Work Text
JIMINEver since Park Jimin was a little kid the thing that made him the happiest was other people's happiness. Making people happy made him happy . Maybe that was the reason he loved his job so fucking much. It also had to do with the fact that he got to do it with the people who he loved most in the world.Being on stage was his most favourite part of his job because that was the place where he got to see that they were making a change . That all their sweat and tears were worth it and they were making people happy. At the moment that knowledge gave Jimin the energy to endure the pain in his leg and keep dancing.He blew a kiss to the audience and laughed a little at their reaction.He didn't know how he got so lucky. He loved all these people and he knew, for some reason they loved him back. He considered himself blessed and swore to himself that he would not take any of this for granted."They love you so much . Looks like I've got competition"Jungkook's voice came behind him . He turned to look at Jungkook and found him pouting very cutely, sweat dripping from his oversized black t-shirt. Jimin couldn't help but giggle . "You know that's not true, Kookie" Jungkook smiled showing his bunny teeth and said, "I know. I love you the best. " Jimin knew he did ."I love you too. now shoo before Namjoon hyung kill both of us.""Oops sorry" He smiled again and ran to his position near the other side of the stage. Jimin shook his head affectionately. Like he said, how the hell did he get so lucky?****The rest of the concert ended in a blur with loud screams and lots of adrenaline. Another successful night. It was their last concert for a while and Jimin secretly was glad for the little vacation that was on their way. They were on the first leg of their 'Love yourself' tour and Jimin already loved the concerts and their new songs so much. They had received so much love for their comeback, Jimin loved performing them to their Armies. Even after the long and tiring promotions for the comeback they were fresh for the tour. The next concert would be in two week and they had one week to chill and rest. He was in the dressing room after the concert ended when one of the crew members walked up to him. "Jimin hyung, Manager Park said he wanted to talk to you. You are expected at the bighit meeting hall.""Right now?" Jimin asked, puzzled."Yes, that's what he said. They sent you a vehicle" He passed the message dutifully to Jimin. The boy had to be younger than Jimin."Do you know why they want to see me" He asked."I'm sorry, no." the boy replied."Okay Thank you. Have a good night" Jimin said as he searched the room for Jungkook. He was nowhere to be seen.He saw Namjoon and Yoongi talking, on the big couch in the dressing room. He walked up to them."Hyung, manager Park want me to come to the bighit office right now." Namjoon looked up."Why?"" I have no idea. "" Right now? Aren't you tired? we just finished the concert" Yoongi said with concern in his voice.Jimin just shrugged. They both knew when duty called they had to go."Can you let Jungkook know?"He said and felt his phone ringing in his pocket as he said the words. Speaking of the devil. A message from Jungkook."Hyung, I'm going out with Taehyung hyung to play Mario cart. See you at the dorm. Love you. "Followed by another message."I wish you liked Mario Cart too. I'm gonna miss you :( "He typed a quick message to Jungkook."Enjoy yourself sweetheart. I love you""Love you moreeeeee" his reply came instantly.He smiled to himself. He's in love with an idiot.Turning to Yoongi he said "Don't bother. He has gone to play Mario cart with Tae. "Yoongi nodded. "You two are gross, you know? Look at your face when you are talking about him." He said smiling himself."You love us anyway... I'll get going. See you at the dorm""Wait Jiminnie I'll come with you." Namjoon said."But hyung you must be tired""Not at all" Namjoon said getting up from the couch and putting his arm around Jimin's shoulder.****"Do you know why we wanted to talk to you Jimin?" Manager Park asked as soon as Jimin entered the room . Jimin took a quick look at the office room. He was surprised to find that not only manager Park but also director Kim and manager Bang were seated infront of the massive table. The realisation left him a little breathless as he figured it had to be something serious for director Kim to be there with his managers. Director Kim owned the Bighit company as a whole and he normally didn't come to meetings with it's employees, leaving everything to the managers. He's been in this room with his managers and band mates countless times in past 7 years. Only difference now was that he was alone this time and he had no idea what this was about. He wished he had accepted Namjoon's offer to accompany him for the meeting and didn't ask him to stay in the lobby.When he asked, "Did I do something wrong with the choreography or something?" he lowkey knew it wasn't the case.Did he kill someone accidentally?"Did you?" Director Kim asked him challengingly. "Do something wrong with choreography, I mean." What the freaking hell this man is scary.Jimin shook his head unsure of what to say , praying to himself that whatever they wanted to talk about would not get him into trouble. He was so done with those."Am I in trouble?" He asked trying to smile. He looked at his mentor BangPDnim . The familiar face added a little relief to jimin's confused mind, before he realised that the man himself looked very troubled and worried too. Yep Jimin was definitely in trouble but why, he had no idea. If Jimin wasn't terrified before he sure was now.Manager Park cleared his throat and said "I'll straightly get to the ponit. What do you think about the rumours regarding you Park Jimin?" Shit! this couldn't be good. He felt his heart beat rising inside his chest."Huh?" They sure know how to catch someone off guard . Whatever he expected the meeting to be this was nowhere in his mind."There are loads of them . I don't really give them my attention." He said, sounding way more brave than he actually felt. Please don't bring up Jungkook please don't bring up Jungkook please don't bring up Jungkook. Please don't bring up Jungkook.... His mind chanted. "We wanted to speak with you regarding the rumours surrounding you and Jungkook" Jimin felt his knees go weak. Manager Park continued, "which I am sure are baseless but still could harm the band a great deal." This couldn't be happening for real. Jimin felt himself freaking out little by little inside. They don't know anything. calm down. CALM DOWN . A voice inside him said. "Okay? " Jimin murmured."A majority of fans seem to think you two are in a relationship? Why do you think they assume that Jimin?" Manager Park asked again while director Kim was looking at him with his eagle eyes. He was looking at Jimin like he knew something jimin didn't want him to know. Jimin thought his heart would jump out.'Maybe because we are in a relationship?' He thought to himself but the lords knew he wasn't going to speak the words out loud. He just wished they wouldn't notice his hands shaking beside him."I don't know" One look at director Kim and he knew it was the wrong answer ."You wanna know what I think, Mr Park Jimin? I think the rumours are true" Director Kim's sharp voice shot through the air. He open his mouth to disagree but no words came out. Jimin felt trapped.Jimin knew it was the time he should start protesting. Tell them that Jungkook was like his younger brother and nothing more or less, blame it all on their fans for being delusional , say anything and everything to make them believe the rumours are just rumours. But the rumours were true and Jimin was not a good liar. Also Director Kim already looked quite convinced he knew the truth."Tell me Jimin, is Mr. Kim correct? I've been observing you two for quite a time now and you do look quite intimate with each other" Manager Park asked, doubt lingering his voice."But all the members are very close to each other. They've been living together for a long time after all" Manager Bang said. Jimin was glad to know he was trying to save him, but only if he knew the truth! He thought about what Jungkook would do if he was in jimin's shoes. His Jungkook, who was brave and tough. "I'll protect you from all the bad things in the world hyung." Jungkook's voice rang in his ears. He was glad Jungkook wasn't with him in this moment, he just wished he had enough courage to protect Jungkook . "Speak!!! tell them there's no secret relationship with you and Jungkook!" Jimin's mind screamed but his mouth didn't cooperate."I know all of them are close but these two are different." Director Park said furrowing his eyebrows. Jimin felt like a cornered animal under the three pair of gazes of his bosses. Jimin didn't know what to do except remain silent. "Oh Jesus! Are the rumours real Jimin-ah?" BangPDnim asked running out of patience. Jimin couldn't let himself face his mentor. He could clearly hear the disappointment in his voice."No." He said and didn't sound convincing even to his own ears. Why was he shit at everything? Always too weak."I don't believe you. The public aren't fools and I definitely am not a fool ." Roared Director Kim making Jimin flinch a little."Let the boy speak Mr.Kim" That was Bang PD-nim still trying his best to defend Jimin's sorry arse."Oh I think his silence is doing enough talking for him. Do you realize how absurd this is? All of this happening right under our noses and we had no idea!" Director Kim said raising his voice. This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening. Jimin tried to calm himself in a failed attempt. His hands continued to shake beside him. "I think we gave them too much freedom." He heard director Park saying in a very disappointed voice.Jimin just stood there trying to make sense of everything happening before him. He felt like he was gonna be sick as the real horror of the situation hit him. He just outted themselves. Well, not technically but he just waited as it happened in front of him. Not just himself but Jungkook too. Their careers will be over . Jungkook's gonna hate him . Hell not just Jungkook he hated himself at the moment. What about the other members? His brothers who've been nothing but supportive of them . He fucked it all up for all of them. Why couldn't he just lie? Why did he just stood there like an idiot while all the managers figure things out? Jimin felt himself panicking, all the thoughts suffocating him like a sea of monsters. They have talked about this before, he and Jungkook, about people finding out about them . But after three years of being together they'd started to feel invincible. They should've been more careful. HE should've made sure they were more careful. Now everything is ruined and it was Jimin's fault. "Maybe we should let the boy go for now and talk about this later. He must be tired after the concert" BangPDnim said probably sensing Jimin's uneasiness. He was right. Jimin was dead tired. He wanted to vanish from the face of the earth, remove his whole existence. He couldn't face Jungkook after failing him like this."I think NOT. We need to talk about this right now and put AN END TO THIS NONSENSE."Director Kim said and turned to Jimin. Jimin flinched under his gaze. He turned his head to the floor and felt his hair following the lead covering his face."How long has this been going on?" Director Kim asked as Jimin kept looking at the carpet."Are you mute? How.long.has.this.been.going.on?" Jimin slowly raised his head and looked at Director Kim's wild eyes. He could feel his managers pitying gaze on him. "Three years?" Jimin answered wishing he could just vanish from the room. "Three years and we didn't have any idea! Right under our noses. Disgusting! " The director bellowed. Jimin wanted to scream at the man that there's nothing disgusting about falling in love or allowing oneself to be happy but his fear was bigger than his anger. So he stayed quiet."Calm down Mr. Kim. You are scaring the boy" Said manager Bang in an impatient voice. "I AM SCARING THE BOY? NO THIS BOY IS SCARING ME. TO THINK THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WAS HAPPENING IN MY COMPANY!! UNDER MY WATCH!! I HEAR THESE THINGS ARE ALLOWED IN WESTERN MUSIC INDUSTRY BUT WE KOREANS ARE STILL CIVILIZED ENOUGH TO NOT ACCEPT INCEST" Bellowed Director Kim again. Jimin clenched his fists letting his nails stab into his palms. The pain it caused felt comfortable compared to the the harsh words that was being thrown at him.Jimin stayed quiet throughout the uproar unable to defend himself. "Park Jimin what were you thinking? You are the elder one. You were suppose to look after your dongseong. To guide him in right path, not to mislead him" Manager Park's voice was calmer but the words hurt more than director Kim's. Was he really misleading Jungkook?"I wasn't mis--""Such a waste of talent that boy I swear." Director Kim said shaking his head, voice back to normal. "I agree with Mr. Park. You shouldn't have taken advantage of that boy. Wasn't he just 14 years old?" Director Kim asked looking at Jimin like he was something disgusting. Jimin couldn't believe what he was hearing. He thought for a second to remind them that he himself was 16 at the time Jungkook was 14 but thought the better of it. Defending yourself won't make any difference. He told himself."Both of you are idiots for what you did but I can't let that harm my company. So here's what we gonna do . We are gonna put an end to this "relationship" of yours. I can't believe I even have to waste my time on something so absurd like this. Anyway go to your dorm and tell Mr.Jungkook that the thing between you two is over. "NO!!! "But...." Jimin stuttered."No buts. I want it done by tonight." Director Kim announced. "Sir please, listen to me. I won't let this harm the band. It wasn't our intention. If you ask us to, we'd even keep us a secret for the rest of our lives. Please you just can't ask me to--" Jimin tried to control his trembling voice as he finally got the courage to speak. There was no way he'd let this happen. Jungkook was his life.Director Kim smiled sweetly but he looked like a venomous snake. "Here's the thing Mr.Jimin, let me explain it to you in a way you will understand. This can't go on. I don't care who finds out and who doesn't. I just don't want this disgusting business happening in my company. You people are like flies. Spreading like a disease. I don't want my idols to be corrupted because of some bad seeds. " Jimin was too shocked to say anything back. It was while since he had so much homophobic words thrown at him. Kim continued in a final voice. "If I hear any of this Jikook crap after today I will remove one of you from the group. I'll keep the most useful one and we both know it wouldn't be you. " If times were different it would have hurt Jimin to hear someone saying he.was useless to the band after all the hard work he had done but at the moment Jimin couldn't give a shit about himself. "I'm sorry this conversation had to even come to this point but I have to agree with Director Kim. this is not acceptable at all." Manager Park said rubbing his forehead. "I think I made myself clear enough . Then I'll take my leave first" Mr Kim said very calmly and walked towards the door like he didn't just destroyed Jimin's entire life. He turned around near the door and said "And Mr. Park, I don't want you to mention our little meeting to Mr. Jeon. That would be too much trouble. Your duty to your band and your bandmate has to be fulfilled before midnight nonetheless." And then he was gone. "Jimin-shi, I always liked you as an individual. And your band has been giving us the biggest profit out of all our acts. Don't let this harm you. Go and right your mistake." Manager Park said standings from his chair. He loosed his tie like it was suffocating him. Jimin stood before him trying to fight his tears. When Jimin didn't speak he talked again. " Since it's late I'll take my leave too" Jimin heard director Park's voice faintly then he was gone too. Just as manager Park left the Jimin's legs gave up and he felt himself just collapsing to the ground. What the hell did just happen? It took only half and hour for his entire life to crash down. He felt a hand in his shoulder and he looked up to find BangPD-nim staring at him with sad eyes."You know I love all of you like a father Jimin, and as a father I'm begging you not to make this any more difficult than it already is, for both of you. Do as you are told" "You don't understand. I love him" Jimin whispered as the first tear came down his cheek. He was surprised that he wasn't crying his eyes out already."You have to know I don't blame you two for being young and falling in love but there's nothing I can do for you in this situation, except ask you to fix this while you can. I wish you had trusted me enough to inform me before everything got out of hand." Bang Pd-nim said patting Jimin on the shoulder. More tears came blinding Jimin. He couldn't possibly be asking Jimin to break up with Jungkook? after everything they've been through to get together?"What if I resigned?" Jimin asked suddenly, looking at his manager through tears."He said he'd sack me from the band if we didn't stop. What if I resigned, myself?" Yes, that should satisfy Director Kim. Jimin thought to himself. He couldn't break up with Jungkook when he's his whole life. "Is that what you want Jimin-ah?" Manager Bang asked. "What about all your hard work till now? Your dreams, your parents' dreams. Your earnings, fans , everything you've fought for, for 7 years? "The answer was simple. "Those things don't mean anything to me without Jungkook" He knew he must sound like a lovesick 16 year old high school girl but he meant every single word."Then think about Jungkook. Both of your careers are on your shoulders now. I don't have to tell you what a bright future he can have. Do I? Jungkook is made of pure talent but a secret like this can destroy him." Bang PD explained in a kind voice. ""Say you left the band and you two continued your relationship, it'd still be a threat to Jungkook if you continued to be lovers . And I know you don't want that for him. do you?""No" he shook his head slowly. He wanted everything for Jungkook . To see him shine on stage as long as he can. To see him conquer the world with his brilliance. Jimin sure did not want to be an obstacle in Jungkook's path to success."Also it's not just two of you that's involved in this. all the members are included in this matter. All of their dreams, expectations relay on your decision now. The band won't survive one member leaving the band anyway . I think you owe it to your brothers to do right by them. You resigning is not the right choice. " As manager Bang spoke Jimin came to realise what he was telling was the truth. Jimin felt himself nodding but, what he was agreeing to, he had no idea. His head felt like it was gonna explode."You are a good lad Jimin. I'm really sorry!" The way he said it Jimin knew he wasn't just pretending to be sorry but it made no difference to mend jimin's broken heart. Hell, nothing could mend Jimin's poor heart now."You should go now. Your brothers must be waiting for you." His mentor said and Jimin nodded again, and got to his feet slowly wiping his tears.He bowed to the man infront of him and let his feet take him away from the godforsaken room.****
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jungkook's POVJungkook missed Jimin. It's only been an hour since he last saw him but his heart missed Jimin. He wished he had gone to the dorm with Jimin right after the concert ended. But Taehyung found it hard to settle down after the end of a concert, always dragging one of the members to paly with him to burn his extra energy. A restless soul he truly was. The boy was lucky that Jungkook loved him to bits and can't resist when he asks him to come play with him. At the moment the man in question was laying on the floor with both his hands and legs spread out like a starfish. It took three rounds of Mario cart to finally get Taehyung worn out. Jungkook snorted at the sight."Hyung shall we head home now?" He asked hopefully, Tapping his fingers on the sofa he was sitting at.Maybe the eagerness in his voice was clear because Tae turned his head at him from where he was laying and asked,"Why? Are you missing our Jiminnie? I wonder what you two are up to tonight that you wanna go home so badly." And he started to wiggle his eyebrows at him like the big weirdo he was.Jungkook had to laugh." You are too young to hear it." He joked. He was delighted hear the older man laughing at his joke."No but seriously, I truly miss him. I know it has been less than one and half an hour but I wanna see him" He poured his heart out to his best friend." I'll try my best to not be offended that you were thinking about someone else the whole time we were together."He said raising his body to sit on the floor. He sat cross legged Infront of Jungkook. Despite the words he didn't seem offended at all. Jungkook huffed another laugh."I'm just kidding. I know you are crazy about him."Tae said smiling. Jungkook knew Taehyung was their biggest supporter. How can he not be crazy about Jimin when he's the sunshine that lights up his world?"I am crazy about him" He admitted."I can understand. It's Jimin." Taehyung said shrugging. Jungkook raised his eyebrows at Taehyung challengingly."Haha Don't worry I'm not coming for your man. I'm just saying Jimin's a lovely guy."Jungkook grinned at Taehyung. "I know hyung. I was kidding. Hey, remember how you used to tease me saying you were gonna steal Jimin hyung from me. ""Yeah, that's because you stole my best friend from me." Taehyung said laughing at the memory. " We were such kids.""We were" Jungkook agreed."Do you sometimes miss those times Jungkook-ah? When we were just teenagers and messed around everywhere we went?"Always . But I can guess someone who doesn't miss us three being teenagers.""Who?""Namjoonie hyung" They both burst out laughing at Jungkook's words remembering how hard they used to make their hyung's life, always causing trouble. Normally it's Tae and kook making trouble but Jimin always took responsibility when they got caught. Namjoon would scold them all knowing too well who's responsible for what. They all admired their leader for the way he took care of them being very young himself. Namjoon had always been wise beyond his age. "Yeh. But he still treat us like teenagers most of the time." That was true. All the older members of the Bangtang had seem to forgotten that the youngsters aren't kids anymore. It was alright because Jungkook didn't mind being pampered and he bet Tae would agree too."That he does." Jungkook agreed."He work hard for us, our joonie hyung"Taehyung said. His affection for their leader was clear in his voice."Yes, they all do" Jungkook said nodding thinking of all his hyungs who he loved to death."Yeh Jungkook we are really lucky. Now let's go home to them." Taehyung stood up and offered his hand to Jungkook.****The cab ride back home was silent with both of them being in their own worlds. Sometimes Tae would look at him and smile a little and Jungkook would smile back. The silent was comfortable. Jungkook's mind ran to the conversation they had earlier. He knew Tae was right . They really were lucky to be surrounded by such great people.He thought about Jin hyung, with his not-so-funny jokes who was always there to lift up their moods whenever one member is down.Yoongi hyung who didn't think twice to defend his brothers against anything bad because he's very protective of his loved ones.Namjoon hyung who took care of everything on behalf of all of them, who took the blame if one of them fucked up.Hobi hyung, who went out his way to make sure the members are comfortable, always asking how they were feeling.Jungkook also thought about Taehyung, the man seated beside him, the one who helped him to come out of his shell and reach his full capacity.And of course of Jimin...Jimin with his beautiful eyes and breathtaking smile. The boy with the biggest heart. He who lived for other people's happiness.Jimin was the mother hen of Bangtang. He was always there offering a shoulder to cry and wiping their tears when needed. He would smile through his own pain to comfort another. He was the strongest person Jungkook knew but he still felt the need to protect him because Jimin was too kind for this world. Jungkook always feared the world would take advantage of Jimin's kindness, his loyalty. He has witnessed people doing that in the past. He considered it his duty not to let that happen anymore.Every time Jungkook tell that to Jimin he would smile like the sun and pinch his cheek. Then he would kiss him and say " Thank you Jungkook-ah. I'm lucky to have you" Jungkook loved him so much. He couldn't wait to go home to his arms.****Jungkook returned home to find Yooungi and Hoseok in the living room, both glued to their phones. They raised their head in unison as Jungkook and Tae entered. Giving a little nod they went back to their phones again. He walked straight to his room hoping to find Jimin there as Taehyung vanished into his. He could hear Jin singing softly as he passed his room. He seemed more a more comfortable in his voice nowadays, Jungkook was happy for him .As Jungkook opened the door to his own room and went inside his eyes immediately searched for Jimin. He could see that the room was empty even in the dark . He switched on the lights for good measure but Jimin was still not there."Maybe he is in the bathroom" He said to no-one. Flashes of his boyfriend's glorious body came to his mind and he whistled to himself."Maybe you could join him" he said and giggled to himself. What better way to end his day.But unfortunately Jimin was not in the bathroom so Jungkook had to surpress his dark fantasies. At least for until he finds Jimin."Jiminnie hyuuungggg" he called for him half singing the words."Jimin-shiiii......" still no answer."Jiiiiiimin...!!? "Park Jimin!?" Jungkook loved saying his name. He liked how it sounded in his mouth.He walked into the living room again."Jimiiiiiiinieeee" He called out again."Oh for fuck's sake stop shouting Jungkook. He's not here" Yoongi's voice came from the sofa . He looked at him to find him glaring at him . Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows."What do you mean he's not here. Didn't you all come together?" He questioned."I mean he's not home. If he was here he would have answered you by now wouldn't he?" Came older man's reply."But where is he?" Jungkook asked confused. Jimin usually let him know when he's going somewhere."Out" Yoongi' said focusing on phone again."Out where??!!" Jungkook asked poking Yoongi on shoulder trying to get his attention. When he gave no reply he turned to Hoseok. Yoongi hyung is impossible sometimes."Hobi hyung where's Jimin?" Hoseok looked at him with his neck tilted to a side looking like a bird and said, " I don't know I thought he was with you guys."Why is his dormmates damn useless. He turned to Yoongi again poking him harder he whined" Suga hyuuung. Please. where is he?" He knew Jimin wasn't in some danger or anything he just needed to see his man."He went out with Namjoonie since certain someone abondaned him for Mario Cart. ." Yoongi said pushing his hand away."Where? ""To have dinner ""But we had dinner in the dressing room" He said."He's allowed to eat more than once" If Jungkook didn't know better he would've been offended by Yoongi's way of talking. But after living with the man almost a decade he knew it was just how he roll. In fact Jungkook enjoyed bickering with Yoongi."Where did they go. Which restaurant?" He asked."Oh my god Jungkook why are you being so annoying?He looked at Jungkook with a frown in his face but he looked more cute than scary. Jungkook sighed and went to sit between Hobi and Yoongi. He sat down and put his head on Hoseok's lap and legs on Yoongi's without asking permission. Yoongi pinched his side."You are a spoilt brat. Aren't you? Jungkook didn't see it but he was sure he was smiling. He giggled."Y'all are to be blamed for that" He said, very pleased with himself. Evidently to his point, he felt Hobi's hand through his hair. He could settle with that until Jimin returned home. It was comfortable. For the first time in the night Jungkook realized how tired he was. It was no wonder he was knackered, the day had been too long. He closed his eyes. And dreamt about brown eyes and perfect smiles.So when the door to the dorm opened and Namjoon stepped in supporting a badly shaking Jimin, Jungkook was sleeping soundlessly, unaware of what tomorrow had in its plate for him.****
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 3JIMIN POV "That fucking asshole" Min Yoongi spited angrily as he got up from where he was sitting on jin's bed and started pacing . Jimin was seated on the other bed in the room feeling sick as he listened to Namjoon explaining the situation to other members, his own words spoken back at him . He had cried the whole trip back home, telling Namjoon everything that went down at the meeting room . Namjoon had been angry hearing how Jimin was treated , the same anger that was radiating from Yoongi now. The thing was Jimin didn't know if he was treated badly or he just deserved how he was treated. "Who the fuck does he think he is to threaten Jimin about his position in the band. After everything he has done for Bangtan?" Yoongi said . Jimin raised his head to look at him, taking his eyes away from his hands where he'd been staring for last 15 minutes. Yoongi wasn't looking at him though. He was directing his question at Namjoon, who shook his head, sighing. Jimin remembered how Namjoon acted when he first told him the story. Very similar to Suga but a little less scary. He had insisted on wanting to go and meet the managers himself. And he would have, If Jimin didn't start panicking and stopped and him. He didn't want to cause anymore trouble for his band mates than he already had. "The problem is he knows exactly who he is and what kind of power he holds over us. He practically runs the company he can do whatever he wants." Came Hoseok's voice . Jimin knew he was right . That's why he has got to do what Director Kim had asked him. He turned his gaze back to his hands . They were shaking. "You gotta be strong for Jungkook" he told himself, what he thought was for the hundredth time in the evening. Namjoon had told him the same thing in the cab, but Jimin hadn't been able to stop crying let alone be strong. When he told Namjoon that he had smiled sadly and told him that crying does not make anyone weak. " It just means you are sad Jiminah. I'm sad too. I can imagine how it's for you." So he had let Jimin cry through all the journey back home. And Jimin had. It had taken him a while to realise that Jungkook was going to notice he'd been crying and the realization had made him start panicking again because he couldn't let Jungkook know about tonight. That's what Director Kim wanted from him. A part of himself didn't want Jungkook to know anything either. "Disgusting" That's what Director Kim had called them. No, Jungkook didn't have to know. So when he got home he was relieved to find Jungkook asleep on the sofa, looking cozy and comfortable. The sight had been both comforting and heartbreaking at the same time. His sweet Jungkook. He had wanted to go up to Jungkook and kiss his forhead. Wake him up and ask him to sing for him so he wouldn't feel so miserable anymore. But he knew he couldn't. Maybe those things would not be possible ever again because his Jungkook won't be his by tomorrow night. The thought had made Jimin want to throw up. Jimin had broken down into tears again and had run for his room, letting his hands go off from Namjoon. He had bumped into Jin who was coming out of his room. Jin had caught him with both his arms. Jimin had just wrapped his arms around his lean body hugging him, crying while his tears drenched Jin's shirt. Jin had just held him not demanding any questions. The next few minutes were all chaos with Suga and Hobi running to them, wanting to know what the hell happened and Namjoon begging them to be quiet and not to wake Jungkook up. After they settled in Jin's and Yoongi's room Namjoon had filled them up with everything. "It's high time they know that they need us as much as we need them . We're the ones who are working our asses off. We are the ones who's making a profit" Yoongi's voice brought Jim in back to the present. "We can't let them treat us like shit man. " Yoongi said again when no one else spoke. His voice sounded desperate which gave the sign that he also knew there was nothing they could do."Sadly that's not how it works in our industry hyung. " Namjoon answered him. Jimin could see Jin nodding his head seconding Namjoon's words. Yoongi just kept pacing. "What are you going to do about this Jimin?" Jin asked softly turning to Jimin. He was leaning on one of the the desks in the corner of the room. His always cheerful face looked tired and unhappy. What else was there to do now? Except..."I'm gonna stop our relationship" There they were.. the words he never thought he'd say. The words that would give him nightmares. Finally being said out loud, they didn't sound any less terrifying than they were on his head.
He's going to have to break up with Jungkook. He was going to have to break up with Jungkook and Jungkook wouldn't even know the real reason. This can't be fucking happening. He felt Hoseok hugging him from behind. He rested his chin on jimin's shoulder. His cheek felt damp against his own and he realised Hoseok was crying too. "I'm so sorry Jimin-ah. I can't tell you how much I wish I could make things better. " Jimin leaned into his touch a bit more to indicate that he understood him and was grateful. Yoongi suddenly stopped pacing and came to stand before Jimin and Hoseok. "I'm still saying you should fight for you two. And I promise you I'll be right beside you. We all will be. " he said and looked at other three members like he was waiting for confirmation. Jimin had no doubt his brothers would be there for him through anything. But he couldn't let them risk their careers which they worked so hard to build. He couldn't do that to them. He couldn't be that selfish. "They'd just drop the whole band from their company hyung. What would we do then? And if the word go out that me and Jungkook are.. were in a relationship any of us would not be signed by any company ever again. I don't want that for Jungkook. I don't want that for any of you. " Jimin said his voice small. He had gone through all the options he had other than breaking up with Jungkook over his head thousand times and all of them ended with him realising he couldn't be selfish and save his relationship while risking others' entire life work. "Yeah, basically they can destroy us. But Suga hyung is right. Whatever happens we are with you two" Namjoon said. " I don't even fucking care about any of these things anymore." Yoongi said running a hand through his snow white hair. "Yes, you do hyung. You are angry right now but you don't mean that you don't care about your career. Music means everything to you." Jimin said untangling himself from Hobi and reaching for Yoongi's hand, making him sit beside him. Jimin placed his head on Yoongi's shoulder and continued talking.
" And you care about Army. We can't hurt them.""Look at you taking care of everyone else but you. Like always. How can you be so kind Jimin" He said sadly.
"And you are correct. Yes, I care about them. A lot actually . But I care about you way more. You are my little brother. I'm supposed to take care of you. I've sworn to myself I'd never let anything bad happen to you. I feel like I've failed you and Jungkook ." Through his own tears Jimin saw Yoongi's eyes swelling up with tears . He knew all four older men in the room felt the same way. He knew they were partly blaming themselves for everything that happened. Jimin knew this because that was exactly what he was feeling too. It was like all of them were one person with same sorrow and same sense of responsibilities.. It was true Jimin was broken but at that moment he felt safe in the presence of his brothers."You haven't failed me. Or Jungkook. It was I who should've been careful." He wiped his tears and got on to his feet. He walked few steps away from them and stood up facing them.He had made a decision."I'm going to tell Jungkook tomorrow morning." He said the inevitable. All four men in front of him looked at him with tearful eyes. Jin spoke. " Jimin-ah if you are doing this for us please don't. You should know by now how much we care about you" "I know hyung that's why I have to do this. You all warned me about this when we first started seeing each other. You knew something like this could happen but still supported us. So thank you. Let me take care of this now. " Jimin said. "It's gonna break Jungkook's heart" Jimin heard Jin murmuring. Didn't Jimin already know that?
"And also yours Jimin. We all know how much you two mean to each other ." "Yes, he means everything to me and It will continue to be so. No matter what. They can make me break up with Jungkook but they can't make me unlove him" Jimin said as Namjoon nodded his head. "This is so unfair" He heard Hoseok murmuring behind him. The whole room looked defeated. All five of them sat on silence for a little while. He could hear Taehyung snoring lightly in the other room. Jimin wished he was with him at the moment but just like Jungkook Tae was already fast asleep when Jimin got home. "So you can't even tell Jungkook why you are doing it?" Hobi asked looking at him in the eyes. He had stopped crying. "No. I was asked not to. They don't want Jungkook to know." Jimin said. "They probably want to make it look like to Jungkook that you broke up with him willingly so he won't make trouble with the management. Like I said, assholes." Yoongi said fuming. Jimin nodded. Jeon Jungkook was one of the most valuable investments of big hit entertainment. They wouldn't want Jungkook to be bitter with them. So instead they were going to paint Jimin as the bad man. And Jimin would gladly do it if it meant good for Jungkook."You know Jungkook's not gonna just take it. right? He'd know something's wrong when you suddenly change your mind overnight. " It was Jin."Then it's up to me to make it believable I guess." Jimin didn't know what he's gonna say to Jungkook tomorrow but he knew he had to make up some story. A story which Jungkook wouldn't want to be with him after hearing. "What are you going to do Jimin?" Namjoon asked raising his eyebrows. "I don't know yet." Jimin said lost in thoughts. To his ears his voice sounded like it was coming from somewhere far away. He still couldn't believe this was happening. But he meant what he said. He'll do whatever he had to do to make sure Jungkook's future is secured. He would have to hurt Jungkook for that now but maybe some day, when Jungkook was successful and have the whole world in his hand like he deserved to, he would thank Jimin for leaving him. For loving him enough to let him go. Just Maybe. ****
Jimin sighed heavily as the clock striked 3 in the morning. He'd been sitting at his desk for the last two hours, just thinking. After the other boys finally decided to retire to their rooms Jimin had come to his own, refusing Hoseok's offer to keep him company. He needed to be alone. Now that he had been alone for two hours he couldn't bear the loneliness anymore. He needed someone. He needed Jungkook. Jimin slowly stood up from his chair and only then he realised that he'd been sitting in dark this whole time. He made his way out of his room and entered the living room where he knew Jungkook was. He heard the sound of his breathing before he saw him. As he walked upto the massive sofa he could see Jungkook's sleeping body cocooned in the bedsheets. The faint light coming from the hallway illuminated Jungkook's face in a way, that Jimin thought even angles would be jealous of him. Jimin slowly lowered himself and sat on his knees beside the sofa, facing Jungkook . Beautiful. Jimin thought. Jungkook had a little smile in his lips. Jimin thought about kissing them for a moment but instead he raised his hand and removed the hair that was lingering on top of Jungkook's forehead.
Then he moved forward and Kissed Jungkook on forehead. Jungkook made a little happy whimper. Jimin moved back quickly to look at Jungkook but he was still soundly asleep. Smiling a little despite everything, Jimin searched for Jungkook's hand. Jungkook's hand fitted on Jimin's like it's made just for him Jimin could cry. Maybe he should just wake Jungkook up and elope with him.. like right now. Fuck everything else. He could go somewhere far away from here and live with Jungkook. A world where they could be themselves. He knew Jungkook would come with him even to the end of the world. That was the exact reason he couldn't do that. "I love you baby. I love you so much. I will always love you" He whispered as fresh sets of tears wetted his eyes. "Please don't believe anything I say tomorrow. Please sweetheart. No matter what happens after tomorrow please know that you will always be in my heart. I love you more than anything in the world." Jimin said as he sobbed softly. Jungkook frowned a little in his sleep like he could feel Jimin was sad, like he was listening to what Jimin was saying but Jimin knew he wasn't. For the next few minutes Jimin sat in silence trying to calm himself. He concentrated on Jungkook's breathing once again because he knew it would calm him. It was like music to his ears, his favourite sound in the whole world. Jungkook's breathing when he was sleeping had been Jimin's personal lullaby for more than three years. "For one last time." He told himself and lied down on the floor next to the sofa, still holding Jungkook's hand. The carpeted floor was a bit cold against his body but nothing Jimin couldn't handle. Also he had Jungkook's hand to keep him warm, for one more night. At that moment, looking at the ceiling, with his hand in Jungkook's he wished time would stop still. He wished the sun would never rise again. But he knew it would. Tomorrow would come and it would bring him a life without Jungkook. Or worse.. a life with Jungkook where Jungkook Hated him.****Jungkook The first thing Jungkook noticed when he opened his eyes was that he was not on his bed but on their sofa. Memories from last night came to him slowly. He was waiting for Jimin and he had fallen asleep!!! He sat up too quickly for a person who just woke up and observed the living room rubbing his eyes. No one was in sight. Taehyung was talking on the phone, probably to his mom, from somewhere in the house. He was nowhere to be seen but the man was being so loud that Jungkook suspected that his mom would hear him even without the mobile connection. "Tone it down idiot. people are trying to sleep" He yelled at Tae's voice before realising, him shouting would not help rest of the sleepers either.
Despite what he said about sleeping he got up from the sofa untangling himself from the sheets (someone must have covered him up while he was sleeping) and headed for the kitchen for a glass of water. He found Tae in the kitchen sitting on the counter, a carrot in one hand and cellphone in the other. Jungkook bowed to him mockingly as Taehyung flipped him off. Jungkook laughed. Getting his water he headed straight to Jimin's room. Jimin was probably still asleep but it had been too long since Jungkook last saw him and he was getting impatient. He was thrilled to find Jimin, in a bathrobe, facing the other way as he entered the room. Jimin didn't seem to notice him so Jungkook silently went behind him, with secret foot steps and all that, and gently hugged Jimin from behind. It was clear he caught Jimin off guard because he jumped away from Jungkook abruptly and turned to face him looking startled. Maybe it's too early for surprises. Jungkook thought smiling to himself. "Oh did you wake up? Good" Jimin said without looking at him. He turned to the mirror and focused on his hair. Jungkook pouted. He needed Jimin's attention only on him. So he went ahead and clinged to Jimin wrapping him arms around Jimin's tiny waist. He rested his head on his shoulder for good measure. "Why didn't you woke me up last night. I was waiting for you... " He whined rubbing his nose against Jimin's robe, smelling him. In Jungkook's opinion it was the best smell in the whole universe. He might be a little bias though. Suddenly he was very much awake. It's been three years now but Jimin still managed to make Jungkook go mad just by existing. He pulled Jimin's robe away from his shoulder by a little, exposing milk white skin and kissed the exposed skin softly as his hand ran to the knot of the bath robe. Just as he was getting the knot undone he felt Jimin go stiff against him and he was suddenly pushed away from Jimin. "Sorry, did I--" Jungkook started but he was cut off by Jimin. "Er.. Listen, we need to talk." Jimin said looking at Jungkook in the eye for the first time in the morning.
Looking at him, it only took Jungkook half a second to realise that something was wrong. "Jiminnie, is something wrong?" Jungkook asked kind of panicked as his mother hen instincts started to kick in. "No, nothing is wrong. I just said we need to talk. Can we?" Jimin said, his voice sounding irritated. Jimin had to be in a major bad mood if he was talking to him like that . Luckily Jungkook was a master in handling Jimin's bad moods. "Of course we can babe. You just seem a little bothered, a lot actually, that's why I asked whether something happened." He said in a calm voice extending a hand toward Jimin. Jimin looked at the hand extended to him but instead of taking it, he occupied his hands with fixing his bath robe back. " Let me get dressed first " He said all business like. "Well I don't mind you not getting dressed " Jungkook said mischievously. He couldn't resist saying it. "Wait here" Jimin said looking at Jungkook sternly as he walked towards the bathroom.
"Why do you even have to go to the bathroom to get dressed?" Jungkook whined again."Oh shit! you are mad at me for something. Aren't you?" He asked trying to remember his actions last 24 hours.
"I swear I've been a good boy." He added in a teasing voice and went to sit on Jimin's bed to wait for him.It took Jimin more than 10 minutes to come back but Jungkook sat on his bed silently waiting for him. "I wanna break up. " was the first thing to come out of Jimin's mouth. Jungkook was sure he heard the words wrong. "What?" "I want to break up." Jimin said again, slowly and Jungkook was pretty sure he heard him clearly this time. But that didn't mean he quite understood him. "What do you mean?" Jungkook asked shocked. Jimin's words were ringing in his ears. He wanted to stand up from the bed and reach Jimin but for some reason he couldn't move. "Come on Jungkook you know what that means." Yes and that was the problem. He knew exactly what that meant and it made no sense. Breaking up was not something people like Jimin and Jungkook do. Suddenly a realization came to him. "Ohhh you are playing one of those pranks on me. right? Haha okay but no thanks I don't want us to break up" It has to be. He told himself. Jungkook had seen videos on YouTube where people break up with their partners to prank them. Jungkook had always found those videos very cruel and disturbing but at the moment he prayed to God that Jimin was pranking him . "I'm serious . Let's break up." Jimin's voice came and Jungkook felt like his heart stopped in his chest as the words reached his ears for the third time of the morning. What was happening? "Jimin why are you being like this. Stop saying that!!Jungkook said, too shocked to realise that he was practically shouting. Jungkook's eyes were hurting from how wide he had opened them in shock. Jimin just stared at Jungkook silently like he didn't just gave Jungkook a heat attack. " I swear to god Jimin-ah, if you are trying to prank me please stop now. It's not fucking funny. I'm loosing my mind. " Jungkook said running his hand through his hair and tugging at them. He searched Jimin's face to find answers there but Jimin's expressions were blank. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Jimin asked like it all made perfectly sense. Maybe he's not joking... Everything about Jimin screamed that he was nothing but serious. But the whole situation still made no sense. They were perfectly fine just 12 hours ago. He refused to move from where he was sitting because moving around would make the situation feel more real. And it cannot be. He kept looking at Jimin without saying anything. Jungkook was sure he must be looking like a cartoon character at the moment, with his opened mouth and eyes expanded widely. But fuck looks, the world was ending. "Jungkook?" Jimin said carefully like he was addressing a distressed cat. Anyway his name coming out of Jimin's mouth gave Jungkook energy he needed to talk again. He jumped out of the bed and walked up to Jimin. " What?? But why? Oh my god. I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?" Jungkook managed to say. For a moment Jimin looked panicked but he collected himself very quickly and said, "No, you didn't do anything wrong. I just think that's what's best for us now." Jungkook felt his heart sinking further in his chest. Jimin thought breaking up was what's best for them? How long had he been thinking that way? Was he not happy with Jungkook? But... "I don't understand. We were fine just yesterday. What is happening?" He asked desperately.
Jungkook wanted to hold Jimin's hands but they were in his pockets. So instead Jungkook held onto Jimin's shoulders. Jimin's Broad shoulders felt stiff against his hands"Talk to me. Please. If I did something wrong tell me. I'll try to do better. You can't just say things like that." Jungkook felt his vision go bleary. Jungkook saw a flash of sadness crossing Jimin's face for a split second that Jungkook thought he might have imagined it. "I think we should meet new people. " Jimin said getting his shoulders freed from Jungkook's hands and turning away from Jungkook. Jungkook hands fell to his sides as did his tears. "What? What on earth does that mean? Meet new people? Why? What do you mean? I don't want to meet new people." Jungkook said reaching for Jimin again and making him face Jungkook. This time Jimin looked at Jungkook straight in the eye. His gaze was cold again. "Yes, you do Jungkook. Listen here. You were 14 when we met and barely 18 when we started this." Jimin said motioning his hands between them. He continued "You jumped into a relationship with the first person who showed some interest in you, which happened to be me. If it was someone else you'd be in a relationship with them now. What I'm saying is this thing between us, it just happened due to our circumstances. Let's stop this and try to find something more real" The sudden anger that consumed his mind surprised even himself . He wished he could unhear what Jimin said. He couldn't possibly mean that!! "oh my god!! what the fuck are you talking about. Please tell me you didn't mean that. Something more real? I don't know if anything can get any real than what we have." Jungkook said trying to control his voice. He didn't want to shout at Jimin no matter how angry his words had made him. And then Jimin spoke again. "Yes I agree we had our fun but--" " Fun?? Was it been just fun for you when it was everything to me. When you've been my reason to woke up every single day?" He yelled unable to control himself. He regretted raising his voice at Jimin right after he did it. But the thing was Jimin's words hurt. A lot. But he knew he should act like an adult. He knew he had to convince Jimin that they were supposed to be together. Jimin himself was the one to always say that. So he tried again. "I'm sorry I shouted at you. I know you don't mean any of those things baby. Just tell me what's wrong. We'll work things out. We always do. I think you're just stressed now. " Jungkook said. Speaking his thoughts aloud. There had to be something wrong. " Jiminnie... " He pushed some more as Jimin didn't utter a word. " Nothing's wrong. And I did mean what I said" Jimin said. His voice was loud and clear. "No, you are lying. " "You and I both know I'm not a good liar Jungkook" "You want to break up." Jungkook stated more than questioned because Jimin had made it pretty clear by that point. "yes." came the answer. "yo--" His word got stuck in his throat as he tried to talk again. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Have you not been happy with me?" He asked and as he waited for an answer Jungkook though that if Jimin's answer was to be 'no' he would never recover from that pain. "I was very happy with you but I think it's time for both of us to move on now. Get more experience in the world." Jimin's voice was kind. Jungkook sighed through his nose, his breathing coming out differently. "What if I don't want to move on without you? " "You would want to. Maybe you'll meet a very pretty girl to fall in love with. "Jungkook was confused for few seconds. A girl? "what? Oh shit! Is this about that again? You trying to save me from going to hell for being gay? I thought we left that discussion in 2014.""It's not about that. I don't want to be with you anymore. Why don't you understand. " "You wanna know why I don't understand Jimin-ah? I don't understand because we were fine until yesterday. It was just yesterday that you said you loved me.. You cared about me. What changed overnight?" He asked teary eyed. He had no idea he had so much tears in his body. Jimin was silent for a while. Then he spoke
"You must know that I still care about you very dearly." "But you don't want to be with me anymore." Jungkook said looking at Jimin. "No" "Okay then let's break up. I don't want to keep you against your will." If that's what Jimin wanted he will get just that. He was never able to say no to Jimin. Jimin looked at him and nodded. Jungkook didn't know why Jimin didn't show any emotion. But Jungkook's heart was on fire and he knew his face clearly gave it away. He didn't know what to do. A part of him hated Jimin at that moment for breaking his heart. That part wanted Jimin to be hurt as much as Jimin hurt Jungkook.
Both of them were silent for some time. "I'll always love you.. like a brother." was all Jimin came up with. Suddenly the door to the room opened and Taehyung entered through the door startling both of them. "Yo, are the love birds awake? I heard voices.. " He sing songed.
Taehyung stopped on his tracks as he took a better look at the room. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, what on earth happened here?" Both Jimin and Jungkook ignored Taehyung. Jungkook watched Jimin hurrying, trying to get to the door to exit the room. He called after him."You don't call people who you used to fuck, brothers Park Jimin. Now go and meet those new people you are so eager to meet and leave me alone. " This time the hurt look on Jimin's face was very clear for Jungkook to see.. Jungkook never thought he'd ever speak rudely to Jimin, let alone saying something like that to him but neither did he think Jimin would ever want to break up with him, saying he wanted to be with other people. "I'm sorry." Jimin said in a voice Jungkook recognised as sincere and ran away from the room. Taehyun was there to catch Jungkook as he finally broke down. ****
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The loud music coming from the speaker stopped, signaling the end of the play list. Jimin panted and dropped to the floor as the last bit of energy he had gave up. The dancing studio was quiet except for Jimin's loud breathing. He didn't know how long he'd been there but since he came to the studio he had danced to almost hundred songs. He laid down on the cold floor hoping it would help the dizziness he was feeling. Rubbing his sweaty hand on his too hot forehead, he closed his eyes."What if I don't want to move on without you? " Jungkook's voice echoed in his head.
"Did I do something wrong?" "Jiminnie!?" Jungkook's innocent eyes were staring at Jimin and Jimin couldn't take it anymore.. He opened his eyes and sat up, too fast, that his exhausted self almost passed out. He slowly put his head between his leg. Dancing had helped Jimin to keep Jungkook out of his head so far but even Jimin couldn't dance for so long. Every muscle on his body screamed from pain. While his body begged him to take some rest his mind threatened to keep dancing, to keep himself busy so he wouldn't break down mentally. He was tired of crying. Jimin saw his phone light up from the corner of his eyes. It has been going off since the morning but Jimin had ignored it. He knew he should pick up the phone and let his members know where he was. "I am born to make people worry. Such a useless brat." He murmured under his breath. Jimin knew that If Jungkook was there, he'd disagree with Jimin and tell him how precious Jimin was but Jungkook was not there, He was at the dorm, sad and worried, because of Jimin. End of the argument. He really was fucking useless. Jimin slowly got to his feet and walked up to the place where he'd left his phone. On the way he took a glimpse of himself from the mirror and wondered what did Jungkook ever see in him. He almost dropped his phone to the floor when he saw that it was not one of his members but his mother calling. Jimin took the phone with him to the end of the room and sat down, resting his back to the wall. He watched while the phone rang and the call came to an end. He was not ready to talk to his mother. Hearing her voice, he wouldn't be able to hold it any longer. After the call ended the phone vibrated adding one more text to his already piled up inbox. He sighed and opened the message his mom had sent him. "Kookie called earlier. He sounded really upset. Now you are not picking up your phone. Should I be worried, son?" The thing was Jimin's mom knew about them. Jimin's mind ran to that afternoon when his mom walked in on them accidentally. It was the Christmas holidays in 2016 and Jungkook had come to stay with Jimin's family for one night. They were messing around in Jimin's room when Jimin's mom entered the room with the laundry. Both boys had become so frightened that none could move. Jimin was practically on Jungkook's lap when Jimin mom had locked the door and calmly asked them for the truth. Jimin was the first to move from the bed. He kneeled in front of his mother, begging for her to not to hate him while Jungkook watched him with his mouth open. A moment later Jungkook joined him at the floor, explaining to Jimin's mom how it's all his fault and not Jimin's. She lowered herself to their level and wiped the tears from both of their frightened faces. "A mother can never hate her children no matter what." She had said in the kindest voice that only made Jimin cry harder. "Do you guys love each other?" She had wanted to know and both Jimin and Jungkook had replied in a breath.
"Yes."
"More than anything." Jimin's mother looked at them smiling softly and at that moment Jimin knew he had the best mother in the world, because she didn't look disgusted or angry, she just looked like a mother who was ready to accept her son in any way he was. "Then you have my blessings.. Just take care of each other." She said, gently caressing both of their cheeks. "Aren't you disappointed with me?" Jimin asked, still refusing believe his luck. "No child, I'm proud of you. The hardest thing in life is being true to oneself and you have managed to do just that. I'm so proud of you." She said and then looked at Jungkook. "You too Jungkook-ah. I can see how much you care about my boy. I can sleep better now knowing my son is in good hands.""I promise you mom, I will take care of Jimin hyung." Jungkook promised making Jimin's mom beam. "Thank you kookie. I can see why Jimin loves you so much." She said wiping her own happy tears. The conversation had been short and Jimin was quite sure that his mom didn't understand the situation completely. But she was accepting and was just happy that Jimin was happy. Jimin was so grateful. Ever since that day Jimin's mother had been nothing but supportive of them. Jimin wanted to talk to his mom so badly. He wanted to share his sorrow with her but that would mean making her sad too and he couldn't do that. He couldn't do that to her knowing it would break her heart. He typed a short message for his mom and press send."Nothing is wrong. We're fine. What did he say?"His mom's reply came instantly. "Just that he wanted to hear my voice. Such a sweet kid. Take care of him Jimin-ah. He's probably homesick." He bumped his head on the wall few times, closing his eyes. His head was a mess. He wondered how Jungkook was doing. He wanted to call Jungkook and check on him but he knew he couldn't do that either. "I hope you are happy now, Mr. Kim" He said to no one. .... Jimin was dozing off on the studio floor when he heard the footsteps walking towards him. He didn't hear the doors opening. His eyes followed the sound to find Taehyung staring down at him. A odd kind of relief ran over Jimin's body at the sight of his best friend. "Tae.." He started but stopped short at Taehyung's dull expression. The look on Taehyung's face was unfamiliar but Jimin recognised it anyway. Taehyung looked angry and the relief Jimin was feeling a little while ago vanished. Jimin moved uncomfortably under Taehyung's gaze. The floor felt cold against him and his muscles felt numb from sitting in the same position for a long time. "How could you do that to Jungkook? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" Taehyung yelled disturbing the silence in the room. "How's he, Taehyungie?" Jimin asked ignoring what Taehyung said. His whole body ached know how Jungkook was doing. "I don't know Jimin, you tell me. How do you think he is?" When he looked at him, Taehyung's face was as cold and hard as the studio floor. When Jimin didn't utter a word Taehung spoke again, his voice sounding bitter. "He's heartbroken, you idiot. What did you expect? His boyfriend of three years dumped him." Jimin felt his eyes filling with tears at Taehyung's words. He looked away, before Taehyung could see them. "Who is he with now?" Jimin managed to ask.
"Why are you here? I think you should be by his side right now. " Jimin heard Taehyung snorting at his words. "You think? Oh please Jimin! You of all people don't have to teach me my responsibilities. You are talking like I was the one who broke his heart. Like I'm the one hiding myself in the studio like a freaking coward." It took Jimin sometime to register his friend's words and when they did, he felt them clawing at his heart. Taehyung had never been rude to Jimin like this before.He doesn't know why I did it. He just worried about Jungkook. Jimin told himself. Nevertheless he couldn't hide the hurt from his eyes when he looked at his best friend. Jimin released a breath as he noticed some of Taehyung's features softening when their eyes met. When Taehyung spoke again his voice had also somewhat softened. "Listen, it's not too late. Go and apologies, he will forgive you for all the stupid shit you had said in the morning. Seriously Jimin-ah, what were you thinking?" He can't. Jimin swallowed. "I can't do that." Jimin murmured in a small voice. "Then I'm ashamed to call you my best friend. Poor Jungkookie fell asleep trying to figure out what he did so wrong." Taehyung said shaking his head, his voice deeply disappointed. "Taetae.. --" Jimin wanted to explain everything. He wanted his friend to understand, that he did not had a choice, that he would never hurt Jungkook intentionally. But before Jimin could say anything Taehyung spoke again. "Don't Taetae me Jimin-ah. I'm so mad at you." He said and started walking back and forth. Jimin kept staring at the floor, listening to the sound of Taehyung's steps. It was silent for few seconds then at the same time both of them started to speak. "You were sleeping last night whe--" Jimin stopped talking as he heard Taehyung speaking. "When you two started seeing each other, I went to Jungkook and threatened him, yes threatened him, not to ever hurt you. I told him I'd break his leg if he ever broke your heart." Taehyung stopped and snorted. "The joke's on me. I gave the talk to the wrong boyfriend. I never thought you could hurt anyone. Never expected --" "Taehyungie, that's enough." Both boys turned their head to the direction Namjoon's voice came from. He was coming toward them from the entrance with Hoseok at his heels. "But Joon hyung didn't you see what state Jungk--" Taehyung started to explain but Namjoon cut him off again , grabbing hold of Taehyung's hand and hauling them toward the door.
"Come with me." Jimin heard Namjoon saying to Taehyung. After Namjoon exited the studio with Taehyung Hoseok turned to Jimin. "I'm sorry, Jimin-ah we didn't get a time to tell Taehyung. He was with Jungkook the entire time. Don't take anything he said to heart. He's upset about Jungkook." Hoseok said. Jimin nodded. He tried not to be be upset at Tae's words but they still stung at his heart. Also, knowing Jungkook was hurting broke his heart all over again. "How are you, my brother?" Hoseok asked gently. "I'm okay." Jimin lied, even though he was feeling far from okay. "I'm Sorry if I worried you by not picking up the phone hyung." He said, before Hoseok could question more about his health. "That's fine. We figured you wanted to be alone for sometime. We knew you were at the dancing studio. I came to check on you earlier when you were dancing." "Really? I didn't notice you coming." Jimin said trying to smile. "Yeah you were busy dancing. I swear Jimin-ah, one of these days you're gonna be better at dancing than all of us combined." He said, beaming at Jimin. This time Jimin's smile came easily. Coming from Hoseok, the compliment meant a lot. "Here, we brought food. I bet you didn't eat anything since morning." Hoseok said, offering Jimin the parcel he was holding. Jimin made a face.
"Hyung, I'm not really hungry." "Jimin-ah, don't be like that. You have to eat something." Hoseok said. Jimin took the food parcel from Hoseok reluctantly because he didn't want him to worry. "How is Kookie, hyung?" Jimin asked. Hoseok hesitated for a second.
"He'll be alright. He's a strong kid, our Jungkook." He said thoughtfully. "Yeah he is."Jimin agreed. He leaned his head on Hoseok's shoulder. It felt too heavy on his neck. "Do you think he hates me, hyung? He said he didn't want me as a brother." Jimin whispered. He felt Hoseok caressing his hand in a slow motion. His touch calmed him. "He doesn't hate you. He's just confused. Give him some time. Things will be better with time. " The older man advised. Jimin sighed and nodded to let Hoseok know he was listening. The studio door opened and Taehyung came running at them. He stopped in front of Jimin, bent down to his level and hugged him, chanting," I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Jimin was shocked at the sudden commotion. He took Taehyung by the shoulders and pushed him gently away from him so he could take a better look at the younger man. When he looked at him, Taehyung's cheeks were moist with tear stains and his eyes, filled with tears. "ohh Taehyungie." Jimin said and hugged Taehyung back to his chest. "I'm sorry Jimin-ah. I acted like a bag of poo. I'm really sorry." Taehyung sobbed. "No Taehyungie, you didn't know." Jimin said genuinely. "But I should have. I've known you for so long but still doubted you knowing you couldn't even hurt a fly. I don't deserve to be your friend. I'm sorry." Taehyung continued crying as Jimin rubbed his back. "I know you were worried about Kookie, Taehyung. To be honest I'm glad Jungkook has someone like you to protect him. You are a good friend." Jimin said trying to console his friend who was crying in his arms. But his words made Taehyung sob more. "But I should have protected you too. You went through so much and your so called best friend didn't even know. You needed me and instead of supporting you I shouted at you. I'm such a shitty friend." Taehyung's voice was hoarse from crying. "You are not a shitty friend Taetae. Hobi hyung said you were with Jungkook all this time. That means the world to me. So thank you. " Jimin said. "But I should have been here for you too. You needed your best friend and I--" "You are here now, aren't you? .. I still need you Taehyungie. Just stay with me." Jimin said wiping his own tears. Taehyung moved his head and lightly kissed Jimin on cheek. Over Tae's shoulder he saw Namjoon and Hoseok looking at them fondly. "I will. I promise." came Tae's ocean deep voice. ****The BTS dorm which always used to be filled with laughter and happiness was quiet and gloomy throughout the next few days. Even though the boys were on their break no one felt like having fun. A sense of loss lingered in the air. The refreshing sound of Jimin's giggling weren't there to be heard like it usually did. ****JungkookIt was the fourth day of their break and for the first time in Jungkook's idol life he resented the free time at his hand. The lack of things to do was making him go insane. He was mostly on bed since Jimin told him it was all over, being angry at Jimin for breaking his heart and more angry at himself for letting someone do so. Sometimes he wondered if he was dreaming because there was no way Jimin would hurt him this way. But in the end it was all very real and Jimin really did tell him he didn't need Jungkook any more. So Jungkook was angry, he was sad, he was afraid, he was desperate for answers. More than anything though, he was lonely. He missed Jimin.. He missed waking up next to him. He missed Jimin's smile, his laughter, the way he smelled, his lips. Jungkook was craving to have Jimin in his arms and part of him hated himself for that too. The more the other members tried to console him, the more they tried to be there for him the more he missed Jimin. It sucked knowing that Jimin was at the same house breathing the same air but at the same time, he was miles apart, unreachable. Jungkook had seen Jimin few times, one time Jimin had even smiled weakly at him across the room. Jungkook had wanted to grab his arm and demand him for answers. Answers for questions he was desperate to know. He had wanted to yell at him. To convince him that this wasn't right, that everything he said that morning was wrong, that Jungkook didn't want to meet any other people and Jimin shouldn't too. But instead Jungkook said nothing and neither did he smile back at him. He had just returned to his room and cried himself to sleep. Right now he could hear Namjoon and Jin having a conversation in the living room. Their voices were blur by the hip hop music coming from Yoongi's bedroom next door. Jungkook sighed and rolled out of his bed to head towards the bathroom. His lunch Jin brought earlier stayed untouched by his bedside table. Jungkook knew he couldn't continue being that way. Starving himself or staying in bed all day, being a burden to his hyungs wouldn't help anyone. With or without Jimin he had to pull himself together. After washing his face from the bathroom sink he came back to sit on his bed. On the way to the bed he grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil with him and started writing. He wrote and wrote and wrote until all of his feelings were on the paper. A last song for Jimin. A song Jimin would never get to listen to. A song that would help Jungkook to finally move on from Jimin, Jimin who no longer loved him. Jungkook felt free. He felt fresh. He felt like he could survive this. He was Jeon Jungkook and he was strong. Jungkook took the plate from the table and started eating. ****The next morning when Jungkook woke up the hole Jimin left in his heart felt still the same. The only difference was that he knew he had to move on. He was no longer in denial, Jimin was gone. He washed himself and stepped out of his room with an idea on his mind. "Taehyung hyung, I think we should go out tonight." Jungkook said approaching Taehyung's room. Taehyung sat on his bed with his legs sprawled and phone in his hand. He looked up from his phone with a hint of surprise on his face. "Great. What do you want to do?" He asked putting his phone away. He summoned Jungkook to sit on his bed. "How about..... clubbing? " Jungkook suggested while walking up to Taehyung. He tried to keep his voice casual but he knew he sounded ridiculous. "Clubbing?" Taehyung asked kind of alarmed. "Yes" He confirmed. "Mmm we'll have to get permission for that first." Taehyung replied. Then he looked at Jungkook with narrowed eyes. "Jungkook, why do you want to go clubbing for?" Taehyung's voice sounded suspicious. Then he added quickly "Yeah I mean Clubbing is... good.…and fun. But are you sure that's what you want right now?" "Yes." "Okay I'll ask Namjoon hyung." He said as Jungkook stood up to exit the room. Jungkook reached the door and hesitated there for a moment while Taehyung watched him expectantly. "You can ask Jimin to come with us if you want. I don't care." He said finally and leaned onto the door frame. Jungkook hoped his voice didn't betray his words."Oh boy, I think it'll be better if it's only two of us this time." Taehyung said shuttering Jungkook's hopes. "I was just saying." Jungkook said quickly. He didn't want Taehyung to think he was still thinking about Jimin. After all it was just yesterday that Jungkook told Taehyung that he could get over Jimin. After finishing his song Jungkook had come running to meet Taehyung. He had informed his friend that he think he'd started healing. Taehyung had looked both happy and sad. And why he looked sad, Jungkook didn't understand. Maybe it was because he didn't believe him. A part of Jungkook didn't believe himself either no matter how much he tried to convince himself. "I just need him to see I can move on." Jungkook admitted. Taehyung looked at Jungkook like he had grown a second head. He opened his mouth to speak but close it again. "That's not necessary" Taehyung said finally, voice a bit too sharp. Then he softened his voice. "We can go clubbing if you want. I will get permission. But you don't have to prove anything to Jimin or to yourself or to me.""Okay." Jungkook said looking away. He felt ashamed. Pathetic Jungkook, always needing Jimin's approval even if it's about break up. He smacked himself in his mind. "Promise me you feel alright. " Taehyung asked kindly, stepping away from bed. "I told you I feel fine." Jungkook said looking at him back in the eyes. "Okay then. I guess we're going clubbing." ****
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Jungkook said he wanted to go clubbing he didn't mean he wanted to go to the fucking Octagon. But that's exactly where he found himself the next evening, with an over excited Taehyung at his heals, at the biggest club in Seoul. "Hyung, couldn't you find somewhere more low-key?" Jungkook complained as they waited at the security area. The line wasn't long but it was taking quite a time since everyone was thoroughly checked before allowed into the club.
"Like somewhere no will expect us to be? I don't want people to recognise us." Taehyung looked at him like Jungkook was stupid.
"I thought you said you wanted to come clubbing."
Jungkook blinked.
"Yes, I know but--" Taehyung didn't let Jungkook finish. "No buts. We're gonna have a great time here tonight." when an answer from Jungkook didn't come he turned to Jungkook and added, in a reassuring voice, "Don't worry. No one will recognise us." "Hmm.. Let's hope so." Jungkook said in a sulking voice that made Taehyung laugh.
"Kook, cheer up man. let me remind you again you were the one who wanted to come out." Jungkook smiled at Taehyung apologetically. "I know sorry. Let's get it!" Jungkook said trying to sound cheerful. Taehyung laughed and patted Jungkook's head. "That's my boy.""But are you sure no one will recognise us?" Jungkook couldn't help but worry. He wanted to get out of the house but he also didn't want his face on news paper articles tomorrow either. Taehyung turned to him again. The hallway was dark. Only illuminated by the big yellow light at the security counter where two scary looking security guards were checking people's IDs. Through the faint light Jungkook saw three girls who were ahead of them in the line checking Taehyung out. "Only business people and celebrities come here at the VIP section . No one would care who we are." "No one, except those pretty girls who are totally checking you out right now." Jungkook said, amused, eyeing the girls from the corner of his eyes."OMG where?" Taehyung hurried to turn around but Jungkook caught him by his arms and stopped him. "Don't look, you idiot.""Why not? Well, you can't blame them now. can you? I look awesome." Taehyung said wiggling his eyebrows at Jungkook. Jungkook let out a laugh. "You sound like Jin Hyung." But Taehyung was right. He did look pretty amazing. Jungkook always believed that Taehyung was one of those people who looked good effortlessly. And when he put some effort into his looks he made people believe in miracles. "Haha yes. I learnt from the best. You don't look so bad yourself." Taehyung said chuckling and turned to face the front of the line which was getting shorter as people were allowed inside. Jungkook would be lying if he said he didn't spend some time in front of the mirror trying to look good, before coming here. He wore a long sleeved blue shirt with his favourite trousers. His shirt was tucked in and hair, styled carefully. After spending last few days like a homeless person it felt good to be dressed nice. He felt more like himself. As the door opened to let the group of girls who were right in front of the two, into the actual party area from the security area Jungkook grew nervous. The loud music playing through speakers could be heard and blinding disco lights peeked through the door. He flushed and immediately looked at the floor as the last girl to enter winked at him and disappeared behind the door. Jungkook blinked rapidly, something was wrong inside of him. He didn't know why but he felt like an underage who were trying to get into a club illegally, for the first time. He wasn't underage nor it was his first time in a expensive club. Of course he has been to clubs before. More than few times. But unlike every other time, the beautiful presence that was always beside him - clinging to his hands, jumping up and down with excitement - was not here today. Jungkook realised with a shock, He didn't know what to do in a club without Jimin. What was even the point being there without Jimin. Jimin, who would whispered sweet nothing and everything into his ears while they swayed to music. Jimin, who would feed him food in their privet booth while the other members teased them. Jimin, who would get shy and giggle into Jungkook's neck when Jungkook compliment him. Jimin, who made Jungkook feel safe amidst the sea of strangers. He couldn't do this. He had to--"JK?" Jungkook looked up to find Taehyung looking at him expectantly. When Jungkook started at him blankly Taehyung gestured his head towards the security guard and said, "Your ID". "Oh?" Jungkook shifted his gaze to the security guard who was frowning at him.
"I'm sorry. I've to go." Jungkook said to the guard and stormed towards the exit without looking back, feeling both ashamed and annoyed. It didn't take much time for Taehyung to catch up to him. "Hey, what's wrong?" Taehyung asked kindly as Jungkook opened the heavy door and stepped into the busy Seoul night. The air was cold. Both of them pulled their masks out and wore them, more to hide their identity than against the cold. " Clubbing wasn't a good idea after all. " Jungkook said trying to smile but being failed to do so he looked at the street. The vehicles were lined up at the red-light and people were crossing the road. Even though it's night Seoul looked as busy as ever. " You miss him. " Taehyung stated. Jungkook didn't answer, keeping his eyes at the traffic lights he sighed. The lights turned to Green and all the stopped vehicles began their journey again. "Do you wanna go home Jungkook-ah?" "No. No. Not right now." Jungkook said finally taking his eyes away from the streets and turning to Taehyung.
"I want to- I need to get drunk." "You could've gotten drunk in there." Taehyung said pointing his index finger towards the club. "Not there. I--" Jungkook looked around them. Spotting a little restaurant few bolcks down the street he said "Let's go there."Taehyung observed the place from where they were standing for few seconds and said, " Lead the way, your highness."The pair entered the restaurant as their own security guard watched them with careful eyes. He didn't follow them inside but watched them from a distance as they went inside and walked to the bar. The place was small but was still fancy. There weren't many people but everyone present seemed to have dress nicely, for which Jungkook was kind of grateful, so they wouldn't stand out. It was one of those places where rich people could come to drink and mourn about their sad sad lives, Jungkook thought with scorn. Rich were always sad.They sat down at a table near the bar and Jungkook ordered a bottle of wine while Taehyung went for Coca cola.
"Aren't you going to drink with me?" Jungkook asked.Taehyung looked up from his phone. It looked like he was messaging someone."Huh? Oh no." He said chuckling. "I'm prohibited.""Why?" Jungkook asked in surprise . What could possibly keep Taehyung away from getting drunk. "I'm supposed to look after you. Orders from the general." Another chuckle and he pointed towards his phone. "The general?" "Park Jimin." Taehyung said shaking his head. Jungkook felt his heart beat start raising. He hoped it didn't show in his face. Jimin still cared about him!"He didn't seem to care that much when he dumped you just days ago." A little voice inside Jungkook said. "He just thinks of you as a child who can't control himself that's why he asked Taehyung to babysit you." Said the same voice."Why would he care?" Jungkook asked trying to control his stupid heart. The little voice was right after all. There's nothing to be happy about. "Why wouldn't he?" Taehyung said, unaware of the internal battle that was taking place on Jungkook's mind."Well he didn't seem to care about me for past week. Didn't even look me straight in the face. We live in the same goddamn house for fucks sake." Jungkook stopped as the waiter walked to them with their bottles and glasses. Taehyung thanked the guy and sent him away. Jungkook poured himself a drink. "Tell him he doesn't need to worry now. " Jungkook said in a bitter voice. "Jungkook-ah, that kind of love you two have, it doesn't fade away just like that. Of course he worries about you. A lot. Even if you guys aren't together anymore." "Had" "Huh?" "Kind of love we had.""So you are telling me you don't love him anymore?" Taehyung asked. Jungkook cleared his throat and looked away . "I don't want to talk about him." Jungkook said gulping down his drink. He put the glass down when it was empty and said in a final voice, "It doesn't matter anymore. I told you I've moved on.""That you did." Taehyung said sighing. Jungkook refilled his glass with alcohol. ****It was proper dark outside now, but the bar area of the restaurant was well lit, soft music was playing lighting up everyone's mood. Jungkook swayed to the music happily while singing the songs under his breath, only stopping his singing to take big gulps from his drink once in a while . Everything about the atmosphere was making him happy but deep down in Jungkook's heart he felt like something was missing. But worrying was for the sober. Speaking of sober, Taehyung sat dutifully across Jungkook, sipping his coca-cola. Why wasn't Taehyung getting drunk with him again? They hadn't been talking but the silence that spread was very comfortable and Taehyung was giving Jungkook exactly what he wanted at the moment; company and also the space to think. (Though Jungkook hadn't been doing much thinking. Something told him thinking was a dangerous thing to do at the moment. So only thing he'd been thinking about was the glass at his hand.) Anyway Taehyung was being a nice brother and the place Jungkook found for himself was also super nice. Taehyung looked at Jungkook feeling his gaze on him and when their eyes met both of them smiled at each other. "How are you feeling Jungkook-ah? " "This place is very nice." Jungkook said grinning at his friend.
Taehyung chuckled. "Yes, It is. But I asked you how you are feeling." "Oh? Me? I feel freeee." Jungkook spread his hands and looked at the sky- wait it was the roof, where's the sky? - to prove Taehyung he was right, earning another chuckle from the older man. Taehyung leaned forward over the table and patted Jungkook's head with a pleased expression on his face.
"How the hell did you manage to get so drunk, so quickly?" Jungkook beamed like a kid, receiving a compliment. "It wasn't a compliment you idiot." Taehyung laughed and added next, "You are so funny when you are drunk." "Well that was a compliment." Jungkook said making both of them laugh again. "You think you are smart. Don't you?" Jungkook grinned. "Jungkook-ah shall we go home now?” Taehyung asked looking at his watch. "What? No!! We just came here. Well not really, but I wanna stay more. Here is nice." "Home is nice too." "Not really. Not these days." Jungkook murmured looking at his hands, suddenly sad. Alcohol was really making him say funny things. But Jungkook didn't want to be sad. He took hold of his glass and raised it to his mouth but before he could taste it Taehyung reached over and stopped him. "Kookie, do you want to talk about it?"
"Talk about what?"
"About Jimin..." Jungkook put down his drink and thought for a moment then a warm smile started to spread across his lips. "Yes! Let's talk about Jiminnie." Jungkook said joining his hands in front of him. Clearly very pleased at hearing the name that came out of Taehyung. Why was he sad before? Anyway.. "We should have been talking about him this entire time. Everyone should be talking about him."
Jungkook said cheerfully while Taehyung stared at him, opened mouthed. "But- I meant--" "Do you know Jiminnie is the prettiest princess in the world?" Jungkook asked happily. Taehyung laughed out loud. "Wow you're really drunk." Jungkook didn't seem to hear him. He kept smiling to himself like an idiot. Taehyung murmured to himself, "You didn't even want to hear his name just an hour ago. Look at you now. " Jungkook rested his chin on his hands and started speaking, his gaze was fixed somewhere far away. "He is the prettiest when he is shy. You know how he gets so shy sometimes?" Jungkook asked and looked at Taehyung expectantly. Taehyung nodded. Satisfied with his answer Jungkook started talking again. "One time we were on bed and--" "Oh boy, JK I don't think I want to hear that story." Jungkook frowned.
"Why? " Then suddenly getting what his friend meant he giggled. " It wasn't something naughty, I swear. Anyway I'm not going to tell you anymore." Jungkook announced his decision cheerfully. He was in such a good mood. They fell in silent once again. Jungkook leaned back on his chair and hummed along to the songs. One song ended and another began. Jungkook cocked his head to a side like a bird at the familiarity of the tune now playing. He straightened in the chair and looked at Taehyung who had also noticed and was smiling at him with raised eyebrows. Jungkook clapped his hands trying to get people's attention. "Everyone, this is our song!!" As to confirm him Namjoon's voice rang through the room. "Jungkook shut up!! We don't want anyone to recognise us. Remember?" Nonetheless he was laughing at Jungkook's drunk reaction to hearing their song. No one was paying attention to his drunk rumbling anyway. No harm was done. "Oh yeah... Shhhh... Sorry Taetae." Jungkook said taking his index finger to his lips. "It's alright. It's quite nice hearing our songs like this. Isn't it. Jungkook-ah?" Taehyung asked. Jungkook nodded his head slowly and adorably. Then he rested his head on the table and closed his eyes, listening carefully. “ojik neo hanaman boyeo
na ojik neo bakken anboyeo” ("I only see just you, only you
I see nothing other than you") Yoongi sang. The words going straight to Jungkook's heart. “bwa gongjeonghaji gongpyeonghaji neohante ppaegon da
ijen dan harudo neo eopsineun Please. “("Look, I’m fair with everyone else but you
Now I can’t live a day without you, please") His own voice.. Words he had sung countless times before... His reminders for Jimin to never leave him. Universe was playing a cruel joke on him playing the song at this very moment. He listened with a heavy heart as Taehyung finished his part of the chorus and Jimin started his. “kkwak jabajwo nal anajwo
Can you trust me, can you trust me
jebal jebal jebal kkeureoanajwo"(“hold me tight, hug me
Can you trust me
can you trust me
please please please pull me tight, hold me") A shiver ran through Jungkook. Jimin's voice came and wrapped him in a warm hug but just as it came it went away. He had never felt more lonely in his entire life.Still he listened to the song like his life depended on it. Familiar voices surrounded him including his own. The painful lyrics made his heart ache. “neo eopsin sumeul swil su eopseo nan
neo eopsin amugeodo anya nan”("Without you, I can’t breathe
I’m nothing without you") Jimin sang. "You lied." Jungkook whispered and tightened his eyes. He felt Taehyungs hand rest on top of his. Eventually the song ended but Jungkook stayed the same, his heart beating fast. His head was resting on the table and hands in fists. Jimin's beautiful voice was still ringing in his ears."Kookie?" Taehyung called softly. Jungkook made only a noise, somewhere in his throat. "Kookie, look up." Taehyung said in the same voice. When Jungkook finally raised his head and faced Taehyung his face was glistening with tears. "Taehyung hyung, I lied. When I told you I moved on, I lied." Jungkook confessed. Taehyung nodded sadly, looking at Jungkook.
Taehyung caressed Jungkook's hand with his fingers in comfort. Jungkook ran his other hand through his wet cheeks and wiped the tears. "You don't have to lie to me Kookie. You can tell me anything. I'm here for you.""I know. I guess I was trying to convince myself. But I don't think I'd ever be able to forget him. He was my everything" Jungkook murmured. His eyes were set toward the table. "Give it time, my brother. Time will solve everything." "Did he tell you? Before he told me?" "No JK. " "Okay." A new song was playing through the speakers but neither of them gave any attention to it. The lights of the room was slightly dimed with the nightfall. Jungkook was surprisingly sober again. Not completely, but nothing felt like a drunken hazard anymore. He was facing reality. And reality hurt like a bitch. Jungkook lowered the wine bottle to his glass and frowned as the last few sips of the drink dropped to the glass. He finished it with two gulps. "Can I have another one?" He asked from Taehyung who rejected without missing a beat. "But hyung.. I'm not drunk anymore. Please!" Jungkook whined. "Oh believe me Jungkook, you are still very drunk."
Jungkook pouted but didn't argue. Taehyung was probably right. He had finished a whole wine bottle alone after all. They were silent for a while. This time the silence didn't comfort Jungkook. "Taehyung hyung?" Jungkook asked breaking the silence. "yeah?" "Do you know some ARMY thinks we are together? Like together - together?" "Yes. Why?" Taehyung asked causally. "Just imagine we really were, would you do that to me? Hurt me like Jimin did."Taehyung was silent for a while then he spoke, still deep in thoughts.
"Honestly, I don't know what I'd have done if I were in Jiminnie's shoes." "What do you mean?" Jungkook frowned. "What? Oh nothing. Just.. Nothing." "Hmm.." Jungkook hummed trying to collect his thoughts. His head felt heavy and light at the same time, alcohol doing it's job. When Jungkook spoke again the pain was clear in his voice. It broke Taehyung's heart. "I don't think I deserved it hyung. It hurts a lot" "You really didn't, Jungkook-ah. I'm so sorry." Taehyung said his own heart aching for his friend. "Then why did he do it? My Jiminnie isn't like that. He doesn't hurt people.""People have to take difficult decisions sometimes Jungkook. He wants you to stay happy. You know that right? . And to be happy again you have to really move on." "How can I move on when he's right in front of me. I don't even know why he did it. How am I supposed to move on? " Taehyung had nothing to say to that so Jungkook spoke again. "Hyung, please talk to him? Ask him to give me another chance. He's your best friend he listens to you." He looked at Taehyung, almost begging, "Please, I miss him.""Jungkook..." Taehyung murmured slowly. At this point Taehyung was fighting his own tears too. Jungkook knew what he was asking of his friend was not fair. Taehyung couldn't do that. Even Jungkook, drunken with sadness and booze knew it wasn't Taehyung's place to ask that from Jimin. "I'm sorry. Just forget I said that. I'm stupid. I just- I just need to know why, at least. He really said he doesn't want me anymore." Jungkook was crying again and Taehyung slowly got up from his chair and came before Jungkook. He softly wiped jungkook's tears. "You are not stupid. You are perfect. Let's get you home now. It's late. Kang hyung is waiting for us in the car."" No." Jungkook shrugged Taehyung's hand away from his shoulder. "Kookie, it's late." "I want to see him now." "He's at home. Let's go." "Ask him to come and get us." A part of Jungkook knew he was being ridiculous. But the drunken part of him didn't care. He had to see Jimin right now! He needed answers. He needed Jimin. "Jungkook, that's-- don't be difficult. Now, get your arse up.""No I've decided.” Jungkook said stubbornly.
“I'm not going anywhere without him. Call him and ask him to come here." Jungkook said, like a stubborn kid and hung tight to his chair. Taehyung sighed. "Aish this brat! You are not gonna listen to me. Are you? I don't know why I thought getting you drunk was a good idea." Taehyung picked out his phone from his pocket and ran his fingers over the screen. Jungkook who'd been crying just a moment ago grinned through his tears and hugged the table in front of him. A drunken mess.
"He's coming to take me home.." He sang. **** When Jimin's cab pulled outside the address Taehyung had provided he quickly paid the driver and got out. When he went to the doorway of the cozy restaurant and peeked inside he spotted Taehyung right away. Jungkook was nowhere to be seen.
Taehyung released a breath of relief at the sight of Jimin. Jimin hurried over to him. "Tae, where is he?" Jimin's asked, worried. He'd took off from their dorm as soon as he had got off from the phone with Taehyung. Taehyung hadn't said much, only that Jungkook was drunk and refusing to come home and that Jimin had to get there. Jimin spent the whole cab ride from the dorm being worried sick about Jungkook. "He's in the bar area. He sent me here to get you." Taehyung said shaking his head. "Is he okay?" "You should ask if I am okay. He was harassing me the whole time it took you to get here. Said he would not leave the place if I didn't call you here." Jimin offered Taehyung a little synthetic smile. He knew how difficult Jungkook could get sometimes, especially when he was drunk. "I told him you'd be at home but he was like 'no get my Jiminnie here.' Ughh. " Taehyung said in a tiring voice. If the situation was different Jimin would've found it funny how stressed out Jungkook's stubbornness had made Taehyung. "Thank you for looking after him Tae. Please take me to him now. Let's get him home." Taehyung patted him on the back and moved ahead to lead the way. As Jimin followed Taehyung he took a look at the surrounding. It was a nice place that had a cheerful buzz to it but how Taehyung and Jungkook ended up there, he had no idea. He was told by Taehyung the day before that Jungkook had asked him to go clubbing with him. Jimin didn't want Jungkook to be hung over him in any way, but he would be lying if he said the news didn't upset him. He couldn't help but acknowledge the sense of loss and jealousy he felt in his stomach at the thought of Jungkook looking at other people at a club. Call Jimin a hypocrite but he was glad Jungkook was at a restaurant with Taehyung and not at a club surrounded by strangers who'd try to get his attention. They passed through tables and then Jimin spotted Jungkook. He had his chin rested on the table, his long upper body leaning towards the table. In his hand was the empty glass and it almost looked like he was playing with it. As he walked forward and reached Jungkook, Jimin's heart speed up. It's been almost a week since he last spoke to Jungkook. As they got nearer Jungkook slowly lifted his head and looked at them. Jungkook's hair was a mess and his face was flushed from the drinking . He looked as lovely as ever. He looked so innocent, Jimin's heart filled with his love for him. Jungkook blinked once. Twice. Then his eyes lit up registering Jimin. Jungkook's lips formed the biggest smile, his bunny teeth showing, and Jimin didn't know what to do. He wanted to wrap Jungkook up in his arms and give him soft kisses but he couldn't and that broke Jimin's heart. When Jimin didn't react Jungkook's smile slowly faded and he turned his eyes to the floor almost like he was scared. The sight tore Jimin's already broken heart into pieces. Jimin closed the gap between them and kneeled in front of Jungkook so he could look in to Jungkook's eyes. Jungkook didn't raise his head to meet Jimin's eyes. "Jungkook-ah, Look at me?" Jimin said soothingly. "You are really here." Jungkook murmured, still looking at his hands which were on his lap. He was tangling them nervously. It was almost like he thought Jimin would go away if he looked at him. "I am really here." "And you are not mad at me? For making you come here." Jungkook's voice was small. Jimin raised his hand and touched Jungkook's knee. "No Kookie, I'm here to take you home." At that Jungkook looked at Jimin. They both stared at each other as the moment froze and it was only two of them in the room. Their eyes trying to deliver conversations that left unsaid between them. Keeping his gaze on Jimin Jungkook whispered, "You are my home." and it was Jimin who looked away this time. Jimin gave himself a moment to collect himself and looked at Jungkook again. Then as if he didn't hear what Jungkook said, he said, "Come on Kookie, let's go." Jungkook didn't answer, untangling his hands from each other he brought one to meet Jimin's and Jimin froze at the touch. Jungkook's hand was so achingly familiar, Jimin wondered how he survived a whole week without any kind of contact with Jungkook. "You are cold." Jungkook said looking down at Jimin. Jimin smiled sadly. "And you are warm, as always." "Hmm" Jungkook said and wrapped both of his hands on Jimin's hand which was still resting on his knee. Jimin took a long breath. Jungkook's hands were warm against his. If only he could stay like this forever. "Jungkookie, we have to go." He said and slowly got up to his feet. Refusing to let go of his hands Jungkook got up too. He swayed a bit on his feet as he stepped away from his seat. Standing next to Jimin, he leant onto him, leaving most of weight for Jimin to carry. When Jimin allowed him in and wrapped his arm around Jungkook's waist, the younger man's face lit up with a satisfied smile. Jungkook smelled of alcohol. But mostly, he smelled like 'Jungkook' and Jimin almost choked on how much he missed it. As they walked to the car Jungkook had his head hidden in Jimin's neck, breathing into Jimin and making Jimin shiver with each breath he took. Jimin prayed to the gods that there wouldn't be any paparazzi taking pictures of them. He couldn't even comprehend the shit that'd get him into, if they were seen like this. But at the moment Jimin really couldn't care much. Jungkook needed him, he might not even remember this in the morning, considering how drunk he was, but Jungkook needed him and nothing else was important. Getting to the car, Taehyung opened the door for them and Jimin entered the back seat after Jungkook. It was only after Taehyung took the passenger seat and all of them were sat and ready to return home that their bodyguard who was also their driver for the night, started the car. Jimin was looking outside the window and trying to comprehend everything that happened when he felt Jungkook tugging at his sleeves to get his attention. He turned to look at Jungkook and found him pouting at him cutely. Jimin's eyes moved to Jungkook's pink lips for a second and he imagined kissing them. He just had to lean a little and Jungkook's lips would be on his. Jimin knew how exactly it would feel to have Jungkook's lips on him. At the thought Jimin licked and bit on his own lower lip, then suddenly realising what he was doing he stopped, looking at Jungkook with wide apologetic eyes, thankfully Jungkook was too drunk to notice anything. He tugged at Jimin's sleeves again, like a kid, more urgently this time because Jimin didn't answer the first time. "Yes Kookie?" "You are so far away." They weren't really distant from each other, just few inches between them, but Jimin knew what Jungkook meant. He opened his arm and Jungkook came closer, resting his head on Jimin's shoulder he whimpered happily. Jimin closed his eyes at the familiar closeness, familiar but he was no longer allowed to have. By tomorrow morning Jungkook would forget everything or he would pretend to, and they would go back to acting like strangers. He still remembered the way Jungkook had looked away when he tried to smile at him just two days ago. He had no one else to blame but himself, and maybe his management. Jungkook's voice distracted him from his thoughts. "Why can't you just stay with me like this?" Jimin's heart ached. Jungkook's voice was muffled, but worry and pain in his voice was clear as day. "I'm right here, Kookie." Jimin said because it was the only thing he could say. He couldn't promise Jungkook he would be there tomorrow, and the day after, no matter how much he wanted to. Jimin rubbed his hand on Jungkook's back soothingly.
Jungkook sighed and nodded against Jimin. "You are here. I'm happy that you are." Sometime passed and they rode in silence, no one daring to destroy the peace. Jungkook had his arm wrapped around Jimin's middle and he was resting his head on Jimin's chest now, having it sliding from his shoulder. With every breath Jimin took, Jungkook's head rose and fell back. His eyes were closed but Jimin knew he wasn't sleeping by the pattern of his breathing. It was when he felt his shirt wet again his body that Jimin realised that maybe Jungkook's been crying. "Kookoo, are you crying?" Jimin asked as softly as he could, nickname slipping from his mouth naturally. "No. I'm happy." Jungkook said but it came out as a sob making Jimin's own eyes fill with tears. Jimin didn't know what's sadder, the fact that Jungkook didn't want Jimin to know he was crying, or the fact that all the crying was for him. "Kookie, I'm sorry." He said sorrow eating at his heart. Jimin had never felt more helpless in his entire life. What was he supposed to do? "No, it's my fault." Jungkook mumbled. "What? No!! Kookie nothing's your fault." "But it must be. Or this wouldn't have happened to me." "No. Please don't say that." Jimin begged. Jimin couldn't bear the thought of Jungkook blaming himself for their situation. Everything was so messed up, Jimin didn't know what was right and wrong anymore. Did he do the wrong thing by giving up to managers' order? He did it for Jungkook, so he could have a bright future but Jungkook was crying and blaming himself at the very moment. Did he do the right thing when he made this decision on behalf of both of them, without inquiring Jungkook? He would never know. They both wept silently, in the dark car, hoping the other wouldn't notice. It wasn't a long ride to home but it was Friday night and the traffic was heavy. They were few meters away from home when Jimin felt Jungkook's breath evening and the younger man falling asleep. Jimin's hand felt numb with Jungkook's weight but he didn't move an inch, breathing deeply, taking in everything he can of Jungkook. "Taehyung-ah?"
"Yeah?"
"Was he crying at the restaurant too?" "Yes Jimin-ah." Taehyung said moving around to see if Jungkook's asleep.
"You need to talk to him. Don't just leave him hanging. He's confused. I know it's difficult for you too but he can't move on without you having a conversation and ending it properly.""I did end it properly, that day." It hurt him even to think about the said day. "You think he believed 'meet new people' bullshit? He's not an idiot Jimin-ah." Taehyung said but his voice wasn't harsh.
"You need to talk to him or he would be blaming himself the entire time." "Maybe I should've told him I cheated or something so he could have just hated me and move on." Jimin said deep in thought. There was no right way to do it because it wasn't right, breaking up wasn't something that was supposed to happen between them. "You think that would make him feel any better? Dude no! He would have literally died." Taehyung almost shouted, surprised at Jimin's answer. Jimin frowned and looked at Jungkook to see if Taehyung had woken him up. But Jungkook was sleeping soundlessly. "I'm exhausted Taetae. I hate this." Jimin admitted.
"But I will talk to him tomorrow. I promise. I can't see him suffering like this." Jimin caressed Jungkook's soft cheek with his fingers. Jungkook whimpered and moved his head towards the touch. "We're here" Their driver announced as he stopped the car in front of the familiar building. Taehyung was the first to get out. He came over and opened the back door as Jimin tried to move under Jungkook and wake him up. "Jungkook-ah. We're home. Wake up Kookie." "mmmgh?" Jungkook made an adorable noise that went straight to Jimin's heart. "Wake up. Let's get you home." Jimin said patting Jungkook softly on the cheek. Jungkook didn't seem to hear him.. He sleepily took Jimin's hand which was patting his cheek and kept it just there. Jungkook looked so adorable and peaceful sleeping like that, Jimin's didn't feel like waking him up. "Taetae, can you give him a piggyback ride?" "Why would I? He's not my boyf--. I'm sorry, I will." Jimin sent a chuckle at Taehyung's way when he looked so guiltily at Jimin. "It's fine. I always forget too. I would take him myself, but he's huge, I don't think I'll be able to carry him through the stairs when he's like this." Taehyung nodded and moved forward to get to Jungkook. "God. He is really heavy." Taehyung complained. ****When they finally got to their dorm (with Taehyung complaining about Jungkook's weight and Jungkook sleepily complaining about Taehyung being a bumpy rider) Jimin felt drained out of his energy. He was glad to get home. When they went inside they found all the four elder members in the living room, waiting for them. As soon as the three entered the living room Namjoon stood up and came forward. "Jeon Jungkook, we need to talk." Maybe it was the authoritative tone in Namjoon's voice, Jungkook who was half asleep, raised his head from where he was placing it on Taehyung's shoulder. But it was Jimin who spoke. "About what?" Jimin said alarmed. Namjoon didn't seem thrilled at Jimin interruption but answered anyway. "About his irresponsible behaviour. Refusing to come home in middle of nowhere? What kind of childish behaviour is that? " Jungkook was looking at Namjoon dumbly from Taehyung's back, who also had his mouth opened. Jimin had to do something. "But hyung--" Jimin tried to speak again but Namjoon didn't let him finish. "No excuses. This has nothing to do with other stuff that's going on. What if there were paparazzi? Or fans who recognised you?" Namjoon's tone was harsh and it reminded Jimin of older times, when they used to get blamed all the time. Jimin exchanged a look with Taehyung and Jungkook and knew they were thinking the same thing. Jungkook still looked painfully drunk and was still on Taehyung's back. The sight was quite funny Jimin felt like laughing but he didn't dared to, under Namjoon's serious gaze. "As your leader, I expect you to be responsible." Jimin knew what Namjoon said made sense. If they were spotted it would have caused great trouble for the band, for everyone. Both Jimin and Taehyung looked down guiltily,even though the blame wasn't directly to them they felt responsible. "Jungkook what are you still doing on Taehyung's back. Get the fuck down." It was at Yoongi's voice that Jungkook finally jumped down, almost tripping. Hoseok giggled behind Yoongi failing every attempt at being serious. "You guys aren't kids anymore.” Namjoon said, annoyed with everything.
“It's one thing to misbehave when you were younger. But I shouldn't have to baby you anymore." "Then don't." Jungkook's voice came and it silenced the entire room. Everyone looked at everyone with wide eyes. Jimin grabbed Jungkook's arm to silence him from saying anything, he would regret in the morning, but Jungkook spoke again. "I'm quite bored by it now too, Yall treating me like I'm a fucking kid. Jungkook don't do that, Jungkook don't do this. Ohh, don't breathe Jungkook! I'm fucking done. you know? By all of this.""Jungkook!!" Jimin hissed. "What? You are the same.” He turned to Jimin and his voice was bitter when he spoke again.
“Go and meet new people Jungkook. I don't have to tell you a reason but we're over, Jungkook." He mimicked Jimin's voice when he said the last part. With that he freed his hand from Jimin's grip and ran for his room. No one tried to chase him. After the bedroom door closed with a loud thud Jin said softly, "I told you, you didn't have to do that now, Joon-ah. It was natural he went off." "I had to say it. What he did was irresponsible. I know he's going through a lot but he can't go around risking everything." Namjoon said adamantly. "I'm sorry." Jimin said in a low voice, gaining everyone's attention. "He didn't mean what he said. He love that you all care about him. It was because he was drunk. And hurt." Jimin felt like crying. This situation they were in, Jimin didn't know how to handle it."We know Jimin-ah. We know, you don't have to say sorry." Yoongi said kindly, and everyone nodded in agreement. "I'll go and check on Kookie." Hoseok tried to move but Taehyung stopped him. "Wait hyung. Maybe it's better if you leave him alone for the night. Jungkook's been through a roller-coaster of emotions today. Gosh, I'm not even exaggerating. He was literally going angry to sad, then happy to sad once more, just to be drunkenly cheerful again. The whole evening like that. I was going crazy just seeing him. Give him time to collect himself. " Taehyung said sighing and Hoseok nodded and sat down back on the couch. Jin walked up to Jimin. "You gonna be okay there, buddy?" He asked patting Jimin on the back. Jimin smiled sadly. "I don't know, hyung." ****That night, as Jungkook slept he dreamt of a lake. He saw himself by the bank, watching the waves. Then there was also Jimin, in the middle of the lake, drowning. Jungkook swam to him but he wasn't getting any nearer. Jimin was drifting away, drowning and drowning. Jungkook screamed Jimin's name. "Kookie?" A voice came through the darkness. "You're dreaming. Wake up. Wake up." Jungkook opened his eyes, gasping for air as if he was the one drowning. The sheets were tangled around him, he was drowning in his own sweat. "You are alright. It was just a dream. Shhhh.." Jimin said touching his hair gently. Jungkook focused on the voice to calm himself. "It was a dream? Thank god, it was a dream. "
Jungkook murmured still shaken up by the nightmare. He fixed his gaze on Jimin who was sitting on his bed, now on his pajamas, looking concerned . Jimin was okay. He was safe. It was just a dream. Jungkook let out a breath. "Do you want to talk about it? Your dream?" Jimin asked while wiping Jungkook's sweaty face with the sheet. "No." "Okay.""Hyung?" "yeah Jungkookie?" "Nothing." Even in the darkness Jungkook saw how tired Jimin looked. "We'll talk tomorrow Kookie. I promise." It seemed like even without Jungkook saying the words, Jimin had understood him. "Now sleep. You must be so tired." Jungkook nodded. He was knackered. His growing headache wasn't helping either. Jungkook watched as Jimin stood up and walked to the door. "Hyung," Jungkook found himself speaking without even realising. Jimin stopped and turned. It was dark so Jungkook couldn't see his face. "Kookie?""I didn't jumped into a relationship with you because I was young and naive. I wanted you to know that, since you said it that day."He saw Jimin shift uncomfortably in the darkness, A week old conversation ghosting between them at the same time. *“You jumped into a relationship with the first person who showed some interest in you, which happened to be me. If it was someone else you'd be in a relationship with them now.”* "I didn't fall in love with you because you were the first person to show interest on me. I fell in love with you because you were you." It was something Jungkook needed to get out of his chest since the day Jimin broke up with him. "And it was very mean of you to say such a thing." Jungkook added because he truly believed so.
He was no longer talking under the influence of alcohol. "I know Jungkook. Believe me, I know." Jimin said and Jungkook wondered whether he did really believe Jimin and instantly found the answer in his head. He always did and he always will. It was the same reason they were having this conversation now: He believed everything that came out of Jimin's mouth. "You said it wasn't real. But it was the realest thing, at least for me." "I know that too, Jungkook-ah. And it was the realest thing I've ever felt too. I'm sorry I tried to convince you otherwise."He was silent again. Then after talking a loud breath he said, "Tomorrow. We'll talk tomorrow. I promise." Then he was gone, the door of the bedroom shutting behind him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was the last day of their short vacation and Jungkook started the day with a killing headache. He was never a fan of hangovers but hangovers was worse than usual when you had done some big ass stupid shit while you were drunk."Ughhhh..." Jungkook groaned as he watched himself from the bathroom mirror. The stranger in the reflection kept looking right back at him with tired eyes. Hot water ran down against his body, a sigh escaped his lips. The water wasn't too hot but the perfect temperature for a morning shower. It was comforting and somewhat calmed Jungkook's racing mind. He closed his eyes and felt only the warmth for a while, that was until last night's nightmare came clashing at him. Jimin drowning and himself trying to get to him. Jimin drowned anyway. Jungkook opened his eyes with a start. Leaning on to the bathroom wall he pushed his wet hair back. He remembered Jimin's shadow in the darkness, in his room yesterday, trying to calm Jungkook after his nightmare. His lullaby of a voice asking Jungkook to go to sleep because they'll talk tomorrow. Jimin promised to give Jungkook the answers he was seeking for a week. But now, Jungkook wasn't sure if he really wanted to hear them. Jimin's reasons, he wasn't sure he would be able to bear the weight of them. Jungkook rewinded Jimin's words from last night on his mind. "And it was the realest thing I've ever felt too. I'm sorry I tried to convince you otherwise."Maybe Jungkook could settle with that only. Knowing that Jimin didn't regret their time together, that whatever happened a week ago Jungkook still meant something to Jimin. Everything that happened yesterday proved it. The way Jimin showed up at the restaurant just in few minutes after being called, the way he let Jungkook rest his head on him during the car ride, the way he tried to save him from Namjoon's anger eventhough he didn't deserve to be saved, all those things told Jungkook that Jimin still cared about him and the knowledge helped Jungkook to breathe much easier. While he regretted more than half of the things he had done yesterday, part of him was secretly glad that his drunk ass was brave enough to finally confront Jimin. And as for the regrets, talking to Namjoon rudely and making Taehyung worry sat on the top. He flushed remembering the way he yell at their leader in front of everyone. Jungkook knew Namjoon would forgive him, all his hyungs would but still he felt guilty and ashamed. He should have known better. And now thank to his stupid behaviour on previous night he had a lot of damage controlling to do before talking to Jimin. Jungkook stepped away from the shower and wrapped himself with a towel. "You are never getting drunk again." Jungkook murmured to himself while wiping his hair with another towel. "Jungkook-ah, are you gonna live there forever, buddy?" Seokjin's voice came from other side of the door making Jungkook jump. Jungkook sighed to himself and went to open the door. Beyond the door Seokjin stood in front of him with a steaming tea in his hand. "I made you a cup. Thought you'd need it with the hangover and all." "Ugh thank you. Tea sounds good." Jungkook said rubbing his forehead. Even though his headache had lightened a bit after his shower it was still very much there. Throwing the towel aside he took the cup of tea from his brother gratefully. "So what are the plans for today?" Seokjin asked casually. "Umm apologising to everyone for yesterday's mess?" Jungkook said as he set his tea on the table to get dressed first. "Ah don't worry Jungkook-ah. Those things happen sometimes. We are family." "Hmm" Jungkook said, walking upto his closet and getting a pair of boxer briefs. "No seriously, stop with the sulking man it's the last day of our holidays. Let's enjoy today. The next two months are gonna be packed" Seokjin said settling himself on Jungkook's bed. "I know hyung. I'm actually looking forward to start working again." Now on his boxer shorts, Jungkook turned to face Seokjin. "This past week felt like a year to me." He confessed. Before Jin could say anything the door opened and a head poked through the door. Then came Jimin's tiny frame. "Jungkook, Are yo-- oh! you are getting dressed! Um... Sorry!! I'll come later I guess. Er.." Jimin's words stumbled as his eyes roamed everywhere else awkwardly. "You've seen me naked before." Jungkook smacked himself in his mind just as the words escaped his lip. Jimin's eyes widened in response and his cheeks turned crimson. It was clear he was trying to avoid looking at Jungkook. "Yeah right. Yes. I mean.. Uh anyway, I came to see if you are awake. Do you wanna go to the park? So we can... you know? Talk? We can grab something to drink on the way." "Sure Jimin-ah. Jin hyung already brought me tea but I'm game for another one. We can get coffee." Jungkook said pointing at his tea and Seokjin on the bed. Jimin looked at Jin like it's the first time he's ever seeing him. "Oh hyung, I didn't notice you here." "uh huh?" Asked Jin, who were leaning onto the bed stand now, watching them with amused eyes. "Mmm anyway, coffee sounds good. Well I'll meet you in the hallway." Jimin said and hurried away from the room. Jungkook didn't know if he should be offended or pleased with what just happened. Was Jimin being confusing because he felt attracted to Jungkook or was it because things have gotten too weird between them that Jimin couldn't even act normal with him. Jungkook feared it was the later. Jungkook sighed again and hurried on to putting his trousers on. "So you guys gonna go out to grab coffee?" "Yeah, he said we can talk today. About.. you know..?" "Hmm, that's good." "Yeah." Jungkook put on his shirt and his favourite hoodie above it. Then he walked to sit beside Seokjin"Hyung, I know he's not going to ask me to get back together. But I wish he would. Does that make me pathetic?" "No Kookie, it doesn't. I hope you two will work it out together." "Me too. I just realised that I don't want to know why he did it. Last week that's the only thing I wanted to know but now that I can have it I don't want to." "Why's that?" "Because I can't bear to hear it. " Jungkook didn't say that. "Because I don't want us to be just a failed relationship. We were more than that. We still are." Jungkook said instead and knew it was just as true as his first reason."We started as friends and we'll continue to be so. We can make it work. We always do. If Jimin hyung wants us to be just friends again I'll give that to him." Seokjin moved forward and patted Jungkook's wet hair. "When did you grow up so much, Jungkook-ah? So sensible! I'm proud of you."Jungkook gave his hyung a toothy grin. ****
JiminJimin was walking back and forth nervously when Jungkook finally wended his way into the living room. When he saw him(fully dressed now) Jimin blushed a little, remembering their earlier encounter. It had been weeks since he had seen Jungkook that way and he was caught off guard and he almost gave himself away. Jimin stopped pacing and took Jungkook in. He was wearing his grey hoodie which Jimin knew was one of his favourites. His still wet hair strands bumped on his head as he walked forward. Jimin felt himself smiling unconsciously as Jungkook stepped toward him. Jungkook smiled back. "I'm ready. Let's go." Jungkook said.
Jimin nodded, showing his approval and pointed towards the door. The boys exited the dorm together, silently. Even as they strolled next to each other across the footpath no one dared to say a word. People walked passed them and the Seoul morning was drowned in its usual hustle and bustle. In the busy city Jimin and Jungkook were just another two souls. "How did it go with Joonie hyung?" Jimin was the one to break the silence first. "He's still kinda angry. But he forgave me. So that's something." Jungkook said shrugging. "Of course he forgave you." Jimin smiled to himself. It wasn't like anyone can stay angry with Jungkook for long. "I thought he would ground me." Jungkook said chuckling and he turned his head to look at Jimin. Jimin observed his face. Jungkook still looked kind of worn out, hangover clearly visible in his face. But his eyes looked joyful for once. Jimin could feel the difference in them from the past week. For the first time since the break up Jungkook was being himself with Jimin. Yesterday had changed something between them for the better. Jimin smiled back and played along. "It would have been well deserved then." "Yeah. Sorry about that by the way. I almost got you two into trouble. And urm.. Sorry for-" Jungkook looked down at the road hiding his eye from Jimin. Jimin knew what he was trying to say. "Don't mention it." Jimin would have come even to the end of the world, had Jungkook called him, not just to restaurant few minutes away from home. "Thank you for everything yesterday.." Jungkook murmured. "Of course Jungkook-ah. I'm always here for you." Jimin took Jungkook's hand and gave it a squeeze before letting it go again. If his heart speed up at the contact he ignored it. Jungkook gave a little smile. "So how's the hangover treating you?" Jimin asked in a lighter note. "Ughh I've been better." Jungkook look ahead and let out a short laugh. Reaching their favourite coffee shop, they both came to a halt. When Jimin and Jungkook were trainees they used to go to the park every day. After BTS hit it off and they got busy they still managed to visit, whenever they got a break. Everytime they visited the park, they had a routine. They would walk down the busy roads together until they find their little coffee shop. Then one of them would go inside and get their coffee while the other waited outside. Getting their coffees they would walk to the park side by side.Jungkook nodded to Jimin and went inside through the small door as they came to an silent agreement. Jimin waited outside. He had waited for Jungkook outside this same coffee shop countless times. But nothing was the same anymore. Jimin thought about the conversation they'd have at the park. He would have to lie through his teeth once again because he couldn't tell the truth to Jungkook eventhough he promised him. Oh how much he wished he could just tell the truth? How much he wished none of this ever happened. He didn't want to hurt Jungkook. Again. But he knew Taehyung was right.. He had to give Jungkook closure. Talking things out in a real manner was important if they wanted to have any knd of relationship, both in professional wise and personal. Concerts and filming would start again from tomorrow on and he knew they couldn't afford to act weird around each other. Their fans would notice, as they always do, every single detail. He considered this both a blessing and a curse. The thing was sometimes life wasn't all rainbows and unicorns. When he was gloomy, people caught up. It was nice and comforting knowing that people cared, yet having million people mourn along with you didn't make you the happiest person either. Their fans won't be the only people watching them. Their management would be watching them with eagle eyes and the knowledge made Jimin both uneasy and angry. They wanted him to act like nothing at all had happened. "Hyung!" Jimin jumped at the voice. When he looked up Jungkook was beside him with two cups of coffee. Lost to his thoughts he hadn't seen Jungkook coming. "I called you twice." Jungkook complained handing Jimin his coffee. A White mocha, just the way he liked it. Jimin smelled coffee and the aroma filled his nose strings. "Thanks kookie. Shall we?" They started walking again with the streaming cups of coffee in their hands. They strolled towards the park in silence enjoying each other's company. Jungkook occasionally bumped onto Jimin lightly as they entered and walked through the park. It was quite occupied due to the day being Sunday but still had plenty of space for Jimin and Jungkook to fit in. There were plenty of people who were doing their morning work outs but no one payed attention to the two world famous idols. That's way Jimin loved the place so much. People always minded their own business here. They walked on, until they reached the small bridge. Jimin's arms rested on the rail and he leaned his upper body over the edge. Jungkook joined his side. "Jungkook-ah?" "yeah?" "Are you still angry with me?" "No, not anymore. I can't stay angry with you. It's not- it's just not possible.""I'm sorry for hurting you." "It is what it is." Jungkook lifted his cup and brought it to his lips. His Adam's apple lifted and sank as he swallowed. "I don't blame you. You had the right to end it if you weren't feeling it anymore." Jungkook continued, glancing far away. There was great pain in his voice which he tried to hide with a weak smile. "It's not like that." Jimin wanted to scream. He knew Jungkook was trying to be strong for him. He felt the urge to pull him into his arms."Thanks for understanding" Jimin said instead.
Jungkook didn't seem to suspect anything as he turned his head and watched Jimin with sorrowful eyes. Jimin spoke again. "I know I didn't even give you a proper explanation but I'm ready now." "No." Jungkook said suddenly and something froze inside Jimin. Jungkook might not be angry with him but maybe he didn't want anything to do with Jimin anymore. Seeing Jimin's confusion Jungkook explained. "I mean what's done is done. There's no point in talking about it further. I just want us to move on." But didn't Jungkook wanted answers?"Are you sure Jungkook-ah?" "Yes, hyung." "Jungkook-ah, you don't despise me, do you?" "What? No Jiminnie. How can I-- Listen , yes I was angry at you before. But I realized something yesterday. I need you in my life. I can't loose you."
Jungkook answered quietly.Jimin could feel the relief flowing inside him. He knew it was selfish but he couldn't let Jungkook go either. "I thought you hated me. I was so sure of it. After everything I said and did that day it would have been understandable if you did. But then you called for me yesterday and I thought maybe you'd give me another chance to keep you by my side as my best friend and- "Jimin meant to say brother but stopped in the middle distinctly remembering Jungkook's response a week ago. "I still want us to be best friends." Maybe things won't ever go back to the way they were but he'd still have Jungkook by his side. Jungkook looked up at Jimin's eyes and a beautiful smile bloomed on his face. "I'd like that too." ****Taehyung greeted them with a warm smile as they returned to the dorm. He looked from Jungkook to Jimin, examining their faces. He seemed to be relieved to see both of them in a pleasant mood."You guys okay?" He asked with hopeful eyes. Jimin looked at Jungkook and waited for him to answer. Jungkook glanced back and smiled. "We are." He said nodding at Jimin and Jimin nodded back. Both of them were glad to have each other back after a week long absence. "Thank god!" Taehyung said gaining both of their attention on him once more. "I was so tired of having to divide my attention on my two best friends separately." He said making everyone laugh. "Sorry Taehyungie." Jimin said. "No no I was Joking. Anyway I'm so happy you guys
came to an agreement." "Yeah" Jungkook said thoughtfully as three of them settled on their living room couch. "So Where's everyone?" Jimin asked looking around as no one seemed to be in sight. "Jin hyung and Joon hyung went to watch a movie. I think Yoongi hyung went to the studio. Hoseok hyungie is still sleeping." Taehyung answered duty fully. "Is Hobi hyung okay? Why's he still asleep?" Jimin asked concerned and about get up to go and check on his friend. "Yeah yeah he's okay. He said wanted to get enough sleep today because it's the last day of the vacation. Told me not to wake him up even if the world was ending." Taehyung said in an affectionate voice. Jimin settled on the couch once more. "Aish this hyung!" Jimin giggled into his hand. When he turned his head to the side Jimin caught Jungkook watching him. Being caught, Jungkook cleared his throat and spoke, changing the subject. "You guys ready for tomorrow? Did you read the schedule? It's gonna be a long day." Jimin and Taehyung nodded in unison. Jungkook was right. Tomorrow will be a long day with two shootings in the morning and concert rehearsals. Their second leg of the 'love yourself' tour was about to start in a week and everyone was excited to get back on stage eventhough it meant their break was over. "Namjoon hyung said he wants to hold a meeting in the evening." Taehyung informed. It was normal for them to have a group meeting before starting work after a break. "Jin hyung said he expects all of us to be at the dinner table tonight. The meeting will be held afterwards." "Got it." Jungkook said, taking his phone out and typing away something. "Then they got ready and went for the movies." Taehyung continued his report. "You know what? they didn't even invite me to tag along. How rude. I was alone at home." He said frowning making both Jimin and Jungkook cackle. "They probably didn't want your ugly mug of a face bothering them at the movie." Jimin said playfully, teasingly his friend. Jungkook laughed out loud. "Heyyyyy, first, I'm not ugly. okay? Second, I don't bother people when they are watching a movie." "Yes, you do hyung." Jungkook said. "No I don't." Taehyung disagreed. "Yes! You do Taetae." Jimin said cracking up. "You're always like 'Who's that man?'" Jungkook said mimicking Tae's deep voice. " 'What's he doing?' " " 'Is she his boyfriend?' " " 'Is that dog mute?' " Jimin and Jungkook said one by one taking turns in roasting their friend. They laughed and high fived each other behind Taehyung's head. "Ohh I see how it's like. You two have teamed up against me huh?" Taehyung said trying to look angry but he was shaking with laughter too. Jungkook shrugged, grinning and showing his teeth, he said, "Jiminnie and I are always a team." Jimin looked at Jungkook with his heart full of happiness. He saw Jungkook blushing at what he had just said, unsure how Jimin would take it. Jimin nodded his head to convince Jungkook that he was in fact right, they will always be the dream team. Jungkook beamed at Jimin. "What about me, you asshole? Am I the enemy then?" Taehyung said disturbing the moment. Jimin laughed, turning his attention back to the man who was acting to be offended. "No Taetae, you know we love you." Jimin cooed and put his arm around his best friend's shoulder. "Haha I know. I love you guys too." Taehyung said showing his boxy smile. Then he turned to Jimin and gave him a big kiss on his cheek. While Jimin complained and giggled about it, wiping his cheek with his hand Tae turned to hs next victim. "Stopppp" Jungkook said trying to catch his breath. He was laughing so loud as Taehyung tried to kiss his cheek. After successfully kissing both of his friends on cheeks, Taehyung sat between them with a very pleased expression on his face. Jimin forgot all his worries and sadness in that moment. He was truly happy."We should take a selfie." Jimin suggested. Both other boys nodded in agreement. Jimin took his phone out and all three of them smiled for the picture, pure happiness radiating from everyone's face. After taking some pictures, mostly silly ones Jimin pocketed his phone once again. Just as Jimin put away his phone, it started ringing. When he took a look at the it Bang pdnim's name stared back at him from the screen. "Excuse me, guys." He said to his friends and walked into his room where he can talk without the risk of Jungkook overhearing the conversation. "Hello, Bang PDnim." Jimin answered as he sat on his bed. "Jimin-ah, Hello. Can we talk right now?" Bang Si Hyuk's voice came through the line. "Yes we can. Is this something important?" "Um.. I just wanted to check how you are." "Oh, I'm good thanks." Jimin said. For the first time in a while it felt like the truth. "How's everything with Jungkook?" Bang Si Hyuk sked hesitantly, it made Jimin irritated. "If you called to see if I followed the management's orders and broke up with my boyfriend, worry not, it's done. Can I hung up now?" Jimin said, suddenly annoyed. "No, wait. I know you would have done as you were told. I really want to know if you are okay and fit for shooting tomorrow." His voice sounded kind and really concerned, therefore Jimin controlled his annoyance. "Thank you Bang PD-nim. But I am really okay." "Jimin-ah, I know it is not fair to ask this of you but you can't show any difference in front of cameras. Okay? Fans can't know anything." "Got it. Jungkook and I are okay now. Kinda. Don't worry." He murmured, sighing. "Okay. I'm glad to hear that." "Okay. Have a good day." "Jimin-ah?" "Yeah PD nim? "I'm sorry I couldn't help you guys.I really wish I could." "Thank you for saying that. See you tomorrow." "See you." Feeling uncanny after the phone call Jimin strolled back to the living room where Jungkook and Taehyung were looking at something on Tae's phone. Just as Jimin walked in, Jungkook looked up. "Who was that?" He asked in a 'protective boyfriend' voice. Jimin stopped on his track as a sense of longing hit him. He was torn between wanting to jump into Jungkook's lap and coo at him for being jealous and also wanting to run away. He saw Taehyung nudging Jungkook by the elbow from the corner of his eyes and Jungkook seemed to realise what he did as he cleared his throat and said, " I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry. Of course you can talk to anyone." in a very robotic voice. Jimin felt his heart sinking to his stomach. 'Don't let it be weird. It took a week for Jungkook to just look you in the face. Don't fuck it up.' Jimin told to himself. So he walked up to the couch and sat down beside Jungkook casually. "It was Bang PD-nim." Jimin informed. He didn't want Jungkook to misunderstand. He felt Taehyung' s eyes watching him carefully. "Why was he calling you?" Jungkook asked. "Just to see if we're ready for tomorrow. Because Namjoon hyung wasn't answering his phone." He said, lies coming out of his mouth naturally. 'Jimin who couldn't lie' who? "Ah that makes sense. Namjoon hyung must be at the theatre now." Taehyung said loudly. To Jimin's relief Jungkook nodded. "So what were you guys watching?" Jimin asked changing the subject. Just as Jungkook opened his mouth to speak, a loud thud came out from inside the house. The three boys looked at each other."I'M OKAY, I'M OKAY." Hoseok yelled from his room. "Hyung, what happened?" Jimin called out."Nothing!!!! I guess I just fell from the bed."
Hoseok said sleepily, making the boys burst out of laughter. **** Jimin woke up next morning to the sound of his alarm going off. 5.00 A.M it said. 'I definitely didn't miss that on his break' . Jimin thought amidst the drowsiness . He groaned and rolled off his bed and headed towards the bathroom. The morning went in a flash as all the sleepy Bangtan members got ready and arrived at the photo shoot venue with the crew. Make up was done by make up noonas and they all hurried to get their job done after the process. Jimin was paired with his former roommate Hoseok for the unit photographs. It was fun to work with Hoseok hyung and Jimin always secretly enjoyed having his pictures taken by professional photographers. Photoshoots never felt like work. He saw Jungkook being silly with Namjoon hyung and Jin hyung as a photographer hurried to take their pictures. Jimin smile unconsciously at the sight. They didn't get to talk much since last night but Jungkook had greeted Jimin with a warm smile when he saw him in the morning. He even offered Jimin his jacket when Jimin said he was cold. They both were trying and for now it was enough. Everything went smoothly untill the concert rehearsals in the evening. All the love songs reminded Jimin so much of 'them' that he had to take effort not to look at Jungkook's direction as he sang them. In a way, old Jungkook and Jimin lived in those songs. The two people who were crazily in love, not the two strangers in that moment who were trying to be 'friends' knowing they'd always be something more. 'I can't stop thinking about you'Jimin thought and noticed in Jungkook's eyes that he thought the same. Neither of them were brave enough to point it out, though.***** Jungkook As it turned out, being just friends with Jimin wasn't as easy as Jungkook had first thought. The days turned into weeks and the nonstop concerts and promotions continued. For Jungkook the life had altered in the wildest way possible but he had to act like nothing at all had changed. Imagine acting to be alright after losing the best part of his life. Then imagine doing it for 24 hours a day, in front of cameras which revealed him to the entire world, who'd intensely watch his every single move. After their talk in the park, things were better than before. They chatted like normal friends, even laughed with each other. They worked together like professionals without any difficulties. But there came these moments when Jungkook could not stop staring at Jimin's lips. When he couldn't take his eyes off while Jimin was practicing choreography. There were times when Jungkook wanted Jimin's touch so badly that he wanted to scream in frustration. Work was the only thing that kept him sane. In those rare moments he was at home and not working, he busied himself. He helped Jin hyung to cook and joined Namjoon hyung's writing sessions. He tried to learn producing from Yoongi hyung and helped Hoseok hyung with choreography. He joined with Taehyung for vocal practice where Jimin often joined them. Interactions with Jimin was easier when someone else was there with them and if Jimin thought that maybe Jungkook was avoiding being alone with him, Jungkook couldn't blame him. It was one of those evenings, well into their concerts season, where Jungkook was practicing with Hoseok in the dance studio after a long filming session in the morning. They've been practicing for couple of hours when Hoseok said he was tired and retired back to the dorm. Jungkook decided to stay. The night was falling when Jimin walked into the studio. He was talking on the phone, quite loudly. He didn't seem to notice Jungkook as he was concentrated on his phone. "What the fuck do they want me to do? It's not like I asked for any of this." He closed the door loudly to match his own voice. Jungkook watched as he threw his bag on the floor. Changing the phone to the other ear, he got rid of his jacket, revealing the black tanktop inside. Jungkook swallowed as he watched Jimin. Jimin looked angry and angry Jimin was hot. " I know hyung, I know. He--" Jimin stopped as his eyes caught Jungkook's. "Jungkook-ah! I didn't know you were here." He said surprised, forgetting the phone call. "I didn't disturb you because you were, you know?" Jungkook said pointing onto the phone on Jimin's hand. Finally seeming to remember the phone Jimin nodded and talked in to the speaker. "Hyung, I'll talk to you later." A moment of silence. "Yes. He's here. We'll get back soon." Jimin listened to the receiver for some more as the other person talked, who Jungkook was now sure to be one of their hyungs. "No, don't worry. Bye." Jimin murmured into the phone and threw it on top of his discarded jacket. Jungkook examined Jimin as he shoved his hair back from his eyes, a habit Jungkook loved about Jimin. Jimin looked both angry and worried. His eyes also had a sadness in them, Jungkook noticed as Jimin tried to hide it from him. "Jiminnie, Is everything okay?" He asked. "Yes." Jimin lied. When Jungkook was about to confront Jimin about it, Jimin threw a look his way warning him not to."What were you practicing?" He asked instead. "Euphoria choreo. I'm done for the night. You can take over. " Jungkook said feeling itchy and sweaty.
"I'll go and take a shower" Jungkook pointed towards the wash room. Jimin seemed a bit annoyed by his answer. "You sure you are done?" Jimin asked moving his weight to one foot to another. He looked unsettled for some reason. "Yes, I've been here since afternoon." Jungkook said
scratching his stomach beneath his shirt. He noticed Jimin's eyes dart down, following the motion. Jimin looked away quickly. Jungkook studied Jimin as he stood there wordlessly. He was breathing hard like he had run hundred miles and his hands were on fists when Jungkook looked at them. Something seemed off and Jungkook didn't know what. Then, Jimin strode towards Jungkook and he felt a jolt go through his body as Jimin stopped right in front of him. "Do you really hate me Jungkook-ah?" His voice was raspy and was just few inches away from Jungkook's face. "Hyung, I don't hate you." Jungkook manged to utter as Jimin took another step. "Then why does everyone seems to think so?" "Who's everyone?" "People on twitter. News paper writers. The management. Literally everyone." Jungkook took a breath. He knew there was some stupid rumours going around about him hating Jimin. They were always there, those rumours but he didn't know why Jimin suddenly seemed to care. "Don't listen to them. You know I don't hate you." Jungkook said. "Then why have you been avoiding me? You are trying to run away even now." Jimin mumbled. He was standing painfully close to Jungkook. When Jungkook didn't answer Jimin closed his eyes. "I'm sorry for hurting you, but please don't hate me. I can't bear it." Jimin whispered, his eyes were still closed. It looked like he was having an internal battle with himself. Jungkook's heart kicked back into motion, beating louder and faster than ever before. Jungkook closed his own eyes for a moment breathing in the scent of Jimin's shampoo, mixed with his cologne. "You look so beautiful." He heard Jimin whisper. When Jungkook opened his eyes Jimin's lips were very close to Jungkook's. Everything inside Jungkook trembled as Jimin closed the gap and clashed his lips against his own. *****
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jimin It was dark outside when Jimin decided to take a detour and visit the dance studio instead of going home after work. All the work load and Jungkook-less nights were finally catching up with him as Jimin felt like he couldn't take it anymore. His previous exploration on the internet didn't help his frustration in anyway either. He was feeling sulky the whole day and he knew his hyungs noticed. So when Namjoon called to check on him he was expecting it. What he didn't expect however was Jeon Jungkook looking back at him with doe eyes when he set foot into the studio. Jimin had stopped his yelling in mid-sentence while a very concerned Namjoon waited for him behind the cellphone. Jimin didn't know how he ended the call, all he could concentrate on was Jungkook. Jungkook, looking back at him, his mouth slightly open, hair messy and his muscley arms glistening with sweat. At first Jungkook had looked surprised to see him then his expression turned into concern. "Jiminnie, Is everything okay?" Nothing was okay. How would they be when people thought Jungkook hated Jimin, when Jungkook kept avoiding Jimin, When Jimin couldn't kiss Jungkook like he wanted to!! Nothing was okay and Jimin was exasperated. So when Jungkook said he was done with practicing and retrieving for the night it rubbed Jimin the wrong way. "Do you really hate me Jungkook-ah?"Jimin watched Jungkook's chest rising and falling with every breath he took. Jungkook looked beautiful and Jimin couldn't stay away. Anymore. His hands burnt with the desire to touch the boy in front of him, his body cried with the desire to be touched by him. All his rational thoughts left him as his feet carried him right in to Jungkook. Jungkook. Jungkook. Jungkook. Jungkook. "I'm sorry for hurting you, but please don't hate me. I can't bear it."
He closed his eyes as more desperate words escaped his mouth. Jungkook was breathing shakily before him but he made no attempt to push Jimin away. Jimin knew he should step away. All the things they tolerated up until now would go in vain if he touched Jungkook now. But his mind was shut off and his heart wasn't ready to listen. Jimin opened his eyes and the last bit of restriction he had in his body melted into seeing Jungkook's face just few inches away from his. He looked so beautiful. ~~ Jimin could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He brought his shaking fingers up to caress Jungkook’s cheek, while their lips explored each other. Jungkook made a small voice in his throat, reacting into his touch while his hand found Jimin's waist and he pulled Jimin even closer to him. Jimin closed his eyes and breathed in, the familiar scent of Jungkook making him nostalgic. "I missed you." He thought. Or maybe said out loud because Jungkook murmured, "I missed you too." into the kiss. Jimin cupped his cheeks and kissed him again, feeling the softness of Jungkook's lips which he knew like the back of his own hand. He hung onto Jungkook like a lifeline. It took no time for soft kisses to turn into desperate ones as they tried to get hold of each other as much as possible, needy hands lingering everywhere. Jungkook brought up a hand, running his fingers over Jimin's abs under his clothing. In the next moment, Jimin's tanktop landed on the floor. They were both trying to catch their breath and Jimin could feel Jungkook's chest expand against his. His heart fluttered with warmth and familiarity. At the moment the universe was made of them, just Jimin and his Jungkook. And Hoseok. Because at the now opened studio door a shocked Hoseok was gawking at the pair. Hoseok coughed awkwardly. "Uhm.. I'm sorry guys I came here to fetch my phone? Seems like I've left it here." He voiced as he closed the door behind him. Both Jungkook and Jimin stared at him from where they were standing still clung to each other, both too shocked by the sudden intruder. Their hyung spared them another glance before looking away to give them a moment to collect themselves. Taking the chance Jimin stepped away from the younger man at the speed of the light as their bubble broke and the reality came crashing down at him. Jesus christ! He fucked up. ***** "I fucked it all up," Jimin groaned as he collapsed onto Namjoon's bed. "Namjoon hyung please kill me!" He said pulling at his hair."Jimin-ah, calm down." Namjoon said standing from his desk and coming to sit on his bed beside Jimin's sprawled body. "How am I suppose to calm down? Jungkook hates me now! For real this time. " Jimin said dramatically, thrashing his legs on the bed. Namjoon touched his leg and stopped him. "Aish! Stop you idiot. You are messing up my bed." "You're worried about your bed my whole life is messed up." Jimin whined and hid his face with his small hands. "Yah! stop it, you drama queen. Just tell me what happened." Namjoon snorted. "I thought being friends would be a good solution, but I just can't do it." Jimin said instead of giving his hyung a real answer on what actually went down. He felt ashamed. Jimin didn't know what happened to him at the studio, how he lost control at the sight of Jungkook. All he knew was he fucked up big time. He was supposed to stay away. "Wait, did something happen between you two at the studio?" Namjoon asked narrowing his eyes at the younger man. Jimin sighed heavily and pushed himself up to lean on the bed frame. "We kissed. It was me. I kissed him first. After all the preaching about being friends I went there and fucking kissed him. How am I going to face Jungkookie again? Ugh hyung kill me." "Ah Jimin-ah, what's done is done. Talk to JK about it." "I should have stayed away, giving him space to move on."Jimin said, ignoring Namjoon's words.
"Who the hell stays friends with the love of their life, anyway?" Jimin asked. "That's not possible, is it?""I think it is, for a some people," Namjoon argued."Like who?" Jimin challenged. Namjoon looked at his hands and didn't answer, suddenly looking hesitant. "Hyung?" Jimin pressed, fixing himself to a sitting position, feeling the change in the other man. "Like me?" Namjoon said self consciously which made Jimin forget his problem as his mother hen instincts kick into motion. Jimin thought for a moment examining the man in front of him and asked carefully, "Does Jin hyung know?" Namjoon widened his eyes as he glanced at Jimin. "How do--?" "I kinda noticed." Jimin said giving his hyung a smile. Namjoon nodded and smiled back shyly. "Umm, yeah. We've talked about it?" Namjoon said answering Jimin's earlier question. "Really?" "Mm-hm" "You guys were a thing?" "Uh no. We just really liked each other. When we first met." "Wow. What happened?" Jimin couldn't help but be curious. "The timing wasn't right. I choose music over him and he respected my decision. That was that. We've been friends ever since." "But-- oh my god. Hyung, I'm so sorry. I didn't know." "No one knows except for the two of us. You don't have to say sorry Jimin-ah. Hyung and I are perfectly fine now. " "Yeah but.. I don't know. Now I feel like a fool for going headfirst into my relationship with Jungkook. " No, don't say that! ""But you guys have sacrificed so much for the band-" "I didn't do it for the band." Namjoon said shaking his head."I did it for me. It was what I chose for myself at that time Jimin-ah. Just because you made a different choice doesn't mean your one was wrong or less hard to make." Jimin was silent for some time before he spoke in a very sincere voice. "Yeh, I don't regret it. You know. No matter what is happening now or what will happen in the future, Jungkook is the best thing that ever happened to me. I could never regret my decision to be with him." "I'm glad to hear that." Namjoon said touching Jimin's leg in comfort. "Do you still love him?" Jimin asked softly. "Jin hyung? Yes, very much. I respect him more than anything." As Namjoon talked he kept his eyes on their family picture on the wall. Jimin knew who he was looking at. "That's beautiful. Thank you for telling me. " Jimin whispered. It was silent for a moment both of them lost in their own thoughts. Jimin was the one to break the silence as he voiced his concern. "I wish I had controlled myself tonight. It was just stupid. Why can't I just see him as a younger brother Joonie hyung?" he asked, feeling defeated thinking about his loss of control. After Hoseok had caught them and they were forced to stop, Jungkook had tried to catch his eyes for the whole ride home (Jimin had decided to not to practice and head home with Jungkook and Hoseok) But Jimin avoided him as his life depended on it. He could not give Jungkook hope (more than he already had) when he had nothing to offer him. "It wasn't stupid. To be honest I kind of knew something like this is going to happened anytime soon. The way you kept looking at each other! " Namjoon said laughing. Jimin groaned. "Hyung!!! Don't laugh!! I'm really depressed right now." Jimin whined. "I'm sorry." Namjoon said but a trace of laughter was still in his voice "You like Seokjin hyung but you guys are okay around each other. Why can't I act normal around Jungkook?" "Jin hyung and I, we were never anything but friends. But you and Jungkook-ah were practically married. At least you acted like married." Namjoon answered with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Ugh we did. Didn't we? I miss him so much." words escaped Jimin's mouth unconsciously. When he looked at Namjoon again the older man was looking at him with sad eyes. Jimin delivered him a little smile. "Do you know how much I admire you, Jimin-ah?" Namjoon asked, raising his hand and caressing Jimin's head fondly. The sudden remark surprised Jimin pleasantly. "Why?" He asked flushing. Jimin loved compliments and coming from Namjoon they meant the world the him. "All this nonsense our management is throwing at you, you've been facing them bravely. You are going along with their demands because you are worried about us, the band. You tolerated it all alone because you didn't want to burden Jungkook.""I'm not alone. I have you guys. Don't I?" "Yes Jimin-ah. You'll always have us. We just wish we could do something more for you guys." Jimin moved and hugged his hyung from behind. "You listen to all my rumblings. That's enough." Jimin said playfully sounding more relaxed than he felt. "It's not enough." Joon said. "Anyway, don't beat yourself up about today. Talk to Jungkook. ""Okay." Jimin said. He couldn't help but worry though. He knew Jungkook would be mad after hearing the kiss was a mistake. Jimin almost dreaded when he thought about the upcoming talk with Jungkook. He should have kept his hands to himself. Jimin let go of Joon and came to sit next to him. Silence spread once again. Namjoon seemed to be drowning in deep thoughts so Jimin kept himself quiet. Jimin thought about the man beside him. His hyung who had trusted him enough to reveal him one of his greatest secrets. Jimin wanted to ask more. He wanted to ask if he regretted his decision to choose music over his love. He wondered if it was the reason both of his hyungs haven't been seeing anyone for all these years. What would have happened if Jimin never confessed to Jungkook? What if like Namjoon, Jungkook had choose his career over him? Would things have been easier then? "Jimin-ah?" Namjoon called out forcing Jimin out of his thoughts. "Yes, hyung?" "What if you tell Jungkook the truth?" Jimin snapped his head towards Namjoon alarmed at his unexpected words. "About Bighit finding out?" "Yeah.""I can't hyung. You know how Kookie is. I don't want him to make trouble with the management. Anyway I think this way is easier for him to move on." "Wouldn't he have already moved on if it was 'easier' this way? It's almost been a month." "I don't know, hyung." Jimin rubbed his eyes suddenly feeling tired. "You know he wouldn't even want to move on from you if he knew the truth. The only reason he's staying away is because he thinks you don't want him anymore." "That's exactly why I can't tell him." "Jiminnie?" Namjoon pronounced expecting an explanation. He thought they understood why he could not tell Jungkook. "I don't want to rob his future from him. He has the potential to be the most famous idol in South Korea but being in a gay relationship would ruin it for him." "Is that Director Kim talking? That's bullshit. You don't have to make that choice for Jungkook. He has the right to know." Jimin blushed. Was Namjoon right? "I think you should tell him." Namjoon stated for the second time. "I'll think about it." Jimin said but he didn't know how much he meant it. He still stood by his decision. He had promised himself to protect Jungkook forever. Sometimes to protect someone you had to let them go. "Thank you, hyung." "I'm sorry I don't have much to offer you right now but things will be better. I promise you that. We'll make sure of it. All of us together. ""Together." Jimin echoed. Jimin didn't see how or when anything would turn to better but at that moment Namjoon's word gave him hope. That's how much he trusted his brother. **** When Jimin finally retired back to his room from Namjoon's, Jungkook was waiting for him impatiently. Jungkook got into his feet as soon as he saw Jimin entering. Jimin let out a breath. He wasn't ready for Jungkook's questions. But he knew he had to repent for his actions. "Jungkookie." He acknowledged the younger man as Jungkook examined his every move. "You can't just run away after kissing me." Jungkook said. He had changed his clothes. His hair was now washed and little droplets of water lingered on his hair strands. Even in pyjamas he looked ravishing. "I'm sorry." Jimin murmured avoiding Jungkook's eyes. "Did that mean anything? The kiss?" Jungkook urged. The hopefulness in his voice broke Jimin's heart. Jimin had managed to disappoint Jungkook yet again. "I'm sorry." was the only thing Jimin could come up with. He watched as Jungkook's eyes turns into anger. Jungkook opened his mouth but closed it again as it looked like he decided against whatever he was going to say. He gazed at Jimin for another second before giving out a sarcastic snort and storming out of the room. Jimin heard a door banging shut from somewhere in the house. Five minutes later Jimin's phone dinged with a text. "Don't ever use me like that ever again." "I'm sorry." Jimin replied.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
September 1st was not an ordinary day in Park Jimin's life. It was the day the love of his life was born on. This year on this particular day BTS members spent most of their hours in an aeroplane to Los Angeles. Laying on his business class seat Jimin looked around to see all of his mates asleep around him. He released a sigh. For a man who was flying in business class, for his own sold out tour in America Jimin seemed to sigh a lot. Lights were dimed in the cabin but Jimin could still make out a clear image of Jungkook who was sleeping peacefully, holding a Cooky pillow to his chest. "Cute bunny." Jimin thought to himself. To Jimin's surprise Jungkook hadn't stop talking to him after the incident in the studio, Neither had he brought it up again after that night. Jungkook pretended it never happened and Jimin was too selfish and too scared to talk about it and change their dynamic. He had no way to approach Jungkook without giving himself away either so he went along with Jungkook's arrangement. He wished he could have given something other than "Im sorry." to Jungkook. Jimin had been thinking about it. Just like he had promised to Namjoon, Jimin had been thinking about revealing everything to Jungkook. But he was scared. For Jungkook, for the band, for himself. What change would that make anyway? They would still be forced to stay away. "Hyung, you are staring." The voice brought Jimin back to reality. As he focused his gaze he found Jungkook staring back at him with sleepy eyes. "Oh Jungkook-ah. You woke up?" "Hmm" Jungkook hummed sleepily. It looked like JK was still half asleep. "Happy birthday, Gukkie." Jimin whispered. "Oh?" Jungkook cocked his head to a side comically.
Jimin couldn't help the giggle that escape from him. "It's your birthday baby. You are not a baby anymore." Jimin tried to laugh off the term of endearment that slipped unconsciously from his tongue. "Hmm" Jungkook hummed again frowning a bit. A moment later he added. "Thank you."Jimin nodded his head. It picked at his heart at how short the conversation had been. Jungkook turned his head away from Jimin, resting his eyes once again. Jimin wondered if Jungkook was thinking about his last birthday which they spent the whole day wrapped in each other. Or he could be trying NOT to think about it. "I'm glad it was you." Jungkook raised his voice again. "Sorry?" "I'm glad you were the first to wish me Happy birthday." Jungkook didn't say 'this year as well' but Jimin knew that was what he meant. Jimin smiled.
"Get some sleep Kookie." ****~ Flashback ~ Jungkook wakes up to Jimin softly nibbling in his ear. "Kookie, Wake up. It's your birthday, my beautiful boy." It kind of tickles and Jungkook laughs happily. "Rise and shine sweets." Jimin sings, giggling. The beautiful sound makes Jungkook's heart flutter with delight. Jungkook turns his head to look at Jimin. Bathed in the morning sunlight pouring through the windows his boyfriend looks like an angel. "Have I ever told you you are beautiful?" Jungkook asks making Jimin giggle again. "You tell me that everyday." Jimin murmurs and moves forward to kiss Jungkook on lips. "Good. Then I'm doing a good job as your boyfriend." Jungkook teases. Jimin nods and kisses Jungkook softly, brushing their lips lazily before moving on to kiss his cheeks and then his nose. "My cute little boyfriend." Jimin says fondly and it is Jungkook's time to blush. "Heyyy I'm not little. I'm huge compared to you." He fake-whines amd Jimin cackles with laughter. "I love that you are bigger than me. You are like my own personal shield." Jimin says and happily buries his face in Jungkook's chest winding his arms around Jungkook's waist. Jungkook wraps his arms around Jimin's small frame protectively. "And I love that you are tiny." Jungkook states, nuzzling his nose into Jimin's hair, filling himself with Jimin's smell. They stay like that for some time feeling each other until Jimin speaks. "Kookie?" "Mm?" "Happy birthday, love." "Thank you so much baby. I love you." "I love you too. What do you want to do today? I'm so glad we got the day off." Jimin asks moving away a little to look at him. Jungkook has to go a little cross-eyed to look at Jimin because their faces were still so close. Jimin is even prettier up close. "I want to stay just like this, cuddling you." Jungkook says. "If that's what my baby wants, that's what he'll get." Jimin announces cheerfully before wrapping his arms around Jungkook once more. Jungkook doesn’t think he’s ever felt more safe, or warm, or at home. He doesn’t want the feeling to ever end. ****"Jungkook-ah, wake up. " Jungkook woke up to Taehyung shaking him. He looked around to make sense of his surroundings, abruptly being woken up from his dream/memory. Right, he was in a hotel room in America, miles away from his mornings with Jimin at the dorm. As far away as one could ever be. Jungkook looked at Taehyung blankly before turning away from him and facing the wall. "Ya idiot! Wake up. We need to be at the practice room before 3.00." His memory stared at him as Jungkook kept looking at the wall, hugging the pillow into his chest. Empty. His chest, it felt empty, little euphoria he felt from the dream completely leaving him as the reality hit him. Those morning were long gone and Jungkook was an idiot to think anything was forever. "Jeon Jungkook. Are you listening to what I'm saying get up and wash yourself idiot. We have to leave in an hour for practice." "Aish hyung, will you shut up!" He groaned throwing his pillow at Taehyung. Tae caught the pillow and attacked Jungkook right back with it. "Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. wake up." Taehyung chanted hitting Jungkook with his every 'wake up'. "STOP." Jungkook yelled and sat up to find Taehyung looking at his triumphantly. "It's my birthday you annoying ass." Jungkook whined making the older man chuckle. "I know.. That's why I wished you as we got off from the plane." Taehyung said shrugging. "Then stop harassing me on my birthday!" Jungkook said frowning and running a hand to fix his ruined hair. In Jungkook's opinion Life was so cruel to Jungkook. It was his birthday and he was jetlagged. He woke up in an unfamiliar hotel room with memories of his ex boyfriend who he still loved. On top of everything his bandmate kept annoying him to death. Jungkook was sure the god hated him. Maybe Jungkook was being a little over dramatic but he'd kick anyone in the face who'd tell him he was. "Come on stop being sulky. It's your born day. Was I the first to wish you? I think I was!" Taehyung said cheerfully and Jungkook didn't know why the man was being this cheerful in this ungodly hour. "I hate everyone who's born in 1995." Jungkook announced getting up from bed and heading to bathroom. "What?" Taehyung asked letting out a snort. "It was Jimin. He was the first to wish me." He called out from the attached bathroom. "Oh.." "Yeah" Jungkook said washing his face at the sink. Cool water made him feel awake a bit more. "What about your hyung?" Taehyung voice came from the open door. "What about him?" Jungkook asked confused. "He's born in 1995. Do you hate him too?" Aish this stupid hyung! Jungkook thought as he got rid of his shirt. "He's the worst." Jungkook said. "Why's that?" Taehyung asked. Jungkook could hear amusement in his voice. "He didn't even call to wish me. I think he's forgotten. You lot are the same. And YOU specially need to stop being amused at my misery." "Aww poor Jungkookie." Taehyung said mockingly and let out a loud laugh. "I hate you." "Love you too." Taehyung called out. When Jungkook emerged from the bathroom once more, feeling more alive and more like himself he found Taehyung dozing off on his bed. Jungkook went upto him and kept his cool hand at the older man's cheek making him jump. " Omo! You scared me." Taehyung said slapping his hand away. "Revenge bitch." Jungkook said making a face at his friend. Taehyung made a face back at him. "Let's get going. Lunch is ordered at Hobi hyung's room, if you wanna call it lunch. Then they'll take us to the rented studio for practice." Jungkook nodded as he got his mind prepared for work. "There's also gonna be cake. So hurry up." Taehyung said running to the door. Then he stopped on his track and looked at Jungkook. "Oops I wasn't supposed to tell you that. Can you like pretend you didn't know when they bring out the birthday cake?" He asked pouting. "You are an idiot." Jungkook chuckled in return. **** Jungkook was annoyed. He wished Jimin would look away for one minute. Jimin had been staring at Jungkook practicing since he started and it was not only distracting him but also starting to annoy him. They were practicing new choreography for their fanmeet performances back in Korea and with Jimin's distracting gaze on him Jungkook was messing up the moves. Their new choreographer is going to think he's an idiot. "Jimin's an ass." He voice out as he finished his practicing and came to sit beside Taehyung who were resting on the floor. "That was sudden." Taehyung commented looking at Jungkook, frowning his eyebrows. "I know he's your best friend and all but he's acting like a jerk." "How so?" "He says he doesn't want me and kisses me next. Okay I moved passed it, no? Then he goes ahead and calls me baby, I ignores it. And now, I catch him staring at me when I'm practicing. That's jerky behaviour." Jungkook explained wiping his sweat with a towel. "Or he's lying about not wanting you." Taehyung murmured.Wait, what? "WHAT?" "What? Taehyung asked trying to act clueless. "What did you say?" Jungkook repeated. "Nothing." Taehyung said moving uncomfortably. "Oh no, I heard you. What the hell did that supposed to mean." Jungkook asked, his mind going miles per minute."Nothing. It supposed to mean nothing." Taehyung voiced, avoiding Jungkook's gaze which made him more suspicious. "Taehyung hyung! Did he tell something to you?" Jungkook hated the hopefulness in his voice but he couldn't help it. "What's up with you two?" They both looked up to find the three approaching hyungs. Reaching the younger pair, Seokjin, Yoongi and Namjoon sat on the floor in front of the younger men."Jungkook here thinks Jimin is an ass." Taehyung said accusingly making Jungkook frown a bit. The idiot was taking sides. Jungkook's eyes ran to find Jimin who was still practicing with Hoseok. "Why?" Jin asked. "Because he kept looking at me through the whole time I was practicing." Jungkook said defensively averting his eyes from Jimin to look at Jin. Jimin said he didn't want him right? Why was he looking at him then?"Oh yes, I also noticed that." Yoongi said to Jungkook's surprise. Ha! He wasn't imaging it. "Hyung?" Taehyung asked snapping his head to look at Yoongi."He wasn't just staring, he was glaring. At you and our new American choreographer, " Seokjin said, widening his eyes in all seriousness. "Because you two looked like you were flirting." Namjoon joined finishing the sentence for Jin.What?"We weren't flirting!!" Jungkook almost yelled as his hyungs' words caught him off guard. "It kinda looked like that." Yoongi said pretending to think. What was wrong with these people?"She was just trying to teach me the choreography. It's just that she's really friendly and touchy." Jungkook said defensively. "I don't know.. Still looked like flirting" Yoongi said shrugging. "Miss Elliena is a girl." Jungkook said dryly. "A pretty girl." Namjoon added. Why would Miss Elliena being pretty make any difference? "I guess so. But I'm pretty gay you know." Jungkook said, unimpressed. Where were they going with this? Both Namjoon and Seokjin shrugged. Jungkook looked at Taehyung who watched his hyungs with his mouth agape. Yoongi gave a bored look. Were they implying what Jungkook think they were? But it couldn't be! "A-are you saying Jimin was looking because he thought I was flirting with Miss Elliena?" This time Yoongi joined the shrugging duo. "But why?" Jungkook asked confused as hell. "So what were you telling Jungkook, Taehyungie?" Yoongi asked pointing his attention on Taehyung. Taehyung shrinked under everyone's gaze. *"Or he's lying about not wanting you."*
That's what Taehyung had said. But why on earth would Jimin lie? Nothing made sense. **** TaehyungTo say Taehyung was confused would be an understatement. Was all his band mates going insane? He knew Jimin would kill them all if he found out about the little stunt Hyungs pulled earlier at the studio. Taehyung couldn't believe his hyungs basically told Jungkook that Jimin still liked him. Well, it was he who said it first (Taehyung slapped himself thinking of his slipped out sentence.) but it was the hyungs who made Jungkook more suspicious. He was definitely going to die at Park Jimin's small hands. Taehyung looked over to his bedside table as his phone lighted up with a text disturbing the classical music playing through his phone. He rolled in his bed to reach the phone. "Taehyung-ah, come to my room." Namjoon's short text stared back at Taehyung. He thought about replying "don't want to." for a second but thought better of it as it was Namjoon hyung. If it was Jungkook or Jimin he would certainly had refused. Taehyung needed his sleep! Taehyung walked grumpily to Namjoon's room across the hall and turned the door handle. The door opened nicely to reveal all four of his hyungs sitting in the well lit hotel room which was identical to the one Taehyung just came from. They turned his heads at Taehyung's arrival. "Favourite Dongseong incoming." Taehyung said cheekily. The older men who were already seated in the room snorted. "No? Let me correct myself then. The most unproblematic donseong incoming." Taehyung said and to his delight everyone laughed. "Without a doubt." Hoseok muttered under his breath. "So what's up?" Taehyung asked inviting himself into the room and sitting on Namjoon's massive bed where Seokjin and Yoongi sat comfortably. Joon and Hoseok sat on chairs facing them. All of them had changed into their nighttime clothes and looked nothing like world famous hiphop idols. "We're having a meeting." Namjoon said pointing at the group with his hands. Taehyung looked around and asked, "Oh are we waiting for Jimin and Jungkook?" "Those two can sit this one out." Yoongi immediately said. A hint of mischief lingered in his voice. "I smell something fishy." Taehyung said looking at Hoseok and receiving a shrug from the older man. "I'm as clueless as you are." He said. "Taehyungie, don't you think we should do something about Jungkook and Jimin?" Namjoon questioned winning Taehyung's attention back at him. "Yeah, Namjoonie's got a plan." Seokjin said leaning to pat Namjoon on shoulder. "A plan?" Taehyung asked and the three older men nodded. "Go on, we're listening." Hoseok said. "Actually Jimin himself made this idea come to my mind. Did you guys see how Jimin kept glaring at Jungkook and Elliena practicing together earlier?" "No?" Hobi said like it's obvious. Yoongi snorted. "Don't ask stupid questions Joon-ah. Why would Hoseok-ah notice anything other than choreography in the studio?" Yoongi said sarcastically but not unkindly. "I'd take that as a compliment." Hoseok said ever so pleasantly. "Anyway back to the topic, I thought maybe we could water up his jealousy a bit more by talking about Jungkook and Elliena in front of him." Namjoon continued. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows. "Why would Jimin be jealous of a girl though? He knows Jungkook like boys." Hoseok questioned mirroring Tae's confusement. "Jealousy is a strange thing Hoseok-ah. It never makes sense. Miss Elliena is naturally touchy with everyone since she's half American. Jimin doesn't see it that way because he's insecure about their relationship right now. He doesn't know if Jungkook has already moved on." Namjoon said. "Plus Jungkook has had girlfriends before." Yoongi pointed. "Okay, let's say Jimin IS jealous. How is that gonna HELP them?" Taehyung questioned. "I'm hoping it will push Jimin into telling Jungkook the truth. Last week I asked him to tell Jungkook. Though he said he'd think about it he still hasn't. Jimin thinks he's protecting Jungkook by hiding him the truth. But JK needs to know. It'll reduce both of their pain. It's not like we can go and tell him. Jimin has to tell JK himself and for that he needs a little push. ""Wait,so you three telling JK that Jimin might still like him was part of the plan?" Taehyung asked, suddenly everything clicking into place. "That was YOU . If I remember correctly You told Kook Jiminie still wants him." Yoongi said with a smug face. "Don't tell that to Jimin." "Bangtan won't be the same without you. So I won't." Suga said in a very Suga manner. "So you think this will help Jungkook and Jimin to get back together? What about the management?" Hoseok asked. "One step at a time Seok-ah. Let's get this sorted and deal with getting them back together and management after." Namjoon said thoughtfully and others nodded their heads. "So like I said what we have to do is talk about Jungkook and Elliena in front of Jimin. Now that we've kind of given a hint about this to Jungkook he'd maybe cooperate unconsciously." Namjoon continued. Taehyung thought about the matter. He wanted his two best friends to get back together but he also didn't want to go against Jimin's back. "But this would hurt Jiminnie you know?" "He's already hurting Taetae. He might not show it but holding everything inside him is hurting him more than anything." Jin said his eyes sad. "That's true. He IS strong but I'm afraid this whole situation is too much." Hoseok joined. "That is why we have to do this. Even though Jimin won't like this hopefully it'll bring good results in the end." Namjoon said reassuring Taehyung. "So are you guys sure this will work?" Taehyung asked doubtfully, still not perfectly convinced. "You know how possessive these two can get right? I'm sure this will have an effect.""What if we're just adding into Jimin's pain? What about Miss. Ellina? Is it fair on her that we are using her like this?" "We're not using Miss. Ellina Tae. We don't have to do anything extra. They can practice together like they are meant to. That's what she's here for, right? All we have to do is comment something here and there until Jimin's driven into talking with JK about it. Then he'd have to tell JK why he really broke up when Jungkook questions him why does he care." Namjoon explained patiently. "This could also go terribly wrong. But what else is there to lose? They are already broken up." Yoongi said. "Hmm I guess that makes sense." Taehyung finally voiced. "I'm in. I just don't want anyone to get hurt." Hopefully this will work out and they'd have happy Jimin and Jungkook back. ****Jimin The three shows at Los Angeles passed just as successfully as they had hoped and for once Jimin could forget everything and be happy with his life. After LA shows came the concert in Oakland , the two nights at Fort Worth and the three nights at Hamilton. The time flew but it felt like only yesterday that they landed in America. Fans, Jimin realised was the same everywhere. They came with lots of love and energy and gave them unconditional happiness. When he was on stage he forgot all his sadness and worries. When BTS were not performing on stage they practiced for the fan events back at Korea in rented unfamiliar studios. These studio times, Jimin enjoyed a little less than he normally would, for a reason he dared not to think about. But when Jungkook went to Elliena in absence of Hoseok, to learn a dance move, instead of coming to Jimin like he normally would, Jimin could no longer ignore it. These days Jungkook seemed to be friendlier with their new choreographer than he was with Jimin and even though Jimin didn't want to admit it, it was bothering him. Hyungs also seemed to think the pair had some kind of 'chemistry' between them which was nonexistent in Jimin's eyes. Jimin often observed Jungkook from where he was standing in front of the huge mirror in the studio. Jungkook looked happy. Wasn't that what Jimin had always wanted? For Jungkook to be happy with or without him. Then what was this feeling inside him that gnawed at his heart? Why couldn't Jimin be just happy with the knowledge that Jungkook was okay? It was Jimin who ask Jungkook to move on but he couldn't bear seeing Jungkook with another person. Jimim knew he was being unfair. But still he couldn't help the pit of jealousy that had taken residence in his stomach. Deep down he was aware that he was being stupid. There was nothing going on between Jungkook and Elliena. Jimin told himself that they wouldn't even see each other after BTS leave for Korea in a week and there was nothing to worry about. But that was before Jungkook announced everyone that he was planning to do a dance collaboration with Ms. Elliena when the tour was over. "Why do you want to do a collaboration with her? She's not really that good." Jimin asked Jungkook when they were alone in the dressing room.Jungkook averted his eyes from his phone to look at Jimin. Then with wide, unimpressed eyes he spoke. "What are you talking about? She's a brilliant dancer.” Jungkook was correct. Elliena Han was one of the most talented dancers at her age, hence the Bighit hired her. As much as he didn't want to admit it Jimin knew it was true. "Whatever." He said grumpily and returned his attention back to the book he was reading. "The life after death" the title said. It was recommended to Jimin by a friend and so far he had found it somewhat interesting (with the divided attention he had given to it with Jungkook being in the same room). Not that Jimin exactly believed in those stuff but he needed something interesting to keep his mind off things. "What has gotten into you?" Jungkook questioned looking at Jimin with curious eyes. Jimin huffed. "Nothing has gotten into me. What has gotten into YOU? Do you even have time to do all these nonsense collabs." Jimin said without looking at Jungkook. "I can make time. It's not like we're gonna do it right away. Elliena and I have to talk about all the details first." Jungkook said in a patient voice which made Jimin more annoyed. "But we're leaving after two days. This is not going to work." Jimin stated finally looking up at Jungkook. "phones do exist you know." Jungkook informed in a flat tone. Now Jungkook looked irritated. Good. Jimin thought. "You are gonna practise a dance via phone?" Jimin snorted and asked sarcastically to which JK frowned. "We can Skype or something. Why are you being so rude?" "You are gonna Skype with her after going to Korea?" "Wait, are you jealous, Jimin-ah?" Jungkook asked narrowing his eyes. "Why would I be jealous?" Jimin said trying to control his quickening heartbeat. "I don't know. You tell me." "what nonsense. I'm not jealous. I don't want you to distract yourself with other stuff when you have the band to worry about." Jimin said shrugging. He hoped he was doing a good job at looking unbothered. Jungkook frowned again at the words."When have I ever neglected my responsibilities to the band? You know it always comes first for me." Jungkook talked in a slow voice which Jimin knew he used when he was trying to control his anger. "That's good to know." Jimin said stubbornly. "What's your problem Jimin-ah?" Jungkook asked loudly, suddenly getting up from his seat. "I don't know. Maybe you are my problem." Jimin yelled back, surprised at Jungkook's outburst. "Oh my god! There's no point in talking to you." Jungkook said shaking his head, trying his hardest to control his voice. "Then don't." "I honestly don't understand what your issue is." Jungkook said and Jimin noted the disappointment in his voice. Jimin wanted to stop being silly and make up with the younger man but his ego didn't let him. "You're still talking." He said lazily. "Oh, so you want me to stop talking to you." "Yes please." Jungkook stared at Jimin for few painfully silent seconds. "I-- FINE." "Fine." If only there was a limit to the amount of times one could fuck up. **** Just like he had promised Jungkook had stopped talking with Jimin and Jimin had only himself to blame. BTS were back in Korea for few days before they leave for England for the European leg of the tour. Jimin had missed home. Jimin missed A LOTS of things but god forbid if he's going to think about them now, middle of the dinner table, where Jungkook was sitting right in front of him with his mouth stuffed with food. "Your fault Jimin." He told himself as he spooned through his bowl of rice without eating any. "Ah.. I missed Korean food so much." Hoseok's voice rang through the dining table. They all hummed in agreement. "Yes hyung, nothing tastes better than food at home." Tae said chewing on a piece of pork. "That's true but I'm gonna miss American hotdog." Seokjin joined in. "I wish we could get them delivered from e Bay or something." Hobi said making everyone laugh. "We have hotdogs in Korea idiots." Yoongi said fondly."Yeah but they don't taste the same." Taehyung said biting on another piece of pork and stuffing a spoonful of rice into his mouth. Yoongi shook his head at Taehyung. "Eat slowly kid. The food isn't going anywhere." "Can't take the risk, hyung." Tae said cheekily and grinned. Yoongi made a face at him. Jimin listened to the friendly banter around him, letting the feeling of home flow through his body. "Do you guys know Hotdogs were mentioned in Homer’s 'The Odyssey'?" Namjoon spoke providing them with the daily dose of wisdom. Jimin couldn't help but chuckle. Where does his hyung even get these information? "Ah seriously?" Jin asked. "Yep." Namjoon replied, very pleased with himself. "Namjoon hyung?" Jungkook asked and Jimin raised his head from his bawl of rice that he still hadn't touched, to look at Jungkook. "Yeah, Kook-ah?" Joon asked. "I was thinking of learning English." Jungkook said, to which Namjoon offered him a warm smile. Jimin felt his heart warmed up. He knew Jungkook was trying to reduce Namjoon's workload by learning English himself. "That's great JK. I'll help you." Namjoon said encouragingly. "Why Jungkook-ah, do you want to converse with Elliena better? Is that why you want to learn English?" Yoongi asked in a teasing tone wiggling his eyebrows. Not here too. Jimin thought to himself. Why couldn't Yoongi hyung stopped talking about Ms. Elliena? Not just Yoongi, all of his band mates seemed obsessed with talking about her and Jungkook these days. Jimin looked at Jungkook and finding his gaze already on his Jimin quickly looked away. "No hyung. It's not like that. Joonie hyung work so hard for interviews in overseas. I want to help him." Jungkook said."Plus, Elliena speaks Korean perfectly." He added as an afterthought. "Perfectly, eh? Yoongi smirked. Jimin looked down at his food not wanting to see Jungkook's reaction. He felt Taehyung's hands touching him under the table in comfort and he closed his eyes at the feeling. Jimin could hide things from his own parents but not from Taehyung. "That's enough of that." Taehyung said out loud,a bit too roughly than necessary. Realising his tone he added lightly , "I wanted to tell y'all about this movie I watched. It was literally so creepy man." Taehyung continued to tell his story and no one else disturbed him or brought up Elliena again but Jimin couldn't concentrate on the conversation.Couldn't any of them see the whole Elliena thing was hurting him? Why did they keep bringing it up in front of him? Do his band mates think he's a robot with no feelings? Was this Jungkook's way of taking revenge for breaking his heart. If then, did Jimin really deserves this? More conversation spread around him and for the first time in a long time Jimin felt like he didn't belong. Among these people who he had come to call family, he felt lost. Jimin tried his best not to cry. "Jimin, why aren't you eating?" Jimin broke his chain of thoughts at the sudden mention of his name. He looked up to find Jungkook gazing at him expectantly. "huh?" First, Jimin was surprised at Jungkook talking to him after 24 hours. Second, he was surprised that Jungkook noticed the fact he wasn't eating. Third, he was surprised at himself for not wanting Jungkook's attention on him at the moment. "You haven't even touched your food." Jungkook repeated motioning toward Jimin's plate. Jimin looked around the table and everyone's attention was on him. "Leave me alone Jungkook-ah. I thought we don't talk anymore" Jimin murmured without looking at Jungkook. "Yeah whatever but I can't keep watching you starve yourself." Jungkook said justifying himself. "I'm not starving myself." Jimin said blankly, but the food in front him indicated the otherwise. "You've lost a lot of weight past few days." Jungkook said eyeing Jimin. "Why do you care?" "Why do I--? Che! Did you hear him? He want to know why do I care." Jungkook asked looking around the table. "Guys, stop quarrelling please." Seokjin said but finally being done with everything, Jimin had other plans. "Go and worry about your new girlfriend." He said shooting a glare at Jungkook. Jungkook shrinked under the older man's gaze. "I don't have a girlfriend!!" "Maybe you should." "Don't tell me what I should and should not do." Jungkook said, his tone upset."Then stop telling me what I should do. I'll eat if I am hungry." Jimin said letting go af his spoon. "How are you not hungry? You didn't eat anything today." "How do you know. Maybe I did?" Jimin challenged. The other members stared at them with open mouths. "We've been around each other the whole day! We're in the same band if you haven't noticed." "Yeah, sadly." "I can't believe you said that. You are acting like a fucking brat, do you know that?" Jungkook said, his voice raised volume word by word. Before Jimin could respond Namjoon's voice rang over."Jungkook-ah, that's enough."Jungkook threw his head at Namjoon. "What? All I'm asking is for him to eat something. Is that bad? Please tell him to stop being stubborn and eat." Jungkook asked making Jimin feel guilty. Jungkook was right. It's been few hours since he seriously had something to eat. But Jimin didn't really felt hungry, his past dieting habits allowing him to go without food, longer than he actually should. "Jimin-ah, you heard the man. EAT." Yoongi said at Jimin. A tone of authority echoed in his voice. Jimin looked down again. "Hyung, I'm eating. Jungkook's just being stupid." "I am not being stupid!!" "Now you are being stupid AND noisy JK." Jimin said coldly. "And you are being a little shit." Jungkook shot back but there was no venom in his voice for Jimin to discover, just a deep worry and caring. "Ya!! I'm your Hyung." Jimin said, giving up the fight, despite his words. "Then freaking act like one." With that Jungkook stood up, pulling his chair backwards noisily. Jimin's heart sank. He didn't want Jungkook to leave dinner table because of him. "Someone tell him I'm not going to eat if he's leaving the table." Jimin managed to say in a small voice. Jungkook stopped in his track, after waiting for half a second sat down. Another second passed before Jimin scooped a spoonful of rice and stuffed it into his mouth. Jungkook sighed."I do care, Jiminie. Don't ever, not even for a second think that I don't care about you." Jungkook said in a steady voice. Others have gone completely silent around them. Jimin closed his eyes and let the words sink in. He needed to stop fighting with Jungkook. He also needed to tell him the truth.. Because Jimin was tired. He had been tired for months now. From the moment he stepped out of the Bighit office to this moment Jimin was feeling knackered. Jimin felt like he was continously running, breathlessly, with a huge bag hanging over his back. The bag was filled with lies, hurt and unnecessary jealousy, containing a weight he couldn't carry anymore. He needed to stop running. He need to take a breath. He wanted to get rid of the troublesome bag.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jimin had never been happier. Maybe it's the beautiful autumn evening in Japan that made Jimin smile from ear to ear, or maybe it's the handsome boy with the camera who had been following him the whole day with shiny eyes. Definitely the later. It was an early birthday gift from Jungkook to Jimin. When Jungkook showed him the two tickets to Japan two days ago with their bags already packed, Jimin couldn't believe his eyes. He always wanted to visit Disney land and to go there with his boyfriend was a dream come true. The Disney land was a bit crowded but to both of their delight no one showed any interest on them. The place was beautiful, so magical just as it was supposed to be. "Jiminnie, smile for the camera." Jungkook sang. "I am smiling. I can't stop smiling actually." Jimin said giggling at the man beside him. Jungkook's own smile grew at the sound. He lowered the camera which was pointed at Jimin a moment ago. "You look so happy. I love it." Jimin's heart warmed hearing Jungkook's reply but he decided to play cheeky. "And you look very hot, with the camera and all. I'm barely controling myself." He said eyeing Jungkook from head to toe and winked at him for good measure. "Hyunggg" Jungkook released a chuckle. "I'm filming you. So behave." Jungkook warned playfully. "Why are you filming though. I thought today will be a camera free day for once." Jimin said but he was still smiling. "It's a surprise."
"Nooo, you know I hate surprises." Jimin whined pouting like a child. "Tell meee." More pouting. "What's the point of a surprise if I tell you now?" Jungkook laughed. " I hate surprises babyyyy."" And I hate you. Now let's go." Jungkook said grabbing Jimin's hand. "But I love youuu." Jimin whispered in Jungkook's ear. Jungkook giggled happily and squeezed his hand. Jimin felt high with adoration for his boyfriend. He wanted to kiss him with everything he got. " Kookie, shall we go back to the hotel. What do you say?""But we still have so many things left to explore." Jungkook said returning his gaze back to the camera at his hand. "I'd prefer exploring you instead." Jimin whispered into Jungkook's face and noticed the change in the expression immediately. He smiled triumphantly. Jungkook Jimin's hand, already making a move towards the exit."Yes it's getting too cold also. Let's head back." He said as a smirk played at his lips.****
"So what were you saying about exploring me?" Jungkook asked as soon as they entered their shared hotel suite, hand in hand. Something in his expression made Jimin unable to wait any longer . He pushed Jungkook against the wall tearing at his clothes. "Uuu..Horny Jimin is my favourite Jimin." Jungkook said teasingly. "Shut up." "Make me."So jimin did. That night Jimin did explore every inch of Jungkook's body and made him, his. It wasn't dirty but pure. It wasn't lust but love. It was them. He still remembered the promises they made that night. Promises of never leaving eachother. Promises of not lying . Promises that now, were broken.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
JiminThat night the sleep didn't come to Jimin easily. The bedside clock indicated it was past one in the morning. After a lot of tossing and turning in bed the sleep was nowhere near. Frustrated, Jimin sat up and leaned on the headrest. He looked to the right side of the bed where Jungkook used to sleep and sighed at the empty space. Grabbing a pillow he tightened it to his chest. His chest was paining it felt like something was stuck there. He felt lost without knowing what to do. He didn't mean to be rude to Jungkook earlier yet it seemed as if he couldn't control his emotions anymore. He was driving Jungkook away from him. It took only few minutes before he was sobbing. Overwhelmed with loneliness, he wept into the pillow until sleep finally took over him.***He felt Jungkook before he saw him. Jimin woke up to the feeling of someone caressing his hair and even in drowsiness he knew whom those gentle touches belonged to. Jimin opened his eyes to find Jungkook's caring eyes starring at him. Jungkook was sitting on the side of Jimin's bed, his body was slightly leaning towards jimin."Jungkook?" He asked faintly, his voice coming out hoarsely."You were asleep for a long time." Jungkook whispered as he continued to run his fingers through Jimin's hair."What time is it?" Jimin asked looking around him and noticing the sunlight coming from the windows. "It's past 11" Jungkook said, finally taking his hand away from Jimin's hair. Jungkook backed up slightly to give Jimin more space as the older man arranged himself to a sitting position against the bed rest."I couldn't fall asleep till morning." Jimin said after some time and wiped his eyes. "Oh... You look like you've been crying." Jungkook said hesitantly. Maybe it was the the genuine worry in Jungkook's voice or maybe Jimin was too tired to lie any longer, Jimin found himself answering,"I was."Jungkook carefully studied Jimin's face and held one of Jimin's hands with both of his. When he started to speak he sounded regretful."I'm really sorry for how I acted yesterday,okay. I really didn't mean to snap at you like that in front of everyone." He stopped talking to observe Jimin's face and finally looked into Jimin's eyes. When he started talking again his own eyes were full of concern. "It's just that you've been acting really weird lately. You're not eating properly and you get so angry. To be honest when I look at you i don't recognize the person you're becoming. What happened to my Jimin?" Jimin felt himself drowning in Jungkook's words. Truthfully, he too didn't recognize himself lately. The anger, the jealousy and self doubt, these feelings were making Jimin a complete stranger even to himself. Jimin felt his eyes fill with tears. He tried to move his face away from Jungkook so he wouldn't see his tears but Jungkook gently held Jimin's face by his chin and turned him back to face him. "Please tell me what's wrong. I know something is bothering you these days." Jungkook murmured. Jimin couldn't move or say anything so he stayed still trying fight the tears away. Jungkook spoke again softly."I know we're not together anymore but you know I'm always there for you. You can tell me anything.""Jungkook.." Jimin tried to speak but the words got stuck in his throat."Please talk to me. I'm so worried about you." "I'm sorry" Jimin murmured as a tear streamed down his cheek.Jungkook wiped Jimin's face with his hand softly then held jimin by his shoulders. "Ohhh baby... Please don't cry. I'm right here. Tell me what's bothering you." It was all too much, Jimin could only cry. "Can you give me some time to be alone Kookie?" Jimin whispered, more tears starting to stream down his face."I'm not leaving until you tell me what's bothering you." Jungkook said firmly but as he wiped more tears his touch was as gentle as ever. And Jimin knew Jungkook was not leaving without answers, Jungkook who was so stubbornly protective will never leave Jimin alone when he felt like Jimin needed him. "There are lot of things on my mind Kookie. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to tell you." "Just tell me everything." Jimin wanted to tell Jungkook everything and get it over with but he was unsure of the outcome of telling Jungkook the truth. Would it make things more complicated? "I can't.""Jiminie" Jungkook pleaded. Jimin didn't answer and silent fell upon them . Jungkook still held onto Jimin's hands and Jimin didn't dare to break the contact. He observed the younger man as they sat there. This man sitting in front of him was everything to Jimin. He had hoped to be with him for the rest of his life, being his boyfriend and maybe more some day. He has spent hundreds of mornings like this with Jungkook. His Jungkook, who would have never given up on them, until Jimin decided to do that himself. Sitting with Jungkook, looking at his face Jimin understood he made the wrong decision. He shouldn't have hid anything from his partner. Their connection ran deeper than any of the problems they would or could ever face in this lifetime. "Us against the world hyung. We're the dream team." Jungkook always used to say. Jimin didn't know where that knowledge got lost to him among the chaos. He shouldn't have let anyone tell them they weren't meant to be together. But before Jimin could say anything Jungkook spoke pulling Jimin away from his thoughts. "Is this about Eliena and the whole dance cover thing?""No!!" Jimin said too quickly. Maybe part of it was about that too but Jimin was not going to admit that. Anyway it was nothing compared to the actual reasons. "If it bothers you I won't do it. It wasn't my idea a anyway." "No no you can do it." Jimin said awkwardly and added after a thought, "Whose idea was it?" "Bighit made the suggestion. Some crap about 'showing my chemistry with females'." Jungkook said snickering as he air quoted the last part. Jimin jumped out of the bed. It didn't take a lot for Jimin to understand the intentions of his management. It wasn't enough for them to split Jimin and Jungkook apart they're also going out of their way to show the world that Jungkook was straight and desirable. Maybe it was their plan to start a rumour themselves about Jungkook and Eliena after the release of the dance cover. Just so that people wouldn't think Jungkook was gay. Their private lives shouldn't be things their management can sell and make money out of. This had to stop. Jimin turned to Jungkook and said,"They know about us.""What...do you mean?" Jungkook asked carefully, looking up at Jimin from the bed. He didn't look panicked, just confused. "They have found out about us Jungkook. They know about you and I." There he said it . The words he had held in his heart for way too long. But Jungkook didn't react . He kept staring at Jimin with an expression Jimin couldn't quite understand. He finally said, "but we're not together anymore." Jimin huffed. "Jungkook don't you get it? We're not together anymore because they found out." He watched as Jungkook's eyes widen. Jimin could see he was slowly processing his words. "What?" Jungkook breathed out. He got up from the bed and walked up to Jimin and it felt like everything happened in slow motion. There was only Jimin and Jungkook in the world. Jungkook stopped in front of Jimin and cupped Jimin's face with his hands. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" He peeked into Jimin's eyes. "Did you.. did you break up with me because Bighit found out about us?" His voice cracked but Jimin could see he was trying to keep it together. Jimin silently nodded as he put his hands on Jungkook's waist, a movement so familiar yet was so missed. "But.. it doesn't make any sense. What about all the things you said?"Guess I'm not such a bad liar after all." Jimin shrugged, smiling sadly . "Does that mean you never stopped loving me?" Jungkook murmured as his eyes were pooled in with tears. Jimin nodded again unable to say anything. Jungkook didn't seem to be scared that their management has found out about them. He didn't seem to care about that at all but focus on the fact that Jimin still loved him. Jimin held onto Jungkook for his dear life."Please tell me everything from the beginning so I don't faint." So Jimin did. ****It wasn't easy for Jimin to recall that day. But he told every painful detail to Jungkook because he owned him that much. Jungkook sat rigidly next to Jimin at the edge of the bed, as jimin told his story, his expression unreadable. Jungkook was silent when Jimin told him everything that went down in BigHit office that day. He was silent after too."Please say something." Jimin said weakly. "Did those jerks hurt you?" Was the first thing Jungkook muttered. His eyes were focused on the floor below them. Jimin noticed Jungkook's fisted hands shaking besides him. So Jimin held one of his hands before speaking."No they didn't hurt me but it was scary." Jimin said truthfully. " I was scared to death."Jungkook flinched and closed his eyes like it physically hurt him to hear Jimin's words. "Why didn't you come to me? You could have told me the truth and we could have sort things out." He said. He was trying be calm, Jimin understood then that Jungkook sounded angry. " They told me not to tell you. Please don't be mad at me." Jimin said nearly crying. He knew he made a mistake but he couldn't handle Jungkook being angry at him. Not now. "I just wish you had trusted me enough." Jungkook said in a defeated voice. A strand of hair fell into his face and Jimin raised his hand to remove it from Jungkook's eyes. Jungkook stayed still allowing Jimin."I do Jungkook I do. But I also know you. You would have thrown everything away you've worked so hard for. Just to be with me." Jimin said gently combing the younger man's hair back with his fingers. Jungkook looked somewhat sharply at Jimin hearing his words. "You're right. I WOULD throw anything away in a heartbeat if it was to protect you. And I wouldn't regret a thing. And I would be happy that you're with me." Jimin sighed. "I don't want you to throw anything away baby. I wouldn't be able to be happy knowing I ruined your career. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself knowing I ruined your career ." Jimin said."But I've never wanted any of this. All I ever wanted in life, after I met you was to be by your side, take care of you, protect you, love you, be your life partner. because fame, riches, image, they all fade away someday. Our love won't. I didn't think you would give it up for anything. I thought we were stronger than that." Jungkook expressed. Jimin could see how distressed Jungkook was and how upset he had made him. "I didn't know what to do. I'm so sorry. I knew you'd have come with me even to the end of the world but it wasn't just about us. What about our hyungs, they worked so hard to get here. I couldn't be selfish. And our fans. I just couldn't. I honestly didn't know what to do. Please forgive me. I know I put you through so much. I'm sorry Jungkook ah." His voice cracked as he spoke. He had to make Jungkook understand that Jimin had no choice. His heart broke knowing Jungkook was upset. "Don't apologize" Jungkook whispered before getting up from the bed to kneel in front of Jimin. His eyes looked both kind and sad. "I'm not mad that you lied to me. Because I understand in your own way you were trying to protect us. But I'm mad because you let those motherfuckers treat you like that. I'm mad that I wasn't there to protect you. I'm so mad that you put everyone else in this world before you. How can you be so so kind, so selfless Jimin?" Anger was still present in his voice but it wasn't directed at Jimin . He gripped Jimins and and brought it to his mouth for a kiss. Jimin closed his eyes at the warmth of Jungkook's lips on his forearm. How much he missed Jungkook. He opened his eyes again to look at his Jungkook. "You have every right to be mad at me.I told you some terrible things which wasn't true. Please forgive me." Jimin whispered. "You did what you thought was the best for me and our family." Jungkook said caressing his hand. It bought comfort to Jimin. "But you were right." Jimin continued, "whatever I was thinking had no right to made that decision for you. I should have told you straight away. I caused you so much pain." Jungkook was silent as he raised himself from the kneeling position and moved back to bed. After sitting down next to jimin he spoke softly. His voice was filled with love and comfort. "You were hurting too, my love. More than me."Jimin felt himself crying again . This time with so much relief. He moved onto Jungkook's lap and buried his face in his chest. Jungkook was quick to hold him. Jimin took in Jungkook's scent. He was never going to let him go again. He spoke between tears. "I'm sorry I didn't fight for us kookie. I was so scared. I felt so fucking powerless and useless. I feel ashamed to even look at you now because I acted like a coward that day." Jimin said as he clung to Jungkook. "Hey... You are not a coward okay? You are the strongest person I know And you don't have to feel ashamed with me for anything. I love you to the moon and back Park Jimin, I hope you know that." Jungkook hugged him more tightly to his chest and kissed his forehead. "Thank you. I love you too." Jimin didn't know how long they stayed like that for. It was the most peaceful he felt in a long long time . He didn't know what the future held for them. He decided it's a conversation for another time. He just wanted to stay with Jungkook in that moment. "Thank you for finally deciding to tell me everything baby." Jungkook murmured into his ear making Jimin smile through his happy tears. Chapter 9 part llJungkookThey walked out of the room hand in hand. Eventhough his eyes were still a little teary, a peaceful smile lingered in Jungkook's face. Things still might be confusing and problematic, but he was just glad to know Jimin loved him. In fact Jimin never really stopped loving him. Truthfully, it was a lot for Jungkook to take at first. The unsettling feeling in his stomach he got after hearing Bighit finding out about them was still there. Part of him was anxious over the future but at the end of the day it all just came down to one thing. Regardless of the consequences he would not leave Jimin.Jungkook led Jimin straight to the kitchen to make him something to eat. He started to make Jimin a sandwich just the way Jimin liked as his boyfriend watched him from the kitchen counter. Jimin looked lovely, he was still in his pyjamas with messy hair and glowing eyes. His squashy cheeks were a little pinkish. Jungkook was never going to lose this sweet, beautiful human ever again." You look so handsome." Jungkook told, eyeing Jimin. Jimin giggled with delight. His eyes crinkled as he looked at Jungkook." No, you look handsome." He said shyly, holding Jungkook's gaze. Jungkook could see the whole universe in Jimin's eyes." I won't let anyone come between us Jiminnie." He whispered. "Just promise me there will be no more secrets okay? I'm a big boy now. I can handle adult stuff.""I know baby. I'm sorry." Jimin said apologetically. Jungkook noticed his eyes losing the glow a little. And before they could, Jungkook came closer to Jimin and held his hand."Hey stop saying sorry already." Jimin raised they're linked hands to his mouth and kissed Jungkook's fingers. Jungkook knew that it was Jimin's way of agreeing. "Kookie?""Yes?"" What about the management?""Well..." Jungkook said pretending to think. "They can go and fuck themselves."Jimin let out a laughter. " God, I missed you." And with that Jungkook felt jimin pulling him closer to him. Jimin leaned down to meet Jungkook's lips as he tightened his legs around Jungkook's middle." I missed you too." Jungkook murmured just as their lips met. Jimin's lips were soft, warm, sweet and they were heaven. He gripped Jimin's thighs as he let Jimin deepen the kiss, opening up his mouth. jimin groaned in approval. Their tongues danced with each other in motions so familiar it felt like breathing. Jungkook ran his hands under Jimin's pyjama shirt not wanting it to end just in a kiss."Bedroom?" Jimin murmured against the kiss. It was all the encouragement Jungkook needed to lift jimin up from the kitchen counter and haul them both into his bedroom. Closing the door behind them Jungkook placed jimin on the bed without braking off the kiss. Jimin grabbed Jungkook by his t-shirt and dragged him towards him so Jungkook also fell onto the bed. Jimin wasted no time to push Jungkook on to his back and climb on him like the little freak he was in bed. Jungkook could feel Jimin hard against him as he rubbed his own hardness against Jimin."So fucking horny for you." Jungkook muttered to Jimin's ear."Make love to me like it's our last day on earth."****JiminJimin was so hungry he wished he had that sandwich they left in the kitchen halfway prepared. But he couldn't move as Jungkook was sleeping next to him, his naked body clinged to Jimin's. Jimin extended his hand towards Jungkook and slowly ran his fingers over his exposed back, drawing random patterns.Jimin felt great. He always felt great after sex. With his glorious body and amazing moves, Jungkook was the best lover Jimin could have ever asked for. He was crazy for Jungkook and every time they had sex Jimin made sure Jungkook knew that. He wasn't even ashamed how desperate he made himself look sometimes. With Jungkook he didn't have to be. He knew Jungkook loved this wild side of him as much as he loved the innocent Jimin."What are you thinking about?" It was then that Jimin realized that Jungkook had woken up from his nap. Jungkook stared at him, a little smile playing at his lips."You. Always you." Jimin replied returning the smile. Jungkook drew closer and placed a kiss on Jimin's mouth."I love you.""I love you more baby.""Do you want to take a shower?" Jungkook asked softly hugging Jimin to him."Not yet. Just want to stay with you like this."Jungkook placed another kiss on Jimin's lips as a response. Jungkook smelled like vanilla and sweat Jimin could stay forever in his arms."Baby""Yeah?""You don't have to worry about a thing, okay. I'll take care of everything." Jungkook said, assuring smile lingering in his face."What do you have in mind?" Jimin asked. Eventhough he didn't want to speak of the subject right now he knew it was unavoidable."Kidnap manager kim and whoop his sorry ass?" Jungkook said smirking. Jimin knew he was only joking but he couldn't help being worried."Jungkook.. I don't want you to do anything irrational." Jimin said sternly." I was just kidding love."After a thought he added " but I really could beat the shit out of him if I want to" and laughed out loud when Jimin pinched his arm ."Sorry sorry, I promise to not hunt down manager Kim.""Good" Jimin laughed.****"So our plan worked!!" Kim Namjoon's voice rang across the BTS living room. Jimin and Jungkook stood hand in hand in front of the other five members and it was evident from their faces that all the members were relieved to hear the news they were bearing."What plan?" Jimin asked dumbfounded. He had no knowledge of anything related to a plan and when he looked at Jungkook his shrugging conveyed he was just as confused as Jimin was."Mission making Jimin jealous." As RM explained the so called plan so many confusing things started to add up in his mind. The continuous mentioning of Eleina in the past few weeks suddenly made sense to Jimin."That's the most terrible plan of the history of terrible plans." Jungkook said before Jimin could get anything out of him mouth. Jungkook let go of Jimin's hand and wrapped his arm around Jimin's shoulder."It might have worked just a bit" Jimin said as he felt his cheeks get hot with embarrassment. He hid his face in Jungkook's neck to hide the redness in his cheeks."Awwww were you jealous sweetie." Jungkook cooed at him with a hint of victory in his voice which made Jimin laugh."Fuck off." He said nudging Jungkook's shoulder with his head. Jungkook laughed and wrapped Jimin with both of his arms."Never thought I'd say this but I'm so happy to see you guys being disgustingly cute together in front of me again." Yoongi said teasingly which made Jimin and Jungkook giggle some more.Jimin didn't know what to think of this plan his brothers had come up with. Part of him knew no matter how torturous it was hearing about Jungkook liking someone else it made Jimin want to tell the truth to Jungkook. And the truth was Jimin deserved the pain . He had brought it upon himself when he decided to hide the truth from Jungkook. He knew he had put Jungkook through so much misery, for nothing. He was back at square one. But as Jungkook held him, Jimin knew, this time he will not be weak. He knew exactly what he had to do.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The young man that got out of the Porsche Panamera GTS which came to a halt infront of the enormous white coloured building caught the attention of all the bystanders. He was dressed in a black suit and a pair of shoes that matched. And his sunglasses sat carefully on his nearly styled hair. "That's Park Jimin from BTS" Jimin smiled when he heard one of the employees whisper. He was aware of the attractiveness and confidence he was displaying at the moment, and he felt both. Jimin wasn't bothered by the attention, in fact he had always loved it about his job. Putting on his sunglasses he raised his head to glance at the lettering installed on the building, "BIGHIT ENTERTAINMENT" , before making his way inside. "Good morning, I'm here for my meeting with Director Kim." He said pleasantly to the receptionist. Before grabbing the phone, the girl cast a curious gaze Jimin's way. She spoke briefly on the phone before returning her attention back to him. "Sir, you'll have to wait some time since the meeting was arranged with such short notice. You can wait in the lobby." Jimin was aware that the meeting would not take place for at least another hour. He had a reason for being early."No problem. My manager is waiting for me. I'll wait there."Jimin gave a quick nod and instead of turning to the direction of the waiting area he made his way to his managers office. Inside, Jimin found his manager Bang Shi Hyuk who lifted his head from his laptop as Jimin entered. "Bang PD-nim" Jimin closed the office door behind him before bowing to the man politely. "Hello Jimin.." Bang Shi Hyuk replied with a comforting smile as he pointed to the chair infront of him, signalling for Jimin to sit. He waited for Jimin to settle into his chair before he spoke, his expressions turning serious."Son, I asked you yesterday and I'm asking you again are you sure you want to do this?""I do." Jimin said and gave a reassuring grin in respond. "In that case I have what you asked for yesterday." Jimin looked at the envelope that was being extended to him. Looking at it, Jimin felt something like sadness taking over his chest for the first time all day. Still his hands were steady when he took it from his manager. "Does Jungkook know?""He does. There will be no more secrets between us." "What if you don't get the outcome you are expecting?" Jimin understood that Bang PDnim was nervous about the upcoming meeting but to his own surprise he wasn't. He just wanted to get it over with. "We'd still be happy.""I won't." Shi Hyuk said with a stern expression.
"No you won't." jimin said with a chuckle which made Bang PDnim also break into a small smile. He took a brief minute to think and then spoke in a lower voice."I'm working on something." Bang PD-nim said. "A way to make all of our situations better. But it's not something i can do in few weeks or even few months. Jimin if you can hold on for a year I promise you I'll make it better." Jimin didn't know what Bang PD-nim was talking about, all he knew was that he couldn't live another day let alone another year, having to choose between his career and his love. He had to do this now. "I can't live like this a year sir. I don't want to." Bang Shi Hyuk sighed at his answer. "I've only shared this with Namjoon yet but I'm thinking of starting our own record label where you guys will not be under any restrictions. Where you can be yourself. And there won't be any corruption. Like all of you I'm tired of working under this asshole . I'm tired of him treating you like his puppets. But like I said it can't be done in a day. " Jimin felt something like hope bloom inside him, learning that there a possibility that in the future they could be completely themselves while doing what they love, without needing to put on a false persona. He beamed at his manager approvingly. "That's amazing. I'm dreaming for a day like that. We all are. You have our complete support." He paused for a moment before proceeding with a determined voice, "But I have to do this today."His manager nodded in understanding. He leaned towards Jimin before he said the next few words. "Even if things go south today, you will be the first artist to sign up in my company when we start it one fine day Jimin, I promise you that. I can't tell you how much proud I am of you. Of your bravery." Jimin felt emotional and hopeful. "What can I say I have a great support system. And don't worry sir I have a good feeling for today and with your news, hope for a better future. Thank you."****The meeting with Director kim was an event Jimin would remember for the rest of his life. When director Kim was prepared to meet Jimin one and a half hours later Jimin was as composed as he had never been in his life. He stood from the chair, adjusted his tie, and headed directly towards the office.
As Jimin entered the room, Director Kim's eyes followed him in a piercing gaze. "To what do I owe this pleasure Mr. Jimin?" Director Kim asked and Jimin didn't miss the sarcasm in his voice. Dismissively motioning for Jimin to have a seat, he leaned back in his chair. Jimin cleared his throat before he spoke. "I need to speak to you about something important." Director Kim casted a irritated glance at Jimin who was now seated infront of him. "It better be quick. I have important work to do. By the way how's your little friend Jeon?" Jungkook's name coming out of the man's mouth sparked a fire inside Jimin. Jimin understood that the purpose of bringing up Jungkook was to remind to him what happened the previous time he was here. However he let his mouth move in a broad smile. "Do you mean my boyfriend, Mr Kim? He's fine. He sends his regards."His words were clear but the man in front of him looked confused hearing them. The confusion lasted few minutes before it turned into rage and disgust . Exactly the response Jimin had anticipated. Jimin smiled sweetly at him. "Yes, we're still together, if that's what you're wondering. Not that it's any of your business.""How dare you filthy little-"Jimin was reminded of the last time he was in this very room. He was humiliated and insulted. Made to be ashamed of who he was. And he had let this man do that to him . 'Not again' he thought to himself. This time he will not tolerate insults. No matter how enraged he was at the memory, Jimin's reply was delivered in a honey-like voice." I'd keep this professional if I were you Director." Jimin said calmly. It seemed that Jimin's calmness drove Kim wild."The audacity to come here and talk this rubbish infront of me . I'll throw you out of my company." He bellowed, the veins in his neck popping out against his shirt collar. Kim Sung Jun appeared to be enraged as much as Jimin was calm. "That won't be necessary. I came here to give you this." Jimin said extending the envelope in his hands. Director Kim looked at it like Jimin pulled it out of thin air. "And what is this?" He mocked. "Resignation letters." Kim Sung Jun laughed hysterically like he couldn't comprehend what was going on. "I can't believe the absurdity. You'd rather quit the band than putting a stop to your disgusting business?"When Jimin didn't answer he continued. "You will be nothing if you quit the band. None of you would have been anything without me . I made you." The venom in his voice made Jimin not want to be in the same room as him. Anyway his business here was done. Almost..Jimin got up to leave. "We just returned from a sold out tour in USA and you're telling me WE are the ones who need you? It looks a lot like to me that your the one who needs us." And with that Jimin turned to leave. He could hear Director Kim yelling behind him. "How dare you. I'll destroy you!!!"'Maybe I'll destroy you.' jimin thought. He couldn't wait for Bang PDnim to start his own label so they could get the hell out of this man's company. Oh to see the look on his face when they break that news to him! Jimin stopped halfway on his way to the door and turned to face Kim Sung Jun again. "Good luck trying to explain to fans why two of the members are not there for the European tour." He spun back to the door pretending to leave, knowing damn well the game had only started. "Two members?" He heard from behind. Jimin smirked and slowly turned to face Kim Sung Jun. He knew that would their trump card. He faked a puzzled look and said, "Yes.. oh I'm sorry. maybe you missed but I said resigning letters . In plural. You need to check properly. Jungkook's letter is also there. He'll swing by the office for the additional paper work later."For once, director Kim seemed dumbfounded. Losing one member was damaging enough,but to lose two? "You- You can't resign" He finally said, murderous look in his eyes. He seemed to be noticing that the band members were important if he wanted to continue making a profit out of a band. even if they were gay. Jimin would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying it. "Oh but we can. The contracts allow it. And we won't mind the additional paperwork." He paused. "Unless of course you want us to stay. "Jimin knew the exact moment Kim Sung Jun realized he was being outsmarted and the that he couldn't do anything about it in that moment, except giving into what Jimin wanted, if he wanted to continuing profiting off BTS. Jimin knew the man was a leech when it came to money. He would tolerate "incest" (that's what he had called them in the previous meeting) rather than losing profit. He couldn't afford to lose two members from the band which he's making most money out of, right before such an important event. It looked like it was killing him to say the next few words."What do you want?" There it was . Exactly what jimin wanted to hear. He walked back to the desk and put his hand in his pockets looking straight at Director Kim. "A written document stating that there are no restrictions for BTS members to date whoever they like in private. And for you to stay out of my personal life. " It gave Jimin a great pleasure uttering that last part to Kim's face.Jimin was aware that Kim wanted to scream every foul thing he knew at him at that very moment, but instead he chose to remain silent. He was a businessman after all. "Fine." Kim finally spitted.Everything inside Jimin screamed victory but he willed himself to stay indifferent. "Alright. Our manager will arrange the paperwork. I think my business here is done. It was a pleasure, Director Kim." "Don't think you've won. You will be answering to god for your sins boy." Hatred was filled in his voice and Jimin was pleased with himself knowing that the words didn't make any effect in him whatsoever. This was just a crusty old corrupted man who didn't know what he was talking about."As will you Director." Jimin said.
"Almost forgot. I'll take these since we won't be needing them anymore." Jimin leaned and grabbed the resignation letters which were discarded on the desk. He gave a fuming Kim Sung Jun a final nod before waltzing away from the battle that he seemed to have just won. As he walked away, Jimin chuckled as he wondered how Kim Sung Jun must have felt getting beaten at his own game. Jimin knew this wouldn't be the end of this. War is yet to come. This was just one battle. ****Jungkook"Jungkook, please sit down for one minute. You're freaking us all of out." Jungkook stopped pacing and pouted at Yoongi. "What do you mean" He wailed. "I'm in the verge of a nervous breakdown." Taehyung got up and walked upto Jungkook. Taking his hand, he spoke. "Come on, sit with us on the couch." Jungkook let his best friend lead him gently to the couch. He sat between Jin and Tae while other members were also sitting in different places in the living room. They were all waiting for Jimin to come home. "Remind me again why I let him go on a suicide mission all alone?" Jungkook asked no one in particular. He was mostly speaking to calm his anxiety."Because you can't say no to him to save your life?" Hoseok laughed. "Hyunggg... Not funny." Jungkook wined and put his head on Jin' shoulder."I trust him. I know he can handle himself but I'm still freaking out."This time it was Namjoon who spoke. "I know you're worried about him, Jungkook. But he's going to be okay. Plus you guys have a solid plan. I think it's going to work.""What if it doesn't? Oh my god this could be my last day as a BTS member. " He was wheezing and their brilliant plan which they came up with in one day no longer seemed brilliant to Jungkook. It was mostly Jimin's idea to test the only power they had over their management by threatening to quit the band. But Jimin only had himself in his mind. It was Jungkook who said he wanted to be in it too. So it was decided. They would quit the band unless they were allowed to date each other. In reality neither of them were ready to quit the band they were just brave(or stupid) enough to test their place in the band. Maybe they were being overconfident. "Fuck!! I'm dying." Jungkook said burying his head between Jin's shoulder and the couch. "Shouldn't he be here by now? He left in the morning." Jungkook heard Yoongi murmur."He's not replying to my texts either! what if something happened to him?" Jungkook jumped from the couch. Taehyung pulled him back to the couch. "Your boyfriend didn't go to actual war. Relax man. He'll be here." He added after a thought, "with or without good news."He knew that his brothers were distressed as well but they were making an effort to maintain their composure for Jungkook. This was not something that would only affect the two of them. Jungkook tried to sit silent for the next few minutes before getting up and start pacing the room again. This time no one stopped him. Most of his nails were bitten and halfway gone when the front door finally opened. One look at Jimin's face and Jungkook knew they were out of the band. 'It's fine' he said to himself. ' We'll still have eachother. It's fine.' It's only when Jimin approached and flung his arms around him did he realize he was standing still in his place. "It's going to be okay." Jungkook repeated what was on his mind, this time out loud, hugging Jimin closely. His mind was running miles per hour. "You didn't even asked me what happened." Jimin whispered. He didn't have to. Jungkook saw the sadness in Jimin's face. But he asked, "What happened love?" Jimin gently pushed Jungkook until they were looking eye to eye. Instead of the sadness he saw earlier, Jimin's eyes were filled with mischief and happiness. Jungkook stomach made a flip. "He agreed!! Our plan worked." Jimin cheered as he laughed and jumped up and down holding on to Jungkook. Jungkook released a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was so relieved he almost cried. "YOU IDIOT ALMOST GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK." Jimin laughed as he hugged Jungkook tighter. They danced and jumped together in the living room and eventually their brothers joined them in celebration. ****
Jimin"You should have seen the look on his face when I gave him the resignation letters." Jimin said sleepily. They were both exhausted after a long day. The bed felt more comfortable and cozier than ever. Jungkook smiled warmly at him before leaning in to kiss his forehead. "I'm so proud of you for standing upto him." Jimin closed his eyes at the sensation of being kissed. Jungkook's words meant the world to him. He was proud of himself too. Above anything he was relieved. He finally felt like he could breath freely. "Thank you baby. I just wish I had done this sooner." He expressed the only thing that was bothering him. Jungkook scooted closer to hug him, their faces inches from each other. "No regrets. okay? Everything happens for a reason and what we went through made us stronger. I love you more than ever and now we know we're unbeatable when we're together." Jimin's heart melted at his words. Jungkook was right. "Awww look at my baby all grown up and wise." He cooed as Jungkook giggled. They were sharing eachother'a warmth and it was the best feeling in the world. There was no other place Jimin would rather be. "When you came in pretending to be sad I thought he kicked us out but my first thought was that it's fine because we have eachother." Jungkook whispered. Jimin could feel his warm breath kissing his face." Awww I'm sorry." Jimin said giggling. "I wanted to surprise you.""You're lucky you're cute." Jungkook said booping his nose and making Jimin laugh some more. They were quite for some time absorbing eachother. Then Jungkook spoke softly. "Promise me, we wouldn't let anything come between us ever again." "I promise." Jimin said wholeheartedly. When Jungkook leaned in to kiss him Jimin's heart was full. What a beautiful life they were going to have together. The End.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
ONE YEAR LATER"The world famous boyband BTS leaves Bighit Entertainment."
Reports claim that the world famous kpop group BTS has left the Bighit Entertainment for good making the company lose more than two thirds of it's profit. Last week Mr Bang Shi Hyuk announced the establishment of his new record
label
"ASPI
RE
RECORDS"
which he co-owned with BTS band leader Kim Namjoon. It has officially been announced by the band that they are now signed under ASPIRE RECORDS. To make matters more interesting the CEO of the Bighit Entertainment has recently been accused of money fraud and mistreatment of employees. Although it has been announced that there was no bad blood between the band and their former boss Kim Sung Jun, our sources reveals it's far from the truth. BTS is also nominated for Grammy awards this year making them the first Asian boyband to get nominated for a Grammy. This event will be their first appearance after the establishment of their own record label.
A small smile played at Jimin's lips as he read the article on his phone. It had been a hard year yet all the sleepless nights and exhausting days had finally payed off. They were nominated for a Grammy. Who would have believed it was possible? They were just seven normal teenage boys who liked to sing. Now they were world famous pop stars who owns their own record label with millions of followers all across the globe. Life was great and Jimin couldn't be happier.***Jimin held onto Jungkook's hand hard as the presenters announced the winner for the best album. He was sweating through his too fancy suit . Time seemed to have frozen and he felt a little dizzy. He felt Jungkook's hand squeezing his . Jimin returned the gesture as he listened attentively."The winner is...... BTS!!!"Hearing their name being called, he jumped up from the chair . He found all his band mates on their feet cheering and celebrating. The group hug felt like it lasted forever. Everyone cheered and clapped around them.
"We need to go up there." At one point he heard Namjoon saying into the hug as he wiped away unshed tears. The next few minutes went in a blur. They each made speeches after receiving the award. The audience went wild for them even though they spoke in Korean. Jimin loved his job so fucking much. He held Jungkook's hand throughout the rest of the event.***After party was filled with so many people Jimin had only seen on TV. They were warmly welcomed and Jimin found himself star struck more than once. Everything and everyone was glamorous. Jimin was buzzing with energy.They joined the crowd and expensive champagne were all around them . He found himself and Jungkook alone amidst the crowd as other members went to greet people and have their own time."You've been looking like a snack the entire evening. How do you expect me to control myself?" Jungkook leaned in and whispered into Jimin's ear. His voice was mischievous, it made Jimin giggle."Not here Kookie." He said as Jungkook pouted."Just a small kiss. Please..." Jungkook whined."We'll go somewhere quiet." Jimin whispered as he led Jungkook by his hand to the corridor leading to the restrooms. It was neon lit and no one would be able to see them unless they were really close. Maybe the champagne and the adrenaline was making him reckless but they just won a fucking Grammy they deserved to be happy. He pushed Jungkook towards the wall and locked him there with his body."A quickie?" Jungkook smirked."I thought you just wanted a small kiss." Jimin teased.Jungkook's eyes shone as he looked at Jimin. He felt being pushed in as Jungkook's hand gripped the front of his shirt.He leaned into the kiss as he felt Jungkook's hands wrap around him . Jungkook's lips tasted like the champagne they had earlier. How could he resist .They were both lost into the kiss untill a sound of someone clearing their throat made them both jump away from each other. Jimin looked stunned at the intruder and saw one of the most beautiful men he had ever seen in his life. Jimin was horrified that someone saw them kissing yet the newcomer didn't even flinch when he spoke."I'm so sorry. I'm just trying to get to the other side." The man said politely, pointing to the other end of the corridor. A wide yet apologetic smile was visible on his face.Jimin was too stunned to speak at first but managed to say. " Uhm.. okay."The man gave a nod and started walking away as Jungkook was looking at him with his mouth opened. Then he saw a light spark in Jungkook's eyes as he started to speak after the retrieving figure."You're Harry styles!!" Excitement and admiration was evident in Jungkook's voice. Jimin watched as the handsome man turned and smiled even broader." I am." Harry politely walked upto them extending a hand at Jungkook."I'm Jungkook and this is Jimin." Harry nodded as he shook both of their hands." I know. I just didn't want to interrupt you guys because you two seemed a little busy." He said teasingly and laughed. Jimin felt his cheeks warm up with embarrassment."We're sorry about that." Jungkook said, laughter in his voice which made it easier for Jimin to form a smile as well. It felt unreal, being open infront of someone who were not one of their closest friends but something about Harry made him feel like it was okay."Please don't apologize. I love seeing people in love." Harry said and his eyes confirmed he was telling the truth. Jimin gave him a warm smile."That's really nice of you." Jimin said in awe as Jungkook nodded in agreement. It was nice being accepted, even if it was by a stranger you just met. It was Harry's turn to smile shyly."It's just that I really understand how you guys are feeling. Winning an award together, accomplishing so much with eachother by your side. That is something else." Harry spoke and Jimin noticed he spoke so slow compared to other native English speakers and it was easy to understand him ."I miss making out behind everyone's back during events like this." He joked, making both Jimin and Jungkook laugh nervously. Jimin admires how open he was being considering it's the first time they met. Maybe things were easier in western culture."Haz love, I was waiting for you." A voice said.All three of them turned their heads towards the voice. Jimin saw another man in a grey suit standing with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His attention was on Harry. When Jimin glanced back at Harry he knew this was the person Harry was talking about, just by the looks of his eyes. Harry's eyes were lit up like the sun. He motioned the new comer to join them with excitement."Ohh I'm sorry darling, I met Jungkook and Jimin on the way and had a little chat. They're lovely. Come meet them."Harry turned back to meet Jimin and Jungkook his hand still extended towards his partner."Jungkook and Jimin, meet my husband, Louis. Also, THE Louis Tomlinson, the great musician.Louis who joined them next to Harry, laughed at the way Harry introduce him. Jimin wondered how amazing it would feel to introduce Jungkook as his husband one day. He felt Jungkook's gaze on him and knew his boyfriend was thinking the same thing."The Louis Tomlinson." Louis repeated Harry's words as he laughed out loud, rolling his eye. Jimin found himself smiling as well at their interaction."Don't mind Harry he's silly like that." Louis said, still laughing but it was evident in his voice that he was happy to be introduced like that by Harry. After shaking their hands Louis comfortably rested his hand around Harry's waist, he held his glass in his other hand. Louis was shorter than Harry, probably even slightly shorter than Jimin himself but he carried himself really well with confidence that there was a certain power to him."I saw you guys won tonight. Congratulations!!" He said with enthusiasm."Thank you." Both Jimin and Jungkook replied in unison."Harry, congratulations to you as well." Jungkook said politely. Both Louis and Harry beamed at them but Louis replied before Harry could thank Jungkook."Isn't he amazing? I told him he would win but he didn't believe me.""We didn't think we would win either." Jimin said."You guys really deserve it. I've checked out your stuff and I'm a huge fan." Louis said before taking a sip from his whiskey. "you lads are rocking it."Jungkook and Jimin shared a glance to smile at eachother. Jimin could see Jungkook was happy to meet the couple infront of them and Jimin was too. Harry and Louis stood very comfortable holding eachother which made Jimin reach his hand towards Jungkook. Jungkook took his hand happily. Harry gave them a reassuring smile as Louis gave a curious glance at three of them."We're not used to being seen together. We have to keep us a secret for now you know." Jungkook explained to which Louis gave an understanding nod."We were in the closet for ten years guys. I totally understand."" It is... hard." Jimin found himself say. He didn't know why he was opening up to these two strangers but they felt safe and he knew he would not meet other two people who exactly knew how he and Jungkook were feeling, having gone through the same situation themselves. He felt Jungkook squeeze his hand at his confession. Things had been easier since they've signed to their new label. They could be together behind the closed doors but they still had to hide who they were from the world.Both Louis and Harry have sympathetic smiles. It was Louis who spoke first." It is . We barely survived it but we're here now and all the hardships were worth what we have now. It will be the same for you guys. My advice is to always remember that the two of you are in this together. It make things easier.""Yes, the industry is brutal, especially when you're in a boy band but everything will be fine as long as you hold eachother tight." Harry uttered and added, "right, Lou?" Louis looked at Harry and nodded giving a smile only reserved for his husband.The two men radiated happiness and Jimin wanted that for himself oneday."Thank you guys. It's really inspiring to see you two together like this. Proud and happy." Jimin said. Louis spoke again. His voice was serious but kind."There's always gonna be people who won't accept you for who you are. But those people don't matter. People who actually matter will understand and that'll be enough. As long as you know who you are and you like what you find within yourself it shouldn't be a problem who likes you and who doesn't."Louis continued to speak passionately."You should be proud of yourself. Be proud of how far you've come. And trust the future you're gonna have together. It doesn't matter if you've announced it to the world or not. Just be yourself and the world will catch on. They'll have no choice but to accept you for who you are."" Thank you so much." Jungkook said and Jimin felt Jungkook slowly put hand around his waist. He stepped closer to Jungkook in approval."Just be yourself and the world will catch on.""We have a party to get back to." Harry said laughing,like they haven't been just giving them life lessons."Yes." Jimin added with a giggle. He signaled for the older couple to lead the way."One more thing, if you need help with anything don't hesitate to reach out." Louis said as his kind eyes crinkled upwards in a smile."Thank you. " Jimin voiced once more, expressing his gratitude."Wait, I was on my way to the washroom." He heard Harry's voice, followed by Louis' loud laugh.***They held eachother throughout the night without caring who thought what, as people danced and passed drinks around them . Jimin didn't see Harry and Louis for the rest of the night but Louis' words were with him..
"
Just be yourself and the world will catch on."
FOUR YEARS LATER
"
Internet goes wild after BTS member, Jeon Jungkook announces his engagement to his fellow band mate, Park Jimin."