Chapter 51

In the quiet grandeur of their ancestral mansion, RM returned wearily, his steps heavy with burdens unseen. The dimly lit hall welcomed him with the soft glow of chandeliers, casting shadows on the faces of his waiting brothers. Each one bore a mixture of concern and curiosity, yet RM could not muster the strength to meet their gazes.

With his head bowed, he stood before them, a solitary figure in the midst of their collective presence. Questions hung in the air, unspoken but palpable, ready to pierce the silence. However, Jin, the eldest, and Yoongi, the ever-wise, exchanged a knowing glance that spoke volumes. With a gentle smile, Jin's voice broke the tension, "Go to sleep, Joonie. You must be tired."

A sense of relief washed over RM as he bowed in gratitude before retreating to his chamber, his footsteps echoing the weight of his thoughts. Jimin, ever observant, voiced the concern that lingered in their hearts, "Is he okay... right now?"

Jin, his tone carrying a blend of assurance and concern, replied, "He is not. But he will be."

The bond among them transcended words; it was a language of shared experiences and unspoken understanding. They knew when RM struggled, even when words failed to convey his inner turmoil. And so, despite their curiosity, they chose silence, offering their presence instead of probing questions.

The following day dawned, the mansion awakening to a new sun but RM's room remained quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling preparations of his brothers getting ready for a crucial meeting. Hoseok's inquiry hung in the air, "They will come today, right?"

Jin, ever the responsible leader, confirmed, "Yes, they will arrive by 10. We should leave."

As they readied themselves, concern for RM lingered like a cloud, especially evident in Jungkook's hesitant query, "He will be okay? They are coming... He won't have a problem, right?"

Yoongi, known for his silent wisdom, responded with a comforting hum, though his eyes betrayed a hint of worry.

Meanwhile, RM stirred from his slumber, greeted by the morning's light filtering through his window. His mind felt clearer, the weight of the previous day's struggles slightly eased. A new resolve took hold as he prepared himself for the day ahead. Yet, the absence of his brothers was a pang of loneliness amidst his renewed strength.

Descending the staircase, RM's eyes scanned the empty hall, but his phone held a surprise—a message from Jimin detailing their early departure for work. What caught RM's attention, however, was Jin's unexpected message: "We had work so we went early. Take care of yourself at work."

As RM entered the kitchen, his eyes fell upon the covered plates, and without a second thought, he reached for the Jjangmyeon noodles, eager to savor their familiar taste. Unaware of the brewing tension, he began to eat, the savory flavors momentarily transporting him away from the complexities of his world.

However, his peaceful moment was shattered when a figure with vibrant pink hair suddenly appeared, his expression twisted with anger at the sight of RM indulging in what he believed to be his meal. Without warning, the pink-haired boy lunged forward, his fists clenched in fury as he aimed a swift strike at RM.

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, RM instinctively defended himself, the clash of their movements echoing through the kitchen. Due to the commotion,four more came at the scenario.The other four individuals stood at the periphery, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness to intervene if necessary.

The fight unfolded with a mix of aggression and skill, the pink-haired boy showcasing his prowess while RM countered with calculated moves. It was not a fight to cause harm but a test of abilities, a clash of wills in the confined space of the kitchen.

As the intense clash between RM and the pink-haired boy subsided, a moment of mutual respect settled between them, their breathing synchronized in the aftermath of their adrenaline-fueled duel. With a silent nod of acknowledgment, they eased out of their defensive stances, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Good skills," RM remarked, his voice carrying a tone of admiration. "I am Kim Namjoon, the seventh and youngest member of the esteemed Bangtan team. And you are members of the renowned Cinq Punch, right?"

The pink-haired boy stepped forward, his vibrant hair a stark contrast against his determined yet now relaxed demeanor. "That's right," he replied with a grin. "I'm Choi Yeonjun, the one who guards his noodles like a dragon!"

Beside him, Choi Soobin, with his calm and collected aura, introduced himself with a nod. "I'm Choi Soobin, known for my strategic thinking and blue hair that matches my cool temperament."

Choi Beomgyu, with his distinctive black mullet hair, joined in with a playful wink. "I'm Choi Beomgyu, the mastermind behind our shenanigans and the one who adds a dash of mischief to our team."

Kang Taehyun, sporting silver hair that seemed to shimmer under the light, flashed a mischievous grin. "I'm Kang Taehyun, the silver-haired troublemaker who always keeps things interesting."

Hueningkai, the youngest among them with his bright blonde hair, added his energetic presence to the mix. "I'm Hueningkai, always ready for surprises and adventures, bringing a youthful spirit to our group."

As they introduced themselves, their distinct appearances and personalities painted a vivid picture of the Cinq Punch team, each member contributing a unique flavor to their dynamic. Their camaraderie shone through as they joked and teased each other, their bond growing stronger despite the initial clash between RM and Yeonjun. RM couldn't help but be impressed by the blend of skills, wit, and camaraderie that defined the group before him.

If you are the maknae here then your age is 25 , right? " Asks Kan Taehyun with big sparkly eyes.

"Yes, may I know your age. We should get to know each other"

"Sure, I am 24, Soobin 23, Beomgyu 22, Taehyung and Hueningkai 21." Said Yeonjun.

"Ohh! Then I am your Hyung. Others told me that you will be coming. So the rooms are prepared. You can keep your luggage in the five separate rooms. Also sorry for eating your food. But i am in a hurry as I have work. I can't skip it. I will buy you food some other day. It's a promise" Said RM

"No it's okay. There is more food in the bowl. It's okay, hyung. You can go to your work. " Said Yeonjun.

RM departs with a smile on his face. He likes this team. They all are so cute that he wants to protect them. When RM left while eating the five members looked at each other. They all wanted to say something but no one was bringing it up.

"I am right! My instinct is right? You all have that look, you also sensed it,right? " Asks Hueningkai being impatient about something.

"Stop jumping to guesses. It is just an assumption. We might be wrong. " Said Yeonjun in an commanding tone.

"It's okay. We will be careful. And don't do anything risky ,especially when alone. Don't ever. Got it, everyone" Asks Soobin. Others nod slowly while thinking of what to do.

Soobin and Yeonjun looked at each other and they both knew what the other had to say. They do not need words for understanding each other.

"Come on, let's eat. Then we need to wake up Joon-wo. He is sleeping currently. His waking time is 10:30. " Said Yeonjun and all of them started eating properly. Soobin smiles seeing his members eat and then he also starts eating.

Joon-wo's excitement bubbled over as he finally reunited with his beloved hyungs. His heart had ached during those endless days, longing for their presence. Countless video calls filled with eager questions about their return were all he had to hold onto. But now, they were here, and his joy knew no bounds.

"Bunnie hyung!! I missed you so much. I wanna play with you," Joon-wo exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with pure delight.

Beomgyu, always the playful one, teased, "Did Joonie only miss the big rabbit? What about your teddy bear?" His mischievous grin earned an eye-roll from Soobin, who couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

"I missed everyone. I wanna hug everyone," Joon-wo declared, his infectious laughter filling the room as he embraced each of his hyungs tightly, finding solace in their warm embraces.

Yeonjun, with his nurturing nature, enveloped Joon-wo in a tender hug, feeling the little boy snuggle into his neck. "Hungry! I wanna eat," Joon-wo announced with a wide grin, eager to share more moments with his cherished hyungs.

"Okay, okay, let's feed your little tummy something delicious," Yeonjun replied, lifting Joon-wo onto his shoulders, making him feel like he was soaring. The laughter that followed was music to their ears, a melody of happiness and togetherness.

Throughout the day, Joon-wo clung to his hyungs, unwilling to let them out of his sight even for a moment. His childlike innocence and longing for family tugged at their hearts, reminding them of the simple joys of companionship and love.

As night descended and Joon-wo drifted off to sleep, exhausted but content, the five members gathered downstairs, their bonds strengthened by the day's events. Their laughter and chatter filled the hall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The arrival of the Bangtan members added another layer of excitement to the evening. The clock striking 5 marked the end of a day filled with laughter, love, and the unbreakable bond shared by these brothers in arms. Joon-wo's presence had indeed filled their day with meaning and reminded them of the importance of cherishing every moment together.

The warm embraces and friendly punches exchanged among the members painted a picture of familiarity and brotherhood. Soobin, ever the caring one, immediately joined Jin in the kitchen to assist with dinner preparations. Meanwhile, Yoongi and Yeonjun delved into a serious discussion about the intricate details of their ongoing dealings with Byung-ho regarding drug transactions.

As the fragrant aroma of cooking filled the air, Jin, focused on his task of cutting vegetables for soup, couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Binnie, what happened that you needed to stay for an extra month? According to our schedule, you should have returned earlier."

Soobin's hands paused mid-motion, his expression clouded with thoughts that seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. For a moment, he seemed lost in a world of his own, the gravity of his responsibilities evident in his eyes.

"Hyung... we were... just checking on the information about Joon-wo," Soobin finally spoke, his voice carrying a mixture of determination and concern. "It required much time. We needed to change his name, his appearance, and all the details regarding his schooling. It's part of our precautionary measures. But this time, we underestimated the time needed, and that's why I got delayed."

His words hung in the air, carrying the weight of the secrecy and risks they faced in their line of work. Jin, understanding the unspoken burden Soobin carried, chose not to press further. With a subtle change of topic, they continued their kitchen tasks, their camaraderie unmarred by the shadows of their shared responsibilities.

The clinking of utensils and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables echoed a sense of normalcy amidst the complexities of their lives. It was a reminder that even in the midst of their clandestine missions and dangerous dealings, there were moments of simplicity and connection that bound them together as a family.

The store's fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over RM as he meticulously checked the inventory list, his mind focused on the task at hand. The arrival of a lone customer, clad in black and wearing a mask, caught his attention—a common sight in these uncertain times.

"It's..." the masked customer's voice trailed off, their cryptic words hanging in the air.

RM raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You had a good time?" he echoed, bemusement evident in his tone.

The customer's response was unexpected. "Excuse me?" They seemed taken aback by RM's question.

You did," RM affirmed, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious encounter.

Without further explanation, the enigmatic figure proceeded to the counter, paid for the juice bottle, and left, leaving RM slightly perplexed. "Kids these days, so weird," RM muttered to himself, shaking his head at the oddity of the encounter. "Who is he to decide whether I had a good day or a bad day?"

Meanwhile, in a secluded room, Park So-Hoon found himself at a crossroads. Bound by strict orders not to take any actions or engage in communication, the weight of his silence pressed upon him. However, the urge for answers and clarity grew too strong to ignore.

Fingers tapping with urgency, So-Hoon sent out messages, seeking understanding amidst the veil of secrecy that shrouded his existence. Each keystroke carried a silent plea for resolution, a desire to unravel the tangled web of intricacies that surrounded him.

Sender: Park So-Hoon

Recipient: Unknown (Blue Kill)

So-Hoon: "Why did the kidnapping fail?"Why are there no further steps taken?"

Blue Kill:"Everything is going according to plan. I just confirmed it.

So-Hoon: Explain all this?!!"

Blue Kill: "Then read carefully. My first step was to divide the group. Kidnapping Jungkook was not a failed mission. My aim was to capture Jungkook and then leave him. This all seemed like the plan, but in reality, the motive was different. Why would I capture JK? And if I captured him, why would I give the location myself plus having only a few of my men? I would have killed JK the moment he was in my hands. But that was never the plan."

So-Hoon: "So you deliberately captured JK so that RM would blame himself and others will also be angry at him."

Blue Kill: "RM was not at fault. I purposely told a few of my men to constantly be behind you and that little baby of theirs. RM saw that the men are behind you but were not taking action which caused the distraction. It was all my plan."

So-Hoon: "RM went to visit Hana all of a sudden, and when he returned, his condition was not looking good! This happened... Because of you. Am I right?"

Blue Kill: "Yep. He wouldn't have gone there if I did not loosen the spell on his memory orb. All the actions of RM were due to me."

So-Hoon: "Him going to part-time jobs also?"

Blue Kill: "I wanted Jackson to tell him about his past. RM was always surrounded by his brothers. Jackson did not take initiative to talk. So I was forced to take this action. Otherwise, I wouldn't have told my men to talk bad about RM in front of him."

So-Hoon: "You have already infiltrated your men into Bangtan!!"

Blue Kill: "Only three. One is already dead. That old chef. And infiltration, you say? It is called blackmailing. Who have been able to infiltrate into Bangtan till now. They dig up all the past while recruiting new people."

So-Hoon: "Your plan really worked. RM does not talk to the others that often. What is the next step?"

Blue Kill: "You really are naive. It will be only a few days that you will see him clinging to one of his hyung. They may seem apart, but they have full knowledge of others' well-being."

So-Hoon: "Even RM? How come he knows where his other hyungs are?"

Blue Kill: "Did you forget about the trackers installed in the mobile? He traced V and Hobi with them. He checks every two to three hours their location."

So-Hoon: "How do you know all this?"

Blue Kill: "I came to know recently about the trackers as I see him every day. I even visited him today. But he seemed happy to be. Not traumatized after learning a few things. That puzzled me.

So-Hoon: Maybe... Because of the Cinq team. He met them today. They even fought but it was a friendly one, only testing the water."

Blue Kill: "Fudge!! That damn punch-punch team. You just informed me that they will arrive in a week. But did not tell why?"

So-Hoon: "I also don't know. Yoongi just told me that they will in a week. He did not tell the reason. I can't take interest in a team I have never met before. He may grow suspicious. But can't you find out on your own?"

Blue Kill: "That's the problem. I know nothing about the Cinq punch team. They were never a part of the mafia. They joined as Bangtan's brothers. So I was unable to find out about their past or whatsoever about them. Fudge I even know about Bangtan, each and everyone but not about these five ones."

So-Hoon: "They were stuck in a foreign country for more than a month. Were you not the reason for their trouble?"

Blue Kill: "I wish I was. Fudge I don't even know their weakness or strength. I am blank about them. That's why they are the most dangerous for me."

So-Hoon: "Why do you say Fudge? Do you not curse?"

Blue Kill: "I... I don't. I don't curse."

So-Hoon: "You even stutter while typing. That's a cute habit for a psycho who kills anyone for no reason."

Blue Kill: "Shut up! Tell me as soon as you get any news on Cinq."

And with that, Blue Kill went offline, leaving So-Hoon with a mixture of frustration, curiosity, and a growing sense of unease as the intricacies of the situation unraveled before him, revealing the complexities of their hidden world.

The lingering tension in the air seemed to weigh heavily on So-Hoon's shoulders as he observed the interactions within the Cinq team. His instincts whispered caution, reminding him of the delicate balance he needed to maintain amidst the web of alliances and hidden motives.

Meanwhile, the clinking of utensils echoed through the dining area as the Bangtan members finished their lunch. So-Hoon's eyes shifted from one member to another, gauging their subtle expressions and the undercurrents of camaraderie and wariness.

"Oh no! Our food stock. They are almost empty," Jungkook lamented, his youthful charm momentarily overshadowed by concern.

Aishh! We had a long day. I am tired. I won't," Yoongi's tired voice cut through the room, reflecting the exhaustion that seeped into their lives due to the clandestine nature of their activities.

"Don't worry. We two will go. Others also need to buy some clothes and other personal stuff. We will go to a mart," Beomgyu offered, his words carrying a sense of responsibility and unity.

"That would be a big help. I will write the list right away," Yoongi asserted, taking charge with a calm demeanor that belied his sharp instincts.He tasked Jungkook with the list, prompting a comical reaction from the younger member.

"WHAT?"

"You said you will write the list," Jungkook says, his voice carrying a hint of expectation.

"You want banana milk included in the list or not?" Yoongi shot back with a mischievous grin.

"I will write the list, hyung. You take rest," Jungkook relented, sensing the underlying fatigue in Yoongi's demeanor.

With a nod of approval, Yoongi instructed them, "Take a car. And be back by 11. No long shopping."

Jungkook couldn't resist a playful jab, "You don't need to tell them. They are not kids, Grandpa." His emphasis on 'Grandpa' added a playful yet teasing tone to the conversation.

Caught off guard by Jungkook's remark, Yoongi's expression shifted to a mix of surprise and mild annoyance. However, before he could respond, Jungkook's playful antics got the better of him as he quickly made an apologetic gesture and dashed out of the room, leaving Yoongi with a bemused expression.

Beomgyu, always one to find humor in situations, chuckled and reassured Yoongi, "Don't worry, hyung. We will be back soon." His words carried a sense of camaraderie, easing the tension in the air.

With a shared understanding, the five members gathered their belongings and headed towards the car, their laughter echoing through the corridors as they embarked on their errand.

As the five members were looking for a mart to do the shopping, they spotted a familiar figure assisting customers at the counter in a mart.

"Look Namjoon hyung" Says Hueningkai like an excited kid.

"That is a mart. I guess we can do the shoppong their" Saud Taehyun and the others nodded while Soobin parks their car near the mart.

"Namjoon hyung?! You work here? Why?" Beomgyu's curiosity bubbled forth, his demeanor resembling that of an inquisitive bear.

"Hi, guys. I just do part-time. I am not joining the team due to some issues. You are here for shopping?" RM greeted them with a warm smile, despite the surprise of running into his younger brothers unexpectedly.

"Yes, our food stock is over. So we came to buy. Also, we five needed to buy some clothes and other stuff," Soobin explained, bridging the gap between casual conversation and their practical purpose.

"Okay. The clothes section is on the second floor. You can go through the lift in the corner," RM directed them efficiently while completing the last customer transaction.

Following RM's guidance, the five members ascended to the second floor and swiftly completed their clothing shopping in a span of 15 minutes. Afterwards, they proceeded to the grocery section to replenish their supplies.

"Hyung, you did not come for dinner. Do you eat outside?" Soobin inquired, showing concern for their elder brother's well-being.

"No, it's just because of my time schedule I can't leave alone. I am free in the evening as shifts change. But other times I need to be here," RM explained, shedding light on his work commitments.

"When is the closing time?" Soobin further inquired, trying to gauge if RM could join them for the journey back home.

"I am afraid you will be the last. It's almost 11," RM replied, hinting at the constraints of his work schedule.

"Then come with us, hyung. We brought the car," Soobin offered a solution, extending an invitation for RM to join them.

"Can I? Well, that will be good," RM accepted the offer with a grateful smile, glad for the chance to spend some time with his brothers outside of work.

"Sure, hyung. Everyone, quickly do the shopping, then we can go home altogether!" Soobin announced cheerfully, rallying the group for efficiency.

After completing their purchases and paying for the items, the five members swiftly loaded the groceries and other belongings into the car while RM prepared to close the mart.

As they stood outside, ready to depart, a sudden thick white smoke engulfed them, catching them off guard. Yeonjun's sharp instincts kicked in, recognizing the danger.

"It's sleeping gas! Cover your mouths!" Yeonjun's urgent warning echoed as the gas swiftly enveloped them.

Despite their quick reactions, the potent gas overpowered them, causing all six to faint, including RM. In a last-ditch effort to reach out for help, RM managed to dial Jin's number. However, before he could utter a word, darkness claimed him, leaving Jin's concerned voice echoing in the dimly lit alley, unheard by the unconscious Cinq team and RM.

Seokjin paced anxiously in the opulent halls of their mansion, his worry palpable as he relayed the unsettling phone call to the rest of the members.

"He's not picking up... I don't understand. He called, but I heard no voice. It's making me anxious," Seokjin expressed, his voice tinged with concern and frustration.

"Jin, just stop panicking. Jimin, you try calling the others. Jungkook, check the CCTV footage of the mart where Joon works. We have the connection to our laptop, right?" Yoongi's authoritative tone cut through the tension, immediately assigning tasks to streamline their efforts in finding out what happened to RM and the others.

Jimin and Jungkook nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly got to work, utilizing their skills and resources to gather any information that could shed light on the mysterious incident.

Meanwhile, So-Hoon, who had been silently observing the chaos unfold, couldn't help but be impressed by the swift turn of events orchestrated by 'that' person.

"He is so fast. Today he was whining that he can't get an upper hand on the Cinq team, and today only he kidnapped them. I must congratulate him on his new step," So-Hoon murmured to himself, a mix of admiration and intrigue coloring his thoughts.

Without wasting any time, So-Hoon decided to reach out to the 'particular' person.

So-Hoon: "You are so sly. In the evening, telling that you can't get an upper hand on Cinq, and at night, kidnapped them. How do you do this?"

Blue Kill: "Cinq got kidnapped!! How? When?"

So-Hoon: "If you did not kill them, then who did?..." his message trailed off, indicating his own confusion and curiosity about the unfolding situation.

The exchange of messages highlighted the intricate layers of deception and manipulation at play, with each character holding their own motives and secrets, ultimately leading to a gripping narrative filled with suspense and mystery.