(Yoongi POV)

As soon as I make it back to the safe house after school, I collapse on the bed, "Oh my..." I sigh, "That was awful."

I never thought a mission would demand this much of me. This is worse than when I was assigned to take out that thirty person cult hidden in the underground. This "acting" is harder than any mission I've ever attempted.

I replay the day in my mind.

The note. What was that? And what was with the hand holding! No one told me there was gonna be hand holding?! And why, of all the things I could have said or done, I decided to hold her hand. Kill me now.

I can't help but groan and cringe remembering the way she blushed at me. I roll over and bury my face in my pillow, "I hate this mission!" My muffled voice yells.

Seriously, I don't do high school. And I especially don't do high school drama. I haven't dealt with bullies since middle school, yet now here I am stuck protecting some defenseless chick from stupid insecure bugs that don't know what's good for them.

Yeah, I've seen the looks she gets walking down the hall. And I've seen the looks I get for walking with her. They started by the third day of school. Yes, Yanna did say something about it eventually.

She said, "Oppa, you don't have to walk with me. You know people won't treat you the same if you hang out with me." Yanna hung her head.

But I could tell she really wanted me to walk with her. The girl is just too sensitive to her environment.

I shook my head, "I want to be seen with you." And those seven words were all she needed.

All day she smiled at me, and blinked her little eyelashes at me, like I was the best thing to ever happen to her. Maybe I am...? Well, that's too bad. I have my orders. Soon enough this mission will be over, and I won't ever have to see her again.

Once again I yell into my pillow, "This mission sucks!"

I sigh and roll onto my back. The ceiling fan circles above me, relaxing me until my eyes close, "Tomorrow will be... just as bad probably."

I open my eyes, "Just a little while longer. You can do this. Your job is to protect this girl." I sit up and place a fist on my chest, "By my life, she will be protected."

And so, I throw my gear over my shoulder and leave to see my mission carried out, and the girl kept safe through the night.

(Yanna POV)

I make it home in one piece, thanks to Yoongi. Yes, he offered to walk me home. I tried to refuse at first (don't want to seem desperate you know), but this guy is awfully persistent. Eventually I just shook my head and gave up.

Once again Yoongi walked just a little bit in front of me the whole way home. His eyes were scanning the entire neighborhood as we went. You would think if you were walking with someone who is paying that much attention to your surroundings, you would feel a little nervous about your atmosphere too. But that just wasn't the case for me. Actually it made me feel a whole lot more secure. But that's crazy! I've known this guy for, what-- a week? But for some reason I already feel safer when he's next to me... is that weird? Or is that just what it feels like to have a friend?

I decide to push those thoughts aside as for now, and focus on tonight. Maybe I'll just make some popcorn, watch a movie, finish homework, and call it a night. Besides today has already had enough surprises.

I type in the code to the front gate and wait for it to slowly open. It's just as cold today as it's been all week.

My fingers feel almost numb by the time I press the last number, and wave awkwardly as Yoongi says, "Bye, see you tomorrow. Oh! And happy birthday, Yanna."

I blush, "How did you know?"

He shrugs, "Maybe I'm just that good... or maybe you've told me close to thirty times that today is your birthday."

I bite my lip in embarrassment, but Yoongi just chuckles and comments, "It's okay. I know how much you love birthdays. I hope you had a good one."

I nod and smile, "I did. Thanks to you."

Yoongi gives me the pleasure of seeing that beautiful, gummy smile one more time before he turns to leave, and I turn to go inside.

Home Sweet Home.

"Surprise!!"

I audibly gasp when I open the front door and see a tall man and a shorter women already in the house, "Mom? Dad?" My voice grows with excitement, "What are you doing here?" Not that I'm complaining...

They both smile at me, "We wanted to surprise you for your birthday! We know how much this day means to you, and so we made a few calls and bribed a few airlines, and now here we are!"

I can't lie, and tell you my eyes didn't tear up just a little bit, "Oh my gosh! You guys!" All my happiness explodes out of me as I throw my arms around both of their necks, "I missed you so much!"

They hug me back with giggles and shared smiles, "We missed you too."

Really, my parents are my favorite people on the planet. They're both so amazing and excellent role models when when it comes to work ethic. True, they have a few moral codes that some would say are "wrong", but honestly, I love them to death. I couldn't ask for better parents, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

When we pull from the hug, my Dad winks at me pushes my glasses up my nose, "It's good to be back with my favorite girl."

My mom cuts in with a happy, "Guys, I think we should stuff ourselves with brownies tonight and worry about homework tomorrow. Whatcha say?"

My dad and I look at each other for a split second before our smiles break out, and we shout together, "Yeah!!"

That's when my dad bends over and throws me over his shoulder, "To the kitchen!!" He declares like he's a mighty solider off to battle.

My giggles are relentless, but they just make my parent's smiles that much brighter.

"Yeah... happy birthday to me."

~~~~~~~~~~

The kitchen is clear, and all that's left are three desert plates with brownie crumbs on the living room coffee table as we sit around the fireplace.

"So," My mom changes the subject from what I want as a birthday gift to something completely different, "How is school?"

For all you guys out there who still live in your parent's house, it is law that whenever your parents get the chance, they are required to ask you about your academic life. Get used to it.

"It's good." I say, picking up the small crumbs on my plate and licking them off my finger.

My dad raises an eyebrow, "That didn't sound convincing."

I stick my tongue out at him, and he does the same. We both end up giggling by the distraction, but my mom presses the subject.

"Is it boy problems? You know, you are getting to the age where guys start thinking more about the benefits and less about the consequences and--"

"What? No! Ew, Mom!" I say with a shake of my head, "It's not guy trouble. I don't even have a boyfriend."

"Then what's going on at school?" My dad asks.

Okay, my parents have always been very perceptive. Like, they can tell when something is up with me from ten miles away.

"It's nothing, it's just..." My voice trails off as I continue playing with my brownie crumbs.

My mom sighs, "Yanna, you know we are here for you. We just want to be involved in your life. And I know that's harder because of our work, but we try the best we can. All we ask is that you try too, and talk to us when things happen."

I just nod and whisper a weak "I know" in response.

Both my parents share a look before shifting closer to me on the floor, "We love you." They say to me with each a kiss to my temple.

"I love you guys too." I manage not to shed a tear.

I've never been able to really hide anything from my parents. I never really wanted to. They are the closest thing I have to best friends, and who I look up to. I wouldn't be who I am today without them. I'm surprised I kept this from them for as long as I did.

"Mom? Dad?"

"Yes, Yanna?"

I take a deep breath, "I don't like school."

They both look at me with furrowed brows, "Why not, Sweetie?"

Okay, I held back the tears for as long as I could, but not anymore. With a soft breath, they fall down my cheeks.

And that's when I tell them. Everything. From day one of the school year up until when the last hate note fell out of my locker. Every whisper. Every rumor. Every trip. And by the end of it, they had cried with me.

Of course they did. Their daughter is being bullied, and they're gone for most of it. Not that they can help being gone, and I get that their work takes them all around the world. I would never make them choose between me and having a job.

But after I get done talking, I remember something else- or rather someone else- I forgot to mention.

Yoongi.

"And then... he just showed up. He's a transfer student apparently, but he's really nice to me. He walks with me to class, and he even sits at lunch with me. He talks to me, and smiles at me."

My mom runs a hand through my hair while my dad says, "Yeah? Is he handsome?"

I wipe my nose and sniffle, "I little." I admit with pink cheeks.

My dad giggles, "Got a crush?" He asks me.

I scoff, "No!" I say looking down.

My dad doesn't accept that answer. He tickles me and sings a little, "Are you sure about that?"

"Okay, okay!" I surrender (tickles are my weakness), "Maybe I like that he doesn't hate me like the rest of the school. But that's it! I don't have a crush on him or anything."

Both my parents share another "look" (they do that a lot) before speaking, "Alright then," My mom sighs, "If you say so. Just make sure you invite us to the wedding." She winks at me.

"What?!" I don't think I've blushed harder in my entire life, "Mooom! Stop it!" I giggle.

She puts her hands up in surrender, "I'm just saying, maybe take a chance? Hold his hand or something? You'll never know if you don't try."

My parents have always been like this. They're very encouraging, but also very... flirtatious. They're risk takers. Maybe that's why they are so successful? I've never been like them in that department, although, I am like my parents in many ways. Maybe I should take a page out of their book and live on the edge a little more? I want to live in the more adventure side of things.

Yoongi already held my hand once. But he initiated that. What would he do if I just... ah, this is crazy talk! I'm not ready for a boyfriend anyway! But one thing is for sure, if I did have a boyfriend... I would want it to be Yoongi.

All in all, tonight was what I needed. Wrapped up in a blanket, we did end up watching a movie with popcorn. Having my parents hold me close on the couch. I missed them so much, and they missed me too. So it's nice they get to come back like this, and I get to have them all to myself for my birthday.

Once the movie ends, and I'm changed into pajamas. I kiss them each goodnight and skip upstairs to my bedroom.

My dad told me they would be here all day tomorrow, and that we will have a game night tomorrow night if I promise to do well on my Math exam. I promised (obviously), and gave them a smile.

Falling to sleep was so easy. I slipped into a dream so happy, I was still smiling when my eyes closed for the night, and I was swept away until morning.

(Yoongi POV)

This is officially the worst thing I've ever had to do on a mission.

How long is this night gonna go on for? I keep my position in the snowy tree, and tightly wrap my coat around me. I've been watching this family eat brownies and cuddle for the past two hours. I think I may be sick by the time they finally finish hugging.

I walked Yanna home earlier today so I could get a better scope of the house, where the windows and exits are, etc., and also so I could discover the code to the front gate. I've broken into much more secured facilities than this before so breaking in wasn't really a challenge.

But sitting in this tree watching some family cuddle on a couch while I'm being snowed on sure isn't all that pleasant.

But... Yanna sure does look happy.

It's my mission to keep her safe. And I know that a tree is not the most professional way to keep an eye on your target, but I'm tired, honestly, and I want to sleep. I mean, Yanna looks pretty safe to me right now. She's wrapped up and warm, which is something I can't say for myself...

"I'll just wait until she goes to sleep, and call today a success."

It's a few hours later. The family watched a movie, and cuddled even more. I could see the TV screen through the window so it wasn't so horrible waiting out here. I mean hey, free movie. I glanced over at Yanna when a funny part popped up and sure enough, she laughed.

Not that I was hoping she would laugh or anything...

Eventually, her parents kissed her goodnight, and Yanna climbed in bed. As soon as her eyes shut, I leaped down from the tree.

"And that is how you keep an eighteen year old girl safe." I brush my shoulders off proudly.

But my victory is short lived when a strong hand pulls on my shoulder, and I'm whipped around to stand face to face with Yanna's dad and a gun pointed straight at me.

"Have fun playing peek-a-boo on my daughter?" He asks with his aim focused and his finger ready on the trigger.

"No, Sir, I was just.." I stumble backwards on the snow. I keep my hands raised and study my opponent with the utmost concentration.

He's built like he's had training, and he's obviously confident in his size and ability. I take one look at him and gulp. Is he ex-military? I thought Yanna told me her parents work for an advertising company? Why would a man who works for an advertising company carry a gun?

He looks down at me, "What's your name, Agent?"

"Agent? How does he know that I'm..."

I stare at him wide eyed. That's when I notice the small shape of a crow tattooed on his left wrist.

"You're one of them..."

I hear the cock of his gun, and the firm undertone of his next words, "Don't make me ask you again, Agent. Your name. Now."

"Y-Yoongi, Sir." I answer with a nod and the most innocent, scared, puppy face I can manage.

"Yoongi?" The man's voice lightens, "You're the transfer student that walked Yanna to class?"

That sparked my attention. Did she tell her parents about me?

I stand straight, "Yes. I just transferred to Howard High School this week. Your daughter was the first student I met, so we walked to class together." I explain.

He slowly lowers his gun, "So what are you doing on my property, spying on my daughter now?"

"Great job, Genius! You really screwed up this time. Think, Yoongi. This is where all that lying comes in handy."

"I was-- I was just umm... Yanna said she really misses you guys."

The man nods, waiting for me to explain further.

"And..." I say slowly, "I just wanted to make sure Yanna was safe." I know that's a really lame excuse, but it's all I can think that a simple transfer boy would be able to come up with when he's got a gun pointed to his head. I have to sell the part. He already suspects I'm an agent, I have to convince him other wise.

Besides if that tattoo is what I think it is, this is not a good position for me to be in right now.

Yanna's dad slowly scans me up and down. His arms relax, and he reaches an empty hand out to me, "Thank you, Yoongi."

"Huh?" Wait... I'm confused. But also relieved.

I carefully take his hand, and he shakes it roughly, causing the snow on my shoulder to shake off, "You have no idea how much we appreciate you. You're the only part of school that Yanna likes now." He chuckles as if what he just said was comical. That's sad, to be honest.

I just nod and try to smile, "No problem. Yanna is cool."

A sigh of relief rushes over the gentleman still shaking my hand, "If there is anything my wife and I can do for you, just let us know." Then he chuckles and packs his gun away behind his back when he notices me staring at it, "Oh, sorry about that! Just a little reflex I got to get under control."

"Yeah, okay." I say quickly, trying not to jerk my hand away too harshly.

"Also," All of a sudden his expression changes back to a darker, scarier version of the happy smile he just had, "If I catch you spying on my daughter again, I'll make you regret it." He shows me a fist and then laughs his threat off like it wasn't supposed to scare the living daylights out of me.

My eyes go wide. I was about to answer, but his words cut me off.

"I'm just playing with ya, Yoongi. I know who you are." He nods with a smirk and crossed arms.

"Okay... wait what?! He knows... as in... he knows? I'm so confused by everything about this guy."

"You do?" I ask slowly.

"Of course!" He assures me, "You're the boy sent to keep my daughter safe. And if you hurt her, you're the boy who will regret it."

I let out my breath, "Yeah," I chuckle nervously, "That's uhh, that's me!"

He gives me my limb back (finally), and that is my que to leave. With one last bow, and a wave, I speed walk as fast as I can away from that house before going into a full out sprint.

"See you later, Yoongi!" I try to block out his loud farewell as I make my way down the block.

Whatever just happened... never happened. For the rest of the run back to the Safe House, I'm willing my brain to forget everything about that last conversation. At least for now.

I'm going to sleep.