Chapter Text
“Let me go! I have heroine! I'll give you all of it! Please!” The man strapped to the metal table yelled at the top of his lungs, trying to squirm as much as he can to escape. But Yoongi always made sure to double check the restraints ever since his third victim nearly escaped from the loose holds. He can't have that.
Don't get caught. That's the number one rule his father taught him.
Yoongi opened his briefcase and all the items he uses were as always there, ready to inflict pain. He pulled out the scissors, deciding it's been awhile since he had used those. He creeped closer to the loud man and grabbed a duct tape to shut the man’s obnoxious voice.
“You didn't think you'd actually get away for killing those young innocent girls did you?” he spoke in a monotonous voice while the man paled at this. Though the judge convicted the man as not guilty, Yoongi couldn't let this man walk free.
Murder the murderers and the sinners. His father taught him that as well.
“Justice will be served.” Yoongi ignored the frantic movements of the man, and decided to start cutting open the man's eyes, scissors already in his hands.
Another criminal put down by his hands.
~~~~~~~
Yoongi starts to clean up the mess left behind. Now he remembers why he hardly used the scissors. It always left tiny pieces scattered around the table. Good thing he decided a long time ago to wrap the whole place in plastic. That way he wouldn't have to bother cleaning out the blood from the flowery tiles on the floor.
He starts peeling away the plastic from the walls when he feels a vibration in his pockets. Someone is calling him. Yoongi stops what he's doing and doesn't bother to check who it is, knowing all too well who would call him this late at night, and picks up the phone.
“Yoongi speaking.”
“Hyung! We're going to see Jimin's team perform. And this time you can't say no, you promised last time you'd go to the next one and I've learned your schedule today and I know you're sitting at home doing nothing. Be prepared in 15 minutes. I'll pick you up to make sure you don't escape.” And Jungkook hangs up. Damn brat.
Yoongi cursed loudly as he sets out to quickly peel off the plastic next to the garbage bags where the remains of the man lay. He'll have to continue this later. For now, it's time to pretend to be normal.
Once he finished packing everything away, he locked the cabin. The cabin that hid all his secrets in an isolated area behind sturdy walls and a wooden door.
Yoongi checked the time on his phone. Five minutes have passed. Under the speed limit, he'd be home in eight minutes. But there's always the risk of Jungkook arriving a couple of minutes earlier. He got into his car, which was parked discreetly and was of common brand, and took off. Looks like speeding will have to do.
He arrived at his house with five minutes to spare and quickly parked his car inside his garage. When he opened the door to his house, he heard a car engine from the corner of the street, the sound of mufflers suspiciously familiar. One quick look was all it took to realize it was the corvette, Jungkook’s precious red car. Yoongi shut the door and locked it and removed his shirt on the way to his room, having spotted a stain of blood on the way home, and rapidly took the first shirt, a plain gray shirt, he could get his hands on from his closet.
He contemplated whether he should change his pants but this was the only pair of presentable jeans he had at the moment. Besides they were black, even if there were any blood stains it’d be hard to see them. On his way back to the living room, the front door opened.
“Hyung! Let’s go!” Suspiciously, Yoongi narrowed his eyes at Jungkook who casually strolled inside his house, as if he didn’t just break in.
“How the fuck did you get in my house?” He never leaves the door unlock. Yoongi’s cautious side would never make a careless mistake as that. The younger one must have had a key to his door.
“You left it unlocked.” He was impressed by how well Jungkook lied. Well no surprise there, Jungkook is the youngest police officer with the highest solved cases within the police enforcement. He’s a genius and Jungkook made sure to let everyone know about it. Yoongi wasn’t sure how they became friends, a pathologist and a police officer, but Jungkook seem to find him really interesting to hang out with. To the point, that the detective and secretary, Taehyung and Jimin, also started to hang around him more. Though for different reasons.
It was exhausting being friends with them, always having to fake emotions about concern for their problems or gratitude. But they made him feel like he was less like a murderer and more human. Not completely, but halfway there. Besides, they were good company to have when boredom struck in the police department.
“You have keys to my house. Give them to me.” Yoongi held out his hand expectantly, and Jungkook’s innocent mask fell leaving behind a frown.
“You could have been a detective with how well you analyze situations. I hear you explicitly described what went down in the last murder case and everything was spot on.” It was his kill, of course it was spot on. A little blood and he was able to frame it with a low life who murdered his own wife. Not the best of his kills but the police department were getting restless and he needed them to be active so that he could do his own thing.
Jungkook stared at him in awe as he passed the keys to him. The police officer must have made copies of them in the department.
“That’s too much work. I rather stay inside my lab.” Yoongi left the copy keys on his table. Jungkook snorted at this and went back outside to his car, Yoongi following as he locked his door once more.
“I think we’re late. But the dance team Jimin’s on won’t perform until the last half of the show. Maybe you can find yourself a girlfriend for the mean time.” Jungkook smirked. “Or a boyfriend.” Yoongi didn’t comment on that.
It’s one thing having friends but having a lover requires more effort. More fake emotions like affection, needs, attention, arousal. If he couldn’t have any emotions for his partners, much less could he get aroused. But he figured he should probably start dating. He had to look normal to everyone. It would be suspicious if people always saw him alone. He could pass it off as being asexual but loners were always high on the suspicion bar with police officers.
He at first, longed for a partner. Someone who actually understood him and accepted him. Someone he could also learn to love.
But it was a fantasy. He’ll never find someone like that. Humans nowadays are fickle, a never ending change.
The car ride to the performance was a comfortable silence, neither of them a huge fan of small talk, whereas Taehyung and Jimin would chatter nonsense the whole ride.
As soon as they arrived, Taehyung greeted them with hugs and led them inside where he saved seats for the both of them. As always, Taehyung singed endless praise for Jimin and Jungkook eagerly nodded to everything. Yoongi wondered briefly if they would notice if he left, it might be worth a shot. The evidence has to go away and it won’t do it by itself. But if he left, that will just result in Jungkook following him. He can’t have that happen, so he stayed put.
Twenty minutes later, he hears Taehyung cheering on top of his lungs with Jungkook whistling. Yoongi finally sees Jimin, smiling and dressed in faded blue ripped jeans and a black hoodie, and sees two others dressed exactly the same. One was the same height as Jimin but with purple hair and was wearing a mask to cover his face. The other was slightly taller, brown hair and a bright smile framing his face. Even from this distance, Yoongi could make out the distinctly handsome features.
The music started to play, a hip hop song remix, and Yoongi is impressed. He knew Jimin was a dancer but he didn’t know he was that good. He tried to keep his eyes on Jimin, that was the only reason why he was dragged here in the first place, but he felt his eyes move on their own accord to the brown haired dancer, who even as he dance, kept his smile as wide and big as he can. It’s obvious to anyone that this was his passion, how he moved so fluidly and precise, hours of practice showcasing itself at this very moment. To show everyone what he loves so dearly. And just like that it was over and Yoongi couldn’t look away until the brown haired man had walk out of view.
“Jimin was amazing as always!” Taehyung said in excitement. Yoongi had to regain his composure quickly and nodded at Taehyung.
“Hoseok and Jihoon were amazing too Tae. Imagine if Hoseok heard that he’d look at you in betrayal.” Jungkook laughed but Yoongi listened attentively. So the brown haired man must be either Hoseok or Jihoon.
Taehyung rolled his eyes. “They were all amazing but as Jimin’s best friend I must proclaim Jimin as the best.”
“What do you think hyung?” Taehyung looked at him expectantly, waiting for his response.
“I liked it.” And he did, probably more than what he originally intended, but all he can think about was the brown haired man. He was nice to look at. He didn’t look boring. He considered dating him. That is, if the other was into men.
“Well let’s get a move on. Jimin said he’d meet us backstage after their performance.” They made their way towards the back, where the other performers were still lingering around. They ended up having to squeeze between crowds of people but with Jungkook’s height and muscles along with Yoongi’s death glare, people parted a path for them.
Up ahead was Jimin laughing with the brown haired man, their third member no where in sight.
“Jiminie! Hoseokie hyung! You guys did great out there! We should go out to eat in celebration! I’ll pay! But where’s Jihoon?” Taehyung quickly scanned the area. Yoongi on the other hand was subtly staring at the brown haired man, Hoseok, who noticed him and smiled.
Only his smile was...hollowed? It was barely noticeable. Something drastic and terrible must have happened to Hoseok, because Yoongi could clearly see the other man was energetic and bubbly by nature from the way he conversed with Jimin.
“Oh yeah Hoseok hyung this is Yoongi hyung. He’s the lazy one we’ve been telling you about.” These brats. Lazy one? Him? Not when it comes to murdering. He saw Taehyung gave him a grin, observant as always just like Yoongi was.
Hoseok smiled even further if that was even possible.
“It’s nice to meet you Yoongi hyung.” Hoseok held out his hand and Yoongi took it without a moment’s hesitation.
“It’s nice to meet you too. I’m surprised you’re able to put up with these three. They get into all kinds of trouble.” Hoseok laughed and it sounded genuine. Hoseok was like his complete opposite. Didn't they say opposites attract? Hoseok would definitely be an ideal companion. Just a step toward being ‘normal.’
Yoongi remembers how his father said that there’s someone he’d come to love one day. But Yoongi said in response, ‘how can I love someone if I can’t feel emotions?’ his father didn’t respond to him immediately until his mother came outside to tell them dinner was ready and he saw his father smile, expression soften at the sight of her. His father said to him ‘You won’t feel it at first but it’ll be someone you can’t take your eyes off no matter what.’
He didn’t exactly fall in love with Hoseok but he finds himself having his complete attention drawn to the smiling man.
“Okay introductions over. Let’s eat!” And Taehyung grabbed Jimin and Jungkook’s elbows, leading them to walk a few paces ahead of Hoseok and him.
Yoongi decides then to thank Taehyung for leaving him with Hoseok by buying him all the candies he wants.
“You know they always talk about you.” Hoseok kept smiling and Yoongi noticed the way his eyes creased. He even notices the beauty mark on the upper part of his lips, small it was but there nonetheless.
“Good things I hope.” Yoongi smiled back, with what he hopes is a charming one.
“They say you're a lazy, grumpy, grandpa.” Hoseok says teasingly and Yoongi thinks about murdering the three brats but he’s grown used to them, and with the remaining humanity he has left, reminds him daily that murdering friends is a big no. Plus, he’d be ignoring the rules for murder. Before he gets the chance to retort Hoseok has already beat him to it.
“But they say how dedicated you are in your work. How you’re never wrong and always pinpoint the criminal. Kookie idolizes you. Tae comes to you for help when something doesn’t add up in the scene. Jimin’s grateful for the times you help him out when the paperwork is too much.” Yoongi could only blink at this. He hadn’t known about that. The fact that the three in front of him, chattering nonsense and having the most unusual conversations, respect him that much.
Hoseok turns and looks at him in the eye, smile softening at him.
“You didn’t know?”
“They don't treat me with any respect.” He says, because he doesn't know what else to say.
“That's probably because they're so comfortable around you. They don't respect me either.” A laugh. “They like you.” Hoseok gives him a soft smile and it starts to make him feel uneasy and weird. But the feeling wasn't entirely unpleasant.
“I'd like them too if they respected me a bit more.” He jokes because he figured that was the appropriate response. It's not like he can just say, ‘if they had been slightly more annoying, I'd have murder them, code be damn.’
Hoseok chuckles, small and genuine. And Yoongi decided he liked hearing it. It wasn't irritating or grating.
They arrive at the restaurant where the three brats loudly stated they’ll sit next to the window, where it only fit two people, and he watched with mild amusement as Jimin sat on Taehyung’s lap and Jungkook sat on the other side, garnering a few unwanted attention from the other customers. They purposely made it so that he and Hoseok will have to sit somewhere else together.
He knew what they were doing the moment Jungkook winked at him. And the non subtle thumbs up Jimin gave to Hoseok, which Yoongi was sure he wasn't suppose to see but he was always aware of his surroundings. Hoseok merely blushed and looked mildly uncomfortable.
Well, he can't have Hoseok uncomfortable.
“I can't believe they're playing matchmaker when their own love lives are a mess.” A joke would ease Hoseok into a comfortable state. Not only that, but it would dispelled the obvious fact that they were forced together. Yoongi knowing the situation would also make it easier if Hoseok didn't want to pursue a romantic relationship.
“This doesn't have to be a date if you don't want it to. But I would like it to be.” He did want to start dating the other man and if guilt tripping him was the way to go, then so be it.
“Oh, um this doesn’t bother you?” Hoseok asked shyly and Yoongi could only assume he meant the fact that they were both guys.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I tend to like people for their personalities over their looks anyways.” He wasn’t sure what his sexuality even was. In his high school days, he’d taken out several girls on dates only because it was normal for him to do so. He kissed them sure but it was more mechanical than loving. And since being gay was widely accepted in America, and was slowly being accepted in Korea, he figured he’d give it a go. And like he said, Hoseok is nice to look at.
“That’s good to hear. All people care nowadays is if you have a big ass or smoking hot body.” Hoseok was joking with him. He didn’t mind them being together. That’s good. Don’t mess this up Yoongi.
“People like that only find themselves with a heartbreak and divorces.”
“Too true.” The other man laughed and Yoongi mentally patted himself.
They eventually found a booth near the back of the restaurant and were talking about current news. He was pleased when Hoseok mentioned that some of the judges were criminals themselves for being so easily bribed and letting convicts go. This just tells him that Hoseok didn’t always agree with the justice department.
“Don’t get me wrong, Jungkook and Taehyung are amazing at what they do. But it feels like the majority of the police and detectives take the easy way out.” Hoseok had said to him when they finished ordering their food.
“It sounds like you have a personal vendetta against them.” If Hoseok made a generalization like that, it could be the reason why his bubbly nature looked broken.
He was right when he saw Hoseok turned red and took a quick look around to make sure no one was listening.
“Look I’ll be honest with you upfront, if the only thing you want out of this is sex, then I suggest we just stay as friends then. My...ex wasn’t exactly the greatest guy in the world.” Hoseok’s tone was bitter. “He’s in jail now, though it only took the judge so long to put him away because my neighbor had the misfortune to see me being abused.” So that was why. Following this logic, that would mean Hoseok wouldn’t let things go very far if they started a relationship. He’d be too scared of initiating something because of the way his ex treated him.
There was also the fact that Hoseok didn’t want this relationship to start off with sex, which could only suggest his ex must have raped him.
Hoseok was broken. He was hurt badly. This was perfect for Yoongi. Hoseok wanted things to happen slow and Yoongi wouldn’t have to worry about physical attention with the other man. It’s too bad his ex was in jail. Yoongi would have taken delight in cutting him down. Oh well.
“I don’t want that. And I’m sorry you had to go through that. I promise I won’t ever do that to you. We can take things as slow as you want. I’ll never rush you into doing something you don’t want to. If you don’t like the way things are going now then we could just stay as friends. But I’d like it if you gave me a chance. ” He says it with such conviction and genuine. He wasn’t lying either. He can tell he surprised the other when Hoseok merely blinked at him.
Then, Hoseok let out a tiny smile, it was sincere this time.
“We’ll see about that.”
The rest of their dinner was filled with interesting topics and before they know it, they were standing outside, the three brats left some time ago though they weren’t bothered about it because Taehyung had paid for their meal. Yoongi made a mental checklist about all of Taehyung’s favorite candies. It avoided their awkward ‘No I’ll pay for it’ nonsense.
He made sure he was respectful the whole time and made Hoseok comfortable with him. It paid off.
“I had a great time Yoongi hyung.” Hoseok was blushing red though Yoongi didn’t point it out. It was too soon for that.
“So did I.” He smiled, barely, at the other. Letting Hoseok know he was still interested.
“We should go somewhere quiet next time though. To know each other a bit more.” Yoongi mentally patted himself on the back. It worked. Now people can finally stop harassing him about finding a significant other.
“Does that mean you’ll give me a chance?”
“Yeah. So don’t mess it up.”
“I won’t.” He said it before realizing Hoseok was teasing him. Oh well. Being blunt and honest might win him some points.
He made a mental point to be more blunt because as soon as he said that Hoseok turned red and looked away. That was a good reaction right? It meant Hoseok was embarrassed but pleased.
“Type in your number. I’ll text you for our next date.” This was a good time to get his number, the mood set emotionally romantic. Plus, he wanted to take control of their dates. Can’t have them clash with his other...hobbies.
Hoseok typed in his number while Yoongi noticed it was really dark. He’d be a gentleman if he accompanied Hoseok to his home right? He didn’t get the chance to ask because Hoseok brought him out of his thoughts.
“I live close by. Practically a five minute walk. I won’t get jumped either since it’s a populated neighborhood. What about you?” Hoseok asked him and Yoongi briefly wondered why Jungkook didn’t wait for him or bothered to text him.
Then, in a street away, he saw a corvette. It was red. That was definitely Jungkook. Wait. Hoseok lived closed by. Realization drawn into his face.
“I think our dear brats intended for me to crash in at your place or to sleep with you.” He said but immediately wished he hadn’t said that last part. It would probably give Hoseok the impression that he did that often, which is not true at all. Thankfully Hoseok didn’t give it much thought and just laughed.
“That sounds like them.” Hoseok smiled at him and Yoongi couldn’t help but notice that it looked really sincere. Maybe it was. “But still, I could let you crash at my place or give you a ride home.” Yoongi shook his head, though he noticed Hoseok was actually concern for him. That’s good.
“No. I’m not crashing in at your place. I don’t want you to feel obligated. I want you to invite me in your house when you feel comfortable enough around me. I’m old fashion. My father beat it in me.” Serious yet humorous. He grinned for effect. He was told his gummy smile was charming. Saying he was old fashion would make Hoseok find him interesting.
“Besides, don’t point, but there’s a certain red corvette parked suspiciously a street away.” He nodded in the corvette’s direction and took delight at hearing Hoseok laugh when he saw it too.
“Jungkook will give me a ride, so don’t worry about me.”
“Alright. See you later then.” Hoseok smiled and started to walk away but hesitantly stop. “Text me later okay?”
“Trust me. I won’t forget.” He really won’t. His memory was top notch. Though he once again mentally grinned in triumph when he saw Hoseok turned red and walked away, saying a small bye. He supposed it sounded a bit flirtatious but he was just being honest. It worked in his favor anyway.
Yoongi took out his phone and made sure to look in the direction of the red corvette as he dialed Jungkook.
“...Hello?”
“I see you right there Jungkook. You’re not slick. Give me a ride home or I refused to look at any autopsies you show me tomorrow.”
“Fine.” Jungkook hanged up and Yoongi briefly wondered if he still had the detective and secretary with him.
The red corvette rolled up in front of the restaurant and stopped. The passenger window rolled down only to show Taehyung’s excited face.
“How did it go?”
“Great. Until I saw your face.”
“Rude.”
Yoongi opened the backseat door and got in, Jimin taking the moment to talk to him joyously.
“I knew you two would get along. Opposites attract, it’s practically written in destiny. Oh my gosh this is great! You two look so cute together. So what happened? Are you two dating now? I can’t believe this is happening!” Yoongi raised an eyebrow at the red head. Wasn’t Jimin contradicting himself by saying he knew they’d get along but can’t believe it’s happening? He passed it off as something people do on a regular basis.
“It was fine. I think we have something going on. I have his number.” That was his answer, but as always, it didn’t please the three brats.
“Just fine? Give us the details! I saw the way you looked at him when we introduced you two. Did you two make out inside the restaurant?” Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows at him.
“If that happened, they’d have been kicked out.” Jungkook said as he made a sharp turn. Yoongi still can’t believe Jungkook has a license with the way he drove sometimes.
“Nothing like that happened. We’re adults not teenagers.”
The car ride to his house was mentally tiring him out as the three pestered him nonstop. He only gave two or three word answers and found it amusing to look at their displeased faces.
“You’re no fun. I hope Hoseok will still like you even if you have a crappy personality.” Jimin stated as he pouted and Yoongi opened the car door and waved at them.
“See you tomorrow.” Jungkook practically yelled before driving off.
Finally. He was home. He unlocked the door and grabbed his car keys.
The dead body won’t clean itself up.
~~~~~~~
Yoongi came home at the early morning hours and decided to text Hoseok, a simple Hey it’s Yoongi , before sleeping less than four hours. He hadn’t meant to stay out too late but he was fortunate to witness a murder happen before him on his way home. It looked like a drug deal gone bad. He stalked the murderer to his home. He’ll be back to dispose him later.
His alarm woke him up and he dragged his body to the bathroom before heading to the kitchen to make his coffee. Coffee was truly a precious gift sent to mankind. It kept him awake and alive for when his murders took too long or when something unexpected happen like last night.
He checked his phone but saw no reply. He frowned. He was sure Hoseok was interested in him. Did he not read the signs right? Or maybe it was too early for Hoseok to see it? He did send the text around five am and it was around seven thirty…
A memory came back from last night. Hoseok was a dancer and owned a studio. Didn’t he say he opened his studio around ten am? That must be the reason why. Hoseok must still be asleep. He’ll wait till then. He can be patient.
He forgoed eating breakfast. It was Friday, they always had donuts for early shifts. He locked his house on the way out and turned on his black automobile and started heading out.
He waved and smiled to his early risen neighbors. It’s always good to be in their good graces. They’d vouch for him if something was traced back to him.
He arrived at the police department with five minutes to spare and greeted the receptionist on his way in. He’d stop and chat for awhile but his hunger kept that from happening as he went in the elevator to the third floor. The first thing he saw out of the elevator was Taehyung’s troubled face as he passed by with a pile of papers.
“Morning Yoongi. Bye Yoongi.” Normally he’d call out the other for the disrespect but Taehyung looked seriously worried. Yoongi eyed the detective as he headed to their chief’s room. Something big happened and it wasn’t pretty. He checked in using his work ID and noticed Jimin still wasn’t here, his receptionist desk empty of its owner. He headed to his small laboratory placed in the back.
He saw Jungkook at his desk, and for once it wasn’t a mess. Jungkook was quickly scribbling something down, a police report he noticed. He greeted Jungkook, who was startled at his appearance and blinked wide eyes at him.
“Are you okay? What’s going on? I saw Taehyung heading to the chief’s office.” Act concern at first and then ask for the situation. It’s surprisingly helpful for every situation.
“I’m fine. Well not really. After I dropped off Jimin and Taehyung at their apartment complex, I noticed some dude huddling in an alley nearby with a bag in hand and got into his car. I know I shouldn’t have immediately be suspicious for his behavior but it's the police instincts in me.” He nodded for effect and Jungkook continued.
“So I stalked him and it lead me to garbage world, where all our shit is at and I was about to leave because you know, it was probably nothing, but then the guy, instead of just throwing away his trash, he parks his car and gets off and heads inside to where all the other garbage was. So I followed him in there because my gut was telling me something was seriously wrong.” Judging from the look of disgust, Jungkook hadn’t been happy about that.
“And this dude, just went in…like he knew his way around…like he had done this before… And that’s when I knew something was wrong. I didn’t arrest him immediately because I wanted to know what he was doing. And after walking awhile the dude finally stops in front of all these other garbage bags and leaves it there. I waited for him to leave and picked up the garbage he left.” Jungkook said quickly and just suddenly stopped. That’s odd. Usually Jungkook has no filter to what he has to say.
“Hyung...I opened the bag and at first I thought ‘hey maybe they’re just drugs’ but hyung.” For the first time since Jungkook joined the department, he saw a worried look on the usually confident officer who loved challenges.
“Hyung, they were body parts . Real human body parts.”
Yoongi was silent at that revelation. Unable to process anything from the other’s statement.
“It doesn’t stop there. The dude placed this bag in a certain area and I thought what if they’re all the same thing?” Jungkook closed his eyes, as if unable to imagine what he had gone through. “There were a total of twenty-six bags that contained body parts. Possibly more if I missed anything.”
It was a serial killer. Who else would leave body parts like that? If there was one thing he learned about being a serial killer, was that practically all of them wanted to get caught. They live off of it. His father, perhaps knowing what he might grow into, practically planted the seed of being discrete and to never get caught. It’s what made him evade the police after all these years. It’s what made him decide to hide in plain sight.
“It’s a serial killer.” He said it because he was sure Jungkook was looking for affirmation. Jungkook’s face turned into a pinched expression.
“Yeah. That’s the only logical conclusion. I was ordered to drop off several bags in your lab. The other bags are still being looked through. They want your report on them by tonight if possible. And they want the identity of each body bag. They’re going to announce the news once everyone is here.” Jungkook said in a tired tone and he realized Jungkook must have stayed up all night. Yoongi could do nothing else but pat him on the back.
“We’ll catch this one. Don’t stress about it too much.”
“I can’t just not stress about it. I was too shocked about what I found that I couldn’t snap out of it and just arrest the fucker right then and there. No. Like the idiot I am, I just stared at the bodies. What good did I do?” Self guilt. Or was it blaming oneself? He never truly understood why people would blame themselves over situations they had no control over.
“You made us all aware that there’s a serial killer on the loose. That’s more than enough.” More importantly, Jungkook let him know that he wasn’t the only one picking people off the streets. It intrigued him that there was someone else like him. He definitely thought he was the only serial killer in Seoul.
“I guess. I’m going to get some coffee, I didn’t really sleep much…” And the young officer left to their break room.
Yoongi eagerly headed into his lab. It was exciting to examine someone’s else kills. Almost as if he was learning about the other serial killer through their common hobbies.
He opened the first one and stared in wonder. They were all cut up sharp and clean. Dry.
There was one logical conclusion he could come up with immediately.
The serial killer definitely had practice in the medical field. Just like him.
How exciting.
~~~~~~~
Yoongi had all the names of the bodies listed down. They were all male but they were all missing a thumb per person. That was the trophy for the serial killer.
It was odd to see someone else take thumbs for trophies. Though who was he to judge when he kept blood samples of all his targets. Speaking of, he needed another blood box. His was starting to fill up.
It was also obvious to point out that all the men the serial killer took shared some very obvious characteristics. Men in their forties, bald, and with family. This serial killer isn’t like him. The serial killer was doing this for personal reasons. Usually serial killers who pick a certain type to their victims, especially in physical attributes, always had some sort of background story for their reasons.
It could be said this killer was possibly abused by his father and was taking it out on men who looked like him. Or it could be for an insane reason, the killer idolizing his father to the point where they didn’t want to share their father. Or maybe the serial killer was also bald and had a family and is ‘killing’ himself for a purpose.
It was always hard to predict serial killers. Each one had their own little pattern. But he resonated with them. Could understand them even. It’s the police department that couldn’t understand.
“Everyone gather around the main hall, we’ve got a new case!” Ah. They were finally going to announce it. He checked the time on his computer and realized it was ten am. He blinked. He hadn’t notice the time pass by so quickly. It was understandable however, considering he was admiring the works of another killer.
He stood up with the list in hand as he headed out to the main hall. He nodded in greeting to the other officers as he walked towards Jungkook, who looked more alive and awake now.
“Hey, you feeling better?” Act concern.
“Not really.” Jungkook was still blaming himself. Yoongi let him be. The other will realize soon it was a problem that was out of his control.
“Alright everyone listen up!” Their police chief, Officer Lee, a muscular woman in her late thirties, gathered everyone’s attention.
“Last night, Officer Jeon made a shocking discovery. He found an estimate of twenty-six bags filled with body parts. He discovered them from following a trail that lead him to the local garbage pit.” She omitted the fact that Jungkook was following the man. Probably didn’t want the other officers to put the blame on Jungkook. She always so soft despite her hard exterior. “The bodies from what we know were all cut cleanly. And they were all found in the same place. What we know so far is highly unusual for it to be a simple murder case.” She paused, presumably to let the other officers digest the information before hitting them all with a harsh truth.
“We have a serial killer in our hands.” Shocked was registered first among the officers. Yoongi played the part of a worried coworker. Wouldn’t do for him to just act nonchalantly. They usually never have any serial killers. In fact, their last known serial killer was in the seventies. Everyone here had a reason to be worried.
“Officer Jeon, I want you to tell us where exactly you found these bags. We’ll set up a crime scene to try and figure out if there’s something that you missed. Officers Shin, Lee, and Sohn, I want you three to hang around the brothels and find some intel…” The chief kept giving out orders and Yoongi made a note of what position each officer was assigned to.
He honestly didn’t think they’d find anything more in the garbage pit. If this killer was anything like him, they wouldn’t leave any obvious clues that could link it back to them. Also, it was curious how the killer managed to stay anonymous after killing so many, especially if the killer dropped off the bodies in a place where anyone could walk in.
Maybe they were the sort that wanted attention? Recognition for what they’re doing. An attention seeker killer.
“Min, I want your report by tonight if possible.”
“Yes chief. I’ve already gotten the names of the bodies in each bag that were sent to me. They were all bald man in their forties. And all of them had a family. This killer is staking out specific victims. We should be on the lookout for others that fit this description.” He reported and handed the list to the chief.
“Good work Min. Everyone be cautious. We’ll get our hands on this killer soon. And get that son of a bitch in jail. Dismissed.” Always so crude as well.
He saw Taehyung discussing something with the other detectives as he tried to head back to his lab. Though not a step later, his stomach growled.
Oh. He had forgotten to eat.
“Let’s get something to eat hyung. I wasn’t able to eat anything either. We can take Jimin with us too. Tae will be too busy to eat now.” He didn’t argue back. He was too tired to anyways. His body finally screaming at him for neglecting to feed himself.
“Yeah alright.” He agreed and both headed towards the elevator, where Jimin had plastered on a fake smile for a civilian who looked like she couldn't be persuaded.
“Sorry ma'am, the police are doing everything they can to find your husband-”
“Then look harder! What good is the police if they can't do anything!” The woman shrieked and he felt bad for Jimin. He always had to deal with people coming into the police department and getting calls from unhappy civilians.
If it were him, these ungrateful people wouldn't live to see the next day.
“Ma’am they're trying their hardest and I advice you to not keep yell-”
“My husband is missing! I will not stand by and do nothing! Let me talk to the head chief here!”
“If that's what you want madam, I'll take you there.” And there Jungkook was, saving Jimin from a screaming harpy.
Jimin turned to Jungkook, a grateful expression on his face as Jungkook lead the angry woman to Chief Lee's office.
“She was very rude.”
“She was just very worried hyung. I wouldn't blame her.” And of course Jimin was always the sympathizer.
“Jungkook and I will be going out to eat. And he says Tae won't be able to eat anytime soon.” He left it there, making Jimin connect the dots and the invite hanging in the air.
“Then I'll join you guys. I'll go get Jackson to fill in for me in the meantime.” He nodded as he watched Jimin head back to look for Jackson, an officer assigned to the drug department.
He was sure the brats would have Jackson joined their little group if it wasn't for the fact that Jackson already had his own group of friends in the drug department. He preferred it this way. Jackson always made Yoongi uneasy. Not to mention Jackson was prone to use other people's phone without permission.
“Where's Jimin?” Jungkook asked as he came back.
“Getting Jackson to fill in.”
Jimin came back with Jackson in tow and they left the police department waving to Jackson. They argued about where to eat. Jimin wanted to try the new Italian restaurant that opened. Jungkook wanted his lamb skewers. Yoongi remained neutral.
“Hyung, tell Jimin we're getting lamb skewers!”
“No! We're going to that Italian restaurant!”
“I want both of your heads on a platter.” He muttered dryly. He was joking of course. Cannibalism was something he considered a few years back, even tried it once. It was disgusting. He'll never do it again.
The two gave him a pouted look before arguing once again and headed towards Jungkook’s corvette.
“Let's go to Seokjin’s café if you two can't decide on one.” Seokjin, his older brother, owned a café. A good one and he wasn't just saying that because he was biased. It was rated a four out of five from food critics and it's own customers. Unusually high for a café. Plus, he missed eating Seokjin’s special sandwiches.
“Fine. I've got a bone to pick with Namjoon hyung anyway.” Jungkook said.
At this, Yoongi raised an eyebrow as he shut the passenger door. Jimin slide in the back.
“Oh gosh. What did you do?”
“Me? Why is it always me? Namjoon hyung is just as destructive as I am.”
“But you're the idiot.” Yoongi commented. “Compare to the IQ of 148.”
“I thought it was 145?”
“No it's 148. I remember because it was the time-”
“Who cares! Listen, he made a bet with me, if I could arrest 50 people in one month, he'll give me free meatball sandwiches for life. For life!”
“What happened then?”
“I…. arrested 49.5 people…..”
Silence filled the car. Yoongi wondered once again if the rumors of Jungkook being bad at math were true. It was rare to see it.
“...why was it 49.5?”
“Because I arrested three people at once but I couldn't arrest one of them because there was nothing I could technically arrest him for. It was the last day too. I went to Seokjin’s the next day and Namjoon laughs at me and said ‘That’s technically 49.’ That cruel hyung.”
Jungkook never failed to amuse him. He snorted and he heard Jimin laughed.
“So that's why you were eager to patrol everyday last month.”
“I did it for the meatball sandwiches…”
Yoongi rolled his eyes. Jungkook was quite dramatic when he wanted to.
“Oh hyung by the way, did you text Hoseok? Huh? Come on, tell us!” Jungkook demanded cheerily.
Hoseok. That's right. He had been too focused studying the bodies that he neglected his phone. He pulled out his phone only to see 2 unread messages from two hours ago.
“I did. He texted me back.” Was his only response as he slide the screen to view the text.
[8:39] Hoseok: Goodness, do you really wake up this early for work?
[8:39] Hoseok: Or are you just a morning person? Because I gotta tell you, I’m not
He grinned. Hoseok telling him he wasn't a morning person could mean nothing at all but to him it did. It meant Hoseok is letting him know his personal life. What he does and doesn't do. Likes and dislikes. That's how relationships start off right?
[11:27] Yoongi: Trust me, I'm not a morning person at all.
[11:28] Yoongi: I was just really hungry and got something to eat before going back to sleep.
He texted back and pocketed his phone. Hoseok probably won't be responding anytime soon. Not until his lunch break or in between teaching classes.
He felt tensed, as if needles were close to pinning him. He looked to see Jungkook was staring at him, grin etched on his face. He frowned. He turned back and saw Jimin with the same expression.
“What?” They made him slightly uneasy. He never liked being stared at.
“You were just grinning. I hardly ever see you grin.”
“I can't believe it. Hoseok is changing you. Oh my gosh Kookie our grumpy grandpa is falling in love. That's so sweet.”
They both teased him. He refrained himself from taping their mouths. He didn't say anything back. Jimin will no doubt take his silence as embarrassment for his statement. And knowing Jimin, he'll spill the beans to Hoseok about it. That'll put him in a good light with Hoseok.
Jimin grinned at him knowingly.
“You know, Hoseok was texting me last night.”
“Yeah?” He was curious to know what Hoseok said about him. He played along with Jimin. Pretending to be embarrassed yet interested and nonchalant about it.
“Yeah. He said you were incredibly sweet and polite. Said you were cute too. He kinda waited for your text but ended up falling asleep.” They were all positive things.
“He’s the one that’s cute…” He purposely muttered and came to regret it when Jimin squealed.
“You two are perfect for each other! Oh my gosh you two are going to get married and have like ten children and I’ll be the most awesomest uncle ever-”
“If everything was going great, why the hell didn’t you two fuck last night then?” Jimin practically smacked Jungkook’s head for that, going on about crude language and his potty mouth.
It looked like Jimin was merely reprimanding the officer. He must not know about Hoseok’s ex. Or maybe he does but doesn’t know the extent of Hoseok’s abuser. Though he supposed it made sense. Hoseok probably didn’t want anyone to know about what he went through. The dancer only told him to set some clear boundaries to their relationship.
“Not everyone is sex obsessed like you.” He rolled his eyes at Jungkook’s undignified screech.
“I’m not sex obsessed! I’m a perfectly healthy twenty-one year old with an appropriate sex drive…” The officer went on, defending himself.
The two chattered nonstop and Yoongi remained silent, only answering when asked and made small comments to steer away from certain subjects.
They finally arrived at Seokjin’s café, Rain Café, an unusual name though it fitted quite well. He opened the doors to the café and spotted Namjoon upfront, taking orders, dimple smile in place to please his customers. The café contained only a handful of people. Though with lunch hour only being an hour away, the café will be packed with people.
“Namjoon hyung! You owe me meatball sandwiches.”
“I can't believe you're still not over that. Oh wait, I can. It's nice to see you Jiminie, Yoongi hyung.”
“Don’t ignore me-”
“Hey, Jin’s in the back?” He said. He knew of course where Seokjin was. He was just making conversation.
“Yeah. Do you guys want your regular sandwiches?”
“Yes please. Thanks hyung.” Jimin smiled, ever the polite of the three.
“Hyung you said I could have free meatball sandwiches, don’t do this to me.”
He snorted at Jungkook’s pleading. The officer hardly ever begged or whined. It was amusing to see Jungkook act like it.
Namjoon only rolled his eyes.
“Alright fine, since you’ve arrested so many, I’ll give them to you for free the entire week. Starting today.”
“Yes!” And Jungkook proceeded to order three meatball sandwiches.
He took a seat at a booth near the counter. It’s where they always sit when coming to the café. Jimin took a seat in front of him, Jungkook following taking the seat next to him.
They were talking and Yoongi noticed the subtle way Jungkook smiled at the redhead.
When he said their love lives were a mess to Hoseok, he wasn’t joking.
It was the literal definition of a love triangle.
Jungkook liked Jimin. Jimin liked Taehyung. Taehyung liked Jungkook. And the love triangle repeated itself.
This has been going on for a year, ever since Jungkook joined their station. Before he even grew close to Jimin, he would always snort at the way Jimin tried to flirt with the detective. The thing is, Jimin was always so nice, it was hard to know if he was flirting or just being kind. It was because of that, Taehyung never noticed him that way. And when Jungkook joined their station and started arresting people at a successful rate, Taehyung grew smitten with the officer. And when Jungkook forced his way to be friends with him, the officer had confided in him that when he first walked into their station and saw Jimin smile, he had fallen hard.
So yeah. It was a mess. And complicated. And the worst part is, they were all oblivious to each other’s feelings. He wanted no part of their complex relationships that he had merely nodded at Jungkook’s admission and had started talking about lamb skewers.
It was Seokjin who had arrived at their table with their food.
“It’s been awhile since you’ve visited, especially you Yoongi, I haven’t seen you in almost two weeks! What kind of brother are you?” The kind that blew off visiting his own brother in favor of killing.
“I’m sorry. Work’s been really hectic.”
“You always do this to me. I worry about you all the time, and it’s like you don’t have a care in the world. If it wasn’t for the fact that you text every once in awhile to let me know you’re okay, I’d have gone to the police to look for you.” That’s actually why he texts Seokjin as often as he can.
“Don’t worry hyung, I’ll make sure he visits at least once a week.” Jungkook cuts in and he actually thanks the officer in his head. He loves his brother, though they may not be related by blood, he grew up alongside Seokjin in his caring parents. Especially his father, who taught him everything he needed to know. But sometimes, Seokjin can be overbearing.
“Come on Jin, give him a break.” And he mentally thanks Namjoon too.
“I promise to come to the café to see you once a week. Maybe more. Is that okay?” He can do that, see Seokjin during his lunch hours. He owes it to Seokjin anyways. Crime was very active these last two weeks.
“Fine. I’m holding you on that for the rest of your life.” And Seokjin sassed away behind their counter. He actually feels sorry for Namjoon. The blonde has to put up with his dramatic brother for the rest of his life as well. After all Seokjin and Namjoon were engaged.
“Enjoy your meal.” Namjoon merely smiles at them.
~~~~~~~
“You know, I still don’t get how Namjoon hyung isn’t like filthy rich.” Jungkook says as they head back to their department.
“What do you mean?” He hears Jimin’s confused voice in the backseat.
“The guy is insanely smart, didn’t he study to be a doctor? Got a degree and everything.”
It could have been really suspicious to Yoongi as well if it weren’t for that fact that Seokjin told him why.
“Jin told me it’s because Namjoon never wanted to do anything like that. Namjoon is smart, no denying that. He’s good at studying but he never wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, or any of that high paying careers. He didn’t enjoy it. He didn’t know what to do with his life until he met Jin. It sounds cheesy as fuck but Namjoon knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jin. He’s happy being a cashier at the café as long as he’s with Jin.” He’d have find the story ridiculous if it hadn’t been for the way Namjoon is always looking at Seokjin. Even he could tell the man was infatuated with his brother. Still is.
He was met with silence. Then Jungkook spoke.
“I now respect Namjoon twice as much.”
“And to think you kept complaining about him. That’s so sweet though.” Jimin said in a dreamy tone.
It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the station. Jimin had with him a sandwich, saying Taehyung probably won’t have time to get something to eat. Jungkook offered to give it to the detective since he’ll be seeing him on the way to his desk. To which Jimin thanked the officer for. Jungkook’s face brighten considerably at that. But Taehyung will no doubt be ecstatic that it was Jungkook who offered to give him the food, despite the fact that Jimin bought it.
This is why their love lives are a complete and utter mess.
He was suddenly extremely grateful for the simplicity of being with Hoseok.
Hoseok. He’ll need to check his phone once he was in his lab.
It’s only when he arrives at his lab, that he hears a woman crying quietly. He turns to see the same woman from before, sobbing with her head in her hands and another woman comforting her.
“Poor woman. She was going on about how her husband was missing for almost a week only to find out he was found dead. Our resident serial killer got him. The patriarch killer.” Jackson told him as he passed by with a handful of files.
“Wait, the chief told her the serial killer did it?” Shouldn’t they keep quiet about it? Letting people know will only cause panic and make the serial killer be extra cautious to lead them off their tail. And the Patrich Killer? That must be the name they dubbed for the serial killer.
“Yeah. She wants to make it public soon. To keep everyone aware of the fact that there’s a killer running around in Seoul. Taehyung wants to see you.” He mentally frowns at Jackson’s statements. If they go public with it, it’ll only be more difficult for them to track down the killer. More difficult for him, since he wants the opportunity to talk to the killer.
Yoongi walks over to Taehyung, who literally looks like he’s only alive because of the coffee mug sitting on the edge of his desk, the sandwich from Jimin is next to it.
“Hey, you needed me?”
“Hyung, I was looking at some of the body bags and lucky me, I found a small hair strand. Can you identify its DNA? It could just be from the body, but the hair color was just a tad too light. If I’m right, this whole case might be over sooner than we thought.” Taehyung tiredly grins at him, exhaustion clear in his eyes.
Yoongi nods.
“Yeah. I’ll let you know in an hour or so.”
~~~~~~~
What a disappointment. The hair strand was indeed from the serial killer himself. A man by the name of Kuk Chunso. Thirty-three years old, lives alone, and works at a clinic. Went into medical school and got his degree. Father died when he was sixteen. Mother died at childbirth. No other living relatives.
He sighed. Kuk Chunso had probably grown overconfident, and missed the small detail of leaving a hair strand behind. It caused him his downfall, because now the police department will know his name.
He looked at the man’s profile on the brightly lit screen of his work computer. Dark hair and brown eyes. He took a moment to memorize every detail of the man’s face before turning off his computer.
The police department can wait for a bit. He wanted to have a chat with Kuk Chunso. A talk between serial killer to serial killer.
He left his lab and approached Taehyung, who smiled eagerly at him, face expectant.
Yoongi faked a sorry expression.
“It wasn’t him. The hair belonged to the victim.”
He watched Taehyung’s expression morphed into hopelessness.
“But I’m sure if you kept looking, eventually you’ll find something else. The fact that you found this must mean the killer was growing placid. He was probably overconfident in the fact that no one will ever find the body.”
“Hmm. Lee brought in some more body bags that we missed an hour ago, I’ll take a look through those. Thanks hyung.” And Taehyung left to the evidence section.
Yoongi pondered this. Taehyung trusted him too easily.
He wasn’t going to be discovered anytime soon.
He checked his phone, seeing a message from Hoseok.
[1:05] Hoseok: Huh. I didn’t peg you to be a midnight snack type of person.
He really wasn’t. But he couldn’t just tell Hoseok he had murdered a man the night before now could he?
[4:55] Yoongi: Don’t tell me you haven’t woken up at random times of the night and wasn’t hungry.
If he visits the serial killer tonight, he’ll need to have a cover.
[4:56] Yoongi: I’ll be out of work in about two hours. You said you have to teach evening classes as well right? How about a late dinner?
He’s pretty sure Hoseok will say yes. Until then however….
He walks over to Jimin, who despite the obvious boredness in his face, still wore a polite smile.
“Hey, do you know any quiet and romantic restaurants?”
Jimin squeals in a very undignified way.
~~~~~~~
Hoseok had replied to him in a way that said he was ecstatic about the night. Saying he’d wait for him at seven-thirty sharp.
He turns in his report to the chief at the end of the day, a simple report about how the bodies were cut, and locked up his lab for the day. He sees Jungkook talking to Jimin on his way out.
“So about that Italian restaurant you were talking about earlier, do you want to go after work?”
“Sure! I’ll invite Taehyung to come with us, I’m sure he’ll be twice as hungry.”
“Well, I mean, sure….”
“See you guys tomorrow.” He waved to them on his way out but was stopped by Jungkook’s hand on his elbow.
“Wait, you want to come with us?” He could see Jungkook silently pleading for him to come and distract Taehyung. He scoffs internally. He’d never do something like that. Unless it benefited him.
“No. I’m going on a date.” It felt weird to say those words. It’s been a long while since he was on date.
“Come on hyung you’re not going to do anything but laze around and sleep- woah hold up, on a date?” Jungkook’s eyes widen. He turns to Jimin. “Did I hear that right? Did you hear that too?”
“He’s going on a date with Hoseok.” Jimin had said with a bright smile, eyes turning to crescents.
“Yes. I’m going on a date .” He emphasized the date part because he was an asshole and he knew it.
Jungkook scowled at him, catching the intended message.
“Have fun.”
“Tell me how the date goes later on hyung!”
~~~~~~~
“Honestly I didn’t even know the kid could split that good! I told him he should get into ballet but he thinks it’s just for girls. I don’t think he realizes the amount of muscle and precision that goes into all ballet dancers. In fact I know a couple of guys with muscles that could rival bench pressers.”
“Oh no. Am I going to have some competition?”
Hoseok laughs at this.
“Muscled men aren’t really my type.”
“Thank goodness. I have never lifted before. I wouldn’t stand a chance.” Lies. He’s able to pull and carry if necessary an average human male. He’s done so before.
“You look way too thin though. No offense. You should eat a lot more than a simple soup.”
Normally he’d have ordered something heavy but doing so will make him nauseous for doing some heavy lifting afterwards. And after what he’s planning to do today, he can’t take that chance.
Still, Hoseok was worried about him. That’s a plus point for him.
“I ate a big lunch. I just….wanted to see you today.” Lies. Well partly lies. Meeting up with Hoseok as often as he can will implement a sort of affection between them.
He smiles sheepishly.
Hoseok turns red and smiles at him shyly.
“Me too.”
He was being polite, considerate, and charming. Or at least, he thinks he is. Qualities people look for in a relationship. And after the abuse of Hoseok’s last relationship, of course Hoseok would miss him.
So he gives a charming smile at Hoseok.
“So how long have you been dancing?”
They talked. Trivial things and about nothing at all. He knows Hoseok has a sister who lives in Seoul as well and parents that live in gwangju. He knows the brunette’s favorite color. Green. He notices how Hoseok may be a little insecure and he notes to himself to compliment the other as often as possible. Hoseok is passionate about dancing since he was a kid. He had considered becoming an idol but decided not to when he finally realized he was gay. He knows Hoseok is scared by a lot of things.
He even notices the slight change in Hoseok’s personality. He was wary at first, tense, but he was relaxed now and smiled a lot more. He had a bright personality. One that was crushed under the abuse and was just now putting itself together.
And he tells Hoseok about himself as well. He tells him about Seokjin and his adopted parents. How much he admired his father, who was a police officer. How they both passed away of old age.
And then he lies and tells Hoseok the reason why he’s a forensic pathologist is because his father had considered being one. He lies when he says every life matters. He lies when he says he was a bit squeamish of blood at first, but has grown used to it.
But he tells the truth when he says he likes photography. And no matter how much he’ll deny it to Jungkook, he actually likes lamb skewers. He tells Hoseok he enjoys binge watching tv shows on the rare occasions. He tells him how much of a night owl he is.
Their dinner ends soon after.
“Thanks for dinner hyung. I didn’t even know a restaurant this good actually existed.”
He makes a mental note to thank Jimin when he sees him because the food was actually good. He had been expecting a subpar meal, at least average. But it blew his expectations the first bite.
He takes a moment to observe Hoseok, who had no doubt changed outfits because he couldn’t imagine the other wearing jeans while dancing. It let him know how much Hoseok wanted to look good for their date. Presentable. He’s glad for a moment that he had decided to wear a black sleeved button up shirt for the day instead of a plain shirt.
“If you think their food is good, you should try my brother’s food. He doesn’t just make sandwiches, he’s a really good cook as well. I’m sure he’d like to meet you.” Speaking of, he’ll need to tell Seokjin about Hoseok. His brother didn’t take surprises too well.
He notices too late, that he practically invited Hoseok to meet his only living family member. He mentally curses at himself. What if Hoseok thought he was pushing things too fast?
“I’d like that. If your brother doesn’t mind that is.”
Relieved, he smiles at Hoseok.
“It’s a date.”
~~~~~~~
He sees Hoseok’s house in view as he slows down. The lights of his car brightening the peaceful neighborhood.
At this point, he doesn’t really know what to say. Or do. Should he walk Hoseok to his door? Would he be pushing things too far if he tried to kiss Hoseok goodnight?
He really wished he had paid more attention every time Seokjin talked about his dates.
But his answer was already given to him. Hoseok looked unsure of himself.
Trying for a kiss would only end badly at this point. Especially if Hoseok wasn't ready.
So he smiles at Hoseok, hoping it looks reassuring.
“Goodnight Hoseok.”
Hoseok then looks guilty.
“I…we… We could….”
“Don't. I understand. I'll wait.” He smiles a bit more softly.
Hoseok opens the car door, and he's sure for a moment their night ended, when the brunette in a split second, leans over him, lips in contact with the corner of his own.
He's flustered. He hadn't anticipated this at all. It leaves him speechless.
Hoseok smiles shyly at him as he walked out his car.
“Goodnight Yoongi.” And Hoseok waves at him before closing the car door and heading to his own house.
He manages to wave back, only out of courtesy because he was still stupefied.
He watches as Hoseok disappear behind his door.
He grins to himself.
Hoseok surprised him. He couldn't predict him in that one moment. It was nice.
He leaves the neighborhood, thinking what Hoseok would do next to surprise him.
~~~~~~~
Yoongi watches as Kuk Chunso locked his house as he came home. The man looked tired, but also looked worrisome. He narrowed his eyebrows.
Chunso must have caught word that the police were after him. It turns out Chunso wasn’t as disappointing as he thought. The other man must have checked by the garbage pit sometime in the day and saw the police lingering around.
Yoongi parks his car a block away, turns off his car, and reaches into the backseat to pull out black gloves and a face mask. He had already changed attire, fitting into an all black outfit after making a quick trip to his house. He doesn’t bother hiding his hair. Practically everyone had black hair. He does however, take a knife with him. And a needle, just in case.
He puts on his gloves and face mask, and reaches back once more to get his lock picking utensils. He takes a moment to look at his surrounding, seeing no one around the dark neighborhood, and gets off.
He was careful to avoid the main road and stalked through the backyards. He sneaked into the backdoor of Chunso’s house, using his lock picking skills. He opened the door slowly, to not make any noise and closed it as soon as he was in. He pockets his lock picking utensils and walks into what looked like the kitchen. He sees a row of knives next to the microwave and after a moment’s thought, grabs one and hides it under his sleeve, his own knife under the other sleeve.
He follows a pathway that leads into the living room. The TV was on. Wherever Chunso was, he clearly intended to watch some show that was on.
So he decides he may as well just sit on the couch in the living room and wait for Chunso to appear, who he thinks may be changing into more comfortable clothing.
He didn’t wait too long and was graced with Chunso’s presence who had sweatpants and a tank top.
Chunso sits down on the sofa opposite of him, double takes and stands just as quick, reaching for a baseball bat that lingered behind the couch. It’s a good thing he brought his knife.
“Who the fuck are you!? Get out of my house before I call the police!”
He smirks at Chunso, sure that the other man would see it even through the face mask.
“Call the police on me and I call them on you too.”
He sees Chunso’s eyes widened before turning stern.
“I’m only going to say this once. Get. Out. Or I call the police.”
“I’m just here to talk. As someone who shares your….interests.”
He sees Chunso’s expression turn to bewilderment. He was sure Chunso hadn’t been expecting that.
“You’re mistaken. I’m just an ordinary man.” He sighs. It looks like he’ll have to be straightforward.
“You’ve been killing people, taking their thumbs, and dumping them into the garbage pit.”
Chunso didn’t say anything for a moment. Neither of them did. Chunso sat back down slowly, looking at him warily.
“You said you share….interests. You kill as well?”
“Yes.” It felt weirdly satisfying to admit it.
“How did you find me?”
“You’re not careful with your surroundings. Luckily, it was just me.” Lies. But Chunso doesn’t know that.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing. Like I said, I’m here to talk. As a killer to another killer.”
At that, Chunso relaxes slightly.
“If it was anyone else, I’d have killed you without hesitating. But you...I can see it. It’s in your eyes. You’re just like me.” He blinked at that. He suppose it was a compliment.
“Why do you do it?” He was curious. Insanely so. What drove the other to kill?
“Because of my stupid father.” Ah. It was a father complex. But the tone of the other man was bitter. He didn’t admire his father at all.
“You’re father?” He questioned, egging the other to talk more.
“Yes. My dear old father. When I was a kid, everyone talked about how amazing their father was. How their daddy would take them out for fishing. How their dad would teach them how to ride a bike. How they had such a happy time with their father WHILE I WAS SUFFERING AND BEING ABUSED BY MY OWN BASTARD OF A FATHER!” Chunso raged.
Yoongi’s eyes narrowed slightly. From the way the other talked, it sounded like he still didn’t let go of the past. Not to mention, how quick he was to anger when just talking about his father. He supposed it was because there was no one the man could confide in. Not at least, without mentioning murder.
“I was always so mad and angry. I killed a man when I was fifteen. Because he was making fun of my face. It was all blue and purple and bloody because my father liked seeing me in pain and beat me EVERYDAY. So I broke a beer bottle and drove it to his neck. It made me so happy at that moment.”
“So happy I wanted to kill daddy dearest next. Only to find out my chance was robbed of me BECAUSE SOME DRUNKARD GOT TO HIM FIRST.” Chunso was laughing now. It was a maniacal laughter.
“So I decided If I couldn’t kill him at least, I’ll kill those who look like him. I’ll relive it over and over again. It’ll be just like I’m killing my father. And I get to do it again. And again. And again.” Chunso was smiling. Or more accurately, smiling very insanely.
He frowned at this. The conversation wasn’t exactly going the way he expected. Chunso choose to kill because he was feeling robbed of killing his father himself. That’s not exactly a good purpose to kill. Chunso was stuck on the past. And was clearly not willing to let it go.
Chunso will have to die. The man’s purpose in killing wasn’t meaningful. It was pettiness and a revenge that was taken.
“You’ve never told anyone else this?” First, a distraction.
“How could I? No one could understand what I do. What I have to do. But you. I see it in you. You understand.” He understood killing, yes. But his purpose….was because he needed to do it. To quench his blood thirst. And to rid the world of sinners. Chunso’s reasons weren’t outstanding to him.
To him, Chunso didn’t register as an equal anymore, but a prey.
He stood up. Dramatics and distractions to keep Chunso unaware of what he was about to do.
“I do understand. Killing is a beauty, something to reverent. It is an act of which only so few do with purpose. But this is where we differ, my purpose in doing so is for a good reason, I respect it. But you, you do it for yourself. Because you want to. Not because you need to.”
He doesn’t give Chunso the chance to fight. He uses Chunso’s knife to embedded into the other man’s wrist with precision. He would have preferred to drug Chunso and do it in his….ritual way. But he couldn’t risk Chunso out of his sight.
Chunso rages but Yoongi locks down Chunso. Pinning him to the sofa. He made sure the blood spilled all on the sofa.
“Shh. It’s okay. I’m saving you by doing this. You won’t have to torment yourself any further. I’m freeing you.” He was well aware how his words sounded to him. But they were a truth in regards to Chunso.
The life out of Chunso’s eyes faded away.
He stood up. And grabbed his needle. Another entry to his blood box.
He takes a look around, making sure nothing could trace back to him. He looked for any of his hair strands and found one on the sofa he was sitting on. He tucked the hair strand away in his pocket.
He places Chunso’s hands around the sofa carefully.
The police will see it as a suicide. That Chunso found out the police found his body bags and wanted to kill himself before the police could discover him.
He leaves through the back door, locking it on his way out.
It’s such a shame. He had hoped Chunso would have been like him. Oh well. That’s one down for the night.
He still had to murder the man he tailed home the other night. He didn’t forget about the man who murdered when his drug deal went bad.
~~~~~~~
Once again, he arrived home in the dark hours of the morning. Well earlier than he did yesterday. He sent Hoseok a text
[2:58] Yoongi: If you feel like watching a tv show to binge on, I’d recommend Sherlock. Before you ask, yes. I did just binge watch it.
It was a lie. Partially. He did watched the latest season couple of days ago. The show was intriguing. Sherlock would have made a damn good serial killer.
He opens his ventilation, which for some reason was designed to be placed in his walls instead of the ceiling. But they made for a good hiding spot to place his blood box.
He places his blood samples in there, and puts it inside the ventilation.
Now, he’ll sleep. He needs it badly.
~~~~~~~
“Hey Taehyung, found any leads?” He looks at Taehyung’s eager expression.
“Yes! I found another hair strand and this one is definitely the killer's because the victim was blonde. The hair strand is a darker color. Please check it for me hyung.”
He nods.
“By the way, here.” He gives Taehyung a bag of the detective’s favorite candies.
“Hyung, what?.....”
“For Hoseok. You know why. I don't know if Jimin or Jungkook told you, but I'm dating him now and-”
“Oh! Yeah! I saw you giving him the look hyung. I knew you two would hit it off. Treat Hoseok with respect. Something happened with his ex that he wouldn’t tell us about. Take care of him hyung.” He nods. He suspected Taehyung would notice something off about his friend. Being a detective and all. Maybe he knew the extent of the abuse.
“Of course I will.”
~~~~~~~
They’re at Chunso’s house. Local police cars has been set outside and a crime scene tape around the house. Yoongi looks at Chunso’s body and sees that the blood has spilled onto the floor as well. The knife, just as he remembered, was embedded into the wrist.
Taehyung studied the body before him. Jungkook was outside keeping nosy neighbors away.
“Well?” Taehyung questioned him.
“Suicide. He must have found out we were tailing him. Didn’t want to get caught and took the easy way out. The blood pattern isn’t erratic. I don’t think anyone murdered him. He did it to himself.”
“But to just stab himself in the wrist with a knife and bleed out with all that pain….” He sees Taehyung’s expression as the detective concentrated on the knife.
“He’s a serial killer. Pain probably wasn’t a concept to him. And it’s not like we can predict serial killers.”
“Hmm yeah you’re right. I’m glad we closed up this case a lot sooner. Jungkook will stop blaming himself then….” He was sure he wasn’t meant to hear that last part. Still, he felt a satisfaction at knowing Taehyung believed his words.
“I’ll tell the chief he’s dead. She’ll probably decide to release it to the press. To give us a good reputation.”
“Honestly, our reputation could go either way. People will probably call us lazy and ignorant of the fact that a serial killer was on the loose for this long.”
“But we caught him as soon as we found out there was a serial killer. It shows that we’re competent.”
“I suppose you’re right….”
“You’re just cynical about everything hyung. I’ll leave the body to you.” And Taehyung left Chunso’s house.
~~~~~~~
“Are you serious!? Look at this! “The patriarch killer was believed to have killed over fifty innocent men, leaving the public to question what the Seoul police are doing to have ignored this for so long” That’s bullshit! We caught him! And they’re slanting us for this!?” Jungkook said as he slammed his phone on the table. He saw Jungkook grimace at the loud noise when his phone connected harshly to his desk. Jungkook’s strength is indeed frightening.
“You’re only focusing on the bad side of this. Have you seen channel-” Taehyung was cut off by Jungkook’s angered tone.
“But this is the number one site people go to for news! They’ll be trash talking us and calling us stupid for not knowing about it sooner!”
“Calm down Kookie, this will all blow over soon. At least we caught him before any major damage was done to us. It’s terrible that we couldn’t saved those he killed, but we saved lives he could have killed.” Jimin interrupted.
Jungkook took a deep breath and sighing slowly, anger practically leaving his body.
“Yeah. Okay. You’re right.” Jungkook sighed once more, resigned.
“It just sucks. We caught the bad guy. We’re the good guys. And the media is making us look like the bad guys for not noticing it sooner.”
“The chief really shouldn’t have released it to the press.” He says. All it did was gave them a bad spotlight.
“Someone would have leaked it anyways.” Tae said.
That was also true. He guessed it was better for the police to release it before anyone else did.
“Well, what’s done is done.” Jimin says.
Exactly. They couldn’t do anything about it now. It was up to the public to decide what their view was on them.
~~~~~~~
[5:02] Yoongi: Hey, I won’t be able to pick you up today. I’ve got tons of paperwork to do.
[5:02] Hoseok: It’s fine. It’s the serial killer case right? Jimin mentioned it to me.
[5:04] Yoongi: If Jimin told you, then you know how the media is treating us. We’re trying to fix the backlash. They have me staying late to help. I probably won’t be out till 9.
[5:06] Hoseok: Honestly, the people should be thankful you guys found him out.
[5:06] Hoseok: Can you….can you come by and visit? I just...really want to talk to someone.
Yoongi blinks at that. What could Hoseok want to talk about?
[5:06] Yoongi: Sure
“You’re meeting up with Hoseok today?” Taehyung cuts into his thoughts as Yoongi was slightly startled. Keyword being, slightly.
“Yeah. We were suppose to meet up earlier but with all this workload….”
Taehyung pats him on the back.
“Work faster then hyung.” Tae smirks at him before heading to the chief’s office, presumably to talk about how to deal with the media and press conference they were going over tomorrow .
It’s about to be nine and it turns out the paperwork was a lot more than expected, he sighed and was about to text Hoseok when a stern voice called him.
“Min. You’re free to go.” He glances up and sees the chief staring at him.
“But...I’m not done with the-”
“I know. But you have a date tonight. And in my long years of knowing you since you started working here, I have not once seen you with anybody. So leave.”
He couldn’t hide his baffled expression. But he recovered quickly and started packing up his things.
“Have fun hyung.” He turns to see Taehyung.
Of course. It was Taehyung who told the chief.
“I owe you one.” He says.
“You don’t owe me anything. I’m just glad Hoseok makes you, well, livelier. And I didn’t want Hoseok’s next boyfriend to be someone who loves work more than him. He deserves better.” And with that finality, Yoongi leaves.
At those words, he’s pretty sure Taehyung knows. Taehyung was trained for this kind of stuff, to learn and know human behavior. It was ironic how the detective couldn’t see the love triangle between himself, Jimin, and Jungkook.
He arrives at Hoseok’s house five minutes after nine and knocks.
Yoongi is smiling. The last time they met up, Hoseok had kissed him. Granted, not on the lips but it was a sweet gesture that caught him off guard.
His smile fades when Hoseok opens the door, the brunette is visibly tense.
He frowns.
“What’s wrong?”
“I…well come in first.”
Hoseok widens the door and Yoongi doesn’t miss the fact that Hoseok almost flinches when he walks in.
“Please sit. Do you want any water? I don’t have anything else since I’ve been busy with preparing for my next tournament and making a new dance routine for my classes.” Yoongi nods, confuse at Hoseok’s behavior as the brunette disappears into what looks like the kitchen.
It looked like Hoseok was scared…of him? That couldn’t be it.
He sits down on Hoseok’s soft red couches, taking the moment to observe the dancer’s house. Pictures were lined up on the wall. Hoseok’s family, he presumes. The design and layout of the furniture looked modern, but nothing expensive. He sees a collection of figurines in a corner. Hoseok is a collector it seems.
“Here.” He grabs the water bottle given to him and sets it aside as Hoseok sat down next to him.
He waits for Hoseok to start.
Hoseok isn’t looking at him. The dancer was staring at his hands.
“There was a clinic that I used to go to a couple of months back. It was after….the whole ex thing….and there was a nurse there who was really kind to me and nice. His name was Kuk Chunso.”
He freezes at that. He only manages a slow nod.
“I was seeing a therapist there and Chunso would keep me company. I thought it was weird how this guy would just randomly talk to me when there were other patients too. And a couple of days after, he asked me out.”
No matter how many scenarios he ran in his mind, this was something he never anticipated.
“I said no.” Hoseok sighed shakily. “I said no because I didn’t want a relationship right after…I was still afraid-I still am. And now, I can’t help imagine what would have happened if I had said yes because I wanted to. And now I-” Hoseok cut himself off and Yoongi takes that moment to embrace the other.
Hoseok shakes his head, eyes shut tight, and grabs his hands tightly before he can embrace the other.
“And now I can’t help but think you’re like him too. I know you aren’t but I’m just-I’m just so scared. ”
Hoseok was crying, shaking as his tears rolled down his cheeks.
Yoongi is out his depth. Chunso had asked out Hoseok. Did he do it because he too saw how broken Hoseok was? Did he do it because he wanted someone easy to manipulate?
He concluded one answer. Chunso wanted to do it for the same reasons he did.
Now, he needs to play the supportive boyfriend. The one that will stand by Hoseok’s side no matter what.
“Hoseok.” He said it in a soft tone. “Look at me.”
He gently cups Hoseok’s face. He’s staring right into the brunette’s glossy eyes.
“I need you to know that I’m nothing like that.” Lies. “I will always be by your side. I would never do anything to harm you.” Not a lie. “Trust in me.” He kisses Hoseok’s hands, his palm, his knuckles. Hoseok needs reassurance. He’s giving it to him.
Hoseok has stopped shaking. The tears have lessen.
“I’m sorry….”
“Don’t apologize. Don’t be sorry for being scared.” This time, he pulls in Hoseok for an embrace. The brunette didn’t struggle against it.
He nosed Hoseok’s hair, as the brunette hid his face on his neck.
“Know that I’m here to protect you.” To protect Hoseok by killing others that make Hoseok uneasy and broken.
“I’ll be here to chase your fears away.” To murder all his fears.
“I’m here to keep you safe.”
It’s at this point that he realizes something.
He’s grown fond of Hoseok.
And he’d do anything to make Hoseok happy.
He wonders, how far he will go for the other’s happiness.