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Jimin and Jungkook's friendship wasn’t something that developed overnight. It had been forged in the fires of high school—where, for Jimin, every day had felt like walking on eggshells. He had always been soft-spoken, with a delicate frame and an affinity for dance that made him stand out among the more boisterous boys in their class. And unfortunately, that difference had painted a target on his back.
The first time Jungkook saw Jimin, he was sitting alone in the school cafeteria, picking at his food while trying to ignore the cruel whispers around him. A group of boys stood nearby, snickering and making snide comments about Jimin’s “feminine” appearance.
“What’s wrong, Jimin? Forgot to wear your makeup today?” one of them sneered, earning a chorus of laughter from the others.
Jimin’s hands tightened around his chopsticks, but he didn’t look up. He was used to it by now. He had learned to endure the taunts and the mocking laughter. But that didn’t mean it hurt any less.
Jungkook, who had always been a bit of a loner himself, stood a few tables away, watching the scene unfold. He had seen Jimin around before—always quiet, always keeping to himself—but this was the first time he felt compelled to do something about it.
Without thinking twice, Jungkook walked over to the table where the bullies stood, his expression unreadable. He wasn’t the tallest or the most intimidating, but there was something about the quiet intensity in his eyes that made people pay attention.
“Hey,” Jungkook said, his voice calm but firm. “Leave him alone.”
The boys stopped laughing, turning to Jungkook in surprise. One of them, clearly the ringleader, scoffed. “Oh com on Jeon, we were just having fun!”
Jungkook didn’t flinch. He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto the leader’s. “I said, leave him alone,” Jungkook repeated, his voice low.
The leader rolled his eyes, clearly not wanting to make a scene. “Whatever, man. Let’s go,” he muttered, gesturing for his friends to follow. “Not worth it.”
As the group dispersed, Jungkook turned his attention to Jimin, who had been watching the exchange with wide, uncertain eyes.
“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked, his voice softening.
Jimin blinked, nodding quickly. “Y-Yeah, I’m fine. You didn’t have to do that.”
Jungkook shrugged, sitting down across from him as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Maybe not. But no one deserves to be treated like that.”
Jimin stared at him, still unsure of how to respond. He had always kept his distance from people at school, afraid that getting too close would only lead to more pain. But there was something about Jungkook—something kind, something protective—that made Jimin feel a flicker of hope.
“I’m Jimin,” he said, offering a tentative smile.
“I know,” Jungkook replied, his lips curling into a small smile of his own. “I’m Jungkook.”
From the very beginning, it was clear to everyone that Jimin and Jungkook shared a bond unlike any other. Even before either of them had admitted to themselves how deep their connection ran, it was obvious to their friends that they were practically inseparable. They were always at each other's events, never missing any dance recital or football game. Whenever they hung out, Jimin could usually be found tucked comfortably against Jungkook’s side, their limbs tangled together as if the act of simply being close wasn’t enough.
One evening at Jin’s apartment, the group had gathered to watch a movie, sprawled across couches and bean bags. Jin and Hoseok were playfully arguing about which movie to watch, while Yoongi calmly sipped his coffee, amused by their antics. Meanwhile, Jungkook was lying across the couch, Jimin half-asleep against his chest, arms lazily draped around Jungkook’s waist.
"Alright, you two, what do you want to watch?" Jin asked, throwing his arms up dramatically.
“Doesn’t matter,” Jungkook mumbled, absently playing with strands of Jimin’s hair. Jimin hummed softly in agreement, half-asleep in Jungkook’s embrace.
Namjoon smirked from across the room. “Of course it doesn’t. You guys probably won’t even watch the movie. You’re too busy cuddling.”
Hoseok grinned, tossing a pillow at the pair. “Yeah, you might as well rent out a honeymoon suite at this point.”
Jungkook glanced up lazily and shrugged, unbothered by the teasing. “Jimin gets cold. I’m just keeping him warm.” He spoke with a soft smile, gently squeezing Jimin’s shoulders.
“Mmm,” Jimin murmured, eyes closed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Jungkook’s like a human blanket. Why would I want to be anywhere else?”
Everyone burst out laughing, but neither Jimin nor Jungkook cared. They simply lay there, wrapped up in each other’s warmth, ignoring the world outside their little bubble.
Yoongi, always one for bluntness, chuckled. “At this point, you guys should just get married. Save us all the guesswork.”
“Maybe,” Jungkook replied, his voice low but amused. He shifted slightly, pulling Jimin closer as if Yoongi’s words had awakened something deeper within him.
Jimin’s eyes fluttered open just for a moment, his gaze meeting Jungkook’s. They shared a brief, unspoken exchange, and Jimin’s smile grew softer before he closed his eyes again.
“Wake me up when the movie’s over,” Jimin whispered, his voice fading as sleep overtook him. Jungkook chuckled, resting his chin on top of Jimin’s head.
“Yeah, yeah, I got you.”
“I’m so tired, like actually passing out tired.” Jimin dramatically slumps on the chair and Jungkook just grins at him, sitting beside the latter and strokes his hair.
“You literally just had to sit through an hour-long lecture.”
Jimin cringes at the thought. “Yeah- well it’s very tortuous! It felt like death was clawing at me.” He exclaims and sits up exaggeratedly, facing Jungkook. “Have you heard the man speak? I felt like I was watching the scene with the sloth in Zootopia– who was that again?”
Jungkook lets out a laugh. “Mm. Flash right?” He says, still playing with Jimin’s hair.
“Yes! That one! Oh my God I’m so annoyed.” He groans. “Anyway, I’ll order. The usual for you right? ”
“I’ll get it hyung. What do you want?” Jungkook says, digging for his wallet but Jimin stops him.
Shaking his head, Jimin gets up with his wallet in hand. “Nope! You already bought me coffee last time. I already know your usual so let me buy it for you.” Jimin walks away, petting Jungkook’s hair in the process and heads to the counter. Once he was ordering for both of them, Jungkook noticed a guy walk up to Jimin. He was leaning casually against the counter. The guy was talking too close, his smile a little too suggestive for Jungkook’s liking.
He felt a surge of irritation but tried to remain calm, watching closely from his seat. He saw the way Jimin shifted, clearly uncomfortable but too polite to say anything. That was enough for Jungkook.
Jungkook pushed his chair back and strode over to them, his protective instincts kicking in. “Hey,” Jungkook called out, sliding an arm around Jimin’s waist. He gave the guy a cool smile. “Is there a problem here?”
The man blinked, looking taken aback. “Uh, no. Just talking to him.”
“Yeah?” Jungkook’s grip on Jimin tightened slightly, his voice dropping a notch. “Well, I don’t think he’s interested in whatever you’re selling.” He sarcastically says which made some of the guys snicker.
Jimin glanced up at Jungkook, his expression a mix of gratitude and mild embarrassment. “It’s fine, Jungkook. I was just—”
“No, it’s not fine,” Jungkook interrupted gently but firmly, his eyes never leaving the guy. “He’s not comfortable, so back off.”
The guy raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, man. Chill.” He backed away, muttering something under his breath as he left the café.
Jimin sighed, leaning into Jungkook. “You didn’t have to do that, Kookie.”
“I’m not going to let some random guy make you uncomfortable, Jimin,” Jungkook said softly, his voice still tinged with protectiveness. “No one gets to treat you like that.”
Jimin looked up at him, his heart swelling at Jungkook’s words. “Thank you,” he said quietly, his smile warm. “You’re always looking out for me.”
“Always,” Jungkook whispered, brushing his thumb gently across Jimin’s arm. “That’s not going to change.”
Jimin taps Jungkook’s cheek with his palm. “Wow Jungkookie, you're all grown up. People may get the wrong impression that you’re the older one here. I’m supposed to be protecting you, you’re still a baby.” Their order arrives and Jungkook takes the initiative to carry the tray back to their table. “Were you jealous, Kookie?”
Jungkook huffed, his expression softening as he ruffled Jimin’s hair. “No, I just don’t like seeing people hitting on you.”
Jimin laughed, leaning into Jungkook’s side. “You really don’t have to be so protective, you know. I can handle myself.”
“I know you can,” Jungkook said, his voice low as he glanced down at Jimin. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let anyone else think they have a chance with you.”
Jimin’s heart skipped a beat at the possessiveness in Jungkook’s tone. He tilted his head, giving Jungkook a playful grin. “What are you going to do? Scare off everyone who tries to flirt with me?”
“If I have to,” Jungkook replied, only half-joking. His gaze softened as he added, “You’re mine, Jimin. No one else gets to have you.”
Jimin’s teasing smile faltered for a moment, his chest tightening at Jungkook’s words. There was something deeper, something unspoken between them.
Jimin dove headfirst into dance. His passion for the art form consumed him, and he dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft. While he thrived in the dance studio, often pushing himself to the limits, Jungkook was always there to pull him back when he needed it.
Though he wasn’t really accepted by his parents, he chose to continue his passion for dance. After all, who would ever want a gay, dance major as a son? After he was disowned by his parents, Jungkook was there to help him through it, along with the help of Jungkook’s parents. He was very grateful for the support that the Jeon’s have given him, although some part of him did miss his parents. He worked very hard to be able to get a scholarship in a university, and luckily Jungkook was with him every step of the way.
Jimin sat on the small balcony attached to his dorm room, the cool evening air brushing against his skin as he stared at his phone screen. It was late, and most of the campus had settled into the quiet of the night, but the weight on Jimin’s chest felt heavier than usual. It was these days where it was hard for Jimin, and at this moment, all he wanted was the comfort of his parents.
He hadn’t spoken to his mom in months, and though every part of him wanted to avoid the call, there was something inside that made him feel like he needed to reach out, even if it hurt. He didn’t know what to do after they cut off his allowance. He couldn’t even afford to pay his rent anymore, and he was feeling embarrassed although thankful that the Jeon’s had offered to help him after turning down their offer multiple times. He didn’t have enough savings left to sustain him financially, not even eating properly anymore just to save money.
His finger hovered over her contact, his heart pounding with a mix of nerves and dread. Finally, with a deep breath, he tapped the call button. The ringing seemed to last forever, each passing second making him wonder if she would even pick up. Maybe she wouldn’t, and that would be easier—he could just tell himself he tried. But then, the ringing stopped, and her voice, cold and clipped, came through the speaker. “What is it?” His mother’s voice was as distant as ever, laced with impatience.
Jimin swallowed, already regretting the decision to call. “Hi, Mom,” he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. “I just wanted to check in… see how you’re doing.”
There was a pause on the other end, the silence making Jimin’s stomach twist. When she finally spoke, her words cut through the air like ice. “I’m fine. Is that all?”
Jimin closed his eyes, feeling the familiar sting of rejection, but he kept his tone calm. “Yeah… I guess. I was just thinking about you.”
“Thinking about me?” she repeated, her voice dripping with bitterness. “I don’t know why you would. After everything you’ve done, Jimin, it’s a bit too late for that, don’t you think?”
He clenched his jaw, the words hitting harder than they should have, even though he was used to it by now. Every call felt like this, like he was walking into a fight he couldn’t win, but he kept calling because a part of him still longed for some kind of connection, some hope that things might change. “I’m still your son,” Jimin said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
His mother’s scoff echoed through the phone. “You stopped being my son the day you decided to throw away everything we raised you to be. You chose your… lifestyle, Jimin. You chose this. Don’t act like you don't know the consequences.”
Jimin’s chest tightened, but he kept his composure, refusing to let her see how much her words hurt. “I didn’t choose this,” he said softly, his voice trembling just a little. “It’s just who I am.”
“Don’t give me that nonsense,” she snapped. “You’ve brought nothing but shame to this family. Do you have any idea what people are saying? What your father has to endure because of you? It’s disappointing enough that you chose to be a dancer, for God’s sake, and now you’re telling us that you’re gay.”
Jimin bit down on his lip, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He knew this conversation was going to end this way, it always did, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear. He wanted to scream, to tell her that he didn’t ask for any of this, that he was just trying to live his life, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He was tired. Tired of fighting for something that seemed so far out of reach.
“I didn’t call to fight,” Jimin finally said, his voice barely audible now. “I just wanted to hear your voice.” There was another long silence on the other end, and for a moment, Jimin thought maybe—just maybe—there would be a flicker of warmth, a tiny piece of the mother he used to know. But then, her voice came back, colder than before.
“Well, you’ve heard it. Don’t call me again unless you’re ready to come back to your senses.”
The line went dead before Jimin could say anything else.
He stared at his phone for a long time, his hands trembling as he set it down on the table beside him. The night air suddenly felt too cold, too sharp against his skin, but he didn’t move. His heart felt heavy, the familiar ache settling deep inside him.
He blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, refusing to let them spill over. He had been through worse. He could handle this. He had to.
But no matter how many times he told himself that, the hollow feeling in his chest remained.
Jimin sat in the silence of the night, staring out at the city lights in the distance, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn’t quite grasp. He didn’t want anyone to know how much this hurt—how much he still longed for his mother’s approval, for her love, even after everything. But tonight, like so many nights before, he would bury it. He would push it down, hide it beneath the surface, and pretend that he was okay.
Because that’s what he was good at. Pretending.
“Jimin, you’ve been here for hours. Come on, let’s grab something to eat,” Jungkook would say, appearing at the studio entrance with a concerned look in his eyes. He always had a habit of checking in on Jimin, making sure he was taking care of himself.
Jimin would often respond with a dismissive wave, lost in his own world. “I just need to practice a little longer.”
But Jungkook wouldn’t let him off the hook so easily. “Nope. You need to eat. You can’t dance on an empty stomach,” he’d insist, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Despite his initial resistance, Jimin found himself relenting more often than not. There was something comforting about Jungkook’s insistence, a warmth that made him feel cared for. They’d head to a nearby diner, where Jungkook would order for both of them, making sure Jimin had at least a little of everything.
“Just a bite, okay?” Jungkook would say, watching closely as Jimin poked at his food. “I know you’re focused on your recital, but you can’t push yourself this hard without fuel.”
Jimin would roll his eyes but secretly appreciate the concern. He loved that Jungkook looked out for him, always there to remind him to take a step back and breathe. It became a routine—Jungkook would drop by after practice, sometimes bringing snacks or homemade bento boxes filled with Jimin’s favorites.
“Eat up, Jimin. You’re going to need your energy,” Jungkook would say, nudging him playfully. “I can’t have you passing out on stage.”
Jimin would laugh, his heart swelling with gratitude. “You really don’t have to do all this, you know. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to do it alone,” Jungkook replied, sincerity shining in his eyes. “We’re a team, remember?”
These moments—simple and sweet—were the foundation of their friendship. Jungkook’s steadfast support became a lifeline for Jimin, grounding him as he navigated the pressures of dance and school.
But as the showcase approached, Jimin felt the pressure mounting. He was determined to give it his all, to impress everyone with his performance. Yet, despite Jungkook's encouragement to take breaks and eat well, Jimin found himself slipping into the habit of overworking.
Jungkook noticed, of course. The concern in his eyes deepened as he watched Jimin become more exhausted, his laughter fading as the days wore on.
“Hyung, I mean it. Don’t push yourself too hard,” Jungkook would warn, his voice serious. “You’re going to burn out before you even get on stage.”
“I know, I know. Just a little more practice…” Jimin would reply, a hint of stubbornness creeping into his tone. “You brat, I know you only call me ‘hyung’ when you need something from me.” Jungkook laughs at this, throwing his head back. He takes Jimin’s hands and engulfs it in his, stroking the skin with his thumb.
“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself,” Jungkook would insist, “I want to see you shine, not fall apart.”
Jimin would nod, touched by the concern but also a bit ashamed. He wanted to prove himself, to show everyone—including Jungkook—just how far he had come. But even with Jungkook's unwavering support, the weight of his own expectations started to take its toll.
“Why don’t you ever tell him?” Taehyung asked as they sat on the floor of the dance studio where Jimin was rehearsing. “You’ve liked him for, what, forever?”
Jimin sighed, glancing at the door, half-expecting Jungkook to burst through. “It’s not that simple, Tae. If I tell him and he doesn’t feel the same, I lose everything. I can’t risk that.” Taehyung purses his lips.
“You know, I’ve been through that with Yoongi hyung, I was uncertain if he liked me or not but I confessed anyway. I just wanted to be sure that I’m not wasting my time, you know?” He sighs and looks at Jimin. “But you and Jungkook are different, you’ve been friends ever since the dinosaurs were living on earth.” That elicits a laugh from Jimin.
“It’s hard, you know. My heart keeps mistaking Jungkook’s actions because he has feelings for me, but my mind knows that everything is just friendly between me and Jungkook. He treats me like I’m his brother.” They let it slowly sink in, staying silent for a minute.
“What if he feels the same, and you never find out?”
Jimin ponders over that. “Do you really think I should tell him?” He says softly. Taehyung crawls over to him and sits beside him, resting his head on Jimin’s shoulder.
“I do. But you shouldn't let my opinion faze you, you know? It’s still your choice at the end of the day.”
“Mm, I think I should. I’ll do it soon.” As Jimin says, Jungkook enters the room, shaking off the raindrops on his head.
“Hey! It’s raining hard out there.” Jungkook shivers and walks towards the two who stood up. “Are you guys ready to go? Yoongi hyung is waiting for us outside.”
“Were you guys able to train outside the field?” Jimin asks and Jungkook offers him a small smile, shaking his head.
“It started to rain right before training so we went to the gym instead.” Taehyung beams at that.
Jimin and Taehyung nod, picking up their bag in the process. Jungkook takes Jimin’s bag and carries it for him without hesitation and hands him a jacket.
“Is Jimin the only one who gets a jacket here?” Taehyung clears his throat and sassily looks at Jungkook.
Jungkook nods. “Well, yes.” Jimin laughs at that. “Now come on, your boyfriend is an impatient man hyung.” He tells Taehyung, slinging an arm around Jimin's waist.
Then comes Soojin.
Jungkook and Soojin met during a random group activity in one of their classes. The professor had split them into pairs, and Jungkook had found himself seated next to a girl he hadn’t seen before. She had a nervous but excited smile as she introduced herself.
“Hi, I’m Soojin. I’m new here,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she offered her hand for a handshake.
Jungkook took it with a friendly smile. “Jungkook. Nice to meet you. Welcome to the chaos that is university life.”
“Oh I know you! I watched one of your football games last week. You were really great, and definitely catched my eye.” She laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit.
“Could you show me around? I still get lost sometimes,” Soojin had asked one day after class, her eyes hopeful.
Jungkook, always eager to help, had agreed. “Of course! I’ll give you the grand tour. It can be overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it.”
From that moment on, the two of them clicked. The project brought them together, but their easy conversation and mutual interests kept them talking long after the assignment was completed. Soojin, being new to the university, often asked Jungkook for help—whether it was about finding her way around campus or figuring out how things worked in their classes.
That was how it started. Jungkook spent more and more time with Soojin, showing her around, helping her settle in, teaching her the ropes of university life. It wasn’t intentional, but soon, his days became filled with Soojin’s questions, Soojin’s company, and Soojin’s laughter.
Jimin noticed the change almost immediately, but he didn’t mind. He knew Jungkook was just being his helpful self, always wanting to make people feel comfortable. Jimin could understand that. He didn’t begrudge Jungkook for spending time with Soojin—it made sense. Besides, Jimin had been busy with his own dance practices and assignments.
But as the weeks went by, Jungkook’s presence in Jimin’s life started to fade, little by little. Their usual hangouts grew fewer, and when they did happen, Jungkook often had to cut them short to meet up with Soojin or help her with something.
Still, Jimin tried not to dwell on it. He trusted Jungkook. He had no reason to be upset, right?
It wasn’t until a few weeks later that Jimin finally met Soojin. Jungkook had excitedly dragged him along, insisting that Jimin and Soojin should meet since they’d been spending so much time together. Jimin was against it of course, not wanting to meet the lady that was taking up most of Jungkook’s time. It was a cold day in the middle of October. Jungkook lent him his varsity jacket, liking how it engulfed Jimin’s smaller frame. It was at least a size bigger than him but he didn’t mind, the big “JEON” name displayed on his back. Jimin is well aware of the fact that Jungkook is very popular among the boys and girls in campus as he is known to have his fair share of hook-ups. Jimin wasn’t blind to that. Yes, it hurt, but he doesn’t blame it on Jungkook because it wasn’t his.
“I want you to meet her properly. I think you guys will get along great,” Jungkook said as they walked across campus toward the café where Soojin was waiting.
Jimin smiled, though there was a hint of nervousness in his chest. He trusted Jungkook’s judgment, but something about meeting her after hearing so much felt oddly important, like this moment would somehow solidify how things had been changing.
When they arrived at the café, Soojin greeted Jungkook with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. Jimin stood back, watching the interaction closely. Soojin looked like she had stepped out of a fashion magazine—confident, poised, and with an air of sophistication. She turned her gaze to Jimin, and her smile softened slightly, though something behind her eyes remained unreadable.
“This is Jimin,” Jungkook introduced with a grin, nudging Jimin forward. “My best friend.”
Soojin extended her hand, her smile polite but distant. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Jimin.”
Jimin shook her hand, offering his own polite smile. “Yeah, Jungkook talks about you a lot too.”
There was a slight tension in the air that Jimin couldn’t quite place, but he shrugged it off. He assumed it was just the awkwardness of meeting someone new. As they sat down together, Jungkook seemed oblivious to the subtle energy shift, happily chatting away between the two of them.
“So you’re majoring in contemporary dance? Is that right?” Soojin asks, an amused smile on her lips which Jimin finds weird.
“Uh.. yeah.” Jimin nods. “I actually planned to pursue business but I decided to just follow my passion.”
Jungkook smiles. “Yeah, and he’s on full scholarship in this university too! He’s the best dancer out there.” Jimin’s cheeks heats up.
Soojin smiles, but it doesn’t look very genuine. A little while later, she asked Jungkook for some water, and he immediately stood up. “I’ll grab you some,” he said, shooting her a wink before heading toward the counter.
As soon as Jungkook left the table, Soojin’s demeanor shifted. The warm smile she’d worn in Jungkook’s presence disappeared, replaced by something colder, almost calculating.
“So, best friend, huh?” she said, her tone sharp with an edge of passive aggression. “You guys must spend a lot of time together.”
Jimin blinked at the sudden change in her attitude. “Uh, yeah. We’ve been friends for a long time—since high school,” he replied carefully, unsure of where this was going.
Soojin tilted her head slightly, her smile tight. “Must be nice. Always having Jungkook’s attention.”
Jimin frowned, sensing the hostility beneath her words. “He’s my best friend so I can’t really control it if he spends time with me. ”
Soojin raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh, believe me, I’ve noticed.” Her voice dropped lower, a touch more venomous now. “It’s cute, really, how you’re always hovering around him. Almost like a puppy.”
Jimin’s heart clenched, and he felt a rush of discomfort. What was this? He hadn’t expected this kind of reaction from her, especially not after Jungkook had said they’d get along.
“I’m not hovering,” Jimin replied, his voice tight. “We’re just friends. We’ve always been like this, and I don’t know what you’re on about, you don’t know me, Soojin.”
Soojin let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Sure. ‘Just friends.’” She leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with something darker. “You’re really going to cling onto him forever, aren’t you? It’s kind of pathetic.”
Jimin’s breath caught in his throat, but before he could respond, Jungkook returned to the table, completely oblivious to the tension that had built up between them.
“Here’s your water,” Jungkook said, placing the glass in front of Soojin with a bright smile.
Soojin’s entire demeanor shifted again, the coldness vanishing as she turned back to Jungkook with a sweet smile. “Thanks, Jungkook.”
Jimin sat silently, feeling the weight of her words press down on him. He glanced at Jungkook, wondering if he’d noticed anything off about Soojin’s behavior. But Jungkook seemed completely unaware, still happily chatting with both of them like nothing had happened.
Jimin clenched his hands in his lap, forcing a smile as he tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest.
He had a bad feeling about this.
As the days turned into weeks, Jungkook found himself spending more and more time with Soojin. She was exciting and new, a breath of fresh air in his otherwise predictable life. At first, he tried to balance his time between her and Jimin, but gradually, Soojin began to take up more space in his life. Jimin noticed it immediately.
Their usual movie nights became less frequent. Jungkook would cancel plans at the last minute, texting Jimin with apologies about how he was “caught up” with something else. Jimin always tried to be understanding, but deep down, it hurt. He missed Jungkook. He missed their easy conversations, their late-night talks, and the way they always seemed to understand each other without having to say much.
It wasn’t that Jimin disliked Soojin. In fact, he didn’t really know her that well. But what he did know was that ever since she had come into the picture, Jungkook had been slipping away, little by little.
Friday night, and Jimin had spent the whole day preparing for their usual study session. It had become a tradition—Jimin and Jungkook would go to the library after classes and work on their assignments together, chatting and laughing between reading breaks. But as Jimin set up his things at their favorite table, his phone buzzed with a message from Jungkook.
Jungkook: Hey hyung, can’t make it to study tonight. Soojin’s having a rough day and I promised I’d help her out with something. Sorry!
Jimin stared at the message for a moment, his chest tightening. He knew it wasn’t the first time Jungkook had canceled on him lately, and every time, it had something to do with Soojin.
He typed a response quickly, forcing himself to sound upbeat.
Jimin: No worries, Jungkook. Take care of Soojin. I’ll see you tomorrow maybe?
Jungkook’s reply came with a heart emoji, but it did little to soothe the growing ache in Jimin’s chest.
Saturday night the following week and Jungkook had texted him that he was coming over. Jimin had set up their gaming console in his living room, ready for their weekly game night. He had looked forward to it all week—just the two of them playing their favorite video games, laughing and joking like old times especially since Jungkook has been canceling.
But as the night wore on, Jungkook didn’t show. Jimin checked his phone repeatedly, but there were no messages. He thought maybe Jungkook was just running late.
After another hour of waiting, Jimin sighed and sank deeper into the couch. His phone finally buzzed.
Jungkook: Sorry, hyung, lost track of time. I was hanging out with Soojin and didn’t realize how late it got. Raincheck?
Jimin stared at the message, his heart heavy. He typed out a response, his fingers moving slowly.
Jimin: It’s okay, maybe next week :)
The days leading up to the dance showcase were grueling. Jimin had been pushing himself harder than ever, spending hours perfecting his routines in the studio. Six hours of non-stop practice, no breaks. He had ignored the growing ache in his muscles, the exhaustion that seemed to seep deeper into his bones with every passing hour. He had to get it right. He wanted it to be perfect—not just for himself, but for all the people who believed in him.
But even perfection came at a cost.
As the week went on, Jimin found it harder to recover between sessions. His body ached constantly, his head often pounding by the end of practice. Still, he pressed on. He had no time to slow down—there were only a few days left before the showcase.
Today was no different. Jimin had spent hours in the studio, pushing his body to its limit. He hadn’t eaten much, just a quick energy bar and some water between routines. By the time practice ended, the world around him felt like it was spinning. His chest felt tight, like he couldn’t quite catch his breath and he bent down holding onto his knees, feeling as if he was about to pass out. His vision was starting to blur around the edges, and a cold sweat broke out across his skin. Something was wrong, but his mind was too clouded with exhaustion to process it fully. He tried to reach his phone that was on the speaker and attempted to call and text Jungkook but he couldn’t get himself to even type. The said boy had texted Jimin earlier that he was going to pick him up.
“Hey Siri… call Jungkookie.”
It rang once. Twice. Then it went to voicemail. Jimin swallowed hard, trying to ignore the panic rising in his chest. He tried again—still no answer. The third time, he didn’t even wait for the voicemail to pick up. His breathing was becoming more erratic, shallow and rapid, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. He clutched his chest, trying to steady himself against the wall.
He couldn’t breathe. The air felt too thin, like no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get enough of it into his lungs. His vision darkened around the edges, and he knew if he didn’t do something soon, he’d pass out.
“Hobi hyung…” The name came out in a breathy gasp as Jimin fumbled to find Hoseoek’s contact on his phone. He knew that the older boy might be in one of the practice rooms but he just couldn’t bring himself to even walk even if it’s a few doors down. He pressed call, his heart pounding in his chest.
The phone rang a few times before Hoseok’s voice answered, panting just a bit assuming that he was just in the middle of a routine.. “Hello?”
Jimin tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. His throat felt tight, and the room was spinning faster now. He gripped the beam near the mirror, his knees buckling beneath him.
“Jimin?” Hoseok’s voice was sharper now, concern creeping in. “What’s going on?”
“I— um…” Jimin gasped, struggling to catch his breath. “I can’t… breathe…”
There was a brief pause on the other end, then Hoseok’s voice came through, panicking. He heard shuffling on the other side “Where are you? Are you at the practice room?”
“Yeah…” Jimin whispered, his head spinning. “I’m– here in room 5. Jungkook…he’s not—he’s not picking up.”
“Stay where you are. I’m coming over. Don’t move, okay?”
Jimin could barely nod before the call disconnected. His legs gave out completely then, and he slid down the wall, landing in a crumpled heap on the floor. His phone slipped from his hand and clattered across the hardwood, but he couldn’t move to pick it up. His body felt too heavy, his lungs burning with every shallow breath.
Minutes felt like hours as he sat there, fighting against the panic that threatened to consume him. His vision was fading in and out, and all he could think about was how he wished Jungkook was here. That Jungkook could be the one to hold him up, to help him through this.
But he wasn’t. He was with Soojin, probably.
Jimin’s heart clenched at the thought, a mixture of sadness and disappointment settling deep in his chest. By the time Hoseok arrived, Jimin was barely conscious, his breaths shallow and erratic. Hoseok had never looked so panicked as he knelt beside Jimin, carefully checking his pulse before gently tapping his cheek.
“Jiminie, hey. Look at me,” Hoseok urged, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. “You’re gonna be okay. Just breathe with me, okay? In through your nose, out through your mouth.”
Jimin tried to follow his instructions, but his body wasn’t cooperating. His eyes fluttered shut as the world tilted again, but Hoseok’s firm grip on his shoulder kept him anchored.
“Hey, don’t pass out on me,” Hoseok muttered, pulling out his phone with his free hand and dialing.. “You’re alright. I’ve got you. I’m going to get help okay, I’ll call an ambulance and we’ll bring you to the hospital.”
"Hyung no-please I don't want to cause a scene." Hoseok lets out a frustrated sigh. Jimin, just lets himself be held up by Hoseok as he dials a different number, comforted by the fact that at least someone was there for him.
“H-hyung, can you please come here quickly? Jimin just passed out. I don't know how to bring him to the hospital. Please help.” Hoseok’s voice was trembling as he stroked Jimin’s hair. The younger boy had his head laid on Hoseok’s legs as the older one tried to cool Jimin down. Jimin hears Yoongi on the other line but barely. “Yeah okay, please come quick– Jimin-ah let’s hold on for a little while longer okay Yoongi hyung is coming.”
It wasn’t until later, after Jimin had been checked out and given fluids at the hospital, that Yoongi finally spoke.
“You’re overworking yourself,” Yoongi said quietly, leaning against the hospital bed’s railing. “This isn’t the first time you’ve pushed yourself too far, but it’s the worst I’ve seen.”
Jimin nodded weakly, guilt gnawing at him. He’d known he was pushing his limits, but he hadn’t expected it to get this bad. He should have listened to his body sooner.
Yoongi sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Where the hell was Jungkook? He was supposed to pick you up wasn't he?” At the mention of Jungkook’s name, Jimin’s heart clenched painfully again. He didn’t have an answer for Yoongi. The older boy didn’t want to push it further seeing that Jimin’s face fell at the mention of his best friends' name. The door opens and a nurse comes in followed by a doctor.
“Mr. Park Jimin?” She says. “We’ll just conduct a bunch of tests, this will be quick.” Jimin just nods and Yoongi steps aside.
“Taehyung and the other guys are coming and Hoba just went home to change but he’ll be back. I’ll go to the bathroom quickly, okay? Do you need anything?” Jimin just shakes his head, not even looking at Yoongi.
“No, thank you hyung…” He said softly and just sighed. Yoongi glanced at him one last time and left the room so the doctors could do their work.
In Jungkook’s room, Soojin lay beside him, her head resting on his chest as they shared soft laughter and whispered secrets. The room was dimly lit, with shadows dancing on the walls, creating a cozy cocoon around them.
Just as Jungkook leaned down to kiss her, his phone began to ring incessantly. He groaned, pulling away reluctantly. “Ugh, who is it now?” Soojin says, annoyed.
He glanced at the screen and saw multiple missed calls from Yoongi, Taehyung, and even Jimin.
“I should get this.” Jungkook says as Soojin traces her fingers across his arm. “Probably just a group thing.” Jungkook shrugged, but a knot of unease began to form in his stomach. The calls kept coming, more urgent with each ring. Finally, he sighed and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Jungkook, where the hell are you?” Yoongi’s voice came through, laced with worry. “It’s about Jimin.”
“What do you mean? What happened?” Jungkook's heart raced as he sat up, pushing Soojin away gently.
“He’s at the hospital. He collapsed. You need to get here, weren't you supposed to pick him up?” Yoongi said sharply.
Jungkook's world tilted. “Fuck. Um— Yeah I lost track of time. Why, what happened—”
“He passed out in the practice room. Doctors said he was extremely fatigued and barely eating. Just get here.” Yoongi snapped before hanging up.
Panic surged through Jungkook as he threw on his clothes, the weight of guilt crashing down on him. “I—I have to go,” he said, with urgency in his voice. Soojin looked confused and slightly hurt.
“What’s going on? Can’t you stay a little longer?” she asked, frowning.
“Jimin’s in the hospital. I have to—” Jungkook couldn’t finish his sentence. He rushed out the door, leaving Soojin staring after him, a mixture of confusion and disappointment in her eyes.
Once Jungkook arrived at the hospital, he was breathless and frantic. He hurried to the reception, where he caught sight of Yoongi pacing anxiously.
“Hyung! Where’s Jimin?” Jungkook gasped, his heart racing.
“He’s in the back,” Yoongi replied, running a hand through his hair. “The doctors are checking on him, but he’s okay now. Just…overworked, I think.”
“I should have been there,” Jungkook murmured, his voice thick with regret. “I was so caught up—”
“Yeah, you were. And it almost cost you your best friend,” Yoongi interrupted sharply, his gaze intense. “He’s in there because you weren’t around, Jungkook. He needed you, and you were too busy with…whatever. He wouldn’t have gotten this worse if you were there, Jungkook. What the fuck happened?”
Jungkook clenched his fists, anger at himself bubbling up. “I didn’t know! I thought he was fine! I have other things to do, hyung you can't blame me.”
Yoongi’s expression softened slightly, but the concern remained. “He’s not just fine. He’s pushing himself too hard because he thinks he has to be perfect. You need to talk to him when he’s out of there.”
Before Jungkook could respond, a nurse walked past, nodding toward them. “You can see him now. He’s asleep, but he needs to take it easy once he gets discharged.”
As the nurse walked away, Yoongi gave Jungkook a long, searching look. His expression was softer now, though still laced with worry and disappointment. Jungkook shifted uneasily under his gaze, guilt gnawing at him.
“Hyung…” Jungkook started, his voice barely above a whisper. “Can I… can I have a moment alone with Jimin?”
Yoongi hesitated for a moment, glancing toward the door to Jimin’s room. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he nodded. “Yeah. But don’t stress him out more than he already is, okay?”
Jungkook gave a small, grateful nod as Yoongi patted his shoulder before walking down the hall. Once Yoongi was gone, Jungkook took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Jimin’s room.
The sight of Jimin lying there in the hospital bed, pale and hooked up to monitors, made Jungkook’s chest tighten painfully. He swallowed the lump in his throat and quietly made his way to the chair beside the bed. He sat down carefully, not wanting to disturb the stillness of the room.
Jimin’s face, though peaceful in sleep, still showed signs of exhaustion—dark circles under his eyes, a slight furrow in his brow. Jungkook’s heart clenched as he reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently took Jimin’s hand in his. The warmth of Jimin’s skin beneath his palm sent a wave of relief through him, but it wasn’t enough to ease the guilt swirling inside him.
Tears pricked Jungkook’s eyes as he looked down at Jimin, his thumb brushing softly over his knuckles. The weight of everything—his absence, his neglect, Jimin’s collapse—came crashing down all at once. He lowered his head, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to break free, but the soft sound of his sniffling filled the quiet room.
Moments later, Jimin stirred. The slight rustling of the bed made Jungkook freeze, but he couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Jimin’s eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused at first. But as he blinked, he became aware of the figure sitting beside him.
“Jungkook?” Jimin’s voice was raspy, weak, and filled with confusion. He looked down and saw Jungkook, his head lowered, tears slipping from his eyes. Jimin’s heart ached at the sight.
Jungkook felt Jimin shift and immediately lifted his head, his tear-filled eyes meeting Jimin’s. The guilt and regret on his face were palpable. “Hyung, I’m so sorry,” Jungkook choked out, his voice breaking. “I’m so, so sorry…”
Jimin blinked slowly, still disoriented, but the pain in Jungkook’s voice cut through the fog of his exhaustion. “Jungkook…” he started, his voice soft, but Jungkook shook his head, the tears falling faster now.
“No, hyung, please… It’s my fault,” Jungkook said, his grip on Jimin’s hand tightening slightly. “I should’ve been there. You needed me, and I wasn’t there. I was too caught up in my own world, and you—” His voice cracked as he buried his face in his hands, unable to hold back the sobs any longer. “You almost… I could’ve lost you, hyung.”
Jimin’s chest tightened at Jungkook’s words. He didn’t have the energy to sit up, but he squeezed Jungkook’s hand, trying to comfort him. “Jungkook,” he said softly, his voice still weak. “It’s not your fault. I pushed myself too hard. I didn’t tell you how bad it was.”
“But I should’ve known,” Jungkook insisted, lifting his tear-streaked face to meet Jimin’s eyes. “I should’ve been there to see it. I should’ve been with you, not with—” He cut himself off, guilt flooding through him. He didn’t want to say Soojin’s name, not now. Not when he was sitting here, realizing just how much he had hurt Jimin by being absent when it mattered most.
Jimin shook his head slowly, his thumb brushing over Jungkook’s hand in a small, comforting gesture. “Jungkook, you can’t blame yourself for everything,” he murmured. “I didn’t reach out. I didn’t want to worry you.”
“But I wasn’t there, hyung. I should’ve been,” Jungkook whispered, tears still glistening in his eyes. His voice was thick with emotion, the weight of his regret heavy in every word. “I should’ve been there for you.”
A small, sad smile tugged at the corner of Jimin’s lips. “You’re here now,” he said, his voice gentle. “That’s what matters.”
Jungkook shook his head again, more tears slipping down his cheeks. “No, hyung. It’s not enough. I swear, I’ll never leave you alone again. I’ll always be there from now on. I promise.”
Jimin’s heart softened at Jungkook’s words. He could see the sincerity in Jungkook’s eyes, the overwhelming guilt that was tearing him apart. Slowly, Jimin squeezed Jungkook’s hand again, offering what little strength he had.
“I believe you, Jungkookie,” Jimin whispered. “Just… don’t blame yourself for this, okay? I don’t want you to carry that weight.”
Jungkook’s shoulders shook as he nodded, though the tears didn’t stop. He leaned forward, resting his head gently on the bed beside Jimin, still holding his hand. “I’m so sorry, hyung,” he whispered again, his voice trembling. “I’ll never let you go through this alone again.”
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Jimin believed him.
Jimin leaned back against the hospital bed, his body still feeling weak, but the warmth of Jungkook’s presence beside him was a comfort he desperately needed. Jungkook, now calmer, kept Jimin’s hand gently held in his, as if afraid to let go again. The soft hum of the machines in the room was the only sound as they sat there in a quiet but reassuring silence. Jungkook's guilt had lessened, but the worry still lingered in his gaze every time he looked at Jimin.
“I promise I’ll be better, hyung. I’ll always be there,” Jungkook said quietly, his voice full of sincerity.
Jimin smiled weakly, his fingers squeezing Jungkook’s hand. “I know you will, Jungkookie. I’m not mad. I just… I’m sorry I made you worry.”
Before Jungkook could respond, the door to the room opened, and the sound of shuffling footsteps filled the air. They both turned to see Taehyung, Hoseok, and the others entering the room, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. As soon as Taehyung’s eyes landed on Jimin, he froze in the doorway, his eyes welling up with tears. Hoseok, standing just behind him, looked equally emotional, his lip trembling as he stepped forward.
“Jimin-ah…” Taehyung whispered, his voice cracking. Within moments, he was by Jimin’s side, kneeling down beside the bed. Tears spilled down his cheeks, and he took Jimin’s other hand, gripping it tightly. “I was so scared…”
Jimin’s heart clenched seeing Taehyung so emotional. “Tae… I’m okay now,” he said softly, though his own voice wavered at the sight of his friend in tears.
Taehyung sniffled, wiping at his eyes but failing to stop the tears from falling. “You scared us so much, Jimin-ah. You can’t just push yourself like this…” His voice cracked again, and he lowered his head, hiding his face in Jimin’s blankets.
Hoseok, not one to hold back his emotions either, quickly followed suit. He rushed to Jimin’s other side and wrapped his arms around him, pulling Jimin into a tight hug. “You idiot,” Hoseok muttered through his own tears, his voice thick with emotion. “You scared me half to death.”
Jimin winced slightly at the tightness of the hug but managed a small laugh, his heart warmed by their concern. “I’m sorry, Hobi-hyung. I didn’t mean to…”
As Hoseok pulled back, still clinging to Jimin’s shoulders, the door opened again, and in strode Jin, his usual playful expression gone, replaced with a stern, worried look. He crossed his arms over his chest, standing at the foot of Jimin’s bed, eyeing him like a strict older brother about to give a scolding.
“Park Jimin,” Jin said, his tone firm but not unkind. “Do you even know how much trouble you’ve caused?”
Jimin’s eyes widened slightly, and he glanced nervously at Jin, feeling like a kid caught doing something wrong. “Hyung, I—”
“You’ve been skipping meals, haven’t you?” Jin continued, cutting him off. His brow furrowed in concern. “Do you know how dangerous that is? Not eating properly while pushing yourself like this? Do you want to end up back in the hospital every other week?”
Jimin opened his mouth to respond, but Jin didn’t let him.
“No more skipping meals,” Jin declared, his voice softer now but still firm. “I’m cooking for you from now on. Every day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You won’t miss a single meal if I have anything to say about it.
Jungkook chuckled softly at the scene, and even Jimin couldn’t help but smile despite how exhausted he felt. “Hyung, you don’t have to—”
“I do have to,” Jin interrupted again, this time placing a gentle hand on Jimin’s shoulder. “You’re part of this family, and we take care of each other. So, you’re not skipping any meals from now on. Got it?”
Jimin nodded, his heart swelling with affection for his hyungs. “Got it, hyung. Thank you.”
Satisfied, Jin finally smiled, the tension in his face easing. “Good. And I’m making you kimchi jjigae first thing tomorrow.”
Taehyung wiped at his eyes again, sniffling as he tried to compose himself. “I’ll make sure you actually eat it, too,” he added, his voice still shaky but lighter now. “We’re not letting you overwork yourself like this again, Jiminie.”
Namjoon nodded in agreement, ruffling Jimin’s hair gently. “We’ll be here to remind you, even when you don’t want to listen.”
Jimin felt a warmth spread through his chest, the love and care from his friends wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. He looked around the room at each of them, his heart full. “I’m so lucky to have you guys,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Jungkook squeezed his hand again, a small, relieved smile tugging at his lips. And in that moment, despite the exhaustion and the guilt that still lingered, Jimin felt more at peace than he had in a long time. Surrounded by the people he loved most, he knew he wouldn’t have to face anything alone.
It had been a few days since Jimin had been discharged from the hospital, and the atmosphere around him felt different. While he was still dedicated to his practice for the showcase, there was a noticeable shift in how he approached it now—cautious and more in tune with his body. Jungkook had been there by his side every step of the way, making sure Jimin didn’t push himself too far. His presence was a constant reminder that Jimin wasn’t alone in this, and despite the lingering guilt, Jungkook had made it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere.
They were in the practice room again, the soft rhythm of the music playing as Jimin went over the choreography. He moved fluidly, the exhaustion that had once clung to him now tempered by the fact that he was taking care of himself better. Jungkook sat by the mirrors, his eyes glued to Jimin, monitoring every movement for signs of strain or discomfort.
Jimin finished the routine with a deep breath, wiping sweat from his forehead before grabbing his water bottle. As he drank, he glanced over at Jungkook, who was still watching him closely. There was a brief moment of silence before Jimin spoke up, his voice casual but laced with curiosity.
"How’s Soojin?” Jimin asked, lowering the water bottle and turning to face Jungkook fully. “You know… you haven’t been hanging out with her much lately, I hope she isn't mad.”
Jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the unexpected question, and he sat up straighter, caught off guard. He hadn’t really thought about Soojin much in the past few days—his focus had been entirely on Jimin. “Huh? Oh… Why would she be mad?” He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression thoughtful as Jimin shrugs.
“She’s fine, I guess. She's met new friends you know.”
Jimin raised an eyebrow, sensing that Jungkook wasn’t telling him everything. “Are you two… dating or something?” he asked, a bit hesitant. “I mean, you’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately.”
Jungkook blinked, then quickly shook his head. “No, no, we’re not dating,” he replied, almost too quickly. He let out a small sigh, trying to figure out how to explain it. “It’s not like that with Soojin. We were just hanging out… nothing serious.”
Jimin’s curiosity deepened. He leaned against the mirrored wall, eyeing Jungkook carefully. “But you like her, don’t you?”
Jungkook hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor for a moment before looking back at Jimin. “Yeah… I mean, I like her, but it’s not something I’m focused on right now.” His voice was soft, almost unsure. “It’s casual. I’m not looking for anything serious with her.”
Jimin studied Jungkook’s expression, sensing the conflict behind his words. He didn’t press further, but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice gentle.
“You don’t have to stay here with me all the time, you know. If you want to spend time with her, it’s okay.”
Jungkook’s head snapped up, his eyes locking with Jimin’s. “No, Hyung,” he said firmly.
“You’re my priority right now. Soojin’s great, but this… you… it’s more important.” There was an intensity in his gaze, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “I can’t just leave you to deal with everything by yourself. Notafter what happened.”
Jimin felt his chest tighten, guilt gnawing at him again. He didn’t want to be the reason Jungkook was pushing people away. “You don’t have to do that, Jungkook,” he murmured, looking down at the floor. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me.”
“I’m not babysitting you, hyung,” Jungkook said softly, standing up and walking over to him. “I’m just… being here. I want to be here. You don’t need to handle everything on your own.”
Jimin let out a small sigh, nodding, though a part of him still felt like a burden. “Okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Jungkook reached out, gently placing a hand on Jimin’s shoulder, offering comfort. “I promise I’m not doing this because I feel like I have to. I’m doing it because I care.”
Jimin glanced up at Jungkook, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you, Jungkookie,” he said softly.
The tension in the room seemed to ease as Jungkook smiled back, giving Jimin a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “Besides,” Jungkook added with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood, “Soojin can wait. She understands.”
Jimin chuckled, shaking his head. “You better not make her wait too long. She might get tired of you.”
Jungkook laughed, his mood lifting. “She might, but I doubt it,” he joked, though his attention remained on Jimin, his focus unwavering. “For now, I’m staying right here.”
A few weeks had passed since the hospital incident, and life had slowly returned to normal—at least for the most part. The dance recital was looming closer, and the pressure had been building up again, but this time Jimin was handling it better, thanks to the support of his friends. Still, when Taemin, one of his block mates and fellow dancers, invited him to a party to let off some steam before the big event, Jimin figured a break might be a good idea.
He had been free to invite the rest of the guys, and they had all agreed to come. Jungkook, Yoongi, Jin, and Namjoon had already arrived, but Jimin stayed behind with Taehyung and Hoseok for a bit. Taehyung had insisted on making sure Jimin looked incredible before they left, taking charge of his outfit and makeup.
“You’re going to steal the spotlight tonight,” Taehyung grinned, stepping back to admire his handiwork. Jimin stood in front of the mirror, wearing tight leather pants and a fitted shirt that accentuated his figure. Taehyung had also gone all out with the makeup, enhancing Jimin’s already striking features with a touch of smokey eyeshadow and glossy lips.
“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” Jimin asked, feeling a little shy despite how good he looked.
“You look hot, Jimin. Trust me,” Hoseok chimed in with a wink, adjusting his own outfit. “No one’s going to be able to take their eyes off you.”
With a final nod of approval from Taehyung, they headed to the party. As they entered Taemin’s house, the music pulsed through the air, and the dim lighting gave the place an intimate, almost electrifying atmosphere. Jimin felt a flutter of excitement, but that quickly sank into something else entirely when his eyes landed on Jungkook.
Jungkook was with Soojin, standing by the bar, and they looked… close. Too close. Soojin was leaning into Jungkook, her hand resting lightly on his chest while they whispered to each other, smiles exchanged between them. Jungkook’s arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her in close. Jimin’s heart dropped, an uncomfortable tightness settling in his chest.
Taehyung must have noticed the sudden shift in Jimin’s mood because he leaned in, his voice low but firm. “Don’t mind them, Jiminie. You look incredible tonight, okay? You’re gonna turn heads, not them.”
Jimin swallowed hard, forcing a smile and nodding. He couldn’t afford to let his emotions show right now. He had to keep it together. Taking a deep breath, he followed Taehyung and Hoseok as they made their way over to where the rest of the guys were.
Taehyung’s eyes immediately lit up when he saw Yoongi, his boyfriend. Without hesitation, he crossed over to him, pressing a soft kiss to Yoongi’s lips. “Hey, babe,” Taehyung murmured, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Yoongi’s expression softened as he returned the kiss, his arm wrapping around Taehyung’s waist. “You look amazing,” he whispered back, though his gaze flicked over to Jimin as well, noting the unease that lingered behind his eyes.
Hoseok was already chatting with Jin and Namjoon, laughter erupting among them, but Jimin’s mind was elsewhere. He glanced over, catching Jungkook’s gaze from across the room. Jungkook’s eyes softened when he saw Jimin, a small smile tugging at his lips as if he was acknowledging his presence, but something about the way he stood so close to Soojin made Jimin’s heart sink further.
“You look good,” Jungkook mouthed silently, his eyes lingering on Jimin for a moment too long.
Jimin forced himself to smile back, but the discomfort gnawed at him. Before he could say anything, he turned to the others, forcing a lightness into his voice. “I’m gonna go find Taemin, see how he’s doing.”
As soon as Jimin said that, he noticed the small shift in Jungkook’s expression—his smile faltering, his face visibly dropping. But Jimin couldn’t let himself dwell on it. Not now. He wasn’t going to be affected by whatever was happening between Jungkook and Soojin. He had to get through the night without letting it eat at him.
Jungkook watched as Jimin walked away, a strange knot forming in his chest, but Jimin didn’t look back. He headed deeper into the crowd, his mind swirling with a mixture of emotions that he couldn’t quite shake.
Finding Taemin felt like the perfect distraction.
Jimin weaved through the crowd, searching for Taemin. The party was in full swing, with music thumping and people already letting loose on the dance floor. He finally spotted Taemin near the bar, chatting with some friends. The moment Taemin saw him, his face lit up, and he opened his arms wide.
“Jiminie! You made it!” Taemin exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug.
“Of course, I wouldn't miss it,” Jimin replied, hugging him back tightly. He could feel some of the tension melt away from earlier. Taemin always had a way of making him feel comfortable, no matter the situation.
Taemin pulled back, grinning as he handed Jimin a drink. “Here, you look like you could use something to loosen up.”
Jimin laughed softly, taking the glass. “You have no idea.”
They spent the next few minutes catching up, talking about the upcoming dance recital and the pressure that came with it. Taemin had always been someone Jimin could talk to about dancing without feeling judged, and it was a relief to just chat about something he loved. Taemin was relaxed, his energy infectious, and before long, Jimin felt lighter.
“Enough talk, Jiminie,” Taemin said suddenly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come dance with me.”
Jimin raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “You sure you can keep up?”
“Always,” Taemin winked, grabbing Jimin’s hand and pulling him toward the dance floor.
The other guys were already dancing, Taehyung and Yoongi caught up in their own world, while Hoseok and Namjoon were busy hyping up the crowd. The atmosphere was wild, carefree, and exactly what Jimin needed.
As soon as Jimin and Taemin hit the dance floor, they found their rhythm. It started off simple, just grooving to the beat, but soon the two of them were moving in sync, completely in tune with each other’s bodies. The energy between them was electric, and before long, they were laughing, getting closer, their touches lingering just a little longer than usual.
It wasn’t serious—they both knew that. It was just for fun, a way to let loose. Taemin, always the playful one, leaned in, his hands resting on Jimin’s waist as they danced closer. Jimin grinned, not backing down from the teasing, and they moved together like they had done countless times in rehearsals. But tonight, there was freedom in it.
At one point, Taemin leaned into Jimin’s neck, hiding his face there as they both burst out laughing. The crowd around them was watching now, some people cheering, others shouting how good they looked together. Taemin, always one for theatrics, played it up, holding Jimin closer as they danced.
“Let’s give them a show.” Taemin whispered, chuckling. Jimin laughed, shaking his head.
The two of them danced more provocatively, their moves suggestive but still playful, both of them knowing it was all in good fun. The cheers around them grew louder, and Jimin felt himself getting caught up in the moment, forgetting everything else as he and Taemin performed for the crowd.
But as they danced, Jimin’s eyes found Jungkook across the room. He was dancing with Soojin, but his focus wasn’t on her. Jungkook was staring at him, his face unreadable, though there was a sharpness in his gaze. They locked eyes for a split second, and Jimin saw something flicker in Jungkook’s expression—something like annoyance, maybe even jealousy.
Jungkook’s arm was still around Soojin, but his attention had shifted completely to Jimin, his jaw clenched as he watched the way Jimin and Taemin danced so closely, so effortlessly.
Jimin held Jungkook’s gaze for a moment longer, something twisting in his chest, but then he looked away, throwing himself back into the dance with Taemin, determined not to let Jungkook’s reaction get to him.
But the way Jungkook looked at him—it stayed with him, even as he laughed along with Taemin, pretending like he wasn’t affected at all.
Jimin made his way off the dance floor, his body still buzzing with the high from dancing with Taemin. He muttered something about needing a break and excused himself, heading toward the bar to get a drink before going to the bathroom. The lights flashed overhead as the music pulsed, and he finally took a deep breath, his mind still reeling from the whirlwind of the night.
As he reached for a bottle of water, a familiar voice cut through the noise.
"Jimin."
Soojin stood there, a sugary smile plastered on her face as she moved closer to him. Her tone seemed friendly enough, but something about her expression made Jimin’s guard go up immediately.
"Hey," he said cautiously, gripping the bottle in his hand.
Soojin tilted her head, her smile widening as she stepped closer, feigning sweetness. "How’s it going? You’ve been keeping yourself busy, huh? Especially with Jungkook around all the time."
Jimin froze, catching the undertones in her voice. He kept his face neutral, unsure where she was heading with this. Soojin’s eyes sparkled, but not with kindness. “Funny thing, though,” she said, her voice dripping with faux concern. “Jungkook hasn’t been around me much lately. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
"No. I don't." Jimin blinked, his unease growing as Soojin took another step closer, her tone shifting from fake friendliness to something far more malicious.
“Didn't you just get out of the hospital?" Soojin continued, her voice lowering. Jimin's eyes widen. How did she know? "Sorry about that by the way, I think I kept him up. He was with me when you passed out. Jungkook just feels bad for you, that’s all. You’ve had a rough time, and he’s just being nice. But let’s be real, Jimin. You’re kind of... a charity case.”
Jimin’s heart stopped for a second. Charity case?
Soojin smirked, sensing she had hit a nerve. "Don’t act so surprised. It’s obvious, you know? You’ve got him wrapped around your little finger, always acting so helpless so he’ll keep coming to your rescue.”
Jimin’s eyes narrowed, his chest tightening with anger. "Excuse me?" he said, his voice strained, barely able to contain the rising fury.
“Oh, don’t be so sensitive,” Soojin cooed, stepping even closer. "I mean, it’s not like you’re being subtle about it. Clinging to Jungkook all the time. Maybe you’re just waiting for him to switch teams, huh? Jungkook isn't gay, you know. Like you."
The insinuation hit Jimin like a slap to the face. He blinked, shocked, as the homophobic jab lingered in the air between them. Anger surged through him, but he held it in, refusing to let her see how much she had hurt him.
“Watch what you say,” Jimin warned, his voice low, vibrating with barely restrained rage.
Soojin's smirk grew wider, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Or what? You’ll go crying to your friends and make them defend you? That’s all you’re good for, isn’t it, Jimin? Letting others fight your battles because you can’t handle it yourself.”
Jimin’s fists clenched at his sides, every muscle in his body tense, but before he could say another word, Jungkook appeared out of nowhere, sliding in beside them, completely unaware of the tension radiating between Jimin and Soojin.
"Hey, what’s going on here?" Jungkook asked casually, his arm slipping around Soojin’s waist as if everything was normal.
Jimin didn’t answer, his jaw clenched tight, barely able to hold back the torrent of emotions raging inside him. Soojin, ever the actress, immediately switched gears, plastering on her sweet, innocent smile as she leaned into Jungkook, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Just catching up with Jimin,” she said, her tone sickly sweet.
Jimin could barely breathe as the moment stretched on. His head pounded with the weight of everything Soojin had said, and he could feel the burn of unshed tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. He refused to let her see him cry, though. Not here, not now.
Jungkook seemed oblivious to the shift in the atmosphere, smiling softly at Jimin.
"Everything good, hyung?"
Jimin forced a nod, his throat tight. “Yeah, fine,” he muttered, but even he could hear how hollow the words sounded.
The night continued, but for Jimin, everything had changed. Soojin’s words lingered, twisting in his mind, poisoning everything. No matter how hard he tried to enjoy the party, the weight of what she said refused to leave him. And as he watched Jungkook laughing and smiling with Soojin throughout the night, something inside him began to break.
All the unspoken things between him and Jungkook, all the feelings he had kept buried, were starting to surface, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep pretending everything was fine.
The morning after the party, Jimin woke up in Taehyung's bedroom, the familiar warmth of his best friend providing a sense of comfort after the chaos of the night. Taehyung was already up, quietly checking his phone while Jimin stirred beside him. Yoongi, ever the considerate one, had crashed on the couch to give them space, understanding how close the two were.
Jimin stretched and blinked away the remnants of sleep, trying to shake off the uneasy feelings that had followed him home from the party. The encounter with Soojin still weighed heavily on his mind, but for now, he tried to focus on the present, knowing that Taehyung would see through any attempts to hide his emotions.
"Morning, sleepyhead," Taehyung greeted him, his voice soft yet teasing. "Yoongi’s already up. He’s making breakfast."
Jimin nodded, sitting up slowly. "I could smell something," he said, trying to force a small smile, but his heart wasn’t in it.
After a few minutes of lounging, the three of them gathered around the kitchen table. Yoongi had made a simple breakfast—eggs, toast, and some fruit—and the atmosphere felt calm, even peaceful, as they ate. Taehyung, however, wasn’t one to let things go easily.
As Jimin took a sip of orange juice, Taehyung finally spoke up, his voice casual but carrying an edge of concern. "So... I saw Soojin talking to you last night."
Jimin froze, his grip on the glass tightening slightly. Taehyung’s eyes were sharp, full of worry for his friend. Yoongi, who had been munching on toast, paused and glanced between them, sensing the shift in the conversation.
Jimin exhaled, setting the glass down as he ran a hand through his hair, debating whether to share what had happened. But this was Taehyung and Yoongi—if anyone would understand, it was them.
"She said some things," Jimin started, his voice a little nonchalant than usual. Both boys were listening closely now, their eyes fixed on him. "About me and Jungkook. She basically told me I was a charity case and that Jungkook feels sorry for me." His voice wavered, but he pressed on, needing to get it all out. "And how she was with Jungkook the day I was hospitalized."
The table went silent. Jimin's words hung in the air, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for their reactions.
Taehyung was the first to respond, his face darkening with anger. "What the actual fuck?" he spat, nearly knocking his chair back as he stood. "I knew she was bad news, but saying that to you? I'm going to find Jungkook right now. He needs to know what kind of person she is—"
"No!" Jimin quickly interrupted, reaching out to grab Taehyung’s wrist before he could storm off. "Please, Tae. Don’t. It’s not worth it."
Taehyung's jaw clenched, clearly fuming, but he didn’t pull away from Jimin's grip. "Not worth it? Jimin, she insulted you, and you’re just supposed to sit there and take it? That’s not happening."
Yoongi, who had been quietly absorbing everything, finally spoke, his voice calm but serious. "Taehyung’s right, Jimin. What she did isn’t okay, and Jungkook should know about it. You shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own."
Jimin sighed, his eyes dropping to the table as he fiddled with a piece of toast, trying to distract himself from the knot of emotions tightening in his chest. "I know, but... I just don’t know how to bring it up to him without—" He stopped, his voice faltering.
"Without what?" Yoongi prompted gently.
Jimin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his unspoken feelings pressing down on him. "Without revealing how I feel about him," he finished, his voice barely above a whisper.
There it was. The truth he had been trying to hide, even from himself, finally out in the open. He felt exposed, vulnerable, but Taehyung and Yoongi didn’t judge him. They just sat there, giving him space to process it all.
Taehyung’s expression softened as he sat back down, his earlier anger replaced by a look of concern. "Jimin..." he started gently. "You don’t have to hide how you feel. Not from us, and not from him."
"Especially not when someone like Soojin is trying to make you feel like you’re less than you are," Yoongi added, his voice steady but firm. "Jungkook cares about you. More than you think. He deserves to know the truth—about everything."
Jimin’s eyes stung with unshed tears, but he quickly blinked them away, nodding slightly. He knew they were right. He couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine, not after what Soojin had said, and not when his feelings for Jungkook were only getting harder to ignore.
But how could he tell Jungkook without risking everything?
A few days had passed since the party, and Jimin found himself back in the familiar warmth of Jungkook's arms. They were lounging on the couch in Jungkook’s dorm, a quiet afternoon spent together like so many times before. Jimin's head rested on Jungkook’s chest, the steady rise and fall of his breathing soothing. The world outside seemed to disappear when they were like this—just the two of them, no worries, no expectations.
Jungkook absentmindedly scrolled through his phone with one hand, while the other gently ran through Jimin's soft hair. The sound of a show playing in the background filled the space, though neither of them was really paying attention to it. Jimin, comfortable and safe in the moment, felt a small pang of guilt tugging at his heart. His mind wandered back to Soojin, to the awful words she had said. He wanted to tell Jungkook about it, but the thought of disrupting their peace kept him quiet.
Breaking the silence, Jimin shifted slightly and said, "You know... the recital’s coming up in a week." He looked up at Jungkook, who was now gazing down at him with his usual soft expression.
Jungkook smiled, setting his phone aside. "I know. I’ve got it marked on my calendar," he reassured him, even showing him his calendar on his phone that was filled with a bunch of deadlines. He didn't know how jungkook would make time to fit his recital in but he trusts the boy. "You really think I’d forget? I’ll be there, front row, cheering you on like always."
Jimin’s heart warmed at his words, and he felt a surge of affection toward Jungkook. He was always so supportive, so unwaveringly there for him. "You better be," Jimin teased lightly, a small smile playing on his lips.
Jungkook chuckled, his arms wrapping a little tighter around Jimin, pulling him even closer. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You’re going to kill it, I know it."
Jimin smiled again, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes this time. He bit his lip, the words about Soojin hovering on the tip of his tongue, waiting to spill out. He wanted to tell Jungkook what had happened at the party, what Soojin had said to him. But every time he opened his mouth to speak, the words got stuck in his throat. How could he say something that would hurt Jungkook, especially when he seemed so happy?
Jungkook had always spoken highly of Soojin, mentioning how fun and easygoing she was. Jimin didn’t want to ruin that image for him, and didn't want to be the cause of any tension or drama. He wanted Jungkook to be happy, even if it meant keeping his own hurt to himself.
"Is something on your mind?" Jungkook’s voice was soft, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked down at Jimin. "You’ve been kind of quiet."
Jimin hesitated, then shook his head, forcing a smile. "No, I’m just... a little nervous about the recital," he lied, hoping to deflect the conversation.
Jungkook’s expression softened, his thumb gently brushing against Jimin’s cheek. "Don’t be nervous. You’re amazing, and everyone’s going to see that." He paused, then added with a small grin, "And if anyone doesn’t, I’ll make sure to yell extra loud so they know."
Jimin chuckled, but the heaviness in his chest didn’t fade. He nuzzled closer to Jungkook, letting the comfort of his warmth envelop him. He knew he should say something, that keeping this to himself would only make things worse. But how could he risk everything between them just to call out Soojin?
Instead, he buried his face into Jungkook's chest, closing his eyes and letting out a soft sigh. For now, he would hold onto this moment, not wanting to ruin the fragile happiness between them. He’d deal with Soojin later. Right now, all he wanted was to stay like this—wrapped up in Jungkook’s arms, pretending that nothing else mattered.
The day of Jimin’s recital had finally arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. He had spent weeks perfecting his routine, each move polished to near perfection, but as he stood backstage, nerves twisted in his stomach. It wasn’t the performance itself that was causing him anxiety; it was the absence of a particular person who had yet to show up.
His friends had all reassured him that they’d be there to support him, despite it being finals week. Everyone was busy with their own requirements, but they still promised to make time for him. Jimin hadn’t heard from Jungkook in the past few days. He knew Jungkook had been overwhelmed with work, often staying up late, trying to finish assignments. Jimin understood, he really did, but he couldn’t help but hold on to the promise Jungkook had made—that he’d be there, front row, cheering him on.
As he adjusted his costume and stretched one last time, the backstage curtain parted, revealing Taehyung, Yoongi, Jin, Hoseok, and Namjoon. They rushed over to him, smiles wide and eyes glowing with pride.
"Jimin!" Taehyung called out, wrapping his arms around him. "You’re going to crush this. We’re so proud of you!"
"Good luck out there, Chim," Hoseok added, giving him a fist bump. "We’ll be cheering loud enough for you to hear us from the stage."
"You’ve got this," Namjoon said, his voice calm and steady, like a rock Jimin could cling to in the storm of his nerves.
Jin placed a reassuring hand on Jimin’s shoulder, smiling softly. "Just focus on your dance. We’ll be watching."
Jimin’s heart lifted at the sight of them all. Their presence made him feel a bit more grounded, but his eyes flickered around the backstage area, searching. He bit his lip before he asked, "Where’s Jungkook? Have you guys seen him?"
The boys exchanged uncertain glances, and Taehyung’s smile faltered. "We’ve been trying to reach him all day," he admitted. "He hasn’t answered any of our calls."
"But don’t worry," Yoongi quickly added, sensing the disappointment in Jimin’s eyes. "He wouldn’t miss this. He probably just got held up with something. I’m sure he’ll be here before the end."
Jin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, don’t stress. He’ll show."
Jimin gave them a small, tight-lipped smile, but the knot in his chest only tightened. He wanted to believe them. Jungkook had promised he’d be there, and he had never broken a promise before. But as the minutes ticked by and the time for his performance drew closer, doubt crept in.
His friends offered him one last round of good lucks before heading back to their seats. Jimin watched them go, feeling a strange emptiness settle inside him. He wasn’t performing for the crowd or for the judges. In his heart, he was performing for Jungkook. And Jungkook wasn’t there.
Taking a deep breath, Jimin tried to shake off the disappointment. He couldn’t let this distract him now. This was his moment, his stage, and he had worked too hard to let anything ruin it.
The stage lights dimmed, and the music started. As soon as Jimin stepped onto the stage, muscle memory took over. His body moved fluidly, every step, every turn executed with precision and grace. The audience faded away, and for a few minutes, it was just him and the music. He poured everything into his dance, the frustration, the sadness, the longing. Every emotion he had been holding onto spilled out in his movements.
He was in his element, and the audience could feel it. When his routine ended, the applause was thunderous. The crowd rose to their feet, giving him a standing ovation. He should’ve been happy—ecstatic even. But as he scanned the rows of faces in the audience, his heart sank.
Jungkook wasn’t there.
Jimin stood under the bright lights, panting softly as he tried to catch his breath, but it wasn’t the exhaustion of dancing that made his chest feel heavy—it was the absence of the person he wanted to see most. He bowed to the audience, his heart aching despite the applause ringing in his ears.
His friends rushed backstage as soon as he stepped off the stage, enveloping him in tight hugs and congratulations.
"You were amazing!" Taehyung cheered, practically bouncing on his toes.
"Seriously, you killed it," Hoseok added, his eyes sparkling with pride. But Jimin’s smile was forced, and they could see it.
Yoongi glanced at Jimin, his voice softer. "He still didn’t show, huh?"
Jimin shook his head, trying to keep his expression neutral, but the disappointment was hard to hide. "No, he didn’t."
There was a beat of silence as his friends exchanged knowing looks, but no one said anything. Jimin’s heart felt heavy, the cheers from the audience still echoing in the background like a hollow victory.
As they congratulated him again, Jimin finally spoke up, his voice soft but determined. "Hey, guys," he began, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you so much for being here, really. But I think I’m going to head over to Jungkook’s place."
Taehyung, always the first to pick up on Jimin’s emotions, frowned slightly. "Are you sure?"
Jimin shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I don’t know… I’m more worried than anything. He hasn’t been replying to anyone all day, and that’s not like him. I'm really sorry you guys... I know that you guys put in a lot of effort in coming tonight I swear I'll make it up to you." Jimin says, feeling guilty.
"Don't mind us Jiminie," Hoseok pats his shoulder.
Yoongi, standing off to the side, crossed his arms and gave Jimin a concerned look. "You’re right, it’s weird for him to go completely silent. Do you want us to go with you?."
Jimin shakes his head. “No, I can go there myself. I’ll keep you guys updated. I know you’re worried as well.”
The others nodded in agreement. Jin placed a reassuring hand on Jimin’s shoulder. "We understand. We can celebrate tomorrow, no problem. Just make sure he’s okay."
"Thanks," Jimin murmured, feeling a wave of relief at their understanding. "I’ll let you know once I get to his place."
Hoseok pulled him in for a quick hug. "Take care of yourself too, okay? If anything feels off, call us."
"I will." Jimin gave them a small, grateful smile before grabbing his bag and heading out of the venue. His heart was racing—not just from the performance, but from the gnawing worry in his chest.
Once the others left, Taehyung stayed behind, tugging Jimin aside. "I’m really mad at him, you know," he muttered, his voice low but heated. "Jungkook knew how important this was for you. He never ghosts you like this. What the fuck is going on with him?"
Jimin looked at Taehyung, seeing the anger and protectiveness in his eyes. He appreciated it, but he didn’t want to stir up more trouble. "Tae, don’t be mad. I’m sure there’s a reason, and I’ll figure it out. I’ll call you if I need anything, okay?"
Taehyung’s jaw clenched, but he sighed and nodded, his hand resting on Jimin’s shoulder. "Alright... but call me, okay? I don’t trust this situation."
Jimin reassured him with a hug before heading to Jungkook’s place. His heart was pounding with a mix of worry and something he didn’t want to acknowledge—disappointment.
When he arrived at Jungkook’s building, the air felt unusually still. Jimin knocked on the door lightly, but there was no answer. His heart sank. Then, he noticed Jungkook’s shoes by the entrance. He was home. Jimin knocked but there was no answer. "Jungkook-ah? Are you home?" He calls out. He stands there for a few minutes, heart beating rapidly.
Cautiously, Jimin opened the door, stepping inside quietly. He's lucky he knows where jungkook keeps his spare key hidden in one of the hallway lamps. The dim light from Jungkook’s room cast long shadows on the hallway walls. He moved forward, his stomach twisting with a growing sense of unease. Jimin froze, the realization hitting him like a cold, hard wave. His worst fears were confirmed.
Jungkook was with Soojin. In his room.
His legs felt weak, his chest tight as if all the air had been sucked from the room. He stood there, rooted to the spot, the intimate sounds filling his head. His heart, already heavy with disappointment, now ached with something far worse—betrayal.
Jimin didn’t know how long he stood there, but the murmurs subsided, replaced by the sound of Soojin’s voice, cutting through the air with an edge that made Jimin’s stomach churn.
"Why do you still hang out with him so much?" Soojin’s voice was casual, but the words were sharp. "Jimin’s nice and all, but don’t you think it’s a little weird? He’s always clinging to you like he needs you. You two practically live together. Doesn’t that bother you?"
Jimin’s throat tightened. Clingy? That’s how Soojin saw him?
There was a pause before Jungkook responded with a small sigh. "I know... but Jimin’s been through a lot. He doesn’t really have anyone else, and... I guess I just feel bad for him, you know? I'm like the only family he has now."
Those words were like a knife to Jimin’s chest. Feel bad for him? Was that all he was to Jungkook now?
Soojin chuckled softly. "You don’t owe him anything, Jungkook. You’re too nice for your own good. Maybe it’s time he learns to stand on his own."
Jungkook’s voice wavered. "Yeah, I guess... but it’s not like I don’t care about him. It’s just... exhausting sometimes. Like if I’m not there for him, he’ll—"
Jimin couldn’t take it anymore. He backed away, his body trembling as he stumbled out of the apartment, slipping through the door without a sound. He didn’t stop walking until he was outside, the cool night air hitting his face as tears blurred his vision.
The words echoed in his mind. He felt so small, so insignificant. Had he been clinging to Jungkook all this time? Was he just a weight on his shoulders, something Jungkook felt obliged to carry? Jimin had always thought their friendship was built on something real, something mutual. But now, all he could feel was the sharp sting of rejection.
He pulled his jacket tighter around him, his chest aching as reality sank in. Jungkook didn’t need him. Not anymore. And maybe, just maybe, Soojin was right. Maybe Jimin didn’t need Jungkook either.
His hands shaking, Jimin fumbled for his phone, his fingers dialing the only person he knew he could rely on at this moment—Taehyung. The phone rang once, twice, before Taehyung’s sleepy voice answered.
"Jimin?" Taehyung’s tone instantly shifted, concern flooding his voice. "What’s wrong?"
Jimin’s voice broke as he whispered, "Can you come get me?" The tears he had been holding back finally spilled, his chest tight with the weight of the betrayal.
"Of course," Taehyung replied without hesitation. "Are you okay? Where are you right now?"
"I’m... outside Jungkook’s dorm." The mention of Jungkook’s name caused a fresh wave of pain to surge through him. "I-I can’t be here anymore."
"Stay where you are, I’ll come get you," Taehyung said quickly, his tone urgent but gentle. "Just wait for me, okay? Don’t go anywhere."
Jimin nodded even though Taehyung couldn’t see him, his voice barely a whisper. "Okay."
He sat down on the cold steps outside the building, his head in hishands. His mind replayed the scene he had just witnessed, the words he overheard between Jungkook and Soojin cutting deeper with every passing second. The more he thought about it, the more he realized just how blind he had been—blind to the growing distance, blind to the fact that maybe, just maybe, he had been holding on to something that was slipping away long before tonight.
The minutes felt like hours, but finally, Jimin saw Taehyung running toward him, concern etched deeply across his face. He didn’t say anything at first—just crouched down next to Jimin and pulled him into a tight embrace. Jimin let out a shaky breath, feeling the warmth and comfort of Taehyung’s arms around him. It was like a dam breaking, and the tears he had been holding in came pouring out.
"I don’t know what to do anymore, Tae," Jimin whispered, his voice muffled against Taehyung’s shoulder. "He… he’s with Soojin. I overheard them talking, and it’s like—" Jimin paused, struggling to speak through his sobs. "It’s like I don’t even matter to him anymore."
Taehyung pulled back slightly to look at Jimin, his eyes filled with empathy and anger.
"I don’t know what to do," he whispered.
"Then don’t do anything right now," Taehyung said softly. "Come stay with us tonight, okay? You don’t need to think about Jungkook or anyone else. Just let yourself breathe."
Jimin nodded, feeling a small sense of relief. He didn’t have the strength to confront Jungkook again, not tonight. He just wanted to escape the hurt for a little while, to be with someone who made him feel seen, even when the rest of the world seemed to blur.
Taehyung helped him stand, keeping an arm around his shoulders as they walked toward his apartment. Jimin leaned into him, grateful for the quiet support, for Taehyung’s presence that never wavered, even when everything else in his life seemed to be falling apart. As they walked in silence, Jimin couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next—whether his friendship with Jungkook could ever go back to what it was, or if this was the beginning of the end. But for now, he was thankful to have Taehyung by his side, guiding him through the storm.
The following day on campus, Jungkook was walking through the hallway, feeling lighter than he had in days. He had been swamped with assignments and projects, but today he finally had a bit of a break. As he rounded the corner, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance.
“Jimin-hyung!” Jungkook’s voice was full of excitement as he jogged over, his smile wide and bright. It had been a while since they last spent any time together, and he had missed their usual hangouts.
“Jiminie!” Jungkook called out, waving enthusiastically as he approached. “Hey, wait up!”
Jimin quickened his pace, pretending to be engrossed in his phone. He didn’t want to face Jungkook, not after what he had overheard. He turned a corner, hoping to evade him, but Jungkook was persistent, catching up easily.
“Jimin, come on! You’re ignoring me!” Jungkook said, slightly breathless but still cheerful. “What’s going on? Did I do something?”
Jimin sighed, clenching his jaw. “I’m busy, Jungkook. I have to go.” He replied curtly, not looking up.
Jungkook blinked, taken aback. “Busy? With what?” Nut Jimin just stared at him, completely void of emotion.
“Why are you acting like this?” Jungkook asked, confusion evident on his face. “Did something happen? Did I say something wrong?”
Jimin wanted to scream. “Look, I’m already late. Can we just finish this later?” He just turned his back on him and continued walking. Jungkook watched him go, concern etched on his features.
Jungkook’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected this, not from Jimin, who was always so patient and understanding. He quickly reached out, grabbing Jimin’s arm to stop him from leaving. “Wait, hyung, please,” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. “What’s wrong? What did I do?”
Jimin stopped, his back still turned to Jungkook. For a moment, there was only silence, and Jungkook could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He didn’t understand what was happening—why Jimin was acting this way, why he looked so hurt.
But when Jimin finally spoke, his voice was cold. “I don’t have time for this, Jungkook.”
The words were like a slap to the face. Jimin yanked his arm out of Jungkook’s grasp and walked away without another word, his steps quick and determined, leaving Jungkook standing alone in the middle of the hallway.
Jungkook stood there, stunned, as he watched Jimin disappear down the corridor. His mind raced, trying to figure out what had just happened. Why was Jimin so angry? What had he done to make him react like that?
The hallway felt emptier now, and so did Jungkook. Something was wrong—really wrong—and it was clear that Jimin wasn’t going to tell him. His stomach churned with unease. Whatever it was, it wasn’t small.
And for the first time in a long while, Jungkook felt like he was losing Jimin.
Jungkook’s mind was racing as he hurried through the campus toward the library, searching for Jin and Namjoon. He had sent them a quick message earlier, letting them know he needed to talk. When he finally spotted them sitting at a table surrounded by piles of books and notes, he rushed over, relief flooding him at the sight of familiar faces.
“Jungkook!” Jin exclaimed as he looked up, a teasing smile on his face. “There you are! We thought you ghosted us after ignoring all our messages last night!”
“Yeah,” Namjoon chimed in, his brow furrowing slightly. “We were starting to get worried.”
“I didn’t get any messages!” Jungkook replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. “What’s going on?”
Jin and Namjoon exchanged a concerned glance before Jin leaned forward. “Did you see Jimin last night? He went to your dorm.”
“Jimin?” Jungkook felt his heart drop. “No, I didn’t see him at all. Why was he there?”
“Well, we were all worried about you,” Jin replied, his tone serious. “Especially Jimin. You didn’t attend his recital, you know?”
Jungkook felt a wave of guilt wash over him, crashing against the wall he had built around himself. “I—” he stammered, realization dawned on him. He hadn’t been there for Jimin, not when it mattered most. The image of Jimin's hurt expression flashed in his mind, and his chest tightened. “Fuck…”
"Wait- Jungkook!" Without waiting for Jin or Namjoon to finish, Jungkook bolted from the library, not bothering to explain. All he could think about was finding Jimin, about how much he needed to apologize, to fix whatever had gone wrong.
As he ran across campus, the world around him blurred. He hadn’t meant to hurt Jimin, but the image of Soojin in his room last night taunted him, gnawing at his conscience. How could he have overlooked Jimin's recital, a moment he had worked so hard for? He couldn't find the boy anywhere, not in his classes, the studio, or even around campus.
His heart raced as he made his way to Jimin’s dorm. When he arrived, he stood outside the door, uncertainty creeping in. Would Jimin even want to see him after everything that had happened? He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
He hadn’t received any messages from Jin, Namjoon, or even the other guys after they told him they were trying to contact him. Were they just too busy with their own lives, or had Jimin said something that made them worry even more? The thought sent a fresh wave of panic through him.
“Come on, Jimin,” Jungkook murmured to himself, running a hand through his hair. “Just come home.”
He settled in against the doorframe, unsure of how long he would wait, but he knew he had to try. Jimin was his friend, someone he cared about deeply, and he couldn’t let the chance slip away to make things right.
After hours of waiting, Jungkook felt his heart racing with anxiety and guilt. He had sat outside Jimin’s door, replaying their last conversation over and over in his mind, wishing he could take back his words. The campus was quiet, the evening air chilly, but all he could think about was Jimin and how he needed to fix this.
Just as he was about to lose hope, he heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching.
He stood up quickly, his heart leaping at the sight of Jimin rounding the corner. But the moment Jimin saw him, his expression hardened, and he yanked his hand away, brushing past Jungkook without a word.
“Hyung...” Jungkook called out, panic surging through him as he followed Jimin into the dorm.
“I don’t want to talk,” Jimin said flatly, his voice laced with exhaustion. He didn’t stop walking, heading straight for the small kitchenette.
Jungkook’s heart ached at the sight of Jimin's back, so tense and closed off. Tears pricked at his eyes, guilt crashing over him like a wave. “I’m so sorry for missing your recital. I should have been there. I just… I didn’t mean to—”
“I don’t care if you missed my recital,” Jimin interrupted, his tone sharp. He spun around to face Jungkook, his eyes blazing with hurt. “You didn’t want to be there, Jungkook. You said it yourself last night, you only felt obligated to be there for me, and you said it was exhausting!”
Jungkook’s breath hitched as he processed Jimin’s words. “Yeah,' Jimin laughs humorlessly. "I fucking heard everything you said,” Jimin snapped, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and heartbreak.
Jungkook took a step closer, reaching out to grab Jimin’s shoulder, but Jimin flinched away, cutting him off before he could explain. “Don’t! Just don’t, okay? You don’t get to explain yourself after everything!”
The frustration and pain in Jimin's voice broke Jungkook’s heart. Before he could respond, Jimin sank down to the floor, crouching as the dam broke. Tears streamed down his face as he sobbed, each breath shaky and filled with emotion.
Without thinking, Jungkook rushed forward and wrapped his arms around Jimin, holding him tightly as he cried. “I’m so sorry, Jimin. I’m so sorry,” he repeated over and over, feeling the weight of Jimin’s pain.
Jimin hits Jungkook’s chest repeatedly with closed fists as he tries to get away from the younger’s hold, each strike a mix of frustration and sorrow getting weaker each time until he stops.. “You don’t understand.” he cried, his voice muffled against Jungkook’s shirt.
“I’ve always been here for you. I let you ditch me so you can hang out with Soojin because I didn’t want to get in the way of your happiness… If you feel like you're obligated to still be friends with me, then I should just leave your life entirely. I didn't ask you to take care of me- I didn't want you to do that!”
Jungkook’s heart shattered at Jimin’s words. He could only respond with more apologies, each one dripping with the pain of regret. He didn’t know how to articulate the emotions swirling inside him; all he could do was hold Jimin tighter, letting him pour out his heart.
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook murmured, tears spilling down his cheeks as he hugged Jimin, wishing he could take away all the hurt. “I’m so sorry… I never meant what I said hyung please believe me.”
Jimin kept ranting, letting out everything he had kept bottled up inside. The hurt, the anger, the disappointment—it all came flooding out as Jungkook held him, silently affirming that he was there, that he was listening.
“I-i thought you understood me, Jungkook.” Jimin sobbed, the pain in his voice cutting deep. “I thought that I meant a lot to you…”
“I’m so sorry,” Jungkook repeated, his voice cracking with emotion. He felt utterly helpless but knew he had to be there for Jimin, no matter how much it hurt.
And so they stayed there, locked in an embrace as Jimin released all his feelings, and Jungkook whispered apologies, each one a desperate plea for forgiveness. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in a cocoon of raw emotion, uncertainty, and the hope that they could find their way back to each other.
As Jungkook held Jimin, the intensity of their emotions began to subside, but the atmosphere still crackled with the remnants of their earlier confrontation. Slowly, he felt Jimin’s body relax, the anger and frustration giving way to exhaustion. Jungkook gently lifted Jimin in his arms, cradling him carefully as he carried him to the bed. He sat Jimin down at the edge, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
“Hyung,” Jungkook called softly, trying to draw him back from the depths of his silence.
“Please look at me.”
But Jimin didn’t respond. He sat there, completely void of emotion, his gaze unfocused, staring into nothingness. Fresh tears spilled from his eyes, tracing down his cheeks, but he didn’t wipe them away.
Jungkook’s heart sank, realizing how deeply this had affected Jimin.
“Hyung, I’m so sorry,” Jungkook said, his voice breaking. “I never meant to miss your recital. I didn’t want to hurt you, and I didn’t mean for you to think… that you’re a burden.”
Jimin remained silent, his expression blank. Jungkook felt a surge of desperation. He needed Jimin to understand. He needed to explain.
“I’ve just been so stressed with school and everything,” Jungkook continued, his voice trembling as he spoke. “I didn’t want to bug you because I knew you were dealing with a lot too. I thought I could handle it on my own, but then Soojin was there, and I… I turned to her for comfort. I know it’s not an excuse for what I did, but I’m so, so sorry.”
Jungkook knelt on the floor in front of Jimin, grasping his hands gently, feeling how cold they were. “I’m so, so sorry, Jimin,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I hate that I made you feel like a burden. You’ve never been that to me. You’re everything to me.”
Still, Jimin remained silent, his eyes vacant as he continued to cry, his tears falling like raindrops, pooling on his shirt. Jungkook felt his heart shatter even more at the sight.
“I know I messed up,” Jungkook said, desperation creeping into his voice. “I never wanted to hurt you, I swear. Please believe me. I’ve been such an idiot for taking you for granted. I don’t want to lose you, Jimin. I can’t… I just can’t.”
The room was thick with emotions, the air heavy with unspoken words. Jungkook squeezed Jimin’s hands tighter, feeling the warmth of his skin against the coldness that surrounded them both. “You mean so much to me. I’m sorry that my actions made you feel like you had to stand on your own. I should have been there for you, cheering you on.”
Finally, Jimin turned his head slightly, still avoiding Jungkook’s gaze but acknowledging his presence. “You don’t understand…” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “You don’t know how it felt to see you with her. To hear you say you felt obligated to be there for me…” His voice broke again, the pain evident in every word.
“I know, and I wish I could take it all back,” Jungkook said, tears spilling down his cheeks. “I’ll do anything to make this right. Just tell me how. Please.”
As the silence stretched between them, Jimin’s breath came in shaky gasps, the tears flowing freely. "It's not my job to tell you how to fix things, Jungkook." Jimin whispers. Jungkook just stayed there, kneeling at Jimin's side, his heart aching with every silent cry, wishing he could absorb all of Jimin's pain, wishing he could somehow reassure him that he was still the most important person in his life.
The two stayed like that for what felt like an eternity—Jungkook’s heart aching for his best friend, praying that he would find a way to heal the wounds he had unknowingly inflicted.
"Please leave." Jimin says, about tear falling from his eye. Jungkook's eyes widen as he shakes his head and pleads.
"No hyung please-"
"Leave!" Jimin stands up and tries to push the younger out of his room, his sobs mixing with Jungkook's wails as he attempts to console the older. "Get out! I don't want to see you!" And once Jungkook was out of his room he slams his bedroom door and crouches down, feeling his kneels buckle.
Jungkook was just standing outside his door, leaning his forehead against it as he cries. "Hyung I'm so sorry."
It's been a few hours and the sun slowly started to show. Jimin hasn't gone out from his bedroom as he never really heard Jungkook leave his dorm entirely. He pushed himself off the bed and padded quietly to the door, his heart racing slightly at the thought of being alone again. When he opened the door, the familiar scent of coffee wafted through the air, drawing him toward the kitchen.
As he entered the kitchen, he spotted Jungkook standing by the stove, stirring something in a pan while a coffee maker gurgled softly nearby. He looked up, a small smile breaking across his face when he saw Jimin. However, Jimin noticed the slight puffiness under Jungkook's eyes, a reminder of the previous night’s emotional turmoil.
Jungkook held out a steaming cup. “Good morning Hyung… I made your favorite,” he said with a hopeful smile but still hesitant.
"I thought I told you to get out." Jimin coldly says as he takes a seat on one of the chairs at the kitchen counter, regardless. Jungkook's eyes show a flicker of hurt. Jimin reaches for the coffee Jungkook had made.
“Thank you.” They sat in a comfortable silence, the sounds of cooking filling the space. Jimin took a moment to observe Jungkook, his brow furrowed in concentration as he flipped the pancakes. It was a domestic scene, yet the tension from the night before still loomed over them.
After a moment, Jungkook glanced over his shoulder, his smile wavering slightly. “Hyung-"
Jimin finally turned to face Jungkook, his eyes still glistening with tears, but there was a softness to his voice that cut through the tension. “You don’t get it, do you?” he said, his tone fragile but laced with hurt. “I'm hurt… Jungkook. I feel betrayed. I don’t know what to do anymore.”
Jungkook’s heart sank further at Jimin's words. “I’m so sorry, Hyung. I never wanted to make you feel this way. I was just—” he stammered, desperate to explain. “I was so caught up with everything. I didn’t even have my phone with me on the day of your recital. I left it at Soojin’s place the night before.”
“What?” Jimin’s brow furrowed in confusion. “You didn’t have your phone? How could you not notice?”
“I know, I know!” Jungkook replied, frustration and sadness mingling in his voice. “I was so busy I didn’t realize it was missing until Soojin came to my dorm the next day to return it. I checked, and I never found any messages from anyone. I lost track of time and thought your recital was next week because my reminders were blank. Everything was a mess!”
Jimin felt a flicker of skepticism rise within him. “That sounds a little suspicious, don’t you think?” he said. “You even showed me your calendar and I'm certain that I saw my recital there. Maybe Soojin did this on purpose so you would miss my recital. ”
“What makes you say that?” Jungkook asked, disbelief flashing across his face.
Jimin took a deep breath, steadying himself as he recalled the encounter at Taemin’s party. “She approached me that night. She was talking to me about you, saying how close you two were now. It felt off, you know? She was trying to make me feel small, like I was getting in the way of your happiness.” His voice trembled as he continued. “She said it was weird how I was clinging to you. That maybe you felt obligated to be my friend. It just… it felt wrong. And hearing you practically say those thing just confirms it.”
Jungkook’s expression darkened, fury bubbling beneath the surface. “I’ll talk to her. She has no right to say those things to you.” He said, his voice tense.
“Jungkook, no,” Jimin replied sternly. “You don’t need to do that. You practically said those things yourself, what makes you different from her?”
Jungkook opens his mouth to say something but stops, guilt washing through his veins. “I didn’t realize what she was doing, and I regret not being there for you. I’m so sorry.” He began to sob, tears spilling down his cheeks. “I never meant for this to get in the way of our friendship, Jimin. I never wanted you to feel like a burden. I’m so, so sorry.”
Without thinking, Jimin wrapped his arms around Jungkook, pulling him close as he let the boy cry into his shoulder. Jungkook’s body shook with each sob, and Jimin felt his heart ache for his friend. He didn’t say anything; he just held him tightly, allowing Jungkook to release all the pent-up emotion he had been carrying.
“I’m so sorry, Hyung,” Jungkook choked out between sobs. “I’ll do better. I promise. Just please… don’t shut me out. I can’t lose you. I can’t.”
Jimin squeezed Jungkook tighter, his own tears mingling with the boy’s as he felt the weight of their friendship hang in the balance. In that moment, words were unnecessary. They were just two friends, wrapped in each other’s arms, trying to navigate the mess of emotions and misunderstandings that had pulled them apart.
“I’m still here,” Jimin whispered softly, his voice barely audible as he rubbed Jungkook’s back soothingly. “But I can't promise you that I can stay.”
Jungkook’s expression turned pained. "You’re my best friend, and I care about you more than anyone else. I like being able to take care of you, you shouldn’t have to apologize because it was my choice to do those things. I’m really sorry. Please don't leave me hyung...”
Jimin felt his heart swell at Jungkook’s words, but the lingering doubts remained. “I owe a lot to you and your family Kook. I can't just leave.” He humorlessly says, a dry chuckle leaving his throat.
Jungkook's heart breaks, looking regretful. “I want to do better. Just give me a chance to fix things.”
The sincerity in Jungkook’s voice reassured Jimin. They still had a long way to go, but for the first time since the night before, he felt a flicker of hope. “Let’s just take it one step at a time.”
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the campus as Jimin made his way to the park where he was supposed to meet Taehyung. The air was filled with laughter and chatter from students, but Jimin felt a weight in his chest as he approached the familiar bench where Taehyung often waited.
When he arrived, Taehyung was already there, his brows knitted together in concern as he spotted Jimin. He stood up immediately, his expression shifting from worry to mild frustration. “Jimin!” he exclaimed, his voice slightly raised. “You made me worry. I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Sorry,” Jimin replied, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly as he took a seat on the bench. “I just… needed some time to sort things out.”
Taehyung sat down beside him, crossing his arms. “You better tell me what happened with Jungkook, and I mean everything.”
Taking a deep breath, Jimin began to recount the events of the past few days, from Jungkook’s absence during his recital to the emotional confrontation that followed. He told Taehyung about the hurt he felt after overhearing Jungkook’s conversation with Soojin, how it made him feel like a burden in Jungkook’s life, and how Jungkook had tried to apologize and explain himself.
When he finished, Taehyung’s expression was a mix of anger and sympathy. “So, he just completely ghosted you and thought you’d be fine with that?” Taehyung huffed, running a hand through his hair. “That’s so unlike him. I can’t believe he didn’t even bother to check in on you.”
“Yeah, I know,” Jimin said, feeling the familiar ache in his heart. “But I also get that he’s been stressed. We’re all going through a lot right now. It's not his job to take care of me.”
“But that doesn’t mean he can just ignore you, especially on such an important day!” Taehyung argued, his voice rising slightly. “He’s your best friend, Jimin! He should’ve been there for you.”
“I know!” Jimin replied, his tone pleading. “I’m not trying to excuse him, but I don’t want to hold onto this anger. I want to understand what he was feeling too.”
Taehyung’s expression softened as he studied Jimin. “I just don’t want you to get hurt again, you know? You deserve better than to feel like you’re not important to someone.”
Jimin nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to push back the emotions threatening to surface. “I appreciate that, Tae. It means a lot. I just want to figure things out with Jungkook. I don’t want to lose him.”
“You won’t lose him if you both communicate,” Taehyung said, placing a reassuring hand on Jimin’s shoulder.
“I want to be happy again, and I want Jungkook to be happy too. I don’t want our friendship to fall apart over this but I just don't know how I can push past this.”
Taehyung smiled, his frustration dissipating as he squeezed Jimin’s shoulder. "Good. Just remember, I’m here for you. If you ever need to vent or just talk, I’m always a text away.”
“Thanks, Taehyung,” Jimin said, a small smile breaking through the tension. “I really appreciate it. I guess I just needed to hear that from someone.”
As they sat in the sun, the warmth enveloping them, Jimin felt a flicker of hope. Although the road ahead with Jungkook would still be challenging, he was grateful to have Taehyung by his side, ready to support him through it all.
Jungkook paced outside the campus café, his heart racing with a mixture of anger and determination. He spotted Soojin seated at a table, her posture relaxed as she scrolled through her phone. Taking a deep breath, he approached her, his expression stern.
“Soojin,” he called out, trying to keep his voice steady. She looked up, her expression shifting from surprise to a coy smile.
“Jungkook! I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, her tone light. But Jungkook wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.
“We need to talk,” he said, his voice firm.
Soojin raised an eyebrow but gestured for him to sit. “Alright. What’s on your mind?”
Jungkook took a seat across from her, leaning in slightly. “I want you to stay away from me and Jimin.”
Her smile faded as she leaned back, crossing her arms. “Why? Are you really going to throw away everything we have just because of him?”
“It's not just ‘him.’ Jimin is my best friend. I don’t want you to come between us anymore,” Jungkook replied, his voice steady. “You don’t seem to care about how your actions affect him.”
Soojin rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her gaze. “You think you can just demand that of me? Jimin doesn’t even care about you like I do.”
“That’s not true,” Jungkook shot back, his anger boiling. “He does care about me, and I care about him. You’ve caused enough trouble already. Just back off.”
"Oh please, he treats you like an assistant."A smirk played on her lips. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you? It’s obvious. You think I don’t see how you look at him? You’re too blind to admit it.”
Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat. Her words rang true in his mind, but he couldn’t let her twist it into something more. “That doesn’t matter right now. What matters is you. You need to stop trying to manipulate him and our friendship.”
Soojin leaned forward, her expression shifting to something more serious. “What if I decide to tell Jimin everything you said? You think he’ll still want to be your friend after that?”
Jungkook’s heart raced, but he didn’t flinch. “He already knows everything,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I’m not afraid of what you might say. You can’t control this anymore.”
For a moment, Soojin’s facade cracked, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. “You think you can just walk away from me, Jungkook? I won’t let you throw this all away.”
“Throw what away?” Jungkook’s voice rose, frustration spilling over. “The relationship you’ve built on lies and manipulation? I don’t want any part of that. You’ve hurt Jimin enough already.”
Jungkook stood up, determination flooding his veins. “I’m done with this conversation. Stay away from me and Jimin. If you really care about me like you say you do, you’ll respect our friendship and give us space.”
He turned to leave, but Soojin called out after him. “You think this is over? You can’t just walk away from me, Jungkook.”
Jungkook paused, glancing over his shoulder, a fire igniting in his eyes. “Watch me,” he said, before striding away, the weight of the confrontation heavy on his shoulders. He knew he had to protect Jimin, no matter the cost.
As he walked away, a mix of relief and anger coursed through him. He felt empowered but knew the battle wasn’t over. He had to ensure Jimin felt safe and valued, and he was determined to make things right between them.
The clock on Jungkook's wall ticked away the seconds as he lay in bed, tossing and turning. It was nearly midnight, but sleep eluded him. Soojin’s words echoed in his mind, replaying over and over: “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” The thought twisted in his stomach, both terrifying and exhilarating. Jimin and him haven’t spoken since Jungkook left the older one’s dorm, giving each other space.
He sat up abruptly, frustration boiling inside him. Why did this have to be so complicated? Was he really in love with Jimin? His heart raced at the thought, but the uncertainty gnawed at him.
Jungkook couldn’t handle it anymore. He slipped on his jacket, heart pounding with determination, and headed out into the night, the rain pouring down. Each drop felt like a cold splash of reality, washing away his doubts but leaving him drenched and shivering. He didn’t care; he just had to see Jimin.
After a few minutes of running through the downpour, he arrived at Jimin’s dorm, his clothes completely soaked. He knocked on the door, his heart racing with anxiety.
Jimin opened it moments later, his eyes widening in surprise. “Jungkook?” His voice was thick with sleep, and his hair was tousled. “What are you doing here?” It's been a week since they last saw each other so seeing Jungkook is just painful.
“I… I don’t know,” Jungkook stammered, shivering as the cold air hit him.
Jimin stepped aside, allowing Jungkook in. “You’re soaked! Come in, let me help you,” he said, concern etched on his face.
Jungkook followed him into the room, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. Jimin quickly grabbed a towel and helped him dry off, his hands gentle and warm against Jungkook’s skin.
“Here, sit on the bed,” Jimin said softly, leading Jungkook to his mattress. He grabbed another towel to dry Jungkook’s hair, and they fell into a comfortable silence as Jimin worked, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Jimin leaves his side and opens a drawer, getting a sweater that Jungkook gave him. “Can you lift your hands up for me kook-ah?”
Jungkook just nods, seemingly out of it as Jimin helps him change his clothes.
Once Jimin finished, they lay down side by side. The rain continued to patter against the window, creating a calming rhythm that somehow made the tension between them feel lighter. Jungkook curled up against Jimin, seeking comfort in his warmth. But as he lay there, he felt a lump forming in his throat. He couldn’t hold back the sniffling that escaped him, and Jimin turned his head slightly.
“Hey,” he whispered, his voice soft. “Why are you crying?”
Jungkook shook his head, burying his face in the crook of Jimin’s neck. “I don’t know. I just… I’m so confused.”
Jimin could feel the warmth of Jungkook’s breath against his skin, and it sent a shiver down his spine. He wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but part of him was still hurt and unsure how to respond.
“Jungkook,” Jimin said gently, stroking Jungkook’s hair, “Just… take your time.”
Jungkook nodded, his body trembling slightly from a mix of emotions. He didn’t want to let go of Jimin, not now. He just needed him to understand.
They lay there in silence, the storm outside a stark contrast to the quiet moment they shared, both of them lost in their thoughts, but somehow finding solace in each other’s presence.
The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Jimin’s room. The rain had stopped, leaving the world outside feeling fresh and renewed. Jungkook stirred first, his body still curled around Jimin's, but this time with a little more peace than the night before. His mind wasn’t racing as fast, though the questions still lingered.
Jimin slowly woke up, blinking away the remnants of sleep, his body aware of Jungkook’s presence before his mind fully caught up. As the haze cleared, he realized how close they were. Jungkook’s arms were wrapped around him, his breath slow and even, but there was a tension in the air that neither of them had addressed yet.
Carefully, Jimin shifted out of Jungkook’s embrace, trying not to wake him, but Jungkook stirred at the movement. His eyes fluttered open, meeting Jimin’s, still slightly puffy from the night before.
“Morning,” Jimin said softly, his voice still hoarse from sleep.
“Morning,” Jungkook replied, sitting up slowly. He rubbed his eyes, looking a bit disoriented. The memories of last night came flooding back, and with it, the weight of the conversation they still hadn’t had.
They sat in silence for a moment, neither sure how to start. The light from the window made everything feel so different from the intensity of the night before, but the underlying tension was still there, lingering between them like a ghost.
Jimin got out of bed and stretched. “I’ll make us some coffee,” he mumbled, more to fill the silence than anything else. He moved to the kitchen, and Jungkook watched him, unsure of how to approach what he needed to say.
After a few minutes, Jimin placed two cups of coffee on the small table in the living area, and they sat down, the space between them feeling heavy with unspoken words. Jungkook cleared his throat, his voice tentative. “Hyung… about last night…”
Jimin looked at him, his face unreadable, but there was a sadness in his eyes. “Yeah?”
Jungkook took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for just showing up like that. I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve been so confused, and I just—” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what I’m feeling.”
Jimin stayed silent for a moment, watching Jungkook carefully. He could see how torn up Jungkook was, and part of him ached for him. But the other part of him was still hurt, still unsure how to handle everything.
“You don’t have to apologize,” Jimin said quietly. “But Jungkook, you can’t just… run to me when you’re confused. You need to figure things out for yourself.” His words were gentle but firm, and Jungkook could hear the pain beneath them.
Jungkook nods, feeling the weight of Jimin's words. “I don’t know what to say, Jungkook,” Jimin finally said, his voice strained. “I’m just… so tired. So much has happened, and I’m still trying to process it all. I don’t know if I can deal with this right now.”
Jungkook’s face fell, guilt washing over him. “I didn’t mean to put more on you, Jimin. I just—” He sighed. “I just didn’t know where else to go.”
Jimin looked at him, his eyes softening. “I know, Jungkook. And I’m not mad at you. I just… I need time.”
Jungkook nodded, understanding. “I’ll give you space, Jimin. I promise.” His voice was filled with sincerity, and Jimin could see the regret in his eyes.
They sat there for a while, sipping their coffee in silence, both lost in their thoughts. The morning sun continued to rise, casting long shadows across the room, as if signaling the start of something new—something fragile, but filled with potential.
They weren’t sure where things would go from here, but for now, the silence was enough.
It had been a few weeks since Jimin and Jungkook last spoke one-on-one. Though they still saw each other during group hangouts, things were different. Their interactions were polite but distant, marked by a lingering awkwardness neither could quite shake. The other guys noticed the tension, but no one dared to bring it up. They knew something had happened, but it was a sensitive topic, and no one wanted to push either Jimin or Jungkook to talk about it before they were ready.
Instead, they filled the silence with laughter and distractions. Taehyung often cracked jokes, Jin kept the group’s energy light with his usual antics, and Namjoon and Yoongi made sure everyone stayed connected, steering the conversations away from anything too heavy. But it was Hoseok who had been spending the most time with Jimin, especially during the moments when things felt too heavy for him to bear.
Hoseok had a way of making the world feel lighter. He didn’t push Jimin to talk about his feelings or the strain with Jungkook. Instead, he focused on helping Jimin escape, even if just for a little while. Often, they’d meet at the practice studio to dance together. Hoseok, with his infectious energy and playful nature, always knew how to cheer Jimin up.
“Come on, Jimin-ah, don’t make that face!” Hoseok teased one afternoon as they practiced their routine. Jimin had been struggling to focus, his mind wandering back to Jungkook more often than he’d like. But Hoseok’s bright grin and encouraging words were always enough to break through the clouds in his head.
Jimin managed a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m trying, Hobi-hyung,” he muttered, rubbing his face with both hands, feeling the frustration of everything catching up with him.
Hoseok frowned, sensing that something deeper was bothering him. “Hey, let’s take a break,” he suggested, placing a hand on Jimin’s shoulder. “We’ve been at this for a while.”
Jimin nodded, grateful for the reprieve. They sat on the floor of the studio, backs against the mirrored wall. Hoseok handed Jimin a bottle of water and leaned his head back, staring up at the ceiling with a thoughtful look.
“You know, Jimin-ah,” Hoseok started after a moment of silence, “I’ve seen you go through a lot, and you’ve always come out stronger. I just want you to know that no matter what’s going on, you don’t have to face it alone.”
Jimin took a sip of his water, glancing at Hoseok out of the corner of his eye. “Thanks, Hobi-hyung,” he said quietly. “You’ve been helping me a lot… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Hoseok chuckled. “Well, I’m just glad I can be here for you. I don’t know all the details of what’s going on between you and Jungkook, but I can see it’s been hard on you. I want you to know that it’s okay to take your time. Whatever you need, we’re all here for you.”
Jimin nodded slowly, the weight of Hoseok’s words sinking in. He appreciated the space his friends were giving him, the way they didn’t pry or force him to talk about things before he was ready. But there was also a part of him that felt guilty for keeping them in the dark.
“I’m just… trying to figure things out,” Jimin finally admitted. “Everything’s been so confusing lately. I don’t know what to feel anymore.”
Hoseok nodded in understanding. “It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. You don’t have to have all the answers right now.”
Jimin gave a small, tired smile. “I know. It’s just… hard.”
Hoseok slung an arm around Jimin’s shoulder, pulling him into a brief hug. “You’re not alone, Jimin. And no matter what happens with Jungkook, or with anything else, you’ve got us. We’ll always be here.”
Jimin leaned into Hoseok’s side, feeling a little lighter, even if just for a moment. The weight of everything still pressed down on him, but with Hoseok there, it didn’t feel as heavy. The warmth of his friend’s support gave him a brief sense of peace, and for now, that was enough.
They sat there in comfortable silence for a while, the thrum of the practice studio filling the quiet, before Hoseok finally stood up, extending a hand to Jimin.
“Come on, let’s go through the routine one more time. I think you’re just one step away from nailing it.”
Jimin smiled, taking his hand and pulling himself up. “Alright, one more time.”
For the next few hours, Jimin let himself focus on the dance, the music, and the steady presence of Hoseok beside him. And for a little while, at least, everything else could wait.
In the weeks that followed, Jungkook found himself retreating into his own thoughts more often than usual. He had barely seen Jimin aside from their group hangouts, where they shared brief, polite interactions but never really talked. The distance between them gnawed at him, but he didn’t know how to bridge the gap. Despite the silence between them, Jungkook wasn’t left alone in his struggles.
Namjoon and Jin had noticed early on that Jungkook wasn’t doing well. They would often show up at his dorm unannounced, making sure he didn’t drown in his own sadness. They never asked about Jimin, understanding that it was a delicate topic, but their presence was enough to remind Jungkook that he wasn’t alone.
One evening, as the rain pattered softly outside, Namjoon and Jin barged into Jungkook’s dorm, carrying bags of snacks.
“Yo, Kook, you need to stop being a hermit!” Jin exclaimed dramatically as he kicked off his shoes. “We brought junk food to sustain your miserable college life.”
Jungkook smiled faintly, grateful for their company. “Thanks, hyung. I didn’t realize I was this predictable.”
Namjoon chuckled, settling down on the couch and stretching his legs out. “Predictable is good. It means we know exactly how to deal with you.”
Jungkook sat cross-legged on the floor, feeling the warmth of their presence fill the room.
The tension in his chest loosened as they bickered back and forth, mostly about trivial things. Jin had started complaining about how Namjoon never folded his laundry, and Namjoon responded with a deadpan expression about how it was a “system of organized chaos.”
“You call that chaos organized?” Jin rolled his eyes, grabbing a chip from the bag he brought. “Your room looks like a disaster zone.”
“You just don’t understand the genius of it,” Namjoon retorted, taking a chip for himself.
“I know exactly where everything is.”
“That’s what you always say right before you lose something important,” Jin shot back, and Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of their conversation.
The sound of his laughter felt foreign in his own ears, but it also felt good—genuine.
Namjoon and Jin smiled at each other, clearly satisfied with getting Jungkook to relax, even for a little while.
“So,” Namjoon said as he stretched, changing the topic, “how’s college been for you lately, Kook? Surviving the finals?”
Jungkook shrugged, leaning back against the couch. “Barely. I’ve been so swamped with work I feel like I haven’t had time to breathe.”
“Sounds about right,” Jin chimed in, popping another chip into his mouth. “That’s why you’ve got to find balance, my boy. Make time for fun, for chilling with your friends.”
Jungkook smiled, appreciating their effort to lighten his mood. The conversation shifted to their own college experiences—Jin’s endless complaints about group projects, Namjoon’s stories of late-night study sessions that turned into philosophical debates with his classmates. They made fun of their professors, teased each other about who was the worst at keeping up with assignments, and shared tips on surviving the chaotic whirlwind of university life.
What struck Jungkook most was that they didn’t bring up Jimin, not once. It was as if they instinctively knew that he wasn’t ready to talk about it, and instead, they just filled the space with warmth and laughter. They didn’t push him to open up about his feelings, and for that, he was grateful.
The room was filled with light-hearted banter, and for the first time in a while, Jungkook didn’t feel the weight of everything pressing down on him as heavily. Namjoon and Jin’s company was like a breath of fresh air—reminding him that, even though things were tough, he wasn’t alone.
After a few hours of chatting and snacking, Jin stretched and yawned exaggeratedly. “Alright, I think it’s time for this old man to head out. Namjoon, make sure you don’t lose your wallet again, okay?”
Namjoon rolled his eyes but smirked. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s get out of here.”
As they gathered their things and prepared to leave, Namjoon clapped a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. “You’re doing fine, Kook. Just remember, you don’t have to carry everything by yourself.”
Jungkook nodded, his heart warming at the reassurance. “Thanks, hyung. Really.”
Jin gave him a teasing grin. “And don’t forget to call us when you run out of food again. We’re always up for a snack run.”
Jungkook chuckled, watching as they left his dorm. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more. But tonight, it didn’t feel so overwhelming. Namjoon and Jin had a way of making the world seem less heavy, and though he still had a lot to figure out, their presence reminded him that he didn’t have to go through it all on his own.
With a small smile, Jungkook leaned back on the couch, feeling just a little more at peace
In the weeks that followed, Soojin became a fleeting presence in Jungkook and Jimin's lives. Though she no longer actively tried to interfere, her disdain was clear whenever they happened to cross paths. Occasionally, during group hangouts or while walking through campus, Jungkook would spot her in the distance, her eyes narrowing in a subtle glare as she passed by. She never bothered them again, but the tension was unmistakable.
Jungkook noticed it most when he was with Jimin. Her eyes would linger a little too long, filled with an unspoken bitterness, but she never made any attempts to speak or confront them. It was as if her threat still hung in the air, but her silence spoke louder than words.
Jungkook learned to ignore the glares, focusing instead on rebuilding his friendship with Jimin. Though their interactions were still somewhat tentative, the heavy weight of Soojin’s influence no longer loomed over them. She had become a ghost of their past, a reminder of the rift she had tried to create but ultimately failed to deepen.
Jimin, on the other hand, seemed indifferent to her presence. Whenever they crossed paths with Soojin, he would barely acknowledge her existence, his attention focused elsewhere. Whether it was Hoseok cracking a joke or Jungkook making an effort to reconnect, Jimin had moved forward, refusing to let Soojin's lingering resentment drag him down.
A month had passed and all Jungkook could think about was Jimin, but he never expected to bump into him at the small coffee shop near campus. They spoke here and there but every interaction felt like Jimin was slipping further from him. The bell above the door chimed as Jungkook stepped inside, shaking the snow from his jacket, and there Jimin was—sitting by the window, staring at his phone with a cup of coffee in hand. For a second, Jungkook considered slipping out before Jimin noticed him, but their eyes met, and it was too late.
“Jungkook?” Jimin’s voice held a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Jungkook hesitated for a beat before nodding with a small smile. “Hey, hyung.”
They stood there in awkward silence for a moment, both unsure of what to say next. It had been weeks since they last spoke one-on-one. The distance between them felt strange, like a wound that hadn’t fully healed but was no longer bleeding.
“Mind if I sit?” Jungkook asked, finally breaking the tension.
Jimin gestured to the chair across from him. “Go ahead.”
The awkwardness dissipated after a few minutes of small talk. They caught up on mundane things—Jungkook talked about how Namjoon and Jin kept him company lately, and Jimin shared stories about his recent dance practices with Hoseok. It felt normal, almost as if nothing had changed between them.
Jimin chuckled at one point, shaking his head as he recalled a funny moment during one of their group hangouts. “Hobi-hyung tried teaching me this new routine, but I kept messing it up. You should’ve seen the look on his face when I tripped.”
Jungkook laughed, his heart lightening for the first time in a while. He had missed this—the easy banter, the way they could just talk about anything and everything. For a moment, it felt like old times, like the tension that had been hanging over them for weeks wasn’t there.
As they continued talking, Jungkook found himself stealing glances at Jimin. The warmth between them hadn’t faded, even after all the misunderstandings and heartache. Jimin still looked like the same person who had always been there for him, despite everything that had happened.
Jimin sipped his coffee, his laughter fading as he caught Jungkook’s gaze. “What?”
Without thinking, Jungkook blurted out, “Hyung, I missed you.”
The words hung in the air, heavier than he’d intended. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for Jimin’s reaction, not entirely sure where the sudden confession had come from. But it was the truth, and now that it was out, he couldn’t take it back.
Jimin’s eyes softened, and for a moment, he didn’t say anything. His expression was unreadable, but his lips curved into a faint smile as he set his cup down.
“I missed you too, Jungkook,” Jimin said softly, his voice filled with a mix of relief and emotion.
The tension that had been building between them for weeks seemed to melt away in that moment. There was still so much left unsaid, so many things they needed to address, but for now, it felt like they had taken a step back toward each other. The space that had grown between them wasn’t so wide anymore.
For the first time in a long time, things felt right again.
They spent the rest of their time at the café catching up, sharing stories, and laughing like old friends. Every now and then, Jungkook would glance at Jimin and see the warmth in his eyes, reminding him of just how much he had missed him.
As the weeks passed, Jungkook and Jimin started meeting more frequently, gradually rebuilding their friendship. One afternoon, they found themselves in the campus library, surrounded by piles of books and notes.
“Okay, so this is how you solve this equation,” Jungkook explained, pointing to the math problem on the page. Jimin leaned in closer, his eyes focused intently on Jungkook’s handwriting. The familiar closeness felt comfortable, like a warm blanket on a cold day.
“Right, I get it now!” Jimin exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face as he scribbled down the solution.
“See? You’re a natural,” Jungkook said, his heart swelling with pride. He couldn’t help but beam at Jimin’s enthusiasm.
As they continued to study, they drifted into lighthearted banter, sharing jokes and teasing each other. Jungkook couldn’t shake the feeling of warmth that settled in his chest. It was like a forgotten memory, a sensation he had missed deeply.
“Remember that time we studied for finals and you fell asleep on the desk?” Jungkook laughed, nudging Jimin playfully.
“Hey! I was tired!” Jimin protested, though he was laughing too. “Can’t blame a guy for needing some beauty sleep.”
Their laughter echoed through the quiet library, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. They didn’t talk about the past or the misunderstandings—they just enjoyed each other’s company.
Jimin and Jungkook were lounging in Jimin’s dorm room, sipping hot chocolate and chatting about the upcoming Christmas break. The room was cozy, with dim lighting casting a warm glow. Snowflakes softly fell outside the window, and there was a sense of comfort between them, a quiet joy in just being together.
“So, what are your plans for Christmas?” Jimin asked, glancing at Jungkook, who was leaning back against the couch, his hands wrapped around a steaming mug.
“Well…” Jungkook began, a smile tugging at his lips. “My mom wants you to come over and spend Christmas with us. She’s already been asking about you, and you know how she is. She considers you family.”
Jimin’s heart warmed at the thought. Jungkook’s mom had always been there for him, especially when his own family had disowned him. She had taken him in, offered him warmth and love, and treated him like her own son. It was a kindness Jimin would never forget.
“I still don’t know how to thank her enough,” Jimin said softly, staring down at his mug.
“Your family was there for me when mine… wasn’t. And paying for my expenses when I couldn’t, I’ll never forget that. I’ll always be grateful, Jungkook.”
“You don’t have to thank her, hyung,” Jungkook replied gently, his eyes full of sincerity. “She did it because she loves you, and because she knows how much you mean to me. You’re family to us.”
Jimin’s chest tightened with emotion. He blinked, his gaze meeting Jungkook’s. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you and your mom back then.”
Jungkook smiled, but there was something deeper in his expression, something unspoken hanging in the air. They had come a long way since their recent fallout, and though they had mended things slowly, Jimin could feel that something still lingered between them—something they hadn’t addressed yet.
There was a moment of silence before Jungkook took a deep breath, setting his mug aside. “Hyung… can we talk about what happened? Like, really talk about it? I know that it’s over and done with but I still feel guilt. ”
Jimin nodded, his heart picking up pace. He set his own mug on the table and leaned back, bracing himself for the conversation.
“I’ve been thinking a lot,” Jungkook started, his voice soft but steady. “About everything that went down between us. About how I hurt you, and how I almost lost you.” He looked up at Jimin, his gaze intense but vulnerable.
Jimin’s pulse quickened. “What is it?”
“I can’t lose you again,” Jungkook said, his voice trembling slightly. “When I thought I might, when I realized what I had done… It broke me. And it made me realize that—” He paused, searching for the right words. “It made me realize that I love with you, Jimin.”
Jimin gasped, his eyes widening as he processed Jungkook’s confession. His heart pounded in his chest, emotions swirling in his mind. He had hidden his own feelings for so long, afraid that they would never be returned. But now, hearing Jungkook say the words he had longed to hear—it felt surreal.
“Y-You love me?” Jimin whispered, his voice barely audible.
Jungkook nodded, his eyes never leaving Jimin’s. “I’ve been in love with you for a while, but I was too scared to admit it. I didn’t want to ruin what we had. But now… I can’t hold it in anymore. I know I’ve been with Soojin and I think I was denying everything. Until I saw you at the party with Taemin I just couldn’t stand seeing you with someone else and I tried to push it away. I love you, hyung.”
Jimin’s breath hitched, and without thinking, he closed the distance between them. “I’ve been in love with you too,” he admitted, his voice shaky with emotion. “For so long, I’ve been hiding it because I didn’t think you felt the same.”
The air between them was electric, the tension building as their confessions hung in the space. Slowly, almost hesitantly, they leaned in, their lips brushing softly at first. The kiss was gentle, filled with years of longing and unspoken feelings. But soon, the passion between them ignited, and the kiss deepened, becoming more intense with each passing second.
Jungkook’s hands found their way to Jimin’s waist, pulling him closer as their bodies pressed together. Jimin let out a soft gasp, his hands tangling in Jungkook’s hair as the kiss became heated, both of them losing themselves in the moment. The small whimpers that Jimin was letting out stirred something in Jungkook.
The world outside disappeared, the only thing that mattered was each other. Their kisses were desperate, filled with the pent-up emotions they had both been carrying for so long. Jungkook’s hand slid under Jimin’s shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin, and Jimin’s breath hitched as he responded with equal fervor.
“Jungkook…” Jimin whispered against his lips, his voice breathless.
“I’m here,” Jungkook replied, his voice husky as he pulled Jimin even closer. “I’m not going anywhere.”
In that moment, everything felt right. The pain of the past, the misunderstandings, the distance between them—it all melted away. All that remained was the overwhelming love they had for each other, finally out in the open.
And as they continued to kiss, their hearts beating in sync, they both knew that this was the beginning of something beautiful. Something they had both been waiting for all along.