The store lights flickered slightly as the doors slid open, letting in a rush of icy air. Jungkook stepped inside, tugging off his patrol gloves and tucking them into his belt. His uniform was dark with melted snow, the radio on his shoulder crackling faintly as he reached up to silence it.

It was close to midnight. The city was quiet, streets frozen, the kind of cold that cut through even thick layers. He walked slowly past the shelves, reaching for a pack of ramen and a few snacks to keep in the cruiser.

As he turned toward the counter, something caught his eye near the back of the store.

A figure—young, hunched over, damp hair sticking to his forehead. He was near the corner where the clearance winter items were stacked. The guy’s hands moved quick, like muscle memory. A beanie vanished under his jacket. A pair of gloves stuffed under the back hem, followed by a small wrapped sandwich and some trail mix.

Jungkook stopped, watching silently from the aisle. The man didn’t see him. His movements were desperate, not greedy. Nervous glances. Bare fingers shaking.

Jungkook stepped forward slowly, his boots heavy against the tile.

"Hey"

The man froze, eyes darting toward him. Like an animal caught in headlights.

Jungkook raised a hand, calm.

"I saw what you took"

Silence.

"You planning to run, or are you gonna let me talk?"

The guy didn’t answer, just clutched his thin jacket tighter, backing toward the heater near the front door.

Jungkook sighed and looked toward the clerk, who barely looked up from his phone.

"You called this in?"

The clerk shook his head lazily. "Nah. He’s been doing it all week. Never takes much"

Jungkook nodded once, then turned back. The man hadn’t moved.

Jungkook reached into his own coat, pulled out a sealed protein bar and placed it gently on the nearby shelf.

"You hungry. I get it. But stealing gloves and a hat won’t get you far if someone less patient finds you"

He paused, then stepped closer, slowly.

"I’m not gonna arrest you. Not tonight"

He reached into his bag, pulled out a small wool blanket folded from his cruiser, and laid it down near the man.

"Take it. And those snacks. Keep the gloves too. Just… don’t come back here tomorrow and push your luck"

He stood straight again, adjusted his coat.

"You need help, the station's open all night. Ask for Officer Jeon"

He gave one last look, quiet, unreadable. Then turned back toward the register, paid for his things, and stepped back into the freezing dark.

Outside, his breath misted thick in the air. Behind him, he heard the faint rustle of fabric.

Someone finally pulling the hat over their ears.