Chapter 39

Jimin paced back and forth in the dimly lit warehouse, his eyes darting to his phone every few seconds. The room was filled with the low hum of his members working tirelessly to track Yoongi's location. Maps and blueprints were spread out on a large table in the center, with laptops and various gadgets scattered around. The tension was thick, everyone acutely aware of Jimin's growing frustration.

"Any luck?" Jimin asked, his voice strained as he approached one of his men hunched over a laptop.

The man shook his head, not daring to meet Jimin's eyes. "Nothing yet, boss. We're trying every possible angle, but he's gone off the grid. Whoever took him knows how to cover their tracks."

Jimin clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He felt like he was suffocating under the weight of his own helplessness. The thought of Yoongi in danger, possibly hurt or worse, gnawed at his insides like a relentless beast.

Taehyung, standing a few feet away, watched Jimin with concern. He could see the cracks forming in his usually composed friend. Jimin was teetering on the edge, his control slipping away with each passing minute that they failed to find Yoongi.

Jimin's phone buzzed, and he snatched it up, hoping for any news. It was a message from Simone, confirming that they still had no leads. Jimin's frustration boiled over. He threw his phone across the room, the device shattering against the concrete wall.

"Fuck!" Jimin roared, punching the wall beside him. His fist left a dent in the brick, blood smearing from his knuckles. The room fell silent, everyone too afraid to speak or move.

Jimin leaned against the wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The pain in his hand was nothing compared to the anguish in his heart. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

"Jimin..." Taehyung's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as he approached his friend. He placed a gentle hand on Jimin's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "We'll find him. We won't stop until we do."

Jimin turned to Taehyung, his eyes red and filled with desperation. "What if we don't, Taehyung? What if it's too late? I can't lose him. Not again."

Taehyung pulled Jimin into a tight embrace, holding him as he trembled. "We won't let that happen. We'll find him, Jimin. We have to believe that."

Jimin buried his face in Taehyung's shoulder, finally allowing the tears to fall. "I can't do this without him," he whispered, his voice breaking. "He means everything to me."

Taehyung held him tighter, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Jimin. And that's why we won't stop. We'll get him back."

The rest of the gang exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to handle seeing their usually strong and unflappable leader in such a vulnerable state. They knew they had to keep working, to push through their own fear and uncertainty for the sake of finding Yoongi.

After a few moments, Jimin pulled away from Taehyung, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "Alright," he said, his voice steadier. "Let's go over everything again. There has to be something we missed."

****

Jimin sat in a corner of the warehouse, his head in his hands. The room was busy with activities as his members continued their desperate search for Yoongi. Jimin's mind drifted, overwhelmed by memories of Yoongi. He saw Yoongi's smile, that bright, infectious grin that always made his heart skip a beat. He remembered the way Yoongi's skin felt under his fingers, soft and warm. He pictured Yoongi in his favorite outfits, the ones that made him look effortlessly stylish, and how he always wore the bracelet Jimin had given him before leaving Korea.

That bracelet.

Jimin's eyes widened as he remembered something crucial. He shot up from his seat, startling everyone around him. "The bracelet!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the warehouse.

Everyone turned to look at him, confusion written on their faces. Taehyung stepped closer, concern in his eyes. "What about the bracelet, Jimin?"

Jimin's mind raced. "The bracelet I gave Yoongi four years ago. It wasn't just a bracelet. It was a tracking device."

Gasps and murmurs spread through the room as everyone processed this new information. Taehyung's eyes widened in realization. "Do you think it still works?"

Jimin ran a hand through his hair, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "I don't know. It's been four years since I last used it, but it's our best shot."

He quickly turned to two of his men, determination replacing the fear in his eyes. "You two, go to my house. In my closet, there's a black suitcase. Inside it, you'll find the device that links to Yoongi's bracelet. Bring it here as fast as you can."

The two men nodded and rushed out of the warehouse, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Jimin watched them go, his heart pounding in his chest. He turned back to Taehyung, who placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"It'll work, Jimin. It has to," Taehyung said, his voice steady.

Jimin nodded, clinging to that hope. He couldn't let himself think otherwise. Not when Yoongi's life was on the line. He paced the room, his mind racing with thoughts of Yoongi. He remembered the day he had given Yoongi the bracelet.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited. Jimin could hardly sit still, his eyes constantly flicking to the door. Finally, the two men burst back into the warehouse, carrying the black suitcase. They hurried over to Jimin, who wasted no time in opening it.

Inside, nestled among various gadgets and documents, was the tracking device. Jimin's hands trembled slightly as he lifted it out, praying it would still work. He turned it on, watching anxiously as the screen flickered to life.

Everyone gathered around, holding their breath as Jimin activated the device. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a small red dot appeared on the screen, signaling the location of the bracelet.

Jimin's eyes filled with tears of relief. "We found him," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "We found Yoongi."

The room erupted in a mix of cheers and sighs of relief. Taehyung pulled Jimin into a tight hug, both of them clinging to each other with renewed hope.

"Let's go get him," Jimin said, his voice resolute. "We're bringing Yoongi home."

*****

Jimin stood in the center of the warehouse, determination etched into his face. He turned to his men, his voice commanding and clear. "Listen up, everyone. I need more men to go to Namjoon's place and ensure our friends are safe. We can't afford any more surprises. Make sure they're guarded around the clock."

The men nodded, immediately setting off to fulfill his orders. Jimin watched them go, his mind already focused on the next step. He then gathered the remaining ten members. They piled into a van, the atmosphere inside tense with anticipation.

As the van sped going out the city, Jimin explained the plan to his team. "Alright, here's how it's going to go down. We're keeping this operation lowkey, just us ten. We can't draw too much attention."

He glanced around the van, making sure everyone was paying attention. "When we get to Yoongi's location, we'll split into three groups. Group One will secure the perimeter and take out any guards. Group Two will handle any reinforcements that show up. Group Three, that's us, will infiltrate the place and find Yoongi."

Taehyung, seated next to Jimin, nodded. "What about the police, Jimin? If they find out we're all armed and-"

Jimin took a deep breath. "It hasn't been 24 hours yet since Yoongi was missing. They won't take action. Let's just hope all will be alright, knowing I'd get to jail after this."

The men exchanged nervous glances, but their resolve remained firm. They knew the stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

As they approached the location, Jimin's heart pounded in his chest. The van pulled up a safe distance from the house, hidden in the shadows. Jimin turned to his team, his voice low but filled with urgency. "This is it. Remember, silence is key. We move swiftly and take out any threats. No one gets left behind."

The team exited the van, moving stealthily towards the house. The air was thick with tension, every rustle and creak amplified in the stillness of the night. Group One fanned out, silently dispatching the guards patrolling the perimeter. The muffled sounds of bodies hitting the ground sent chills down Jimin's spine.

Group Two took their positions, ready to intercept any reinforcements. Jimin led Group Three to the entrance of the house, signaling for them to wait. He glanced at Taehyung, who gave him a reassuring nod.

"Let's do this," Jimin whispered, his voice barely audible.

They slipped into the house, moving through the darkened corridors with practiced ease. Jimin's mind raced with thoughts of Yoongi, his heart aching with the need to find him. They encountered a few guards, quickly neutralizing them without a sound.

"Let's split up individually to find him faster," Jimin suggested, urgency lacing his voice.

The team nodded, scattering in different directions through the darkened corridors. Jimin moved quickly and quietly, his heart pounding in his chest. Every room he checked was empty, adding to his mounting frustration and fear. He kept moving, determined to find Yoongi.

Finally, Jimin stumbled upon a large, metal door at the end of a narrow hallway. His breath caught in his throat. This had to be it. He could feel it. He pressed his ear against the cold surface, hearing muffled voices inside. Taking a deep breath, he gripped the handle and slowly pushed the door open, the hinges creaking slightly.

The sight that greeted him made his blood run cold. The room was dimly lit, filled with a dozen men, all armed and alert. In the center stood Taemin, a smug smirk plastered across his face. And behind him, Yoongi was tied to a chair, his head hanging low, his body covered in blood and bruises. The sight of Yoongi in such a state ignited a rage in Jimin that he had never felt before.

"Well, well, well," Taemin drawled, his smirk widening. "Look who finally decided to join us. I was wondering how long it would take for you to find us, Jimin."

Jimin's fists clenched at his sides, his eyes burning with fury. "Let him go, Taemin."

Taemin chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Jimin, always so dramatic. You really think you can just walk in here and demand things? You're outnumbered, outgunned, and frankly, outsmarted."

Jimin took a step forward, his voice low and deadly. "I don't care how many men you have. I will get him back, and I will make you pay for what you've done."

Taemin's expression darkened, his amusement fading. "You're so predictable, Jimin. Always playing the hero. But this isn't a game. This is real life, and in real life, the good guys don't always win."

Jimin's gaze flicked to Yoongi, who lifted his head slightly, his eyes barely open but filled with pain. The sight broke Jimin's heart, fueling his anger even more.

"Look at him," Taemin sneered, pointing at Yoongi. "So weak, so pathetic. Just like you."

Jimin's rage reached a boiling point. He lunged forward, but Taemin's men immediately moved to block his path, raising their weapons. Jimin stopped short, his breathing heavy, his eyes locked on Taemin.

"You think you can intimidate me with your threats and your goons?" Jimin spat. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Taemin shrugged, feigning indifference. "Maybe. But I know what he's capable of," he said, nodding toward Yoongi. "And right now, he's not capable of much."

The words hit Jimin like a punch to the gut. He had to stay calm, had to think strategically. He couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

"Fine," Jimin said, his voice cold and calculated. "What do you want, Taemin? Why are you doing this?"

Taemin's smirk returned, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Ah, now we're getting somewhere. You see, Jimin, this isn't just about Yoongi. This is about you and me. It's about settling old scores."

Jimin frowned, confusion mingling with his anger. "What are you talking about?"

Taemin stepped closer, his expression twisted with resentment. "All my life, I was compared to you. 'Why can't you be more like Jimin?' they'd say. 'Jimin wins every competition, every contest. Jimin is perfect.' Do you have any idea what that does to a person?"

Jimin's eyes narrowed, pieces of the puzzle starting to fall into place. "This is about jealousy? All this because you felt overshadowed?"

Taemin's eyes flashed with anger. "It's more than that. It's about proving that I'm better than you. That I can beat you, once and for all."

Jimin shook his head, disbelief mingling with his rage. "This is insane, Taemin. Yoongi has nothing to do with this."

"On the contrary," Taemin said, his voice dripping with malice. "Yoongi is everything to you, isn't he? Hurting him is the best way to hurt you."

Jimin's heart ached at the truth in Taemin's words. He glanced at Yoongi again, seeing the pain and exhaustion in his eyes. He had to get him out of there, no matter what.

"You're a coward," Jimin said, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. "You hide behind your men and your twisted schemes because you're too afraid to face me head-on."

Taemin's smirk faltered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. But he quickly regained his composure, his eyes hardening.

"Believe what you want, Jimin," Taemin said. "But the fact remains: you're alone, and you're outmatched. And Yoongi... well, Yoongi's just the collateral damage."

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the room as the door was kicked open. Jimin turned to see a group of people in SWAT uniforms storming in, weapons drawn and ready. Taemin and his men froze, their faces masks of fear and confusion.

"What the hell is this?" Taemin spat, his voice shaking.

The SWAT team quickly subdued Taemin's men, forcing them to the ground and securing the area. As the dust settled, one of the SWAT members removed his helmet, revealing the stern face of Jimin's father, Mr. Park.

Jimin's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Dad? What are you doing here?"

Mr. Park's expression softened slightly as he looked at his son. "Jimin, we need to talk. But first, let's get Yoongi out of here."

Jimin was still reeling from the shock when Taehyung appeared behind him, a small smile on his face. "I called him, Jimin. I knew we needed more help, and your dad has the resources we needed."

Jimin turned to Taehyung, a mix of emotions playing on his face. "You... you called my dad?"

Taehyung nodded. "I did. I knew you wouldn't, but I also knew he would come through for you."

Jimin's heart swelled with gratitude and a newfound respect for Taehyung. He turned back to his father, who was already moving towards Yoongi.

"Get these restraints off him," Mr. Park ordered, his voice commanding.

The SWAT team quickly complied, freeing Yoongi from his bonds. Yoongi slumped forward, his body weak and battered, but relief flooded his eyes as he saw Jimin.

Jimin rushed to Yoongi's side, gently lifting his head and cradling him in his arms. "Yoongi, it's okay. We're getting you out of here."

Yoongi managed a faint smile, his voice barely above a whisper. "Jimin... I-I-"

Jimin's eyes filled with tears as he pressed a gentle kiss to Yoongi's forehead. "Shh, baby, everything will be alright."

Mr. Park watched the scene with a mixture of pride and regret. He turned to Taemin, who was now securely restrained by the SWAT team.

"This is over, Taemin," Mr. Park said coldly.

"But Uncle-" Before Taemin could finish, the armed policemen harshly took him outside.

As the chaos began to settle, Jimin looked up at his father, still holding Yoongi close. "Dad.. I don't know what to say."

Mr. Park sighed, his stern expression softening. "You don't need to say anything, Jimin. I know I've made mistakes, but I'm here now. Let's get Yoongi to a hospital and then we'll talk."

Jimin nodded, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. With Taehyung's help, they carefully carried Yoongi out of the room.

******

Yoongi was rushed to the hospital, his condition critical. The doctors quickly determined he needed surgery for internal bleeding and multiple fractures. Jimin stayed by Yoongi's side until the operating room doors closed, leaving him standing outside, his heart heavy with worry.

His friends gathered around him, their faces etched with concern. They tried to offer words of comfort, but Jimin could barely hear them over the pounding of his own heart. He couldn't shake the image of Yoongi, bloodied and broken, from his mind.

Jimin's father, Mr. Park, stood a few steps away, watching his son with a mixture of guilt and determination. He took a deep breath and approached Jimin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Jimin, can we talk?" Mr. Park's voice was gentle but firm.

Jimin looked up, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with unshed tears. He nodded silently, and they moved to a quieter corner of the waiting area.

Mr. Park sighed deeply, gathering his thoughts. "Jimin, I've made so many mistakes. I know I haven't been the father you needed."

Jimin remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"I pushed you into the seminary and to become a priest because I thought it was the best way to save you from satanic acts," Mr. Park continued, his voice breaking slightly. "But the truth is, I was influenced by things I should have questioned."

Jimin looked up, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Taemin... he told me things about you, Jimin. Horrible things. He said you were bullying people, committing blasphemous acts, that you were... a satanic influence," Mr. Park admitted, his voice shaking with regret. "He made you sound like a monster."

Jimin's eyes widened in shock. "Taemin said that? But why would you believe him over me?"

Mr. Park's shoulders slumped. "I was desperate, Jimin. Desperate to believe that there was a reason for the way things were. I thought sending you to the seminary would cleanse you of those... supposed sins. But I was wrong. I should have listened to you, trusted you. Instead, I let fear and manipulation guide my decisions."

Jimin clenched his fists, emotions swirling inside him. "I need time to think these things, dad. You let me down countless times. You didn't call nor text me when I left Korea. I-I just cant indulge this, dad. All my life, I viewed you as a father full of hatred towards me."

Mr. Park's eyes filled with tears. "I never hated you, Jimin. I was misguided, and I let my fears cloud my judgment. I failed you as a father, and for that, I'm truly sorry."

Jimin took a deep breath, his anger slowly giving way to a sense of understanding. "I needed you. Even when I was angry, I still needed you."

Mr. Park nodded, tears spilling down his cheeks. "I know, and I'm sorry. I can't change the past, but I want to make things right. Starting now."

Jimin looked at his father, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "Yoongi... he's everything to me, Dad. I can't lose him."

Mr. Park squeezed Jimin's shoulder. "I know, son. I know. Let's be strong for him."

Hours passed slowly, each minute stretching into eternity. Jimin's friends stayed close, offering silent support. They shared anxious glances, their worry for Yoongi was growing each time.

Finally, the doors to the operating room opened, and a doctor stepped out, his expression grave. Jimin's heart skipped a beat as he stood up, his father's arm still around him.

"Is he...?" Jimin's voice trembled.

The doctor nodded slowly. "Yoongi made it through the surgery. It was touch and go for a while, but he's stable now. The next 24 hours will be critical."

Jimin's knees nearly buckled with relief. "Thank you, doctor. Can I see him?"

"You can, but only for a few minutes," the doctor replied. "He's heavily sedated and will need a lot of rest."

Jimin nodded, his friends and father following him to Yoongi's room. As he stood by Yoongi's bedside, he took his hand gently, his heart aching at the sight of the tubes and monitors surrounding him.

"I'm here, Yoongi," Jimin whispered. "I'm not going anywhere." He kissed his hand. "I love you so much."