Stranger In Handcuffs!

Jungkook, exchaled out an ounce of smoke through his nostrils as he listened to his manager attentively, who was briefing him related to the break-in that happened few hours ago in his art gallery. He wasn’t happy to know that the intruder whom he never met in his life, out of hatred had destroyed worth 20 million pre-ordered art collection. It was a lot of money, surely it won’t impact him greatly, but the heart wrenching feeling was that his months of hard work was destroyed in a matter of one night.

For the buyers, his painting would probably be an eye-candy or a matter of pride to even own the most famous artist’s collections, but for jeon jungkook his paintings were his everything. The main reason to feel alive, to feel that he was sane, to feel that it was okay to be who he was. Each of his painting held a lot of his energy, efforts and passion. But beyond that, his paintings held his soul, heart, mind and most importantly his emotions which he barely could express through words or physically. He didn’t see his paintings as bread earning mechanism, no, he worshipped them. Because while the world is upside down for jungkook, his paintings are the only real world he believes in.

Call him whatever you want, jeon jungkook took pride and held utmost respect for his work which was kind of tarnished tonight by a stranger.

He calms himself down by inhaling another ounce of smoke. Truth be told, jungkook wasn’t an addict, he had a body and health to maintain because he was nearing his 50. There was no time for fun, or errors for him, he has achieved wisdom through failures and wins, through back stabbers to struggles, he does not wish to rememberr his young self who was in chaos. No one knows, it took many sleepless and miserable days for jeon jungkook to reach where he was, not from the outside presentation, but internally.

His manager was really pissed, he kept cursing the man who dared to even commit such horrendous crime. Jungkook smiled at him lightly, but internally he shivered slightly at the mention of the man who held so much hatred for him.

Feeling the exhaustiontaion of the day, hug his body, jungkook took another inhale from the smoke. He was sure that someone was watching him and probably filming his unusual activity in this cold night. But jungkook could care less about that, being watched even when he really wished to be left alone, because he wasn’t going about filming people secretly. But with the immense fame, it was the most expected scenario, so jungkook didn’t care, he already has a strong PR team who will make him still look like the ideal gentleman of south kore. As per the latest polls though, jungkook was already named as the most handsome man of the world, not even the good looking and extremely hot actors, models or singers held the title, but a simple-looking artist in his mid-40 did!

Not realising jungkook was dazed and loosing the sign of reality. He slowly started to feel his manager’s voice at a distant. His eyes narrowed at the fogs that erupted from his already half-done cigarette. He hated holding this stick, but he usually held them when he didn’t know how to cope with a situation. Even in this bitter night, jungkook couldn’t help but remember the last time he held a cigarette.

It was six months ago to be precise. Jungkook had to let go of his old manager who was with him since he was a teenager. They both shared a bond, and he was probably the only man whom jungkook respected the most in his team. They grew together, however, his old manager decided to retire from his 23 year old career. Jungkook was heartbroken and almost begged him to not leave, but at the end of the day, he had to respect the old man’s wish. His old manager deserved it after all. But before leaving his old manager did appoint a replacement, a young girl to be precise. She was passionate and hardworking, jungkook was very impressed with her. She was always ahead of schedule for him! And that was the time jungkook who hated change in his work, didn’t mind this change. And jungkook being a king and humble boss to all his employees, treated her equally. But who knew there was always two sides to coins, and two sides to people. Jungkook always got irked to see the uglyliest side of people. Who would have expected that the hardworking 25 year old manager was crazy for him, so crazy that she went ahead and started to visit his children. And at one point even harmed his ex-wife because for some weird reason she believed she had the right to do so because she lover jeon jungkook who didn’t revert her feeling, does any of this makes sense? But it happened.

His ex-wife was hospitalised due to a leg injury, thanks to that crazy manager who pushed her from the stairs at an event. Luckily, so hee didn’t have major injury and recovered few months later. Jungkook had to terminate her, and she left on a revenge ful note, making claims and false narations about him to the media. For few weeks, he was hated so badly, and jungkook was overwhelmed! He had to cry in the night while inhaling this toxicating cigarette, because sadly he didn’t have any friend to hold onto or a lover to seek comfort.

That time jungkook learned that he was still not an expert to see the motives of the people! And it made him so uncomfortable.

So what does he learn in this wired night? Jungkook shrugged off as the young man’s face appeared before his face. He felt the same shiver that he wished would stop happening, it made him uncomfortable knowing someone hated him so much that they went on extreme lengths to harm him. Not physically, but mentally! Jungkook realised, maybe no matter what you do, there is always someone to hate you for no reason! That’s the lesson he would take from this night.

“Are you coming in?” His manager nudged jungkook who had to stop the train of his thoughts. The handsome artist blinked at his manager, and frowned. The manager had to repeat himself again, “They’re waiting for you inside. You will have to file a complaint.”

Oh! Jungkook realised why he was out of the police station at cold starry midnight, and having his first smoke in many months. He chuckled a little, his last chance of redeeming forgiveness from his 17-year-old turned son, has failed because there was no way, he could attend the dinner party. His phone must have been bombarded with calls and messages from his parents and ex-wife, maybe, an angry text from his elder son too. He sighed, now suddenly getting an headache. He will have to make a long weekend available to spend with his children and buy them the best gifts to make up for today.

He nodded at his manager, and spoke. “You go in first, I’ll finish up and be there.” The manager nodded instantly. Jungkook was glad his new manager was a male and very admiral of him, he would shove people away just for his safety and well being without a second thought. And jungkook was grateful for that.

With the silence around him now, jungkook looked at the police station sign. His feet seem to be rooted, he didn’t wish to step inside and face that man again. It wasn’t because he was scared of that man, but there was something very odd about those charcoal, pitch black pair of eyes with a dot-like twinkle in those orbs, that made jungkook very comfortable. He can’t explain why it bothered him internally that this man hated him. Why? Jungkook was curious! And there was something else too! Jungkook knows he can’t spill those words where he wants to actually paint those dark pair of dominating eyes.

As if on loop, with the mere thought of that man, jungkook had the flash back of how they all landed at the police station.

Four hours ago!

Just as jungkook got hold of that unknown intruder, he harshly turned the young adult, not expecting to come face-to-face with an handsome existence. The man was an epitome of handsomeness. Young, perfectly sculpted from every angle and dominating, the man was breathing heavily. Jungkook covered his nose when the strong smell of alcohol hit him. The man was drunk! Now jungkook realised that no one in his right mind would invade his gallery, it has to be the liquor in the man’s system. But why? Jungkook wanted to know.

So the artist grabbed his wrist, nudging the man a little who growled at him. Taken aback, and finding the audacity of this man pathetic and mean, jungkook growled back. “Who are you? And why did you destroy my paintings?” The elder asked in anger.

But jungkook gasped out when the man pushed him harshly, making him stumble backward and hit the floor. Before jungkook could gather himself, the man grabbed the piece of bottle, which jungkook assumed would have been used to destroy his painting, and launched forward. Jungkook yelped, and crawled backward as the man tried to pierce the sharp uneven bottle piece into his milky white skin.

“WHO AM I?” The man angrily growled with made eyes. “I’LL TELL YOU WHO AM I” The man finally got hold of jungkook’s leg and was about to carve the knife, but the artist was quick to kick him on the knees which were bended slightly. Jungkook regretted coming alone, regretted holding this man’s wrist and stopping him. Jungkook thought he was going to die tonight, he didn’t want to. A tear rolled down his eyes, which made him look so pathetic and miserable, and jungkook hated that. The man wasn’t moved by his tears, instead he once again tried to harm jungkook.

“I AM THE ONE WHOM YOU DESTROYED. LOOK AT ME, DONT YOU REMEMBER ME?” The man shouted while angrily grabbing his own hair and then marching again forward to hold jungkook who was trying to run away. Jungkook managed to get up and take a turn, he was so ready to just run past the door and lock the man inside but the young intruder was quicker then him. At this point, jungkook hated being weak then this hot head, he hated the fact that this young man physically held more strength then him.

Jungkook hit the marble floor again, this time his cheek collided harshly to the hard concrete, making him groan in pain. His front body ached, he is sure there will be bruises later. But jungkook had no time to waste, he just wanted to create as much distance as possible. He crawled yet again!

“I DONT KNOW YOU” jungkook voiced out desperately. “I have not destroyed you, there must be some misunderstanding. You must have got the wrong person” jungkook spoke with courage while trying to crawl anywhere but away from the man.

“Yeah, in your world, there is so little time to know people. No wait, you rich people have no time to pay attention to the class lower than you. Whether you know me or not, look at me” the man growled as he stumbled forward, the alcohol had slowed him down too. Jungkook dared not look at the intruder. But the artist heard a growl so deeper and thunderous that his body reacted on its own. “I SAID LOOK AT ME”

And jungkook looked at him with fear in his eyes. But the man held no pity for his swollen and pained state. “In your world, I am a mere nobody, but even when you would not know me. Remember this, I know you. I know you all too well. I have engraved your image in my mind, and it will only be erased when I see your downfall.” The man suddenly spoke calmly. He even stopped trying to hurt jungkook. The artist stopped struggling too, jungkook instead stared at the man questionably.

As far as jungkook can remember, he has never harmed anyone physically or mentally. He has many enemies. And probably once or twice he did use his influence to put his enemies in their place, but even still, jungkook wishes no harm to anyone.

“Why do you hate me?” Jungkook didn’t know when his lips quivered and uttered those words.

“Because, my only motive in life is to hate you. As long as I will live, I will only hate you” the man hissed. His aura has darkened further, giving jungkook an eerie feeling. “Maybe, tonight is the night you die?” It seemed like the man was asking a question to jungkook, but his dark abyss of eyes told the truth that indeed this young man was ready to kill him tonigt.

Jungkook felt numb. He has never seen such great hatred for him. Even in this midst, he wanted to draw this man’s hatred on his canvas, maybe through the pages he could understand the unknown man’s hatred for him.

Jungkook was so lost that he didn’t realise when the man lifted his arm and was about to hurt him, but in that moment, the door burst opened and rushed in, cops, guards along with jungkook’s staff. Jungkook was immediately picked up by his manager, and escorted out of the room. Jungkook turned his head to have a look at the man who was pushed forcefully on the floor, and his hands were locked behind him. A knee of a police officer on the back of the man’s waistline, kept the intruder on the ground as he was handcuffed. Jungkook watched the man taken away from the room and dragged out of the gallery and pushed into the police car. All this while, the man’s hatred stayed and never looked away from jeon jungkook.

(Flashback ends)

It was only 15 minutes of struggle, but to jungkook it felt like lifetime escaping from the cruel man. Jungkook was once again interrupted from his manager who held a gentle smile for him. “They’re waiting for you” his manager announced and jungkook nodded his head. He had to face the young intruder again, and it was inevitable!

Jungkook took a deep breath as he entered the police station through the backdoor. He obviously didn’t want to attract too much attention! But the moment he stepped inside, all head swing towards him, eyes staring at him. Some with concern, some with admiration, some were even in awe of his existence. Jungkook ignored it all, he clearly doesn’t wish to be stared at, in this moment, but he would never voice it.

Just as jungkook went deeper into the police station, he was led to the chief’s office. He was given the best seat in that office room, the chief was gullibly smiling at him, probably a fan or something. Why not? Jungkook has won many international awards and fame for his country. He was known and popular! Soon the chief’s face turned stoic as the intruder was brought inside the same room as jungkook.

Jungkook flinched at the sound of the door opening loudly, but calmed down immediately. Although the sight of the intruder made him want to cower underneath the table, but that would hurt jungkook’s pride. He was probably the oldest in the room, so being scared definitely didn’t suit him. Jungkook although captured the man’s face perfectly, he was always good at memorising someone’s face or uniqueness of anything that he came across. Jungkook realised that the intruder had received a good beating from the cops with the way his lips were bl00died and he hard bruises on his face. But the intruder remained unfazed andd angry!

The intruder was made to sit, exactly opposite the chief. His hands were chained to keep him under control. He was harshly pushed onto the seat, from his shoulders by the cops that brought him in. The chief opened his file!

“Tell me your name again!” The chief demanded bitterly. The intruder finally responded, and jungkook was shocked to hear his voice. How could he describe it? The intruder’s voice was deep, almost like the sound of thunder into a closed space, does it make sense? It was smooth, velvety and jungkook was sure that it dint have tint of grogginess naturally if the man wasn’t beaten up. Jungkook was even amazed to find his voice so manly and mature, which felt older then his age!

“Kim Taehyung” A curt reply followed. The chief gritted his teeth, he was angry because the intruder named Kim Taehyung wasn’t scared of his status.

“Age?” The chief demanded. “26 years old” the criminal replied blankly. “What do you do for living?” Yet another question followed from the chief’s mouth.

“I am a bartender” The man spoke with calmness. The chief scoffed immediately.

“You, young people are such a bad example to the modern generation,” the chief added, “clearly, you can’t even pay for your bail, how do you think you will compensate Jungkookshi for the loss that he faced tonight because of you.” The chief looked angrier with the way Taehyung ignored his words. The leader cop stood up and slammed his hands on the desk, hoping to intimidate Taehyung but the criminal didn’t care at all. Taehyung didn’t even flinch.

“Very well, I will just give you the punishment, you deserve it anyways. Rather than feeling guilty. You’re acting so bold and proud over your crimes” the chief spat.

“What’s my punishment? Just say it, don’t scream in my ears” the criminal growled and yet ignored the chief’s intimidation. Jungkook was blown away, as he uncomfortably shifted on the couch. Jungkook couldnt understand why would someone waste his youth away so easily. Was he that hateful that this man didn’t care of punishments. So many questions, and jungkook was curious. He wasn’t sympathetic towards the criminal, he was rather intrigued because each and every experience he lives, he portrays them in his painting. It was in jungkook’s nature to be observant and attentive!

The chief was losing his mind, he walked over to the criminal and slapped him harshly. What surprised jungkook, was that Kim Taehyung didn’t even flinched or had even tiniest flicker of fear for himself. *He must have nothing to lose* jungkook thought to himself.

Just as the chief was about to launch yet anotherth impactful slap on Kim Taehyung, the great and beautiful artist, jungkook cleared his throat and spoke. “Can I speak to him?” Jungkook added, “Alone”.

The chief was reluctant and shocked. He spoke carefully, “Jungkookshi, what if he attacks you again?”

And jungkook was quick to reply, “you’re going to be just outside the room right? If he attacks me, I will scream. Please rescue me then” the artist held a polite request, and the chief nodded. Besides, jungkook was a renowned person, and also his father had ties with all the big shots from politicians, governments, celebrities to even companies. The chief felt it was in their best interests to agree to jungkook’s requests. “I will keep the door open, just in case. And I will come back in 5 minutes, I hope you understand, your safety is our top priority jungkookshi.” The chief added and jungkook immediately nodded.

Soon after, the criminal and victim were left alone in the room of Seoul police station. There was silence for a brief second, which jungkook decided to break. Deep down, jungkook wanted to proof Kim Taehyung that he wasn’t that bad of a person to be hated so much. And he was going to proof him by listening to his side of story before taking any decision.

“Why did you attack me and my gallery?” Jungkook asked innocently. The criminal scoffed and then sat on the chair, grabbing his head in his palms. Taehyung looked up again, dark charcoal eyes once again meeting the haze brown pair of Bambis of jungkook. “Because you destroyed my life, you took away my everything.”

Jungkook was glad internally that Taehyung spoke to him without attacking him. Or maybe he is expecting everything too soon.

“I don’t understand” jungkook replied, clearly lost. Taehyung stared at the scared figure of an old man, all because of him. Rather than feeling proud of himself, Taehyung was angry at himself for loosing his control and attacking this man whom he has vowed to hate his entire life. The damage was done, Taehyung decided to pay the price of his action.

“It doesn’t matter anymore” Taehyung replied curtly, eyes looking away. Jungkook blurted out instantly, “you’re lying, it must matter to you gravely or else you won’t put yourself in such danger. You don’t look like the type to throw away your life easily.” The artist knew he was speaking more than he bargained for, but jungkook wanted Taehyung to speak up at all cost.

“You don’t know me,” Taehyung gritted his teeth, with angry eyes. “I’ll tell you what, you’re not what you show either jeon jungkook.” He added bitterly.

And that struck jungkook’s heart deeper than he wished. It was the truth, no one knows the real Jeon jungkook. He is too embarrassed or ashamed to even reveal to anyone.

Jungkook was quiet, now regretting to even have a moment with the man who attacked him earlier. Just as he was going to give up trying to understand his criminal, Taehyung spoke calmly.

“My father used to brag about you a lot. Would always tell me, how jungkookshi has been making our country proud. Everyone is in awe of jungkookshi, he was always proud to call you his boss.” Taehyung bitterly chuckled, his voice was more deeper but jungkook felt it was more darker.

“Used to?” That’s all jungkook could think of as he spoke in a daze. Taehyung looked straight in his eyes and answered, “yeah, used to. He su!cided because he couldn’t bear the blame you put on him 14 years ago when you threw him out of your company with charges of felony.”

Taehyung further went on to say, “my father was innocent jeon. He needed money, he was in debt, a whole lot of it. But my father would have never dared to rob for gaining good days.”

“Mister, you must have misunderstood. I don’t know, I wouldn’t harm anyone.” Jungkook added with a puzzled and bothered look.

Taehyung chuckled in a mocking manner. “Harming a low-living man isn’t a matter of concern to you, rich fckers.” Jungkook frowned and spoke, “despite the fact that you attacked me out of the blue, I am still being very humble to you. You’re wrong about me, I wouldn’t harm anyone in my life to the point they su!cide. It’s a sin, and I know I am not perfect, but still I am not that dark.”

Jungkook was fuming by now, his nostrils exhaled hot air and his eyes stayed stern, and Taehyung realised the age gap between them. Up till now, he completely didn’t find jungkook in the category of older men, either his hatred for this artist is great or the artist is made with precision and utmost care by the gods of heaven.

“14 years ago, you had a break-in at your newly launched gallery. The painting of queen Victoria for the royal family was the only thing that was missing,” taehyung whispered like a ghost, but jungkook could still feel the hatred oozing in that tone. But finally, everything clicked to jungkook, his eyes widened. He was stunned to say the least, and Taehyung dropped yet another bomb.

“I was 12 when my father took me to his work for the first time, he was so excited to show me the perfect job he had. Surely, being a guard wasn’t an exciting job back i used to think as a child, but my appa loved his workplace. Kept saying, jungkookshi treats his work and employees with great respect. He was enthusiastic to introduce me to you, he wanted to take his son’s picture with the star of South Korea.” Taehyung felt the same tragic day appear before his eyes. His younger self was so embarrassed by his father’s chaotic actions, but he knew his father was just happy that day. Who knew, their lives were going to change forever that day.

June 12, 2010, Taehyung whispered. And the artist beside him whispered back, “Kim Dongson”

And to say that Taehyung was shocked to even find that jungkook remember his father’s name even after so many years, was an understatement.

Flashbacks played infront jungkook’s eyes now. 14 years ago, June 12, how could he forget. It was one of the darkest times of his life. His marriage was going through roughy patch, his wife wanted a second child and he was reluctant, his work piled up and he used it as an excuse to avoid his married life. So he grabbed the biggest project of his life, the Brit!sh family had contacted his team, they wanted to have a painting of their greatest queen Victoria made by the youngest and most famous artist. It was billions worth project, the amount of money jungkook received just for 1 painting was beyond imagination for him. Jungkook ofcorse took the offer, and stayed in London for a month. A wrong time, to visit that English place, because the weather was bad, it was so worse that he couldn’t connect with anyone at home.

Just when jungkook thought nothing could go worst, he got the news that his grandmother had passed away. The last elder from his biological father, whom jungkook loved a lot. She was always there to rescue him from his mom and step father who always forced him to paint. It’s not like jungkook didn’t love painting, he just didn’t like being pushed. How does anyone thrive with pressure any way? But his parents seem to not care. So when he found out about his grandma’s death, jungkook was a mess. He wanted to instantly rush to Korea, but fate wasn’t in his favour. It took him another four days to return to Korea when the harsh weather calmed a little in London, he had promised to return after the burial ceremony of his grandma. But he was already too late, he couldn’t even attend her death ceremony. He was heartbroken, vulnerable and lost.

And so not ready to take yet another shock! But he did, on June 12, 2010, someone had robbed the queen’s painting. And jungkook was so angry, that he removed the guard on duty, because the theif committed the crime on his watch. You see, jungkook’s even single painting are worth millions, all you have to say the name of artist and rich people would line up to buy it, and some wouldn’t mind being lucky if they could fetch his painting at a discount price, like in the black market. For their, it was quick way to earn, but for jungkookk, it broke his heart. Not thinking straight or whether the guard was even to be blamed, jungkook slapped the elder man and removed him from the gallery after making him feel pathetic and little before everyone. Jungkook was so lost that he didn’t even pay attention to the young boy beside his father, crying silently and wishing that his father isn’t humiliated more than he has.

Jungkook was brought back to reality, when Taehyung spoke further. “He couldn’t find a job, he searched for months, but gave up eventually. He had a lot of debts, and he felt, ending his life was a quick escape. He left me orphaned and his debt.

There was an eerie silence, and Taehyung once again looked at jungkook, this time the hatred was at full-blown. “My father wasn’t a theif. He never was.”

Taehyung growled and stood up with his fists all balled up, so ready to strangle jungkook to death, but couldn’t because of the hand cuffs. Jungkook cowered at the couch. And the artist wanted to apologise, but he seem to have lost his voice. Truth was that jungkook did came to know the truth. It wasn’t the guard’s fault because he was on lunch duty, and showing his son around the gallery. It was jungkook’s gift to his employees to allow one day to bring their family and pick any painting for free, in a year. The guard just wanted to gift his son his painting, even if he wasn’t paying. Jungkook found out that it was someone in his company in need of money that robbed the queen’s painting and sold it in the black market.

Jungkook had to buy his own painting back from the black market, and finally give it to the royal family. The painting is stillll proudly displayed in the biggest museum of London.

“I..” jungkook felt so heavy inside, as if his heart was being squeezed to burst open. He felt numb and pained to know that his one mistake pushed someone to su!cide. How does anyone cope with that? And this young boy had to grow up all alone. Jungkook can’t even imagine living his sons alone to face the world, everything he owns is for their great future.

They were so lost in their own pains and miseries, that the sound of boots coming from the door, was very loud to their ears. The chief was back, and he felt like someone died in the room already, even when the criminal was still chained and their favourite artist was in one-piece.

“Let’s decide your punishment. Forget your home and your family, this police station is all you will see,” the chief spoke proudly, and intended to threaten Kim Taehyung who stared at him with a bored expression, making him so furious. “Listen here boy, don’t be disrespectful, I am the chief cop of Seoul, don’t stare at me,” the chief growled, so irritated by this young criminal.

“Just do it already, you’re wasting too much time,” Taehyung growled back. The chief gritted his teeth was about to teach Taehyung a lesson, but jungkook stopped it. The artist spoke carefully and in a tiny voice, he felt utterly pathetic from inside. He hated himself!

“I don’t want to press charge. I don’t want any case against him,” jungkook calmly but internally, he wanted to cry. But it didn’t suit an elder man like him break apart before strangers. But his words seem to make two people surprise and shocked in the same room. It was the chief and Kim Taehyung himself.

Taehyung hadn’t expected jungkook to let him go so easily. He was sure that the damage he caused tonight to the artist, was worth at least 100 million dollars, that’s a lot of money.

“But jungkookshi, he..” the chief tried to put some sense in the artist, but jungkook stopped him. “I don’t want tonight’s incident against him on records, you will make sure of that right?” Jungkook rather asked to the chief and this time his tone was dominating and authoritative. The chief had no choice but to nod with displease.

“I will take my leave then, thank you for your service,” jungkook bowed to the chief who was flabbergasted and blushing because common the greatest artist showed him such respect.

Just as jungkook reached near the cabin’s door, the stranger in handcuffs spoke, halting him.

“I don’t owe you anything jeon jungkook. No matter what, I will always hate you.” Taehyung spoke in a deep thunder-like voice, eyes darker than the thick night.

Jungkook nodded his head. “I know” he spoke like a whisper. “Uhm, I am sorry for everything, I hope life treats you better,” jungkook spoke sincerely.

Taehyung was surprised and speechless. He watched the artist leave th room and disappear.

Jungkook wished to never cross paths with this stranger, because he doesn’t want to know more about how the boy suffered because of his one action. Like it or not, jungkook was great but he was a coward too.

But what jungkook didn’t know, that their stars were already linked together.

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