguk.
The poison needle slips from his fingers, landing with a soft metallic clink on the floor, his breath catches in his throat and his mind is blank with shock.
His eyes dart towards the tattoo again. There is no mistaking it. He knows the man behind him.
In that split second, Choi takes his chance and shoves Taehyung away and behind, he runs towards the door, calls out his bodyguard but no one comes in, maybe the new guy took him out. His face is twisted with panic now.
Taehyung sees Choi run, but Jeongguk moves fast – predator fast. He releases Taehyung and lunges after Choi.
There’s no hesitation with the way he moves, no mercy.
He sees Jeongguk tackle Choi to the ground, his movements are ruthless but precise, similar to his own and many other people in the same field.
Taehyung realizes then, that it’s not his first time; he has done it many times to be that skillful, to be that precise and clean. He freezes taking in the scene in front.
Jeongguk has one hand on Choi’s throat who is still struggling to get away from the grip, he grabs the pen from Choi’s jacket pocket – heavy and expensive and without any pause, Jeongguk drives it into Choi’s neck. Again, and again.
The blood splutters out but Jeongguk doesn’t stop. He continues to drive the pen into Choi’s neck over and over, until the struggle stops and the only sound in the large room is Jeongguk’s heavy breathing.
Blood pools under Choi’s head and Jeongguk drives the pen into his neck one last time before he throws it on the floor with loud clinking sound. His leather gloves get some splatters of the blood, so he wipes them off on Choi’s expensive jacket.
Taehyung stands frozen, eyes wide, his own mask long gone, watching the man he thought he knew unravel right in front of him. His heart races with each blow Jeongguk inflicts on Choi.
He can’t recognize the man in front of him, it can’t be the same man who has touched him so gently with the hands that are blood soaked now, the same man whose laughter made his heart flutter, the same man who tells him silly jokes, the same man who loves him. It just cannot be.
But the crimson pooling on the floor right next to the man he thought he knew tells otherwise and he whispers out a small:
“Ggukie.”
…
Jeongguk’s chest heaves, fucking finally he killed the asshole. Now, he just needs to leave before the security finds either Choi or the bodyguard that he killed at the front of the door. He looks at Choi and mutters a ‘Bastard’.
He straightens his collar and blazer and is about to move when he hears someone call his name, a name that is so dear to him, a name that only one person is allowed to call him.
“Ggukie,”
He stops mid-motion.
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Taehyung can’t be here.
Right?
Slowly, he turns his head to the owner of the voice, and his eyes meet Taehyung’s.
His omega, standing in the middle of the room, looking at him, his alpha who just killed a man.
Realization dawns on him that he has never fucked up so big in his entire life.
Jeongguk pushes himself up, turning to face Taehyung fully. His leather clad hand reaches for his mask, pulling it off completely from his face. His eyes catch Taehyung’s which widen in disbelief now that his mask is off.
Jeongguk’s eyes soften looking at his omega, his movements are nothing like before now, no more fast and predatory but cautious and slow as if approaching something fragile and delicate, and his baby is delicate.
“Sweetheart...” Jeongguk’s voice is soft and low, “It’s not what it looks like baby.”
He sees Taehyung shake his head slowly, he steps closer to him but still at an arm’s distance, “What are you doing here hmm? You shouldn’t be here, it’s dangerous.” He talks in a way that they use to talk to a scared child because he has never seen Taehyung look so shattered.
Taehyung looks at him in disbelief, then he understands that maybe Jeongguk has still not realized that he was the person who was about to kill Choi before he came in.
Jeongguk steps even closer and then his gaze drops, finally taking in the sheer white top clinging to Taehyung’s body, faint traces of sweat making it even more translucent. His jaw tightens and he pushes his tongue against his cheek, eyes darkening with something possessive.
“What the hell are you wearing baby?” Jeongguk can never mask his jealousy and possessiveness well, but he just can’t help it because his omega is so beautiful, and everybody must have ogled at him, so without waiting for an answer he shrugs of his blazer which has traces of blood on it, he moves close to Taehyung who is yet to speak and drapes it over him with a protective urgency.
Taehyung doesn’t move, he just stands frozen, not from shock anymore but just the weight of recognition crashing down on him.
What have they been doing?
Jeongguk is about to place his hand on Taehyung’s cheek, but the omega flinches away, Jeongguk drops his hand at his side, he has never seen Taehyung flinch away from his touch before and his heart aches for causing that today, “He was a bad guy, Tae. It had to be done.” He explains softly.
Taehyung stares at him deeply, his lips finally part, his voice is barely a whisper, yet it is sharp enough to cut through the thick tension between both.
“You are a Raven.”
The words hit Jeongguk than any blow he has ever received, his breath hitches and finally the realization sinks in.
He looks at the omega standing in front, piecing everything that he has seen this evening together – the omega talking to Choi, the omega who was about to kill him, the omega he held on to his knife before he killed Choi, the omega who felt so familiar, it had been Taehyung.
His Taehyung.
“You are a… Phantom.”
Jeongguk whispers out in a small voice.
Silence swells between them, thick and suffocating.
Their entire life, which they thought was built on love and trust, was now hanging by a thread so fragile that one wrong move from either of them could make their whole world come crumbling down.
Taehyung swallows hard, his eyes flickering with something Jeongguk can’t read.
Regret?
Rage?
Betrayal?
Before either of them can say another word, the heavy sound of boots echoes down the marble corridor. The door bursts open, Jeongguk’s eyes snap up, his instincts kicking in to protect his mate as Choi’s men rush in, weapons drawn and aimed directly at them.
“Move,” Taehyung hisses, stepping forward with a lethal calm, shrugging off the jacket that Jeongguk draped on him like it burns. His sheer white top clings to his frame as he moves and takes position, ready to attack.
Jeongguk grits his teeth, pulling a hidden blade from his sleeve. “We’ll talk about this later.”
Taehyung lets out a short, bitter laugh as he draws his own weapon, eyes fixed coldly on the approaching men. “I don’t think there’s a ‘later’ left for us.”
The first guard lunges. Taehyung ducks effortlessly, grabbing the man’s wrist and twisting it till a sickening crack rings out, smoothly disarming the man. Jeongguk moves in sync beside him, slashing his blade across another guard’s chest before kicking him to the ground.
They move like twin storms, chaotic yet in perfect rhythm, despite their rage simmering beneath every strike.
“Behind you!” Jeongguk barks. Taehyung spins, driving his heel into another guard’s knee before plunging his blade into his throat, swift and silent.
Their breathing is ragged now, chests heaving in tandem. For a split second, their eyes lock - love, anger, betrayal, and aching familiarity crashes between them.
Jeongguk hears Jimin’s voice crackling through the earpiece,
“Jeongguk! The security is closing in. You need to get out. Now!”
Jeongguk’s eyes flick to Taehyung who is fighting another guard. He has never seen his omega like this. Taehyung had always been a soft furball who often showed off his claws only to Jeongguk within their safe space, never others, yet here he is now strong, fierce and beautiful.
He hesitates, torn, his eyes flicking between the exit and Taehyung.
He can’t leave him here.
But then he sees a movement, a guard creeping up behind Taehyung, blade raised high.
Without thinking, Jeongguk snatches a knife from his belt and throws it. The blade slices through the air, embedding itself cleanly into the guard’s skull, taking him down, but not without the blade grazing Taehyung’s ear, leaving a thin crimson trail.
Taehyung stiffens, his fingers brush the small warm trail of blood, his face darkens with fury as he turns towards Jeongguk, blood dripping down his long honey-laced neck.
“You threw a knife at me?!”
Jeongguk backs away slightly, raising his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes are laced with panic. “I aimed at him, baby. Not you.”
“I’m going to end you!” Taehyung snarls, stalking towards him with murderous intent.
Jimin’s voice rings in Jeongguk’s ear again, more frantic this time. “Jeongguk! Move! Now!”
Jeongguk laughs nervously, retreating, “Let’s not be dramatic baby, I didn’t mean-”
He cuts himself off when he sees Taehyung’s partner appear behind him, ready to attack him, realizing he’s about to be outnumbered by skilled professionals, he decides its best to retreat. Jeongguk curses under his breath. He gives Taehyung one last desperate look.
“I aimed at him, I swear. I’m sorry.”
And with that, he spins on his heel, jumping over an overturned table and disappearing through the window before Taehyung or his partner can stop him.
…
Now, outside in a back alley, Jeongguk skids to a halt, his chest heaving from sprinting so fast and leans against the ragged wall, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Jeongguk, what happened?” this time its Jin’s voice cracking though the earpiece.
He exhales shakily, running a bloody hand through his hair. “Nothing,” he mutters, voice cracking. “Except… Taehyung is going to fucking kill me.”
…
[At the Phantom Headquarters]
Both Taehyung and Hyungsik are back at the headquarters. Taehyung sits quite, staring at the floor while Yoongi cleans up the blood near the jaw and ear. It’s not a big wound, only a small angry red line left behind.
Namjoon approaches the two cautiously, scanning Taehyung for any more injuries, he spots none. His eyes lock with Yoongi for a second before they settle on Taehyung’s trembling hands.
“You okay?” he asks, voice low and wary.
Taehyung doesn’t answer, just shifts his gaze from the floor to the huge windows, looking outside. His vision blurs from the suffocating ache rising in his chest.
Yoongi shifts uncomfortably, glancing at Namjoon, then back at Taehyung. “Raven knows your identity now,” he says quietly.
Taehyung exhales shakily, a humourless smile flickering across his lips as he finally looks up, eyes dark with a mix of sorrow and pain.
“I know,” he whispers. Then his voice hardens, every syllable dripping with cold finality, “Either Jeongguk kills me… or I take him down.”
“He is Raven’s top dog Tae. He won’t give in so easily.” Namjoon says and watches Taehyung turn away, the tremor in his hands still present.
Taehyung looks up at Namjoon then, “I am going to end this hyung.”
There is no fear in his eyes.
Only fury.
And heartbreak.
…
[Somewhere outside]
The night lights blur past as Jeongguk speeds through the city on his black motorcycle, engine growling beneath him like a living thing. The wind whips his hair back, cold against his heated skin. He didn’t bother wearing a helmet. His mind is a storm.
Taehyung’s stunned eyes, his flinch, the graze on his ear caused by his hand.
He doesn’t understand how they have come to this point.
His phone buzzes against his thigh.
He doesn’t need to check the screen. He knows exactly who it is. A sad smile tugs at his lips despite the chaos clawing at his chest.
He answers, voice rough, almost teasing, “I was wondering when you’d call, sweetheart.”
The line is silent for a moment, only their ragged breathing bridging the distance between them. Then Taehyung speaks, “You hurt me.”
Jeongguk lets out a short, bitter laugh, weaving between two cars effortlessly.
“Well technically, I missed baby, don’t be dramatic.”
Taehyung exhales sharply, “Isn’t it embarrassing to miss though, given that you are Raven’s top assassin.”
Jeongguk smiles, of course he got to know everything now. “You sure do crib a lot for a mere scratch, given you are Phantom’s best. How about that, sweetheart?”
Taehyung speaks, ignoring the jab, voice trembling with quiet rage.
“You’re not the man I married.”
Jeongguk’s smile fades and his grip tightens on the handle, leather creaking under his fingers.
“Yeah?” he rasps out, a bitter chuckle escaping him. “And what about you, hmm? Don’t act like your hands are clean, baby.”
“I don’t even know who you are anymore,” Taehyung whispers, and Jeongguk can hear the crack in his voice that slices deeper than any blade.
He never wanted to hurt his omega, that’s the last thing he would ever want. He was going to take this secret to his grave.
Jeongguk says nothing. The bike engine roars beneath him, matching the pounding of his heart. He can hear Taehyung’s quite breathing.
The alpha speaks then, voice dropping lower and rougher, “You know where to find me, don’t you?”
Taehyung’s breath hitches on the other end, before his reply comes, quiet and certain, “I know exactly where.”
A ghost of a smile flickers across Jeongguk’s lips as he accelerates, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across his face, “Can’t wait,” he whispers back before ending the call. The city lights blur around him and the night swallows him whole.
They both know where they are heading to, neither of them is ready for the confrontation but it has to be done. By the end of the night, only one of them would be alive and well.
…